Jalna

I'll bet every public librarian of my era remembers the shelf full of books in the Jalna series. (They're still available in my library system; not at my library but scattered throughout with a title here and there.) That's what made us curious to read this first title chronologically (but published 20+ years into the series). It's a delightful read for anyone who enjoys old-fashioned family sagas. The heroine echoes Scarlet O'Hara in many ways, beautiful but willful, but her husband adores her. The leave the army in India, stay in UK with families, and then make a harrowing voyage to the New World. They settle in Ontario, British Canada then certainly, and build the house that is the center of action for the series. Heartwarming, satisfying, easy reading. It reminded me of Norah Lofts Suffolk trilogy, centered on the house and those who lived in it, starting with The Town House. It's likely a style that won't please today's readers, but sometimes it's lovely to dip back into another time. (Joyce)