The first two books I read were suggestions I found on a Two Peas in a Bucket NSBR thread on their message board. Coincidently these are also novels written by first time authors as well.
Under This Unbroken Sky by Shandi Mitchell. It is hard to believe this is Shandi's first novel. This was a gripping story. I like many others found myself worried about the characters. This novel is set on the Canadian prairie and involves Ukrainian immigrants.
An immigrant Ukrainian family suffers unrelenting hardship on the tundra of late 1930s western Canada in this grim frontier tale. Thrown in prison for two years for helping himself to some of his own grain after defaulting on a homesteading contract, Ukrainian immigrant Theo Mykolayenko must deal with his nearly destitute wife and children. His oldest son helps to plow and plant fields owned by Theo's sister, Anna, who is married to Stefan, a wayward and violent military man. Theo's long-suffering wife, Maria, is tireless in caring for her family, nurturing the garden that feeds them and mending every stitch of clothing they wear. Meanwhile, unhappy Anna, pregnant with a child she does not want, is beguiled by the howling coyotes that surround the homestead at night. The extended family survives fire, dust storms, cold and hunger, only to face a nastier enemy much closer to home. (Amazon)
If you liked The Orchardist, I think you perhaps would like Under the Unbroken Sky too. These two books in some ways feel very similar in time period and writing style.
Half-Bad by Sally Green. This had been recommended as a grown up version of Harry Potter. This book is considered a young adult read. It follows a teen who is 1/2 white witch and 1/2 black witch and his coming of age. The main drawback to this book is this the first book in a 3 part series so now the long wait for the next book in the series. I enjoyed this a lot but not as developed as Harry Potter but good read overall. Of course, I can't wait to read the rest of the series.
I like reading Young Adult Books. So of course I loved John Green's view on YA Fiction - Can You Get Too Old For YA Novels?
Lastly, I read The Last Letter from your Lover by Jo Jo Moyes. This book does mention infidelity and affairs if that is not your cup of tea this book won't appeal to you. This was a great book and I thought a quick read. This would make a great beach/summer read.
In 1960, Jennifer Stirling wakes in the hospital and remembers nothing—not the car accident that put her there, not her wealthy husband, not even her own name. Searching for clues, she finds an impassioned letter, signed simply "B," from a man for whom she seemed willing to risk everything. In 2003, journalist Ellie Haworth stumbles upon the letter and becomes obsessed with learning the unknown lovers’ fate—hoping it will inspire her own happy ending. (Amazon)
Definitely check out Jo Jo Moyes other books. I did a review On the Girl You Left Behind.
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