The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce

Harold Fry, retired and grown distant from Maureen, his wife of many years, is moved when he receives a letter from former co-worker, Queenie Hennessy.  Queenie has cancer and has written Harold to say goodbye, even though they haven't talked in over twenty years.  Harold decides to write back, but as he's posting the letter feels that his response to her is so inadequate that he begins walking to see her, believing that this will make her live, despite the fact that the journey is almost the length of England, north to south.  On his sojourn, Harold reflects on his marriage, his failings as a father to his son, David, and his own childhood.  The story is enlivened by the variety of people he meets on his trip across England with whom he tells his story to.  A charming, heartwarming book in the tradition of Major Pettigrew's Last Stand, The Guide to the Birds of East Africa, and Emily, Alone.  It will be published in July.

The Spies of Shilling Lane by Jennifer Ryan

When Mrs. Braithwaite is ostracized by the community because of her recent divorce and her bossiness running the local Women's Voluntary Service, she decides to travel to London to see her daughter, Betty. When Mrs. Braithwaite arrives where Betty is staying, she discovers that Betty is missing. With help from Betty's landlord, Mr. Norris, Mrs. Braithwaite finds herself involved in quite an adventure to bring Betty home. Mrs. Braithwaite also discovers her life and herself changed forever for the better amid wartime London. The Spies of Shilling Lane is a delightful read, much better executed than Ryan's debut, The Chilbury Ladies' Choir. A great read-alike for The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry. It will be published in June.

The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper by Phaedra Patrick

It's the one year anniversary of the death of Miriam, Arthur Pepper's wife, and he decides to donate her belongings to charity. Arthur is intrigued when he finds what looks to be an expensive charm bracelet in one of Miriam's boots. Arthur doesn't remember ever seeing the bracelet before and it doesn't really fit with the type of clothing she liked to wear. When Arthur makes the decision to call the phone number that is engraved on the elephant charm, it takes him on a journey that shakes up his organized life and makes him re-evaluate his forty year marriage. The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper is a charming debut that will appeal to readers who enjoyed The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry.

The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett by Annie Lyons

 At 85, Eudora Honeysett believes she is done living and wants to go out on her own terms. She starts to make plans to travel from her home in London to a clinic in Switzerland to make that happen. However, when 10-year-old dynamo Rose moves in next-door, Eudora finds herself enjoying spending time with her. Another neighbor closer to Eudora's age, Stanley, also joins them on their adventures. Slowly, Eudora begins to question her decision to end her life. Interspersed throughout the novel are scenes from Eudora's life--from growing up during World War II to the loves of her life and her relationships with members of her family. Despite the somber underlying theme of one's choice to end their life, the book is quite humorous at times. For readers who enjoyed The Story of Arthur Truluv and The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry.

Professor Chandra Follows His Bliss by Rajeev Balasubramanyam

Professor Chandra is positive this year will be the one that he finally wins the Nobel Prize in Economics. When that fails to happen, he goes further into the funk that started when his wife, Jean, left him for another man and continued when he became estranged from his older daughter, Radha. When Chandra has a heart attack and is ordered to rest, he decides to take a visiting professorship in California, away from his job at Cambridge University.  Being in the U.S. will also allow him to be closer to his younger daughter, Jasmine, who is in high school and is struggling. This "time off" allows Chandra to relax and reflect on his childhood, his marriage, and his relationships with his children. Professor Chandra Follows His Bliss is a humorous journey of one's self-discovery. Perfect for readers who enjoyed Major Pettigrew's Last Stand  and The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry. So, so much fun, I thoroughly enjoyed spending time with Chandra. The book will be published in March.