Angel on Her Knees

Debbie Fyfe is the reference/Internet resources librarian in the
Information Services Division of the Edmonton Public Library.

Ontario writer Patricia Josefchak-Pugh has penned a successful and
suspenseful first novel for young adults. The author, a mathematician by
degree, has for more than 20 years worked in the high-tech and defence
industries and is currently a principal consultant for Lockheed Martin
Canada. From this interesting mix comes a delightful, old-world style
mystery.

Frank and Thea Nickles, a young, career-oriented Toronto couple,
inherit an old Victorian-style house from Thea’s very independent Aunt
Grace. Realizing that their life in the big city is far too busy and
unsatisfying, Thea and Frank decide to quit their jobs and move into the
house near the small town of Fenelon Falls, in the Haliburton Highlands.
At first, the change in pace is a shock and the solitude that surrounds
them almost deafening, but they slowly adjust to their new life and home
in the peacefulness rural area, and are kept busy meeting new neighbors
and renovating the beautiful old house.

Aunt Grace has left journals behind, but they provide few clues to her
relationships with the citizens of Fenelon Falls. Thea and Frank have
befriended these people, including George Montrose, Grace’s old
sweetheart, and the bitter widow Abbey Hough, who had a particular
disdain for Grace. The ensuing renovations of the old house reveal a
series of secret rooms and stashed documents that will unearth
relationships and transform lives forever.

The author’s wholesome writing style and the descriptions of rural
life make this book a pleasure to read. Most interesting is the
reader’s opportunity to discover the change in social values and
constraints from one generation to the next. This well-told,
old-fashioned mystery is highly recommended.