Heather Conkie

Suez, Egypt. It’s 1953 and the "Canal Zone," a strip of land vital to Britain's access to transport, fuel, and trade, is being put under pressure by local military forces. Hundreds of thousands of British troops are sent to defend our interests in Egypt, and their casualty levels suppressed. Reluctant ex-RAF radio operator Charlie Bassett finds his services are required for Queen and country again. Before he knows it he’s been drafted—and he’s not quite certain for what. Sent for show more weapons training and to practice parachute jumps, the only thing that keeps him going are the bevy of beautiful women he encounters along the way. After a hair raising journey via Malta and Cyprus—neither welcoming an extra British serviceman—Egypt, initially, seems far from being the land of pleasure and excitement that he'd hoped for. Then a face from the past comes back into his life—bringing nothing but trouble with her. Under fire, from both friend and foe, Charlie’s sense of adventure is awakened once more as he discovers that Egypt is a land of opportunity for the enterprising mind—and Charlie is nothing if not enterprising. show less

Sara Stanley finally returns home to Montreal, sadly leaving behind Avonlea and her newfound King family. But her joyful reunion with her father is cut short by sudden tragedy, and once again Sara is faced with the prospect of leaving home.

I know these are suppose to be classics but it really fell short for me. The story itself is realistic enough I suppose and it was very ‘real’ life in the way everything was presented but it was lackluster. My two girls (6&9) thought the story was okay but after finishing up the Narnia series recently it just felt bleh. Maybe we will try another of her books and see if we enjoy them more.

When Aunt Abigail's old flame suddenly reappears in Avonlea to ask for her hand in marriage, she accepts immediately - only to feel her resolve begin to waver.