Orphan #8 by Kim van Alkemade

I was expecting the typical orphan story of heartbreak, loneliness, adjusting to different foster homes, growing up with adjustment problems and happy ever after with a loving family.  Not.
Between being orphaned in 1918 and growing up, this little girl was a specimen for x-ray experiments at an orphanage. As a nurse she meets the Dr. who did the experiments.  In addition to medical problems from the x-rays there are many social and work adjustments to deal with.  Wonderful insight into how a huge orphanage managed hundreds of children and how those children dealt with regimented living.  The pages after the novel ends were as good as the story itself.  And oh yes, there is dealing with being a lesbian when a life like that has to be hidden.  9 out of 10.

After You by Jojo Moyes

This Moyes novel takes off from where Me Before You left off.  As a reader, it is nice to “come home again” to characters you’ve known. Louisa is unsuccessfully trying to make a new life for herself after Will's death.  She suffers terribly from a fall some think is attempted suicide.  Her recovery allows her to reconnect with her family and begin grief recovery meetings.  A young mystery girl enters her life, as does a medic who cared for her in the ambulance after her fall.  Opportunities appear but the past and present cloud the future.  Great read.  9 out of 10.

The Doctor's Lady by Jody Hedlund

Sweet story of the early 1800’s and a young woman and man who want to be missionaries.  Neither can do that unless they are married.  After the “business” arrangement  of marriage vows they head to Oregon.  Another missionary couple joins them. These two women will be the first women to make that journey. I could never have done it.  Much information taken from an actual diary. 7 out of 10.