Not a standard romance, by any means, but a gentle debut novel voted one of Amazon’s Best Books. “Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand by Helen Simonson introduces the unforgettable character of a widower with the characteristic “stiff upper lip” of a proper English gentleman. Pettigrew must fight to keep his greedy relatives (including his son) from selling a valuable family heirloom–a pair of hunting rifles that symbolizes much of what he stands for, or at least what he thinks he does. The embattled hero discovers an unexpected ally and source of consolation in his neighbor, the Pakistani shopkeeper Jasmina Ali. On the surface, Pettigrew and Ali’s backgrounds and life experiences couldn’t be more different, but they discover that they have the most important things in common. This wry, yet optimistic comedy of manners with a romantic twist will appeal to grown-up readers of both sexes. Kudos to Helen Simonson, who distinguishes herself with Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand as a writer with the narrative range, stylistic chops, and poise of a veteran.” –Lauren Nemroff
