Seven of our members were present. 5 were ill with a nasty flu and cancelled. A few lucky members were sunbathing in warmer climes.

Attached is the list of the books that were presented.

Wine and Words February 2, 2026 List

Jo Maclean reviewed the historical novel Road to Goderich by Linda McQuaig.

Set in 1837 during the Upper Canada Rebellion, it follows Callandra, a young Scottish woman who, fleeing a cold, abusive marriage to a clergyman, becomes involved in a web of deceit after her husband dies and her servant assumes his identity in the frontier town of Goderich.

Belinda reviewed the book Black Wolf by Louise Penny.

The Black Wolf follows Chief Inspector Armand Gamache as he investigates his suspicion that a recently thwarted terrorist plot was merely a decoy for a much larger conspiracy involving political corruption, environmental terrorism, and a threat to North American stability.

Luba reviewed the book Butter, Honey, Pig, Bread by Francesca Ekwuyasi.

An intergenerational saga about three Nigerian women: a novel about food, family, and forgiveness. Butter Honey Pig Bread is a story of choices and their consequences, of motherhood, of the malleable line between the spirit and the mind, of finding new homes and mending old ones, of voracious appetites, of queer love, of friendship, faith, and above all, family.

Sherri reviewed the book A Different Kind of Power by Jacinda Ardern.

Written by former New Zealand PM this is a personal memoir advocating for leadership rooted in empathy, compassion and kindness, rather than traditional ego-driven power. The book reflects on her rise to leadership, her navigating crises like the Christchurch attacks and COVID 19, and her efforts to redefine political strength as authenticity.

Dee reviewed the book The Adversary by Michael Crummey

This novel is set in 19th Century Newfoundland depicting a vicious feud between merchant siblings Abe Strapp and the widow Caines, who battle for control of their isolated fishing community through manipulation, violence and devastating consequences for everyone involved.

Gundel reviewed The Maid’s Secret by Nita Prose.

The novel follows head maid Molly Gray as a priceless Faberge egg from her grandmother is revealed during a TV show appraisal, making her rich but also a target in a major heist, with the mystery unfolding through present day events and her late Gran’s diary, revealing a generational love story and uncovering past art thefts connected to the egg and the hotel’s founders.

Ruth reviewed the book The Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson.

The story is about estranged siblings Byron and Benny, who reunite after their mother Eleanor’s death, inheriting a traditional Caribbean black cake and a voice recording that reveals her hidden past, forcing them to confront family secrets, betrayal, and their own identities as they piece together her journey from the Caribbean to America.