Elizabeth Webster is a spinster pushing seventy. Forced out of her teaching job, she unleashes her sharp tongue and dogmatic opinions on everyone in the English village of Little Blessington. Then, one night, she grinds to a dead halt. To recover from this illness, she travels to North Africa where she has a brush with terrorism - not that she cares about politics. Three weeks after Miss Webster has returned home her doorbell rings. There stands a beautiful young Arab man carrying a large suitcase. Who is he, why is he there and what does he want?

I found this book by chance in a charity shop.  The story flits about a little and the beginning whilst the author tells the back story and this part is easy to read but has some tough subjects.  However once the story proper begins it lifts your heart and you are willing on the characters that everything will turn out OK. 

Set not long after 9/11 the novel is brave enough to include the prejudices and racism present at the time whilst also showing the other side of the coin.

Also, plenty of witty humour:

Cherif had lost a lot of weight and Karen voiced her worries.
"Nonsense," said Miss Webster, "he'll put it on again.  Anyway, think of the Duchess of Windsor.  She said you could never be too thin or too rich"
Karen had never heard of the Duchess of Windsor.  Miss Webster grinned:
"Don't worry, my dear.  She was a naughty American lady who came to no good - living proof that you can be too stupid and too facist."

A lovely, compelling story which warms your heart.

I've had this on my pile for ages - I also picked it up on a whim in a remaindered shop or somewhere - as I thought it looked like a lovely story.  Thanks for reminding me about it Wendy. I'm now going to promote it up the heap and see if I can read it in the next few weeks.

I read this one last year, really enjoyed it.

 Somewhere else on the forums I noted that someone had not been able to read this one because it was like a cozy........no it wasn't!   Well, each to his own, but I loved this little novel, and it is the one that is going to Colette, my friend in Nova Scotia.  I send her a book every birthday, and even though we don't always have the same taste, I know she will love this.  Last year I sent the Guernsey Potato Pie...... and Miss Webster is going the same way.

Thanks for finding it Wendy, and for putting on the mobile library.  A gem!

Gah, another one for the wishlist!!  As if it wasn't long enough!!

Nat

 Nat!  why not just ask if you can be added to the list on this one?

janetandjohn:

 Nat!  why not just ask if you can be added to the list on this one?

Oh Susan, don't tempt me anymore!! I have very much avoided joining the mobile library!!  My own TBR is almost burying me, without borrowing more books from you all!!  I've added it to the wishlist, sure I will get a swap at some point, and it can join the tottering piles of books that have started to appear next to the groaning shelves then!!!

Nat

 Be brave, switch off the old swaps list, don't buy any at all...... until, say, July 31.

Surely you can get through 25 or so by then - so that's one tottering pile gone!  I must say, I don't take too many from the ML, but I could not resist this one, and it is short and easy to read- BEHOLD, I AM A TEMPTRESS...

Ooh you're like a bookish Jezebel Mrs Mac!! Oh go on then, I shall hang my head in shame as I go and message!  Is it still Shona I have to contact to join the ML?

Nat

natsplatt:

Is it still Shona I have to contact to join the ML?

Yes, that's right

Cool, I shall pop her a PM now then!!  Oh what have I done?!!!

Nat

I finished this one this afternoon, and also loved it!!  I love Miss Webster and want her to be my surrogate Aunt!!  Also, and please don't take this the wrong way, as I mean it as a compliment, she reminded me of Susan a little! (All her best qualities I promise!!)  there was just something about her wit that sounded like you!!

I loved that the author had the balance right in the respect that there were enough clues so you knew what was going on, but not too many that it became too predictable!  A lovely little book, top read!!

Nat

natsplatt:

Also, and please don't take this the wrong way, as I mean it as a compliment, she reminded me of Susan a little! (All her best qualities I promise!!)  there was just something about her wit that sounded like you!!

Would that be this Susan, or some other? ....... its no matter if its me, Nat!  I have had worse said about me in my life, but what's important that you liked the book.  Goodoh!

Yes you Susan, it was her wit that got me!!  She's fab!

Nat