Fear Itself by Bette Bono
Synopsis: After a threat at her home, retired teacher Aggie May drives through a blizzard to return to the Lodge, the quiet retirement village that serves as a meeting place for a group of senior time travelers who solve mysteries from the past. She reconnects with Lodge director Abe Irving and other friends and is soon involved in a new mission. The source for the mission is Chaya Reese, an elderly woman who escaped Nazi Germany as a child when her parents put her on the Kindertransport. In a bid to understand what was happening in America as Hitler rose to power, Chaya asks the time travelers to investigate the German American Bund and America First, two pro-fascist groups active in the United States in the 1930s. As Aggie and Abe explore this dark history, they grow closer. But when their safety is threatened by unexpected danger, they are forced to confront their obligation to act against evil.
My Thoughts: In this second book of the series, Aggie deals with the harsh reality that she has been targeted for helping a neighbor trapped in a domestic abuse situation. When her home is set on fire, she barely escapes with her life, her cat, and a tote bag full of necessities, among them her notebook containing her time-travel observations. Without a thought she gets into her car and, in a daze of shock, drives herself to the headquarters of the Remarkables where she is given compassionate help. With the help of her friends, she begins the journey back to reality. Along the way, the reader learns more about the abilities of several of the Remarkables and just how deep and wide their powers can reach. We also get to see the growing relationship of Aggie and Abe. Even a few budding romances between some of the others.
A thoroughly gripping story full of twists and turns, this is a great follow-up to The Better Angels. I rate this one 5 stars as well for the in-depth historical facts (great research Bette!), the unexpected plot twists, the human-ness of the characters. Both books in the series are the kind of story that won't let you go till the last page.
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