The Gilboa Iris

Author and activist Englard's debut novel (after the nonfiction Settling for More: From Jersey to Judea) is a heart-wrenching and suspenseful tale of love set against the backdrop of an Israel embroiled in conflict. Dara Harow grew up in the U.S., but her grandfather's stories of his time in Israel impel her to visit. In the summer of 1983, Dara travels to volunteer on a kibbutz at the base of the Gilboa Mountains, though her parents insist she return home in time for her freshman year at Columbia University. In addition, her father is a rocket physicist with the U.S. Department of Defense, and is concerned about what message his daughter's time in Israel will send to the U.S. government. While on the kibbutz, Dara falls in love with Roni, a young Israeli officer in an elite counter-terrorism unit, and they soon make plans to marry%E2%80%94against her parents' wishes. Dara's life, however, is hurled into turmoil when a terror cell targets her father in an attempt to procure information regarding the U.S.'s advanced rocket technology. Set within one of the world's most contentious regions, Englard crafts a fast-paced, spine-tingling story of danger, suspense, and%E2%80%94of course%E2%80%94love. (Apr.)