I adore biscuits, both eating them and watching others make them on baking shows. Now, here is a book that might actually encourage me to bake some of my own.
This lovely title is part of a National Trust series that also includes those on crumbles, cakes, scones and more. All are worth a look.
In this one, find recipes that are easy, those that use chocolate, squares & biscotti, and many others. Dip in anywhere and get started.
I love the charming illustrations that accompany the delicious sounding recipes, including many for biscuits with which I was not familiar. Clearly, I must do something about that.
Before getting to work, read the introduction which includes some biscuit history and the helpful section titled ‘Good Things to Know.”
This book will provide many hours of baking pleasure and recipe ideas. I do recommend it.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Collins Reference for this title. All opinions are my own.
I chose to read the novel very slowly as, for me, it was one to savor. This novelist has a unique voice and that comes across loud and clear in this beautiful work.
The title had multiple meanings for me. As there is much about art in the book, it can refer to a classic form of painting, the still life. However, to me, it refers to still, as in on-going, life or still, as in quiet and unmoving. In part, I mean, how people go on when they have faced all that life has to bring to a person, everything from war, to love, to loss, to aging, to relationships to art, to travel, to home and more.
Ms. Winman has her very own authorial voice and this led me to need a bit of time to fully enter the world of the novel. At first, I was distracted by the absence of quotation marks for example. The story also goes through time and a number of locations.
The characters are quirky and unique. I enjoyed getting to know everyone and their connections to one another. Just a few of these folks include:
Ulysses: He survived WWII. What leads him back to Italy?
Evelyn: A gay woman who also survives the war. She is a professor who first met Ulysses on a significant night.
Peg: She was the woman for Ulysses except….
Alys or kid: She is Peg’s child but Ulysses is the one who parents her.
Spend time in this novel. Read it slowly but with enthusiasm. It is special.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.
With its illustrations of animals and positive affirmations, the author of this title encourages the reader to feel better about themselves. An example of an affirmation in this book is is ” The answer is not more self-criticism. The answer is more self-love.”
I like the worksheets that are included in this title. Examples of prompts to complete include, what is in my control today, and what is not. There is space for the mindfulness technique of enumerating what is seen, heard, etc. and more. There are also drawing prompts with the author encouraging readers NOT to give themselves negative feedback on their artistic talent.
The book is organized by topics. Some of these are Boundaries, Grief & Hard Times, Holidays and many more. For all of these there are helpful reflections, prompts or exercises.
I think that many will enjoy this book. Its’ concept of taking a few minutes each day to center makes sense to me.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel for this title. All thoughts are my own.
Pub date: 14 April 2026
Description:
from the publisher
Emotional Support Animals is a collection of comics and worksheets featuring adorable and irresistible emotional support animals offering words of compassion and wisdom, delivering smiles along with experience, strength, and hope.
What if your therapist was a cardigan-wearing walrus sipping a cup of coffee? Emotional Support Animals answers this question in a series of sweet comics and engaging worksheets. Nicole Georges presents small doses of therapy in the form of humorous illustrations about serious subjects. Picture a pug assuring you that it’s not cruel to say no or hold a boundary, or a crocodile reminding you that when you take care of yourself, you have more capacity to give. Inspired by Nicole’s experiences with grief and healing, her Anonymous Fuzzball comics touch on themes of self-worth, boundaries, and balance. Using quirky animals as her subjects, she proves that hard truths are easier to digest in an adorable package.
Affirmations include:
“Just because someone’s having a big reaction doesn’t mean I did anything wrong.”
“You’re not going to mess up something that’s meant for you.”
“As I love myself more, I demand less of others.”
“What people say is just information. You don’t have to take it personally.”
Well, this title will certainly lead readers to carefully consider their dinner RSVPs! Things most definitely became complicated for these seven diners.
Who is behind the predictions of when the guests will die? Who is each of these people? What have they done to prompt such diabolical actions? How (if at all) are the guests linked to each other? How will matters be resolved?
The pages will most definitely turn as readers try to find out in this twisty story that seems Christie-like in some respects. I can’t wait to see what the author dreams up next.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks-Landmark for this title. All thoughts are my own.
Pub date: 09 September 2025
Post first published on 29 December 2025
Description:
Three courses. Seven guests. One card.
It’s a deadly evening they’ll never forget.
Seven strangers meet for an anonymously hosted dinner party. As the evening winds down, seven cards appear, one in front of each of the guests. On the card is a number – the age at which they will die. Thinking it an elaborate prank, the guests disperse into the night, hoping to forget the morbid evening forever.
Two weeks later, one of them is dead at exactly the age the card predicted.
It must be a coincidence. But as more guests die, each one dead at the same age as their card, it soon becomes clear that something much more sinister is afoot. Now, it’s up to the quickly dwindling group to figure out who (or what) was behind that fateful dinner party, before their numbers catch up with them.
Told from the perspectives of each of the seven guests, Seven Reasons to Murder Your Dinner Guests is a spellbinding and mysterious exploration of mortality, begging the question: how would you live your life if you knew your number was up?
From the Publisher:
Editorial Reviews:
Review
“Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None gets a wicked update in Whittle’s assured debut…crafty twists and voicey narration culminate in an impressive payoff. Whodunit fans will look forward to the author’s next effort. ” ― Publishers Weekly
“Readers with a penchant for colorful characters, twisty plots, and surprise reveals will find this novel of suspense especially satisfying.”―Kirkus Reviews
“Christie fans will be delighted with Whittle’s new twist on an old classic.”―Library Journal
I have read and enjoyed many books by Jill Mansell. In fact, Miranda’s Big Mistake was one of the first books that I ordered from England when it was not available where I live. I have gone on to read just about all of Mansell’s novels. (See my blog for reviews of some of these titles.)
Just One Look at You is vintage Mansell in all the best ways. This is a story that offers some lovely settings (including Venice), good characters, complex relationships, some sad times and more. I recommend it highly.
In these pages meet Fen, Leon, Disa, Hattie, Kyla, Jamie and others. Watch as their lives evolve and intersect. I think that readers will want the best for them within what is possible. (No spoilers, so no more) I know that I did.
Those who enjoy women’s fiction should definitely give this one a look.
Five stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
From the publisher:
Venice. The perfect setting for romance, and for secrets to be shared.
Fen can’t believe her luck. A luxury holiday with her beloved grandmother Disa – what could be more delightful? It doesn’t cross her mind that she might fall in love. Or that love can bring complications . . .
Jamie can’t help it that women always fall for him, rather than for his kind-hearted friend Leon. Nor that only one of them got the looks (that would be Jamie). But how will he feel if the girl he’s drawn to only has eyes for Leon?
Disa has a secret. A few weeks ago, an old letter in a file revealed a shocking truth about her late husband. She’s come to Venice to find out more.
There’s news on the way that will reverberate through all their lives, as Jill Mansell’s joyful, heartbreaking new novel takes readers on a roller coaster ride of emotion – and makes us believe in love again.
Love for Just One Look At You:
‘Stunning, utterly beautiful . . . Jill at her absolute best. One of the most beautiful love stories I’ve ever read’ Jo Thomas
‘A wonderful, fulfilling ride on a tidal wave of emotion . . . Guaranteed to flood your heart with all the feels’ Milly Johnson
‘Sunshine in every line, a great big romantic read to sink into and enjoy – I loved it’ Faith Hogan
A fast-paced, all-too-real thriller featuring a mother and daughter caught in a global reckoning where family, loyalty, and power collide.
Alice Li, a first-generation Chinese American and former food blogger, has long lived in the shadow of her mother, Vivien Li— a Tiananmen Square dissident turned world-renowned human rights activist and passionate advocate for a free and democratic China.
When security and fire alarms go off simultaneously all around the world, setting off a panic, the signal is traced back to China. As world leaders scramble to respond, Vivien and Alice are called to the White House in hopes Madame Li can interpret the Chinese intentions. But why involve Alice?
If China isn’t behind the attack, Vivien warns, someone even more dangerous is pulling the strings. Mother and daughter must join together to overcome their estrangement if they have any hope of preventing global catastrophe. From DC to Ohio to Hong Kong, they work to prevent the next attack, along the way decoding an ancient legend and uncovering a secret language invented by women, for women.
The Last Mandarin is an electrifying study of absolute power and voracious greed, political terror and personal conviction. But it is also an intimate examination of choice, of sacrifice, of memory and myths, both cultural and personal. It is the story of a mother and daughter, as well as a compelling international thriller about the precarious balance of power across the world, and within a family. And what happens when both break down.
In a world ruled by power, even family can be a weapon.
My thoughts:
Eunice Wong flawlessly read this novel. She narrated the story and ratcheted up the suspense so well that I hated when I was called away from listening.
This narrator embodied many voices from a number of countries as panic circled the globe. She was especially adept at moving from Chinese to English when this was essential.
I highly recommend this audio version of Penny’s newest novel.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this listen. All thoughts are my own.
2026 LEFT COAST CRIME “LEFTY” AWARDS PRESENTED The Lefty Awards, voted on by Left Coast Crime attendees, were presented on February 28, 2026, in San Francisco, California. Our congratulations to the winners (listed first in each category) and to all of the nominees.
Every entry in this title refers to the natural world. A few examples include Plum Tree, Black-eyed Susan, Geranium, and Pine. All have meaning in these pages.
The author tells his own story of the loss of his sister at the beginning of this volume. This was clearly very painful. The reader know that the author has empathy for any losses others may also face.
In these pages, losses are acknowledged, along with the grief that follows. There is also some hope for joy.
My favorite part of this book was the beautiful illustrations. I could easily return to them again and again.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Red Hen Press for this title. All thoughts are my own.
Pub date: 24 March 2026
From the Publisher:
Description:
from the publisher
AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR
“Morning Leaves is a gift to all who open their eyes to its images and their hearts to its whispers and exhortations.”—Faith Salie, Emmy-winning contributor to CBS News Sunday Morning and author of Approval Junkie
A radiant fusion of poetry and nature art, Morning Leaves: Cultivating a Life of Beauty, Meaning, and Joy is a tender, soul-stirring meditation on grief, healing, and the quiet joy of rediscovering beauty one morning at a time.
Steeped in beautiful art and verse that invites reflection, Morning Leaves is the perfect gift book or self-purchase. Steeped in beautiful art and verse that invites reflection, Morning Leaves is the perfect gift book for self-purchase or those seeking greater meaning and joy.
An award-winning blend of reflection, poetry, and nature-inspired art, Morning Leaves invites readers to slow down into the beauty of everyday life. With honesty and warmth, Laing Rikkers offers insights on healing, presence, and hope.
Through the lens of nature and creativity, she reveals that in uncertain or chaotic times, there is a path to meaning, connection, and light. Walk with her through the garden of imagination and rediscover your own wellspring of joy.
AWARD WINS FOR MORNING LEAVES: 2023 FOREWORD INDIES AWARDS WINNER 2023 PUBWEST DESIGN AWARDS WINNER 2024 FEATHERED QUILL BOOK AWARDS WINNER | GOLD 2024 IBPA BENJAMIN FRANKLIN AWARDS WINNER | GOLD
MORE PRAISE FOR MORNING LEAVES: “The poems within Morning Leaves are tender, compassionate and full of wonder. Laing’s writing and Kelly’s illustrations are conduits for healing and hope.” —Kristin A. Meekhof, co-author of A Widow’s Guide to Healing
“So beautifully written and thoughtfully constructed. Visceral. Visual. Vulnerable. The passages cracked open my heart.” —Amy K. Hutchens, award-winning speaker and bestselling author of Get It and The Secrets Leaders Keep
Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too! 