Month: October 2019

A Borrowing of Bones is the first book in a projected series by this author. The second title will be published in early November. I definitely plan to read that as well.

This novel has mysteries, murders, a great setting and some villains. It also has characters, both human and canine, with whom I truly enjoyed spending time. There is a backstory for the characters that engages the reader as well.

Protagonist Mercy was named Mercy because of the Quaker history in her family. However, her life has not been quiet and peaceful. Mercy has not followed the path that her parents set out for her. They wanted Mercy to follow in their own footsteps by becoming a Boston based lawyer. Instead, Mercy became a military MP. While in Afghanistan, she fell in love with her fiancee who was Mexican American. He has died and Mercy has the care of his well trained military dog. This is not a spoiler as the reader knows of Martinez’s death early in the story. The reader gets to know Mercy in all of her Shakespeare quoting stubabornness, intelligence and integrity.

On the other side of Mercy is Troy and his dog Susie Bear, who is named from the John Irving book. Together, the dogs and human grow close. They solve murders, thefts and ensure the well-being of a young mother and her baby.

I truly enjoyed this book. My trip to Vermont in these fictional pages was time well spent.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this read in exchange for an honest review.

#AborrowingOfBones #NetGalley

Editorial Reviews:

Comparisons may be made between Munier’s debut mystery and Margaret Mizushima’s Timber Creek K-9 mysteries. A stronger read-alike is Julia Spencer Felming’s mysteries featuring Rev. Clare Fergusson, another female veteran. The believable dogs, the touches of humor, the independent, determined Mercy, and well-crafted characters will bring readers back.” ―Library Journal (starred review and debut of the month)

06/18/2018
Retired military police officer Mercy Carr, the 29-year-old heroine of literary agent Munier’s delightful first novel and series launch, and her bomb-sniffing Belgian shepherd, Elvis, are recovering in rural Vermont from the death of the man they both loved, Sergeant Martinez, who was killed in combat a year earlier in Afghanistan. During a hike in the woods, Mercy and Elvis discover a baby and contact the authorities. Fish and Wildlife game warden Troy Warner arrives with his search-and-rescue dog, Susie Bear, and the dogs detect human remains buried nearby. When the baby later disappears from a local hospital, Mercy and Elvis investigate, with sometimes reluctant assistance from Troy and Susie Bear. Munier (The Writer’s Guide to Beginnings) allows the attraction between Mercy and Troy to develop organically, though the book falls prey to some typical first novel shortcomings, including a convoluted plot and implausible intuitive leaps. The portrayal of working dogs will appeal to fans of David Rosenfelt and Margaret Mizushima. The blend of lovingly detailed setting and lively characters, both human and canine, makes this a series to watch. Author tour. (Sept.)

 

I have never made a quilt but have often admired them. They are a practical, beautiful art form. So, I was intrigued by this title which looks like it might be for beginning quilters as well as those who are more experienced.

The book starts with a brief history of quilting. I learned that quilting came to Britain by way of the Crusades and that different styles of quilting developed in the U.S. and Britain, though these distinctions faded over time. The book goes on to talk about the tools and materials that are needed for the projects along with an explanation of what tools and techniques make it possible to make a quilt in as little time as a weekend.

After this, there are many projects. Each comes with complete instructions. Every quilt is shown in a photograph and these makes for a fun look.

This appears to be a good title for a novice quilter although some reviewers felt that they were more for advanced beginners. I am not qualified to answer that question but will say that this looks to be a good resource for those who want to make quilts from baby crib to twin bed sized.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this book in exchange for an honest review.

#TheWeekendQuilter #NetGalley

From the publisher:

The Kitten, The Cat & The Apple is the story of a gray kitten who is bored and wants attention. The kitten does his/her very best to engage the adult cat. The cat, who would like a break, I think, does his/her best to respond. The reader then sees what happens.

This is a simple, cute story with amusing illustrations. Children will relate to the cat, while adults may well feel an affinity for the cat.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

#TheKittenTheCatTheApple #NetGalley

This well-researched and written book tells the story of Ada Lovelace. Ada was the daughter of the famous poet, Lord Byron, although she did not know her father well. Ada’s mother was a woman of strong opinions who had definite ideas of what she wanted for Ada.

Ada was educated by governesses in her early years. She often found her lessons boring until Miss Stamp was hired. Miss Stamp allowed Ada’s imagination to soar, despite Ada’s mother’s not wanting this. Miss Stamp and Ada read stories and did experiments, including trying to fly.

Soon after Miss Stamp was let go, Ada became quite ill and took years to recover. She then moved along the path of expectations, attending balls and eventually marrying. However, she also observed and exercised her mathematical skills. Influential thinkers with whom she spent time included Mary Somerville and George Babbage, the designer of an important precursor to the computer.

I have read several books about Ada Lovelace. This is one of the best, especially for its target audience of elementary school aged children. They will relate to Ada’s spirit and curiosity. Hopefully, readers will be encouraged to pursue their own studies and interests, even if not everyone agrees with their pursuits.

The end of the book includes a number of suggested activities and and afterword.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this excellent, well-illustrated story of Ada Lovelace in return for an honest review.

Wow!  I cannot believe the number of books here that I have either read or have in my TBR list.  A few comments…

I am currently reading and enjoying Dragonfly.  A full review will follow.  This WWII set novel has suspense and characters in whom I am interested.

I enjoyed Orphan Train when I read it.  The story was interesting and absorbing.

A Fierce Radiance was quite engaging.  I learned a lot about antibiotic development and the story was suspenseful and engaging.

Anya Seton’s novels were written many years ago.  She is a mistress of historical fiction.

Finally, I adore Jacqueline Winspear’s Maisie Dobbs series.  They are best read in order but buy them when you can.

Other titles here are among the many that I would like to read.  What do you think?

This is another wonderful entry in the Little People, Big Dreams series. This book tells the story of a young Muslim girl who, when she grew up, became a respected architect. As an architect, Zaha Hadid had a unique vision which included curvilinear constructions.

Young readers will see how this imaginative child became a capable and formidable architect. Knowing about her will encourage girls to not be held back by nationality, religion or wanting to succeed in a male dominated field. Most definitely an empowering message.

The illustrations are a bit cartoon like but nevertheless appealing. There is a time line with photos at the end of the book.

Once again, many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto for this book in exchange for an honest review. I truly love this broad based series.

From the publisher:

This book is an excellent and fun look at what it is like to enjoy and care for a cat.  The facts are helpful and extensive.  There is lots of advice, many suggestions and ideas for things to make for a pet including toys and places to hide.  Children learn how to approach a new pet, what to feed them, how to clean their litter, what kinds of play they enjoy, what to watch out for when they seem ill and more.  There are quizzes and sections on whether to have an indoor or outdoor cat, fancy and less fancy breeds and whether to serve dry or wet food.  Children will learn to better understand and read their cat’s moods and behavior.  Written by both the human author and her cat who makes comments as well, this book is highly recommended for young cat owners or those who are deciding if they would like to have a cat or kitten in their life.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

 

This book is a fantastic resource for both home and school libraries. It is geared toward elementary school children but, as an adult, I also found it to be highly informative and interesting. As would be expected 50 trailblazers are featured in the book. Some of them were well known to me, as for example, Joe Biden or Rosa Parks while many others were new to me. Just a couple of the new names to me included Margaret Murie and the All American Red Heads. Some of the people featured are quite contemporary, as for example, Colin Kapernick. Each person has a two page spread that is dense with information. There are sections on what the trailblazer did, where they were from, how their work continues and more. There are also quotes. I enjoyed this one from Rebecca Lobo:

and my daughter walked in the room and looked at the TV and said to Steve, ‘Are those boys playing?’ And I said, ‘Yes.” And my daughter said, “I didn’t know boys played basketball.”

I give this book a full five stars. It will inspire and inform the children in your life. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

#50TrailblazersOfThe50States #NetGalley

 

J.P. Monninger has crafted an exquisite novel in Seven Letters. The author has a gift for making readers feel that they are on a journey with the characters. Places including Ireland and Italy come to vivid life in the novel. In addition, there is a good history lesson on the Blasket Islands in the book. I want to visit there and know more about the people who once lived on the islands.

The main characters in the novel are Ozzie, a damaged war vet and Kate, a professor at Dartmouth College. Their meeting, their relationship, their pasts all are beautifully described. The reader roots for them and wishes for their hard earned happiness…but can it be?

I highly recommend this lush beautiful novel. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the wonderful read in exchange for an honest review.

Also check my blog for my entry on the blog tour for this novel.

Sujata Massey is the author of two mystery series.  I highly recommend the earlier, contemporary series about Rei Shimura which is set in Japan.  In this new series, the author is telling stories set in India in the  1920s.  The first novel is The Widow of Malabar Hill.

Perveen Mistry is a rarity in her time.  She is a legally married, but separated, woman practicing law. Perveen has entree to the women who are in purdah and endeavors to serve their best legal (and life) interests.

This story is ostensibly about what the best education for a young maharajah would be.  But there is more.  There are intrigues, an affair, murder, family ties and tensions.  The reader also watches as Perveen is attracted to a British officer/diplomat for the Satapur region.

Massey tells her story well.  The book is an engaging one that should bode well for the future of the series.

Editorial Reviews:
“Massey’s second whodunit featuring Bombay attorney Perveen Mistry is even better than the series’ impressive debut . . . The winning, self-sufficient Perveen should be able to sustain a long series.”
—Publishers Weekly, Starred Review

“Once again Massey does a superb job of combining a fascinating snapshot into 1920s British-ruled India with a top-notch mystery. She has created a strong, appealing heroine who is forging her own path in a rapidly changing world.” 
—Library Journal, Starred Review

“[The Satapur Moonstone] will certainly please readers looking for an engaging new female lead.”
—Booklist

The Baltimore Sun‘s Best Author of 2019
An Amazon Best Book of the Month for May 2019
A Book Riot Read or Dead Most Anticipated Mystery Novel of 2019
A CrimeReads Most Anticipated Crime & Mystery Novel of 2019
A BookBub Most Anticipated Mystery Novel of 2019
A Goodreads Most Anticipated Mysteries and Thrillers of Spring