Month: March 2020

One that looks sweet, one that is suspense, one that is more literary.  Enjoy.

Did you know that Ruth Bader Ginsberg’s first name is actually Joan? Did you know that she was left handed and felt the injustice of being told that she had to become a righty…but she did not. These are just a couple of the interesting things that children will learn in this excellent beginning chapter book on the Supreme Court Justice.
The illustrations, charts and more in this book are vibrant and engaging. They add to the text and help to keep a young reader’s attention and interest.
In addition to telling Ruth’s story, this book includes many extras. There are definitions of words, questions to think about, family trees, quotes from RBG and even a quiz at the end so readers can see what they recall from the text. There is also a helpful bibliography.
If you know a girl (or boy) that wants/needs to know that women can succeed and fight for what they believe in, encourage them to take a look at this book. It belongs in school libraries for elementary school children.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review. Even as an adult, I enjoyed reading this story and learning more about RBG.

From the publisher:

The cover on the left is for the American edition of the book.  The cover on the right is for the U.K.  Which do you prefer?

For me, this novel provides a perfect escapist read; it has appealing settings, multiple characters and plot lines, complications, resolutions…and of course, love.

Settings:  The story opens and ends in France at a beautiful chateau that has become a hotel.  Much happens between two visits to that countryside. The rest of the novel takes place in the U.K., partly in Cornwall, a place that comes vividly into being with the water, the cafes, the shops, etc.  Readers also spend time in other locations including Bristol.  (I enjoyed my visit back to the suspension bridge via the book.)

So many characters:  Lainey and Kit:  Good friends who come to work for a family in Cornwall.  They pretend to be a married couple to get the job.  Will they be discovered?  What will happen then?  Who does each belong with?

Sir Richard:  an eighty-year old well-loved actor who is egotistical, eccentric and was a playboy.  What surprising new relationship will come to him?

Majella: the widow of Sir Richard’s son.  She does her scattered best to take care of her children while hoping to move on to a new romance.  FYI:  She has some real clunkers of dates.  Majella’s children are secondary characters and each has his/her own personality.

Seth:  he runs a tourist agency that readers will wish was real.  A ladies man, he has never found “the one.”  Will he by the end of the story?  Also, is there something to know about his parentage?

Wyatt:  He proposed to the lovely Penny who turns him down.  Why?  Will he ultimately be happier?  Will she?

There are many strands to tie together over the course of the novel as readers watch the  characters deal with the secrets in their lives.  Throughout, Ms. Mansell has a light touch and kept me happily turning the pages.

Many years ago when I first ordered a book to be sent to me via the wonders of the internet and international purchasing, I picked a Jill Mansell title.  This author’s ability to combine humor and heart have not diminished over her many publications.

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

While you wait for this one to come out, you can check out the author’s backlist.  These frothy novels are just perfect for our current time.

Pub date:  June 7, 2020

There are many novels by DONNA LEON on sale for $1.99 today.  I highly recommend the Brunetti mysteries.  Death at La Fenice is the first one. 

Also a Reginald Hill, part of an excellent series and Luke Thanet, good for those who like village procedurals. 

This book is part of the My First series of Little People, Big Dreams books. These are board book editions that should be sturdy enough to stand up to little hands. As always, the illustrations are bright and engaging with special attention paid to Vivienne’s vibrant hair.
Vivienne tells the story of Vivienne Westwood, a little girl who stood up to others and grew up to use fashion as a means of expression. The author observes that today, Vivienne, continues to show us “how to speak up and change the world.”
Let your child know that they can who whomever they want. Read them lots of these books to show them that the world is full of choices.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

#VivienneWestwood #NetGalley

This title is a vibrantly illustrated story about a girl, her grandmother and a grandmother school in India. The classroom was created to help grandmothers obtain the education that they were denied when younger.

Readers and listeners will delight in the close relationship between a young girl and her grandmother who both want to learn. Those who pick up this story will feel the joy when grandmother no longer needs to sign with her fingerprint at the bank but can write her name. She is on a learning adventure and fee;s such self-respect..

This title helps all of us appreciate what it means to get an education and to take joy in learning and family. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

Pub date:  May 5, 2020

I adore this sweet cartoon collection.  Cat runs such a helpful cafe for his many featured friends, who each also are the subjects of some of their own cartoons. Coffee lovers will enjoy the many coffee themed strips as Cat takes care of his customers.

This book touches on some universal feelings and truths with its warm humor.  I highly recommend it.  I feel so much better for visiting Cat’s care.

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

#CatsCafe #NetGalley

Pub date:  May 26, 2020

Thanks book community! This journal can now be accessed at no charge. Enjoy. Reading matters so very nice to have ways to choose your next book.

A couple of e book bargains in the Vera Stanhope series…Hidden Depths and Telling Tales. I enjoyed both.

A few comments…The Widows of Malabar Hill is the first in a new series by Sujata Massey.  Ms. Massey also wrote the Rei Shimura series which is one that I very highly recommend.  The first book for Rei is The Salaryman’s Wife.  Each title in the Rei Shimura series looks at an aspect of Japanese life.  Malabar Hill is the first of a new series set in India.  I have read both in this new series.

Dorothy Simpson writes a very solid set of books set in a small English town and featuring Luke Thanet, his team and his family.  They are easy, good reads.

Margery Allingham wrote during the “golden age” of mystery.  Here are three of her novels.

Enjoy these and the others listed below.