Even though it is hot and humid today, winter will come. In this cutely illustrated story for toddlers, Milo and Lily enjoy some fun winter activities. The illustrations and text invite a child to become involved, for example, helping to decide what Lily and Milo could wear to go outside, and they will watch as Lily and Milo do things like make a snowman. All in all, a nice cold day for two friends.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.
A few comments…The Bronte is free, Fiona Davis writes good dual timeline historical novels, I met the author of the Burr book at my local Barnes and Noble when I was browsing, and Night, Night Norman is sweet.
This book will be enjoyed by bibliophiles and those who like a quirky read. It arose from the experiences of two book lovers who created a voicemail where readers could leave messages about the stories that they loved.
This book includes all kinds of interesting book related entries. They are organized according to calls by subject, calls by book title and calls by authors. The book includes actual phone numbers that will either have a message or where a reader can leave a message. By listing numbers it is a tribute to the phone books of old. Readers can also read some of the messages that the compilers of this title received.
If you are a reader who loves books and all things quirky, take a look at this book with its telephone book graphics. It is a treasure trove.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.
This book will be enjoyed by bibliophiles and those who like a quirky read. It arose from the experiences of two book lovers who created a voicemail where readers could leave messages about the stories that they loved.
This book includes all kinds of interesting book related entries. They are organized according to calls by subject, calls by book title and calls by authors. The book includes actual phone numbers that will either have a message or where a reader can leave a message. By listing numbers it is a tribute to the phone books of old. Readers can also read some of the messages that the compilers of this title received.
If you are a reader who loves books and all things quirky, take a look at this book with its telephone book graphics. It is a treasure trove.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.
Once there were two best friends, Isabel and Zoe. They had cubbies next to each other and wore their friendship bracelets. They did things for each other like tradng sandwiches when one had something that she did not like. But…sometimes they did things that got them into trouble and their friendship could be strained. Will they recover? Will a puppy help the process? Beginning chapter book readers may enjoy reading this title, the first in a projected series, to find out. As a matter of taste, I did not love the illustrations in this book. I imagine that many may enjoy them though, especially if they like cartoon-like ones. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.
Everything that you need to know about this book comes from its very apt title. The Persuasion is a direct homage to Jane Austen’s tale of a love lost and its impact over time, leading to protagonists meeting again. Recipe tells you that the book has something to do with cooking. And there you are, a delightful read and one that I enjoyed.
More specifically, chef Ashna runs a restaurant in which she honors her late father by cooking his specialties. The restaurant is failing though and Ashna lets herself become a chef/contestant on a cooking show, kind of like Dancing with the Stars, in which a professional cook is teamed with a celebrity. And what a celebrity…not really a spoiler, he is a past love of Ashna’s. Will sparks fly? Will they have a second chance?
In addition to these main characters, readers learn a good deal about Ashna’s immediate and extended families. All is not completely lightness in this romance title. For me, this added depth to the story.
I liked this novel which let me escape into an interesting world.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.
Miss Benson’s Beetle is by the author of The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, a book that I very much enjoyed. So, I was excited to receive this e galley from the publisher. The book does not disappoint.
As has been true in her other novels, Rachel Joyce is a mistress of creating quirky characters for whom readers will care. The beginning of the novel introduces Miss Benson. What teacher will not identify with her ‘losing it,’ even if they might not take the actions that she does?
From this unlikely beginning Miss Benson goes on the quest of her lifetime, to the New Caledonia, in search of a rare golden beetle. Readers learn what led to this obsession and of the tragedies in Miss Benson’s past. Accompanying Miss Benson is the irrepressible Enid Pretty who has her own back story. There is also another less savory and wounded character whom Miss Benson did not hire when she met him.
This is a story about doing what one dreams of in life. It is about embarking on a journey without knowing how it will end. Isn’t this a universal of going on journeys and taking risks? Readers will become attached to the story and character and will immerse themselves in Miss Benson’s world.
This is a novel that has both humor and heart. I highly recommend it.
This is a children’s story about an iguana who goes to visit his family for the holidays. He has good friends who help him to be on his way and one who gives him gifts for his family. Sadly, a gift gets lost. No spoiler in a holiday story to say that it will be found.
Grumpy is definitely not Grumpy in this story which seems a bit odd to me. Overall, this is an okay book but not one that I feel offers anything compelling.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.
Anne Perry has been writing Christmas novellas since 2003. They never get old and every year I look forward to seeing which of my favorite characters may be featured. This time it is Hooper, a member of the River Police who is a colleague of the well-known Monk.
What I enjoyed most about this Christmas read was the wisdom of Anne Perry and the beauty of her descriptions. She writes gorgeously about what the water means to former sailor Hooper. She is tender when she talks about the recent marriage and the love that connects Hooper and his wife, Celia. It is a slightly later in life relationship for them and it is based on deep affection and shared world views and values.
The story is about Celia’s close friend Clementine who is about to marry a rather self-righteous, dour and, at times, threatening man. Marlowe had a first marriage that did not go well and is estranged from his daughter. He is eager to marry Clementine who, like Celia was, is alone in the world and a bit older for a first time bride. Marlowe seems to want to control her. He is also apparently being blackmailed. For what? How will everything resolve bearing in mind that this is a Christmas read and forgiveness is one of the novella’s themes? Will everything be forgiven? Will things be okay?
Readers new to this series should be aware that the novella refers to events from a previous book so there is a spoiler in there. A Christmas Resolution can still be enjoyed by those unfamiliar with that earlier story.
This book would make a perfect stocking stuffer for an Anne Perry fan. I am only sorry that I will now have to wait a year for her next Christmas title.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.
Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too! 