A Novel

by Alexandra Joel

Pub Date 07 Sep 2021   

Those who enjoy historical, women’s fiction should definitely mark their calendars for this title’s release date. It was a fun and absorbing read set in both Australia and England.

Protagoras Blase Hill grew up poor in Sydney. She has promise and wants a career. With the help of one of her teachers she secures a newspaper job. Blaise’s career will take her far, all the way to being the Royal Correspondent of the title.

Blaise’s early jobs taught her a lot about fashion so names like Yves St. Laurent, Mary Quant and Cecil Beaton make appearances in the novel. Her later career puts her in the midst of mid-century history; readers follow her as she covers Princess Margaret and Antony Armstrong-Jones. Readers also meet John Profumo and Christine Keeler, and learn about spies including Kim Philby. It makes for a fascinating background.

This novel also has a romantic story line, family and friendships. Will Blaise find love with Charlie who seems to have it all; this includes a high government position, a family seat, charm and more. But…there is also the mysterious Adam Rule. He knows a dark secret from Blaise’s past; will he use this against her? Readers also get to know Blaise’s sister Ivy who contracted polio and the close friends with whom Blaise lives in England. Readers will be turning the pages as they await the resolution of the novel’s several strands.

Ms. Joel writes an interesting note at the end of the novel sharing her inspiration and resources. This background places the book in context.

The Royal Correspondent reads easily and I always looked forward to picking it up. Here is a good escapist read.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.

Julius Caesar is free.

This is the first book that I have read by Ellery Adams and I truly enjoyed it. The protagonist, Nora, is a bookseller who believes that there is a book that is just right for each customer’s particular emotional state; the notion that one could get meaningful suggestions from a bookseller was lovely in this day of internet sales. I enjoyed the many literary references and the back stories of the protagonists. There are also hints of romance. If you like cozies, I would recommend this book highly.

The Minotaur Sampler, Volume 3

New Books to Make Your Heart Race

by Hannah Morrissey, Kimi Cunningham Grant, Julia Dahl, Nancy Springer

by Dana Mentink

Poisoned Pen Press is one of my favorite publishers of mysteries. This time, the title is a cozy as can be guessed from the cover. The story is about Trinidad who dreams of opening a milkshake shop (sounds good). She has left her conniving husband after having been his third spouse. Trinidad lands in the place where the other ex-wives reside. Of course, a murder occurs. Who is responsible?

Fans of small town mysteries that are meant to be fun will want to take a look. It is the first in a series.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

by Anita Bijsterbosch

Pub Date 29 Jun 2021

This picture book for the youngest children has the most adorable and appealing illustrations. Many titles have been published for young children in which they can learn the names of objects; in my opinion this is one of the cutest. Each two page spread features many things to name and find. For example, children are invited to see things in the bedroom, the kitchen, in the garden and more. They are also invited to look at animals and vehicles. Think about purchasing this one for a young child that you know; you will both enjoy it.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

by Jane Harper

Jane Harper has now written four novels. This is the one that set her on her successful path.

The Dry is an atmospheric story with characters that readers will get to know well. The story centers on deaths in both the present and past, moving between the two.

Protagonist Aaron Falk left his small town many years ago for reasons that readers will learn. He returns for the funeral of his best friend whose death occurred under troubling circumstances. In addition to Luke’s death, his wife and son have been murdered, only leaving behind a baby. Is this tragedy related to something that happened when Aaron and Luke were teens? What happened to one of their tight knit group in those days?

In addition to creating memorable characters, Ms. Harper creates a very real place. It is one where drought reigns and life is difficult. So, there are difficult times for people and the land.

I highly recommend Ms. Harper’s novels. Readers of mystery/suspense titles should give this one a look.

Note that this book has recently been made into a movie.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

The Gibran is free.

The Grace Kelly Dress A Novel by Brenda Janowitz

by joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviewsNovember 22, 2019

The Grace Kelly dress is, of course, inspired by the beautiful wedding gown that Grace Kelly wore although this story is not about Grace Kelly. Rather, it is about three women and one wedding dress that was inspired by the one worn by Princess Grace.

Rose’s story begins in the 1950s in Paris. Rosee is an orphan who works in an atelier as a seamstress. The very talented Rose makes a wedding dress for the lovely Diana and, while doing so, they become friends despite the class barriers. Rose is attracted to Diana’s brother Robert but he is engaged to someone else. What will happen?

In the 80s, Joan seems to have the perfect, if conventional and guarded life. She is engaged to someone who is perfect on paper but…is he the right one for her? What is the story of her sibling who died?

Unconventional Rocky, Joan’s daughter, is conflicted about wearing her mother’s wedding dress although not about her fiancee. Can she make it into something that makes sense for her?

Around these primary characters, there are many others whose stories are also told. The emotions, mistakes, regrets and decisions that these characters make form the basis of the novel as each makes the dress her own.

The Grace Kelly Dress is women’s fiction with conflict and fairy tale. Try it on for size if you would like a light read.

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