Shakespeare’s Gardens

by Jackie Bennett

Shakespeare’s Gardens is such a visually appealing book! I loved the many photos and their evocation of places and other times. I also like that this title examines different places in Shakespeare’s life, not just the well known Anne Hathaway’s cottage. There are chapters on Tudor Gardens, Shakespeare’s birth place, Mary Arden’s farm, Hall Croft and more in addition to the home of Anne. There is a lot to learn in a book that seems like a nice accompaniment for fans of Hamnet, among others.

The author points out that Shakespeare not only lived during exciting historical times but also in a time of richness for gardens with imports from Peru, Mexico and Asia, for example. The appearance in Shakespeare’s plays of common garden elements and the flowers of his time is also noted in the helpful introduction. The book goes on to be very informative and interesting. I recommend it.

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

The Jewish, Christian and Muslim Faiths

by Sophie de Mullenheim

This sample is interesting and intriguing. It tells the story of some of the major world religions in a clever way. It should engage its young readers. For example, there is a section called “identity cards” with one for Abraham, Ishamael, Jesus, Mary and others. Along with age appropriate information, this book has inviting cartoon-like illustrations. It is a good guide for learning a bit about different faiths.

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

Pub date: June 1, 2021

The Bombay Prince is the third of Ms. Massey’s titles featuring Perveen Mistry. This one is my favorite!

The story is set in the early 20th century when Perveen was the first female solicitor in India. Perveen was educated at Oxford when she could not attend law school in her own country. She is in a practice with her father.

At the time that this story begins, Prince Edward is traveling to India. It is a time of unrest and protest as many in India would like to leave British rule behind. Some of those who are protesting are students. In this context Freny, a young college student, consults with Perveen. Freny is later murdered (not really a spoiler as this happens early in the book). Who killed her? Why?

The story itself moves at a leisurely pace. Readers get to know Perveen better in this book. There is more time spent with her family. Perveen’s friend Alice and Colin (from the second book) also are quite present.

The settings are beautifully presented. There are the college, the hotels, clubs, storefronts and more. There is also a lot to learn about Indian culture, foods and funeral customs. The author’s care in including so much detail enhances the reader’s experience.

Ms. Massey has written this series and also an earlier one set in Japan. I recommend all of her books most highly.

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

by V.M. Burns

As can be deduced from the cover, this is a cozy mystery title. It is likely to be enjoyed by those who like stories set in England, those who are fond of dogs and those who follow amateur sleuths. This title is part of a series but readers don’t have to have read the others to pick this one up.

This time, bookshop owner, Samantha Washington, travels to England with her Nana and several elderly friends. All are delighted to be in London where they want to see the sights that are related to some of their favorite mystery authors. As readers would expect, there is a murder and even a second one. What happened? Why? Whodunnit? Pick this up to find out.

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

A Graphic Novel

by Mariah Marsden, Hanna Luechtefeld

Pub date: June 15, 2021

The Secret Garden is a well-known children’s classic. The story of a young orphan, a mansion on the moors, a crippled young boy and others is a hopeful one. The novel has been presented in different formats including a recent movie with Colin Firth, a cookbook and this graphic novel version.

All of the elements of The Secret Garden are here. The illustrations are evocative and true to the story. The dialogue covers the plot well. All in all, this title is a welcome addition to the classic version of the story. I recommend it.

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

Calling fans of Ann Cleeves: The Long Call

by joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviewsAugust 30, 2019

My review

Kudos to the talented Ann Cleeves for this first entry in her new series. I have read the author’s Vera and Jimmy Perez novels, both of which I recommend. As a reader who looked forward especially to every Perez novel, I was sad to learn that the series had finished. I wondered if there would be no more books by this author. I am delighted that that is not the case.

In The Long Call, Ann Cleeves creates a world within a small community in North Devon where rivers converge; the setting effectively becomes a part of the story. In this world, there are three police officers who are central characters. First is Matthew; he was raised within the Brethren, a conservative religious group. While Brethren characters are very much a part of the novel, Matthew himself has left the group. This cast him away from the familiar into a new life in the police and with his husband, Jonathan. Next is a female character, Jen. She is divorced and never has sufficient time for that elusive work-life balance. Ross is a police officer who seems a bit full of himself but he too has reasons for being as he is. I enjoyed spending time with each of these characters.

The story is populated with many characters. There are businessmen, a curate and his girlfriend, an artist and many others. There is the murder victim whose backstory is essential to the plot. Also, there are three young women with Down Syndrome who are integral to the novel. Ms. Cleeves portrays each as a fully rounded person. She is clear eyed and empathetic in the portrayals of the three and their families.

This book was an excellent read and one that I highly recommend. I was sorry to get to the end of the book and only hope that the next in the series comes out soon. If you are a person who enjoys well written British mysteries, put this one on your TBR pile

Many, many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this book in exchange for an honest review.

The Bookshop of Second Chances

A Novel

by Jackie Fraser

The Bookshop of Second Chances is a light women’s fiction novel. The title tells readers a lot; yes, there is a bookshop (and one that I wish I could visit) and yes, there are second chances. So, if this appeals to you, take a look at this book.

Readers learn early on that Thea has been dumped by her husband…and not just that, her (former) best friend is now living in her house. Luckily Thea has another good friend, Xanthe, who is there to help and to travel with Thea to Scotland. Why are they going there? Because Thea has inherited a relative’s house and, get this, it was left to her because her relative remembered her as a person who loved to read. Won’t that make book lovers hope for a surprise inheritance?

So, Thea begins a new life in Scotland. She makes some friends and begins to work in Edward’s bookshop. He is a somewhat crusty individual but the two slowly become friends. Will they become something more? Read the book to find out.

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

From the Publisher

by Lo Cole

This is such a cute book! I highly recommend it for anyone from a young child to an older adult. It has wonderful illustrations in just a few colors (good for babies), rhymes and humor. Take a look. You will smile.

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