Jill Mansell is one of the very best writers of women’s fiction. Her novels always have heart and warmth, along with good plots, likeable characters and smile for readers. This time we meet Didi and Shay; Rosa, Red, Benny, Ingrid, Harry, Will and others, including a well-known actress. All are well portrayed and people that readers will enjoy getting to know.

Didi and Shay met as teens and broke up; now, Shay is back. Will their past history derail them or will they find their happy ever after? Shay’s dad has been in and out of jail many times and yet he is a most appealing character. Red is dying and wants to spend time in the town where Shay grew up and where Shay is living in Didi’s hotel. Layla is Didi’s closest friend; will she find love through Shay’s dating site or closer to home? Rosa, Layla’s mother, loved her husband Joe who died. She is offering shelter to Shay’s dad, Red, and becomes involved with Benny, a goodhearted man to whom she sold her house.. And, there is more although this gives a sense of all of the many interrelationships in this heart warming novel.

Readers looking for a relaxing read should mark their calendars for this books’ release date. I highly recommend it. Ms. Mansell has written many novels; readers may want to read them all.

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

by An Leysen

Pub date: July 20, 2021

I love the concept of this title. It fuses a story with music by Beethoven. Readers of the published version of this title will be able to listen to some music snippets as they look at and read the story. This seems like a nice way to introduce young ones to some classical music.

Children who lie in bed creating stories will surely relate to Sofia who imagines that she is a pirate. Her adventures form the core of this nicely illustrated title. There are a sea monsters, a mermaid and even a treasure. So much fun for one evening.

Of note is that there are a playlist and some information about Beethoven at the end of the book.

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

#TheDisappearingAct #NetGalley

Catherine Steadman may be known to some because of her role in the ever popular Downton Abbey. But…surpise (!) she is also a talented author. This is Ms. Steadman’s third novel following on Something in the Water and Mr. Nobody. Those who enjoyed her earlier novels are sure to enjoy this one as well. New readers of the author may also want to give this title a look. It has summer read written all over it.

Actress Mia found success in a British film called Eyre. Based on this accomplishment, Mia’s agent encourages her to go to America for pilot season. The strange and mysterious events that then ensure form the basis for the novel.

Those who enjoy suspense titles should enjoy this one. What did happen to Emily? What will Mia’s role in the strange situation turn out to be?

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

sleuthofbakerstreet.ca/i/1584200/June_2021__e_MOM_Read.pdf

Eight Cousins is free.

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.

From the Publisher

by Esther Van den Berg

Pub date: 7.13.21

Do you know someone whose child will be starting nursery school or a play group this fall? If you do, take a look at this title. It will help to alleviate any apprehensions that kids feel about that strange new place.

I love the animal characters in this book; I think that they make the story more approachable than one with children in it. Plus, the illustrations are just incredibly adorable.

Robin doesn’t want to go to school but…by the end of his time there, Robin does not want to go home.

American readers may find it strange that the teacher is called ma’am but that is my only quibble with this sweet title.

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

In The Thing He Told Me, Laura Dave offers a perfect and immersive novel. Readers, put this one on your list of summer musts!

When Hannah falls in love with Owen, she marries him and moves to California to live with him and his teen daughter, Bailey. Owen has deep computer knowledge and is involved in the launch of a software program that is primed to make investors lots of money. The program that Owen works on will help users to erase items from their public histories. Is there an irony in this being Owen’s work?

One day, Owen disappears. He leaves a note for Hannah asking her to protect daughter, Bailey. From what? Who? From here a brilliant story filled with slow burning suspense engrosses readers. No spoilers so no more here.

The characters in this book and their relationships are so very well portrayed. I felt as if I knew Hannah and Bailey and found myself rooting for their developing connection with one another. Will Hannah, Owen and Bailey be reunited?

What led Owen to run? Is Hannah correct to believe in him? Find out. I highly (!) recommend this one.

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

The Paris Dressmaker

by joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviewsFebruary 9, 2021

by Kristy Cambron

Pub Date 16 Feb 2021

This is another book set in France during WWII. Before you think that you’ve read enough of these, give this one a chance. It is an engaging and involving read.

The Paris Dressmaker follows several women and the men and families that surround them. Lila is a talented dressmaker and designer. Lila’s closest friend is Amelie, another seamstress. Then there is Sandrine and her close friend Michelle. Sandrine works at the Jeu de Paume. Each of these characters faces moral decisions, choices and moments of fear and courage.

The settings in this book are wonderfully rendered. There are the dress salons, a bookstore, the Jeu de Paume, a bakery, The Ritz..and the list goes on. Each is vividly portrayed as are the streets of wartime Paris.

This is a novel that tells moving stories of love, friendship, resistance, traitorous behavior, courage and consequences. The narrative moves back and forth in time from 1939 and into the 1940s.

I became quite involved in the lives and stories of these characters. I think that readers will as well.

I alternated between reading this book and listening to it. The narration was excellent with characters well delineated and the French accents of the characters.

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