The Agatha Christie is free. The Debbie Macombers are good summer reads.

I have really enjoyed reading all of the titles in this author’s Seven Sisters series. The tiles include The Seven Sisters, The Storm Sister, The Shadow Sister, The Pearl Sister, The Moon Sister, The Sun Sister and The Missing Sister. Each book has a dual time line and I have found them all to be very engaging. Ms. Riley has also written a number of books that are not part of this series.

Yesterday, I saw it noted in Publishers Weekly that Ms. Riley had died at age 55 of cancer. I am one reader who will truly miss her.

Avidly Reads Opera

by Alison Kinney

#AvidlyReadsOpera #NetGalley

pub date: October 12, 2021

Over the last few years I have taken a number of music history classes. One of them touched on opera but that was just a brief introduction. So, I was very interested in reading this title. It did not disappoint.

The author is an unabashed fan of opera. She draws the reader in immediately with an account of her reaction to a death in one of the first operas that she saw. Ms. Kinney then tells readers that this is not a spoiler for her book as people usually die in them.

The author relates her experience in viewing an opera production at Attica State Prison. This clearly makes the point that the world of opera is not only for the elite.

Ms. Kinney is an unabashed fan who has learned a lot about what might be her favorite subject. She engagingly introduces readers to her experiences, knowledge and enthusiasm for the genre.

I highly recommend this one for both novice and seasoned people who want to engage with this art form.

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

The Best of Us by Robyn Carr

by joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviewsOctober 29, 2018

Robyn Carr has written many novels over several series; fans of hers will know that she has written the Virgin River, Thunder Point and Grace Valley books.  Her latest series takes place in Sullivan’s Crossing.  The Best of Us is novel number four.  Old characters reappear but, if you have not read the other titles, this can be read as a stand alone.  Love grows across three generations in this story.  The teen pair are challenged by a threatening medical diagnosis; the couple in their thirties face an unplanned pregnancy and the couple in their sixties show that love can happen at any age.

Setting is also important in this novel.  Sullivan’s Crossing is that small town that people think of when they imagine small town life as idyllic.  There is a beautiful setting near the mountains, kind people and a strong sense of community.

Long term fans of Roby Carr will most definitely welcome her latest book.

From the publisher:

In Sullivan’s Crossing, #1 New York Times bestselling author Robyn Carr has created a place where good people, powerful emotions, great humor and a healthy dose of common sense are the key ingredients to a happy life. Sullivan’s Crossing brings out the best in people. It’s a place you’ll want to visit again and again.

#TheBestOfUs #NetGalley

How to Find Love in a Bookshop by Veronica Henry

by joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviewsApril 3, 2021

by joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviewsSeptember 11, 2018

This is a charming woman’s fiction read about Emilia, her father, the people in her community, romance and BOOKS!  I read it a little while ago and enjoyed it as a very good light read.  It $1.99 today.

“Henry describes her novel as an ode to bookshops, and it is that. . . Readers who laughed and cried over ­Gabrielle Zevin’s The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry and Fredrik Backman’s A Man Called Ove will love this one.”
—Library Journal

“Romantic, utterly heartwarming and a perfect treat for bibliophiles everywhere.”
–Jenny Colgan, New York Times bestselling author of The Café by the Sea

“Henry’s quirky cast of characters with their heartwarming intertwined tales of loss, love, and community make this a must-read for summer.”
—Amy E. Reichert, author of The Coincidence of Coconut Cake 

“Henry’s sweet novel, filled with likable characters and shaped by a love of books, will appeal to fans of tender fiction who find bliss in bookstores and libraries.”
–Booklist

“A gorgeous escapist read.”
–Good Housekeeping (UK)

#VerityFairySleepingBeauty #NetGalley

This is a chapter book for beginning readers. I love that it starts with a fairy tale kingdom map including the homes of the Seven Dwarfs, Prince Charming, Rapunzel’s Tower, Verity’s house and more. The illustrated story is engaging and cute. There are fairies, princesses, friendship, marshmallow cake and the retelling of a well-known fairy tale. Definitely recommended for young readers.

Of note: definitions of unfamiliar words are given on the page bottom. A helpful touch for emerging chapter book readers. There are also questions at the end of the story that will test readers’ memory and understanding of the story,

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

A Molly Murphy Mystery

by Rhys Bowen

Where I live it is hot today! So, it seems like a great time to think about colder weather. That brought me to this seventeenth entry in Rhys Bowen’s Molly Murphy series. It is clear that by now Ms. B knows what she is doing and where she wants to be in each of the stories.

It is 1906 and Molly and her husband have been through a lot. They are, therefore, looking forward to the break that they anticipate when they are invited to Christmas dinner at a Hudson River mansion. What happened to their hosts’ daughter? Is a certain visitor who they claim to be? Read the book to find out. It offers an enjoyable diversion.

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

Editorial Reviews

Review

“A difficult case that evokes old-time Christmas traditions and a solution that will warm the heart”.
— Kirkus Reviews

“The latest Molly Murphy mystery is another great installment in the series by Bowen. The mystery itself contains a big maze of secrets that Molly and her husband must cut through, which is also a perk for readers.”
— RT Reviews

“For series and historical mystery fans, it’s a treat to return to historic New York during the holidays as the indomitable Molly investigates an unusual disappearance.”
–Library Journal

“Well-drawn characters and setting, strong women, and crisp details of life in the early 1900s add to this historical mystery”
—Booklist

There was a time in England when Cambridge grads became traitors; among the most famous of these men were KIm Philby, Guy Burgess, Anthony Blunt and Donald Maclean. They hid in plain sight, not suspected for a long time because of their social class and educations. They were idealistic to start with but some devolved into alcoholism and of course, many defected.

This novel takes place within the time frame of these spies in the late 40s and early 50s. One of the spies, Guy Burgess, is even a character in the novel.

Two sisters Iris and Ruth are the book’s protagonists. When the story opens, Ruth is successfully running a modeling agency in New York. She and Iris have not spoken for many years. Readers will find out why when they read the novel.

When the two were still close, they lived in Rome during part of WWII. While there Iris falls madly in love with Sasha Digby. She makes the decision to follow him wherever he goes and, not to spoil anything they eventually make a big move. Readers will find out why.

One day, Ruth gets a call for help from Iris. She heeds it and this leads to the most exciting events of the novel.

Also in the story is Lyudmilla, a very conforming Russian. Where does she fit in the story and how do her life and the Digbys’ lives intersect? Again, read to find out.

Beatriz Williams has written an absorbing story here with an excellent plot twist. Events unfold; this is not a James Bond like read but it is a good one. The settings and characters shine.

Think about the title as you read. See how close you come to guessing some of the story’s resolutions. Enjoy the novel as you do. It makes for a good read.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Williams has a sure hand in this deceptively quiet novel, told from the perspective of three different women. She expertly shifts between family drama and a suspenseful espionage plot, and makes every word and note count.” — Library Journal (starred review)

www.nytimes.com/2021/06/17/books/review/9-new-books-we-recommend-this-week.html