Sonali Dev has written three novels in which she modernizes the books of Jane Austen. I previously reviewed Recipe for Persuasion and I look forward to reading Incense and Sensibility.

Each of these novels follows members of the Raje family. This take on Pride and Prejudice tells the story of Trisha Raje. She is a highly qualified and talented neurosurgeon and a member of a highly competent and prominent family. One of Trisha’s patients, Emma, is an artist whom Trisha could save; however, the cost may be too high. What will Emma decide and what will happen?

Note the name Emma. Other characters in the book also have names taken straight from Austen’s novels. There is a Wickham (female) and DJ whose first name is, of course, really Darcy.

Darcy and Trisha collide both literally and figuratively. They personify both pride and prejudice as they get to know one another and as their relationship evolves.

DJ is a chef and food is a big part of the novel, just as it was in A Recipe for Persuasion. The cuisine is lovingly described and made me hungry.

There are other characters and story lines in the novel. One is about Trisha’s brother who is running for office. His story will be told more fully in the third of the novels.

I found this book to be a most enjoyable read. I looked forward to picking up at the end of the day and relaxing.

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

A Big Activity Book for Kids about the Amazing United States

by Nicole Claesen

#Funwith50States #NetGalley Pub date: 24 Aug 21

Readers of my blog know that I am a fan of activity books. I think that it is helpful to offer children activities that use crayons and pencils, not just screens. Activity books can also be great sources of entertainment when kids are spending long hours in cars or other forms of transportation.

This activity book on the fifty states is an excellent one for its age group. There is a section of interesting facts for each state, always followed by an activity. It could be a code to break or a word search puzzle or a spot the difference challenge, or maybe a maze or matching game, to give just some examples. Information is also included on each state’s capital, population, region, when it acquired statehood, state flower and bird and state nickname.

Let a child you know have the chance to learn about the U.S. while being entertained.

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

I highly recommend the mystery series by Deborah Crombie.

Washington Square is free.

A Novel

by Julia Claiborne Johnson

#BetterLuckNextTime

Travel back in time to 1938. You want a divorce. Not easy. Where to go? Well, how about Reno? Divorces are supposedly not so hard to obtain there. But…what to do while waiting? Hmmm, how about going to a dude ranch? That should help to pass the time.

At the dude ranch find Nina, Emily and Ward. Each has their own story and reason for being at the aptly named Flying Leap.

This novel combines humor and heart. I recommend it.

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

Spectacular Spreads

50 Amazing Food Spreads for Any Occasion

by Maegan Brown

#SpectacularSpreads #NetGalley Pub Date 28 Sep 2021

There are loads of spreads in this title. They cover Breakfast & Brunch; Lunch & dinner; Special Occasions; Holidays; Desserts, and Drinks.

The book opens with some helpful sections as, for example, How to Use This Book, What You’ll Need, and Planning. Then come the spreads beginning with a Continental Breakfast that includes cinnamon swirled coffee cake, mini banana muffins, blueberry streusel quick bread, and mini cinnamon rolls. These recipes are followed by suggestions for accompaniments. Some of the recipes that follow are familiar crowd pleasers; there are soups and sandwiches, tacos, pizzas and more. Holiday spreads include one for a family Valentine’s Dinner, an Easter Brunch and more.

This cookbook has many illustrations that may well inspire those who are planning gatherings…once we are again able to do so.

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

#CozyCaseFiles13 #NetGalley

I always enjoy this free resource. Cozy Case Files 13 includes descriptions of forthcoming mysteries along with generous excerpts. The authors featured in this one include Donna Andrews; Diane Kelly; Elizabeth Penney; Ellie Alexander; Jane K. Cleland; Jess Dylan; and M. C. Beaton. The Jane K Cleland is in my TBR pile of ARCs and looks intriguing with possible Jane Austen letters having been found. Another author, Elizabeth Penney is new to me and I would like to read her novel that has a book related theme along with a trip to Cambridge, England. Other entries also look interesting. Spend time with this volume and plan your upcoming reads. Those who like their mysteries without excessive violence will get some good ideas here.

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

Southern Grit

100+ Down-Home Recipes for the Modern Cook

by Kelsey Barnard Clark

#SouthernGrit #NetGalley

This beautifully illustrated cookbook may well leave readers feeling hungry. It is divided into sections including Happy Hour Bites & Sips; Greens; Potatoes, Grains & Pasta; Seafood; Eggs & Poultry; Pork & Beef; and Breads & Pastries, so…pretty much everything. There are 100 recipes in all. Just a few of these are Alabama Salad with Cucumber Skin Green Goddess Dressing; Smoke Gouda Grits with Redeye Gravy; Girl Boss Steak with Confit Onions and Mushrooms; and Beeb’s Blackberry Cobbler. Sound good? Give this one a look and get cooking.
Note that this book includes sections on everything from stocking the pantry to knife skills in addition to the recipes.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.
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Beginning-to-Read – Big Feelings

by Mary Lindeen

#FeelingAfraid #NetGalley

This book is part of a series that focuses on feelings. I think that it does an excellent job of addressing its topic for its young readers.

Children will learn that everyone is afraid of something but that not everyone is afraid of the same things. They will discover some ways in which fear can be helpful and times when it may hold them back. Some (mindfulness) techniques for coping are offered, along with the suggestion of talking to a trusted adult and remembering that the feeling may not last.

At the end of the book there is a section that suggests ways to talk about fears.

The book is full of photographs. These will help children to relate to the text and also shows kids just like them who feel and cope with being afraid.

I recommend this one. It offers a good way to open a discussion withe the goal of helping a child to feel and cope better.

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

The above books are recent releases and are all under $10.

Some other e book bargains for today:

Moby Dick is free. I read the novel in college and along with reading Paradise Lost it was one of my bigger literary accomplishments. Have you read the story of Ahab?