Robyn Carr has been writing about Virgin River and its residents over the course of the 21 novels in the series. This is the book that began it all back in 2007. It is the one that is the basis for the television series on Netflix.

Each book features a couple along with a number of other characters. Characters from one of the novels often appear in the later volumes.

This story is about Mel and Jack. Mel has faced tragedy and is coming to Virgin River to start over. She has taken a job (sight unseen) as a nurse practitioner for the community. Unfortunately, at first, the local doctor really does not want her assistance. The other main character, Jack, is a retired Marine who runs the local bar and restaurant. No spoiler to say that Jack and Mel will become a couple.

Give this title a try. If you enjoy it, you can run through the series and maybe that will keep you busy and free of thinking about Covid for awhile. After you read the novel, take a look at the tv series. Do the characters and place seem true to what you read? Let me know your thoughts.

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

This is Flynn Berry’s second novel; it follows Under the Harrow. A Double Life is inspired by a true murder that was reportedly committed by Lord Lucan. Lord Lucan supposedly murdered his children’s nanny after he mistook the nanny for his wife. Lord Lucan was never seen again and nothing is definitvely known about what happened to him.. Lord Lucan’s wife died only recently, never saying anything more.

In this novel, Flynn Berry imagines what might have happened. She tells her story largely through the eyes of the daughter, imagining what life was like for her, her mother and her brother following the horrific murder. Flashbacks about the relationship of the protagonist’s parents and their friends add to the seeming veracity  of the story.

I found this book to be a page turner and finished it within a few days. There were some plot twists and some food for thought once the full story was told. Anyone out there who reads this, I will be interested in your take on the ending.

Note this is a fictional account and does not in all respects follow what happened to the family.

Thanks for this absorbing read NetGalley and the publisher!

Note that streaming service Britbox currently has two programs on Lord Lucan. One of these is a documentary while the other is fiction.

And Now You’re Back by Jill Mansell

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.

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The Story of Florence Merriam Bailey

by Andrea D’Aquino

This beautifully illustrated children’s book tells the story of Florence Merriam Bailey. She was a child who loved nature and who was lucky enough to have parents who valued exposing her to the world around her. Florence especially loved birds. She studied them and did all that she could to ensure that they were allowed to live. Florence gave people tools for seeing and thinking about avian life that did not involve taking feathers for hats or shooting birds for sport.

This book, which also has some resources and additional information at the back, may be enjoyed by young children who are interested in the environment. Those who also love Miss Rumphius may enjoy this title.

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

Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr

Pub Date 28 Sep 2021

Cloud Cuckoo Land is probably one of the most anticipated and hyped books to be released this fall. It is a novel that will intrigue, challenge and be long remembered by its readers.

Anthony Doerr is incredibly intelligent in how he has crafted his story. He also demonstrates a deep knowledge of mythic tales and history as he tells a story that begins with an ancient text that binds the entire narrative together. This is the myth of Cloud Cuckoo Land.

Doerr’s novel takes place in Constantinople in the 1400s during a siege, in the U.S. in recent history (going back before the Korean War and moving to now), and in a distant future. Each of these worlds is so vividly portrayed and each is unique. The feat of creating these disparate worlds that feel so real is worthy of praise.

The characters who populate these eras are richly vivid and readers will ache for them. They include Omeir and Anna who are on the opposite sides of Constantinople’s ramparts, Zeno and Seymour in the present, and Konstance in the future. Each has those to whom they are connected, along with worries and concerns. Readers may well have favorite characters. I admired Anna but found myself most drawn to Konstance.

There were times when I wanted to discard this novel. The pain of some of the characters felt like too much. Nonetheless I kept going as I wanted very much to understand how the plot strands would join. Of course, they are all reading the same ancient text but there will be more.

Anthony Doerr loves libraries and this is clear throughout the story. The magic, knowledge and anchor that they bring to their patrons is made most evident. In fact, the novel is dedicated to librarians.

Cloud Cuckoo Land is not All the Light We Cannot See. It is its own work and will be judged on its merits. It is a book that will make many of its readers think and care deeply. I highly recommend it.

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

by Jeannie Chin

Includes a bonus novella

If you enjoy books by Robyn Carr or Debbie Macomber, you may want to take a look at this romance. It has the small town vibe of these other authors. There are also some “will opposites attract?” elements to the story.

Meet June, who is Chinese American, and Clay, a war vet trying to fulfill a friend’s dream. Each is hoping for success for their business. Both are very motivated. Will they help each other? Will they get the financial security that they need? Will they fall in love.? Read this one to find out.

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

The Malory is free.

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