The Bookshop of Second Chances by Jackie Fraser

Pub Date 04 May 2021

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.

Jenny Colgan has found fertile ground for her novels in Scotland where she has set a number of  women’s fiction/romance titles.  500 Miles From You is the latest of these.  I found it to be a relaxing read and recommend it for some pleasant distraction.  If that sounds like faint praise, it isn’t.  I find that as this unusual life we have continues, being transported to a fictional world can be most welcome.

In this story, Lissa is a community nurse in London, while Cormac holds down a similar job in a small Scottish village.  The two swap places for a number of months.  Traumatized Lissa falls in love with her new life which is idyllically presented.  Cormac is initially overwhelmed in London but slowly feels a bit better there.

Cormac and Lissa have one very important case that they share, that of a young girl who has received a heart transplant.  The donor ties the two story lines together.

Lissa and Cormac get to know one another through texting.  Readers know that they will eventually meet but this takes awhile and some plotting on the author’s part.  By the time the meeting takes place, many readers will be rooting for this couple.

There are many secondary characters in the novel.  Some of them are new, while others have made appearances in other novels by Ms. Colgan.  However, readers do not have to have read any of the prior books in order to enjoy this one.

If I had one small quibble with this novel, it would be that it tilted so favorably toward Scotland, somewhat slighting the glories of London.  That aside, I recommend this one for a fun read.

Have you read books by Jenny Colgan?  Did you enjoy them?  Let me know, please.

Baking for the Holidays

50+ Treats for a Festive Season

by Sarah Kieffer

#BakingfortheHolidays #NetGalley

I know that this is early for the holidays but you might want to look at this book sooner rather than later. That way, there will be plenty of time to decide which recipes you want to try.

This collection is divided into sections on Morning Breads and Pastries; Holiday Desserts; Gift Giving; Beyond Christmas’ and Extras. There are other enticing sections of which my favorite is “Music to Bake to.”

Some of the recipes are those for Pear-Almond Danish Bread; Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake; Modern Fruit Cakes; Coconut-Cardomom Cupcakes’ and Marshmallows. As the cover promises, there are fifty in all.

The book begins with a section titled “How to Use this Book” and is followed by a section on techniques. Bakers will find these to be helpful. There are also many enticing photographs. In addition to showing the baked goods, there are illustrations that demonstrate some aspects of the recipe.

Some of these recipes are undoubtedly too difficult for me but those with a bit of baking experience (or patience) should do fine.

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

by A. A. Milne, Rosemary Wells (Compiled by/Illustrator)

#PoemsfromWhenWeWereVeryYoung #NetGalley Pub Date 26 Oct 2021

It is a perfect combination! Poems are by AA Milne and the illustrations are by Rosemary Wells of (justifiable) Max and Ruby fame. The verses are lighthearted and very much enhanced by the artwork and commentary of Miss Wells. At the back of the book is a list of vocabulary words that Ms. Wells calls old-fashioned words.

This looks like a terrific book for young children. They will enjoy the rhythm of the poems and the lively illustrations.

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

Little Women is free. I recommend the Robin Oliveira book. It is about Mary Cassatt and Edgar Degas.

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