Month: January 2022

Building a Brighter Future for Nature, People & Planet (The Children’s Terra Carta)

by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales; Christopher Lloyd

This book is introduced by Prince Charles who nvites children to think about and care for our world. In the last chapter of this title, he writes about the Terra Carta project and invites children to participate in it.

This book has the most charming and delightful illustrations! They have been contributed to this title by a variety of artists. The accompanying text complements them.

There are four short sections in this book; they are Nature, People, Planet and Terra Carta. Through them, what we get from nature and what we need to do for nature are laid out in simple terms.

This children’s book is a call to action for our planet. It should be read by children and families who, hopefully, will recognize that there is work to be done.

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

THIS TITLE IS AN E BOOK BARGAIN FOR 1.9.22

Robyn Carr is a prolific writer of women’s fiction. Her Virgin River novels are now a series on Netflix. The Country Guesthouse is one of the author’s Sullivan’s Crossing books. These stories take part in Colorado and are interconnected although they do not have to be read in order.

This title is primarily about Owen, Hannah and Noah. They face challenges although readers of this author know that usually things end well. Owen is a world traveler and a photographer who had a significant tragedy in his life. Hannah was a close friend to Noah’s mother, who died and named Hannah to be his guardian. Noah, who is five years old, has mild CP and is grieving the loss of his mom. Over the course of this story, the three come together, heal and find love while also connecting with the characters from previous books.

I recommend Robyn Carr’s novels to those who enjoy women’s fiction. This one is an easy read that takes the reader to a beautiful place and the kind of caring community we dream about.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

www.sleuthofbakerstreet.ca/i/1584200/Januart_2022_e_MOM_Read.pdf

This short (200 page) novel was penned by a practicing GP who brings some of that perspective to her fiction. The book tells the story of women from different generations whose lives intersect. Protagonist Marion is a paid up member of the sandwich generation; her daughter is about to start university while Marion’s mother is feeling some of the effects of aging. Like the author, Marion is a doctor who, through her work, meets Nyaga. Nyaga, who is from Botswana, has moved to Scotland looking for better opportunities. She is homesick and struggling a bit to adjust. These characters will intersect.

I agree with other reviewers that this book and author have great potential. Those who enjoy stories about women’s lives may want to give this one a look.

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

Learn to draw using basic shapes–step by step!

by Emily Fellah

Kids who love cats and drawing will have fun with this book. It shows how to draw any number of cats in steps that are clear and easy to follow. Pick from the curled up cat, the grumpy kitten, the sleeping cat, the surprised kitten and many more. Have a child you know get out their pencils and paper and get to it!

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

www.nytimes.com/2022/01/06/books/review/new-mystery-and-crime-novels.html

by edited by Otto Penzler

When editor Otto Penzler describes a book as big, he means it! This collection clocks in at over 600 pages. Those who are interested in the evolution of mystery and detective fiction will find much to explore and enjoy here.

The tales are organized into sections entitled Detective, Crime, International and American stories. Read in order or browse widely. Some choices seem unsurprising as, for example, Poe in the American section. More surprising was finding a tale by L Frank Baum (Wizard of Oz fame) included here.

International stories will send readers to France, Russia and Italy for some thrills. Just some of the other authors are Wilkie Collins, Arthur Conan Doyle, Robert Lewis Stevenson, Thomas Hardy and Oscar Wilde.

So, dive in readers. There is loads to while away a winter night.

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

From the Publisher