There is going to be a streaming series about Anna.

I read, enjoyed an earlier book by this author.

The author’s relative was British traitor, Kim Philby.

I just wish that I could read faster. There are so many good choices

Human Anatomy Made Easy for Kids

by Z.B. Tucker

This book offers kids an introduction to the wonders of the human body. There are sections on body systems including the skeletal, nervous, cardiovascular, lymphatic, digestive, urinary and immune systems. The sense organs are also described.

The book opens with the author noting that there are body parts that we see, as for example, a leg, and others that are invisible to us because they are internal. The author then starts writing on the systems.

This is a short book that offers clear explanations. Kids who are especially interested will find that this title whets their appetite and they will, perhaps, want to find additional resources.

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

A Josie Prescott Antiques Mystery

by Jane K. Cleland

This is the fourteenth entry is Ms. Cleland’s series featuring antiques expert Josie Prescott. It can definitely be read as a standalone. Readers can then decide if they want to go back to the beginning with the first book, Consigned to Death, and move forward from there.

I had read some of the earlier novels but had not picked up any of them in recent years. I am glad to have gone back to spending time with Josie.

One of the interesting things about this series is the seeming insider knowledge that the author possesses on antiques. This story, which features some letters attributed to Jane Austen, describes what is involved in authentication. I found this to be quite interesting. There is also a TV show that Josie is presenting and there is a nice sense of all that is involved in filming.

The story involves murder, some interesting characters both as suspects and people in the town where Josie lives and works, and a case to be solved. Josie’s nice relationship with her husband is well done.

My one critique would be that the story stretches out for a bit too long. I think that a slightly shorter book would have pulled everything together more tightly. Overall though this was a good read that will be enjoyed by cozy lovers.

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

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Beguiling…Cleland maintains tension from the opening pages right up to the surprise conclusion. Miss Austen would approve.” ―Publishers Weekly

“Both mystery fans and antiques lovers will enjoy the erudite heroine’s informative, entertaining new adventure.” ―Kirkus Reviews

“Framed with fascinating details of Jane Austen’s life, along with the process of authenticating letters and books, this satisfying entry in the long-running series will appeal.” ―Booklist

“Enthralling….Cleland’s knowledge of and admiration for Jane Austen shine through this well-plotted, suspenseful narrative where long-term fans―and new ones―will eagerly invest in this exciting series full of surprises.” ―Shelf Awareness

“Hard to put down…a tightly plotted, sophisticated story ripe with secrets and lies. This 14th entry in the series is as freshe as the first.” ―MysteryScene Mag

“A blast of a read….A great mix of character delineation, antiques expertise, and a truly golden age style hand with plot. This is a stand out series, reliably excellent.” ―Aunt Agatha’s

by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara

It feels like a mark of honor for amazing, young Amanda to be featured in this children’s series. She is in illustrious company which is as it should be. Ms. Gorman inspired many. Her story is well told and illustrated here.

Children will see that there are young people who dream big and accomplish big things. They will also learn that Amanda overcame some challenges to get to where she wanted to be. These included having a speech impediment along with an auditory processing disorder. Children will rejoice at her victory in reciting unifying poetry for President Joe Biden. Amazing, and all things are possible.

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

This is the first book that I have read by Ms. Monroe although I know that she is a seasoned author who writes novels based in the south. I am delighted to have spent time with the characters she creates and recommend this women’s fiction title as one to add to your summer/vacation reading list.
I am pretty sure that the characters in this book have been in other books written by the author. I did not find that to interfere with my becoming involved in their lives. The story is about several generations including Linnea who has recently upended her life and Cara who is about to marry for the second time as the novel begins. Linnea’s parents are among the other character whose story is told.
In addition to writing about characters that I cared about, I think that the author created a wonderful sense of place. While I may not actually travel this summer, I certainly enjoyed my time in the Isle of Palms.

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

How One Therapist and a Circle of Strangers Saved My Life

by Christie Tate

The guide in this memoir is an author with a unique and honest voice. While very accomplished, she has clearly had her struggles. In this memoir the reader observes Ms. Tate as she brings her issues to a therapy group and her rather unconventional therapist. As a result her life was changed.

This book has received mixed reviews. There are those who have given it five stars and others who have barely given it one. Having facilitated support groups as part of my career, I was intrigued to read about the author’s experience with her therapist and the other members of her group. I recommend that you take a look and decide for yourself. I am glad to have read it.

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

The Paris Library

A Novel

by Janet Skeslien Charles

The Paris Library is a novel that I highly recommend even with the abundance of choice in WWII historical fiction. The importance of the American Library and the commitment of those who worked there is a reminder of how important books are, perhaps even more so, when the world is in chaos. Readers will enjoy the many books that are named over the course of the novel. They would make for a good TBR list.

All good novels tell stories about characters. This one is peopled with those that readers will get to know with all of their strengths and flaws. Some are good, some not so good and some a mix of the two. All are brought to life.

Odile is a young woman when the story opens. She lives with her father, who is in the police, her brother, an idealist, and her mother who eventually learns that her husband is involved in an affair. Odile has always loved books and lands her dream job at the American Library. There she meets a wide ranging group of patrons and staff. Her brother’s fiance, Bitsy, also works at the library. Odile gets to know Margaret as well; she is a British ex pat and another key protagonist.

Each of these characters faces the war, issues of loyalty and friendship and disillusion. Their intertwining stories are well depicted as are the many settings in the novel.

Odile’s romantic interest for much of the book is Paul. He, too, is a policeman. Readers will follow as some of his decisions make Odile even more aware of the cruelty of war.

As is true of many novels written today, there is a dual story line. This takes place in Froid, Montana where Odile came to live. There a young girl befriends Odile and tries to figure out her own life in the aftermath of her mother’s death. There is much that Odile has to teach her young friend.

I both listened to and read this story. The narration was flawless with individuals coming to life with different voices and accents. It was a wonderful listen.

I highly recommend this book. I hope that readers will enjoy it.

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

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