A Puzzler’s Guide and How to Make Your Own

by Holly Lambert

Jigsaw puzzles became so popular during Covid that stores had trouble keeping them in stock. Clearly this pastime offered just the right degree of the need to concentrate and an ability to accomplish something, however small. So, it seems that this book is made for this time.

This title is chockablock with information and photos. There are chapters on everything from the history of jigsaw puzzles, to the benefits of puzzling, to how to make your own and more. Readers will learn what name they can use to describe them as a puzzler, find out what types of jigsaw puzzles there are and get hints for solving. Clearly all of this will delight jigsaw fans.

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

This title will be published on 25 Mar 2022.

A Novel

by Jill Shalvis

Jill Shalvis writes novels that readers enjoy. Her characters feel like real people who are coping with life’s vagaries and the romance that is part of her stories allows for a nice break from the real world.

This time, protagonist Emma is the focus. She is pictured on the cover of the novel with her trusty, sweet, sometimes fearful dog, Hog. Emma has been in an accident, spent time in a coma and is literally struggling to get back on her feet. She is working with a physical therapist, Simon, who has his own issues. Simon’s dad has had a couple of strokes and is sometimes a bit inappropriate. Helping to run his father’s company keeps Simon from the work that he would prefer to do.

There are some secondary characters who also play their part, especially Simon’s cousin Alison. Alison has many reasons to not trust and let people in. She has let this stand in the way of the relationship that she most wants.

Readers will enjoy spending time with these folks as they develop and grow. Yes, the romance may have predictable elements but so do fairy tales and we read those.

All in all a good read. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

The Short List for this week (recent books at a discount)

I reviewed this one and think that it is special.

A Guide for Practicing Self-Care

by Katie Vaz

This is a sweet and inviting book. It is simple but in a good way. Author Katie Vaz believes in the importance of “me time” and the Scandinavian concept of hygge. In a series of cheerily illustrated pages, she suggests ways to take care of one’s self.

I didn’t find the ideas in this book to be new to me overall but I enjoyed it nonetheless. The illustrations often made me smile and the reminder that our own well-being is important is good to remember.

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

How to Achieve Balance and Happiness Through Your Cat

by Sophie Macheteau

You will know if this book is for you by your reaction to its cover. If you are someone who thinks “awww,” you will enjoy seeing what is inside.

The author offers her take on taking love of kitties as inspiration to be more mindful and content. There are many suggestions for how to enjoy one’s cat companion. In addition, there are absolutely lovely photos and lots of information on felines.

Those who do not melt at the sight of a kitten may skip this title. Others may well enjoy it.

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

by Angela Ferraro-Fanning

I was drawn to this children’s book by its appealing cover. It just looked so friendly and seasonal.

Inside is a mix of information and projects. Each entry is short and absolutely adorably illustrated. Some of my favorites include “Bathe Ducklings and Goslings; Spring Flowers and, Make Yummy Strawberry Jam.” I also learned something new when I read about phenology.

This title invites children and their adults to work together and enjoy the season. Both groups will have fun in the process.

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

This title will be published on 22 Mar 2022.

The Architecture Lover’s Guide to London

by Sian Lye

#TheArchitectureLoversGuidetoLondon #NetGalley

The author of this guide takes an historical approach to London’s architecture, beginning with medieval times and finishing with twenty-first century London. This is an ambitious undertaking. Since, of course, not all buildings can be included the author looks at structures that either exemplify their time of have significance to the city as readers are told in the introduction.

I very much like that the author includes a map with many key buildings marked. Just a few of the many sites included are the London Wall from Roman times, the White Tower, Westminster Abbey, 10 Downing Street, The Old Bailey, the Barbican Center and many more.

So, enjoy some armchair travel and facts in this well-written book that includes many photos. I enjoyed the time that I spent with this title imagining that I was once again able to embark on trips.

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

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.

Perfect for this time of year. Fiction.

Should be enjoyed by those who watch The Gilded Age

This title will be published on 05 Apr 2022. Definitely mark your calendar!

Starting out, know that this is one of the very best of Marian Keyes’s novels. It is engaging and absorbing. The characters are so alive and the pages turn quickly. Note, too, that in this novel, Ms. Keyes takes on some big themes including addiction, relationships and SPOILERS BELOW

stillbirth, along with much else.

Ms. Keyes writes like a true insider here. Her descriptions of what it means to lose a much longed for baby ring so true. Anyone who has had to deal with infertility, miscarriage or pregnancy loss will know just how authentically the experience is described. Those who have not had these woes will certainly develop empathy for those who have.

SPOILERS ENDED

Rachel works at a treatment center. Anyone who wonders what goes on when addicts are facing their actions and lives will learn a great deal. This could be very helpful to anyone who has a loved one who has needed such care. These sections give a real “fly on the wall” feeling.

Now, be clear that this is a wonderfully involving novel with good story lines. It is by no means a didactic title.

Rachel and those around her first became known to readers through Rachel’s Holiday, a novel that was published twenty years or so ago. Fans of that title will be delighted to see Rachel again. Those who have not read that book, no worries. It is very easy to step into the lives of this clan.

As the story opens, Rachel’s life seems to be going well. But, of course, there will be challenges. Readers will be hoping for all the best for Rachel. She is a character that it is easy to love.

Order this. It is such a good book. I highly recommend it!

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