Month: March 2022

by Bree Baker

Pleading the Fish is the seventh entry in the “punnily” (my word) named series, following on Partners in Lime. As readers can no doubt deduce from the title and the cover, this book is a cozy and will certainly appeal to readers of not too violent stories. I know that I find myself enjoying cozies more and more as the world goes scarier and scarier; I so welcome the escape.

This time, in what which the publisher indicates is the final book of the series, readers find all the genre’s ingredients including, literally, someone who uses ingredients as a cafe owner. There are also a picturesque setting, murder and an amateur sleuth in Bree. There is also her police foil and fiancee.

Stakes are high here as Bree does not want her nuptials destroyed by a murder. She and the women in her family are reputedly cursed in love; will she get her happy ending? Even though readers know that the case will be solved, they will enjoy the story along the way.

As an extra gift to readers, there are recipes included in the book. Enjoy!

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own, including that I am sad to see the end of Ms Baker’s run with these titles.

AND SOME BARGAINS FOR THE WEEK:

Readers who enjoy British romantic suspense can’t do better than Mary Stewart.

A Novel

by Ellen Meister

Have you ever gone to a party where things turned out rather differently from what you expected? That is most definitely Dana Barry’s experience. She goes to a company party hoping to advance her career…instead, she has to deal with a smarmy boss who…later turns out to have been murdered. Dana passed out after drinking. Did she murder this lecherous boss and not remember? Read this one to find out.

The Rooftop Party is a pretty lighthearted mystery. It will be enjoyed by those who like their fictional murders not too filled with graphic detail and also by those who read women’s fiction.

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

Editorial Reviews

Review

2021 SUMMER READ PICK–LONG ISLAND WOMAN

“THE ROOFTOP PARTY is a wickedly entertaining rom-com/murder mystery from start to finish. It promises to be a contender for beach read of the year.”
                                                                                  –BookReporter

“Perfect for readers who like their mysteries light on the murder but heavy on the humor.”–Kirkus

52 Large and Small Joys for Today and Every Day

by Sophie Blackall

This is a book to savor for those who need help to focus on the quotidian joys of every day life. 52 such joys are included in this peacefully illustrated title. I began to relate immediately with thing to enjoy #2 which was morning coffee. I spent a few minutes thinking about the loveliness of a morning when my spouse brings me coffee and I read from a novel before taking on the heavier lifting of the day. Hugs also sounded good as did patting a friendly dog and reading bits of a favorite book. If you need a reminder to try to find a moment of happiness even in these dark days, pick this one up.

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

This title will be published on 19 Apr 2022.

poisonedpen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/MBookNotes_03-2022.pdf

by Erik van Bemmel

I really liked this vibrantly illustrated search book. It offers fun for kids and adults, too, can also learn more about recognizing birds. This should make springtime walks even more fun! There are two page spreads that showcase birds that are found in different locations, for example, by the sea or in the marsh, or in the city. Having just visited a botanical garden, I could have used some of these identifications.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this fun Seek & Find title.

This title will be published on 26 Apr 2022.

How to Run Injury-free with Power and Joy for Decades

by Andrew Kastor

#KeepRunning #NetGalley

Are you a runner or would you like to be? Do you wonder how to best keep fit and running for many years? If so, this book offers a guide to some best practices.

The author has run cross country so has good credentials. He has studied physiology,anatomy and more so is well credentialed. Mr Kastor is also the coaching director for the LA Marathon.

Chapters include Inspiration, Optimization, Perspiration, Invigoration and Reinvention. With the help of this book, you may just run well for many years!

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

A Novel

by Anna Pitoniak

This novel offers a point of view on characters who are almost certainly based on Donald and Melania Trump. The focus is mostly on Lara and not her husband. Readers definitely come to understand the forces that formed her personality.

Lara grew up in a family that was fairly privileged in Moscow. For example they had a dacha and some number of Western goods. Lara’s father, who comes across as a nice man, works for the KGB. The family is sent to Paris, a city that is so different to Moscow, and they live there for many years.

Some things happen to Lara that clearly shape her. Readers will discover these things for themselves as they read the novel. How do these life events impact Lara? How does her being Russian influence her future and decisions that she makes?

The story is told in different timelines ranging from Lara’s childhood to her role as the wife of a (bombastic) president. Readers get to know Lara well (if, in fact, she is honest in talking about herself). They also get to know those around her.

The conceit of the story is that a journalist is hired to write this mysterious woman’s biography. What will this mean to journalist Sofie Morse? Something to be sure, as when the novel opens she and her husband seem to be hiding outside of the U.S.

I found this novel to be engaging. It felt a bit odd to be reading it thinking about Trump and the state of the world now. That said, I do recommend it.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are mine.

From the Publisher