Month: March 2024

This book offers a fun story about how “the course of true love” does not always “run smooth” to paraphrase Shakespeare. Readers will turn the pages waiting to see if there is a happy ending. For a book with Christmas in its title, they will surely hope for the best.

Imagine a dating app that matches folks by their hates, not their likes. Would you sign up? Regardless, this is what Rebecca and Ben’s company does. They were a couple about to marry but things went sour.

Rebecca decides to take the honeymoon trip that they were planning. While on this, she sees someone from her past. With lots of tangles, they are somewhat misinformed about one another. Will truths be revealed? Will they lead to happiness? Readers will hope so.

This is a good read for a time when relaxing with a book is on the agenda. Those who like sweet romances set in small places will want to take a look.

Many thanks to St. Martin’s Griffin for this title. All opinions are my own.

This title was published in September 2023.

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A number of years ago, I discovered the fun of ordering British books for delivery to the U.S. The very first novel that arrived was one by Jill Mansell. I went on to order a number of others. So, I was quite delighted when Mansell’s books began to be released in the U.S. and there were no more shipping charges.

Mansell’s books offer comfort reads. The characters are likeable, the plots are as involving as they to be with the sense generally that all will end well. That is the case in this case in this story that has warmth and humor.

Janey is rather rudely awakened one day when her sister Maxine arrives along with the police. What is going on? Well, Maxine wants to stay for a while. Will she and Janey get along? Will they find the relationships and lives that they want? Readers can guess the answer; the fun is in getting there.

This book was originally published in the 90s and has been reissued. It and the other books by this author are always entertaining reads.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for this title. All opinions are my own.

I was drawn to this title by the cover. It made me want to be in the place where the story is set.

The Lavender House is a women’s fiction title about Nancy. She is middle aged, divorced, has family responsibilities and gave up on some of her dreams when she married. Her daughter counts on Nancy for childcare help and more, while her mother needs her as well. As many know being in the middle of this “sandwich generation” is not always fun.

When Nancy meets Jim she starts to hope for something. Jim may not be the ideal candidate for a relationship; he drinks, is somewhat of a failed singer but…should it be up to Nancy or her family to decide her future?

Those who want to see how a woman navigates a life that is not always easy will want to take a look at this title. Those who enjoy novels by writers like Erica James may well find a good read in this long novel.

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

This title was published in 2017.

#TheBackyardBirdChronicles #NetGalley

Many know Amy Tan because of her novels including the wonderful The Joy Luck Club. Here readers get to spend time with a Tan who wants to feel closer to the natural world. It is an incredible treat!

This title is in the form of a journal. I found it to have many insights and observations. To add to the gorgeousness of this title, the illustrations are by the author herself.

Those who already know Tan’s novels, as well as those who love birds and/or nature and spending time with a wise woman, need to pick up this title when it is released.

Highly recommended.

Many thanks to Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage and Anchor as well as NetGalley for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 23 April 2024

The category of “Regency novel” has expanded to include many new authors and storylines. As is true in this title, there now seems to be more room for original storytelling, humor and a bit of mystery along with the romances that readers crave.

This is a fun read featuring the titular Lady Charlotte. When she does NOT want to be married to a man who may have killed his two previous wives, she wants to take action. Of course, this is not a recipe for a great marriage if true. Charlotte knows that she needs to find out more.

Charlotte is then led to the brother of this possible villain. He is very different. What will happen when Matthew, a doctor, and Charlotte meet? What will be discovered about the viscount? And, what does Matthew want to hide? With whom will Charlotte find romance? This is all enough to keep the pages turning.

Readers who enjoy this genre should definitely put this book on their spring reading list.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Forever Grand Central Publishing for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 05 March 2024