This is the story of four friends who want to open a bookshop. They are Celeste who has recently been a carjacking victim; Toni, an influencer, with some big secrets; Leslie who is facing major crises with both her daughter and husband; and, Yasmeen who begins the book much less privileged than her friends.

This story was a bit over the top at times and melodramatic BUT I could not stop turning the pages. I really wanted to know how things would turn out for each of these women and their store.

As a bonus, the novel gives shout outs to a number of books. Readers may want to add some of these to their own lists.

Those who enjoy stories about friendship and women at crossroads will want to give this title a look.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for this title. All opinions are my own.

Four stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐

From the Publisher

Editorial Reviews

Review

“An inspiring read about the power of women’s friendships and how learning to trust those one loves best can be risky but ultimately rewarding.” —Library Journal


“satisfying…Readers who enjoy stories about women overcoming life obstacles will be drawn in.” —Booklist

With 40 Fun, Healthy Recipes

by DK

#SesameStreetLetsCookTogether #NetGalley

The cover of this book drew me right in. After all, how could a person resist Big Bird and Elmo in these food incarnations?

Kids and adults will enjoy this visit with the Sesame Street family in the kitchen. Note that children will need the help of an adult when they are ready to cook.

The book begins with a safety disclaimer that is not scary but is worth reading. There are additional introductory sections as well.

There are 40 healthy recipes in this book. They are grouped into categories titled Bright Breakfasts, Super Snacks, Yummy Lunches, Delicious Dinners and Healthy Treats. Just a few of the recipes are for Gonger’s Egg Surprise, Granola Cookie Bits, Grouch on Toast, Coconutty Chicken Bites and Mango Fro Yo-Yo. All have easy to follow directions and illustrations. I like that for each there are lists for ingredients and tools before the recipe. There are also sections called Helping Hand with extra tips.

The book concludes with a number of additional sections including a Guide for Grown Ups.

Here is a wonderful way to introduce a child to the fun and nutrition that can be found by preparing food at home. I highly recommend it.

Many thanks to NetGalley and DK-DK Children’s for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 13 August 2024

Trouble in Queenstown

A Mystery

by Delia Pitts

It is easy to recommend this debut mystery and series starter. The investigator is a Black woman who has returned to her New Jersey community and childhood home. There are many unsettling things going on beneath the surface of her hometown. When Vandy becomes involved in an investigation, murder and more will happen and much will be exposed.

There are twists, a good plot and a look at some important issues in these pages. Murder in Queenstown is definitely worth adding to a reading list.

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

Four stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

I’ve noticed a lot of e galleys for forthcoming holiday reads. Somehow, I forgot to post on this festive themed story.

I go to books by this author when I truly need to relax and escape. Ashley can be trusted to tell a story with decent people facing some obstacles and, hopefully, finding their happy endings. In this one, I enjoyed the setting and found myself hoping that this Christmas would be a happier one for Maisie. Will they arrival of an Australian looking for seasonal work make a difference? That just may be.

Read this one when you need to take a break from day to day life. You will finish it feeling better than when you started and happy to have visited Gull Island.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for this title. All opinions are my own.

This title was published in 2017

A Vera Stanhope Novel

by Ann Cleeves

I always am excited when a new novel featuring Vera Stanhope is published. The Dark Wives is classic Ann Cleeves and I think that the author’s fans will be delighted with this book. Any new reader could start here but I think that they will then want to go back to read all of the other titles. (Note too that there is a TV series featuring Vera).

IMPORTANT: Anyone who did not read the last book but is a fan of the series should know that there is a spoiler about Holly. I do not give that away below .

A care home for adolescents who are unable to live elsewhere features in the story. Four young people live there in a place that is profit making. Nonetheless, there are some who seems to care about their charges. A per diem worker named Josh was seemingly well liked and yet he is murdered early in the story. At the same time, Chloe, one of the teens and someone who had a crush on Josh, has gone missing. So…the plot begins.

What led Josh to take this job? Does it tie in to his feelings for an old girlfriend? To his interest in the arts? To something else? What leads to a second murder?There is a lot for Vera and her team, including newbie Rosie, to sort through.

Just a few of the things that I liked about this book were: the settings, the number of characters and their connections, the plot and the concern of the author for young persons in need. This is an atmospheric story that kept me wanting to read more. It is easy to recommend this one.

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

Pub date: 27 August 2024

Essential Skills to Recover from Stress, Trauma, and Adversity

by Glenn R. Schiraldi

Everyone faces setbacks and adversity at points in their lives. For some, each challenge is devastating and leaves a person unable to cope while others seem to manage similar situations with more equanimity. The author of this book would posit that one’s resilience (ability to cope and bounce back) deeply influences responses. So, what is one to do if they don’t feel very resilient? Maybe take a look at this title.

The author’s perspective includes a number of therapeutic viewpoints and techniques such as positive psychology and CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) among others. Readers engage with these in this workbook.

Just a few of the chapters are titled Rapid Relief Techniques, Self-Compassion, and Meaning and Purpose. Take a look, try some of the suggestions and see if they help you. They just might!

Many thanks to NetGalley and New Harbinger Publications Inc. for this title. All opinions are my own.

This title was published in 2017

A Rip Through Time Novel

by Kelley Armstrong

Ms. Armstrong offers an interesting and original take on the crime novel by adding a time slip element. Disturbing the Dead is the third in this series that also includes A Rip Through Time and The Poisoner’s Ring. Fans of the books will be excited about this new entry that may also gain new readers for the author.

Mallory Atkinson has found herself in Victorian Scotland rather than in her own time period in these stories. While very different, her life has been interesting as she assists a medical examiner. This time, weird events transpire around the unwrapping of a mummy. Whose body becomes part of an investigation? Find out in this fun read that includes many characters from the two earlier books.

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

Pub date: 07 May 2024

by Shauna Robinson

As soon as I see the word bookshop in a book’s title, I always want to know more and often go on to read the novel. We book lovers seem to love titles set in one of our favorite locations. That was certainly true for me in this case.

Readers will enjoy getting to know Maggie Banks. She moves to a small town to help run a friend’s bookstore. It turns out that this is a shop with rules about what can be sold. Maggie has her own ideas and begins to implement them. Will she be successful? Who should be informed about her decisions?

This is a book that, while easy to read, raises some questions about the ability to buy and read the books that we want and how bookstore agendas are set. See if you agree with the old guard who have their reasons or with Maggie.

Readers will cheer for Maggie as she begins to find herself and her voice. Her growth is something to applaud.

This book has a little of many enjoyable tropes. There are good characters, a small town a secret, a bit of romance and more.

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

Pub date: 01 November 2022

Four stars ****

I am a fan of a number of mysteries set in Ireland. Of course, there is Tana French. There are also Dervla McTiernan and Andrea Carter to name just two of my other favorites. Carlene O’Connor is another author whose new series , I am excited to read. This is the second title of those and it is a bit less cozy than some of the author’s other longer running series.

This is a story that can be read for its Irish setting, the characters and the mystery itself. The book opens when meteor showers/shooting stars are coming; some believe that they will bring good luck while others are not so sure. Readers can guess which predictions will be true.

The first victim is an elderly man while the second is a voluptuous young woman. She is camping with a group and the detective, Cormac was involved with one of them. How will that come back to haunt him?

In addition to the mystery there are backstories. Dimpna’s father has Alzheimer’s while Cormac’s mother has motor neuron disease and is failing. These personal situations impact the characters but do not keep these two from figuring out what has transpired.

This is a solid mystery and one that is worth a look.

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

From the Publisher

I’m reading The Best Celebrity Memoirs To Read This Summer,… on Everand. Check it out: https://www.everand.com/article/753673112