I have loved this author’s books ever since I happened upon The Lido (aka Mornings with Rosemary) a few years ago. The Vintage Shop is vintage Page and a perfect summer read.

In this book, in addition to learning about vintage clothing, readers primarily spend time with three characters. They are Lou, who is mourning the recent death of her mother, Donna who recently found out that she was adopted and Maggy whose husband divorced her. They are each facing challengers. The lives of these women intertwine in interesting ways and each grows over the course of these pages.

Readers spend time in both England and the U.S. What do these places and people have to do with the yellow dress on the book’s cover? Read this one to find out. I highly recommend it.

At Home with Today’s Creatives

by Elizabeth Metcalfe

#NewEnglishInteriors #NetGalley

What a visual treat this title is! I loved turning the pages and dreaming of all the places where I will (never) live.

This book showcases twenty-two interiors. I only recognized Cath Kidston’s name in that list but no matter. One does not have to recognize the names to enjoy what has been created. I was sold from the introduction where I saw a colorful bathroom. And, color is really featured in these interiors.

In addition to the gorgeous photos, there is also good text. The author notes that the interiors are rich with feeling and mood. I agree. She is a good guide and I enjoyed meeting those to whom she introduced me.

Whether or not a reader is thinking about decorating, this is a title that makes for a wonderful escapist read.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 01 October 2024

A Novel

by Toshikazu Kawaguchi

Sci-Fi and Fantasy

#BeforeYourMemoryFades #NetGalley

Have you ever wished that you could go back to the past? Is there something you wanted to say? Something you wanted/needed to do? Do you want to revisit a critical time? It might not be possible for you and me but it is exactly what the characters in Kawaguchi’s stories can do so long as they follow the rules.

In Before Your Memory Fades, third in the series, readers old and new can experience the magic of these opportunities. Here they will visit café Donna Donna which has some of the same magic as café Funiculi Funicula as in the earlier novels.

True to form, there are four stories in this collection. They feature:

A daughter who begrudges her deceased parents for leaving her orphaned

A comedian who aches for his beloved and their shared dreams

A younger sister whose grief has become all-consuming

A young man who realizes his love for his childhood friend too late

How will lives be changed? Turn the pages in the stories with a unique concept to find out.

To be enjoyed with your next cup of coffee. Your life may just be changed a bit too.

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

This book was published in 2022

Also by this author:

A lovely read: Tales from the Cafe

Is there time: Before we say goodbye

A Novel

by Brenda Novak

The Bookstore at the Beach is the second title that I have read by Ms. Novak, following her earlier novel, One Perfect Summer. As was true of that book, this is a long (448 pages) story that is filled with plot and character.

Readers follow and get to know the lives, struggles and joys of three generations of women from one family. The oldest is Mary. She runs a bookstore in a small town and leads a fairly insular life. Mary is not a risk taker. Why? What happened to her in the past that formed her attitudes and character? No spoilers so you have to read the book to find out.

Next up is Autumn, Mary’s daughter. She has come with her two children to spend time with Mary over the summer. Readers learn early on that Autumn’s husband has been missing for nineteen months, most likely related to his travel in Ukraine. Should Autumn hold on to hope that he will come back or…should she again become involved with her high school crush who lives in the town where Autumn is summering?

Finally there is Taylor, Autumn’s daughter. She was feeling numb and engaged in sexual activity without using birth control. Is she pregnant? If yes, how will this define her life? There is also a strong plot line about Taylor’s friendship with Sierra as Taylor wonders if she is in love with her.

The author holds onto all of the many plot strands without losing any of them. She tells a story that has some depth and that held my interest.

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

A Novel of Queen Elizabeth II and Her Beloved Corgi, Susan

by Eliza Knight

I have read a number of historical fiction titles that are about Princess/Queen Elizabeth and enjoyed them so I was quite excited about this book. It is by an author I already like. In fact, I purchased The Queen’s Faithful Companion even before I heard back reagarding my NetGalley request. (Thanks for the egalley to NetGalley and William Morrow. I now have two copies of this one.)

This was a very enjoyable read. It tells a story that many may know but with the addition of Susan. Susan was the first in a long line of corgis beloved by Elizabeth. Her presence adds to the fun of the book.

Readers also have the pleasure of meeting Hanna. She takes care of the dogs and gets to know Elizabeth well.

This book humanizes Elizabeth. After all, any dog lover has something in common with her.

It is easy to recommend this delightful read.

Pub date: 11 June 2024

From the Publisher

by Derry Brabbs

#GreatChurchesofLondon #NetGalley

Anyone who loves London and/or Ecclesiastical history will enjoy spending time with this title. There are so many gorgeous photos that draw the eye. The text is also filled with interesting history.

There are so many churches in London. I think that the author was wise to organize them by time period in this book. Because of this structure, readers are able to get a sense of changes over time. The book begins with the Medieval and Tudor era and moves to the 20th century in its last section.

I loved looking through this book. One does not have to be religious to appreciate what was built over time and what led to the building of these churches.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 10 September 2024

The Art of Betrayal

A Kate Hamilton Mystery

by Connie Berry

#TheArtofBetrayal #NetGalley

Here is the third (of five) in an enjoyable traditional mystery series. It can be read as a standalone but readers may want to enjoy the books from the beginning.

I enjoyed the English setting, the antiques, the connection to ancient folk tales, the relationships and, of course, the thefts, murder(s) and the mystery itself.

Kate and her boyfriend, who leads the investigation, are excellent companions as the case is solved. I look forward to reading more stories that feature them.

Anyone who enjoys traditional mysteries will want to take a look at The Art of Betrayal.

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

This title was published in 2021.

A Porter Beck Mystery

by Bruce Borgos

Bruce Borgos lives in the Nevada desert and it clearly shows in this thriller set in his home state. In this novel, there are a number of demands on Sheriff Porter Beck. He is in charge of a relatively small number of officers and he and they are tasked with covering a large territory.

Much happens over the course of this novel. A friend of Porter’s dies and another is attacked. In the following pages, there are hackers, drones and a young girl, Mercy, a clever hacker, who may be connected to some of what transpires. Matters are further complicated when she disappears. Don’t forget fentanyl, drones…and more.

Readers will enjoy getting to know the characters in this second title in a series. (I need to go back to the first one). They will also enjoy following the complicated action and plot. Luckily Burgos is in control in telling the story.

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

Pub date: 16 July 2024

From the Publisher

A Novel

by Vi Keeland

#TheUnraveling #NetGalley

Both therapists and their patients may well be blown away by this thriller. It poses questions about the boundaries in relationships between these two parties. The pages turn as readers hold their breath to see what will happen next.

Those who like twisty stories and who are okay with some darkness may want to give this one a look.

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

Pub date: 09 July 2024

From the Publisher

Editorial Reviews

Review

“[A] shocking debut thriller… Keeland keeps the twists coming hard and fast, and few readers will be able to predict them.” — Publishers Weekly

Charlotte Illes was once a child sleuth who had much success. Sometimes, as a person in her twenties, she wants to leave that identity behind. However, as readers of the first book in the series know, that does not seem to work out for her.

Charlotte and her friends (Lucy and Gabe) are back in this sparky and fun story. This time, Charlotte becomes a substitute teacher at her old middle school. Once again, she will be drawn into events that require her skill.

This title offers a fun and quick read. It is a “New Adult” title but older readers may enjoy it as well. It is easy to recommend this one.

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

Four stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐