Month: July 2025

Before Covid I had never read a book by Ms. Novak. I started with One Perfect Summer and just kept going, also reading Summer on the Island, The Bookstore on the Beach, and When I Found You. All of these were enjoyable women’s fiction titles; each had a good setting storyline and characters. So, of course, I was eager to read this new book by the author.

The story takes place in a seaside community. Three friends grew up there. Ivy stayed and runs the library. Cam stayed; he became a talented architect. Ariana worked in New York in the publishing industry; she comes back to spend time with her grandmother.

The three all know of a tragic event that occurred when they were in high school. A girl went missing. What will be stirred up as events from the past spill into the present?

This book is a bit more of a mystery but retains many elements of the author’s talent for writing women’s fiction. I enjoyed this novel but did think that it had a bit of a slow start.

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

From the Publisher

Anthony Bourdain’s death left a void in the world of food adventure.  He has been mourned by many.  This book, however, provides a chance to celebrate Mr. Bourdain, the foods he ate and the places he went.  Starting with Argentina and progressing through the alphabet to Viet-Nam, this charmingly illustrated (with many line drawings) book offers riches to the reader. Fans of Mr. Bourdain will be excited to see this one.  Credit to Laurie Woolever who clearly helped enormously to get this book out.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

#WorldTravel #NetGalley

#BrainBoost365BrainGamesforAdults #NetGalley

I like doing puzzles, everything from crosswords to sudoku, to logic puzzles and acrostics. So, when I see a puzzle book, I always want to look inside.

Here is a collection of 365 puzzles, so one for every day. Included are code words, crosswords, cryptograms, flower puzzles, word searches, sudoku and more. Definitely, a lot for a puzzler to enjoy.

I will most likely purchase this one in its hard copy.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Cider Mill Press for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 14 October 2025

#BigHandwritingPracticeWorkbookforKids #NetGalley

I thought that the cover of this book was cute with its smiling cat inviting kids in. Throughout there are brightly colored illustrations that should help to keep kids engaged.

The book opens with an introduction for adults. This offers an explanation of what is in the title and tips for how to help young writers. Some activities to try are suggested.

Activities in the book itself include tracing letters, words and numbers, along with matching games, coloring, filling in the missing letter, and more. In addition to working on writing skills, there are some reading practice activities as well.

A completion certificate is included for kids who would like this.

To me, this looks like a very good workbook. I think that it would be important to work at the child’s pace or in shorter sessions so that they stay enthused.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Cider Mill Press for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 02 September 2025

www.nytimes.com/2025/07/16/books/review/new-summer-thrillers.html

www.nytimes.com/2025/07/17/books/review/new-book-recommendations.html

www.nytimes.com/article/jane-austen-books.html

www.nytimes.com/interactive/2025/07/14/books/review/french-book-movies.html

This book will interest those who are very interested in the foods that they eat, be that for personal or more professional reasons. It is very easy to dip in and out of this title which features foods from all the letters of the alphabet, starting with Acheke and ending with Yougurt (right after Yak butter).

Many but not all of these foods were familiar to me. All of the entries were interesting. Take Christmas Pudding for example. Who knew that in 1927 a giant one was made and presented to the Lord Mayor of London? What are all of the ingredients and from whence do they come? Any idea when the term pudding came into regular use in Britain? Ever wonder how it was made in various parts of what was once the British Empire years ago? Curious about Charles Dickens’ contribution? Find the answers in that entry. Readers will want to keep going and learn more. Plus, if you want to know even more, there are suggested resources.

This is a terrific and fun encyclopedia of food. It would make a great gift.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Columbia University Press for this title. All thoughts are my own.

Pub date: 12 August 2025

360 pages

More:

Using food as a lens through which to draw out the economic, cultural, and social changes wrought by globalization, contributors highlight both what’s lost when foods are stripped of their cultural specificity and how cultural exchange can produce creative and beneficial results. Readers will want to dig in. ― Publishers Weekly –This text refers to the paperback edition.

I had a real reaction to the end of this novel, though no spoilers here.  If you read it, or have read it, I’d love your opinion.

“In Jenna, [Jodi] Picoult has created an unforgettable character who will easily endear herself to each and every reader. . . . Leaving Time may be her finest work yet.”—Bookreporter

“[A] captivating and emotional story.”—BookPage
 
“With plenty of twists and a surprising ending, [Leaving Time] explores the grieving process and what happens when we cannot move on.”—Woman’s Day

“A moving and emotional story.”—Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
 
“A truly engaging read . . . Full of the deep characters and multilayered story lines that have earned [Picoult] a spot in many readers’ hearts.”—Library Journal

“Delivers a powerhouse ending.”—Booklist

“Memorable and poignant.”—Publishers Weekly