I have been reading Ms. Winspear’s Maisie Dobbs’s novels ever since the first one was published back in 2003.  When the series began, the world was facing WWI.  Now. a number of books later, WWII is coming ever closer to England.

Against the backdrop of the rescue at Dunkirk, the author tells a story that includes a murder, heroism, a spy and war profiteering.  In writing this one, the author drew upon the experiences of her father during the war years.

The reader also spends time with Maisie’s in-laws, her father, Priscilla and her family, her employees and war time evacuee, Anna.  Long term readers of the series will rejoice in the opportunity to visit with them.

I have read books in the series that I liked a tad better but I NEVER regret time spent with Ms. Dobbs.  You won’t either.

From the Back Cover

Some reviews:

“The wartime details … transport us with ease to a milieu where danger is omnipresent but—thanks to the presence of steadfast figures like Dobbs and her like-spirited colleagues—so is hope.” (Wall Street Journal)

“Maisie Dobbs is always looking for truth and the underlying motives in her cases. Her stories are ones that this reviewer always wants to read because of her character, values and thoughts on life…. A story about WWII and England that is close to the heart.” (Bookreporter.com)

“Winspear’s protagonist is indomitable and vulnerable, brilliant and kind.” (Chelsea Clinton in Entertainment Weekly)

“A novel that appeals equally to the intellect and the emotions, To Die but Once advances Maisie’s engaging story and reaffirms Winspear’s eminence in her field…. [A] radiant series.” (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

“First-rate.” (Booklist)

“History comes alive when a character you think of as a friend is in the thick of the action. That’s how Jacqueline Winspear keeps her Maisie Dobbs series so fresh.” (New York Times Book Review)

Do you remember when you were young and all you wanted was to grow up?  Well, that is exactly how Little Bear feels.  He seeks advice from those he is close to but none of the advice works.  At the end of the story Little Bear’s parents let him know that he will grow little by little.

This book has a lovely message for children.  They will grow in time surrounded by those who love them.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this sweetly illustrated read. The opinions are my own.

#LittleBearWantsToGrow #NetGalley

Varina is the story of the woman who was married to Jefferson Davis.  The Holy Thief is part of the medieval Brother Cadfael mysteries.  The Shell Seekers was Rosamund Pilcher’s breakout novel.  I blogged about her death recently.  I very much enjoyed this novel when it came out.  It is a family saga and a good one.

This is a comprehensive look at the field of psychology.  It is a good reference for those who want an introduction to the subject but will also provide a good review and additional information for those who have already taken some courses.

The book is divided into chapters that address different aspects of Psychology.  These include:

What is Psychology

The Psychology of Learning

Cognitive Psychology

Biological Psychology

Developmental Psychology

Social Psychology

The Psychology of Intelligence

Personality Psychology

Clinical Psychology

Professional psychology

Future Directions

The chapters can be read in order or the reader can dip into just those that are of interest.  Concepts and clearly explained and defined.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this good resource.  The opinions expressed are my own.

On the Playground is a non-fiction title that introduces children to the ways in which prejudice can be hurtful and damaging. In an afterword, the author states: “When I was growing up, it was common to see other kids being bullied…Much to my shame, I remember doing nothing…I encourage all readers of this book to make better choices than I did.” The author wrote this book to help children understand and do better.

This is an informational text. It does not have a fictional story line. There are illustrations that are multi-cultural and multi-contextual. There is a hybrid of what seems like a read aloud with other sections that are related and instructional.

To this reader, the book did not seem like one that a child would pick up and read but more one that would be part of a discussion in a school setting. While I admired what the author hoped to, and does in many ways accomplish, I found the book to be a bit dry. Using this book as a jumping off point for discussion makes sense to me.

This is a child’s counting book that adults are sure to love too!  The illustrations are bright, appealing and in the style of ten different artists including Monet, Andy Warhol, Jackson Pollack, Frida Kahlo etc.  At the end of the book, there is additional information on each of the artists.  The picture book is an appealing addition (pun recognized) to the counting book genre.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher.  I truly enjoyed this one.

#KahlosKoalas #NetGalley