A Curious Collection of Creatures to Color

by Kanoko Egusa

Coloring is one of those activities that brings back nostalgic memories of childhood. How strangely satisfying it was to pick up a crayon or pencil from that Crayola set (the bigger, the better) and get to work. Coloring can similarly offer relaxation to adults. This book is definitely one that looks like it would be fun to have.

The cover drew (pun, again!) me right in. It just looks so inviting. The first pages are examples of completed pictures and they are gorgeous. They will inspire. The following detailed pages cry out for my colored pencils. I think that I will have to purchase this one!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Fox Chapel Publishing for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub Date 09 Jun 2022

GardenofFairytaleAnimals #NetGalley

From the Publisher

“The artwork in Garden of Fairytale Animals is absolutely gorgeous with so much charm and whimsy on every page. I want to live in this enchanting and magical world that Kanoko Egusa has created!” —Katie Vaz, Artist, Illustrator, Author of Make Yourself Cozy and Cottagecore Galore

About the Author

Kanoko Egusa was born in Sendai, Japan. After graduating from university, she studied professional design and drawing at a vocational school in Kanazawa and started to work as a freelance graphic designer in 2008. In 2011, she began kanoko egusa design atelier, creating illustrations depicting imaginary worlds filled with animals, flowers, and plants.

In her studio, Kanoko surrounds herself with the things and images that inspire her. She takes inspiration from nature and from antique books, postcards, and greeting cards. Kanoko begins each piece of art simply, hand drawing using a dip pen and ink. She then digitizes each illustration to make any adjustments and finishing touches. With each illustration, she seeks to capture vivid expressions and magical moments, full of emotion and life.

by Abby Jimenez

#YoursTruly #NetGalley

Here is a romance title with heart. It offers a warm and involving story about people who are both appealing and struggling at times. It has moments of comedy, drama and makes readers care.

The main characters are Brianna and Jacob. Both are ER doctors at the same hospital. Brianna has been there for a while and is expecting a promotion. Jacob’s arrival may spoil that prospect while for Jacob, himself, entry into this new hospital is not easy. Will these two follow the usual romance fiction trope? Readers will happily turn the pages to find out.

In addition to offering an engaging story, Ms. Jimenez takes on some bigger issues. One involves a character who is young and in need of a kidney donor; the impact of the condition on his emotional state is well described. Another was that Jacob suffered from anxiety. Ms. J did a good job of toggling between the serious and less so.

The title of this novel reflects that the protagonists got to know each other better through letter writing. Their anticipation of receiving written correspondence, not texts, made me want to go check my mail box.

Recommended for romance and fiction readers. I would definitely read other books by this author.

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

Pub date: 11 April 2023

Engineering for Change

by William Butler-Adams; Dan Davies

#TheBrompton #NetGalley

One of my kids bought a Brompton bike. It took a while to arrive but it was well worth the wait. I was amazed by its incredibly intricate,clever, puzzle like, design. Take a look at the cover to get an idea of what I mean. This bike folds in the most ingenious and useful way.

When the opportunity came to find out more about the company and its bikes, I eagerly requested an e galley. I came away so impressed by what Brompton does, why they do it and how they do it.

The book is divided into three sections; they are Making Bikes, Building a Company, and Changing the World. It was interesting to get insights into the Brompton’s way of making bikes and their mission. They have created a product that lets folks take their bike most anywhere. Surely, as we think about the environment, they are to be applauded for a good contribution to getting places easily and without polluting.

This book will be enjoyed by both bicyclists and environmentalists. Engineers and business students may also find this title to be of interest.

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

Pub date: 13 December 2022

Available Editions

This is free

Part of an older but good series.

The 37 best books of 2022

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/691a7e6a-5384-11ec-8d72-b8ab431649b1?shareToken=37b87f5e5b8048ae53d7a70a6848245b

Cat Family Christmas

A lift-the-flap advent book – With over 140 flaps

by Lucy Brownridge

Here is an adorable book for the advent season. I received an e galley of this title so did not have the fun of lifting the flaps. I am sure that kids will love doing that. This title is so sweetly illustrated and shows the anticipation of the cat family as they await the holiday and prepared.

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

From the Publisher

Explore the sweet illustrations and find the Christmas surprise behind each flap

Lift-the-flap advent book	Beautiful gold foil on the cover	Something to discover on each page

Prayers for Hope and Healing

Seeking God’s Strength as You Face Health Challenges

by Sarah Forgrave

In this title Sarah Forgrave, who has faced her own daunting challenges, wants to offer (religious) inspiration and comfort to others who may be suffering. She has put together a book of prayers and devotions that are personal to her and that a reader may find helpful. The title is organized by experiences beginning with the word “When,” as for example, When You Can’t Sleep. There are 44 sections in all.

Dip in in any order. Hopefully those facing issues big and/or smaller will walk away feeling better.

Many thanks to Harvest House Publishers and NetGalley for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 01 October 2017

by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara

#HedyLamarr #NetGalley

Here is a new entry in a series that encourages children to dream big as they learn about famous people who were once young themselves. This time the focus is on Hedy Lamarr. Adults may know her as an actress but there was much more to her story as will discovered here. Not only was Ms. Lamarr beautiful, she was also smart.

Young Hedwig dreamed up inventions from an early age. She grew up, began acting married, left a controlling husband and moved to Hollywood where she was successful. However, she even did more, creating a device that was used in WWII and was an early precursor to the internet-quite a lot for one woman.

The text is accompanied by glamorous illustrations befitting the subject. All in all, a really nice entry in this series.

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

Pub date: 03 January 2023

NOTE TO ADULTS: Hedy Lamarr is the subject of Marie Benedict’s The Only Woman in the Room.

FREE

More people read my review of this than just about any other book.

www.nytimes.com/explain/2022/how-to-be-a-better-reader