I love to read, recommend books and open the world of reading to others. I tutor to ensure that the next generation of readers will know the joys of a good book because their reading skills have improved. I am an avid reader, especially of mysteries and fiction. I believe that two of the world's greatest inventions were the public library and eyeglasses!
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.
The cover of this novel tells readers that it just might be a good summer read. The warmth of a day shines through. And, yes, this is a good book to read while at the beach or inside with the AC humming.
Warm locations are indeed settings in this dual time line story. Events in the past take place in Egypt at the time that the Suez Canal is being built. In the modern day, some storylines unfold on a wealthy New England beach enclave. Connecting the timelines and characters is a unique bracelet.
Much transpires in this story. In the 1950s Hannah has survived a tough war and married for safety. However, when she meets a hotel employee, what will happen to her (temporarily) secure life? What excruciating decision must Hannah make? How will this choice reverberate in the contemporary storyline?
In the present, a child has a severe reaction to a poisoned mushroom and needs a kidney transplant. Will his mom, Mallory, reach out to his now famous father to let him know that she was pregnant and needs a donor? How will her decision impact multiple lives?
What, other than a bracelet, connects the two stories that are told? Will there be happy endings for anyone? Read this atmospheric title to find out. It was enjoyable.
Many thanks to Random House Publishing Group and NetGalley for this title. All opinions are my own.
Brenda Novak writes stories that readers enjoy. That is again the case here. In Tourist Season, the story takes place in the summer which makes it a great read for August.
Ismay is visiting Mariner Island where she is awaiting the arrival of her fiancé Remy. However, events do not play out as expected. There is a hurricane and Remy cannot get there.
Alone in the house, Ismay learns some things. How will the things that she now knows impact her and (potentially) change her life? What will be the role of the estate’s caretaker? Readers will want to know.
This book will be enjoyed by those who already look forward to each new Novak title. It may also find some new fans for the author,
Many thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for this title. All opinions are my own.
The cover of this book invites the reader in. Here, kids can learn how others around the world enjoy special days. They can also read about their own family’s celebrations.
This title organizes holidays by type. There are entries for the New Year, Nature, Religious Holidays, Carnivals, days Noting the Dead, and others that mark the Memory of People and Important Events. There are also entries on Special Occasions.
Just some of the holidays covered include Rosh Hashanah, the New Yam Festival, Saint Jordan’s Day, Busojaras, Halloween, Saint Lucy’s Day and the Dragon Boat Festival. For each selection, there are colorful illustrations and information on the holiday.
The author notes that holidays bring people and communities together. This spirit comes through in this book.
This title belongs in home and school libraries. I recommend it.
Many thanks to NetGalley and NorthSouth Books for this title. All opinions are my own.
With Agony Hill, Ms. Taylor begins a new and compelling series. It follows on her recent four books that took place in both the States and Ireland. I had hoped that there would be a fifth title in the series that began with The Mountains Wild but sadly that is not to be (at least for now? I can hope).
That said, Agony Hill is a terrific series launch. I have so much admiration for how the author has created an entirely new world and set of characters in this story that takes place in Vermont in the 1960s. I
Franklin Warren has relocated to rural Vermont where he will be a detective. It is clear from early on that he has a backstory and a life that has included some complications. Warren is glad to be in a new community. However, challenges come to him even on his very first day.
A “back to the land,” eccentric and difficult farmer by the name of Weber has died in a fire on his land. It appears that it may have been suicide as the door is locked from the inside of the building. (Of course, veteran mystery readers will know to not trust this). Hugh has left behind a young widow, four sons and a baby on the way. How will they manage? Has Hugh provided for them at all? Hugh’s brother certainly hopes not.
This becomes a case for Warren to investigate. There is also a second fire death early in the book. (no more spoilers here). It will be complex and interesting as events unfold.
While there are many characters in this story, another one to notice is Alice. She too has a history. Her life has not been limited to her beautiful gardens.
All in all, this was an absorbing story. I spent much time reading it instead of doing other things that may have needed doing.
Fans of this author and those new to her will both enjoy this one. Highly recommended.
Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press-Minotaur Books for this title. All opinions are my own.
Pub date: 06 August 2024
Five stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
From the Publisher
Editorial Reviews
Review
Praise for Agony Hill
“The author of the Maggie D’arcy mysteries (A Stolen Child) launches a historical mystery series with a compassionate, vulnerable detective and a setting so vividly described it could be a character. Julia Spencer-Fleming fans will want to try this one.” –Library Journal (starred review)
From Kirkus Reviews:
VERDICT The author of the Maggie D’arcy mysteries (A Stolen Child) launches a historical mystery series with a compassionate, vulnerable detective and a setting so vividly described it could be a character. Julia Spencer-Fleming fans will want to try this one.
It has been close to thirty (!) years since Laurie R. King’s first Holmes and Russell novel, The Beekeeper’s Apprentice, was published. When I read this first in the series, I enjoyed viewing the Holmes canon through a new lens. Having recently read some Doyle works for a class, I was excited about spending time with King’s version of him, along with the inimitable Mary and other of his family connections.
This time the story is a fun one. I loved that there was a storyline about Damian Adler (yes, think of Irene) and his family. Where have they gone? Why did they flee? Holmes wants to find out.
Mary stays behind and in looking around the empty house, she finds some coded journals, along with memorabilia of a Holmes relation. Always up for a challenge, she will try to decipher these documents.
There is all of this plus India in the novel. King handles everything skillfully making this another terrific entry in a series that continues to intrigue.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for this title. All opinions are my own.
This is the penultimate entry in the Maisie Dobbs series. How I will miss her when she is gone! A Sunlit Weapon is an excellent addition to the Dobbs stories.
What I liked most in this book was the way in which Winspear created a world and opened that to readers. There is a fair amount about Maisie’s home life here including her marriage to American, Mark. Readers also see Maisie as a parent to Anna. She is willing to fight for her child and any parent who reads this one will perhaps relate to how painful it is when a child is unhappy. With Maisie on her side though, readers can certainly hope that Anna will soon feel better. Readers will also be glad to again meet up with Priscilla, Billy, Brenda, Maisie’s dad and so many others.
The mystery itself is complex and involving. Who is shooting down planes including some that are being ferried to bases by women? Why were two Americans involved in some dark plans? Will they suvive?
Also in the story is Eleanor Roosevelt. Feelings about her propel some of the plot forward.
There is social history in this book that readers will find of interest. The story of women pilots and the segregation in the U.S. military have places in the novel.
Winspear reminds me of the importance of the people for whom we care. She also continues to show Maisie’s growth. With Maisie on the case, readers can hope that some sort of order will be restored…even during war time.
I highly recommend this title and all of the books in the Maisie Dobbs series.
The cover of this novel drew me right in. It promised exactly what I needed during a stressful time. In these pages I knew that I would find Paris and food. In addition, reading the book I found characters about whom I cared.
Sophie Beaumont really knows the city and its culinary world. The descriptions of both helped me to feel that I was walking in many neighborhoods and tasting many treats. The cooking school itself sounded so special that I wished it were real.
Readers most closely follow three characters and those around them, including their romantic interests. Each has a backstory that readers get to know as they spend time with Kate, Gabi and Sylvie. Readers will want to witness their growth and will hope that they find happiness.
It is very easy to recommend this title. I very much look forward to whatever this author writes next.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Alcove Press for this title. All opinions are my own.
Kids who have visited or hope to visit some of the National Parks will enjoy this beautifully illustrated title. The stories are wide ranging and interesting as the book shows the many parks in their glory. Start with a look at the map of the U.S. Personally, I did not know that there were sites in Texas, North Dakota, South Carolina and more. I also didn’t know that there are sixty-three parks in all (info on those not featured can be found at the back of the book).
In these pages meet people important to the parks. Find out about the animals that make the parks their home. See and enjoy the natural beauties. Jump in anywhere and explore.
Here is a treasure trove to joyfully explore. I recommend this one.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for this title. All opinions are my own.
This book just made me smile. I love the colorful and engaging illustrations that feature beloved Sesame Street characters. I like the reminder (for both kids and adults) that there is much to be grateful for.
This book is perfect for any toddler’s bookshelf. They will enjoy the rhyming cadence in the text and seeing characters that they know.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Kids for this title. All opinions are my own.
Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too! 