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!
The engaging cover of this entry in the long running series tells young readers one thing about Rudolph. Of course, that is that she was a medal winning athlete. While this is true, there is more to Wilma’s story than this.
Just for a start, young Wilma had nineteen siblings! This will undoubtedly amaze kids. Also, readers will be impressed to learn how she went from having polio to her great successes. Also impressive was the way in which Wilma stood up for civil rights.
There is much to love in this story. It is easy to recommend this entry on little people with big dreams.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for this title. All opinions are my own.
Ethan Joella’s books hit the sweet spot for many readers. He tells stories about people who seem very real and who face the same sorts of issues that any of us might. Joella writes with heart and this adds to his appeal.
A Little Hope tells the story of people who live in a small town, in this case in Connecticut. One couple who lives there with a much loved young child are presented with a life changing crisis. The story is about how they and those around them make their way through this time. Alongside this family, readers get to know many others in the town, many of whom face their own challenges.
The New York Times calls this one “poignant and quietly powerful.” I agree.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Muswell Press for this title. All opinions are my own.
This title is part of a series that introduces the very youngest readers/listeners to some of the great ballets. This time, the ballet is that childhood favorite, The Nutcracker. The story is short and simply told, the illustrations are engaging and, in the hard copy, there are excerpts from the music. All of these aspects make this book one to add to a little one’s library.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for this title. All opinions are my own.
Close to Death is a take on an AgathaChristie style mystery with the additional spin of this author”s cleverness. It is the latest in the series that features Detective Hawthorne and, yes, the character Anthony Horowitz.
This time the structure of the book is a bit different. Hawthorne, who gives Horowitz case material for his novels, is revealing a past puzzler. Some of the novel is a take on those events and other parts involve the perspectives of the two protagonists.
A close is a kind of dead end street. In this upscale one, a number of neighbors detest the newest family. The annoying, inconsiderate and very wealthy Kenworthy is murdered. The suspects include a GP, a retired barrister, two elderly former nuns, a chess grandmaster, a dentist and those around them. Whodunnit? Why? The pages turn as readers wait to fond out.
Last year I heard the author speak. He was very entertaining, just as he is in his writing. i think that he was enjoying himself here. The book offers a good read.
Note that, although this is part of a series, it can be read on its own.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper for this title. All opinions are my own.
Natasha Lester writes historical fiction that I very much enjoy. In each of her novels, this author successfully develops characters about whom readers will care. She also has interesting plots that offer perspective on WWII and its aftermath. What makes her special for me is the way that she also incorporates fashion seamlessly (pun was not intended) in her stories.
Alix St. Clair has had a challenging life. She was orphaned young, taken in by a close friend’s family, educated in Switzerland and expected to marry well (to Bobby). Life surely did not go to plan however as readers will quickly discover.
This is a story that takes place in more than one time period. In the most recent, postwar era, Alix is working for Christian Dior just as his fashion house is coming into being. The scenes in this atelier are wonderful to read; I was inspired to look up many of the dresses described in these pages.
Other sections of the book are about Alix’s work and life during WWII. She experienced the most awful of betrayals and wants to avenge some deaths. In doing so, she becomes involved with an American journalist. They have common experiences and a common foe…and maybe an attraction to each other. There are many other characters woven into the narrative; these include people both bad and good.
This long (432) and immersive read is highly recommended to historical and women’s fiction lovers who enjoy stories about the war. I give it four plus stars.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for this title. All opinions are my own.
Pub date: 10 January 2023
From the Publisher
Editorial Reviews
Review
“The Three Lives of Alix St. Pierre braids espionage, fashion, and a broken-but-unbowed heroine together into one fascinating tale. Natasha Lester weaves a triple-stranded delight!”—Kate Quinn, New York Times bestselling author of The Diamond Eye
“Natasha Lester has done it again with this sumptuously written page-turner! Alix St. Pierre is everything that makes an admirable heroine – independent, plucky, and clever as the story spans from the fashionable world of Dior in Paris to the fascinating intrigue of international espionage in neutral Switzerland. The Three Lives of Alix St. Pierre is a captivating novel that readers will absolutely adore.”—Madeline Martin, New York Times bestselling author of The Last Bookshop in London”Natasha Lester has expertly woven a brilliant heroine who is as brave in the fashion world as she is spying on the enemy. From page one, I was completely captivated by her daring and enamored with the glamour of Paris fashion. Unputdownable!”—Eliza Knight, USA Today bestselling author of The Mayfair Bookshop
Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too! 