What Taylor Swift has achieved in her career is pretty amazing. She has to be one of the most popular singers ever. This entry in the good series tells her story.

Readers learn that Taylor grew up in a family that loved music Once she discovered country music, Taylor knew what she wanted to do even if she felt isolated from her peers at times. She has gone on to sing in many genres for her fans. Her hard work and persistence make her a role model for those with dreams.

This book is delightfully illustrated. There is additional information at the back.

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

Four stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐

From the Publisher

On a Christmas Tree farm in Pennsylvania, lived a girl named Taylor. She believed in the power of songs to tell stories and change the world.	Some of the kids at school didn’t understand but Taylor managed to shake it off!	She took her first steps towards stardom by recording a demo of cover songs and sent it to record labels in Nashville, the home of country music.

She’s won several Grammys by writing heartfelt lyrics that have become loved by millions around the world.	Despite the obstacles in her way, Taylor has always stood up for what she believes in, and always believes in herself!	While her list of records and awards kept growing, being a kind person was still her main goal.

 #BookTribLitPicks #NetGalley

This title is free (!) and a real gift to readers. Included are excerpts from many books. Learn about and try works by Don Winslow, Tessa Bailey, Terry Hayes, James Comey, Grady Hendrix, James Clavell, Gill Paul, and many others in the fiction section. There is also a section of non-fiction and self-help titles. The collection is organized by genres so it is very easy to browse. For each, there is a copy of the book’s cover and a description including information about the author.

It is very easy to recommend this one. Get your copy now and make your reading list!

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

Pub date: 14 June 2024

New thrillers for June — a missing child in the south of France

https://www.thetimes.com/article/6f2ce595-8cb8-4515-b4f5-9a377fc65caa?shareToken=de6923f3fc4b24bdaee66816ede66657

Sandwich (Catherine Newman)

Sandwich #NetGalley

Any women who have felt that they were a part of the “Sandwich” generation will welcome sitting down on a summer’s day to read this story. Those who are not sandwiched will also enjoy the setting, characters and look at a life that are offered in this title.

As I read this one, I thought of the many kinds of sandwiches that there are for Rocky. It is not just between her children and older relatives. She is in the middle of the sandwich between her regular life and this one week away. Rocky is also sandwiched between her past and future.

Readers will enjoy getting to know Rocky and those around her. They will also enjoy some (virtual) beach time as they turn the pages of a story that can be funny, nostalgic and reflective..

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

Four stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐

From the Publisher

#TheComfortofGhosts #NetGalley

Like many readers, I first met Maisie Dobbs twenty years ago. That, in itself, seems remarkable to me. Winspear has kept the series fresh over many books. Readers have watched Maisie develop and grow into herself. Watching Maisie evolve has always been one of the best parts of the books. The mysteries and depictions of war’s impact on people have also been well done.

I will miss Maisie, her husband, her daughter, Billy, Lady Compton and so many others. I hate to see the series end. However, all credit to Winspear for ending in such a satisfying way.

I am not giving much detail on the book. I want to leave that for the reader as they savor their final visit with Maisie. It has been quite a run!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Allison & Busby for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 04 June 2024

The Madam Secretary of the title refers to Frances Perkins. She was the first female cabinet member and Secretary of Labor during FDR’s tenure in the White House. (Anyone who collects Social Security is in her debt.) While clearly this was the pinnacle of Frances’s career, she did much before attaining this post and she also witnessed much history.

Frances saw what happened at the Triangle Shirtwaist Company and was deeply impacted. She worked for Al Smith, a veteran New York politician. She was involved in many progressive issues after receiving her education at Mt. Holyoke College and Penn.

Frances interacted with many well know figures of the day, one of whom was Sinclair Lewis. Readers spend time with FDR and Eleanor as well as France’s close friend, nee Mary Harriman. The era in which she lives feels very real.

In addition to her professional life, Frances had a complicated personal life. No spoilers so learn about her husband when reading.

This is historical fiction at its best. I highly recommend this immersive read.

An e book bargain today

#HowtoSolveYourOwnMurder #NetGalley

It is hard to believe that this is Kristen Perrin’s first novel. She writes with an assured hand and keeps readers turning the pages in her take on a traditional mystery.

The story-Frances Adams was a teen growing up in the sixties when she went to see a fortune teller. She was given a very detailed and particular warning of things to watch out for. Much of her subsequent life was spent trying to evade her own death by nefarious means. On this night, Frances was with her friends Emily and Rose. They have roles to play in the story.

Frances had a niece and grandniece who are living an eccentric London life as the story opens. When Annie is summoned to meet with Frances’s lawyer in the small town where Frances has an estate, off she goes. There she meets Walt, the attorney and his relative, Oliver. She also encounters the annoying Elva and her family.

Not a spoiler because this happens early in the story, Frances is found dead. Who will inherit her money? Who killed her? Find out in this very enjoyable novel.

It is easy to recommend this title. Hopefully, Ms. Perrin will keep writing twisty, fun mysteries.

Many thanks to Penguin Group-Dutton for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 26 March 2024

From the Publisher

“The pace is quick, the red herrings are plentiful, and Annie’s growth from timid wannabe writer to confident sleuth is beautifully rendered. Combining elements of Agatha Christie, Anthony Horowitz, and Midsomer Murders, this is a richly entertaining whodunit from a promising new talent.”—Publishers Weekly

“Perrin juggles characters and clues with aplomb, sketching in the past via teen Frances’ journals and immersing readers in the present through Annie’s determined, good-hearted point of view. Readers will root for her as she gains hard-won confidence in this entertaining exploration of family secrets.”—BookPage

I have been following this series ever since the first book, A Pedigree to Die For, was published in 1995. Watching Melanie and her little boy Davy grow over the years has been a consistent pleasure. I’ve also enjoyed learning quite a bit about poodles (like why they are made to look as they do in shows) and other canines.

Each book offers a traditional mystery as is the case here. This time the murder victim is a wealthy philanthropist. Who did it? Why? Follow along with Melanie as she figures everything out.

Currently Berenson has been writing a series based on Rose and Peg. Peg has had a role in this older series as well. Both series are fun for lovers of traditional mysteries.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for this title. All opinions are my own.

This title was published in 2017

#Sandwich #NetGalley

Any women who have felt that they were a part of the “Sandwich” generation will welcome sitting down on a summer’s day to read this story. Those who are not sandwiched will also enjoy the setting, characters and look at a life that are offered in this title.

As I read this one, I thought of the many kinds of sandwiches that there are for Rocky. It is not just between her children and older relatives. She is in the middle of the sandwich between her regular life and this one week away. Rocky is also sandwiched between her past and future.

Readers will enjoy getting to know Rocky and those around her. They will also enjoy some (virtual) beach time as they turn the pages of a story that can be funny, nostalgic and reflective..

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

Pub date: 18 June 2024

Learn about the fictional archetype of cleric as part-time detective and discover a range of relevant book series.
— Read on www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/specialfeatures/sacred-sleuths-clergy-as-amateur-detectives-in-fiction/