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 author of this cozy mystery knows her antiques, which adds to the pleasure of reading this title. Here is a British mystery in which readers follow clues along with Freya and her aunt Carole.
They both knew an antiques dealer named Arthur. When he dies in a fall, it seems pretty clear that there is foul play. They will try their best to find out what happened.
Their detection leads them to a manor house with many antiques. Readers will want to find out more about them.
At the same time, Freya has past history with Arthur. Readers will be curious to find out what went wrong between them and if that played into the current events of the story.
Anyone who enjoys a cozy mystery will hope that this is just the author’s first book. Will another come soon?
Many thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for this title. All opinions are my own.
Heather Marshall’s first novel reads like the work of a more experienced author. She delivers a compelling book on an important issue that has become increasingly contentious. In these pages, through her characters, Ms. Marshall humanizes the tricky topic of women’s reproductive rights and (sometimes lack of) choices.
Readers get to know a number of characters in several timelines over the course of the novel. Stories converge in ways that feel just right.
Main characters in the novel include those below:
Evelyn become pregnant only to have her fiance die; she wanted her baby but had no support. What happens to each of them? Watch what Evelyn does with her life.
Evelyn becomes good friends with Maggie. They help one another to get through some painful experiences. How will Maggie’s life relate to those of other characters?
Clara faced a life and death situation when she found herself pregnant. How will she cope with the choice that she made?
How does Nancy’s life fit into that of other women in the book? What big secret was kept from her daughter and what will happen when it is known?
And what about Angela? How will an old letter impact her and at least one other woman?
This is a story of all that can happen when a woman faces a pregnancy. I think that is why the author chose to have so many characters. The story is told with compassion and a bit of righteous anger.
The scandals around homes for unwed mothers that are described here echo the Magdalen Laundries of Ireland. It is painful to recall that young women in need of compassion were unable to find this during the time period of the story. It was also impossibly difficult for those who chose an abortion during the same time. They knew that the risks were high and that they could die. Imagine the fear. Medical professionals who chose to help others through an underground network knew that the risks were also great for them as those women Looking for Jane found them.
This book offers a wide point of view. There are women who become pregnant when they are not ready, there are those who are unable to have children or are struggling with infertility, those impacted by adoption, and the young women who are influenced by the decisions that their mother made. There are no judgments about any of them, just an open and caring attitude.
This is a moving novel that reads quickly even as it deals with big topics. I highly recommend ti. Be sure to read the author’s own thoughts on her book.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for this title. All opinions are my own.
Pub date: 07 February 2023
From the Publisher
Editorial Reviews
Review
“Clever and satisfying . . . [Looking for Jane] has the potential to remain pertinent for generations.”
—The Associated Press
“Marshall vividly brings to life the dangers involved with operating Jane… a page-turner… readers will be moved by the courage and thoughtfulness with which these characters face their dilemmas.”
—Publishers Weekly
“Marshall makes an absorbing debut with a timely novel about the complexities of pregnancy and motherhood… [a] deftly braided narrative, Marshall keeps the tension high as she reveals the devastating consequences of denying women autonomy over their bodies. A charged topic handled with sensitivity and compassion.”
—Kirkus Reviews
“This timely novel about motherhood and choices is a must for all fiction collections.”
Patti Callahan Henry’s novel, Becoming Mrs. Lewis, is one of my favorite books of all time. I similarly loved Once Upon a Wardrobe. Now I want to read every title of hers. So, I was very happy to spend time with this novel.
The Secret Book of Flora Lea is a book that I enjoyed very much. I found that I wanted to read it slowly so as to savor the story and the time that I got to spend with the characters. I also delighted in the many literary references that were scattered through these pages. (Mecklenburgh Square, a pen of Virginia Woolf’s and many more)
Henry creates a fully realized world in this novel, both in her characters’ pasts and presents, but also in Whisperwood, the special place that two sisters shared in their imaginations.
This is a story with a timeline during WWII and another that begins in 1960. In the 30s, Flora and her older sister, Hazel, are sent to the countryside to keep them safe from London’s bombs… but something happens to Flora. This leaves Hazel alone and bereft. How and why did Flora disappear…and what is the meaning of a book that Hazel “borrows” from her employer? Readers, start here and then you will want to keep going.
This is the sort of novel that will resonate with its readers. I think that they will both like and admire Hazel as she goes on a quest. I highly recommend this one.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Atria books for this title. All opinions are my own.
Kids will enjoy this biography of the child who grew up to be nicknamed Lightning Bolt because he was just that fast! Here is the story of how his natural talent, a few obstacles and persistence led to Usain Bolt becoming one of the very best athletes ever in his sport, maybe even THE best. Readers will also learn how he has given back. All in all, an excellent biography.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for this title. All opinions are my own.
So many know the poem of Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s that begins “How do I love thee? Let me count the ways…” Many also may know that Robert and Elizabeth were deeply attracted to one another. But…how many know the background of their story with the restrictions of Victorian life, strong fathers and connections to Jamaican sugar plantations? How many know where they went to live and how they fared?
Ms. Mc Neal pens excellent historical fiction here. The people are brought to life and some new insights are offered. Historical fiction fans are in for a treat as are admirers of these poets.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Algonquin Books for this title. All opinions are my own.
Jennifer Ryan has a talent for writing absorbing historical fiction. She began with The Chilbury Ladies Choir, a book that I very much enjoyed. Next came The Spies of Shilling Lane and then The Kitchen Front. I recommend all of these. The Wedding Dress Sewing Circle is the next, English set, WWII story by this author. I really enjoyed it and recommend it highly.
This is a story that, to me, was about change and transformation. Do people have to stay in their strictly defined (by them or others) roles or can they move toward the lives that they want? Watch the characters to find out.
Readers follow three women whose lives and circumstances have been impacted by loss, the war and a heretofore acceptance of given roles. First is Grace; she is the daughter of a village vicar. When Grace’s mother died she stepped up to support her father. Grace, who puts her own needs last, is a very kind “do-gooder”. She is scheduled to marry another vicar but is she settling? What will happen when she again encounters the son of the squire who was a childhood friend? Readers will want the best for this good and likeable character.
Then there is Violet. She accepts and relishes her place in society. She is a rather self-important snob as the novel opens. When Violet is called up to do war work, how will she change? What talents will she discover? How will her views of people change? Violet has always wanted to marry a title, maybe even more than the man. What will happen when she meets a brash American?
Last, but definitely not least, there is Cressida. She is a successful fashion designer whose life is upended by the Blitz. Cressida is Violet’s aunt and Grace’s father is an old friend. Will Cressida and Grace’s father let go of their past grief enough to perhaps get together? Even if a reader thinks that they know the answers, there is pleasure in reading this title.
The author, in addition to telling her characters’ stories, provides readers with an interesting take on the period. Through fashion, readers learn about the system of clothing coupons and a contest for making do in a fashionable way with less. Cressida enters this contest. She also helps Grace to refashion her mother’s beautiful wedding dress…and, by the way, what is the history of this dress? And, of course, there is the sewing circle.
I truly loved this book. I enjoyed the people, the setting and the historical context. Even if you suffer from WWII historical fiction fatigue, I recommend that you read this one!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House-Ballentine for this title. All opinions are my own.
I read and enjoyed this author’s first, The Department of Rare Books and Special Collections, so was intrigued by this second novel set in the world of books.
Here is a locked room mystery that fans of that genre will enjoy. However, they may feel differently in going into libraries for a while.
A group of friends hopes that a night in the library will be transformative and it is…just not in the way that they hoped.
This is a suspenseful read. Many thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for this title. All opinions are my own.
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.
Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too! 