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!
In this title, feelings become anthropomorphic and tell their stories. Some of the feeling critters who are included are nostalgia, patience, anxiety, courage and curiosity.
The story in these pages could be seen as one for adults and/or children. It starts in the festive season as nostalgia thinks about Christmas.
The illustrations are detailed and delightful. They are sure to be enjoyed.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Pushkin Press for this title. All opinions are my own.
Some Jane Austen fans are absolute purists and read only her original works. Others enjoy various iterations of Austen’s stories. For those in the latter category, this series by Claudia Gray is a lot of fun. The newest title featuring Lady Catherine de Bourgh is the third book and it is delightful.
The premise of the series is that a son of Fitzwilliam Darcy and Elizabeth Bennett, and a young woman, Juliet Tilney, with connections to Northanger Abbey, solve cases together. They make for a charming (if not yet romantic) couple as they go about their work.
Credit to this author for her wittiness and her clever use of existing Austen characters along with the ones that she, herself, has added to the mix. In addition, she has created a good plot.
Will Lady Catherine be alive at the end of this title? Pick it up to find out.
This novel, set in post WWII England, is a story about the women who made Princess Elizabeth’s wedding gown. Part of the story takes place in 1940s Britain while there is also a modern thread (no pun intended). I think that this was an absorbing and fun read.
“Robson deftly weaves issues of class, trauma, romance, and female friendship with satisfying details of Ann and Miriam’s craft. This unique take on the royal wedding will be an easy sell to fans of Netflix’s The Crown and a sure bet for readers of women-centered historical fiction.” (Booklist (starred review))
“Robson vividly brings to life these three women’s struggles. Historical details about fabric, embroidery, and the royal family are well incorporated into their stories, with light romance rounding out this charming work of historical fiction.” (Library Journal)
“Robson’s novel shifts deftly between… Toronto to London in 2016… giving meticulous attention to the historical detail of post–World War II London. A fascinating glimpse into the world of design, the healing power of art, and the importance of women’s friendships.”
(Kirkus Reviews)
Welcome back Richard Jury and Co! After reading The Man with a Load of Mischief, I always looked for books in this series. Then, I moved away from them…not sure why, the books or me. But, I will tell you that I very much enjoyed The Knowledge. All of the trademarks are here; characters including Wiggins, Melrose Plant, Diane, etc. and of course the preternaturally smart, cunning and ingenious child(ren). On top of this there is Africa, Art, Astrophysics, the Stars and murder, all of which line up as perfectly as an eclipse. If you enjoy traditional British style (author is American) mysteries with a twist, read this novel!
We live in a world in which we are hyper connected and seemingly available absolutely all the time. It can be exhausting. An antidote to this state of being is to actively seek out solitude. In this book that is written by academics, the average reader can also learn a great deal. The authors include a psychologist, a science writer, and an expert in studying solitude in lab conditions.
The authors help readers to understand the benefits of alone time (as distinguished from loneliness) and the ways in which it can boost well-being. There are many advantages as becomes clear, even if it is sometimes tricky to be alone with one’s self.
The authors note the limitations of their work in an emerging field of study. They acknowledge that most studies have been with college students or older adults and that more needs to be understood about other age groups. They also acknowledge their largely Western perspective. Despite this, there is much of value in this title.
I found this book to be quite readable and informative. The reader is immediately drawn in with the description of Beryl Markham and her solo flight. There are many instances of people’s stories along with the information in this title. It is definitely worth a look and some thought.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Cambridge University Press for this title. All opinions are my own.
This is another book set in France during WWII. Before you think that you’ve read enough of these, give this one a chance. It is an engaging and involving read.
The Paris Dressmaker follows several women and the men and families that surround them. Lila is a talented dressmaker and designer. Lila’s closest friend is Amelie, another seamstress. Then there is Sandrine and her close friend Michelle. Sandrine works at the Jeu de Paume. Each of these characters faces moral decisions, choices and moments of fear and courage.
The settings in this book are wonderfully rendered. There are the dress salons, a bookstore, the Jeu de Paume, a bakery, The Ritz..and the list goes on. Each is vividly portrayed as are the streets of wartime Paris.
This is a novel that tells moving stories of love, friendship, resistance, traitorous behavior, courage and consequences. The narrative moves back and forth in time from 1939 and into the 1940s.
I became quite involved in the lives and stories of these characters. I think that readers will as well.
I alternated between reading this book and listening to it. The narration was excellent with characters well delineated and the French accents of the characters.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.
The CrimeFest Awards will be presented at the convention Gala Awards Dinner. Awards include Specsavers Debut Crime Novel Award.
— Read on www.crimefest.com/awards-cf/
![The Gown: A Novel of the Royal Wedding by [Robson, Jennifer]](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51sIOsfhcTL.jpg)
Fans of The Crown rejoice!
Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too! 