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!
This collection focuses on the importance of all that can be done for the environment. Rather than being doom scrollers, the writers of this book present a more hopeful outlook.
I love that the authors begin by noting that anytime is a good time for a story. What could be more true. Reading is the perfect anytime, low tech activity for an adult to share with a child.
Included in this beautifully illustrated collection are stories from around the world, beginning with Indonesia and ending with Canada. Birds, beasts, water creatures are all here.
This is a good book for a home or pre-school or early elementary school library.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group. All opinions are my own.
Four Alarm Homicide is the sixth entry in this traditional mystery series. Once again, Ms. Kelly tells a good story. Fans of her books will be delighted.
This time, a firehouse in Nashville is a property that is of interest to carpenter Whitney and her cousin Buck. The two are also approached by Joanna who needs some help. When she later seems confused, Whitney and Buck need to figure out what is going on.
Angry neighbors, renovations, murder, a cat…what else could a cozy reader want?
This is an enjoyable entry in the series. Note that the books do not have to be read in order.
Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this title. All opinions are my own.
When I was a Junior in high school, I asked my mother what her favorite book was. She told me that it was The Forsyte Saga. I read the book at that point to feel a connection with her and enjoyed it. I have read the whole saga again several times and still love these novels.
The books may seem slow to you and a bit old fashioned as you start but I highly recommend giving them a chance. The characters come to life, the relationships are well described and a period of English life is well portrayed. Among the memorable characters is Soames who wishes to not just marry, but to possess, Irene. There is Bossiney the architect who has relationships with several characters after he is hired by Soames. There are Jolyons old and young and scores of members of the clan. You will get to know them well. Characters are nuanced, even those whom you may not like, you will come to understand.
The books have been made into TV series twice. In one there were 26 episodes, I think. More recently, in fewer episodes, the series starred Damian Lewis as Soames. This version is on Amazon Prime. However, try reading before watching…please.
Review
”[The Forsyte Chronicles are] a social satire of epic proportions and one that does not suffer by comparison with Thackeray’s Vanity Fair…the whole comedy of manners, convincing both in its fidelity to life and as a work of art.” —New York Times
About the Author
John Galsworthy (1867–1933) was an English short story writer, novelist, and playwright whose work spanned the better part of four decades. Author of more than seventy books, Galsworthy is best remembered for the Forsyte Saga as well as its follow-up trilogies, a Modern Comedy and End of the Chapter. A tireless champion of women’s rights, prison reform, and free speech, Galsworthy turned down knighthood out of the belief that writing was a reward within itself. His works have often been adapted for television and film, and in 1932 he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature.
Janet Skeslien Charles’s novel, The Paris Library, was historical fiction at its best, and here, with Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade, she offers readers another emotional and compelling story. Charles takes a part of WWI history about which I knew nothing and brings it to textured and detailed life.
The Miss Morgan of the title was of the daughter of J. Pierpont Morgan . She went to France to help those who experienced the devastation that comes from losing everything held dear. For this community, survival was a daily challenge. The American Committee for Devastated France wanted to offer assistance and hope. This group of international women helped rebuild destroyed French communities building relationships in the process..
Children’s librarian, Jessie (Kit Carson) works as the New York Public Librarary as the story opens. Her boss is very critical and is a constant voice in Jessie’s head. Jessie wants to do more and volunteers to go to France. She brings her talents, insecurities, many books and her love of them (especially perhaps Anne of Green Gables) with her.
In addition to Jessie and Miss Morgan readers meet doctors, nurses, cooks and other brave women. And, of course there are the people of the community. Readers are sure to want the very best for them. Just two of these characters are a young teen who loves to read and drive, and a woman devastated by the loss of her husband and baby. The remnant that she has left is a book that was written by her husband and that Jessie restored.
What the American women accomplished and created was nothing short of amazing. Readers will be engaged by their stories and works. Note too that Jessie was honored by France for her accomplishments in the field of children’s libraries.
As is often true in historical fiction, there is, in addition, a story set in a time close to the present. This features a young woman who is microfilming at the NYPL and learns of Jessie’s story. Readers trust that the storylines will intersect and indeed they do.
This is a novel for anyone/everyone who adores books, historical fiction, and good storytelling with emotional resonance. Very highly r4ecommended.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for this title. All opinions are my own.
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.
Charlotte Philby draws the reader right into her newest novel. The prologue sets the stage for a twisty tale. Who is Judy? What has she done that has led her to her actions? How will her choices reverberate for her daughter? What does it mean to have a past invade the present? Find out in this novel. It would make for a good summer read.
Many thanks to Harper Collins UK for this title. All opinions are my own.
Trace Elements A Comissario Guido Brunetti Mystery by Donna Leon is an e book bargain for 29 April 2024
Where I live, the weather is currently cold and the days are short. When Trace Elements takes place during a summer in Venice, it is as hot as hot can be. Clothes are sticking, meals need to be light and our detective, Guido Brunetti is mystified by the tourists who want to be in Venice at this miserable time. I could feel the heat and the need to drink mineral water. All of this is to say that Ms. Leon is a master at creating her scenes and characters. When Brunetti was eating his cheese and salad, I salivated. When I followed this essentially good man throughout the story, I wanted to know him and his colleagues as real people. When Brunetti was with his wife, Paola, I wanted a marriage like theirs. All of this adds verisimilitude to a novel that, in parts, is deeply tragic.
Tue story begins when Brunetti and a female colleague go to visit Benedetta, a women in hospice care, who is dying a miserable death from cancer. Readers will feel great sympathy for this character’s suffering. Before she dies, Benedetta presents Brunetti and Claudia Griffoni with something to investigate. They learn that Benedetta’s daughters are about to become orphans as Benedetta’s husband recently died in a crash. Was his death an accident? If it was murder how, if at all, does it relate to his job?
In Trace Elements (an apt title), the crime as it relates to Venice feels all too plausible. Ms. Leon has done her research and written a believable and sad tale of human corruption and its consequences. Wrong actions happen but the reasons for them differ.
This title is the latest entry in Donna Leon’s long running series about Guido Brunetti. It is a most excellent novel and I recommend it highly.
Jenny Colgan’s many fans will be delighted by her newest, standalone book. They will literally be in the skies as they spend time with pilot Morag. The descriptions of flights and landscape are a lovely part of the novel.
When the book opens, Morag has had a crisis. There was a most unfortunate incident while she was flying. Although Morag puts up a brave front, she is reeling and a bit frightened of returning to her job. One upside though was the potential for romance with Hayden, a man from HR whom she met in her follow up to the incident noted above. Is he the one or will someone else be?
As Morag is struggling so is her grandfather. He is one of a line of pilots in Morag’s family and he needs Morag’s help. As a result, Morag returns to northern Scotland where he has offered a wonderful flying service to the folks of the islands. The story picks up from there with a big event being an unexpected landing and time spent with a scientist on a very small island. Here is the potential someone else as noted above.
Ms. Colgan offers her readers a lovely story as is her habit. Recommended for summer reading lists and those who enjoy romance/women’s fiction.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Avon/Harper Voyager for this title. All opinions are my own.
The Three Dahlias is a traditional mystery that is reminiscent of titles published during mystery’s “Golden Age.” It will be enjoyed by those who like to sink into a long (373 page) crime novel that is not overly violent.
The Dahlias of the title are actresses who starred in, or about to star in, TV or movies that feature Dahlia Lively, a sleuth. Each starred at a certain point in time; Rosalind was first, followed by Caro and, now, Posy who is the latest Dahlia. Each of these actresses has a backstory that impacts the plot. They are a bit competitive with one another but join forces to solve the case that is at the center of the novel.
The Dahlias are attending a super fan convention as the story opens. There are many people on the grounds of the famous author’s home, so loads of suspects. These include family members, those involved with the new film, and the super fans.
No spoiler to say that there is a murder. With their three brains and styles coming to the fore, the Dahlias are on the case. Relax and follow along as they solve it.
I enjoyed this title’s setting and characters. It was a bit slow moving at times though. Still, that was kind of soothing, just following along at a leisurely pace.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Hachette Book Group for this title. All opinions are my own.
Pub date: 21 July 2022
Praise for The Three Dahlias
‘An absolute treat of a read with all the ingredients of a vintage murder mystery: a country house, mysterious dead bodies and three actresses all keen to catch the killer. Perfect weekend reading!’ Janice Hallett, author of The Appeal
‘A wonderful celebration of Golden Age crime. . . a read you can sink into, just like the perfect country house weekend. You will definitely love Dahlia in all her guises by the end’ S.J. Bennett, author of The Windsor Knot
‘I loved it – witty, engaging and hugely enjoyable. A must for fans of classic mysteries’ Frances Brody
‘An affectionate homage to the Golden Age of Detective Fiction and a wry nod to our continuing fascination with it. Great fun. Warm, ingenious and. . . lively!’ L C Tyler
‘A sprightly offering. . . a pleasant summer read’ The Critic
NOTE: The current price for the digital book is just $7.99 for those who may want to pre-order.
Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too! 