She was quite a woman: The Heiress (Rachel Hawkins)

Ever since Daphne DuMaurier wrote Rebecca, readers have enjoyed stories set in atmospheric mansions and their environs. That is the case here in a story that takes place in North Carolina. The mansion was the home of an extremely rich woman whose first name was Ruby.

Ruby had quite a history. When she was young, Ruby got lost in the woods and was taken by a family who had lost their own child. Her wealthy parents searched for her and eventually Ruby made it home. Were the events really as described? Readers may wonder as they turn the pages.

Ruby went on to marry four times. All of Ruby’s husbands seem to have come to bad ends. Was Ruby responsible?

Ruby adopted a child. Why did she adopt Cam? Are there any secrets here? Again, readers will wonder as they turn the pages.

Around Ruby and Cam there are many other characters. These include Ruby’s jealous sister, with whom she never got along, and her sister‘s children, among others. All have their parts to play.

For his part, Cam wanted a normal life, even though he could live the life of a very rich person. Instead, Cam isan English teacher who lives in Colorado with his wife, Jools. When Cam and Jools decide to go to North Carolina, events are set in motion.

I enjoyed this book. It was suspenseful and engaging. I liked how the narrative took different forms, including letters, newspaper reports, etc.

Those looking for a page turning read, look no further. The Heiress will entertain you.

Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 09 January 2024

The National Parks Bucket List (Linda Mohammad)

#TheNationalParksBucketList #NetGalley

Looking at this title left me with a deep appreciation for the National Parks system. Here is a delightful resource for anyone with plans to visit any of the parks.

An incredible amount of information is packed into this small book. In addition, there are prompts so that travelers can record their impressions and experiences in the parks that they visit.

Be sure to look at the travel tips. They are quite helpful as are the bucket list suggestions.

This title is organized by region. For each each park, there is a good amount to discover.

This journal is beautifully illustrated throughout. it would make a perfect gift for anybody with travel plans. Give this book to a child or teen and they will make use of it for many years.

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

Pub date: 09 April 2024

Book Review: ‘The Storm We Made,’ by Vanessa Chan – The New York Times

True to the promise of its title, “The Storm We Made” kicks up a weather system of epic proportions, ranging from military terror during World War II to domestic warmth.
— Read on www.nytimes.com/2024/01/02/books/review/the-storm-we-made-vanessa-chan.html

I plan to read this

400 Calorie Recipes (Dick Logue)

QuickandEasy400CalorieRecipes #NetGalley

Can a recipe with 400 calories be easy, tasty and satisfying? Find out for yourself by looking at the ideas in this book.

There are suggestions for breakfast, lunch and dinner that offer a good amount of variety. You might want to start the day with an asparagus omelette and a citrus salad, for example. Lunch could be shrimp Remoulade,while for dinner there is a chicken shepherds pie. In addition to these and other recipes, the author offers advice, on healthy eating.

I was impressed by the tasty sounding recipes in this book. Even if you don’t subscribe to the 400 calories on a regular basis, you might want to pick up this book on occasion.

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

This book will be published in May 2024.

Of Hoaxes and Homicides

Sometimes a person wants an historical mystery that they can sink into and be entertained by for a few hours. This book and series will appeal to anybody who is looking for that kind of read.

Those who pick this one up will enjoy meeting the detecting two half sisters. They are quite different but complement one another.

Anyone who has read an advice column will also enjoy knowing that Dear Miss Hermione is an important feature of the plot. When a mother writes to Miss H regarding a cult and her child, things are off and running. When there is a poisoning, the plot intensifies. Keep an eye out for Eli Marsh and housekeeper Bunty as the sisters detect.

I recommend this novel. It has twists, humor, heart and good characters.

Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur books for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 30 January 2024

The first in the series

She is: Amazing Grace Adams (Fran Littlewood)

As this book opens, Grace Adams is not feeling so amazing. it would be more accurate to say that she is feeling overwhelmed. Anyone who has ever been stuck in traffic will enjoy reading what Grace does when in this situation. This will be the beginning of readers caring about what happens to Grace.

The novel moves back-and-forth in time, letting readers know about Grace’s early linguistic talents, her marriage, her work, motherhood and more. She is the kind of woman who is trying to manage her life as. anyone who has read a novel by Allison Pearson might recognize.

Readers who enjoy stories with humor and emotion will be happy to meetGrace.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Henry Holt & Company for this title.

This book was published in 2023

Share these: Folk Tales for Fearless Girls (Samantha Newman)

Anyone who knows a young, fearless girl or who wants to help a child to become one, might want to sit down and share this title. Both the reader and the child will enjoy this collection.

Included within these pages are fifteen folk tales from around the world. Start with the helpful introduction and then read the stories in any order.

Here children will discover that there are many ways to be brave. Hopefully, they will be inspired.

Each tale is nicely written and the illustrations are lovely throughout.

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

Pub date: 05 February 2024