Author: joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews

LibraryReads is a list of the top ten books published this month that library staff across the country have voted on as their favorites.
— Read on libraryreads.org/

Four stars ****

The cover of this book, its title and the book’s description all drew me in and made me very eager to read this one. It did not disappoint. I think that The Women of Ardemore House will be adored by those who enjoy a twisty plot and an interesting protagonist.

As in The Maid (Nita Prose),, the main character, inheritor of Ardemore House, sleuth, and keen observer is neurodiverse. This leads to Jo being hyperlexic as just one of her talents. But, readers will enjoy spending time with Jo for many reasons, not just her autism. (It has been noted that the author also is neurodiverse, leading her to be well able to describe Jo’s world.)

Jo is coming out of a difficult period when the story opens. She is recently divorced and has been badly used by her publisher ex. Jo has also experienced the death of her mother. So, when she learns that she has an inheritance in England, Jo is ready to try out the ex-pat life. She arrives to find the requisite decaying country pile and its small cottage, a rather strange caretaker and a portrait…but it disappears.

When caretaker Sid is murdered, the story moves toward solving the case. This gives readers the opportunity to know all those working the case as well as the people in the village.

Who killed Sid? Why? Will Jo find happiness in Britain? Readers will turn the pages as they wait to find out.

I recommend this title. Mystery fans could not do better as they start reading in 2024.

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

#NetGalleyReadingJournal #NetGalley

Anyone who is affiliated with NetGalley knows how quickly a reading list can jump from a small number of titles to loads! Reviewers are always trying to come up with ways to keep track of what is being/will be read and the reviews that need to be written.

Now, NetGalley has taken on that challenge by coming up with this helpful interactive resource. Close to 7,000 readers have reviewed this and most seem to really like it.

Need a way to track what you are reading? Give this a try. It should help!

Many thanks to NetGalley and We Are Bookish for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 18 December 2023

Readers who enjoy a Gallic mystery with a British protagonist may well enjoy this second food titled mystery following on the author’s Death and Croissants. It is written by a British comedian who brings a certain sensibility to the genre.

Richard has gone out for dinner. The menu is a tasting one and he has not tasted enough (he is still hungry). The beginnings of a mess emerge with the goat cheese parfait that is the dessert course.

Soon, there is, of course, a murder. It takes place in a cheese related locale. Will Richard, a local B and B owner figure out what has happened? How will his amie, Valerie, contribute? Read this one to find out. It will especially be enjoyed by Francophiles.

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

Pub date: 05 March 2024

The best new historical fiction for February 2024

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/23ab6e49-abb6-4f7a-af58-ed5a5e3c2890?shareToken=d31c396e3d3c57ae67dce2f240367bf4

FOUR STARS ****

Those who have read other novels by Susan Mallery will welcome this story about a group of women and their complex lives. Those who have not read the author’s books before may want to pick this one up when they are looking for an escapist read.

The main characters are Paris, Laurel and Cassie. Each has faced challenges in life and all are trying to figure out their next steps. Paris runs a farm stand that readers will wish that they could visit as it is both adorable and stocks quality products. In the past, Paris had been abused and her own temper led to the end of her marriage. Now her ex is back in town…

Laurel’s husband left her and the school says that her older daughter constantly puts men down. They ask Laurel to fix this, a big ask as where is a good man? Laurel runs her own business as well selling on goods from estate sales and other sources.

Cassie is living in Maine when the reader first meets her. However, her family wants her to start thinking of herself and they push her to go to California to see an inheritance. 

As readers no doubt expect, these three women will get to know one another well. Readers will hope that they each find their way. As they try, the summer book club will be there for them and for the reader who may find some other suggested titles to be ones that they want to explore.

This book will appeal to readers of women’s fiction.

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

I read somewhere that it is better to make resolutions in February once the new year is settling in. If that makes sense, here is a book that will encourage readers to have an exceptional year. It offers something for every day to incorporate into making for a good life.

In the introduction, Hendricks summarizes the two principles that drive this book. They are how to eliminate Upper Limit Problems (what is done when things are gong well) and how to live in, what the book refers to as, the Genius Zone.

This book is organized into what are called cycles. Within each are themes and ways to put each theme into action. Start with day one where the author asks for the reader’s commitment and then try to keep going. Hopefully, things will be learned.

Those who like self-help and motivational works may well find this title to be helpful. Hopefully, many of the entries will resonate.

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

Pub date: 13 February 2024

From the Publisher

#ConfessionsfromtheQuiltingCircle #NetGalley

This story of sisters and the importance of family will be enjoyed by readers of women’s fiction and those who are already fans of this author. It is an easy and absorbing read.

Meet three sisters (and their mom) who have come together following their grandmother’s death. Lark, Hannah and Avery all have their own backstories and challenges. They have come to their small town to complete their grandmother’s quilt and in the process will learn so much more about themselves and each other.

This is a book with characters for whom readers will care. They will also I think enjoy the small town setting.

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

This title was published in 2021.

#RebelGirlsAllThingsFriendship #NetGalley

The subtitle of this book, A Guide to Celebrating Old Friends, Making New Ones, and Navigating Sticky Social Situations, gives a perfect insight into what will be found in these pages. Once again, the folks at Rebel Girls are keyed into a topic that is of great concern to their audience. 

Friendships are a source of great joy but also of unhappiness and dissension at times. What to do? Here is lots of helpful advice without condescension. 

In these pages are chapters entitled What Makes a Good Friend; How to Make Friends; Being a Good Friend; Different Types of Friendships; When the Road Gets Rocky; and Mourning A Friendship. Within each chapter are a number of sections. For example, the Rocky chapter talks about Asking for Help and How to Apologize as just two topics.

This brightly illustrated title is filled with the authors’ (who are good friends) reflections and thoughts. There are quizzes, questions and answers and more throughout the text.

This book is a good resource for kids who are entering the tween years. Give it to a girl you know. They just may thank you.

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

Pub date: 05 March 2024

Many thanks to the team at HTP for this opportunity. 

Book info:

THE LAST DAYS OF LILAH GOODLUCK

Author: Kylie Scott

ISBN: 9781525804809

Publication Date: February 6, 2024

Publisher: Graydon House

18.99 US | 23.99 CAN

Summary:

Red White and Royal Blue meets The Last Holiday in this delight of a novel, about a woman who unexpectedly finds “fall in love with a prince” on her bucket list after a fortune teller tells her she only has a week to live. Ideal for fans of Sophie Cousens and Rebecca Serle.

Your boyfriend is cheating on you

You will be passed over for the promotion

5-8-12-24-39-43

Your soulmate is a royal prince

And your time is up a week from Monday

When Lilah Goodluck saves the life of Good Witch Willow as they’re crossing a busy LA street, the last thing she expects is five unwanted predictions as a reward. Who gives someone the lotto numbers then tells them they’ve only got a week to live? And who believes in that nonsense anyway?

But when the first three predictions come true within twenty-four hours, Lilah’s disbelief turns to mild panic. She’s further horrified when she nearly runs a car off the road that belongs to Alistair Lennox, the illegitimate son of the English king.

Alistair is intrigued by her preposterous story, but Lilah is adamant about resisting the heat between her and the playboy prince. If he’s not her soulmate, then the last prediction can’t come true. But as the days count down, they become maybe friends…and then maybe more. Between the relentless paparazzi and his disapproving family, dating a sort-of prince isn’t easy, especially when you have death on your doorstep.

Start reading:

riday

Good Witch Willow is unhappy at me for keeping her waiting.

This is made obvious by the way she glares up at me through her wire-rim glasses while tugging on one of the crystal pendants around her neck. Like it is going to take help from beyond to stop her from slapping me silly or something.

“Lilah,” says my best friend with much patience, “why are you like this?”

“I don’t know.”

“Just ask her a question already.”

Rebecca (not Becca or Becky) does have a point. It’s not like I haven’t known this moment was coming for weeks now. She wanted to do something fun for her birthday and every other entertainer had already been booked. A lot of birthday parties in March, apparently. Guess everyone has sex in the summertime.

The private room at the back of the bespoke cocktail bar off Santa Monica Boulevard is close to capacity and a song by Hozier plays over the speakers. We stand at one of the tall round bar tables with the remains of a charcuterie board and a flickering tea light in a vintage jar. The walls are painted a bright turquoise, but the vibe is relaxed. It should be a great night. I want it to be for my friend’s sake. But I am anxious and distracted and not in the mood at all, dammit.

“I honestly don’t have one,” I say. “I’m sorry. I told you this wasn’t my thing.”

Rebecca groans and downs more than a mouthful of her whiskey sour. It’s her party, she can self-medicate if she wants to—and apparently, she does.

“What do people normally ask?”

Good Witch Willow is older with white skin and long gray hair in a braid. She’s exactly what I imaged a witch would look like when I was a child. A dramatic long lace dress and plenty of chunky jewelry. Instead of answering me, she glances at her smartwatch and announces, “That’s your two hours up. I’m out of here.”

Rebecca gives me a look.

Good Witch Willow wastes no time, packing her tarot cards, a travel-size crystal ball, and a collection of brightly colored crystals back into her large velvet tote.

“I’m sorry,” I say to Rebecca for the second time. “Though your work bestie hogging her for over forty minutes to ask about his fantasy football team didn’t help. And your neighbor that needed that emergency love potion. I wonder if she’ll actually manage to find Keanu Reeves and persuade him to drink it.”

Rebecca just raises her brows.

“You have to give it to her, it’s a beautiful dream,” I say. “But my point is you, my friend, are popular. There are a lot of people here. The chance of Good Witch Willow getting around to everyone was always going to be low.”

“Just admit you’re all up in your feelings about your boyfriend again.”

“I am worried about Josh.” I take a sip from my gimlet. “He said the headache was really bad, that it was messing with his vision.”

“That actually doesn’t sound good,” she reluctantly agrees.

“Yeah. I really think he needs to see a doctor, but you know what dudes are like.”

“I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but I’ve pretty much made it my life mission to not know what dudes are like.” She takes another sip of her drink. “You’re going to rush home to play nurse instead of going dancing with me, aren’t you?”

“Rebecca, can you predict the future?” I fake gasp. “And you never told me…that hurts. Wait. Did you know that was going to hurt?”

She gives me an amused smile and raises the remains of her drink in a toast. We’ve been best friends since sharing a dorm room in college about a decade ago. She’s petite with dark hair and olive skin. I on the other hand am more of a robust blonde. They didn’t spare the tits and ass when they made me.

“Go on, abandon me then,” she says. “But you owe me.”

“How about I take you out to dinner next week? To that Japanese place you love?”

“No complaining when I eat all the salmon sashimi.”

“Agreed. Happy almost birthday. Talk to you tomorrow.” I set my mostly empty gimlet on the bar and give her a hug. “Don’t go home with Priya. You know you’ll only regret it. Again.”

“But she’s brilliant and beautiful and emotionally unavailable. She’s exactly my type.”

“Oh my God. It’s like you just proved my point.”

“Get out of here, loser.”

I smack a kiss on her cheek. “I love you, Rebecca. Make good choices.”

Despite the late hour, there are still plenty of people around. The road is glossy black from a recent storm, and puddles on the sidewalk reflect the lights from the bars and restaurants. I huddle down into my cardigan against the cold night air. There’s a small convenience store open on the other side. Just perfect for picking up Tylenol since I have no idea how much we have at home, and Josh might need more. Better safe than sorry.

I join the only other person waiting at the corner to cross, and she just so happens to be Good Witch Willow. Her stereotypical pointed boot taps impatiently as she rummages through her colorful velvet tote in search of something. Being a witch must be interesting. Not that I believe in all that. Divination and spirits and so on never seemed particularly probable to me. My father is an atheist and taught us to question everything and always demand proof. I’m also a librarian, and librarians like facts. An established truth is a beautiful thing. They help to prop up society and keep us warm at night. Or they used to.

The walk light flashes, and Willow’s gray braid swings as she steps off the curb. I follow with my mind wandering, thinking about what else Josh might need and whether I should buy him some soda. But out of the corner of my eye, I see it—a sleek vehicle that doesn’t stop like the others. It doesn’t even slow down. It is, in fact, speeding straight toward us with headlights dazzlingly bright.

There’s no time to think. I grab the older woman from behind as I propel us both back toward the curb and tumble to the ground. Had she been any bigger, it might not have worked. But my years of infrequent gym attendance finally come in handy. Wheels screech and the horn blares as the sports car roars past us. It’s so damn close I can feel the rush of air in its wake.

But we don’t get hit.

Holy shit. My heart is hammering. Willow’s elbow digs into my stomach as she rolls off me onto the pavement. Whatever. I am just honestly amazed to still be amongst the living.

“Asshole!” Good Witch Willow hollers at the fading taillights.

The cool damp ground is hard beneath me, but overhead a star twinkles in a gap between the clouds. Parts of me hurt. My hand is bloody and scraped, and my hip is bruised. There’s also a tear in the tiered skirt of my new pale blue mini dress, not to mention numerous stains from the wet and dirty sidewalk. Odds are also good that I just flashed my panties at the entire street.

Willow raises a brow at me. “Oh, it’s you.”

“You’re welcome,” I reply dryly.

A young man standing nearby caught the whole thing on his cell. And is still filming. A jogger stops and offers Willow his hand. He gently pulls her to her feet before doing the same for me. Which is nice of him.

Willow brushes herself off, gathering the items that fell from her tote. Breath mints, hand sanitizer, and such. “I didn’t see that car coming at all.”

Were I not still catching my breath, I would definitely make a smart-ass comment about her supposed prognostication abilities. Or at least give it serious consideration. But my hip is aching and my hand stings. I wince as I pick a piece of gravel out of one of my deeper scratches. What a mess.

“You’re the one who wanted to know what people ask me, aren’t you?” She tosses her braid over her shoulder and narrows her gaze on me. Like she’s attempting to stare into my soul or something.

“Don’t worry about it,” I say. “Are you okay?”

She nods. “Falling on you made for a soft landing.”

“Great.”

“There’s a lot that people would like to know,” she continues. “But the most popular questions tend to revolve around love. Are they cheating on me? Will they come back to me? Who’s my soulmate? Things like that.”

“Makes sense, I guess.”

“Then they tend to move on to more mundane issues, like if they’re going to get that promotion, or are they on the right career track? Then you’ve got the ones who think they’re funny. They like to ask me for this week’s lotto numbers.”

I snort. “That is kind of funny.”

“Not when you’re hearing it for the hundredth time, it isn’t. And then there are the ones who want to know when they’re going to die.” She cocks her head and sighs. “That car would have hit me if you hadn’t been there. Given the speed it was going, I doubt it would have ended well for me.”

I don’t know what to say to that, so I keep my mouth shut.

“It would seem you’re owed something.”

“That’s not necessary.”

“Be quiet and listen.” Willow draws herself up to her full height, and her gaze turns hazy. As if she’s staring into the middle distance. Then in a sonorous tone, she announces, “He is cheating on you. But I think you already know that deep down. The name of your soulmate is Alistair George Arthur Lennox. What a mouthful.”

My smile is bemused. “Wait a minute. You don’t mean—”

“You will be passed over for the promotion. They really don’t appreciate you. I have no idea why you’ve stayed there so long.”

“It’s complicated. You’re actually predicting all of this, aren’t you?”

“Five, eight, twelve, twenty-four, thirty-nine, and forty-three. And I’m very sorry to tell you this, but you will die next Sunday.”

“What?” I shake my head. She cannot be saying what I think she is saying. Because there is not a chance in hell that this is real. “No. That’s not possible.”

“You might want to say goodbye to your loved ones and get your affairs in order.”

My laughter is brittle with an edge of disbelief. “Are you serious? I mean, you’re joking, right?”

Willow blinks several times and blows out a breath. Like she’s coming back to herself or returning to her version of reality or whatever. Maybe she hit her head on the pavement. It’s the only thing that makes sense. Though she believed in all the supernatural stuff to begin with. Which just goes to validate my belief that people are wild.

“Right,” she says. “Goodnight.”

“Did you mean right as in you were joking?”

But without another word, she heads off into the night, leaving me standing there stunned.

I ask the night at large, in a not so quiet voice, “What in the actual fuck?”

But no one answers. Even the dude with the cell phone has disappeared. Despite the drama and weirdness, no one so much as spares me a glance. The world keeps turning and life goes on. Insert big sigh here.

What I need is to buy the Tylenol, go home, check on Josh, down some of the previously mentioned painkillers (for my poor sore hip and hand), have a long hot shower, and then go to bed.

Excerpted from The Last Days of Lilah Goodluck by Kylie Scott. Copyright © 2024 by Kylie Scott. Published by arrangement with Harlequin Books S.A.

My thoughts:

This is a fun quirky and escapist read that is perfect for cozying up with on a cold winter’s day. The characters are engaging, the plot is involving and there are both humor and heart here. Readers will want the best for Lilah as her life is turned upside down and her end may be in sight. How will she fare? Readers will turn the pages eagerly to find out.

Links:

Buy Links: 

BookShop.org

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Books A Million

Amazon

Social Links:

Author Website

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The author:

Kylie Scott is the New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal and international bestselling author of 19 novels including the Stage Dive series, the Dive Bar series, the Larsen Brothers series, and West Hollywood series. Her most recent release, Pause, debuted on the USA Today bestseller list. Her books have been translated into fourteen languages, and she has sold over 2 million copies worldwide.