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!
Readers who like stories that require a nearby box of tissues will want to take a look at this novel. It has sadness but also going out of one’s comfort zone in order to meet a challenge.
Protagonist Jodie’s sister has tragically died way too young. The family is grieving which would be more than enough but, in addition, they are being crushed by medical bills.
Bree left behind a bucket list. Jodie is told that someone will pay off the debt if she completes all of the tasks on Bree’s list. She agrees to try and readers will surely root for her as she moves through them. They may especially be interested to see if she falls in love. Readers will also, perhaps, come away with some new experience ideas of their own to complete.
This was a good read. Recommended to fan’s of women’s fiction and those who like stories in which heroines try hard to succeed and learn.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for this title. All opinions are my own.
Four stars ****
From the Publisher
Editorial Reviews
Review
Advance Praise for SOMEONE ELSE’S BUCKET LIST by Amy T. Matthews
“Fans of Josie Silver and Cecelia Ahern will be taken by this story of joy after grief.”—Publishers Weekly
The cover of this book is indicative of the absolutely lovely and appealing art work that is found inside. Five stars for such sweet illustrations for this story of families and love.
That said, the fanciful text may be confusing to some of the story’s intended audience (looking for a baby via balloon, for example). Also, the parents’ grief may be a bit of a burden to a child.
All that said, what comes across clearly is how deeply the adults wanted to be parents and what a wanted baby came into their lives. And, of course, all children want to know that they were wanted.
If this is a story about adoption or infertility, at least in part, I think that some more direct conversation after reading this title would be a good idea. Also, there is nothing at all related to birth and maybe that would have been welcome as well.
I wish that I did not have these quibbles. I very much like the concept and the illustrations are wonderful.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Kids for this title. All opinions are my own.
What qualifies a nose for genius status? Enterprising kids may just want to find out.
In these pages, readers will discover loads about animals and noses from all over the world and from different environments. There are sections of Flying Creatures, Ground Dwellers, those who spend time in trees and Water Creatures. There many facts on each spread. In addition, this books is engagingly illustrated throughout.
Kirkus has given this title a well-deserved starred review. Get it for a curious child whom you know. It is just chockablock with information and can be read in any order.
Many thanks to NetGalley and NorthSouth Books Inc. for this title. All opinions are my own.
Robert B Parker was a popular and prolific author whose death saddened his many fans. Luckily for his fans, characters, including Spenser, Jesse Stone and Sunny Randall continue to entertain with new authors. This book by Ms. Gaylin is a Sunny Randall mystery. It includes all that Sunny fans are looking for.
The title is most apt as the world of influencers is a critical part of the story. Blake and Bethany…who are they and what have they been up to? Readers learn that Blake is an influencer who has been threatened. Even worse seemingly, where is his manager Bethany and what has happened to her?
There is plenty of work for Sunny here. Luckily, she is equal to the challenge.
Note, I enjoyed that this title was written by a woman. She keeps Sunny fresh and interesting.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group for this title. All opinions are my own.
Calling all those who love to read mysteries and/or solve logic puzzles! Why not try your hand at some of the challenges in this book? There are 100 puzzles to keep you busy.
Following a helpful introduction, there are challenges of varying levels of difficulty. They are definitely fun to solve.
One quibble: a lot of these puzzles need the detective/reader to make a logic grid and then add information to it. I would have loved if the grids had been included in the book as is the case when buying many logic puzzle books.
That said, this book will entertain readers for hours. They will also sharpen their deductive skills. Oh…for those who love these, volume two is coming this fall.
Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this title. All opinions are my own.
This historical mystery set during England’s Regency period is the start of what appears to be a promising series. Of course, there is a murder; in this case the vicim is the wife of Stapleton Henderson.
Protagonist, Lady Abigail is unable to reveal her whereabouts at the time of the crime. She was secretly at an abolitionist meeting. Lady Abigail, who is of mixed race and had a mother with a racy past, will perhaps be looked at askance. Furthermore, Lady Abigail’s marriage was not a happy one. When her neighbor, Henderson, offers her an alibi who is it meant to benefit?
This is a good read. Pages turn while waiting to see what happened and why.
Reviewers have noted that readers who enjoyed Bridgerton may well like this title. I imagine that could be so. It was enjoyable and I look forward to book number two.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for this title. All opinions are own.
#MurderinWestminster #NetGalley
This title was published in August 2022.
From the Publisher
Editorial Reviews
Review
“Riley’s inclusive, keenly drawn cast shines a light on the role of people of color in the Regency era…Snappy dialogue, abundant intrigue, and Abbie and Stapleton’s increasingly flirtatious antagonism keep the tension high and the narrative drive strong. Smart, fun, and full of moxie.”—Kirkus Reviews
“Riley offers a vibrant picture of the roles Black and mixed-race people played in Regency life. Fans of Bridgerton will enjoy this one.” –Publishers Weekly
“Fans of Regency-era historical mysteries featuring intelligent heroines (such as Andrea Penrose’s Lady Arianna or Tasha Alexander’s Lady Emily) will find this series a welcome addition to the genre.” – Library Journal
“Riley’s storytelling gift is strong and her prose is lovely and evocative. She made me see 1806 London in an entirely new way – I’m a fan of Jane Austen as well as Dianne Freeman and many others – but she gave me the gift of an expanded perspective, along with a really well told mystery. The denouement is particularly clever and includes both grim irony and a dandy twist. I’m hoping this will be a long-lived series and I can visit with Lady Abigail again soon.” – Mystery Scene Magazine
In her novels, Fiona Davis brings the world of New York City to her readers. I have spent time at the Frick Mansion, the New York Public Library, the Chelsea Hotel and other locations with her as a guide. Each time Ms. David brings the landmark to life, sharing some of its history and mystique. This is exactly what she does in The Spectacular, where readers go to Radio City Music Hall and spend time with the famous Rockettes. As usual, Ms. Davis tells an involving story with not just the intriguing setting, but also good characters and an involving plot.
Readers get to know the members of the Brooks family. The father is a widower with a prosperous business and strong opinions. Judy is the less beautiful daughter, the one who works at her father’s company and seems to mostly do exactly what is expected. For her part, Marion is expected to be and do the same; she is supposed to marry the right sort of young man and he has just proposed to her early in the novel. However, Marion is more like her deceased mother who was artistic. Marion loves to dance and decides to take a chance, auditioning for the Rockettes. This decision to become a Rockette affects Marion’s family relationships. She wants their support but is not sure that she can count on them.
Marion also meets many new people, including Bunny (another dancer) and Peter, a psychiatrist, among others in her new life. Readers not only learn about these people, they also get to witness the grueling rehearsal schedule and indeed spectacular formations of the Rockettes.
At the same time there is a bomber in the city. How will that play at Radio City? What will be the impact on Marion and what role will take on in events?
The novel opens with Marion when she is older. It then goes back and takes readers on her journey. They will watch Marion as she faces real threats and emotional ones, all the while deciding what kind of life she wants for herself.
Here is yet another very good read by the author. Recommended for historical fiction and women’s fiction readers. It is a delight.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group Dutton for this title. All opinions are my own.
FOUR STARS ****
Editorial Reviews
Review
“An engaging story…the novel is rich with historical details, and it comes most vividly to life in the passages about the Rockettes, with all the sweat, agony, and camaraderie that go into those miraculously perfect performances.” —Kirkus
“Davis masterfully draws Marion into the story, setting the scene for a cinematic conclusion. Readers will be attracted to the intriguing history and moved by Davis’ entrancing narrator.” —Booklist
