The Happy Couple by Naoise Dolan review — the world’s most dysfunctional wedding

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/54d667dc-eb65-11ed-9f66-1ce7db17597e?shareToken=0397f911044499f87080b2a51b946067

Popular fiction for May 2023 — Secrets, trauma and betrayal on primetime TV

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/ba4e74b6-efec-11ed-87b0-716b9284a2b0?shareToken=1b2a2b48fd149aa449b94511355493ba

For tennis fans.

And…

Before I leave, it is not a bargain but I am excited that Lucinda Riley’s, Atlas: The Story of Pa Salt was released today. The novel was completed by her son Harry Whittaker.

From the Publisher

Meditations on Nature & Flow

by Tessa Wardley

#MindfulnessinWildSwimming #NetGalley

This series common theme is that mindfulness can be a part of many every day activities. In this title, swimming is the subject while others have been about gardening, baking and knitting. I like the concept that mindfulness can be present in obvious places that are not always considered access points.

I was especially attracted to this title because I am intrigued by everything that I have read about wild swimming. Topics in this book include Taking the Plunge, The Solo Swim, Reflections from the Riverbank and more. There are also further reading suggestions and a number of websites included at the end of the book.

This title is a favorite of mine in this series. I valued the author’s personal reflections and the inspiration that was provided. So, get out your suit, start breathing and enjoy mindfulness in the water…or at least reading about it.

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

Pub date: 20 June 2023

Protagonist Zoe, of what I hope will be a new series, takes readers to an atmospheric 1920s Paris. Zoe is an ex-pat artist who lives in a bijoux home and has weekly poker games to keep her finances in order.

Paris in the 1920s was a vibrant city that attracted writers, artists and dancers among others. Zoe knows many of them; everyone from the Hemingways, to Gertrude Stein and Alice B. Toklas, to Djuna Barnes and, and, and…Readers who recognize these names will enjoy that insider feeling.

In true fact, Hadley Hemingway once lost many of her husband’s works when a suitcase containing them was stolen. What happened to them after they were taken? Were they lost forever? Ms. Webb has some ideas about this.

In her desire to help Hadley, Zoe goes to the rundown outbuilding where two ex-pats were living because Zoe was told they were involved. Some think that one of these Russians was Anastasia. To her surprise, Zoe finds no manuscripts but rather their murdered bodies. What happened? Why? Who did this? And who went on to commit more murders?

There is so much to enjoy in this historical mystery. Recommended for those who like stories with a strong sense of place, a mix of real and fictional people and a good mystery complete with Zoe’s backstory.

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

Pub date: 04 April 2023

“Lovers of post-WWI Paris will have fun.”
—Publishers Weekly 

“Perfectly frothy fun, supported by a wealth of tasty historical tidbits.”
—Booklist

100 Morning Treats

With Muffins, Rolls, Biscuits, Sweet and Savory Breakfast Breads, and More

by Sarah Kieffer

Here is a book that will make even night owls want to get up and start their days. It has recipes from my favorite (bread) food group. There are recipes for muffins, rolls, biscuits, breads, scones, danish, French toast and more. Every single one of these 100 appeals to me.

As is generally true for cookbooks, this one begins with a section packed with helpful information. Then come the recipes with directions that make sense and the mouthwatering photos.

This book will be adored by those who like the bread game, even if it is not breakfast time. For those who don’t like to bake, gift it to someone as a gift and offer to be the taster.

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

From the Publisher

Find inspiration for your next Sunday brunch or on-the-go breakfast, including:

Cardamom Pistachio Twist	Croissant Breakfast Sandwich	Chocolate Glazed Doughnuts

Everything Breakfast Pretzels	Cream-Filled Danish	Southwest Turkey Breakfast Sandwiches

#TheWomanInTheVeil #NetGalley.

Fans of historical mysteries will definitely want to take a peek at this title. The premise and Victorian English setting are both excellent. A woman is found. She appears to be dead but is not. She does not know who she is but three very different people claim to know her and offer to take her. Does this Sleeping Beauty go with the right person? Why is another of these three killed?

Crime scene photographer Sarah Bain inserts herself into these events along with friends and her fiance. What will they discover? Readers will surely want to know.a

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

This title was published in 2022.

(by Laylah and Sharon Richmond)

#TheWholeWorldOpenedUp #NetGalley

I would like to give a copy of this title to every young girl that I have ever tutored. It perfectly tells a story of how reading and taking chances can open worlds to kids. It even includes ideas about how to decode difficult words and Black history. At the same time, there is a nice story about a third grade girl and those around her; it shows how the love of family and friends truly matters. Oh, and the illustrations are very appealing. Finally, note the age of one of the authors!

This book would make a nice addition to home and family libraries. Many thanks to NetGalley and Two Pigeons Press for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 21 April 2023