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!
The illustrations in this title are absolutely lovely. There seem to be some collages here with ppealing people and scenes. The author’s interpretation of “shape” is very broad and moves well beyond triangles or squares to amorphous shapes like wind or certain emotions.
I liked this book but feel that the concept may slightly confuse some as the shapes leave the literal to become emotions or ideas. Nonetheless this is a title that an adult and young child could enjoy together and that could prompt some good talk.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Kids Can Press for this title. All opinions are my own.
C. S. Harris is the bestselling author of the Sebastian St. Cyr Mysteries, set in the first decades of the 19th century, as well as several other series. Her research is impeccable, and what’s more, she captures the romance, energy, intrigue, and spirit of a chaotic time in British history. In her latest, Who Cries…
Movie lovers and fans of Audrey Hepburn may now the movie Sabrina. This is the film that inspired this novel’s title and some of the story line. Much like Sabrina, Emma has grown up on a luxurious estate where her parents are servants/staff. Also, as in Sabrina, there are two men who capture Emma’s interest. Henry is the grandson of the estate’s owner while Leo is the son of the estate owner’s driver. Will she find true love with either of them?
The story takes place in the present with many chapters that detail the past and Emma’s experiences as she grew up. Emma was not immune to tragedy but neither were Henry or Leo. Leo and Emma discover something rather unsavory about Leo’s grandfather; are they right about his connections in the past? Also, what happened to beloved cook Fleur? A niece of Fleur’s also wants to know.
When the story opens, the grand estate is part of a plan for a luxury housing development. Emma is aghast and goes to an open house to learn more. She would like to prevent the sale. While there, Emma is reconnected with Leo and meets Fleur’s niece. Readers, the pages just turn from here as relationships build along with the plot.
I very much enjoyed this novel. Fans of women’s fiction with some historical context, should mark their calendars for this title’s release date.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for this title. All opinions are my own.
There are many parenting books out there but they are generally geared to the early years through adolescence. Job done? Not really and certainly not for everyone. Especially in our current age, parenting does not seem to end with the completion of school. Instead, parents seem to be ever more involved with and concerned about their children.
Worried about their job prospects? Relationships? Mental health issues? Are you estranged? Not sure what to say as you become a grandparent and watch your child parenting? These are the sorts of issues that keep parents on edge but not sure what to do. Should one parent their adult child (how is that for an oxymoron though the author explains why he chose it.) and intervene and, if so, how? For those who want some thoughtful assistance, here is one highly regarded author who wants to help.
As one example, someone I know found the advice on what to do if you are not so sure of your child’s romantic partner to be spot on and very helpful. Suddenly there was something to contemplate and/or do about a situation rather than spinning mentally.
The advice and vignettes in this book will be welcomed by readers. Those who are parents of twenty and thirty year olds will leave these pages feeling a bit more certain about how they want to proceed and when.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for this title. All opinions are my own.
This is one of my favorite series for young readers and listeners. Often I already know the person who is being profiled but, in this instance, I did not. I am so glad, though, to have spent time with Olive.
Olive’s story is inspiring. She came to Britain from Jamaica. She went on to fight to right the wrongs that she saw. For example, she spoke out against police brutality and was arrested and mistreated as a result. Olive was not deterred however. She went on to fight for housing and opened a Black community bookstore. As if that were not already enough, Olive fought for Black and Asian women. How was she honored? Read this title to find out. The message that a person needs to stand up for their beliefs will resonate with idealistic young people.
As is true with the books featuring little people with big dreams, the illustrations are well done. They enhance the story.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for this title. All opinions are my own.
I have a tendency, at times, to buzz around and need to stop to breathe. That is what I hoped would happen when reading this title and, yes, it did.
The author shares some of the insights that can be gained from the gardening profession and how this work connects with mindfulness. Redwood acknowledges the influence of the well known Thich Nhat Hanh who has had a deep influence on those practicing mindfulness. There are quotes from Hanh in the text.
The book is organized by seasons, beginning with spring. Readers first spend time with the snowdrop and then learn about a mindfulness activity that can be done while pruning. The book goes on to offer gardening tips and ways to practice mindfulness in this setting.
I am not lucky enough to have a garden but I visit a botanical garden regularly. I will try to take some of these practices and insights with me when I next walk there. After reading this book, I also know that I would like to visit Chalice Well Gardens near Glastonbury Tor, a peace garden, where the author is employed.
This book offers a chance to step back, breathe and contemplate. It is part of what i think will be an excellent series.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for this title. All opinions are my own.
It is always fun to have a book that one can look at every single day. Here the quotes are all from the Bard and offer much food for thought and entertainment. With so many quotes, readers are sure to find old friends and new words both.
Both authors are experienced writers on Shakespeare and good guides in this title. It is worth the time to read their introduction.
I like that this title is organized the months by themes. For example, February, not surprisingly, gets love. The authors also do a good job of putting each quote in context.
This book would make a nice gift. I think that I will purchase the hard copy.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.
Another week, another batch of books for your TBR pile. Happy reading, folks. * John Lawton, Moscow Exile (Atlantic) “Lawton infuses the entire troupe with sparkling life, using crackling dialogue and rapier wit to bring a Technicolor sheen to the moral ambiguity of the Cold War.” –Booklist Don Winslow, City of Dreams (William Morrow) “The…
Here is a romance title with heart. It offers a warm and involving story about people who are both appealing and struggling at times. It has moments of comedy, drama and makes readers care.
The main characters are Brianna and Jacob. Both are ER doctors at the same hospital. Brianna has been there for a while and is expecting a promotion. Jacob’s arrival may spoil that prospect while for Jacob, himself, entry into this new hospital is not easy. Will these two follow the usual romance fiction trope? Readers will happily turn the pages to find out.
In addition to offering an engaging story, Ms. Jimenez takes on some bigger issues. One involves a character who is young and in need of a kidney donor; the impact of the condition on his emotional state is well described. Another was that Jacob suffered from anxiety. Ms. J did a good job of toggling between the serious and less so.
The title of this novel reflects that the protagonists got to know each other better through letter writing. Their anticipation of receiving written correspondence, not texts, made me want to go check my mail box.
Recommended for romance and fiction readers. I would definitely read other books by this author.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Forever Grand Central Publishing for this title. All opinions are my own.
