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!
This book offers readers a virtual hug. The author wants to (and does) provide reassurance to the reader that they are enough, even as they struggle with day to day stresses. These are not traditional comics but more of a series of affirmations that are illustrated. They will appeal to the author’s target audience.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Andrew McMeels\ Publishing. All opinions are my own.
I like the idea of this book. It offers kids a chance to make something special for their dad(s). The prompts will help to get them going and at the end there will be a keepsake that I think fathers will treasure.
For example, on the first page, a child can fill in the blanks for their favorite thing about their dad and why they are giving him this book. They can then draw a picture of their dad and them. There are quizzes, fill in the blanks and lots of space to write.
I recommend that you get this one in time for father’s day! I think that dads will be touched.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for this title.
Curtis Sittenfeld is a nimble author whose novels are each unique. I have read her takes on both Laura Bush and Hilary Rodham Clinton; while each had a similar subject in a president’s spouse, the books were definitely not the same kind of story twice. I also read Eligible which was a Jane Austen update. There is always a voice of its own in her works dating back to Prep.
This title is a lighter one in the Sittenfeld oeuvre. Many will think that there is some resemblance to SNL here. There are writers, a comedy sketch show with celebrity guests and other aspects that reference late night television. However, there are also the characters and relationships and they are Sittenfeld’s own. These folks include Sally who has not been lucky in love and has been having “hook ups” instead of commitments. She watches as a co-writer, Danny, who is described as not too well put together appearance wise, become involved with someone “out of his league.” Why do things turn out this way for men more than women?? What happens when guest host Noah comes on the show and what will happen between him and Sally over time? Read this one to find out.
Many have adored this book. I liked it. I could not quite enter its world and pushed a bit to finish it. That said, I think this will be a very popular read this spring and summer.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for this title. All opinions are my own.
The CrimeReads editors make their selections for the month’s best new novels in crime, mystery, and thrillers. Eli Cranor, Ozark Dogs (Soho) Eli Cranor is back in 2023 with the follow-up to his widely acclaimed debut, Don’t Know Tough. The new novel, which traces a volatile history of violence between two families, is a powerful portrait of…
This title introduces young children to the Little Prince and some of his adventures. It also encourages discussion. As an example, first the Prince visits the king. On the next page, children are asked about making decisions, being a boss and how to be a good leader. This continues as the prince meets a businessman and geographer, among others.
The illustrations are from the original work and are lovely. Some may find this book a bit heavy handed in its message but I liked it. It reflects how kids see the world.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Chouette Publishing for this title. All opinions are my own.
I am an Anglophile for sure. So, I was very happy to receive an e arc for this title. It is just packed with good ideas for trips that are not too far away from the well-known city.
This book is divided into three sections, City & Town, Coast, and Countryside. I liked the maps with landmarks that begin each of these. In addition, there are many enticing photographs throughout. Cities and Towns that are featured include York, Bristol, Bath, and Edinburgh, along with many more. Coasts include Margate, Whitstable and a number of others, while find the Countryside in Cliveden House, Beaverbrook Country Estate, Box Hill and again, lots more.
I tested the book by looking up some of the places where I have spent time. I think that the authors did a nice job in describing these places. This gives me trust about the places that I have not visited (but would like to) that are featured here. That having been said, each entry is short so readers may want to explore their key locales with additional resources.
There are also helpful sections called UK Travel Tips, and Photo Tips included here. They are worth a look.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for this title. All opinions are my own.
Note: I enjoyed this couple’s earlier book, Pretty Little London.
This book appears to be the first in a series. I am glad because I would be happy to see this book’s characters again.
A Lakeside Reunion has so many elements that readers of women’s fiction will enjoy. There is an appealing Southern U.S. setting, a wide cast of engaging characters and enough romance and plot to satisfy.
Here is what Goodreads says about this one.
Chareese “Reese” Devlin spent every summer of her childhood in the lake town of Mount Dora, Florida, where her days were filled with fun in the sun. Reese never realized that the idyllic haven hid a deep divide between the town’s haves and have-nots. Not until the summer she turned seventeen and fell for Duncan McNeal, a boy who lacked the pedigree so valued by her parents and their equally well-connected friends. After her family squashed the budding romance, Reese refused to return to the place she lost her heart. Now, ten years later, she’s back to attend her sister’s debutante ball and must come to terms with all she’s missed. But the biggest surprise of all is that Duncan is now a successful real estate developer in Mount Dora—and time hasn’t weakened the connection between them. Behind the multimillion-dollar homes of the Shores lay old grudges and secrets capable of collapsing any family legacy. As the summer progresses, Reese must fix the sins of the past by facing the lines between truth and deception, tradition and breaking free, and family expectations and self-discovery.
This could easily be added to a summer reading list.
Many thanks to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for this title. All opinions are my own.
In these pages are musings and prayers that uniquely reflect the lives of girls and women, mothers and daughters. Some of the topic headings include Relationships, Spirituality, Wholeness, Justice and Milestones, among others. Each of these topics receives about ten prayers; for example for supportive female friendships or for body acceptance, or for vocational choice. A couple of sample quotes: “When she is tempted to limit what she eats, remind her that her body is worthy of nourishment” or “May my daughter have a vision of the woman she is to become, and may no one convince her it is not enough.”
Dip in and out of this title. Readers will find something to think about in these pages.
Many thanks to Baker Academic and Brazos Press for this title. All opinions are my own.
