Monica Ali has written her first novel since the popular and well-received Brick Lane. I was delighted to be given an ARC of this title and was eager to read it. To me, it was worth the wait between the two books.

First, think about the title. It is not Love, Marriage or Love and Marriage but Love Marriage. Readers learn that the title is not about the sequencing of relationships but rather about a love (not arranged) marriage. This seems to refer to the marriage between protagonist Yasmin’s parents but could also refer to Yasmin’s upcoming marriage to Joe. Readers who follow the characters will learn, not surprisingly, that relationships can be complicated, fraught and sometimes places where there is dishonesty.

Yasmin is the child who has done mostly what was expected of her. She has studied hard and is in the process of becoming a doctor like her father. Yasmin’s brother is adrift as the book opens. He has a third class degree in Sociology so the world is not on his doorstep offering employment.

Yasmin is engaged to Joe. He is white and a fellow doctor. There is at least one big thing that he has not shared with Yasmin. Arif’s girlfriend Laura is pregnant and due shortly before Amina’s wedding. Early in the novel, Arif is not dealing with this. What will happen in each of these relationships?

Then, there are the parents.Yasmin and Arif’s parents were raised in India where they were of different castes. Yasmins father is a self-made man (mostly). Yasmin’s mother takes care of everyone. I love that she was described as short and cozy, not chubby. Was their marriage truly a love marriage?

Joe’s mother is a well-known feminist. Once she invites Yasmin and her parents over for a meal, all bets are off. Spiraling begins. For example, suddenly Yasmin and Joe may be married by an imam when they wanted a civil ceremony. As the reader continues this book that can be funny and poignant much will happen.

Love Marriage is an involving read. I recommend it.

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

by Ellen DeLange

This rhyming story details all of the fun things that can happen on a day at the beach…build a sandcastle, see fish, go in the water, squish in the sand, and more. The pictures are bright and engaging and they are filled with things to see. This is a cute seasonal title for young children.

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

Pub Date 31 May 2022

The Ultimate Stock Market Guide to Teach You How to Make Money in Stocks Today

by Catalyst Publications

The Stock Market has been all over the place lately and, unfortunately for investors, some days things do not look so good. Those who would like to understand more about how the stock market works and those who want to keep their investments as safe as possible, may want to give this title a look. This title may also be helpful to those who are deciding whether or not to invest in stocks at all.

This book begins with The Basics. Titles of some of the following chapters are Stock It To Me, Make it Make Cents, It’s All About Strategy, The Taxman, and Learn from the Best.

There is much that can be learned in this title that, in many ways, appears geared to the new (potential) investor. It is simply and clearly written.

A caution: Never forge thought that the investor is ultimately responsible for their funds.

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

Pub date: 22 Mar 2022

updated edition

by Siobhan Wall

#QuietLondon #NetGalley

London is one of my favorite places to visit. I confess that my favorite stops are all of the bookstores-I am so delighted by them and fourteen are included in this book. Sometimes, though, I (or you), may want something different, a quiet spot to enjoy. For those times, this book is a most welcome guide.

This title is organized by place type. There are sections on museums, libraries, the outdoors, small shops, galleries, pubs and more. Along with good descriptions, this book has loads of photos. In addition, many of the places are ones that are new to me. For example, what about a visit to the Kelmscott House Museum where you can learn more about William Morris or Doctor Johnson’s House (as in Boswell and) or the Estorick Collection of Modern Italian Art? What about some quiet time in the London Library or the Freud Museum and Library? Who knew that there was a Red Cross Garden? And so it goes throughout these pages…so many intriguing places to see. Even those familiar with London may well find some new spots to visit.

I can’t wait to travel to England again. When I do, I will definitely want to take this book with me.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the Quarto publishing group for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date:03 May 2022

All the October 2022 Prepub Alerts in one place, plus a downloadable spreadsheet of all titles from every post.
— Read on www.libraryjournal.com/story/october-2022-prepub-alert-the-complete-list

www.nytimes.com/2022/05/06/books/review/new-crime-fiction.html

Once Upon a Wardrobe by Patti Callahan

Becoming Mrs. Lewis by Patti Callhan tells the story of Joy Davidman and C.S. (Jack) Lewis. I absolutely adored that book so was thrilled when I received an early review copy of Once Upon a Wardrobe, another novel about C.S. Lewis.

The structure of the story is that George, a young boy with a heart defect, discovers The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe and wants to know more about it. George’s sister, who loves him deeply, shares that Lewis is at Oxford where she, Megs, is a student. Wanting to do what she can for George, Megs gets to know Jack and Warnie and brings the tales that Lewis shares home to her brother.

Jack’s life story is beautifully told. There were very hard times and yet a man emerged who is so beloved by many. I won’t detail the biography so that readers can discover it for themselves.

George is preternaturally wise about life while Megs is perhaps less so. Over the course of the novel, she learns that her beloved scientific point of view and way of solving problems is but one way to look at the world. She and George are both deeply human, seeking, loving people with whom readers will enjoy spending time.

Those who have read the Narnia stories will eagerly read this title looking for the same insights that young George is seeking…to understand where the characters in the books came from, who they may have been based on and more. Will those answers be in these pages? You will need to read the novel to find out.

Those who have not read the Narnia books can still love this title. Its insight into a person’s life with all of its tragedies and peaceful moments are for all readers.

I give this one my highest recommendation. Ms. Callahan your talent for understanding Lewis and life are so impressive.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Some other e book bargains for today: