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!
A Woman of Substance is a title that is beloved by readers of sagas. It told the story of Emma Harte and her experiences in life and relationships.
One of the people who was most important to Emma was Blackie. He was a character who became very well known to readers of this series and to Emma. Now, BTB has turned her pen to telling Blackie’s story, beginning even before he met Emma (a maid at that time as this was before her rise). Fans of this series will want to read this title for sure. They will learn how Blackie became Blackie and how he grew from teen to man.
Many thanks to St Martin’s Press and NetGalley for this title. All opinions are my own.
The Rebel Girls books always showcase the interesting and noteworthy achievements of women. These titles can be very inspiring for kids to read. In this entry, entrepreneurs are featured. Learn more about 25 women featuring everyone from Madam C J Walker to Margarete Steiff to Rhianna and more. Each entrepreneur is given a page about their accomplishments while facing them is an illustration. Some of the women featured were people I did not know about but now admire.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Rebel Girls for this title. All opinions are my own.
Vivien Leigh, Laurence Olivier, and the Romance of the Century
by Stephen Galloway
Vivien Leigh and Laurence Olivier were giants as actors. Ms. Leigh may be best known for playing Scarlet O’Hara in Gone with the Wind, while Olivier was a renowned Shakespearean thespian. As can often be the case, this external glitter and glory did not fully reflect the actual lives of these two.
This well-researched book, sometimes gossipy in tone, tells the story of the cataclysmic meeting and relationship of these two stars. Just like a meteor (to keep an analogy going), these two were on a collision course.
What were the highs and lows for these two? How did they meet, come together and live a life together? Why did their relationship implode and what happened to each in light of this? Read this title to find out.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this…
Readers who are fans of Upstairs, Downstairs or Downton Abbey are almost certain to enjoy this sprawling, involving historical novel. It is already set to become a TV series on Masterpiece Theater in the U.S. and on other international networks as well.
The book has a wonderful setting in the town of Portofino on the Italian Riviera. The hotel that Bella runs is exquisitely described. (I am ready to book my room). The time period is pre-WWII and Mussolini is becoming someone with whom to reckon.
There are many characters in the story. Some are family of Bella, some are guests and some are those who work for the hotel. Readers will eagerly read all of their stories and watch to see how the characters interact with one another.
There are too many people to list here. Below are some:
The crazier the world gets, the more I look forward to a few minutes of escapist reading each day. A romance may not be the only book that I am reading at any given time, but lately it has generally been one of them. In light of that wish for calm, how great to read a book in a town that has Serenity in its name.
Readers who enjoy novels by authors like Debbie Macomber are pretty sure to enjoy this Alaska set story. It is about a former couple, Skylar and Dex, who find themselves in the same place again. Readers may know that they will likely get together again but even so will enjoy seeing how the story plays out. Why did Skylar pursue her Coast Guard dream while Dex didn’t? What will it be like to come face to face with an old love? Can they grow together?
A plus for me, in addition to the characters, was the Alaska setting. I enjoyed my visit there.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin for this title. All opinions are my own.
The youngest puppy lovers are sure to enjoy spending time with this book. The text is repetitive and simple so just right for the toddler mindset. The illustrations are sweet and engaging. The puppy is just the right degree of mischievous.
The only difficulty in reviewing this ARC is that it is an e book. I would love to be able to have the full experience of lifting the flaps.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto-Frances Lincoln Children’s Books for this delightful title. All opinions are my own.
I can still remember learning to read. I can picture the covers of my first school reading books to this day. From age five, I have loved and valued reading. Reading has led me to marvelous adventures, thoughts that provoke, information and facts and more. I still remember the delight of my first Nancy Drew book and then devouring the series. I have NEVER stopped reading, no matter what else has gone on around me.
Today, reading competes with many other diversions for kids. Of course, there are screens and more. However, part of the problem, as these authors note is that the teaching of reading has not encouraged joy in kids. Instead, reading is a challenge or chore. There are too many rote tasks involved and often projects that do not excite. The authors, who are widely and deeply experienced, have many thoughts on this.
One solution put forward in this book is to set the conditions to help children to read what they want. Let them discover the books that speak to them and not always be performance based. I know that in my tutoring, along with teaching phonics, I want to read stories to the kids that are about their interests and that will leave them wanting more. I know that with my two children, I did not care what they read so long as they read. Trips to bookstores and libraries were highlights for them and me.
This book is for those who teach reading but there are lessons for all of us in these pages. I love the quotes throughout the book, beginning with the very first by Roxane Gay. It is inspiring to remember what reading brings to people.
Some section headings give an idea of the authors’ focus. These include Joyful Reading Relies on Abundant Access and Time; Joyful Reading Encourages Readers’ Choices; Joyful Reading Honors Readers’ Responses; and, Joyful Reading Thrives in a Supportive Community. Throughout there are quotes from students that bring the text to life. Also, keep an eye out for the illustrations with book stacks; there are lots of good suggestions here.
Those who currently teach, those who aspire to teaching, student teachers, all will benefit from a deep dive into this wise text. The generosity of the author’s in sharing their personal experiences with reading adds so much to this book. It offers an engaging and thoughtful experience.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Heinemann publishing for this title. All opinions are my own.
Miss Eliza’s English Kitchen is an historical novel based on the life of Eliza Acton. Eliza was a poet whose family fell on very hard times. When a publisher, who did not want to publish her poems, offered to pay her to write a cookbook, she at first refused. Luckily for cooks and readers, Eliza changed her mind. She goes on to find poetry in her cooking and cookery writing.
The second important character in the story is Ann. Ann’s incredibly difficult life is portrayed vividly and readers will feel for her bleak home life. It is transformative for Ann to begin to work for “Miss Eliza.”
Life for Eliza and her mother involves taking in short term boarders. Readers will meet one particularly lascivious and loathsome one. He is an early guest at the house. His presence also impacts Ann.
Throughout the story, Eliza and Ann work together to create recipes that are different from those that came before. For example, they used accurate measurements.
Eliza and Ann become very close. What will the nature of their relationship be as it evolves?
I found this book to be somewhat slow moving and yet it was interesting. It described a time, place, way of life and the people who lived it.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Note that there is an article in the December U.S. issue of Good Housekeeping that references this title. The book was also chosen for a morning tv show’s book club.
Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too! 