A gorgeously heartwarming story for summer

by Phillipa Ashley

Phillipa Ashley writes novels that are wonderful escapes from daily life. They are set in an idyllic and picturesque Cornwall with nice settings and characters with whom to enjoy spending time. The novels are part of a series but can be read in any order.

This story centers on Cal and Demi. They are opening, what they hope will be, a popular wedding venue. Things are about to take off in a big way when the first customers are a celebrity couple. No suprise…there will be some challenges. Will there by happy endings at Kilhallon Resort? Read this story with its fun plot and characters to find out. Perfect for when you need some me time.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for this romance. All opinions are my own.

I previously reviewed this one.

Everly is having a very hard time; the fact that it will be her 30th birthday makes everything feel even worse.

Everly is shy and anxious by nature. In order to come out of her shell, she will develop her ten rules. Will they help? Will Everly get her podcast up? Will she find Mr. Right? Just relax while awaiting the answers in this delightful romance with its engaging characters and storyline.

Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this read. All opinions are my own.

From the publisher:

From the Publisher

The Case of the Missing Marquess, The Case of the Left-Handed Lady, and The Case of the Bizarre Bouquets

by Serena Blasco

The Enola Holmes series was originally written by Nancy Springer. In this title, readers will find three graphic novel versions of these stories including The Case of the Missing Marquess, The Case of the Left-Handed Lady, and The Case of the Bizarre Bouquets.

I have not read the original stories so cannot compare them with these renditions. I can say that I enjoyed the re-tellings. In the first, Enola’s mother is missing. This leads Enola to a search for a missing Marquess. Enola’s second case involves a missing artist, while the third case involves Watson. The illustrations in this graphic novel are engaging and the stories are well told. Enola, younger sister to Sherlock and Mycroft, is a force with whom to be reckoned. Her brothers should beware.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel books for this title. All opinions are my own.

This book will be published on 24 May 2022.

www.nytimes.com/2022/04/08/books/review/new-crime-fiction.html

www.nytimes.com/2022/04/07/books/international-booker-prize-shortlist-tokarczuk.html

sleuthofbakerstreet.ca/i/1584200/April_2022_e_MOM_Read.pdf

Arrival Stories

Women Share Their Experiences of Becoming Mothers

by Collected by Amy Schumer and Christy Turlington Burns

I would have loved a book like this before and/or after my first child was born. One thing that struck me at the time (call me one with too much ego)was how all of the attention focused on my daughter. She was lovely/amazing but I was also thinking about myself and the complications of my delivery. At the time I thought, if it had been my appendix, people might have asked about what I’d been through. So, as I began in this paragraph, I would have liked to share my story and know those of others. Therefore I truly thank the authors of this book for the collection.

Here readers will find essays by some they have heard of (Serena Williams, Amber Tamblyn, Christy Turlington Burns and others) and those they don’t already know but will come to know in these pages. There are many experiences and points of view.

Each story is unique and an engaging read. I especially enjoyed the entry by Jill Scott. I remembered watching her in the adaptation of the No.1 Ladies Detective Agency. Who knew that she was pregnant then? Also, loved the one by Serena Williams. She shares what was a difficult experience and that for someone who was an athlete in peak shape.

This book is the perfect gift for the right recipient. I very much enjoyed and recommend it.

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

From the Publisher

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Intimate . . . The stories are consequential, the voices delightfully direct, and the collection’s greatest strength is in its embrace of all the mothers, whether they are single, coupled, straight, queer, or chose adoption. This anthology triumphs by making motherhood feel anything but lonely.”—Publishers Weekly (starred review)