Woods is the author of the Sweet Magnolias series, currently on Netflix.

From one of the author’s earlier series.

These titles are all under $10 and are recent releases.

My review: Jodi Picoult has a magical talent for writing novels that address social issues and concerns while, at the same time, offering readers an involving story with plot, character and a bit of education.
This time the background (and foreground) issue is the Covid epidemic. For some readers, it might still feel too close and they might want to skip reading this title. I would argue against that. In addition to re-experiencing some of the trauma, I was also reminded of how far life has come (at least for those who have been vaccinated). This, of corse, does not mitigate the deep losses that so many experienced in the real world.
The protagonist of this novel is Diana. When the story opens, she is working for Sotheby’s and is in a relationship with a surgical resident at New York Presbyterian Hospital. Diana is working with a client who seems to be based upon Yoko Ono. Due to Diana’s work, readers are treated to some interesting art and music history. I enjoyably learned a lot about Toulouse Lautrec.
Diana and Finn are planning a trip to the Galapagos Islands. Finn cannot/chooses not to go because of the emerging pandemic and his need to be at work. He encourages Diana to go on the trip and she does. Finn’s emails to Diana offer all of the horror of Covid, especially the early impotence that medical professionals felt in the wake of this tsunami of an epidemic.
Diana makes it to the Galapagos but is stranded there because travel is cut off. She manages to get settled, leading her to meet with a troubled adolescent, her father and her grandmother. They open Diana up to a new world. It is most likely no coincidence that our main character is living where theories of evolution were formed as she may be adapting and changing too.
The Galapagos are beautifully described and form a contrast to life in New York. Which place is right for Diana? Which relationship? What plot twists will Ms. Picoult bring to this, her latest novel? Read the book to find out. I highly recommend it.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

This one is in my TBR stack.

Not my kind of book, is it yours?

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A Novel

by Susan Mallery

Mackenzie Dienes made a close friend, Stephanie, when she was in college. Over time, Mackenzie married Stephanie’s brother, Rhys, and she began working for Rhys’s mother, Barbara at the family winery. For sure, Mackenzie knows her grapes and the business yet she is always an employee, never a full partner in the company.

Mackenzie at first thought that she had everything that she could possibly want with her marriage, home and career. However, big cracks began to appear. A slight spoiler…Mackenzie and Rhys realize that they cannot stay together any longer. What will happen to Mackenzie? Will she find the life that she wants and what will she have to go through to get there? Read the book to find out.

I give this book a solid three stars. I did not find myself so immersed that I couldn’t wait to get back to the story to read more.

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

by T.A. Willberg

I will begin by noting that I found this second Marion Lane novel to be an involving read and one that I very much enjoyed. Those who have not read the first in the series can plunge right in but should be aware that there are some spoilers relating back to Marion Lane and the Midnight Murder. (also reviewed on my blog and on NetGalley).

Those who have read the Harry Potter books may feel a kinship with Marion Lane’s Miss Brickett’s. Like Harry, Marion lacks family, is clever and, becomes part of something bigger than herself. At the same time, through her adventures, Marion finds others more like her, a sense of belonging and the future that she wants.

There is a lot going on here. There is a murder, a very bad man known as the florist, threats to national security, most likely a traitor at Miss Brickett’s, new recruits and much more. The pages turn easily as the story unfolds and readers spend time with Marion, Bill, Marion’s American spy friend and new people including the interesting, note taking, new recruit Ambrosia.

Those who enjoy their mysteries with a bit of something magical will want to read this one and the series. It is a fun read.

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

by Zoe Disigny

This title caught my eye because it promised to be a story about travel. With my real life travels sadly nil, I looked forward to a novel in which the protagonist travels to Milan, Venice, Ravenna, Florence, Siena, Rome, and Paris. I have been to five of these cities so looked forward to experiencing some nostalgia while also (virtually) traveling to a couple of new places.

Of course, though, this is a novel and not a travel guide so there is more to the book than noting what to see. Protagonist Claire is running away and so moves toward Viv. What happens to these two makes up this art filled story. Their relationship is not always easy but readers will hope for them and want them to have the lives that they want.

This author lends authenticity to her book. She clearly knows her art and is a good travel companion.

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

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See my review of Jodi Picoult’s newest novel, Wish You Were Here, which is about Covid.

Rebel Girls Powerful Pairs

25 Tales of Mothers and Daughters

by Rebel Girls

The Rebel Girls series offers up the life stories of women who are accomplished in many different fields. An example of an earlier title is Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Immigrant Women Who Changed the World. These are books that are designed to inspire girls and to remind them that there is no limit to what they can try and do.

This latest entry in the series looks at mother daughter pairs and this may make it a great title for adult and child to look at together. Just some of the duos featured here include Beyonce and Ivy Blue; Emmeline Pankhurst and daughters Sylvia and Christabel; Sarah and Sally Kettle; and Laurie Strand and Adriana. There are hikers, biotech people, authors, scientists and more.

There are additional suggested activities included at the end of the book. These include write your story, draw your portrait and more dun together. As an additional bonus there is also information about an app where longer stories can be heard.

The book is beautifully illustrated with art and story complementing each other. There are a number of illustrators, each of whom shares their vision.

I highly recommend this latest entry in the series. It is a fun, inspiring look at some mother-daughter pairs who represent many interests, backgrounds and ethnicities.

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

From the Publisher