Unto Us a Son Is Given by Leon

A new novel from this author is always most welcome! What I love about this series is not so much the mysteries, although those are well constructed, but the relationships among the characters and the ways in which the city of Venice is brought to life. Guido and Paola seem so real and affectionate with one another; they have a marriage that many would envy. Watching Guido and Paola with their children is a treat as is reading about their latest family dinner. Guido’s relationships with his extended family and work colleagues are also brought vividly to life.

In this book, a friend of the family who is elderly wants to adopt an adult male to be his heir. Will you as the reader feel empathy for this lonely man? All around wonder if this adoption is a good plan but he is determined and undeterred. Is this what leads to his and one other’s death? What are the reasons for what is happening? How are families constructed? They are not all like Guido’s.

For fans of Donna Leon, the chance to spend time with her will be a delight. New readers will also enjoy the book and will probably then look to read others in the series.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this good read. The opinions are mine alone.

#UntoUsASonIsGiven #NetGalley

A Novel

by Anne Perry

#AChristmasLegacy #NetGalley

Anne Perry began writing her Christmas novellas back in 2003. I think that “A Christmas Legacy” is the nineteenth of this ongoing collection.

These books are ones to enjoy every year. Each features a favorite character from one of Ms. Perry’s series. This year readers will spend time with the intrepid Gracie. Long term readers will know that Gracie had been a servant to Charlotte and Thomas Pitt. She became one of the family and often helped in solving cases. Gracie left service when she married one of the police officer who worked for Thomas.

As this novella opens, Gracie is the mistress of her own home. She has a children whom she adores. All seems well. However, when Millie, the daughter of someone well-known to Gracie, seeks help, there is no way that Gracie will refuse.

As a result, Gracie temporarily finds herself back “in service.” What is going on in the home where she works? Why is food disappearing, especially sweets? Who is a mysterious party that is hidden from view? Why is the family having so much difficulty?

Readers will enjoy spending time with Gracie as she works all of these questions out. She is a most likeable character.

Please note: those who have never read books by Ms. Perry can still enjoy this title.

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

And Now You’re Back by Jill Mansell

Jill Mansell is one of the very best writers of women’s fiction. Her novels always have heart and warmth, along with good plots, likeable characters and smile for readers. This time we meet Didi and Shay; Rosa, Red, Benny, Ingrid, Harry, Will and others, including a well-known actress. All are well portrayed and people that readers will enjoy getting to know.

Didi and Shay met as teens and broke up; now, Shay is back. Will their past history derail them or will they find their happy ever after? Shay’s dad has been in and out of jail many times and yet he is a most appealing character. Red is dying and wants to spend time in the town where Shay grew up and where Shay is living in Didi’s hotel. Layla is Didi’s closest friend; will she find love through Shay’s dating site or closer to home? Rosa, Layla’s mother, loved her husband Joe who died. She is offering shelter to Shay’s dad, Red, and becomes involved with Benny, a goodhearted man to whom she sold her house.. And, there is more although this gives a sense of all of the many interrelationships in this heart warming novel.

Readers looking for a relaxing read should mark their calendars for this books’ release date. I highly recommend it. Ms. Mansell has written many novels; readers may want to read them all.

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

Carnegie’s Maid by Benedict

Imagine that your family sends you (alone) to the U.S. because of financial hardship in Ireland and you will need to support your relatives back home. Imagine that you are able to take on someone else’s identity to become the servant of Andrew Carnegie’s mother. Will you be found out? Will your position be secure? These are among the premises of this richly detailed historical novel. Relationships between upstairs and downstairs, specifically between Clara and Andrew Carnegie are a major part of this novel. Read it too to learn more about the business world and women’s roles in the post Civil War U.S. Overall, an enjoyable read.

What Our Feline Friends Are Really Thinking

by Alison Davies

Cat people, you will adore this book. Starting with the title’s spelling of purrsonality, the message is that this title will be entertaining. Chapter headings confirm this. Here are a few of them: Top Cat; Puss-in-Boots; Paws, Snooze, Repeat; Chat with the Cat and more.

What follows are a number of quizzes that will reveal your cat’s personality. The author notes that there are five types of cats. See which one yours is.

Cat lovers will have fun with this book. If you are not one, this could be a good gift for someone you know

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

by Joanne Harris

Narrated by Alex Kingston, Steven Pacey

Although I don’t live in England, I keep an eye on book sites there. When I saw this title at Blackwell’s, I knew that I wanted to read it. I had not yet ordered the book, however, so was pleasantly surprised to see A Narrow Door on NetGalley as an e book. Thank you NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions below are my own.

In my opinion, this is one seriously creepy book. A woman with grudges and history becomes the head of a school that has recently gone co-ed. A body is found. That is just one of the dark events. It goes from there. Throughout, the book has a gothic flavor. It can be riveting.

The narration of this one is spot on. Each narrator has a clear voice and both do an excellent job of bringing their characters to life.

This book will appeal to those who like their stories to be the opposite of cozy.

Have you read this one? Will you? Let me know.

From the Publisher

by Brooke Burroughs

This is a book for readers looking for something light. It is a romance of a pretty classic variety. Bernie has been going through a rough time. Her friends suggest that she gain some perspective by going on a hike in Alaska. She agrees little knowing what will result from this.

Matthew also needs some time to think. He, of course, also travels to Alaska. What will happen when Bernie, who has lost a father, and Matthew, who has found one, meet up? Will sparks fly? Read this romance novel to find out.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this book. All opinions are my own.

by Laurien Berenson

This is the latest entry in the poodle centered, cozy mystery series by Laurien Berenson. Those who like their mysteries with good characters, a body but not a lot of gore, and animals may well enjoy this one. As a bonus, in addition to poodles, there are dalmatians this time.

Our amateur sleuth, Melanie Travis, has enrolled her children in day camp. What could go wrong? Well, has the camp director committed murder? Read the book to find out.

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