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!
Readers of historical fiction, mark your calendars for this books release date. It is fabulous.
Allison Pataki tells the story of Marjorie Merriweather Post from her childhood right on through her “many lives.” She was a daughter, wife (multiple times), mother, key part of Post (later known as General) Foods, society woman, charitable worker and donor, ambassador’s wife, builder of multiple estates and more. The pages just flew as I followed Marjorie through her life.
Readers will travel with Marjorie to many locations. Among these are Battle Creek, Washington DC, Manhattan, the Adirondacks, Palm Beach (Mar-a-Lago) and Moscow. Readers experience Marjorie’s own experiences in each of these places.
Relationships were a big part of Marjorie’s life. No spoiler so I won’t write about how many times she married or who her husbands or children were.
I so highly recommend this book to those who enjoy historical fiction. It is one of the best that I have read in this genre.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.
Would You Rather offers the chance to open up conversations on many subjects. Just a few of this book’s chapters include: Health and Appearance; Love; For Foodies and Drinkers; Deep, and Yuck. Each sections includes a series of questions. For example, would you rather explore space with Neil Armstrong or travel to Rome with Julius Caesar; would you rather lose all the photos you’ve taken on your smart phone this year or lose all the books you own; would you rather never have to do domestic cores ever again or have a car that drives you wherever you want to go.
The author hopes that these questions will lead to fun discussion for those playing. Therefore, some of the questions are admittedly “wacky.” The author also notes that the intent is not to make anyone uncomfortable.
If answering questions in a group appeals to you or could be a useful icebreaker, give this title a look. Those who are introverted may be less inclined to want to engage however. I suggest that the person receiving a question have the option of passing on occasion.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Family life lessons in far flung places (a travel memoir)
by Kate Wickers
#ShapeofaBoy #NetGalley
I found this book to be quite delightful! The author is a wonderful storyteller who makes each of her destinations come fully to life. She also has a terrific sense of humor and an ability to describe the realities of being a parent. At times, I smiled or cringed remembering what it was like to have a young baby. At others, I had to remind myself that the author made it through a difficult experience because, of course, she had published this book.
Ms. Wickers is an adventurer. She worked as a travel writer and loved exotic places before becoming a parent and has happy memories of travels with her family when she was a child. The author wanted to show her own children amazing places and took her first son on his first trip when he was just three months old. Some of the destinations that the growing family visited included Israel and Jordan, Borneo, Sri Lanka, Japan and Cubs. This is a family that is ready to take on all that life offers.
I recommend this enjoyable book. It will be liked by travelers, both armchair and real, as well as parents. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this fun read.
In the vein of Anne Perry, Charles Finch, and Will Thomas, Karen Odden’s richly atmospheric new mystery introduces Scotland Yard Inspector Michael Corravan as he investigates a string of vicious murders that has rocked Victorian London’s upper crust.
London, 1878. One April morning, a small boat bearing a young woman’s corpse floats down the murky waters of the Thames. When the victim is identified as Rose Albert, daughter of a prominent judge, the Scotland Yard director gives the case to Michael Corravan, one of the only Senior Inspectors remaining after a corruption scandal the previous autumn left the division in ruins. Reluctantly, Corravan abandons his ongoing case, a search for the missing wife of a shipping magnate, handing it over to his young colleague, Mr. Stiles.
An Irish former thief and bare-knuckles boxer from London’s seedy East End, Corravan has good street sense and an inspector’s knack for digging up clues. But he’s confounded when, a week later, a second woman is found dead in a rowboat, and then a third. The dead women seem to have no connection whatsoever. Meanwhile, Mr. Stiles makes an alarming discovery: the shipping magnate’s missing wife, Mrs. Beckford, may not have fled her house because she was insane, as her husband claims, and Mr. Beckford may not be the successful man of business that he appears to be.
Slowly, it becomes clear that the river murders and the case of Mrs. Beckford may be linked through some terrible act of injustice in the past—for which someone has vowed a brutal vengeance. Now, with the newspapers once again trumpeting the Yard’s failures, Corravan must dredge up the truth—before London devolves into a state of panic and before the killer claims another innocent victim.
Praise for Down a Dark River:
“A harrowing tale of unbridled vice that exposes the dark underbelly of Victorian society.” —Kirkus Reviews
“A page-turner.” —New York Journal of Books
“[A] finely crafted story.” —Seattle Book Review “Impossible to put down.” —Historical Novel Society Review
“Superbly written . . . fast paced suspense.” —Mystery and Suspense Magazine
“A must read for mystery fans!” —Charles Todd, New York Times bestselling author of the Inspector Rutledge mysteries
“Odden’s latest is intricately plotted and filled with a cast of wonderful characters, including a worthy and relatable hero.” —Anna Lee Huber, USA Today bestselling author
“Sparkling prose, vivid description, a haunting and satisfyingly complex story . . . Down a Dark River is a must read for fans of any genre of crime fiction.” —Edwin Hill, author of The Secrets We Share
“Gritty, compelling and vividly written . . . Like Anne Perry, Odden demonstrates a commanding grasp of authentic period detail.” —Susanna Calkins, author of the Lucy Campion historical mysteries and Speakeasy Murders
“No one does Victorian England like Karen Odden . . . Fans of Anne Perry and Charles Finch will welcome Inspector Michael Corravan.” —Mariah Fredericks, author of the Jane Prescott mystery series
“This terrific Victorian mystery [is] absolute catnip for those missing the William Monk mysteries of Anne Perry.” —The Poisoned Pen Bookstore
“This twisty-turn-y mystery introducing a new and charismatic detective will delight readers also looking for well-researched history.” —Susan Elia MacNeal, New York Times bestselling author of the Maggie Hope series
“A spellbinding, brilliantly plotted Victorian murder mystery, Karen Odden’s Down a Dark River features a fascinating and relatable detective, a cast of complex characters, powerful prose, exceptional attention to historical detail, and enough twists and turns to keep you on the edge of your seat until the last astonishing page. Highly recommended!” —Syrie James, bestselling author of The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Bronte
Readers of Breakfast at the Honey Creek Cafe will be delighted to meet up with their old (character) friends in this second novel set in Texas. Piper, the mayor, and her Texas Ranger are back along with the widows and a number of other folks from the first novel including Pecos and his young bride. For those who have not read Breakfast, there is a lot of information given to catch you up; however, for a more leisurely read, take the books in order.
In part, this title tells the story of Marcie. She was a character in the first novel too, but comes into her own here. Marcie is a singer who made the mistake of getting involved with the wrong man. She expects little to bad things from relationships. Will it be any different with Brand?
Readers also meet Jesse, a young widower. He takes excellent care of his three children and his farm but can he hope for more in life? Will he find love with the baker of the most perfect scones?
Spending time in the locations and with the characters make for a relaxing read. Travel to Texas; readers will want to stay for a while.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Kids who love cats and drawing will have fun with this book. It shows how to draw any number of cats in steps that are clear and easy to follow. Pick from the curled up cat, the grumpy kitten, the sleeping cat, the surprised kitten and many more. Have a child you know get out their pencils and paper and get to it!
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.
This is a sweet, beautifully illustrated story for all ages. It offers a gentle reminder to find the joy and color in life. Mr. Gray, who is appropriately named, unavoidably gets to know Frieda Frolic. This changes his life in the best of all possible ways.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.
