I have enjoyed every book that I have read by Ruth Hogan. A couple are reviewed on my site.

One Night on the Island

A Novel

by Josie Silver

Josie Silver has a knack for writing contemporary women’s fiction that has both humor and heart. In this novel, those talents are showcased once again.

Ms. Silver sets up her story nicely. Both Cleo and Mack come on a visit to a very small island that has few tourist accommodations. Through an error, each is booked into the very same one room cottage. Neither wants to be the one to compromise or leave and, even if one would, the boats come to the island only weekly. Even worse, someone thought it was a honeymoon that was the reason for the booking. How will these characters work things out? What will evolve in their relationship?

So, the people:

Cleo is about to turn thirty. She is a dating columnist whose love life has not gone to plan. Her editor sends her to the island to make a commitment to herself in a ceremony similar to a marriage. (very Emma Watson seeming). Cleo, over the course of the novel, will begin to sort out her future as will Mack.

Mack thinks that he was given the cabin to visit by a relative. He is a photographer who is separated from his wife but not by his choice. Mack has two sons whom he dearly loves. He is looking for some peace and a chance to think about what comes next He has traveled all the way from Boston to do this.

These characters are surrounded by other islanders. They are also in a beautiful locale.

One thing that I liked in the book was the author having each character tell the other three important things most days. Not a bad idea for any couple. There was also some humor and ingenuity around sharing the cabin.

Overall, I liked this novel. It did feel just a bit slow to me at times, however.

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

From the Publisher

A Novel

by RaeAnne Thayne

Readers who enjoy women’s fiction by authors like Sherryl Woods, Robyn Carr, and Debbie Macombefr, among others, may want to add RaeAnne Thanyne’s novels to their reading lists. The Sea Glass Cottage is the first of her novels for me but I may well go on to look at others.

Protagonist Olivia (Liv), is called home by her mother’s illness. She is returning to a place with a peaceful name but her life there was anything but that. Now, Liv’s mother is ill, her sister who had a history of drug use has left behind a teenage daughter and Liv is called on to help.. How will Live, her mother and her niece cope? Will they become closer? Will they grow and find some happiness? Read this novel to find out.

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

From the Publisher

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Between the colorful description of the location as well as the concerns of many characters, this issue of the Cape Sanctuary series draws the reader in from the first page to the gratifying conclusion”—New York Journal of Books on The Sea Glass Cottage

My favorite Tana French novel!

Note that a number of titles by this author are bargains today.

Elin Hilderbrand has written many novels that take place on Nantucket.  This is her first murder mystery and the first book that I have read by the author.  The setting is beautiful and full of details of how the well-to-do spend their summers on the island.

A wedding is scheduled to take place.  The groom, Benji is the scion of a wealthy family while his bride to be, Celeste,  comes from a loving, middle-class background.    Celeste and Benji’s parents come to life in portrait-like depictions.  Benji’s mother is a society woman who writes mystery novels and always hosts in the most proper ways.  Her husband, Tag, is a man who has had many affairs. They live a life of luxury but do not have a happy marriage.  In contrast,  Celeste’s parents are “salt of the earth” types who have a loving relationship.  Karen, who has breast cancer, is portrayed in a wonderfully empathetic fashion.  Kudos to the author for sympathetically but not maudlin-ly describing Karen.  Bruce, Celeste’s dad, clearly adores both his wife and child.  They both want only Celeste to be happy and secure.

Celeste’s maid of honor is the murder victim.  For fear of spoilers, I won’t say more about what happened or the solution of the mystery.  There are numerous suspects and many relationships come into play.

This is what I would describe as a good summer read.  It is a long (over 400 pages) novel in which the reader becomes immersed.  If you want a light summer escape, this one is worth trying.

nyti.ms/3ImWOrJ

I just reviewed this book. UK viewers, the tv show is coming this week.

Phaedra Patrick writes novels that readers want to read. They are warm and insightful, often featuring characters who are trying to find their way in the world. I think those who enjoy novels by Ruth Hogan will also enjoy titles by Phaedra Patrick.

This book is about Martha. She is a librarian who feels most comfortable when living amongst her books. I always enjoy books about books. This story has one that features pr0minently.

What will happen to Martha when she receives a legacy from her grandmother? Have fun finding out in this lovely book.

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

Note: Phaedra Patrick has a new book coming out in July.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Decorating Like a Pro

by Rose Atwater

Have you explored baking more during Covid? Are you a person who likes to make cakes to celebrate or even just for every day? Are you an advanced baker or a novice? All of these types of bakers may enjoy this book by Rose Atwater.

This title has everything that a baker needs to get started. There is information on tools, baking, making frosting and more. There are illustrations to show what cakes look like. All in all, a good resource for home bakers.

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

From the publisher:

Master the nuts and bolts of baking and cake decorating:

Tutorials In addition to 10 decorating tutorials, the book features templates to cut sheet cake into different shapes and sizes to create fun designs, from a ship to a llama to a heart.	Decorating Basics Step-by-step instructions and photographs are accompanied by charts indicating the serving size of different cakes and how much frosting or fondant is required for decoration.	Prep and Baking Get the basics right first. Before you decorate, get a foundation with the right tools, techniques, foundational recipes, and troubleshooting tips.