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!
I had previously read series mysteries by this author. They took place in Alaska and in the present. This title was a chance for Ms. Stabenow to try something different.
Death of an Eye takes place in ancient Egypt. Many of the characters, as for example, Cleopatra, will be familiar to readers. The times were tumultuous and it was not easy to know whom to trust. It is a major blow for Cleopatra when her trusted Eye is murdered. What happened? Will the case be solved? Read this one to find out. There is a helpful character list to keep readers focused.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.
I was intrigued by this novel. It takes place in the area where I grew up and during a time period that I know. The story is one of a man who is idealistic and wants to make a difference in the world. This leads him to join the police force rather than going to law school. What he discovers as an officer forms much of the basis for the novel.
The story begins with the shootings at Kent State. From its impact on Steve, readers follow him as he makes his way in life. They will also spend time with his girlfriend, a medical student.
This is a novel that can be read by those who remember the early 70s and those who want to know more about that time. The world currently feels upended but this novel reminds readers that there are often difficult times and difficult decisions to be made.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.
The Extraordinary Lives of Winston and Clementine’s Daughters
by Dr. Rachel Trethewey
Winston Churchill was/is a figure known to many for his outsize life and accomplishments. I have previously read several books about him as well as both fiction and non-fiction titles about Clementine.
This book, however, explores a different aspect of the Churchill family, the lives of their daughters and the Chuchills as parents. I was aware that tragically one of the Churchills’ daughters died too young and that there was a brother. I had also read a bit about Mary. I did not know the other sisters though and now feel that I do.
This title tells an interesting story about these daughters, their lives, their times and those around them. By the way, those around them included their cousins, the Mitford girls. Each of the Churchill siblings is brought to life here and, as is generally true of siblings, each had a unique personality.
Those interested in social history, biography and/or the Churchills will welcome this title. I do recommend it.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Many people choose to follow a Mediterranean diet and some may want to do so as vegetarians. For both groups, as well as those who enjoy vegetarian meals on occasion, this cookbook should be most welcome.
This book has beautiful photos throughout. These are sure to leave readers hungry and ready to try out some of the recipes. There are entries on everything from small plates to sweets. Between these two sections are recipes for soups, salads, pasta, sandwiches and much more; there are 125 recipes in all. In addition to these, there are many helpful introductory sections.
I recommend giving this book a look. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.
From the Publisher
Sample recipe: Tomato and Basil Brushetta
1. Preheat the broiler.
2. In a small bowl, stir together the olive oil and garlic. Brush the bread slices with this mixture and place them on a baking sheet. Set aside.
3. In another small bowl, stir together the tomatoes and basil and season with salt and pepper. Taste, and adjust seasoning, if needed.
4. Place the bread under the broiler for 1 minute until crisp and lightly toasted. Remove from the oven, spoon 1 tablespoon of the tomato mixture on top of each piece. Slice, and serve.
Bruschetta is extremely versatile—and extremely delicious! This version is a simple way to use all the extra tomatoes from your garden during summer. You can make caprese bruschetta by adding fresh mozzarella to this recipe or, for different Mediterranean flavors, combine labneh and mint or diced strawberries and feta.
Here I’ve taken the standard approach of topping the bread before serving, but my favorite way to serve bruschetta is to spoon the tomato mixture into a bowl and place the garlic bread around it.
Out just in time for holiday shopping is this new Sarah Scribbles collection. If you know someone who loves cats and has a unique sense of humor, this could make the perfect gift (even for you!).
Oddball seems like the right title for this book. The humor is unique and reflects what it feels like to not always belong or be comfortable in one’s skin. The comics center on someone who is an introvert and show how hard this can be in an extroverted world.
Fans of this cartoonist, along with some others, will surely welcome this collection.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.
This is another of the recently reissued Nigel Strangeways mysteries written under the nom de plume Nicholas Blake. Blake was really poet Cecil Day Lewis.
This time there is a lot going on for both Nigel and a group of boys who happen to be at a boat pond in Kensington Gardens. What follows is a rather convoluted tale of adventure and spies.
This title will be most enjoyed by fans of Blake and those who like mysteries from the 1950s.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.
