What does a person “Need to Know?” What truths do we need to live by and how can/should a person compromise? Karen Cleveland’s first novel reads like the book of an experienced author. It not only reflects her background in working for the government but also a keen awareness of what it means to be married, have children, think there is security and find out that is an illusion. I agree with all those big name authors who said that once you start this book, you will look forward to finishing it!

Note that the author has a new book coming in July 2022

nyti.ms/3xMSsGu

by Jonathan Galassi, ed.

A Novel

by Jenny Colgan

Jenny Colgan can be counted on to write an engaging Christmas novel every year and this year is no exception. The Christmas Bookshop is set in Scotland. Colgan portrays Edinburgh and brings it to life. I had never known that Edinburgh was so hilly! Mr. McC’s bookshop also is described in a way that makes it feel so real in all its initial scruffiness and then as it slowly transforms.

Protagonist Carmen chose not to attend university but rather continued to work at her local department store…until it closed and Carmen found herself unemployed. Meanwhile her sister Sofia seems to have it all. She has the job, the house, the husband and is pregnant with her fourth child.

Carmen travels to Edinburgh to stay with Sofia. Sofia finds her the position in the bookshop and from here the story moves forward. There are several characters whom readers feel will vie for Carmen’s affection. One is a disaffected self-help book author while another is a bookshop customer.

Readers can enjoy this story knowing that all will end well. Watch the bookstore begin to thrive (I love bookstores in books) and wait for Carmen to find happiness.

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

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.

And lots of Agatha Christies

There are also these homages to Poirot by Sophie Hannah

by Anna Lee Huber is an e book bargain for 12.6.21

#APrettyDeceit #NetGalley

Anna Lee Huber began the Verity Kent series with This Side or Murder. A Pretty Deceit is the fourth novel to feature her. The books are best read in order as otherwise readers will be exposed to some spoilers.

These historical mysteries take place in the WWI time period and its aftermath. Both Verity and her husband served in the war and continue to serve as they sleuth.

In this latest entry a lot is going on. Sidney and Verity visit Verity’s aunt where they learn about the disappearance of a maid and the death of an estate worker. They are also involved with the activities of a nefarious enemy from earlier entries. How will these plots connect? What will happen?

As all this unfolds there are friendships, the aftermath of war (especially for Verity’s cousin who is now blind), artwork forgeries, letters in code and more. Regular readers of the series will enjoy following what happens. They will also enjoy Verity and Sidney’s relationship.

I love the way that the covers of the Verity Kent mysteries draw readers in. The artwork showcases the period and the characters. Good cover art does matter.

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

This is the first book that I have read by Ms. Thomas. It is the start of a new series for the author. I think that this title will be enjoyed by those who read books by writers including Debbie Macomber, Brenda Novak and Robyn Carr. It is an enjoyable women’s fiction title.
The three main male characters are Colby, Sam and Pecos. The three women are Piper, Anna and Kerrie. Their respective relationships form the basis for the romances of the novel. There is an additional relationship that includes the sheriff and the woman with whom he is involved. The setting is a small Texas town where Piper is the mayor.
Colby comes to town to be a bodyguard/detective whose charge is Piper who, in turn, is receiving threats and who had a date with someone who subsequently disappeared. The sheriff has himself been out of reach and is not there to help for much of the story.
Colby has a back story of injury. He wants to be a Texas Ranger. Sam is a minister who is looking to find himself; he has escaped through many other occupations. Pecos is young, graduating from high school and becoming a man over night. The women with whom they are involved are strong and are survivors and people who cope.
This is a book that will be welcomed by readers who are looking forward to an easy but enjoyable read. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

Picnic in Someday Valley by Jodi Thomas

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.

Ink and Shadows is the fourth entry in Ellery Adams’s Secret, Book, and Scone Society series. I have enjoyed all of the books and recommend them. They are, perhaps, best read in order although the author gives enough back story for a new reader to quickly catch up.

Two things that I love about the series:

The main characters. Each of them has struggled in life and moved forward. Each has a particular love or talent that is given its due in the books. My favorite is Nora. She owns the bookstore of my fantasies; there are amazing themed displays, a full array of titles, good coffee and knowledgeable staff. There are nooks to sit in and children’s story hours. Plus, Nora is a bibliotherapist. This means that the novel is filled with good reading suggestions. Nora has her past struggles and guilts; she has a new relationship which is in trouble in this title.

Nora’s friends are all women with their own stories and talents. They include a baker, a woman skilled in massage and comfort and two other close friends. Each has a gift for friendship.

The setting. The small town is lovingly portrayed. It is cozy with farmer’s markets, festivals, artisan shops, good foods and the outdoors close by.

There are murders sullying the town. Both a daughter and her mother are dead. Is the cause their interest in a grimoire or is there another reason? Are their deaths tied to the commune that they lived on prior to coming to Miracle Springs?

The author takes on some social issues as well. There is a group of women who believe in censorship and want Nora’s Halloween store windows taken down. There are also comments on CBD.

Readers who want a slightly less than cozy, cozy take a look at this series. I am already looking forward to the next book!

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