The Children’s Blizzard

A Novel

by Melanie Benjamin

Melanie Benjamin has written a number of works of historical fiction. One of my favorites was The Aviator’s Wife which told the moving story of Anne Morrow Lindbergh. I recommend that one highly. I also recommend The Children’s Blizzard.

The novel is based on a harrowing situation that occurred on The Great Plains in the late 1800s. As can be guessed from the title, a huge blizzard took place on a day that had been warm and gave no indication of what was to follow. Decisions had to be made by the teachers about how to best help their students. Should their pupils be sent home or should they remain hunkered down in the school? Each choice had potential and real repercussions.

The novel tells the story of two young sisters who made differing decisions for their classes. How did these choices impact them, their students and their community? What other stories arose from the incident and what other characters were affected? Read this engrossing novel to find out.

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

The Hollywood Spy

A Maggie Hope Mystery

by Susan Elia MacNeal

The Hollywood spy is the tenth entry in Ms. MacNeal’s Maggie Hope historical mystery series. I have read all of the novels, starting with Mr. Churchill’s Secretary which was published in 2012. Maggie has had many adventures, relationships and heartaches over the course of the stories as she experiences WWII.

As is obvious from the tile, The Hollywood Spy takes place in California. There are cameo appearances by so many who lived there in the book; to name just a few there are Walt Disney, Howard Hughes, Lena Horne, Linus Pauling and many others.

Many locations also are brought to life. There are famous hotels, Disney Studios, Cal Tech, nightclubs, speakeasies and more. Each described location feels very authentic.

Maggie travels to California to help a very close friend (and former love), John Sterling, investigate the death of Gloria Hutton. As readers would expect, there are a number of suspects, everyone from the husband she is divorcing to those with whom she worked

Several other murders follow. Are these deaths connected to Gloria’s? If yes, how and why?

While everything just described is done very well and would be enough to lead me to encourage readers to buy this novel, that is not all that was outstanding. What I feel that the author did brilliantly was to describe the times. Note: they were ugly in many ways and bear a resemblance to some current times in America. (Think of the slogan America First, for one.)

The KKK features prominently in the story. The discrimination against Blacks and Hispanics is graphically portrayed. If readers are not aware of this part of the country’s history, it is something that they need to know about. There is surely much to be proud of in the U.S. but also injustices and they are seen here.

In my opinion, The Hollywood Spy may well be the author’s best book to date. I highly recommend it.

The author has included an extensive list of resources at the end of the novel. It will be most helpful for readers who want to further explore the period in which the story is set.

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

A Quick Review of What You Forgot You Knew

by Rod Mebane

Pub Date 03 Aug 2021

I am one of those people who care about grammar. Lately, my pet peeve has been that everyone from Prince Harry on down is using the words me and I incorrectly. So, I was excited to see this ARC on grammar, nerdy though that may be. And, yes, attention is given to that very topic in one of the book’s sections.

This title is densely packed with information. Readers who want to learn more about grammar or those who want some tricky questions answered will both find answers within.

Grammar is described by the author as the principles that guide how words work together. If a reader wants to speak or write more effectively, the rules and practices described in this book will be most helpful.

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

Dinosaurs Before Dark Graphic Novel

by Mary Pope Osborne

The Magic Tree House series has been loved by many beginning readers who have eagerly followed the adventures of Jack and Annie. Ever since the tree house first appeared and whisked the two back to prehistoric times, Jack and Annie have been learning and doing. Now, in a new twist on an old theme, the books have gone graphic. First, to come, is Dinosaurs Before Dark, a title certain to be enjoyed in its new format.

So, have a child you know, sit back, spend time with Jack and Annie, explore the wonderful illustrations and…become an enthusiastic reader.

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

From the publisher:

by Nikolas Ilic

#Animal123 #NetGalley

Pub Date 20 Jul 2021

This book offers vivid, amusing animals and a colorful background for each page. Adults will probably enjoy this counting book, that covers the numbers one to twelve, as much as the children with whom they share it.

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

Recipe for a Perfect Wife” A Novel by Karma Brown

by joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviewsFebruary 11, 2020

This is the first book that I have read by Karma Brown; it was certainly interesting and surprising. The novel tells the stories of two marriages and one house in suburban Westchester, New York.

In the present day, Alice has met her husband in a cute way in Central Park and subsequently married.  Her life is complicated (no spoilers so I won’t say why) which leads to her reluctantly moving to the suburbs with her seemingly perfect husband Nate.  In the earlier time line the story of Nellie, who is married to Richard, is told.  The expectations for her are clear but how will Nellie deal with them?

Each chapter begins with either a recipe from the 50s or a quote from a marriage journal.  There are also many references to 1950s Ladies Home Journal issues.  These definitely enhanced the story.

The book raises questions about the nature of marriage and the roles between women and men.  To what extent should a wife strive to be the person her husband wants/ needs?  What if the husband is not at all perfect?  How far should a woman go to feel free? What do older women have to teach those younger?  How important is it to have children? How can one be a friend?  How important is it to follow social mores? How much should one lie (if at all) in a marriage? What does it mean to live in the  suburbs or the city?

At times I did not “like” some of the characters in this book, yet I commend the author for eliciting responses from me.  This book is NOT a lighthearted send up of the 50s or of romantic love.  It may, though, raise questions for the reader, making it a good book club choice.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

#RecipeForAperfectWife #NetGalley

What Do You See? A Book Full of Words and Pictures

by Anita Bijsterbosch

#ClavisPublishing #NetGalley

This picture book for the youngest children has the most adorable and appealing illustrations. Many titles have been published for young children in which they can learn the names of objects; in my opinion this is one of the cutest. Each two page spread features many things to name and find. For example, children are invited to see things in the bedroom, the kitchen, in the garden and more. They are also invited to look at animals and vehicles. Think about purchasing this one for a young child that you know; you will both enjoy it.

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