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!
Stephen Fry wears a few hats. One of these is author and, in that guise, he has written his version of the Greek myths. Readers are lucky that he has taken on these stories of the gods with all of their powers but also their human flaws.
This is a long (over 500 pages) book that will keep readers entertained for hours. So many stories are included here. Read about Gaia’s Revenge, Hera, Artemis, Cupid, Phaeton, Hyacinthus, Pyramus and Thisbe, Midas… and that is just a very small sample of the characters found in these pages.
This is a new edition of the previously published Mythos. It is lavishly illustrated. Mythos will bring so much pleasure to readers. Think about giving this as a gift to someone who loves Greece, mythology and beautiful editions of books. I am certain it will be welcomed.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Chronicle Books for this title. All opinions are my own.
In this hilarious second installment of a Regency romance series, a single lord is forced to settle down…and when a houseparty brings a happy-go-lucky lady’s companion his way, his grumpy heart is unexpectedly warmed.
Nine years ago, Lord Guy Harrowby, Viscount Wennington, was publicly humiliated by a failed and reckless romantic gesture. Despite this, his mother clings to the promise he made her then: that she would have a house full of grandchildren by his thirtieth birthday. Still single, embittered, and swiftly approaching thirty, Guy’s work is his life. In desperation, his mother blindsides Guy with a weeklong house party at his estate filled with annoying debutantes, all competing to be his wife.
After failing as a governess, Lottie Travers is struggling as a lady’s companion. Raised in an all-male household, she’s developed habits that get her dismissed. Even after years of Miss Prentice’s teachings of how to be a lady, she climbs trees better than she embroiders and can’t resist riding horses astride, in breeches. But with the family farm in trouble, and her father now in dire need of her wages, she’s determined to conquer her wildness once and for all.
Even with his home full of eligible women, there is only one who catches Guy’s eye—though he tries to deny it. For Lottie, succeeding in her new role proves difficult when the Wennington estate is filled with horses, and a spark ignites between her and the grumpy lord. Will they remain stuck in their ways, or learn that they may just be the perfect match?
My thoughts:
Here is a lighthearted and fun romance set during the Regency period. It features a mismatched pair but one that readers will root for. This title offers some great escape from daily life.
Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press-St. Martin’s Griffin for this title. All thoughts are my own.
I was drawn to this novel when I learned that it was set in Appalachia. I have previously read the novels by Julia Keller that were set here and found them to be gripping. I was also intrigued to read that the author of this title is a ninth generation Appalachian.
I was less sure about the plot which involved three young girls who were sequentially taken from their homes about ten years before the start of this story. Child abduction is not my favored mystery sub-genre.
That said, I loved spending time with the PI who is hired by the brother of one of the missing girls. Annie Gore is tough and resourceful with an interesting backstory. Many of the other characters are equally well portrayed and they are many. There are the families of the girls, the local law enforcement, a friend and mentor of Annie’s, and others.
The settings in the book are as well delineated as are the characters. I could see the cabin where Annie was staying in my mind, for example.
What will happen as misdeeds from the past are aroused again? Read this one to find out.
I hope that Sullivan will continue to write now that her debut has been published. I highly recommend this first book.
Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press-Minotaur for this title. All opinions are my own.
Pub date: 12 August 2025
Reviews:
“The narrative is linear, relatable and revealing… And the ending, just―wow!” –BookPage (starred review)
“An auspicious debut for this series.” –Dayton Daily News
“This gothic-horror story–murder mystery offers a chilling look at dark secrets in a small, poverty-stricken Appalachian town. Full of suspense, shocking twists, and a healthy dose of Appalachian folklore and traditions, it’s guaranteed to keep readers spellbound from first page to last.” –Booklist
“A mesmerizing mystery that blends small-town secrets with ominous folklore. . . Delivering intrigue, atmosphere, and well-shaded characters with the efficiency of a seasoned pro, Sullivan knocks it out of the park on her first try.” –Publishers Weekly
“A tough heroine who refuses to quit uses her own troubled background to crack the case.” –Kirkus Reviews
Miss Honeysett is a prim woman who is 85 years old. She believes that the time has come to take control of the end of her life. This leads her to contact a Dignitas like clinic and submit an application. Will her request be granted? Will Eudora want it to be?
Readers learn that Eudora faced a number of tragedies and disappointments over the course of her her life. Most chapters in the novel include a flashback to a key moment for Eudora. No spoilers so I do not want to write more.
So many of the reviews that I saw for this novel were quite praiseworthy so I looked to it with very high hopes and expectations. It did not disappoint. This is a novel that engages the reader through its characters and its story lines. I think that readers who enjoyed novels like The Little Paris Bookshop or The Lido will want to read this one…as will many others.
In the present, Eudora meets the irrepressible Rose. The two have a relationship that evolves over the course of the book as Rose awaits becoming a big sister.
Another important character is Stanley. His friendship with Eudora and Rose is impacted by some memory issues. What will happen to each of them?
At times acerbic, at times touching this is a novel that I most definitely recommend. The audio version is also well done and the narrator reads with a clear, easy to follow style.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.
King Arthur Baking Company’s Cookbook for Young Bakers
by King Arthur Baking Company
King Arthur flour is pretty well-known so it seemed to me that they would be ideally situated to create some recipes. They are.
This is for young bakers but I always feel that adults who are new to baking can also enjoy books like this.
The information at the beginning of this book is very helpful and will getbakers off to a good start. There are then lots of recipes organized by sweet or salty. A few examples include peanut butter and jam bars, lemon pudding cake, no knead crusty bread, and pick your pan pizzas.
There are lots of photos and the recipe steps are clearly explained. I also really liked the sections with questions as there were some interesting things to learn in these. One example was about the difference between baking powder and baking soda, another about what is macerating, somethings that kids might not know.
This is a really nice book. I may just buy the hard copy. Anyone who would like to bake with a child should take a look.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing for this title. All opinions are my own.
Amy Bloom is not writing about fictional characters in this heartbreaking, moving and extremely well written work. Instead the novelist tells a story that is as impactful as any of those that came from her imagination. In some ways, she asks her readers to think about the unthinable.
This book relates what happened when the author’s husband was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Brian knew that he wanted to end his life. As this is not currently possible in most of the U.S., he wanted to go to Dignitas in Switzerland where assisted suicide is a choice. Bloom recounts her and Brian’s experiences, the emotional impact of the decision, the story of their relationship and the poignancy of their last days. Readers will also spend time with the author as she begins to experience her life without Brian.
Many will be touched by this book. I think that it will resonate and also open some hearts and minds.
This is an unforgettable book. Publishers Weekly states: “The result is a stunning portrayal of how love can reveal itself in life’s most difficult moments.” I definitely agree.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for this title. All opinions are my own.
This book was published in 2022.
ONE OF THE TEN BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR: Publishers Weekly ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR: The New York Times Book Review, Time, Entertainment Weekly, NPR, The Washington Post, The Boston Globe, USA Today, Real Simple, Prospect (UK), She Reads, Kirkus Reviews
This is a wonderful book for anyone interested in exploring classical (or what is often called Western) music. This title contains one entry for each day of the year. The reader is told something about a piece of music and its composer. A piece to listen to is then suggested. By the end of the year, readers will have learned about many pieces in a delightful way. Note that Spotify has a playlist for this title so it is very easy to access the music. Highly recommended. I started today with Bach and am eager for tomorrow’s piece. I hope to continue all year.
When I was offered an early read of this title, I was beyond excited. I had already known about Death at the White Hart and knew that I would want to read it (as would anybody who saw Broadchurch). So, did it live up to my expectations? Definitely, yes.
This book has a somewhat cinematic feel to it which makes sense given the author. I could very much picture it as a TV series with the multiple settings, many characters, and some strong visuals (antlers attached to a dead man, anyone?)
The story is well told but, initially, asks that the reader pay attention as the characters are introduced. Their interrelationships are very much a part of the plot. There are pub keepers, police officers, many people in the community, relatives and acquaintances, as well as at least one more organized crime figure type.
The detective has her reasons for having come back to the community where she grew up. Still, Nicola had expected a somewhat better station. How will she and her team fare? Will her marriage make it?
All in all, this was a most enjoyable read. It is easy to suggest that mystery/thriller readers pick this one up. Kirkus Reviews states “Hopefully, this is the start of a beautiful series.” I most definitely agree.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group- Viking Penguin for this time. All opinions are my own.
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Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too! 