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!
When I saw the cover for this book, I thought that it would be a typical, light, women’s fiction read. That is not the case at all! This book is much more than that. Protagonist Loveday, who does work in a bookshop, is a unique, idiosyncratic, hurt young woman who does not trust easily. There are reasons for this as the reader learns. She is tattooed with quotes from her favorite novels, has a painful backstory, is bright and someone the reader hopes for. All of the characters from Nathan, to Rob, to Annabel, to Archie, to Loveday’s family are vividly portrayed and each has an important role in her life. This book is definitely worth reading in my opinion. I was inspired to look for the author’s other novels upon completing this. Thanks NetGalley and St. Martin’s for this excellent read.
This is yet another beautifully illustrated and well written entry in this long running series. This time the story of Malala is simply and honestly told, including her having been shot. Malala’s wish for an education for her and all girls is nicely and inspiringly explored here. She has traveled far and accomplished much and was the youngest winner of the Nobel prize.
Many thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.
From the publisher:
Discover the life of Malala Yousafzai, the incredible activist for girls’ education and the youngest Nobel Prize laureate!
In the beautiful Swat Valley, in Pakistan, lived a Muslim girl called Malala. Her home was humble, and so was the schoolfor girls her father ran. Malala couldn’t wait to grow up,attend class and discover all her talents.
But Malala’s dream became a nightmare when a violent group called the Taliban took control of her valley. They banned most of the things she liked, from listening to music, to taking photographs, and even flying kites.
The Taliban believed that, instead of going to school, girls should get married, cover their bodies from head to toe, and never leave the house without their husbands or brothers. It was like being in prison for doing nothing wrong!
To me, Paris is a magical city. The first time that I visited, I could not believe that I was standing in front of so many places that lived in my imagination. On that first trip, I cried when I left the city; that is how much being there had meant to me.
Of course now, travel is much more complicated and I don’t see a trip to the City of Light in my near future. So, I was delighted to come across this book that allows for a lovely virtual visit. Early in the book, there is a helpful architectural timeline that helps readers to recognize the styles and periods in Paris’s history. From there, some of the topics covered in this title are cafes, restaurants and bars; train stations; Metro entrances; churches; museums, public parks, cemeteries and more. Also included are hotels and information on shopping. In addition, there is a helpful section of sell-guided walking tours. Throughout, the book is filled with photos that bring Paris to life. .
Take a look at this guide. Dream of when it will be possible to visit again.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.
An uplifting, escapist read set on the French Riviera
by Jennifer Bohnet
#ARivieraRetreat #NetGalley
A Riviera Retreat offers readers a gorgeous setting (France on the Riviera with side trips to Cannes and Monaco), relatable characters and an engaging story line that pays homage to the well known book, Enchanted April.
Protagonist, Amy, has inherited a wellness retreat from her aunt. It offered her the perfect escape from a bad marriage. Now, Amy would like to give something back. Influenced by Enchanted April, she has a contest. The winners will spend ten days at Belle Vue at no expense. The book then tells the stories and backstories of these characters. They include Matilda; she is in her 60s and a widow of two years. Will she decide to move to France as she had planned with her husband before he died? Next is Vicky who is married to a politician and is an aspiring author. Now that her children are older, she wants a life of her own. Will she get it? Finally there is Chelsea. Her affair with a married man (though she did not know that he was married) has come to light in the most embarrassing of ways. Will this caterer get her life back on track?
I enjoyed following all of the story lines and the relationships that these characters have with each other and the significant people in their lives. All of this with (virtual) good food, friendship and more make for the perfect relaxing read. Those who would like a nice, escapist read, please get hold of this one.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Debbie Macomber is a prolific writer of women’s fiction. This, her latest title, is dedicated to her very close friend, a woman who died of cancer. Indeed, one of the two sisters in this title has had a bout with cancer as well. As a result, Harper wants to live her life to the fullest. She is a risk taker. Older sister and caretaker Willa worries about her and so does the reader of the novel, wondering if she will stay healthy. As Harper’s story unfolds, so does Willa’s. She owns a coffee bar and bakery that I would love to visit. Into the store walks Sean, a former baseball player and now a photographer with a passion for good causes. The title of the book comes from the location of their first date. Will his relationship with Willa make it? I know that Ms. Macomber is a knitter and one place Sean travels to is Bolivia where he wants to document the impact of climate issues on those who graze animals for wool. I assume that the issue is a real one because of the author’s interests. It adds an interesting travel story to the novel. I enjoyed this book and its characters as they explored, faced challenges and cared about each other. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.
It’s summer now so, of course, I am thinking about summer reading. Here is a good one to put on your TBR pile if you are looking for a relaxing and enjoyable book This is a story about Ellen who is a single mom as the story opens. She has a college bound son, Cooper, who is worried about leaving her by going away to school. What will happen? Why is he worried? Readers watch as Ellen’s friend, Unity, steps in and up. She develops a list of challenges for Ellen to get her moving forward. Unity will also work on this list. (Readers learn that she is also stuck) How will they grow and change? Read the novel to find out. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this enjoyable read in exchange for an honest review.
Frances Brody has written a number of entries in her series featuring Kate Shackleton. The books are historical mysteries. I first bought the novels in England and was delighted when they became easily available in the States. Death at the Seaside is the eighth of the titles.
Before reviewing the book, I want to say how much I adore the cover. Each title in the series has an appealing cover that engages the reader. I always want to dip into the books as soon as I see the gorgeous illustrations.
This time Kate is on her way to visit a friend who lives in Whitby, a town that attracts a number of tourists and wants to maintain a good reputation. Soon Kate learns that her friend Alma’ daughter has disappeared. The only clue is a pawn ticket. And…what will happen once the jeweler is found dead?
Of course, Kate becomes involved and readers will follow her through the adventures that she has while solving the case. Long time readers will enjoy spending time with the regulars who assist Kate. New readers will easily be drawn in.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Editorial Reviews
Review
“Frances Brody writes marvelous British mysteries, and if you haven’t met the wonderful Kate Shackleton, Death at the Seaside is the perfect place to start this terrific series! Whether you are already a Brody fan or new to the Kate Shackleton series, Death at the Seaside is a mystery you just plain can’t miss!” –Charles Todd, bestselling author of the Ian Rutledge Mysteries and the Bess Crawford Mysteries
“A delightful trip through time and space to 1920s England with a heroine who would make the ladies of the Golden Age proud.” –Rhys Bowen, New York Times bestselling author of the Royal Spyness and Molly Murphy novels
“In Kate Shackleton, Frances Brody has created a smart and endearing sleuth whose resourcefulness and skill for deduction shine as she investigates murders in 1920s England. With vivid settings, colorful characters, and excellently-plotted mysteries, this series is an absolute delight!” –Ashley Weaver, author of the Amory Ames mysteries
“In Brody’s tightly woven eighth mystery set in 1920s England, PI Kate Shackleton takes a holiday in the resort town of Whitby…. Brody provides plenty of period flavor and just enough clues to point armchair sleuths to the solution.” —Publishers Weekly on Death at the Seaside
“Kate finds herself drawn into a complex case redolent of classic interwar mysteries in which motives abound and old secrets are eventually revealed. In addition to re-creating the feeling of the golden age, Brody this time provides a stronger mystery than usual.” —Kirkus Reviews on Death at the Seaside
When I saw the cover for this book, I thought that it would be a typical, light, women’s fiction read. That is not the case at all! This book is much more than that. Protagonist Loveday, who does work in a bookshop, is a unique, idiosyncratic, hurt young woman who does not trust easily. There are reasons for this as the reader learns. She is tattooed with quotes from her favorite novels, has a painful backstory, is bright and someone the reader hopes for. All of the characters from Nathan, to Rob, to Annabel, to Archie, to Loveday’s family are vividly portrayed and each has an important role in her life. This book is definitely worth reading in my opinion. I was inspired to look for the author’s other novels upon completing this. Thanks NetGalley and St. Martin’s for this excellent read.
Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too! 