Free London

Explore the Capitol Without Breaking the Bank

by Yolanda Zappaterra; Sarah Guy

This book’s chapters include: Things to Do Outdoors; Green Spaces; Museums; Galleries; Performing Arts’ Building and Built Spaces; and Seasonal London. All in all, 100 suggestions are contained in these pages.

To give an idea of the riches to be found within, the first section of the book has entries on Mudchute City Farm, Playgrounds, The Gardens at 120 and many more. Each entry is short and accompanied by photos.

I adore this book. Readers will get so many ideas of things to do on their next trip. I cannot wait!

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

I highly recommend the Tana French title.

by Valérie Perrin, Hildegarde Serle (translator)

Narrated by Sara Young

Pub date: June 1, 2021

Fresh Water for Flowers is the first book by Valerie Perrin to be published in English. The writer’s native language is French. Fresh Water is a beautiful book that is told in a unique voice. Protagonist, Violette, was abandoned by her mother and grew up in care. She was a loner until she becomes involved with Phillipe Toussaint. Together they have a child but Phillipe eventually disappears.

Phillipe and Violette worked at a railroad crossing although Violette did most of the work; they later go on to become cemetery keepers. Violette remains there after Phillipe leaves.

The story is told from Violette’s point of view. She tells it all, her hard times, her hopes, the things that she learned and taught herself, the people she sees and cares for and those with whom she works. All this within the background of the cemetery and many sayings from gravestones.

This novel is filled with humanity. I recommend it.

I am reviewing the audio version. It was a beautiful listen and I was sorry when the story ended.

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

www.nytimes.com/2021/05/12/books/best-elin-hilderbrand-books.html

The Finisher by Peter Lovesey

by joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviewsMay 8, 2020

I have read every book in Peter Lovesey’s wonderful Peter Diamond series so I was absolutely overjoyed to receive this e galley to review.  As always, the story takes place in Bath, England; the setting is vividly brought to life with its unique architecture and planned design.  Imagine my surprise and delight when I found that a significant location in this title was the very street that I had lived on in Bath.  It just added extra joy for me as I read this one.

Peter Lovesey has a sardonic, playful sense of humor which was very present in this book.  The title has several meanings as becomes clear as one reads.  There are police officers, most already known to the devoted readers of the series, along with other characters who are vividly brought to life including a criminal from an old case of Diamond’s, a murder victim, the Russian Olga, teacher Maeve, illegal immigrants and many more.  Some of these characters are in a half marathon that is central to the action of the story.

Lovesey spins plates in the air as the plot evolves and he manages to get to the end of the novel without dropping any of them.  I loved this book and hope that Lovesey, who is in his 80s, will just keep on writing.

Many, many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest view.  I adored my virtual trip to Bath and the time spent with this book and its characters.

Shakespeare’s Gardens

by Jackie Bennett

Shakespeare’s Gardens is such a visually appealing book! I loved the many photos and their evocation of places and other times. I also like that this title examines different places in Shakespeare’s life, not just the well known Anne Hathaway’s cottage. There are chapters on Tudor Gardens, Shakespeare’s birth place, Mary Arden’s farm, Hall Croft and more in addition to the home of Anne. There is a lot to learn in a book that seems like a nice accompaniment for fans of Hamnet, among others.

The author points out that Shakespeare not only lived during exciting historical times but also in a time of richness for gardens with imports from Peru, Mexico and Asia, for example. The appearance in Shakespeare’s plays of common garden elements and the flowers of his time is also noted in the helpful introduction. The book goes on to be very informative and interesting. I recommend it.

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

The Jewish, Christian and Muslim Faiths

by Sophie de Mullenheim

This sample is interesting and intriguing. It tells the story of some of the major world religions in a clever way. It should engage its young readers. For example, there is a section called “identity cards” with one for Abraham, Ishamael, Jesus, Mary and others. Along with age appropriate information, this book has inviting cartoon-like illustrations. It is a good guide for learning a bit about different faiths.

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

Pub date: June 1, 2021

The Bombay Prince is the third of Ms. Massey’s titles featuring Perveen Mistry. This one is my favorite!

The story is set in the early 20th century when Perveen was the first female solicitor in India. Perveen was educated at Oxford when she could not attend law school in her own country. She is in a practice with her father.

At the time that this story begins, Prince Edward is traveling to India. It is a time of unrest and protest as many in India would like to leave British rule behind. Some of those who are protesting are students. In this context Freny, a young college student, consults with Perveen. Freny is later murdered (not really a spoiler as this happens early in the book). Who killed her? Why?

The story itself moves at a leisurely pace. Readers get to know Perveen better in this book. There is more time spent with her family. Perveen’s friend Alice and Colin (from the second book) also are quite present.

The settings are beautifully presented. There are the college, the hotels, clubs, storefronts and more. There is also a lot to learn about Indian culture, foods and funeral customs. The author’s care in including so much detail enhances the reader’s experience.

Ms. Massey has written this series and also an earlier one set in Japan. I recommend all of her books most highly.

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