Lessons of Hope and Courage in Times of Crisis

by Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan

Many readers may be familiar with New York City’s St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Cardinal Dolan has conducted many masses there and is a well-known figure in church circles. This title provides a collection of thoughts from the Cardinal that address some of the issues related to Covid and its effects on us all. There are twenty-three chapters; a few of these include Be Not Afraid, The Doors Were Locked, and J-O-Y. This book offers an inspiring read to Roman Catholics (and maybe others).

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

Despite the fact that I’ve already got several series on the go, my radar is always attuned to crime/police procedural series that sound interesting. I’ve got quite a few series that I’m very anxious to read. In case you also love crime series, I thought I’d share some of the ones on my TBR that […]

Love Crime Fiction? Looking to start a new series? #CrimeFiction #TBR #policeprocedural — Fictionophile

The Anne of Green Gables Devotional

A Chapter-by-Chapter Companion for Kindred Spirits

by Rachel Dodge

Anne of Green Gables is such a well-known children’s story and with reason. There are humor, hope, pathos, love, acceptance for mistakes, friendhsip, growth and more in the pages of this story of the red headed orphan who finds a home with Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert. Using the novel as her jumping off point, Rachel Dodge has written a devotional that takes inspiration from the book, looking to the meaning that can be taken from the story’s events.

This title is a Christian one but, I think, can be enjoyed by non-Christians as well. Take a few minutes now and then to read and think about one o the entries in this nicely illustrated title.

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

A Graphic Novel

by Mariah Marsden

Narrated by Sharon Alexander; Rachel Jacobs; Alan Carlson

Pub Date 02 Mar 2021  

I absolutely adored this production of Anne of Green Gables. Listen to it with a child you know or, if you remember the books from childhood, enjoy it for yourself. This edition of Anne of Green Gables is done with a unique voice for each character and a narrator who links them together. It was such a delightful listen. This edition of the book is engaging. I hope that it will also encourage children to read or listen to the unabridged stories about Anne.

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

Novels by Sara Donati…historical and long!

by joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviewsApril 29, 2020

The Gilded Hour is an e book bargain today.

Here is my earlier review:

The Gilded Hour is a very long novel coming in at 742 pages.  If your dream during this crisis is to read an absorbing story that will keep you going for days, this one is worth reading.

The  Gilded Hour is the first of two books with Where the Light Enters also having been published.  By the way, the second book currently only costs $2.99 in e book format.  I bought it at a higher price when it came out.

The two main characters of the series are Anna and Sophie Savard.  Anna and Sophie are both physicians in turn of the century New York.  The city itself is portrayed in all its classes, from the poorest immigrants to the ballrooms.  Anna and Sophie are surrounded by a rich cast of characters, most fictional and a few historical.  Their relationships and work form the focus for the story.

Around this structure, there is something happening in New York.  If what I write next offends you, this will not be the book for you.  Women did not have access to much in the way of contraceptives at this time.  This led some to seek help in terminating pregnancies.  Anna and Sophie see that women are dying from procedures done by someone, but who?.  Who has done this will be a part of both of these novels, though I have only read the first.

I enjoyed The Gilded Hour and plan to read Where the Light Gets In.  Let me know what you think…have you read books by this author?

A Novel

by Lauren Willig

Pub Date 02 Mar 2021   

Lauren Willig has written many novels including those in her Pink Carnation series. This title is based on true events; during WWI a unit of Smith College graduates traveled to France to offer aid and assistance. These real life volunteers are acknowledged at the beginning of the novel.

The book’s protagonist, Kate, was a scholarship student at Smith. This experience left her with an excellent education and some feelings of insecurity despite her friendship with the wealthy, Emmie. A few years after graduation, Emmie recruits Kate to be one of the fictional band of sisters of the title. These “sisters” include the married woman in charge of the volunteers, two female physicians and the other Smithies. Their experiences in France and the interrelationships of the characters form the basis for the story.

This book has an interesting premise and the story is well told. I especially enjoyed the letters that begin each chapter. My only quibble was that, at times, it was a bit difficult to differentiate the characters. Many, but not all, had a trait or relationship that helps the reader to keep track.

Willig includes information at the novel on her historical sources and the ways in which her own education led to the writing of this title.

Of note: I alternated between listening to the audio of this title and reading it. The audio was well produced and engaging. It is so nice to be able to follow a story by doing both. Also, I note the beautiful cover of the novel; it drew me in.

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

Nature Wakes Up

by Sean Taylor, Alex Morss

Pub Date 16 Mar 2021  

Where I live it is snowing today. So, what a perfect time to think about spring. This picture book shows the many changes that occur over the course of the season. With charming illustrations, this title shows two children and their dad exploring nature. There are additional sections at the end of the story about plants, animals, things kids can do and ways to find out more. All in all, a nice book for young children about the beauty of the world.

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

Book Club Brochure Vol. 21

by Various

Penguin Random House Library Resources

This title will definitely be welcomed by book club members and also by those who read on their own and want to deepen their enjoyment of what they are reading. For each title, there is a synopsis and some questions to consider. Books included are The Opium Prince, The Hierarchies, Agatha Arch is Afraid of Everything, A Knock at Midnight, The Butterfly Lampshade, The Smash-Up, The Children’s Blizzard (see my review on my site), In the Garden of Spite, Transcendent Kingdom, The Midnight Library, The Center of Everything, Ties That Tether, The Prophets, Miss Benson’s Beetle (see my review on my site), Agent Sonya, A Burning, Mexican Gothic, The Thursday Murder Club, The Book of Two Ways (see my review on my site), Cher Ami and Major Whittlesey, A Room Called Earth, What’s Left of Me is Yours, The Smallest Lights in the Universe, Friends and Strangers, The Great Offshore Grounds, Memorial, Caste, When Apricots Bloom, Glamour Girls, The Brother Years, Ready Player Two, Sophomores, A Beautifully Foolish Endeavor, Deadly, Wider Than the Sky, and Perestroika in Paris. There are also several titles in Spanish.

There are so many kinds of books here, both fiction and non, some by authors more well known to me than others. All look absorbing with their various plots, settings, characters, real life dilemmas and complexities. Readers are sure to go away with long lists and stacks for their TBR piles.

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