In a Book Club Far Away

by Tif Marcelo

Readers of Breakfast at the Honey Creek Cafe will be delighted to meet up with their old (character) friends in this second novel set in Texas. Piper, the mayor, and her Texas Ranger are back along with the widows and a number of other folks from the first novel including Pecos and his young bride. For those who have not read Breakfast, there is a lot of information given to catch you up; however, for a more leisurely read, take the books in order.

In part, this title tells the story of Marcie. She was a character in the first novel too, but comes into her own here. Marcie is a singer who made the mistake of getting involved with the wrong man. She expects little to bad things from relationships. Will it be any different with Brand?

Readers also meet Jesse, a young widower. He takes excellent care of his three children and his farm but can he hope for more in life? Will he find love with the baker of the most perfect scones?

Spending time in the locations and with the characters make for a relaxing read. Travel to Texas; readers will want to stay for a while.

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

War and Millie McGonigle

by Karen Cushman

I was drawn to this middle-grade readers’ title by the author and by the intriguing cover. It matches the book’s content. We see a girl on the beach which should evoke pleasant feelings and yet…there appear to be ominous planes and ships right off shore. This is the introduction to the story of Millie, a girl who lives in California during WWII and, more specifically, around the time of the bombing of Pearl Harbor.

This was a difficult time in American history and it is difficult for our protagonist. She is living her life with the usual issues of childhood including school, friendships, sibling rivalry and a grandmother’s death, but also with rations, Hitler in Europe and a sense that the U.S. is not safe. How will she cope? Who will help her?

Readers who pick up this book will find out. I hope that they will also discuss the book’s content with a trusted adult as the story is not always easy. It is, however, very well done by the author of Catherine, Known as Birdy.

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

From the publisher:

by Melody Lockhart

This title will, I think, engage early chapter book readers. There is an appealing protagonist in Rosie and readers will also enjoy meeting her new friend Kat.

Rosie’s family has moved to the middle of a forest. At first Rosie misses Opal City, her room, her friends, the park and more. She has made a list of negatives and positives about the move. The minuses are many more than the pluses as the story begins. Children will enjoy watching as this changes over the course of the book, starting when Rosie thinks that she sees a magic carpet in Starfall Forest. She goes on to explore and discovers many unusual things. There is a moving tree stump that is looking for a unicorn and more. All make for a fun story.

Children who like a bit of magic sprinkled in with their reading are sure to enjoy this whimsical story. It is part of a new series for young readers.

I love that this book opened with a map. It draws readers right in.

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

by Sarah Morgan

Those who enjoy women’s fiction and virtual travel to Paris will want to read this novel. It tells the story of two women, Audrey and Grace, whose lives intersect in the City of Light. Each has their issues and troubled pasts. Their friendship, begun in Paris, enriches each of their lives.

Grace has been married for twenty-five years. She thinks that she has a good marriage with a husband to whom she still feels attracted, and a spunky daughter who is soon to leave home for college. Readers get hints early in the novel that Grace’s younger years were complicated. A legacy of these experiences is that Grace is hyper organized, something that irks her husband over time. For their anniversary, Grace, in her usual organized way, has planned a surprise. This is a trip to Paris. She has done everything, even checking in with her husband’s boss to be sure that he can have the month off. Instead of being thrilled, Grace’s husband announces the end of their marriage and his affair.

Audrey, who is London based, has grown up with an alcoholic mother and is dyslexic. She longs for a parent who takes an interest in her and wishes that her school work came to her more easily. Audrey is eager to leave home and travels to Paris.

No surprise, both women go to Paris where they meet. Each grows from the experience. Readers will enjoy their interaction and growth.

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

https://nyti.ms/3mzbzye

Mutts Go Green

Earth-Friendly Tips and Comic Strips

by Patrick McDonnell

I have adored the Mutts comic strip ever since the first time that I read one of Patrick McDonnell’s sweet entries. He has a way of universalizing human experience through his animal characters.

In this collection, the focus is our earth and the environment. Mixed in with the comics are suggestions for things that we all can do for our planet. Mr. McD is not (too) preachy and he makes many good points. And, of course, readers will get to spend time with Mooch, Earl and all of their friends. I defy anyone not to smile at times as they dip into this book.

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

From the publisher: