A Novel

by Rebecca Serle

Dannie is the kind of young woman, who for reasons that become clear, sets her goals and works hard to achieve them. She has the life that she seems to want as the story opens. Dannie has just interviewed for the job of her dreams and (not a spoiler because it happens early in the novel), her compatible boyfriend David is about to propose to her in an iconic Manhattan setting. All seems perfect but…if that were the case, this would just be a short story.

Instead, Dannie has a strange experience. She is transported to the future and the man she is with is not David, but Aaron. This dream seems so real and it has a great impact on Dannie; so great an impact that she talks to a therapist about it.

Meanwhile, Dannie continues in her life. Readers spend time with her and her friend Bella who is a more spontaneous, artistic type. What will happen to Dannie? To Bella? To Aaron? Does Dannie belong with David? Should she be with Aaron even though that would be complicated (no spoiler so not saying why)?

This novel has gotten mixed reviews. Still, I liked it well enough. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.

Advance Praise for In Five Years:

“What would you do if you glimpsed your life five years from now—and found that it was different, in every way, from what you hoped for and expected? Rebecca Serle pairs this inspired premise with deft, propulsive prose and characters who feel as real as friends. In Five Years is as clever as it is moving, the rare read-in-one-sitting novel you won’t forget.” —CHLOE BENJAMIN, New York Times bestselling author of The Immortalists

“Serle takes a fairly generic rom-com setup and turns it into something much deeper in this captivating exploration of friendship, loss, and love.” —Booklist

“Heartbreaking, redemptive, and authentic in all the ways that make a book impossible to put down, I fell in love with this story. In five years, I will still be thinking about this beautiful novel.” —JAMIE FORD, New York Times bestselling author of Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet

“I adored In Five Years, it’s so poignant and tender. It broke my heart, such an unusual idea executed brilliantly, I didn’t see that twist coming! I’m a sucker for great love stories, and this one is just lovely. A keeper on my shelf!” —JOSIE SILVER, author of #1 New York Times bestseller and Reese’s Book Club pick One Day in December

I highly recommend the Louise Penny book and also liked the books by Katherine Center, Elly Griffiths and Karen Harper.

by Karen Powell

Narrated by Helen MacFarlane

I’m not sure if a story set in 1955 qualifies as historical but, if so, this is an English set historical mystery. There are three main characters, all of whom are impacted by the death of their friend, Danny. Alexander is the heir to an estate while Lennie (of a different class) is in love with him. There is also Tom, the third friend, who is there when Danny’s body is found.

What happened? Why? What lives will be altered in the process of learning the answers? Find out by listening to this audio book. It could be worth your time.

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

A Mystery

by Nev March

Murder in Old Bombay won the Minotaur book award for a first mystery recently. The winners’ books are always worth taking a look at in my opinion.

This story is a leisurely one (though that does not mean that there is a lack of action), coming in at close to 400 pages. It is an historical mystery set in the late 19th century when India was ruled by the British. The protagonist, Jim Agnihotri, is of mixed Indian and British parentage which makes him a bit of an outsider in both worlds and cultures. He was wounded and is out of the Army when he becomes known to the Framji family.

Two young women in that family fell to their deaths from a university tower. It appears to be murder and Jim becomes the Holmes aficionado who wants to solve the case using his idol’s methods. During the course of the story, Jim and readers get to know the Framjis very well. Jim is especially close to the beautiful Diana and to Adi who is the young widower of one of the victims.

As Jim works on the case he has a series of adventures, many disguises and clues to work through. He also takes on an unofficial parenting role to a number of children who are victims. He is a protagonist who tries to do what is right and is not afraid to fight for it.

Readers learn about Jim’s growing up, his military years and the church figure to whom he felt close. Readers are also immersed in some of the history and culture of the period. A most helpful glossary is even included.

This is a novel that those who enjoy the recent India based mysteries of Sujata Massey are sure to want to read. I recommend it.

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

Every time I read this book, I get more from it. You can see my review.

#JaneEyre #NetGalley

Andrews McMeel Publishing is re-issuing a number of well-known classics in gorgeous collectors’ editions. So far, Pride and Prejudice, and Emma are part of this series. Now there is also Jane Eyre. The novel is so well known but, nonetheless, each rereading offers new insights. From the Red Room, through a horrendous boarding school and on to being the governess hired by Mr. Rochester, Jane learns, feels, evolves and grows as readers observe her progress.

This new edition will add to the reader’s enjoyment of the classic. Even when the novel is at its most grim, the beautiful floral illustrations help readers to remember that there will be better days ahead for Jane. It is a lovely edition and should be a welcome addition to readers’ libraries.

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

Pub Date 02 Mar 2021

A Novel

by Cecily von Ziegesar

Cecily von Ziegesar may be known to many for her Gossip Girl books. I have not read them (or seen the TV series) but know that they are set in a moneyed Manhattan world. Cobble Hill is in Brooklyn, not Manhattan, and the characters are adults not teens, but I wonder to what extent this title reflects the same sensibility.

One of the book’s protagonists, a British author named Roy, rightly observes that living in Cobble Hill is like living in a small town, not the metropolis. This means that there is none of that city anonymity. The novel tracks Roy and his wife, a band member and his family, a school nurse and others. They interact and intersect over the course of the story.

Many others have reviewed this book quite positively. For me, for some reason, I could not get involved enough in the story lines and did not care enough about the characters. We are all different so, if you are looking for a clever story by a successful author, you may want to give this a try.

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

Pocket Therapy for Stress

Quick Mind-Body Skills to Find Peace

by Claire Michaels Wheeler

Who hasn’t dealt with stress in the months since March? If, instead of just soldiering on, you could use some techniques to get through the harder times, this book is worth a look. It is written by a highly credentialed professional who wants to help folks to cope better.

In her introduction the author notes that reducing stress makes room for a person’s creativity and spiritual growth, improves relationships and helps one to appreciate their body. She then offers ways to decrease the harmful impact of an overload of stress. Advice and techniques are offered in chapters that include “Use Flexible Coping Strategies; Get Into Your Body; Express Yourself and Stress Tool Kit.”

One of the many things that I liked about this book, it that it is interactive. It includes questionnaires and writing prompts. Time invested in this title should yield some results. So…cope better in 2021!

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