Pub Date 02 Mar 2021

Jane Austen lovers will welcome this beautiful version of the novel. The floral illustrations are highly appealing and will add to readers enjoyment of this already enjoyable novel. Whether it will be your first or fourth (or more) reading of Emma, the reading experience will be enhanced by this lovely edition of a favorite Austen work.

I am not reviewing the novel in depth because I think that this release is more about the gorgeous edition of the classic. But, for those who don’t know this work, Emma is a young woman who thinks she knows what is best for everyone around her. She has a few blind spots however…

With it engaging characters, settings and story lines it is clear to me that there are solid reasons for Emma being a much loved work. It will continue to be so in this release.

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

Lockdown Walks

A Picture Story

by Netty Cracknell

#LockdownWalks #NetGalley

Earlier this year a friend made a photo book and sent it to those to whom she feels close. Spring was depicted therein and offered a verdant reminder that nature and life were going on during the pandemic. As soon as my local botanical garden allowed visits, I began going there and have taken so many photos as the seasons have evolved. Netty Cracknell also took photos, lots of them, during Covid as she reactivated an old hobby. This collection of photos of her corner of England is the result.

This is a lovely book to look at in many sections but also one that is sad at times. To get the sadness out of the way, Ms. Cracknell captures the deserted high streets and more urban locations with no one there, providing a poignant remainder of the emptiness of the pandemic. However, she also has gorgeous photos of canal boats, locks, bridges, sunrises, trees, swans and more. For those who enjoy photography and want to remember this time or just enjoy the scenes, I recommend this title.

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

Pub date: May 5, 2021

Mark your calendar for this title’s release date if you enjoy women’s fiction. I found myself looking to spend time with Sophie, Adelaide and Regina (and their dual timeline) whenever I had a few minutes or more to spare.

There are many books about female friendship, marriage, new relationships, family history and conflict. What made this one a bit different was that the protagonists all are connected with the Army. Readers are there as partners are deployed and those left at home are expected to cope with matters big and small. Where are the needed supports through everything from miscarriages, to unexpected pregnancy, to graduate school, to parenting twins and much more? Readers will hope that the three women successfully navigate their stresses and joys of their lives and that they are able to maintain their friendships.

There is a book club theme in this title as well. This adds some fun to the novel with the different meetings and suggestions of what to read. I left with some new ideas for my TBR pile. All in all, a good read.

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

PLEASE NOTE: I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THE WISDOM OF SALLY REDSHOES. My review is on the blog.

A Kate Shackleton Mystery

by Frances Brody

The Body on the Train is the eleventh entry in the Kate Shackleton mystery series, I think. The books feature Kate who was widowed during WWI. She is bright, resourceful and looking for life to give her some meaning as the series begins. Of course, she is an old hand at solving mysteries by the time of this entry.

It is now 1929 as the story begins. A body is, as you know, found on a train. Who was murdered and why? Is the death related to the rhubarb shipment on the train? What will Kate discover as she seeks to solve this case?

With its recurring characters and good story lines the Kate Shackleton mysteries will be enjoyed by those who like the books by Anna Lee Huber and Jacqueline Winspear. The titles can be read out of order but once a reader tries one, they will most likely want to read others.

By the way, each title in this series has a gorgeous cover. The artwork always makes me want to pick up the book.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own. I would also like to thank Crooked Lane Books for publishing so many series that began with other publishers. It is wonderful to still be able to find the titles.

Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries #12

by Kerry Greenwood

I watched the Miss Fisher series on Acorn TV and loved spending time with this independent, feisty woman in early 20th century Australia. That series was based on the books written by Kerry Greenwood, of which this is one. The novels do not have to be read in order but they do feature recurring characters.

Murder in Montparnasse relates to something that happened in Paris in the past. The events of that time have led to the difficult situation in this novel. What happened? Will Phryne’s friends Bert and Cec survive the events in the present? Will Phryne? (You know that they will but that doesn’t meant that readers won’t find some suspense here.)

Read this novel to find out what happened and, while your doing so, get an update on Miss Fisher’s love life. For readers who enjoy historical mysteries and like finding series to read, this is definitely worth a look.

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

I recommend Lady Clementine for a good read.

A Number of Numbers

1 book, 100s of things to find!

by AJ Wood

This is an entertainingly and brightly illustrated search and find book. There are objects for each number in the highly detailed drawings and also some extra puzzles along the way. As an example, for number 7, kids are asked to find 7 different dogs and their pups and then 7 balls, bowls, bones and 1 hot dog! Number 9 has all kinds of things we wear and then the mouse asks kids to find his underwear. This is typical of the title’s humor.

The book is inviting and is a great way to learn numbers and to practice visual skills while searching for the objects mentioned. I highly recommend it. Five stars for its intended audience and adults will enjoy it too.