poisonedpenbooks.files.wordpress.com/2020/12/bn-dec-20-1.pdf

I just reviewed this too.

www.nytimes.com/2020/12/02/books/review/best-childrens-books.html

by Ed Strauss

I may be one of the few people that I know who has not read The Hobbit. I feel more inclined to now that I have entered the world of Bilbo and Co. through this thoughtful collection. In each entry, there is a quote from The Hobbit along with an entry that builds from this about ways to live one’s life. For example, an entry about fear gave me a good idea of the things that caused Bilbo to worry and showed how he dealt with a time when he had to face a fear. The very first entry is about comfort and invites the reader to think more deeply about what it is like to be in one’s comfort zone and whether or not there are times when this must be left. There are sixty entries in all so lots to contemplate.

I enjoyed this collection and imagine that I will be rereading a number of the entries. You might too.

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

Please note that this looks like a title that is being reissued so it can probably be purchased now if you are interested.

The Big Book of Christmas Mysteries is edited by Otto Penzler who always has good collections. At $1.99 it gives you over 600 pages of holiday mysteries. Truly a bargain.

I enjoyed The Paris Wife and Penny for Your Secrets.

Fiona Davis sets her novels in iconic New York City locations. She has told stories set at the Barbizon Hotel for Women, The Dakota, Grand Central Station and now at the Chelsea Hotel. In each of her three prior novels, the narrative took place during two eras; in this book, the author follows two characters in the same time period. They are actress Maxine and would be actress and playwright, Hazel.

The novel opens with Hazel joining a USO troop in Italy during WWII. These scenes were so evocative, both in terms of the war and the emotions raised for the performers. This beginning left me feeling very excited about the rest of the book except…for a while, I then found the narrative less engaging. However, round about chapter 18 there was a twist and I again became very involved in the story and the characters’ lives. It is worth sticking with the book in my opinion.

Much of this book centers on the activities of HUAC, the House Un-Amercian Activities Committee. Who is a Communist? Who is being targeted unfairly? Should we be rooting people out and encouraging them to turn on others? What are the consequences to everyone when a government sponsored witch hunt is going on? You will think about these issues as you read and may also find the subject relevant in our current political climate.

In addition to HUAC, the reader spends time at the Chelsea Hotel, the Tonys, on Broadway and more. There are actors, government workers, names dropped of famous and real Chelsea Hotel denizens and more. Most of all, readers will connect with Hazel and Maxine, their friendship and its challenges.

All in all, this was a good read. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my e-galley. All opinions are my own.

by Julia Kelly

This is the third historical novel that I have read by this author. I have enjoyed all three books. Each has had war as a backdrop and all have had characters with whom I enjoyed spending time.

A garden is a character in this title. Like a person it is born, grows, and faces struggle and renewal. Indeed, the main characters in this novel also have their struggles and joys as they spend time in this very special garden that was designed with rooms, including a children’s garden, a tea garden and a winter garden.

There are many characters to follow. The original designer of the garden is Venetia, a woman who was independent for her era which was WWI. During WWII readers follow land girl Beth, cook Stella and owner of the house with the garden, Diana. In the present, readers get to know Emma who is restoring Venetia and Diana’s garden. Each of these women has a back story and people who matter to them. Their lives are vividly presented by the author who writes characters with whom readers get to know well.

During Covid, I have spent a lot of time visiting my local botanical garden. I think that enhanced my enjoyment of the sections of the book that described the gardens but you don’t have to be a horticulturalist to read this title.

Come to visit this garden and these characters with their love stories and tales of life both in the present and in the shadow of war. It will be time well spent. Everything invites the reader in including the book’s lovely cover.

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

I’m reading The 100 Must-read Books Of 2020 on Scribd. Check it out: https://www.scribd.com/article/485579514

The Malt in Our Stars

by Sarah Fox

There is a lot going on in this cozy title. There are a murder, a possible hidden treasure, and vandalism on a film set. Then there is the amateur sleuth, her book themed pub, her cocktail creations and her romantic life. There is also a nice, small town setting in Vermont. This all makes for a perfect confluence for readers who like their mysteries without too much violence and with the right amount of plot. I recommend this title for those readers. It was a fun read.

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