Your House, My House

by Marianne Dubuc

The illustrations in this book are absolutely sure to charm! See the details of the animal families living in the apartment building. There are mice in triple bunk beds, the fox family eating breakfast and a hedgehog reading a book among others beginning their days. The illustrations change as the day goes on but remain completely adorable. As the day progresses, there will be a birthday party for rabbit, a fox will become a sibling and a cat family will move in. So much excitement.

This book is a winner. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

Five stars

Kitty and Dragon

by Meika Hashimoto

This beginning reader is playfully illustrated in a cartoon like style. The text is just right for early readers and has enough repetition and familiar words so that readers will feel competent as they make their way through the three stories in the book.

In the first, readers will find out why Kitty wanted a new home and how she met Dragon. Was she afraid? Can their friendship work? No spoiler really to say that they are perfect for one another and attentive to each other’s needs.

In the second story, children see how Dragon cares for Kitty when she gets a bad cold while in the third Kitty and Dragon try to find the right balance between messy and neat. All three stories look like fun, humorous reads for the book’s intended audience.

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

Four stars

A Pretty Deceit

by Anna Lee Huber

#APrettyDeceit #NetGalley

Anna Lee Huber began the Verity Kent series with This Side or Murder. A Pretty Deceit is the fourth novel to feature her. The books are best read in order as otherwise readers will be exposed to some spoilers.

These historical mysteries take place in the WWI time period and its aftermath. Both Verity and her husband served in the war and continue to serve as they sleuth.

In this latest entry a lot is going on. Sidney and Verity visit Verity’s aunt where they learn about the disappearance of a maid and the death of an estate worker. They are also involved with the activities of a nefarious enemy from earlier entries. How will these plots connect? What will happen?

As all this unfolds there are friendships, the aftermath of war (especially for Verity’s cousin who is now blind), artwork forgeries, letters in code and more. Regular readers of the series will enjoy following what happens. They will also enjoy Verity and Sidney’s relationship.

I love the way that the covers of the Verity Kent mysteries draw readers in. The artwork showcases the period and the characters. Good cover art does matter.

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

I’ve reviewed The Masterpiece, White Houses and Closed Casket. Several others here I have read and a few are in my TBR pile. Enjoy.

www.nytimes.com/2020/10/25/books/best-agatha-christie-books-murder-mystery.html

My Very First Cookbook

Joyful Recipes to Make Together!

by Danielle Kartes

This cookbook for little ones includes a number of appealing recipes for each meal of the day along with some beverage. sides, dessert, and snack choices. To name some of the recipes…there are apple cinnamon overnight oats, veggie fried rice, cinnamon sugar popcorn, strawberry and orange slush, sheet pan fajitas, creamy Mexican rice and berry shortcrust cobbler. The recipes are well presented and easy to follow. There are also suggestions for substitutions. The author is very encouraging to the young chefs who will be doing the cooking.

One small quibble, at the beginning of the book, the author suggests that children cook with a parent or other relative. In today’s climate with so many different kinds of families and social arrangements, I feel that it would have been preferable to suggest cooking with a trusted adult. That having been said, this playfully illustrated cookbook looks like a good resource that will provide fun and nourishment for kids.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

Four stars

From the publisher:

Breakfast & Lunch Best-ever buttermilk blueberry muffins, apple cinnamon overnight oats, waffle pizza sammies, veggie fried rice, and more!	Snacks, Sides, & Beverages Superstar guacamole, crunchy fried pickles, grannie’s special creamed corn, mean green fruity smoothie, and more!	Dinner & Desserts Sheet pan fajitas, sizzling beef and broccoli, very berry short crust cobbler, orange creamsicle milkshake, and more!	Bonus Deliciousness A recipe for laughter, celebrations and conversations, write your very own recipe!

The Happiness & Contentment Workbook

Opening your heart, embracing your natural joy

by The Happy Buddha

The author of this book is an optimist. The Happy Buddha believes that happiness is our natural state and one that we are distracted from by the outside, perhaps through possessions or the opinions of others or our own ruminations. The belief that causes of discontent can be understood and addressed is at the core of this title.

Those who engage with this book will begin to explore questions and to better understand themselves. For example, readers can list their limiting beliefs, think about what they need to forgive, practice mindfulness, cope with jealousy and more.

The Happy Buddha believes in the ice cube analogy. Readers will learn what this is and how to work with it. Those who patiently work their way through this title will learn not only about this but also about themselves.

I found this book to be interesting. It offers a chance to engage with one’s self and to self-knowledge. I do think that there are similar books out there but this one could be worth your time as well.

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

Three stars

Many good choices in a wide variety of categories make today a great day for e book bargains!