I love to read, recommend books and open the world of reading to others. I tutor to ensure that the next generation of readers will know the joys of a good book because their reading skills have improved. I am an avid reader, especially of mysteries and fiction. I believe that two of the world's greatest inventions were the public library and eyeglasses!
Native Hawaiian Ackerman sets her newest novel in a place she knows well and clearly loves. I am sure that, like Iwa, she is concerned about the ecology of the island.
Two people meet. They are Iwa and Dane. Each has feelings for Hawaii though their work and hopes for the island may differ. When they meet, what will happen? How will their pasts influence their futures? Throw is rain forests, surfing, Portugal and the novel moves forward.
Those who like books with settings that are vividly brought to life will enjoy this title. The same is true for those who like to read romances.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the team at HTP for this title. All opinions are my own.
This free collection includes excerpts from 18 forthcoming titles in the genre. Included are General/Adult, New Adult and, Young Adult titles. These are rated on a “heat scale.” This ranges from one 🔥 to five 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥, from a story that has no sex through those with explicit intimate scenes.
At the beginning of each excerpt, readers find this heat level with an additional descriptor of categories. For example, The Devil She Knows by Alexandria Bellefleur is described as heat level four and is categorized as General/Adult-LGBTQ-Paranormal-Rom Com. There is also a summary of what each book is about.
Characters may be divorced, widowed, younger, older so lots of variety here. The novels also take place in locations varying from Paris to tennis courts and much in between.
Recommended to those who want to plan their romance reading.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Publishers Lunch-Buzz Books for this title. All opinions are my own.
Take a look at the cover. What you will see is Vera Wong; she is in some ways like a modern day Emma, always sure that she is right and interfering in the lives of others but, at the same time, doing some good detective work. And please don’t forget feeding others; a reader will feel hunger pangs every time that they read a chapter.
I did not read the first book in the series. There are characters from that first book here but this can be read on its own. Readers who enjoy this title will probably want to read the first book however.
The story opens with Vera being scammed. This is a cautionary tale as, in real life, this is all too common an occurrence. As is typical, Vera feels that she handled this perfectly, only to find that she was wrong.
Vera connects with a young woman whose friend, Thomas, is missing. This leads to Vera’s sleuthing about this man who went by many names and had connections to people Vera knew or gets to know in this title.
Readers can feel pretty certain that the intrepid Vera will solve the case. The fun is in getting there.
In many ways, Vera is a delightful character. For example, she helps a teen without a mom to buy her first bra. This is quite sweet and an example of how Vera will do anything for those in her circle. Readers should be aware that Vera speaks in English that reflects this not being her first language. She now lives in San Francisco.
Sit back, relax and enjoy a fun read. I look forward to the next book by this author.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for this title. All opinions are my own.
Pub date: 01 April 2025
From the Publisher
Editorial Reviews
Review
“A warmhearted valentine to the families built by the heroine—and an exposé of the costs of false families everywhere.”—Kirkus Reviews, starred review
“Like its predecessor, Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers (2023), it’s a fun mystery with heart.”—AARP
I was drawn to this book by both its title and cover. I always look at books that are about books and the 1940s look of this one also appealed to me. True confession-I had never before read anything by this author. I will definitely be reading from her backlist as I very much enjoyed this title.
Martha’s Vineyard…WWII…Sisters…Relationships…Those who may want to stay or leave…Class distinctions…Publishing…Books…all excellent ingredients for (historical) fiction.
The story came to life as a character in the present travels to Martha’s Vineyard to learn more about her recently deceased mother. The artist with whom she connects, Elizabeth Devereaux, has a lot to say and this forms the part of the narrative set in the past. Much happens to Cadence and Briar as readers will discover.
Through this novel, I learned something about what life was like for the islanders during WWII. Think u-boats for one. This was interesting as it was a change from the many stories set in France during the period.
Anyone who enjoys historical fiction and/or good stories about women will want to pick this one up.
Of interest is the author’s note about what inspired her to write this novel.
Many thanks to Random House and Ballantine for this title. All opinions are my own.
Pub date: 27 May 2025
Editorial Reviews
Review
“Martha Hall Kelly’s tale of the home front is simply irresistible. Coming of age in dangerous times, the Smith girls find strength in dreams, family, the land, and in the life-changing power of books. This story drew me in, then swept me away!”—Lisa Wingate, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Shelterwood
“A dreamy beach book that also sizzles with tension . . . another winner by one of the best historical fiction writers around.”—Fiona Davis, New York Times bestselling author of The Stolen Queen
“A heart-in-your-mouth tale of family, friendship, and romance as a small American island finds itself on a potential frontline of World War II.”—Charmaine Wilkerson, New York Times bestselling author of Black Cake
“Celebrates the magic of books, family, and truth as several women—bound by blood and friendship—discover their destinies.”—Kristin Harmel, New York Times bestselling author of The Paris Daughter
“Martha Hall Kelly turns her pen stateside to Martha’s Vineyard during World War II, where the Smith sisters realize the war will leave their world forever changed . . . A delight.”—Kate Quinn, New York Times bestsellingauthor of The Briar Club
“Inspired by true events, Kelly’s new novel explores friendship, family dynamics, and the power of books to unite communities. Recommended for historical fiction readers who enjoy the work of Kristin Hannah, Marie Benedict, and Kate Quinn.”—Library Journal
Art, Design, and Rural Life in the Hudson Valley and Catskills
by Michel Arnaud; Jane Creech
#UpstateNow #NetGalley
Upstate New York is a beloved destination for many, whether to live there permanently or to visit. Readers will understand why as they page through this gorgeous (if pricey) coffee table book. It is just so easy to keep turning the pages and spend time imagining some time away in the beautiful locations, be they homes, art attractions, nature, a Shaker Village, a farm stand, or more. The photos in these pages were just gorgeous and made me long to be in so many of these places.
Browse in any of these sections. They include A Sense of Place; Art; Design; and Food Flowers and Farms. All are lovely.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Chronicle Books-Princeton Architectural Press for this title. All opinions are my own.
Pub date: 16 September 2025
288 pages
From the Publisher
Editorial Reviews
Review
“A lively celebration of a place full of passion, and a wonderful primer for newcomers, of which, as this book suggests, there will always be many.”―Publishers Weekly
Jacqueline Kennedy was one of the world’s most well-known and iconic women. Her life has been well documented for sure. However, in this title, Ms. Mah, recalls and imagines an earlier time in Jacqueline’s life, long before she was a Kennedy. Here, she is a young girl, a Vassar student, on a junior year abroad in Paris.
In the author’s imagination, Jacqueline had to fight to get to Paris. Her mother and stepfather needed to be persuaded to let her go. Jacqueline’s mother’s goal for her daughter was a good marriage. When she finally agreed, it was with caveats regarding some young men that her daughter should meet. J’s mother also makes special arrangements for J to live with an aristocratic family, not in a dorm.
The book opens as J is arriving in France and follows her experiences and growth. In an early chapter, J is brought up against the reality of the Bouviers and how the family was not so well established as she had been led to believe. This exemplifies the ways in which time away from home leads to new understandings and perspectives.
Readers follow Jackie in a post war France that is still recovering. They make their way around the city with J and, such is the author’s talent, they feel that they could be there. In addition, readers follow the stories of those with whom Jackie comes in contact, including the family with whom she lives, the aristocratic Paul and some purported Communists, to round things out.
Fans of historical fiction are pretty certain to enjoy this novel.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Mariner Books for this title. All opinions are my own.
Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too! 