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!

Posting late today because I was enjoying fall at the botanical garden. Still, lots of good choices today. I’ve read lots of these: Have His Carcase, Bethlehem Road, Unto Us a Son is Given, Eligible, Can You Forgive Her, The Ghost Fields, The Nun’s Tale, Friday the Rabbi Slept Late, The Age of Innocence, The Citadel, and Shem Creek. All good. Happy reading.

What Would Frida Do?

A Guide to Living Boldly

by Arianna Davis

The author of this title clearly loves Frida Kahlo. She has immersed herself in the life of this artist by spending time at La Casa Azul (Frida’s home) and by letting the spirit of this artist infuse her. Ms. Davis has also researched Frida’s life and work.

This book includes much biographical information on Frida; her life had contradictions and these are explored. There are many quotes throughout the illustrated text. Ms. Davis also looks to Frida as someone who can guide readers on good ways to live their lives. The book looks at this topic from several points of view including confidence, pain, creativity, style, love, heartbreak, sex, identity, and friendship. For example, the author notes the famous eyebrows and sees them as a way of loving/accepting herself, implying that there are ways that readers can practice their own self-acceptance.. Other suggestions include things like the using a creative outlet to help build inner strength.

If you are a fan of Frida Kahlo or if you enjoy self-help books, this book may appeal to you. Many thanks to the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.