Now out:

My Therapist Says

Advice You Should Probably (Not) Follow

by My Therapist Says

#MyTherapistSays #NetGalley

Some readers will know that My Therapist Says is not only the title of this book but, in addition, something that can be followed on Instagram. Readers should know that this is a somewhat tongue in cheek title and not straight advice. Once readers know that, they may find it to be an enjoyable read.

The book is divided into a number of sections. A few of these include Am I a CEO yet?; You Can’t Leave, You’re My Only Friend; and Mom! The Meatloaf!.

This title should appeal to those who enjoy My Therapist Says on Instagram. It was not really for me though.

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

Get out your pencils: Draw 62 Animals and Make Them Happy by Terry Runyan

#Draw62AnimalsandMakeThemHappy #NetGalley

This book teaches how to draw a variety of cheerful looking animals. There are guinea pigs, walruses, spotted dogs, cats, polar bears, spiders, horses, emus and more. All of the steps are shown in drawings and look easy to follow.
Get out your pencils and have some fun. This looks like a good way to pass some time during our Covid restricted lives.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Recently published:

World’s Greatest Wonders

From Nature’s Special Places to Stunning Masterpieces Created by Outstanding Artists and Architects

by Editors of Chartwell Books

#WorldsGreatestWonders #NetGalley

We all know that the world is full of wonders though often we don’t even think about them. This beautifully photographed title will remind you to be in awe of some amazing places. It features both man-made and natural wonders including places like Stonehenge, Petra, Chichen itza, St Peter’s Basilica and more in the man-made section while the natural wonders include The Galapagos Islands, Iguazu Falls, Kilimanjaro, Niagara Falls and others.

Each wonder is placed on a map, is gorgeously photographed and diagrammed. A lovely book for the armchair traveler.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review. I look forward to seeing the print copy of this one.

Now out:

Midwinter Murder

Fireside Tales from the Queen of Mystery

by Agatha Christie

#MidwinterMurder #NetGalley

This collection of winter themed stories from the esteemed Agatha Christie will be welcomed by her fans, readers new to her works, and those who enjoy mystery tales.
With twelve intriguing stories, readers will be able to wile away a few evenings as the days get shorter. I enjoyed and recommend this title. It was a delight to discover some new Christies.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Are you feeling festive? Christmas at the Island Hotel

A Novel

by Jenny Colgan

#ChristmasattheIslandHotel #NetGalley

This title is Jenny Colgan’s seasonal gift to her regular readers. They will be transported back to the small island of Mure, where they will find the characters that they have gotten to know and care for, the hotel, the bakery, the scenery and some romance.

Fans will be updated on Saif, the immigrant physician and the schoolteacher who is quite fond of him. They will find out how Flora is faring as a mom. Readers will observe Fintan’s grief and his struggle to move through this. Isla becomes a more central character. Readers also meet a Norwegian young man. He has been sent by his (wealthy) father to learn about work at the hotel. His boisterous dog also makes his presence known.

The holiday season is a part of the story. I enjoyed reading about the arrival of the boat carrying the Christmas trees and the seasonal celebrations.

Those not familiar with the recurring characters may enjoy this book a bit less. Of course, though, they can start the series by picking up The Summer Seaside Kitchen and then the two other titles, The Endless Beach and Christmas on the Island. They can then return to Mure again with this one.

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

Recently published:

Wild Girl: How to Have Incredible Outdoor Adventures

How to Have Incredible Outdoor Adventures

by Helen Skelton

#WildGirl #NetGalley

This title is geared toward girls and poses the question, would you like to go wild? In this instance, wild means adventures in nature and urban settings. The book is organized by locations inviting girls to have experiences in the snow, the sand, the water, the mountains, the countryside and the city.

The author, an adventurer and TV presenter (I think in the UK), is no stranger to adventures herself. She is an encouraging guide in this title. She shares many of her adventures in this charmingly illustrated book. Her first adventures have to do with travel to the poles. She then invites girls to have adventures closer to home, for example going sledding, ice skating or having snowball fights. She also encourages skiing, snowboarding, kite skiing and more. The book then continues through each of the other environments.

this book is nicely laid out and full of many adventures. Hopefully its readers will get outside (away from screens) and engage in some of what the world has to offer.

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

Fifty Feminist Mantras

A Yearlong Practice for Cultivating Feminist Consciousness

by Amelia Hruby

#FiftyFeministMantras #NetGalley

This book was not published with any foreknowledge about RBG but I was reminded of her nonetheless. RBG was a fierce voice for women. Women who want their voices to be heard and to think about what they want to say and how they want to be may well enjoy this book.

Following an introduction, the book is organized by the seasons, beginning with January and its symbolism of birth and beginnings. Included are prompts and spaces for writing, making this a personal title. There are entries for each week of the year.

Those who journal and want to explore their thoughts, feelings and beliefs, get a pencil and start!

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

Some terrific ideas and recipes: Eating Vegetarian

A Healthy Cookbook for Beginners

by Alissa Bilden Warham, Steve Warham

#EatingVegetarian #NetGalley

This collection of recipes will, I think, be enjoyed by vegetarians and non-vegetarians who simply enjoy vegetable dishes. Featured are Savory Snacks, Salads, Soups and Stews, Sandwiches and Wraps, Beans and Grains, Eggs and Hearty Mains. A few of the recipes that appealed to me included the Sesame Tofu and Vegetable Bowl, Cacio e Pepe, Mini Butternut Squash and leek Fritatas and Butter Bean and Mushroom Tartine.

Before getting to the many recipes the author’s provide a helpful introduction to many aspects of vegetarian eating. There is even a section on kids and another on some common foods that are NOT vegetarian. Next come ideas for things to have in the kitchen and some guidance on how to do things like roast beets or seeding bell peppers.

All of the recipes have prep and cook times, number of portions and more. Some, but not all, have photos.

I liked this cookbook. It gave me lots of ideas and the recipes seemed do-able.

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