Charlotte Philby has written several other novels. Here she begins a series, something that will certainly make her readers happy.
Meet Farrow and Chang. Madeline Farrow is fifty years old, well-to-do, and works as a Detective Inspector in a Serious Crimes Unit. Ramona Chang is an investigative reporter and aspiring private detective who is less well off. The two join forces in their first outing together. Together they will provide readers with a thrilling story as they try to right some wrongs.
Recommended to those who would like to spend some time with a thriller. It may feel that it starts a little slow but stick with it.
I look forward to seeing the next title in this series.Many thanks to NetGalley and John Murray Press for this title. All opinions are my own.
Welcome to Beach Town will be a real treat for both new and old readers of Susan Wiggs’s books. WTBT is a well written, emotional novel with characters about whom readers will care. The plot is carefully developed and the locales are well described. As a bonus, readers will learn a lot about surfing, to say nothing of human relationships; there are those of parent figure/child, romantic partners, friends and others whom the characters meet along the way.
The story opens as Nikki is about to give her valedictory address at high school graduation. This poor student at a prestigious private school changes her planned remarks at the last minute. Why does she say what she does? How will this decision impact the rest of her life? Pick up this novel to find out.
Nikki grew up in Alara Cove where she was raised by a widowed father and later by an artistic foster mother/family friend. Both of these people had influence on her as did her love of surfing. Readers will get to know others who are important to Nikki as well including her foster sister and close friend Cal as well as Nikki’s first love.
Nikki faces both tragedies and good moments in these pages. As a reader, I longed for her to find happiness and hoped that Ms. Wiggs would not disappoint in that respect. Well, read the story to find out for yourself.
I highly recommend this book. It is one of the author’s best. Library Journal agrees and gave it a starred review. They state: Fans of the prolific Wiggs and of strong women protagonists will stay up all night to finish this speeding bullet to the best-seller list.
Many thanks to NetGally and William Morrow for this title. All opinions are my own.
The Memory Library tells the story of a mother and daughter who have a complex relationship-is that not always the case? For Sally and Ella in particular, their issues lead them to live on opposite sides of the world (England and Australia) for decades. When Sally suffers a bad fall, Ella returns to England for a month and the stage is set.
One thing that I very much liked in this story was the love for books that came across quite clearly. Early on Sally reads Little Women to Ella and gives her a copy of her very own. They enjoy a tradition of a new birthday book each year. What a nice idea!
The title comes from what Sally did during Ella’s absence. Each year she purchased a book for Ella and inscribed it. What happened to them? Can they ever be shared?
This story delves into the lives of these two characters and those around them. It looks at how a parent-child relationship might fall apart and how it could be healed. It offers a heartwarming and enjoyable read.
Recommended for anyone who enjoys stories about relationships and families.
Note for those with Kindle Unlimited, this is a free read. For others, it is worth buying.
They can’t even agree on what to read, so how are they going to solve a murder?
Having recently moved from London to a small Cornish seaside village, Nova Davies started a book club at the local community center, but so far it’s a disaster. The five members disagree on everything, and to make matters worse, a significant sum of money is stolen during one of the meetings, putting the much-loved community center at risk.
Suspicion for the theft falls on book club member Michael, especially when he disappears and a dead body turns up at his house. But the book club has their own theories. Agatha Christie superfan Phyllis is determined to prove Michael’s been framed, while romance reader Arthur believes there’s a mystery woman involved, and teenage sci-fi fan Ash thinks dark forces are at play.
While trying to locate Michael, solve the murder and recover the stolen money, each of them has their own secrets to protect. But despite the danger closing in, they won’t rest until they’ve cracked the case and gotten everyone safe at home with a book, where they belong.
About the Author
Freya Sampson works in television as a creator and executive producer. Her credits include two documentary series for the BBC about the British royal family as well as a number of factual and entertainment series. She studied history at Cambridge University and in 2018 was short-listed for the Exeter Novel Prize. She lives in London with her husband, two young children, and an antisocial cat.
My thoughts:
I very much enjoyed Freya Sampson’s Nosy Neighbors. Anyone who liked that one will want to read this author’s new release. For those who have not read books by Sampson, here is a lovely place to start.
Sampson writes stories that feature quirky individuals who find themselves in interesting situations. The novels are about connections between people, and the plots that surround them. That is certainly the case here.
Nova has moved to a small Cornish village with her partner. They are living with his family which is not easy. Pamela, a bossy future in law, is over organizing Nova’s life. Will Craig and Nova survive as a couple?
At the same time, Nova’s work life is equally challenging. To mention just a few of the obstacles, there is a book club member who may be a thief, Nova’s employer is attacked, and dealing with the idiosyncratic people who come to the center. These include a woman with a smelly dog who sees herself as Miss Marple, an elderly man whose blind wife loves romances in fiction, and a young boy with a crush, among others.
Readers will enjoy finding out how the many people and plots are resolved in a perfect escapist read. Give it a try!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley for this title. All opinions are my own.
I love the adorable illustrations throughout this title. Very cute children of many backgrounds can be found in the pages of this alphabet book.
Many occupations are represented with one, of course for each letter of the alphabet. Start with A for Astronaut and make your way to Z for Zoologist. Kids can learn a bit about each of the careers. The book ends with a few questions to consider.
Want to inspire a child to dream and plan? If yes, think about getting this book. It is quite appealing.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Familius for this title. All opinions are my own.
I was initially drawn to this one by the book’s title and the cover which I found very appealing. Happily, the story inside these pages also offered an enjoyable read with gorgeous locations, some good characters and an interesting plot.
Sadie was the kind of person who lived a predictable life as exemplified by her position as an actuary. Her life changes following the unexpected death of her best friend, Gemma (not too much of a spoiler as this happens very early in the book).
Sadie needs a change and purchases a bike tour company in France (now that sound pretty nice). However, of course, there are problems. These include vandalism and murder. No spoilers so hard to say much more except that this was a fun, cozy read. I hope that it is the start of a series.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for this title. All opinions are my own.
Several years ago, I listened to a Master Class featuring Collins. I enjoyed learning about his writing process in a series of insightful episodes.
Following this, I read the poet’s collection Whale Day. Now, I have spent time with Water Water, reading a poem a day so as to savor this collection of sixty poems.
Some people veer away from poetry fearing that it is too highbrow or that they won’t understand a verse. Collins is not like that. His poems are written in, what I find, to be a direct and clear style. Readers can choose those that they prefer but they will not feel bewildered overall. The poems often reference every day life and end with something to ponder. So many are worth the reader’s time.
It is easy to recommend this collection.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House for this title. All opinions are my own.
This book has gotten many good reviews. I was curious to read it, even though it sounded a bit different from many of my book choices.
Here is a story about Rua and Finn. Rua is a woman without memories. Will she remember who she is before the book’s end? What will happen to her when she pretends to be someone else, a young woman in New York society.
Then there is Finn. He is a Lord (from England) trying to figure out how to fit in when he comes to New York.
These two will come together in a world filled with secrets and magic. Will they find their way successfully?
Come to the 1870s and stay for a while in this title. Fans of the genre should enjoy this one.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Alcove Press for this title. All opinions are my own.
Pub date: 08 April 25
336 pages
Historical fiction-Romantasy-Sci Fi and Fantasy
Editorial Reviews
Review
Praise for The Gods Time Forgot: “Gonzalez crafts an intoxicating blend of mystery, romance, and folklore as the elegant slow-burn love story leads to the discovery of dark secrets . . . Fans of Outlander and A Fate Inked in Blood will be sucked in by this bewitching tale of forbidden love.” —Publishers Weekly
“With compelling characters, feminist themes, and sultry romance, Sheridan Gonzalez’s debut is an imaginative blend of Irish mythology and historical fiction that readers will enjoy.” —Booklist
Like many, I think that I know Bemelmans best for the stories involving “Two Little Girls in Two Straight Lines…” So, it was fun to explore another dimension of the author.
Here he tells the story of his friendship with the famous interior designer Elsie de Wolfe. At the time, De Wolfe was elderly while Bemelmans was not. Still, their worlds crossed through Hollywood.
For some 1950s nostalgia and glamour in sections titled Elsie at Home and Elsie Abroad, pick this one up. I think that it will make you smile.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Pushkin Press for this title. All opinions are my own.
Pub date: 07 May 2023
223 pages
Biography/Memoir
Editorial Reviews
Review
“This book is a must.” — The New York Times
“An extravaganza in Bemelmans’ inimitable vein.” –Kirkus Reviews
“Delightful… It was Bemelmans’ privilege to have known [Lady Mendl] and it’s ours to have his gorgeous recollections.” –Sunday Times
“A beautiful, fun and emotion-filled piece of social history.” –Irish Independent
“The charm of To the One I Love the Best lies in the peerless combination of author and subject.” –Paris Review
“About a third of the way through the book I decided that Lady Mendl, was one of the great comic creations in the history of literature . . . as airy as a soufflé, full of the sun and smells of California . . . Madeline for grown ups.” –The Spectator
Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too! 