I very much enjoyed this delightful encyclopedia of British foods. My only complaint is that it left me very hungry.
Enjoy the stories, the recipes, the illustrations, the experience. This is a lovely book. Dip in wherever seems appealing. The organization is by region.
I learned so many fun facts, as for example, when coffee was introduced to the country. There are many tidbits like this. Reading this book is kind of like going on a treasure hunt.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Collins Reference for this title. All opinions are my own.
Acadia National Park is one of my favorite places in the world. There is so much variety and beauty there. I love that this book shares some of what makes this place so special.
The authors look at all of the creatures that live in the park. These include mammals, amphibians, birds, reptiles, fish, butterflies, and insects. There is info on the many included in each of these groups along with photos. There are also sections on the flowers, trees, shrubs and more that can be found in this special place.
As an extra bonus, there are suggestions for other places to visit in Maine, suggested hikes, some helpful websites and more.
Take a look at the section titled “How to Use this Book” to get started. Enjoy the photos. Dream of travel.
Many thanks to NetGalley and The Globe Pequot Publishing Group for this title. All opinions are my own. Highly recommended to those who are looking for a serious and detailed guide.
The story of the Lehman Brothers is a fascinating one. When I first heard of the play, I thought that it was about the collapse of the firm during the financial crisis. I learned though that this is the story of the family as they left Bavaria, came to the U.S. and achieved much success, at least for a time.
Interestingly, at a time when most immigrants came to New York, the first of the brothers went South. He was involved in textiles and living through the Civil War. The story follows him, his brothers and their families.
This novel uses a free verse style. Some may not like this although I did. It made me go slowly and savor the text.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.
By the way, the play was excellent if you ever have the opportunity to see it. It was VERY long but the time flew by.
I did not know who Alice Marble was before I started reading this absorbing historical fiction by Jenni Walsh. Now I know that I won’t forget who this talented athlete and woman was.
Alice was growing up poor. Her father had died and older brothers had left school to help support the family. One of these brothers sparked Alice’s interest in tennis, even though it was because he wanted to channel her away from what he perceived to be the less ladylike sport of playing ball.
Alice had raw talent, drive, ambition, spirit but not the resources of some of the well heeled players against whom she was matched. She got a lucky break when “Teach” noticed her. She went on to work so hard at her game. Readers will find themselves rooting for Alice and hoping for her success in both tennis and life.
However, as can be gleaned from the title of this book, Marble did more than play tennis. What was her work during WWII? How much of a difference did she make? What was the rest of her life like? Read this one to find out.
Anyone who enjoys historical fiction will, I think, enjoy getting to know Alice Marble. Tennis fans, too, are in for a real treat. I very much liked this book.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins Focus for this title. All opinions are my own.
The Hollywood spy is the tenth entry in Ms. MacNeal’s Maggie Hope historical mystery series. I have read all of the novels, starting with Mr. Churchill’s Secretary which was published in 2012. Maggie has had many adventures, relationships and heartaches over the course of the stories as she experiences WWII.
As is obvious from the tile, The Hollywood Spy takes place in California. There are cameo appearances by so many who lived there in the book; to name just a few there are Walt Disney, Howard Hughes, Lena Horne, Linus Pauling and many others.
Many locations also are brought to life. There are famous hotels, Disney Studios, Cal Tech, nightclubs, speakeasies and more. Each described location feels very authentic.
Maggie travels to California to help a very close friend (and former love), John Sterling, investigate the death of Gloria Hutton. As readers would expect, there are a number of suspects, everyone from the husband she is divorcing to those with whom she worked
Several other murders follow. Are these deaths connected to Gloria’s? If yes, how and why?
While everything just described is done very well and would be enough to lead me to encourage readers to buy this novel, that is not all that was outstanding. What I feel that the author did brilliantly was to describe the times. Note: they were ugly in many ways and bear a resemblance to some current times in America. (Think of the slogan America First, for one.)
The KKK features prominently in the story. The discrimination against Blacks and Hispanics is graphically portrayed. If readers are not aware of this part of the country’s history, it is something that they need to know about. There is surely much to be proud of in the U.S. but also injustices and they are seen here.
In my opinion, The Hollywood Spy may well be the author’s best book to date. I highly recommend it.
The author has included an extensive list of resources at the end of the novel. It will be most helpful for readers who want to further explore the period in which the story is set.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.
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
Many know Amy Tan because of her novels including the wonderful The Joy Luck Club. Here readers get to spend time with a Tan who wants to feel closer to the natural world. It is an incredible treat!
This title is in the form of a journal. I found it to have many insights and observations. To add to the gorgeousness of this title, the illustrations are by the author herself.
Those who already know Tan’s novels, as well as those who love birds and/or nature, and spending time with a wise woman, need to pick up this title when it is released.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage and Anchor as well as NetGalley for this title. All opinions are my own.
The NYT published a booklist not long ago and this title was on it. Encouraged by someone I know, I finally read this long and immersive novel.
A simple description of the plot-a boy and hismother are at The Met when there is an explosion. Theo’s mother is killed. Theo, without fully meaning to, finds himself in possession of the famous Goldfinch painting. The book is about what happens from that point on.
The novel is rich with characters. To name a few, start with Boris. He is a schemer and survivor who becomes Theo’s friend. There are the females in nTheo’s life, especially Pippa (whom he adores) and upper class Kitsey, sister of close friend Andy. Also important is father figure Hobie. All this just scratches the surface in a book with many people.
There are also many places including. New York, Las Vegas and Amsterdam. All are important to Theo, the painting and the plot.
This is a modern Dickensian novel. I am still thinking about how it ended.
Blog readers, what was your opinion on this one? I would love to know.
Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb have mastered the art of writing together. This book reads seamlessly and I have no absolute idea of where one author’s voice ends and the other begins. This was also true in their earlier collaboration, Meet Me in Monaco, a book that I very much enjoyed. I loved this one too.
Christmas with the Queen was exactly the kind of read that I was looking for, one that would transport me to another time and place. The story opens in 1952 when London was enveloped in a murky fog. Elizabeth was new to the throne. The novel goes on to cover a five year period (with some back history).
The story principally follows two characters, each of whom has an interesting profession and story. Jack is working in the Sandringham kitchens during the festive period. Olive is a trainee reporter with the BBC. When her boss became ill, she travels to Sandringham to write a seasonal story. These two (re) meet and readers follow them over the years.
There is enough detail to bring Sandringham, the Queen, her corgis and the royal experience to life. It is delightful to observe Elizabeth in the novel. There is a charming scene fairly early in the book when Elizabeth strolls into the room where a star struck Olive is sitting. She will reappear.
This is a charming and lovely book. Readers will want the best for these characters.
If a reader wants to get into the Christmas spirit without the frenetic quality of holiday life, come to this book with a cup of tea and relax. I am very glad that I did just that.
Many thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for this title. All opinions are my own.
I have adored every book that I have read by Nina George starting with The Little Paris Bookshop. To me, her books are quite special. I think that is why I held this one back-just so I would know that there was a Nina George for me when I needed it.
This is the story of Marianne who needs to/wants to change her life. She has been in an exceedingly difficult marriage for one thing. Go on a journey with her. You will be glad that you did.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Crown Publishing for this title. All opinions are my own.
The story of the Lehman Brothers is a fascinating one. When I first heard of the play, I thought that it was about the collapse of the firm during the financial crisis. I learned though that this is the story of the family as they left Bavaria, came to the U.S. and achieved much success, at least for a time.
Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too! 