This is the first book that I have read by Ellery Adams and I truly enjoyed it. The protagonist, Nora, is a bookseller who believes that there is a book that is just right for each customer’s particular emotional state; the notion that one could get meaningful suggestions from a bookseller was lovely in this day of internet sales. I enjoyed the many literary references and the back stories of the protagonists. There are also hints of romance. If you like cozies, I would recommend this book highly.
This board book has very sweet, engaging and adorable illustrations. The accompanying text shows all the things that brothers do together including not always getting along (but also learning to say “sorry”).
Any home with young brothers in it, might want to add this one to their library.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Familius for this title. All opinions are my own.
Anyone who enjoys cupcakes (and that includes most of us) will want to give this book a look. It is filled with information, tips and techniques, and, of course, many recipes. Learn about batters, buttercream and more.
The recipes are organized by occasion, season, holiday, those for kids, and more. The illustrations are mouthwatering.
Those who want to bake will definitely enjoy this title.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Cider Mill Press for this title. All opinions are my own.
I don’t know Dad’s Luncheonette but I sure wish that I could go there and also that I could meet Scott Clark. He has put together a cookbook that showcases his state of California and there is much to enjoy in these pages.
In eleven sections are found loads of recipes. To name some: Pear Butter, Mac n Cheese with Puffed Rice topping, Shredded Potato Salad, Bacon Gouda Dutch Baby, Fried Artichoke with Artichoke Dip, Dungeness Crab Rice, Kumquat and Kale, Seasoned Herb Salad, Hard Cider Clam Bake, Kimchi Mary and Matcha Mochi Waffles. Are you hungry yet? There are 130 recipes in all.
In addition to the recipes, there are many sections filled with information. There are also photos.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Chronicle Books for this title. All opinions are my own.
Pub date: 11 March 2025
“With his debut cookbook, Clark, chef and owner of Dad’s Luncheonette, wanted to celebrate California’s Central Coast. He succeeds on every count.” —Library Journal, starred review
Named a Most Anticipated Cookbook of 2025 by Book Riot
Recently I read an article that critiqued historical fiction with one argument being that this genre is not always completely accurate in depicting characters or events. That may be true but historical fiction remains one of my favorite genres. I love the immersion into a person’s life and time. This was certainly true for me in this story about Mary Leakey (in one part of this dual time line story) and Grace Clark in 1983. Note that of these two, the fictional character is Grace.
I adored the setting of this book, the characters and the story itself. Leakey was a fascinating woman with the most interesting life. I also enjoyed meeting seventeen year old Grace and watching the relationship between these two women.
This seems like a perfect title for Women’s History Month or, indeed, any month. Most highly recommended.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks-Landmark for this title. All opinions are my own.
The cover of this book drew me right in. After all, how could a person resist Big Bird and Elmo in these food incarnations?
Kids and adults will enjoy this visit with the Sesame Street family in the kitchen. Note that children will need the help of an adult when they are ready to cook.
The book begins with a safety disclaimer that is not scary but is worth reading. There are additional introductory sections as well.
There are 40 healthy recipes in this book. They are grouped into categories titled Bright Breakfasts, Super Snacks, Yummy Lunches, Delicious Dinners and Healthy Treats. Just a few of the recipes are for Gonger’s Egg Surprise, Granola Cookie Bits, Grouch on Toast, Coconutty Chicken Bites and Mango Fro Yo-Yo. All have easy to follow directions and illustrations. I like that for each there are lists for ingredients and tools before the recipe. There are also sections called Helping Hand with extra tips.
The book concludes with a number of additional sections including a Guide for Grown Ups.
Here is a wonderful way to introduce a child to the fun and nutrition that can be found by preparing food at home. I highly recommend it.
Many thanks to NetGalley and DK-DK Children’s for this title. All opinions are my own.
The Page clan has two excellent authors in it. I first got to know them by reading Libby Page’s books. Her first, Mornings with Rosemary or The Lido (depending on where a person lives) became a real favorite. It was after Libby was a published author that her mother Sally began her career as a novelist.
Sally Page’s two earlier novels, The Keeper of Stories, and The Book of Beginnings, were warm hearted and good reads. Now, she offers us The Secret of Flowers.
Fun fact: this author has a lot of experience with floristry so what better than a new novel with lots about flowers.
The story’s protagonist is Emma. She has been widowed and has turned in on herself. She decides to go to a lecture about the Titanic with a friend. This sparks her curiosity about the flowers on the ship and the story takes off from there.
Anyone who enjoys women’s fiction will, I think, want to take a look at this one and the other novels by the author.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for this title. All opinions are my own.
Pub date: 25 February 2024
Note: As I write this post on 19 March 2025, this title is under $3.00 on Amazon if a reader needs more incentive.
Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too! 