Just as a narrowboat must travel at its own, somewhat measured pace, the timing of this novel is deliberate and thoughtful (in a good way). This is clearly a book to savor, not one to rush through. Readers will commit to the experience of enjoying some literary travel in an unhurried way.
The Narrowboat Summer tells the story of three women and those around them. The owner of the boat is Anastasia, an older woman who has lived on the canals. She needs a place to stay off of the water while she receives medical treatment. She comes to stay at Eve’s home.
Two women, previously unknown to one another, take on the task of ferrying Anastasia’s boat to its’ destination. One is Eve and the other is Sally, both of whom are seeking change and meaning in their lives.
As the two navigate and travel, they become closer to one another. They also meet a series of people on their literal journey and their voyages of self-discovery. These include an elderly man, a storyteller and others, all of whom have something to say and teach about life.
The stories of the characters are engaging and readers root for all of them as they seek the lives that they want (and deserve). Take the time to travel with them. You will enjoy the journey.
As a side note, I have always thought that it would be marvelous to travel along the British canal system. I still have not done that but this book did nothing to lessen my wish to do so.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.
A scandalous affair. A power struggle for the throne. A sensational rivalry between an English queen and an American social climber. In this electrifying novel, the New York Times bestselling author of The Swans of Fifth Avenue tells the story of the Abdication of Edward VIII—and the two women at the center of it all.
“As deliciously dishy as an English cream tea and the royal gossip whispered over it!”—Kate Quinn, author of The Astral Library
Feuding Windsor brothers and their wives—some things, it seems, never change. The Windsor Affair recreates the cataclysmic events that nearly toppled the monarchy and incited the power struggle between Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon and Wallis Simpson. Told from the perspective of both women, the novel propels readers into the fabulous world of the debonair Prince of Wales, café society of the 1930s, and the glittering private lives of the Windsors. The first novel to be dedicated to this infamous rivalry, The Windsor Affair brings us all the gossip and intrigue between the two very different—yet perhaps more similar than they would admit—wives of royals.
As Queen, Elizabeth would become the symbol of British pluck and courage during World War II and remain a British institution the rest of her long life. Wallis would be forever forced to enact the World’s Greatest Love Story even after it sours, as she goes from being admired to vilified and, ultimately, pitied. Against the backdrop of the Abdication Crisis, World War II, coronations, funerals, births, and deaths, these two women maintain a biting, sharp-tongued feud—until age and the long arm of history bring about a kind of understanding. For the last communication between these bitter rivals was a simple, surprising message: “In friendship, Elizabeth.”
My thoughts:
Many are aware of the conflict between Princes Harry and William, and their wives. Of course, history often repeats itself and that is the case in some ways today. Because, of course, before Harry and William, there were David and Bertie, two brothers with wives who also did not like each other. In each of these eras, important decisions were made that affected the monarchy and the personal lives of family members.
In this book, Benjamin very enjoyably tells the stories of Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon and Wallis Warfield Simpson and those around them. Their experiences growing up were so different as were their fates. Wallis grew up poor and wanted security. Elizabeth grew up secure and was not seeking to become Queen. Yet as each married a Windsor brother their lives were set on a course. There were trying times ahead for both.
Even those who think that they know a lot about these historical personages will find much to like in these pages. They will leave the book understanding more about the women’s relationships, responsibilities and decisions.
It is easy to recommend this title to those who enjoy historical fiction and/or those who enjoy stories about British royalty.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine for this title. All opinions are my own.
From the Publisher:
From Library Journal:
VERDICT Both a sweeping account of nearly a century of royal history and an intimate look into the characters of the two women at the center of it all, this will please readers who enjoyed Benjamin’s previous novels or those who can’t get enough of the drama of the House of Windsor.
Many years ago I read Sophie’s World by Jostein Gaarder. Mona’s Eyes will do for the history of art what Gaarder’s book did for philosophy. Both of these books are wonderful and reward careful, unrushed reading.
Mona’s Eyes is translated from the French. It tells the story of a little girl who had an episode of temporary blindness. It is not clear as the story begins whether or not, she will face a life without vision.
Many intercede to care for Mona. The most interesting might be her grandfather, Henri/Henry. When Mona is supposed to be attending therapy sessions, instead her grandfather is taking her to Paris museums. He wants Mona to soak up the art so that it is in her memory and he wants her to learn the lessons that the works have to teach. It is from here that readers find out much about the history of art beginning with Botticelli and moving forward all the way to Pierre Soulage. There is ample description of each work as well as a sense of what Henri hopes Mona will take forward from each. To start at the beginning, the Botticelli is paired with learning to receive as well as give.
In addition to the art history, there is a plot relating to those around Mona including her family and friends. There are also details of her daily life.
There are no reproductions in the book so it is best to read this one with access to the works as they are described. That way, the reader can see what Mona is seeing.
I most highly recommend this title. Mark your calendar for its release date.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Europa for this title. All opinions are my own.
Note: This book is one that I hope to read soon. It is an e book bargain today.
Description:
from the publisher
Escape into the world of Sally Page with the perfect armchair read! From the author of the phenomenal bestsellers The Keeper of Stories and The Book of Beginnings comes another novel that will warm your heart.
Can one small note give her the courage to find a new path?
Kate gave up her dreams of being a painter years ago. But six little words pinned to the noticeboard of her local café could change her path forever.
“To be, or not to be …”—printed on an orange card with no explanation—appears one morning.
Each day, a new line from a different Shakespeare play is added, sparking curiosity throughout the café. Among the regulars is Bardy, a retired English teacher grappling with writer’s block.
As Kate and Bardy follow this breadcrumb trail, they discover a local community group encouraging people to rediscover their own creative spark—and the long-lost courage to chase it.
For Kate, their new group might just offer a second chance at happiness, if only Bardy can find the strength to share his story too…
Note: This book is one that I look forward to reading soon. It is an e book bargain today for $1.99.
Description:
from the publisher
Three generations of women, an unforgettable summer of music, and the epic cross-country road trip they’ll never forget.
Summer, 1969: Eleanor Bell doesn’t have anything to lose. According to the doctors, she might not remember how to sing or play guitar soon, so why not head west now? Why not join the music festivals sweeping the country and lose herself in the music again, in a swan song of her own?
Except she forgets, maybe on purpose, to tell anyone where she’s going. When her daughter, Leanne, discovers her mother missing, she enlists the help of her own daughter, Nora, to help her find Eleanor. The last thing Nora wants to do before starting as one of Yale’s first female undergrads is hit the road. But then Nora hears something strange on the radio—her grandmother’s voice, singing. Nora and Leanne hop in their Chevy for a cross-country road trip, always one step behind Eleanor, who has been dubbed the Dame of Rock n’ Roll by none other than Johnny Carson.
Full of nostalgia and awash with the warmth of summer, Lost in the Summer of ’69 is an epic celebration of savoring the encore-no matter what the next act may bring.
What a concept! Imagine you are on a plane. You have your reasons for being there, things that you are thinking about and have settled in. Imagine that in the midst of whatever you are doing, a woman stands in front of you and tells you when you will die and of what. How would you react? How intense would that be? This is the monumental basis for Moriarty’s latest novel. No spoiler-she spectacularly pulls it off.
Get to know many characters. They are of different ages, sexes, experiences. How will they move forward when they have this information? Will it be true? Who is the woman making the predictions? Read this long (500 plus pages) novel that is divided into many short sections to find out. See if it will change you.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Crown Publishing for this title. All opinions are my own.
Plant the seeds of reading with research-based, fun-filled activities that help preschoolers build early literacy and prereading skills at home or in the classroom.
Struggling to teach your child how to read and don’t know where to start?
From educator and literacy coach Cathy Allen Falk, Planting the Seeds of Reading transforms the science of reading into simple, playful strategies that lay the groundwork for reading success. Once only known to educators, these research-backed methods are now accessible to parents and caregivers who want to give their children a strong start to early literacy.
This isn’t about pushing children to read early; it’s about preparing the soil for the day they start reading on their own.
Through fun, age-appropriate activities that are perfect for home or the classroom, your child will develop essential prereading skills like phonemic awareness, vocabulary growth, fine motor skills, and letter recognition. Best of all, the activities require little to no prep and can be done with everyday materials you already have.
With just a few minutes a day, you can nurture your child’s reading readiness, build confidence, and create the fertile ground where lifelong literacy skills will grow.
My thoughts:
I care deeply about children’s literacy. It is the reason that I have been a reading tutor for over ten years. For this reason, I was quite curious about this title.
This book offers adults ways to set the stage for a child’s reading without pushing them and while, hopefully, keeping everything enjoyable.
Some of the chapter headings are Reading Aloud, Playing with Words and, Learning Letters. There are also several appendices, including nursery rhymes, action rhymes and songs.
I had thought that this book would be more like a workbook for kids and adults. It is not that. Rather it is filled with information, including book suggestions, and ideas for activities to do with a child.
This book could be quite useful. However, I think that some adults might shy away from it because it is text heavy. My suggestion would be to just do a little bit at a time and to be aware of whether or not a child is engaged.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Familius for this title. All opinions are my own.
Editorial Reviews:
“Falk provides parents and caregivers with the science-based, engaging, and actionable tools to move young children into the world of reading.”―Timothy Rasinski, PhD, Professor Emeritus of Reading Education, Kent State University
“A powerful yet fun guide to building a strong reading foundation.”―Rhonda Mickey, Pre-K Instructional Coach & Reading Specialist, Fort Wayne Community Schools
“Cathy Allen Falk generously shares her expertise in early literacy development. . . . all certain to bring joy to adult and child alike.”―Isabel Nuñez, Ph.D., M.Phil., J.D., Dean, School of Education, Professor of Educational Studies, Purdue University Fort Wayne
“[Cathy Falk] makes learning new skills a playful yet impacting experience. What greater gift can any adult give to a youngster than the ability to read and comprehend the world’s library of knowledge?”―Dennis E. Hensley, Ph.D., Author of Teach Yourself Grammar and Style and The Freelance Writer’s Handbook
I first read a novel by this author during Covid. It offered just the kind of read that I wanted/needed at that time. I continue to enjoy Novak’s books which offer well drawn settings, interesting characters and enough plot to keep me turning the pages.
Readers follow three main characters in this story. The first is Charlotte. She married a pro basketball player who is a bit of an egotist. Should they be together? In addition to being a wife who tries to give her husband more than he may have deserved, Charlotte has published a first novel. She is suffering from writer’s block and has a due date for her second book when the story opens. Note that Charlotte will also learn something impactful early in the book. This is something with which she will need to come to terms.
Julian and Sloane are twins and long time friends of Charlotte. They each are at a crossroads. Julian has been given a medical diagnosis (not a spoiler as this comes out early in the story) and wonders if he will be able to continue as a landscape photographer. Will he and Charlotte become more than friends?
For her part, Sloane needs to make some important decisions in her marriage to Ben. One major issue requiring careful thought for Sloane is whether she wants to become a mother.
Charlotte discovers that she has a half sister in Italy. These three characters travel to Italy to meet Lilly and to discover what they want in life. The story takes off from here.
Readers will want the best for Lilly and these three. Enjoy this long novel as their lives evolve.
Spoiler below:
I do think that the complexity of adoption could have been given more importance in this book. A character discovers they were adopted and very little attention is given to this reveal and its impact. I also think that the birth mother in the story was described in some stereotypical and negative ways.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for this title. All opinions are my own.
Pub date: 07 April 2026
Post first published on 12 May 2026
Four stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
398 pages
Description:
from the publisher
An Instant USA TODAY bestseller!
A sun-soaked trip to the Amalfi Coast promises a fresh start—and reveals secrets never imagined in New York Times bestselling author Brenda Novak’s tender new novel.
In the wake of her debut novel’s breakout success—and a very painful public divorce—Charlotte Williams-Jackson has something to prove. With her second novel overdue, she’s scrambling to hold it together. But her focus is rocked when she discovers that her childhood wasn’t as it seemed—and she has a tween half-sister who’s been orphaned in Italy.
Alongside her best friend, Sloane, and Sloane’s charming brother, Julian, Charlotte ventures to the Amalfi Coast to meet her sister. She would never turn her back on family, especially since this girl doesn’t have anyone else, but between her looming deadline and her entire identity being flipped upside down, it’s a lot. Determined to rebuild her life, Charlotte must confront the relationships she’s held dear—and the loss of those she thought she had but didn’t—forcing her to question everything she understood about herself and the bonds that shape a family.
Beth O’Leary definitely has her fans. Her earlier books include The Wake Up Call, The Road Trip, and The No Show. Here she again offers a novel that her fans may want to read. At close to 400 pages it will offer escape for a bit.
Take two people who meet and don’t really expect to spend a lot of time together. They have their differences, starting with their ages as Zeke is almost ten years younger than Lexi. However, what is likely to have been one night together transforms when the houseboat they are on (readers will find out why) goes out to sea. Uh-oh. What will happen as they wait/hope for rescue? That’s the premise here.
Follow Zeke and Lexi over the next twelve days. Imagine what it would be like to spend that amount of time in a confined space with a person that you don’t really know. Will they be swept away both on the boat and by falling in love?
Readers will hope that everything works out for these two. Read the book to find out what happens.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for this title. All opinions are my own.
Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too! 