Category: Uncategorized

The author of this title clearly loves Frida Kahlo. She has immersed herself in the life of this artist by spending time at La Casa Azul (Frida’s home) and by letting the spirit of this artist infuse her. Ms. Davis has also researched Frida’s life and work.
This book includes much biographical information on Frida; her life had contradictions and these are explored. There are many quotes throughout the illustrated text. Ms. Davis also looks to Frida as someone who can guide readers on good ways to live their lives. The book looks at this topic from several points of view including confidence, pain, creativity, style, love, heartbreak, sex, identity, and friendship. For example, the author notes the famous eyebrows and sees them as a way of loving/accepting herself, implying that there are ways that readers can practice their own self-acceptance.. Other suggestions include things like the using a creative outlet to help build inner strength.
If you are a fan of Frida Kahlo or if you enjoy self-help books, this book may appeal to you. Many thanks to the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.

pub date:  October 20, 2020

Mostly mystery, a bit of magical realism, a children’s title and the Jamie Chang which is highly recommended on Madam Writer’s blog.

This book should be required reading for young people, perhaps girls in particular, as the need is there to engage the next generation in the political process. This title includes 44 profiles of women, mostly from the U.S., with a few from around the world. Some of these women’s views are aligned with mine, while others are not. Perhaps this is good as the book can be used as a basis for discussion.
Some of the Americans included are Stacey Abrams, Dianne Feinstein, Kamala Harris, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Elizabeth Warren, Amy Klobuchar, Susan Collins and Betsy DeVos. Also, for example, internationally, there is an entry on Jacinda Ardern from New Zealand.
For each woman there are sections on topics including years in political office, positions held, a life story, a what’s on her agenda section and more. Each woman’s entry is presented with a lot of detail.
I like this title and feel that it should be part of school and home libraries. Readers will know more about those who represent them after spending time with this book.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

How many office Christmas parties have you been to? Did you enjoy them? Will there be any this year? If not, maybe we will all look back fondly on those afternoons or evenings when we got together with colleagues.
In this seasonal romance, our female protagonist Natalie is an events planner. So…she knows where the parties are and crashes many. Then there is Dean. After an upset (no spoiler), he is not interested in a relationship. He, too, is a party crasher.
Readers can predict the trajectory of this seasonal novel. Still, if escape appeals to you and you miss the office holiday season, you may enjoy this title.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.

For everyone who wishes to better cope with the daily ups and downs of life, this book is a welcome resource. The author expresses a strong belief that each of us can cultivate that ability to cope with what life sends our way. In this helpful guide, she offers explanations, strategies and case examples in a readable voice.

The components of resilience are explored in the chapters that follow. These skills include perseverance, self-regulation, positivity, and self-care.
The author of this title is a good guide who writes with authenticity. She is open about the “bruises” that she faced in her own childhood. Doctor Gazelle also has professional experience that adds credibility. She worked for many years with hospice patients and later became a coach to other physicians.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this helpful title. All opinions are my own.

#EverydayResilience #NetGalley

One non-fiction and some fiction.  Enjoy.

I remember Ramona Quimby and her family from both my own childhood and those of my children. Because of so many happy memories, I was thrilled to receive this book from the publisher and NetGalley in return for an honest review.
The author of this title gives ample attention to the difficulty of writing a book that will engage and appeal to young readers. Of course, she notes Beverly Cleary’s skill in this regard. The author also reminds readers that the illustrations of Ms. Cleary’s books were not static but evolved over the decades. For us, this may mean that some sections of the book evoke more nostalgia than others.
Joyously readers will spend time not only with Ramona but also Beezus, Henry Higgins, Ribsy and more. In addition to the many illustrations, there are excerpts from the books. If this makes you smile, you will definitely delight in this volume.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

#TheArtofRamonaQuimby #NetGalley

I have enjoyed spending time with Hannah Swenson and those around her since Ms. Fluke wrote the first in this series. The Chocolate Chip Murder.  With its bakery setting to make you hungry, and the recurring characters and relationships, it is a good series for lovers of cozy mysteries.

This time, as the title states, the story takes place around Christmas.  Who is the John Doe who cannot remember much but knows a lot about antiques?  Why is he in Hannah’s small mid-Western town?

Along with this mystery, readers will enjoy spending time with Hannah, her sisters and the other folk who live in Lake Eden.  As a bonus, there are lots of recipes included too.

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

pub date:  September 29, 2020

#ChristmasCupcakeMurder #NetGalley

From the publisher:

Do you read lots of mysteries?  Do you think that you could be a good detective?  Do you enjoy puzzle books? If your answers are yes, you will surely enjoy this title.

The author presents 65 short cases that the reader is invited to solve.  Test your wits and wile away some time most pleasantly as you go through the cases. Some I could solve but others not.  I really enjoyed this book.

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

pub date:  September 15, 2020

Hope you see something that interests you.  I recommend The MoonSpinners and all of the other titles by this author (not very expensive) for those who enjoy a good escape.  I bought Bibliophile as I found the illustrations to be quite charming.  Enjoy!