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The Grace Kelly dress is, of course, inspired by the beautiful wedding gown that Grace Kelly wore although this story is not about Grace Kelly. Rather, it is about three women and one wedding dress that was inspired by the one worn by Princess Grace.

Rose’s story begins in the 1950s in Paris. Rosee is an orphan who works in an atelier as a seamstress. The very talented Rose makes a wedding dress for the lovely Diana and, while doing so, they become friends despite the class barriers. Rose is attracted to Diana’s brother Robert but he is engaged to someone else. What will happen?

In the 80s, Joan seems to have the perfect, if conventional and guarded life. She is engaged to someone who is perfect on paper but…is he the right one for her? What is the story of her sibling who died?

Unconventional Rocky, Joan’s daughter, is conflicted about wearing her mother’s wedding dress although not about her fiancee. Can she make it into something that makes sense for her?

Around these primary characters, there are many others whose stories are also told. The emotions, mistakes, regrets and decisions that these characters make form the basis of the novel as each makes the dress her own.

The Grace Kelly Dress is women’s fiction with conflict and fairy tale. Try it on for size if you would like a light read.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

Some blurbs:

“Exactly the type of book I love: charming, smart, and brimming with heart.”

—EMILY GIFFIN, #1 New York Times bestselling author of All We Ever Wanted

“Fast paced and entertaining from beginning to end.”

—KRISTIN HANNAH, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Nightingale

This book recounts Monet’s life and art for young readers.  Throughout, there are copies of paintings that Monet completed.  At the end of the book,  those who are interested can learn more about the works.  Monet’s evolution as an artist from making caricatures when he was young, to academy studies, to finding his own style are all described.  Some attention is also given to Monet’s personal life, especially his love for the mother of his children.  All in all, a good resource for students who are just beginning their studies of art history.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

ffHere are some first novels that are good reads along with one by WinstonChurchill.

This book is a fantastic resource for both home and school libraries. It is geared toward elementary school children but, as an adult, I also found it to be highly informative and interesting. As would be expected 50 trailblazers are featured in the book. Some of them were well known to me, as for example, Joe Biden or Rosa Parks while many others were new to me. Just a couple of the new names to me included Margaret Murie and the All American Red Heads. Some of the people featured are quite contemporary, as for example, Colin Kapernick. Each person has a two page spread that is dense with information. There are sections on what the trailblazer did, where they were from, how their work continues and more. There are also quotes. I enjoyed this one from Rebecca Lobo:

and my daughter walked in the room and looked at the TV and said to Steve, ‘Are those boys playing?’ And I said, ‘Yes.” And my daughter said, “I didn’t know boys played basketball.”

I give this book a full five stars. It will inspire and inform the children in your life. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

This title is the latest  in a series of brief biographies of well known individuals.  Each is meant to teach and inspire young children.  This entry about Martin Luther King is no exception.  In this title with muted, multi racial illustrations, Martin’s story is told from childhood.  At that time, he experienced discrimination.  Young readers learn how this impacted him as he moved to change things through peaceful protest.  Because this book is for young children, there is no mention of his assassination but rather focuses on his “I have a dream” speech.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this book in exchange for an honest review.

Lots of mystery and/or suspense for well regarded writers.  Also, the most recent title by Kristin Hannah.

This book is exactly as advertised. It is a compilation of easy to prepare, appealing small bites. There are recipes in categories including light snacks, dips & spreads, finger foods, savory plates, fancy bites and something sweet. A few of the recipes include crispy garlic butter smashed potatoes, salmon fritters, cheese stuffed chicken meatballs marinara, bacon wrapped asparagus, chunky guacamole and marinated feta with rosemary and orange. The instructions are clear and easy to follow. All in all, a great resource for those who are entertaining this holiday season!

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this moutwatering title in exchange for an honest review.

Adults spend much of their time either at work or thinking about work.  No matter what the job or profession, people have feelings about their work, its setting, their co-workers, etc.  In this title, the author encourages readers to think openly about what happens for them at work and how they feel about it.  The author frames this exploration through mindfulness.  Readers are encouraged to take a non-judgmental approach and to listen to the voices inside.  They do this through a series of suggested activities and meditations.  I found it interesting that the author encouraged looking back to how attitudes were formed, for example, having readers think about their first educational experiences, how they were prepared and what it was like.

This book could be helpful to many.  If a reader is contemplating change, this title will help to explore it.  If a reader comes to feel that they can make their current work well for them this is encouraged as well.  In each instance, the author guides readers to do what they feel is best for them.

Many thanks for the publisher and NetGalley for this title in exchange for an honest opinion.

#MindfulnessAtWork #NetGalley

From the Publisher

This looks like a good collection and is quite a bargain at just $1.99.

This title is part of a series of board books for young children.  Each vividly illustrated title explores a place by providing fun facts.  There are also hidden objects to find.  In this entry of Puerto Rico children to explore this U.S. territory.  They see festivals, foods, bio luminescence on Vieques and more.

The books in this series can widen a young child’s world.  Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

#GoTinyTravelers #NetGalley