Great reads for adults and children!
Another day of good choices…Sweet Little Lies and Under the Harrow are debut mystery/suspense titles while Just Mercy is about our real justice system. Jodi Picoult fans, here is one if you have not already read it. Finally Arthur Pepper is another debut, a fiction title. Enjoy.
This is the first novel in a new historical mystery series set in Britain during WWI. The premise centers on the formation of a new detective unit which includes both men and women. The two women are a doctor and a woman who took law courses but, since she was female, could not obtain a degree. The men are forward thinking officers of the law.
The story centers on the death of a returning soldier who may have been murdered by his wife. A lot is thrown into the mix including scenes set in upper class homes, hospitals and brothels.
This was an interesting book with characters who were quite likeable. I look forward to the next in this Mayfair 100 series.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the e-galley. The opinions are my own.
Coming soon: Book 2
I found this to be a very sweet board book for toddlers. The patch of blue from the child’s jeans is found in a series of colorful and appealing illustrations. For example, it becomes part of a sign, a ferris wheel, a stained glass window etc. This is a charming, wordless picture book.
Kudos to all who were involved with this book. The illustrations ate very appealing as is the design and structure of the book. Ward is very interested in helping adults and children to connect with nature. She previously wrote a book called I Like Dirt. She wants people of all ages to get outside, observe and enjoy the world around them.
This book’s contents are organized around the four seasons. There is information about birds, migration, food, habitats, etc. There are many projects for adults and children to do together. Observation and slowing down are also encouraged. In addition, there are short boxed entries with information and samples of things such as what a bird observation journal entry might look like.
I loved this book and highly recommend it. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher.
The story…Diana does not like school! She especially hates the multiplication tables. Diana’s mother tries to help. she gets a tutor. The tutor is not successful. The medical doctor finds nothing wrong and suggests a psychologist. While there, Diana accidentally discovers that she loves to dance and move. From there, school gets better.
This book may well appeal to young students who feel “out of sync” at school. The illustrations are amazing; whimsical, appealing, funny and fun. My quibbles: It is stereotypical to have a girl who struggles with Math. Also, everything improves very quickly. This is not generally the case in real life. Those points aside, this is a cute title.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. The opinion are my ow.
Why were there no books like this when I was young? It would have made such a difference to me.
This is a book that makes learning about science engaging, entertaining and fun while still teaching so much to young scientists. The premise…Harriet, Charles Darwin’s tortoise, and Milton, Shroedinger’s Cat are friends with a time machine. They are traveling in the 17th and 18th centuries in this entry. The number of scientists and thinkers whom they meet is staggering and impressive. To name just a few: Boyle, Harvey, Newton, Pascal and, of course, many more. Facts about each are easily incorporated in the text. There are experiments that can be replicated. There are even some jokes and a bit of a plot.
I don’t often give five stars in my reviews but this one deserves it. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this read that will encourage young scientists to learn to explore.
Other books in the series:
There are two series that I have enjoyed represented here by authors Macneal and Perry. Catherine Aird is a cozy writer while the River at Night is a suspense title.
Have you ever stopped to consider the role of cats in art? They can be subject and/or inspiration; public art or private art sent in letters; pets of loving owners and more.
This book has chosen cats as its focus, something that I have not seen in any of my art history classes. Sketches, art work and photos of artists with their cats come to this book from the Archives of American Art. The book is divided into sections including Strike A Pose, Cats in the Studio and Cats and the Creative Process. You will see artists some of whom I knew and others whom I did not, including Louise Nevelson, Robert Indiana and Romare Bearden.
This book is work a look if cats and art are among your passions.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this look at cats in the art world.
This is board book is part of the My First series of the Little People, Big Dreams books. In this one, the youngest children can learn about Ella Fitzgerald. The reader will see that singing was what Ella had to do and will learn about her evolution as a songstress. The concept of the series, that you can dream and achieve your dream comes through. Another welcome addition to one of my favorite series.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher.
All three of these are parts of good series.
I read and enjoyed The Chilbury Ladies’ Choir so was thrilled to be offered this e-galley from NetGalley and the publisher.
This novel takes place during WWII. I duly note how many recent historical novels have taken place during this era. Nonetheless, I found this to be one that was a good read.
The novel’s protagonist, Mrs. Braithwaite, (a woman of a certain age), has tried to live her life very much in accord with convention and awareness of social status. She is dethroned from her position as head of the WI early in the book. Over the subsequent course of the novel Mrs. B changes from an unlikable character to a woman with more nuance.
Mrs. B’s emotional and real journeys put her in contact with the unassuming Mr. Norris. Together they move away from their comfort zones, begin thinking more of others and have adventures. Yes, belief must be suspended but one roots for them nonetheless.
There are several story lines that show Mrs. B’s emotional growth. One has to do with a young teacher injured in a bombing raid while another takes place during the blackout in a supposedly safe haven that becomes flooded. The reader also comes to understand Mrs. B’s biography and how it led her to be the person that she was.
There are spies and plots along with counter plots and a depiction of war-torn London. There are the beginnings of a gentle love between the protagonists and other hearts that have been broken.
Mrs. Braithwaite reminds me a bit of Mrs. Bird, the eponymous character in one of 2018’s debut novels. However, unlike Mrs. Bird, Mrs. Braithwaite has the capacity to change.
I enjoyed this novel. Again, thanks to NetGalley and publisher.
A few other WWII books that I have blogged on:
This Bird Soars Dear Mrs. Bird
A (de)light to read: Light Over London
Hope that you might enjoy at least one of these.
Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too! 