Transient Desires

A Commissario Guido Brunetti Mystery

by Donna Leon

Transient Desires is Donna Leon’s thirtieth (!) book about Guido Brunetti. What an accomplishment to have kept a series fresh over so many novels..

In thinking about this title, I concluded that it is a story of place and character, as compared to a classic mystery. There are people good and bad, those with and without morals, those who get caught up in situations with difficult consequences, vicims, various types of love and more. Venice is also critical part of this story. Areas of the city that were new to me were in this book as were the canals, cafes and tourist sites along, of course, with Brunetti’s home.

My favorite of all of the people in this novel is Brunetti. His desire to do right, his willingness to apologize when wrong, his trying to help others and his love of lunch and Paola (his wife) all play their part.

The plot is not dense. Two young girls are injured and left at a hospital. The story goes from there as it impacts a number of others.

If you are going to be a new reader of Brunetti, start at the beginning with Death at La Fenice. All other Leon fans welcome our Commissario back! Now I just have to wait for #31.

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

#MyMagnoliaSummer #NetGalley

I am among the many readers who delighted in the novels of this author’s mom. Her death was a cause of sorrow on many levels. Dorothea created wonderful stories set in the Low Country. She is missed by many.

That said, it was a delight to get to know another Benton Frank. Not only did I very much enjoy this novel but so did some of my favorite authors including Patti Callahan Henry.

Here is a Southern family story. The setting, character and plot are all quite well done making it hard to believe that this is Victoria’s first novel.

I recommend this one for lovers of women’s/family fiction. It offers just the right kind of summer read; get to know Magnolia (Maggie), Lily and the others in the family. As a bonus, there is a restaurant too!

Many thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 06 June 2023

From the Publisher

Editorial Reviews

Review

“No one can ever take the place of Dorothea Benton Frank, but by writing My Magnolia Summer, a novel of low country food, family drama, and just the right amount of romance, Victoria Benton Frank shows that she is the rightful heir to the crown of summertime storytellers. Her mother would be so proud.” — Ann Patchett

“In My Magnolia Summer, author Victoria Benton Frank spins all the plates and brings all the magic of the lowcountry to life. A tale of the complicated relationships between mothers, daughters and let’s not forget, sisters—this enchanting novel will bring romance and sunshine to your summer reading list.” — Elin Hilderbrand, New York Times bestselling author of The Five-Star Weekend

“My Magnolia Summer is a sensory treat and a mesmerizing tribute to the complicated strength and solace of family. Frank’s warm and wise prose is splashed with just the right amount of wit in this sultry Lowcountry tale. With a delectable peek behind the kitchens of the best restaurants, a romp through the marshes of South Carolina, and a glimpse into the intricate hearts of sisters, this is a powerful debut. Proving that when things fall apart, indomitable women come together, My Magnolia Summer is enchanting, hilarious and insightful.” — Patti Callahan Henry, New York Times bestselling author

by Valérie Perrin, Hildegarde Serle (translator)

Narrated by Sara Young

Pub date: June 1, 2021

Fresh Water for Flowers is the first book by Valerie Perrin to be published in English. The writer’s native language is French. Fresh Water is a beautiful book that is told in a unique voice. Protagonist, Violette, was abandoned by her mother and grew up in care. She was a loner until she becomes involved with Phillipe Toussaint. Together they have a child but Phillipe eventually disappears.

Phillipe and Violette worked at a railroad crossing although Violette did most of the work; they later go on to become cemetery keepers. Violette remains there after Phillipe leaves.

The story is told from Violette’s point of view. She tells it all, her hard times, her hopes, the things that she learned and taught herself, the people she sees and cares for and those with whom she works. All this within the background of the cemetery and many sayings from gravestones.

This novel is filled with humanity. I recommend it.

I am reviewing the audio version. It was a beautiful listen and I was sorry when the story ended.

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

A Novel

by Diana R. Chambers

#TheSecretWarofJuliaChild #NetGalley

Julia Child has been having a fictional moment. She has been a detective in Paris in the new series by Colleen Cambridge and has been in a TV series as well. In The Secret War of Julia Child, Diana R. Chambers nimbly lets readers into Julia’s world.

In these pages, readers get a sense of how Julia felt about herself (too tall, for one), her parents, her hopes to do something with her life, her wishes for a relationship and more. Readers also find out about Julia’s experiences in WW II. She worked for “Wild” Bill Donovan and was stationed in India and Ceylon, among other places. Some of her work was clandestine. Some of it led to her meeting Paul Child-of course, Julia McWilliams became Julia Child in time.

This story is about much that happened before Child became known for her cooking. It offers an immersive look at her life and WWII. I recommend it highly to fans of Child and historical fiction.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks-Landmark for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 22 October 2024

Delightful: Mastering the Art of French Murder

Now out: A Murder Most French (Colleen Cambridge)

The Essential Companion to Talking Therapy

Everything you need to know about the therapy journey

by Karin Blak

#TheEssentialCompaniontoTalkingTherapy #NetGalley

The title says it all. This book will be welcomed by those who are in therapy or thinking about seeing a therapist, as well as those who know someone in therapy, or are curious.
This title is divided into sections on the entire arc of therapy from starting through therapy itself to afterwards.
The author begins by sharing something of her own experience. She then offers guidance to readers on everything from choosing a therapist to types of therapy to what to expect and much more.
Recommended to those who would like to demystify the process of therapy and who may need some help in making decisions about counseling.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Watkins Publishing for this title. All opinions are my own.

This title was published in February 2021

To Catch A Thief has to be one of my favorite movies of all times. Every time I watch it I escape into a good plot, good characters and an amazing setting in France. I had never read the novel upon which this popular film is based, so was thrilled when it was available on NetGalley.

I very much enjoyed this version of the story. It is suspenseful and stands the test of time. I highly recommend it. Jewel thieve…beware!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 01 April 2025

by Tom Bolton; Collins Kids; Joana Majerus

#MuseumMysteryPuzzleBookEarthEscape #NetGalley

I am a huge fan of puzzle books for kids. They are perfect for travel and I love that they are not screen dependent.

This book sends a child backward in time to Darwin’s era. After the introductory story, kids are presented with a variety of pencil and paper puzzles.

I would have loved this title when I was a kid. I recommend it to kids readers may know.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Collins Reference for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 08 May 2025

Children’s

They say that you can’t judge a book by its cover but I have to say that, as soon as I saw this one, the visual appeal made me want to read Murder at the Mena House.  This is an historical mystery set in Egypt in 1926.  The author does a wonderful job with the setting, both in terms of the indolent, luxury hotel and the sites, including the pyramids, museums, camel races and more.  There are a variety of colorful characters and some interesting backstory for the majority of them.

I think that this is the author’s first published book.  I enjoyed this read although the mystery itself was the least engaging part for me.  I will read further adventures of Jane as they are published.  She was a good guide to Egypt and those around her.

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

The politics of love — this summer’s rom-com must-read

https://www.thetimes.com/article/05105d96-abcb-4694-8f1e-1ffa409ae4ed?shareToken=104437dc01d7338b69d274bb951c0b7f