www.nytimes.com/2025/12/04/books/review/books-holiday-gift-guide.html
The President’s Wife (Tracey Enerson Wood)-an e book bargain
#ThePresidentsWife #NetGalley
I am a great fan of historical fiction. I find it intriguing to look into the lives of people who lived before us.
Ms. Wood previously wrote a novel where she told readers about the woman who was responsible for the completion of the Brooklyn Bridge. Now, she has turned her attention to Edith Bolling Galt Wilson.
The story is a fascinating and involving one that gives readers insight into the United States and President Wilson. Nowadays, Wilson has been called to task for some of his views. Here readers get to meet him, being introduced to him when he was a fifty-something year old widower and the head of the nation. All this, as WWI was looming.
As the novel opens, time has moved forward. Edith is revisiting the hotel where she spent her honeymoon. It is now the 1940s. She wonders if she could have done more, been more influential and altered history in a better way. Readers will watch as she made her decisions.
SPOILER (though many know this): Edith is well known for having been very influential in Wilson’s presidency, especially when he became ill. She took over decision making in many ways at that point.
I became very involved with the time and people in this novel. I started looking up photos, Wilson and Edith’s wedding coverage and more. Clearly, the author was able to intrigue me.
Recommended for fans of historical fiction. Anyone who read The First Ladies will most likely enjoy this one as well.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for this title. All opinions are my own.
Pub date: 15 August 2023
On Loneliness (from the School of Life)
#OnLoneliness #NetGalley
Many of us feel alone and lonely at some point. It is a difficult emotion and one that is felt in isolation. This title opens the subject up with the goals to inform, encourage and leave us feeling less by ourselves. Note the subtitle, the authors hope that the reader will begin to enjoy solitude. They explore the subject through many touching interviews and photographs.
There are many touching photographs and interviews found in these pages.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the School of Life for this title. All thoughts are my own.
Pub date: 06 November 2025
First posted on my blog on 05 December 2025
Description:
from the publisher
50 heartfelt photographs and interviews, reflecting on the universal experience of loneliness.
It’s easy to feel that we are alone in feeling alone. Not only do we suffer, but we also destroy our self-confidence with repeated convictions that we are the only ones who are so confused and at sea, the only ones without a partner and who will be alone (again) on Saturday night.
Through fifty touching interviews and captivating portraits by the talented photographer Julia Hawkins, this transformative book uncovers the ways that loneliness touches so many of us. We hear from a diverse array of individuals whose lives have been shaped by isolation – those who feel invisible, misunderstood and alienated, as well as those who have found unexpected paths to understanding and connection.
We come to understand that we are not unique in our solitude, and that being alone is a natural part of the human experience – and so we have every reason to hold out a hand to our similarly complicated, kind and lonely neighbours.
About the Author:
from Amazon
The School of Life is here to help you learn, heal and grow. We are devoted to bringing you calm, self-understanding, better relationships, deeper friendships, greater effectiveness at work and more fulfilment in your leisure time. We do this via our books, our app, our films, our therapeutic services and our corporate offering.
The School of Life Press brings together the thinking and ideas of The School of Life creative team under the direction of series editor, Alain de Botton.
There is trouble ahead: The Christmas Appeal (Hallett)-an e book bargain
Any reader who enjoyed Hallett’s The Appeal will undoubtedly be thrilled by the return of the Fairway Players. This time they are working on a Christmas panto, Jack and the Beanstalk (and oh, that stalk!) Once again, there is trouble ahead in this uniquely told tale.
Two young attorneys, known to readers of the first book, are given a series of documents and asked to figure out what evil deed(s) may have transpired. Readers can try to solve the case as they read the documents along with Femi and Charlotte.
I loved the snarkiness of aspects of this novella. Anyone who has ever gotten an overly braggy Christmas letter from a friend or family member will grimace in recognition at the one that starts the story. The responses to it are pretty funny.
Those who enjoy Christmas mysteries and who are looking for a quick read will, I think, enjoy this book. I did.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Atria for this title. All opinions are my own.
This book was published in October 2023
From the Publisher
Unapologetic Aging by Deb Benfield
#UnapologeticAging #NetGalley
Read the first paragraph of this title’s introduction and see if it resonates for you. I think that it will for many. While not discounting the importance of appearance entirely, possibly we spend too much time on criticizing ourselves when we could be doing so many other things. That is, in part, the premise of this book that is written by a dietician who is in her sixties.
I very much like that Benfield does not buy into it being possible and desirable to be super thin and look way younger than one’s age. I further like that she believes in CARING for, rather than CONTROLLING one’s body.
This is a book for any woman who is getting older, wants acceptance and could use some wise advice. I definitely support unapologetic aging (both the book and the idea).
Many thanks to NetGalley and John Murray Press for this title. All thoughts are my own.
Pub date: 18 December 2025
Post first published on 04 December 2025
Description:
from the publisher
Your body is your life partner, not your life’s project.
The anti-aging and diet/wellness industries have scammed us into believing that thinner and younger is always better-that there’s a “right” way to eat and move to age “well”. But that’s a lie-and it’s doing real harm.
When Deb Benfield, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, turned 60, she went looking for guidance on how to care for her changing body. What she found was the same tired and disempowering narrative centering on controlling weight-a goal that puts us at war with our bodies right when we most need to feel at home in them.
Unapologetic Aging gently unravels the toxic messages of anti-aging and diet culture, helping you let go of rigid rules and tune into what truly nourishes and delights you. When you stop fighting your body, you make room for vitality, self-trust, and joy.
Midlife and beyond isn’t a crisis to manage-though it may feel like one sometimes. It’s a powerful unfolding. Not a time to shrink or submit to yet more rules, but a time to rise into your fullest self. You can age with confidence, ease, and deep self-respect. Unapologetically.
From the Publisher
An e book bargain-What is: The Murder Rule
A Novel
by Dervla McTiernan
I very much enjoyed this author’s Ireland set mysteries of which there were three, The Ruin, The Scholar, and The Good Turn. In The Murder Rule, the author changes everything up. This new book is not set in Ireland, but rather in the U.S., around the UVA Law School. The book is meant to be a thriller with an unreliable narrator who is single minded but not straightforward among most things.
Laura and her daughter, Hannah, share a very close relationship, albeit one with role reversals. Hannah worries about and cares for her mother who suffered enormous trauma in the past. The story behind her mother’s circumstances is what motivates Hannah throughout these pages.
Hannah is a third year law student at the University of Maine as the novel opens. She manipulates her way into a semester at UVA (the University of Virginia) Law School and to a spot on their Innocence Project. Hannah is there for her own purposes but her desire to see justice done does not mesh with the goals of the others with whom she works on Michael Dandridge’s wrongful (is it?) murder conviction.
Readers get to know Hannah, Laura and their situation well. They also spend time with the other law students, the head of the program and those involved in, and impacted by, the actions of Michael Dandridge.
I wanted to like this book as much as the others that I have read by this author, but, sadly for me, I didn’t. I found that there was a lack of warmth in these pages. I know that Laura was wronged and traumatized but somehow I didn’t care quite enough for her. The plot of this story also depended on actions that did not always feel realistic to me.
Those who like thrillers, law and courtroom stories and idealistic young lawyers to be may well enjoy this book. I just wished for more even as I respect that the author was trying to write something completely different from her earlier novels.
Many thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for this title. All opinions are my own.
Pub date: 10 May 2022
Spotlight on: All My Bones by P.J. Nelson
#AllMyBones
Those who enjoy cozy, Southern mysteries with a good cast of characters may want to give this title a look. I think that it will be enjoyed for its traditional mystery sprinkled with books and theater, along with a murder (of course) .
This book is the second in the series but can be read on its own.
Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press-Minotaur Books for this title.
Pub date: 02 December 2025
About the book:
from the publisher
Madeline Brimley, new owner of a bookstore in a small Georgia town, finds herself playing sleuth when a friend is charged with the murder of a much-disliked woman.
Madeline Brimley recently inherited a bookstore in Enigma, Georgia, is embarking on her second career, after her first one (acting) founders upon the metaphorical rocks. Settling in, Madeline recruits her friend Gloria Coleman, the local Episcopal priest, to help her plant azaleas in the front yard of the old Victorian that houses the bookstore. Turning the soil, however, uncovers the body of one Beatrice Glassie, a troublesome woman who has been missing for the past six months.
When her friend Gloria is arrested for the murder, Madeline is determined to prove her innocence and, as she quickly finds out, there aren’t many people in town who hadn’t wanted to kill Bea Glassie at one point or another. And the very expensive and rare first edition of a particular volume of Grimm’s Fairy Tales—ordered by the victim and her sister is somehow tied to the grim death. With the help of her not-quite-boyfriend, a local lawman, and her deceased aunt’s best friend, Madeline plans to set a trap to catch the real murderer—before she becomes the next victim.
The first in the series:
from the publisher
Lilian Jackson Braun Award finalist, Indie Next pick, Library Reads pick, SIBA Read This Next! selection -Madeline Brimley returns to the small town Georgia bookstore she inherited, discovering that small towns hold deadly secrets.
Madeline Brimley left small town Georgia many years ago to go to college and pursue her dreams on the stage. Her dramatic escapades are many but success has eluded her, leaving her at loose ends. But then she gets word that not only has her beloved, eccentric Aunt Rose passed, but she’s left Madeline her equally eccentric bookstore housed in an old Victorian mansion in the small college town of Enigma. But when she arrives in her beat-up Fiat to claim The Old Juniper Bookstop, and restart her life, Madeline is faced with unexpected challenges. The gazebo in the back yard is set ablaze and a late night caller threatens to burn the whole store down if she doesn’t leave immediately.
But Madeline Brimley, not one to be intimidated, ignores the threats and soldiers on. Until there’s another fire and a murder in the store itself. Now with a cloud of suspicion falling over her, it’s up to Madeline to untangle the skein of secrets and find the killer before she herself is the next victim.
About the Author
PJ NELSON is the pseudonym of an award-winning actor, dramatist, professor, and novelist (among other many other professions) who has done just about everything except run a bookstore. He lives in Decatur, Georgia
Farewell Peter Diamond: Against the Grain by Peter Lovesey
now out in paperback as a book, not the audio
Having spent time in Bath, I was attracted to these books from the very first one. Here in the last title the author does what he does best. He tells a good story with a bit of humor.
Peter and his partner Paloma are invited to visit Julie with whom Diamond worked in the past. At first, Peter does not want to go, but he does so persuaded by Paloma. their journey has its challenges.
Peter is surprised to discover that Julie has lost her vision. She has not, however, lost her spirit or acuity. Julie gets Peter involved in the case of woman who may be wrongly in prison for murder. The victim had a rather gruesome death.
Read the book to find out what happened and how the author wraps up this last title. No spoilers.
The narration of the audiobook was spot on. I couldn’t wait to listen. I was very sorry to come to the end.
This is the 22nd entry in the long running detective series set largely in Bath, England. I have read every book and am beyond sorry to know that there will be no more. Still, the author is deserving of retirement at his age.
Many thanks to NetGalley and RB media for this title. All opinions are my own.
Silent Bones by Val McDermid-Welcome back, Karen Pirie!
Now out!
#SilentBones #NetGalley
Val McDermid is such a talented writer and an absolute go to author for me. She has written a number of mystery series including those with Carol Jordan and Tony Hill, Allie Burns, Kate Brannigan, and Lindsay Gordon-while all of these are excellent, the Karen Pirie novels are my favorite. Each time a new one is released I debate between reading it and saving it; usually, as in this case, reading it wins.
The Karen Pirie books are always a joy. I love spending time with the characters and their relationships, the settings and the mysteries that face the HCU (historical crime unit). All of these elements are in Silent Bones.
A lot is going on in this book against the historical background of the Scottish independence movement. What happened to a young girl who went to a party? Whose body is found after a rainstorm? What other murder was he linked to? What does it mean to be a journalist? Will justice be served (even many years later)? What led to the death of a hotel manager? Is a book club in some way responsible? Pick this one up to find out.
In this novel, I learned a lot of new Scottish words which was fun for me. I also enjoyed McDermid’s comments on politics (though perhaps not everyone will).
My only complaint about a Karen Pirie book is that when it is finished, I will have a long wait until the next one is published. In the meantime, I highly recommend this one.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Grove Atlantic-Atlantic Crime for this title. All opinions are my own.
Pub date: 02 December 2025
About the book:
from the publisher
Scotland, 2025. When torrential winter rain causes a landslide on a motorway, it dislodges more than mud and asphalt – it reveals a skeleton, concealed when the road was built eleven years prior.
Sam Nimmo, an investigative journalist who’d been poking his nose into the murky politics of the Scottish independence referendum, had become the prime suspect in the brutal murder of his girlfriend when he vanished. Now he’s reappeared, buried under the motorway. It’s the perfect cold case for DCI Karen Pirie, chief of Police Scotland’s Historic Cases Unit. What was Nimmo investigating that was worth killing over? Or was it revenge for murdering his girlfriend? Meanwhile, an allegation of murder has surfaced over the supposedly accidental death of a hotel manager. It may have links to another accident on a remote Highland road. It’s a series of puzzles that tests Karen and her team to their limits. And possibly beyond . . .
A darkly propulsive thriller of secrets hidden at the core of a Scottish Highlands town, Silent Bones reaffirms Val McDermid as a crime writer of inimitable power.
From the Publisher:
Praise for Silent Bones:
“McDermid is at the top of her game in the masterful latest installment of her DCI Karen Pirie series . . . McDermid’s procedural instincts are as sharp as ever, and she balances them with wrenching developments in Karen’s personal life . . . Readers will rest easy knowing they’re in the hands of a seasoned storyteller.”—Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“Flavoring her writing with colorful Scottish slang, McDermid combines compelling, intricate plotting with strong character development.”—Willy Williams, firstCLUE
“A propulsive, razor-sharp thrill-ride full of humour, heart, and trademark twists.”—Chris Whitaker, author of All the Colors of the Dark
“A perfect crime novel.”—Kate Mosse, author of The Map of Bones
Praise for the Karen Pirie Series:
“McDermid negotiates her ceaselessly exciting book’s twists like a master.”—Tom Nolan, Wall Street Journal, on Past Lying
“[A] relentlessly engrossing series.”—Wall Street Journal on Broken Ground
“There are few other crime writers in the same league as Val McDermid. Her stories are ingeniously plotted, moody . . . Absorbing . . . It’s Karen’s character that’s the enduring draw of this series . . . Out of Bounds is another terrific and intricate suspense novel by a writer who has given us 30 of them. As I said, there are few other crime writers in the same league as Val McDermid.”—Maureen Corrigan, Washington Post, on Out of Bounds
“We read crime fiction for enjoyment, comfort and reassurance. McDermid provides all this . . . Still Life shows that she is still at the height of her powers; it is deeply enjoyable, one of her best.”—Scotsman (UK) on Still Life
“McDermid is at the top of her game and readers will be highly rewarded for taking this new journey at her side.”—CrimeReads on Still Life
“A thriller as steely and superlative as its heroine.”—O, The Oprah Magazine on Broken Ground
“No one writes sturdier mysteries than Val McDermid.”—Chicago Tribune on Out of Bounds
“McDermid remains unrivalled . . . brilliant.”—Observer (UK) on How the Dead Speak
“Further evidence that her ‘Queen of Crime’ status will not be challenged.”—Scotsman on How the Dead Speak
“Chock-full of crime . . . fans and newcomers to the series will enjoy the twists and turns.”—Library Journal on How the Dead Speak
“McDermid’s books are relentlessly excellent, with sympathetically flawed characters, well-crafted storylines, a clever twist or two, and crisp dialogue. It’s no wonder she’s considered the queen of Scottish crime fiction.”—BookPage on Broken Ground
Other McDermid books that I have reviewed:
Note that Still Life was an e book bargain at the time that this was posted. That may not be true now.
Apologies for this repeat-tech is getting to me today
An e book bargain-The Holiday Cottage
A Novel
by Sarah Morgan
#TheHolidayCottage #NetGalley
Sarah Morgan has a knack for writing involving stories with good characters. In her latest book, I enjoyed getting to know Imogen (even if she exhausted me) and Dorothy. Their lives change over the course of the novel and readers will always be hoping that these changes are for the better. Readers will also hope that each is able to be honest about their backstories.
Imogen works hard, really hard, like all the time hard. She is very good at the event planning that she does until…
Dorothy has experienced sadness with the death of her husband. She feels fortunate to have a daughter and granddaughters even if her daughter feels that Dorothy is too close to Imogen.
What brings these women together? How do their stories intersect? Find out in a book that kept me wanting to read more. Now, I will wait impatiently for what this author writes next.
Recommended to readers who like holiday stories and women’s fiction.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for this title. All opinions are my own.
Pub date: 24 September 2024
From the Publisher
Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too! 