My First Story Orchestra: Swan Lake

Press the buttons to hear 6 sounds

by Jessica Courtney-Tickle

This title , which is beautifully illustrated, tells the story of Swan Lake in the simplest terms. What makes the hard copy of this book special is that a child can hear excerpts from the music.

A nice title for a young child. There are others in the series.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for this title. All opinions are my own.

Four stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐

From the Publisher

Introduce little ones to the magic of classical music with the reimagining of two of Tchaikovsky’s most famous ballets!

Swan Lake is a story about a young prince in love with a beautiful young girl who turns into a swan at sunrise.

These beautiful musical board books encourage interactive learning via an immersive experience.	As you and your young child journey through the magical scenes, read the story text in each circle aloud and press the buttons on each page to activate the sounds!	Follow the gently gliding Swan Queen as she transforms and captures the heart of the Prince.

The soothing natural scenes are illustrated impeccably, with warm, festive spreads across each page.	Follow Clara on her journey as she joins the Nutcracker in the Land of Sweets.	Bring classical music to life for children aged 0–3 through illustrated retellings of classic ballets!

Calypso, Corpses, and Cooking

by Raquel V. Reyes

#CalypsoCorpsesandCooking #NetGalley

The cover of this traditional mystery seems so appropriate to today when October is nearing its end and Halloween is coming. The cover and title also give a good sense of whether this book will appeal to a reader. If you like cozy stories, pets, food and the fall, here they all are.

This is the second book in a series that features a Cuban American protagonist with a talent for cooking. But, she is also enmeshed in solving some killings. Miriam will do this with panache surrounded by the people in her life and food too.

Recommended to those who are looking for a light read.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 11 October 22

From the Publisher

The Sunday Times Bestsellers List — the UK’s definitive book chart

https://www.thetimes.com/article/c5ffe854-28da-40b8-92d8-dc2e07dc679f?shareToken=cfb4047922d812c114add57827bd703b

I was/am a great fan of this author’s Max & Ruby series. I did not know about the stories contained in this volume and was delighted to give them a read.

This book has some of the same qualities that have made Wells a beloved author. The illustrations are whimsical and the stories are imaginative. I think that kids and their adults will enjoy this collection of averted cooking disasters. I know that I wish that the Little Chefs would come to visit me!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Astra Publishing House for this title. All opinions are my own.

Four stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐

From the Publisher

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by Dianne Freeman

#AnArtLoversGuidetoParisandMurder #NetGalley

The cover of this book drew me right in. It led me to think that this would be an enjoyable read and indeed it was. There was also the title as I always think it is fun to visit Paris (even fictionally).

This book is the seventh in a long running series that began with 2018’s A Lady’s Guide to Etiquette and Murder. Those who are familiar with this historical traditional mystery series will be delighted to meet up with old friends while new readers can start here and then perhaps go back to book number one.

This time Frances and George are traveling to see the 1900 Exhibition. They are also there to visit George’s Aunt Julia. Of course, their trip will not be straightforward or peaceful.

Julia tells Frances and George that an artist that she loved was killed. Something happens to Julia as well (no spoiler so no more).

George and Frances are left with much to investigate and many suspects. This makes for detection and fun for the reader.

Those who enjoy historical mysteries such as those by Anna Lee Huber will want to take a look at this one.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 25 June 2024

#AGameOfLies #NetGalley

Last April I was lucky enough to hear Clare Mackintosh speak about her foray into a mystery series. It was a change from writing her suspenseful standalones.

After writing the first book, The Last Party, Mackintosh felt that she was not ready to say good-bye to Ffion and those in her world. I am so glad that she did not. I enjoyed The Last Party and highly recommend it. I also very much enjoyed A Game of Lies.

Would you want to be on reality TV? Game of LIes is predicated on a group with secrets who sign up for what they think is one show only to find out (when it is too late) that the show’s premise is based on something else entirely. This leads to disappearance, murder, and a need to find those responsible.

Mackintosh does a good job of evoking the book’s setting on the border of Wales and England. I welcomed back all of the ongoing characters and their (sometimes tricky) relationships. Prickly Ffion is a great character. That she has heart is clear from her relationship with Dave. (Read the book to learn who this is.) I also was happy to again meet up with Leo.

It is not necessary to have read The Last Party to enjoy Game of Lies. That said, this is where the characters are introduced and their complex relationships explored. I recommend reading both. They offer what mystery/suspense readers are looking for.

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

Pub date: 23 April 2024

#Blush #NetGalley

The title of this novel has several meanings as readers who pick up this one up will discover. See how many you can come up with. It was a clever name for the book.

This novel is about Leonard and Vivian (who married somewhat against the wishes of Vivian’s family) and those around them. Together the two founded the Hollander Estates winery. At first, Vivian felt like she made a real contribution to the vineyard but, over time, Leonard became the one making all of the decisions. Is this about to change? What will be the role of a French Count in this?

Vivian and Leonard had two children, Leah and Asher. A traditional patriarch, Leonard has involved Asher in the business while keeping his daughter at bay. Is this the best plan? Leah is a successful cheese monger and capable business woman. Her husband Steven and daughter, Sadie are other characters in the novel as are some of the men who work for the winery, including Mateo.

As the novel opens, Hollander Estates is facing major changes. These have the potential to impact all of the characters. Readers will watch as decisions are made.

Brenner is interested in the story’s women and their agency. Interestingly, she brings this topic more into focus by highlighting a number of books from the 1980s including Scruples, MIstral, Lucky and others. Do the fictional women characters in this novel have something to teach the women in the story? Will they help Sadie to complete her academic studies?

Readers can probably guess some of how the story will unfold but the book can still be enjoyed. They will also learn a fair bit about wine (and cheese) along the way.

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

From the Publisher

New thrillers for October — a heist goes awry and a rival for Reacher

https://www.thetimes.com/article/9cb8d627-e5e8-40e6-9af3-19a38c0ef823?shareToken=ecf3331b113ef7b613d44e537eaa2e99

The Book of Purrs

Everyday Thoughts from Your Feline Friends

by Luis Coelho

Cat lovers (and others) will enjoy this one. Some of the entries are comic. Others are written to offer a bit of self-love, comfort and wisdom. Who couldn’t use that?

This book would make a nice holiday gift for a cat person (purrson?).

Many thanks to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel for this title. All opinions are my own.

Four stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐

From the Publisher

Open this book to any page to find a friendly cat waiting with a funny or comforting message just for you!

Luis Coelho, the creator of Purr.In.Ink, has crafted a beautiful book of heartwarming and uplifting comics. It includes fan favorites alongside brand-new ones, including thirty cats that were specially drawn for this book. Grab a copy for yourself or gift this book to the cat-lovers in your life or anyone who needs a little dose of joy!

by Sophie Kinsella

#WhatDoesItFeelLike #NetGalley

I, like many others, have enjoyed many light hearted books by Ms. Kinsella. This short title is something different.

As many may know, Kinsella has been diagnosed with a brain tumor. Here, she takes a fictional look at a character facing a similar situation.

Author, Eve, seems to have it all. There are her writing, her spouse, her children and an all around lovely life until she wakes up in a hospital bed, not knowing why. The answer floods in on her as Eve learns that she is facing a life and death situation.

Readers follow Eve and those around her in a work that is extremely moving. I highly recommend this one.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 08 October 2024

From the Publisher