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

A Novel

by Sheila Roberts

#TheBestLifeBookClub #NetGalley

I very much enjoy stories that offer a window into the lives of characters who are facing the sorts of issues that any of us made have to deal with. In this story, for example, there is divorce, death of a spouse, raising kids, looking for and starting new jobs and even a cute dog who needs a bit of training.

Readers get to know Karissa and her daughter who are learning to live with their new circumstances. When they move to their new home, they meet Alice. She was widowed a few years ago. The third primary character is Margot; she, too, has a divorce and (lack of a)job issues with which to deal. In addition, there is also Alice’s sister in the story.

How these women and those around them fare makes for an involving read. Plus, I do love any book that is about books and book clubs.

Anyone who reads book by authors such as Brenda Novak, Susan Mallery will, I think very much enjoy this title. I will now look to read more novels by Roberts.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 07 May 2024

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Don’t we all want to become the heroine of our own story? Well, welcome to The Best Life Book Club. In a charming setting on an island off the Northwest coast, a set of characters so vivid we want to be their best friends, and a story that keeps us turning the pages, The Best Life Book Club is your book club book of the year. When Karissa, Alice, Margot and Josie discover the power of books and story to change their lives, they must decide whether to take the chance for something new: cue laughter, tears and love. With her trademark wit and warmth, Sheila Roberts delivers a story nestled inside a story, a novel of pure delight! —Patti Callahan Henry, New York Times Bestselling author of The Secret Book of Flora Lea


“Sheila Roberts makes me laugh…and come away inspired, hopeful and happy.” —Debbie Macomber, #1 New York Times bestselling author

From the Publisher

The History of Medicine in Twelve Objects

by Carol Cooper

We all go to see a doctor at some time. But, do we ever think about the implements and objects that they use? The discoveries that have helped with diagnoses and care? Each has a history. In this book, readers get a deep dive into twelve of these. Can you guess what any of them are?

Well, to name a few…the bone saw, the microscope, the stethoscope and obstetric forceps. Find out about these and others in this fascinating look at discoveries in the medical world. For each, there is a photo or illustration and a lot of information on the object.

This book would make a good gift for budding medical professionals and others interested in the history of medicine.

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

Four stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐

A Novel

by Jamie Brenner

#ANovelSummer #NetGalley

I enjoy stories about women, their friendships and their lives. This is exactly what Jamie Brenner delivers in A Novel Summer.

Readers meet three young women as the story opens in Provincetown on Cape Cod. They include Colleen who has grown up on the Cape. Her parents own a bookstore (and one that I would like to visit). Shelby grew up moving around as her family was a military one. She dreams of being an author. Hunter has grown up in a family (and a wealthy one) that has deep roots in Boson. Despite not having to work, Hunter wants meaning in her life. The three become good friends.

Soon after the book opens, we move forward with these characters. Shelby has written a best seller; a rival bookstore wants to open; Hunter is at loose ends.

What will happen to each of these women? Will they find happiness? Romance? Will their friendship survive? Find out in this read that will speak to those who enjoy women’s fiction.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 16 July 2024

From the Publisher

Four stars ****

Not so long ago, I was transported to Paris and the world of Shakespeare & Co. in Ms. Maher’s last novel. This time, readers are placed firmly in the Chicago area in the early 1970s.

It is a time of upheaval and change, even as some cling to a more 1950s lifestyle. Readers are introduced to several main characters who live in the time period.

Veronica is a bit of a free spirit and a person who is involved in the social movements of the time. Most significantly, she becomes a part of the Jane network, providing safe, but illegal, abortion services.

Patty, a friend of Veronica’s growing up years, is more conservative. She is a traditional wife and mother who is concerned about her doctor husband’s recent lack of interest in her.

Siobhan is a newer friend of Veronica’s. The story opens as Veronica accompanies Siobhan to her illegal abortion. Siobhan is an artist who is separated/divorced from her professor husband Gabe. She is active in the Janes.

Margaret is a new Assistant Professor at the University of Chicago. She is finding her way and becomes friends with Phyllis. She also becomes involved with Gabe.

This is a rich historical novel that will remind readers of what life was like in the days before Roe v Wade, a time that we have now reentered. The author tells her story well and readers will become immersed in the lives of these fictional characters and the decisions that they make.

I highly recommend this one. It is being published at just the right time.

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

From the Publisher