Robyn Carr has written many novels over several series; fans of hers will know that she has written the Virgin River, Thunder Point and Grace Valley books. Her latest series takes place in Sullivan’s Crossing. The Best of Us is novel number four. Old characters reappear but, if you have not read the other titles, this can be read as a stand alone.
Love grows across three generations in this story. The teen pair are challenged by a threatening medical diagnosis; the couple in their thirties face an unplanned pregnancy and the couple in their sixties show that love can happen at any age.
Place is also important in this novel. Sullivan’s Crossing is that small town that people think of when they imagine small town life as idyllic. There is a beautiful setting near the mountains, kind people and a strong sense of community.
Long term fans of Roby Carr will most definitely welcome her latest book.
Natasha Lester writes historical fiction that I very much enjoy. In each of her novels, this author successfully develops characters about whom readers will care. She also has interesting plots that offer perspective on WWII and its aftermath. What makes her special for me is the way that she also incorporates fashion seamlessly (pun was not intended) in her stories.
Alix St. Clair has had a challenging life. She was orphaned young, taken in by a close friend’s family, educated in Switzerland and expected to marry well (to Bobby). Life surely did not go to plan however as readers will quickly discover.
This is a story that takes place in more than one time period. In the most recent, postwar era, Alix is working for Christian Dior just as his fashion house is coming into being. The scenes in this atelier are wonderful to read; I was inspired to look up many of the dresses described in these pages.
Other sections of the book are about Alix’s work and life during WWII. She experienced the most awful of betrayals and wants to avenge some deaths. In doing so, she becomes involved with an American journalist. They have common experiences and a common foe…and maybe an attraction to each other. There are many other characters woven into the narrative; these include people both bad and good.
This long (432) and immersive read is highly recommended to historical and women’s fiction lovers who enjoy stories about the war. I give it four plus stars.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for this title. All opinions are my own.
Pub date: 10 January 2023
From the Publisher
Editorial Reviews
Review
“The Three Lives of Alix St. Pierre braids espionage, fashion, and a broken-but-unbowed heroine together into one fascinating tale. Natasha Lester weaves a triple-stranded delight!”—Kate Quinn, New York Times bestselling author of The Diamond Eye
“Natasha Lester has done it again with this sumptuously written page-turner! Alix St. Pierre is everything that makes an admirable heroine – independent, plucky, and clever as the story spans from the fashionable world of Dior in Paris to the fascinating intrigue of international espionage in neutral Switzerland. The Three Lives of Alix St. Pierre is a captivating novel that readers will absolutely adore.”—Madeline Martin, New York Times bestselling author of The Last Bookshop in London”Natasha Lester has expertly woven a brilliant heroine who is as brave in the fashion world as she is spying on the enemy. From page one, I was completely captivated by her daring and enamored with the glamour of Paris fashion. Unputdownable!”—Eliza Knight, USA Today bestselling author of The Mayfair Bookshop
Last year I read and enjoyed this author’s The Air Raid Book Club. With her latest novel, Lyons again sets a story during WWII.
Lyons has a gift for writing about characters with warmth and caring. Readers will be hoping for the best for many of those that they meet in these pages.
I loved how the book’s protagonist Peggy believed in libraries and stories. The author also makes literary references that I enjoyed.
Peggy is trying her best in all ways to help the war effort while working for the Ministry of Information. At the same time, her twin brother sees active service and Peggy hopes that her work will somehow end the war sooner and bring him home.
In contrast, when readers meet Lady Marigold Cecily, Peggy’s nominal boss, she is more of a socialite than a worker. Will she change and make a contribution? What about the others in Peggy’s unit? Some are irascible; all have personalities.
Readers also get to know generations of Peggy’s family. They are an endearing group.
This is a book that is very easy to like. I recommend it.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Headline for this title. All opinions are my own.
The author’s last book
My thoughts:
I truly enjoyed Annie Lyons’s novel about Eudora Honeysett and gave it five stars. I, was then, of course, quite eager to read The Air Raid Book Club. It did not disappoint.
This is an historical novel that will appeal to those who have read Dear Mrs. Bird, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, The Last Bookshop in London, and other similar titles. It is warm in the same way with characters about whom writers will care. Plus, there are books, lots of books. At the end of the novel titles are listed should readers wish to explore further.
Gertie was married to Harry. Together the two opened and loved a bookshop. Sadly, Harry died from the very thing that kept him from serving in the military. Gertie has subsequently lost her zest for life. When she is asked by one of Harry’s friends to take in a Jewish child as WWII looms, she hesitates before making her decision. What happens as a result of this choice, the importance of books, and more make this title a most satisfying read, even with some sadness in the events of the story. As an extra bonus, get to know Mr. Hemingway…no, not that one! He is Gertie’s lovely dog.
Many thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for this title. All opinions are my own.
I must confess that I did not know nearly as much as I thought I did about the movement that led to the (eventual) right for women to vote in the United States. I was aware of those who started the movement both the U.S. and England but I was familiar with only one of the three women featured in this novel.
The three are Alice Paul, Ida Wells and Maud Malone. Each has her life story told against the vivid backdrop of the politics of the day and their individual histories.
Alice Paul was raised as a Quaker; Ida Wells knew much about slavery, and Maud Malone was an Irish American librarian. What led each of these women to fight so hard for something that many now take for granted? Jennifer Chiaverini helps readers to understand why they worked persistently for what they believed in.
These three are not the only ones who appear in the book. To name just two others, there are Jane Addams and Ava Vanderbilt.
The history that Alice, Ida and Maud lived through comes to life in this novel. I was especially struck by all that Ida Wells endured including the impact of yellow fever on her life, the lynchings of people that she knew and much more.
Around these women are the men, many of whom wanted to thwart votes for women. They included President Wilson. Will the women succeed in organizing a massive march for the day before his inaugural? Read this one to find out.
I found The Women’s March to be among my very favorite books by this author. I learned a lot but did not feel that I was being lectured to.
This historical fiction should be on reading lists for high school students and up. It would make a superb book club selection.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.
I was thrilled to receive the e-galley of this title from the publisher. Mainly this was because I have read and enjoyed all of the other books by this author. I was also delighted to be approved for a title by Berkley as this is a rarity for me.
Local Gone Missing was an absorbing book from the start. It followed many characters, among them, Charlie. He is quite the man but what is behind his facade? Early on readers learn that Charlie has a severely disabled daughter (Birdie) and a second wife (Pauline) who is quite attached to her creature comforts. What will “hail fellow, well met” personality, Charlie, do to meet his financial obligations?
Dee is a cleaner. As often happens in fiction, Dee observes a lot while she tidies. There is more to Dee than meets the eye.
Pete Diamond (is it a coincidence that his name is the same as Peter Lovesey’s detective? This is just an aside as I noticed the name). Pete is one of the weekenders, a group that the insiders do not welcome. He has organized a music festival. It does not go well. Read the book to find out why.
There are many other characters as well. They are both local and not. Many of them (and all of the ones in the book) have complex interrelationships.
Finally, there is Elise, a character whom I really liked. Elise is a police officer who has been on leave due to a bout with cancer. She is friendly with Ronny. The two insinuate themselves into the investigations that are going on in their beach community. Of course, the police are involved as well.
Much happens over the course of the novel. I was deeply immersed and eager to see what would happen next.
I can honestly say that this might be my favorite book by the author. Those looking for a suspenseful, slow burn summer read need look no further.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley for this title. All opinions are my own.
Miss Eliza’s English Kitchen is an historical novel based on the life of Eliza Acton. Eliza was a poet whose family fell on very hard times. When a publisher, who did not want to publish her poems, offered to pay her to write a cookbook, she at first refused. Luckily for cooks and readers, Eliza changed her mind. She goes on to find poetry in her cooking and cookery writing.
The second important character in the story is Ann. Ann’s incredibly difficult life is portrayed vividly and readers will feel for her bleak home life. It is transformative for Ann to begin to work for “Miss Eliza.”
Life for Eliza and her mother involves taking in short term boarders. Readers will meet one particularly lascivious and loathsome one. He is an early guest at the house. His presence also impacts Ann.
Throughout the story, Eliza and Ann work together to create recipes that are different from those that came before. For example, they used accurate measurements.
Eliza and Ann become very close. What will the nature of their relationship be as it evolves?
I found this book to be somewhat slow moving and yet it was interesting. It described a time, place, way of life and the people who lived it.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Note that there is an article in the December U.S. issue of Good Housekeeping that references this title. The book was also chosen for a morning tv show’s book club.
A Death in Diamonds is the fourth entry in this most enjoyable series that offers readers Queen Elizabeth the sleuth, and what a talented detective she is. This title can be read on its own but readers will, I think, enjoy every one of the earlier books as well.
This time, a Bishop’s bolthole is the site of the murders of a couple seemingly having an assignation. The woman is wearing a valuable tiara that, it turns out, Princess Margaret had wanted to possess.
Who are these two? Why were they killed? Are their murders related to a series of subtle threats and annoyances that Queen Elizabeth has been facing? Is someone in the Queen’s most inner circle, in fact, unworthy of her trust?
As the Queen cannot do everything (after all, she has many other duties), she looks to help from her newest employee, the formidable Joan, to assist. The two communicate in varied ways, including by sending messages through what others will see as the frivolity of the Queen’s fashion.
What I most enjoy in this series is the reasonably plausible way in which the Queen’s life is portrayed. There are interactions between her and Philip and with Charles and Anne, the two children who are alive at the time that the story is set. The mysteries themselves also offer a fun read.
It is easy to recommend this title to Anglophiles and lovers of traditional mysteries. I look forward to the next in this series.
Many thanks to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for this title. All opinions are my own.
Pub date: 21 January 2025
The audio book:
How fortunate listeners are to have actress Samantha Bond read this story. She carries the story along and is a delightful companion throughout the audio. I feel that her British intonation adds a sense of verisimilitude to the novel.
Many thanks to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for this excellent audio title.
All opinions are my own.
Look for reviews of these others in the series on my blog:
For some reason, during the corona virus pandemic, I have been spending a lot of time in virtual Italy reading mysteries that are set there. My guides, until I read this novel, were Donna Leon and her Inspector Brunetti, and Andrea Camilleri and his Detective, Montalbano. Their novels feature an engaging protagonist, beautiful locations and, VERY IMPORTANT, delicious food.
So, I was curious about this book set in Tuscany and happy to receive an ARC. I was not disappointed. This novel, the start of a new series, and its detective, fit right into the sub genre of Italian police stories.
The protagonist of Murder in Chianti is widower and former New York City police detective, Nico. He has moved to Chianti following the death of his wife, Rita. Rita has a cousin in Chianti who owns a restaurant, one source of the delicious sounding food in the novel. Food wise, I would give a lot to get breakfast where Nico does each day. I also would like to sample some of the alcohol mentioned in the book, especially the red wines.
Around Nico are the police officers who want his help in solving a case, Perillo and Daniele. The murder of the story has ties with the past. The victim left Italy a number of years ago and became a successful vintner in California. Why did he return to Italy? How does this visit lead to his death? Who will be hurt as the case is solved?
This was a very readable book and one that I enjoyed. I recommend adding it to your TBR list.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an hoenst review. I look forward to the next novel in this seris.
Daphne Overture is a professor at a fictional, very selective institution of higher learning where she studies and teaches French Colonial history. Daphne has been highly successful but keeps her head down at her college; she is just one of a handful of Black professors and is even sometimes called by the first name of one of the other ones!
Luckily for both Daphne and the reader, she has strong (if sometimes annoying to her) family connections and good friends. Readers will enjoy getting to know all of them.
Daphne had a paperback book, Papillon. Readers learn early on that it was taken from her, most likely by a professor named Sam who has been murdered. How? Why? What is the connection between this book and a murder? Is the book related to Sam’s work on prison conditions?
Along with getting involved herself, Daphne gets to know a former police officer who is now a bookstore owner. Readers will hope that they find romance, I think.
Along with the characters and the plot, I loved the academic setting. The ins and outs, the competitiveness, the appearance of the physical college , the threats by some in the hierarchy against others, plagiarism, students taken advantage of by professors and more all make for compelling reading.
This book also highlights the experiences Daphne has regarding race on her campus. It offers a reminder of a need to do better.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Soho Press-Soho Crime for this title. All opinions are my own. I truly hope that this title is the first in a series.
Pub date: 01 July 2025D
From the publisher:
A college history professor must solve her superstar colleague’s murder before she becomes the next target in this funny, romantic debut mystery, perfect for readers of Janet Evanovich, Kellye Garrett, and Ali Hazelwood.
As a newly minted junior professor, Daphne Ouverture spends her days giving lectures on French colonialism, working on her next academic book, and going on atrocious dates. Her small world suits her just fine. Until Sam Taylor dies.
The rising star of Harrison University’s anthropology department was never one of Daphne’s favorites, despite his popularity. But that doesn’t prevent Sam’s killer from believing Daphne has something that belonged to Sam—something the killer will stop at nothing to get.
Between grading papers and navigating her disastrous love life, Daphne embarks on her own investigation to find out what connects her to Sam’s murder. With the help of an alluring former-detective-turned-bookseller, she unravels a deadly cover-up on campus.
This well-crafted, voice-driven mystery introduces an unforgettable crime fiction heroine.
From the Publisher
Editorial Reviews
Review
Praise for History Lessons
A New York Times Editors’ Choice A Library Journal Mystery Debut of the Month
“History professor Daphne Ouverture might be your next favorite unsuspecting sleuth.” —USA Today
“History Lessons brilliantly mixes pointed satire, fabulous characters (especially Daphne’s two besties) and a thoughtful meditation on whose fortunes get to rise, and whose are ground down on the altar of power.” —Sarah Weinman, The New York Times Book Review
“Wallbrook has crafted a campus mystery that’s both propulsive and cerebral. The book blends classic whodunit pleasures with a reflective exploration of race, power and who gets believed. Also: ‘Drag Race’ jokes, squirrel riots and a simmering romance with a bookish ex-cop. Top marks.” —The Seattle Times
“Clever, quirky, and full of heart, History Lessons is a cozy mystery for the academics and romantics among us.” —Shondaland
In my opinion, Marie Benedict is among the best of the current writers of historical fiction. Here, once again, the author has succeeded in writing an absorbing story that is based upon historical fact. Unlike in her earlier novels, this time she tells the story of six important characters (rather than one) who were sisters. They were so different from each other that it is hard to believe that they had the same parents.
The family included one son, Tom and many daughters. There was Nancy, the novelist. Diana was beautiful, married to one of (those) Guinnesses but she left
Bryan to be with the Fascist Oswald Mosley. Unity was somewhat of a fanatic who was deeply enamored of Hitler while Jessica was a Communist. There were also younger sisters Debo and Pamela.
Benedict tells her chapters from different characters points of view. She often has characters detailing their experiences in the same time frame.
There is a very rich history in this family. Readers will enjoy learning more about the Mitfords in this well written story.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for this title. All opinions are my own.
Robyn Carr has written many novels over several series; fans of hers will know that she has written the Virgin River, Thunder Point and Grace Valley books. Her latest series takes place in Sullivan’s Crossing. The Best of Us is novel number four. Old characters reappear but, if you have not read the other titles, this can be read as a stand alone.
Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too! 