100 First Words for Little Bookworms

A Board Book

by Stephanie Campisi

This title is categorized as a book for children but also as humor & satire. I put it not exactly in either of these categories. To me, this book is a kind of treasure trove of illustrations that invites readers to identify the literary references. That can be entertaining. Just a few examples: a picture of puffed sleeves, a skull, a serpent and so on.

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

Three stars This title is categorized as a book for children but also as humor & satire. I put it not exactly in either of these categories. To me, this book is a kind of treasure trove of illustrations that invites readers to identify the literary references. That can be entertaining. Just a few examples: a picture of puffed sleeves, a skull, a serpent and so on.

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

Three stars 🌟🌟🌟

Words to Grow Smarter, Stronger, & Kinder

by Sesame Workshop and Erin Guendelsberger

The words that are included in this colorful book are divided into three sections. These include You, Your Neighborhood, and Your World. Each of these sections is subdivided; for example the You words center on You Are, You Feel, You Grow, You Play, You Think, and You Dream. The Neighborhood sections has Your Home, Your Community and, Your Neighbors. Finally, the World words center on You Discover, You Act, You Celebrate.

All of the vocabulary in here is designed to inspire thought. For each, there is an illustration. Many of these feature the familiar Sesame Street characters. As an example, one word in the You part of the book is Honest. The word is defined and then there is an example. In this case it features Elmo acknowledging that he broke something. In another, Telly helps to explain what Mindful means.

I think that this is a wonderful book. It can lead to good conversations between an adult and child. I hope this one will make its way to many schools and libraries.

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

Pub date: 01 October 2024

An Atlas of Forgotten Horticultural Treasures

by Sandra Lawrence

#LostGardensoftheWorld #NetGalley

Garden lovers will enjoy dipping into this collection which features 40 gardens that have, for varied reasons, been lost. For each of these, there is beautifully evocative artwork to help readers imagine the garden in it glory. The text further details what made each of these places special.

These gardens were once found all around the world. Readers travel to The Garden of Dreams, Little Acorns, Warley Place, Bachs of Khajuaro, Gardens of the Nations, Madinat al-Zahra, Wah Bagh and these are just a few of the places.

This would make a lovely addition to the library of a garden lover! The author makes a wonderful guide. She has loved gardens ever since she became a reader of Frances Hodgson Burnett.

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

Pub date: 01 October 2024

From the Publisher

Death at the Sanatorium

A Mystery

by Ragnar Jónasson

One of the “LA Times” must-read books this fall, DEATH AT THE SANATORIUM by Ragnar 
Jónasson is an Icelandic Noir thriller with a clever whodunnit worthy of Agatha Christie. 
https://read.macmillan.com/lp/death-at-the-sanatorium-9781250770769/

My thoughts:

Last year, I read my first book by this author. He co-wrote it with the prime minister of Iceland. It was a very good read.

Now, here is a story that takes place in three time periods, has multiple perspectives, an historical illness (TB) that impacts the plot, murders, detection, interesting characters, relationships, and surprises. On top of all this, the academic/investigator has a love for classic mysteries that is shared with the reader.

This is a book that will be enjoyed by fans of traditional mysteries. Jonasson learned from a master. He is known for translating Agatha Christie’s books into Icelandic. He puts his skills to good use here.

Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this title. All opinions are my own.

Now out and such a good read: Reykjavik

365 Hopeful Meditations for Peaceful and Reflective Evenings All Year Long

by Emily Silva

#SunsetGratitude #NetGalley

This title is part of a series by the author. I will look for the others. I find this to be a book that I would look forward to picking up each evening. It provides a quick time to reflect on life and to find that, sometimes elusive, sense of gratitude. Looking for a moment of calm? If so, buy this book.

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

Pub date: 24 September 2024

100 Recipes to Cook Together

by Sonja Overhiser and Alex Overhiser

#ACoupleCooks #NetGalley

The very first photo in this cookbook shows a scrumptious looking plate of pasta-I was in from there! I also love the idea of cooking with someone else- of course that can be any two people, not necessarily a couple. And, of course, one could cook alone if that is the plan.

This book is over 300 pages long so will stay fresh with its audience over the course of many kitchen enterprises. Chapters include Everyday Dinners; Just for Two; Gatherings; Mornings; Sides; Bakes; Appetizers & Snacks; Sweets; and Drinks. One recipe from each: Chicken Cutlets with Honey Mustard Pan Sauce; Truffle Pasta with Mixed Mushrooms & Goat Cheese; Curry Salmon Burgers with Cilantro Chutney; Mini Cardamom Cinnamon Rolls; Roasted Butternut Squash & Onions with Garlic Butter; Spiced Latte Loaf; Warm Goat Cheese with Jam; Brown Butter-Miso Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars; and Lillet Spritzer.

There are additional section ins this book including an author’s note and their story, advice on how to use the book, where to begin and more.

I would like to purchase the hard copy of this book. The recipes are easy to follow and the food looks appealing.

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

Pub date: 15 October 2024

This is the first book that I have read by Ellery Adams and I truly enjoyed it. The protagonist, Nora, is a bookseller who believes that there is a book that is just right for each customer’s particular emotional state; the notion that one could get meaningful suggestions from a bookseller was lovely in this day of internet sales. I enjoyed the many literary references and the back stories of the protagonists. There are also hints of romance. If you like cozies, I would recommend this book highly.

This is Fiona Davis’s third New York City based historical novel and it is a winner! I have not read her earlier books,The Address and The Dollhouse, but may well do so now.
The Masterpiece has a dual narrative structure, one story is set in the 1920s-30’s and the other in the 1970s. The stories of Clara Darden and Virginia Clay overlap and intersect.
Darden is an illustrator, teacher and painter in the earlier era while Virginia, a divorcee, begins working at Grand Central around the time when the landmark battle was underway. Each woman has a backstory, relationships and challenges, all of which are well depicted.
Did you know that in the 1920’s there was an art school right in Grand Central? Did you know that Sargent was one of the founders? Are you interested in historical preservation? Do you enjoy a story with a plot twist? If you can answer yes to any, or all of these questions, I highly recommend this book.

#TheMasterpiece #NetGalley

Great Churches of London

by Derry Brabbs

Anyone who loves London and/or Ecclesiastical history will enjoy spending time with this title. There are so many gorgeous photos that draw the eye. The text is also filled with interesting history.

There are so many churches in London. I think that the author was wise to organize them by time period in this book. Because of this structure, readers are able to get a sense of changes over time. The book begins with the Medieval and Tudor era and moves to the 20th century in its last section.

I loved looking through this book. One does not have to be religious to appreciate what was built over time and what led to the building of these churches.

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

Five stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐