This holiday themed novella in The Maid series makes a perfect stocking stuffer or gift for someone this holiday season-it could even be you. Anyone who has read the first two books in the series (a third will come next year), knows that Molly is unique and well-suited to her work as a hotel maid.
This time it is the Christmas season. Will all go well for Molly and Juan, the man who has come into her life? There are some challenges. Still, this is a Christmas book so readers can hope/trust that all will be well.
Enjoy this holiday read. It is fun to spend time with Molly and those around her. I recommend this title and the series.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing-Ballantine for this title. All opinions are my own.
In her novels, Fiona Davis brings the world of New York City to her readers. I have spent time at the Frick Mansion, the New York Public Library, the Chelsea Hotel and other locations with her as a guide. Each time Ms. David brings the landmark to life, sharing some of its history and mystique. This is exactly what she does in The Spectacular, where readers go to Radio City Music Hall and spend time with the famous Rockettes. As usual, Ms. Davis tells an involving story with not just the intriguing setting, but also good characters and an involving plot.
Readers get to know the members of the Brooks family. The father is a widower with a prosperous business and strong opinions. Judy is the less beautiful daughter, the one who works at her father’s company and seems to mostly do exactly what is expected. For her part, Marion is expected to be and do the same; she is supposed to marry the right sort of young man and he has just proposed to her early in the novel. However, Marion is more like her deceased mother who was artistic. Marion loves to dance and decides to take a chance, auditioning for the Rockettes. This decision to become a Rockette affects Marion’s family relationships. She wants their support but is not sure that she can count on them.
Marion also meets many new people, including Bunny (another dancer) and Peter, a psychiatrist, among others in her new life. Readers not only learn about these people, they also get to witness the grueling rehearsal schedule and indeed spectacular formations of the Rockettes.
At the same time there is a bomber in the city. How will that play at Radio City? What will be the impact on Marion and what role will take on in events?
The novel opens with Marion when she is older. It then goes back and takes readers on her journey. They will watch Marion as she faces real threats and emotional ones, all the while deciding what kind of life she wants for herself.
Here is yet another very good read by the author. Recommended for historical fiction and women’s fiction readers. It is a delight.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group Dutton for this title. All opinions are my own.
FOUR STARS ****
Editorial Reviews
Review
“An engaging story…the novel is rich with historical details, and it comes most vividly to life in the passages about the Rockettes, with all the sweat, agony, and camaraderie that go into those miraculously perfect performances.” —Kirkus
“Davis masterfully draws Marion into the story, setting the scene for a cinematic conclusion. Readers will be attracted to the intriguing history and moved by Davis’ entrancing narrator.” —Booklist
There are many omnivorous readers who nonetheless shy away from poetry. I think that this interesting title will perhaps change that for some.
This is a well written and engaging text. In chapters entitled How to Think Like…, readers come to understand something of the life stories and works of a number of poets. Some of them will, perhaps, already be known to readers while others may not. Just a few of those included here are Homer, Sappho, Rumi, Chaucer, Shakespeare, Milton, Dickinson, Hughes, Plath and many more
I very much enjoyed learning about each poet and about poetry itself. I have no hesitation in recommending this title. I think that it is one to read slowly and savor.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bloomsbury USA for this title. All opinions are my own.
Helen Macdonald is the author of H is for Hawk. I loved that title about which I said at the time:
I read this book a year or so ago but have been thinking about it again for two reasons; first, in England, they are making a television series with the author as she trains her second hawk and the other reason is that I have been thinking about how we mourn and acknowledge deaths of those we love. This book has so much in it; there is biography, the training of the hawk and a great deal about T H White who had a very difficult time with his own hawk. T H White wrote one of my all time favorite books, The Once and Future King, so I was fascinated to learn more about him. Sadly, he had a rather tragic life. This book is highly recommended for nature lovers, lovers of T H White and those looking for a meaningful memoir.
So, I was extremely excited to learn that a new book by this author was being published. Ms. Maconald’s new title is a collection of essays. Each entry is short and the book can be read in any order that a reader would like.
Helen Macdonald is an exquisite observer of the natural world who describes her subject as love for the wonders of the non-humans around us. This book of essays is definitely one that I will dip into many times. I recommend that you do the same.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.
Both those visiting New York and those who live here make their way to The Metropolitan Museum of Art. It is an iconic institution that is filled with treasures. Visitors can literally travel the world within its many galleries.
The author points out this vastness of the Met in the book’s introduction. It is over two million square feet in size and covers four city blocks. Inside are over two million objects. The works range from those of the Ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans to the most modern of art in an expanding collection.
Some may visit the Met and not think further. Others may wonder how this majestic museum came to be. They can find out in this well researched title.
Learn…How did The Met become The Met? Who was involved? How were decisions made? Were there snags? Readers will find some answers in this long and detailed work. Just know that it may be best to read in small bits over time.
Many thanks to Columbia University Press and NetGalley for this title. All opinions are my own.
Where does the title come from? Find out below. Think too of the different meanings it might have.
Picoult is an author who does not write the same book twice. That said, she has a knack for writing interesting novels that are often quite topical (school shootings, abortion and more).
In this latest work, Picoult examines ways in which women’s work is often taken to be less valuable. How might this play out in two time periods? Turn the pages to find out.
In the earlier time period, Picoult postulates that Emilia Bassano was never credited but wrote many of Shakespeare’s plays. Could this be true?
The world of her and Shakespeare’s time is very authentically portrayed here. Picoult did her research. Details of clothing, education, women’s roles, the power of men and more come alive.
Emilia faced many obstacles after her father died and her mother left her. She was educated but faced many constraints. How did she survive?
In the present day, Mel, who is a budding playwright, faces many challenges. She has learned that Emilia was a relative and has written a play about her. How are their lives the same and different? How do they each face their creative obstacles? Read this long novel to find out.
Be sure to look at the notes at the back of the book. There are lots of details on Shakespeare related references.
Those who are already fans of the author will likely buy this book. I hope that those new to her will also pick this up.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine Books for this title. All opinions are my own.
Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too! 