New historical fiction for September — time-travelling with Tracy Chevalier
From the times
What were the most popular books of the summer?
Now out:
The Ghost Cat
A Novel
by Alex Howard
Well, we all have heard that cats have nine lives but do we really consider that? The author of this book did! Here is the story of a ghost cat who lives out all of its lives over the course of more than 100 years. This leads to much observation on the cat’s part and a good deal of entertainment for the reader.
This book will appear to those who enjoy cats and their points of view, history, Edinburgh and a quirky read.
From the Publisher
So glad to return: More Days at the Morisaki Bookshop
A Novel
by Satoshi Yagisawa
#MoreDaysattheMorisakiBookshop #NetGalley
Anyone who read Days at the Morisaki Bookshop will, I am sure, be delighted to spent “More Days” there. Here is everything that made the first novel charming-the narrator and her family, a number of quirky characters, the neighborhood filled with bookshops, and, of course the books.
Those who have not read the first book will be easily brought up to date though they may well want to seek out the earlier title. Both books are short and quick reads even as readers may wish they were longer.
This is a book for bibliophiles, lovers of Japan and those who like unique and quirky stories.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Perennial for this title. All opinions are my own.
Pub date: 02 July 2024
From the Publisher
The first book:
I would like to spend some: Days at the Morisaki Bookshop (by Satsoshi Yagisawa)
An e book bargain-Everyone on this Train is a Suspect (Benjamin Stevenson)
#EveryoneonThisTrainIsaSuspect #NetGalley
I did not read Stevenson’s first novel though I think that I may now do so. That was, however, in no way a handicap to enjoying this title with recurring narrator Ernie.
This book strikes me as an, at times, humorous homage to the classic mysteries of authors like Agatha Christie. As in Murder On the Orient Express (though Ernie says it should be Murder IN the Orient Express), a group is assembled and isolated, there is mayhem and much to solve. As an added twist/bonus, many of the story’s characters are mystery authors and that adds to the fun.
There is much to enjoy in this entertaining story. Many thanks to NetGalley and Mariner Books for this title. All opinions are my own.
This book was published in January 2024
From the Publisher
And coming in October 2024
Readers will want to make time for: The Summer Swap (Sarah Morgan)
An ebook bargain
#TheSummerSwap #NetGalley
When I think about what makes me engage with a book, the answer is generally the characters. Setting, plot and other elements of novels are also important but what I most seek is to spend time with the people and to care about them. Sarah Morgan gave me exactly what i wanted in The Summer Swap, a book that I recommend for an engaging spring/summer read.
Who is in the novel? Here are some of the people.
Cameron is an artist who is no longer alive but whose reputation and reach continue following his death.
Cecilia generally became known as Cameron’s wife but she was/is her own person. It was not always easy to be subsumed by her husband and their marriage was complicated. She is now trying to figure out what she wants (as are all the characters).
Kristen and Winston are Cameron and Cecilia’s middle aged children. Kristen is rather controlling, married to a surgeon and flirting with a possible dalliance as the book opens. Winston has a more laidback personality than the tense Kristen. Both Winston and Kristen have young adult children who also feature in the story.
Lily has had the hopes of her family placed on her shoulders. It is difficult when she realizes that she needs to find her own path in life, not do only what is expected. She has connections with Kristen’s daughter and has been in love with Winston’s son.
Watch out too for the journalist who flirts with Kristen. He may have ulterion motives.
As the story opens, readers learn that Lily is finding her way on the Cape. The Cape is also a place to which Cecilia travels when she escapes from the family party she did not want to attend. It is a place with some painful memories. Readers can expect that Lily and Cecilia will meet.
What happens to each of these characters makes up the essence of this very readable story. I enjoyed it so much and now will keep an eye out for a new book by this author. (I also liked her last novel The Book Club a great deal.)
Those who enjoy women’s fiction will, I am certain want to read The Summer Swap. Mark the calendar for its release date.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for this title. All opinions are my own.
Pub date: 07 May 2024
The Bookstore on the Beach is an e book bargain
A Novel
by Brenda Novak
The Bookstore at the Beach is the second title that I have read by Ms. Novak, following her earlier novel, One Perfect Summer. As was true of that book, this is a long (448 pages) story that is filled with plot and character.
Readers follow and get to know the lives, struggles and joys of three generations of women from one family. The oldest is Mary. She runs a bookstore in a small town and leads a fairly insular life. Mary is not a risk taker. Why? What happened to her in the past that formed her attitudes and character? No spoilers so you have to read the book to find out.
Next up is Autumn, Mary’s daughter. She has come with her two children to spend time with Mary over the summer. Readers learn early on that Autumn’s husband has been missing for nineteen months, most likely related to his travel in Ukraine. Should Autumn hold on to hope that he will come back or…should she again become involved with her high school crush who lives in the town where Autumn is summering?
Finally there is Taylor, Autumn’s daughter. She was feeling numb and engaged in sexual activity without using birth control. Is she pregnant? If yes, how will this define her life? There is also a strong plot line about Taylor’s friendship with Sierra as Taylor wonders if she is in love with her.
The author holds onto all of the many plot strands without losing any of them. She tells a story that has some depth and that held my interest.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.
Now out:
Sesame Street Let’s Cook Together
With 40 Fun, Healthy Recipes
by DK
The cover of this book drew me right in. After all, how could a person resist Big Bird and Elmo in these food incarnations?
Kids and adults will enjoy this visit with the Sesame Street family in the kitchen. Note that children will need the help of an adult when they are ready to cook.
The book begins with a safety disclaimer that is not scary but is worth reading. There are additional introductory sections as well.
There are 40 healthy recipes in this book. They are grouped into categories titled Bright Breakfasts, Super Snacks, Yummy Lunches, Delicious Dinners and Healthy Treats. Just a few of the recipes are for Gonger’s Egg Surprise, Granola Cookie Bits, Grouch on Toast, Coconutty Chicken Bites and Mango Fro Yo-Yo. All have easy to follow directions and illustrations. I like that for each there are lists for ingredients and tools before the recipe. There are also sections called Helping Hand with extra tips.
The book concludes with a number of additional sections including a Guide for Grown Ups.
Here is a wonderful way to introduce a child to the fun and nutrition that can be found by preparing food at home. I highly recommend it.
Many thanks to NetGalley and DK-DK Children’s for this title. All opinions are my own.
Five stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
From the Publisher
A Meditation on Murder by Robert Thorogood
#AmeditationOnMurder #NetGalley
Anyone who has watched and enjoyed the Death in Paradise TV show will, I think, enjoy this novel. Favorite characters from the show are present in this book, including the fish out of water detective. That said, this book could certainly be enjoyed by those who have never watched the TV series.
This is a classic mystery with interesting characters as suspects, a good setting on a Caribbean Island, a fun plot and a classic denouement. The mystery is a locked room one.
Who killed a guru? Find out in this title. Note that there are several other books in the series.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Canelo for this title. All opinions are my own.
This title was published in 2018.
Also…
Thorogood is also the author of the Marlow Murder Club mysteries. These are also going to be made to a TV series.
Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery-Curated by Barbara Heller
#AnneofGreenGables #NetGalley
This edition of the beloved classic will be a gift to true lovers of the red headed young orphan. As the cover promises, in addition to the novel, this volume includes character’s letters and mementos, written and folded by hand. What a treat! I will need to purchase the book as these special additions are not in the e galley.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Chronicle Books for this title. All opinions are my own.
Pub date: 10 September 2024
Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too! 