The Stranger in the Library is the eleventh title in this North Carolina set series. Readers old and new will be happy to spend time with librarian Lucy and those around her.
I enjoyed the storyline that had to do with art and paintings. Of course, readers also get to experience some nefarious doings, including the murder. They can have fun with this, knowing that all will be revealed.
Those who enjoy traditional mysteries will want to give this one a look.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this title. All opinions are my own.
I enjoyed every paragraph of Keyes most recent book Again, Rachel. Therefore, I was thrilled to be given early access to this title by the publisher.
This is a story about Anna who is one of Rachel’s sisters. (The clan appears in a number of titles including an earlier book featuring Anna.) As the story opens, Anna has been a high achiever with her New York job and income. However with Covid, the end of a relationship and more, it has all become way too much for her. So she heads back to Ireland.
Not sure what she will do there, Anna is contacted on behalf of a friend who needs her help with a big real estate project. Anna hopes that her prior work experiences will be transferable. Will they? One complication is that an old love of Anna’s is also working on this development. Will sparks fly? Watch what happens in this long but enjoyable story that also touches on some issues including menopause.
What I liked about this book:
The characters, the setting, the ability to sink right in, the humor, the warmth-so much to recommend in these pages.
Fans of Keyes and those who like women’s fiction, give this one a look. Perfect for a summer day read.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada-Doubleday Canada for this title. All opinions are my own.
Pride. Prejudice. and Other Flavors is an e book bargain
Sonali Dev has written three novels in which she modernizes the books of Jane Austen. I previously reviewed Recipe for Persuasion and I look forward to reading Incense and Sensibility.
Each of these novels follows members of the Raje family. This take on Pride and Prejudice tells the story of Trisha Raje. She is a highly qualified and talented neurosurgeon and a member of a highly competent and prominent family. One of Trisha’s patients, Emma, is an artist whom Trisha could save; however, the cost may be too high. What will Emma decide and what will happen?
Note the name Emma. Other characters in the book also have names taken straight from Austen’s novels. There is a Wickham (female) and DJ whose first name is, of course, really Darcy.
Darcy and Trisha collide both literally and figuratively. They personify both pride and prejudice as they get to know one another and as their relationship evolves.
DJ is a chef and food is a big part of the novel, just as it was in A Recipe for Persuasion. The cuisine is lovingly described and made me hungry.
There are other characters and story lines in the novel. One is about Trisha’s brother who is running for office. His story will be told more fully in the third of the novels.
I found this book to be a most enjoyable read. I looked forward to picking up at the end of the day and relaxing.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.
This series began with last year’s Mastering the Art of French Murder. This second title is every bit as delightful.
Here is an historical mystery set in post WWII Paris. It features a fictional protagonist, Tabitha, and a friend of hers. That friend is the larger than life Julia Child. Together the two become involved in murderous situations.
This time, chefs should beware what they drink. Not too far into the novel, two have died after imbibing what should have been very special vintages. Tabitha and Julia are on the case even if the police inspector (and possible romantic interest for Tabitha) does not want their help.
What I like best in this book (and in the first one) is the evocation of Paris. When Tabitha and Julia visit a market it is easy to visualize the food and want to start cooking. And speaking of which, every time Julia is around food, and that is often, the book is so much fun.
Highly recommended to those who are foodies, those who love Paris and those who like historical mysteries. I hope there will be a third book soon
Many thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for this title. All opinions are my own.
It is very easy to recommend this graphic biography of Van Gogh. I so enjoyed reading the biography and seeing the illustrations. Told by Vincent’s sister in law, readers learn about his and brother Theo’s early life, Vincent’s art works, personal life and struggles. It is a wonderful resource.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for this title. All opinions are my own.
Kids with imagination will like looking at this title which can be read in order or enjoyed by looking at pages randomly. The illustrations are vibrant and engaging. The text is very readable.
Here are magical creatures from the land, water and air. There are many in these pages including a faun, a unicorn, a werewolf, Cyclops, troll, Jormungandr, selkie and the list goes on. I think that adults will be surprised by how much they may learn as well.
Many thanks to DK Children and NetGalley for this title. All opinions are my own
I know that the foster care system is complex and does not work as it is meant to in terms of protecting vulnerable children. Anyone who reads this suspenseful story will, no doubt agree and will think that the protagonists of this story deserved better-much better.
Three women are introduced in this novel that details both their present and past lives. Their experiences make this novel both suspenseful and bleak (although there are moments of humor).
This book was a difficult read for me because of the poor treatment of the protagonists. Still, I think that many will rapidly turn the pages of this title.
Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this title. All opinions are my own.
We all know that life does not always go to plan. What we choose to do next can make all the difference. This is the situation that Jess is experiencing as this lovely novel opens.
Jess has recently faced some hard times that have made it difficult for her to trust and believe in others. She has been couch surfing at her best friend’s and needs a place to live. This is how she comes to meet Joan who is looking for a lodger.
This device puts one younger and one older person together as Jess rents a room in Joan’s house. Joan is doing this in order to liven up her life. Indeed many things will happen for both of these women over the course of the story. One of the entertaining ones for me was to watch Joan and Jess switch with Jess swearing off her mobile for old fashioned communications just as Joan learns about the internet and more.
Will Jess and her close friends be able to save a vintage theater? What role (for good or bad) will Joan’s son play in this? Will someone from her past get in touch with “Joany?” Will these characters find some happiness? Read this one to find out. It is just delightful.
Many thanks to Headline and NetGalley for this title. All opinions are my own.
I have adored every book that I have read by Nina George starting with The Little Paris Bookshop. To me, her books are quite special. I think that is why I held this one back-just so I would know that there was a Nina George for me when I needed it.
This is the story of Marianne who needs to/wants to change her life. She has been in an exceedingly difficult marriage for one thing. Go on a journey with her. You will be glad that you did.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Crown Publishing for this title. All opinions are my own.
Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too! 