This is a wonderful book for anyone interested in exploring classical (or what is often called Western) music. This title contains one entry for each day of the year. The reader is told something about a piece of music and its composer. A piece to listen to is then suggested. By the end of the year, readers will have learned about many pieces in a delightful way. Note that Spotify has a playlist for this title so it is very easy to access the music. Highly recommended. I started today with Bach and am eager for tomorrow’s piece. I hope to continue all year.
I was drawn to this book by both its title and cover. I always look at books that are about books and the 1940s look of this one also appealed to me. True confession-I had never before read anything by this author. I will definitely be reading from her backlist as I very much enjoyed this title.
Martha’s Vineyard…WWII…Sisters…Relationships…Those who may want to stay or leave…Class distinctions…Publishing…Books…all excellent ingredients for (historical) fiction.
The story came to life as a character in the present travels to Martha’s Vineyard to learn more about her recently deceased mother. The artist with whom she connects, Elizabeth Devereaux, has a lot to say and this forms the part of the narrative set in the past. Much happens to Cadence and Briar as readers will discover.
Through this novel, I learned something about what life was like for the islanders during WWII. Think u-boats for one. This was interesting as it was a change from the many stories set in France during the period.
Anyone who enjoys historical fiction and/or good stories about women will want to pick this one up.
Of interest is the author’s note about what inspired her to write this novel.
Many thanks to Random House and Ballantine for this title. All opinions are my own.
Pub date: 27 May 2025
Editorial Reviews
Review
“Martha Hall Kelly’s tale of the home front is simply irresistible. Coming of age in dangerous times, the Smith girls find strength in dreams, family, the land, and in the life-changing power of books. This story drew me in, then swept me away!”—Lisa Wingate, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Shelterwood
“A dreamy beach book that also sizzles with tension . . . another winner by one of the best historical fiction writers around.”—Fiona Davis, New York Times bestselling author of The Stolen Queen
“A heart-in-your-mouth tale of family, friendship, and romance as a small American island finds itself on a potential frontline of World War II.”—Charmaine Wilkerson, New York Times bestselling author of Black Cake
“Celebrates the magic of books, family, and truth as several women—bound by blood and friendship—discover their destinies.”—Kristin Harmel, New York Times bestselling author of The Paris Daughter
“Martha Hall Kelly turns her pen stateside to Martha’s Vineyard during World War II, where the Smith sisters realize the war will leave their world forever changed . . . A delight.”—Kate Quinn, New York Times bestsellingauthor of The Briar Club
“Inspired by true events, Kelly’s new novel explores friendship, family dynamics, and the power of books to unite communities. Recommended for historical fiction readers who enjoy the work of Kristin Hannah, Marie Benedict, and Kate Quinn.”—Library Journal
This book would make a terrific gift for a child. It would be perfect for the busy travel season when kids in cars, trains and planes are bored. Here is a fun and entertaining, non-screen activity that only requires a pencil!
The mazes vary in difficulty with some appearing to be much more difficult than others. For this reason, this book might be best for ages 8 and up although younger kids will be able to complete some of the puzzles.
The mazes are organized by subject. Just a few of these include Animal Adventures, Foodie Fun, Back to School and Around the World. They look engaging.
I highly recommend this book for its target audience.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Zeitgeist-Z Kids for this title. All thoughts are my own.
Pub date: 02 December 2025
About the book:
From the publisher
Explore and conquer 175 exciting mazes in this brain-boosting activity book that kids won’t want to put down!
Tired of hearing “I’m bored”? Entertain your kid with The Ultimate Maze Challenge!, a supersized activity book packed with 175 easy to hard mazes that will keep them engaged for hours at a time! Each themed maze is a mini journey, from animal adventures and space missions to daring mythical quests. And with additional maze challenges, including timed mazes, pattern mazes, and number mazes, this book will boost your kid’s attention span, sharpen their focus, and improve their problem-solving skills.
Inside this kids’ activity book, you’ll find:
175 mazes for every skill level. A mix of easy, medium, and mind-bogglingly hard puzzles, specifically designed to challenge and entertain kids ages 8–12.
A variety of exciting puzzle challenges. From themed mazes to timed mazes, number mazes, and “no erasers allowed” challenges, every page is a new adventure.
Mind-stimulating fun. Solving patterns, spotting details, and navigating tricky paths helps develop fine-motor and critical-thinking skills.
Screen-free play. A great alternative to tablets and phones, this puzzle book keeps kids engaged anytime, anywhere—from road trips and plane travel to restaurants and downtime at home.
An a–maze-ing gift for young puzzlers. Quality paper and printing make this an ideal present for kids who love mazes, puzzles, and activity books.
My only wish is that Deborah Crombie wrote faster and more frequently. Her Gemma Jones and Duncan Kincaid mysteries are among my very favorites. This American author writes a terrific British set series. I have been reading them ever since the first title, A Share in Death, was published in 1993. Over time, the characters and their relationships change and develop, keeping readers riveted. For full enjoyment, the books could be read in order but that is not strictly necessary; enough backstory is provided to keep a new reader from being lost.
In this, the 19th, entry, a young doctor has been murdered and hers is but the first, not the only, death. Sasha had friends and family. She also had a complicated work relationship with one of the nurses at her hospital. The case is brought to both Duncan and Gemma along with their teams. It goes to Duncan because of the murder and Gemma because of there being knife crimes.
Readers get to know Sasha’s family which includes a brother with some tricky history. They also get to know her artist roommate; she too has a brother who may well be suspicious. Sasha was supposed to have been meeting him on the night that she was murdered.
Regular readers of the series will be delighted to catch up with Duncan and Gemma’s children. They will also be interested in finding out how Doug (Kincaid’s team) and Melody (Gemma’s) are doing after the events of the previous books.
The book and series are just a delight. Mark your calendar for this title’s release date!
Many thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for this title. All opinions are my own.
I read a number of intriguing reviews on this title, so was eager to read the book. It did not disappoint.
The novel tells the story of two artists, Anna in the 1940s and Morgan in 2018. Around them is famous, recently deceased artist, Jesse. The most impressive feat in the novel is the way in which the author connects their stories.
Anna wins a contest to create a mural in a small southern town. Northerner Anna has many experiences in Edenton, culminating in a major event.
In the present, Morgan is trying to atone for past poor decisions. Around each of these characters are many others who come to life.
This story is partly a meditation on family (good and bad), race, community and more. The author cleverly adds to the story with diary entries and newspaper stories.
Readers of women’s fiction and others will enjoy this novel that so excellently portrays its places and characters.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this read in exchangefor an honest review.
I have enjoyed every novel that I have read by Ms. Reay beginning with Dear Mr. Knightley. She wrote several Austen adjacent books that were fun reads and has also written novels in other genres. Every book has offered an immersive read.
The English Masterpiece drew me right in. I loved the art world background, protagonist Lily, and the mystery around that Picasso. I also very much liked that readers entered Lily’s world and got to know her family.
Diana made for an interesting foil to Lily. She saw something in Lily and promoted her despite their rather different backgrounds. Diana is extremely upset and rattled by something Lily says at an exhibition opening. Will these two come to terms?
Will it turn out that Lily is correct about a painting’s provenance? Will she be able to continue to do the work that she loves?
Those who enjoy historical fiction set in the more recent past, stories about art, and those who are both new and old readers of this author will enjoy this story in my opinion. I most definitely recommend it.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Muse for this title. All opinions are my own.
Pub date: 10 June 2025
Description
“Art . . . London . . . Seventies Glam . . . Yesss, please. The English Masterpiece by Katherine Reay has ALL the goodies–especially for historical fiction lovers and art aficionados . . . Buckle your seatbelt as all hell breaks loose.” –Lisa Barr, New York Times bestselling author of The Goddess of Warsaw
Set in the art world of 1970s London, The English Masterpiece is a fast-paced read to the end, full of glamour and secrets, tensions and lies, as one young woman races against the clock to uncover the truth about a Picasso masterpiece. Perfect for fans of Kate Quinn and Ariel Lawhon.
As the recently promoted assistant to the Tate’s Modern Collections keeper Diana Gilden, Lily helps plan a world-class Picasso exhibit to honor the passing of the great artist–and she’s waited her whole life for this moment. The opening is beyond anyone’s expectations–the lighting, the champagne, the glittering crowd, and the international acclaim–until Lily does the unthinkable. She stops in front of a masterpiece and hears her own voice say, “It’s a forgery.” The gallery falls silent.
Lily’s boss, Diana, is polished perfection, schooled in art, and descends from European high society. She’s worked hard to become the trusted voice in London’s modern art scene and respected across the Continent. The Tate’s Picasso Commemorative is to be her crowning achievement, featuring not only the artist’s most iconic and intimate works, but a newly discovered painting–one she advised an investor to purchase. But when Lily makes her outrageous declaration, suspicion and scandal threaten everything Diana has achieved, as museums and collectors across Europe, already doubting most post-war acquisitions, fall into chaos and rumors of a world-wide forgery run wild.
All Lily has ever wanted is to follow in Diana’s footsteps and take the art world by storm in her own right. Yet one comment puts not only her own career at risk but also her mentor’s. Unless . . . Was she right? With the clock ticking and the clues starting to pile up against her, Lily must uncover the truth behind the Picasso before she loses not only the career she’s always wanted, but her freedom.
Block off your calendar and lose yourself in The English Masterpiece, a thrilling read that will keep you on the edge of your seat till the very end from the author who brought you The London House and The Berlin Letters.
From the Publisher
Editorial Reviews
Review
‘A taut and thrilling game of cat and mouse ensues in Katherine Reay’s THE ENGLISH MASTERPIECE, a story of reality, illusion, and imposters set in the winding streets of seventies London. Reay is a master at the top of her game!’ — Bryn Turnbull, author of THE BERLIN APARTMENT
‘An exhibit honoring the recently deceased Picasso and an alleged forgery at the Tate sets the stage for this historical page-turner. Just when you think the stakes couldn’t get any higher Reay ratchets up the tension even more. With an eye for the telling details, this author transports the reader back to London in the 1970s. Art lovers and historical fiction fans alike will find this book impossible to put down.’ — Renee Rosen, USA TODAY bestselling author of LET’S CALL HER BARBIE
Many readers will recognize that the title of this historical mystery refers to Julia Child and her classic cookbook, Mastering the Art of French Cooking. And indeed, most happily, Julia, her husband (Paul), and sister (nicknamed Dort) are all found in these pages. There is also a fictional character, Tabitha, who is nowhere near the cook that Julia is but who is a good friend to her.
The story takes place in the late 1940s in Paris so I was immediately inclined to like this book. The opening has Julia trying to figure out what is wrong with her mayonnaise. Soon, she will have much bigger problems. After a party at her apartment, a body is found in the basement area of Julia’s flat. The victim was a guest and the knife used to kill her came from Julia’s kitchen. Therese also was employed at the theater where Dort works.
Tabitha, the book’s amateur sleuth, has a father who was in the police. This makes her wanting to solve the case feel credible. She has come to Paris to spend time with her grandfather and his partner who becomes like an uncle to her. They add color and relationships to the story.
This book was entertaining and fun. I liked the setting, the characters, the food and the story. Kudos to the author. She has also written a series featuring Agatha Christie’s housekeeper showing how versatile she is. I have enjoyed her contributions to the historical mystery and recommend this title. I hope that this is the start of a series.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for this title. All opinions are my own.
Pub date: 25 April 2023 Mark your calendar
And the next in the series
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.
Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too! 