This book’s title cleverly reflects that the protagonist owns a record shop and that she will have a mystery to solve. The fun is in seeing how things go in this latest in the series.
There seem to be a lot of murders in the small Texas town where sisters Juni, Tansy and Maggie live (see the earlier books). They just don’t seem to get to run their business Sip & Spin Records (sounds like a good place to visit.) smoothly. Crime always finds a way in.
This time the record/coffee shop is facing financial difficulties and it does not look like there is an easy way to resolve them. The sisters talk with a less reputable financier as they try to find an option. When he is murdered, the story is set up.
Those who like traditional, series based stories set in small towns will want to give this title a look. It is an enjoyable read and I look forward to then next in the series.
Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this title. All opinions are my own.
This is a children’s picture book about a cat who wants to do nothing. He turns down all invitations, even one to become a cat-stronaut. Finally, one animal tries to dig a little deeper. What is found out?
This is a book that is, I think, about empathy. One message is that it can be better not to be alone. I am curious to learn more about readers’ reaction to the final page.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for this title. All opinions are my own.
I think that any older sibling who is reacting to a new baby’s arrival will love this book. With empathy and engaging illustrations, it brings to life the difficult adjustment process that the older child faces. At the same time, the special and unique bond that children in the same family share is acknowledged.
This book would make a perfect gift for an older sibling. It could also lead to some good conversations if read with a favorite adult.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Orca Books for this title. All opinions are my own.
I was drawn to this title by both its cover and the book’s description. Here Julia Jaman does what many authors of women’s fiction-she places a group of friends together and lets the reader become a part of their lives. In this instance, the women are widows who have formed their own support system as the support group they attended was not for them. The three, Viv, Janet and Zelda all get to know another widow named Libby. How will these friends be there for Libby when she most needs them. Find out more about all four women in this enjoyable read.
Note that this book is the second in the series. I think that it can be read as a standalone.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this title. All opinions are my own.
Patti Callahan Henry’s novel, Becoming Mrs. Lewis, is one of my favorite books of all time. I similarly loved Once Upon a Wardrobe. Now I want to read every title of hers. So, I was very happy to spend time with this novel.
The Secret Book of Flora Lea is a book that I enjoyed very much. I found that I wanted to read it slowly so as to savor the story and the time that I got to spend with the characters. I also delighted in the many literary references that were scattered through these pages. (Mecklenburgh Square, a pen of Virginia Woolf’s and many more)
Henry creates a fully realized world in this novel, both in her characters’ pasts and presents, but also in Whisperwood, the special place that two sisters shared in their imaginations.
This is a story with a timeline during WWII and another that begins in 1960. In the 30s, Flora and her older sister, Hazel, are sent to the countryside to keep them safe from London’s bombs… but something happens to Flora. This leaves Hazel alone and bereft. How and why did Flora disappear…and what is the meaning of a book that Hazel “borrows” from her employer? Readers, start here and then you will want to keep going.
This is the sort of novel that will resonate with its readers. I think that they will both like and admire Hazel as she goes on a quest. I highly recommend this one.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Atria books for this title. All opinions are my own.
I am a great fan of historical fiction. I find it intriguing to look into the lives of people who lived before us. Ms. Wood previously wrote a novel where she told readers about the woman who was responsible for the completion of the Brooklyn Bridge. Now, she has turned her attention to Edith Bolling Galt Wilson. The story is a fascinating and involving one that gives readers insight into the United States and President Wilson. Nowadays, Wilson has been called to task for some of his views. Here readers get to meet him, being introduced to him when he was a fifty-something year old widower and the head of the nation. All this, as WWI was looming.
As the novel opens, time has moved forward. Edith is revisiting the hotel where she spent her honeymoon. It is now the 1940s. She wonders if she could have done more, been more influential and altered history in a better way. Readers will watch as she made her decisions.
SPOILER (though many know this): Edith is well known for having been very influential in Wilson’s presidency, especially when he became ill. She took over decision making in many ways at that point.
I became very involved with the time and people in this novel. I started looking up photos, Wilson and Edith’s wedding coverage and more. Clearly, the author was able to intrigue me.
Recommended for fans of historical fiction. Anyone who read The First Ladies will most likely enjoy this one as well.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for this title. All opinions are my own.
Brenda Novak writes the kinds of stories that readers love. She creates good characters, a domestic world that is complex, settings that feel real, and enough plot/romance to keep the pages turning.
This time Novak features two sisters. Gia was always the rebel. It is she who was behind the episode leading to the Banned Book Club. Gia left town to create a life far away in Alaska and has not really wanted to return.
Gia’s sister, Margot (a way to make her Margaret more appealing) has always been the good one, the studious one and the one whose life looked good. However, Margot’s marriage is not what it seems and the care of her mother has not been easy. When Margot asks Gia to visit, the stage is set. Readers will want to know what happens next.
It is easy to recommend this title to those who are already fans of the author and those who enjoy women’s fiction.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for this title. All opinions are my own.
I am thrilled to be on the blog tour for the delightful new book by Freya Sampson who is a favorite author of mine. Many thanks to the team at Berkley for this opportunity.
About NOSY NEIGHBORS
Two neighbors-at-war band together to stop a dangerous criminal in their midst in this enthralling new novel from the USA Today bestselling author of The Lost Ticket.
Welcome to Shelley House: a historic old apartment building in the quaint English town of Chalcot where 25-year-old Kat Bennett and 77-year-old Dorothy Darling reside. Kat and Dorothy are notorious enemies—Dorothy sees Kat as prickly and unapproachable, a punk with pink hair who prefers to keep to herself; Kat rolls her eyes at Dorothy, a cantankerous senior citizen who can’t seem to mind her own business and spends her days sternly reminding everyone in the building to mind the rules. When Kat and Dorothy receive word that Shelley House will be torn down and replaced by new condos, and that all its residents will be evicted, they’re devastated—but they won’t miss each other, or even their acquaintances in the building.
But then, their friendly neighbor, one who has been a vocal opponent of the demolition, is attacked inside his apartment. Kat and Dorothy begin to notice strange happenings and even break-ins at the apartment complex, and it quickly becomes apparent that trouble is afoot. The odd pair must work together to figure out who is behind the crimes at Shelley House before anyone else gets hurt. In the process, they may even learn to like each other—and to rally a neighborhood to save the home they hold so dear.
Twenty-five-year-old Kat Bennett has never felt at home anywhere, and especially not in crumbling Shelley House. According to her neighbors, she’s prickly and unapproachable, but beneath her tough exterior, Kat is plagued by guilt from her past.
Seventy-seven-year-old Dorothy Darling is Shelley House’s longest resident, and if you believe the other tenants, she’s as cantankerous and vindictive as they come. Except there’s a good reason Dorothy spends her days spying on her neighbors—a closely guarded secret that no else knows and the reason Dorothy barely leaves her beloved home.
When their building faces demolition, sworn enemies Kat and Dorothy become unlikely allies in their quest to save their historic home. But when someone starts to play dirty and viciously targets one of the residents, Dorothy and Kat suspect foul play in their community. After the police close the investigation, it’s up to this improbable pair to bring a criminal to justice.
About the Author
Freya Sampson is the USA Today bestselling author of The Last Chance Library and The Lost Ticket. She studied history at Cambridge University and worked in television as an executive producer, making documentaries on everything from the British royal family to neighbors from hell. She lives in London with her husband, children, and cats.
My thoughts:
Quirky characters, an historic building named for a poet, a greedy landlord, shenanigans, mystery, alliances, backstories, relationships, good plot-what more could a reader want? I highly recommend this engaging novel.
From the Publisher
“Nosy Neighbors is addictive reading. Freya Sampson has a wonderful talent for creating characters that feel vividly true to life, and it really shines here. This warm and moving novel is layered with mystery, emotion, and heart as it explores its powerful themes of guilt and community. I just know readers are going to love it as much as I do.”
—India Holton, author of The Secret Service of Tea and Treason
“Freya Sampson is a master at creating perfectly imperfect characters that burrow into your heart and leave a lasting impression. A brilliant novel full of heart and colorful personalities, you won’t be able to put it down until the very last word.”
—Lyn Liao Butler, Amazon bestselling author of Someone Else’s Life and Red Thread of Fate
Sampson (The Lost Ticket, 2022) once again presents a charming story about intergenerational friendship leading to healing…This heartwarming tale is full of subtle humor and rich characters.”—Booklist
“The tenants are as crafty and charming as the house in this all’s-well-that-ends-well tale.”—Kirkus
Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too! 