Readers will want to make time for: The Summer Swap (Sarah Morgan)

 #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

Now out: Lenny Henry

Four stars ****

This is another good entry in the long running series that can always find a new little person with big dreams to profile. This time the spotlight turns to Lenny Henry. Humor has been a part of his life since childhood as is well demonstrated here. In addition to the ways in which humor helped Lenny both personally and professionally, the comedian founded Comic Relief, thereby helping many others.

This book is illustrated in a fun style. As always, there are additional facts at the back of the book.

Anyone collecting this series, will want to add Lenny Henry to their pile.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 06 February 2024

What you might want to know: The Good Retirement Guide 2024

#TheGoodRetirementGuide2024 #NetGalley

The first thing that I want to note about this title is that it is geared toward British readers. For that reason, some of the specifics may not be as useful for those from other countries. However, that said, there are many good things to think about here and with a bit of research, readers can most likely find similar resources in their own countries.

There are a number of chapters that have to do with finances, including budgeting, pensions, tax and more. I like that there other sections that look at options for life as a retiree; for example, there are sections on leisure activities including adult education, the arts, dance, museums and more. There are also chapters on starting a business and even one on looking for paid work or living abroad. In addition, there is a detailed section on health.

This is a book that includes a lot. It is a title that is updated every year. Readers can tackle it by going straight through or by focusing on areas of interest.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Help someone to learn the basics: Rebel Girls Money Matters

#RebelGirlsMoneyMatters #NetGalley

I like the double meaning of this title. Here is a book about money matters (topics) and how money matters (makes a difference in a person’s life). It is an excellent resource and one that it is easy to recommend.

There was a time when girls/women were not supposed to concern themselves with issues related to money. However, financial literacy is so important and making it interesting to a young person is a true service.

This book, written by a financial planner, is packed with information and topics. Just a few of the chapters are those on making money, spending money and investing. The author’s perspective is that money is not something to “worship” but nor is it something to “ignore.” She looks at money as a tool that lets people live their lives.

This book will enable its readers to understand an important topic. It is a good title for both school and home libraries.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Rebel Girls for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 26 March 2024

Now out: Grow Your Colors

Four stars ****

Grow Your Colors will make a nice addition to a young child’s library. Spend time with favorite Sesame Street characters while learning about colors, gardens and healthy eating. The text is age appropriate and, in addition to the photos of Sesame Street residents, there are many other appealing photos of kids, adults and growing things.

Start good habits early with this title.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Lerner Publishing Group for this title. All opinions are my own.

An atmospheric story: Murder by Lamplight (Patrice McDonough)

#MurderbyLamplight #NetGalley

While Covid is still present and acquiring victims, it is not the first virus to overtake a population. In this historical, British mystery, cholera is the illness that is claiming many victims. And, just as life did not stop for Covid, in this story murder and detection still occur.

I enjoyed the team that were following the clues and trying to find out who was murdering those in London, starting with a member of the clergy. There is a woman, Julia, who is a physician (one of few at that time) and, of course, her counterpart in the police.

The killer needs to be found and before a protagonist is killed. Along the way, readers see much of London life in its period, including places such as the dance halls that were popular.

This book is not a cozy and there is some rather messy killing. However, those who enjoy an atmospheric story with a case to solve may well enjoy this novel. It is the first by this author. I hope that there will be a second before long.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 20 February

A Smoking Bun (Ellie Alexander)

#ASmokingBun #NetGalley

Ellie Alexander writes the kind of traditional mysteries that lead readers to want to pick up her latest books. That is the case with this cleverly title latest by the author.

This winter set mystery again features baker Jules. She has people visiting from Spain and is eager to show them a favorite spot and traditional contest that involves dummies on skis except…

There are many suspects in this story. Readers will enjoy the setting, the characters and the story. They will wait for the author’s nineteenth entry in the long running series.

Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 20 February 2024