Now out: Public Anchovy

Here is the third in a series for those who enjoy traditional/cozy mysteries. It is a fun read.

All of the elements that readers of this genre look for are here. There are an appealing protagonist, something to learn about (restaurants/pizza), a bit of romance, pet (cat) and (of course), a body. Follow Delilah and those in her town as she figures everything out. It offers a perfect way to relax on a December night.

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

There is a lot to celebrate: Three Holidays and a Wedding (by by Uzma Jalaluddin and Marissa Stapley)

#ThreeHolidaysandaWedding #NetGalley

There is a lot to celebrate in this book that takes place in a year (2000) when the three December holidays (Ramadan, Hanukah and Christmas) all happened at the same time. This is a rarity as readers can imagine.

The story follows two main characters and those around them during this festive season. Anna looks to have a pretty perfect life from the outside. She works for a home decor magazine and is about to celebrate the holiday with her boyfriend and his family. However, she experiences some setbacks even as she tries to catch her flight including seeing her suitcase left behind by the baggage truck. Is her (almost) fiancee really the person for her? 

Maryam is the one who takes care of everyone in her family and sometimes does not attend to her own needs. Her sister is about to get married while Maryam is not in a relationship. An old (and future?) crush is on her plane and may have overheard things not meant for him.

When the overly talkative Anna and the more reserved Maryam are in seats next to each other on the plane, they experience a rough flight; it is one of those that make a person wonder if they will land safely. This leads to their sharing a great deal.

Not really a spoiler but the plane lands, just not where it is supposed to. Watch what happens to these young women and those around them as a result in a delightful holiday read.

There are both humor and heart in these pages. Anyone looking for a celebratory read to end 23 with or start 24 with will want to take a look at this title.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group/Putnam for this title. All opinions are my own.

This title was published in September 2023.

An Oprah Daily Dreamy Holiday Romance to Read by the Fire
A Library Journal “‘Tis the Season for Romance” Pick
A Publishers Weekly Top Ten Fall Romance Book

“This charming multicultural and multi-faith romance sparkles with an adorable cast of characters and a storyline that reads like a movie one would want to watch again and again.” –Library Journal (starred)
 
“[A] holiday romance with charm to spare…Proving that ‘holiday miracles can happen anywhere, to anyone…. It’s a keeper.” – Publshers Weekly

There is a lot to celebrate: Three Holidays and a Wedding (by by Uzma Jalaluddin and Marissa Stapley)

#ThreeHolidaysandaWedding #NetGalley

There is a lot to celebrate in this book that takes place in a year (2000) when the three December holidays (Ramadan, Hanukah and Christmas) all happened at the same time. This is a rarity as readers can imagine.

The story follows two main characters and those around them during this festive season. Anna looks to have a pretty perfect life from the outside. She works for a home decor magazine and is about to celebrate the holiday with her boyfriend and his family. However, she experiences some setbacks even as she tries to catch her flight including seeing her suitcase left behind by the baggage truck. Is her (almost) fiancee really the person for her? 

Maryam is the one who takes care of everyone in her family and sometimes does not attend to her own needs. Her sister is about to get married while Maryam is not in a relationship. An old (and future?) crush is on her plane and may have overheard things not meant for him.

When the overly talkative Anna and the more reserved Maryam are in seats next to each other on the plane, they experience a rough flight; it is one of those that make a person wonder if they will land safely. This leads to their sharing a great deal.

Not really a spoiler but the plane lands, just not where it is supposed to. Watch what happens to these young women and those around them as a result in a delightful holiday read.

There are both humor and heart in these pages. Anyone looking for a celebratory read to end 23 with or start 24 with will want to take a look at this title.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group/Putnam for this title. All opinions are my own.

This title was published in September 2023.

An Oprah Daily Dreamy Holiday Romance to Read by the Fire
A Library Journal “‘Tis the Season for Romance” Pick
A Publishers Weekly Top Ten Fall Romance Book

“This charming multicultural and multi-faith romance sparkles with an adorable cast of characters and a storyline that reads like a movie one would want to watch again and again.” –Library Journal (starred)
 
“[A] holiday romance with charm to spare…Proving that ‘holiday miracles can happen anywhere, to anyone…. It’s a keeper.” – Publshers Weekly

History unspools in the : North Woods (by Daniel Mason)

#NorthWoods #NetGalley

ONE OF THE NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW AND THE WASHINGTON POST’S TEN BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR
A BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR: Time, The Boston Globe, NPR, Chicago Public Library, The Star Tribune, The Economist, The Christian Science Monitor, Real Simple, Kirkus Reviews, Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, Bookreporter

It is clear from the above that North Woods is a special book. Anyone who enjoys an immersive read will want to give this title a look. It tells the story of a place over the course of many years and many lives and through many narrative threads. As an added perspective, there is much on nature in these pages. 

The story begins with the Puritans; readers get to know these first (and all of the other characters) well. All have stories to tell and their lives cover many years of American history.

I highly recommend this complex and rewarding book. Get to know the yellow house. Take the time to enjoy time spent there.

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

This title was published in September 2023

From the Publisher

The San Francisco Chronicle compares the book to David Mitchell, Edgar Allan Poe, and Thoreau
Abraham Verghese calls it an original and spellbinding novelNamed a Best Book of the Year by multiple publicationsMaggie O’Farrell calls it a monumental achievement
The Guardian says To read it is to travel to the limits of what the novel can doThe Washington Post calls it a time-spanning, genre-blurring workNPR says it channels Hawthorne, Thoreau, Richard Powers, and George Saunders
All homes have histories. This one has more than most.

Are you one? The Art Lover’s Barcelona (by Ruby Boukabou)

 #TheArtLoversGuidetoBarcelona #NetGalley

Thinking of going to Barcelona, either really or virtually? Been there and want to think back on your trip? Interested in art in general? Readers in any (or all) of these categories will want to give this title a look.

Inside is a wonderful guide to the art scene in Barcelona. The book is well organized with sections on history, practical tips, 36 hours in Barcelona, art in varying locales (museums, galleries, street art, etc.) and conversations with those in the art scene. There are even sections on art classes and buying art. The text is accompanied by many photographs.

All in all, it is easy to recommend this guide.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Pen & Sword for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 28 February 2024

The answer is complex and simple: Why We Read (by Shannon Reed)

#WhyWeRead #NetGalley

Shannon Reed offers readers her idiosyncratic answers (and they are many) as to why we read and why she does. Early on Reed shares that, as someone with a hearing impairment, reading books was a comfortable place to be as there was no need to struggle or answer based on imperfect understanding of what was being said. Reed read everywhere and everything, even a car manual when she forgot (never again!) to have a book with her. Bibliophiles will relate to not ever leaving home without something to read; I know that I did.

This is not an academic treatise but more a series of wide ranging personal thoughts and reflections. Throughout it is clear that Reed loves reading and wants her students and everyone, really, to find joy in a book.

Reed begins by talking about getting her first library card and the many libraries that have played a role in her life. I know two of these personally which made the pages come to life for me. 

Whether it is about reading (or not reading) series, signs you may be a character in a popular children’s book, reading to see ourselves across time, for comfort, fun or shock, or more, it is intriguing to see what the author has to say on a variety of topics.

This book would make a fun gift for a reader…even if that reader means giving a gift to one’s self. Take a look at the back of the book for an exhaustive reading list based on the books mentioned in the text. This will give a bibliophile many ideas for what to try next or to fondly remember books that they have read.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 08 February 2024