Instead of the Twelve Days, how about: The Twelve Dogs of Christmas (Susan Wiggs)

#TheTwelveDogsofChristmas #NetGalley

So many Christmas romance titles are published each year that it is hard to know which ones to read. That said, those who enjoy these holiday stories cannot go wrong if they pick up this latest title by Susan Wiggs.

As can be seen from the cover, there are twelve adorable dogs. Eleven of these are from a charity and are being driven to their new homes in time for the holiday. The twelfth dog belongs to Brenda and he is a real charmer.

As the story opens, Brenda has a horrible Christmas. She learns something that makes her world implode. A year later it is again the festive season (even though she does not feel that spirit), when Brenda is begged by the dog charity’s benefactor to ride with her to drop off the pets and socialize them with their new families. Somewhat against her better judgment, Brenda agrees to go.

Readers of Wiggs’s Lakeshore Chronicles may well be besides themselves with joy when they learn that the van is bound for Avalon. Those who don’t know this wonderful place and the stories of its characters can still easily read and enjoy this book. That said, anyone who wants an absorbing women’s fiction read, should definitely grab hold of those books. The interlinked stories are lots of fun.

What will happen to Brenda in Avalon? Will its magic embrace her? Things start out a bit shaky but what then? Will there be a happy ever after? Readers will certainly hope so.

I very much enjoyed this story. It makes me hope that Wiggs will return to Avalon again in the future. In the meanwhile, this book is truly a gift to the author’s many fans.

Many thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 17 October 2023

From the Publisher

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Now out: The Wonderful World of James Herriott

Are you one of the many viewers who has adored All Creatures Great and Small on PBS? If so, I think that you will be delighted with this collection of stories by Herriot (Wight), the vet upon whom the James on TV is based.

I was immediately drawn to this title by the lovely cover. I then enjoyed what was inside as well. The book begins with an introduction by Herriot/Wight’s children that sets the scene. Twelve wonderful stories then follow.

This book would make a perfect holiday gift. I think that I know a few people for whom I will purchase it.

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

Five stars ******

A remarkable story: Mary and the Birth of Frankenstein

#MaryandtheBirthofFrankenstein #NetGalley

I am currently taking a class in which I just read Frankenstein. That book was reportedly written as a challenge when a group, including Shelley and Byron, challenged one another to write a scary story. Mary took the challenge very seriously though it took a bit of time for her to feel inspired. She then wrote a novel that has resonated for audiences up to the present day. Read the original to understand the sublime and what it means to create an amazing story and with the many questions that it raises.

Mary and the Birth of Frankenstein imagines these events during that strange”year without a summer” when Mary wrote the novel. Mary’s psyche and relationships are presented to the reader. Without doubt, they are complex. The author also looks back to Mary’s earlier life in Scotland and a relationship that she (reportedly-I don’t really know) had there. How did this influence the writing of the classic about Victor and the creature?

This is a novel (beautifully translated from the Dutch) that Mary Shelley aficionados will most certainly want to take a look at. It is atmospheric and interesting.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Via for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 03 October 2023

From the Publisher

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Editorial Reviews

It’s: Snow Place for Murder (Diane Kelly)

This third in the series will be enjoyed by both those old and new to the Mountain Lodge, North Carolina setting and protagonist, Misty. This time there are real estate issues. What happened to the dead developer? Was there another murder in what should be this quiet locale? Since that answer will be yes, who did it?

Those who enjoy holidays set in the festive season with accompaniments of good character and plot will want to give this one a look. It could help a reader to while away a fall evening.

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

Pub date: 24 October 2023

Set aside some time for: The Best American Mystery and Suspense 2023

#TheBestAmericanMysteryandSuspense2023 #NetGalley

This year the introduction to the collection of best mysteries is written by popular author, Lisa Unger. She has a lot to say. Readers will also enjoy what Steph Cha shares as the editor of the series.

There are twenty stories in all. They evoke different moods, varying crimes and a wide variety of characters. Dip in and out to find favorites. Some of the authors were known to me so I went to those stories first. For example, there were tales by William Boyle, Joyce Carole Oates and S.A. Cosby. I then spent time with some new writers and was rewarded for that.

Don’t miss the section that shares information about the authors. It is intriguing to see who the writer of each story is.

In addition to the included stories, this title has a section titled Other Distinguished Mystery and Suspense of 2022. Get additional ideas of what to read there. Looking at the list makes me realize how difficult it must be to choose the stories to include.

This is a reliably good series. The new volume will be enjoyed for sure.

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

Pub date: 17 October 2023