Get ready: A Classic Christmas Treasury

#AClassicChristmasTreasury #NetGalley

This collection of Carols, poems and unabridged Christmas stories is reasonably priced (19.99 U.S.) and would make a lovely gift. Inside are such classics as A Christmas Carol, The Gift of the Magi, and Twas The Night Before Christmas, among many others. There is also the sheet music for a number of well known songs. All in all, a nice collection that would offer some nice reading time for the whole family.

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

Pub date: 12 September 2023

Now out: Virginia Wouldn’t Slow Down

Five stars *****

What a terrific book to inspire young girls (and all children for that matter). Here is the story of Virginia “Ginny” Apgar. Born in the early 1900s, her world was not like today’s where girls are more encouraged to pursue their dreams. Yet, Virginia forged ahead.

Apgar is best known, at least to adults, for the Apgar score that was most aptly named for her. It assesses how an infant is doing at birth. It was both simple and revolutionary.

Still, much happened to Virginia before that and this book tells her story. It will inspire. Highly recommended. By the way, the illustrations are delightful, among the most appealing that I have seen in a children’s title.

Many thanks to W. W. Norton & Company for this title. All opinions are my own. I LOVE THIS BOOK!

Do you recognize the person on the cover: Murder Most Royal (SJ Benett)

#MurderMostRoyal #NetGalley

This book will absolutely delight cozy mystery fans and royal watchers. What a premise it is to have Queen Elizabeth discreetly investigating murder and mayhem. She may well become many readers favorite amateur sleuth.

In this third in the series, the Queen is in Norfolk for the festive December holidays. However, all is not well. A hand has turned up on the beach. The hand sports a specific signet ring which leads the Queen to name the owner of this body part. No, She is not squeamish. What happened? Who was responsible? Will justice be achieved?

The mystery itself is well done although I confess that, at times, I had a bit of trouble keeping all of the characters distinct in my memory. But, that did not pose any major difficulties and I very much enjoyed this book.

The delight of this novel lies in the insider feel that Bennett gives readers into royal life. The house and grounds of Sandringham feel accurately described as do events such as Boxing Day shoots and the exchange of gag gifts.

At Sandringham with the Queen are Anne, Charles, Beatrice, Phillip, Harry and others. No William however as he and Kate are at the Middletons. Every one is made to feel very real with personalities that reflect the sense that readers may already have of them.

As was true in the earlier titles in the series, 6 foot tall, Black, Rozie, the Queen’s APS, make her appearance. She is such a fun character.

I highly recommend this one. Readers who have not read the other books in the series will be fine here but many will want to go back to the first two just for the fun of it.

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

Pub date: 26 September 2023

Time for fun: Let’s Play

#LetsPlay #NetGalley

This cheerfully illustrated book is jam packed with fun ideas from around the world. Organized by the number of players (from one to a big group), there are so many excellent ideas to occupy kids. Yay!! Things that kids can enjoy away from the computer.

Helpful information for each game is included. For example, inside or outside; what is needed to play, the directions (of course) and more. Start with the well known “Rock, Paper, Scissor” and keep turning the pages for more ideas. There are so many good ones.

Highly recommended for kids you know. The games are fun, involving, creative and (I say again) not on computers or tablets or phones.

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

Pub date: 26 September 2023