When my older daughter started college, she took a philosophy class and found it to be most intriguing. I have never studied philosophy myself so I very much enjoyed spending time with this title. A number of philosophical concepts are explored beginning with the ancient Greeks and moving toward the modern day. If you want to know who Aristotle was or how his philosophy differed from Plato’s (to give just one example), this book will provide an answer. I found that my brain needed to pay attention to understand all that was presented here. To help with learning, there are illustrations including art works throughout. This book offers a good introduction to philosophy. Readers can then decide if they want to pursue any topic or philosopher in more depth on their own. Many thanks to NetGalley and Arcturus publishing for this title. All opinions are my own.
Bibliophiles and gardeners, here is a perfect book for you (and me). Visit the gardens of a number of writers, enjoy what you see, and learn about the importance of each writer’s garden.
The photos throughout are just gorgeous. In addition, the text is quite informative. For example, learn in the very first entry about why Louisa May Alcott’s father bought a particular property and what was grown there. I like that each entry has a section on the writer themself.
There is so much to see here, so this book will provide enjoyment for many hours. J have so many favorites that it is so difficult to pick a few. That said, I especially enjoyed Louis May Alcott’s Orchard House; Jane Austen in Kent and Hampshire, Frances Hodgson Burnett at Great Maythem Hall, Agatha Christie at Greenway, Thomas Hardy on Dorset and, Beatrix Potter at Hill Top.
I would love to own the hard copy of this title and to visit some of these gardens in person. As the author points out, we are so lucky that they have been preserved, even as they evolve.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for this title. All opinions are my own.
This book, along with the author’s My First Piano Sheet Music, are good resources for kids who want to play the piano. This title introduces music concepts like the Treble and Bass Clefs, types of notes, staffs and more.. There are many songs to practice including Alouette, The Wheels on the Bus and more. Each is tied to the concept of a lesson.
This book is a good resource for little learners. Hopefully, it will make learning to play the piano fun.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Zeitgeist for this title. All opinions are my own.
This is a great title for kids who are learning to play the piano. There are forty simple songs here along with many fun facts. Just a few of the pieces include When the Saints Go Marching In, John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt, Amazing Grace, Bingo, and the Birthday Song. Young students will feel a measure of accomplishment at they successfully play these songs.
I found this to be a nice title for its intended audience. I even want to play.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Zeitgeist for this title. All opinions are my own.
This absolutely gorgeous, WWI-set, historical fiction title is one to savor and read at a leisurely pace. At 448 pages in length, it is one that requires the reader’s time.
Oxford, England-right before war (WWI) breaks out. Two sisters (twins), Peggy and Maude, live on a narrowboat on a canal. They work at the Oxford University Press putting together the books that will one day be read. The job is tedious but, in compensation, Peggy takes home any books with faults, adding to an already large home library.
Maude has an undiagnosed condition that seems somewhat like what today would be called autism. She requires much supervision from Peggy as the story opens. Maude seems content to live in the moment while Peggy is aware of the academic life in Oxford and deeply wishes that she could be part of it.
Oxford-war has begun. A group of Belgian refugees come to work at the press; each has her own backstory. Much attention is given to Lotte, someone who bonds with Maude. Wounded soldiers also come to town and Peggy begins to read to them.
This is how the novel begins; it slowly entrances the reader who wants to spend time in this community and its wide range of characters. There are those who live on the water, those who work in publishing, Gwen (who has the life that Peggy seems to want), the Belgians and many others. Spending time with all of them is a wonderful experience.
Highly recommended to historical fiction readers. They will want to know how the lives of the characters unfold in friendship, family, work and love.
As an aside, those who are interested in how books were actually made in the days long before a digital world, will learn a great deal here. These details enhanced the reader’s ability to enter the characters’ worlds.
Note that the author has written one previous novel; readers may well want to look for that one as well.
Here is what Library Journal concluded in a starred review:
VERDICT Highly recommended for readers who enjoy historical fiction about strong women, like the works of Kate Quinn, Beatriz Williams, and Laura Willig.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for this title. All opinions are my own.
Sparks and Bainbridge…welcome back! Readers are in for a treat in this fifth entry in a most enjoyable historical mystery series. It may be best to read this books in order but readers will be okay if they just begin where they want. Enough information is given to ground the reader.
Who are these women? Iris Sparks is pretty sparky. For one thing, she is dating a gangster. Gwendolyn Bainbridge is a widow and mother who was declared mentally incompetent but is making her way back to full control of her life as the story opens.
These two run a marriage bureau in post war England. Their work often leads to their involvement in murders.
A main plot in this book centers on a client who comes in to look for a second wife for her husband as she is dying of an illness…but will her actual death be a natural one? Readers will turn the pages as the case is solved.
Mrs. Remagen’s husband/widower is a unique character. An entomologist, hewants to return to the field. Miraculously, a good match is found for him but will it go forward?
Over the course of the novel, readers also deepen their understanding of Sparks and Bainbridge. This adds to the reader’s enjoyment.
I very much liked this entry in the series and already can’t wait for what comes next!
Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur Books for this title. All opinions are my own.
Those who are looking for a fun, engaging and relaxing read may want to put this one in their beach bag. It has a premise that has been done before (when the ex descends back into one’s life), but it is done well here.
The setting is within the world of journalism. Watch as sparks fly between the Celebrity and Features editors.
This is just the kind of book for a warm afternoon. Sit down with a favorite iced drink and watch the pages turn.
Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press. All opinions are my own.
Pub date: 02 May 2023
From the Publisher
Editorial Reviews
Review
Praise for The Last Word: “Ryan and Harper’s chemistry is undeniable and their constant competitions are exhilarating. Fans of the enemies-to-lovers trope should check this out.” -Publishers Weekly
“This enemies-to-lovers romance from Birchall is the perfect office-love story and readers will fall for Harper and Ryan and their second-chance romance.” -Library Journ
Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too! 