A wonderful read: The Wishing Game (by Meg Shaffer)

I’ll just put it out there: I loved this book. It is a novel for anyone who has ever felt the power of books and the delight in reading a special series (there is a fictional one in this novel) and for those who know how important relationships can be. It is part whimsy, part fairy tale, part game and all a page turner with heart. There are characters that I loved and wanted good lives for, most especially Lucy and Christopher who both suffered difficult childhoods. Lucy is in her twenties as the story opens while Christopher is seven. Lucy deeply wants to be Christopher’s parent as he very much needs one.

Those who enjoy stories about reclusive authors, puzzles and the power of dreams and wishes will find this to be a most satisfying read. Travel to Clock Island, try to solve a riddle and watch what happens.

Four adults who were childhood fans of author Jack will come to Clock Island. Lucy will also get to know Hugo, an illustrator and wing man for Jack. What will happen when they meet?

Read this fairy tale for adults. I wonder how many people you will then urge to read it.

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

#TheWishingGame #NetGalley

Pub date: 30 May 2023

From the Publisher

Make a wish. Turn the page.
“Part Willy Wonka, part magical realism,” says Jodi Picoult“This is wish fulfillment in the best way,” writes Publishers Weekly“One of my favorite books of the year,” says Sarah Addison Allen
“A love letter to reading,” says V.E. Schwab

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Meg Shaffer’s beautiful novel is part Willy Wonka, part magical realism, and wholly moving. It broke my heart and patched it over and reminded me that even as an adult, if you look hard enough, you can find the child still inside you.”—Jodi Picoult, New York Times bestselling co-author of Mad Honey

“Our list of must-read fiction books wouldn’t be complete withouta novel that reminds readers of the power books hold between their pages. Meg Shaffer’s The Wishing Game may not contain any magic—this is a whimsical tale, but it’s grounded in reality—yet there’s something magical about the book.”—Reader’s Digest, in “Best Fiction Books of 2023”

Now out: National Monuments of the U.S.A.

Thinking of traveling with kids this summer? Looking for some focus for your trip? Here is a wonderful compendium of the country’s national monuments. It is well illustrated and packed with information. Just right for travelers both real and virtual.

I was immediately drawn to this title by its gorgeous cover. It shows clearly that there will be much to see in these pages, including the Statue of Liberty and The Golden Gate Bridge. And, of course, there are many more in this title that is organized by geographical region. Note that the graphics inside this title also are designed to draw the visitor in.

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

five stars *****

From the Publisher

National Monuments of the USA
National Monuments of the USA
National Monuments of the USA

From my backlist: Meredith Alone (Claire Alexander)

This book has received many excellent reviews; if readers do not know it already, now would be a good time to take a look.

Changes are about to come Meredith’s way. Readers will be hoping that she will embrace them and find a happy ending after her three years of staying inside. Meredith has kept busy; after all, she has her job, her feline, her on-line support group, and her hobbies. But, could there be more for Meredith than friends who come to her? Could she make it outside again?

Readers learn that Meredith suffered trauma earlier in her life. How will she move past (or through) this? What will happen when a relative gets in touch? Will Meredith move forward? No spoiler, so read this Glasgow based story to find out. It is a good read.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for this title. All opinions are my own.

This title was published in 2022.

From the Publisher

Meredith, Alone
Meredith, Alone
Meredith, Alone

Editorial Reviews

Review

“I laughed, I cried, and I bowed down to the brilliant author of this brilliant book.”―Gillian McAllister, New York Times bestselling author of Wrong Place Wrong Time

“A gorgeous, charming novel…Sweet, moving, funny and hopeful, with a courageous heroine who sweeps you up in her story.”―Jennifer Saint, bestselling author of Ariadne

“A novel that examines our most private spaces and what it means to be alone versus lonely, this charming, thought-provoking debut novel will be a big hit.”―Good Morning America

“Meredith, Alone is a touching contemporary fiction following one woman’s journey back into the world.” ―Popsugar

“A timely and poignant book about trauma, loneliness, and stepping outside of our comfort zones — literally.”―Buzzfeed

“Executed with care, humor, and grace, this novel pokes at the bubble of solitude to show each of us that suffering has a sense of community and with that, the prospect of optimism.”―Library Journal

“Alexander creates a winning heroine in Meredith and likable characters in her kind friends… An optimistic, feel-good novel.”―Kirkus Reviews

“[A] satisfying debut. The endearing characters offer a sensitive portrayal of what it means to live with mental health issues… with heart to spare.”
 ―Publishers Weekly

Make your best guess: Butt or Face? (Kari Lavelle)

This book is very clever. It will interest kids and entice them. The photos are detailed and whether they represent a face or a behind will often be hard to know, leaving plenty of room for guesses. What I like about this title is that there is more to it than guessing. Kids will learn more about each featured photo in the detailed text. There is a lot of scientific information here.

Adults who want to intrigue an elementary school aged child with some science learning this summer, get this one. It is surprising, fun and educational.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Kids for this title. All opinions are my own.

Note that over 100 NetGalley reviewers so far have given this title a five star review.

Pub date: 11 July 2023