Richard Osman and his pop star brother: Mum is finally proud

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/7f7fea3a-0f78-11ee-9673-09365d127a9f?shareToken=4672218e39ac5f44ee6ea3aa2063b0e4

100 best books for summer 2023

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/ca69c74c-0f7c-11ee-9d84-6e8ed24abaa3?shareToken=29da6691d476fe97d9976f4df57e5a2c

It's easy to recommend this compendium of word search puzzles.  The large print format makes the book accessible to many and the puzzles have a nice degree of challenge and interest .  Each entry is themed; for example an entry on artists includes everyone from Albrecht Durer to Jackson Pollock Word Search lovers, this will make a nice addition to your collection.

Many thanks to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for this title that was published in March.  All opinions are my own.

FOUR STARS ****

This title is part of a series on mindfulness in…knitting, baking and several other activities where mindfulness can be practiced in every day life. This one is about connections between mindfulness and drawing. When I thought about reading this book, I considered how I doodle and how this can be a soothing activity. Therefore, I was curious about what I might find in these pages.

As is true of other books in this series, readers will find personal anecdotes, suggestions for practice and more. It is a welcome addition to a good series. Find the one(s) that speak to you; they may just help in achieving at least a temporary sense of calm.

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

#ArtforSelfCare #NetGalley

The subtitle of this book gives readers a perfect sense of the author’s goals. She believes that art can be used as a form of self-care, self knowledge and healing.

Ms. Swift begins by sharing her own story which included a tragedy. She then discusses who might benefit from spending time with this title (most of us). In the pages that follow, readers are invited to work in three areas. These include going inward, considering insides outward, and finally integrating and honoring. She explains how to approach each area.

This is a lovely book. There were so many wonderful examples of Swift’s own artwork. Kudos to this warm and insightful artist for opening up her world to readers and encouraging their art and ability to hear an inner voice.

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

Pub date: 01 August 2023

From the Publisher

#StarringAdeleAstaire #NetGalley

I enjoyed Eliza Knight’s earlier novel, The Mayfair Bookshop, which was about Nancy Mitford. I was therefore eager to see how this author would tell Adele Astaire’s story; readers can rest assured that she has done a good job.

Many are familiar with Fred Astaire, here called Freddy when he was younger; this makes him feel more approachable and vulnerable than the star that is often pictured. Although perhaps less well known, Fred’s sister, Adele, danced with him for many years. While in this story, Freddie is often seen as quite serious, Adele wants to have some fun.

The two Astaires, with this last name that they were not born to, began dancing as young children. With all of their talent they went far. In part of this story, they are the toast of London as their newest show is a great success. This leads them to mingle with many famous people; just two of whom were Noel Coward and David, the Prince of Wales.

In these pages, Adele is portrayed as questioning what she wants in life. Is it dance and fame or could it be a marriage and family?

Adele’s foil is the fictional Violet, a young woman whom Adele befriends. Violet has grown up poor; she is hard working and passionate about dance. Her story is told as it intersects with Adele’s.

Rich with period details, glamour and a good story line, this is a title to pick up. Recommended for historical fiction fans.

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

Pub date: 06 June 2023

From the Publisher

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Starring Adele Astaire peels back the layers on Adele Astaire’s life beyond the stage while highlighting how ferociously an intrepid dreamer must fight for an edge into the spotlight. Eliza Knight’s in-depth research brings these stories to life in exquisite, vibrant detail that will captivate readers everywhere.” — Madeline Martin, New York Times and international bestselling author

“Just as Adele Astaire received standing ovations for her performances, so too does Eliza Knight deserve to be similarly acclaimed for this book. I can’t believe I’d never heard of this incredible woman and I loved how the novel shone a well-deserved spotlight on this less famous but exceptionally talented Astaire sibling. Bravo Eliza Knight – and please take a bow. You’ve written a showstopper of a story.”  — Natasha Lester, New York Times bestselling author of The Paris Orphan

Start of the long running series

Hard to believe but one cent for this.

If you’re looking for a twisty mystery or gripping thriller to throw in your beach bag this season, you’ll love this list of the best mysteries and thriller books of summer 2023! These page-turning tales of murder and intrigue will keep you turning page late into the night.
— Read on www.bookbub.com/blog/best-mysteries-thriller-books-summer-2023

d Yourself at Home
A Conscious Approach to Shaping Your Space and Your Life
by Emily Grosvenor

FindYourselfatHome #NetGalley

Note this book’s subtitle as it accurately describes what is inside. The author is well qualified to write on her subject as she is a Feng Shui consultant (and also a magazine editor). Grosvenor has also been perusing the real estate ads ever since she was a child.

In these pages, the author offers many insights and suggestions on how to make one’s living space just right. In doing this, Grosvenor draws on many traditions that readers may well find inspiring. She looks at a home through the lenses of “philosophy (connect with the mystery and power of your home), space (prepare your environment for your story), build (discovering design tools to cue your behavior) and desire (bringing your aspirations into you space).”

I enjoyed the personal sharing that the author offers in these pages. I also liked what I would call, activities, questions or things to think about. As an example, she asks readers to determine their home’s values. To help them she provides a list of many words that will enable readers to hone in on what is important fo them.

The illustrations in this book greatly add to what is found here. They all feel very peaceful and evoke the book’s spirit.

Those who read this title will, I think, begin to look at their spaces more mindfully and intently. Some genuine improvement and happiness may be the result.

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

Four stars ****

From the Publisher

#LittleChimpanzee #NetGalley

Little Chimpanzee invites children to spend the day with him. It is a good invitation and one that young ones will enjoy in this appealingly illustrated title that is packed with information. The book ends with a section of additional fun facts.

Kids who are interested in nature and animals will like this title. Adults may also learn a bit.

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

Pub date: 01 August 2023