Jo Bartlett writes the kinds of books that readers want when they are looking for a warm and emotional read This title is the third in a series but can easily be read as a standalone. It is the story of Georgia Banks.
Georgia has been given some bad news, really bad. Readers learn this right away. It makes her decide to make the most of the summer. Georgia wants to be by the sea and with her friend Gabe. She stays at the lovely Seabreeze Farm (I wish that I could go there!).
What happens to Georgia? What will this mean to her and Gabe?
I very much enjoyed this emotional read. Recommended for those who enjoy good stories and women’s fiction.
Many thanks to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for this title. Also thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books. All opinions are my own.
Mystery readers will adore getting to know Bert and Mamie, those Americans from Ohio. Many will hope that this is the start of a series.
The couple goon a cruise to Africa, motivated by Bert’s wish to take the trip. It is 1939 and readers probably know what this means about the state of the world. Things are not good.
What will happen when Mamie witnesses a murder? Yes, readers can imagine that she and Bert will figure things out; the fun is in getting there in this entertaining read.
Recommended to mystery readers, those who like historical crime and armchair travelers.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Severn House for this title. All opinions are my own.
This is the author’s second novel, following on the well regarded Violin Conspiracy. I very much enjoy that these are music based stories. Think the world of composing is quiet? Well, not exactly when it may turn out that someone who claimed authorship of some works, may have had no right to do so.
What did Josephine Reed compose in the 1930s? What was her relationship with another composer named Delaney? Why is one of Delaney’s relative contacting protagonist Bern Hendricks? Who else will be involved as things become complicated? Will wrongs be righted? What is the role of race in the story and its events? Read this enjoyable, thoughtful sophomore work by the author to find out.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Anchor Books for this title. All opinions are my own.
Advance praise for Brendan Slocumb’s Symphony of Secrets
“Music lovers will revel in Symphony of Secrets, a novel that is at once a celebration of music and also a cautionary tale about legacy, privilege, and creative genius.” —Nita Prose, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Maid
“Absolutely brilliant! Once again, Slocumb’s consummate skills are on vivid display as he gives us a fascinating page-turner that slips back and forth in time and seamlessly blends a heart-pounding thriller, a heartfelt look at family and quiet heroism, and a searing exposé of issues stretching from deep in our country’s past to the very present. The ‘secret’ of his title is apt indeed. And as for the cast: nobody creates rich, fully formed characters like Brendan Slocumb. Some books we finish and move on. This one will stay with you long after you turn the final page.” —Jeffery Deaver, New York Times bestselling author of The Bone Collectorand Hunting Time
“A twisty, mesmerizing mystery—Brendan Slocumb’s writing is like music itself, dancing elegantly from the page.” —Danya Kukafka, bestselling author of Notes On An Execution
“With Symphony of Secrets, Slocumb has woven an incredible thriller about music, genius, history, and greed—and how easily innocent passion can turn to dangerous, deadly obsession. You won’t be able to put it down until the last note!” —Peng Shepherd, author of The Cartographers
The Flames is a complex and well written historical fiction title that tells the story of Egon Schiele, the times in which he lived in Vienna, the women who surrounded him, and some scandals. Sound like a lot? It is but the research and assured writing of Ms. Haydock leaves readers in good hands.
Four women tell their stories; each of them longs for significance with the artist. There are those who are neighbors, relatives and models with each contributing to the narrative.
Schiele had a short life but it was certainly one that was packed with incident. The times were also intense.
I recommended this title for those who like historical fiction, complicated characters, art and, long and immersive reads.
Many thanks to NetGalley and ABRAMS for this title. All opinions are my own.
The illustrations in this title are absolutely lovely. There seem to be some collages here with ppealing people and scenes. The author’s interpretation of “shape” is very broad and moves well beyond triangles or squares to amorphous shapes like wind or certain emotions.
I liked this book but feel that the concept may slightly confuse some as the shapes leave the literal to become emotions or ideas. Nonetheless this is a title that an adult and young child could enjoy together and that could prompt some good talk.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Kids Can Press for this title. All opinions are my own.
C. S. Harris is the bestselling author of the Sebastian St. Cyr Mysteries, set in the first decades of the 19th century, as well as several other series. Her research is impeccable, and what’s more, she captures the romance, energy, intrigue, and spirit of a chaotic time in British history. In her latest, Who Cries…
Movie lovers and fans of Audrey Hepburn may now the movie Sabrina. This is the film that inspired this novel’s title and some of the story line. Much like Sabrina, Emma has grown up on a luxurious estate where her parents are servants/staff. Also, as in Sabrina, there are two men who capture Emma’s interest. Henry is the grandson of the estate’s owner while Leo is the son of the estate owner’s driver. Will she find true love with either of them?
The story takes place in the present with many chapters that detail the past and Emma’s experiences as she grew up. Emma was not immune to tragedy but neither were Henry or Leo. Leo and Emma discover something rather unsavory about Leo’s grandfather; are they right about his connections in the past? Also, what happened to beloved cook Fleur? A niece of Fleur’s also wants to know.
When the story opens, the grand estate is part of a plan for a luxury housing development. Emma is aghast and goes to an open house to learn more. She would like to prevent the sale. While there, Emma is reconnected with Leo and meets Fleur’s niece. Readers, the pages just turn from here as relationships build along with the plot.
I very much enjoyed this novel. Fans of women’s fiction with some historical context, should mark their calendars for this title’s release date.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for this title. All opinions are my own.
Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too! 