Now out:

The Royal Lover’s Guide to London

by Angela Youngman

Travelers (whether armchair or in real time) and those who are intrigued by royals now and in the centuries past will very much enjoy this guide. It is filled with photos and short entries. Organized geographically, readers will be able to plan a nice route for sightseeing.

For example, in chapter 2 on Kensington and Chelsea, there is information on the Albert Memorial, Bluebird Cafe (Harry went there), Chelsea Physic Garden, Kensington Palace and the Diana, Princess of Wales Fountain, among others. Each entry has helpful information including hours, underground stations and websites. Each featured neighborhood includes many suggestions of places to go; I liked that there were many to do with food and drink, as well as sites.

This is a wonderful guide to the city. I plan to take it with me when next I travel.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Pen & Sword for this title. All opinions are my own.

What could be better than: Growing Up Powerful

by Nona Willis Aronowitz

#GrowingUpPowerful #NetGalley

The text on the cover lets readers know what will be found inside. This is a guide to “keeping confident when your body is changing, your mind is racing and the world is…complicated.” Here is a tall order but the Rebel Girls are as ever able to help.

There are chapters in this title on the brain, the body, being a valuable person in one’s family, the strength in connection and, hope for making the world a better place. There are also additional resources and sections on the book’s creators and experts.

To give a better sense of the book’s contents, the brain chapter has, among other things, a quiz asking about perfectionism and entries on stress, the blues and loss. Readers are told that therapy can help. The chapter ends with an ask the experts section. Each additional chapter is equally well set out.

This is a terrific resource for girls of ages roughly 8 to 14. Buy it for kids that you know. They will thank you! I give it my very highest recommendation.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Rebel Girls for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 09 May 2023

There’s nothing like a: Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld

#RomanticComedy #NetGalley

Curtis Sittenfeld is a nimble author whose novels are each unique. I have read her takes on both Laura Bush and Hilary Rodham Clinton; while each had a similar subject in a president’s spouse, the books were definitely not the same kind of story twice. I also read Eligible which was a Jane Austen update. There is always a voice of its own in her works dating back to Prep.

This title is a lighter one in the Sittenfeld oeuvre. Many will think that there is some resemblance to SNL here. There are writers, a comedy sketch show with celebrity guests and other aspects that reference late night television. However, there are also the characters and relationships and they are Sittenfeld’s own. These folks include Sally who has not been lucky in love and has been having “hook ups” instead of commitments. She watches as a co-writer, Danny, who is described as not too well put together appearance wise, become involved with someone “out of his league.” Why do things turn out this way for men more than women?? What happens when guest host Noah comes on the show and what will happen between him and Sally over time? Read this one to find out.

Many have adored this book. I liked it. I could not quite enter its world and pushed a bit to finish it. That said, I think this will be a very popular read this spring and summer.

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

Pub date: 04 April 2023

There is so much to see: London: A Guide for Curious Wanderers

by Jack Chesher

#LondonAGuideforCuriousWanderers #NetGalley

Thinking of traveling to England’s capital? Are you just an armchair traveler? Want to get a unique take on London? Whichever applies, this book is a good guide.

Readers are offered four walks through London. The first goes from Tower Hill Station to Liverpool Street Station. Next is Tottenham Court Road Station to Trafalgar Square. Third is London Bridge Station to Borough Station. Finally, there is a walk from Westminster Station to Berkeley Square.

Each walk has a theme. For example, the first one focuses on London’s buildings. They go from Roman ruins to skyscrapers.

In the introduction, the author states that he wants to show explorers lots of hidden corners. He also want to provide an “ability to read London.” Sounds good.

This book has lovely illustrations, a plethora of sites to see, informative and brief descriptions, and maps to help on the way. Each site’s address is also provided.

Recommended for someone who has the time and inclination to explore an amazing city.

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

Pub date: 09 May 2023

Rhys Bowen on Historical Fiction and Memorable Heroines — CrimeReads

Rhys Bowen is the author of the long-running Molly Murphy series, set in turn-of-the-century New York City, as well as stand-alones and another historical series. Rhys was kind enough to answer a few questions over email about historical fiction, crafting memorable heroines, and her latest Molly Murphy story, All That Is Hidden. Molly Odintz: What draws you…

Rhys Bowen on Historical Fiction and Memorable Heroines — CrimeReads