Let’s keep: The Christmas Spirit by Debbie Macomber

#TheChristmasSpirit #NetGalley

This story will be sure to delight the author’s many fans. Debbie Macomber can be relied upon to tell a story that is light, nice and absorbing, thereby offering a break from the anxieties of the world.

This Christmas themed novel has two men swap places. It is a tried and true theme but nonetheless an enjoyable one in the author’s hands. One character is a minister while the other owns a bar. Will they want their own lives back? Where will each find love? Read this one to find out.

I did not review this before Christmas but…with this book, you can enjoy the holiday season all over again!

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

Pub date: 18 October 2022

Sometimes it is down to:Bear Necessity by James Gould-Bourn

This book is about connection and family and the ways that we find our way to people. As this story opens, protagonist Danny’s life is falling apart. He has no job and his son has not spoken since his mother’s death. Will was with his mother when she died in an accident. Things are looking bleak.

In an interesting plot twist, Danny buys a panda costume, hoping to get money on the street. He happens to see his son being bullied. Danny’s son talks to this panda man not knowing who he is. Read the book to find out what happens to this father and son as they cope with their grief. PW describes the story as a bit “lightweight.” See what you think if you pick this one up.

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

Pub date: 04 August 2020

A retelling: Shakespeare’s Tales: Hamlet

by Samantha Newman

Arcturus Publishing puts out classics that have been rewritten for young readers. I like these titles and hope that they will encourage kids to look at the originals when they are a bit older.

This one is part of the series of Shakespearean plays. The story of Hamlet is well told and the key elements are included in this illustrated title. The publisher notes that there are some difficult aspects to the story. In my opinion these include the murder/death of a parent, ghosts, Ophelia’s fate and more. They suggest that this one be read with an adult or for an adult to take the time to speak with a child once they have finished reading. I agree.

Still, it is a compelling tale and one that I think will hold the reader’s attention.

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

Pub Date 01 Jul 2022

Audiobook Review: ‘The Number Ones,’ by Tom Breihan; ‘How Far the Light Reaches,’ by Sabrina Imbler; ‘Young Bloomsbury,’ by Nino Strachey – The New York Times

From Bloomsbury to the Billboard Hot 100, these audiobooks will hook you based on story alone.
— Read on www.nytimes.com/2022/12/23/books/review/audiobooks-the-number-ones-tom-breihan-how-far-the-light-reaches-sabrina-imbler-young-bloomsbury-nino-strachey.html

A seasonal sentiment: Christmas from the Heart

by Sheila Roberts

#ChristmasFromTheHeart #NetGalley

Now that Christmas is just past, here is a review for a Christmas themed novel. Read it now or a year from now, either will be good for those who enjoy holiday novels.

This is a story based on coincidence so some suspension of disbelief is needed. A wealthy guy is stranded in a small town where a young woman, that he has spoken with about her grandmother’s charity, lives. But….he does not at first acknowledge who he is. Will the two work through all that they need to and find romance? Readers probably know the answer but that is exactly why books like this are popular. Readers can simply relax and enjoy as the plot unfolds.

Those who enjoy women’s fiction, small towns and holidays will want to take a look at this book.

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

Pub date: 24 September 2019