Away to See (Martha’s Vineyard)

#AwaytoSeeMarthasVineyard #NetGalley

The authors of this title have been going to the Vineyard for thirty years so they are wonderful companions for a virtual visit. The artwork is colorful, textured and catchy, while the observations in the text show why the island is a special place.

This book is truly lovely. I will enjoy paging through it many times. It would make a good gift for anyone with a connection to Martha’s Vineyard, or who enjoys escaping through a book.

Many thanks to NetGalley and The Collective Book Studio for this title. All thoughts are my own.

Pub date: 24 March 2026

Post first published on 3 January 2026

Description:

from the publisher

A poetic and painterly tribute to Martha’s Vineyard, Away to See captures the beauty, stillness, and spirit of this iconic coastal destination through lyrical prose and vibrant, full-color paintings.

With 46 original works by Paul Norwood and reflective vignettes by Liz Norwood, this contemplative gift book invites readers to pause, reflect, and truly see. It’s the first in a series that lives at the intersection of art, travel, and mindfulness—offering sensory journeys through beloved places around the world.

Longtime summer residents Paul and Liz share their favorite island experiences and illuminate its slower, quieter side: the astonishing seascapes, the spirit of community, and the joy found in everyday details.

Why Readers Treasure This Book:

• Sensory Travel Experience: Evokes the rhythm and essence of island life through expressive artwork and poetic language.
• Local Insight, Universal Appeal: Created by longtime residents with an intimate understanding of Martha’s Vineyard’s landscapes and culture.
• A Fresh Take on Travel Books: Blends fine art, reflection, and narrative—offering more than a typical guidebook or photo collection.
• Display-Worthy Format: Small, elegant casebound hardcover—perfect for coffee tables, gift shops, or coastal home libraries.

Whether you’re an armchair traveler, art lover, or island local, Away to See: Martha’s Vineyardis a meditative escape that celebrates slowing down, looking closer, and savoring the world around you.

An e book bargain today: A lot happens in Williamstown and its environs in this twenty-second in the series: Murder in Williamstown (Kerry Greenwood)

Phryne Fisher is a woman who lives her life the way that she wants and does not apologize for it. Readers may be familiar with her from other books in the long running series. Others may know Phryne from her TV exploits in Miss Fisher’s Mysteries on Acorn TV. Either (or both) ways or even if a reader does not already know her, it is worth while spending time with this protagonist. (Those new to the series do not have to have read the other books but will just have to accept that they do not know all of the characters’ backstories.)

A lot (!) is going on in this book. It opens with a scene that may well jar current sensibilities as an Asian character is called something maybe appropriate to the time of the story but not to our times. Why was this raid done? Was it successful?

At the same time, there are other subplots. Phrnye’s adopted daughters are volunteering at an institute for the blind where someone may indeed be turning a blind eye to discrepancies in the books. Also, why has one of Phryne’s daughter been locked in the music room?

Phrnye find a body (as she tends to). Is this connected to opium pipes that were found in a garden? Who is sending Phryne poisoned pen notes about her personal life (she does have a habit of taking lovers of whom Jeoffrey appears to the the latest)? What is happening with her Asian lover? And to her relationship with police officer Jack?

There are also two women (lovers) who have escaped their institution. Who are they working (and dancing) for?

Will all of these plot lines come together? It will be a test of Ms. Greenwood’s abilities but she has done it before. Follow her lead in 1920s Melbourne where the story takes place. It is an enjoyable read.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 07 November 2023

The Sisterhood by Tasha Alexander

Wow! Lady Emily has made it to her nineteenth case in this long running historical mystery series. While I have not read every one, I have enjoyed a number of them.

Here, I welcomed the time spent with the recurring characters. The plot is a dual time one with readers going from the early 20th century, to Roman Britain. It is one of those situations where readers have to trust the author and count on her ability to tie things together.

Who killed Victoria? Why did the King get involved? Will the case get solved (yes)? Find out fans of the author and maybe some new readers as well.

How it starts: Victoria Goldsborough was wearing white that evening, satin shimmering like pearls. (I was ready to read more!)

Kirkus Reviews observes “Plenty of motives and a surprise ending… [with] a bit of British Roman history woven into the mystery.”

Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press-Minotaur Books for this title.

Pub date: 23 September 2025

Post first published on 2 January 2026

Description:

from the publisher

Lady Emily investigates the murder of a glamorous debutante in the next irresistible mystery of Tasha Alexander’s New York Times bestselling series.

London, 1907: When the Season’s most accomplished and elegant debutante, Victoria Goldsborough, collapses and dies at her engagement ball, the great and good of London Society prepare to mourn the tragic loss of an upstanding young woman. But all is not what it seems, and after a toxic beverage is revealed to be the cause of death, the king himself instructs Lady Emily and her husband Colin Hargreaves to unearth the truth.

Who would want to harm one of the most popular women of the year? Is it her fiancé with whom she had an unusually brief courtship; a rival for his affections bitter at being cast aside; her best friend who is almost certainly hiding a secret from Colin and Emily; a disappointed suitor with a hidden gambling habit; or a notorious jewel thief who has taken a priceless tiara from the Goldsborough home? When a second debutante succumbs to poison, the race is on to find a ruthless killer.

Emily and Colin’s investigation leads to a centuries old tomb in the center of London with a mysterious link to another death dating back to Roman times and the violent reign of Boudica, ancient Britain’s fearsome warrior queen. As the stakes rise and the clock ticks down, Emily must find the killer before they strike again.

About the Author:

Tasha Alexander is the author of the Lady Emily novels, a historical suspense series, as well as a novella and a stand-alone novel. She studied English literature and medieval history at the University of Notre Dame. Her work has been nominated for numerous awards and has been translated into more than a dozen languages

Birds of a Feather by Tricia Stringer

Tricia Stringer is an author whose books I first read in 2025. She writes women’s fiction, set in Australia, that offers good characters and plots. They are relaxing reads for me so especially valued when I feel stressed.

Birds of a Feather tells the story of three women and those around them. They do not always get along but come to realize how much they value one another.

Eve is in her sixties. She is a widow whose children live far away. Eve has had some run ins with the women in her community and feels a bit isolated as the story opens. Her business partner of many years wants to sell-who will Eve be if she loses this as well? Eve faces a further difficulty when she injures her shoulder and requires surgery.

Lucy is married to a husband who often works away for long stretches. It is hard having the full responsibility for young Poppy and Noah. Even though, her in-laws would help, Lucy hates to rely on them. Lucy is a nurse who had a bad event that has made her question herself. Nonetheless, she helps Eve.

Julia is adrift. She is Eve’s niece and surprises her with a visit. She clashes with Lucy, seemingly finding it hard to share Eve.

How will these three find their way? Find out in this most enjoyable read.

Other books by Stringer:

It takes a lot of energy: Keeping up Appearances by Tricia Stringer
What is the nature of: The Family Inheritance (Tricia Stringer)

Some book thoughts:

Reading this year was very special. My biggest and most enjoyable accomplishments were taking a class on all of Jane Austen’s novels and another on the Iliad and adjacent texts. Reading these books within a class was like being a part of the best book groups ever. I was left with so much to think about.

I most highly recommend Emily Wilson’s translation of the Iliad. Anyone who picks that up should definitely take the time to read the introduction. Parts of it were deeply moving. I also loved The Song of Achilles.

Some of the books that I really enjoyed this year were The Correspondent, Mona’s Eyes, The Killing Stones, This Book Made Me Think of You, At Midnight Comes the Cry, Winter, Silent Bones, The Eights, The Memory Garden, By Your Side, The Mademoiselle Alliance, A Case of Mice and Murder, Atmosphere, The Secret of Orange Blossom Cake…and the list could go on forever. Have you read and enjoyed any of these? Will you put any on your list?

Some of the titles that I am looking forward to in 2026 are:

So, here’s to lots of good reads, good blogs, good friends in the reading community.

Happy New Year to all!

Joyce

We could all use: Lessons in Chemistry

A Novel

by Bonnie Garmus

An e book bargain

#LessonsinChemistry #NetGalley

Unique, original, funny, poignant…I find that all of these words can be overused when praising books but this time, in my opinion, they are truly deserved. This novel is like none other that I have read although there is some connection to The Nine Lives of Rose Napolitano in terms of what does it mean to become a parent when a woman does/did not wish to. Otherwise, the protagonists of the two books are quite different.

Lessons in Chemistry includes such a wonder box of treasures. Why is there a dog named 6:30 of all things? What will you think of his tragedy early in the book but his vigilance afterwards? Will you enjoy his empathy and understanding along with his understanding of a wide vocabulary? What would lead a baby to be named Mad? What are ergs doing in the story?

Readers become intimately acquainted with the idiosyncratic Elizabeth Zott. She is a woman placed in the wrong time by history. It is the 1950s into the 60s. She WANTS to be a chemist and a working woman who is respected but the times challenge her. Look for her work around to solve this.

Lessons in Chemistry refers, in part, to the science of cooking. What leads Elizabeth to be the host of TV cooking show? She is no Julia Child to be sure.

I loved this book! There were times when I laughed out loud. Anyone who may have found the transition to a life full of baby demands will know what Elizabeth is experiencing. There were many moments when I felt for the characters as they tried to get through their lives.

I highly recommend this title. Let me know what you think.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

This book will be published on 05 Apr 2022.

From the Publisher

page turning and highly satisfying says maggie shipsteadi loved it says nigella lawsonan utter delight says claire lombardo

“[An] energetic debut…A more adorable plea for rationalism and gender equality would be hard to find.” 
—Kirkus (starred review)
“Indefatigable and formidable, Elizabeth pushes the bounds of how women and their work are perceived in this thoroughly engaging debut novel.”
—Booklist