Unto Us a Son Is Given by Leon

A new novel from this author is always most welcome! What I love about this series is not so much the mysteries, although those are well constructed, but the relationships among the characters and the ways in which the city of Venice is brought to life. Guido and Paola seem so real and affectionate with one another; they have a marriage that many would envy. Watching Guido and Paola with their children is a treat as is reading about their latest family dinner. Guido’s relationships with his extended family and work colleagues are also brought vividly to life.

In this book, a friend of the family who is elderly wants to adopt an adult male to be his heir. Will you as the reader feel empathy for this lonely man? All around wonder if this adoption is a good plan but he is determined and undeterred. Is this what leads to his and one other’s death? What are the reasons for what is happening? How are families constructed? They are not all like Guido’s.

For fans of Donna Leon, the chance to spend time with her will be a delight. New readers will also enjoy the book and will probably then look to read others in the series.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this good read. The opinions are mine alone.

#UntoUsASonIsGiven #NetGalley

Four stars ****

Jennifer Ryan has become one of my favorite writers of historical fiction and here she has written another successful WWII set story. In The Underground Library, she follows three main and many auxiliary characters.

Juliet has gotten her dream job, even if it may only be because the men are away. She is now the Deputy Librarian of the Bethnal Green Library. (Look it up for some great photos). She hopes to liven up the rather staid premises with a book club, children’s story hour and more. What will she contribute to the project that is the title of this book?

Juliet lives with a landlady and it turns out that she knows the other boarder. Juliet used to have no respect for him. Will her feelings change?

Katie has been working in the library while waiting to attend university. She becomes a friend and colleague to Juliet. However, Katie faces a serious crisis. Will she be okay?

Sophie lived a nice upper middle class life in Germany before the war. She has become a Jewish refugee in London. Sophie works for an incredibly mean spirited man and some in London view her in a rather prejudiced manner. She finds solace in the library. Will Sophie get a chance at something better? Will she ever be reunited with her family?

Readers also get to know a number of the library’s patrons. These include two older sisters and the rather bold Marigold. All of them interact over the course of the story including, of course, the three main characters.

The author does a good job of depicting wartime London. The descriptions of bombing raids, Anderson shelters and running to the underground for safety are all well portrayed.

This is a novel that will be enjoyed by those who like books about books, women’s fiction and WWII set stories. The pages definitely turn.

Look for all of Jennifer Ryan’s novels starting with The Chilbury Ladies’ Choir. They offer engaging reads.

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

From the publisher:

A Novel

by Jennifer Saint

An e book bargain

Pub date: May 4, 2021

I often wish that I remembered the Greek myths in more detail. I have spent time with Edith Hamilton and Stephen Fry but need to go back. So, I was not fully aware of who Ariadne was before I began this novel. At the start, I will say that I have seen some mixed reviews but I found this book to be interesting and engaging. Its’ main subject is the story of the titular character whose relative was the MInotaur.

Ariadne is a retelling of a well-known Greek story but from the woman’s point of view. It will be enjoyed by readers of other books including Circe.

Early in the novel, readers learn about Ariadne’s parents. They are Minos and Pasiphae. He was the ruler of Crete. She was the daughter of the sun god and is beautifully described in the beginning of the novel. What Minos did, how that affected Pasiphae and the circumstances of the Minotaur’s birth are told.

A number of stories of the Greek gods are dramatized. As readers may know, the gods are often like larger than life humans, full of passion, temper and more. They form the background of Ariadne’s world.

Others whom readers get to know include Theseus becomes involved with Ariadne. There are also Daedalus, Icarus and Phaedra. All of their stories led to an immersive read for me.

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

An e book bargain

I have been reading the novels by Elizabeth George since the beginning. The first book was A Great Deliverance and many others have followed. I have read them all; there are some that I have liked better than others but I will always give her books a try.

This title is aptly named. There are many things that the characters in this book are trying to hide. Will their secrets be exposed? How will these revelations affect the people whom the reader meets? I don’t want any spoilers so will leave that for readers to discover.

George takes on a literally and emotionally painful topic in this novel. I don’t think that this should keep anyone from reading the book but it is important to be informed. The carefully researched topic is FGM known as female genital mutilation, a practice performed on young girls in some African cultures. Along with this, George portrays the culture of those from Nigeria and Somalia. A corollary is the extent to which those who are white can understand those whose lives may be very different from theirs.

The primary case in the story centers on a murdered police officer. She was a victim of FGM and readers will watch to see whether she was killed by family, a stranger or someone in the FGM community.

This story is filled with characters. Regular series readers will be happy to see Tommy and Simon. Deborah has a significant role this time around. Readers also learn more about Winston Nkata and his family and Daidre and hers. In addition to many series regulars there are a host of new people to meet. The stories of the new characters are often complex and raise questions about which to think. Some of these have to do with marriage, others with having a disabled child and many about FGM and its impact and/or prevention. My one criticism about characters is that I was a bit tired of Barbara Havers and Dorothea’s interactions. Those who are not familiar with the series have no need to worry. Who all of these people are will be clear to you as you read.

The settings in the novel are mostly places in London. They were so descriptive that I often found myself looking up the real places on line. Such a reminder of London’s many neighborhoods and populations.

This is a long novel coming in at 700 pages. I think that it could have been shorter without sacrificing anything. Still, I am glad that I read it.

Have you read this one? What is your opinion?

From the Publisher

#TheSeaStoneSisters #NetGalley

I have been looking for a book like The Sea Stone Sisters for quite some time. I was wanting to read a novel that would fully engage me with an enjoyable and involving story, as well as having good characters and settings that come to life. Oh, it would be nice if it was a long book so that I could escape for a while (448 pages here). The Sea Stone Sisters definitely met my expectations.

I think that this will be a first in a series as there are four sisters as main characters. This time the story belongs to Iris. Her three flower named siblings will, I hope, mean that there will be four books in all.

Readers can read a plot summary to know more. Know that it is immersive.

The characters are fully brought to life in this story that focuses on several time periods and four special rings. The first time period is pre-historic and sets the stage. Next is a family in a beautiful home on Skarra (Scotland) that has fallen on hard times, and Iris’s story. There is also a story in the present that centers on Roz who has connections to the past.

I did not want this book to end. Those who enjoy women’s fiction won’t want to miss this one. Fans of Lucinda Riley may find a new favorite series here.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Headline for this title. All thoughts are my own.

Pub date: 12 March 2026

Post first published on 7 March 2026

Five stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Description:

from the publisher

Across land, sea and time, the stones will summon them home . . .

‘Unputdownable . . . This book moved me, profoundly’ SANTA MONTEFIORE

It all begins with The Sea Stone Sisters. In this spellbinding series Eleanor Buchanan intricately weaves together the stories of four sisters and their descendants scattered across the globe from the Scottish home that they all yearn to return to.

‘A gorgeous immersive epic’ KRISTIN HARMEL
‘The perfect successor to Lucinda Riley’ ZOE MARRIOTT
‘Evocative, immersive and completely involving’ CLARE FLYNN
‘An enchanting, edge-of-your-seat tale’ CHRISTINA COURTENAY
_________________________

Four great stones once stood on a remote Scottish headland – the Sisters of Skara.
Legend has it they were raised by a grieving father, to guide his abducted daughters home.
A curse was placed on anyone who laid the stones low:
their family, too, would be scattered to the winds, never to find their way home.

1931. When Iris Blackmore’s father knocks down the Sisters of Skara standing stones, a dark shadow falls on the Blackmore family. With his fortune lost and wife dead, his four daughters are forced to leave their home, taking only the rings they inherited from their beloved mother.

Iris is the first to depart, travelling east in search of an uncle who might be able to help the family.

Present day. Roz Chatton moves to London from Australia, bringing very little with her other than her mother’s old ring. Grieving and adrift, she stumbles on a painting of four ancient standing stones which ignites an uncanny connection to the ring on her finger.

Determined to learn more about the origin of the painting, Roz unearths the full story of Iris Blackmore, unravelling a family history she could never have imagined.

Four lost sisters. A family scattered. An epic journey home. Will you follow?
_________________________

The Sea Stone Sisters is the first of a sweeping and moving series, perfect for fans of Lucinda Riley. Let yourself be whisked away from Scotland to Ceylon and from Australia to London in this epic, dual time tale about family mysteries, unexpected love and enduring courage.

---

From the Publisher:

#TheAirRaidBookClub #NetGalley

I truly enjoyed Annie Lyons’s novel about Eudora Honeysett and gave it five stars. I, was then, of course, quite eager to read The Air Raid Book Club. It did not disappoint.

This is an historical novel that will appeal to those who have read Dear Mrs. Bird, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, The Last Bookshop in London, and other similar titles. It is warm in the same way with characters about whom writers will care. Plus, there are books, lots of books. At the end of the novel titles are listed should readers wish to explore further.

Gertie was married to Harry. Together the two opened and loved a bookshop. Sadly, Harry died from the very thing that kept him from serving in the military. Gertie has subsequently lost her zest for life. When she is asked by one of Harry’s friends to take in a Jewish child as WWII looms, she hesitates before making her decision. What happens as a result of this choice, the importance of books, and more make this title a most satisfying read, even with some sadness in the events of the story. As an extra bonus, get to know Mr. Hemingway…no, not that one! He is Gertie’s lovely dog.

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

Pub date: 11 July 2023

From the Publisher

My review of Eudora…

So many of the reviews that I saw for this novel were quite praiseworthy so I read it with very high hopes and expectations. It did not disappoint. This is a novel that engages the reader through its characters and its story lines. I think that readers who enjoyed novels like The Little Paris Bookshop or The Lido will want to read this one…as will many others. Miss Honeysett is a prim woman who is 85 years old. She believes that the time has come to take control of the end of her life. This leads her to contact a Dignitas like clinic and submit an application. Will her request be granted? Will Eudora want it to be? Readers learn that Eudora faced a number of tragedies and disappointments over the course of her her life. Most chapters in the novel include a flashback to a key moment for Eudora. No spoilers so I do not want to write more. In the present, Eudora meets the irrepressible Rose. The two have a relationship that evolves over the course of the book as Rose awaits becoming a big sister. Another important character is Stanley. His friendship with Eudora and Rose is impacted by some memory issues. What will happen to each of them? At times acerbic, at times touching this is a novel that I most definitely recommend. Give it a try. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.

#TheNationalTrustBookofBiscuits #NetGalley

I adore biscuits, both eating them and watching others make them on baking shows. Now, here is a book that might actually encourage me to bake some of my own.

This lovely title is part of a National Trust series that also includes those on crumbles, cakes, scones and more. All are worth a look.

In this one, find recipes that are easy, those that use chocolate, squares & biscotti, and many others. Dip in anywhere and get started.

I love the charming illustrations that accompany the delicious sounding recipes, including many for biscuits with which I was not familiar. Clearly, I must do something about that.

Before getting to work, read the introduction which includes some biscuit history and the helpful section titled ‘Good Things to Know.”

This book will provide many hours of baking pleasure and recipe ideas. I do recommend it.

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

Pub date: 12 March 2026

#StillLife #NetGalley

I chose to read the novel very slowly as, for me, it was one to savor. This novelist has a unique voice and that comes across loud and clear in this beautiful work.

The title had multiple meanings for me. As there is much about art in the book, it can refer to a classic form of painting, the still life. However, to me, it refers to still, as in on-going, life or still, as in quiet and unmoving. In part, I mean, how people go on when they have faced all that life has to bring to a person, everything from war, to love, to loss, to aging, to relationships to art, to travel, to home and more.

Ms. Winman has her very own authorial voice and this led me to need a bit of time to fully enter the world of the novel. At first, I was distracted by the absence of quotation marks for example. The story also goes through time and a number of locations.

The characters are quirky and unique. I enjoyed getting to know everyone and their connections to one another. Just a few of these folks include:

Ulysses: He survived WWII. What leads him back to Italy?

Evelyn: A gay woman who also survives the war. She is a professor who first met Ulysses on a significant night.

Peg: She was the woman for Ulysses except….

Alys or kid: She is Peg’s child but Ulysses is the one who parents her.

Spend time in this novel. Read it slowly but with enthusiasm. It is special.

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

#EmotionalSupportAnimals #NetGalley

With its illustrations of animals and positive affirmations, the author of this title encourages the reader to feel better about themselves. An example of an affirmation in this book is is ” The answer is not more self-criticism. The answer is more self-love.”

I like the worksheets that are included in this title. Examples of prompts to complete include, what is in my control today, and what is not. There is space for the mindfulness technique of enumerating what is seen, heard, etc. and more. There are also drawing prompts with the author encouraging readers NOT to give themselves negative feedback on their artistic talent.

The book is organized by topics. Some of these are Boundaries, Grief & Hard Times, Holidays and many more. For all of these there are helpful reflections, prompts or exercises.

I think that many will enjoy this book. Its’ concept of taking a few minutes each day to center makes sense to me.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel for this title. All thoughts are my own.

Pub date: 14 April 2026

Description:

from the publisher

Emotional Support Animals is a collection of comics and worksheets featuring adorable and irresistible emotional support animals offering words of compassion and wisdom, delivering smiles along with experience, strength, and hope.

What if your therapist was a cardigan-wearing walrus sipping a cup of coffee? Emotional Support Animals answers this question in a series of sweet comics and engaging worksheets. Nicole Georges presents small doses of therapy in the form of humorous illustrations about serious subjects. Picture a pug assuring you that it’s not cruel to say no or hold a boundary, or a crocodile reminding you that when you take care of yourself, you have more capacity to give. Inspired by Nicole’s experiences with grief and healing, her Anonymous Fuzzball comics touch on themes of self-worth, boundaries, and balance. Using quirky animals as her subjects, she proves that hard truths are easier to digest in an adorable package.

Affirmations include: 

• “Just because someone’s having a big reaction doesn’t mean I did anything wrong.” 
• “You’re not going to mess up something that’s meant for you.”  
• “As I love myself more, I demand less of others.” 
• “What people say is just information. You don’t have to take it personally.” 
• “I don’t need to achieve anything to be lovable.” 

An e book bargain

Well, this title will certainly lead readers to carefully consider their dinner RSVPs! Things most definitely became complicated for these seven diners.

Who is behind the predictions of when the guests will die? Who is each of these people? What have they done to prompt such diabolical actions? How (if at all) are the guests linked to each other? How will matters be resolved?

The pages will most definitely turn as readers try to find out in this twisty story that seems Christie-like in some respects. I can’t wait to see what the author dreams up next.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks-Landmark for this title. All thoughts are my own.

Pub date: 09 September 2025

Post first published on 29 December 2025

Description:

Three courses. Seven guests. One card.

It’s a deadly evening they’ll never forget.

Seven strangers meet for an anonymously hosted dinner party. As the evening winds down, seven cards appear, one in front of each of the guests. On the card is a number – the age at which they will die. Thinking it an elaborate prank, the guests disperse into the night, hoping to forget the morbid evening forever.

Two weeks later, one of them is dead at exactly the age the card predicted.

It must be a coincidence. But as more guests die, each one dead at the same age as their card, it soon becomes clear that something much more sinister is afoot. Now, it’s up to the quickly dwindling group to figure out who (or what) was behind that fateful dinner party, before their numbers catch up with them.

Told from the perspectives of each of the seven guests, Seven Reasons to Murder Your Dinner Guests is a spellbinding and mysterious exploration of mortality, begging the question: how would you live your life if you knew your number was up?

From the Publisher:

Editorial Reviews:

Review

“Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None gets a wicked update in Whittle’s assured debut…crafty twists and voicey narration culminate in an impressive payoff. Whodunit fans will look forward to the author’s next effort. ” ― Publishers Weekly

“Readers with a penchant for colorful characters, twisty plots, and surprise reveals will find this novel of suspense especially satisfying.”―Kirkus Reviews

“Christie fans will be delighted with Whittle’s new twist on an old classic.”―Library Journal