An illustrated collection of pussycat tales and feline facts
by Tammy Gagne
I recently posted on this title’s companion book about dogs. Again, readers will find a cornucopia filled with everything that they could want to know about this popular pet. Read about breeds, the cat’s senses, mind & behavior, general care, training tips and so much more.
This title is sure to enjoyed by auilurophiles and others. The photos alone make this book so appealing and yet they are just part of it. There is loads of practical advice here.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for this title. All opinions are my own.
For me, there are few things more enjoyable than a good, old-fashioned whodunnit. Or a good, new-fashioned whodunnit. I say it a lot on this website, but, to me, the best thing that can happen in a book or a movie is someone crying out: “someone in this house is a murderer!” Or, if that…
No Strangers Here is the first entry in a new series by Carlene O’Connor. It is the start of some titles by this author that move away from the cozy genre.
Dimpna is a vet who left Dingle (where she grew up) a number of years ago. During the time she was away, Dimpna raised a son from whom she has kept a very big secret, married but found that scandal surrounded her husband, and was left struggling. She decided to return to Dingle, where a man had been murdered, her parents were suspects, it wasn’t clear if an old friend could be trusted, and more.
The body is found with a message. Does it mean what Dimpna thinks it might? How deeply will she be drawn into events and what will it be like to see an old friend with police connections as well as interact with the detective on the case? As can be guessed by this description a lot goes on in these pages.
I enjoyed this book. I will look forward to the next in the series.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for this title. All opinions are my own.
Pub date: 25 October 2022
From the Publisher
Editorial Reviews
Review
Praise for No Strangers Here
“This solid series launch from O’Connor takes a more somber approach to crime solving than her Irish Village mysteries…O’Connor adds plot twists that many won’t anticipate. Judicious use of Irishisms (“I swear to ye”) adds color. Readers will eagerly await what happens next in County Kerry.” —Publishers Weekly
“Exciting, convoluted, and rich with compelling characters, this is the best of O’Connor’s Irish mysteries to date.” —Kirkus Reviews STARRED REVIEW
“Known for her cozies, O’Connor moves into darker territory here. For fans of Louise Penny.” —Library Journal
This book will absolutely be enjoyed by its target audience. I was in as soon as I saw some of the photos!
There is so much information in these pages. Learn about the origins of dogs, their breeds, physical facts, behavior, buying a dog, why dogs do certain things and so much more, even famous dogs and sayings.
This is an eclectic collection to browse and dip into. I thought that sections such as Are You ready for a Dog? were helpful. I also enjoyed reading about dogs in literature.
This title would make a perfect gift for a pet owner, your dog walker, those who love dogs even without having one in the family.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for this title. All opinions are my own.
Historical fiction about WWII has flourished over the past few years. I’ve said before that I wonder if readers are drawn to these stories of the past during our own times of insecurity. Readers know that horrific things happened during the War but they also know how it ended before they begin their next read
Even in a crowded field, this book may be worth a look for fans of this genre. The story takes place in England where three close friends have scattered. Nurse Kitty is a main character; she is a nurse in love with a doctor who is elsewhere. Waiting and hoping for his letters is of great importance to her.
Kitty’s friends Jo and Trixie are also trying to make it through the war and are awaiting their own letters. How will life turn out for all of the people who have been thrust into a world at war? Read this one to find out. There is an extra bonus in reading the letters that are sent among the characters.
Many thanks to Harper Collins UK and NetGalley for this title. All opinions are my own.
Pub date: 30 November 2022
Note that the e version of this book costs just $2.99.
I am always looking for excellent and inspiring poetry collections. Here is a good one that will reward readers for thoughtfully engaging with its contents.
The book is organized according to six topics. These include the spirit; ,grieving, social justice, the environment, the body and, finally, desire. Read in order or dip in randomly; however readers choose to find their favorite, they will enjoy this anthology’s contents.
The introduction invites readers in. The author reassures that readers don’t have to understand everything about a poem to enjoy it or to capture the feeling that it seeks to evoke.
The very first entry was by a poet new to me, Nazim Hikmet. It definitely made me think about my life, gratitude, things that are finite, living in the present and more. Just imagine where I will be after reading all of the other ninety-nine.
Enjoy poems by those you may know already like Langston Hughes. Also, discover all those new voices that are just waiting to be heard.
Although I received this title as an arc, I think that I will purchase the hard copy. It is that engaging in my opinion.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel for this title. All opinions are my own.
Adults may know Ada Lovelace for her parentage or for the contributions that she made to Math and computing. Younger girls may not know know her but they will after they read this illustrated chapter book. It opens with a very real eight year old Ada who is brimming with curiosity, energy and imagination, qualities that the adults around her sometimes did not seem to appreciate at times.
Life improved for Ada once Miss Stamp arrived. Young readers will be lucky if they have such a good teacher in their lives. She helped Ada to take off, almost literally.
This book goes on to follow the arc of Ada’s life with its ups and downs, and her discoveries, achievements and accomplishments. Readers will discover that there is much to learn in unexpected places as when Ada visited a factory. Watch where this, along with meeting Mrs Somerville and Mr. Babbage take her.
I think that this book would make a fantastic addition to home and school libraries. It spectacularly shows that STEM is important and that women can both work and marry.
The end of the book has activities. There is also a QR code in this title. Accessing this will extend the experience of Ada’s story and the stories of other Rebel Girls. A nice extra for those who are interested.
Pub date: 17 January 2023
Many thanks to NetGalley and Rebel Girls for this title. All opinions are my own.
Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too! 