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

What caused: A Death in Chelsea by Lynn Brittney

#AdeathInChelsea #NetGalley1

This book is the second in an historical mystery series set in 1920s London. The twist is that a group of women are instrumental in solving the crimes. They work with a traditional male detective.

In this entry, a woman is dead. Was she hanged or was it murder? Most mystery aficionados know the answer to that and will want to read on. The victim, Lady Adeline, was a reporter of society’s doings but it is unclear how she came about her knowledge. What is clear is that she had enemies. Who is responsible for this death and why was she murdered?

This book will be enjoyed by those who like historical crime stories in which women are active in solving the case.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane/Mirror Press for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 14 March 2019

I previously reviewed the first in this series. There are four titles in all.

A WWI mystery-Murder in Belgravia by Brittney