Making A Masterpiece

The stories behind iconic artworks

by Debra N. Mancoff

This lavishly illustrated title tells the stories behind twelve well-known artworks. The paintings include everything from Botticelli’s Birth of Venus to Amery Sherald’s portrait of Michelle Obama. Interestingly to me, many are paintings of or by women. There are the Mona Lisa, Judith Beheading Holofernes and Woman in Gold, for example.

Each featured art work is labeled a masterpiece, a term that is defined in this title’s introduction. The history of the word is also discussed. The author also talks about the current plurality in the art world and questions how masterpieces may (or may not) fit within this framework.

Each of these works is discussed in depth. Ways in which a given painting has influenced more contemporary artists is also included here. Read in any order and come away with a deeper understanding of these treasures.

Recommended for both the serious art historian and a reader who would like to take a deep dive into works with which they may already be familiar.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group. All opinions are my own.

Recommended and reviewed by me.

Part of a favorite series

A lovely read for fans of The Shell Seekers

Enjoyed and reviewed by me

Nothing is more satisfying than the emotional combustion of characters who were meant to be together.
— Read on www.nytimes.com/2022/11/03/books/review/new-romance-novels.html

“I got a copy of Edna O’ Brien’s ‘The Country Girls’ growing up, which hurried my puberty to a place where I thought differently about girls and women,” says the singer and frontman for U2, whose new memoir is “Surrender.” “I still do.”
— Read on www.nytimes.com/2022/11/03/books/review/bono-books-interview.html

I LOVED THIS BOOK.

I reviewed this.

I enjoyed this. Second in series also a bargain today.

I enjoyed and reviewed this.

I enjoyed and reviewed this.

Reviewed and enjoyed by me

Quite a theme here. Seems to be royalty day.

Those lucky enough to visit The Tudors exhibit at New York’s Metropolitan Museum may enjoy this.

A Novel

by Noelle Salazar

#TheFlightGirls #NetGalley

The Flight Girls stands out within a popular sub genre of stories about women during war time. This is a good historical fiction novel that centers on the Women’s Air Force Service Pilots Program. The protagonist is Audrey Coltrane. She always wanted to be a pilot and the war gives her this opportunity.

Pearl Harbor was a catastrophic event for the country and a frightening time for Audrey. Readers will be alongside her as she moves forward.

Audrey is very determined. Will this include her saying that she will be immune from romance? Will those she loves remain safe? And, how will the other women she meets help to sustain her? What exactly is the work that these women do? Turn the pages of this very readable novel to find out.

This book opens in Hawaii, also the setting for Sara Ackerman’s, The Code Breaker’s Secret. I recommend both.

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

Pub date: 02 July 2019

From the Publisher

An Intimate Tour of the Private Gardens of Europe

by Carolyn Mullet

#AdventuresinEden #NetGalley

These Edens are in eleven European countries. Enjoy the most gorgeous and lush visits that one could have without being there. This lavishly illustrated title would make a perfect holiday gift!

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

From the Publisher

Pettifers Garden Lower Wardington, Oxfordshire	Whitburgh House Walled Garden Pathhead, Midlothian	Le Jardin Plume Auzouville-sur-Ry, Seine-Maritime

Les Jardins d’Étretat Les Jardins d’Étretat	HORTVS Hilden, North Rhine-Westphalia	Broughton Grange Banbury, Oxfordshire

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Homebound gardeners will be dazzled.” —Publishers Weekly

“A sumptuous, utterly escapist hardback featuring all the most beautiful gardens in the UK and Europe we could possibly dream of visiting… This book makes a wonderful substitute for travel in these difficult times.” —The English Garden

“Adventures in Eden offers a way to get a glimpse of far-off garden perfection from the comfort and safety of home… readers will find much inspiration in both the words and images, as well as plenty of planting and design ideas to adapt at home.” —Horticulture

“This image-rich peek at 50 gardens in Britain, Ireland, Scandinavia, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Italy and Spain… leaves me longing to visit many of the gardens.” —The Washington Post

“A richly illustrated tour of 50 private contemporary gardens across Europe, chosen and led by landscape designer Carolyn Mullet.” —Gardens Illustrated

Anna Pavlova

by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara

In this entry in the informative series, readers learn about Anna Pavlova. She dreamed of being a ballerina from a very young age. Find out how she achieved her dream and what she also gave to others in this delightfully illustrated title..

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