A Novel

by Jeff Hoffmann

Those who have not worked in or been involved with adoption close up tend to think of adoption as a happy way to create a family. Those who have been involved in adoption as either a birth parent, adoptee or adoptive parents know that it isn’t quite so simple. Adoption is a process that is fraught with loss (infertility, not raising a child one gave birth to, not knowing a birth parent) and one that should be entered into with eyes open.

Here is a fictional account of people so impacted by this huge decision. Carli is between the proverbial rock and a hard place, new parents Gail and Jon feel threatened and Maya is the baby whose life is dictated by other’s choices. What will happen to them?

This book offers an absorbing story as well as a look at what adoption can evoke. Highly recommended to fiction readers and those considering or affected by adoption.

Pub Date 06 Apr 2021

Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for this title. All opinions are my own.

From the Publisher

“A can’t-put-it-down novel that will live in readers’ thoughts long after they finish reading.” —KIRKUS REVIEWS

“Hoffmann’s debut is powerful…. The decisions [the characters] must make are gut-wrenching… The story takes turn after hairpin turn, moving into domestic suspense, that will have readers waiting with bated breath until the conclusion; even then, they’ll be left to wonder if there is more.” —LIBRARY JOURNAL

“Hoffmann’s riveting debut is a high-stakes exploration of how far people will go to protect their family…A nail-biting examination of socioeconomic disparity and loyalty…[The] believable characters don’t disappoint, and [Hoffmann’s] engrossing look at fraught issues piques. This sharp tale of heartache, loss, and redemption resonates.” —PUBLISHERS WEEKLY

by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara

#FreddieMercury #NetGalley

Young Farrok grew up in Zanzibar, was educated in India and moved to England as a young man. His musical talent was discovered during his school years and honed in England where he achieved great success until his untimely death. Yes, little Farrok with a big dream, grew up to be Freddie Mercury who sang in the band that he named Queen.

Freddie’s story was nicely told in this brightly illustrated entry in a favorite series. I definitely recommend it.

Pub date: 07 February 2023

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

Baby Sign Language

A Fun and Simple Guide to Early Communication

by Mary Smith

I recently met someone who had taught a baby sign language. It seemed like an effective communication method for this very happy one.

Want to give it a try or give this book to a new parent? Inside its pages is an excellent guide to this early communication system that helps kids to communicate before they can speak. Included are sections on signs for mealtime daytime, playtime, family, feelings, the outdoors and more.

The book begins with a most helpful first chapter. It offers guidance on when to start signing and things to consider before beginning. There is also the rationale for using signs with young ones.

This book is amply illustrated with children signing the words. There are additional illustrations to help when learning.

Take a look at this one. I wish that there had been more known about signing when my kids where young. It doesn’t replace speaking to babies but offers such a helpful adjunct.

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

From the Publisher

Start signing with your baby today! This comprehensive book makes signing easy with photos of real kids using 100+ signs, plus expert advice on teaching your baby to communicate early.

Photos of Real Kids Signing Learn signs correctly with full-color photos of kids signing, instead of simple illustrations. Each sign has multiple photos to show movement and closeup photos of hands, so you’re able to see the signs as clearly as possible.	Expert Tips on Teaching Each Sign Every sign also includes proven strategies for teaching babies to communicate early. You’re not only learning the signs for yourself–you’re learning how to help your baby tell you their needs.	Songs and Games Teaching your baby is all about having fun and bonding together. Use the songs and games in the book to bring the joy of learning into your home, and get some cute giggles from your baby, too!	Learn More with the Video Dictionary Use the book’s companion Video Dictionary to troubleshoot any difficult signs and practice with guidance from the author.

A Novel

by Gabrielle Zevin

I think that this was Ms. Zevin’s first book to be published. She has gone from strength to strength in her subsequent novels.

This story of a curmudgeonly bookseller is definitely worth a (re)read. Do so before or after watching the new film based upon it.

I agree with this comment: “This novel has humor, romance, a touch of suspense, but most of all love–love of books and bookish people and, really, all of humanity in its imperfect glory.” —Eowyn Ivey, author of The Snow Child

Get to know Mr. Fikrey, his bookstore, his Poe collection and the ways in which he moves forward in his life. Readers will enjoy this novel as they turn the pages.

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

Also see https://joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews.blog/2022/11/01/a-blog-tour-spotlight-the-storied-life-of-a-j-fikray-by-gabrielle-zelvin/

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.

Pub date: 10 January 2023

An adorable read

For chilly nights: Midwinter Murder by Agatha Christie

Not an easy one but a classic

Who are the: Daughters of Sparta

An absorbing WWII story: Dragonfly by Leila Meacham

A favorite in this series

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…

The Best Traditional Mysteries of the Year — CrimeReads

No Strangers Here

A Riveting Dark Irish Mystery

by Carlene O’Connor

#NoStrangersHere #NetGalley

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

NOTE: A free sneak peek is available on Amazon.

A canine compendium of tail-wagging trivia

by Ryan O’Meara

#AmazingDogFactsandTrivia #NetGalley

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.

Pub date: 10 January 2023