Have a read: The Orphan’s Letters

by Glynis Peters

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.

From the Publisher

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Now out:

100 Poems That Matter

An Academy of American Poets Anthology

by The Academy of American Poets

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.

From the Publisher

100 Poems That Matter
The Puppet-Player, Fire-Flowers, Faces
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Admire Ada: Ada Lovelace Cracks the Code

#AdaLovelaceCrackstheCode #NetGalley

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.