Now out:

American Wildflowers: A Literary Field Guide

by Susan Barba (Edited by), Leanne Shapton (Illustrated by)

Anyone who knows (or is) a nature lover, here is the perfect gift! Edited by a poet, Ms. Barba has organized a wonderful and diverse collection of poetry and prose about American wildflowers. She also writes an excellent introduction. There are contributors who are alive, dead, white, black, indigenous,male, female, so all welcoming and inclusive. Biographies of the contributors may be found at the end of the book. The water color illustrations throughout this title are gorgeous and coexist perfectly with the text. All in all, a delightful, thoughtful book and one to savor.

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

The three Ms: Mango, Mambo, and Murder

A Caribbean Kitchen Mystery

by Raquel V. Reyes

#MangoMamboandMurder #NetGalley

Raquel V. Reyes has written a cozy mystery that includes many of my favorite ingredients (pun intended). Therevare a cooking theme, lots of family (and their interference), a TV show, murders and more. Set in Miami and with a Cuban American protagonist, there are atmosphere, interesting characters and a good mystery within these pages. Cozy readers, take a look!

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

Pub date: 12 October 2021

336 pages

Note that the second in this series has also been published.

A love note to grandmothers: Grandma Grandma, Brave and Tall

by Antoinette Brooks

#GrandmaGrandmaBraveandTall #NetGalley

This is a lovely story about family history and connections. A little girl asks her grandmother to tell her a story. The grandmother complies and stories told in rhyme ensue; they show the life experiences of the different grandmothers in a charming way. The illustrations are just perfect; at times they are bright and colorful but, in one, when there is a storm, the illustration is appropriately dark.

This is a wonderful book to share with a young child. Hopefully it will inspire the adult to share some stories of their own.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Bright Thoughts Publishing for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 15 October 2022

What is the: Peril in Paris by Rhys Bowen

#PerilinParis #NetGalley

I think that this is the sixteenth book to feature Georgie. It all began with Her Royal Spyness back in 2007. I cannot believe that I have come so late to this enjoyable series. I plan to make my way through the backlist and look forward to hours of pleasure.

Georgie is a Lady and a distant relative of royalty. As this book opens, she is about to go to Paris with her husband. He reminded me of Colin in the Tasha Alexander series as he is on a mission. While the appropriately named Darcy works, Georgie spends time with her friend Belinda, among others.

Belinda is working for Coco Chanel. This gives the reader access to an atelier and the famous designer. There are other real people, including Hemingway mentioned; there are also fictional members of the “lost generation.” In addition, there are Georgie’s mother and her German partner. This is a bit tricky during Hitler’s rise.

Georgie does not know exactly what Darcy’s mission is. She is very concerned however, especially when she hears something about Berlin. Is Darcy a traitor?

Rhys Bowen is a master of her craft. This story unfolds effortlessly. Read it! Come to Paris, enjoy the landmarks and the feel of the city, watch the characters in action and then say (like me), I can’t wait for the next book.

Many thanks to Berkley Publishing Group for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 08 November 2022

304 pages