This brightly illustrated book for young children does exactly what it set out to do. Here are brief biographies of a number of women who grew up to do amazing things. Just some of those included in these pages are Harriet Tubman, Helen Keller, Frida Kahlo, Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Simone Biles; there are fourteen short biographies in all.
This title would make a great gift. Let girls and boys know how much women have accomplished. Surely, that is inspiring.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Callisto Media for this title. All opinions are my own.
Historical novels about the ancient Greeks and Romans seem to be enjoying a good deal of popularity at the moment. I have read Ariadne, Elektra and Pandora’s Jar, to name just a few. I have also spent time with Stephen Fry’s retellings of the Greek myths. I wonder if, as our world, seems increasingly unsettled, authors and readers turn to other complex times either for answers or to remember that there have been many other complicated historical eras.
In Daughters of Sparta, Ms. Heywood tells her version of the story about the ever famous Helen and her sister Klytemnestra. Their fates were entwined and the story told here is involving. How did these young girls lives become the subject of love, war, revenge and mythology? Find out in this historical novel. Ms. Heywood does a good job of bringing their world to life.
Many thanks to Penguin Group Dutton and NetGalley for this title. All opinions are my own.
Pub date: 22 Jun 2021
Editorial Reviews
Review
Praise for Daughters of Sparta
“Heywood’s wondrous retelling of the lives of two ancient princesses struggling for independence and agency in a patriarchal society resonates deeply in today’s imperfect world. Required reading for fans of Circe, and a remarkable, thrilling debut.” —Fiona Davis, New York Times bestselling author of The Lions of Fifth Avenue
“Helen of Troy and her sister Klytemnestra are reimagined in this gorgeous retelling of the classic Greek myth—not as women defined by their husbands and lovers but as battle-weary survivors of a patriarchal society who take control of their own destiny. Absolutely riveting!” —Alka Joshi, New York Times bestselling author of The Henna Artist
So, this novel has the perfect title for a read at this time of year. It will be enjoyed by both her new and old readers of this author. They will find an involving story about characters, families and the choices that people make.
Robyn’s life involved always being there for her husband and children. In order to do this, she ruled out options like going to college. Now, in her forties, Robyn’s husband and she are divorced. He has had a series of relationships, some of which are questionable. Robyn’s daughter, Harlow, is planning to marry young, while her son has decided not to go to college. Oh, by the way, Robyn also has to figure out how to support herself when the payments from her former spouse stop. Yes, she has a lot to think about.
While Robyn is in Florida, her great aunt Lillian (aged 94 or so) is in California. Lillian is getting to know the former Marine (and current writer) Mason to whom her husband left her eccentric home. It will pass to him when Lillian dies. There is also a bequest to Robyn.
Robyn decides to leave family behind for a trip to California and Lillian. Will her family stay behind? What will happen out West? How will Robyn’s life change as a result? Readers will find out over the course of this story.
In addition to following Robyn, there is also a secondary plot about Robyn’s best friend and her marriage. Robyn has worked part-time in this friend’s antique business. So, two families that readers get to know.
This book will be enjoyed by those who read women’s fiction. They will most likely then eagerly await the author’s next book.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for this title. All opinions are my own.
Pub date: 15 Mar 2022
Editorial Reviews
Review
PRAISE FOR THE SUMMER GETAWAY
“The Summer Getaway is a reflective and moving tale of family ties.”—New York Journal of Books
“Mallery’s latest contemporary romance has the family dynamics, heartfelt introspection, and emotional truths that keep readers coming back. The perfect escape for readers wanting to get away.”—Booklist
PRAISE FOR SUSAN MALLERY
“Susan Mallery never disappoints.”—Debbie Macomber, #1 New York Times bestselling author
“Mallery is one of a kind.”—RT Book Reviews
“Mallery is an expert at writing about strong women, their friendships, and their romances.”—Booklist
Lucky Cat is a picture book that tells the story of an immigrant family from a child’s point of view. June is trying to adapt as her parents try to get a business up and running. They show her a Lucky Cat statue and let her know how it should bring good things to them. But…first there are challenges as the figure comes to life and is seemingly seen only by June. Will things ever work out? Read this one to find out.
The author of this book gives a hopeful message. It is that families will benefit from keeping on trying and that the love of one’s family matters.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group-Frances Lincoln Children’s Books for this title. All opinions are my own.
Everyone was once a child with a dream. That is why there seems to always be a new person to feature in this series for young children. As usual, this book tells the story of a successful person who had to work their way toward their goals.
Here, readers get to meet Mae Jemison. Young Mae knew that she wanted to travel to the stars. She also understood that no one who looked like her had become an astronaut in real life, even if they had on TV. Well, she became the first and made history. She also did so much before going to NASA, studying engineering and becoming a doctor, volunteering for the Peace Corps and more. Find out about her in this charmingly illustrated latest title by Ms. Sanchez Vegara.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group-Frances Lincoln’s Children’s Books for this title. All opinions are my own.
This is the third novel in a series that features ex-cop Nico who has moved to a small Italian town following the death of his beloved wife. Over the course of the stories, he has established himself in his new community.
Nico works at a relative’s restaurant for the joy and focus that it offers. He also helps the police in some of their murder cases. Given his avocations, readers get to know police officers, Nico’s family and friends, and some eccentric locals as they experience the story. Readers are also treated to many descriptions of cooking and foods. There is even a bit of romance. All of this makes me pretty certain that readers who enjoy the novels of Donna Leon will also want to read these stories.
This time, an elderly bartender is murdered. Was it because of his family land, his being gay, his connection to hotel owner Laura, or something else entirely? To what extent, will a tragedy in Laura’s past play into the story? All will, of course, eventually be revealed.
This book can be read as a standalone or readers may want to begin at the beginning. Either way, this leisurely paced series is one to savor.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Soho Press for this title. All opinions are my own.
Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too! 