by H.J.Gilfrew

I wanted to like this book but it fell short for me. The idea of reaching out to one’s neighbors who may be lonely was lovely. I also very much liked all of the illustrations in the book with the exception the people. For continuity, since the neighbor is described as wearing glasses, these should be seen by the reader. Also, although she has grey hair, the neighbor does not really look old at all. That said, the outdoors, the animals and the cakes were all delightful as was the font for the text. The mix of a visit with a neighbor and animals who talk to one another just did not come together for me. However children dwell in their own universe and this may be fine for them.

Many thanks to Net Galley and White Daisy Press for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub Date 24 Jun 2022

Daisy Edgar-Jones stars as an orphaned girl in the marshes of North Carolina in this tame adaptation of Delia Owens’s popular novel.
— Read on www.nytimes.com/2022/07/13/movies/where-the-crawdads-sing-review.html

If you read the book, this may interest you.

Poets laureate and other literary luminaries from all 50 states plus D.C. and Puerto Rico recommend quintessential reads that illuminate where they live.
— Read on www.npr.org/2022/05/13/1098827190/what-to-read-summer-travel

Everyday Celebrations From Scratch

by Maria Provenzano

I wish that I could take a few days to live with the author of this title. She is so creative and I just bet that days in her household and community are filled with fun and food.

This book is unlike any other cookbook that I have reviewed in that it also includes all kinds of projects. For example, make place mats with your kids before you make dinner or make gorgeous ice cubes to go with your drinks. This title is filled with recipes that sound delicious, attractive projects and loads of photos and instructions.

For me, this title feels aspirational. I don’t really know how many of these wonderful ideas and/or recipes I will attempt. Those who are creative will find much to try here though. There are good instructions and suggestions for pantry and art supplies. Give it a whirl and have some fun.

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

by Judith Koppens

#clavispublishing #NetGalley

This book will delight any child who did not want to leave their best buddy, a dog say, at home when they go to school. Benny REALLY wants to have a day at school but…teachers are not usually in favor of this. How is the situation resolved? Read this delightfully illustrated story to find out. I thought it was very cute and sweet.

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

Pub date: 02 August 2022

Evidence-Based Skills to Help a Loved One Make Positive Change

by Carrie Wilkens; Jeffrey Foote; Kenneth Carpenter

When someone is struggling with addiction, they are not the only person impacted. Anyone who has been in a situation where someone they love is struggling knows what it feels like to have awareness of the issue. Often people who love the person who drinks too much or uses drugs feels helpless, depressed, like like a failure, unsure of what to do or how to cope, and that is just the so called tip of the ice berg. This book speaks to those around the person who has an addiction with compassion, understanding and care. Its ideas and philosophy will make for essential reading and a welcome companion to many.

The authors offer evidence based therapy which is the current gold standard in mental health. For example they explain both motivational interviewing and acceptance and commitment therapy.

The evidence based approach means that what is proposed has been tested and found to be of help. The authors offer many ideas and practices to help those who want to help their family member or other person of importance to them. The practice is based on what is called Invitation to Change. Learn about The Wheel and how to put what is learned into as it may well be helpful and empowering. There is of course even more within the pages of this book.

I recommend this title to those around a person who is struggling. It may also be of help to clinicians who are learning more about substance abuse.

Many thanks to NetGalley and New Harbinger Publications for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 02 August 2022

Corinne

A Novel

by Rebecca Morrow

In Corinne, Rebecca Morrow tells a compelling and complex story about her titular character and her life. Corinne was raised within a fundamentalist family where the way of life was clear, even if she sometimes took to the sidelines. But something changed for her when she got to know Enoch Miller. This relationship results in Corinne being cast aside by her family and rejected by her church.

At just eighteen, Corinne goes on to build her life away from all that she knew and once wanted. Her story is told over the next fifteen years in this novel.

Readers will be fixated on turning the pages and seeing how life turns out for Corinne and how she works out her feelings for Enoch. What will happen when she returns to her community? Read this one to find out.

Highly recommended for lovers of literary, general and/or women’s fiction.

Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 12 July 2022

ISBN	9781250279996 423 pages

From the Publisher

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Rebecca Morrow is a pseudonym for a New York Times bestselling author.–This text refers to the hardcover edition.

Review

“I was riveted by Corinne, a novel that explores the chasm between religion and faith, between divine love and a love that is divine. It’s a modern-day Romeo & Juliet, and you’ll whip through pages to hope for the impossible.” ―Jodi Picoult, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Book of Two Ways

I’m reading Top 10 Reads on Scribd. Check it out: https://www.scribd.com/article/581199664

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/08/books/susie-steiner-dead.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share

I loved her books. So sad.