by Natalie Normann

The bright and cheerful cover of this book just drew me in. Here is a warm seasonal read for those who want something happy. As a bonus, there are recipes too.

To start though, there are challenges. London resident and new doctor Holly (I see it’s a Christmas name) has had some professional troubles. She decides to flee to Norway where her brother lives. Of course, when she arrives, she has an encounter (with a cat) that puts her in contact with a potential partner. Will Tor and Holly get together? Readers will surely assume so but hopefully will enjoy watching them get there. The writer has a fun writing style and a sense of humor.

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

Pub date: 30 November 2020

365 Encouraging Prayers for Morning and Evening

by Compiled by Barbour Staff

Those who like to start or end their day with contemplation or prayer may want to add this title to their collection. It is very pretty in its design. Included are a short verse and reflection for each of its 365 days. See the example from the publisher below.

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

Pub Date 01 Apr 2021

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