From the Short List-recent books that are discounted
Some other bargains:
Some e book bargains for 6.1.22
Come to Tuscany: Murder in Chianti by Camilla Trinchieri
An e book bargain for 6.1.22
The third in this series comes out soon.
For some reason, during the corona virus pandemic, I have been spending a lot of time in virtual Italy reading mysteries that are set there. My guides, until I read this novel, were Donna Leon and her Inspector Brunetti, and Andrea Camilleri and his Detective, Montalbano. Their novels feature an engaging protagonist, beautiful locations and, VERY IMPORTANT, delicious food.
So, I was curious about this book set in Tuscany and happy to receive an ARC. I was not disappointed. This novel, the start of a new series, and its detective, fit right into the sub genre of Italian police stories.
The protagonist of Murder in Chianti is widower and former New York City police detective, Nico. He has moved to Chianti following the death of his wife, Rita. Rita has a cousin in Chianti who owns a restaurant, one source of the delicious sounding food in the novel. Food wise…
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Wouldn’t you love: An Irish Country Welcome by Patrick Taylor
This title is book fifteen in the popular series that began with An Irish Country Doctor. The stories take place in a small, close knit community. The time here is the late sixties. Barry and Sue are expecting their first child, a new (aristocratic) doctor is on the scene, there are problems in Ireland and more.
I think that this title will be enjoyed (of course) by those who have already discovered the series. I think that it may also be enjoyed by fans of All Creatures Great and Small.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Forge Books for this title. All opinions are my own.
Pub date: 06 October 2020
Some e book bargains for 5.30.22
This may help to place: Your Life in Bloom
A Manual on Courage and Crafting Your Unique, Beautiful Life
by Lucy Fuggle
This book is one that can be dipped into again and again, read either in order or by picking an entry that just suits a current mood. There are many short, thoughtful entries in this book. I will pick a few that I read at random: Anxiety lies; You are not your past, The simplest things are most important, and a special favorite, Books help with everything.
This is a title that can offer a bit of inspiration and encouragement when those are the qualities needed. I will be looking at this one for a while.
Many thanks to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for this title. All opinions are my own.
Pub date: 31 July 2022
Mark your calendar:
Crooked Lane Books Fall 2022 Sampler
by Crooked Lane Books
Where I live, it is supposed to feel like 100 degrees today. Despite this, I know that fall will come and that I will be looking for new reads (as always).
This sampler from Crooked Lane includes descriptions and samples of a number of forthcoming mystery/suspense/thriller titles. The range is wide from cozy, to international, to teens and more. Take a look and see if there are some suggestions here for your TBR pile.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this title. All opinions are my own.
Pub Date 01 Aug 202
Readers hope that: The Best Is Yet to Come
A Novel
by Debbie Macomber
Debbie Macomber has written a number of series and Christmas stories. I first read her series that began with 16 Lighthouse Road and made my way through each of the street named entries. This current title is a standalone.
Over the course of the novel, readers follow two characters who have complex histories . Cade is a war vet who is struggling with injuries both physical and psychological. Hope has faced her own losses and has moved to this small California town to have a new start. The two meet when each volunteers at an animal shelter. Dog, Shadow, also becomes a loved character to these two and to readers as well.
Readers follow Cade and Hope as they slowly become friends and, hopefully, something more. Each would so benefit from a good relationship.
Hope works as a teacher and school counselor. One of her brightest students also has issues. Is Hope’s advice to him right? Will he find his way? How much fallout will there be among the other students and the girl that he likes?
This book is titled The Best is Yet to Come. This is what readers will wish for these characters.
This is an easy read even as it touches on some sensitive issues. Fans of the author and women’s stories will want to give this one a look.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House-Ballantine Books for this title. All opinions are my own.
Pub Date 12 Jul 2022
Some e book bargains for 5.30.22
a spark of light by Jodi Picoult
I have been reading books by Jodi Picoult for many years and especially enjoyed Salem Falls and Plain Truth. When I read Leaving Time, I felt that the usual twist at the end was more of a trick. I also did not enjoy small great things, probably because it was so difficult to read about the Aryan supremacists. So…I wasn’t sure what I would find when NetGalley and the publisher so kindly gave me an ARC of this book.
Ok, the drought is over! I found a spark of light to be a well-crafted, character based story. As was true in Nineteen Minutes, Ms. Picoult helps the reader to empathize with those who represent all sides of a complex moral and societal issue. There are many in the story: an abortion clinic owner, a nurse, an artist, an elderly woman, a young girl seeking birth control, a person in need of an abortion, a doctor, protesters, infiltrators, a hostage negotiator and more. Each of their stories is told in a narrative going backward in time. Interconnections between characters become clearer as the reader turns the pages.
The primary setting is an abortion clinic that is under siege. It remains unclear who will live and who will not. There are some surprises at the end.
The book is heavily researched. The reader will learn a lot about restrictions, types of terminations, pregnancy counseling, etc. Some times these felt a bit heavy handed but then I imagined what it might be like if I were a young girl and this was the one place that I could find a lot of facts.
I highly recommend a spark of light. It will make you care and it will make you think.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher!
THIS ONE IS MORE TIMELY THAN EVER!
Happy Reading from the nyt
What is the meaning of: The Vanishing Type by Ellery Adams
This is the fifth title in this series. I have enjoyed (and reviewed) all of them. These (pretty much) cozy mysteries will hearken to bibliophiles and to those who enjoy stories of female friendships that are honest and built upon trust. The mysteries are also an integral part of the novels.
This time the friends have a lot going on. Hester is getting engaged. Why have many copies of The Scarlet Letter had her name cut out of them, that name she shares with Miss Prynne? Who is the dead body below a cliff? What is the significance of a series of books about women that are old and have flowers in their titles?
Along with these goings on, spend time (at least in imagination) eating book pockets, drinking hot chocolate and browsing the wonderful shelves of Miracle Books. Any reader could make a wish list from the book titles that make their appearance in this title.
I already look forward to the next time that I get to visit with Hester, June, Nora and Estella, and those around them. These include employee Sheldon, character’s children and the women’s romantic interests.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for this title. All opinions are my own.
Pub date: 26 April 2022
