This title includes a lengthy conversation with the daughter of the illustrators, two of their speeches, of which one was a Caldecott Medal Acceptance, an introduction and forward, photos of the couple, and…the illustrations. These go from 1951 for A Child’s Garden of Verses all the way to 2005’s Klondike Gold.
This book is completely delightful. The illustrations that this couple made are engaging and often whimsical. They often brought smiles to my face. This is a book that readers will enjoy visiting time and again.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.
All families are imperfect in my opinion. Everyone struggles with something at some time. Luckily, we usually make it through. Will that be what happens for the Frederick sisters?
There are three of these siblings. Ginny is the one who has the most outwardly visible issues. She has some intellectual impairment and also the physical challenge of diabetes. As the book opens, Ginny’s younger sister Maggie has traveled to Maryland in order to move Ginny up to New York. It is felt that Maggie can no longer live on her own. The third sister, Betsy, is a surfer and on the west coast as the novel opens. Not much help there, Maggie concludes.
Will these three come together? Who will teach whom what? What will the reader feel for these characters and who might be a favorite? Read this book to see.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.
This novel is certain to be one of the “big” novels of the fall. Its author Ann Patchett is well known for her thoughtful, literary style and moving story lines The Dutch House will be welcomed by Patchett’s loyal readers and may well attract some new fans.
The book tells the story of siblings, Maeve and Danny, those around them and the home that resonates with them. The story moves back and forth in time as characters and their stories take center stage or temporarily recede.
This is a complex and sophisticated novel that makes readers think about relationships (parent/child, stepparent/child, husband/wife, siblings, step-siblings, those who work for families), finding a way in life, sacrifices and choices. Readers will not forget The Dutch House and those who lived there.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this read in exchange for an honest review.
Our Woman in Moscow (by Beatriz Williams)
There was a time in England when Cambridge grads became traitors; among the most famous of these men were KIm Philby, Guy Burgess, Anthony Blunt and Donald Maclean. They hid in plain sight, not suspected for a long time because of their social class and educations. They were idealistic to start with but some devolved into alcoholism and of course, many defected.
This novel takes place within the time frame of these spies in the late 40s and early 50s. One of the spies, Guy Burgess, is even a character in the novel.
Two sisters Iris and Ruth are the book’s protagonists. When the story opens, Ruth is successfully running a modeling agency in New York. She and Iris have not spoken for many years. Readers will find out why when they read the novel.
When the two were still close, they lived in Rome during part of WWII. While there Iris falls madly in love with Sasha Digby. She makes the decision to follow him wherever he goes and, not to spoil anything they eventually make a big move. Readers will find out why.
One day, Ruth gets a call for help from Iris. She heeds it and this leads to the most exciting events of the novel.
Also in the story is Lyudmilla, a very conforming Russian. Where does she fit in the story and how do her life and the Digbys’ lives intersect? Again, read to find out.
Beatriz Williams has written an absorbing story here with an excellent plot twist. Events unfold; this is not a James Bond like read but it is a good one. The settings and characters shine.
Think about the title as you read. See how close you come to guessing some of the story’s resolutions. Enjoy the novel as you do. It makes for a good read.
The Christmas Bookshop
A Novel
by Jenny Colgan
#TheChristmasBookshop #NetGalley
Jenny Colgan can be counted on to write an engaging Christmas novel every year and this year is no exception. The Christmas Bookshop is set in Scotland. Colgan portrays Edinburgh and brings it to life. I had never known that Edinburgh was so hilly! Mr. McC’s bookshop also is described in a way that makes it feel so real in all its initial scruffiness and then as it slowly transforms.
Protagonist Carmen chose not to attend university but rather continued to work at her local department store…until it closed and Carmen found herself unemployed. Meanwhile her sister Sofia seems to have it all. She has the job, the house, the husband and is pregnant with her fourth child.
Carmen travels to Edinburgh to stay with Sofia. Sofia finds her the position in the bookshop and from here the story moves forward. There are several characters whom readers feel will vie for Carmen’s affection. One is a disaffected self-help book author while another is a bookshop customer.
Readers can enjoy this story knowing that all will end well. Watch the bookstore begin to thrive (I love bookstores in books) and wait for Carmen to find happiness.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Another Woman’s Husband
Mary Kirk, Bessiewallis Warfield, Diana Spencer…their stories entwine in this historical novel that is largely based on truth. It is a page turning and fascinating look at life in America and Europe from 1912 until 1997.
Mary and Wallis became friends in their teens; Wallis married an American pilot; Mary married a French pilot. Wallis divorced and subsequently married Ernest Simpson. You probably all know who her third husband was… but do you know who Mary married next? I won’t spoil the book by telling you.
Mary and Wallis’s stories come alive in a glittering London. The story of Alex and Rachel, who are impacted by Diana’s death, takes place in 1997. Choices are made by all with implications and consequences. I truly enjoyed this book and suggest it highly to fans of historical fiction.
This book will be enjoyed by those who like historical mysteries with strong heroines, those who read books set in Australia and fans of the TV series.
I very much enjoyed the TV series that was made about Phryne Fisher and have also read a number of the books. They are entertaining, fun historical mysteries that feature an intrepid and fearless sleuth.
In this entry, set in the 1920s, Phryne has two challenges. The first is to figure out who killed an author. To work on this case, Miss Fisher infiltrates a publishing firm.
Her second, equally challenging, situation centers on her Asian lover. Why have there been a series of assaults? Read this one to find out.
The Miss Fisher books are always fun and entertaining. There is some slight advantage to reading in order but start anywhere. This is book number eleven.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.
This title will be enjoyed by Peaky Blinders fans, those interested in food history and those who enjoy cooking.
Peaky Blinders (watch the series to find out what the title means) has enjoyed six successful TV seasons. Now there is this cookbook to enjoy. It is divided into places that feature in the show including Watery Lane, the Bar of the Garrison, The Derby, The Eden Club and the Arrow House. These chapters follow the increasing fortunes of the main character. Each recipe includes a short introduction that places it within the context of the show and/or history.
Some of the recipes include Warming Vegetable and Barley Soup with Alfie Solomons’ Soda Bread; one that I would like to eat is the Steak and Ale Pie with Mash, talk about comfort food. Just a couple more… the English Summer Salad looks gorgeous or how about Old Fashioned Fish Pie or Gentleman’s Pudding with Raspberry Sauce and Custard?
There are many photos in here. Some are of the food while others feature scenes or characters from the show. The food photos are most enticing! All in all, I enjoyed this one.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.
I reviewed and enjoyed an earlier entry in this series.This book offers an interesting view of Frank Lloyd Wright. It is historical fiction and I recommend ti.For a chapter book reader that you know. An entry in an enjoyable British cozy series.
I love these FREE samplers; they can be so helpful in deciding which titles I want to read in the upcoming months. This collection is thriller based, featuring authors Nora Murphy; Ragnar Jonasson; Katharine Schellman; Kelley Armstrong; James Byrne; Jennifer Hillier; Mark Pryor; and Sandie Jones. I have read books by some of these writers while others are new to me; some are even n author’s first book. For each, there is a description of the novel and a generous sample.
So, dip in. Who knows what you will find appealing?
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.
![Our Woman in Moscow: A Novel by [Beatriz Williams]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41KOpkf8jEL.jpg)
Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too! 