Here is another excellent entry in this inspiring series. Readers follow Florence Nightingale from childhood on. She was bright and cared deeply for others. Florence was a girl who grew up to do what we now call following her passion. She did not want to marry but wanted to care for others. Florence’s dream was to become a nurse at a time when nursing was not viewed as respectable. She subsequently did much to change that way of looking at the profession, even being honored by Queen Victoria.
Any child who dreams of being a nurse will be very inspired after reading this title. They can go to the end of the book and also enjoy the timeline and other information that is there, including some photos..
One thing that I learned from this title was that Florence was named for the city in Italy.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.
What a great book for kids and one that will get them outdoors to explore and discover. The idea is to take this book along; no worries about its getting grubby as that is the idea. Fill it with all sorts of thoughts and things relating to nature.
The book opens with an introduction of how to use this one and then goes on to many short sections. Some of these include Searching for Rainbows, Shell collecting, Dragon hunt, Eyes on the trees, Tiny treasures, Leaf printing, Garden goblins, Cloud gazing, and Bee friendly, along with many more. All in all, the perfect companion and encouragement to get out and enjoy the natural world.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this engaging and beautifully illustrated title. All opinions are my own.
Vivien Leigh, Laurence Olivier, and the Romance of the Century
by Stephen Galloway
Vivien Leigh and Laurence Olivier were giants as actors. Ms. Leigh may be best known for playing Scarlet O’Hara in Gone with the Wind, while Olivier was a renowned Shakespearean thespian. As can often be the case, this external glitter and glory did not fully reflect the actual lives of these two.
This well-researched book, sometimes gossipy in tone, tells the story of the cataclysmic meeting and relationship of these two stars. Just like a meteor (to keep an analogy going), these two were on a collision course.
What were the highs and lows for these two? How did they meet, come together and live a life together? Why did their relationship implode and what happened to each in light of this? Read this title to find out.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.
To me, this is an adult’s story masquerading as a child’s tale although both generations may well enjoy it. I loved the nostalgic feel of this story of the umbrella. In some ways it brought to mind, The Velveteen Rabbit, in terms of how important objects from our pasts can be forgotten or discarded but still can have deep meaning.
The illustrations in this title are beautiful; they have an old fashioned appeal that I very much liked. I will go back to enjoy them again, I am sure.
The story is about a special umbrella and what it means to two children and their childhoods. Who are they to one another? How does this special umbrella hold up? Read this very sweet book to find out.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Are you a person who finds getting on an airplane to be an adventure or are you a nervous flyer? Either personality type may well be riveted by this thriller in which much of the action centers on a long haul flight from London to Sydney (20 hours in the air!). In some ways, the story is a take on a locked room mystery in that much of the action is confined to the plane and the stories of its passengers and crew. However, there is also backstory so some time is spent on the ground and with other characters.
The book’s protagonist, Mina, is on the flight when…a note is given to her. What does it say? How will it influence what she does? In order for there not to be spoilers, it is not possible to say more except that this is a story that may well put readers on the edges of their seats.
My only quibble with this story is that I did not absolutely love some of the characters and I don’t just mean the “bad” ones.. I do, though, admire Ms. Mackinstosh’s imagination and storytelling ability. Readers, remember that this is fiction!
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.
The Jane Austen Society by Natalie Jenner
I was very excited to receive an e galley of this title; I knew that I wanted to read this book from the moment that I learned of its existence.
I have been reading a number of Jane Austen related works lately including Emma and The Other Bennett Sister. Furthermore, this book looked like it would appeal to those who enjoyed The Chilbury Ladies Choir, Dear Mrs. Bird and The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society, all of which I read and enjoyed. So…did the book live up to my hopes? Yes, it did! This novel tells the stories of a number of characters who were impacted by WWI and are living in the 1930s when the story begins. The characters either live in Chawton or spend time there. As savvy readers know, Jane Austen lived in this village. Each of the main characters has a compelling back story and all have struggled in some way. Characters include a farmer, an actress, a very smart domestic worker, the owner of a home with ties to the Austens, a doctor, a lawyer, a teacher and more. Each is beautifully portrayed and is multi-dimensional. The characters are brought together through their love of Austen. One of the pleasures of this book was the observations on Austen’s works and the influence and impact of her novels on the protagonists. Another delight in the book is the way in which the village comes to life. This book is not filled with the kinds of actions that one finds in thrillers. Rather, it is a novel that takes its time. Readers will find that they are amply rewarded for staying with this gently paced novel. I recommend it highly. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review. Note that this is Ms. Jenner’s first novel; I sincerely hope that it will not be her last!
The King’s Justice A Maggie Hope Mystery by Susan Elia MacNeal
I have been reading the Maggie Hope mysteries since the first title, Mr. Churchill’s Secretary, was published in 2012. The King’s Justice is the ninth in this historical mystery series. Any of the books can be read as a standalone but readers of the series will relate to familiar characters including members of Maggie’s family.
The King’s Justice is a complex tale. By the time that this story takes place, the stresses of war and Maggie’s work life (currently as a bomb disposal expert) are taking their toll. Maggie is smoking and drinking too much and pushing for intimacy in a relationship where it does not appear wanted.
Into this tense and chaotic life come new challenges. A Stradivarius violin has been stolen. Will it be connected to the bigger cases of the novel?
Maggie is working with many Italian conscientious objectors in the UXB squad. Why are they disappearing? Are they dead or alive? Where would they go? Who is responsible for what is happening?
As if this were not enough, an imprisoned serial killer from a prior case wants to see Maggie. He tantalizes her with the possibility of helping to solve another serial murder case that is being investigated, the one dubbed the Jimmy Greenteeth case. Readers will gradually watch the aspects of the story come together.
The author has done her research and posed some big questions. I learned a lot about how the Italian community in Britain was treated during WWII. There are also questions raised as to what justice is or should entail.
There are big themes here and a story that reads very quickly. My time with Maggie and her circle was well spent. I already am looking forward to where the author will takes me in the next novel in the series.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review. I honestly recommend all of the books in this series.
This book has the most delightful illustrations! They will appeal to both adults and children. The accompanying story is simple and sweetly told. Pip, a dog wants to dance in church. The vicar does not think that this is appropriate. You can guess what happens in this story that is meant to bring some joy to those who hear and see it.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.
![The Jane Austen Society: A Novel by [Natalie Jenner]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51tleZBNskL.jpg)
I was very excited to receive an e galley of this title; I knew that I wanted to read this book from the moment that I learned of its existence.
I have been reading the Maggie Hope mysteries since the first title, Mr. Churchill’s Secretary, was published in 2012. The King’s Justice is the ninth in this historical mystery series. Any of the books can be read as a standalone but readers of the series will relate to familiar characters including members of Maggie’s family.
Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too! 