This is a sweet and inviting book. It is simple but in a good way. Author Katie Vaz believes in the importance of “me time” and the Scandinavian concept of hygge. In a series of cheerily illustrated pages, she suggests ways to take care of one’s self.
I didn’t find the ideas in this book to be new to me overall but I enjoyed it nonetheless. The illustrations often made me smile and the reminder that our own well-being is important is good to remember.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.
How to Achieve Balance and Happiness Through Your Cat
by Sophie Macheteau
#SchifferPublishing #NetGalley
You will know if this book is for you by your reaction to its cover. If you are someone who thinks “awww,” you will enjoy seeing what is inside.
The author offers her take on taking love of kitties as inspiration to be more mindful and content. There are many suggestions for how to enjoy one’s cat companion. In addition, there are absolutely lovely photos and lots of information on felines.
Those who do not melt at the sight of a kitten may skip this title. Others may well enjoy it.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.
I was drawn to this children’s book by its appealing cover. It just looked so friendly and seasonal.
Inside is a mix of information and projects. Each entry is short and absolutely adorably illustrated. Some of my favorites include “Bathe Ducklings and Goslings; Spring Flowers and, Make Yummy Strawberry Jam.” I also learned something new when I read about phenology.
This title invites children and their adults to work together and enjoy the season. Both groups will have fun in the process.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.
The author of this guide takes an historical approach to London’s architecture, beginning with medieval times and finishing with twenty-first century London. This is an ambitious undertaking. Since, of course, not all buildings can be included the author looks at structures that either exemplify their time of have significance to the city as readers are told in the introduction.
I very much like that the author includes a map with many key buildings marked. Just a few of the many sites included are the London Wall from Roman times, the White Tower, Westminster Abbey, 10 Downing Street, The Old Bailey, the Barbican Center and many more.
So, enjoy some armchair travel and facts in this well-written book that includes many photos. I enjoyed the time that I spent with this title imagining that I was once again able to embark on trips.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.
The Paris Library is a novel that I highly recommend even with the abundance of choice in WWII historical fiction. The importance of the American Library and the commitment of those who worked there is a reminder of how important books are, perhaps even more so, when the world is in chaos. Readers will enjoy the many books that are named over the course of the novel. They would make for a good TBR list.
All good novels tell stories about characters. This one is peopled with those that readers will get to know with all of their strengths and flaws. Some are good, some not so good and some a mix of the two. All are brought to life.
Odile is a young woman when the story opens. She lives with her father, who is in the police, her brother, an idealist, and her mother who eventually learns that her husband is involved in an affair. Odile has always loved books and lands her dream job at the American Library. There she meets a wide ranging group of patrons and staff. Her brother’s fiance, Bitsy, also works at the library. Odile gets to know Margaret as well; she is a British ex pat and another key protagonist.
Each of these characters faces the war, issues of loyalty and friendship and disillusion. Their intertwining stories are well depicted as are the many settings in the novel.
Odile’s romantic interest for much of the book is Paul. He, too, is a policeman. Readers will follow as some of his decisions make Odile even more aware of the cruelty of war.
As is true of many novels written today, there is a dual story line. This takes place in Froid, Montana where Odile came to live. There a young girl befriends Odile and tries to figure out her own life in the aftermath of her mother’s death. There is much that Odile has to teach her young friend.
I both listened to and read this story. The narration was flawless with individuals coming to life with different voices and accents. It was a wonderful listen.
I highly recommend this book. I hope that readers will enjoy it.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.
This title will be published on 05 Apr 2022. Definitely mark your calendar!
Starting out, know that this is one of the very best of Marian Keyes’s novels. It is engaging and absorbing. The characters are so alive and the pages turn quickly. Note, too, that in this novel, Ms. Keyes takes on some big themes including addiction, relationships and SPOILERS BELOW
stillbirth, along with much else.
Ms. Keyes writes like a true insider here. Her descriptions of what it means to lose a much longed for baby ring so true. Anyone who has had to deal with infertility, miscarriage or pregnancy loss will know just how authentically the experience is described. Those who have not had these woes will certainly develop empathy for those who have.
SPOILERS ENDED
Rachel works at a treatment center. Anyone who wonders what goes on when addicts are facing their actions and lives will learn a great deal. This could be very helpful to anyone who has a loved one who has needed such care. These sections give a real “fly on the wall” feeling.
Now, be clear that this is a wonderfully involving novel with good story lines. It is by no means a didactic title.
Rachel and those around her first became known to readers through Rachel’s Holiday, a novel that was published twenty years or so ago. Fans of that title will be delighted to see Rachel again. Those who have not read that book, no worries. It is very easy to step into the lives of this clan.
As the story opens, Rachel’s life seems to be going well. But, of course, there will be challenges. Readers will be hoping for all the best for Rachel. She is a character that it is easy to love.
Order this. It is such a good book. I highly recommend it!
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.
I am fortunate enough to live near a truly wonderful botanical garden. My favorite place to explore when there is the forest. This area has the largest uncut expanse of my state’s original wooded landscape.
As the site notes state
For thousands of years, this old-growth Forest has changed, adapted and survived. When you visit the Forest, you will walk along Native American hunting trails, see marks left by glaciers, and pass under trees dating back to the American Revolution.
You can perhaps imagine why I love it. It is a place of beauty and peace, a true antidote to the bustle of my city.
Given my love of the trees, I was so excited to receive this sample from NetGalley and the publisher, National Geographic. NG surely knows how to make books; this looks wonderful. I only wish that I had the full book to read and review. I will have to buy it!
The photos look very inviting and will offer a chance to virtually escape anytime one pages through this title. Chapters are organized according to Tree, Earth, Water, Air, Fire and Forest. It appears that there will be much to read along with looking.
Nature lovers, note the pub date and put this on your lists.
A Guided Journal to Start Each Day Feeling Calm and Energized
This book invites readers to make the most of those first moments after they wake up. The author asks them to briefly engage with setting a self-reflective tone for the day. Each pastel colored two page spread includes a thought from the author while on the opposite page there is a journal question. For example, in one entry it is suggested that cities are most peaceful early in the day while the next page invites the reader to think about how they will receive peace that day. Another talks about how plants grow up and down and then the reader is asked to consider how they are growing inward and outward.
Do these kinds of thoughts and exercises appeal to you? If yes, this book will become a welcome c0mpanion.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.
This title has many of the elements that readers enjoy in a cozy. There is a protagonist, Sadie, who is trying to start over. Readers will learn why. She is a book lover, yay. There is a nice setting in Vermont. There are a pub, antiques, and, oh yes, a murder. It is someone to whom Sadie was close. Will she solve the case? Of course, she will. The fun is watching her do it and spending time with the other characters and suspects.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too! 