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A Novel

by Susan Mallery

Mackenzie Dienes made a close friend, Stephanie, when she was in college. Over time, Mackenzie married Stephanie’s brother, Rhys, and she began working for Rhys’s mother, Barbara at the family winery. For sure, Mackenzie knows her grapes and the business yet she is always an employee, never a full partner in the company.

Mackenzie at first thought that she had everything that she could possibly want with her marriage, home and career. However, big cracks began to appear. A slight spoiler…Mackenzie and Rhys realize that they cannot stay together any longer. What will happen to Mackenzie? Will she find the life that she wants and what will she have to go through to get there? Read the book to find out.

I give this book a solid three stars. I did not find myself so immersed that I couldn’t wait to get back to the story to read more.

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

by T.A. Willberg

I will begin by noting that I found this second Marion Lane novel to be an involving read and one that I very much enjoyed. Those who have not read the first in the series can plunge right in but should be aware that there are some spoilers relating back to Marion Lane and the Midnight Murder. (also reviewed on my blog and on NetGalley).

Those who have read the Harry Potter books may feel a kinship with Marion Lane’s Miss Brickett’s. Like Harry, Marion lacks family, is clever and, becomes part of something bigger than herself. At the same time, through her adventures, Marion finds others more like her, a sense of belonging and the future that she wants.

There is a lot going on here. There is a murder, a very bad man known as the florist, threats to national security, most likely a traitor at Miss Brickett’s, new recruits and much more. The pages turn easily as the story unfolds and readers spend time with Marion, Bill, Marion’s American spy friend and new people including the interesting, note taking, new recruit Ambrosia.

Those who enjoy their mysteries with a bit of something magical will want to read this one and the series. It is a fun read.

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

by Zoe Disigny

This title caught my eye because it promised to be a story about travel. With my real life travels sadly nil, I looked forward to a novel in which the protagonist travels to Milan, Venice, Ravenna, Florence, Siena, Rome, and Paris. I have been to five of these cities so looked forward to experiencing some nostalgia while also (virtually) traveling to a couple of new places.

Of course, though, this is a novel and not a travel guide so there is more to the book than noting what to see. Protagonist Claire is running away and so moves toward Viv. What happens to these two makes up this art filled story. Their relationship is not always easy but readers will hope for them and want them to have the lives that they want.

This author lends authenticity to her book. She clearly knows her art and is a good travel companion.

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

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See my review of Jodi Picoult’s newest novel, Wish You Were Here, which is about Covid.

Rebel Girls Powerful Pairs

25 Tales of Mothers and Daughters

by Rebel Girls

The Rebel Girls series offers up the life stories of women who are accomplished in many different fields. An example of an earlier title is Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Immigrant Women Who Changed the World. These are books that are designed to inspire girls and to remind them that there is no limit to what they can try and do.

This latest entry in the series looks at mother daughter pairs and this may make it a great title for adult and child to look at together. Just some of the duos featured here include Beyonce and Ivy Blue; Emmeline Pankhurst and daughters Sylvia and Christabel; Sarah and Sally Kettle; and Laurie Strand and Adriana. There are hikers, biotech people, authors, scientists and more.

There are additional suggested activities included at the end of the book. These include write your story, draw your portrait and more dun together. As an additional bonus there is also information about an app where longer stories can be heard.

The book is beautifully illustrated with art and story complementing each other. There are a number of illustrators, each of whom shares their vision.

I highly recommend this latest entry in the series. It is a fun, inspiring look at some mother-daughter pairs who represent many interests, backgrounds and ethnicities.

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

From the Publisher

by Katie Fforde

Katie Fforde has a genuine talent for writing “nice” books that have likeable protagonists, good story lines and pretty happy endings. This novel is no exception. And, believe me, there are times when that is just what the literary doctor has ordered, a nice escape from the rigors of all that which is overwhelming us.

This story is mostly about mom, Gilly, and her daughter Helena. They live in what sounds like a very nice part of the English countryside. Gilly, victim of a bad marriage, runs a B and B that I so wish was real. I would dash right over for Gilly’s homey atmosphere and delicious food. Daughter Helena is a weaver who specializes in large scale projects. Each is moving ahead in life and it looks as if both will find romance and love by story’s end.

In a plot that reminded me a bit of Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility, Gilly’s rather greedy son and daughter-in-law want her to sell her property in order to fund a new home for them. They ever so kindly (sarcasm intended) will give Gilly a granny flat and allow her to babysit for her granddaughter. Will Gilly be able to resist their blandishments?

Gilly has two potential love interests. There is Leo who is attractive but…and William, Gilly’s accountant. Who will she choose and what will it take for her to recognize what she wants? Will she listen to Helen’s opinions, especially as Helena, a super recognizer, knows something about one of these men?

Helena becomes a very good friend of Jago, a property developer with heart. Will their relationship become the real thing?

This is an easy to read book that goes perfectly with a cup of tea and a few minutes of quiet time. I highly recommend it.

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

This title will be published on 08 Mar 2022.

150 Yoga Moves to Enjoy Together

by Alice Lageat; Béatrice Raphalen

Yoga with your child is a comprehensive introduction to a number of yoga and meditation practices. It is geared to an adult and their child buddy, one who is at least four years old; together adult and child are encouraged to learn some yoga. The authors note that it is good for a child to see an adult learning something new and for adult and child to be beginners together. I very much agree with this.

The book begins with helpful information on everything from what yoga is to breathing to meditation and more. There are then many exercises/poses to practice. Learning about OM, relaxation after yoga, mindfulness and other parts of the yoga experience are also discussed.

For each pose, there are clear instructions and illustrations. The sessions start more simply and become increasingly complex. I think that the adult may want to have read a bit so as to be ready to demonstrate for the child, even if they are to learn as a pair.

Those wanting to explore yoga will find this title to be a most helpful resource. It may lead both the adult and child to begin a new and healthy practice. An adult can, of course, also make use of this book on their own.

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

This title will be published on 29 Mar 2022.