Picnic in Someday Valley is an e book bargain for 2.14.22

Picnic in Someday Valley by Jodi Thomas

#PicnicinSomedayValley #NetGalley

Readers of Breakfast at the Honey Creek Cafe will be delighted to meet up with their old (character) friends in this second novel set in Texas. Piper, the mayor, and her Texas Ranger are back along with the widows and a number of other folks from the first novel including Pecos and his young bride. For those who have not read Breakfast, there is a lot of information given to catch you up; however, for a more leisurely read, take the books in order.

In part, this title tells the story of Marcie. She was a character in the first novel too, but comes into her own here. Marcie is a singer who made the mistake of getting involved with the wrong man. She expects little to bad things from relationships. Will it be any different with Brand?

Readers also meet Jesse, a young widower. He takes excellent care of his three children and his farm but can he hope for more in life? Will he find love with the baker of the most perfect scones?

Spending time in the locations and with the characters make for a relaxing read. Travel to Texas; readers will want to stay for a while.

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

Now out:

Cats & Kittens

Learn to draw using basic shapes–step by step!

by Emily Fellah

#CatsKittens #NetGalley

Kids who love cats and drawing will have fun with this book. It shows how to draw any number of cats in steps that are clear and easy to follow. Pick from the curled up cat, the grumpy kitten, the sleeping cat, the surprised kitten and many more. Have a child you know get out their pencils and paper and get to it!

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

Readers will enjoy meeting: Mr. Gray and Frieda Frolic

by Binette Schroeder

#MrGrayandFriedaFrolic #NetGalley

This is a sweet, beautifully illustrated story for all ages. It offers a gentle reminder to find the joy and color in life. Mr. Gray, who is appropriately named, unavoidably gets to know Frieda Frolic. This changes his life in the best of all possible ways.

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

This book will be published on 29 Mar 2022.

Now out:

Reader, I Buried Them & Other Stories

by Peter Lovesey

#ReaderIBuriedThemOtherStories #NetGalley

I have long been a fan of Peter Lovesey’s Peter Diamond mysteries. I started with the first, The Last Detective, many years ago and am about to read the twentieth, Diamond and the Eye. I was first attracted to these novels by their setting in Bath and have grown to love the irascible Diamond and those around him. I have not yet read the Bertie mysteries but am sure that one day I will.

Cause for celebration is that Lovesey has written his 100th (!) short story. A number of these have been compiled into this collection by Lovesey himself. Lovesey begins with an introduction, where he notes that his first short story is from almost fifty years ago. Much to his surprise, Ruth Rendell complimented it. He has written so many since then. Lovesey describes short story writing as a gift that he gives to himself between his longer works.

Readers will enjoy seeing which stories are included here. I am glad to report that there is one Peter Diamond story, A Three Pie Problem.

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

Other opinions:

“Lovesey delivers crisp dialogue, effortless narration, appealing characters, ingenious plots, and effervescent whimsy . . . A thoroughly entertaining compendium of the best of the best by one of the best.”
—Publishers Weekly, Starred Review

“A celebratory display of the many things an accomplished veteran can do with the short mystery.”
—Kirkus Reviews

Get solving: Whodunit Puzzles

Mysteries for the Super Sleuth to Solve

by Tim Dedopulos

I enjoy reading mysteries so was eager to see if I could solve the cases in this title. I knew going in that I was no “super sleuth” but I felt ready to try. The stories are a bit challenging to be sure. Luckily the author offers some fictional assistants to the reader. There are also two levels of puzzles which allows for choices about which cases to solve. Each short story also includes a hint at the end. My hint would be “never forget to pay attention to details.”

Those who enjoy a challenge could have some fun with this title. Good luck!

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