UK magazine Woman and Home has a great book section. The most recent issue (Sarah Parrish on the cover) has an interviews with Diane Chamberlain whose Last House on the street I just reviewed. Also an interview with Nita Prose. I reviewed The Maid recently. Plus an interview with the author of Wahala, a book in my tbr pile. The magazine is available in print and digital formats so one does not have to be in the UK to read it.

Seattle author Elizabeth George talks about writing her 21st Inspector Lynley novel – The Seattle Times
— Read on www.seattletimes.com/entertainment/books/seattle-author-elizabeth-george-talks-about-writing-her-21st-inspector-lynley-novel/

by Susie Jaramillo; Steven Wolfe Pereira

I have previously traveled with these tiny travelers. Each title in this series is engaging and teaches kids about a new location. This time, readers spend time in Lebanon. There are fun facts about things like the country’s capital, the languages spoken there, the population and more. One interesting fact was that in the spring it could be possible to both go skiing and swimming in the sea on the same day.

A further enticement for kids is that there are things to search for in each two page spread. They can see foods, places to visit and more.

I recommend this title and series for young armchair travelers.

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

Pluto’s Snitch, Book 2

by Carolyn Haines

I have read this author’s series featuring Sara Booth Delaney which I have very much enjoyed. Ms. Haines creates a world in these stories and readers care about her recurring characters. These titles feature a ghost and, even though I generally don’t read books with ghostly characters, I love Jitty. All of this to say that I did not know that Ms. Haines had a second series. This title is the second of those.

Protagonist Raissa is about to solve her second case with the help of her partner Reginald. Readers may well enjoy that Zelda Fitzgerald features in what transpires. Something strange is happening to Zelda’s friend Camilla and everyone wants to get to the bottom of it. What is the role of an old hospital in this? Read the novel to find out.

Those who enjoy a story with some supernatural elements may want to give this book and series a look. There are now four books in all.

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

www.nytimes.com/2022/02/01/books/group-text-black-cake-charmaine-wilkerson.html

Having felt very busy today, I found this one appealing.

An ABC of Democracy

by Nancy Shapiro

This cheerfully illustrated title will help young children to understand democracy and the rights that people enjoy. The author engages children with the text and by asking questions for discussion. A couple of letter examples are H is for human rights, J is for justice, and P is for politician. For adults who want to raise good citizens, this would be a welcome addition to the bookshelf.

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

Midnight in Everwood

by M.A. Kuzniar

Christmas Day is the perfect day for reviewing this novel. So many of us think about The Nutcracker around this time of year. Now, author M.A. Kuzniar has put a new twist on the tale.

Things I enjoyed about this book included the settings, both in Nottingham and the sumptuousness in the life of Marietta’s family. There were wonderful descriptions of clothing, food, homes and more. True, this abundance does not mean that the characters are happy. Both Marietta and her brother Frederick are ahead of their time and want lives that their parents cannot understand. For Marietta, that is the freedom to put off marriage and to dream about being a star ballerina. For Frederick, it would be to become an artist and to be able to be with the man for whom he cares. (These are not major spoilers as these are things that become known to readers early in the novel.)

When Dr. Drosselmeier moves next door, he is a man that many want to invite to their homes. He comes, however to Marietta’s family. What will happen because of this? What strange adventures will befall Marietta? Will these characters find happiness? Read this very Christmas time title to find out. I am glad that I did!

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