And Now You’re Back by Jill Mansell

Jill Mansell is one of the very best writers of women’s fiction. Her novels always have heart and warmth, along with good plots, likeable characters and smile for readers. This time we meet Didi and Shay; Rosa, Red, Benny, Ingrid, Harry, Will and others, including a well-known actress. All are well portrayed and people that readers will enjoy getting to know.

Didi and Shay met as teens and broke up; now, Shay is back. Will their past history derail them or will they find their happy ever after? Shay’s dad has been in and out of jail many times and yet he is a most appealing character. Red is dying and wants to spend time in the town where Shay grew up and where Shay is living in Didi’s hotel. Layla is Didi’s closest friend; will she find love through Shay’s dating site or closer to home? Rosa, Layla’s mother, loved her husband Joe who died. She is offering shelter to Shay’s dad, Red, and becomes involved with Benny, a goodhearted man to whom she sold her house.. And, there is more although this gives a sense of all of the many interrelationships in this heart warming novel.

Readers looking for a relaxing read should mark their calendars for this books’ release date. I highly recommend it. Ms. Mansell has written many novels; readers may want to read them all.

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

Carnegie’s Maid by Benedict

Imagine that your family sends you (alone) to the U.S. because of financial hardship in Ireland and you will need to support your relatives back home. Imagine that you are able to take on someone else’s identity to become the servant of Andrew Carnegie’s mother. Will you be found out? Will your position be secure? These are among the premises of this richly detailed historical novel. Relationships between upstairs and downstairs, specifically between Clara and Andrew Carnegie are a major part of this novel. Read it too to learn more about the business world and women’s roles in the post Civil War U.S. Overall, an enjoyable read.

What Our Feline Friends Are Really Thinking

by Alison Davies

Cat people, you will adore this book. Starting with the title’s spelling of purrsonality, the message is that this title will be entertaining. Chapter headings confirm this. Here are a few of them: Top Cat; Puss-in-Boots; Paws, Snooze, Repeat; Chat with the Cat and more.

What follows are a number of quizzes that will reveal your cat’s personality. The author notes that there are five types of cats. See which one yours is.

Cat lovers will have fun with this book. If you are not one, this could be a good gift for someone you know

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

by Joanne Harris

Narrated by Alex Kingston, Steven Pacey

Although I don’t live in England, I keep an eye on book sites there. When I saw this title at Blackwell’s, I knew that I wanted to read it. I had not yet ordered the book, however, so was pleasantly surprised to see A Narrow Door on NetGalley as an e book. Thank you NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions below are my own.

In my opinion, this is one seriously creepy book. A woman with grudges and history becomes the head of a school that has recently gone co-ed. A body is found. That is just one of the dark events. It goes from there. Throughout, the book has a gothic flavor. It can be riveting.

The narration of this one is spot on. Each narrator has a clear voice and both do an excellent job of bringing their characters to life.

This book will appeal to those who like their stories to be the opposite of cozy.

Have you read this one? Will you? Let me know.

From the Publisher

by Brooke Burroughs

This is a book for readers looking for something light. It is a romance of a pretty classic variety. Bernie has been going through a rough time. Her friends suggest that she gain some perspective by going on a hike in Alaska. She agrees little knowing what will result from this.

Matthew also needs some time to think. He, of course, also travels to Alaska. What will happen when Bernie, who has lost a father, and Matthew, who has found one, meet up? Will sparks fly? Read this romance novel to find out.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this book. All opinions are my own.

by Laurien Berenson

This is the latest entry in the poodle centered, cozy mystery series by Laurien Berenson. Those who like their mysteries with good characters, a body but not a lot of gore, and animals may well enjoy this one. As a bonus, in addition to poodles, there are dalmatians this time.

Our amateur sleuth, Melanie Travis, has enrolled her children in day camp. What could go wrong? Well, has the camp director committed murder? Read the book to find out.

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

#WhenIFoundYou #NetGalley

This is the third novel that I have read by Brenda Novak. She is an author who has a talent for writing engaging characters and plots. Those who enjoy women’s fiction may want to read this one.

This time, the primary protagonist is Natasha (Tash). For reasons that readers will discover, her childhood was not easy. Now, Tash is an adult. She thought that she was just where she wanted to be. Tash completed medical school, married and had a son. As the novel opens, many things are falling apart. (No spoilers although it is hard not to include them). Tash is doing her best to readjust and adapt.

Another primary character, Mack, has known Tash since she was in high school. What will happen in their relationship? There will be at least one surprise (again no spoiler so will not stay what).

In addition to telling Mack and Tash’s stories, readers spend time at Tash’s job, with her son and more. They also follow some plot strands that have to do with Mack’s brothers. Read the book to find out more.

In my opinion, this novel has a subtext about who and what makes a family. Also think about who finds whom as per the title.

All in all, another good read from this popular author.

WARNING: Many reviews and the book descriptions on sites like Amazon tell things that I was careful not to include in this review. Also note that this title is part of a series. I have not read the other entries and did not find that to be a problem.

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

The Gilded Hour is a very long novel coming in at 742 pages.  If your dream during this crisis is to read an absorbing story that will keep you going for days, this one is worth reading.

The  Gilded Hour is the first of two books with Where the Light Enters also having been published.  By the way, the second book currently only costs $1.99 in e book format.  I bought it at a higher price when it came out.

The two main characters of the series are Anna and Sophie Savard.  Anna and Sophie are both physicians in turn of the century New York.  The city itself is portrayed in all its classes, from the poorest immigrants to the ballrooms.  Anna and Sophie are surrounded by a rich cast of characters, most fictional and a few historical.  Their relationships and work form the focus for the story.

Around this structure, there is something happening in New York.  If what I write next offends you, this will not be the book for you.  Women did not have access to much in the way of contraceptives at this time.  This led some to seek help in terminating pregnancies.  Anna and Sophie see that women are dying from procedures done by someone, but who?.  Who has done this will be a part of both of these novels, though I have only read the first.

I enjoyed The Gilded Hour and plan to read Where the Light Gets In.  Let me know what you think…have you read books by this author?

by Colleen Cambridge

Those who enjoy mysteries will most likely recognize the name Mallowan in this book’s title. For those who don’t know, Mallowan was the name of Agatha Christie’s second husband. Two facts…He was younger than Agatha and was an archaeologist.

This book is delightful and clever. The Mallowans are characters in the novel but do not dominate the story. It is a take on the English country house murder and is told with warmth and a nod to those who know their mysteries. For example, readers will observe Agatha getting the brainstorm that later results in The Body in the Library.

The book’s conceit is that Agatha’s housekeeper, Phyllida, is an old friend. Because of this, they chat often and do not maintain a strict employer/employee relationship. Phyllida is the amateur detective for the case. She is an astute observer even as she ends up in some trying situations.

The Mallowans host a house party. The murder victim does not appear to be whom he said he was. Photos that he possessed are found and these include all of the guests at the party. What was the victim after? Who murdered him? Why? Read the story to find out.

Both this book and Murder at Greenway were recently published. Each has some connection to Agatha Christie. I preferred this novel.

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