Here are two books that appear to be “read now” on NetGalley. Each is by a most favorite author of mine.

I’ve loved the series by both of these authors and recommend everything that they have written.

Unto Us a Son Is Given by Leon

A new novel from this author is always most welcome! What I love about this series is not so much the mysteries, although those are well constructed, but the relationships among the characters and the ways in which the city of Venice is brought to life. Guido and Paola seem so real and affectionate with one another; they have a marriage that many would envy. Watching Guido and Paola with their children is a treat as is reading about their latest family dinner. Guido’s relationships with his extended family and work colleagues are also brought vividly to life.

In this book, a friend of the family who is elderly wants to adopt an adult male to be his heir. Will you as the reader feel empathy for this lonely man? All around wonder if this adoption is a good plan but he is determined and undeterred. Is this what leads to his and one other’s death? What are the reasons for what is happening? How are families constructed? They are not all like Guido’s.

For fans of Donna Leon, the chance to spend time with her will be a delight. New readers will also enjoy the book and will probably then look to read others in the series.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this good read. The opinions are mine alone.

#UntoUsASonIsGiven #NetGalley

Before Covid I had never read a book by Ms. Novak. I started with One Perfect Summer and just kept going, also reading Summer on the Island, The Bookstore on the Beach, and When I Found You. All of these were enjoyable women’s fiction titles; each had a good setting storyline and characters. So, of course, I was eager to read this new book by the author.

The story takes place in a seaside community. Three friends grew up there. Ivy stayed and runs the library. Cam stayed; he became a talented architect. Ariana worked in New York in the publishing industry; she comes back to spend time with her grandmother.

The three all know of a tragic event that occurred when they were in high school. A girl went missing. What will be stirred up as events from the past spill into the present?

This book is a bit more of a mystery but retains many elements of the author’s talent for writing women’s fiction. I enjoyed this novel but did think that it had a bit of a slow start.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for this title. All opinions are my own.

From the Publisher

Anthony Bourdain’s death left a void in the world of food adventure.  He has been mourned by many.  This book, however, provides a chance to celebrate Mr. Bourdain, the foods he ate and the places he went.  Starting with Argentina and progressing through the alphabet to Viet-Nam, this charmingly illustrated (with many line drawings) book offers riches to the reader. Fans of Mr. Bourdain will be excited to see this one.  Credit to Laurie Woolever who clearly helped enormously to get this book out.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

#WorldTravel #NetGalley

#BrainBoost365BrainGamesforAdults #NetGalley

I like doing puzzles, everything from crosswords to sudoku, to logic puzzles and acrostics. So, when I see a puzzle book, I always want to look inside.

Here is a collection of 365 puzzles, so one for every day. Included are code words, crosswords, cryptograms, flower puzzles, word searches, sudoku and more. Definitely, a lot for a puzzler to enjoy.

I will most likely purchase this one in its hard copy.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Cider Mill Press for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 14 October 2025

#BigHandwritingPracticeWorkbookforKids #NetGalley

I thought that the cover of this book was cute with its smiling cat inviting kids in. Throughout there are brightly colored illustrations that should help to keep kids engaged.

The book opens with an introduction for adults. This offers an explanation of what is in the title and tips for how to help young writers. Some activities to try are suggested.

Activities in the book itself include tracing letters, words and numbers, along with matching games, coloring, filling in the missing letter, and more. In addition to working on writing skills, there are some reading practice activities as well.

A completion certificate is included for kids who would like this.

To me, this looks like a very good workbook. I think that it would be important to work at the child’s pace or in shorter sessions so that they stay enthused.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Cider Mill Press for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 02 September 2025

www.nytimes.com/2025/07/16/books/review/new-summer-thrillers.html

www.nytimes.com/2025/07/17/books/review/new-book-recommendations.html

www.nytimes.com/article/jane-austen-books.html

www.nytimes.com/interactive/2025/07/14/books/review/french-book-movies.html