Fans of historical fiction may want to read this newest title by Elise Hooper. Ms. Hooper also authored The Other Alcott and Learning to See (about Dorothea Lange). Both are in my TBR pile. Ms. Hooper’s newest novel tells the stories of the first women to compete. in what is now called track and field, in the Olympics. Three main characters are featured along with many others. The three are Betty, Louise and Helen. They are not like one another in personality, where they live, in their challenges or in their families but they are all talented athletes. Ms. Hooper brings them and the time period to life in this novel. The beauty of historical fiction is how it brings the past to life in a way that involves the reader. This book does that well and I recommend it. This title may be a good one for high school aged girls as well. As they more freely compete in athletics, they may be interested to know what it was like for girls like them in the past. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.
This book offers kids an introduction to the wonders of the human body. There are sections on body systems including the skeletal, nervous, cardiovascular, lymphatic, digestive, urinary and immune systems. The sense organs are also described.
The book opens with the author noting that there are body parts that we see, as for example, a leg, and others that are invisible to us because they are internal. The author then starts writing on the systems.
This is a short book that offers clear explanations. Kids who are especially interested will find that this title whets their appetite and they will, perhaps, want to find additional resources.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.
This is the fourteenth entry is Ms. Cleland’s series featuring antiques expert Josie Prescott. It can definitely be read as a standalone. Readers can then decide if they want to go back to the beginning with the first book, Consigned to Death, and move forward from there.
I had read some of the earlier novels but had not picked up any of them in recent years. I am glad to have gone back to spending time with Josie.
One of the interesting things about this series is the seeming insider knowledge that the author possesses on antiques. This story, which features some letters attributed to Jane Austen, describes what is involved in authentication. I found this to be quite interesting. There is also a TV show that Josie is presenting and there is a nice sense of all that is involved in filming.
The story involves murder, some interesting characters both as suspects and people in the town where Josie lives and works, and a case to be solved. Josie’s nice relationship with her husband is well done.
My one critique would be that the story stretches out for a bit too long. I think that a slightly shorter book would have pulled everything together more tightly. Overall though this was a good read that will be enjoyed by cozy lovers.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Editorial Reviews
Review
“Beguiling…Cleland maintains tension from the opening pages right up to the surprise conclusion. Miss Austen would approve.” ―Publishers Weekly
“Both mystery fans and antiques lovers will enjoy the erudite heroine’s informative, entertaining new adventure.” ―Kirkus Reviews
“Framed with fascinating details of Jane Austen’s life, along with the process of authenticating letters and books, this satisfying entry in the long-running series will appeal.” ―Booklist
“Enthralling….Cleland’s knowledge of and admiration for Jane Austen shine through this well-plotted, suspenseful narrative where long-term fans―and new ones―will eagerly invest in this exciting series full of surprises.” ―Shelf Awareness
“Hard to put down…a tightly plotted, sophisticated story ripe with secrets and lies. This 14th entry in the series is as freshe as the first.” ―MysteryScene Mag
“A blast of a read….A great mix of character delineation, antiques expertise, and a truly golden age style hand with plot. This is a stand out series, reliably excellent.” ―Aunt Agatha’s
It feels like a mark of honor for amazing, young Amanda to be featured in this children’s series. She is in illustrious company which is as it should be. Ms. Gorman inspired many. Her story is well told and illustrated here.
Children will see that there are young people who dream big and accomplish big things. They will also learn that Amanda overcame some challenges to get to where she wanted to be. These included having a speech impediment along with an auditory processing disorder. Children will rejoice at her victory in reciting unifying poetry for President Joe Biden. Amazing, and all things are possible.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.
This is the first book that I have read by Ms. Monroe although I know that she is a seasoned author who writes novels based in the south. I am delighted to have spent time with the characters she creates and recommend this women’s fiction title as one to add to your summer/vacation reading list. I am pretty sure that the characters in this book have been in other books written by the author. I did not find that to interfere with my becoming involved in their lives. The story is about several generations including Linnea who has recently upended her life and Cara who is about to marry for the second time as the novel begins. Linnea’s parents are among the other character whose story is told. In addition to writing about characters that I cared about, I think that the author created a wonderful sense of place. While I may not actually travel this summer, I certainly enjoyed my time in the Isle of Palms.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.
How One Therapist and a Circle of Strangers Saved My Life
by Christie Tate
The guide in this memoir is an author with a unique and honest voice. While very accomplished, she has clearly had her struggles. In this memoir the reader observes Ms. Tate as she brings her issues to a therapy group and her rather unconventional therapist. As a result her life was changed.
This book has received mixed reviews. There are those who have given it five stars and others who have barely given it one. Having facilitated support groups as part of my career, I was intrigued to read about the author’s experience with her therapist and the other members of her group. I recommend that you take a look and decide for yourself. I am glad to have read it.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.
