The Milne is free.

by Anthony C. Delauney

I wonder if this title is based on the real life marshmallow experiment that rewarded kids for delayed gratification. I was very much reminded of that while reading this title.

Dash and Nikki’s story is told in rhyme. The text is brightly illustrated. Each child is given ten jellybeans with the potential for more. How do Nikki and Dash approach their beans and what will happen to each?

This is a story with a moral although the author is not too heavy handed. If, as an adult, you want to teach your children the value of waiting for something and/or the lesson of generosity, give this title a look.

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

We are still living in difficult Covid times even though things are better than they had been. This means that I am still such a fan of escapist fiction. Give me a good setting, interesting characters, a plot, and some relationships, and I am good to go.

This story begins in Cambridge before moving to Florence. It is a beautiful city and I was delighted with my (virtual) trip there.

Protagonist Debbie meets Perluigi when she literally crashes into him. Where will their relationship go from this (in)auspicious beginning? Their collision leads Debbie to make the decision to travel to Florence. Enjoy visiting the city with her and Perluigi and watching as she hopes for her happily ever after.

This is a light read. It will be welcomed by romantics who like to escape.

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

Find my review of this one in the blog’s archive.

Are you now, or were you ever, a mother with young children? If yes, did you feel that you received the support that you needed from your partner? Did you want not just help but proactive assistance? If you can answer yes to any of these questions, you may well identify with Nora Spangler.

Nora has a four-year-old, is pregnant and it is her year to become (or not) partner in her law firm. She is trying her best but is overwhelmed. Nora loves her husband (she says) but some days is incredibly irritated by him.

So…Nora and Hayden look at a house that is for sale in an upscale community. Interestingly, the husbands there are way more helpful than usual. The women all have these incredibly high powered jobs. What is going on here? Do Nora and Hayden want to live here? Will they?

Also, what about that arson that killed Penny’s husband. Nora is investigating it thinking about a wrongful death suit. Is it that or is it murder?

There are many threads running through this novel. I have seen mixed reviews but I found it to be a book that I enjoyed. Make up your own mind. Give this one a look.

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

From the publisher:

Welcome to Ferry Lane Market

Book 1 in a brand new series by the author of bestselling phenomenon THE CORNER SHOP IN COCKLEBERRY BAY

by Nicola May

#FerryLaneMarket #NetGalley

Sometimes I just want to read a book that will provide a nice escape. It’s fine if the characters face some challenges but there are days where knowing all will end well feels really welcome. This story about Ferry Lane Market just fits the bill.

Main character, Kara, is one of those people who puts the needs of others first. What will happen when she has a chance to change that pattern? Read this story to find out. You will probably then want to move right on to the second entry in the series.

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

Lorna Doone is free.

www.nytimes.com/2021/11/12/books/review/best-illustrated-childrens-books.html