Great reads for adults and children!
This romance title will be enjoyed by those who like a long story with protagonists to root for. English professor Bonnie’s relationship ends but that is not the end of her story. What happens when she becomes “Smitten by the Brit?” Read this fun, engaging and romantic story to find out. Enjoy the characters, the settings and the literary allusions.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.
JKing Lear is free.
The Month of Borrowed Dreams is the fifth entry in the author’s series set in Ireland. A sixth book is also forthcoming in 2022.
I have not read the other titles in the series. I do think that I will go back and read them. In any event, it took me a little while to sort out the characters, something that long term readers probably will not have to do.
These folks who came to life include Hanna, Jazz, Louise, Aideen, Eileen, Mary and Saira as some of the main female characters. There are also the men in their lives and Rasher, a homeless young man whose life is hopefully turning around.
To be brief, Hanna is a librarian who returned to the peninsula with Jazz when her marriage broke up. Her mother Mary lives in the town. Jazz works for her grandmother Louise is an ethically sourced company. Aideen and Eileen are planning their weddings to brothers but the ways in which each wants to acknowledge the day are very different. Saira works with Rasher and is a wise counselor.
As librarian, Hanna has started a film club linked to novels. One of her choices is Colm Toibin’s Brooklyn. Readers who have not already read Brooklyn may well want to by the time that they finish the novel.
The Month of Borrowed Dreams is a gently paced story of people’s lives. I think that it will be enjoyed by those who like the novels of Maeve Binchy.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.
This brightly illustrated book is for the youngest children. They will get to feed the pets from the choices that are attached to the book. Faces also pop up which the children may enjoy. Of course, I could not get the full benefit of all of this with my ARC but it seems appealing.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.
State of Terror was a highly anticipated fall release. It will have its admirers and detractors. I suspect that conservative Americans will be offended by the thinly veiled references to the presidency of Donald Trump and the consequent perilous state that was left in his wake. But…this is fiction and should be judged as such.
This book is a page turning thrill ride that goes from one scary scenario to another. Throughout is a stalwart Secretary of State, Ellen, who I imagine has some of HRC’s characteristics. Ellen is a good person who is willing to take risks for the good of her country. She was appointed by a president who did not like her and who perhaps wanted her to fail; will she?
Interestingly, readers learn a bit, through Ellen, about how women are judged. Ellen takes advantage of this in her role as chief diplomat. For example, while she may act one down or look a bit disheveled Ellen is as clever as they come.
In addition to the action and the feeling of insider information, there are some nice relationships with the main characters and their connections. Ellen’s friendship with Betsy is the kind of relationship many wish for with their closest connections. Readers also get to watch Ellen with her adult children.
There are many other characters in this book. All contribute to the story line and readers will care for many of them. The villains also get their time in these pages.
The collaboration of these two authors works very well. Each had a role to play in creating the book. SPOILER: Readers of LP’s books will be delighted when they see how her own series comes into play. I loved how that was done.
I recommend this novel. It is a thriller with heart and some important messages.
Currently available as an e book for $2.99!
Crooked Lane Books is a reliable source of good cozy mysteries. Here, in this story by Ellen Byron, readers will enjoy a good setting, good characters and a good mystery. Perfect for its intended audience.
The story takes place in Louisiana where readers spend time at a B and B, an oyster shack and more, giving this title some local flavor. Also, it is Valentine’s Day, perhaps not a favorite time for disruption. Protagonist Maggie is on the case when a celebrity chef is murdered. There are lots of suspects including Maggie’s own parent. How will things resolves? Pick this one up to find out. Note that this title is part of a series but can be read on its own.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Praise for Cajun Kiss of Death:
“Byron’s gutsy heroine makes quick work of the case so the good times can roll again.”
—Kirkus Reviews
“A comforting series that brings Cajun food, culture, and music together.”
—Library Journal
I always think that it is wonderful to read the original editions of classics. Still, I can see that both new readers and those familiar with The Secret Garden will enjoy this graphic novel. The illustrations are very evocative, especially those showing the facial expressions of characters. The comic adheres pretty closely to the story line. Give this one a look if you enjoy graphic novels.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.
David Chang became very well known when Momofuku overtook Manhattan. His food was good and his restaurants were popular. Now, in this book, the well known chef addresses the home cook. He notes that he learned to cook in the classic way but believes that the best food comes without slavishly following recipes. His goal, and one that he successfully achieves, is to show how to cook without panic. He is even a fan of the microwave. This is not a traditional cookbook with precise measurements. This is deliberate.
Both Chang and his co-author Priya Krishna comes to life in these pages. Take a chance and try this different kind of book about cooking. Maybe it will work for you!
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.
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Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too! 