For those who are looking to escape reality and immerse themselves in an easy read, here is a perfect choice. Three friends abandon their lives to move to Greece. They will have adventure and romance…and gin. Readers will enjoy spending time in the gorgeous setting and with the likeable main characters.

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

This new entry in a favorite series tells the story of Yoko Ono. Young readers will learn about her life in Japan, her move to New York and her connection to THAT musician. They will discover that her family life and circumstances were difficult and that Yoko felt that she needed to rely upon herself for many years. Children will read about Imagine and the way in which Yoko has honored John. They will also see the importance of living life according to one’s own vision. As always, the story is well told and illustrated with additional information at the end of the story.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this excellent entry in an excellent series. All opinions are my own.

Tales from the Cafe

A Novel

by Toshikazu Kawaguchi

This title follows upon the highly regarded, Before the coffee gets cold. Once again, the author spins a world that comes vividly to life. There is a bit of sci fi or magical realism within, call it what you will.

The tales take place in a very special cafe. A customer can go back in time so long as they are ready to return to their world before the coffee gets cold. This title follows four such patrons of the cafe. Each of these customers will come back changed.

This book is a treat. Those who enjoyed The Phone Booth at the Edge of the World are most likely to enjoy this title as well. It is a short book at 145 pages but also one to savor.

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

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Many of the historical novels that I have read recently have employed a dual timeline with two protagonists as a structure for the narrative. In this novel, both timelines are told through the eyes of Evelyn Herbert, daughter of the Earl of Carnarvon and wife of Borogard Beauchamp.

Eve’s father helped to underwrite the work of Howard Carter in Egypt. As many know, Carter “discovered” the tomb of Tutankhamun with its many riches and historical artifacts. Eve was there when this significant event took place.

The story moves back and forth in time. In the present, it is the 1970s and Eve has suffered a number of strokes. Full credit to Ms. Paul for her sensitivity and ability to make readers feel the difficult impact that these had on Eve.

In the past, Eve grows up, is a debutante, meets Borograve and follows her interest in archaeology and lives her life. She has friends, children and a world around her.

The two narratives converge when Ana wants to interview Eve. She is tasked with understanding the events at the time that the tomb was found. Eve knows something important and will have to decide whether to reveal this.

I very much enjoyed this novel. It is leisurely paced, has well developed characters and lets readers witness a significant discovery. Readers will feel the heat of the sun and visualize the landscape of Egypt.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this absorbing historical novel. All opinions are my own.

Avidly Reads Opera

by Alison Kinney

Over the last few years I have taken a number of music history classes. One of them touched on opera but that was just a brief introduction. So, I was very interested in reading this title. It did not disappoint.

The author is an unabashed fan of opera. She draws the reader in immediately with an account of her reaction to a death in one of the first operas that she saw. Ms. Kinney then tells readers that this is not a spoiler for her book as people usually die in them.

The author relates her experience in viewing an opera production at Attica State Prison. This clearly makes the point that the world of opera is not only for the elite.

Ms. Kinney is an unabashed fan who has learned a lot about what might be her favorite subject. She engagingly introduces readers to her experiences, knowledge and enthusiasm for the genre.

I highly recommend this one for both novice and seasoned people who want to engage with this art form.

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

by Erwin Moser

This is a charming cartoon-like picture book that looks perfect for a toddler. The cover engages readers right away with Boris traveling in the bathtub. The included tales follow the seasons. They have engaging illustrations and stories that are simple and short, perfect for a little one’s attention span.

A note explains that these stories are newly released in English. I am glad that they were.

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