Becoming Mrs. Lewis by Patti Callhan tells the story of Joy Davidman and C.S. (Jack) Lewis. I absolutely adored that book so was thrilled when I received an early review copy of Once Upon a Wardrobe, another novel about C.S. Lewis.

The structure of the story is that George, a young boy with a heart defect, discovers The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe and wants to know more about it. George’s sister, who loves him deeply, shares that Lewis is at Oxford where she, Megs, is a student. Wanting to do what she can for George, Megs gets to know Jack and Warnie and brings the tales that Lewis shares home to her brother.

Jack’s life story is beautifully told. There were very hard times and yet a man emerged who is so beloved by many. I won’t detail the biography so that readers can discover it for themselves.

George is preternaturally wise about life while Megs is perhaps less so. Over the course of the novel, she learns that her beloved scientific point of view and way of solving problems is but one way to look at the world. She and George are both deeply human, seeking, loving people with whom readers will enjoy spending time.

Those who have read the Narnia stories will eagerly read this title looking for the same insights that young George is seeking…to understand where the characters in the books came from, who they may have been based on and more. Will those answers be in these pages? You will need to read the novel to find out.

Those who have not read the Narnia books can still love this title. Its insight into a person’s life with all of its tragedies and peaceful moments are for all readers.

I give this one my highest recommendation. Ms. Callahan your talent for understanding Lewis and life are so impressive.

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

by Jessica Ellicott

This fifth in the series will be welcomed by those who have enjoyed the previous titles. This is a light, historical mystery featuring Beryl and Edwina. They are opposites; one is British, the other American, and they have joined to form a detective agency. This time the case starts out deceptively as they are investigating a faux case at their client’s request. What will happen when a very real murder occurs? Read this one to find out. Along the way, enjoy the settings and the protagonists.

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

Death at Greenway is a traditional, historical mystery set during WWII. It takes place at a home of Agatha Christie’s, although the renowned author is only briefly seen in these pages. Nonetheless, her home has been opened to children who have left London (without their families) in order to be kept safe during the conflict.

Protagonist Bridget was working as a trainee nurse, a position that she loved, until something went disastrously wrong. Now, early in the novel, she is making believe that she is a fully trained nurse and is in charge of ten evacuees. Along with her, other adults included the not so hard working Gigi, and Mrs. Arbuthnot, a do-gooder, who directs others, including Bridget.

As everyone settles in, of course, a murder takes place. From this point on there is a case to be solved. Bridget is part of the investigation. What is in her past? In Gigi’s? How will the victim’s killer be brought to justice.?

I initially found this book to be a bit slow moving. I think, though, that it will be enjoyed by those who love traditional mysteries. It has received such good reviews overall.

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

These three are recent releases. Each is about seven dollars. I am currently reading An Unlikely Spy and will review it soon. I do like it.

Other bargains:

Uncle Vanya is free.

I am always delighted to settle in for another visit with Rowly, Edna, Clyde and Milton. Each of these characters is eccentric and interesting. We have an aristocrat, an artist, a poet and an artisan. Together they form a formidable quartet.

The Rowland Sinclair mysteries take place in the run up to WWII and in a world that feels rather ominous. Ms. Gentill always does her research and brings authenticity to both the setting and the background history of her stories. This time, I learned about Chiang Kai Shek, those who were pro or anti-Communist and the troubled relations between Japan and China. This history adds verisimilitude to the story.

The story begins as Rowly’s brother ( a more conventional sort) wants to send him and his friends to Shanghai to meet with those who may want to purchase Sinclair wool. Rowly is firmly instructed to equivocate in all of his business dealings. Can he?

The Shanghai that the protagonists visit is depicted as a city of immigrants and locals with many classes and nationalities in its society. For example, Rowly has a Chinese butler and an Indian driver.

As readers of the series know, where Rowly goes, trouble follows. In this novel, he meets a “taxi girl” named Sasha. She is reputedly from the Russian aristocracy. Alexandra now sells dances with her to those at the Cathay Hotel. This is quite a step down from her former life in her own country. Rowly dances with her…when the worst happens to Sasha and she is found dead in Rowly’s hotel room, there is a case to be solved.

This is an intricate and involving story. It is part of a series but can be read as a standalone. I do think, though, that many readers will want to explore all of the titles after they finish this book.

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

Poems from When We Were Very Young

by A. A. Milne, Rosemary Wells

It is a perfect combination! Poems are by AA Milne and the illustrations are by Rosemary Wells of (justifiable) Max and Ruby fame. The verses are lighthearted and very much enhanced by the artwork and commentary of Miss Wells. At the back of the book is a list of vocabulary words that Ms. Wells calls old-fashioned words.

This looks like a terrific book for young children. They will enjoy the rhythm of the poems and the lively illustrations.

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

Narrating the World in Pattern and Color

by Sharna Jackson

This title is part of a series of children’s books. In each, an artist is featured; this time the talented woman is Faith Ringgold.

This is a wonderful book for kids who want to learn about art and politics; over the course of spending time with this title, they will see where the two intersect. The text is enhanced by the beautiful and engaging illustrations. On some pages questions are posed for kids to help them reflect on their own lives. There is additional information and also some suggested activities at the end of the book.

Faith’s story is well told, from her childhood in Harlem to her increasingly personal and successful career. Children learn about Ms. Ringgold’s travels and her belief in the rights of others and protesting for causes.

Before reading this book, I had known Ringgold as the author of the famous children’s story, Tar Beach. If you don’t know what a tar beach is, read the story with a child you know. I learned that there was so much more to Faith Ringgold that the little I had known.

I highly recommend this title and the others in the series.

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

Marilyn Monroe

by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara

This entry in a favorite series tells the story of how Norma Jeane became Marilyn Monroe. Of course, adults know how complicated Monroe’s life was but this entry for children tells her story in a way that is appropriate for them.

Children learn that Norma Jeane’s mother was ill so young Norma grew up in an orphanage and with foster families. Her early love of going to the movies, her first marriage at a young age and other details of Norma Jeane’s life are matter of factly told.

Children see Norma rename herself Marilyn and become a movie star. Marilyn felt that she was realizing her big dream. Yet she did more. Marilyn was a trailblazer when she started her own production company.

This entry in the series nicely tells Marilyn’s story. The illustrations beautifully accompany the text.

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