#MotherDaughterMurderNight #NetGalley

This book has gotten a lot of hype, including being picked for Reese’s book club and receiving a starred review from Library Journal. Based on that, readers may expect a lot from this first novel. In my opinion, it delivers. It is the kind of read where I kept saying that I would return to other things that I had to do when I finished the chapter that I was reading…but then, I just kept on going. All in all, I really enjoyed this one. There are humor, family relationships, a murder…and all of this is well executed in these pages.

Readers meet the three women of the family. Lana has been a real go-getter. A cancer diagnosis has led her to needing some assistance not an easy thing for her. Lana asks her daughter for help and Beth brings her from LA to a quieter community by the water with a slough.

Beth was a teen mother. She is a nurse who lives on the grid but with a homespun lifestyle. She and Lana have a history of not seeing eye to eye. Beth is mom to Jack (Jacqueline), who, when the story opens has been a pretty independent and competent teen. She has led many expeditions on the waters near her house.

What will happen when a body is found? Which of these women will be under suspicion? (Readers find this answer early on.) Who will get involved in finding the truth? Will they succeed? Read this one to find out. Readers will be glad that they did!

Many thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for this title. All opinions are my now.

Pub date: 05 September 2023

From the Publisher

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Simon’s dazzling debut delivers everything a mystery fan could crave, including a realistically nuanced cast of characters, a vividly evoked coastal California setting, writing imbued with a deliciously desiccated sense of wit, and a perfectly plotted murder with enough red herrings deftly dropped in to confound the most experienced mystery reader. Insightful and frequently funny analysis of family dynamics wrapped up in a cleverly crafted cozy crime novel.” — Library Journal (starred review)

“Three women bond while investigating a homicide in Simon’s spirited debut…. Simon stocks her layered plot with plausibly motivated suspects and convincing red herrings, but it’s her indomitable female characters and their nuanced relationships that give this mystery its spark. Readers will be delighted.” — Publishers Weekly

by joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviewsJuly 22, 2019

This is a wonderful historical novel based upon the Book Women who delivered library materials to those in the out of the way sections of Kentucky.  The book women were part of a program started by President Roosevelt under the WPA.

There are many book women in Troublesome Creek, Kentucky but the protagonist of the novel is the unforgettable Cussy.  Cussy speaks in dialect which helps the reader to fully enter into her world.  Cussy faces special challenges because she is the last of the ‘blues.’  There really were blue-skinned people in America as a supplement at the back of the novel attests.  They were objects of curiosity and also of prejudice, just as was the case for the African American population.

Cussy wants to be independent both before and after her disastrous short term marriage.  And yet, what will happen with patron Jackson who is one of the few to call Cussy by name, rather than the derogatory Bluet?

Cussy’s love of books flows through the novel.  There are references to books that were popular at the time, including those by Steinbeck and Rex Stout.  Cussy’s inventiveness in making books and delivering what her patrons need is impressive.

The landscape of rural Kentucky, the small towns, the mines, the mountains are all well described.  Each patron that Cussy visits has a back story and readers will even come to learn more about the mule who transports her.

If you are a reader who enjoys historical fiction set in the U.S., consider this one.  Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, Sourcebooks, for this book in exchange for an honest review.

#CalminaBook #NetGalley

This book is divided into four sections. They are the Introduction, Feeling Calm, Feeling Mindful, and Feeling Centered. There is also a section at the end entitled Embracing Imperfection.

Inside these pages are many suggestions for self-care, something that many have to remember is important in the midst of busy lives. While some of the information/practices in these pages will not feel new, the gentle reminders to consider one’s self have merit.

In these pages, there are writing prompts, checklists and more. Spending time with these could well be helpful.

Throughout this title, there are peaceful illustrations. They enhance the text.

At the end of this book, readers will find a number of references cited.

Give this title a look if you want help in caring for yourself.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Clarkson Potter-Ten Speed Press for this title. All thoughts are my own.

Pub date: 17 March 2026

Description:

from the publisher

Find calm every day with this pocket-sized self-care manual featuring simple rituals, journal prompts, activities, and affirmations from the creator behind the hit Instagram account My Self-Love Supply.

This beautifully illustrated guide provides reminders and routines to get you back on track when life gets tough—all backed by simple science. The book is divided into four sections: Calm in a Book, Feeling Calm, Feeling Mindful, and Feeling Centered, each including:

• reflective journal pages
• prompts and mood trackers
• empowering words of affirmation
• soothing activities and illustrations, 
• and more

Filled with lovely, vibrant artwork, self-care routines, and accessible practices you can tailor to your own needs, Calm in a Book will help you feel happier and more centered.

From the Publisher:

www.nytimes.com/2026/02/27/books/new-books-march.html

by Colleen Cambridge

#MasteringtheArtofFrenchMurder #NetGalley

Many readers will recognize that the title of this historical mystery refers to Julia Child and her classic cookbook, Mastering the Art of French Cooking. And indeed, most happily, Julia, her husband (Paul), and sister (nicknamed Dort) are all found in these pages. There is also a fictional character, Tabitha, who is nowhere near the cook that Julia is but who is a good friend to her.

The story takes place in the late 1940s in Paris so I was immediately inclined to like this book. The opening has Julia trying to figure out what is wrong with her mayonnaise. Soon, she will have much bigger problems. After a party at her apartment, a body is found in the basement area of Julia’s flat. The victim was a guest and the knife used to kill her came from Julia’s kitchen. Therese also was employed at the theater where Dort works.

Tabitha, the book’s amateur sleuth, has a father who was in the police. This makes her wanting to solve the case feel credible. She has come to Paris to spend time with her grandfather and his partner who becomes like an uncle to her. They add color and relationships to the story.

This book was entertaining and fun. I liked the setting, the characters, the food and the story. Kudos to the author. She has also written a series featuring Agatha Christie’s housekeeper showing how versatile she is. I have enjoyed her contributions to the historical mystery and recommend this title. I hope that this is the start of a series.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 25 April 2023 Mark your calendar

And the next in the series

This series began with last year’s Mastering the Art of French Murder. This second title is every bit as delightful.

Here is an historical mystery set in post WWII Paris. It features a fictional protagonist, Tabitha, and a friend of hers. That friend is the larger than life Julia Child. Together the two become involved in murderous situations.

This time, chefs should beware what they drink. Not too far into the novel, two have died after imbibing what should have been very special vintages. Tabitha and Julia are on the case even if the police inspector (and possible romantic interest for Tabitha) does not want their help.

What I like best in this book (and in the first one) is the evocation of Paris. When Tabitha and Julia visit a market it is easy to visualize the food and want to start cooking. And speaking of which, every time Julia is around food, and that is often, the book is so much fun.

Highly recommended to those who are foodies, those who love Paris and those who like historical mysteries. I hope there will be a third book soon

Many thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 23 April 2024

An e book bargain today

#PerilinParis #NetGalley

I think that this is the sixteenth book to feature Georgie. It all began with Her Royal Spyness back in 2007. I cannot believe that I have come so late to this enjoyable series. I plan to make my way through the backlist and look forward to hours of pleasure.

Georgie is a Lady and a distant relative of royalty. As this book opens, she is about to go to Paris with her husband. He reminded me of Colin in the Tasha Alexander series as he is on a mission. While the appropriately named Darcy works, Georgie spends time with her friend Belinda, among others.

Belinda is working for Coco Chanel. This gives the reader access to an atelier and the famous designer. There are other real people, including Hemingway mentioned; there are also fictional members of the “lost generation.” In addition, there are Georgie’s mother and her German partner. This is a bit tricky during Hitler’s rise.

Georgie does not know exactly what Darcy’s mission is. She is very concerned however, especially when she hears something about Berlin. Is Darcy a traitor?

Rhys Bowen is a master of her craft. This story unfolds effortlessly. Read it! Come to Paris, enjoy the landmarks and the feel of the city, watch the characters in action and then say (like me), I can’t wait for the next book.

Many thanks to Berkley Publishing Group for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 08 November 2022

304 pages

LJ 150 Sure Bets | Mystery – Google Drive
— Read on docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1heOVQOEKIBwzieEccRIfsLpAdbOwA9kS2XxTQDQzDMc/htmlview

#AFeelBetterBookforLittleSleepers #NetGalley

The APA has published many helpful titles for young children. This time, they address sleep issues for young kids in the ongoing Feel Better series.

This book has lovely illustrations. The rhyming text is inviting.

This is a book that could be read regularly as a child winds down for the day. It describes the arrival of night, shows how sleep helps kids and offers a bit of mindfulness/breathing for calming down. The last page reminds children that they are safe and loved.

In addition, there a a couple of pages for adults about their kid’s bedtime.

This title would make a welcome addition to bed time reads for young children. Reading it regularly helps kids to know what night will bring for them.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the American Psychological Association for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 07 April 2026

Description:

from the publisher

A Gentle, Reassuring Story to Help Young Children Feel Calm and Confident at Bedtime

This soothing, rhyming picture book offers young children a warm and supportive way to approach bedtime with comfort and ease. Through lyrical language and soft, inviting illustrations, the story highlights the many positive and magical aspects of nighttime while gently explaining why sleep is important for growing bodies. Designed for shared reading, the narrative helps children understand bedtime as a calm and caring routine rather than a challenge.

Written as part of the Feel Better Books for Little Kids series, this book presents simple, concrete strategies that support falling asleep, staying asleep, and feeling secure at bedtime. The tone is gentle and affirming, making the story accessible and reassuring for children and the adults reading with them. A Reader’s Note for adults provides additional information to support bedtime routines, address common sleep concerns, and help make evenings feel more peaceful and predictable for the whole family.

Key Features

• Developmentally Appropriate Bedtime Support for Ages 3-7: Uses simple, reassuring language to introduce sleep concepts in an age-appropriate way.
• Gentle Coping Strategies: Offers concrete and accessible ideas to help children feel calm and comfortable at bedtime.
• Engaging Rhyming Text: A lyrical narrative that encourages relaxation and makes bedtime reading enjoyable.
• Adult Guidance Included: Features a Reader’s Note with additional insight into bedtime routines, sleep fears, and nighttime transitions.
• Trusted Publisher: From Magination Press, the children’s imprint of the American Psychological Association, experts in child development and emotional well-being.

#HotChocolateonThursday #NetGalley

Short novels by Japanese (and other) authors are quite popular now. I think that they speak to our collective uncertainty about the time we are living in and our need to feel nourished and calm. Books like Hot Chocolate on Thursday are genuine comfort reads and I enjoyed this title very much.

In a series of interconnected stories, readers will find characters whom they will like, relationships, and some life lessons, all of which are delivered in a non-preachy way that resonated for me. For example, there is a story of a kindergarten teacher who does not follow the custom and comes to school with a pale pink nail polish. Something is discovered at the end of this vignette about the impacts that people have upon one another. A different story is about a woman who excels at work but feels that she is not a good mother. What does she learn about herself that she is able to carry forward?

I note again the connections among the entries in the novel. For instance, the kindergarten teacher shows up in a story about a young woman who is getting married. It was fun to read and wonder who would reappear.

I highly recommend this title. It brightened the days on which I read it.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 17 February 2026

Post first published on 26 February 2026

Description

Across a bridge in a quiet neighborhood in Tokyo, a seasonal cherry blossom sits on the river. Nearby is the Marble Cafe, where a woman writes in a notebook and a young waiter prepares her favorite hot drink. Both wonder about each other and about the other lives of the clientele who frequent this charming little cafe behind the trees…

Without even realizing it, we may touch and change someone else’s life.

Taking a walk along the river, cooking the best tamagoyaki, ordering hot chocolate, forgetting to remove our nail polish… The small, everyday acts that we do can lead to unexpected encounters, reverberate far beyond our own circle, and ultimately make a difference in the world around us.

Hot Chocolate on Thursday is a tapestry of slice-of-life moments that each open and close with a woman ordering her regular hot chocolate at the mysterious Marble Cafe. What happens in between will touch and swell your heart, as we connect with a community of untold unfolding lives.

From the Publisher

Also by this author:

: What You are Looking for is in the Library

Here is such a fun and feel good story and one that confirms what author Lindsey Kelk believes-that we love happy stories during difficult times. Her protagonist and, I think the author as well, see a role for romances as fiction that is just as worthy as any other reads.

Este Cox has written a book that takes off and becomes a huge bestseller. But…there is no Este, she is really teacher Sophie. Sophie is from a literary family and does not want to acknowledge her authorship of a sexy, romantic read to them. Lots of shenanigans ensue from this decision.

Playing against Este is Joe. As this is an enemies to lovers tale, readers watch as these two spar and come together. Watching them and the other characters in this story made for a delightful read.

I could pretty much say that, moving forward, I will read anything that Ms. Kelk writes. She knows how to help readers escape and enjoy her world for a few hours. Kelk gives readers a nice mix of plot, character, humor and heart.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper 360 for this title. All opinions are my own.

Four stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟