Illustrations by Marjolein Bastin

by Jane Austen

#SenseandSensibility #NetGalley Pub Date 05 Oct 2021

The opening chapter of Sense and Sensibility is one of my favorite in all of Austen. I find her wit here to be so sharp. The reduction of expectations for the Dashwood family as they lose their property and much of their financial security, because of primogeniture, is described in a way that is actually quite scathing and revelatory of the estate’s new female doyenne.

There is much to delight in as readers observe Elinor and Marianne interact with each other and those around them. Suffice it to say, that each embodies one of the titular traits. A rereading of this novel is always welcome to me.

If you have not read S and S, I recommend it most highly. I especially want to draw you attention to this absolutely gorgeous edition of the book. It is surely true that there are many, many less expensive versions of the novel. That said, this enchantingly illustrated one will be adored by true Austen aficionados. The flowers throughout are just lovely. Consider making this one a gift for someone you know…maybe even yourself.

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

So many good choices here. Bel Canto is a true favorite for me as is To Kill a Mockingbird. I adored The Rose Code and The Alice Network is by the same author.

Which of these have you read or will you read now?

These titles are on sale during the week of 8.16.21. Each is $4.00

I am in the minority perhaps but did not even finish episode 1 on Netflix. I am posting this because I know many feel differently. What was your opinion?

And the prequels:

Robyn Carr is a prolific writer of women’s fiction. Her Virgin River novels are now a series on Netflix. The Country Guesthouse is one of the author’s Sullivan’s Crossing books. These stories take part in Colorado and are interconnected although they do not have to be read in order.

This title is primarily about Owen, Hannah and Noah. They face challenges although readers of this author know that usually things end well. Owen is a world traveler and a photographer who had a significant tragedy in his life. Hannah was a close friend to Noah’s mother, who died and named Hannah to be his guardian. Noah, who is five years old, has mild CP and is grieving the loss of his mom. Over the course of this story, the three come together, heal and find love while also connecting with the characters from previous books.

I recommend Robyn Carr’s novels to those who enjoy women’s fiction. This one is an easy read that takes the reader to a beautiful place and the kind of caring community we dream about.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

For Virgin River fans: Each of these books costs $4.00

These are just some of the books that are on sale. Check your favorite on line book seller for even more, all the way to book number 20.

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I have updated the look of the blog, just wanting to refresh it. Feedback anyone? How do you decide what your pages will look like?

Thanks for any feedback.

Shakespeare’s Stories

by Samantha Newman

This title provides a wonderful introduction to Shakespeare for young readers. There are fifteen plays included; to name just a few, there are The Merchant of Venice, Othello, Love’s Labour’s Lost, Romeo and Juliet, and The Tempest. Each play is brought to life, simply retold but true to the spirit of the original. The illustrations that accompany the stories are truly magnificent. Those who would like to introduce a new generation to Shakespeare may well want to pick up this book and let the bard do the rest.

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

Traditions from Around the World

by Monika Utnik-Strugala

#ChristmasIsComing #NetGalley Pub Date 14 Sep 2021

This is a beautifully illustrated book that describes many Christmas customs and celebrations. The book opens with an an explanation for how Christmas came to be celebrated on December 25th. From here, there are sections on many ways that the holiday is noted and celebrated. For example, have you ever heard of Grittibaenz? He is a bit like a gingerbread man in Switzerland. How about a German Christmas Market? Reading about that makes me want to go to one to look around. What are some of the stories behind the Christmas tree? Learn about the Swedish gnomes, called tomtar. Find out when children in different countries receive their gifts. All this and more make this book an interesting one for families to share. The world opens up as children learn the ways in which their celebrations are the same and/or different from those in other parts of the world. A great way to look forward to the holiday season.

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