#WhenIFoundYou #NetGalley

This is the third novel that I have read by Brenda Novak. She is an author who has a talent for writing engaging characters and plots. Those who enjoy women’s fiction may want to read this one.

This time, the primary protagonist is Natasha (Tash). For reasons that readers will discover, her childhood was not easy. Now, Tash is an adult. She thought that she was just where she wanted to be. Tash completed medical school, married and had a son. As the novel opens, many things are falling apart. (No spoilers although it is hard not to include them). Tash is doing her best to readjust and adapt.

Another primary character, Mack, has known Tash since she was in high school. What will happen in their relationship? There will be at least one surprise (again no spoiler so will not stay what).

In addition to telling Mack and Tash’s stories, readers spend time at Tash’s job, with her son and more. They also follow some plot strands that have to do with Mack’s brothers. Read the book to find out more.

In my opinion, this novel has a subtext about who and what makes a family. Also think about who finds whom as per the title.

All in all, another good read from this popular author.

WARNING: Many reviews and the book descriptions on sites like Amazon tell things that I was careful not to include in this review. Also note that this title is part of a series. I have not read the other entries and did not find that to be a problem.

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

Dragonfly by Leila Meacham

by joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviewsNovember 24, 2019

So many historical fiction titles on WWII have been published.  I think that this has to do with many important anniversaries and commemorations and perhaps also because it was a war in which the right thing seemed clear.  As a result, it seems that some look back on the war almost nostalgically even while noting and recalling its enormous tragedies.

So, I wondered if I wanted/needed to read another title set in this time period.  I will emphatically say yes (!) as I very much enjoyed Dragonfly.  In my opinion, this is by far the author’s bests book.

Dragonfly tells the story of five people who are recruited as spies in occupied France.  The backstory of each character is fully explored and I cared about each of them.  These characters are an athlete from Texas with German roots, a young man whose biological father turns out to be an important fighter in the French resistance, a fly fisherman, a fashion designer and a fencer.  Three are men and two are women.

Each is embedded in Paris and interacts with the main German characters in the story, some of whom are described sympathetically.  Code named Dragonfly, the team gets to work.  There is much suspense as they do so and this aspect of the story is handled beautifully by the author as the plots and characters intersect.  At times, I truly worried for these characters especially as the beginning of the book states that one of them may well have died while on their mission.  The suspense is indeed suspenseful.

I highly recommend this title for those who would like to sink into a long (577 pages) and absorbing story.

#SweetCherryEasyClassics #NetGalley

Sweet Cherry has published a number of adaptations of the classics for young readers. Each story retains its essence with short chapters and illustrations. Wuthering Heights is competently told here and young readers will keep turning the pages. The intrigue of the original comes across. Some children will hopefully be inspired to read the full work when they are older.

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

by Elizabeth Dale

#DelightfullyDifferentDilly #NetGalley

The illustrations are the best part of this book in my opinion. They are engaging, detailed and fun. They perfectly accent the text.

This is a story about a penguin who is different. What makes Dilly different is that Dilly has just one foot. Dilly is cheerful and inventive. Dilly’s positive attitude and playfulness are enjoyed by the other young chicks who start trying to do some things differently as well. What will happen? Should things be done Dilly’s way or is conformity best? Adults who are reading this title to a child surely know the answer.

Many times stories use animals as stand-ins for humans when trying to relate a message to young children. I would love to read this book with children both able and with challenges to see what they think. I hope that they would enjoy this story and its message. I do wonder a bit if a child with challenges would feel that this story makes everything look just a bit too easy though. Always though, books can be used to open up discussion and that is a good thing.

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

The Dog Sitter is a light summer read. It is a romance novel that tells the story of Becky. She wants a change from her current life so accepts a job out of the city as a dog sitter. However, things don’t go exactly as planned. This becomes clear from the opening sentences. Told in Becky’s voice, she struggles to arrive at the job. For another, there is some confusion about whose dog Bella is. Does she belong to the person whose house Becky is staying in or does she belong to Ash who claims that Bella is his? Romantic and comic mayhem ensue before all is resolved.

This is not a deep read by any means. Still, it may provide that kind of momentary pleasure that readers look for when they want a break.

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

nyti.ms/3BOMKW9

Rule the music scene like Queen

#WorkItGirlBeyoncéKnowles #NetGalley

Pub Date: 24 August 21

Work It, Girl is an excellent biography for young chapter book readers. It tells the story of Beyonce beginning when she was a shy child. Beyonce’s parents accepted her personality but hoped to bring her out of herself a bit, so suggested a dance class. In many ways, the rest is history! With her family’s support Beyonce kept moving forward.

One thing that I very much like in this book is its emphasis on how hard Beyonce worked and what she gave up to achieve her early goals. When others in her school were dating or playing sports, she and her group members practiced and focused on school work with no time for anything else. This message is helpful for young readers who may think that Beyonce’s success was easy or automatic. It was not.

Readers follow Beyonce from her first girl band, through Destiny’s Child and on to her solo career. Beyonce continued to work hard and have big dreams. She also had a personal life and some of the book is devoted to this as well as Jay Z and Beyonce’s desire to become parents. In addition, readers watch Beyonce as she becomes active with Black Lives Matter.

The biography is illustrated with collage like pictures. There are also some photographs. The end of the book includes extras like a maze, a section titled “Rule the music scene like Beyonce” and more. There is so much to Beyonce’s story. Readers will realize this. This book would make a great choice for a biography book report as it is a good read and about a popular current figure.

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