Recently published: Picnic in Someday Valley by Jodi Thomas

#PicnicinSomedayValley #NetGalley

Readers of Breakfast at the Honey Creek Cafe will be delighted to meet up with their old (character) friends in this second novel set in Texas. Piper, the mayor, and her Texas Ranger are back along with the widows and a number of other folks from the first novel including Pecos and his young bride. For those who have not read Breakfast, there is a lot of information given to catch you up; however, for a more leisurely read, take the books in order.

In part, this title tells the story of Marcie. She was a character in the first novel too, but comes into her own here. Marcie is a singer who made the mistake of getting involved with the wrong man. She expects little to bad things from relationships. Will it be any different with Brand?

Readers also meet Jesse, a young widower. He takes excellent care of his three children and his farm but can he hope for more in life? Will he find love with the baker of the most perfect scones?

Spending time in the locations and with the characters make for a relaxing read. Travel to Texas; readers will want to stay for a while.

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

From the publisher:

FICTION, Romance, Contemporary

Now out:

The Venice Sketchbook

A Novel

by Rhys Bowen

#TheVeniceSketchbook #NetGalley

Rhys Bowen has written several beloved mystery series, including the stories about Molly Murphy and the “Royal Spyness” novels. Readers may be less aware of her novels that relate to WWII, of which The Venice Sketchbook is one along with others including The Victory Garden and The Tuscan Child.

This dual timeline story is an immersive read. Readers share in romance, things to be discovered, keys, sketchbooks and more. Also kudos to the author for bringing the city of Venice so vividly into being in these pages.

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

Time for adventure: Dinosaurs Before Dark Graphic Novel

by Mary Pope Osborne

#DinosaursBeforeDarkGraphicNovel #NetGalley

Pub Date 18 May 2021

The Magic Tree House series has been loved by many beginning readers who have eagerly followed the adventures of Jack and Annie. Ever since the tree house first appeared and whisked the two back to prehistoric times, Jack and Annie have been learning and doing. Now, in a new twist on an old theme, the books have gone graphic. First, to come, is Dinosaurs Before Dark, a title certain to be enjoyed in its new format.

So, have a child you know, sit back, spend time with Jack and Annie, explore the wonderful illustrations and…become an enthusiastic reader.

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

An e book bargain for the week of 4.26.21

The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett: A Novel
So many of the reviews that I saw for this novel were quite praiseworthy so I read it with very high hopes and expectations. It did not disappoint. This is a novel that engages the reader through its characters and its story lines. I think that readers who enjoyed novels like The Little Paris Bookshop or The Lido will want to read this one…as will many others.
Miss Honeysett is a prim woman who is 85 years old. She believes that the time has come to take control of the end of her life. This leads her to contact a Dignitas like clinic and submit an application. Will her request be granted? Will Eudora want it to be?
Readers learn that Eudora faced a number of tragedies and disappointments over the course of her her life. Most chapters in the novel include a flashback to a key moment for Eudora. No spoilers so I do not want to write more.
In the present, Eudora meets the irrepressible Rose. The two have a relationship that evolves over the course of the book as Rose awaits becoming a big sister.
Another important character is Stanley. His friendship with Eudora and Rose is impacted by some memory issues. What will happen to each of them?
At times acerbic, at times touching this is a novel that I most definitely recommend. Give it a try.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.

Now out:

World Travel

An Irreverent Guide

by Anthony Bourdain; Laurie Woolever

#WorldTravel #NetGalley

Anthony Bourdain’s death left a void in the world of food adventure. He has been mourned by many. This book, however, provides a chance to celebrate Mr. Bourdain, the foods he ate and the places he went. Starting with Argentina and progressing through the alphabet to Viet-Nam, this charmingly illustrated (with many line drawings) book offers riches to the reader. Fans of Mr. Bourdain will be excited to see this one. Credit to Laurie Woolever who clearly helped enormously to get this book out.

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

What happened: That Summer by Jennifer Weiner

#ThatSummer #NetGalley

Pub Date 11 May 2021

TRIGGER WARNING. Something that may upset some readers happens

Jennifer Weiner is a perennially popular author. In That Summer, she is in top form, delivering exactly the novel that her fans want. It is immersive and takes on a social issue. The book also has well developed characters, settings that come to life, complex relationships and…food!

It is difficult to review this title without spoilers. Readers will want to see the plot unspool for themselves. The set up of centers on two women Diana and Daisy who have similar addresses on line. This leads to their getting together and spending a good amount of time in each other’s company. What will be revealed as they become better acquainted? What will happen to them as truths are revealed? How do the events of THAT SUMMER influence all that takes place? Read the novel to find out.

I both read and listened to this title. The narration was pitch perfect and provided by Sutton Foster.

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