Dance with Death

A Barker & Llewelyn Novel

by Will Thomas

A Novel of the Vanderbilts

by Therese Anne Fowler

Historical fiction offers readers the opportunity to imagine other lives, places and contexts. It provides a way to immerse one’s self in a past world that offers the reader escape but, also many times, insight into current times. This novel gives readers all of this as it tells the story of Alva Smith Vanderbilt. She did not begin life with the proverbial silver spoon but, of course, that all changed. Follow the story of her life here; the clothes, the houses and the ostentation…but also, the striving for acceptance as one of the newly rich. It was a tricky world to navigate.

Fans of historical fiction will enjoy this title. It contains all that readers of this genre could want.

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

The Unkindness of Ravens

A Greer Hogan Mystery

by M. E. Hilliard

This book grabbed my interest immediately because, on the first page, a favorite childhood fictional character of mine was mentioned. You may not know her, but she was Trixie Belden. She, her brothers, Honey and Jim had adventures and solved mysteries with their club. They had exactly the life that I wanted .I loved Trixie more than Nancy Drew. As this was exactly how the fictional detective in this book felt, I knew that I wanted to read more.

The amateur sleuth in this title is Greer. Her husband had been murdered (not a spoiler as this is mentioned early in the novel) and she has sought a new life away from New York City. Greer goes to library school and moves to a small town in upstate New York. A library patron and friend to Greer is murdered. What is behind the murder? Who did it? How will intrepid, amateur sleuth Greer fare? Will the solution tell her more about her husband? Find out in this cozy mystery.

In addition to Trixie, I loved the library setting and the mention of various books and authors. Readers will wish for a library like this, despite the crimes.

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

by Steve Martin, Putri Febriana

Pub Date 25 May 2021  

This is such a cute activity book for young children who need entertainment while traveling. The first activity is to make a driver’s license which surely will put a child in the mood for a road trip. Some of the activities include building a race track (with colored pencils, for example); Stop That Car! (where a child figures out who is speeding); Spot the Difference, Color by Numbers, Dot-to-Dot and many more.

I recommend this brightly illustrated book. It will keep a little one busy. It will also give them some time away from electronic screens.

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

This is a cookbook that promises recipes for a healthy, keto based diet. That may well be true but, importantly, it is a book filled with good sounding food. There are chapters on breakfasts, snacks, salads & soups, lunches, dinners, sides and desserts. There are also a lengthy introduction, a section on basics and another on further reading. The photos show appealing looking foods.

A few examples of the recipes; these are from the breakfast chapter. There are green spinach & salmon crepes, Turkish egg bowl, sausage-avo-egg stack and creamy cinnamon porridge, among others. These recipes look easy to follow.

For readers who are intrigued, enjoy looking at recipes for the rest of the day and more. This cookbook looks like a very good resource.

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

Free London

A Guide to Exploring the City Without Breaking the Bank

by Yolanda Zappaterra, Sarah Guy

Pub Date 04 May 2021

This book’s chapters include: Things to Do Outdoors; Green Spaces; Museums; Galleries; Performing Arts’ Building and Built Spaces; and Seasonal London. All in all, 100 suggestions are contained in these pages.

To give an idea of the riches to be found within, the first section of the book has entries on Mudchute City Farm, Playgrounds, The Gardens at 120 and many more. Each entry is short and accompanied by photos.

I adore this book. Readers will get so many ideas of things to do on their next trip. I cannot wait!

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

by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara

Pub Date 25 May 2021

The beautiful cover of this book immediately tells the reader much that they will discover in its pages about Ru Paul. Kids learn that, as a child, Ru Paul found joy wearing what were traditionally called women’s clothing. Ru Paul knew that this was okay, that it was possible to be one’s unique self. Ru Paul’s mom expressed this well. She told a young Ru Paul that she believed in the importance of Ru Paul knowing and loving the person inside. This is how Ru Paul lived.

That is the message of this book, and it is one for all children. It will be empowering to those who feel “different” and equally important for those who could benefit from gently learning that it is important to accept others as they are. Readers will learn about how Ru Paul grew up to make a difference.

This title is an excellent addition to this series. It comes highly recommended.

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

The Jungle Book is free.