by Melody Lockhart

This is the second entry in an appealing chapter book series for young readers who like stories that are imaginative and magical. In the first book, Rosie and Kat were introduced as was the enticing forest where much of the book takes place. The first time around, Rosie was adjusting to a new home; this time Kat is learning to be a big sister. Rosie now is more comfortable in her new home and, along with her friend, Rosie, is back in a story about friendship and more. This time the special creature is a dragon! And this dragon needs help. Will the girls be able to provide it?

This is a title that will encourage young readers to pick up a book…and won’t that make the adults happy?

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

Those who enjoy cozy mysteries will want to look at this extensive preview featuring titles by Ellie Alexander, Eve Calder, Cate Conte, Donna Andrews, Meri Allen, Eve Calder, Sheila Connolly, Hannah Dennison, Jess Dylan, Leonard Goldberg, Carolyn Haines, Kylie Logan, Allison Montclair, S. C. Perkins, Ashley Weaver. The excerpts are each several chapters long giving readers a chance to decide if a book is for them. Find out if a favorite author has a new book forthcoming and maybe find a new favorite as well!

Just some of the author’s whose books I want to read include Hannah Dennison, Carolyn Haines, Kylie Logan, Allison Montclair, S.C Perkins and Ashley Weaver. How about you?

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this wonderful compendium. All opinons are my own.

How a Teacher Led an Unlikely Team to Victory

by Julie Abery

The title is such a spoiler! Make believe that the ending is not known and encourage a child you know to read about this team’s success. It was unlikely and led by the estimable Sakamoto who barely knew how to swim himself. The illustrations in this title are just beautiful as is the rhyming text. I recommend this one highly.

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

Broken Ground by Val McDermid

by joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviewsNovember 18, 2018

#BrokenGround #NetGalley

Val McDermid writes a number of series; of them all, the Karen Pirie novels are my favorites. Broken Ground is the newest of these.
I enjoy Karen. She is a quirky woman who has faced a significant loss and is still recovering. In this novel, she gingerly considers a new relationship. She is an old fashioned copper who cares about justice and what is right. She is loyal to those on her team who are still learners.
Karen is the head of the Historical Cases Unit in Scotland. Spending time with her, the members of her team (including her adversaries) and her cases is always time well-spent. In this novel, there are several stories; one relates to events of WWII, another to a serial rapist, and there is also a present day murder. Each of these plots is explored satisfactorily.
I finished this book today and am already looking forward to what happens next in the series. I highly recommend both this book and the series.

Many (!) thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this satisfying read.

Others in the series:

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Breakfast at the Honey Creek Cafe

by joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviewsMay 27, 2020

This is the first book that I have read by Ms. Thomas. It is the start of a new series for the author. I think that this title will be enjoyed by those who read books by writers including Debbie Macomber, Brenda Novak and Robyn Carr. It is an enjoyable women’s fiction title.
The three main male characters are Colby, Sam and Pecos. The three women are Piper, Anna and Kerrie. Their respective relationships form the basis for the romances of the novel. There is an additional relationship that includes the sheriff and the woman with whom he is involved. The setting is a small Texas town where Piper is the mayor.
Colby comes to town to be a bodyguard/detective whose charge is Piper who, in turn, is receiving threats and who had a date with someone who subsequently disappeared. The sheriff has himself been out of reach and is not there to help for much of the story.
Colby has a back story of injury. He wants to be a Texas Ranger. Sam is a minister who is looking to find himself; he has escaped through many other occupations. Pecos is young, graduating from high school and becoming a man over night. The women with whom they are involved are strong and are survivors and people who cope.
This is a book that will be welcomed by readers who are looking forward to an easy but enjoyable read. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

The Maurice Leblanc title is free. This is one of the books upon which the Netflix series was based.

Gulliver’s Travels is free.

by Manuela Santoni

pub date: 01 May 21

This graphic novel imagines the lives of the Brontes. There are the father, the somewhat dissolute brother, Branwell and of course, those three sisters, Anne, Charlotte and Emily. The sister’s relationships and their writing lives are depicted here. Much attention is also given to Branwell and his impact on his siblings. The illustrations are all in black and white and evoke the lives and times of the family. Those looking to learn more about this family and those who could enjoy a new take on those they already know may enjoy this title.

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