by Melody Lockhart

This title will, I think, engage early chapter book readers. There is an appealing protagonist in Rosie and readers will also enjoy meeting her new friend Kat.

Rosie’s family has moved to the middle of a forest. At first Rosie misses Opal City, her room, her friends, the park and more. She has made a list of negatives and positives about the move. The minuses are many more than the pluses as the story begins. Children will enjoy watching as this changes over the course of the book, starting when Rosie thinks that she sees a magic carpet in Starfall Forest. She goes on to explore and discovers many unusual things. There is a moving tree stump that is looking for a unicorn and more. All make for a fun story.

Children who like a bit of magic sprinkled in with their reading are sure to enjoy this whimsical story. It is part of a new series for young readers.

I love that this book opened with a map. It draws readers right in.

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

by Sarah Morgan

Those who enjoy women’s fiction and virtual travel to Paris will want to read this novel. It tells the story of two women, Audrey and Grace, whose lives intersect in the City of Light. Each has their issues and troubled pasts. Their friendship, begun in Paris, enriches each of their lives.

Grace has been married for twenty-five years. She thinks that she has a good marriage with a husband to whom she still feels attracted, and a spunky daughter who is soon to leave home for college. Readers get hints early in the novel that Grace’s younger years were complicated. A legacy of these experiences is that Grace is hyper organized, something that irks her husband over time. For their anniversary, Grace, in her usual organized way, has planned a surprise. This is a trip to Paris. She has done everything, even checking in with her husband’s boss to be sure that he can have the month off. Instead of being thrilled, Grace’s husband announces the end of their marriage and his affair.

Audrey, who is London based, has grown up with an alcoholic mother and is dyslexic. She longs for a parent who takes an interest in her and wishes that her school work came to her more easily. Audrey is eager to leave home and travels to Paris.

No surprise, both women go to Paris where they meet. Each grows from the experience. Readers will enjoy their interaction and growth.

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

https://nyti.ms/3mzbzye

Mutts Go Green

Earth-Friendly Tips and Comic Strips

by Patrick McDonnell

I have adored the Mutts comic strip ever since the first time that I read one of Patrick McDonnell’s sweet entries. He has a way of universalizing human experience through his animal characters.

In this collection, the focus is our earth and the environment. Mixed in with the comics are suggestions for things that we all can do for our planet. Mr. McD is not (too) preachy and he makes many good points. And, of course, readers will get to spend time with Mooch, Earl and all of their friends. I defy anyone not to smile at times as they dip into this book.

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

From the publisher:

The P.G. Wodehouse is free.

Pub Date 04 May 2021

The Bookshop of Second Chances is a light women’s fiction novel. The title tells readers a lot; yes, there is a bookshop (and one that I wish I could visit) and yes, there are second chances. So, if this appeals to you, take a look at this book.

Readers learn early on that Thea has been dumped by her husband…and not just that, her (former) best friend is now living in her house. Luckily Thea has another good friend, Xanthe, who is there to help and to travel with Thea to Scotland. Why are they going there? Because Thea has inherited a relative’s house and, get this, it was left to her because her relative remembered her as a person who loved to read. Won’t that make book lovers hope for a surprise inheritance?

So, Thea begins a new life in Scotland. She makes some friends and begins to work in Edward’s bookshop. He is a somewhat crusty individual but the two slowly become friends. Will they become something more? Read the book to find out.

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