Pride and Prejudice

Illustrations by Marjolein Bastin

by Jane Austen

Pride and Prejudice is one of my favorite Austen titles. Reading it in this gorgeous edition made for an even more enjoyable experience. This novel can be read, reread and treasured. I always find something new with each reread. In fact, I am just finishing a wonderful class on the novel.

The story itself is well known but perhaps wasted on those kids who are asked to read it in school before they are really ready. The story of the Bennet family and those around them is fresh, funny and, at times, serious. We all have our pride and our prejudices; while reading about those in the novel, we can think, too, about how we may judge others wrongly. Readers can also contemplate the roles of women and the social meaning of marriage at the time. But…along with deeper themes there is wit, plot, romance, a bit of travel and more.

This particular edition is special because of its beauty, beginning with the gorgeous cover. It is a keeper and one that would make a perfect gift for the reader or someone about whom they care.

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

by Deborah Kerbel

Pub Date 15 Mar 2021  

This is a picture book for an adult to read with a young child who has to move or is dealing with some other kind of change. It tells the story of Lily who lives happily in a peaceful house in a quiet area until…urban expansion arrives. Lily’s grandmother refused to sell her house and the concrete, new homes and new roads encumber them. What will the family do? Will they be okay?

This title’s greatest strength in my opinion is the lovely, watercolor illustrations. The message that the house and family make it through is positive but I found it sad that they could not stop change from happening. Of course we often can’t and have to find creative solutions. Talk about this book with a child after you read it. Find out what they think and how they feel about what happens.

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

by Claire Belton

I have been following Pusheen’s adventures for quite a while, so I was excited to have the chance to spend time with her in this delightful collection. Pusheen (and her creator) key into some of the feline attributes that will appeal to their fans. In this collection, Pusheen is imagined in different guises, from Mermaid Pusheen to Dragonsheen. My own personal favorite is Detective Pusheen. I also loved the entry on being a good roommate. Those who are looking for some gentle humor will enjoy this title.

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

SEE BELOW: ANNE OF GREEN GABLES IS FREE.

A Story of Being Lost and Found

by Angela Williams Gorrell

Pub Date 09 Mar 2021

I love the title of this memoir; it reminds one that finding joy is not something to be taken lightly. It is also a reminder to fully experience joy when it appears in one’s life.

This book is one that tells about both heartbreak and resilience. The author was offered the incredible opportunity to study the topic of joy at Yale’s Center for Faith and Culture. While given this experience, the author was also presented with multiple family losses in quick succession. Joy was not her dominant emotion.

However, Ms. William Gorrell went on to learn a lot about joy through her work at a women’s prison. Interacting with and hearing the inmates’ stories was an extraordinary experience and influenced the author’s world view.

This book is geared towards a Christian readership but those of other faiths might also enjoy it.

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

The Postscript Murders

by Elly Griffiths

PS for PS. What does it mean? Read this entertaining and intriguing second book in the series about Harbinder to find out! You will be glad if you do.

Harbinder, a gay, Indian woman who grew up in England is a detective. She first became known to readers in this author’s The Stranger Diaries. She is back in fine form here. Harbinder is open about who she is and what it is like to be living with her parents (still) while she is in her 30s. Several characters lead her into the (possible) murder of Peggy Smith, a murder consultant. What is that, you ask? Again, read the novel to find out.

Those who lure Harbinder to investigate are:

Natalkya-She is beautiful, Ukranian and a person with a lot of hidden assets Where did they come from? Who is following her? Despite her education and money, she works as a carer. Peggy was one of her clients.

Edwin-He was Peggy’s neighbor in their seaside retirement community. Edwin grew up gay, worked for the BBC and feels some youth restored as he becomes involved in the investigation.

Benedict-He runs and owns the local coffee kiosk where he has served the others. Benedict had once been a monk. Why did he become one? Why did he leave his order?

Oh, by the way, Peggy’s death is just the first. Why is another popular author and several others receiving mysterious notes? How many will die?

How this cast of characters come together, have adventures and try to figure out what happened to Peggy makes for a well-told tale. Along the way, there are thoughts about the world of publishing, appearances at writer’s talks and festivals, a trip to Scotland and more.

I would (and do) read anything (and everything) by Ms. Griffiths. This includes the wonderful Ruth Galloway Series, her historical detective series and the stories about Harbinder. Please, please keep writing Ms. G. Give her books a read. You, too, will become a fan.

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

Band of Sisters

A Novel

by Lauren Willig

Lauren Willig has written many novels including those in her Pink Carnation series. This title is based on true events; during WWI a unit of Smith College graduates traveled to France to offer aid and assistance. These real life volunteers are acknowledged at the beginning of the novel.

The book’s protagonist, Kate, was a scholarship student at Smith. This experience left her with an excellent education and some feelings of insecurity despite her friendship with the wealthy, Emmie. A few years after graduation, Emmie recruits Kate to be one of the fictional band of sisters of the title. These “sisters” include the married woman in charge of the volunteers, two female physicians and the other Smithies. Their experiences in France and the interrelationships of the characters form the basis for the story.

This book has an interesting premise and the story is well told. I especially enjoyed the letters that begin each chapter. My only quibble was that, at times, it was a bit difficult to differentiate the characters. Many, but not all, had a trait or relationship that helps the reader to keep track.

Willig includes information at the novel on her historical sources and the ways in which her own education led to the writing of this title.

Of note: I alternated between listening to the audio of this title and reading it. The audio was well produced and engaging. It is so nice to be able to follow a story by doing both. Also, I note the beautiful cover of the novel; it drew me in.

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