The Wolf Who Found a New Way to be a Leader

by Vita Murrow

Pub Date 02 Mar 2021

The illustrator of this title clearly loves and closely observes nature. The pages are a delight to view.

The book tells the story of the wolves who were reintroduced to Yellowstone National Park after a number of years of absence. In particular. readers get to know Onyx, a somewhat timid wolf when the story opens but…as the author notes, he had his own way of thinking. Watch what happens when Onyx gets to know Bravo, a wolf from a family not his own and look to see what Bravo does when he becomes a grown wolf.

This title should be enjoyed by young animal lovers and conservationists.

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

A Nigel Strangeways Mystery

by Nicholas Blake

The pseudonym Nicholas Blake was used by the poet Cecil Day-Lewis for the mysteries that he wrote. I read all of his Nigel Strangeways mysteries many years ago and was very excited when the titles began to be re-issued. In the past, I especially enjoyed the relationships between Nigel and the women in his life, Georgia and Clare. In this book, readers find Clare.

The mystery itself centers on Dr. Piers Loudon and his family. What happened to him? Was a family member responsible? How will Nigel resolve the case?

As noted, this title is part of an older series but I do think that it is worth a read.

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

The Revelations of Anne de Bourgh

by Molly Greeley

Savvy readers will recognize the name Anne de Bourgh. Those who do know that she is the daughter of Lady Catherine from Pride and Prejudice. Lady C is the patron of Mr. Collins, he who married Lizzie’s best friend and is set to inherit the Bennet family home. She has also had strong control over her daughter Anne.

This novel imagines what happens to Anne. She becomes her father’s heir and makes a break, hoping to escape her laudanum based life and her mother’s influence. To find out what happens to her, read this novel.

Molly Greeley is a writer who clearly enjoys the world that Jane Austen created. This is her second novel, following on The Clergyman’s Wife.

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

“

Greeley’s storytelling is intricate, masterly, and delightfully imaginative. Highly recommended.”—Library Journal (starred review) 

ONE OF 2021’S MOST ANTICIPATED HISTORICAL NOVELS—BUZZFEED AND OPRAHMAG.COM

by Caryl Hart

American Psychological Association

Pub Date 16 Mar 2021

The dragon in this story is appealing looking and friendly. S/he is here to show children behaviors that the author clearly hopes that children will also practice. The dragon’s day is much like a child’s; there are games, meals, getting ready for bed and more. The text rhymes and has a repetitive refrain to get children involved in the story.

One quibble with the book: on one page the author observes that a dragon might turn “bad.” I think that another term might have been preferable. When children melt down, I don’t think that “bad” is the best word to use. Other choices are preferable.

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

The Rose Code

A Novel

by Kate Quinn

#TheRoseCode #NetGalley

Pub date: March 9, 2021

To say the most important thing first…I LOVED this book and highly recommend it. Yes, there are many, many novels currently being published that are set in WWII. I have read and enjoyed many of them. Still, even if you feel WWII fiction fatigue, give this one a chance.

The Rose Code’s main setting is Bletchley Park. As most know, this was an important location for those who broke codes and helped to win the war. Into this setting come three women:

Osla: She was a debutante before the war took her to BP but she has always wanted to do more and to be seen as more than this. Osla had a haphazard upbringing by a neglected mother but she moves in society’s highest circles; her godfather is Mountbatten and she knows a certain Phillip very well.

Mabel, renamed (by herself) as Mab: She grew up in Shoreditch where expectations for her were low. Coming to BP allows her to do and become more.

Bethan/Beth: She has lived in the shadow of a domineering mother but BP allows her particular genius and talents to flourish. She has a laser like focus and a great talent for the work she does.

What happens to these three and the events and people around them form the core of this immersive read. There are romance, joy, friendship, traitors, hardship, mystery and more contained in the pages of the story. It will engage readers who will wish that the book were even longer than its hefty length.

I listened to the audio of this title. The narrator was fantastic. She created each of the characters with their own voice.

Whether you like to read or listen, put this one on your TBR list.

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

A crucial time: A Week at the Shore A Novel by Barbara Delinsky

by joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviewsFebruary 3, 2020

MY EARLIER REVIEW:

In Barbara Delinsky’s newest novel, one week changes lives as relationships are re-examined, rekindled and renewed.

One week, usually not much happens in that amount of time, but for the characters in this novel past and present come together as old hurts along with family secrets and relationships surface along with questions about a disappearance.

Protagonist Mallory lives with her thirteen-year-old daughter Joy in New York where she has a busy life as a photographer.   Mallory’s camera allows her to both be creative and to look at the world through her own (literal) lens.  Mallory’s sister Anne lives in the Rhode Island town that Mallory left behind. Anne cares for her father, runs a (delicious sounding) breakfast restaurant, The Sunny Side Up and tries to decide what she wants from a relationship.  Third sister Margo has also left town and lives in Chicago with her family.  The three sisters reunite at the shore.

Also in Rhode Island is Mallory’s boyfriend from her younger years.  They had a serious falling out when Jack’s mother disappears from Mallory’s father’s boat, not to be heard from for over twenty years.   What happened to her?  What was the involvement of Mallory’s father?  Did he cause her death?  Did she die? Will he talk?  This is one of the big mysteries of the novel but there are others including the question of Mallory’s paternity.

I grew up in Rhode Island where the book is set.   To me the town seemed generic though, like any beach town, not especially RI-ey.  However, the town was charming and readers will wish that they could visit there.

This is a solid novel that kept me turning the pages.  It was not my favorite book by this author but I definitely enjoyed it and do recommend it to those who enjoy women’s fiction.  I preferred Ms. Delinsky’s last novel, Before and Again but that just means that you could read both!

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