A Book of Poetry

by S. K. Williams

Pub Date 02 Feb 2021  

This collection of poems tells a story. The subject is the evolution of a relationship with all of the inherent vulnerability, revelation, hope, fear, acceptance and more that come to light. The poems are from the perspectives of two people and reflect their growing connection to each other. This title will perhaps make readers think back to when a relationship began or wish for the start of one. It is a tale well told.

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

A Guide to Reading and Reflecting

by Charlotte Brontë; Karen Swallow Prior

Pub Date 09 Mar 2021

Jane Eyre is, of course, a classic and one that many have read or plan to read. This edition includes the full text of the novel along with some added sections. These include a biographical essay on the author. One thing that became clear from reading this was the number of losses that Bronte faced.

This title also includes sections on reading the novel. A number of topics are covered including to what extent the book was autobiographical and other influences on the author as she wrote. The evolution of the novel and Bronte’s originality are also covered as are themes in the work. In addition, there is background on the Gothic novel and Romanticism.

This title is published by a Christian firm. So, there is also a part of the book on reading the novel “as a Christian today,”

Overall, I feel that this edition will be welcomed by readers looking for some insight into Jane Eyre before they read or reread it. There are even some questions for discussion included after each of the novel’s volumes.

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

by F. Scott Fitzgerald

The Great Gatsby is an American classic and a book that is well worth one’s time. Each time I have read this novel, I have gotten more from it. Sometimes I think that it reads deceptively simply but there is depth here. With its characters, setting, longings and look at America it speaks to those who take the time to engage with it. This time, for the first time, I listened to The Great Gatsby. Listening to the story helped me to go slowly and really hear all the nuances of the book. I recommend the narration by Sean Astin. He hits just the right tone.

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

My earlier review

For me, this novel provides a perfect escapist read; it has appealing settings, multiple characters and plot lines, complications, resolutions…and of course, love.
Settings: The story opens and ends in France at a beautiful chateau that has become a hotel. Much happens between two visits to that countryside. The rest of the novel takes place in the U.K., partly in Cornwall, a place that comes vividly into being with the water, the cafes, the shops, etc. Readers also spend time in other locations including Bristol. (I enjoyed my visit back to the suspension bridge via the book.)
So many characters: Lainey and Kit: Good friends who come to work for a family in Cornwall. They pretend to be a married couple to get the job. Will they be discovered? What will happen then? Who does each belong with?
Sir Richard: an eighty-year old well-loved actor who is egotistical, eccentric and was a playboy. What surprising new relationship will come to him?
Majella: the widow of Sir Richard’s son. She does her scattered best to take care of her children while hoping to move on to a new romance. FYI: She has some real clunkers of dates. Majella’s children are secondary characters and each has his/her own personality.
Seth: he runs a tourist agency that readers will wish was real. A ladies man, he has never found “the one.” Will he by the end of the story? Also, is there something to know about his parentage?
Wyatt: He proposed to the lovely Penny who turns him down. Why? Will he ultimately be happier? Will she?
There are many strands to tie together over the course of the novel as readers watch the characters deal with the secrets in their lives. Throughout, Ms. Mansell has a light touch and kept me happily turning the pages.
Many years ago when I first ordered a book to be sent to me via the wonders of the internet and international purchasing, I picked a Jill Mansell title. This author’s ability to combine humor and heart have not diminished over her many publications.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

A Peculiar Crimes Unit Mystery

by Christopher Fowler

To begin with, I love the cover of this novel. I find it to be both nostalgic and engaging in its appeal. It puts the reader in just the right mood to enjoy the latest Bryant and May novel. These two are not your average detectives but, rather, are full of idiosyncrasies. This is hardly surprising as they work for the Peculiar Crimes Unit.

This entry involves a politician on St. Clement’s Day. What follows is a complicated adventure with nursery rhyme connections. The virtual armchair traveler will also enjoy the London setting.

This is a long running series. Those new to Bryant and May can still enjoy this title although they may want to go back to read all of the others upon finishing this book.

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

sleuthofbakerstreet.ca/i/1584200/January_2021_e_MOM_Read.pdf

A fascinating guide to the world of slumber

by Vicky Woodgate

I really like this comprehensive and attractively illustrated book on sleep. It is geared towards kids and includes a lot of information. Just some of the topics briefly covered include sleeping positions, larks & owls, stage of sleep, dreams, nightmares, beds through time, the night sky, sleep in numbers, tips for better sleep and more. Plus, a cute kitten guides readers through the pages. Each section is short and this book can be read in order or flipped through.

Help a child you know to sleep better by sharing this title.

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

Pub Date 02 Mar 2021

Find My Favorite Things

by

DK

DK Children

#FindMyFavoriteThings #NetGalley

This search and find book is sure to be enjoyed by children. Each two page spread features a location that kids will find appealing. There are pages on the park, toy store, market and beach. Young ones can search for objects in each location. There are also characters who appear in every scene to find and some questions for additional searching as, for example, looking for who lost a red kite and what happened to it.

This title’s creators offer excellent suggestions about how to help a child to get the most from this book. Their suggestions are practical and helpful.

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

Pub Date 02 Mar 2021