by Anne Youngson

Just as a narrowboat must travel at its own, somewhat measured pace, the timing of this novel is deliberate and thoughtful (in a good way). This is clearly a book to savor, not one to rush through. Readers will commit to the experience of enjoying some literary travel in an unhurried way.

The Narrowboat Summer tells the story of three women and those around them. The owner of the boat is Anastasia, an older woman who has lived on the canals. She needs a place to stay off of the water while she receives medical treatment. She comes to stay at Eve’s home.

Two women, previously unknown to one another, take on the task of ferrying Anastasia’s boat to its’ destination. One is Eve and the other is Sally, both of whom are seeking change and meaning in their lives.

As the two navigate and travel, they become closer to one another. They also meet a series of people on their literal journey and their voyages of self-discovery. These include an elderly man, a storyteller and others, all of whom have something to say and teach about life.

The stories of the characters are engaging and readers root for all of them as they seek the lives that they want (and deserve). Take the time to travel with them. You will enjoy the journey.

As a side note, I have always thought that it would be marvelous to travel along the British canal system. I still have not done that but this book did nothing to lessen my wish to do so.

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

Susan Wiggs writes stories that are a lovely escape. Try Summer at Willow Lake and you may just want to read every title in the Lakeshore Chronicles series. The second in that series is also here along with some of this author’s standalone titles.

A Love Story of Nora and James Joyce

by Nuala O’Connor

I alternated between reading and listening to this title. Both gave a good insight into the lives of Nora Barnacle and James Joyce. I did adore the narration and could hear that voice in my head when I was reading the text. The voices are beautifully captured in the audio.

So many find the works of James Joyce to be difficult to understand. It is fascinating to hear this icon simply referred to as “Jim” by Nora. It puts him in some perspective.

When the novel opens, Nora is working as a hotel maid. She meets Joyce on that fateful Bloomsday of June 16th and her life is transformed. Although he will not marry, Nora agrees to leave Ireland with her Jim as they seek a better life in Europe. It soon becomes clear that finding this life will not be easy. Readers become part of these characters’ worlds as their lives unfold.

Nora and Jim are earthy, bawdy lovers and their relationship is described in some detail. This adds to the aliveness and intensity of the characters and I feel belongs in the book. It is possible that some will wish for less of this description though.

I recommend this historical novel for its characterizations, details and keen look at the lives of these two well known Irish lovers. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub Date 05 Jan 2021  

Stone Cold Heart is the second of this author’s three novels, sandwiched between Sweet Little Lies and Shed No Tears. I will definitely go back to read the first book and do think that the events of that novel are critical in defining protagonist, Cat. That said readers receive enough backstory to be able to read the titles out of order.

One thing that I very much enjoyed in this book was Kat’s voice as she tells the story. There are also all of the elements that make police procedurals good reading including the cast of characters in the police station.

The story’s victim is a young Australian girl who came to London to escape a suffocating relationship. Who killed her? Was it someone in the company where she was a temp? Her male roommate? Was it the man who owns a very upscale coffee place? How do the characters stories intersect? Read this well paced book to find out.

This title will be enjoyed by readers who like stories by Tana French, Susie Steiner and Dervla McTiernan. I recommend it!

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

The Best American Magazine Writing 2020

by Edited by Sid Holt for the American Society of Magazine Editors

Go to any article in this collection and you will find something meaty and interesting to read. Entries are from publications including The New York Times Magazine, The Washington Post Magazine, Fortune Magazine, The New Yorker and The Georgia Review, among others. All of the entries’ writers were either a finalist or prize winner in categories including Reporting, a Single Topic Issue, Feature Writing, Profile Writing and more.

This is a collection that includes many serious and thought provoking reads. It is definitely worth the reader’s time and attention.

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

This is the third book that I have read by Jennifer Ryan. I very much enjoyed her earlier novels, The Chilbury Ladies Choir and The Spies of Shilling Lane. Ms.Ryan has found her authorial voice writing fiction about women and WWII. The Kitchen Front, also set during WWII, is a book that I highly recommend.

As the novel begins, the men are mostly away or involved in war work, while women try their best to manage both on the home front and in the kitchen. Food is scarce and rationing pervasive. There is a campaign to make creative, practical recipes using what is at hand.

In this story, food concerns lead to a cooking contest in a small village. The winner will be given co-hosting duties on a food related BBC radio show. The novel tells the story of four of the women who, through their recipes, try to win first prize. They are Audrey, a young widow with three children; Audrey’s sister, the snobby Lady Gwendoline; kitchen maid Nell and pregnant, unmarried, French trained chef, Zelda. Each of these characters comes to life with a backstory and relationships. I very much enjoyed spending time with each of them and also enjoyed the village setting. An added plus of this book is that each cook’s recipes are included, giving insight into what cooking was like in the 1940s.

I highly recommend this enjoyable novel. For Ms. Ryan, third time (for her historical novels) is definitely the charm!

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

Pub Date 23 Feb 2021