Always a treat to be able to read more Mary Oliver. I liked The Whispers of War which I reviewed.

Frankie Comics

by Rachel Dukes

If you are have a cat or enjoy cats, you must get this book! The cartoons are so sweet and cat folks will recognize just how true the human/cat interactions are. I smiled over and over again as I made my way through this book; I don’t think that there is a higher recommendation than that.

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

Winter with Lily & Milo

by Pauline Oud

Even though it is hot and humid today, winter will come. In this cutely illustrated story for toddlers, Milo and Lily enjoy some fun winter activities. The illustrations and text invite a child to become involved, for example, helping to decide what Lily and Milo could wear to go outside, and they will watch as Lily and Milo do things like make a snowman. All in all, a nice cold day for two friends.

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

A few comments…The Bronte is free, Fiona Davis writes good dual timeline historical novels, I met the author of the Burr book at my local Barnes and Noble when I was browsing, and Night, Night Norman is sweet.

This book will be enjoyed by bibliophiles and those who like a quirky read. It arose from the experiences of two book lovers who created a voicemail where readers could leave messages about the stories that they loved.

This book includes all kinds of interesting book related entries. They are organized according to calls by subject, calls by book title and calls by authors. The book includes actual phone numbers that will either have a message or where a reader can leave a message. By listing numbers it is a tribute to the phone books of old. Readers can also read some of the messages that the compilers of this title received.

If you are a reader who loves books and all things quirky, take a look at this book with its telephone book graphics. It is a treasure trove.

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

The Call Me Ishmael Phone Book

An Interactive Guide to Life-Changing Books

by Logan Smalley; Stephanie Kent

This book will be enjoyed by bibliophiles and those who like a quirky read. It arose from the experiences of two book lovers who created a voicemail where readers could leave messages about the stories that they loved.

This book includes all kinds of interesting book related entries. They are organized according to calls by subject, calls by book title and calls by authors. The book includes actual phone numbers that will either have a message or where a reader can leave a message. By listing numbers it is a tribute to the phone books of old. Readers can also read some of the messages that the compilers of this title received.

If you are a reader who loves books and all things quirky, take a look at this book with its telephone book graphics. It is a treasure trove.

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

Izzy in the Doghouse

by Caroline Adderson

A Novel

by Sonali Dev

Everything that you need to know about this book comes from its very apt title. The Persuasion is a direct homage to Jane Austen’s tale of a love lost and its impact over time, leading to protagonists meeting again. Recipe tells you that the book has something to do with cooking. And there you are, a delightful read and one that I enjoyed.

More specifically, chef Ashna runs a restaurant in which she honors her late father by cooking his specialties. The restaurant is failing though and Ashna lets herself become a chef/contestant on a cooking show, kind of like Dancing with the Stars, in which a professional cook is teamed with a celebrity. And what a celebrity…not really a spoiler, he is a past love of Ashna’s. Will sparks fly? Will they have a second chance?

In addition to these main characters, readers learn a good deal about Ashna’s immediate and extended families. All is not completely lightness in this romance title. For me, this added depth to the story.

I liked this novel which let me escape into an interesting world.

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

Miss Benson’s Beetle

A Novel

by Rachel Joyce

Miss Benson’s Beetle is by the author of The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, a book that I very much enjoyed. So, I was excited to receive this e galley from the publisher. The book does not disappoint.

As has been true in her other novels, Rachel Joyce is a mistress of creating quirky characters for whom readers will care. The beginning of the novel introduces Miss Benson. What teacher will not identify with her ‘losing it,’ even if they might not take the actions that she does?

From this unlikely beginning Miss Benson goes on the quest of her lifetime, to the New Caledonia, in search of a rare golden beetle. Readers learn what led to this obsession and of the tragedies in Miss Benson’s past. Accompanying Miss Benson is the irrepressible Enid Pretty who has her own back story. There is also another less savory and wounded character whom Miss Benson did not hire when she met him.

This is a story about doing what one dreams of in life. It is about embarking on a journey without knowing how it will end. Isn’t this a universal of going on journeys and taking risks? Readers will become attached to the story and character and will immerse themselves in Miss Benson’s world.

This is a novel that has both humor and heart. I highly recommend it.