An e book bargian-Spend time with: The Royal Correspondent

A Novel

by Alexandra Joel

#TheRoyalCorrespondent #NetGalley

Pub Date 07 Sep 2021   

This was a fun and absorbing read set in both Australia and England.

Protagonist Blaise Hill grew up poor in Sydney. She has promise and wants a career. With the help of one of her teachers she secures a newspaper job. Blaise’s career will take her far, all the way to being the Royal Correspondent of the title.

Blaise’s early jobs taught her a lot about fashion so names like Yves St. Laurent, Mary Quant and Cecil Beaton make appearances in the novel. Her later career puts her in the midst of mid-century history; readers follow her as she covers Princess Margaret and Antony Armstrong-Jones. Readers also meet John Profumo and Christine Keeler, and learn about spies including Kim Philby. It makes for a fascinating background.

This novel also has a romantic story line, family and friendships. Will Blaise find love with Charlie who seems to have it all; this includes a high government position, a family seat, charm and more. But…there is also the mysterious Adam Rule. He knows a dark secret from Blaise’s past; will he use this against her? Readers also get to know Blaise’s sister Ivy who contracted polio and the close friends with whom Blaise lives in England. Readers will be turning the pages as they await the resolution of the novel’s several strands.

Ms. Joel writes an interesting note at the end of the novel sharing her inspiration and resources. This background places the book in context.

The Royal Correspondent reads easily and I always looked forward to picking it up. Here is a good escapist read.

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

A special season: Spring by Michael Morpurgo

#Spring #NetGalley

Like many, my first experience with Morpurgo’s work was seeing a production of War Horse. It was a memorable. I then learned that he has written over 100 books-quite an accomplishment.

Here Morpurgo offers some thoughts on spring. I was drawn in right away by the book’s beautiful cover; what was inside did not disappoint.

The sections of this book follow the months of the season, beginning in March and ending in June. Morporgo writes as if he is having a conversation with the reader. A keen observer, he brings his countryside to life in a narrative that is interspersed with literary and musical references. Note that the author is a realist and shares ways in which life in the country is not always pretty, as for example, when a sparrowhawk attacks.

It is clear that Morporgo loves his part of the country, potholes and all. He has an appreciation for his home, his farm and its history. Morporgo acknowledges the bad and dreary weather that is interspersed with more lovely spring days.

This book will leave the reader with a glimpse of a life that may be quite different from their own. For me, with much of my nature found in botanical gardens, virtual time spent in this Spring season in England was most enjoyable.

Note that there are some nice lino cut illustrations throughout this title.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Mobius Books for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 03 June 2025

160 pages

Non-fiction: Nature and Memoir

From the publisher:

THE NO 4 SUNDAY TIMES AND NO 1 SATURDAY TIMES BESTSELLER
A GUARDIAN AND TIMES BEST BOOK OF 2025
MICHAEL MORPURGO’S FIRST BOOK OF ADULT NON-FICTION IN FORTY YEARS

‘A joyous meditation on the season of new beginnings’ THE TIMES

‘Uplifting and enchanting. A celebration of life by our master story-teller.’ JOANNA LUMLEY

‘Spring is a delight. His love and knowledge of the countryside are profound. We are all the richer for what he sees.’ PHILIP PULLMAN

Bait and Swiss by Korina Moss

The title of this book is clever and reflects that is part of a series that references cheeses. I think that Bait and Swiss will be enjoyed by those who like traditional mysteries.

This time in the California set series, two people from Willa’s past are opening a store close to her own Curds & Whey. When a customer of that chocolate shop dies, there is a murder to be solved. Willa agrees to help despite her residual less than wonderful feelings about her ex.

Meet the suspects, follow the clues and see if you can solve this case along with Willa. Then, if you haven’t already, think of reading some of the earlier entries that feature this cheese monger.

Note that the food descriptions in this book may make you hungry. This starts with the opening sentence of the novel that describes raclette. It just might be time to buy some cheese of your own.

Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this title. All thoughts are my own.

Pub date: 29 April 2025

Mystery and Thriller

304 pages

An e book bargain

Dear Mrs. Bird

A sequel will be published this year!

Dear Mrs. Bird is an engaging and warm first novel. Readers who enjoyed The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society are almost certain to rate this book highly. Mrs. Bird is an out of touch editor at a woman’s magazine during WW II who is responsible for the agony column. Sadly, she deems most letters “unsuitable” for answering. Enter Emmy; young, naive, and trying to cope with bombs and disasters in London. She begins to answer letters as Mrs. Bird, and you need to read the book to learn what happens. This novel at first seemed like it would be light but it has substance. Themes of love, friendship and how to relate to others all have their place. I highly recommend Dear Mrs. Bird! I would like to write her a fan letter. Thanks for this read NetGalley.

Beware: The Queen of Poisons (Robert Thorogood)-an e book bargain

Robert Thorogood is the creator of the popular TV series Death in Paradise. Here is the third of his Marlow Murder Club mysteries. (They are also going to be coming to TV, with the first series already available). It will appeal to those who enjoy Richard Osman’s series.

Here too are a group of friends who play amateur detective (and busybody). Judith, Becks and Susie have distinct personalities and are only to eager to use them to advantage as they poke their noses in.

When the Mayor of Marlow is murdered by the Queen of Poisons (do you know what poison this is?) the stage is set. Follow along with the team as they solve this cozy village mystery. It is perfect for when you need to be pleasantly distracted.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 04 June 2024

From PBS-Masterpiece

About the Show

An all-new adaptation of Robert Thorogood’s novel The Marlow Murder Club is coming to MASTERPIECE on PBS on October 27,. 2024. The thrilling, four part series stars Samantha Bond who is joined by Jo Martin, Cara Horgan and Natalie Dew.

Samantha Bond (Downton Abbey, Home Fires) takes the lead as Judith Potts, alongside Jo Martin (Doctor Who, Back to Life) as Suzie Harris, Cara Horgan (The Sandman, Traitors) as Becks Starling and Natalie Dew (Sandylands, The Capture) as DS Tanika Malik. Steve Barron (The Durrells in Corfu, Mrs Sidhu Investigates) is set to direct.

Author and writer Robert Thorogood said: “After over a decade of working on Death in Paradise, I’m thrilled to be creating a brand-new murder mystery series for TV. I can’t wait for audiences to join Judith, Becks and Suzie on their adventures as they solve a series of fiendishly puzzling murders.”

Jane Austen: The Biography

by Elizabeth Jenkins

#JaneAustenTheBiography #NetGalley

This past semester I learned so much about Jane Austen. I took a class in which I read all six of Austen’s major works. I saw a very clever production of Pride and Prejudice in which each actor performed multiple roles with one actor being both Darcy and Lady Catherine, among several others. I am lucky enough to be going on a special guided tour of an exhibit on Austen. I have just finished watching Miss Austen. So…yes, this was a good time to receive approval for a biography of the author. I wanted to go into a deeper dive on her life.

This book is a reissue. That, in no way, takes away from its value. There is so much to be learned about the Austen, her family, her novels, and the times in which she lived in these pages. Jenkins puts the author and her writings in context and perspective.

This book will be enjoyed by those who would like to learn more about Austen and to see how she was written about in the 1930s.

Many thanks to NetGalley and August Books for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 03 July 2025

Biography

368 pages