Eudora Honeysett is Quite Well, Thank You

by Annie Lyons

So many of the reviews that I saw for this novel were quite praiseworthy so I read it with very high hopes and expectations. It did not disappoint. This is a novel that engages the reader through its characters and its story lines. I think that readers who enjoyed novels like The Little Paris Bookshop or The Lido will want to read this one…as will many others.

Miss Honeysett is a prim woman who is 85 years old. She believes that the time has come to take control of the end of her life. This leads her to contact a Dignitas like clinic and submit an application. Will her request be granted? Will Eudora want it to be?

Readers learn that Eudora faced a number of tragedies and disappointments over the course of her her life. Most chapters in the novel include a flashback to a key moment for Eudora. No spoilers so I do not want to write more.

In the present, Eudora meets the irrepressible Rose. The two have a relationship that evolves over the course of the book as Rose awaits becoming a big sister.

Another important character is Stanley. His friendship with Eudora and Rose is impacted by some memory issues. What will happen to each of them?

At times acerbic, at times touching this is a novel that I most definitely recommend. Give it a try.

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

Inside Out Medieval Castle

Explore the Ancient Fortress Behind the Iron Gates!

by Justine Ciovacco

Kids who are fascinated by castles will, I think, be fascinated by this meticulously illustrated title. They will see and learn about castle design, the various parts of the castle; for example, the armory and Great Hall, and will also find out about what life was like within these walls.

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

Many choices here, even Shakespeare. Enjoy.

<

#ReturntoVirginRiver #NetGalley

Robyn Carr wrote her first Virgin River novel back in 2007. Many books followed before Ms. Carr moved to other series including Thunder Point and Sullivan’s Crossings. Perhaps the author was inspired to return to Virgin Riven because of the TV series that is now on Netflix. Whatever the motivation, long term readers of the Virgin River novels will undoubtedly be happy to return. They know that they can count on good people, a nice community and a love story.

This novel is about Kaylee and Landry. Kaylee is an author of suspense novels who is experiencing writer’s block following the death of her mother. Through family friends, she chooses to travel to Virgin River in the hope that she will finish her novel. No spoiler to say that she does and even that she moves into a new genre, that she falls in love and that some unexpected things happen to her. That is the Virgin River formula.

Kaylee’s romantic foil is Landry, an artist and dog trainer. He helps Kaylee to overcome her fear of dogs and to move forward even as she recognizes that she will always miss her mom.

The relationship that Kaylee had with her mom is lovingly described and maybe even idealized a bit. I suspect that many readers will wish for the same closeness, acceptance and encouragement that Kaylee’s mom gave her.

There are other characters in Kaylee’s orbit but readers will perhaps most enjoy that the names of all the characters from the earlier novels are called out here. While many make an appearance, it is Jack and Mel who are most featured.

As an extra treat, the story is seasonal. Readers will enjoy Thanksgiving and Christmas in this most perfect of towns. I especially enjoyed the description of the tree lighting.

This is a sweet novel. I don’t know if Robyn Carr will write about Virgin River again. Regardless, this novel is a gift to her fans.

An additional bonus in the novel is a section describing the making of the TV series and Ms. Carr’s visit to the set. There is also a long excerpt from one of her other novels.

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

The Holistic Guide to Decluttering

Organize and Transform Your Space, Time, and Mind

by Michele Vig

#TheHolisticGuidetoDecluttering #NetGalley

While we have all been dealing with Covid, we are spending more time at home. If you are like me, you look around and think, this place could use some work and so could I in terms of mindfulness and awareness. This title addresses these topics from a number of perspectives.

Many people have been exposed to Marie Kondo by now; this book provides an additional perspective. There are many practical tips here as well as a good linking between physical clutter and mental/emotional overload as well.

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

First Prize for the Worst Witch

by Jill Murphy

#FirstPrizeForTheWorstWitch #NetGalley

The Worst Witch books are a popular series for young readers. They have also been made into a Netflix series. So, children who know these books, and new readers, should both be delighted to add this book to their shelves. It will give them an enjoyable and fun read.

Much like in Harry Potter, Jill Murphy creates an entire world for her characters. It is based on British boarding schools but with its own take as Miss Cackle’s Academy. This entry starts with Mildred flying to school on her broomstick. Readers are immediately engaged as Mildred alters her flying height for her dog’s comfort, but what is bothering him? And, the adventures go on from there.

I recommend this title highly. It is fun and imaginative. Those who are beginning to explore the joys of chapter books should delight in this one.

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

The Eighth Detective

A Novel

by Alex Pavesi

This intriguing mystery draws the reader in immediately. Right away, the reader encounters the story of Henry, Meghan and Bunny in the first chapter. There is a murder. Who did it? The characters tell their story only for the reader to learn that Henry and Meghan are characters in a story within a story. By the time the reader realizes this, they will most likely want to know why and to know more.

The book unfolds as the story of a mathematics professor who wrote a treatise on murder mysteries. He now, somewhat mysteriously himself, lives alone on an island. He is visited there by a young editor whose employer is interested in re-publishing the mathematician’s earlier book.

From this point, readers will feel instinctively that there will be many twists and unfoldings over the course of the remaining novel. Turning the pages will feel desirable as readers race toward the end of the title.

The author promises and provides a clever and original take on the crime novel in this title. I think that it will be enjoyed by many readers of the genre.

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

Night Night, Norman

by Marie Dimitrova

#NightNightNorman #NetGalley

pub date: October 20, 2020

This is a sweet and engaging story with absolutely charming and, at times, amusing illustrations. Young horse lovers will truly enjoy it as will the adult who reads the story to them.

What happens to Norman after Ellie says good night to him? How will he spend his time until the morning? Young children will delight in finding out as they share in his adventures.

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

I am going to purchase The Editor which features Jacqueline Onassis. The mysteries are from well-known series, then there is a novel about the Mormons and two non-fiction titles. Enjoy.