by Lindsey Kelk

#InCaseYouMissedIt #NetGalley

Are you in the mood for a light, funny and romantic read? Have you ever imagined what it would be like to return to your parents’ home after three years away? Have they been yearning for you or have they moved forward? What has happened to your old friends? What has happened to your old flame, the one who broke your heart?

If you would like to know more, pick up this novel, relax and enjoy the read. It is an easy one but easy in a good way.

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

Argo Classics

by Frances Hodgson Burnett

#TheSecretGarden #NetGalley

The Secret Garden is a beloved children’s classic for a reason. It tells a wonderful story while respecting the intelligence of the children who read or listen to it.

The story of a little girl left bereft by the illness that swept through India has a resonance with what has happened to families because of Covid. How that little girl grows both emotionally and physically is beautifully rendered here by the estimable Glenda Jackson.

There is now a new movie of this title. However, I recommend listening to the full story with a child that you know. It will affect both of you.

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

#MidwinterMurder #NetGalley

pub date: October 20, 2020

This collection of winter themed stories from the esteemed Agatha Christie will be welcomed by her fans, readers new to her works, and those who enjoy mystery tales.

With twelve intriguing stories, readers will be able to wile away a few evenings as the days get shorter. I enjoyed and recommend this title. It was a delight to discover some new Christies.

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

How to Get a Daddy to Sleep

by Amy Parker

#HowtoGetaDaddytoSleep #NetGalley

This book opens with a child observing that Daddy works very hard. In this rhyming story, the daughter tries to help. For example, she adds some jewelry and a hat to dad’s outfit. She makes a meal for her dad with a sweet bill that offers a hug and does not ask for payment. The two continue to enjoy their day until, finally, it is time for bed! What is sweet in this book is the warm relationship between the parent and the child who feels securely loved.

This story is from a Christian publisher so there is a bit of religion in the book. For example there is a bedtime prayer. The book is a companion the the publisher’s other title, How to Get a Mommy to sleep.

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

#TheParisSecret #NetGalley

Note that I am commenting on the extended preview.

This book appears to have many elements that will make it an engrossing read. I will certainly buy the book so that I can spend more time with this book’s characters and story lines.

After an opening set in the days after WWII, the novel moves to the year 1928 when Skye and Liberty Penrose are children being raised by their single mother. Their mother Vanessa, who predicts the future for clients, is a pilot who has passed on her love of the skies to her aptly named older daughter.

When the reader first meets Skye, she is ten and unconventional. Younger sister Liberty appears prone to temper tantrums and may be less than stable. Skye meets Nick during this summer and it is clear that they will have connections throughout the entire story.

The book jumps to 2012 in the following section. In this, a descendant of one of the main characters, Kat, travels to Cornwall to visit her grandmother’s house. Grandmother Margaux has ties to Nick and Skye as I think will become clearer.

This is another story with sections set before, during and after WWII. Illuminated through Skye is a story of the women who flew planes during the war. There is a sense that Liberty and the other main characters will face many threats as the novel continues. It also feels like the past and present will tie together by the end of the book.

This appears to be an involving and interesting novel. As noted above, I will be purchasing it so that I can see how it ends.

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

I enjoyed the books by Val McDermid, Donna Leon and Anna Lee Huber. I read How Green Was My Valley many years ago and remember liking it. Plus a few other titles to round things out. Enjoy.

World Politics in 100 Words

Start conversations and spark inspiration

by Eleanor Levenson

#WorldPoliticsin100Words #NetGalley Politics is a subject much talked about in our current climate. This title, geared to elementary school children aims to educate and open up topics for discussion. As the title notes, there are 100 words in all. Just a few of those included are bureaucracy, activist, capitalism, patriotism, leader and more. Many thanks to NetGalley for this title in exchange for an honest review. This well illustrated reference deserves a place on school and home library shelves. From the publisher: World Politics in 100 Words Introduction Unless you live as a hermit, hiding out in an isolated cave and never seeing anyone or buying anything, then you need to understand politics. Whether you can go to school, whether you have healthcare when you are sick, what you can buy and sell, and even whether you are free to walk down the street when you want—all of these things are affected by the way politics work, the people who become politicians, and the political decisions they make. In every country the political systems and culture are different. But the first step to changing the world—or even to keeping it the same—is to understand how things work. This book tries to start that process for you, explaining some of the words and concepts that you will come across when you start to take an interest in politics. And thinking about it, even hermits need to know this! Otherwise they won’t know how to object if the politicians decide to take over all of the caves…

An Amory Ames Mystery

by Ashley Weaver

A Deception at Thornecrest is the seventh title in Ashley Weaver’s series about Amory Ames, her husband Milo, and those around them. This time, Amory is pregnant and enjoying a sense of peace as she waits for her new arrival. But, of course, peace is not what she gets.

Just when it seems that Amory and Milo’s relationship is on track, after some ups and downs in previous entries, a woman appears claiming to also be married to Milo. If that weren’t challenging enough, of course there is a murder. This time it takes place on the day of the Springtide Festival.

How will it all be resolved? Read the novel to find out. Both new and long term readers of this British historical mystery series will welcome spending time with Amory and Milo. By the way, I love the cover.

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

A Yearlong Practice for Cultivating Feminist Consciousness

by Amelia Hruby

#FiftyFeministMantras #NetGalley

This book was not published with any foreknowledge about RBG but I was reminded of her nonetheless. RBG was a fierce voice for women. Women who want their voices to be heard and to think about what they want to say and how they want to be may well enjoy this book.

Following an introduction, the book is organized by the seasons, beginning with January and its symbolism of birth and beginnings. Included are prompts and spaces for writing, making this a personal title. There are entries for each week of the year.

Those who journal and want to explore their thoughts, feelings and beliefs, get a pencil and start!

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

The Maugham sounds like it is about Gauguin but in fiction while I, Claudius is historical fiction. There are also some mysteries here, The Hobbit and a couple of women’s fiction titles. A Secret Sisterhood is about some female authors. Enjoy.