The author of this children’s book beguilingly invites her readers to come and have some adventures. Starting with letter “A,” readers are invited to climb a giant boulder in Alabama, to walk on a glacier in Alaska, to horseback ride in Arizona and to kayak in Arkansas. From there it goes on to all of the states.
I found this to be an interesting and appealing title. Readers, whether or adults or children, will learn a lot as they enjoy both the text and illustrations in this book.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.
The Killings at Kinfisher Hill is the fourth mystery that Sophie Hannah has written with the permission of the Agatha Christie estate. The books feature Hercule Poirot. They are stand alones so can be read in any order.
This book, along with the others in the series, have an old fashioned feel. They have some Christie trademarks with traditional settings, intricate plots and some interesting characters. Readers know that with the help of his “little grey cells,” Poirot will solve the case.
There are a number of threads to the story. In one, a young woman refuses to initially board a coach because she has been told that she will be murdered if she sits in seat seven. What will happen to her whether she sits there or not?
Poirot has a conversation with a mysterious woman on this same coach. She tells him that she has murdered someone and regales him with the tale while remaining anonymous. Who is she? Did she do what she said? How will Poirot find out?
Then there is Helen. She has confessed to a murder but it is not clear that she actually killed the victim. Did she? Why if she did, and why confess if she did not?
And…who is the second murder victim? Why were they murdered? HOw does this connect with the first murder in the story?
Thank goodness that Poirot is around to bring order to the case and the reader’s world. Fans of traditional mysteries and/or Agatha Christie will enjoy this case. Can your “little grey cells” figure it out?
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this enjoyable read. All opinions are my own.
I have read and can recommend the last four of the books listed here. For Elly Griffiths fans, this is a stand alone although a second book featuring the detective will be published next year. For readers of non-fiction, H is for Hawk is highly recommended. It is not only about a hawk but is also about grieving and more. The Cara Black is the first in a series with many entries. Transcription will be enjoyed by readers who like books such as Miss Graham’s Cold War Cookbook. Enjoy.
Are you a person who likes to take personality tests? Are you looking for a fun way to learn more about yourself or to reinforce what you might already know or suspect? If yes, this book is for you.
Included are 25 tests. Some of those included are: Are You an Introvert or an Extrovert?; Are You Honest with Yourself?; What is Your Stress Type?; What Type of Rule Breaker Are You?; What is Your Role in Your Family? and more.
The author of this book notes that when she did the well-known Myers-Briggs test, it validated who she knew that she was. She found that to be helpful. These personality quizzes may do that or they may teach you something new about yourself.
The book begins with some background on personality including sections on Freud and Jung. Then, there are the quizzes. I enjoyed doing them and reading what my aggregate score for each meant.
This book is entertaining and may provide readers with some helpful insights. I recommend it for those who are fans of these tests.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this book. All opinions are my own.
This book is just full of wonderful food to share. There are chapters on Brunch, Soups and Salads, Vegetables, Pasta, Meat and Poultry, Fish and Seafood, Sunday Supper, and Desserts.
There are many photos inside that provide a sense of the origins of the recipes for this author. There are also photos of the food that will make readers hungry. The author is inspired by his New York City based, West Village, restaurant Little Owl. His story is told in the introduction.
The book opens with a chapter that suggests the things that one might want to have in a pantry. And then, come the recipes. Fontina Sausage Biscuits, anyone? How about a Warm Radicchio, Pancetta and Gorgonzola Salad or one with Spinach, Avocado and Strawberries with Lemon Poppyseed Dressing? There are so many other recipes in this book as well, seventy-five in all. Just to name a few; Baked Eggplant Parmesan, Baked Ricotta Crespelle and My Mother’s Ziti in the pasta section. Keep paging through until you get to desserts like Birthday Rum Cake and Philly Cheesecake with Blueberry Agave Sauce.
This is a very personal feeling cookbook that will leave readers hungry! Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.
7 Secrets to Bringing Out the Best in Yourself and Others from America’s Beloved Neighbor
by Dr. Anita Knight Kuhnley
#TheMisterRogersEffect #NetGalley
When my children were little, each day I welcomed the theme song that led to Mr. Rogers coming to his neighborhood. His show was gentle, seemingly simple but, in my opinion, profound. He had many lessons to teach not only children, but also adults, how to live a life well.
The author of this book notes that it was begun by her wise 90 plus year old grandmother and that she has finished it at her relative’s request. I am so glad that she did.
This title covers seven topics, just as promised (of course, someone writing about Fred Rogers would keep their word!). They are entitled Listen First, Validate Feelings, Pause and Think, Show Gratitude, Develop Empathy, Practice Acceptance and Remember That People Need to Know That They Are Cared For. Mr Rogers’s belief in what we could achieve and his belief that we can make a good world for our children (and own inner child) was and is inspiring. What better rules for living could a reader ask for?
The introduction includes much information on Fred Rogers and how he came to value and believe in his message and in children. He was influenced by mentors, Anna Freud, his own education and more. He was influenced by attachment theory which is clearly explained at the beginning of the book. All of this knowledge is distilled into the principles explored in this title.
Spend some time with this book. It will invite and encourage you to be your best self.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.
This beautifully illustrated title will be enjoyed by those who are interested in the British Isles, history, archaeology and more. It is a beautifully photographed and wide-ranging tile.
The author begins with an introduction, a timeline and a map. She follows this with the many places where she is interested in “unearthing our mysterious past,” as the title of the book notes.
There are so many places included. To name some there are the Tomnaverie Recumbent Stone Circle, Seahenge, Must Farm, Snettisham Treasures, the Dagenham Idol and Stonehenge. The geography includes Kent, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Moray and many more locations. The first object featured is the Westray Wifey which is over 5,000 years old and was found on Orkney. There are so many more to follow.
This book can be dipped into or read in its entirety. I very much enjoyed the time that I spent with this fascinatiing title.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this e-galley. All opinions are my own.
Some mystery, some classics and a woman’s fiction/romance title. I’ve reviewed 500 Miles From You. Interestingly two titles are about who should rule, with The Black Arrow and Julius Caesar. Happy reading!
Short Forensic Mysteries to Challenge Your Inner Amateur Detective
#60SecondBrainTeasersCrimePuzzles #NetGalley
Do you read lots of mysteries? Do you think that you could be a good detective? Do you enjoy puzzle books? If your answers are yes, you will surely enjoy this title. The author presents 65 short cases that the reader is invited to solve. Test your wits and wile away some time most pleasantly as you go through the cases. Some I could solve but others not. I really enjoyed this book. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.
In a book of just under 400 pages, the author of this title covers English and British history beginning with “The Fossil Record,” moving through Ancient and Pre-Roman Times and continuing on until finally reaching The Atomic and Nuclear Space Digital Age of War. Along the way, readers can spend time in their favorite era whether that is time with the Romans, The Georgians, The Stuarts, The Victorians or a different time entirely.
The range in this book is extensive. In browsing, I read about Victorian women and the evolution of their rights and then moved backward to read about ancient art. There is so much of interest in this book.
You do not have to be a scholar to read this book. It is geared to anyone who would like to know more about English and British history.
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this interesting title. All opinions are my own.
Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too! 