Recently published:

Oops, I Dropped the Lemon Tart

by An Swerts

#OopsIDroppedtheLemonTart #NetGalley

I loved this book with its sweet (pun somewhat intended) message that is ok to make mistakes and that mistakes are, indeed, just a part of life. This is a perfect title for any child you know who may need to talk about their fears. The illustrations are so warm and appealing while the simple story line shows how Lucy went from just fine to intimidated and back again.

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

Now out: Baby’s First Kind Words

A Board Book

by Hsinping Pan

#BabysFirstKindWords #NetGalley

This book is so brightly, inclusively and appealingly illustrated. It includes a number of words that reflect values, including those like listen, give, help, care and play. The concepts may be a bit abstract for the book’s intended audience but they are wonderful words to grow into.

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

What if you did? In Case You Missed It

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.

What will happen when it is found? The Secret Garden

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.

For chilly nights: Midwinter Murder by Agatha Christie

#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.

Now out:

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.

What is hidden? The Paris Secret by Natasha Lester

#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.