by Colleen Cambridge

An e book bargain

#MasteringtheArtofFrenchMurder #NetGalley

Many readers will recognize that the title of this historical mystery refers to Julia Child and her classic cookbook, Mastering the Art of French Cooking. And indeed, most happily, Julia, her husband (Paul), and sister (nicknamed Dort) are all found in these pages. There is also a fictional character, Tabitha, who is nowhere near the cook that Julia is but who is a good friend to her.

The story takes place in the late 1940s in Paris so I was immediately inclined to like this book. The opening has Julia trying to figure out what is wrong with her mayonnaise. Soon, she will have much bigger problems. After a party at her apartment, a body is found in the basement area of Julia’s flat. The victim was a guest and the knife used to kill her came from Julia’s kitchen. Therese also was employed at the theater where Dort works.

Tabitha, the book’s amateur sleuth, has a father who was in the police. This makes her wanting to solve the case feel credible. She has come to Paris to spend time with her grandfather and his partner who becomes like an uncle to her. They add color and relationships to the story.

This book was entertaining and fun. I liked the setting, the characters, the food and the story. Kudos to the author. She has also written a series featuring Agatha Christie’s housekeeper showing how versatile she is. I have enjoyed her contributions to the historical mystery and recommend this title. I hope that this is the start of a series.

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

Pub date: 25 April 2023 Mark your calendar

And the next in the series

This series began with last year’s Mastering the Art of French Murder. This second title is every bit as delightful.

Here is an historical mystery set in post WWII Paris. It features a fictional protagonist, Tabitha, and a friend of hers. That friend is the larger than life Julia Child. Together the two become involved in murderous situations.

This time, chefs should beware what they drink. Not too far into the novel, two have died after imbibing what should have been very special vintages. Tabitha and Julia are on the case even if the police inspector (and possible romantic interest for Tabitha) does not want their help.

What I like best in this book (and in the first one) is the evocation of Paris. When Tabitha and Julia visit a market it is easy to visualize the food and want to start cooking. And speaking of which, every time Julia is around food, and that is often, the book is so much fun.

Highly recommended to those who are foodies, those who love Paris and those who like historical mysteries. I hope there will be a third book soon

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

Pub date: 23 April 2024

So many readers adore the books by this author that I feel almost as if no review is necessary.  All loyal fans need to see is her name on the title of the book.

This is the third book that I have read by this author.  My favorite is still How to Walk Away, although What You Wish For is certainly an enjoyable read.

I liked the setting of this book, both the Texas location and the vibrant, joyous school where narrator Sam is the librarian. This novel is primarily about Sam and Duncan with attention paid also to those around them.  The two knew each other in the past when Sam had a crush on the flamboyant, exuberant Duncan.  Sam is now at a new school and guess who the new principal is?  (I’m sure that no guess is needed).  But why is Duncan so different?  Will he and Sam connect again?  Even if you feel you know the answers, this book is a good one to laze around with on a summer’s day.  Its message of taking as much joy in life as possible, despite life’s difficulties, is an affirming one.

On NetGalley, there are 1576 reviews and counting with readers all liking the book.  These are the biggest numbers that I have seen on the site.  I think that readers who buy this book will enjoy it too!

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

pub date:  July 14, 2020

#TheGildedAgeChristmasCookbook #NetGalley

This cookbook will appeal to anyone who has been watching the Julian Fellowes’s eponymous TV series and also to those who are looking for intriguing holiday recipes. Since this title is published in August, there will be plenty of time to make decisions about what to try. There are many tempting sweet treats in these pages.

Readers will find sections on Cookies; Cakes; Pies, Puddings, Custards; and Candies. There are also some recipes for Hannukah and New Year’s. In addition, there is much history and holiday lore here.

There are many beautiful photos throughout this book. They will put readers in the holiday spirit.

This book would make a lovely gift for a home baker.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Globe Pequot for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 05 August 2025

200 pages

Cooking and history

This book, the first in a new series by William Shaw, drew me right in. I spent every minute that I could turning the pages of this engaging and suspenseful novel. I was drawn in by the characters, the setting and the mystery itself. I hope that the second novel in this series will be out soon.

Readers meet Eden who is with the police in London. He is called away when his sister, Apple, disappears from her boat, leaving her young son locked in a cabin. Finn is understandably traumatized and is slow to connect with Eden who, estranged from Apple, had never met his nephew.

The story gets twisty as readers wait to find out what happened to Apple. There are suspects, police officers, child welfare officers, school personnel, missing computers, cameras and phones, and more to keep the reader intrigued.

Readers will not only want the case to be solved but, I think, will be hoping for the very best for Finn.

I highly recommend this title. It offers a fantastic read.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 03 July 2025

400 pages

Mystery & Thrillers

From the publisher:

he first in a brand new series of Devon-set crime thrillers featuring DS Eden Driscoll

‘Crime fiction at its very best, a knotty mystery‘ ELLY GRIFFITHS

‘Terrific … Perhaps his best yet’ ANN CLEEVES

‘The undisputed king of seaside noir’ VASEEM KHAN

‘A gripping and wonderful thriller’ NICCI FRENCH

‘Twistier than a cramping snake’ M. W. CRAVEN

The “other” Windsor Girl is Princess Margaret, known to many because of the successful tv series, The Crown.  This book is another way to gain perspective on Margaret, those around her and the times in which she lived. Readers will move through the sedate 40s right up to the 60s.

The narrative includes a mix of historical and fictional people and a wide variety of both royal homes and places where Margaret spent time. The most prominent of the fictional characters is Vera who becomes a lady in waiting to Margaret, thus giving her a fly on the wall perspective to royal life.  Her story is one of making choices after coming under the royal gaze.  Are the choices that she makes ones that she will regret?

The underpinning of the novel is the impact that being A princess but not THE princess had on Margaret who garnered less attention and found it difficult to establish a meaningful life.  She often wanted what she could not have and did not want what was there for her.

In my opinion, this novel started a bit slowly but  is worth staying with until the end.  The skill of the author is such that I kept hoping for Margaret to have the life she yearned for, especially in her relationship with Group Captain Peter Townsend, all while knowing what happened historically.

This book can provide a bit of escapism as we all are in our homes dreaming of having a more exciting life.  I rate it at four stars.

A Graphic Novel

by Mariah Marsden, Hanna Luechtefeld

Pub date: June 15, 2021

The Secret Garden is a well-known children’s classic. The story of a young orphan, a mansion on the moors, a crippled young boy and others is a hopeful one. The novel has been presented in different formats including a recent movie with Colin Firth, a cookbook and this graphic novel version.

All of the elements of The Secret Garden are here. The illustrations are evocative and true to the story. The dialogue covers the plot well. All in all, this title is a welcome addition to the classic version of the story. I recommend it.

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

From the Publisher

The Other Bennet Sister A Novel by Janice Hadlow

Let me just say at the outset that I adore this book.  If you are a Jane Austen fan, definitely take a look at this title.

The other Bennet Sister is Mary.  If you have read P and P, you know how she is portrayed there.  In this title, readers will get to know Mary so much better.  I felt for her immediately as some of the first things to come up in the novel had to do with being a middle sister, bookish, needing glasses, not feeling pretty (enough) and not necessarily wanting to go to parties.  I could identify with these!  I also relate to Mary’s efforts at self improvement as she approaches the piano and her father’s library.  Watching Mary figure out her life while spending time with other members of the Bennet household made this a wonderful read for me.

I think that Ms. Hadlow has captured the tone of Jane Austen.  Mr. B is still sardonic, Mrs. B is a bit empty headed and the sisters are very much themselves.

Another plus of this title for me is its length.  At 480 pages it is a novel to sink into.

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

#TheOtherBennetSister #NetGalley

Our columnist on the month’s best new releases.
— Read on www.nytimes.com/2025/06/01/books/review/new-thrillers.html

#PocketNatureBirdWatching #NetGalley

When I go to my local botanical garden, I see and hear many birds. I recognize some species but these are pretty easy ones. So, I was interested to see what could be learned in this short guide.

One thing about this title is that it is small in size. This would make it easy to take on any birding adventures.

There is lots of info packed into these pages and many illustrations (though some might have preferred photographs for easier recognition.) The illustrations do not accurately reflect the colors of the birds but the shape and look of the birds is accurate.

My favorite part of this book was the section on bird watching tips. I hope that this will lead to more enjoyment on my walks. I also liked the general information sections which, for example, describe why beaks are important and all that they can do. It was interesting to see variations among birds-for example, different birds build different kinds of nests. There is a lot of information on many subjects included in this short title.

Bird watchers/fanciers will want to give this title a look.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Chronicle Books. All thoughts are my own.

Pub date: 19 August 2025

128 pages

Nature

#MyMagnoliaSummer #NetGalley

I am among the many readers who delighted in the novels of this author’s mom. Her death was a cause of sorrow on many levels. Dorothea created wonderful stories set in the Low Country. She is missed by many.

That said, it was a delight to get to know another Benton Frank. Not only did I very much enjoy this novel but so did some of my favorite authors including Patti Callahan Henry.

Here is a Southern family story. The setting, character and plot are all quite well done making it hard to believe that this is Victoria’s first novel.

I recommend this one for lovers of women’s/family fiction. It offers just the right kind of summer read; get to know Magnolia (Maggie), Lily and the others in the family. As a bonus, there is a restaurant too!

Many thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 06 June 2023

From the Publisher

Editorial Reviews

Review

“No one can ever take the place of Dorothea Benton Frank, but by writing My Magnolia Summer, a novel of low country food, family drama, and just the right amount of romance, Victoria Benton Frank shows that she is the rightful heir to the crown of summertime storytellers. Her mother would be so proud.” — Ann Patchett

“In My Magnolia Summer, author Victoria Benton Frank spins all the plates and brings all the magic of the lowcountry to life. A tale of the complicated relationships between mothers, daughters and let’s not forget, sisters—this enchanting novel will bring romance and sunshine to your summer reading list.” — Elin Hilderbrand, New York Times bestselling author of The Five-Star Weekend

“My Magnolia Summer is a sensory treat and a mesmerizing tribute to the complicated strength and solace of family. Frank’s warm and wise prose is splashed with just the right amount of wit in this sultry Lowcountry tale. With a delectable peek behind the kitchens of the best restaurants, a romp through the marshes of South Carolina, and a glimpse into the intricate hearts of sisters, this is a powerful debut. Proving that when things fall apart, indomitable women come together, My Magnolia Summer is enchanting, hilarious and insightful.” — Patti Callahan Henry, New York Times bestselling author