Now out: The Secrets of Love Story Bridge A Novel by Phaedra Patrick

The Secrets of Love Story Bridge is a warm-hearted tale of flawed yet hopeful individuals who find one another and move forward in their lives. The main character is Mitchell; he is a man with many regrets for how he lived his life with his partner Anita. Now he is finding it difficult to move ahead without her. A workaholic, Mitchell was often missing out on day to day life with Anita and their daughter, Poppy.

As the novel opens, Mitchell and nine-year-old Poppy form a tight (but somewhat rigid) twosome as Mitchell tries to control for all eventualities. Mitchell tries to maintain his connection to Anita by writing letters that she will never read. He cannot get himself to read the last letter that Anita wrote to him. Full of guilt, will Mitchell ever forgive himself?

Mitchell lives in Upchester, a town of many bridges. One day he sees someone leave a love locket on the bridge and then go overboard. He rescues this unknown young woman and this starts a period of change in his life. Who went over? What happened to her? How will the private Mitchell cope with the ensuing publicity?

Mitchell was late to pick up Poppy on the bridge day so she was with a teacher, Liza. The story of Liza and Mitchell will be the romance that you root for. Readers will also learn about the connections between the woman on the bridge and the other characters in the novel.

This is a story of quirky characters who want what most of us want-a sense of connection and hope for the future. In that sense, bridges that connect two places, form the perfect analogy for the novel. During our current difficult times, this is a sweet book and may help readers to take a break from their worries.

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

#TheSecretsofLoveStoryBridge #NetGalley

#TheSecretsofLoveStoryBridge #NetGalley

A legend begins: No Ordinary Boy (Book 1, The Legends of King Arthur: Merlin, Magic, and Dragons)

Publisher Sweet Cherry issues titles that are retellings, of well-known stories for elementary school aged readers. This entry introduces the tale of Merlin and is the first in what appears to be a series. I found this book to be engaging with a level of suspense that is geared toward its young audience.The book contains short illustrated chapters.

Readers will learn about Merlin’s parentage and why the King summons him. By the end of this story readers know that Merlin and Arthur’s lives will be intertwined. I look forward to the next entry in this series.

As an adult, this book inspires me to go back to one of my favoritefavorites, The Once and Future King and to a second wonderful series about Merlin by Mary Stewart. Hopefully some young readers will be equally inspired.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

Pub Date

#kidsArthur #NetGalley

For those who stitch: Jane Austen Embroidery Regency Patterns Reimagined for Modern Stitchers by Jennie Batchelor, Alison Larkin

I am currently deeply immersed in a Jane Austen phase.  I recently reviewed reread Emma, finished The Other Bennet Sister and am currently deeply immersed in The Jane Austen Society (a new novel) which I will review soon.  It comes out later this month.  So, I was delighted to be approved by NetGalley and the publisher for this title which was full of information on Regency era women and their craft.

While I don’t anticipate doing my own embroidery, I was impressed by the scope and detail of what was covered in this nicely illustrated book.  I recommend it to those of you who would like to start a project (there are fifteen here) or just learn more.

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

#JaneAustenEmbroidery #NetGalley

I am so excited: Buzz Books 2020: Fall/Winter by Publishers Lunch

I am always excited when a new edition of Buzz Books is released.  I love seeing what books I will have to look forward to over the coming months.  This edition provides a look at many of the titles that will be released this fall including those by Ken Follet, Marilynne Robinson, Phile Klay, Fredrick Backman,  Elena Ferrante, Nick Hornby and Sue Miller among others.  In addition to listings of titles by well known authors, there is a section on debut authors. Further, there are books that I will love reading for fun listed including new titles by Caz Frear, Robert Galbraith, Anthony Horowitz, Jodi Picoult, Alexander McCall Smith and more. There are also excerpts from some forthcoming titles.

While I read more fiction than non, this Buzz Books also lists many non-fiction titles.  They feature everyone from Michael J. Fox to Elijah Cummins to Megan Rapinoe and more. The non-fiction listings are organized by topic as for example politics, Social Issues, Science and Technology, Biography and more.

Take a look at this title and start to dream about your next reads.

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

Now out: The World Eats Here Amazing Food and the Inspiring People Who Make It at New York’s Queens Night Market by John Wang; Storm Garner

Imagine that you live in one of the world’s most populous cities. Imagine that not only are there lots of people but that there are lots of foods. Imagine that you would like to taste some of them. Well, if you are in New York City’s Borough of Queens, this is something that you can not only imagine but experience. For everyone else, enjoy this virtual trip and its wonderful food culture and recipes.
Just some of the places that are the origins for the food at the market are Puerto Rico, Trinidad, Peru, Argentina, South Africa, India,South Korea, Indonesia, Russia and Ukraine. Enjoy recipes for a pastrami sandwich, Salvadoran chicken tamales, Peruvian Ceviche, Guyanese Beef Patties, Trinidadian Callaloo, Almond Biscotti, Ukrainian Blintzes with Creamy Mushrooms , Pakistani Tandoori Chicken Kati, Beef Momos with Hot Sauce and many more.
Illustrated with many photographs as well as drawings this is a visually appealing cookbook that also includes stories about many of the cooks. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this amazing food journey. All opinions are my own.

#TheWorldEatsHere #NetGalley

Living Zen: A Practical Guide to a Balanced Existence Kindle Edition by Seth Zuihō Segall PhD (Author)

Living Zen: A Practical Guide to a Balanced Existence by [Seth Zuihō Segall PhD]In college level religion classes I learned a bit about Buddhism.  I also live near a museum that values Buddhist culture.  While I cannot visit there now, I have good memories about spending time there.

For these, and other reasons, I very much appreciated receiving a copy of this book from Callisto publishing in exchange for an honest review.  I found this title to be very well, yet simply, written.  The author’s intentions are clearly laid out and he guides his readers most capably.

This title is interesting because, in addition to describing Zen, there are sections on its practical application in daily life.  There are scenarios for work situations, traffic jam frustrations and more in which ways that practicing zen may be of help.

I highly recommend this title.  Especially now, as we all start to feel frayed, the zen philosophy is most needed.

From the publisher:

Find out how to live Zen every day:

Zen, zen buddhism, inspirational books, self care, buddhism

Zen, zen buddhism, inspirational books, self care, buddhism

Zen, zen buddhism, inspirational books, self care, buddhism

Calm yourself through meditation

To do zazen, assume an open, upright sitting posture. Your ears, shoulders, and hips should be aligned, your chin slightly tucked, and your eyes partly closed and looking downward in front of you. Place your left hand atop your right hand, palms up, with your thumbs gently touching. Your abdomen should be able to expand and contract freely with your breath.

Foster a sense of serenity

We become peaceful when we stop stirring ourselves up with thoughts of the past and future and dwell in the present. Peace comes when we remember to breathe mindfully, when our mind is focused on what we’re doing right now, and when we adopt a compassionate stance and orient ourselves to helping others.

Apply it to real challenges

We all want to be seen, heard, and responded to in a caring way, but it doesn’t always happen. Whenever Kate tells Maggie about her day, Maggie looks at her phone and says “uh-huh” without making eye contact. Kate feels ignored, unimportant, and invisible.

Timeless tales: Greek Myth- Meet the heroes, gods, and monsters of ancient Greece by DK

This collection of tales from the Greek myths includes so many well known stories. These retelling will be enjoyed by the intended audience of children and also, I think, by adults. Inside this book are the stories of Zeus, the Titans, Apollo, Athena, Demeter, Persephone, Prometheus, Midas and many more. There is also a final section called “About the Myths” which provides additional information.
The author begins by putting the myths in context. They were used by the ancient Greeks to help in understanding their world and, because of this they were essential. Not only were the stories a part of the oral tradition, they also appeared in art, theaters and more, thus revealing their importance in daily life.

The stories themselves are well told and accompanied by illustrations that enhance the text. The book looks engaging and encourages a reader to see what comes next.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review. I would like to purchase this book when it is published. It is a good and readable reference.

Pub date:  July 14, 2020

#GreekMyths #NetGalley

From the publisher: