The Summer Swap, by Sarah Morgan

 

Publication May 7, 2024

How does one learn how to be true to oneself after a lifetime of repressing ones own needs and desires?

Three women. Three generations. Three women with unfulfilled dreams. Three women, in many ways, trapped by past decisions. This is their story. While quite different on the surface, they find strength and a common bond together. Art unites them and that connections provides many a surprise to them as the open up to each other and themselves. We meet Lily, young and rather lost, Cecilia, nearly 75 and still trying to find herself beneath the label of being wife to a famous artist, and her daughter Kristen, married to a famous surgeon,  suffering her own pangs of emptiness and pondering an affair, before the women actually meet each other. They find each other at Dove House, where Lily has been, uh, staying without permission and fallen in love with a painting, "The Girl on the Shore", a name you'll hear frequently as the story progresses. I'm not going to ruin your joy of immersing yourself into the story by detailing the plot but will say to be sure you have some hankies handy as it definitely hits you in the feels, more than once, in fact. Family secrets, broken romances, found romance, romance not limited by age, btw, the art world, old friends, drama, snoopy reporters, and, oh, so much more. I've just hit the surface, trust me. All have lessons to learn, including accepting their own roles in creating their current places in life.

Bottom line, I thoroughly enjoyed this trip to Dove House to meet these three amazing women. The men in their lives aren't perfect but the interactions add to the moment. I definitely liked Todd who, even before he appears, is painted as being his own man, not beholden to his family or heritage, and lived up to that mental image in my mind. For me, I probably related most to Cecilia but all have universal traits, dreams, and concerns, making them all the more real. Sarah Morgan, as always, has done an excellent job presenting us with full-fledged characters and putting them down in what sounds like a beautiful setting. Thanks #NetGalley and #HarlequinTradePublishing - #CanaryStreetPress for introducing me to these women. They are a great reminder that you're never to old to put the past behind you and head into the future with eyes open.

Olive You to Death (A Tourist Trap Mystery, #16), by Lynn Cahoon

 Publication June 4, 2024

Let's see, missing bride, hidden treasure, and, oh, yeah, a dead body. I mean, it isn't like Jill doesn't have anything else to worry about, like her own upcoming wedding and finishing her MBA degree. And, oh, yeah, her aunt's pending retirement that will leave the Coffee, Books, and More shop solely in Jill's hands. Toss in a girl's weekend to celebrate the upcoming wedding and shop, not to mention have fun, and Jill's calendar is full. 

So, what happened to Mandy Jenson, the missing soon-to-be bride? Joel, her husband-to-be, is obviously a suspect but he's frantic and, quite frankly, driving Greg, Jill's future hubby and detective, crazy. How crazy? Crazy enough to pawn him off on Jill to keep him out of his hair. And, this is just the beginning of the story. Lots more happening, including miscommunications and loyalties being stretched, making the side-stories interesting, too. 

Bottom line, I like Jill and the supporting cast although Greg seemed to be a side-character throughout most of the story, go figure. I also like the fact that we see Jill reminded not to jump to conclusions, both about the murder and personal matters. A fun story with unique characters and intriguing side stories. Lots of romance and wedding talk in this installment, so be prepared to talk wedding sites, snafus, and more. Thanks #NetGalley and #KensingtonPublishing - #LyricalPress for letting me catch up with Jill and Greg again. Looking forward to the wedding!

The Spell of a Story, by Mariajo Ilustrajo

 

Publication June 4, 2024

Do you remember your very first book? The first you read on your own? I'd like to say I do but I honestly don't. I'm pretty sure it probably had a horse on the cover, though. Let's just say there was a reason I went through my grandfather's stash of Louis L'Amour books at an early age and spent my make-believe time pretending to be a horse. Grin.

This book is absolutely adorable. Magical even, with the illustrations gradually becoming more and more colorful as the little girl becomes more and more immersed in the book her big sister helps her choose. Reluctantly choose, I'll note, as she's sure she hates reading. And, don't forget to check out the book shelves in the photos. I'm just saying....

Bottom line, this one should be a must on any parent or teacher's shelf. The words flow and the artwork is well-done, capturing the spirit of the story as it goes along. I liked the simple yet distinctive artwork and use of expressions and color to convey what we gain from reading. Pay attention to the font/script, too, as it adds to the fun. Lucky for me, I don't recall a time when books weren't a part of my life, even when I was of an age to hold them upside-down, so I'm all for more books about books and how they can change our outlook and worlds. Thanks #NetGalley and #QuartoPublishingGroup - #FrancesLincolnChildren'sBooks for reminding me of the delightful gift my book loving family gifted me.

How to Catch a Fairy Godmother, by Alice Walstead, Andy Elkerton (Illustrator)

 

Publication July 9, 2024

How does one go about catching a fairy? I might have a secret weapon as I have a corgi which, according to ancient lore, was the favored mount of fairies. These children don't have a corgi, though, just their wits. Besides, the Fairy Godmother, whose face we actually don't see until the very end, seems to travel in her very own bubble, so no corgis needed. Cool, huh? She's brand new at her job and, based on the illustrations of her fairy training days, is occasionally a bit of a mess. She has smarts, however, and genuinely seems to care about her young, creative charges, even praising some of their efforts to catch her. She also seems to have patience and a fun sense of humor, both handy when dealing with children. In other words, this Fairy Godmother sounds like someone we'd all like on our side.

This is a fun, whimsical story. Not only is it likely young readers can have fun following the children's failed attempts to capture the fairy, but they're likely to be able to spy something new in the pictures each time the story is read or read to them. The rhymes flow and the expressions on the children's faces add to the sense of fun.  I liked that the diverse bunch included a child wearing glasses. Having spent much of my childhood in despair over having the wear glasses, he pretty quickly became my favorite. And, hey, this is no fairy tale fairy. She's wearing sneakers! Nice touch. 

Bottom line, this is my first "How to Catch..." book but won't be my last. The sense of whimsy and fun made me smile as I read. It's even up-to-date as the children's goal is to capture the fairy in a selfie, never mind they don't grasp what actually capturing her might mean. They simply focus on the ideal Show-and-Tell selfie. Their schemes are fun, meaning no harm, and, who knows, with a less savvy fairy might have been successful. What does one do with a fairy if they catch them? Hmm, no clue. In any case, this Fairy Godmother begins the story a bit unsure of herself, a fun way to remind children that we're all uncertain about some things, but does her best with humor and doesn't forget to applaud others' efforts. She even rewards them at the end, which is when we get our first look at her face. I like this Fairy Godmother. Thanks #NetGalley and #SourcebooksKids - #SourcebooksExplore for introducing me to this series and revving up my retired teacher mind. Oh, so many teaching moments within. Fun book/series and can't wait to explore it further.

There's No Murder Like Show Murder, by M.S. Greene

 Publication July 23, 2024

Excellent start to a new series. Main character Tasha Weaver is a smart, detail oriented person whose life seems to center about the Eastbrook Playhouse. Perfectly content to remain out of the spotlight, she is head of the costume shop. Appropriately, the first real action in the story involves a costume flap involving the star of the current production of "Annie Get Your Gun". Having actually acted in that musical, I was definitely drawn to this story. I also spent a great deal of time in my youth in behind-the-scenes roles myself, another plus as I was delighted to see the playhouse play a central role in the story. And, hey, there's even a delightful theater cat, Hilly.

In any case, Tasha, seemingly a peacemaker of sorts, feels some guilt at inadvertently placing Kurt, the egotistical star, in the theater where he is murdered. Nope, not sharing how. You'll just have to read the book. For now, it simply serves to illustrate how important the playhouse and her playhouse family were to Tasha. This is where the story takes off and Tasha emerges as quite the amateur sleuth. The theater itself as it is on shaky financial grounds. It's Tasha's "safe-place", where she feels most at home, reasons for which are revealed smoothly within the story. While she's shaken one of the theatrical family might be a murderer, Tasha remains determined to find the killer and save Eastbrook Playhouse. While a bit disconcerting how quickly Tasha segues into asking questions, even in the presence of police, it shows her natural curiosity and attention to detail once again. In the process, we meet her theater family, including "work husband" Bruno, something that made me chuckle at the comment about "We don't talk about Bruno". Wonder how many of you will get that line? Grin.

Bottom line, I liked Tasha and the playhouse setting, not to mention her circle of friends, many of whom are surely likely regulars. There's even some romance bubbling under the surface for extra fun. Of course there is danger. Wouldn't be a cozy mystery without some danger to our inquisitive amateur sleuth, and lots of red herrings and multiple suspects, including some from Tasha's adopted theater family. Uh, oh. To top it off, you'll learn quite a bit about what goes on behind the scenes of such productions, from those on stage to those working out of the spotlight. Let's face it, there isn't a magical Fairy Godmother backstage waving a wand to create the setting, lights, costumes, and assure that the actors know their lines and "marks". Thanks #NetGalley and #CrookedLaneBooks" for the backstage pass to meet Tasha and this new series. It's one I'm looking forward to revisiting.

Women in the Valley of the Kings: The Untold Story of Women Egyptologists in the Gilded Age, by Kathleen Sheppard

 Publication July 16, 2024

If you're into Egyptology or archeology, this fascinating book should be on your shelf. On the other hand, if you only have a mild interest and little or no background, you may find it a frustrating read. I fell somewhere in between and found certain parts of the book absolutely fascinating and intriguing while I must admit to skimming through others. For me, given my prior interest, I think it's safe to say this book will take me more than one read to take in all the information shared. Kathleen Sheppard has done a great deal of research and it shows. You'll definitely appreciate the index and notes at the end listing sources and perhaps pointing you off on your own search for more on these mostly little known women.

Basically, what you have here is a rather thorough history of not just these women and the archaeology of Egypt, but a decent history of Egypt's history itself. It's solid and not particularly detailed but more than adequate to give readers a feel for the give-and-take and various international influences on the area. Like many, I probably first became interested in this area due to Howard Carter's discovery of the tomb of "King Tut", so it was intriguing to read about the various women who were there before and during his time. It was also interesting to be reminded that early excavations were, sigh, almost anything but done carefully, think dynamite, rather than each item being carefully retrieved and documented. As a lover of history, it made me sad to imagine how much was lost but, anyway, on to the ladies.

Many that came were wealthy, many flocking to Egypt in hopes the dry air might improve their health. For instance, Lady Duff Gordon, one of the more recognized names in the book, traveled to Luxor, Egypt, in 1864 hoping for a tuberculosis cure. She wrote of her experiences and all the wonders she saw.  Her writings would inspire others, others who play key roles in this book. I'm not going to detail these women, much as I'd like to (see the blurb for names), as it'd take pages, but will say that each touched those who came after in some way. While we do get to know these women as the book goes along, the focus is on their work, not them as private individuals. Most documented their stays in some way, often through letters home or diaries. Some of their writings, to their credit, reveal the workers who did the grunt work, the heavy, tedious work, giving them their due, too. I should also note that these women were largely shunted aside and their contributions largely forgotten or even ignored, so I applaud Sheppard for giving them the spotlight.

Bottom line, I plan to go back through this book periodically to better digest what is within. These women deserve that. I simply cannot imagine the difficulties they faced while surrounded by people whose language they didn't speak and men who considered them inconsequential and thus not only made it more difficult for them to get official permission to excavate but gave them little credit for all their accomplishments. Thank you #NetGalley and #StMartin'sPress for letting me time-travel back to this Golden Age of Egypt's exploration and archaeology to meet these intriguing women.

Tranquil Corgi Patterns Coloring Book

 

As I've said repeatedly in my dog related posts/comments, Daisy is a corgi mix. I also enjoy coloring as a way to let my mind drift and relax. As such, I'm naturally attracted to this book. The artwork is lovely and while realistic, the detail adds a bit of whimsy to the illustrations. A great way to simply chill out, especially with your own furry friend curled up next to you. Enjoy!

Murder on Devil's Pond (Hummingbird Hollow B&B Mystery #1), by Ayla Rose

 

Publication July 9, 2024

How well do we ever know other people?

This is a promising start to a brand new series. I'm not quite sure it'd be accurate to say I immediately liked Hannah Solace, the main character, she's pretty intense, but I definitely found her intriguing. She's smart and does think things through....most of the time. What makes her tick? Why, aside from her sister, is she closed off from family? Her B&B seems to be struggling, so how is she able to just leave so often to pursue leads to the murder of 80-year old Ezra, who she considered a friend, even if he was always cranky and lived in an old house that seemed ready to crumple on his head just any time. What secrets was he hiding? This is the focus of the plot but, oh, my, so much more.

The mystery was complex, involving lots of possible culprits with motive. Ayla Rose did an excellent job introducing us to them, but also in weaving a bit of a mystery around who Hannah and sister Reggie were and where they came from. Each has had a rough time of it and are very different while still bonded together. We even learn that Ezra, the victim, had a far more complex, interesting life than "victim", too.  I'm not going to detail the plot, see the blurb for that, but family dramas, intrigue, divisions, greed, secrets....oh, you get my drift. Danger? Of course, this is a cozy mystery. Grin. Lots going on, both related to murder and Hannah's Solace family and past. And, hey, you know I love books with dogs and this one has a sweet older dog, Moose, who belonged to the victim and is taken in by Hannah. You'll even learn a bit about plants and flowers as well as sustainable landscaping, so to speak, so have a note pad handy if you're looking for hints. 

It was perhaps just me but I will note that I stopped reading at one point fairly early on to double check if I wasn't mistaken about the book being the first of the series. There were so many questions early on, mostly relating to Hannah and her return and relationship to others. That was both good and bad. It made me curious but, as noted, it also slowed me down as I couldn't quite figure out who was who and how they were all connected. I'm sure that will be less of an issue as the series goes along, of course, as first books in any series tend to be either info heavy or leave you scratching your head at times as the characters' actions and words don't quite make sense to you. By the end of the book I felt like I had a good handle on connections but, well, it did take awhile, which kept me at a four star rating rather than the five, which was actually rather tempting given the complex, well-fleshed out characters we got to know, albeit slowly. Also, a caution for cozy fans. This is what I'd dub a rather dark cozy with some rather grisly murder descriptions. 

Bottom line, however, an excellent start that I'm looking forward to revisiting when the next book comes out. Thanks #NetGalley and #CrookedLaneBooks for introducing me to Hannah and her life in Vermont. I'm looking forward to delving into the complex lives and backgrounds of these characters, especially her old crush Noah and the still mysterious to me Ash. And, for the record, I didn't quite figure it out until the end even if all the clues were there. Let's just say, I got lost in the red herrings.

Corgi Coloring Book, by Natalie Colors

 Love dogs, especially corgis? Like to color? This one’s for you. Beautifully drawn with mostly realistic rendering but a few more whimsical ones that should appeal to a younger or, well, more whimsical audience. The dog on the cover somewhat resembles my girl, so I was definitely drawn to this one. Have fun!

Writing on Empty: A Guide to Finding Your Voice, by Natalie Goldberg

 

Publication July 9, 2024

Many readers, if they think about it, would probably say writing is a solitary process. For some, that may be true. Locking themselves away and growling at those who'd dare distract them from the muse. For others, however, they need people. They flock to the nearest coffee shop, quaint little cafe, or even the library. They simply need people and the hum of life about them. That was Natalie Goldberg. She needed the energy, spark, sheer inspiration of not being isolated. Then covid happened. This is her story of dealing with writer's block during the forced isolation of the pandemic and ultimately reclaiming her muse..

Although marketed as a guide for writers, this is a partly memoir, partly a deep dive into herself and relationships, and, yes, a guide for writers. The guideline doesn't really appear in plain words until the end and then it pretty obviously wasn't written by Goldberg,.  It does, however, tie all the many, many threads together in my mind. I'm not going to detail them aside from saying personal experiences and structure are vital. In the process of getting to the guidelines/suggestions, you'll get to know Goldberg well, including her family and friends, not to mention idol Hemingway. Oh, he's dead you say? No reason you can't sit at his graveside and chat with him anyway, right? Goldberg is open and intense and her writing shines. I felt taken in by it immediately and as if she were talking to me, not writing words in a spiral notebook (more on that in the book). She shares those uncertain, uneasy early days of the pandemic when we all thought it would be brief,as well as real life outside, taking those of us who shared those same events back with her. It isn't always a comfortable journey by any means, but it's real and personal. We also get to see how her own past and sense of isolation as a child, in particular, helped form the Natalie Goldberg that is.

Bottom line, being more introverted than not, I realize now that my relatively easy sailing through the pandemic wasn't the norm. Yes, many of us arranged strategic, supposedly safe meetings in parks and such with friends, but in the process, Goldberg segues from topic to topic, sharing with friends and in her own head. It's all fascinating and a bit confusing at time but never dull. As noted, I felt pulled in from the first page. The epilogue, which is where the author instructions/suggestions finally appear, manages to maintain something of that air of intimacy while offering connections and possible writing prompts. This is a book that will draw you back from time to time, I'm thinking, too. Her personal saga and insights are worth the return visits. Thanks so much to #NetGalley and #StMartin'sPress - #StMartin'sEssentials for sharing this wonderful bit of memoir and inspiration with me. Writers or simply readers who wonder what might go on inside the writer's head while producing books, this book should be a must on your tbr list.