Woody's Words: Woodrow Wilson Rawls and Where the Red Fern Grows, by Lisa Jean LaBanca Rogers , Susan Reagan (illustrator)

 

Publication Sept. 9, 2025

It's been awhile since I last read "Where the Red Fern Grows" but it still makes me smile when I remember it. Smile and feel the urge to reach for a box of tissues. That said, I must admit to knowing next-to-nothing about author Woodrow Wilson Rawls prior to reading this book. I'm now feeling the urge to dig out my old copy of the story (with some tissues handy) as I read it again with fresh eyes and more knowledge about how it came to be. 

Whether you've read "Red Fern" or not, I don't want to divulge too much of this book about it's author. Teacher friends, it should be a must. Same with dog fanatics everywhere.  A thoughtful, insightful look into what made Rawls a writer. It wasn't an easy life. In fact, he spent some time in jail but it ultimately sounds like wife Sophie was his savior and inspiration. A budget analyst for the Atomic Energy Commission, she was not just his biggest booster but typist, proofreaders, editor, and, well, much more. 

Rawls beloved dog book was first published in the highly regarded Saturday Evening Post before appearing in full book form. While barely educated himself, Rawls, a true story-teller, made thousands of promotional appearances, frequently at schools in front of children. It sounds like their words of appreciation only fueled his drive to write. Is the story 100% true? You'll have to read the book to find out. You won't regret it. While aimed at children from 7-10, my hunch is dog and book people of all ages will find it a good read. There's a lengthy bibliography at the end for those who want to take a deeper dive as well as, in addition to the illustrations, both b/w and color photographs. It was a plus to note the contributions of family members. Thanks #AstraPublishingGroup for allowing me this early peek at this intriguing, delightful story. It brought back many memories and I loved the inclusion of a photo of the statue of the book's Billy Coleman and his hounds that stands at the Idaho Falls Public Library. 

Death at the Village Christmas Fair (The Cotswold Curiosity Shop #3), by Debbie Young

 Publication August 16, 20

This was my first read of this series so I can vouch that it works well as a stand alone. Alice Carroll is preparing for her first Christmas in her new home, a celebration that includes not just the traditional Christmas Fair but a Santa Run. Her mother is visiting and Alice is looking forward to a peaceful holiday celebration with her relatively new beau, Robert who, as we find out, has money. Lots of it. That's beside the point, however, as he's genuinely likable and low key about his status. To be honest, though, Alice can't help but be a bit subdued by his wealth as, well, what do you buy someone who has the money to buy about anything he wants. She's also a tad uncertain about her status but they do seem to work well together, especially when it comes to sorting out whodunit in a murder.

So, who killed Clive and why? Strangled with a scarf stolen from the booth owned by Alice's mother, Alice is naturally interested. I won't spoil the plot any further except to say there's an interesting twist to the crime. If you don't know what Netsuke is, you will by the time you finish this book. It was rather fun to learn a bit about this art form as well as some aspects of museum collecting and investments/sponsors. I liked the cast if characters and you'll easily figure out who is who and the relationships they have with each other. Some are rather naive, even Alice at times, but they come across as good people that are easy to root for. Robert's granddaughter, Tilly, was a standout, and I'm guessing that Alice's mother may be sticking around based on her so easily fitting into the knitting community. She's one fast knitter, too. The village of Little Pride might be said to play a role, too,  with both positives and negatives.

Bottom line, while somewhat slow in pace, I wound up enjoying the book. The characters are a real plus with them seeming to be real people prone to think the best of others. And, of course, there's that blossoming romance between Alice and Robert. Thanks #BoldwoodBooks for giving me this early peek at Alice's world and the doings of Little Pride. It was fun to imagine the Santa Race, especially the slower paced, not so athletic ones, and loved the giving spirit of the community, and the mention of Paddington Bear and toggle buttons was a bonus. Made me remember my grandmother's button jar.

My Brain Is Like a Puppy, by Laura Filtness

 

Publication Sept. 16, 2025

This is a fun story with many layers. First, having had puppies in my life, I can testify that puppy Boss is very much a true puppy. Boss is full of fun, mischief, hyperactive one moment and zooming about, then plopping down and stubbornly refusing to be easily moved the next. He wants to please but is impulsive and easily distracted by, well, pretty much everything. Let's just say, self-discipline isn't a strength for most puppies....or children. That's where this book comes in.

The bond between Boss and first-time dog/puppy/owner Brooklyn is close. And, as Brooklyn slowly realizes, they also share many traits, not all of them good. Yet, her focus on Boss helps her recognize them and realize that many of the same tactics she's trying to ingrain in Boss will also benefit her. As Boss goes through training to earn his Canine Good Citizen award (yes, that really is a thing) the story alternates between Brooklyn's loving understanding and frustrations with her impulsive, stubborn, but adorable pup and her realization that she has a lot in common with her challenging pet. It's handled well and the illustrations add to the layers as we follow the fun rhymes. Metaphors, anyone?

Bottom line, this deceptively simple story of a girl and her rowdy puppy works on all levels. It's a fun story that can be read as just that, a fun story. It might also help open a child's eyes to how their own actions can be "trained" through focus, perseverance, and how to control both emotions and behaviors that, like Boss's wild child puppy behavior, isn't desirable. Again, the tips at the end are wonderful, direct and easy to understand. Thanks #BoysTownPress - #IBPA for the early peek at this layered look at taming not just a rambunctious puppy but helping children learn to navigate their world, too. 

Earth Rover, by Taylor Woolley

 Publication Sept. 9, 2025

Absolutely adorable and, shh, educational, too. You'll be rooting for Rover to fulfill his dream of becoming a NASA Rover. After all, he has a head start. His human works is part of the NASA space agency. And, as Rover says, he can dig up rocks with the best of them and won't tip over among other skills he perceives as important. He even writes a letter to NASA laying out his credentials and, whoa, gets a response. What we get is a fun, frequently humorous story and lots of doggie related puns/jokes. 

The illustrations are simple, colorful, and add to the layering of the story, somehow managing to convey Rover's personality and hopes throughout. As noted, you'll pick up quite a bit of genuine information about space exploration as you read. The addition of an information section at the end is a bonus and will help tie things together and perhaps offer answers to questions asked of parents reading with their child. This would make a lovely gift as well as earn a well deserved place on a library shelf or teacher's classroom. Children with an interest in space, dogs, and just adventure with a twist of humor will enjoy this one. Thanks #Familius for allowing me an early peek at this entertaining and grin inducing read. I spent much of my life in Florida where I could simply step out the door and watch launches soaring overhead as they cleared the trees, so I found this one a fun read.

My Grandma and Grandpa Rock!, by Pat Benatar, Neil Giraldo, Tiffany Everett (illustrator)

 

Publication Sept. 9, 2025

A colorful, beautifully illustrated, and, yes, cute book for children. I've always like Benatar's music, so this collaboration with husband and music collaborator Neil Giraldo was a big yes from the time I spied it listed. While their role as rocking grandparents might seem to get the spotlight, I liked that it also made the point that no matter what your own grandparents might do, they all rock in their own ways. The illustrations add to that, depicting items symbolic of various roles non=rock-n-rollers might take, from being a rock star cookie maker, taking you fishing, teaching or, well, simply loving their grandchildren. Benatar and Giraldo depict different cultures, too, an added plus, as grandparenting has no boundaries. Kudos to them for empathizing that grandparents come in different guises, colors, and may speak different languages .... or like different music. 

Bottom line, the text flows.... I'd love to hear it set to music .... and should be a hit with both child and grandparents everywhere. Lots of fun rhymes and illustrations showing not just the Benatar/Giraldo family in action but "average" grandparents with an emphasis that they all rock, too. Seeing the various names used to indicate Grandma and Grandpa was fun and their note that there are other names used out there, too, was a subtle nod to inclusion of all. Thanks #SourcebookKids  and #NetGalley for allowing me this early peek at this delightful book by Benatar and Giraldo with the help of illustrator Tiffany Everett who brings the scenes to life. I always knew they rocked as musicians so it's nice to know they are rocking their grandparent roles, too. 

Mince Pies and Murder (The Morwenna Mutton Mysteries Book 3), by JR (Judy) Leigh

 

Publication August 23, 2025

Morwenna Mutton is smart and obviously in great shape for her age. I marvel at the idea that not only does she find swimming in frigid water great fun but there's an entire group of residents who join her. Not her own mother, mind you. Nope, no polar plunges, so to speak, for Lamorna. Ex-husband Ruan is drawn to the water, yes, but seems to prefer boating atop it. In any case, Morweena is fiercely protective of her family. Her moments with granddaughter Elowen, who remains feisty and self-centered, are frequently a hoot. There are a lot of characters to take in, some important, some just passing through. Kudos to the author, by the way, for including not only a glossary but a characters list with a brief description at the beginning. I found that most of the terms used were easy to figure out but did need to refresh my memory on characters. Wait till you meet Lady Elizabeth. 

Overall, the side characters are likable, even the seemingly cranky ones, and it was fun to revisit Seal Bay again and spend some time boating. As for the murder, it does put a damper on the holiday festivities. The Christmas party sounds both interesting and chaotic with people roaming the Pengellen's manor home seemingly at will. That gives us a long list of suspects. Heck, could it have been an accident? Good thing the local police were actually at the party (in costumes, no less) although Morwenna, in her usual way, manages to do some snooping before they can even get to the scene. And all this before the random visits from the sinister Santa and not so jolly Santa Claus cards sent to some. 

That's about all I'm going to say about the plot, it's a complicated one with twists and turns but, hey, we get to watch a couple relationships bloom at the same time, so it isn't all bah humbug and whodunit. Watching Morwenna fret over mother Lamorna's budding romance was both sweet and sad, especially given her own confused feelings. Thanks #BoldwoodBooks and #NetGalley for the early invite to catch up on the doings in Seal Bay and among Morwenna's friends and family. After that ending, definitely looking forward to Leigh's next in this series. 

Stella: Ranch Patrol: Dogs with a Purpose, by W Bruce Cameron

 

Publication August 26, 2025

I've been looking forward to this one ever since I saw Cameron post that it would feature a corgi. Although my own fur girl is only a corgi mix, she definitely exhibited the herding tendency that any working ranch dog probably needs, so I was definitely curious to read Stella's story. It didn't disappoint.

While I won't share the plot here, I will say it was a heartwarming mix of both canine and human emotion and love. While Stella is certainly the star, the human family she must fit into is complicated and dare I say it, well, seems genuinely human. They're hard working, face difficulty, disagree, but ultimately want the best for everyone. Stella finds her place, exhibiting the courage I've seen in my own dog as it faced down a dog four times its size that came at us while walking, and showed that you don't have to be big to be brave and strong. In the process, her human family finds unity and while they may not always be on the same page, they show genuine love for one another and the ranch life that Mateo has. 

Bottom line, I can see this one being a hit with not just corgi fans but fans of dogs period. Mateo's family may be complicated, disagree, and occasionally seem ready to give up on their dreams, but hold together. Thanks #Tor - #Forge for introducing me to Stella, Mateo, and the rest a bit early. I thoroughly enjoyed the read, especially with my own sometimes brave, other times couch-potato corgi at my side as I read. It cares the message that even the least likely of us can rise to a challenge when push comes to shove and, oh, boy, what a challenge Stella faces to help/survive. 

Death at a Paris Hotel (A Lady Eleanor Swift Mystery #22), by Verity Bright

 

Publication June 30, 2025

Having a murder fall into their lap isn't exactly how newly-weds Lady Eleanor Swift and Det. Hugh Seldon planned to start celebrating their honeymoon in romantic Paris. Good thing they brought butler Clifford, not to mention Gladstone their feisty bulldog along. This one is going to need all the help and input they can get, especially since they aren't fluent in French. Long time readers won't be surprised to learn which of them is best, of course. Of course, that doesn't keep them from being arrested and, again no surprise, I'm sure, Eleanor finding herself in danger once again.

Nope, not telling you the plot. It's in the official publisher blurb. What I will say is that it was a real delight to get to see Paris through their eyes. We even get a trip to not just the top of the Eiffel Towel but a peek at the apartment its creator, Gustav Eiffel, made for himself. I'd read about that before, so nice to see it used as one of the settings. Make sure you read the historical notes at the end. t was great to see the easy relationship that has developed between Clifford and Hugh, too, especially recalling the tension in the early relationship between Eleanor and Clifford. As always, Clifford seems to see all and know what is needed before it's needed. While the murder is the focus, it doesn't stop Eleanor and Hugh from enjoying the romance of Paris, either, including romantic river cruising and what I'll obliquely call a remembrance gift. And, hey, this is Paris  so art is prominently mentioned and we get a bit of an education on the then not prominent Impressionistic art and artists' lives. Eleanor isn't sure why she feels such a connect with the victim, an artist, so that's a fun question for you to ponder over and beyond the usual whodunit. 

Bottom line, an excellent addition to this series. Book #22, in fact, for the Verity Bright husband-wife writing team. The characters are well-rounded, with both lovable and maybe not so lovably traits at times.... Eleanor's inability to let go of a case even on her honeymoon, for instance .... but those traits are what make them seem like genuine humans we might know and consider friends. The Paris setting, of course, was a delight, not to mention it's set in the past, the early days of the Eiffel Tower. Trust me, taking that elevator up to the top might not have happened had I been Eleanor. The mystery is full of twists and turns which, coupled with being off their own British turf, added to the fun of following them along the way. Thanks #Bookouture for allowing me this virtual trip and an early peek at the possibilities to come. "The Three Musketeers" was an apt reading choice for Clifford for this trip to France. 

The Last Laugh Club, by Kate Galley

 

Publication July 29, 2025

I was immediately hooked and wondering what wedge had driven these friends apart. Each character is distinct with both strengths and flaws, with the vague sense hovering in the air that something was wrong . Even the personalities of the side characters were well-fleshed out and you felt like you got to know and appreciate them, too. Yet, it's the trio of Bridget, Gloria, and Derek that hold center stage although the spirit of Norman, now just ashes, is a character, too, in a sense.. Each thought they had been the only real friend Norman had. They're wrong.

Always a prankster, Norman gets one last laugh at his old work friends. They each receive a seemingly personal notice that, if they're reading this, Norman is dead. He has a request. He requests they wear a colorful, bright item he's made just for them to the funeral. They are singled out at the funeral not only by their non-black garb but his assistant calling them together. Norman asks that his once closest friends scatter his ashes. Why are they so reluctant? Well, I'm not telling but that's one of the things that slowly emerges as the plot and their unexpected adventure progresses. Seems that wasn't the only request.

If you like character driven stories with a touch of family and even romance, you're going to love this one  While not always likable, I'm betting you'll come away liking not just the trio but, as noted, the role of the side characters, too. The trio may not have been glad to be there but I was glad to be a fly on the wall with them, especially as I learned quite a bit about yarn and how it's produced. The intriguing, stormy landscape of the frequently isolated, seemingly almost treeless landscape of the Shetland Islands they travel through in some ways become a character. Heck, you even get to experience a rather nausea awakening ferry ride or two. 

That's all I'm telling. Bottom line, this is a delightfully bumpy road to renewed friendships as they rediscover not only what drove them apart but what brought them together. I ultimately wound up liking them all and rooting for them, even the one I found particularly prickly initially. That's not to say that Norman's last trip was smooth. It had its bumpy, even "Oh, no!" moments, but I'm so glad #BoldwoodBooks allowed me this early peek at a book I wound up truly enjoying. Who know a request to scatter ashes could lead to so many changes and bring people together after years apart. Give it a read!

Mrs. Christie at the Mystery Guild Library , by Amanda Chapman

 

Publication August 26, 2025

First, an admission. I clicked to review this thinking it was a follow-up to another book I'd recently read where Agatha Christie was a very alive character set in her time frame. Imagine my surprise to discover that Christie, who actually plays a much larger role in this book then the one I'd read, is a, well, ghost. Oops. My mistake. One I'm glad I made. I found myself much more caught up in this story than I'd imagined I'd be and enjoyed it a great deal. Ghost Christie is still on top of her sleuthing game, not to mention remembers all her poisons well. She's someone I wouldn't mind knowing, even if I had to settle for the ghostly version.

I won't delve deeply into the plot. It's in that book blurb I neglected to read.  It involves a ghost showing up in Tory Van Dyne's beloved Mystery Guild Library and saying she's bored in the great beyond and is there to help Tory solve a murder, one that hasn't happened yet. Unfortunately, whatever knowledge of the murder she may have had in the great beyond doesn't follow along to the library's dedicated Christie room. Of course, there's a murder. Next thing you know Tory and Christie are being joined by one of the most unlikely sleuthing groups you could imagine. There's Tory, of course, her quirky, self-absorbed socialite/actress sister Nic, Tory's snarky librarian friend, a poorly dressed (in Tory's opinion) NYPD detective, and, no lie, an eleven-year old computer wiz with a father who not only isn't fazed by his daughter's new friends but looks like Colin Farrell. There's even a romance brewing, albeit it's set on slow burn given Tory's own demons. As for the spirited Christie, who is visible to all and quite physically there, she's both listener and sharer of info, not to mention quotes from her books. 

That's all I'm saying other than, no surprise, there's another murder.  Nic seems to be a likely target and, surprisingly, shows a side of her that hasn't really been visible until near the end. I liked these quirky, less than perfect characters. Heck, even the wealthy Van Dyne family's chauffeur is personable,. As for Agatha Christie, let's face it, while unsure of who she is, all the others find her quite comforting with her ability to listen and offer concern. The setting was fun, both the library room created to mirror Christie's real-life office, and the New York setting added fun as we tackle how to get around in one of the most crowed cities in the world. You'll even get to meet library "cats" Patience and Fortitude. If you don't know about them, you will when you finish. Thanks to #BerkleyPublishingGroup for giving me this unexpectedly delightful early look. Hoping this is the start of a series. Well done!