Wedding Bell Blues (A Tourist-Trap Mystery #13), by Lynn Cahoon

Here's the scenario. You go to the dress shop to pick up your designer gown for your engagement part. You find a dead body. Not long afterward, you see the person you thought was dead walking about seemingly without a care in the world. You're a naturally curious person but your husband-to-be, who happens to be the town detective, warns you away from investigating. He loves you, even though you can't seem to remember to wear your engagement ring, and fears you might be in danger. He asks some fellow officers and associates to keep an eye on you. What do you do?

Well, if you're Jill Gardner, you not only chaff under the supervision, insisting your dog will protect you, but you start asking questions and surfing the internet for information. Well, also while scarfing down and incredible amount of food, ice cream, and/or cookies. Often all of the above. Eating seems to be Jill's go-to when she is stressed. You also not only visit the scene of the crime again but talk to likely suspects. Will you get your designer gown in time for the party? Will your snooping, er, looking for information mean you won't live to wear your eventual designer wedding gown?

Welcome to Jill's "Wedding Bell Blues". Although his is the 13th book in the series, it works nicely as a stand-alone although perhaps reading previous books might give readers a better feel for the other characters who surround Jill and her shop. I tend to be drawn to books with strong relationships between well-rounded characters and didn't sense this this book. I was, however,  intrigued by the potential author in the bunch and hope he's the focus of a later entry. Lynn Cahoon kept me guessing until the very end, I might add. What a twist!

Thank you #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks for letting me drop in on Jill as she preps for her upcoming wedding. Hope she saves some of those cookies for me.

The Birders, by Rob Albanese

 

4.0 out of 5 stars Bird watching spans the generations

Reviewed in the United States on January 25, 2022

My hunch is that us oldsters can appreciate this book just as much as the younger set. While the artwork is relatively simple and the story is simple, the relationship between Mr. Flynn, the long-time bird watcher, and the exuberant Ollie McPhee sends a clear message. No matter what our age, we have something to learn from others of all ages. In this case, Mr. Flynn slowly and rather reluctantly at first shows Ollie how to be a true bird watcher and record his sightings. In the process, we all get a feel for how simple and fulfilling bird watching can be. Both start out rather bored, Mr. Flynn wondering if his adventuring days are over, while Ollie is, well, a kid. He's bored and lives for the moment he can dash outside. One day he dashes into Mr. Flynn, ouch, and their lives change forever. A touching story with more than a touch of humor. I've got to ask, have you ever seen a white owl? You'll get a feel for how elusive they are in "The Birders".I only wish it'd been a tiny bit longer as the ending seemed somewhat abrupt but maybe that was my own wanting to know what happened next.

 

The Vanishing Type, a Secret, Book, & Scone Society book, by Ellery Adams

The mystery was intriguing with its many twists and connections to books and art but for me the highlight is the close bond of friendship shared by the members of the Secret, Book, and Scone Society. It made me want to move to Miracle Springs just to get to know them. We're not talking "Let's do lunch" or a distracted "How are you doing?" friends. We're talking friends who know each other's inner-most painful secrets and guard them, even from other loved ones.

The plot sounds relatively simple on the surface. A stranger is found murdered with a mysterious book in his coat pocket. In addition, at the same time some of main character Nora Pennington's beloved bookstore books are found defaced, with the name Hester violently sliced out of copies of Hawthorne's "The Scarlet Letter". Is this somehow connected to Nora's friend Hester, a treasured friend in the Society? Will Hester''s secret ruin her relationship and recent engagement? Is there some connection to Hester having found a beautifully illustrated novel with secrets of its own? Could Hester be guilty of murder?

Bottom line, this is an intricately plotted, meaningful story of not just murder but friendship and, yes, secrets. Are secrets always best kept secret? The story reminds us that we all are touched by past relationships and events. It's also a wonderful reminder that family isn't just blood relatives, that the real magic "is what happens when you finally find your people", whether near or far. Full of book and movie references, nicely collected for us by category at the end, this is an intricate, evolving story of family, friends, and, yes, murder. I highly recommend it.

BTW, it would be remiss of me with the current emergence of the on-line word game Wordle not to mention the role a word "game" plays in the story.

Thank you #NetGalley and #KensigntonBooks for this wonderful story. It has been a thoughtful delight to follow from book one and I look forward to more.

Tailing Trouble, by Laura Scott

I find myself torn on rating this book. On the one hand there were parts I enjoyed greatly. On the other hand, well, there were times I was as annoyed as all get out at the characters. Grandpa Oscar, for instance, was fun and endearing until he got annoying. I'm not sure I can even explain my reactions to myself although, thinking it through, perhaps that makes these characters more real than most. They were complex characters, with often irritating traits that also managed to make them endearing. I did have to wonder, however, if Grandpa ever stopped to consider the danger his incessant snooping might be putting not just himself but Ally in as he ignores the cautions Noah, Ally's detective love interest, gives. Stuck in a senior living center and bored, however, Ally's grandfather is a force all to himself. It was when he began to overestimate his abilities and importance to the investigation that ceased to be entertaining, however, especially as he pulled Ally closer and closer to danger. Hopefully his self=awareness with improve.

I loved how Ally interacted with the critters involved, especially the rowdy, untrained Domino. Domino has a role to play in the plot, however, and although progress is made, it's his tracking and protective instincts that stand out. Even as much as Grandpa's dangerous snooping irked me at times, I have to admit, I found his theories were relatively well thought out given the information they had at the time. Ally seemed helpless when it came to reining in her grandfather but finds herself caught up in the sleuthing, even while trying to find ways to kick start her business back up. As a vet she seems caring and competent but is perhaps still working against a current of distrust and lack of real concern from the previous vet. The scenes in the vet offices give us some insight into what vets and vet techs deal with every day, which adds to our understanding of our own pets in a way.

Bottom line, the story was intriguing enough that I not only kept reading but will certainly be on the look out for the next in the series. Will Ally finally get that real date with Noah? Will one of the widows manage to snare Grandpa Oscar? Will Ally ever get to sleep in? Will Ally's business ever pick up enough for her to support herself being just a vet rather than juggling several odd jobs? Will Grampa ever learn to mind his own business? Oh, never mind. I know the answer to that one. Nope, no way. And as pushy and annoying as he might be, I look forward to the next adventure.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #CrookedLaneBooks for the ARC.

The Burning Pages (Scottish Bookshop Mystery, 7), by Paige Shelton

There's a bit of mystic, for lack of a better word, in Delaney's world. On the surface she works in a bookstore but there is, oh, so much more to this bookstore. There are secrets. Secrets meshed with Scottish lore. Somehow it all seems normal. The plot is relatively simple. Delaney is unexpectedly invited to a Robert Burns Night dinner and takes bookshop worker and Robert Burns fan Hamlet along. It's an uncomfortable gathering for Delaney and she and Hamlet leave early. That same night the building she visited for the dinner is burnt down and one of the other attendees is murdered. Hamlet is a suspect. That's where it gets complicated. 

Hamlet is at the center of the story. His true background is shrouded by unknowns, including his parentage. When Delaney finds a birth certificate that might belong to him, she becomes as focused, if not more so, on discovering the truth behind his heritage as she does the murder. In fact, I had gotten so caught up in the mystery surrounding Hamlet that I almost forgot about the murder. You're never quite sure if the two parallel story lines are related or not. I mean, what could Hamlet's birth have to do with building being burned, murder, and old grievances? Are the Robert Burns' excerpts that keep popping into Delaney's mind important? 

While I think it certainly helps if you've read some of the previous books in the series as I have, "The Burning Page" works nicely as a stand-alone. We get to know more about those who love and surround Delaney, including her brother Wyatt who is visiting. I honestly wouldn't call this an easy read, there is a great deal of background history and intertwining of stories, so it does take some thought to follow Delaney's thought processes, both right and wrong, as her mind veers from one mystery to the other. Yes, she does take the wrong turn occasionally. I actually rather like that as it makes her all the more human. 

Bottom line. There is a great deal going on in this story. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Maybe the fact I have some Scottish heritage only added to that? In any case, this has been an interesting series from the very start and I am looking forward to what happens next in Delaney's world. Given that this book focused on one of the supporting characters, perhaps more about them? I'm sure there will be more Scottish literature and lore, so I'm ready. Give it a read.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #StMartinsPress for letting me visit Delaney in Scottland for a time. It was much enjoyed.

Cheddar Off Dead: A Cheese Shop Mystery, by Korina Moss

For reasons I can't quite pinpoint, it took me awhile to warm up to this book and Willa Bauer but, once I did, I found myself intrigued with the story. A local food critic who seems to have more enemies than friends is killed outside Willa's newly opened cheese shop. Needless to say, since a knife clearly from her shop was found stuck in his throat, so she is a suspect. New to the town with few friends, she feels the need to prove her innocence.

Although Willa hasn't been in town and business long enough to forge many friendships, she is soon surrounded by a supportive group. That group includes her shop workers and Baz, a neighborhood handyman who just happens to live in the apartment next to Willa. Although she seems intrigued with another man, a fellow business owner, I foresee sparks there at some point. I just hope the author doesn't drag out any romantic relationships as those do tend to get old fast. In any case,

Willa's initial efforts are rather naive and certainly amateurish. I liked the loyalty shown by the shop workers and chuckled at the lengths Archie was willing to go to help promote the business. Yet, despite their help and, yes, a very competent police investigator, Willa notes at one point that she feels like they're just throwing darts in the wind when it comes to finding the real killer. I've got to admit, I didn't guess the right one, so it probably didn't have to be a strong wind muddying the issue.

Bottom line, despite the slow to me start, this is a promising start to a new series. We've learned a bit about not just Willa but the supporting characters, too, so it will be fun to get to know everyone better. The town has its secrets, don't all towns, but it'll be fun to get to know it better, too. One final recommendation: I'd suggest you keep at the very least a grilled cheese sandwich handy as you read. The various cheeses mentioned sound yummy.

Thanks for making me hungry #NetGalley and #StMartinsPress 

Bicycles, Barking & Murder: A Cozy English Animal Mystery (A Dickens & Christie Mystery Book 6), by Kathy Manos Penn

 

Picking up this book is like returning home. I've grown to love not just main character Leta as the series has progressed but her home and those about her. That, of course, includes Christie the cat and Dickens the dog. As always, they are an important part of the story. The plot revolves around the death of Rupert, a seemingly well liked man involved in promoting bicycling in Britain. He's come to Cotswold for an associated event and a book signing. He winds up dead in the parking lot of a local pub.

There are several suspects and Leta and the LOL (Little Old Ladies) Detective group set out to solve the case. In the process we encounter some new characters as well as the regulars. It's also always fun to see Christie and Dickens being the cat and dog they are even if Leta has the ability to understand and talk to them. Oddly enough, that ability doesn't come off as odd at all, just part and parcel of who Leta is. Not only is there a case to solve, romance seems to be in the air for not just Leta and soon-to-arrive boyfriend Dave but for Gemma and Jake, an investigator she met in the previous book. Given the comfortable, family feel of this series, that is a welcome turn. Of course, Dave still lives in America, so there is that little complication.

In any case, I won't detail the plot as you can read a summary just about anywhere books are sold. If you like cozy mysteries with people you'd like to know, furry critters to not only keep you on your toes but warm your lap, and a well-constructed plot, this book should delight you as much as it did me. While I'm sure you'd get some of the subtle nuances better if you have read past books, it's a winner as a stand-alone. So, give your furry friends a scratch, grab a warm beverage, tea is the usual in Cotswold, and curl up with "Bicycles, Barking, and Murder". You won't be disappointed.

A Fatal Overture, by Kathleen Marple Kalb

I found myself deliberately slowing down my reading pace as I wanted the story to last awhile longer for my enjoyment. Although this was a new series to me, I will definitely be following the adventures of opera singer Ella Shane in the future, not to mention going back and reading the previous entries. While the story unfolded at a perhaps slower pace than many others of the same ilk, perhaps appropriately since it unfolds in the early 1900's, it was a delight to meet not just Ella and her beau Gil, a duke/barrister/lawyer, but his family and Ella's extended family and friends. And let's not forget Montezuma, an Amazon parrot, who is thoroughly entertaining with his renditions of not just opera but raucous drinking songs with attitude.

I loved that Gil's mother, a countess, no less, and aunts weren't put off at all by Ella's humble roots or mixed religious influences, even if it was a bit surprising to read they'd discovered a body in the bathtub of their hotel suite. True, he sounds like someone soundly deserving of his fate but, well, this death sets off a series of events and actions that draw you further into Ella's surroundings and reveal past events to those like me who are just discovering Ella Shane.

It's a fascinating world, too, peopled by characters that author Kalb brings to life well. I was particularly intrigued that one of the characters had been a drummer boy at Gettysburg as I, too, have an ancestor who fought in that battle. True, Ella is only a figment of Kalb's imagination but it shows how well she ties the characters, good or not-so-good, alive and part of their world, not just tossed in as distractions. Not only is there the bathtub murder to solve but the question of who is threatening GiI and what role does Ella's reporter friend have in the murder. And, oh, yeah, that ominous message from an aunt with second sight that Ella should be careful where fire is involved. The laudanum dreams Ella has at one point are both wonderful and reveal much background in a way that works, too. Finally, toss in the negotiation going on between Gil and Ella, both of them with many responsibilities, and every chapter was intriguing and informative on who these people were.

Bottom line, I'm looking forward to the next entrant to their lives. Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Press for introducing me to these fascinating people.

 

Caught and Collared, by Jackie Layton

Trust the dog. Always trust the dog.

That mantra is sometimes a hard one to follow when you can't figure out what the dog is trying to tell you but if anyone can figure it out, Andi Grace Scott can. Andi Grace's love of dogs is what got her involved in this mystery to begin with when she tries to unite a lost dog with its owner. In the process, they discover a dead body in a pool. There are several viable suspects, twists and turns, and Andi's desire for justice for all is perhaps second only to her devotion to not just her dogs but all dogs. Her dog focused facility sounds amazing. 

I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Andi and the cast of characters that surrounds her, chief among them her soon to be husband Marc. Given that this series is new to me, I have to admit to wishing I had a bit more of the background on not just Marc but the other characters and their side-stories. The author does provide the basics, however, so it wasn't difficult to get the basic feel of where they came from. Bottom line, there is a lot of love between not just Andi Grace and Marc but the extended family of characters, which gives the mystery the feeling of a warm hug. Toss in delightful dogs and you've got a winner. 

Thank your #NetGalley and #BeyondThePagePublishing for the ARC and introducing me to Andi Grace and her friends....and dogs.

Hot and Sour Suspects, by Vivien Chien

"Life can be tough. You have to be tougher."

That line at the end of the epilogue really hit home with me after reading on and seeing the author's note to readers. She was undergoing treatment for cancer at the time of the writing and I have to think her words were as much for herself as readers. That made it all the more impressive that this mystery plot was a finely tuned and peopled by intriguing characters. This was my intro to the series and although I would have wished to have had a bit more insight into the dynamics that brought the friends together and their relationships, it worked well as a stand-alone. i had the wrong suspect pegged, I must admit, so it will keep you guessing. It'll also most likely keep you muttering at Lana to be a bit wiser. I mean, buying pepper spray is a good first step although, well, practicing with it a time or two would probably be a good idea before you need to use it.

I found it interesting that although the author didn't dwell on it, the subtle differences between cultures was touched upon. Lana is half Taiwanese, half English, living between the two worlds successfully, as she manages her family's Asian restaurant. She is pretty typical American in style and manner, however. Her boyfriend, true to cozy mystery form, it seems, is a police officer. He's the one in charge of investigating a murder in which her friend is a suspect. True to police custom, he's closed lipped about sharing information which, of course, frustrates Lana. She and best friend Megan set out to help and....well, that's all I'm saying.

There are countless red herrings and suspects, any and all of which seem plausible at times, even Lana's friend, much to her dismay. I hope to read more of Lana's adventures and get to know her friends and family better. Definitely an intriguing read.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #StMartinsPress for the ARC. I enjoyed my visit with Lana and her friends and family. As the author says via Lana, "...you have to take the moments you get and savor them for what they are."

And a Dog Called Fig, by Helen Humphreys

This book is a delight. It has all the warm coziness of curling up in front of a warm fire, book in hand, hot tea or coffee handy, and a warm dog on your lap. It is, as the book blurb says, "A love song to the dogs who come into our lives, and all that they bring --sorrow, mayhem, meditation, joy -- this is a book about the beauty of a steadfast canine friend and the restorative powers of nature. Just as every work of art is different, every dog is different -- with distinctive needs and lessons to offer. If we let them guide us, they, like art, will show us many worlds we would otherwise miss."

When I laughed aloud of her recounting of the story of Thomas Hardy's dog Wessex, who seemed to have the run of his home, walking along the tabletop and helping itself to whatever took its fancy at dinner parties, my own dog gave me a quizzical look. I was reminded of that later in the book when I encountered Humphrey's mention of one of her own dog's looks. The look of "What are you doing? I didn't say you could do that." Yes, Humphreys knows dogs and says elsewhere that the dog "represent balance, serenity and is a sound creature in a crazed world." How true that is.

"And a Dog Called Fig" should be on every dog lover's shelf and be read and read again and again. While Humphreys writes of her own writing journey and that of other writers, it's the story of her connection to her dogs that supplies the connection. We learn from them just as they learn from us. In return, they offer unconditional love, even if they do offer up the occasional questioning look or side-eye. Bottom line, if you love dogs, you need the book.

Thanks so much #NetGalley and #FarrarStrausAndGiroux for giving me the chance to read this wonderful book. I will definitely be on the look out for #HelenHumphreys' other work. 

All the Horses of Iceland, by Sarah Tolmie

 I really expected and wanted to love this book. Yet, although the story itself is intriguing, it seemed to move at a snail's pace. That said, my rating is possibly more on me than the author or story itself. Myths, after all, do tend to move forward haphazardly and occasionally very, very slowly. Hence, if you're more attuned to that pace and perhaps have some background in Old Norse mythology, this fantasy may be right up your alley. As a forever horse lover, as noted, I found the story intriguing but slow. It took awhile for the unfamiliar names and terms to sort themselves out in my mind, too, so wished there had been a tad bit more explanation. That may have been by design, of course, to reflect main character Eyvind's same unfamiliarity with many of the different languages he encountered on her journey.

The story itself is simple. Eyvind leaves his home to journey to, well, he really isn't sure where he's going for sure. Along the way he encounters a diverse population, most suspicious and even unfriendly toward those unfamiliar to them. In the process, he discovered magic within himself and, yes, found the magical horse with no name. He soon acquires a small band of horses that seem strangely bound to him via the horse with no name's mysterious powers. I had to smile as on his journey homeward, he meets a follower of Mohamed who is riding a beautiful mare, one whose breed he discovers is so prized that they are kept in their owner's tents at night and largely pampered. Surely an Arabian. This is in contrast to the sturdy, tough soon to be Icelandic horses that Eyvind has acquired.

Although this book didn't quite live up to my expectations, the fantasy was interesting and I spent some time researching the breed. I was somewhat familiar with the breed as there are some of these horses scattered about Alaska in remote areas, so even knowing this was a fantasy story, I wanted to know more. In other words, the book had done perhaps what was intended, making me curious. These horses toughness and intelligence are well known. The Icelandic horse is noted for having five paces rather than the three more common horse gaits. The tolt was mentioned in the book but never fully described. According to my research, in this pace the horse keeps its back level, head up, neck arched, and lifts both feet high in a four beat, lateral motion. They can reach the speed of 20-35 mph at this gait. Amazing. I wish the book had been this amazing and given more detail but if you're into mythic lore and have some background knowledge, you may find the book fascinating.

Thank you #NetGalley and #Macmillan, #Tor/Forge, for the ARC. While it didn't quite live up to my expectations, it was still intriguing, and I learned a great deal about the mythology of the horse.

Crimes and Covers, by Amanda Flower

 

 Crimes and Covers, by Amanda Flower

Birch trees surround me. Unlike main character Violet Waverly's birch tree, however, mine do not sit inside. Not do they seem to have any magical powers other than dropping leaves that show off our fall colors in all their glory. Perhaps there is some magic in that. That said, Violet's birch tree. growing in the center of her bookshop, is "the soul of the bookstore and the heart of its magic". The books even talk to her....sorta. "It was complicated," she muses early on.

Ironically, I am not normally a fan of books with a magical/paranormal air to them. As I sit to type this review. I wondered why, given this, I so thoroughly enjoyed not just "Crimes and Covers" but the entire Magical Bookstore Mysteries series. I finally decided it is because, one, the characters are so well rounded and despite the magical tones, seem like real people we could know. Two, despite the obvious emphasis on the magic surrounding the bookstore, these same characters have lives and aspirations apart from it. The magic is just there but it is very human emotions and needs that drive the action for the most part. Even the furry characters, crow Faulkner, and Emerson the cat, tread the borderline between normal crow and cat and, hmm, maybe something more. If nothing else, Violet's running battle with Emerson to get out of the house without him provide a touch of humor.In addition, that bookstore seems to have a personality of its own. I grinned at one point, and I'm not giving away any plot points here, when Violet's husband picks up on of the magical books that Violet seems to be trying to ignore and it snaps itself shut. Who knew books had an attitude? Husband David Rainwater seems to have no magical powers of his own despite his native ancestry, so his acceptance that "this is just how it is" makes the magic seem almost normal, even quipping that he could have gotten a paper cut from the book's actions. I should also note that I am glad that the author didn't drag out the romance between Violet and David endlessly. 

As for the plot, I see others have shared in some detail. As a result, I'll just say it comes down to a stolen book, suspected mental issues, family problems, connections and lack of connection, murder, and the oblique, not easily understood messages that the books send Violet, a respected Thoreau scholar. Finally, I'll note that though this is the fifth book in the series, it easily could stand alone. Author Amanda Flower does an excellent job providing pertinent details as the story goes along, hence first-time readers of the series who happen to start here won't feel confused or lost. Bottom line, an excellent read and I highly recommend it.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #CrookedLaneBooks for the ARC.

Everything Cute & Cuddly, by Emily Fellah

As with the other books by Emily Fellah on drawing, this one provided not just simple, easy to follow instructions and illustrations, but all the drawing can be completed with nothing more than a pencil, eraser, paper, and some colors. There are even a mermaid and unicorn, not to mention a robot. Since there are some llamas up the road from me, however, that was the one I tackled first. Children should have fun being creative with the colors, in particular, and perhaps even adding onto the drawings as they gain in confidence. So much the better if an adult is willing to draw along with them, too. Let's just say that I have personal experience of how much entertainment these can provide during an extended power outage. Children can use their imagination and create their own worlds using not just these simple instructions but perhaps drawing from other books in the series. Seriously, you don't need the book set but you want it. Insert smile emoji. Perhaps a zoo with a robot watchman, or maybe that mermaid has populated her undersea world with some interesting cute and cuddly critters. Bottom line, this book, like the others in the series, can provide hours of joyful entertainment with minimal supplies, This one should definitely be on your shelf.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #QuartoPublishing for the ARC and fun diversion during a lengthy power outage.

Favorite Pets, Emily Fellah

 I think I need to thank Emily Fellah for giving me a great deal of pleasure as I've tried out the various drawings, sorry, no kids handy right now, tweaking them as needed to match pets known to me. The instructions and illustrations easy to follow, and all you really need is a pencil, eraser, paper, and preferably some colors. Fellah takes you through the process of creating, well, favorite pets, and more in a direct, simple process. The result is a great deal of fun and spurs creativity as you get better at it. Yes, there is much to try and learn for even those of us who would classify as grown-up kids. For me, I've been thinking I'm going to take this another step and try using the designs in this and some of the other books offered for some rock painting. For true children, they will be delighted to discover their ability to draw their own pets, whether the usual cat and dog or something a bit more exotic like a parrot or ferret, among others. Fellah will take them through each drawing step by step, each illustrated, and show final results that can be expected. Take it from this grown-up kid, it's a great deal of fun for all ages. 

Thanks to #NetGalley and #QuartoPublishingGroup, with #WalterFoster for the ARC and the fun. 

Wild Animals: Learn to draw using basic shapes--step by step!,y Emily Fellah

 

Let me begin by saying that in addition to showing us how to draw different wild animals, I have personal experience in adding that they're great diversions in an extended power outage, too. Emily Fellah has done a wonderful job bringing art down to the basics for not just children but anyone who is interested in drawing "Wild Animals". Since I live in Alaska where will animals tend to roam at will almost everywhere, including out front yards, I was naturally drawn to this book. I was disappointed not to find instructions for a moose but, hmm, with just a little tweaking of the antlers shown in the illustration creative hands created a passable moose. We'll work on that. In other words, while these instructions are basic, they can also provide the inspiration to tweak and add and create not just slightly different versions of the selected animals but others as well. The tools needed are basic, pencil, paper, eraser, and preferably some colors. Bottom line, this one is a great inspiration for all, even us big kids. Loved it, even if I hope the author will add a moose next time. It should be a hit with all ages and I'm thinking I might even try doing some rock painting with the designs.

Thanks to #NetGalley, #EmilyFellah, and #QuartoPublishingGroup – #WalterFoster for providing such a fun diversion during Alaska's recent wild windstorm with extended power outages. 

The Family You Make, by Jill Shalvis

 

"The Family You Make" tugs on our heartstrings and emotions, making us root for Levi and Jane to find a way to come together without losing their selves. True, their meeting was hardly the standard meet=cute type, with them both facing death at any moment, but it reveals their characters immediately. Levi loves his family and is a giving man, one who calls his mom in what might be his last moment and instead of saying goodbye decides on impulse to tell her he's found someone to love, while Jan shows both her sense of isolation and that, in a pinch, she steps up and helps Levi when he is injured. The story evolves from that point, true, following the ol' fake girlfriend motif, but Shalvis is a master at bringing her characters, both the main ones and the supporting cast, Relationships evolve, including the one between Charlotte and Mateo, and family dynamics are explored. The contrast between Levi and Jane's family backgrounds is huge, tho' in many ways Levi seems to be trying to escape the sense of being too loved as much as Jane is vulnerable and lonely as she was shuffled from relative to relative during her growing years. and finds it difficult to trust others to love her. There's humor, too. One of the ones that stuck with me, maybe because I was just outside pondering the need to clear my own driveway of snow, was Jane's ridiculous reaction to Levi clearing hers for her. Woman, send him up here!

This is a new series for author Jill Shalvis and I'm looking forward to our next visit with her, the families, and collected friends. IF you like women's stories and romance, not to mention lovely winter wonderland settings, you'll love this book.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #WilliamMorrowAndCustomHouse, #WilliamMorrowPaperbacks, and #HarperCollins for the Arc. I'd drifted away from Jill Shalvis' books for awhile and this was a lovely return visit.

The Twist and Shout Murder, by Teresa Trent

I had a blast watching Dot Morgan find herself and emerge as a strong, woman. Initially she comes across as rather demur, a young woman whose goal in life is to be a secretary. Dot has ambitions, however, even if they initially involve getting her father to run for the unexpected seat on the city council. He's reluctant but she talks him into it. Teresa Trent creates an adorable image of Dot and her father, Mike, dancing to the Isley's "Twist and Shout" in the kitchen, a nice connection to the era. Even Lady Bird Johnson makes an appearance later in the book. After all, this does take place in Texas.

The trouble soon begins. Dot abruptly joins the Camden, Texas, Ladies Club thinking it might be helpful to her father's campaign. Head socialite Barb immediately makes her uncomfortable and turns her into a glorified gofer. I won't detail the plot but ultimately the candidate opposing Dot's father is murdered. Suspicion naturally falls on Dot's father, Mike, and Dot finds herself asking questions that bring her both attention and potential danger. Despite all this, Dot's basic kindness and moral code stand out against the political nastiness and class barriers exemplified by many of the ladies' club. One highlight of the increasing frustration felt by Dot as she tries to confront potential murderers is her burgeoning friendship with a reporter who seems almost as nice as Dot. Oddly enough, their basic niceness isn't cloying or annoying but welcome in contrast to the not so nice events about them. 

So, who is the murderer? Or, maybe it really was an accident? And, what is going on with the side story involving Ellie and her long-time beau Al? Will Ellie or won't she? Will Dot ever manage to pass that shorthand course? How long would it take to transcribe 100 pages of a textbook into shorthand? I'm not sure I even want to know. Is the reporter friend or foe? Will they be able to deflect the insinuations cast by the story on Mike's late night trip to a, uh, bordello, to rescue a friend? Will Dot's mother believe the real story and stand by her man? Who was guilty of adultery? Did that play into the murder? Will Dot find the courage to stand up to Barb and the Camden Ladies Club? And how about that hit-and-run accident? What role, if any, does that play in the story? Finally, of course, who wins the campaign for city council? 

All these questions and more will be answered in "The Twist and Shout Mystery". It was a delight watching Dot, who started out so demur and soft spoken, emerge as a strong woman ready to take on not just the Camden Ladies Club but the world. Remember 1962? That wasn't always the case for women back then, hence it's a delight to have Trent share this character on the brink of a world about to change. I'm looking forward to following Dot on her journey through the "Swinging Sixties" and, hopefully, beyond. Fun read with bits of the history of the time scattered throughout and a growing stronger every day main character. What's not to like?

Thanks to #NetGallery and #LevelBestBooks, part of the #IBPA (Independent Book Publishers Association, for the chance to meet Dot and travel back through time to 1962.