Four-Alarm Homicide (House-Flipper Mystery #6), by Diane Kelly

 Publication April 23, 2024

Whitney and Buck have no clue what a headache their latest flip project will be. It starts when they buy the old firehouse to renovate and sale, then take on an around-the-corner townhouse at the urging of its neighbor, Joanne. Little did they know that Joanne would die mysteriously in Whitney's arms not long after. The suspect list is obvious, the deceased's family, or maybe the seemingly greedy neighbor who, on the surface, appeared to be a dear friend, or, sigh, the lovely young couple living nearby that craved a bigger home for their expanding family. Suddenly it seems like they've barely gotten started when there is a crowd forming that insists on buying the place. Toss in some annoyingly wannabe-helpful senior citizens who believe they know more about renovation than Whitney and, well, things are both chaotic and testy.

I've come to love this series. It's one that, quite frankly, I tend to pick up asap to read and seem compelled to finish asap, too. I mean, I can sleep another time, right? After opening with a humorous scene, let's just say involving a fireman's pole, the characters and set-up may seem to lag but important information was being shared about relationships and the sites. To be honest, I had the wrong person in my sights, although it ultimately all made sense. I really enjoy how Whitney seems to find a way to use her and cousin Buck's current projects in a positive way before selling, too. That adds to the overall positive vibes I always get from this series, not to mention the frequent viewpoint of Sawdust, Whitney's cat. The other regulars are nicely characterized and you'll even learn a bit about mortgages and home ownership complications. Heck, not to give away too much, but you'll even get some info on how arson investigators. well, investigate how/where fires were started. And, oh, you'll love the ending. 

Bottom line, this was a fun, easy read that kept me invested in what was happening, even if my amateur sleuth skills were lacking this go-round. The sites and potential seen in them is always fascinating and it's nice to see recurring side-characters pop up and play a role. So, house flipping, renovation, entertaining if annoying seniors, a feisty cat, fireman's pole, loud fire alarm, squabbling family, romance, and, oh, yes, a recipe at the end. Fun read that, although I highly recommend you check out the entire series simply because it's a great read, works well as a standalone. Thanks #NetGalley and #StMartin'sPress - #StMartin'sPaperbacks for letting me have a sneak peek at Whitney and cousin Buck's latest project, not to mention the invite to the big event at the end.

The Poison Pen: A Scottish Bookshop Mystery (#9), by Paige Shelton

 

Publication April 9, 2024

Virtually shadowing Delaney as she works her way through the maze of oblique, confusing clues is also reather like doing a complicated jig-saw puzzle. A large, complex jig-saw puzzle. Just when you think you've found the right piece, boom, nope, and you throw up your hands in frustration. Yet, after you take a few deep breaths (and probably collect the pieces you've also tossed away in frustration), the puzzle slowly, achingly slowly, begins to come together. 

Who killed the seemingly innocuous Alban? He seemed to have no real enemies or, for that matter, friends. Elias, who drove Delaney to an appointment at Jolie Lannister's home, is friends with Homer, the man found standing over the victim with a bloodied rake. The story, with all its maddening twists and turns and countless detours, is off-and-running from that point. As always, Shelton's writing is excellent, managing to capture both Delaney's horror and her need to establish order in what she's seen. In the process, we learn quite a bit about not just Scottish history and pride, including a few Scottish phrases, but how strict relic related laws are about not just the handling of such items as a (maybe) Crusader sword, but who has custody of such items. Delaney's boss Edwin, always a bit mysterious, doesn't always seem to quite follow the exact letter of the law but means well, we discover. So, who are the others lusting after the sword and what might they do to obtain it? And, what the heck does the late Queen Elizabeth and once king Edward and Wallis Simpson have to do with anything? 

I won't detail the plot. It's complicated and at times seem to go off in different directions. In the process of watching Delaney try to tie all the clues together, you'll get to meet some interesting characters. It works well as a standalone but long time readers will delight in a glimpse of Edwin MacAlister's past as well as getting to know Delaney's husband Tom's father better. Then there is Jolie, who turns out to be a hoarder in fear of being forcibly removed from her home by an obnoxious lawyer. Why is the lawyer suddenly so insistent? Why show up after the discovery of the sword? Good thing Delaney seems to have Inspector Winters on speed dial. And, who is....oh, never mind. Enough teasers. All in all a sometimes perplexing but always satisfying read with interesting characters and story lines. Thanks #NetGalley and #StMartin'sPress - #MinotaurBooks for inviting me along for this virtual visit to Delaney and Scotland. Always a pleasure.

 

Falling for Alaska (Moose Falls, Alaska #1), by Belle Calhoune

 Publication March 26,2024

As an Alaskan, I'm always a sucker for a book related to Alaska. While I'm reading fewer romances nowadays, shrug, I found this one a fun, easy read. I liked the main characters, Xavier and True, and the others about them. From the moment the book opened on Xavier and his two younger brothers as children dealing with their parent's divorce and move to Arizona from Alaska -- talk about different environments! -- I was hooked. True seemed a bit prickly, for lack of a better word, when we met her but as we get to know her back story, including her parent's death in a plane crash and raising her younger brother alone, I came to like and respect her....even when her hormones seemed to run out of control at times. Xavier's grandmother, despite living on borrowed time, is a hoot and someone we'd all enjoy having as a grandma. Even Xavier's two brothers, although we don't get to know them as well, are likable. Toss in the beauty of Alaska and I simply sit back and enjoyed the read.

We get to see the story build through different viewpoints, too, from Xavier and True, to Hattie, the grandmother's take on things. That helps give us a fuller picture. And, oh, how could I not love the name Northern Exposure for Hattie's business that True manages and dreams of owning one day. Sparks seemed to fly the moment True and Xavier set eyes on each other but that didn't make the road to couple-hood any easier. Toss in humor and the beauty of the area, not to mention a moose or two, and you have a fun romance to watch build, hit a few bumps, and finally find its balance once both Xavier and True face old emotional bruises head-on. Thank you #NetGalley and #Forever - #GreatCentralPublishing for inviting me for a virtual visit to the Kenai to meet True and Xavier. I'm looking forward to my next visit already.

Backpack Explorer: Discovering Plants and Flowers: What Will You Find?, by Editors of Storey Publishing

 

Publication March 26, 2024

Fun! Even better, shh, don't tell the kids, it's educational. Kids of all ages, including us old kids, can learn quite a bit from this deceptively simple book. The illustrations (see cover) are realistic, mostly photos, and colorful, and draw you into the text. While the cover lured me in, I was definitely impressed with not only the illustrations and organization, but the numerous variety of hands-on activities suggested throughout. Each section ended with ideas for getting involved, getting your hands dirty, so to speak. I've read that there are even stickers provided in the actual book for children to use to mark their discoveries as they investigate the world of plants and flowers, not to mention berries and grasses. As an adult who still loves stickers, I can see where they would be a great motivator. 

The info is presented in an easy to read manner but don't let that fool you. It's full of great info and ideas, as well as photos showing the various items mentioned. I would anticipate many children gravitating to the activity showing them how to use the juices of various plants and berries to create masterpieces of their own designs. In addition, if you have a budding prince or princess, there are instructions on how to create flower/plant crowns, not to mention many, many more activities to get them involved. As almost any teacher will tell you, getting children to feel a part of the actual learning (without knowing it) is half the battle. 

This lovely, colorful, easy-to-read book would make a lovely gift for both children and not-so-young adults, too. I'll also mention that the book takes the space to caution young explorers about plants to be avoided, not to mention warns them simply not to go around picking flowers without permission. That brought back memories of plucking some of my grandma's beloved roses as a child. She was gracious but, of course, in retrospect, may have been holding back tears. In any case, thanks #NetGalley and #StoreyPublishing for allowing me this sneak peek. If there wasn't three feet of snow outside my windows here in Alaska, I'd be outside checking out some of nature's beautiful works of wonder.

Rhythm and Clues (Record Shop Mystery #3), Olivia Blacke

 Publication March 28, 2024

What song makes you flashback to the past?  Makes you remember who you were with and where? Makes you instantly remember the emotions that song conjures up? 

Juni probably has that song on vinyl. She and her sisters operate Sip & Spin Records, It came into being on the back of nostalgia for vinyl records and although it's been doing okay, they are considering a proposal from a financier who turns out to have a sketchy record, both in business and his personal relationships. During a business meeting at a hockey game, he flirts openly with Juni despite "not my boyfriend" Beau being with her. I've been to hockey games and am amazed anyone would consider having a business meeting there but, well, to each his own. Not surprisingly, it's a no sale and Juni and Beau leave early.

Then a torrential storm hits, leading Juni and a sister to check out the status of the shop. Just as they're about to leave, they hear a horrible crash outside. Someone has hit their car during the downpour. Even worse, turns out someone is dead. Guess who? Yep, the too hands on financier, Zack. That's when things get complicated. Was it an accident or murder? Who'd be out in the middle of an almost historic storm, manage to hurl a brick at the windshield, and kill Zack? As it turns out, there are multiple suspects with good reason to wish him dead. Juni is determined to figure out whodunit, even while being warned away by Beau, the local detective and Juni's high school beau. 

To be honest, although I didn't love this book, I didn't hate it, either, but never quite felt pulled into caring, if that makes sense. Although I like the characters and idea of the vinyl record shop, I just didn't feel invested enough in the story to care, although I will admit I was delighted to see the end of the love triangle. I don't care for that tactic in any book, to be honest. In this case, it seemed to be as much about that as it was the mystery. Juni's investigations seem to have even become a bit of a joke in the gossip-filled, or should I say fueled town, too, and the side stories were more a distraction than anything else. Toss in the weirdness of the unexpected guest and Juni's mom issues and it was hard to remain focused on whodunit. 

Don't get me wrong, I didn't dislike this book. It was a relatively quick read that did keep me reading until the end although, quite frankly, I am still not quite sure why the killer killed. That said, I have enjoyed the series and look forward to getting back in sync with Juni and the gang next book. Curious to see if the end of the love triangle holds and what mischief Juni will get herself involved in next. Thanks #NetGalley and #StMartin'sPress - #StMartin'sPaperbacks for inviting me along for this nostalgic trip down musical lane.

Sam’s New Sister (Norman the Button Book 4), by Michelle Olson

 

Absolutely adorable. What a delight! 

Even more importantly than its adorableness, "Sam's New Sister" captures some of the ordinary worries of children, from dealing with a new sibling to feeling like an outsider in one's own family. Children will be captivated by Sam's troubles while adults will perhaps have a wistful smile as they read with a child. Both can enjoy the story as Sam, so accustomed to being the center of attention, suddenly feels displaced by the arrival of a new, "adopted sister", Maggie. 

I'm betting lots of us have at least wanted to run away from home at one time or the other, too, so that's a universal theme. I mean, come on. Even we so-called adults sometimes wish we could run away from home. I had to grin remembering one of my own "runaway" experiences, venturing no further than the apple orchard you could see from about every window in the house but feeling like I'd gone into exile forever at the time. Sam opts for, well, a distant place from his snug craft box, the edge of the counter. How that brings Sam and his little sister Maggie together is a sweet, relatable tale I'll leave for readers to discover.

I have to admit, I adored the illustrations. While many children's books are illustrated by drawings, these seem to be photo-like renditions of the action being described. Sam's button family lives in a cozy craft box, surrounded by everyday "crafty" items. My favorite, I think, was the "beadball" hoop, made using a thimble as the hoop. It'd make a fun activity to see how many items you can spy as you read. While many children may not be familiar with them all, I bet many adult readers will be. The yarn alone made me itch to reach out and touch its softness. 

I really want to know more about how the author, who is also the illustrator, created the illustrations. They most definitely spurred both my curiosity and ideas to try for some creative photography with the help of my computer. Thanks so much Michelle Olson for asking me to read and review this book. It definitely won't be my last Button Family visit.

Three Fudges and a Baby (Candy-Coated, #12), by Nancy CoCo

 

Publication March 26, 2024

Would you be willing to sell your soul to "the devil" to help a friend?

The emotions seem to swirl about in this book. Not only Jenn, past her due date and insistent she just can't have this baby without doula Hannah there, but the family ties that both complicate and comfort, not to mention bumps on the road to romance. If it isn't obvious, I love books that are character driven and this one is that plus. Allie is dealing with all of them, not to mention keeping her fudge business going during off-season on Mackinac Island. I've never been there but have come to adore Mackinac Island's slower moving, ol' fashioned ways. I mean, the cops ride bicycles and we're talking the kind you peddle, not motorized. Horse-drawn carriage meander about with both locals and tourists and Victorian homes seem to dominate much of the area. 

Jenn's raw emotions and determination to have her baby on the island with the help of Hannah and a midwife come to dominate Allie's hours, hours complicated by the arrival of her mother with an ol' boyfriend of Allie's in tow. Seems he's done well for himself and flown in on his own plane and dear ol' mom thinks Allie should give him another chance. After all, he may be governor someday. Never mind Allie is in love with Rex, the island's investigative detective. And, oh, my, Allie and Jenn stumble across a murder victim and, yikes, holding the gun is Hannah, who turns out to have been his girlfriend. That's when things get complicated.

That's all I'm going to say about the plot because it's too much fun to immerse yourself in life in Mackinac and Allie's world to spoil anything. Let's just say, things get testy between Rex and Allie as she plows forward trying to help Jenn by investigating. As usual, that means putting herself in danger although I'm glad to see she's gotten far smarter about having backup handy. So, who killed Matthew, a man everyone seems to have liked? Could it really have been Hannah? How far will Allie go to help Jenn? What does her mother say that gives Allie pause about her life's plan? Why does having your reputation precede you both help and hinder?  How reliable are eye-witnesses? Is Jenn being devious? Who...oh, never mind. Enough teasers. This book is a fun read with great characters and a unique setting. I love how character driven it is, almost to the point that whodunit becomes secondary to trying to mentally sort out the side stories. Thanks #NetGalley and #KensingtonCozies for allowing me this sneak peek at the turmoil and joy surrounding Jenn's blessed event.

That's So New York: Short (and Very Short) Stories about the Greatest City on Earth, by Dan Saltzstein

 

Publication March 12, 2024

Illustrations by Emily Carpenter, design by Jon Glick

Anything can and does happen in New York. Some are improbable, like the person stepping on a rat and getting a sort of skateboard ride, or having Sting sit down beside you at a club show. I've never been to NYC but have friends there and have, of course, visited virtually many times via the screen, most recently an upscale area hosting the show "Only Murders in the Building". I'm leaning toward thinking I'd be more at home in the "In the Heights" area, however. I do have friends who frequent NYC and based on their stories and photos would have to say this book captures the reality, good and bad, and humor nicely.

It definitely does an excellent job of capturing random moments, both in words and artwork. To be honest, I was probably more captivated by the seemingly always in motion, colorful, diverse illustrations. The colors and vibes seemed to almost jump out at you at time. The accompanying blurbs/captions were often humorous and to the point, whether capturing street scenes or riding the subway. It was definitely interesting to discover that having a bladder of steel might be a must qualification for subway operators. And, oh, my, the stories from the woman involved in pest removal. Rats! Let's just say, rats seem to be a dominant thread of NYC memories. 

Oddly enough, while negative memories were frequent shares, that actually made the book all the more powerful. Heaven only knows there are plenty of commercially prepared raves about not just NYC but just about any local. The negatives somehow seemed to blur into a blurred memory of mixed feelings. Maybe a sense of "Yeah, we got rats. So what? They're our rats." Overall, of course, the book is positive, maybe not quite a love letter to New York City but definitely a positive remembrance. I mean, even Sully doing an emergency landing on the Hudson River was somehow initially momentarily viewed as an "Are they filming a movie?" scene. Yes, definitely only in NYC could a large passenger plane landing on a major river be seen as just another movie scene. Thanks #NetGalley and #ChronicleBooks for the unpredictable virtual tour. I still want to hear more about Molly Jong-Fast's haunted childhood home, of course.

Introverts Unite to Color! But Separately and In Your Own Homes: A Comically Calming Adult Coloring Book for Introverts, from H.R. Wallace Publishing

 

Color on! Go dig out your colored pencils or markers or a long forgotten box of crayons. There's fun to be had here. There's something relaxing about simply sitting down in a comfy chair and coloring a picture. We knew it as children but somehow forgot this simple pleasure as we aged. 

While this collection targets introverts, it should be a fun, relaxing activity for all, even if you tend to color outside the lines. I could go into great detail about the benefits but, well, fun tops the list for me. I've always enjoyed coloring and have several adult coloring books scattered about at any given time. The drawings just begging to be colored here are humorous and offer the chance for lots of color choices. My only qualm was that although there is a dog in one of the pictures, this one was probably largely designed with cat people in mind. No matter. Still fun.

The drawings are cute and funny. See the cover. There are 58 pages with fun sayings. Each drawing occupies a full page with the facing side blank, meaning you can easily remove said artwork without having to choose one side over the other. I had the ebook version, so can't address the quality of the paper but given the design, lean toward it probably being quite appropriate for most coloring tools, maybe even paints. No author/illustrator credited, so probably done in house by the publishers. 

Kudos to the creators who managed one of my favorite sayings since covid appeared, "It's too peopley outside." Another, although I'd have to change the "cat" to "dog", was "I'd love to but my cat and I already have plans." "Enjoy the silence" was another appropriate one for those of us who crave the peace of silence and nothing but a furry pet to distract us from out books, ie "Not today. I'm already booked". Bottom line, lots of fun. Thanks #NetGalley and #HRWallacePublishing for the creative inspiration.

The Secret of Sweet Treats Kingdom The Board Game Chronicles: Book 1, by Kim Davis

 Publication January 30, 2024

Fun! Just plain ol' fun. A bit of a mix of Alice in Wonderland, albeit with a mint green rabbit, and Dorothy trying to find her way home from Oz, with maybe a bit of Wonka treats tossed in for good measure. It's a quick, easy read and I'm not sure I stopped grinning more than a time or two all the way through. Magical gingerbread characters, an enchanted horse, castles, kings and princesses, and Taylor Swift even gets a mention. Sorry about your Swiftie tee-shirt, Amber.

After starting out in a realistic bent, an older sister annoyed at missing her BFF's birthday party to babysit her little sister, things get interesting. Ava, the little sister, keeps insisting Amber play the Sweet Treats board game with her and, even worse, keeps beating Amber. In a fit of anger, Amber flings the board away, breaking it into pieces. That's when the fun begins. Sucked into a swirling vortex, Amber and Eva find themselves in a land ruled by an evil queen, one where they soft land on what appears to be a football-sized trampoline of .... jello? Nope, you're not in California any more, girls. That was no earthquake.

I stopped taking notes at that point and just enjoyed. We meet an array of characters, from the rabbit and gingerbread families, to an enchanted horse, not to mention a syrup swamp and tales of golden princesses. Amber just wants to rescue her sister and go home. First she has to find her, however. I won't ruin the story and share. It's much too much fun to start your journey with a blank slate just as Amber does after her sister is taken away by the evil queen. I honestly didn't intend to read it all in basically one setting but, well, once I started reading, I fell under the book's spell and next thing your know, "The End". How it got there is yours to discover. Enjoy the trip and don't eat too many sweet treats. Sugar highs can be rough, you know. Thanks #BookSirens and author #KimDavis for giving me this sneak peak at a brand new middle-grade series. I'm way past that age but I'll be back.

In Sunshine or in Shadow: A Molly Murphy Mystery (Molly Murphy Mysteries, 20), by Rhys Bowen , Clare Broyles

 

Publication March 12, 2024

On the surface, the plot seems rather straightforward. Who killed the wannabe husband of Mira? There are multiple suspects and Molly Murphy Sullivan, albeit pregnant and relatively retired from her detective business, is on the spot to investigate. It's much more than that, however.

While the murder investigation is intriguing, the various facets of the plot are equally so. The expectations and roles of women in 1908 and discrimination against Jews are prominent. The relationship between Sid and Gus, aka Elena and Augusta, isn't spelled out but is clear. So, too, is their support of the women's movement and environmental issues. Then there's the history aspect of the earliest formation of what might be called a Jewish enclave in the Catskills of upper New York. The early idea of building get-away homes/cabins is addressed. 

In other words, there's much to take in while pondering whodunit.It's actually been awhile since I've revisited Molly's world but I immediately felt comfortable as I caught up on past events, including her current pregnancy. The authors' descriptions of characters and the settings were lovely, especially in contrast to Molly's usual location in NYC. I could just imagine bouncing along in a horse drawn carriage in the beautifully described areas, much of it park land. You'll also sense Molly's unease at what she's gotten herself into when she stumbles into an environmental protest in the middle-of-nowhere. For someone determined to take it easy this pregnancy, she does have a way of forgetting. Husband Daniel, of course, makes an appearance, partly to help the local police and partly because, quite frankly, he misses his wife and family. I mean, he sent them away to his mother's to avoid the spread of typhoid in the city but Molly still manages to endanger herself. 

I won't detail the plot as it's quite interconnected and I don't want to give away anything. The history aspects of the story, of course, appealed to the ol' history major in me as did the well rounded characters. Rhys Bowen and daughter Clare Broyles' collaboration works well. I won't stay away as long next time. Thanks #NetGalley and #StMartin'sPress - #MinotaurBooks for this sneak peak. I enjoyed my trip to the then rustic Catskills.

Rumi–Poet of Joy and Love, by Rashin Kheiriyeh

 Publication March 5, 2024

Beautifully illustrated, this tells the story of Rumi as a child, then showing the influences in his life as he grew and matured. I loved the artwork with its vivid colors. It almost seemed to burst from the page at times. I also loved the frequent appearances of the black cat but if there was some significance to that, I'm not familiar enough with his full life or works.

Like most, I'm most familiar with Rumi from his philosophical sayings. That, to be honest, was what I expected the focus of the book to be, I have to admit, given the title. Don't get me wrong. Lots of joy and love here but not so much of his work. It was interesting to discover the influences behind his best work, however, including that of his parents. As a book aimed at children, the information is necessarily concise and doesn't go into great amounts of detail but does convey the sense of his life and writings. As such, I'm not sure how most children will react to the words but would imagine they'll love the bright color bursts of the artwork and the depiction of Rumi's surroundings and people. It'd make a lovely gift.

The bird imagery was a delight, too, as was the emphasis on his joy of reading and curiosity about nature. The theme of loss and forgiveness should resonate, too, as will the impact of jealousy, especially contrasted with the love of his family. His appreciation for the simple things in life, not what money could buy, are also obvious. My thanks to #NetGalley and #NorthSouthBooks for allowing me this sneak peek. Such a beautifully done book and the author's respect for Rumi shines throughout.

Rewild the World at Bedtime: Hopeful Stories from Mother Nature, by Emily Hawkins , Ella Beech (Illustrator)

 

Publication March 5, 2024

A wonderful collection of stories from around the world. Each is designed to showcase ways diverse places and humans have learned to work with nature, not against. Beautifully illustrated, I imagine each story leading to discussion and appreciation. Heck, while aimed at children, this book is a great read for anyone who cares about our world and nature. Rather than made up, fantastical stories to entertain, these use reality to both entertain and inform. The illustrations are lovely, well thought out, and each story is illustrated with fascinating artwork, some of it along the edges (all with labels) as well as full scenes as the story closes. In other words, lots to see and hear and there's even a glossary and index.

I won't even try to pick a favorite story although I'm partial to wolves, so that one piqued my interest. So, too, did the info on the water buffalo project in Ukraine as I couldn't help but wonder how the war may be impacting these efforts. That's one probably unintentional way of reminding us that nature and man's efforts are always in flux and we need to pay attention. I should add that each story is short, 4-6 pages, with most in the four page range. All are positive and generally uplifting, maybe even inspiring as the world's resilience is again and again showcased. This would make a lovely gift for both child or adult, quite frankly. Thanks #NetGalley and #QuartoPublishingGroup - #WideEyedEditions for sharing this with me. The cover is beautiful.

The Library Murders (Flora Steele Mystery #8), by Merryn Allingham

 

Publication Feb. 20, 2024

Since I'm part of a virtual blog tour, the actual review will appear in next months list. Just putting this here as a reminder to myself of when I'd actually finished reading it. It is good, I'll say that much. Next month...

The Secret Garden, by Frances Hodgson Burnett, Kate Lewis (Illustrator)

 

Publication March 5, 2024

I still have my original hardback copy of "The Secret Garden". It's looking rough, true, since it was not only passed along to me by family members but printed in 1911. It also made the move with me from Florida to Alaska, so it's got a few miles on it. All of this said to clarify that I obviously loved this book as a youth enough to cling to it through the years of moves and downsizing. True, in my nostalgic memories of it, I didn't recall Mary Lennox being quite so, well, unlikable. Heck, shes downright ill-behaved and spoiled. 

The memory I'm sure my youthful mind clung to, however, was of the magic of the garden. Mary went from a sad, petulant, okay, nasty child to one who thrived in nature and with the hard work of cultivating a woefully neglected garden. Her friendship with Dickon, son of a servant, who adored animals and nature, and eventual friendship with the frail, sickly (and also not particularly nice) Colin Craven transformed her and, most likely, gave hope to many a sad, lonely child reading along. I won't belabor the plot, I see many others have detailed it far better than I ever could, so will simply say it is, well, magical. Not magical in the sense of wave of the wand magic, but in the magical healing power of nature. A bit new-age themed long before that term had even been though of, so to speak. I should note that this is an unabridged edition, In other words, it uses Burnett's original text, even parts that are derogatory towards others. As the publishers note upfront, however, they are aware and advising readers beforehand that they've made the decision not to change Burnett's words while still acknowledging their power to hurt. Adult readers might want to discuss why the matter in question is no longer acceptable with younger readers, making this a teaching tool, too.

As for the illustrations, while I was expecting more realism going into the book, the splashes of color and stylistic portrayals of the characters work. The colors, of course, mirror the wonder color and aromas of the secret garden itself. I had an ebook version, so can't address what the physical book might add, but the cover with its riotous burst of sprawling colors against the sunny yellow background definitely catch the eye. I've seen mention of a lovely ribbon bookmark, too. I'm thinking this would be a lovely gift for any age, both new and past readers. My thanks to #NetGalley and #ChronicleBooks for making this available to me early. I thoroughly enjoyed this time-travel back to my youth. I even dug out my old copy to sit beside me as I read, silly as that may seem.

Murder by Marina: (Moon's Landing Cozy Mysteries Book #2), by Shelley Weiss

 

'Publication Jan. 23, 2024

Wow. Pace is furious in this one. Neither Birdie nor the reader has much chance to catch their breath between the quick paced scenes. No sooner does someone call out to Birdie than her phone rings. Or someone knocks on her door just as the phone rings. Or she's called upon to go break and enter in search of evidence. That's deliberate, of course. This series is designed to take about an hour or two per book. It took me less than a hour, to be honest, though your mileage may vary depending on your reading speed. In other words, the perfect book for those with limited time to read.

For me, the pace was both stimulating and frustrating. I tend to prefer character driven books. Given the nature of the book, keeping it to the bare bones and fast moving pace, the character development was minimal. Toss in that the characters seemed to come at me in quick, confusing bursts and I had trouble keeping everything/one straight. Heck, even at the end I found myself needing to reread simply to sort out who the supposed murderer was in the grand scheme of things. It made sense, I just hadn't always been able to tie events to characters. Perhaps I'd have benefited from reading the previous book? Unsure, to be honest, at least if it was at the same pace. I felt rather as if I were in a crowd with people running up to me chattering away, then darting away as someone else demanded my attention, most of them barely recognizable.

As it was, I was left with quite a few unanswered questions, some of which may have been answered in the previous book. First and foremost, why is Lois, the HOA (Home Owners Association) lady, so hateful toward Birdie What did Birdie ever do to her? Why are they blaming Birdie for things her late aunt seemingly did? Is there anyone around Birdie that she can fully trust? Who is behind the set up of Birdie as the killer and why? Why is Blanche so determined to get the story first, never mind the consequences? Who called Blanche with the tip? Was it a set-up from the start? Why, oh, enough teasers. Even though this book wasn't quite for me, I must admit that I found it intriguing. I found myself being sympathetic toward Birdie, I must admit, and the chaos that seemed to swirl around her and her loyal dog, Butterscotch. As for a rating, I always have trouble with ratings, period. For me, probably a 3.5 but for those who like super fast paced plots with quirky characters, probably at least a four, so I'll go with 4 stars since it did keep my attention and make me want to know more. Heck, many will rate it higher, I'm sure, depending on individual tastes. Thanks #BookSirens and author for introducing me to Birdie's fast paced, frequently confusing world.

Tomes and the Tangled Trail, by Eloise Everhart

 

Many fantasize about how wonderful it'd be a witch like Samantha of Bewitched and solve all your problems with a twitch of your nose. Dani Williams discovered her witchy powers late and would disagree. Being a witch has done nothing but turn her life upside down. Having powers you neither understand nor can control is frightening. I mean, she missed all those elementary level witchcraft lessons from her grandmother growing up. She's good at her job as an insurance adjuster but, talk about luck, seems to also have the talent of running into dead bodies and murder investigations. In this case, the victim of a devastating fire is a girl about the age of her own daughter,making it all the more personal. Investigating the fire is also her first job as owner of her own business, so she's frustrated to find herself blocked from doing a timely inspection herself. What's going on?

To be honest, I'm wary of most paranormal books but found this one to be driven by the human side rather than the witchcraft. Heck, given Dani's iffy control over her powers, even the spells she can conjure up aren't always providing the results desired. Then she loses the journal of spells her grandmother had left her. Oops, not good. What happens to a witch who loses her guidebook, so to speak? The answer is fuzzy but, well, troubling. Then, just to add to the fun(?), her daughter Grace is home and acting strangely. What is going on? 

So, who is the murderer? Or, was it arson gone very wrong? Will Dani be able to save her business along with the murder? Will she be able to find the missing journal left to her by her grandmother? Why is Chris, the object of her affection, being so distant? Who is following Dani? Why is Dani so sure the first suspect brought in for questioning isn't guilty? Given her inability not to snoop, will Dani find herself in danger? Oh, you know the answer to that one. So, enough teasers. It's a fun, entertaining mystery that, despite it's witchcraft aspects, focuses on the very human aspects of family, troubled children, fear of failure, romantic feelings, and moving forward despite all the obstacles life throws in the way. Thanks #BookSirens and #EloiseEverhart for sharing this fun story with me. I'd be exhausted trying to live my best life while memorizing magical spells, so I find Dani's situation intriguing.

There are No Dragons in This Book, by Donna Lambo-Weidner , Carla Haslbauer (Illustrator)

 Publication March 5, 2024

Rest easy. There are no dragons in this book. It's a book about, uh, a book. Not dragons. So, you're safe. Oh, okay, yes, those are some impressive claws peeking out and that tail, er, mere decorations, but, no, no dragons. And, just in case you doubt me, take it from the the book, there are no dragons. No, no dragons in this book. 

Now that you're reassured, this is a playful tale that invites you to search each page spread for signs of a sly, hiding dragon. Oh, true, you'll see quick glimpses that look like a dragon but, nope, no dragons in this book. Seriously, this is such a fun book that uses warm, whimsical illustrations and repetition to keep a child's attention. The artwork is almost childlike, full of things to see. But, no dragons. Each page is a treasure trove of quirky looking non-dragon "things", not to mention everyday items scattered throughout. Since there were no dragons to spy, my favorite scene was the one with the child wearing a cooking pan as a cap but there are many, many more things to find and see. But, no dragons.

I enjoyed imagining a child curled up beside an adult turning the book this way and that, even shaking it as suggested at one point, to try to find more and more things. Heck, you wouldn't even have to read it repeatedly to go on a treasure hunt, so to speak, and I wouldn't be surprised if different things are sighted each read. Thanks #NetGalley and #NorthSouthBooks for this fun sneak peek at a dragon hunt. Loved the humor and interactive possibilities. I'm betting you can tell I had fun writing this review. Ha

Furballs and Fatalities: A Talking Dog Cozy Mystery, by Carly Winter

 

Publication Feb. 8, 2024

Like dogs? You're going to love Daisy, the talking dog. Her sheer joy is adorable, as are her childlike pouts. Gina struggles to keep her ability to talk with her dog a secret but it's becoming increasingly difficult. Maybe more so since she's spending so much time hanging out with Deputy Trevor Hutchinson. Daisy's sense of humor seems to mean she likes to trick Gina into responding to her when he's around. There also seems to be a romance bubbling just under the surface, so I'm looking forward to the next installment. One thing I particularly like, of course, is Gina's focus on rescue. Unfortunately, Daisy doesn't always get along with the temporary guests in her house, frequently giving Gina a major guilt trip. The good news is, a happy solution is always found by book's end. 

In any case, on to the mystery/murder investigation. Who killed Molly, wife of the local hardware store owner? Gina is astonished to learn that Erika, the initial suspect because she was recently fired by Molly, won't talk to anyone at the police station but her. Why? Maybe equally concerning, why is Erika involved with such a control freak boyfriend? Could he have killed Molly to protect Erika? How will Trevor and Gina sort out the romantic entanglements? Was the husband simply clearing the way to marrying the new girlfriend by killing off his wife? Will Gina find herself in danger? Oh, bet you can guess the answer to that one. And, what does Trevor know about Gina's mother that she refuses to let him share with her? 

Okay, enough teasers? You'll like the quirky characters and humor of the story, much of it provided by Daisy. Annabelle can always be depended on, too, for a wild scheme to catch a killer or, for that matter, simply get revenge. She's a fun carry-over from the previous series this one is based on. The story is fast paced, with ample twists and red herrings, not to mention viable suspects. Give it a read. It's a quick, easy read that, quite frankly, I found hard to put down once I started reading.Thanks #BookSirens and author #CarlyWinter for allowing me this early peek at what's going on with Gina, Daisy, and Trevor. Looking forward to my next visit.

Daisy approves this book

Caught this cute pose with Daisy and an old book I just picked up to read. 2012 publication date. Haven't done more than flip through to glance at a few pix....I've got another book I want to finish before I let myself get detoured.... but looks like it'll be a fun read.

Only in Florida, by Heather Alexander, Joseph Moffat-Peña (Illustrator)

 

Publication March 5, 2024

Lively, colorful illustrations that feature Florida's landscape and imagery. Yes, lots of orange trees and beach scenes but there is so much more to Florida. It's all there.

There's a quite comprehensive index at the end, so I won't belabor all you'll find within. But, how about a few teasers? How about Spook Hill in Lake Wales? Why is your car rolling downhill in neutral when it looks like you're going uphill? Ohh, spooky. You're never more than 60 miles from a beach when you're in Florida, so it's obvious you'll find lots of sunny, beach scenes, but leave time for the spectator sports,  a visit to Ocala horse country, and, of course, Disney World. Make you wear sunscreen lotion, though, as Florida averages 237 days of sunshine per year and is not only the flattest and hottest state on average, but most humid with the most thunderstorms and lightning. 

Not exactly grist for the tourist pages but it's just part of Florida. There's much, much more. Like NASA's space center, which gave rise to the adoption of the moonstone as the state gem (despite the fact they aren't natural to Florida). While some of these facts and stats may sound negative, there is much to be enjoyed and it's a popular retirement site. I liked the fact the book didn't try to ignore or play down the potential negatives, too, from the heat to the weather incidents. I lived much of my life there and enjoyed the warmth, lack of snow, and then acres of orange trees that then surrounded me. Hey, do you know how Gatorade was invented? You will after reading this book. Notable people are showcased, as is the state's history in a colorful timeline early on. The trees and flowers, oh, my, beautiful and plentiful and many are year round. 

Thanks #NetGalley and #QuartoPublishingGrop - #WideEyedEditions for giving me this sneak peek at my ol' state. By sheer serendipity, my last previous review was Alaska based. This one is Florida, the state I moved to Alaska from. What are the odds? It's a magical mix of the unusual, quirky, tropical, beach, and eclectic sites you won't find everywhere. You can even watch a mermaid show! Or visit, no lie, a garbage truck museum!

All Aboard the Alaska Train, by Brooke Hartman , John Joseph (Illustrator)

 

Publication March 5, 2024

As an Alaskan who has ridden the Alaskan train, known here as the Alaskan Railroad, I found this book a delight. Now, true, I feel the need to remind people that critters really don't join with passengers on trains since, well, as soon as they learn I live here, I've been asked several times by tourists "Can I pet the moose?" or "When do they turn on the Northern Lights?" and such. Which, reminds me, lovely illustration of the Lights in this book. "Aaaah and Oooooh" is definitely the perfect description. 

John Joseph's illustrations are a lovely touch, cute and humorous while capturing the essence of that page's focus. They're colorful and relatively realistic, I might note, in a cartoon-style manner. Brooke Hartman's mom was a tour guide on the train according to the info page, so it's obvious she comes by her interest and respect for the train journey naturally. The lyrical text is fun as it introduces the various animals and sights.  It flows. (Yes, I read it aloud to the dog.) Each is introduced with the repetitive line "Chugga-chugga, clickety clack," helping children hearing the story mentally switch gears each time. Make sure you take some time to fully look at each illustration, too, as there are some neat little things to be appreciated. Definitely allow time at the end to look at the arrival at the Fairbanks station drawing. The moose on roller skates is just one of the amusing things you'll find. 

Obviously, I fully enjoyed the book and may be adding it to my own guest room's Alaska Shelf. That's where I shelve books my non-Alaskan guests may find interesting. They'll appreciate the end material, too, which offers up a bit about the railroad's history and, say, use of blue and gold colors. There's also an illustrated guide to the various parts of a train, a fun add. Thanks #NetGalley and #RedCometPress for giving me this sneak peek. I especially like the use of the train climbing the mountain, seemingly to the sky, on the thank you page. Good use of the theme throughout.

Murder in the Library (Miss Merrill and Aunt Violet Mysteries #2), by Anita Davison

 

Publication February 19, 2024

In a sense, you're getting two mysteries in one with this book. The "whodunit" and "where is..." kinds. The first deals with the body Hannah Merrill finds in the hospital library. She's volunteering there as a way of offering her services in 1916 as World War I rages. The second is focused on the disappearance of a young, very attractive volunteer nurse at the same hospital. In the process of solving these mysteries, you'll get a feel for what it was like to be attacked by the enemy, not to mention the reality of dead and seriously wounded soldiers. There's even romance woven into all this. 

Hannah is young and caring, albeit she grated on my nerves a bit with her attitude toward Inspector Aiden Ferrell. Nevermind that Ferrell just happens to be her Aunt Violet's boyfriend, Hannah chafes under the weight of being dismissed as a woman and not given her due when it comes to solving a crime. Then there is Darius Clifford, who seems to be an intelligence officer. Or is he a spy? Hannah and Darius have been dancing around each other romantically for years, so it's nice to see this romance progressing a bit, too. All are likable, with strengths and weaknesses, especially given that this series is currently taking place during a world war. Archie, the bookshop assistant is quite likable and even shows fortitude and a less reticent side of himself during the story. And, oh, Bartleby, the bookstore cat makes an appearance. 

So, who killed Sgt. Tillman? Why does it appear no one particularly mourns his death? What was he doing in the library anyway, especially up on the stage? Are the nurses keeping secrets, too? Is Alice, the nurse's aide who goes missing, really being watched or it is all in her imagination? She comes from an aristocratic background, so it's odd she's working in the military hospital ward to begin with. Why is Hannah so determined to keep asking questions? What lovely gift of a sort does Darius give her? How does Darius know all he knows about the war effort? Are he and Aiden, who works for Scotland Yard, somehow linked? Why does Hannah feel so guilty about certain events? What huge decision is Violet facing? 

Who ... oh, enough teasers. While slow building in comparison to many cozy mysteries, this one caught and held my attention nicely and would work nicely as a standalone. You'll like the characters or, at the very least, find them intriguing. Human behavior is odd sometimes, isn't it? You'll also gain a feel for life when under threat of bombardment at any given time. If you're like me, you'll even be a bit bewildered to find the book seeming to wrap up whodunit almost mid-way with so much of the book left. Don't let that throw you. There is much, much more to come. Thanks #NetGalley and #BoldwoodBooks for giving me a sneak peek at how challenging life in this time period could be for all involved, no matter what their status. I'm definitely looking forward to seeing what happens next for our main characters.

Death at Lovers' Leap, by Catherine Coles

 Publication Feb. 16, 2024

Ah, the good ol' days. The days where when you stumbled across a dead body, instead of taking out a cell phone and calling for help, you had to leave the body and go summon the police in person. The days when crime scene photos were actually sketches, at least in small villages like Westleham Village. Cameras were too expensive for small town police, thus a rarity. A time when old stories connected to an old bridge clouded investigations and thoughts. Has Lover's Leap claimed another victim?

It's 1948, England. Westleham Village, to be exact. Ration books are still the norm. People have learned to make do with the bare necessities. It's also a time where gossip and everyone knowing your business can be both a blessing and curse. For Martha Miller, frequently the topic of gossip, it's definitely been both. After her husband simply disappeared, rumor had it that they'd find his body buried in her garden. Only now was she beginning to make inroads with friendships and trust, both of which were challenging as she and the local vicar, Luke, developed feelings for each other. Since she's still technically married, this is a bit of a scandal. It seems that despite her husband deserting her, she can't file for a divorce for three years. At this time, the idea of a small town vicar being involved with a divorcee was considered scandalous, not to mention that Martha's husband, Stan, would have to be missing for seven years before he'd be declared officially dead. That's a long time to wait when romantic feelings are kicking up. To be honest, I found myself as entranced with the chasm keeping Luke and Martha apart as I was the murder. That they work together so well as sleuths only upped their time together and, of course, the tension. 

So, was it murder? Or was it suicide? After all, it did happen near the bridge dubbed Lover's Leap. Why did the victim rush out of the building so suddenly? Was it that he saw his supposed girl friend with a bouquet of flowers? Where did they come from? Are the rumors right that she'd been seeing two different men? Could the victim's rival had offed him to leave a clear path to his romantic target? What does the sudden, unexpected presence of Luke's father mean? It isn't like they're close. Will the partnership Martha and he have formed to sleuth....as "just friends" .... create more problems for Martha and his relationship? Hey, it's a small village. Gossip flourishes. What problems does a shirt left behind create? Why is Martha so fixated on using lavender tea? Why do you have to be in line early to claim even a loaf of bread at the store? How do Martha's friends both help and, occasionally, distract the investigation? 

Who .... oh, way too many teasers. Despite the charmingly quaint slow pace of the plot, the story is an intriguing one. The characters are interesting, even aggravating at times, and, hey, Lizzie the dog is a delight. While we tend to fantasize how wonderful it might be to live in a small British village, it's clear that there is more to Westleham than meets the eye. Makes me curious to see what comes next, not to mention how the author will solve the problem of bringing Martha and Luke together at some point. Sit back with a hot cup of tea (not lavender), prop up your feet, and prepare to enjoy the somewhat leisurely trail to the conclusion which, quite frankly, kept me guessing until the very end. That reveal was rather a long, zig-zagging one, I must admit. Thanks #NetGalley and #BoldwoodBooks for giving me this sneak peek. It's rather fun to slow down and enjoy a visit to village life circa 1948.

Geography Alphabet, written and illustrated by R. M. Smith

 

 

Publication 21 January, 2024

Since I've been lulled into expecting lyrical picture books with a story, I was a bit disappointed with this book initially but that quickly changed. Like many children's books, it's deceptively simple yet packs quite a bit of info into its pages. This one offers up both words and illustrations by RM Smith. They're realistic without being detailed, if that makes sense, capturing the general looks of earth's many features without striving to make them look like photographs. My favorite, I think, was "island". The colors are appropriate for the feature/place focused on, with a wider variety. All have additional things/items with labels. Those were a nice touch and ranged from things like boats and waves, to cars and trucks, to a mama bear and cubs, plus more. Smith nicely captured the colder climates, too, with blues and white/blue ice features. 

I have to admit, I was curious to see what the author would use for some of the less obvious letters such as U, X, and Z. In my mind, being in Alaska, I was distracted briefly at each page as I tried to imagine how I'd illustrate a book on Alaska's features. Given some of the interesting Native Alaskan names common here, that wasn't that much of a reach, I must admit. In any case, after giving Smith a silent round of applause for using K for Key, as in map key/legend, I liked the choices. Again, all were strengthened by the use of other words/things added to the illustration, then further used in the written description of what you're seeing. 

All in all, a fun book. Not necessarily a bed time story but one that can be used to supplement learning and discussion. And, hey, since Alaska has active volcanic activity, loved the moose running away from the lava in the V illustration. Thanks #NetGalley and #BooksGoSocial for sharing this one with me early. It was fun and stimulated my own imagination.

Four Thousand Paws: Caring for the Dogs of the Iditarod: A Veterinarian's Story , by Lee Morgan

 

Publication Feb. 27, 2024

I should tell you up front that I came to this book with far more info than the average reader. True, it's pretty obvious I came for the dogs but I not only live in Alaska, but about two miles from Iditarod Headquarters. Not only that, I've attended several Iditarod races and have even ridden the runners of a sled. As Morgan reveals in the book, it's a rush. Needless to say, I was psyched to get this book to review. It definitely brings the dogs and race to life. Kudos, Lee Morgan.

For those unfamiliar with the race, it officially covers 1,049 miles through some of the most isolated, challenging terrain and weather one can imagine. Temps in the negative fifties aren't uncommon, not are encounters with moose. Let's just say, if a moose takes a notion to take offense at your team and charges at them, it's like being hit from the side by a good-sized pickup truck. There are other predators, of course, which is why most mushers carry a weapon in their sled. All this while covering a trail that may be marginal, not to mention with dangerous drifting snow, frozen streams or overflow, brutal stumps and snags, deep ruts from teams that have gone before you or maybe worse, no sign of the trail at all. You will cross the frozen Bering Sea as the race nears the end, too. The musher has to depend on their dogs to find that trail since, at times, in a blizzard or episode of gale force winds, the musher may be virtually running blind. Needless to say, each checkpoint, there are usually 26, is a welcome site. 

And that where Morgan and the team of vets that are out in conditions not much better than those that face the mushers come in. This is both his story and counter against those who claim the dogs are mistreated. Quite frankly, even with my relatively strong background in all things Iditarod, I found his story both informative and fascinating. It's a fun read, almost like you're sitting by a campfire listening to him share his experiences (and misadventures). His sense of humor shines through, too, adding to the enjoyment. 

This is where I'm duct taping my fingers to keep from going on endlessly about the contents because, well, you need to read this book and enjoy it in its entirety. You'll learn a great deal about not only the race itself but the standards the vets and mushers are held to. They're not working out of a climate controlled office, I should note. I've been to checkpoints and found myself nodding as I read about, say, the tent at Finger Lake Checkpoint. Yep, spot on, Lee Morgan. Getting to Nome is a definitely a challenge and, as Morgan notes, while the teams may move along, the planes moving the various teams of vets don't fly when the weather isn't safe, either, so you can be in some places awhile. But, what a rush. And, oh, the dogs. Their sheer joy and the love they share. You'll smile as you read about his vet check experiences, both before the race and along the trail as he meets some of the most remarkable canine characters ever. 

My thanks to trail vet #LeeMorgan, #WWNorton&Company - #Liveright for allowing me this sneak peek behind the scenes. Even this Alaskan once immersed in all things Iditarod learned something new and came away with a smile.