A Taste for Crime (Hope Street Church Mysteries Book 8), by Ellery Adams, Tina Radcliffe

 Publication April 16, 2024

If you like your cozy mystery books with a touch of both mystery and religion, this one is definitely for you. Although I was perfectly happy with the Christian aspects, it did add some frustration as they frequently slowed the mystery. Let's face it, all mystery readers are in a hurry to find out whodunit. Although I've read most of this series from the beginning, It's easy, however, to enjoy the friendship and support the members of the Hope Street Church's Bible study members provide to each other. Heck, there's even romance.  It didn't put me off the book, I'll note. In fact I found most of the scriptures related to the problem at hand, but felt it was fair to give potential readers a heads up, just as the publisher did me.

That said, I didn't really feel like I got to know more than the basic background of the supporting cast. I still found myself enjoying my time with Cooper, who began the series, if memory serves, working to repair copy machines. She's now the owner of a business and, as such, dealing with the need to juggle business, family, and personal needs. And, oh, while a cat person, she's dog sitting for a friend and that isn't proving an easy task for her given the little terrier's feisty personality and energy. Needless to say, her felines aren't happy, either. On the business side, while her father prepares for retirement, she's just hired a new employee and is dealing with her desire to have trust in her, a theme of one of the Bible study meetings, btw, while finding it difficult to do so on a couple occasions. And, oh, boy. Then there is her sister. Let's just say, they couldn't be much more different.

And, then there's that murder. The victim, a nasty food reviewer, is found dead in celebrity chef Anton Parsley's restaurant. Seems Cooper's boyfriend, Jon, is his honorary nephew. It therefore goes without asking that Cooper and the Hope Church group become involved in helping Anton and thereby Jon find the real murderer. There don't seem to be that many suspects. I had to laugh at times as the group investigated while admiring their "all for one" cooperation and support. Cooper is, hey, this is a cozy mystery, frequently warned away by the detective in charge but, well, Jon's involvement makes it personal, so Cooper vows to stay involved but safe. I bet you can guess that neither of these is easy, even with the best intentions. 

Bottom line, despite my concerns that the Christian aspects may turn off those who walk into the book unprepared and what seemed a slow start with several slow downs, not to mention some some serious silly choices on Cooper's part, I did enjoy the book. Hence, a 3.5 rounded to 4 stars. Thanks #NetGalley and #BeyondThePagePublishing for allowing me to drop into Hope Street Church again. I grew up with many of those same stories and admired the authors' ability to tie them into the very real-life murder investigation.

Let Me Take You Down: Penny Lane and Strawberry Fields Forever, by Jonathan Cott

 

Publication April 30, 2024

I wonder if I'm the only reader who spent mush of this read with a mash-up of Beatles' tunes running through my head? Nah, no way. That initially unconscious reaction speaks to the power of their music. It was fascinating to go back in time and see them evolve from just another bunch of kids with rock'n'roll dreams into one of, if not the ultimate musical entities ever.  It was also intriguing to be reminded how each of the individuals thought of the group as a separate entity, almost a different identity from themselves. It was an image they were never able to shake, no matter how hard they tried. As the author reminds us, being caught up in the middle of the hysteria of their frequently mob-like fans had to be absolutely terrifying at times, too. Their last nightmarish tour sounds like the tour from, uh, heck, to be polite.

While the book focuses on the band's music, these two songs in particular, it is important to remember the big picture, so to speak, of life as they were living it and constantly reevaluating themselves and where they were going next musically. In a sense, this is two books combined, maybe three if you count the non-author revelations of reactions and ways of looking at the music from others at the end. Thus, it's part bio, part Cott's individual take on the music, and finally other ways of reacting to these two songs and taking them into oneself. 

There's a wealth of information shared as suggested ways to think about these two songs in particular. Given the personal nature of how the same song can impact various individuals in different ways, often even changing over time, I'll leave it to readers to decide their main take-away. Jonathan Cott has done an admirable job of taking us from his first, youthful contact with Penny Lane and Strawberry Fields and shares that and others' takes on the same songs. My thanks to him as well as #NetGalley and #UniversityOfMinnesotaPress for letting me tag along. The in-my-head mash-up of the songs was an unexpected bonus.

The Finders Keepers Library, by Annie Rains

 

Publication April 16, 2024

Gotta admit, the cover is what made me click on this in the first place. I love books about books, albeit this one is a solid, Hallmark worthy romance with nuanced characters, so was an enjoyable read. Second chance love, learning to trust yourself and others, dealing with illness and death, and more, it checked off lots of our favorite romance themes. 

I won't detail the plot as my use of the term Hallmark worthy probably gives the overall progress away. What I will say is that main character Savannah Collins is dealing with lupus, which you'll learn a bit about as you read. Dumped by her boyfriend as a result, she's come "home" to Bloom, North Carolina, to  stay with her Aunt Eleanor/Ellie. Unknown to Savannah, Eleanor suffered a bad fall recently and had become a recluse of sorts. She still enjoyed people and her books, but had a phobia about leaving her home. Then a storm hits and seriously damages her Finders Keepers Library in her beloved rose garden. She's been helped along greatly by friends and neighbor Evan Sanders, who is raising his daughter June after the death of his wife. Savannah and he were childhood friends during her time in Bloom. 

I'm betting you see where this is going. Complications, of course, arise. On the plus side, there's a wedding to attend, the bride in a wheelchair, no less, and two more separate second chance romances blooming in addition to the roses. Oh, and an unhappy daughter, well, sad daughter, who wants to make everyone happy but can't figure out how to do it. The importance of seeking help is emphasized, with multiple viewpoints giving us the thoughts of the main characters, Savannah, Evan, and Eleanor. The viewpoint is given at the beginning of their chapters, btw, which also feature a literary quote appropriate for the action within. I enjoyed the variety they offered, never quite settling on a favorite though the idea that one needs to get busy living, not dying, seems to have stuck with me. 

Bottom line, although I don't read many romances anymore, I thoroughly enjoyed the book. The plot did seem slow at times but even the slower moments ultimately played into the whole, so not complaints there. I liked all the characters and, of course, rather gravitated to Evan's daughter June since we share a name. True, you know the basics of the plots of Hallmark worthy books upfront but there's also a bit of a comfort to knowing all will be well in the end. Wouldn't it be wonderful if life were that way? You want to root for all these characters, including the less prominent ones who are well-fleshed out. Thanks #NetGalley and #Forever - #GrandCentralPublishing for introducing me to not just characters I could root for but the delightful town of Bloom. I'll definitely be on the lookout for more books by this author.

Footnotes from the Most Fascinating Museums: Stories and Memorable Moments from People Who Love Museums, by Bob Eckstein

 

Publication May 21, 2024

Have you ever wanted to be in a police line-up? Well, without being arrested? There's a museum for that. Or, maybe you'd like to get in some serious exercise while entering a museum? There's a museum that will definitely offer you that challenge. Feeling a bit ghoulish? Like you'd like to check out Lincoln's death chair from Ford's Theater or maybe JFK's limo? Yep, you guessed it. There's one for that, too  There are even even ones for bananas and broken relationships. 

This virtual tour of some of North America's 38,000 museums, give or take, big and small, known and unknown,was a delight. There really does seem to be a museum for everyone, no matter what your tastes. Most likely even bored children will find something to intrigue them, too. I mean, one even features whale poop, er, excuse me. Whale ambergris. Having been on several whale tour boats here in Alaska, gotta admit, this one intrigued me, too. 

The illustrations, watercolor, I believe, are beautifully done with the added benefit of featuring related quotes or input on them. Most added a personal touch to this virtual tour. Quite frankly, by the time I'd casually flipped through than gone back to read it through, I was ready to pack a bag and go museum hopping. Thanks #NetGalley and #ChronicleBooks - #PrincetonArchitectualPress for giving me this intriguing early peek/introduction to some of the most diverse, interesting museums around. This arm chair traveler adored it.

The Stranger in the Library (Lighthouse Library Mystery #11), by Eva Gates

 

Publication June 4, 2024

Finding a dead body in the fish pond wasn't on Lucy's to-do list. 

Just back from her honeymoon in Paris, Lucy has been hard at work planning the library's promo for a local art event. Despite some, uh, unexpected guests, everyone seems to be enjoying themselves despite the downpour outside. The only snag seemed to be that the noted guest speaker was a no-show. Bet you can guess whose body was found in that koi pond as the party wound down. 

There's another surprise ahead for Lucy. One of the borrowed but not valuable replicas is missing when she returns the next morning. Are the crimes related? Well, we know the dead man didn't have it on him but who would steal a replica painting, community sentiment attached to it or not? You surely don't have to have read the book to know Lucy is soon caught up in investigating, although her focus is largely on the stolen painting. She has the help of friend-enemy Louise Jane who was smitten with one of the mysterious guests, one supposedly known in the art world. One problem. He's gone missing and the police can't turn up any info on him, not that that seems to bother Louise Jane. Is he the murderer? Was Louise Jane inadvertently involved? Is she hiding something or maybe someone?

While the local artist is fictional, you'll learn a bit about art along the way, such as how painting strokes seem to identify the likelihood of it being such and such an artist as well as how/why certain signatures are used. You'll also gets insight in how it is evaluated and authenticated, not to mention how art dealers wheel and deal in acquiring and selling pricey art. The brief dive into the art world was fun. You get to see Lucy in action, albeit much of it seemed to be online, as well as meet some of the locals, including a very snooty, obnoxious artist who likes his own work much more than he perhaps should. And, it was great fun to see Lucy and Louise Jane team up rather than maintaining their usual polite co-existence. It'll be interesting to see what comes of that possible story line given the ending. 

Bottom line, although the start was relatively slow going, it was giving us the background we'd need, so that made sense. I was a bit surprised to find Lucy being part of the police investigation in a way, albeit unofficially. The situation she (and Louise Jane) find themselves in at the end is also because of rather poor choices on Lucy's part. Her hunches aren't always factual, let's just say, and lead to more headaches. I'll just say, as way of a teaser, I hope she's not claustrophobic.You'll love Louise Jane's idea for summoning help. Nope, not giving away anything else. Eva Gates has another winner here and despite my minor quibbles, I thoroughly enjoyed hanging out with Lucy, Conner, and the rest of this cast, even the one in disguise. Thanks #CrookedLaneBooks and #NetGalley for inviting me back to Nags Head, NC. I've never been there in real life but feel like I have via Gates' books. I'd love to visit the very real lighthouse, albeit it doesn't really host a library.

Operation: Happy: A World War II Story of Courage, Resilience, and an Unbreakable Bond, by Jenni L. Walsh , Gail Shalan (Narrator), Brian Holden (Narrator)

 

Available April 2, 2024    Audio Book   4 h  54 m

Narrated by Gail Shalan and Brian Holden

While I was first attracted by the cover of the dog and his girl, the history buff/major/teacher in me was psyched to see the topic. Not only WWII but the Pearl Harbor attack through the eyes of a young girl who had to grow up much too fast. Happy the dog helped her along the way, living up to the motto he'd adhered to as a Marine sentry dog to protect and always be faithful. He'd come to live with Jody and her family after being retired but Jody's family is a Marine family, too. Bottom line, to them, especially Jody, that means they're all Marines and bound to do their duty. She finds out just how difficult that can be as the story progresses, battleship row is bombed, and her family is split up. Inspired by a true story, I found it a slow start but an excellent intro to not just the historic event but warfare's impact on all caught up by it, then and now.

I had the audio version and, quite frankly, I think I'd recommend to teachers that they do their best to get hold of an audio version of this. The narrators do an excellent job of conveying the often wildly swinging emotions and Jody's fear and panic during the bombing is chilling. Kudos to the narrators, of which there are two. The male voice is used for male voices and Happy's thoughts and reactions, ranging from a trip to the vet to helping his humans to shelter and protecting them from harm. 

Needless to say, dog lover that I am, I was relieved to see the author's note at the start that no harm would come to Happy. That was a relief. I honestly didn't pay attention but I believe all the chapter changes were announced in the Jody voice, her tone mirroring the mood as she shared the chapter title/focus. As noted, after a relatively slow start, the plot moved along nicely, including humor to break up some of the more intense, uncomfortable scenes. You'll love Happy, that's for sure, as he shines in his golden years and proves his worth over and over. Honestly, I felt like I knew Happy better than the humans, especially wishing we'd gotten a peek at Peggy's diary. Jody's thoughts are the narrative that moves the story along, including having to deal with new places and schools, including snotty classmates, and the sudden realization that even Japanese-Americans were suffering due to nothing they'd done. You'll also root for Jody's mom, who faces challenges Jody can only guess at. 

Bottom line, an excellent read/listen and one history/social studies teachers in particular should have available. Thanks #NetGalley and #Zonderkids for sharing this peek listen with me. It fed both my dog and history loving soul. Dog lovers will enjoy the premise of Operation Happy while learning some of our more painful history in the process. 

Lead Ropes Don't Lead Horses: And 49 Other Thoughts for Horse Lovers, by Lisa Wysocky , Cat Enright

 

I've got to admit, while this definitely spoke to the still horse crazy girl in me, I was also curious how one writes with their fictional character as co-author. Lisa Wysocky makes it not only work, however, but work well. Put this one on your must have list, horse lovers.

Not only does Wysocky and, okay, Enright use humor effectively, making you grin while absorbing the solid, usable information shared, but it's easily understandable, probably even to those who didn't grow up inhaling anything horse. For those who work on the theory that a picture is worth a thousand words, there are also photos of the horses you'll meet upfront to demonstrate. I definitely liked that the horses were introduced upfront, including personalities and quirks. That made their use as "examples" throughout all the more personal. As I noted to a friend earlier today, the sheer fact we were talking about. among others, Lex (the cover horse, btw) the worrier who likes to annoy his pasture-mates, or Quincy who is low man on the totem pole, makes the reading far more personal. I mean, wouldn't you rather talk about a horse by name than simply as "the horse" or "the brown horse"? In other words, I felt like I was talking to the author, not just reading words. And, to be honest, it didn't take me long to forget whether it was fictional Cat or real life author Lisa that I was "talking" to. It flowed nicely. 

Since I'm well past my horse crazy girl years, it's been ages since I've been astride a horse, but much of the information brought back fond memories. Oh, okay, some of it made me cringe as I remembered how I'd wronged or under/overestimated my horses. I hope they forgave me. I won't detail all the topics covered but found myself more intrigued with the sections dealing with understanding horse instincts and what I'll call our communication with the horse than on the actual riding section, go figure. Active riders/horse owners will benefit greatly from the total, surely learning something new. You'll also learn both the instinctual and possible physical or even mental reasons for various horse behaviors/patterns. That, to me, was what set this book apart from most others. A behavior wasn't just described, it explains probable causes, right down to discussing vision, for instance, usually utilizing the horses we met early on in the book as examples. More importantly for me, it was all handled with humor and love.

Bottom line, if you love horses, you need this book. If you know a horse lover, make sure they know about this book or, hint-hint, it'd make a lovely gift. Thanks so much to #NetGalley and #CoolTitles for letting me indulge my ol' horse crazy girl self a bit while learning new things. I thoroughly enjoyed this read and loved meeting the horses, not to mention the fictional characters (that I have to admit to having never read.... yet.

Brie Careful What You Wish For, by Linda Reilly

 

 

Publication April 9, 2024

Comfort. Like the author, grilled cheese is my comfort food, so that phrase ran through my mind frequently as I sat down to type out my reaction to the book. I eventually settled on the word comfortable to characterize how it made me feel, murder or no murder. I felt comfortable with Carly and those about her. It was comforting to see the genuine caring she showed to those in her world as well as how much love and support she received back from them. Her friends and loved ones were also willing to make her occasionally feel uncomfortable because they cared. She'd already faced danger more than once and no one wanted that to happen again, most definitely not her mom or boyfriend Ari. That gave her the uncomfortable awareness of how much her actions impacted others. Whereas frequent readers of cozy mysteries are accustomed to seeing the rush of excitement as the amateur sleuths risk their lives to solve a crime or help others, this book shares the deep turmoil such actions can create in those who care about them. It has an effect on relationships of all types, too. Carly is both blessed and cursed to be a carer and we see the personal side of that aspect of a character.

In other words, we have a story here of very real people, people we'd probably feel we know. Not just random characters on a page. That is a strength of Reilly's writing, creating characters and a situation we find believable and can relate to. Past lives impact current events, family secrets intrude, and pressures of their virtual real lives all play roles. You're going to like these people and root for Carly. On a lighter note, you're also going to wish you could head over to Carly's grilled cheese place for a sandwich. You'd be wondering what marvelous creation Grant and the others have come up with to tantalize your taste buds this time. You'll see ol' friends and, hey, even the police chief grabbing a bite to eat. This time, however, he's there both for the food and telling Carly to butt out as well as for his own personal reasons. Carly and her boyfriend Ari are all for that one, of course, tho' Carly frequently feels like a child sent to the principal's office when on the receiving end of one of his lectures about being safe.He cares, too, but this time he's there because Carly's employee, Ross, is the prime suspect in the murder of an elderly woman. Thus begins the mystery.

I won't detail the plot, see the blurb, but will note that the suspect list is long. Seems the woman wasn't well liked and had potential enemies from decades ago. Ross was simply delivering food to her and no one can believe such a nice, likable young man capable of hurting anyone, let alone killing them. Maybe a family member? Some surprises turn up during that thread of investigation, that's for sure. Someone from her past? Seems she had quite the reputation as a home wrecker. But, seriously, how long can anyone hold a grudge? Will the investigative reporter be a help or hindrance? How will Carly, who always has the best intentions of staying safe, find herself in danger once again? What.... oh, enough teasers. I don't want to give away anything as it's more fun to work it out with Carly.

Bottom line, it's obvious I loved this book/series. My comfort series? Well, one of them. If nothing else, it gives me a great excuse to toast up a fresh grilled cheese sandwich. Thanks #NetGalley and #BeyondThePagePublishing for inviting me over to Carly's for an early sample of Grant's latest creation. I can't wait to see what's in the future for all of them after that celebratory ending.

Kill or Bee Killed, by Jennie Marts

 

Publication June 4, 2024

If you like your cozy mysteries with fun characters and humor, this is the book for you. Bailey Briggs is a successful mystery writer and the situations she and her best friend and sleuthing buddy Evie get into are frequently laugh out loud hilarious to visualize. I won't spoil things for you but will note that water seems to play a role rather often as the plot progresses. In addition to being a writer and sleuth, Bailey is a mom and her relationship with daughter Daisy grabs my attention every time, as does her long-time love for Sawyer, never mind that as a detective he is constantly warning her to stay safe and out of his investigations. I bet you know how well that goes over.

This installment in this relatively young series focuses on bullying and how different people respond to it. My hunch is that you're not going to waste much time feeling sorry for the murder victims. Well, maybe you'll feel a twinge of temporary sorrow for one but, well, you'll seen why I use the word temporary. There is more than one side to the various stories and, to be oblique, it's complex, especially for a story that starts out seeming to be about a competitive bake-off in the small town of Humble Hills, Colorado. Will Evie win? How does Sawyer always seem to be on the spot to rescue Bailey (and usually Evie) from some hijinx they've gotten themselves into? Do all morticians have a wicked quirky sense of humor?  Would you dress up as a bear for a 3K Bear Run? What creates a bully? How far would you go to get even? 

And, whoa, how the heck do Daisy and Bailey both wind up in the hospital? Oh, come on. You knew Bailey would find herself in danger, so that's not really a spoiler. And, speaking of Daisy, who.....oh, never mind. No more teasers. Just kick back, enjoy the quirky characters, humor, and budding romances, not to mention adorable dogs. Thanks #NetGalley and  #CrookedLaneBooks for inviting me to the Bee Festival. I'll note that you'll learn a bit about bees and bee keeping as you read, too, while the end recipes will have you heading in search of a sweet treat. With honey maybe?

Lights, Camera, Bones (Sarah Booth Delaney #27), by Carolyn Haines

 

Publication May 21, 2024

Much to my surprise, I have somehow managed to miss this long running series of 27 books until now. As such, I can confidently vouch that it works well as a standalone. Although I'm sure coming into the series this late means I've missed lots of character nuances and relationships, they were easily sorted out and made sense. Set in Greenville, MS, it has a distinctly Southern tone at times, including many of the names.

You're going to like Sarah Booth Delaney and the easy relationship she has with investigative partner Tinkle Bellcase Richmond. Sarah calls Tinkle the brains of the outfit, especially when it comes to sorting out financial info, though that doesn't stop her from being able to pick a lock in under three minutes or navigate some less than stellar back roads at speed. Not exactly skills many society types have. Add in Sarah's super scent dog and a rather ninja cat, not to forget Poe, the raven, and it's an interesting mix and I haven't even mentioned her mutual trust with romantic partner, Coleman, or the great relationship she seems to have with the local police. My verdict on Jitty, who seems to be a ghost, is still out as, unless I totally missed it, her presence wasn't explained nor her affinity for adopting different guises, not all of them human. Yep, I really need to sort out the "who, what, why" of Jitty. 

As for the mystery, it centers around the disappearance of two members of the film crew that go missing, one of them the writer, producer, and star. Jules, the gaffer, mysteriously goes missing first. Then, gulp, a severed foot is discovered in the river. Oh, did I forget to mention a shark is involved? A pregnant bull shark nicknamed Betty, at that. That whole scenario is a big part of the action, so I'll simply leave it at that. The disappearance of Marlon, the force behind the film, however, leads us to several other angles of the plot. Again, don't want to give away too much, but ol' money and the power that goes with it, murky family histories, and issues of racism all play a role. Whoever has control of a family history has the power to mold it, let's just say. As the plot progresses, we learn bits of history, bad and good, how one's relationship with family impacts one's current life, and quite a bit about sharks. I mean, who knew sharks might be an issue in the Mississippi River? 

Bottom line, Carolyn Haines does an excellent job of melding together a quirky but likable cast of characters and portraying them as multi-dimensional people we might know. I liked Sarah and Tinkle a great deal and found Tinkle's Southern charm and backbone (and love for her daughter) made for a good partnership. Sarah does seem to have a knack of being around when bullets fly but, hey, she doesn't back down, either. Let's just say, she wasn't fond of almost meeting Betty the shark too up-close-and-personal, though. Can't say that I blame her. Thanks #NetGalley and #StMartin'sPress - #Minotaur for introducing me to this fun series, slow as I was to jump aboard. I'll be catching up on it while eagerly awaiting the next adventure. Nice nod to Miranda James, too. Grin.

The Diva Goes Overboard (A Domestic Diva Mystery #17), by Krista Davis

 

Publication May 21, 2024

Event planner Sophie Winston remains one of my favorite amateur sleuths. She's smart, likable, and genuinely seems to care about her friends and family. She's strong and independent but not foolish. She does an excellent job of having backup when she's going into potentially dangerous or volatile situations. Let's face it, all cozy mystery amateur sleuths aren't that far sighted. While Nina and ex-husband Mars seem to be her usual sidekicks, her circle of friends is there for her, just as she is for them. So, a smart, relatable cast of characters headed by a hard-working woman who isn't afraid to ask the tough questions but does it in a reasonable safe manner. Now, true, that doesn't mean she doesn't occasionally run into trouble, that's expected, but she's not TSTL, ie "too stupid to live". You're also going to learn a great deal about charcuterie boards of all kinds.

As for the mystery, it's really two mysteries that mesh into one as the book goes along. Who killed antiques dealer Orson Chatsworth and, hmm, what secrets from the past might be hiding in a hidden room. Yep, a hidden room. It holds some answers for Sophie but also creates just as many questions. I don't want to give away too much as it's delicious fun (you'll see why I use the word delicious as you read) stumbling across the clues as they slowly but surely emerge. Is Jordan as arrogantly entitled as he seems? Why do so many think they're entitled to money from Orson's estate? Family squabbles? Greed? Jealousy? All those and maybe more?

What will happen to Orson's beloved dog Rosebud? And, speaking of dogs, I definitely liked that the author made a point of mentioning how Sophie harnessed, then clicked her dog Daisy into the seat-belt. A minor thing, yes, but a nice reveal of Sophie's attention to not just detail but her focus on safety. But, as for the murder investigation, lots of suspects, albeit Sophie is reluctant to suspect some, and many red herrings throughout with a real surprise twist at the end. Nope, not telling. You'll just have to read it. Thanks #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks - #KensingtonCozies for inviting me to Old Town Alexandria again. I love how the end of each chapter leaves us wanting to hurry to the next, although I am inclined to think that with all the food talk and yummy recipes we may cheat a bit and use those brief moments as an excuse to grab something tasty. I definitely never read this series without at least a snack nearby.

The Shadow of War: A Novel of the Cuban Missile Crisis, by Jeff Shaara

 

Publication May 14, 2024

Wow. I was unnerved after-the-fact as I read this book. You see, I largely grew up in Florida, a mere 90 miles away from Cuba as the news kept reminding us. Although I was either too or too naive to fully grasp the sense of fear many adults knew, it still made an impact. While I've read history books about the time, there's been a sort of filter between the events of those readings and me as a reader, so to speak. This one tore down that filter. You are there. You are living this nightmare. Shaara puts us, to paraphrase a line from Hamilton, in the rooms where it happened. And, unlike my young self, I'm old enough now to shiver as I realize how very, very close we came to annihilation. That's the power of Jeff Shaara's writing style. While historical fiction, he evokes that "you are there" sense, relying on in-depth research and extensive readings to create the scenes that reveal how close we came to the edge.

I won't detail the cat-and-mouse games that lead us to that point as, quite frankly, I'd be depriving you of experiencing the scenario as it unfolds by trying to even hit the highlights. Trust me, there are many, from the opening scenes revolving about the Bay of Pigs fiasco to the aftermath, revealing not only how Kennedy's stand paid off -- and it came close to not doing so -- so what happened to each of the players of the story. One thing I will note, however, is how this showed the growing maturity of both John and Robert Kennedy, their ability to learn from mistakes, as well as their ability to accept their responsibility for the situation. The thoughts attributed to Joseph Russo, another real character you'll get to know well throughout the story, at the end should also evoke thought. 

History buffs or those who lived through this should grab a copy of this book as soon as possible. If old enough, you'll be compelled to read, even as you shudder after the fact, realizing how close we came to not growing up. Teachers, history teachers in particular, of which I was one, you definitely need to read this book and make sure it's on library shelves. Thank you to #NetGalley and #StMartin'sPress for sharing this early glimpse of, well, what I'm rather glad happened too early in my life to have left much impact. I hope we never come face to face with possible annihilation again. 

Growing Up As...Benjamin Franklin, by Joel Aretha

 Oddly enough, as I sat down to read this book, I realized how little we really know about our founding fathers prior to the American Revolution. We've heard the story of George Washington and the cherry tree but unless you're an avid reader of biographies, it's doubtful you know much more about his childhood. I know I knew next to nothing about Benjamin Franklin, that's for sure. Well, true, as a history buff/major and history teacher, I certainly know his career as an elder statesman but, well, everything else earlier is rather vague, including how very young he was when he did much of it. Let's face it, our Founding Fathers didn't spring forth from nowhere, perfectly formed, wise and learned. 

Reading this, I'm pretty sure I'd have liked knowing the young Franklin.Given the elder Franklin's popularity with the ladies, he must have been good looking, personable, and full of life. I mean, the guy seems to have come up with an early form of, so to speak, wind surfing, albeit on a lake. Was I surprised a kite was involved? No. Not in the least. What I didn't fully grasp was his lack of a formal education. Instead, he spent his time doing something I love doing, reading. I loved how his parents, basically working poor, did their best for him, however. Homeschooling isn't a modern invention, you know. So, an avid reader and full of marvelously creative ideas. He must have been an amazing force even then.

I won't detail the book but it was a fun, informative read. As noted, I picked up one some things I didn't know or simply hadn't put two and two together to get four about. The Franklin of this book definitely isn't the rather "portly old man" depicted on our hundred dollar bills but a living, breathing person, one we'd surely enjoy being around. You'll get to know the real Benjamin Franklin through his formative years until his death in 1790. History buffs and teachers, this is one you should add to your bookshelf. It'd make a great gift, too, for an inquisitive, maybe inventive child in your life. Thanks #BookSirens and author #JoelAretha for sharing this delightful story on a man I thought I knew.

Let Me Take You Down: Penny Lane and Strawberry Fields Forever, by Jonathan Cott

 

Publication April 30, 2024

Review will be posted at end of month as requested by publisher. I'll just say, it will have you humming Beatle tunes in your head for days. This is just a visual reminder to me not to forget!

Race to Kindness, by Orion Jean, Darshika Varma (Illustrator)

 

 

Available May 7, 2024     Audio book   14 minutes, including bonus info/interview with author

What does it mean to be kind? How does one be kind? This absolutely delightful book has some very simple, direct answers to both. It's both inspiring and packed full of thoughtful, useful ideas, largely based on the idea that while we can't all save the world, we can make a difference. I was absolutely blown away to read about author Orion Jean, who won the 2021 TIME Kid of the Year award. That's all the more impressive since he entered only after being prodded by a teacher when only one day remained until the deadline. I had the audio version of this, read by the author, so make sure you listen all the way through to the short recap of Orion Jean's life till now as well as a very well done interview with him at the end. This young man is very well spoken and deserves to be widely heard. His narration was excellent and his kind voice was perfect.

I won't detail the book, it's one you simply need on your bookshelf whether child or adult, but was impressed with the reminder that one small, positive action is better than none at all. For example, that encouraging 4th grade teacher surely changed Orion Jean's life by believing in and nudging him to excel. The term ripple is used frequently in the interview, I will note, as in one small ripple is how bigger waves begin, a handy reminder that even ones smallest efforts can have an impact far beyond your individual reach. Kindness isn't measured and I loved the idea that some of the suggestions, done in lyrical, rhyming fashion, I should note, are very simple, from calling a friend to see how they are to a simple smile, things we can all do. Bottom line, I highly recommend this book. My thanks to Orion Jean, such a wise young man, and #NetGalley and #ZonderKidz for putting it out there for the world. I will be checking for other work from this author, that's for sure.

How to Put a Dinosaur to Bed: A Board Book, by Alycia Pace

 Publication April 2, 2024

I grinned as I read this. Partly because it was cute, partly because it seemed as much a beacon for parents struggling to get their children to bed at a normal time as a cute story. The book is quite short and no adults appear but, well, the siblings in this story are playing parent/caretaker to a dinosaur. Yes, you read that right. A fun dinosaur. But, they're finding it tiring as it doesn't want to sleep when they're trying to sleep. Sound familiar to any parents out there? Grin. You'll get a chuckle out of the use of the dino's horn in a puppet show, sure, or how the clever siblings have a ladder handy to assist in efficiently giving it a bath, but the purpose of this book is really to remind those in charge of the necessity of routine, routine, routine.

As for the children, looking at a troublesome, not-at-all-sleepy charge from the vantage of being the ones in charge of not just it getting rest but them, too, might provide some welcome understanding of the importance of sleep. The basic steps are listed as part of the action (ie in a sibling's hand) as well as then illustrated step-by-step. Nothing surprising, of course, as we know setting a routine and keeping to it is important, but it also shows the need to be able to handle those hopefully occasional "but I don't want to go to bed" nights. All in all, a cute story that offers help, with well done illustrations. I mean, the dinosaur with its rubber ducky is just too cute. Thanks #NetGalley and #Familius for sharing this with me. I know the importance of keeping to a routine, so this is a nice reminder.

One Last Shot, by Betty Cayouette

 Publication May 7, 2024

When I wasn't otherwise occupied rolling my eyes at Emerson and Theo, or wanting to shake some sense into one or both of them, I found them interesting, likable characters. Childhood friends, they're separated by a traumatic event, Emerson to later  become one of those one-name-only-needed models, and Theo to become a photographer. Just as a model needs a photographer, a photographer needs models, so it's rather inevitable the two would come back together, with or without that prod of a youthful pledge to each other. Emerson is by far the more famous of the two, stalked by paparazzi everywhere, and she's looking for a break. Well, a break that includes the possibility of reuniting with her childhood friend. Theo isn't quite as sure but, well, he's always loved her and feels that hole in his heart from their abrupt, unexplained separation. And thus begins this sweet, occasionally frustrating romance.

Utilizing duel POV and flipping back-and-forth from past to present at times, the author does an excellent job filling us in on the backstory. Second chance romances are always fun, albeit at times Theo and Emerson seemed to be their own worst enemies, doing or saying exactly the wrong thing at the wrong time. They have good intentions but miscommunication and/or misunderstanding or even self-doubt get in the way. Both main characters were easy to love and just as easy to dislike at times. That said, I thoroughly enjoyed the emphasis on emotional connections as opposed to simply, uh, lust. It made it much easier to ultimately care about them. Oh, and Emerson is a voracious reader, so easy for me to root for.

I won't detail the plot but given the utter convenience of Emerson having had a very public breakup at just the time she receives a ten-year-old reminder and Theo conveniently being the photographer on a fashion shoot, albeit one that would normally be beneath her celebrated status, once I rolled my eyes at that and simply accepted, yep, could happen, I did enjoy the story. Italy seemed like an ideal romantic setting but loved the Hollywood scenic scene, too, as well as the more private settings. The supporting characters seemed sparse but were memorable, as was the supporting cast, so to speak, of the scene at the airport. I won't say why but donuts play a role. A cute role. 

Bottom line, while I wasn't quite blown away, it was a fun read from a debut author and I'll be looking forward to her future books. Thanks #NetGalley and #StMartin'sPress - #StMartin'sGriffin for giving me this virtual tour to Italy for an early look at Emerson and Theo's story. It was fun and getting to read basically how a photo shoot works was interesting. Now I'm going to be looking for pins in fashion shots!

Colossal Words for Kids, by Colette Hiller, Tor Freeman (Illustrator)

 

Publication May 7, 2024

What's your "idiosyncrasy"? It may be "nondescript" or "scintillating" or maybe you're "oblivious" to it. Whatever it is, you'll probably find a word for it in this fun, fun book. I had a great deal of fun reading the rhythmic wordplay within, chuckling at the colorful, humorous illustrations. At times the words and letters seemed to have a life of their own, too, meandering (you'll find that word defined within) about the page, creating shapes that help convey the meanings. Make sure you check out that "Z" for "zest" and the "Y" in "unruly". 

I highly recommend this one for my teacher friends and, for that fact, anyone with children (or even adult friends) fascinated by wordplay. Not only do you get humorous definitions that are far more fun than anything you'll find in a dictionary, but there are added bits here and there about authors and, well, words. Even better, some of the nuances are tackled. So, don't be "doleful" like Eeyore. Order a copy now. If not, it'll be a "colossal" (yes, that word is in there, too) shame and deprive you of fun moments. Thanks #QuartoPublishingGroup and #FrancesLincolnChildren'sBooks for sharing this sneak peek via #NetGalley. As an avid reader, not to mention writer and former English teacher, I loved it.

Summers at the Saint, by Mary Kay Andrews

 

Publication May 7, 2024

First, an admission. I clicked on the "request to review" button for this one based on two things, the summer at the beach type cover and an expectation of a fun romance from an author I've loved for years. Well, I got what I expected but, wow, way more. As it turned out, given my current leaning toward mysteries, this one was the perfect combo of romance, summer sun and fun, and, oh, my, murder and suspense.

There is a lot going on at the beginning, with characters seeming to come and go rapidly, so it did take me awhile to get my bearings. What appears to be a simple story line at first, Traci Eddings' efforts to save the venerable "Saint", ie St. Cecelia hotel/resort, quickly evolves into multiple story lines and characters you'll love. Well, most of them. Others, um, not so much. We meet Traci herself as a child of 6-7 when she gets her first glimpse of the Saint from her grandfather's simple fishing boat. It's quickly established that they, Traci and her family aren't wealthy enough to vacation here. But, she can work there. To cut to the chase, ah, romance. Traci and Hoke, the heir, meet, fall in love, and marry. All is right in their world...until it isn't. Hoke dies and Traci, barely accepted by his upper class family, struggles. Then odd things start happening, including a mysterious death.

That is where the plot takes off and, oh, my, buckle your seat belt. I won't detail the plot further, I'm sure others have done a far better job, but will say that I found what I was expecting and then some. Yes, there is romance. There's also family dynamics, most difficult, and social divides, not to mention that pesky murder. The ending is action and emotion packed, not to mention with more than a bit of romance tossed in, too, so fasten your seat belt and enjoy the ride. Thanks #NetGalley and #StMartin'sPress for this fun, romantic, and suspenseful early peek at the goings on at the Saint.

Iditarod Time

 Just a quick, non-book post to wish a safe trip to Nome for all the teams involved. I don’t pay it much attention nowadays but will always marvel the magnificent dogs involved. 

My Mama, Cass: A Memoir, by Owen Elliot-Kugell

 

 Publication May 7, 2023

Having recently read "All the Leaves Are Brown", by Scott G. Shea, which goes into great detail about the rise and fall of the Mamas and Papas, I hesitated to read this one, I must admit. I mean, how much more could it possible tell me? Oh, I'm so glad I didn't heed my hesitation..

Whereas Shea's book focuses on the dynamics and lives of all the group members, the focus here is on not just Cass Elliott but how her life and death impacted her daughter, Owen, who was only seven when Cass died. Much to her credit, Owen, who never even knew who her biological father was until a decade plus past Cass's death, neither ignores nor elevates the '60s lifestyle her mother lead. She draws on friends and family members to flesh out the woman she was only beginning to know before Cass died in London during a solo tour. You'll recognize many of those names, I'm sure. There are some very personal memories, too, such as acknowledging that she still has the ABC blanket with animals on it that was one of her last physical connections to her mother or remembering how the jangle of the bracelets Cass wore reminded her of wind chimes. In other words, this is a book written from love.

I won't detail Cass's life other than say she learned early to hide her hurt with humor, something that allowed her to carry on despite cruel jokes at the expense of her weight. Owen does clarify that the rumor of what caused her mother's death, that dang sandwich, were false. Raised by her aunt and grandmother, Owen's life wasn't an easy one. Nothing like one my think life of a superstar's child might be. The book doesn't point fingers, nothing salacious about anyone, but doesn't hide the fact that Owen had to have therapy as a child and struggled in school. She did seem to inherit her mother's creativity and love of music, however, and even came close to being a part of.....nope, not telling. You'll recognize the group name, however. 

Owen never hesitates to reveal her feelings of vulnerability, whether as a struggling youth or trying to connect with her biological father. I came away from the book admiring her greatly. She's taken an unflinching look but endearing look at her mother, writing with love, and has a smooth, easy writing style. If you have any interest in the 1960's lifestyle/music scene, you will thoroughly enjoy this book. So many what ifs, too, from "What if Cass had lived?" to "What if Owen had grown up not only with her mother's love but surrounded by the music scene?" or even "What if she'd known her father as a child?" In other words, this book makes you think while sharing a very personal story. Thanks #NetGalley and #HatchetteBooks for allowing me to read it early. I've always marveled at that remarkable voice of Cass Elliott, so I thoroughly enjoyed this far more-personal-than-most peek into her life and am delighted to see her daughter's voice emerge as a writer.

Mummies Unwrapped, by Victoria England

 Publication April 2, 2024

Without looking it up, where does the term "mummy" come from? I have to admit, despite having read extensively about ancient Egypt and the mummification process, if I knew, I'd forgotten. It actually comes from the Persion word, go figure, "mumiya" that meant "bitumen". That word refers to the stick, black tar-like substance used in the mummification process. If you don't know how, you'll find out by reading this book. In any case, the term became associated with mummies.

So, I learned something right off the bat from this book. That's always a huge plus for me, a book that teaches me something. I do so wish I'd had this book while I was still teaching, to be honest. Not only does it cover the basics of how and why the mummification process was used, but you'll learn about Egyptian life and beliefs in the process via the combo of words and illustrations. Heck, you'll even learn about some of the oopsies made, such as how the heck did those tiny mice and lizard find their way inside the wrapped corpse. And, yikes, wait until you hear about how people once used "mummy powder" which, yes, is exactly what it sounds like. Let's just say, the once revered dead weren't always treated with reverence. 

Bottom line, if you have any interest in all things Egypt, whether the mummification process itself or how tombs were excavated and studied, this is a must. The illustrations are detailed yet simple, if that makes sense, and add greatly to the also direct, easy-to-read text. History buffs and teachers/librarians should definitely have this on their shelves. I mean, come on, they even mummified our beloved pets, so it's of interest in many ways. Side-boxes, usually highlighted by color, give more info, I should also note, and there's a solid index at the end. Thanks #NetGalley and #NosyCrowInc for spurring my interest in this fascinating era and all that went with it.

Widows on the Wine Path, by Julia Jarman

 

Publication April 3, 2024

You'll frequently be moved from grins to anger, laughter to tears, and everything in-between. There are tense moments, too, that will have you cheering on Libby, who you'll want to give a high five and hug at the end. In other words, this book is a bit of an emotional roller-coaster but it's a delightful ride. Although I haven't read the intro book for this series, thist worked well as a standalone. Libby, the central character here, is a new addition, one full of promise but, oh, my, the obstacles she allows to get in the way. That need to feel loved is strong. So, do I need to tell you there's a handsome man who sweeps Libby off her feet and away from the protective group of friends she has made since becoming a widow. The Muscateers together and are a strong force, a group that has each other's back even when it comes to what many of us would consider going the extra mile. I liked them all, even when wanting to shake some sense into Libby for missing so many signals. 

I won't detail the plot. It's far more fun to experience the highs and lows and catch up on who is who as you go, after all, so read the blurb. I do admit that at times I found myself skimming, a sign either the book wasn't holding my interest in sections or my impatience to reach the hoped for happy ending. Maybe both. It also took me awhile to sort out which of Libby's three friends was which personality, so to speak, and there were a few coincidences that seemed unlikely but, hey, were possible. Hence the 4 rating. Overall, however, aside from Monty being a jerk, everyone else was interesting, likable, and well-rounded although we didn't really get to see much from the Muscateers individual lives. I hope to find time to read the first book soon however, since that one focused on them and the original formation of the group. Their "one for all, all for one" camaraderie is both inspiring and telling. They bring different life experiences and skills, Libby's writing skill for instance. As someone who has experienced a family member with dementia, I appreciated that aspect being included as it is something many encounter or worse, experience as they age. Let's just say, I also plan to get my hands on the author's children's book, "Lovely Old Lion" soon, a guide for children on navigating that difficult to understand, even for adults, aspect of life. 

Bottom line, this book will make you think, not to mention provide some very basic red flags to notice when engaging in new relationships. Libby is lucky to have so many who have survived loss and know what she's going through and are there for her. Zelda is the dominant force this go-round and we do get her viewpoint interspersed throughout the book. Mistakes are made, scary ones, but inner strength, having friends, and, I guess you'd say, having beloved ol' friends who know the right people save the day. Thanks #NetGalley and #BoldwoodBooks for this sneak peek. I absolutely loved the ending.