Planted 4 Murder, by J. C. Eaton

 

Publication Oct. 28,20255

I absolutely adore this series. It's one of the most entertaining around, even if I'm usually totally lost on whodunit until the end. It isn't that the story isn't well written, it's just that there are so many wild things going on, usually due to the intervention of Phee/Sophie's mom and the Sun City bunch. I get so busy rolling my eyes and laughing at their antics and wild conspiracy theories that the actual investigation becomes, well, secondary. Even better, I'm loving every minute of it and hate to see it end.

So, needless to say, I'm not going to even attempt to detail the plot. It's a clever one, of course, involving many twists and turns and dead ends, pun only half intended. Like what, you ask? Well, lets start with the men's pinochle club deciding the want to get involved in the local community garden. Seems solar flares may destroy the earth or something akin to that and, well, they don't want to starve to death. None of them seem to have any gardening experience but, well, lack of experience or even knowledge has never stopped them before. Next thing you know, they've talked the ladies of Sun City into joining them and that's where Phee gets pulled into the chaos. Her mother, Harriet, has that ability to talk her into doing just about anything using the threat of her having to spend more time with Streetman, the woefully disobedient, snappy dog of Harriet's heart. Then Streetman discovers a skeletal hand, one with several rings still attached, rings that turn out to be a gimmel ring, and the story is off and running. Nope, you'll have to read to find out what a gimmel ring is. And, that's just the beginning. 

What else can you expect? Let's see, stolen cats, sneaking into garages, mounds of dirty laundry, garden sabotage, dead fish, pranks, a skull in garden for real, poisoning, potatoes, and, well, much, much more. This was a new murder weapon to me, I must admit. The characters, even the most annoying, are actually mostly quite likable and entertaining. There are also periodic book mentions, something I always enjoy, with Alice Castle's "The Murder Garden" getting a prominent mention for obvious reason. As for whodunit, I had no real clue until the reveal. Needless to say, the reveal is a chaotic, mix of humor and anxiety. And, fun, lots of fun. Thanks #BeyondThePage for letting me drop into Phee's chaotic world again for an early peek. I had to chuckle when I realized I was waiting for that inevitable trip to the dog park with Streetman. Grin. 

Revenge, Served Royal (Lady Petra Inquires, #3), by Celeste Connally

 Publication Nov. 11, 2025

The time is September, 1815. You're invited to attend a wonderful week of merriment and baking competition at Windsor Castle by Queen Charlotte. Lady Petra is happy to accept not just the invite but to be asked to serve as one of the judges of the baking contest. Even better, her own family cook is to be one of the contestants. Some humor as the naive cook is bewildered by the concept of it being a blind competition, simply meaning the judges will have no way of knowing which baked offering is from which cook. There's an added bonus for Lady Petra as one of her family's former cooks, now a former royal chef turned author of cookbooks, will be on hand. So will her romantic interest, Duncan. That's good as Sir Rufus Pomeroy, her family's former cook, is killed.

 I won't detail the plot much further other than to say it was fascinating to get a behind-the-scenes look at an earlier version of Windsor as well as the royal family. King George, who by then had descended into the madness that marked his later years, is largely scarce, for obvious reasons, although the by then Prince Regent is front and center. In fact, he's even a suspect. All does not seem to be functioning as one might expect with Rufus' valet, who turns out to have connections to Petra, is quickly nabbed as the suspect and ordered to the dungeon. True, there are good reasons for his arrest but not his treatment. Petra sets out to prove his innocence and winds up putting herself in the line of danger, not that it deters her. Be sure you read the author's back matter relating to the actual history being covered, which my history major soul loved reading. I won't spoil it for you but will say family drama, scandal, romance, writing, and, yes, baking, take the spotlight at various times.

Bottom line, despite always being taken aback initially by the large cast and rather meandering murder investigation (hey, it is 1815 after all) I wound up liking Petra and her friends. Heck, the character I thoroughly disliked initially was even redeemed, which was a twist I didn't see coming. And, no, I didn't really guess whodunit, either. But, I did thoroughly enjoy the story around the baking competition and I'm not even a fan of cooking shows. I liked that via Petra it was explained what judges were looking for in the various items as well as how they tasted and rated the entries. Thanks #StMartin'sPress - #MinotaurBooks for the early peek at a fun mystery set in a historic era I was happy to visit. Heck, I also have to admit to being curious enough to do some internet surfing to refresh my memories of George and Charlotte, including her having a young Mozart play at the palace. 

Wildflowers of the Pacific Northwest For Kids, by Ashley Erdely

 

Publication Oct. 14, 202

Fantastic, fun field guide to wildflowers.

While targeting younger readers, this one is something any age can appreciate. I do note that there's a version aimed at all ages available, too, but don't let the "for kids" in the title stop you from getting this one. As one of those whose spent much of my life identifying flowers as the "pretty yellow flowers" or simply "blue" or "pink" or whatever, I was delighted to find several of the flowers common to my yard and very Northwest Pacific area showcased. To be honest, the book had me with its early section on composite flowers, not only because sunflowers and daisies are favorites but because, well, I'm owned by a furry corgi mix named Daisy. Heck, I had to go out and find some wild daisies still growing here -- alas, flower season is winding down fast in Alaska -- to check out the descriptions given. Yep, right on. 

In any case, while written for children, I see this as a book meant to be utilized by adults accompanying children on nature walks as the text isn't elementary. Hence my belief all ages will enjoy.  It's well organized with a simple but well structured table of contents and quick reference notes up front. The section showing the various flowers by blooming time/months and elevation were an added touch. The book can certainly be read in any order or simply grabbed as a quick reference with even info on how best to utilize the book. Basic info and fun facts and stories are given for each in addition to scientific names, most of which seemed to be explained. For instance, the flower I know as Blue Bells is known in the scientific community as Companula Rotundfolia. Why? In Latin, companula means "little bell" while rotundfolia means "round leaves". Steps to identify them are included. There's also info on what plants to avoid.

Even better, all this is done in a readable, easily understandable way. There's even a brief history of how flowers came to be spread, including by one of my Alaskan favorites, glaciers. In addition, ways that plants have evolved, such as having tiny surface hairs or a waxy surface, for instance, to preserve moisture. Pollinators get space, too, including the likes of bats, which I'd never really thought about as a potential pollinator. And, oh, so much more. Seriously, they even discuss the need for carrying a first aid kit with you, never a bad idea when venturing out. I liked their reminder that "One person's weed is another person's wildflower," too, as a fan of the dandelion. There's also an extensive glossary and index at the back as well as photo credits. The photos are wonderful, by the way. Very colorful and frequently close up views that catch your eye. Thanks #TimberPress and #NetGalley for this early peek. I loved it and the 8" measuring guide on the back cover was a good touch. 

 

Paintings, Puppies & Murder: A Dickens & Christie Mystery Kathy Manos Penn (Dickens & Christie #12), by Kathy Manos Penn

 

Publication TBA October

It's easy to get lost in your mind as you imagine yourself taking in all that the luxurious Foxbourne Park estate has to offer.  Lavinia Foxbourne and Ellie, ie the Dowager Countess of Stow, have been friends "forever", so the invite came through her connections. Leta Parker is still searching for that perfect site for her dream wedding to Dave Prentiss and this place has luxury and dream wedding vibes in overdrive. Then, oops, there's a murder. Fortunately DI Gemma is with the group for the trip, well, until she gets a call to come home ASAP as a family member has taken a fall from a ladder. That leaves Leta and the ladies, ie the LOL (Little Old Ladies) sleuths alone at the estate to try to sift out info and make it all make sense. Edward was admittedly a charmer but also a womanizer and had money problems. Who'd have killed him, in a fancy spa of all places? Dave, while not on site, makes his presence known via regular phone calls and doing some internet searching and sleuthing for them. 

I won't detail the plot much further except to say that despite Leta's best efforts to not get involved in the investigation, circumstances force her to at least chat and listen. That translates to asking her usual good questions and paying her also usual attention to detail.  It is, of course, no accident that the family has put her in the Amethyst Room, ie the honeymoon suite, for her stay, I might note. She's pretty much already in love with the idea of having her wedding there, although the idea of there being a murder there is, well, troublesome. You'll have to read to see how that turns out. 

Bottom line, this has become a "must read" series. I'm character driven as a reader and Penn's charming cast is wonderfully fleshed out and I feel like I'm getting together with old friends when I open her books. True, I wouldn't mind having a bit of a Downton Abbey moment with them at such a wonderful setting, either, but it's the people who always stand out. They're all unique and, more important, friends who might as well be family. I loved how they accepted Dave into the fold earlier and, btw, his moments on the phone as he chats with Leta with cat Christie's input are a hoot. Nope, not sharing. Don't want to spoil your smiles and maybe laughter as you read. While you're enjoying the company of this delightful group, you'll learn a bit about art, jewelry making, not to mention jeweled daggers. And, oh, don't stop reading after the big reveal, which was rather sad. The ending is beautifully rendered, however, one long time readers will love. Just be prepared to fall in love with these people and want to read the entire series post-haste. Thanks to the author for allowing me this early read. I wish I could sneak into your suitcase next trip to "research" in the Cotswold area.

And They Walk On, by Kevin Maillard, Rafael López (illustrator)

 

Publication October 14, 2025

Death is a tough topic. I have to admit to being wary of requesting this one to review. Do you remember how death was explained to you as a child? I must have been told something about going to sleep and just not waking up because I recall being afraid of going to sleep for some time. A well meaning, softly handled explanation, yes, but one just never knows how a child's mind will process such a complicated event, especially since the sadness about them is hardly comforting.  

This book offers a means to open a dialogue. It's a mix of another, more hopeful, cultural approach to broaching the topic with children. To be simplistic, its focus is on a bit of a combo of a native beliefs that see death as another step in life. You walk on after death. It's vague, yes, but helps a child envision the concept of them still being with us, just not visible. I thought of the Disney movie "Coco", in fact, as I thought about this one, so the Hispanic concept of the Day of the Dead played into my interpretation of the text. It gave me a focus, that death can be a celebration, too, not just sad. The tone is a mix of sadness and, yes, hopefulness, reminding us that as long as our memories last, no one is truly gone. They live on. The lovely illustrations by Rafael Lopez match the tone. They offer a mix of colors and motion in a somewhat subdued color palette. Pay attention to the colors and designs/patterns, too, as they contribute to the theme. 

I particularly liked that the author doesn't present the material as the ultimate, "this is it answer". He's obviously still searching, too, and it's very obvious how much he took this topic to heart in the sections at the end. The book can, however, present an avenue to discussion, perhaps ensuring we no longer frighten our young children about going to sleep at night after tackling the topic of death. There's even a recipe, a subtle reminder that memories keep us alive, often through no more than a taste or smell. Thanks #MacmillanChild'sPublishingGroup and #NetGalley for making this available to me early. It certainly served to stir some memories and, yes, bring a smile to my face as a result. 

Murder in Venice (An Armstrong and Oscar Cozy Mystery Book 13), by T.A. Williams

 

Publication Nov. 3, 2025

How have I missed this series until now? I'm delighted to add it to my favorites list. Not only is main character Dan Armstrong quite likable and believable, but his dog Oscar's personality shines through, too. Dan, a retired investigator from Scotland Yard, now lives in Italy but is making his first visit to Venice in this installment and does an excellent job in setting the scene. I've never been there, alas, but found his real world assessments made me feel like I was not only tagging along for the trip to movie legend Alice Graceland's luxury villa but enjoying the waterways that serve as roads in most of the area. I liked that the author took a short moment to explain that boat traffic speeds were strictly enforced and why. The speeds are kept to 5 km, about 3 mph, to control not just the heavy boat traffic but to limit wave wear and tear on the buildings that line the canals. You'll be able to visualize the homes alongside and the many bridges that cross the canals. Just don't follow Dan's example of, uh, taking a shortcut, let's say. Oscar followed right along, I might add. 

The various characters were well-fleshed albeit not all were likable. There are plenty of secrets hidden amongst this odd grouping that Alice has brought together for a murder mystery party. Why a murder mystery party? Oh, she has her reasons but, nope, not telling. Although this was my first dive into this series, it worked well as a standalone. We even got to meet Dan's soon to be bride, Anna, and his visiting parents before he sets out on his trip to Venice. Heck, we even spend a few moments with a former collegue, Virgilio, who asks Dan to retrieve a Murano vase for him while in Venice. That's the easy part as he enters a web of past secrets that have raised the atmosphere there to an uncomfortable level. As Dan notes, the only one that seems to be happy to be there is Oscar and that's probably because people by, uh, accident keep dropping tidbits from the table that he gobbles up. Alice is a particular favorite. Dan's least favorite part is the costumes Alice asks her guests to don for the mystery game. Can't say that I blamed him. 

I won't detail the plot further except to say that the atmosphere is already weird when one of the guests is found dead. Who did it? Why this particular victim? Could it have been an accidental overdose? How did the vibe of the mystery game complicate matters? How is this odd group of characters connected and why did Alice invite them in the first place? Will Oscar get his walks despite the complications? Grin. Thanks #NetGalley and #BoldwoodBooks for this early peek at a delightful series that I'll not only be looking forward to in the future but playing catch-up reading on asap. Virtual treats, okay, sirloin for Oscar!

The Twelve Days of Christmas Dogs: The Classic Edition, by Amanda Sobotka, Chris Dunn (Illustrator)

 

Publication October , 2025

If you can get through this one without singing or humming along, at least in your head, you're made of sterner stuff than me. All to check the rhythm and rhyme, of course. Seriously, this one is absolutely delightful. I felt like I'd stepped into a furry version of an old fashioned Currier and Ives painting. Each verse is illustrated with dogs of the described breed with a squirrel popping up regularly to join them. All are dressed in human clothing and doing very human things, well, mostly. Unless you happen to be Santa, I doubt you're flying through the sky on a sled. Doesn't matter. Still fun and the verses are repeated on two pages at the end for those just looking to sing along after viewing the various detailed illustrations.

I won't detail all the fun illustrations but, as a human owned by a corgi mix, I was delighted to see them included. Not only included, but both types included, not to mention one with a squirrel pal taking a nap and another curled up with it's stuffed bunny rabbit. Each is unique, from coloring to individual expressions. This holds true throughout the book not just with my favorite corgis, by the way. Children can have great fun spying the different breeds, counting them, and finding different expressions such as contentment, joy, amazement, and more. See how often the trusty squirrel pops up, too, and in what kind of outfit or adventure. Even the dogs' ear placement helps convey personality, so lots to see. Each view is beautifully detailed and revolves about a different situation, even dancing poodles, and is simply a delightful read with a whimsical touch. Thanks so much #CiderMillPress - #ApplesaucePress for this early peek. I'm thinking I'll be on the lookout for a print copy of this one for myself! My Daisy dog gives this one four paws up and a bushel of tail wags. 

 

Five Golden Wings: A Meg Langslow Mystery, by Donna Andrews, Bernadette Dunne (Narrator)

 

Publication Oct. 14, 2025      Audio version  9h 26m 25s

This is one of my favorite series. If you like your cozy mysteries with humor and well-developed characters, this one should be on your list. Meg Langslow is smart, super organized, maybe because of her little book that tells her what she's supposed to be doing at any given time, and never seems to lose her cool even when surrounded by a quirky group of family and friends that keep her busy. It's been fun to watch her develop and see her interact with not just husband Michael and their two sons, but the likes of her nephew Kevin, the computer hacker, er, geek, er, wiz, who seems to spend more time hidden away in his computer heavy area in the family home than out and about but is now working with the police. The same police who, when things get a bit crazy in the town of Caerphilly, seem to always depend on Meg to take care of things they can't find the time to deal with. In the process, she's turned into a superb solver of crimes, particularly murder. 

It's when she's faced with more mundane tasks, such as keeping her warring cousins who are getting married on the same day in the same place from open warfare. Actually, she's only partially successful at keeping the open warfare in check before the cousins strangle each other. What no one expected was to find the wedding photographer dead. I'm not going to share more of the plot other than to say Meg is front and center and that one wonders why the Caerphilly police haven't set up a working office space at the house, too. By now surely Kevin has a camera on everything although we do learn how sheer luck comes into play against the best of modern technology. Lots of suspects, even the almost-grooms, and you'll get a bit of an education on eagles, ie the "golden wings" of the title. Just keep Rob from singing, okay. 

Bottom line, this is a fun lead up to Christmas with a reminder of how hectic it can be, even without dueling weddings. You'll also perhaps learn a few things about what not to do if you're having a blog worthy wedding. Thanks #MacmillanAudio for allowing me this early listen. As always, narrator Bernadette Dunne does an excellent job bringing not just Meg but the entire community of Caerphilly to life in this offering. I'm already antsy for the next installment. 

Making Mary Poppins: The Sherman Brothers, Walt Disney, and the Creation of a Classic Film, by Todd James Pierce

 

Publication Nov. 11, 1015

What are the odds that just after finishing the section talking about Julie Andrews being tapped for the role in Sound of Music after doing Mary Poppins that I'd encounter a grocery worker stocking shelves  merrily whistling an Andrews tune? True story. Made me smile. This book also brought me some smiles. It was interesting to learn not only about the Sherman Brothers' work on Poppins but get to know their back story, such as Bob being in the first wave of army troops to hit Omaha Beach during WWII, and why it helped prepare them for the task. Walt Disney's courtesy toward their family was nice to hear about, too. 

In other words, while the focus is on the drive to produce the music for Disney's Mary Poppins, we learn not only quite a bit about Disney and the Sherman's as humans, but also many of the various others who contributed. Knowing that, say, Dick Van Dyke is approaching 100 years old as I type, it was fascinating to  be reminded that despite his successful television series, this was his first truly important movie role as Bert the chimney sweep. While Andrews was fresh off the disappointment of not being given the chance to take a successful Broadway role to the big screen, she was also pregnant when she signed to do the picture. You'll also meet the other main cast members, including the Bird Lady, and get a feel for their backgrounds and why Disney selected them. Heck, for all this talent, Van Dyke wasn't a dancer, so you know there was more to that story.

Bottom line, while I was expecting to read a bit more detail of how certain scenes were accomplished, many were explained, including the fear of heights one of the child actors had. The standard answer to those on set asking how something would be done was "Disney magic" which, given our knowledge nowadays of the output from the studio, made all the sense in the world. You'll even learn where the Sherman's life long love of word play lead to "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious" as a song. The author of the Poppins book, btw, PL Travers, gets some time and explanation, too, which was interesting having seen Disney's "Saving Mr. Banks" movie dealing with those tricky negotiations. In other words, lots of behind the scenes info shared including Walt's (he disliked being called Mr. Disney) concept of connecting with all ages, not just the children the picture may seemed aimed at. It worked and, yes, still works today. There's also an extensive list of resources used at the end. Thanks #WWNorton&Company for this early peek into the making of a movie so many of us have loved. It brought smiles and warm memories of it, not to mention the Sherman's role in the "It's a Small World" theme song at that Disney experience.

Hendrix and Rocket: Halloween Hijinks, by Kristin Haynes, Anna Thompson (illustrator)

I'm obviously a sucker for anything dog but team it up with Halloween and it's a win-win for me. Such a fun time of the year and, well, why shouldn't out furry friends be allowed to enjoy it, too. I did do a double take on the idea of a chocolate bone for a dog treat but reassured myself that there really is such a thing, only it used carob as a substitute ingredient rather than the "bad for dogs" chocolate. Phew, doubt checked that just to be sure. Was actually surprised how many varieties there are available, in fact.

In any case, a fun read with equally fun artwork. I especially liked the use of the rocket graphic for Rocket the dog and a guitar for Hendrix, rocket's canine buddy that pops up in spots in the book. I'm thinking the author, who turns out to live in Tasmania, is a big fan of, well, I bet you can guess. Points I especially liked were the list of things to remember before heading out to trick or treat, the focus being on safety. You'll note that even Rocket and Hendrix abide by the rules even to the point of wearing a head light, so to speak. Benny the Bat obviously doesn't need that. He's a cutie and, yes, there really is such a thing as a Tasmanian long-eared bat. They rely on pests such as insects and the like for their diet, however, not candy carob beetles. Grin. 

Bottom line, a fun, quick read that will entertain both Halloween and dog fans, not to mention, I guess, bat fans. A bit of suspense but not intense and definitely conveys the lesson of not eating everything at once, no matter how good a reason you think you may have. Hendrix certainly learned that lesson and loved the subtle hint of Rocket for him to stay close to the doggie door when they got home. The real pix of dogs at the end was a bonus treat.Thanks #BooksGoSocial for the fun reminder that one of my favorite fun seasons is approaching.  Time to start stockpiling some candy and, hmm, maybe some carob doggie bones as treats? 

History Smashers: Ancient Egypt, by Kate Messner

 

Publication October ,2025

Egypt is a favorite topic and I love this series, so a win-win for me. Kate Messner manages to squeeze in lots of information and frequently with humor. Given the huge stretch of time Ancient Egypt falls into, there's lots of information, too, as well as fact-checking, so to speak. Her light touch makes it an easy, enjoyable read and there are lots and lots of pictures. It's divided into sections, giving you a sense of where you are in history as you read and, quite frankly, helping not overwhelm us with too much at one time. Obviously there is some overlap, such as in the evolution of pyramid building, starting with Imhotep's first pyramid way back in, well, you'll get all that info as you read, which is a good thing since I didn't write down the date. I did note that the Great Pyramid used over 23 million blocks weighing about a ton each, so my attention to detail was obviously scattered. 

In any case, my scarcity of notes aside, you'll learn a great deal about Egyptian history, not to mention the ancient mythology which I've always found fascinating. Mummies? Of courses there is info on them. I found the discussion of the taking, okay, theft, of some of Egypt's wonder artifacts by various other countries quite pertinent in light of current chatter about a valuable painting stolen by the Nazis being discovered recently. Another timely subject might be that in the time of Ancient Egypt rulers tended to try to erase the accomplishments or even existence of prior kings by destroying as much evidence of their rule as possible, whether it be by re-engraving their own name in stone (literally) as a claim to accomplishments or simple having them destroyed. And, of, much, much more. All done with a deft hand and frequently light touch.

Bottom line, this book would be an excellent addition to any social studies teacher or library, not to mention your own. There's a handy timeline, too, to help you sort out the multitude of info you can pick up from this fun offering. The whimsical cover is an excellent preview of the tone light, even whimsical tone of much this full-of-facts work, making it an easy read. The Ancient Egypt Yearbook spoof near the end is a hoot and includes things like misuse of ancient musical instruments and, well, mummies themselves. I won't tell you some of the things they were used for. Read the book. As noted, lots to learn here, even if it may make you cringe more than once. The humorous illustrations of ways our culture has been influenced by all things Egypt is fun, too, from architecture and Vegas to actor-author-comedian-musician Steve "King Tut" Martin, albeit I didn't see his name mentioned. Just knew immediately what was being referenced, again showing the power of the connection. Thanks #RandomHouseChildrensBooks and #NetGalley for allowing me an early peek at this fun book. 

Disney's Animated Classics: A Comprehensive Guide, by Stephen Rötzsch Thomas

 

Publication Sept. 30, 2025

I enjoyed this relatively informal look at the animation history of the Disney studio. Part behind the scenes glimpses, part informational, and part an introduction to the people who made the magic we've all come to expect from Disney. As I read, I was actually astonished to realize not only have I never seen many of these films but, well, hadn't even heard of some of them. I put that squarely on my own shoulders, however, and that little thing called real life. It was definitely interesting to read about Walt Disney's obsessive nature with his films, especially as it was made obvious how long many were talked about before they even began production. Production, of course, could take years. There was even what I'd call a gossipy vibe to the text at times, not to mention that the author made observations that, quite frankly, even for the films I've seen countless times, I'd never thought of or, more likely, I'd have rolled my eyes at such as the discussion of Gaston from "Beauty and the Beast". Nope, not telling. You'll just have to read the book for that one. 

The book is divided into sections detailing the animations emerging during that time period. There's a bit about the history behind the creation of each film, from Disney's foray into creating Mickey Mouse to what may have sparked the various films' ideas in the first place. There are photos but since the version I read was an early unedited digital one, they were at the end of the book. They'll surely be inserted in proper time, to speak, in the final versions. Living in Central Florida at the time Disney World opened, it was interesting to realize that "Sword in the Stone" was probably the film distracting Walt Disney from his dreams for the complex at about the same time. "Lady and the Tramp" came about the time the original Disneyland opened, by the way. Disney was never one not to push boundaries and technology, so it was interesting to see how they used and developed technology to attain their goals. They certainly set the standard for years to come. 

Bottom line, while hardly the ultimate look at Disney animation, this was a fun, interesting look at the evolution of the Disney studio's early days until, well, "Moana II" is given a mention, so until almost today. As a fan of Lin-Manual Miranda, I was delighted to see his efforts spotlighted, not to mention to hear about Robin Williams' problems with "Aladdin".  Let's just say, Williams wasn't happy at how his contract was interpreted. In any case, while you won't know all there is to know about Disney when you finish this one, you'll have picked up lots of history, some behind-the-scenes tidbits, been reminded of the studio's role in WWII, and know the humans who created some of the most memorable animated characters ever. You'll even get the author's opinions on the films and songs (Oh, "Let It Go" indeed). Thanks #Pen&Sword for this early peek behind the curtains and some thoughts to ponder. I mean, I hadn't picked up on the Yen Sid villain's name until now. Also, thanks for that extensive bibliography and index. They were quite appreciated. 

 

Softly, As I Leave You: Life After Elvis, by Priscilla Beaulieu Presley

 

Available Sept. 23, 2025

Audio Book 10h 30m, narration by author

I didn't come along in time to be an ardent Presley fan but, of course, knew him and liked much of his music. I never gave Priscilla much thought, to be honest, other than thinking I wished she had a better hair-do and less eye makeup. This is the story behind those photos. A story of a very young girl caught up in the mania that was all things Presley, including his drug intake and odd living arrangements. That she was only 13 when she first met him gradually seeped into my mind but, well, never quite drowned out the furor over Jerry Lee Lewis' shocking marriage. There was a ten year age difference between Elvis and Priscilla and it shows in her naive acceptance of the life style, even when she knew he was "seeing" over women. Raised in a generation that was taught to please her man in all things and have no real thoughts of her own, her life was a lifetime away of my growing years in the much looser decades to follow. She tried never to question his behavior no matter what because, well, he was Elvis Presley. In other words, she was pretty, submissive, and charming where he was concerned. I mean, according to her, they didn't even have sex until marriage, hence she grew up in a bit of a golden, gilded cage surrounded my his largely male entourage. 

My overall take from the book was a sense of sadness, to be honest. You don't just marry a person, she learned, you marry his family, too, and that included the Memphis Mafia men that catered to his every need. Much of the book centers around her efforts to shield daughter Lisa Marie from the worst of life in Graceland. Spoiled rotten by Elvis, she felt entitled and had little use for either school or restrictions, rebelling often, something Priscilla would struggle with. She does cover Lisa's marriage to the then superstar of superstars, Michael Jackson, who Priscilla never quite trusted. His focus on Lisa being Elvis' daughter was surely unnerving, especially when he told Lisa he wanted them to have Elvis' grandchild. The ups and downs of that relationship are discussed as are some of Priscilla's own efforts to establish a life and relationships apart from her identity as Elvis Presley's wife. 

And....well, seriously, this is all from early in the book. I won't detail much more of the details other than to say the references to OJ Simpson and his anger and controlling personality were chilling. She may have overdone the "I was too naive" excuse throughout the book but she was spot on with her portrayal of him, I think. That aside, her tales of her forays into being a business woman and moving into first being a spokesman and model and eventually acting were interesting. If you were a Dallas fan, you'll love the backstage stories she shares. She also shares her entrance into Scientology, citing the good things she found in it while admitting the questions that came later. Through it all, though, I think the theme that came through strongest was her role of mother, not just to Lisa Marie but later son Navarone with Marco Garibaldi. That made the stories I'd heard of the struggle over control of Graceland all the more heartbreaking as I realized how much family drama had to have impacted not just Priscilla but the entire family. And, so much more. I mean, I believe she's around 80 years-old now, so you know there is a lot I've skipped sharing. 

Production wise, this audio version was nicely done and I liked that she chose to narrate it herself. That gave it a personal feel, as did the use of titles of Elvis songs as chapter titles. Her memory of Elvis' funeral will surely give you the feels as she describes not just her own shock, especially knowing Lisa had seen him dead, but that of his family members that Priscilla had come to love. Elvis' fans will love this, I'm sure. I found listening to her story in her matter of fact tone enlightening and it made me appreciate not only Priscilla and, yes, Elvis, as real people. It was also a reminder of a time period when life was much different than what we consider normal today. Let's face it, of course, I'm not sure the word "normal" truly applies to most celebrity couples, especially those who attain the almost mythical stardom of Elvis. Thanks #NetGalley and #HatchetteAudio - #GrandCentralPublishing for allowing me this sneak peek, er, listen of a story that was both heartbreaking and uplifting.