When Paul Revere Rode: Voices from the First Night of the American Revolution, by Sarah L. Thomson, Nik Henderson (Illustrator)

 

This combines history, art, prose, and poetry into a strong tale of the first night of the American Revolution. Most of us are familiar with Paul Revere's famous ride but fuzzy on details, not to mention anyone else involved. This book goes a long way toward filling in some gaps. It's also nicely illustrated and helps you feel like you're there as Revere and others set about their assigned tasks. I liked the mostly dark, frequently rather ominous blues suggesting the night, reminding us that this task was accomplished in the scant span of one night. It also reminds us that there were others involved, from the man loaning a fast horse to Revere to the brave woman facing down Redcoats as her husband and she begin to melt down pewter utensils for bullets. 

Needless to say, as a former history major and teacher, I thoroughly enjoyed this creative combo of styles to tell a story we all sorta know but, well, not necessarily all that well. Each spread basically deals with on facet or brief moment of the evening, using text, and both prose and poetry to capture the moment and feelings. I liked that while the book obviously focuses on Revere, it doesn't ignore the male slave who helped get the word out or the largely nameless to us average citizens who rose to the moment in various ways. Each poem is focused on that source, sharing the person's observations and feelings as they were caught up in history. As the author notes early on, history isn't just a recitation of barely connected facts or events but it's the ordinary people, just like us, who rise to the challenge even when the odds seem against them. In other words, this is the human side of the story, not just that Revere jumped on a horse galloping about the countryside shouting that "The British are coming!" He didn't, btw. How foolish that would have been given speed and stealth were the objective, not to give himself away. 

Bottom line, as noted, I enjoyed this creative read and highly recommend it to not just history buffs but teachers and libraries everywhere. No matter your age, you're likely to enjoy the read. The maps at the beginning help visualize the setting as well as making it clear Revere wasn't in this alone. They also put the location of the Old North Church into perspective, something I don't recall having seen before but that's probably on me, not my teachers. There are brief bios of the individuals or groups highlighted, such as the fife players with information on the importance of their role in battle or maneuvers. It was interesting to learn that Revere lived to be 83 years old and left behind some 50 grandchildren! Finally, you'll find lists/links at the end guiding you to books, places, documents, and even films where you can learn more, as well as a select bibliography. Thanks #AstraPublishingHouse for allowing this history buff an early peek at the fascinating look at a pivotal moment in our nation's history. How inspiring to see common, everyday citizens rise to the occasion. 

Truffle Trouble (An Amish Candy Shop Mystery Book 10), by Amanda Flower

 

Publication March 31, 2026

Everyone in the village of Harvest, Ohio, seems to be excited for the upcoming wedding of chocolatier Bailey King and Sheriff Aiden Brody. What could possibly go wrong with a wedding that includes a seven-tier wedding cake and Jethro the pig as ring bearer? I'm sure long time readers can make a close guess and, most likely add, hey, what about a murder? If you're one of those, good guess. Yes, Jethro gets the first bite out of the cake but that ranks as relatively well-behaved for this not-at-all-spoiled pig, but before Bailey and Aiden can make their exit a guest drops dead. Needless to say, not only does the new groom suddenly have to don his role as sheriff but Bailey is quickly on the case as a good friend is initially the most obvious suspect. Add on Margot Rawling guilt tripping Bailey into being front-and-center for the upcoming summer wine tasting event since the honeymoon was obviously delayed, her family's needs, and, of course, pig sitting Jethro, and Bailey barely has time to get used to her new title of wife. 

This is the 10th book in this series that I've so come to enjoy. The regulars are all well-fleshed out, though new readers may wonder about that brick in Lois' bag, and generally likable. True, I'm not too fond of the overbearing Margot or Ruth Yoder but even they have their good points, albeit I do wish Bailey would learn to stand up for herself a bit more where they're concerned. Even if you're unfamiliar with the Amish culture, this book does an excellent job explaining not just the beliefs but the thoughts behind them. True, Bailey may have wished not to have been stuck behind a couple slow moving horse and buggies at one point but she respects their role in the Amish way of life. She struggles to smooth the way for Margot's wine tasting event even when it isn't well received by the community but makes it work, for instance.

Speaking of the wine tasting event, the four wine representative involved have a lot of drama behind their interaction. That does nothing to make the already crunched for time Bailey's job easier as she finds herself investigating rather than honeymooning. I don't want to share any more of the plot except to say everything somehow seems to be intertwined. As usual, it's fun to try to sift through the clues as Bailey finds them while laughing at the antics of Jethro. Unfortunately, Bailey isn't quite as amused by them as usual due to her worries about her grandmother's health and her friend being a suspect. The plot moves along quickly and works well as a standalone although this is such a fun series I recommend you check it out in full as some point as it'll give you some insight into inter-relationships and how the past has shaped the regulars that, while explained to satisfaction, doesn't go into the depth long time readers will have. Thanks #KensingtonPress for this early peek at characters I feel like I've come to know as friends while enjoying the quirkiness and warmth of the village of Harvest. Have some chocolate hand as you read, everyone, and be sure to check out the recipes at the end. I bet Jethro isn't the only one with a weakness for truffles. Grin. 

Murder at Sea (A Miss Underhay Mystery Book 23), by Helena Dixon

Sorry, know how much some of you hate the dreaded Review to Come but this is to be part of a virtual Book Release Tour. Look for it next month. It'll be well worth your read, I will say that much. This just helps me keep it straight that I did read it and when. What can I say? My mind tends to wander.

Vanished in the Crowd (Molly Murphy #22), by Rhys Bowen and Clare Broyles

 

Publication March 10, 202

Lots of excitement over the upcoming Hudson-Fulton celebration of 1909. It's the 300th anniversary of Henry Hudson's discovery of the Hudson River and Molly Murphy Sulivan's family is caught up with it in a variety of ways. Her teenage daughter is super excited to be riding on a float while husband Daniel's early days with the fledgling NYC offices of the Federal Bureau of Investigation are beyond busy and stressful. As for Molly, she's stressing over an unexpected scarcity of funds since Daniel hasn't been paid in months. She's also chaffing a bit at being somewhat relegated to simply the role of wife and mother after running her own detective agency. In fact, women's reduced roles (in comparison to today) is a running theme of the book, including the suffragette movement two of Molly's dearest friends are deeply involved with. Then, a case falls into Molly's already busy world. Seems a well-known female research scientist has gone missing. She was supposed to be staying with neighbors Sid and Gus (you'll learn more about them as you read) but never showed up and now Willa Parker's husband has hired a Pinkerton agent to find her. Molly, already struggling with being underestimated as a woman, is determined to find Willa first. 

As always, it's the characters and ample doses of  history that keep me coming back to this series. I have grown to like Molly, Daniel, and, well, all the usual side characters. Balancing work and expectations as a wife and mother is a mental weight Molly carries throughout this entry. I mean, she even suffers a bit of a guilt trip over missing church while keeping some secrets from husband Daniel. Of course, Daniel hasn't exactly been forthcoming, either, so it was intriguing to see them work through this divide. It was also intriguing given the furor over vaccines as I type, that the missing scientist was focused on finding a cure for polio. Her findings, however, were all credited to her husband. Sigh. In any case, the plot moves right along and manages to insert bits of the real celebration, including a flyover by Wilber Wright and the first ever total illumination of NYC by electric bulbs.

And, oh, yes, there's a murder to solve, too, albeit the murder aspect of the mystery doesn't occur early on. Let's just say, don't stop reading when it appears the initial case has been solved. It all ties together, trust me. I won't detail the plot further other than to say that the women's suffrage movement is front and center as are, let's see, science and the social divide via class status. We even get a gentle reminder of how quickly a single "cold bug" can get around. My sympathies were with Molly the whole time, especially in Daniel's more unbending moments, but, hey, he's coming around. The ending was satisfactory albeit I found myself feeling weird to be rooting against a Pinkerton agent after just finishing another book with a female Pinkerton agent as the main character. Oh, well, reality bites. In any case, bottom line, this words wonderfully well as a standalone but I'd highly recommend that you check out the entire series. It's a solid, good one, that is built on strong characters who've grown as the series progresses. Thanks #StMartin'sPress - #Minotaur for this early peek and for initially introducing me to Molly. There's a bit of a startling teaser for the next book at the very end and, of course, Molly's struggle to balance a career and home and family will always prove interesting. 

If Pets Wrote Poems: A Parody Collection, by Susan Johnston Taylor, Sandie Sonke (Illustrator)

 

Publication March 10, 2026

Fun. Just plain ol' fun.

I thoroughly enjoyed this parody collection of poems credited to the writer's pets. Although I have to admit to not being fully familiar with the writings of all the writers showcased here, it was fun to learn about them through the eyes of their pets. Did you know Ben Franklin had a pet squirrel named Mungo? We get Mungo's supposed take on its human's adventures with a kite and lightning. I do think my favorite parody may have been by Catterina, Edgar Allen Poe's cat simply for the ending. You're even encouraged to sing one of the poems to the tune of that pet's owner's contribution to America's national song selection. And, oh, I don't want to list them all by know you'll enjoy Dr. Seuss' Sam-I-Am  as told by his Yorkshire terrier Sam, who is actually a Samantha. 

The book is set up with each spread featuring a different poet/pet. You get the parody poem and a bit about the human side of that partnership. Nothing long winded, hence easily digested by young minds. Heck, even the brief bits about the writers offer up humor, as do the illustrations. While not realistic, they are colorful and, well, fun, with the pet supposedly being quoted easily recognizable. Well, if you know what, say, a wombat is. In other words you're getting a bit of poetry with a side of history. There's a list of picture books available for the poets/writers spotlighted as well as a select list of the works cited at the end.  Even if you aren't particularly familiar with the wordsmiths, it's a great way to introduce them to yourself and young readers. Thanks #GnomeRoadPublishing for allowing me this early peek at what was a fun, lively read. Rather wish I'd had this in my teaching days, gotta admit. 

 

The Book Tour, by Emily Ohanjanians

 

Publication March 3, 2026

I liked the concept of honoring second generation immigrants by focusing on Ana Movilian's story. She's struggling to balance her own needs while regularly feeling as if she's never living up to her mother's dreams for her. Ana dropped out of Harvard medical school to pursue what we'd consider a career as an influencer and has actually done quite well. She not only has a large audience for her successful self-help podcast but is about to begin a book tour for her first book. Everything seems to be going well until, uh-oh, her publicist, Meredith, quits. The replacement? Well, Ryan Grant is handsome but seems to look down on her work, preferring his "important" client list. I bet that even if you haven't read the blurb, you can see what's coming. I'm not quite sure I'd dub Ryan as an enemy, hence the enemy-to-lovers trope, but, well, sparks do fly.

And that's about all I'm going to share about the plot. As a character driven reader, I had difficulty relating to Ana, to be honest. While the plot moves along smoothly and there is humor, I didn't really dislike Ana but her need to prove herself over and over to everyone and fret that she wasn't respected seemed like a large chunk of the text. Ana knew her family had given up a great deal to immigrate to America and she couldn't quite help feeling as if she'd let them down by not fulfilling her mother's dream of her becoming a doctor. Ryan is initially seen only through Ana's eyes, so our initial expectation is that he is going to be stuck on himself and his own importance, so to speak. As it turns out, there's far more depth to him, however, and I found myself quite liking him as we find out more about his own family responsibilities and life. He hasn't had an easy life, either. 

While Ana and Ryan clash initially, it was satisfying to get a bit of a look behind the scenes of the publishing world and book tours in particular, too, always a plus for this book addict. While I'd have rather liked to have gotten to see things through Ryan's eyes, too, mostly to explain their attraction to each other, it worked for the most part for me. Thanks #Ballantine - #Dell for this early peek at how Ana finds her way to not just success on the public level but a more solid personal foundation. Oh, and readers, there's a Reading Club Guide and more at the end, so be sure to check them out. 

The Harvey Girl, by Dana Stabenow

 

Publication March 3, 2026

I bought my first book by Dana Stabenow in Denali Park, Alaska. I loved it and still have that book, now autographed. Yes, I've met her. As such, I was prepared to love this one from the git go. So, you can imagine my surprise when, after the first chapter, I was rather lost. I actually pondered putting it aside, figuring it was just me too caught up in real life events to allow myself to be sucked in. Fortunately, I kept reading and was glad I did. While I'm not quite sold on it the way I was on that first book set in Alaska, this one in the Wild West of 1890 did eventually pull me in. I've always been a sucker for a western, bring on those cowboys, but Stabenow's usual wonderful job of setting the story in the gritty, frequently violent, rough and barely civilized mining town of Montana Roja and it's quirky cast of characters was well done. Seriously, I could picture that drunk sheriff ignoring lawlessness and the likes of a killer one day showing up at a dance the next and shyly asking heroine Clare Wright to dance, not to mention delight in well-known names like Bat Masterson and Mark Twain popping up. 

As a history major, the historical aspects of the story were great fun. I'd heard of the Harvey Girls although I don't recall where. Reading Clare's daily routine as she worked undercover for the Pinkerton's to solve a murder made me wonder how she could stand up at the end of the day, let alone do any sleuthing. Those women didn't have it easy, that's for sure. Stabenow includes a Cast of Characters upfront, by the way, which I found helpful. I managed to get about halfway through before I finally had to satisfy my curiosity and skip ahead to the acknowledgements and Stabenow's notes on where the idea for the story came from and what was historically based and/or maybe tweaked just a bit. Sorry, Dana. I was impatient. I also took time to do a quick read up on the history of the Harvey Girls to refresh my memory. Worth your time if you're so inclined. Stabenow provides such a strong sense of the time and place that it makes it all the more real. (And, yes, there's a movie staring Judy Garland.)

So what's the mystery, you ask? Who killed the train conductor and what was he maybe or maybe not involved in? The murder is rather quick but, whoa, the murder itself is enough to remind you that you're reading about a lawless era when violence was often violent and quick. In addition, you'll get a great look at how train cars were hooked up, moved, and transferred from one train to the next while also being provided a mind picture of the setting the train travels through. I won't ruin the plot by saying much more but it was intriguing to see Clare working hard all day and dealing with the restrictions put on women of the era. 

Bottom line, despite the slow-to-me start, I wound up enjoying this probably new series. Given my assumption Stabenow  is setting us up for a continuing series, I was able to overlook the fact that end maybe wasn't tied up for us all nice and pretty, not to mention that this character driven reader chaffed at not knowing more of Clare's background until near the end. Thanks #BloomsburyUSA for giving me this early peek at not just a favorite author (and fellow Alaskan) but letting me hop a virtual time travel machine to drop into an era I've always found fascinating, the still not neat and pretty Wild West. I'll definitely be on the lookout for the next in the series. 

Boston, 1776: A Rogue Tour of Revolution City, by J.D. Dickey

Publication Feb. 24, 2026

Forget the sanitized version of the era of the American Revolution we were taught in school. This is Boston, 1776, in all it's raw grit, determination, grime, shady characters in back alleys, and often seedy chaos. Small, only slightly more than a square mile at the time, by 1776 it had lost much of its status in commerce and trade while dealing with contagious diseases like smallpox, unemployment, street brawls, rabble rousers, and increasingly loud grumbling about what it saw as  an unfair burden and treatment from it's British overseers. Toss in England's own increasing financial woes and it was a powder keg ready to explode. 

And, explode it did. The history shared here of the goings on leading to the outburst of outright rebellion is a fascinating one. Forget any idea you have of genteel, learned gentlemen in fancy wigs having learned discussion and debate. While that certainly happened, real change came from the people. Common people just like us. It was interesting to sort of flip back and forth as I read, something the author actually recommends upfront, once you get into the guidebook of sorts to Boston's historic sites and see the mutiple, frequently interconnected events and feelings that lead them there. The Old North Church may be a familiar landmark to most of us thanks to our schooldays but this one takes us far, far deeper into the city. Into those same seedy taverns and the growing desperation that lead to the Old North Church's utilization in the first place.  

Needless to say, familiar names from those same history classes pop in and out of the narrative but the focus remains the city itself. It was interesting to see some of those now familiar names in a different light, I must admit. For instance, rich John Hancock of the flashy Declaration of Independence signature a smuggler? Maybe.  You'll also see various legislative acts whose names once occupied out minds at least long enough for an exam such as the Stamp and Townshend Acts, the symbolically nicknamed Intolerable Acts, and such, but you'll have a much greater grasp of what lead to them and the colonists' reactions in the first place.

Bottom line, the ol' history major thoroughly enjoyed my virtual trip not just to the Boston of 1776 but to the events that created the setting for the rebellion that has so shaped the world. It's all there with illustrations, maps, and such for you to read and digest. Change isn't pretty. Nor is it easy. I recommend this one to history teachers, of course, but it would make an excellent addition to not just your local library's shelves but your own. Thanks #DiverionBooks and #NetGalley for this intriguing look at where we came from. 

 

Murder on the Cricket Green (The Martha Miller Mysteries #4), by Catherine Coles

Publication Feb. 2026

It's May, 1948, and everyone seems to have a secret...or many. Westlehan Village is excited to be hosting its first cricket match since the end of the war. As one of the organizers, Martha Miller is focused on making the event a success. That is, until her missing husband Stan shows up at her door after simply vanishing about two years before. Small villages being what they are, Martha had been a target for gossip ever since, some local wags theorizing that Stan's body would eventually be found buried in her garden. But, nope. There he is. Very alive. Alive and well and wanting to talk to her. Seems he's in for a few surprises, too, such as discovering that the money he'd been sending Martha regularly via the local solicitor hadn't been delivered. In fact, Martha had no clue whether he was dead or alive. Unfortunately for Stan, he's really dead not long afterward. His death does little to clear the way for Martha's growing friendship with Luke, the local vicar. You'll learn more about the complications Stan's disappearance created for them and, oh, boy, how times have changed.  

But, romance aside, who'd kill the  recently returned Stan? True, he had a couple run-ins with locals, including that shady solicitor, but might the secrets of his last two years hold a clue or two as to the guilty party? Could the two gentleman he arrives with, Ted and his pharmacist brother be involved? DI Ben Robinson, about to marry Martha's sister, warns Martha away from the case, of course. Martha, also of course, begins to look into things herself, which, predictably, leads her to trouble. Secrets kept can be dangerous. 

No more teasers. Seriously, if you enjoy small town mysteries where the gossip flows quickly but things move a bit more slowly, you'll love this one. Seriously, the characters are likable, even Stan, go figure, and, hey, I can't forget sweet Lizzy the dog. The overall feel is warm and inviting, so don't hesitate to pay a visit to Martha and Westleham Village. Thanks #BoldwoodBooks for introducing me to Martha, Luke, and the rest and giving me this early peek at a major twist in the story.

Murder at the Duomo, by T A Williams

 

Publication Feb. 2, 2026

I thoroughly enjoyed my virtual visit with Dan and Oscar. In fact, there are spots in the book that had me wishing I could just book a flight to Florence. While that's not likely to happen, I found Williams' descriptive passages a great virtual trip as the plot and side stories moved along. Williams had me easily visualizing the setting as he takes us along the ways and byways of Dan's adopted home. While the murder investigation was obviously the focus, I liked the home scenes, too, where we got to to know not just Dan better but his family and associates. Dan is someone who enjoys his occasional involvement in police work outside his usual private detective agency but seems to have a firm grasp on what is really important in his life, his friends and loved ones. Loved his sorta "whatever" attitude toward wedding plans. As for Oscar, he  definitely has figured out who the weak links are to snag a doggie treat from, that's for sure, even among the suspects as it turns out. 

And, whoa, there are lots of suspects. The victim, Tristan Angel was definitely no angel. Instead, he was deeply involved in illegal arms dealing and surely had countless enemies who'd want him dead. That aspect pulls in intelligence agencies from here and there, much to the displeasure of Commissario Virgillo Pisano of the Florence police murder squad. He's probably Dan's best friend in Tuscany and finds Dan particularly valuable when the English language is needed. Probably doesn't hurt that Dan is ex-Scotland Yard, either. In any case, Angel's closest team members are all suspects. Most likely, you'll find yourself even liking some of them, hoping they aren't the killer. 

Bottom line, a fun, interesting, multi-layer mystery with equally interesting characters, both family and suspects. And, of course, Oscar was my favorite. That dog knows how to make friends everywhere. The setting makes me wish I could see it for myself and it was fun to drop out of the mystery vibe at times and see what Dan was seeing. Not being a hot weather fan, either, I bet Dan wanted to jump into a couple of those fountains with Oscar, too. I came into this series late and this is only my second read of the series but I'm hooked and looking forward to the next installment after checking the library for early adventures. Thanks to #BoldwoodBooks for introducing me to Dan and Oscar and giving me this early peek into their lives in beautiful Florence.