Ivar's Mackinac Weekend, by Meg Welch Dendler

 

Publication April 30, 2026

Delightful, informative, and thoroughly engaging. While I won't go into the details, so much better to let you experience Ivar's adventures yourself, I will say that it nicely combines my love of all things dog and a bit of sightseeing of a place I've always found fascinating. I've never visited Mackinac Island, so it was fun to see it through the eyes of a faithful working dog for the first time. We're reminded that service dogs are always on duty, even when they're out of vest, so to speak, simply because that is how they're wired and trained. Ivar instinctively monitors his Mama Mindy's heart rate and breathing to know if a panic attack is near and goes into action. Their trip to Mackinac Island to visit family is full of potential problems, from the noise, lights, and crowds at the airport to passing through the x-ray machine and sensing hoards of stressed humans about him, all while picking up not just the sudden rise and fall of the plane/pressure but even the many scents left behind, not all human. Ivar handles it all with some nervousness but skill.

The adventure, as noted, is told through Ivar's eyes. Unknown places are tough for Mindy to navigate without stress, so he's definitely on watch. Unfortunately, not all his/their experiences are friendly and fun, so we get to see him go into action and Mindy's reactions to conflict and being overly stressed. And, oh, there's a cat involved but, well, more than enough fun details. I've only touched on the early stages, so there is much more to discover with Ivar. Thanks #SerenityMountainPublishing - #IBPA for letting me tag along virtually for an early peek at this fun, informative book. As one of those who has to restrain her own tendencies to want to pet every dog I meet, even service animals, this made me admire them even more. Disabilities may not always be visible to the human eye but Ivar and his fellow service animals sense things humans aren't aware of. Treats for Ivar and his associates! (Just ask first!)

The Old Girls' Island Getaway, by Kate Galley

 

Publication March 4, 2926

While the focus here is on the characters and their connection, there's a bit of intrigue and drama mixed in. Dorothy and Gina are still enjoying life even as the aches and pains, not to mention regrets of life, keep invading. They're joined this go-round by Dorothy's artistically talented grand-daughter who also seems to have the knack for not always realizing (or caring?) how her comments and questions are taken. She's likable but, well, would be a possible embarrassment at any given moment, too. They're invited to the estate of Rupert, a long time friend of Dorothy's, who doesn't seem to have long to live. It's an amazing place, too, including private boats and such, not to mention Ioannis, who I guess you'd call has aide and driver. Then they're joined by movie star Florence who is about to be caught up in the drama of a divorce sure to create a media frenzy after her husband's statement. Her story is an important aspect of the book and provides a shocking twist at the end. Oddly enough, that one's topped soon by a discovery by Dorothy.

I won't detail the plot but it's multi-layered diving into past and present lives and the expectations of each. It took me awhile to get into the story but I'm leaning toward that just being a harsh real world invading my thoughts way too often of late. The characters are likable, even one who appears shady at first meet, and one wishes they could join them on some of their adventures. Dorothy and Gina's impulsive swim sounded delightful. Getting to know Florence, too, was intriguing, reminding us all that what we see on screen isn't necessarily what the actor is really like as a real person. I'm sorta hoping we will get an update on her life in future books, have to admit. The story, while slow to me initially, moves ahead nicely despite leisurely detours for fun and frolic. 

Bottom line,I enjoyed my time with Dorothy, Gina, and friends. Well, not so much Gina's ex-husband. I'm still not certain whether I'll ever warm up to him or not. Right now I'm rooting for Erik. Nope, not telling. Read the book. Like I said, multi-stories with multi-layers. Thanks #BoldwoodBooks for this early peek at how things are going in Gina's new life, not to mention some surprising twist hints for likely future story lines. Corfu sounds delightful, that's for sure, though know they'll find other fun places to explore and enjoy, not to mention people to get to know.  

The Last Laugh Club, by Kate Galley

 

Publication July 29, 2025

I was immediately hooked and wondering what wedge had driven these friends apart. Each character is distinct with both strengths and flaws, with the vague sense hovering in the air that something was wrong . Even the personalities of the side characters were well-fleshed out and you felt like you got to know and appreciate them, too. Yet, it's the trio of Bridget, Gloria, and Derek that hold center stage although the spirit of Norman, now just ashes, is a character, too, in a sense.. Each thought they had been the only real friend Norman had. They're wrong.

Always a prankster, Norman gets one last laugh at his old work friends. They each receive a seemingly personal notice that, if they're reading this, Norman is dead. He has a request. He requests they wear a colorful, bright item he's made just for them to the funeral. They are singled out at the funeral not only by their non-black garb but his assistant calling them together. Norman asks that his once closest friends scatter his ashes. Why are they so reluctant? Well, I'm not telling but that's one of the things that slowly emerges as the plot and their unexpected adventure progresses. Seems that wasn't the only request.

If you like character driven stories with a touch of family and even romance, you're going to love this one  While not always likable, I'm betting you'll come away liking not just the trio but, as noted, the role of the side characters, too. The trio may not have been glad to be there but I was glad to be a fly on the wall with them, especially as I learned quite a bit about yarn and how it's produced. The intriguing, stormy landscape of the frequently isolated, seemingly almost treeless landscape of the Shetland Islands they travel through in some ways become a character. Heck, you even get to experience a rather nausea awakening ferry ride or two. 

That's all I'm telling. Bottom line, this is a delightfully bumpy road to renewed friendships as they rediscover not only what drove them apart but what brought them together. I ultimately wound up liking them all and rooting for them, even the one I found particularly prickly initially. That's not to say that Norman's last trip was smooth. It had its bumpy, even "Oh, no!" moments, but I'm so glad #BoldwoodBooks allowed me this early peek at a book I wound up truly enjoying. Who know a request to scatter ashes could lead to so many changes and bring people together after years apart. Give it a read!

Laying Down the Latte (A Bakeshop Mystery, #21), by Ellie Alexander

 

Publication August25, 2025

Poor Jules/Juliet. All she really wanted to do was relax, soak up some coffee know-how, and enjoy herself. Unfortunately, that isn't going to happen. Things go wrong quickly after the arrival in Costa Rica. She's there with husband Carlos and young coffee roasting fanatic Andy to relax and learn. Then there's a murder. Even more astonishing, it seems to happen so unexpectedly and quickly right in front of potential witnesses, including Andy, but no one sees what happened. Seems Jules and Carlos' old friend from their days working on the cruise ship Amour of the Seas is facing both family drama and possible financial ruin. There's much more going on behind the scenes and tensions are high. Pregnant with twins, Jules is hardly at her sleuthing best as pressures mount, all while dealing with friend and frequent sleuthing buddy Lance's over-board wedding plans.

That's all I'll say aside from, yikes, what a murder weapon. This is a favorite series I've been reading since way back before Jules and Carlos found their way together again, and the well-rounded, likable characters are what keep me coming back. True, I sort of missed the comfort of the usual setting, Ashland, Oregon, and Lance's presence, though he did make up for it with texts and emails. Let's face it, in this modern world, you're rarely completely out-of-touch. In other words, although not together physically, we get regular updates on how things back home are going. The setting of the coffee farm sounds luscious and if you're a foodie or coffee-addict, you'll enjoy the bits of info you pick up along the way. Just the process of preparing the coffee beans alone is amazing. And, oh, my, the food. Don't read this one on an empty stomach.

So, who killed Miguel? He had big plans, plans not only Valentina but others opposed. Thus, lots of suspects to sort through, language barriers and all. What made the machinery malfunction? Did or didn't Miguel sign the contract others so strongly opposed? Will Andy manage to learn everything he needs to even after being attacked? Who....Oh, never mind. Read the book. It's well-written with great descriptions and food/coffee talk and intriguing characters. Thanks #StMartin'sPress = #Minotaur for allowing me this early peek into what's going on in the world of Juliet/Jules Capshaw and Carlos. True, sorta missed the abundance of Shakespeare quotes but, hey, there's always the next book!

 

Murder on the Nile (A Lady Eleanor Swift Mystery #19), by Verity Bright

 

Publication Sept. 28, 2024

Egypt has always fascinated me. Having read a few non-fiction books focused on Egypt, I jumped at the opportunity to read this fictionalized account set in 1924. It'd also been quite some time since I  checked up on the events in Lady Eleanor Swift's life. How long? Actually, I'm not sure, but obviously awhile since she was still relatively new to her title when I last tuned in. As much as I enjoy her growing friendship with Clifford, who seems to be the perfect lady's butler, I did miss getting to catch up with Hugh and the ladies of the manor until late in the story. That said, Egypt itself makes for a fascinating character in a way, particularly with the detailed descriptions we get from the author. I'm glad she made Lady Eleanor such an observant character, opening the way for those details. 

Eleanor is quite likable and seems able to talk to everyone, probably due to her past history of world travel. As it was, however, I had to chuckle at her almost bubbly efforts to make conversation with the other passengers, none of whom seemed particularly interested in being social. That Eleanor persists, tells you about her personality, one not easily detoured or put off by someone. I could relate somewhat to the others this time as I'm one of those who frequently prefers to simply sit and read or gaze at the world about me, hard to do when someone as chatty as Eleanor is about. Her trust and admiration for Clifford, the butler-friend who accompanies on this voyage, is definitely fun to watch. Clifford is a fascinating character in his own right and I fear I may have missed some character reveals of him while on hiatus from this series. He seems unflappable and to almost know what Eleanor is thinking or needs before she even does at times. He's also protective and, even better, seems to be good at it. I mean, there are crocodiles.

As for the supporting cast this go-round, I never felt I got to know them well, though I'll blame the road work outside my window for that. There were interesting stories behind the characters but all seemed tied to the mystery. Ah, the mystery? Who killed Lieutenant Baxter. Even more delicious for mystery buffs, the body is found in a locked room of the (not so luxurious) SS Cleopatra. Shades of Agatha Christie. We do get to visit some pyramids, however, and actually spend time inside a tomb. Let's just say, that isn't for those with claustrophobia. There are also references to the discovery of King Tut's tomb and the demand for Egyptian artifacts, legal or otherwise. But, how is this all tied to the death of Baxter? Well, I'm not telling but will admit to not quite figuring it out myself prior to the reveal. The clues were tricky, let's just say, and I obviously need to up my sleuthing game. The killer is diabolical and there are reasons behind their actions that do help it all make sense in the end. Thanks #Bookouture for letting me catch up with Lady Eleanor again with this early peek at her adventurous life. I will be making an effort to catch up again, that's for sure.

Rufus The Flying Dog: Adventures Unbound, by Mr David Michael McCune Jr

 

"In the realm of dreams, there's always more."

That might be the theme of this book, creating memories and the bonds that come from that. This highly imaginative and fun books takes Rufus the dog around the world and into fantasy realms and beyond. Oh, my, Rufus gets around. A good use of color and design depicts each place visited, whether Ancient Greece of the realms of unicorns and rainbow ponies. 

I'm not going to detail the places shown/visited as part of the fun is seeing them for the first time with Rufus. I'll simply say the illustrations are well done, full of life and color, and things to see. I can envision adults reading this with children and seeing what else they can spot besides Rufus and his plane. Rufus is definitely a magical dog, like all dogs, but one who dreams big. Readers are encouraged to do the same. Cliche or not, "the sky's the limit" and I don't use the word sky by accident, hint-hint. 

Not only is Rufus magical, but so is the world about us. Readers may be inspiried to dream about travel and find out more on their own. Start you engines, fasten you seat belt, and dream away. Thanks #NetGalley and #IndependentlyPublished for letting me fly high with Rufus. What a fun series. My Daisy dog gives this one four paws up and a tail wag.

A Fatal Encounter in Tuscany (Miss Ashford Investigates #3), by Vivian Conroy

 

 

"What if...?" So many "What ifs..." in this book. What if Atalanta Ashford had refused handsome race car driver Raoul Lemont's invitation? What if they hadn't taken the, wow, Orient Express? What if they hadn't met Catharina Lanetti at breakfast that morning? What if they hadn't accepted the troubled woman's invitation to the elaborate, upscale birthday party for her somewhat estranged father, Cosimo? What if....well, you get my drift.

Atalanta's mind is seemingly always racing, taking wild twists and turns during even the most mundane circumstances. While her mind soon turns to murder, initially they're focused on her relationship, which she isn't even sure is a relationship, with Raoul. He does have a way of popping up unexpectedly so, what if....no, let's not go there. Let's just say that she's drawn to him but won't quite admit it. Remember, this story is set in the much slower days of the 1930s. 

Needless to say, they arrive for the party and Atalanta, who still isn't accustomed to her inherited status of wealth, is awed by the surroundings. She is equally astounded at the tensions and power struggles within the family. While Cosimo's late first wife seems almost saintly by description, second wife Melina is lovely but, umm, abrasive. The brothers Lorenzo and Giovanni dislike each other and both want control of the business when their father passes. And, pass he does. Who kills Cosimo? Was Catharina's present to him a hint? Is it true people die where she goes? Could the brothers have tired of waiting for their chance to lead? Could Catharina be next? How long do some people hold a grudge? What if....oops, back to that again. But, enough hints.

While the plot unfolds slower than I've grown accustomed to of late, the unfolding is perfect for the time and setting. The author does a wonderful job painting the scene for us, the people, customs, lush colors and scenery, much while Raoul drives leisurely through the countryside, stopping in small villages and pubs, introducing Atalanta to his Italy. So, don't rush through the interludes as they're lovely snapshots of the times and places. As for the mystery itself, it held my attention and made me hungry for some sightseeing. Thanks#NetGalley and #HarperCollinsUK - #OneMoreChapter for inviting me along for Raoul and Atalanta's lovely excursion. After that hint in the last sentence, must admit I'm curious to see where this is going. 

Finley: A Moose on the Caboose, by Candace Spizzirri, Illustrated by Chantelle Thorne and Burgen Thorne

 

Publication April 18, 2023

I live in Alaska and am no longer surprised to find a moose staring in the front window at me. Heck, I've even been to the Talkeetna Train Station/Depot where Finley's story begins. Haven't seen an moose, friendly or not, trying to sneak onto the caboose but I'll be looking for Finley next time I'm there. One of the images that came to mind as I read was one I've seen of a line of moose lined out on the railroad tracks, the train behind it being forced to stop as the moose clung to the tracks to avoid the deep snow to either side.

With bright, colorful illustrations, children will enjoy not just the whimsy of Finley's various disguise attempts but some peeks of Alaska itself in the backdround. I can envision parents reading the story with their children and all wondering aloud what disguise Finley might try next and why it might or might not work. My only qualm about the book was that I wish a subtle caution to all that in real life, moose are not friendly critters and not to try petting one. Maybe Finley could work it in as "unlike my other moose friends who want people to stay far away, I'm a friendly moose and won't hurt you." Let's just say, people here in Alaska (and, I'm sure, elsewhere) get trampled or even killed by moose, so while I enjoyed the fantasy of a friendly moose being helpful to humans, Not all moose are like Finley. 

Okay, that's my public service message of the day. Aside from the concern, this illustrated children's story was a hit. Thanks #NetGalley and #GnomeRoadPublishing for introducing me to Finley and bringing back some fun memories of visits to the Talkeetna area. I may name one of my next moose visitors Finley.

Last Seen in Santorini, by Vivian Conroy

 

Publication Jan. 6, 2023   Miss Ashford Investigates #2

I first crossed paths with this book when the author noticed I'd shared several cozy mystery reviews on Twitter, of all places, and suggested this one as one I might like. Despite the slow-to-me start, once I settled into the slower pace, I was hooked. I haven't read book one but other than wondering if it might have made it clearer why Atalanta Ashford didn't completely trust Raoul, there were no issues. In fact, I deducted that it was her own feelings toward the handsome race driver that she didn't trust, not Raoul himself. I also give credit to the book for distracting me while dealing with an unhappy tummy over the weekend, meaning it definitely kept my interest.

The author does a lovely job of description. It allowed me to thoroughly enjoy my arm-chair traveler experience to both Venice and Santorini. Heck, it even seen me to research Santorini, which I knew little about. The photos I found made the scene come that much more alive but, no, you don't need to research your arm-chair travel to enjoy. You'll hear, see, and smell the noises, voices, vivid blues of the sea, and aroma of the flowers. All without leaving home!

As for the murder, this is only Atalanta's second case. She seems to have become a tad over-confident after solving the first, only reluctantly only giving Raoul the deserved credit for his help, not to mention info found in her late grandfather's papers. In this case, she responds to the distress and sadness of a woman in black who begs her to investigate a daughter's death in Santorini. 

Thanks to her butler's info, Raoul seen appears. She spends a great deal of time denying her interest in him to herself, despite spending real time with him that is easily observed by others. Heck, she even thinks he may be part of the problem, if not the solution to at least one of her questions. Then, another death. The Bucardi family is not all it appears on the surface and, in fact, she fears for the young son's well-being. Convinced she can solve the investigation on her own, Atalanta tends to leap from one supposition to another. She even resents Raoul pointing out that just because she believes something to be true doesn't mean it is. Her attitude was rather annoying at times but I liked her.

Supposedly arriving to be caretaker to an elderly aunt of the Bucardi family, Atalanta quickly discovers all is not as it appears. Pirate's treasure? Quick tempers that flash into violence? Why are Luca's parents so cool toward him? Why does his father react so violently when Luca is given a puppy? Was Titia the innocent young victim she appears on the surface or could her photos hold a clue? Then, another murder? How the heck does the victim's body wind up in bed when evidence indicates they died elsewhere? Is Atalanta truly safe? Will she ever learn to trust both Raoul and her heart? Who.....oh, enough teasers. You're just going to have to read the book. I know I'll be looking forward to Atalanta's next adventure.

Thanks #NetGalley and #HarperCollinsUK - #OneMoreChapter, not to mention author #VivianConroy for bringing this book to my attention. Venice sounded dreamy but Santorini, with all its history and beauty was amazing.

Mexico, Margaritas, and Murder, by Wendy Day

 

Publication Oct. 11, 2022

A confession. I was expecting a bit of a light-hearted romp from this book but, oh, it's so much more. What a delightful surprise. Although there is certainly humor, there are also "moments". Moments that show human nature, growth, fear of both failure and not being who you were meant to be, and the strength to find that person. Sally and Pearl, named in honor of the author's grandmother and great-grandmother, are both widowed, Sally just recently, and set out for Mexico to celebrate....well, I'll leave that for the reader to decide. Pearl is the more daring of the two but has trouble expressing true human emotions. Neither planned on their escape to Mexico for some sun and recreation including a dead body. 

The book opens with them already there, fleeing men with guns in a warehouse. How did they get there? We don't know at that point. Heck, we don't really even know Sally and Pearl although the dialogue quickly makes you care about these two plucky, obviously older women as they mention creaky bones and fears running might lead to a heart attack. But, they don't back down and are running for their lives when....oops, time to flashback to how they got there with people shooting at them.

I'm not going to detail how that happened but, trust me, while there was humor and some blushing on Sally's part anytime she encounters the handsome fellow guest Mike, we learn a great deal about them, their hopes, fears, and strengths and weaknesses as the story progresses. If we cared about them at first simply because of their pluck fleeing the gunman, we come to care about them as humans and admire both. Pearl is the more daring, true, and it's her courage that helped bring Sally out of the pity party she'd fallen into after her husband's sudden death. Even though the marriage didn't give her much of what she'd hoped and her husband dashed many of her dreams and hopes, it was comfortable and, dare I say it, safe. It's a giant step for Sally to join Pearl in Mexico. 

Knowing how the book begins, with them in danger, you can't help but look at the people they seemingly innocently encounter initially as potential trouble. That adds an element to the story that we don't always have, knowing danger is lurking when all seems safe and secure to the main characters. Is handsome Mike a good guy or one of those who winds up shooting at her? How are some of the other guests making the money they're making? How shocked is Sally to learn there is another meaning to "swinging" than she thought? Why is Pearl so insistent they stay on after the dead body is found? Is every hour Happy Hour for Pearl? What is Sally finding out about herself? 

Bottom line, I enjoyed this book far more than I expected to and highly recommend you give it a read. I liked both characters and admired Sally's new-found determination to take the time to get to know the new Sally. But, but.... oh, not telling the ending. I'm just hoping there will be more books in this series. Think of the countries Sally and Pearl can visit to get in trouble, er, enjoy playing tourist. Thanks #NetGalley and #ClearSkyPublishing - #WendyDay for introducing me to these two wonderful characters. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for more adventures from them.

Castles, Catnip & Murder: A Cozy English Animal Mystery (A Dickens & Christie Mystery Book 5), By Kathy Manos Penn

Castles, Catnip & Murder: (A Dickens & Christie Mystery Book 5)

Interesting mystery and lots of Arthurian history mentions 

While I'm not familiar enough with yoga to have appreciated all the references to it in the story, I have seen comments here and there about cat yoga, so that wasn't a stretch, pun intended, to me. Although I was wary of the idea of talking animals when I first encountered this series, it's nicely done and while Christie, the cat, and Dickens, the dog, may talk to main character Leta, they retain their animal characteristics and don't come off as magical in any way. 

 

That aside, while they play a role in solving the crime, it's Leta and her friends who are at the center of the story. Leta's "across the pond" boyfriend even gets into the act via regular calls while Leta and the LOL (you'll have to read the book to discover what this stands for here) investigate and, yes, put themselves in danger's way. You'll like them, even while occasionally wanting to shake them and urge caution. This is a great series and, as noted above, I found myself learning more about the legend of Arthur and the continuing research into it as I read. Oh, my dog says, "Four paws and a tail wag", which I translated to mean five stars. Well, either that or "feed me".

Rock N Roll Nanny, by Sally Arnold

 

Publication October 17, 2022

Sally Arnold lived the rock'n'roll fantasy that most fans could only dream about. Hanging out with famous musicians, meeting the rich and famous, and seeing exotic places are only the surface of that reality, however. Even with some background in concert photography and interviewing many an artist myself back in "the good ol' days", I was astonished to read of the unending, constantly changing list of responsibilities she shouldered just to get the artist onstage, let alone keep them alive and healthy. 

What from the distance looked alluring was tiring, frustrating, and required her to be on alert and ready at all hours. Just reading the tasks she handled, from setting up offices to supervising stage set-up and frequently not-very-cooperative artists, to managing to herd the often egotistical, wasted performers on stage, was exhausting. From working as a nanny, honest, she was trained at a highly respected school, for Mick and Bianca Jagger after the birth of Jade, to working on all aspects of mega-shows for the likes of the Lynyrd Skynyrd, the Rolling Stones, the Who and others, to charity events that brought her into contact with the likes of royalty, Arnold navigated it all in an admirable way.

That said, tho' I'm probably odd man out here, I found myself as intrigued by her early travels as her rock'n'roll experiences. True, reading of how she taught Mick how to change a "nappy" (British terms used) to Charlie Watts taking her shopping for baby supplies for Jade added a touch of reality, but so, too, did her experiences traveling to the likes of China and Russia via the Trans-Siberian Railroad. This was at a time when foreign travelers of either sex there were rare and not only looked at with suspicion but frequent targets of theft. Amazingly, she seemed to love every moment of it, even being held for a time when her Visa proved incorrect. She also details later travels that are a delight to read but I was most impressed by her courage as a young girl taking on her dream of travel against some pretty big odds. Her experiences and travel both seem to have colored her world.

Those with an interest in not just rock'n'roll but how the music/touring industry works will find this a fascinating read. If you're into travel and other cultures, so much the better. There's lots of name-dropping, of course, but that doesn't distract from the real story, a young woman overcoming odds to find her place in the world, a world that ultimately included surviving cancer.

Thanks #NetGalley and #SilverwoodBooks for introducing me to Sally Arnold. What a fascinating life she has led.

Isabel Puddles Abroad, by M.V. Byrne

 

Publication Nov. 29, 2022

What a delight it has been getting to know Isabel Puddles. I'm new to this series but found it a solid stand-alone. A trip to England, Isabel's first, good friends, scones, sightseeing, and, oh, yeah, murder. 

This one has a slow build, however, so we don't stumble across the body until nearly halfway in, but much to enjoy as we get to that point. Isabel is a delight, as are her family and friends, and I found myself warming to her British friend Teddy and Tuppence, his housekeeper, immediately. Tuppence's scone recipe is included at the end, btw, an extra treat. And, hey, there are even corgis in the book. I gave my corgi mix an extra ear scratch after discovering them on the cover.

So, who buried the body in the flower bed? Who would have wanted to kill Hyacinth? Well, as it turns out, there are quite a few likely suspects. Isabel, who was walking the corgis when they got loose and started digging in the flower bed, of course, becomes involved. Being new to the series, I don't know her relationship with the police in America but since this is the new constable's first murder case, she feels she may be helpful. But, does he feel the same? Why doesn't Teddy's sister like Isabel? Could someone have been jealous enough over a baking contest to want revenge? How seriously do people take these contests? Who is harboring secrets?

There are lots of twists and turns, not to mention red herrings, that make Isabel's first visit to England rather memorable. I mean, I've never discovered a dead body, thank goodness, while dog walking. So, how will it all turn out? Will we see more of Tuppence and Teddy in future books? I mean, there will be an ocean between them. 

Thanks #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks for inviting me along on Isabel's overseas trip. It was great fun with interesting characters met along the way. Now that I've met Isabel, I'm looking forward to joining her on future adventures.

Old Farts on a Bus, by C. A. Hocking

 

Can you guess why I picked up this book to read? You've got to admit, that title is intriguing. In the back of my mind I was probably thinking senior citizen mystery or something akin to that given that it popped up in the midst of blurbs for cozy mysteries. Instead, it's the author's remembrance of a guided tour she (and her husband) made to Egypt. It was both humorous and insightful into both the joys and angst of "old fart" travel and guided tours. I've never been on a true guided tour but it did bring back memories of taking advantage of cruise ship excursions, riding a bus with a driver whose stories to entertain us were memorable, and rubbing elbows with until then total strangers. The author, who does write mysteries, I later discovered, does a fun job of showing both the joys and angst of such trips, not glossing over the added difficulties of age on travelers. 

There were lots of laughs but also moments of sadness as the travelers adjusted to the behavior of an Alzheimer diminished fellow traveler and the foibles of each other. Having dealt with that horrid disease in my own family, I felt sympathy pangs for the duo involved. The group also learned not to drink the water in Egypt. Oh, boy, did they. The author's tale of her plane ride home was, well, rather a stark reminder of what happens when you forget that caution. Along the way, however, she backed up my belief that photos are perhaps best left to point-and-shoot cameras that do it all for you, and the need to read the "instructions" usually provided on what to wear and pack. Let's just say, as one of their group discovered to her dismay, Egypt is not the place to worry about showing off fancy heels. 

Bottom line, a fun, quick read with both laughs and moments of worry and concern. A sense of family developed between tour group members and it was reassuring to see them rise to any occasion and help in dire situations just as much as they learned what made each other behave as they did. And, oh, did I mention the shopping? I'm not particularly into shopping but I'd have loved to have seen the colors and swirl and movement so often described. You'll even learn a bit about the fine art of haggling down prices.  If you're looking for a fun, quick read that has some depth, not to mention a lovely virtual tour of Egypt, give this one a try.

Who Lives Near a Glacier?: Alaska Animals in the Wild, by Susi Gregg Fowler, Jim Fowler (Illustrations)

I'm lucky enough to not only live in Alaska but to have taken a few glacier viewing tours. I savored this book and all the wonderful memories it brought back. Beautifully illustrated it combines those with poetry, somehow appropriate for the awe inspiring beauty of glaciers and, indeed, Alaska itself, that tells you about not just the glaciers but the living creatures that live on or near them. I won't take away any of your first time reading charm to come by sharing more than this one phrase that leaped up at me as being insightful and conveyed my own sense of wonder during my glacier visits:

"You're left with the sense/You've been given a gift."

This book is another gift. Enjoy the lovely illustrations of everything from the majestic eagles and massive humpback whales to the wolves, bears, ravens and moose you'll encounter almost everywhere in Alaska. Of course, go figure, the one animal I haven't seen near a glacier is a moose but, well, since they visit my own front yard frequently, I guess I'll just call the mama moose and calf seen along the road on my last trip to Seward to catch a boat for a wildlife tour as counting.

Anyone with an interest in Alaska or wildlife period will treasure this book. Teachers, you will find this book of interest for most age ranges. The poems, while rhythmic and fluid, are relatively easy reading with assistance for younger children. The artwork illustrates the words nicely and can be used to ignite discussion. If you've ever been lucky enough to visit Alaska or are just dreaming, the book will make a lovely souvenir for anyone of any age, to be honest, of their glacier or wildlife sightings. Alaska's wild places and its wildlife definitely leave us feeling we've been giving a gift when we sight them. To borrow another phrase from the book, "The memory lingers/you hold it inside."

Thank you #NetGalley and #SasquatchBooks -- #LittleBigfoot for letting me daydream about my last glacier visit a few years ago. It's a memory I'll treasure forever and this book was a lovely reminder.

For readers of this blog, a special bonus, a few photos from one of my glacier tours and a few of the critters you'll see in the book. 

Travels with George: In Search of Washington and His Legacy, by Nathaniel Philbrick

 

On the surface, this book sounds rather simple. The author and his wife, not to mention their dog, will trace the travel route George Washington took post-election as the first president. Their dog Dora, a Toller, aka Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, accompanies them because, according to legend, Washington was accompanied by his dog on the journey. As a long-time history buff, college history major, and then a history teacher, I felt an immediate connection to the big idea, not to mention I've been owned by a Toller. As a result, even though #NetGallery didn't approve me for an official review there, I simply couldn't resist at least a quick review.

There is a great deal to take in from the book. Not only is history and the very human characters behind the historical events recounted, author Philbrick shares his own adventures as they follow the same then barely trail in places that was taken by Washington and those who accompanied him. Philbrick doesn't shy away from Washington's ownership of slaves, I was happy to see, including the account of one of his wife's dower slaves (inherited) who escaped and his efforts to retrieve her. Washington lost a few points with me on this one but did finally release his slaves upon his death. The dower slaves owned by his wife by way of inheritance, btw, remained slaves until Martha Washington freed them some time after her husband's death. Sadly, she didn't seem in any rush to do so.

Aside from this, other events, places, and personalities are seen within this 300+ page work. There is so much packed into this book that I couldn't even begin to detail it. I loved the look at characters most of us only really know from faded history books, especially that Philbrook was able to look at them in their times as well as frequently find humor in events. To show how up-to-date the book is, when discussing visiting "the room where it happened," note the "Hamilton" musical nod, Philbrook laughing recalls having the bench that Lin-Manuel Miranda sat on to write that general section of the musical pointed out to him. He was also shown a plaque later in the journey that read "Washington dripped here", a bit of a change from the ones along the route about Washington having slept or eaten in places. You'll have to read the book to find out what was meant because I'm not telling. You need to read it all, take it all in, think, and ponder all that Philbrick's work reveals to us without us having to go to the extent that he did to gain the insight the experience gave him. 

Bottom line, while being informative and entertainingly written, the book made me think. It was hard not to see the parallels of current political differences erupting from the pages of history. Just as our nation was evolving at the time Washington made the then incredible journey of over a thousand miles, our nation continues to evolve and, yes, erupt at times. Makes me wonder how some author a hundred plus years in the future will look back on our own era. Yes, this book made me curious, chuckle, and, think. If you're a history buff or just want to know more about what brought us to this point of time from the beginning days of our nation, "Travels With George" should be on your reading list. 

Published by #Viking, an imprint of #PenguinRandomHouse, 2021

ABC for Me: ABC The World Me: Let's take a journey around the world from A to Z!, by Christiane Engel

Pack your bags and grab your passport. You're about to embark on a fun trip. The closest site to my home in Alaska was the Yukon, so I started there and meandered about the globe taking it all in. I thoroughly enjoyed my trip just as much as a child, the real target audience, might, but did notice a few lovely touches I wanted to mention. Not only are different races showcases, but a wheelchair character keeps popping up. Lovely illustrations, both simple and detailed, if that makes any sense, to give one a feel for what they might encounter at the sites.

The former teacher in me can't help but note that not only do they illustrations provide a nice overview of each site but offer teaching opportunities, too. Those could be as simple as identifying colors used, finding various items in the pictures, or leading a discussion on why the clothing/buildings/structures are not all the same, among others. Art project? Have the children use construction paper to construct the various alphabet letters as they are shown in the photos and let them create their own take on the scenes. I'm sure you can come up with many other ideas. Although the text given might be more advanced than the child it is used for, it seemed easily adaptable to age. For now, I'm going back for a return visit. Yes, this big kid was enchanted by this book. I'd recommend it to parents and teachers everywhere, not to mention it'd make a wonderful gift for "big kids" who want to travel without leaving their homes. There's even a nice map at the end.

Thank you #NetGalley and #QuartoPublishingGroup – #WalterFoster for inviting me along on this fun, and, oh, so enchanting journey. It made my day.