A Most Intriguing Lady, by Sarah Ferguson

 

Like many, I'm sure, I opted to read this book out of curiosity. It was highly publicized given Ferguson's title as Duchess of York, but I'd somehow never gotten around to it until now. Honestly, my expectations weren't high. I was pleased to discover, however, that I was wrong. It was an interesting, well-written read. 

I won't belabor the plot as I'm sure it's been retold countless times by now. Instead, just a quick look at the characters that kept me reading, Lady Mary Montague Douglas Scott and Colonel Walter Trefusis. Tre, as Mary winds up calling him, seems an unlikely hero. He's obviously suffering from some sort of PTSD and has a splitting headache and is feeling woozy. Unfortunately, he's seated at a crowded table while leaving the table is seen as, at best, rude. Yet, he manages to leave the crowded space and go outside from some much needed air. Much to his surprise, he notices the young woman who was seated across from him is outside, too. Lady Mary. Even more surprising, she isn't just taking in some fresh air, she's doing a sort of tight-rope walk across a narrow, raised area. Mary hadn't planned on doing it but, well, she just couldn't resist. It thus becomes obvious that though she's spent her life in the background, rarely garnering attention, there's another side to her. A more daring side. 

Inevitably, the two connect and find kindred spirits in each other. While there's an underlying current of romance, the story focuses on how they're able to combine their strengths to solve crimes. Already intrigued by their characters, I thoroughly enjoyed the story of how they worked together, which was far more the focus than any budding romance. I have to admit, I found that refreshing. You'll certainly learn a bit about expectations based on rank and sex during this time period, as well as what motivates Tre and Mary. Glad I finally got around to reading this #Avon book that blends in some real events, I might note.

A Penguin Like Me, by Marcus Pfister, David Henry Wilson (Translator)

 Publication March 5, 2024

Lucas the penguin is looking for new friends. He finds a large group of penguins but fears he may not fit in. This is his story. 

The theme of this story is basically that we're all unique. From a distance we may look alike but each of us is different. Beautifully illustrated, all the more because the frigid looking ice came as I'm living in negative number temps here in Alaska, this book introduces us to the unique characters that make up the penguin group. Although there is no true story to this one, the theme of "being different is okay" is strongly stressed throughout. It embraces diversity, from looking different to having different talents and skills, disabilities, or, yes, differences in sexual orientation. Some will criticize the book for that, I'm sure, but it's a legit difference we encounter in life, often without us being aware. 

What the book does do is introduce us to the very similar yet subtly different penguins in the group. I kept waiting for them to genuinely interact but while each was thoroughly described, we were told about them, not shown. Thus, while conveying its message, I wonder how well the book will hold the attention of the targeted age group. Despite that concern, I enjoyed the illustrations and ideas behind the book and thank #NetGalley and #NorthSouthBooks for giving me a sneak peek. Penguins have always fascinated me, so this was a fun adventure for me.

The Austrian Bride, by Helen Parusel

Publication Jan. 15, 2024

Part history lesson, part romance, part a cautionary tale.

Although beautifully written, this was a hard read at times. Not because of the words but of the horror they conjured up. The horror of seeing people beaten in the street. Bullies, including a romantic partner, randomly taunting and abusing innocent Jewish citizens in the streets, even using them to rest their muddy boots on. Seeing Jewish families being terrorized in their homes and businesses. Then, being forced out of those homes and businesses, even being arrested and taken away. Where? It's vague to them. The characters don't know the full horror of it yet but, you, the reader do. Linz, Austria, went from being hopeful to being frightened and distrusting of friends and neighbors as atrocity followed atrocity. 

Again, we readers know the reality behind the bewildering events they are enduring and want to yell, "Run! Get out while you still can!" We know the reality of that warning, even in the earliest days, being futile, of course. Ella, the story's focus, doesn't. She starts out just turning 21, a rather naive and innocent young girl caught up in the romance of being picked by handsome Max as his girlfriend. Yes, there's a bit of pride in that, too. All too soon, however, she confronts reality. She's unnerved by Nazi officers overseeing the annexation vote early on, for instance. Then Max wants her to attend a Bride School for potential Nazi wives. It's more boot camp than bridal, with an emphasis of having lots of children and being subservient to your husband. Just to complicate things, Ella realizes she has feelings for an old friend, an old friend who just happens to be Jewish. How can she help him and others while remaining safe herself? That is the focus of the story, really, the resistance, in this case from inside.

I won't detail the plot further as I don't want to dilute the impact of Ella's story. You'll like and sympathize with her, a person who manages to find good in even her more strident fellow "brides" while risking it all to help those being persecuted. You'll definitely like her mother, too, and older readers will sympathize not only with her situation but her female changes, let's call them, too. She has a horrible secret, too, one that haunts her throughout the story. There are other fascinating characters, one who will feel real to you and, hey, you should look up Albert Goring, Hermann Goring's brother.

Bottom line, you'll immediately realize how relevant this story is to events happening today. The air of potential danger that hovers in the air is likely to give you chills at times. You'll being with the euphoria of Ella and her fellow Austrians as Hitler visits Linz and follow her heart-wrenching story through to the end. She learns a great deal about others and, more importantly, herself. What is important to her. You'll fret over her safety throughout, wanting to comfort her as she meets disappointment after disappointment. You'll also wonder if such a thing as Bride Schools existed. Yes. So did the Kindertransport, complete with reassurances to the children that Ella knew by then were unlikely to be true. 

In other words, a heart-breaking but, oh, so wonderfully powerful and important read. While I cringed at the brutality, the hate, the sheer arrogance, and violence, I felt hope as Ella grew as a person and did what she could to make a difference. Thank you more than you know #BoldwoodBooks and #NetGalley for making this available to me early. It needs to be widely read. We must never forget, especially when we see the same patterns emerging again.

Santa's Lost Sleigh: A Christmas Book about Santa and his Reindeer, by Rachel Hilz , Remesh Ram (Illustrator)

One last fun Christmas book. Can you imagine the panic if Santa were to lose his sleigh? How would he deliver gifts? Would Christmas be ruined for children everywhere? Fortunately, catastrophe is avoided in this cute look at what might happen were Santa's sleigh to go missing on, of all nights, Christmas Eve. If you're familiar with the other books of the series, I doubt you'll be surprised who is the cause. Bucky, of course, but much panic and searching and worry ensue before Bucky and a couple pals are spied....on radar, of all things. Well, I guess that isn't too much of a stretch since they do track Santa's route on Christmas Eve nowadays. Needless to say, Christmas is saved.

As with the other books in the series, the illustrations are a delight. Wait till you see Mrs. Claus' snazzy sports car! A lesson is even taught: Don't take what doesn't belong to you, no matter how good your intentions. A fun read although I didn't find it quite as entertaining as the others in the series I've read. Still a delight, however. Phew, Bucky. What mischief will you find to get into next?

The Christmas Visitor (A Tess and Tilly Cozy Mystery Book 15), by Kathi Daley

 

Since I couldn't quite shake Tess and Tillie (see review just below) out of my head, I decided to see if there was a current Christmas read. Yes! Much like the other one, it's high on intrigue and secrets, but has a bit more of a Christmas feel to it. In this one, not only do we find out what Mike and Bree have been up to in the. sigh, four years since the last review, but Tess and Tony have a holiday visitor. Her mom still hasn't been clued in about her father but it's surely getting more and more difficult for that secret to be kept, I'm sure. Even Sam, Mom's friend and an ex-intelligence agent himself, knows the truth. Talk about complications.

In any case, the initial question was, is there a dead body somewhere or not? See what I mean about things being complicated? Tess and Tony discover someone has broken into not only their home but Tony's high tech computer area, too. They find blood and it isn't from the dogs, dogs mysteriously locked up when they come home. Then we get to enjoy Christmas a bit. I loved the idea of the 12 Days of Christmas bingo game. People gather stamps at any of the various activities they attend, then use them for the fun bingo game near the festival's end. Each square uses on of the activities named. Needless to say, the spirit of competition made for a popular activity. But, next thing we know, Tess and Tony return home to find another intruder, this time near death. Yep, more and more complications. 

There also seems to be an international spy on the loose, one tagged with the name Chameleon since they seem to be so talented at changing and hiding their identity. Seems they've most likely taken up residence in our characters' home town, so the rush is on to narrow down possibilities and find the culprit. Will they be successful? Who is that intruder so near death? With all this intrigue going on, will Mike be able to handle his rule with the police while fretting over his depressed wife? What's with the possibility of twins? What clever way does Tony come up with on the spot to help trace the Chameleon? But, wait. What....oh, more than enough teasers. It's an interesting, not-very-Christmas-y Christmas read but a quick, fun read. Now that I've sorta caught up to Tess and the rest, I'm looking forward to their next adventure. Trust me, it's never a dull one.

The Christmas Clause (Tess and Tilly #8), by Kathi Daley

 

While this wasn't the relatively light-hearted Christmas read I'd been looking for, it was definitely worth the read. There's always a hint of unknown to the Tess and Tilly books and this one didn't disappoint. While the town Christmas festival got rather lost in the intrigue and murder investigations, not to mention Tess' long quest to find out the truth behind her father's disappearance, there were enough light-hearted moments to give you time to catch your breath as your heart rate slowed.

Since this is an older book of the series, I won't belabor the plot as it's surely out there. What can I say? This one has been sitting in my TBR stash for, well, a couple years. Uh, maybe four? In any case, let's just say it starts with Tess following her seemingly endless quest to discover the truth behind her family history and ends up with her witnessing a cold-blooded murder. Then, there's another murder. Are they related? And, if so, how? Why? Could both be over a missing desk with a hidden drawer or something far more nefarious? Maybe a bit of both? Tess' boyfriend Tony's super-genius computer skills and brother Mike's legal logic and connections make a formidable team. 

In-between you'll get to envision Tony as Cowboy Santa. riding bareback no less. Then there's the mystery of the missing Christmas tree toppers. And, lots of food and, oh, boy, snow along the way. Having just had a good dump of snow on this afternoon of Christmas eve, my muscles ached for Tess and Tony as they cleared their driveway, deck, and more. Bottom line, though, while I won't call this a "fun" Christmas read, it was definitely interesting. Now I should probably go figure out where I really am in the series and catch up on some reading but, first, Christmas goodies!

The Last Word, by Gerri Lewis

 Publication Feb. 20, 2024

Winter Snow, yes, that's her real name, is a professional obituary writer. She's asked to write one for Leocadia Arlington. She's surprised as Arlington is very much alive. Nevertheless, it's not only a job but she's curious. Let's face it, it wouldn't be the first time an obituary was written prior to death. She just can't quite shake the need for the rush, though. It needs to be done by Friday or not at all. She visits Mrs. Arlington, during a raging storm, no less, gathers information, only to return with the obit and find her client dead at the bottom on the stairs. A well-known philanthropist, Arlington was writing a book, it seems, too. If she's a writer herself, why hire someone else to create her own obituary? Was it an accident or was she murdered? 

I liked the premise of the mystery but didn't quite find myself warming to up Winter, pun intended. It wasn't even that I found her particularly unlikable. It was more the flaunting of investigative protocol. By that I mean that, while I'm hardly connected to the police, I read enough mysteries to understand the importance things like chain of evidence and not breaking and entering and tampering with evidence. For instance, I winced reading her share she'd sent info off to her own phone from an iPad that was an important piece of evidence. Even more amazing, the investigator in charge didn't seem to blink an eye. He seems to have some issues following procedure, too, but I'll leave that for the reader to discover. Don't get me wrong. I don't expect amateur sleuths to always exactly toe the legal line but, well, I expect them to at least show some knowledge of it. Will this get her into trouble? Maybe not legally but, well, there's always the killer out there who may be watching. Trust me, they were paying attention. Winter does have a good heart, however, taking in the victim's dog, Diva. 

Despite my qualms, I liked the story and most of the supporting characters. Although the story seemed to get off to a slow start, the overall pace picked up after the death and largely kept my attention. Richard and his friend Horace were probably my favorite characters, injecting some humor and showing smarts. There's  an ending that shows Winter's ability to think on her feet, too. Thus, while I frequently found myself rolling my eyes, there was enough promise here to make me stick with it and think I'd maybe read the next in the series. Thanks #NetGalley and #CrookedLaneBooks for introducing me to Winter. I'm sure she'll do better next time she finds herself involved in a murder investigation. 3.5 rounded to 4 stars.

A Smoking Bun (A Bakeshop Mystery #18), by Ellie Alexander

 

Publication Feb. 20, 2024

Being a bit of a klutz, I found myself approaching this book from an odd angle. Let's just say, I clicked the wrong button on my reader and found myself way ahead on a page where the sleuth, Jules Capshaw, is announcing who the killer is. Oops. That said, oddly enough, maybe made it more fun for me to go through the book properly and take note of all the clues pointing that way and at others. Ellie Alexander did an excellent job keeping my interest despite me knowing whodunit from the start. That's talent. 

Before you start reading, be sure to have some tasty goodies on hand. If you aren't hungry going into the book, you will be soon. Lots of food talk, including basically how Jules and the crew at Torte prepare their tasty treats. You're sure to find yourself liking them all and marvel at her mother's organizational skills. We get to meet Ramiro's other family this go-round, which might have been stressful given Ramiro is Jules' husband's child. But, it isn't. Again, nicely handled and I'm betting it's setting up future events. Nope, not telling what I'm guessing. You'll just have to read the book.

As for the murder, the murder weapon is unique. I don't think I'm going to suggest to my area ski resorts that they set up a Downhill Dummy competition. While it sounds like a blast to watch on the surface, oh, my, it's dangerous. How dangerous? Dangerous enough that it is the murder weapon, so to speak. True, no one seemed to like rogue tour guy Fitz much, but he surely didn't deserve to die. What had he been up to the night before out on the trail? Why did his group need rescuing? How will the death at the competition impact the lodge? Who is that mystery woman who never seems far from her clipboard? Who is January and what is her connection to the lodge, heck, the whole mess? Why is Jules snooping around in the lodge? Is Hero a, well, hero or villain? How about Shawn? Will all this blow up in Jules' face? 

Who was....oh, enough teasers. You need to read this book. It's well written, keeps you wondering who did it (I even was second-guessing my inadvertent insight at times, thinking I'd surely misread), and have you reaching for a tasty goodie as you read. Thanks #NetGalley and #StMartinsPress - #Minotaur for inviting me to the fun events. Ellie Alexander has definitely proven once again what an excellent writer she is.

Santa's Lost Reindeer: A Christmas Book That Will Keep You Laughing, by Rachel Hilz , Remesh Ram (Illustrator)

 

My intentions of saving this one until Christmas Day were dashed every time I saw this adorable cover and remembered the fun of the newer lost elves book. I think there's one out there, too, about Santa's lost sleigh but maybe I'll save it until next Christmas. The illustrations are colorful and and add to the humor of the situation. Not that it's funny that Santa has lost his reindeer Bucky, he of the bright yellow nose. Seems a jet startled him and he got loose from the team and disappeared. Santa is forced to seek help. Wouldn't you be surprised to have Santa pounding on your door Christmas eve needing to borrow your four-wheeled drive truck? This family certainly is but rises to the situation and the search is on. Will they find Bucky in time? Will the blizzard slow them down?

Fun. That is the best word to describe this book. The illustrations are all fun but I think my favorites, beside the cover, were of the reindeer relaxing in the family's garage, one lounging, some playing with the childrens' toys, and, yeah, one reading. That said, I laughed out loud while reading it aloud to the dog, my best listener, at the scene of Santa defrosting Bucky with a hair dryer. The rhythmic bounce and easy flow of the story held her attention, so I'm sure it'd do the same for children.

AUDIO: Deadly to the Core (A Cider House Mystery), by Joyce Tremel

 Available Jan. 16,2024    AUDIO: 6h 19m     Narrator Hillary Huber

This is a strong intro for a new series. As usual with audio books, I found myself listening somewhat on the go, so didn't take many notes, so this review will largely focus on my reactions. Obviously, I liked it. I like Hillary Huber as a narrator and had no trouble differentiating between voices. The chapters were simply announced, then right into the next chapter with no long pause. The narration nicely captured the action and subtle humor of the story. The pacing seemed solid and moved the story right along. Overall, an excellent listening experience. Oh, and there's a cat, Blossom.

As for the plot, it did take it awhile to get started but, as will any new series,  the characters and set-up had to be revealed. Once the murder happened, the pace definitely picked up. I found myself liking main character Kate, although she seemed a bit pushy and assumed others should reveal everything about themselves without prompting, which seemed unrealistic. She's a widow, surviving the accident that killed her late husband and left her seriously injured, and is finally starting to feel alive again, but is reluctant to accept help. Neighbor Daniel doesn't seem put off by her, however. Kate's background definitely comes in handy although it's not fully explained upfront unless I simply missed it. It's more fully shown later in the book, however, and it's obvious she's had experience at not only operating a cider house, including how the machinery involved is set up and works. She's pretty handy with a nail gun, too. 

Unfortunately, what she doesn't know is how to care for an actual orchard. That is a worry after the orchard manager, Carl Randolph, is killed. Who'd kill Carl? And, why? She's determined to bring justice to Carl and fortunately has the help of Daniel and, although they get off to a prickly start, earns the trust of Scott, the police officer in charge of the investigation. One thing I noted was that despite going around asking questions of possible suspects, she doesn't seem to appreciate that she may be putting herself in danger. Complications ensue. How Kate and Daniel pull it all together was fun to watch but, I have to admit, I wasn't quite sure whodunit until the big reveal given the multiple, seemingly unconnected clues. It was great to see her overcoming her past and finding new purpose with the cider house, not to mention connecting with both new and old friends.

Throughout the story, I came to admire Kate's pluck, impulsive as some of her theories were, and the calm, solid support offered by Daniel. Heck, she even suspects him initially. Thanks #NetGalley and #DreamscapeMedia for allowing me this sneak peek into this new series. I'll definitely be back, hopefully with some cider handy to sip as I visit next time. Love the ol' red barn, btw.