The Old Girls' Chateau Escape, by Kate Galley

 

Publication Jan. 29, 2025

Heartfelt, charming and wonderfully character driven, not to mention a tale of secrets kept and even a hint of mystery. Or, is that two mysteries? In any case, I thoroughly enjoyed getting to spend more time with Gina Knight again, once again as a caretaker, but this time in France. I worried we might not get much Dorothy Reed this go-round, so was quite delighted when she popped up as the book continued. It's Dorothy, after all, who points Gina in the direction of old author friend Meredith to find out what long kept secrets she might be revealing in her upcoming memoir. Gina is naturally friendly, honest, and wants to help, even if she is uncomfortable at the idea of betraying Meredith's trust, too, by sharing what she discovers. That's complicated by Meredith's husband Gerald having dementia and concerns of doing anything to ruin his moments of clarity by disturbing Meredith. Gina has a sensitive way of reading people and it's obvious Meredith is troubled.

It is to Gina's credit that she not only tries to do right by both of them but help harried chateau manager Lucian and another stranger she meets at the chateau villas. Phew, and that's only hitting the highlights. Lots more going on here. For me, however, the important aspect was that this is definitely a character driven story. From side characters like Lucian to Dorothy, Gina, and the rest, each is wonderfully fleshed out and we get to spend some time i many of their heads. I hope we somehow get to see more of Lucian in future books. I really liked him. The descriptions of the setting and the places Gina visits in the area are well-done and give you a taste of France, not to mention its artists. While the main characters are older, they're hardly stereotypes, albeit the author doesn't ignore that they have to make adjustments for activities and outings. I liked that, maybe because I'm slowly but surely coming to grips with that myself? Grin. 

Bottom line, while I don't want to give away any more of the plot, I will say if you enjoy character driven plots, especially with finally aged characters in amazing places, you'll enjoy this book. The plot moves along nicely and you'll feel at home with the characters almost immediately. While a follow-up to the first in the series, this one stands alone nicely with pretty much all the background you need to know being revealed in the first chapter almost without you noticing it. In other words, the author writes well and is quite readable. There's obviously lots of drama but also humor (and a cat), particularly as Gina tries to navigate civilly with an ex-husband who walked out on her but seems to be having second thoughts. I couldn't quite decide if he was a jerk or to feel sorry for him, though did grin when he was played a bit by both Lucian and neighbor and potential real romantic interest Erik, who I'm quite liking. Thanks #BoldwoodBooks for allowing me this early peek at Gina's adventures in France. I like how she's handling the changes in her life and the realization that she rather likes not having to answer to someone else. You go, girl!

Barbara Ann Scott: Queen of the Ice, by Ryan Stevens

 

Publication March 2025

Although far from an expert on the sport, I've always loved the grace and beauty of ice skating. So, it was probably a natural I'd opt to review this one albeit I was unfamiliar with Scott. I'm glad I did as I enjoyed learning not only her story but some behind the scenes bits and pieces about the sport that I'd never really known. I mean, I did know what school figures were, for instance, but hardly how many different ones there were and how much time skaters devoted to just perfecting them as opposed to their actual skating programs. Today they're long gone. While many of the names mentioned were before my time, that didn't really matter and familiarity increased as time passed. Probably the first name to pop up that I was familiar with that was actually a part of her life was Dick Button although I only knew him as a commentator on television, not an active skater.

I'm always somehow surprised how many performers would classify themselves as shy when not performing. Scott seems to be one of them. She was also smart, smart enough to learn three different languages, learn to play the piano, and learn to fly at one point. All while competing, I believe. If you check out the long, long list of appearances and performances she made that are listed in the appendix (as well as sources ), you'll surely understand that her "spare time" was limited. Skating was her first love, however. While perhaps best known as the first Canadian woman to win a gold medal in skating, she seems to have remained the genuinely nice person everyone was quick to describe her as. She seems to have steered clear of real drama, well, aside from that one controversy. Let's just say, the Olympic powers drew a sharp line in those days between amateur and pro. Unfortunately, she also faced the usual problems of celebrity, being hounded and even stalked by fans. Given that I don't think even the President of the United States, who she met, had the sort of security we just naturally assume any big name celebrity has today, think Taylor Swift, she and her mother, who was her traveling companion, were largely on their own to handle confrontations. Scary today, scary then.  

Bottom line, despite my unfamiliarity with Scott, not to mention most of the surrounding cast of characters that made up her life, I enjoyed getting to know her. The addition of photos taken throughout her life were a bonus. I think I'd have liked her. In the process, I learned quite a bit about how the sport back then differs from the once we watch today. I know I was astonished to learn of the poor rink qualities at times, even at major competitions. I was definitely glad to discover she finally discovered something she loved more than skating, one that even helped bring one of her long time dreams alive. Nope, not telling, but it definitely helped me understand her a bit better. All in all, a book I'll recommend to skating fans. Thanks #BookSirens and author #RyanStevens for allowing me this early look at the life of Barbara Ann Scott and her life. And, what a life it was. And, hey, we even get her recipe for Moist Banana Cake!

Fudge and Marriage, by Nancy CoCo

 

Publication April 1, 2025

Wow, lots going on in this book. Not only is Allie already frazzled trying to plan her wedding to fiance Rex Manning, the police chief of Mackinac Island, but her mother has arrived two weeks early with a large entourage of relatives pretty much trying to take over and change everything. Oh, and there's been a murder, too. That said, I'm not sure I wasn't more focused on the chaos unleashed by a woman who could model for some Mom-zilla bride's magazine than the murder. At least that's my excuse for not figuring it out.

As for the murder, it was a stunning one to most in Mackinac Island. Although victim Velma Frank and Myrtle have been sniping and arguing for years, no one can understand why it would have suddenly lead to murder, even if Myrtle was found beside the body near the bloody weapon. Heck, most thought they rather enjoyed their sniping routine, so what might have changed? But, it it wasn't Myrtle, who did it? As it turns out, there are several suspects and since Myrtle has turned to Allie for help, never mind Allie is only two weeks out from her wedding, Allie finds herself investigating between bridal chores, demands from her mother, and trying to carve out time for Rex and herself. Oh, and let's not forget her pets, Mella the cat and Mal, her surprisingly good at sniffing out clues Bichonpoo. Luckily, employee Roxanne is doing an excellent job picking up the slack making fudge and doing the presentations that Allie normally so enjoys doing for tourists. Somehow Allie manages to find time to questions suspects, not to mention take part in a bachelorette party that rather steals the show from everything else. Rex is about to discover that Allie is an entertaining drunk. Speaking of Rex, readers will learn a bit more about his background and family, info even Allie wasn't aware of until his big reveal. All this, mind you, while investigating, attending endless fittings and make-up sessions Allie is dragged to by her mother, who you're going to cringe at when you meet her. 

Bottom line, whether entranced more by Mom-zilla or the murder, you'll find this a fun, relatively quick read. Lots of fun characters, well, aside from snobby family members, critters, carriage rides (motorized vehicles are restricted on Mackinac Island), a clever murderer, wedding day hiccups, and, well, much, much more. I adore this series. Thanks #KensingtonPublishing for allowing me this early virtual visit to see how Allie's wedding plans were going. I'm just glad she didn't murder her mother and Rex was forced to arrest his bride-to-be at the wedding. Now that would have been a twist, not that the big one wasn't shocking enough.

Interrupted Lives: Nine Stories of Child Survivors of the Holocaust, by Amanda Friedeman, Kelley Szany

 Available March 4, 2025

This may seem an odd Christmas read but the more I watch the news, the more important it seemed to be to read it now. These are stories of real people, children at the time, who faced the horrors of discrimination. Some were sheltered by sympathetic non-Jewish families, other faced the horrors of the concentration camps. What they have in common is that they survived, scarred and changed forever. Even those who were ultimately reunited with families. The modern images of children in cages calls back this horrific era, one we'd like to believe can never happen again. Often, we're not so sure about that. 

In any case, while I won't detail the nine lives shared here, I'll note that each shares a lesson in life the survivor learned. Each story touched me in different ways, whether imagining the fear of thinking your family has abandoned you to, yes, the horrors of life in a concentration camp. Each story shares a photo of the subject in their more youthful days as well as biographical information that includes where they ultimately began their lives over. There are relatively current photos, too, as well as brief snippet of what they would capsulize as what they learned from their experience that helped them survive and adapt to their "interrupted lives". One woman's story hit home as it stressed her efforts to encourage people to use their power, their vote.

Bottom line, this is an important book, albeit on aimed at young readers. It makes one wonder how we would have survived. IF we would have survived. While undeniably a tough, sad read, it is the reality of our past with hopes it isn't our future. It was inspiring to see how these people have gone on to live and contribute to the world in ways both big and small. My thanks to them for probably reluctantly agreeing to share their stories. Also, thanks #LernerPublishingGroup for making this available for an early read. As a former history teacher who has read many, many books on this era, this one, in its simplicity, managed to touch me. I highly recommend it to not only my teacher friends but those who hope for a better world. Knowing where we were helps us find our way toward a better future.

Emily Was SO Embarrassed, by Michelle Olson

 

Publication April 6, 2025

I absolutely adore these little books. Not only does author Michelle Olson give us a meaningful story but her creativity shines with the illustrations. Each item used is a common household item, given personality by Olson. In the case, we have Emily, who loves to dance, especially with her twirling ribbon, but is too scared to do it in front of others. Then her best friend, a singer who wants to perform but is afraid of being on the stage alone, asks her to perform her dance while she sings. Will Emily be brave enough, enough of a friend, to push through her fears and agree?

Parents and grandparents, if you're not familiar with Olson's books, you really should give them a look. I'm constantly amazed at how she manages to so well illustrate her stories with her imagination and creativity using objects most of us can find in our homes somewhere. I'm sure that I, as an adult, spend more time perusing the pictures to be sure to catch every items and nuance as I do reading. Who knew simple buttons could be given such personality? Be sure to check out the backgrounds, too. The colors are bright and bold and with the use of simple, easy to understand words helps to tell the story. 

In this story, Emily is talented but fearful. She doesn't want to embarrass herself by making a mistake in front of others. It's only when a friend needs her support that she finally agrees to perform, maybe as she realizes the friend is as nervous as she is and needs her support. There's a good lesson there for young children. First, the realization that others have fears, too, and how much our support can mean to them. Second, as the story goes along, that making a mistake isn't the end of the world. You simply try, try again. The mistake you thought was glaring, in fact, may have barely registered with others. Most of us can relate to that. My thanks to author #MichelleOlson for making this early copy available. I so enjoy the story and continually am amazed at what can be done with just a few common items.

A Victim at Valentine's (A Secret Bookcase Mystery #5), by Ellie Alexander

 

Publication Feb. 10, 2025

Annie Murray is one of those characters that stays with me when I read. That's actually surprising as, quite frankly, I wasn't immediately particularly taken with her when I read the first book in the series. Too....everything. Too intense. Too guarded. Too emotional. Too closed off, determined to push others away. As the plot evolved, however, I can to understand why she was that way and see the caring, detail oriented person she was. Annie has opened herself up once again to the world, to the possibilities it offers, including love. I'm glad I stuck around, even if I was sad to see the selected victim this go-round., although he ultimately symbolized the possible results of poor choices and broken promises.

I won't detail the plot, which revolves not only around the current murder and a cold case, but lots and lots of pink and valentines. Aaliyah is in town promoting a showcase for her matchmaking service. Even if you roll your ideas of the thought, I have to admit to being rather impressed at how well thought it was, throwing potential love matches together under both calm and stressful activities after matching them via a meticulous application. I mean, "Which side of the bed do you prefer?" was basically one of the questions. 

Yet, all isn't well. Gregarious senior George, who happens to be a multimillionaire, is suddenly ill at ease, even to the point of avoiding various characters who appear. One he'd like to have avoid is Elspeth, who says his aura is black and predicts death. Whoa. But, guess who comes up dead? While hardly a believer, Annie is shaken when she's the one to discover the body. What transpire afterward is both maddeningly confusing and meaningful. Trust me, it all makes sense at the end, even Fletcher's budding romance with Violet of the potentially competitive bookshop idea. Annie and Fletcher are about to debut their private detective agency, Novel Detectives, so she's suspicious and protective all at the same time. Best friend Pri pops in and is happily enjoying life with Penny but, hey, what's going on with her new employee? What was going on with them and George? And, oh, so much more. As usual, Alexander's books are crammed full of wonderful detail, from Valentine's Day decorations to the trail the group will follow toward the end, not to mention continuing to flesh out the already well-described characters. And, oh, you'll learn quite a bit about crows, too, which have a role to play.

The plot moved along nicely, allowing time to reflect on things like Valentine's Day and old, now gone friends. Annie remains obsessed with the tragic cold case murder of her friend Scarlet, a case that is smoothly worked into the whole here. There's also time to enjoy the building closeness of Annie and Liam Donovan, a man she couldn't tolerate in book one. Ah, love is never simple. So, i thoroughly enjoyed the setting, plot, and spending time with characters I've come to feel like I know. Well worth getting acquainted with Annie, who I'm betting will grow on you just as she did me. Thanks #StormPublishing for introducing me to her and allowing me this sneak peek into how her ever evolving life is going. Looking forward to seeing how her partnership with Fletcher evolves, not to mention what is next for Liam and her.

Starting Over in Starshine Cove (Starshine Cove, #4), by Debbie Johnson

 

Publication Feb. 19, 2025

None of us knows what tomorrow may bring.

That was the big takeaway from this one. The characters were interesting and though I wasn't particularly drawn to Connie as the book opened, I definitely warmed up to her quickly. While it's true that none of us know what will happen tomorrow, good or bad, it's lure is the possibilities. Connie has made a life for herself in Starshine Cove after the tragic death of her beloved husband while raising the children to be strong and go out on their own. It's when one of them brings home a new BFF from college that Connie's life takes another turn. That new BFF's father just happens to be the very man who once offered Connie a chance at the fast paced celebrity life she'd been obsessed with despite feelings of emptiness. Zack brings possibilities, in other words. The question is, will she open herself up to them?

I won't detail the plot, the blurb does an excellent job, but will say that I liked the characters and was rooting for them. Heck, even Connie's doctor/friend had words of wisdom to offer, both medical and emotional. That should give you a hint as to a twist in the road to happily ever after. Yes, the story is full of genuine friendship, humor, and the usual fears we all face as we age and face changes. The change in Connie from the opening prologue throughout the book is impressive, showing the potential that has been there all along. All the feels are there, that's for sure, especially the emotional tendency to erect barriers/borders to protect out own emotions. Change can be both tempting and threatening, let's just say. How Connie works her way to opening herself to love manages to make you occasionally want to laugh and cry at the same time, odd as that sounds. Isn't human nature amazing? Zack is a dear and you're definitely going to like him as well ans the extended families. It's good to see family support, which isn't always a given in such books.

Bottom line, I wound up liking this one more than expected. I have read Johnson in the past and enjoyed them but didn't think I was quite in the mood for a sweet romance. Shows how much I know, huh? The setting in Starshine Cove sounds lovely and Connie's place in it an inspiration. My thanks to #StormPublishing for reminding me with this early peek how much I have always enjoyed Debbie Johnson's books. I will definitely be on the look out for the next ones.

Remarkable Women: Fascinating Facts You Never Knew About Amazing Women!, by Eric Huang, Sam Caldwell (illustrator)

 Publication Jan. 28, 2024

This was a quick, easy read that featured a variety of women from all ages, not to mention giving a nod to some early mythological representatives. The selection was a nice mix of known and relatively unknown names to me although I'll note for modern readers that the likes of Taylor Swift, Oprah, and several First Ladies were highlighted. I actually never knew only a few of our First Ladies had achieved Master's Degrees, just one of the facts I picked up as I read. While aimed at young readers, it's always nice to discover there is something there for even us so called adults to learn, too. It was definitely great to see the female human computers of NASA, so to speak, be spotlighted as well as earlier leaders in math/science development such as Ada Lovelace and movie star Hedy Lamarr. 

The book follows the same general structure throughout. It's ordered by category, including Legends, Geniuses, Creatives, Superstars, Leaders, and Trailblazers. Each features the chosen subjects, starting with a text of what we think we know about them, only to tell us the truth about that assumption. Each of the characters is nicely drawn, with artist Sam Caldwell seeming to draw on some feature or object related to the topic. The illustrations are fun and lively, frequently accompanied by short text boxes or dialogue balloons adding more. I definitely liked that the subjects came from different places and times, giving a diverse feel to the book. The combo of well-known figures and those only vaguely known or even new to us was a nice mix, too. 

Finally, to help add a sense of order and time, there's a timeline of when each individual was born, followed by a world map showing where. It was fun to look at both and see where their lives merged, not to mention the different continents they were born in. There's also a glossary with easy to grasp definitions. The ample use of color and placement, so to speak, were helpful throughout. Thanks #QuartoPublishingGroup - #wordsandpictures for the early share of this intriguing look at the roles women have not just taken but excelled in throughout history. Readers, this would make a great gift for both students and teachers, not to mention just those interested in history and women's roles in it. It made me take another look at Jane Austen's books, that's for sure, and her critiques of societies.

Irish Soda Bread Murder, by Carlene O'Connor , Peggy Ehrhart , Liz Ireland

 

Available Dec. 24, 2024    

Audiobook  10h 36m    Tantor Audio

A group of psychics have gathered together to support a local charity bake sale in "Irish Soda Murder", by Carlene O'Conner. They're a rather catty, competitive bunch and the event hasn't even started yet when one of them turns up dead. After meeting them, it's no surprise they're all on the suspect list, even the victim's spouse. Unfortunately, Tara's Uncle Johnny is also on the list as the last thing the victim ate before dying was some of Johnny's soda bread. While everyone is pointing fingers and suggesting who they think did it, Tara, Johnny, and Tara's boyfriend and privy to the police investigations thanks to video Johnny has installed around the site. We also get to meet Aunt Rose, albeit in an odd fashion. Johnny has rigged up a rolling cart to allow the ailing Rose to be part of the festivities via a sort of video face time and, trust me, she isn't too happy when Johnny shuts off her feed to spy, er, listen in on the questioning of suspects.I won't detail the plot any further but it's both fun and full of gossip, gloating, accusations, jealousy, and, well, more. Let's just say, this bunch of psychics is full of themselves and eager to cut their competitors down a notch or two. How Tara manages to cut through all that and find tind the real killer is both fun and a tad confusing, maybe because I wasn't taking notes. Due to this being an audio version, I was driving. Still and all, a fun read although not my favorite of the three.

"An Irish Recipe for Murder" by Peggy Ehrhart manages to somehow combine lots of food talk, knitting, fabric art history, and, yes, murder. This series is one of those that helped make me a fan of cozy mysteries, so it was like ol' home week for me, though envied Pamela and Bettina being able to taste the goodies Wilfred, Bettina's husband, seems to whip up regularly. Since the soda bread contest was Bettina's idea, she's feeling a bit of guilt but doesn't let that slow her down from seeking the truth. Long time readers will enjoy getting together once again with the knitting club members and the mentions of Richard Larson, a neighbor who is frequently mentioned as a potential romantic interest for Pamela. Maybe one of these days.  Who would have wanted to kill the new town representative? As it turns out, there are several suspects. Bettina and Pamela slowly make their way toward the culprit. all the while taking time for Wilfred's meals and Pamela to edit the fabric art related articles for the job for a magazine devoted to that art. This former history major enjoyed learning the history behind several of them, I might note. In any case, I feel like I know these characters and look forward to my visits with them, Irish sour bread or not. That said, I was kicking myself for not figuring it out sooner.

Finally, the one that drew me to this book to begin with, "Mrs. Claus and the Sinister Soda Bread". The fun characters are rather out of my normal territory being elves and Santa's wife, April. Who knew Mrs. Claus was not only young but an amateur sleuth? Anyway, fun characters, whimsical dialogue, and the wonder of elves being exposed to the "real world" outside Santa Land made for a fun read. Somehow, I wasn't able to dredge up my sympathy for the victim while fretting Juniper might opt to leave "the North", as April has instructed them to call their home, for Oregon. Not to worry. Everyone in the "real world" seems to find them intriguing and think they'd been specially brought in to act as leprechans for the St. Patrick's Day celebration underway, especially April's long time nemesis who is out to get April's inn one way or the other. In addition, April has to deal with a missing handyman, flooded inn, strange sounds from the attic, exotic pet theft, and, oh, yeah, a dead body. In the meantime, the absolute glee and excitement the elves experience dealing with things and events we mere mortals take for granted, like goodies at the gas station and trees, is a delight. Well, as long as they don't get arrested and found out. Do elves even have passports? Bottom line, lots of humor, goofy elf antics (and outfits), and examples of taking care of those who mean the most to you. My thanks to #TantorAudio for allowing me this early virtual visit back to April's original home in Oregon while seeing it through elf eyes as I enjoyed the St. Paddy's Day antics. Fun!

History Smashers: Earth Day and the Environment, by Kate Messner

 

Publication March 11, 2025

Earth Day is every day. In fact, it's been going on for much longer than the official proclamation of an Earth Day. As you'll discover, it's been going on for not just years but decades. Centuries, even. This book gives reference to more than just the happenings and reactions to an official Earth Day but takes us back to see where the idea of taking care of the earth we live on began. 

I won't try to summarize the history of the goal of saving the earth, obviously, but will say that Messner does her usual excellent job of combining fact, humor, and thought provoking bits of information and comments throughout. While I can't claim to have read the entire series, this one differed from some recent ones I've read in that it seems to be more wide-ranging. By that I mean it covers a vast array of time and place. We may think of Earth Day as a single event but its beginnings were wide spread and its impact felt for centuries before someone got around to making it an official day. I have Native American roots and was delighted to see their role given attention. Also, as someone who has always been fascinated by the Mayan culture, the reminder that the terraces and reservoirs that were used by the Maya people were some of the most visible means of cultivating our earth's resources while helping protect them for the long term, too. And these efforts are simply the tip of the iceberg. 

Bottom line, there is a great deal of info to be digested here as well as suggestions on how we as both individuals and groups can preserve our world for future generations. I mean, maybe you'd like to go live on barren Mars but I think I'll stick to good ol' planet Earth. Messner's writing style flows nicely and is easy to understand and digest. Even better, she documents her sources and there are lots of both fun and informative illustrations to help readers grasp what they are reading. The ample use of sidebars and color helps. There is certainly more to see, read, and learn. Thanks #RandomHoouseChildren's books for sharing this early copy with me. The retired teacher in me thoroughly enjoyed it and, yes, learned more than a few things.