Lovely New Books!!
Ready to Read!
Thanks to NetGalley
Blog Tours, Rachel’s Random Resources and Boldwood Books
and generous Publishers Adams Media, Boldwood Books, Hallmark Publishing, Lightning Press, One More Chapter, St. Martin’s Press
I get to read advance copies of books before they are published!
I’m delighted to share the following books and my reviews, that are now available on all major retail sites and places! Add to your stack and enjoy!
April brings us showers of powerful books to read- Memoir, Non-Fiction, Historical Fiction, Romance, Cozy Mysteries, and a Psychological Thriller!
I’ve been reading and reading during the virus “stay at home” , so I will have plenty of new books to share with you in the upcoming months!
April 7- A Hundred Suns by Karin Tanabe
Stunning!! And devastating! And by the end of this lyrical book, life is as beautiful as the sun.
A Hundred Suns by Karin Tanabe
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Stunning!! And devastating! And by the end of this lyrical book, life is as beautiful as the sun. I am mixing metaphors here, when I say that this book is like a kabuki performance. Kabuki is a traditional and stylized Japanese form of drama, and this book takes place in colonial Indochina, now Viet Nam. Still, the sweeping and rich blend of romance, suspense, history, as shown through the food, scenery, clothing and manners of the time is presented in the stylized manner of kabuki. Each character is trapped in their role and must perform according to the rules of the times. (And by “kabuki” I don’t mean to imply that this book is inaccessible to a reader. A Hundred Suns is thrilling, exciting, puzzling and glorious, you must read it in one sitting.)
So, who are the character in the insular world of Indochina in the 1930’s? The main character that looms overall, is Michelin et Cie. Then comes Jessie, an American, who has managed to achieve her dream of leaving her life of poverty behind by marrying a rich member of the Michelin family. She lives in Paris with her husband, Victor. Although he is not a major Michelin, he seizes the opportunity to take his wife and child to Hanoi, Indochina, France’s colony to manage Michelin’s two large rubber plantations.
Another set of characters, also with a Michelin interest are the French Marcelle, her Indochine lover Khoi and their two close friends. Marcelle and Khoi met as students in Paris and reunited in Hanoi. Khoi is the scion of a major “native” silk producer. Their paths collide with Victor and Jessie in a diabolical and sinister way.
Another major part of the book are the places- Paris and Hanoi. Both are well described with lush scenes that show the sophistication, culture and facades of Paris, the weather, natural beauty, food, and societal structure of Hanoi. In the midst of beauty and wealth, Capitalism battles Communism, Jessie struggles with her past, Marcelle and Khoi strive to right a wrong.
The story begins on a specific day, November, 20, 1933 in Hanoi, and then flashes back to the events that lead to the catastrophic denouement on this day. Are dreams and hopes, guided by the sun enough?
Highly, highly recommend. Many thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher, St. Martin’s Press for aa digital review copy. This is my honest review.
April 7- The Last Voyage of the Andrea Doria by Greg King
A story of love, family, survival and the pride of a nation.
The Last Voyage of the Andrea Doria: The Sinking of the World’s Most Glamorous Ship by Greg King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Here we go again:
A large, fast luxury liner
The pride of its country
Built with the most modern safety features
Plenty of lifeboats
Experienced Captain
Bad weather
Atlantic Ocean
Big gash in the boat
Which brings us to the story of the Andrea Doria and “The Sinking of the World’s Most Glamorous Ship.” Authors Greg King and Penny Wilson have written a close up and personal story of the Andrea Doria. Fortunately, there is one major difference between the Andrea Doria and the Titanic- 1,660 passengers and crew were rescued and survived, 46 people on the ship died as a direct consequence of the collision. This is their story.
For a country attempting to rebuild its shattered economy and reputation after World War II, Andrea Doria was an icon of Italian national pride. A grand luxury liner, sleek on the outside and dazzling with Italian art and charm on the inside, this was an ocean liner that provided a dream experience. The book begins by introducing us to the passengers and crew. We meet celebrities and society people in first class and interesting and talented people in Cabin Class and Tourist Class. Some were returning to America after a holiday or business in Europe, and some were emigrating to the USA. Most of them raved about the beauty of the swimming pools, the food and service. On many deck chairs was a book that was popular at the time, A Night To Remember, about the sinking of the Titanic!
The stories of happy families and couples as they cruise are poignant, as we anticipate what fate awaits them on the last night of the cruise. On a foggy night, twelve hours from New York City, the ship Stockholm collided with the Andrea Doria. Even though we know that most will be saved, the individual stories of the passenger are harrowing and heroic. The Andre Doria began to list severely after the crash, which rendered half of the lifeboats inaccessible and useless. The passengers had to struggle to move to the upper decks on a ship that was slanted and filling with water, oil and fuel. Then they had to wait for hours on the decks, hanging on for dear life, until other ships and boats could arrive and dispatch lifeboats to rescue them.
The book closes with stories of how the survivors fared in the days and years after the crash. Interestingly, some people even cruised again! The book also covers the resulting lawsuits. Both ship companies maintained that they were not to blame. At times a bit dry and repetitive, overall this book showcases the love and interest that the authors have for the story of the Andrea Doria.
I received an advance digital copy from Netgalley and the publisher. This is my honest review.
April 7- The Stolen Letter by Paige Shelton
A cozy mystery where the place and the characters lead the way.
The Stolen Letter by Paige Shelton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I have the pleasure of recommending a cozy mystery that is new to me, but is not new to many other readers and fans. The Stolen Letter is the fifth book in the Scottish Bookshop Mystery series and a beguiling book it is. No worries if you are like me, and start the series with this book- it’s a charming story and easy to get in to.
All right then, to Edinburgh we go! Delaney Nichols is a sweet and good-nature young woman, but she can be plucky and persistent when she needs to be. She works at her favorite job in the world at The Crooked Spine bookshop, a fascinating repository of books and all things historical, from quirky to valuable. Delaney has just returned from her honeymoon when puzzling events sweep her in to another mystery she must solve.
The first odd occurrence, is why does Delaney look so much like a woman she just happens to bump into? And why do she and the woman both favor Mary, Queen of Scots? Finally, was the woman really Queen Mary in a past life? As Delaney gets to know the woman and her family, modern life begins to parallel the past in eerie ways and soon Delaney is investigating a murder. And The Crooked Spine is in trouble, too.
This is a cozy mystery where the place and characters lead the way. The history, scenes of Edinburgh and the characters all shine. Yes, the mystery gets solved in a mainly satisfying fashion, but the joy is in the journey as dear Delaney and her bookstore buddies politely save the day. And there is a special surprise guest at the end!
Many thanks to NetGalley and St.Martin’s Press for an advance digital review copy. This is my honest review.
April 21- The Wheelwright’s Daughter by Eleanor Porter
An evocative and atmospheric historical fiction, set in the Elizabethan Age.
April 24- The First Date by Zara Stoneley
What happens when the wrong guy turns up at the right time?
The First Date by Zara Stoneley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I’m a Zara Stoneley fan. The first book of hers I read was “Bridesmaids”. Here’s how I started my 5-star review- “I will do my best to stop laughing and sputtering at you as I write this review. That’s how funny and adorable is this book is. Applause and lots of love to author Zara Stoneley for creating a warm and witty story.” So, 5 stars for “Bridesmaids”.
Then I read and liked her Christmas story, “Four Christmases and a Secret”. Daisy was the heroine of this holiday book; Daisy is not the shining star she had hoped to be. She is lost and subdued until she learns that it’s up to her to seize life’s opportunities.
So how did I like Ms. Stoneley’s latest book, “The First Date”? This book is billed as a “hilarious, heartwarming romantic comedy about what happens when the wrong guy turns up at the right time…” Rosie is the gal we are rooting for and she has given up on romance after her long-time relationship failed. Her ex moved to Wales to be a sheep farmer and then he remarried. Rosie, who works in a bookshop, wants to dip her toe into the dating world, but when Tindr fails her and she’s stranded at a local pub, she meets an intriguing guy who claims he can teach her to be a successful dater.
Great idea for a rom com, isn’t it? Indeed! And parts of this book work so well. Witty dialogue, two lovable characters, a big dog, wayward parents, and bits of sadness and heartbreak. In many ways, Rosie is like Daisy, the rom com lead in “Four Christmases”, they are both so appealing yet a bit lost and sad. Ms. Stoneley tells us in her bio on Goodreads that she writes about “friendships, dreams, love and happy ever after. She hopes her tales make us laugh a lot, cry a little, and occasionally say ‘ahh!’” And she mostly succeeds in this book.
I liked the main characters, Rosie and Noah. I liked Rosie’s mom, and Rosie’s friend Bea. What didn’t work for me? Well, there is too much dialogue, and too much internal dialogue. Also, there is no clear sense of the setting and where this story takes place.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter for a digital review copy. This is my honest review.
April 21- In Other Words, Love by Shirley Jump
A Second Chance Romance from Hallmark Publishing
In Other Words, Love: A Second Chance Romance from Hallmark Publishing by Shirley Jump
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Don’t we all love the idea of a second chance romance, also referred to as a reunion romance? Realizing that even though life moves on, we can still hope to rekindle lost love? This sweet and uplifting romance is everything a Hallmark book should be.
The story is set in Seattle and the city and surrounding natural wonders- trails, rivers, mountains, forest- are lushly described. Kate Winslow is our darling heroine. She is a thirty-ish, writer, who lives with her cat and she visits her elderly grandmother almost every day for yummy cookies and a good chat.
Trent, our hero, is a business success story. He left his small-town life after college and started his own eco-friendly sports apparel company that is popping and soon to be a publicly held company. His advisors decided that he should have a memoir of his life published to help with PR. He learns that writing a book is hard work, so his company hires a ghost writer for him. Guess who that is?
Yes, it’s Kate. She’s a successful ghost writer, specializing in memoirs. And she also has a past with Trent. What happens when these two meet again and start working closely together? It’s been fifteen years since they broke up in college. Can this outgoing, adventure loving guy win back his pretty, shy flower? Can he also reconnect with his family?
Well, it is a Hallmark romance. A well-written and charming romance, with some lovely and cute descriptions. Snuggle up and enjoy! Thanks to NetGalley and Hallmark Publishing for an advace review copy. This is my honest review.
April 27- The Perfect Couple by Jackie Kabler
Suspense, thrills, police procedural, and a good old-fashioned creepy scare await you.
The Perfect Couple by Jackie Kabler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Lovely Gemma, married less than a year, is settling into her new place in Bristol, England with her husband, Danny. They are enjoying their nicely appointed home, painting and decorating it together, creating a nest for their future family. Gemma is a freelance writer and Danny is an IT specialist and together, they have it all. They are the perfect couple.
Until…cue the scary, screeching violins…Danny doesn’t come home one night. Or the next day. Or the day after. When Gemma decides she must go to the police and report her husband missing, she finds the police are busy with several unsolved murders. One by one, young adult men have been found bludgeoned to death. The police aren’t too worried about Danny, until they realize that Danny looks like the murdered men, with dark curly hair, and thick eyebrows.
As Gemma copes with losing her husband, the police discover that things are not as Gemma told them. Danny has never been seen in Bristol. He never went to work. He never emailed, called or used his bank accounts. The neighbors have never seen him. Only Gemma. Did Gemma kill Danny? And is she a serial murderer?
Warning, once you start this brilliant book, you have to finish it in one sitting. The plot is deliberately slow and well-paced. Gemma tells her story, in the first person and it’s as if you are living her horror right along with her, one puzzling and agonizing day at a time. The police are well-developed characters and you really can’t blame them for how they proceed. And wait until you get to know Danny!
Suspense, thrills, police procedural, and a good old-fashioned creepy scare await you. Highly recommend.
Thanks to NetGalley, HarperImpulse and Killer Reads, One More Chapter for a digital review copy. This is my honest review.
April 27- Marrow Jam by Susan King
Five proper W.I. stars for a cozy mystery and Best in Class!
Marrow Jam by Susan A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Five proper W.I. stars for a cozy mystery, Marrow Jam by Susan A. King. While I’m handing out stars, I may as well give the author her Best in Class rosette and her Best in Show trophy. This humorous and agreeable English country village mystery is a winner!
All the characters that a story, set in a small, close-knit village English village like Elmsebury, requires are here. Beattie is our heroine and she should be! She is the secretary of the Elmesbury W.I., a fastidious spinster who lives in a charming cottage, bakes delightful pastries, and monitors everything in a decorous way. Her best friend is Phyllis, a nice lady who is not the force of nature that Beattie is. The postmistress, hard of hearing, the Vicar, the small tavern, constables confused and inept, the classic and idyllic village green and the annual summer Fete are all delightfully portrayed.
The story is told, to the minute, during September, 1999 with flashbacks to the momentous events of the summer. It all begins In July, 1999 with Beattie and Phyllis at the annual Fete and Beattie’s entry in the Great Bake challenge, a Caribbean coffee gateaux with coconut butter cream and mango glazed coffee beans. Will Beattie win the coveted Fete trophy for Best in Show or will Douglas Sparrow and his prize marrow prevail…again?!
But the story really begins with Beattie being interrogated for hours by the Constable in September. Someone has been murdered. Beattie wasn’t involved in that, but as she eventually tells the Constable, she has been involved in plenty of other happenings. Happenings that alarmed the whole village, including Douglas Sparrow and other village men.
With plenty of details, such as a magical Walnut Loaf, the events of the Bring and Buy sale, and even agriculture and fertilizer, the charming details and well-told story will delight you. As will the happy ending, when we learn that even the redoubtable Beattie just wants to be loved.
Congratulations to author Susan A. King for a cozy visit to Elmesbury, and I hope there will be more Beattie stories forthcoming! Thanks to Rachel’s Random resources for a review copy. This is my honest review.
April 28- Whatever You Do, Be Happy by Julia Dellitt
400 Things to think and Do for a Happy Life
Whatever You Do, Be Happy: 400 Things to Think Do for a Happy Life by Julia Dellitt
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Here’s a sunny-looking book of happiness. The subtitle is “400 things to Think & Do for a Happy Life” and the author encourages us to try a variety of mood-boosters. We can look for happiness no matter where we are. Simply reading this positive and uplifting book will help fill your happiness tank. You may not want to read this book all at once, it’s fun to browse and choose a few ideas each day. Keep this book on your nightstand!
The book presents short topics such as health and mindfulness, but the most fun for me was to browse the short paragraphs and look for good ideas. Here’s what appealed to me;
Be a little Full of Yourself- Confidence Matters
Write your own Elevator Pitch
Watch a Cartoon
Read comics or graphic novels- especially if this is something new for you
Play with a Magnetic Poetry Set
Style a Shelf
Master a New Skill
Wear Pajamas during the day. This is akin to the old-fashioned idea of “changing in to your play clothes.”
As you can see, very little expense is needed to make a happy life. A guide like this helps us to see what is possible. Wouldn’t this book make a nice gift?
I received an advance review copy from NetGalley and Adams Media. This is my honest review.
Looking for more books to read? Please visit my Book Promotions page and explore all the latest releases. Extracts, blurbs, reviews, author info, books links- all waiting for you!
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