Though by no means professional detectives, my new favorite sleuths, Veronica Speedwell, and her partner in crime, Stoker (that's Lord Revelstoke Templeton-Vane), are back in another mystery. An unexpectedly royal familial source asks Veronica to look into the case of a high-society gent who is about to hang for the murder of his mistress. Lots of behind-the-scenes machinations, both helpful and threatening, provide direction and impediments as the lepidopterist and taxidermist use their powers of observation, their fighting skills, and their insatiable curiosity to prove whether this man should swing from the gallows or be rescued from the hangman's noose.
Category: 2017
New Releases: Books Published August 22, 2017 for Children + Teens
Another Tuesday, another round of new releases! Here are brief blurbs about some of my new favorite children's picture books, middle grade novels, and teen reads that released today.
Book Review: A Conspiracy in Belgravia by Sherry Thomas
Charlotte Holmes is back in a second adventure involving murder, family, and a decade-old cipher. Still employing the ruse of the "invalid brother," Sherlock Holmes, Charlotte finds herself investigating on behalf of the wife of the man she may possibly love while fielding a marriage proposal from that very man's brother. It will take all of Charlotte's sensible and analytical mind to see through her own surprising feelings as the web of Moriarty, and the involvement of a surprising member of her family, grows clearer.
New Releases: Picture Books Published August 15, 2017
Goodnight World Debi Gliori Bloomsbury, $16.99 Delicate illustrations accompany gentle rhyming text as everyone - people, plants, and animals - all get ready for bed. Ages 2+ The One Day House Julia Durango, illustrated by Bianca Diaz Charlesbridge, $16.99 Inspired by real-life volunteers, this picture book tells the story of a … Continue reading New Releases: Picture Books Published August 15, 2017
My Little Cities series by Jennifer Adams + Greg Pizzoli
The My Little Cities books are exactly what they sound like: adorable board books each featuring a different city with bright, kid-friendly illustrations and short engaging text. If you're at all familiar with Miroslav Sasek's This Is... series of picture books that do something similar, this is essentially an updated take for the younger audience.
Book Review: How to Find Love in a Bookshop by Veronica Henry
How to Find Love in a BookshopHow to Find Love in a Bookshop Veronica Henry 9780735223493, Penguin Random House, Hardcover, $25, Pub. Date: August 15, 2017 Publisher Description: The enchanting story of a bookshop, its grieving owner, a supportive literary community, and the extraordinary power of books to heal the heart. Nightingale Books, nestled on … Continue reading Book Review: How to Find Love in a Bookshop by Veronica Henry
Book Review: The Little French Bistro by Nina George
Another sumptuous tale from the best-selling author of The Little Paris Bookshop. While this tale weaves its way from Germany to France following downtrodden Marianne on her journey of self-discover, the reader will be enthralled by the luscious language of food and the vivid descriptions of the sea and the countryside, and will revel in the self-fulfillment and true love that Nina George's characters all find.
Book Review: Alex, Approximately by Jenn Bennett
Potential subtitles for this novel include: How to Make the Best of Bad Situations, or Movie Glam Girl Meets Sweet Surfer Boy. If that second titles sounds like an internet dating ad, it's not far off. "Mink" (East Coast) meets "Alex" (West Coast) in an online movie forum. Is it a crush? Is it simply classic film chit-chat? Bailey Rydell meets Porter Roth when she moves from DC to CA. Is their frenemy status a way to pass the time at work or something more? Vintage clothes and a sweet Vespa, surfing legends and beach parties make this a delightful summer read.
Book Review: Words in Deep Blue by Cath Crowley
Words in Deep Blue Cath Crowley 9781101937648, $17.99, hardcover, Random House, Pub. Date: June 6, 2017 Publisher description: Years ago, Rachel had a crush on Henry Jones. The day before she moved away, she tucked a love letter into his favorite book in his family's bookshop. She waited. But Henry never came. Now Rachel has returned … Continue reading Book Review: Words in Deep Blue by Cath Crowley
Book Review: Windfall by Jennifer E. Smith
Jennifer E. Smith is, somewhat surprisingly to me, one of my favorite young adult/teen (YA) authors. I say surprisingly because her books are all about romance, and teen romance isn't usually my bag; full of drama and without the sex scenes - what's the point? But there are a few distinct differences in a Jennifer … Continue reading Book Review: Windfall by Jennifer E. Smith