To Sir, With Love, another remake ala You've Got Mail! 4*

 

As an admitted rom com afficionado, I have watched Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan answer the AOL siren call many times in Nora Ephron’s You’ve Got Mail.  I knew it was based on a classic and have promised myself a viewing of the 1940’s The Shop Around the Corner.  To Sir, With Love, brought that same romantic feeling to 2021 with of course, an app.  The delicious fantasy that we develop when we spend time in our own imagination, fueled by words of kindness and understanding, is perfectly portrayed by Lauren Layne’s Grace/Lady and Sebastian/Sir.  Setting it in a Champagne shop in Manhattan extended the fantasy for those of us who have always dreamed of New York, but know it belongs firmly there, in our dreams. 

You will love these characters, even though you have a pretty good idea of what will happen.  Thanks Lauren Layne, for a delightful escape in these serious and weary times.

 

Thanks to the publisher, Simon and Schuster, and Net Galley for giving me this break! To Sir, With Love was published today, June 29, 2021.

Songs In Ursa Major, for lovers or music and more. Five *

 

Songs in Ursa Major  by Emma Brodie

 

When Janie Quinn takes the stage at her tiny island’s summer Folk Fest, her local band suddenly subbing for superstar Jessie Reid, she has no real idea of the ride she’s about to go on. Not only does the connection she feels with her fans provide her with the sense of belonging she’s sought since being abandoned as a child, it also opens doors--to Jessie, the strength of his success, and even his piano. Janie’s gift is not something she takes lightly, and conforming isn’t part of the fabric of her family. Songs in Ursa Major leaves readers yearning for Jane to succeed, for Jane and Jessie to find their way together, and for the music industry to find a conscience. I won’t tell you which of those are resolved but will say that for anyone who’s ever been an artist—whether it be with paint or words or music, this story will grab hold and remind you why you do it, and what you are up against.

 

A great story you will not want to put down. Brava Emma Brodie!

Thanks to the publisher and Net Galley for the advanced copy of this book.  It will be released June 22, 2021.

New Girl in Little Cove by Damhnait Monaghan Five Stars!

 

 

 I loved this wonderful trip to Newfoundland and it's fabulous characters.  If you loved Come From Away this book that will remind you of the same feelings you had then, and totally warm your heart.  New Girl in Little Cove is the story of a mainlander... Rachel, ( from exotic Ontario) who goes to Newfoundland for her first teaching job.  Each character will become a friend in your memory and you'll struggle not to want to try out the dialect.  Great read!