Heart of the Moors is a charming, atmospheric bridge between the two Maleficent films, giving readers a deeper look at Aurora’s early reign and her evolving bond with Maleficent. Holly Black brings her trademark fairy-tale edge, creating a world that feels lush, magical, and slightly dangerous.
The story focuses on peace between humans and fae, with Aurora learning to lead while navigating growing tensions and subtle threats. It’s a quick, engaging read—lighter than Black’s other works but full of heart, whimsy, and beautiful world-building.
Perfect for fans of the Maleficent universe or anyone looking for a short, enchanting YA fantasy. #booksbooksbooks
ISBN# 9781368045612
Disney Press
DisneyBooks.com
Amazon
A Royal Christmas Fairy Tale is a warm, festive romance that delivers exactly what you want from a holiday read—charm, coziness, and a touch of royal magic. Karen Schaler weaves a sweet story about a hardworking journalist who’s whisked to a small European kingdom to write a special Christmas piece, only to find herself drawn into palace traditions, heartfelt moments, and unexpected love.
Light, uplifting, and full of Christmas spirit, this book is perfect for readers who enjoy Hallmark-style romances and cheerful seasonal escapism. It’s predictable in the comforting way holiday stories often are, making it an easy, feel-good December read.
ISBN #9781734766141
Hawktale Publishing
@traveltheropy
Amazon
J William Zoldak was born in the Highlands along the Hudson River in 1943. He spent his formative years roaming through the mountains, valleys, fields and forests surrounding the town of Cornwall, NY. After college he entered the field of Education, first as science teacher and then as a high school guidance counselor. After he retired, he turned a hobby of building stone walls into an enjoyable business. Never losing the passion for the outdoors, which he enjoyed as a child, he started writing letters to his grandchildren so that they might appreciate rural and small-town life in the 1950s.
As his writing career evolved, he published books about memories of the town he grew up in and then started publishing poems that he had written over the years. His latest book “A Stable Lullaby” is a very personal endeavor. It is a collection of holiday and seasonal poems written by two local authors who were lifelong friends. One of them, Beverly A Whyte wrote a very special Christmas poem that many people felt should be shared with as many people as possible, especially the CAT LOVERS of the world. After the untimely passing of this author, the other author J William Zoldak decided to publish it in her honor. The -illustrator for the book, Ruth Mandella. was a very talented friend and former student of Mr. Zoldak.
Previous books published by J William Zoldak are:
Grandpa’s Christmas Tree Story
Grandpa’s Deer Story
Grandpa’s Day at the Circus
Grandpa’s Bumble Bee Story
Grandpa’s Memories of Main Street
Grandpa’s Memories of the Black Rock Forest
Grandpa’s Folk Poems
ISBN 979-8-218-79951-9
Stonehedges, Oxford MA
Amazon
Holly Black’s Book of Night is her first adult fantasy novel, and it definitely has that dark, mysterious vibe she’s famous for. This time, though, instead of faeries and courts, we’re in a gritty world where people can control shadows—yes, actual living shadows that can be used for magic, crime, or power.
The main character, Charlie Hall, is a former con artist who’s just trying to stay out of trouble. Of course, that doesn’t last long. When a magical book goes missing, Charlie gets pulled right back into the dangerous underground world she thought she’d escaped.
What makes the story work is Charlie herself—she’s tough, funny, and deeply flawed. You can’t help rooting for her even when she makes bad choices. The magic system (shadow manipulation) is super interesting, though it takes a bit to wrap your head around at first.
Overall, Book of Night feels like a mix between a noir mystery and an urban fantasy, with a touch of heartbreak. If you liked Ninth House or A Darker Shade of Magic, this one will probably hit the right notes for you.
Best for: Readers who like morally gray characters, dark atmospheres, and stories where the magic feels just a little bit dangerous.
ISBN 9781529102376
Del Rey
Penguin Random House UK
Richard Osman’s The Thursday Murder Club is a clever, heartwarming, and delightfully witty mystery that proves murder can be quite charming especially when solved by four sharp-witted septuagenarians. Set in a peaceful English retirement village, the story follows Elizabeth, Joyce, Ron, and Ibrahim—residents who meet weekly to revisit old unsolved crimes. But when a local developer turns up dead, the club suddenly finds itself investigating a very real murder.
Osman’s background in television shines through in his crisp dialogue and perfectly timed humor. Each character feels vividly real—funny, flawed, and deeply human. Beneath the cozy-mystery surface lies a touching exploration of friendship, aging, and purpose.
A pleasure to read.
ISBN# 978-1-9848-8098-7
Penguin Random House
Lady Needed Space by Audrey Weatherstone is a heartwarming picture book about a rescue pup learning to trust, and the power of giving others patience, love, and room to grow. Perfect for teaching kids empathy and boundaries.
Audrey Weatherstone is a singer-songwriter, author, and dog lover based in Richmond, Virginia. After graduating from Shenandoah University, she now works as a music therapist in neurological rehabilitation and hospice care, as well as advocating for rescue animals, reactive dogs, and positive reinforcement dog training. Her music and writing are inspired by her work as a music therapist and her reactive rescue dog, Lady. Lady Needed Space is her first book.
@audrey.weatherstone.auther
Illustrations by Natalia Logvanova
ISBN 978-1-962416-96-2
Brandylane Publishers Inc
Amazon.com
BarnesandNoble.com
I won’t show the cover. I won’t play the music score. I won't name the year. Too easy. The protagonist is often a metaphor for underlying tensions as the story depicts man vs nature at its’ purist. Any guesses?
As we enjoy the unofficial last day of summer and the 50th anniversary of the release of Jaws, I will share with you that Stephen Spielberg, Roy Scheider, Richard Dreyfus, Lorraine Gary and Murray Hamilton, forever piqued my fascination with the ocean. I have loved this movie since 1975. I often quote lines in my everyday life. Thank you Peter Benchley. (1940-2006).
Check out The Arts section, NYT, 8/30/25 front page, “How “Jaws” Made a Template for the Modern Blockbuster” written by Rumsey Taylor and Eve Washington. A great read exploring a blockbuster’s development.
ttps://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2025/06/18/upshot/jaws-at-50.html
With all the excitement of Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Stanley Tucci and Emily Blunt filming The Devil Wears Prada 2 in New York City this summer, one cannot help but smile. The New York City backdrop hosting cinematic royalty as they transform familiar corners into sets dripping with style emanates both glamour and all too familiar chaos.
Who is Miranda Priestly? Do we really want to be her? Meryl Streep’s character is widely based on the life of Anna Wintour, the editor-in-chief of American Vogue who recently stepped down. I discovered Anna, The Biography, by Amy Odell and it answered all my questions.
The book is an in-depth portrait of Anna Wintour, one of the most powerful and enigmatic figures in fashion. Drawing on hundreds of interviews with colleagues, friends, and rivals, Odell pieces together Wintour’s journey from her early days in London to her reign as editor-in-chief of Vogue and a central force at Condé Nast.
What makes this biography stand out is Odell’s balanced approach. Rather than succumbing to myth or caricature, she humanizes Wintour by showing the relentless discipline and strategic brilliance behind the bob and sunglasses. At the same time, Odell provides a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the fashion world, revealing how power, creativity, and commerce collide on glossy magazine pages.
ISBN 978-1-9821-2263-8
Gallery Books
Simon & Schuster Inc
I found this gem in an upstate NY book store on a random work free Tuesday. The book cover photo reminded me of my life in New England passing by cottages on Rte 22 to Burlington and summer travels through the back roads in Greene County.
A very Modest Cottage, Teresa Surratt delivers a heartfelt, visually rich story of love, restoration, and creativity. The book chronicles her journey of rescuing a 1920s-era one-room cottage and transporting it across Illinois to be lovingly restored at Camp Wandawega, her family’s retreat.
My favorite pages are Teresa's fern facts and the photo history of the cottage. Enjoyed from page one.
I was looking through my collection last night and came across a book that I bought in 2013 at an event at the Mohegan Sun in CT. It brings back fond memories of the day. When I met chef Robert Irvine, he couldn’t have been more charming and inviting. I felt like we were old friends. I had never met him but he signed my book, “great to see you again”. As he was signing his book for me, my husband yelled to Robert “show me your guns”! Robert smiled, put down the book and flexed his muscles. Priceless moment! You see, my husband is a Marine and Robert served in the British Royal Navy so this short interaction was inevitable. The moment is saved forever hanging in my office and it makes me smile.
Robert Irvine’s Impossible to Easy is a no-nonsense cookbook that turns everyday meals into impressive, restaurant-style dishes. With 111 accessible recipes and a focus on planning and confidence in the kitchen, Irvine challenges home cooks to push their limits while keeping things practical. A great pick for anyone who wants bold flavors without complicated steps.
I may be bias but all of Robert Irvine’s books are great! And so is Food Network’s Dinner: Impossible.
ISBN 978-0-06-147411-8
William Morrow
Harper Collins Publishers
Stanley Tucci’s Taste: My Life Through Food is a delightful memoir that blends personal anecdotes, humor, and deep culinary passion into a richly satisfying read. Known for his roles in film and television, Tucci brings the same warmth and charm to the page as he does to the screen. This book is as much about food as it is about identity, family, and the joy of shared meals.
Tucci recounts his Italian-American upbringing, where food was the center of life, and family recipes were passed down like heirlooms. His stories are peppered with vivid memories—from his mother’s impeccable home cooking to his travels and on-set culinary adventures. Along the way, he shares personal challenges, including a recent battle with cancer that impacted his ability to eat and taste, making the book unexpectedly poignant.
The writing is witty and conversational, with recipes scattered throughout that feel like invitations rather than instructions. Whether he’s describing a perfect bowl of pasta or the chaos of a Thanksgiving meal, Tucci writes with genuine affection and appetite.
ISBN 978-1-9821-6801-8
Simon and Schuster
@GalleryBooks
In Accidentally on Purpose, Kristen Kish shares a powerful and deeply personal memoir about identity, resilience, and finding self-acceptance. From her early life as a Korean adoptee to becoming a Top Chef winner, Kish writes with honesty and heart. She opens up about her struggles with belonging, perfectionism, and coming out—all with a rawness that feels both brave and relatable.
More than just a chef’s story, this is a journey of becoming. Thoughtful, inspiring, and quietly profound—this memoir is well worth the read.
ISBN 978-0-316-58091-5
Little, Brown and Company
Hachette Book Group
littlebrown.com
Just finished Camelback Mountain – The Road Taken and I’m still sitting with all the emotions it stirred up. It’s one of those books that quietly gets under your skin—part coming-of-age, part love letter to family, heritage, and the choices that shape us. The story follows Austin Walker, an Irish-American navigating his roots, his faith, and his own sense of belonging, from childhood through the messy, beautiful phases of adulthood. It’s deeply personal but feels incredibly relatable, especially if you’ve ever felt torn between where you came from and where you’re going.
What really struck me was how honest and human the writing felt—no forced drama, just life unfolding in all its complexity. There are moments that made me laugh out loud, others that brought tears. If you like stories about identity, redemption, and the quiet power of love and forgiveness, give this one a read. It’s one of those novels that makes you want to call your parents, hug your kids, and maybe even write down a few stories of your own.
ISBN 9798343703368
Amazon
Ina Garten’s Be Ready When the Luck Happens is a warm, inspiring, and candid blend of memoir and life philosophy from one of America’s most beloved culinary figures. Best known as the Barefoot Contessa, Garten steps away from the kitchen in this book to share the unexpected journey that led her from the halls of government in Washington, D.C., to building a food empire rooted in joy, simplicity, and authenticity.
From her early career working on nuclear energy budgets for the White House to the spontaneous purchase of a small specialty food store in the Hamptons, Garten tells her story with humility and humor. Fans of her television show and cookbooks will recognize the same down-to-earth voice and grace she brings to her recipes—only now applied to business, risk, and personal growth.
What sets this book apart is its honest exploration of the many pivots and uncertainties in Garten’s life. She doesn’t present success as a straight line—far from it. Instead, she emphasizes the role of preparation, intuition, and courage in being “ready” when luck appears. The title reflects a recurring theme: while chance may open the door, it’s confidence, curiosity, and hard-earned skill that let you walk through it.
ISBN 978-0-593-79989-5
Crown Publishing
Penguin Random House LLC
I Regret Almost Everything by Keith McNally
Keith McNally’s I Regret Almost Everything is a raw, fascinating, and unexpectedly moving memoir that reads like a long, confessional monologue delivered with brutal honesty and bone-dry wit. Best known as the iconic New York City restaurateur behind places like Balthazar and Minetta Tavern, McNally trades menus for memories in this deeply personal book—and the result is fantastic.
Told in a loose, almost rambling style that mirrors his self-deprecating tone, McNally offers a glimpse into the chaotic, glamorous, and often absurd world of New York’s restaurant scene—while peeling back the layers of his own psyche. He doesn’t shy away from his flaws; in fact, he leans into them, painting a portrait of a man who is both brilliant and broken, charming and impossible.
What makes this book so compelling is its honesty. McNally isn’t interested in polishing his image or romanticizing his past. Instead, he offers reflections that are at once hilarious and heartbreaking. Whether he’s recounting his romantic failures, his battle with a stroke, or his relentless drive to succeed, McNally remains unsparingly candid.
Fans of memoirs that stray from convention will find I Regret Almost Everything refreshingly unpredictable. It’s not a linear life story or a typical behind-the-scenes tell-all—it’s more like sitting across from McNally in one of his own restaurants, listening to him talk over a late-night drink. It’s messy. It’s human. And it’s utterly unforgettable.
Highly recommended for readers who appreciate flawed narrators, gritty honesty, and the complex beauty of a life fully (if imperfectly) lived.
ISBN 978-1-6680-1764-7
@simonschuster.com
Gallery Books
An Imprint of Simon and Schuster, LLC
1230 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10020