Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

Book Review: "Smart Housekeeping Around the Year" by Anne Watson

Anne L. Watson's " Smart Housekeeping Around the Year" is a delightful almanac that transcends the mundane aspects of cleaning, organizing, and decluttering. Unlike typical housekeeping books, Watson's work delves into the heart of homemaking, offering readers a refreshing perspective on maintaining a comfortable and functional home.
What Sets It Apart:
The Month-by-Month Approach: Watson guides readers through the seasons, addressing various aspects of home management specific to each month. From spring cleaning to winter coziness, she provides practical tips and insights.

- Wit and Frankness: Watson's writing style is candid and witty. Her voice feels like that of a trusted friend sharing valuable advice over a cup of tea.

- The Photogenic Mice: Yes, you read that correctly! Anne's photogenic family of felted mice makes a whimsical appearance throughout the book. These adorable critters add a touch of charm and illustrate many of her tips.

What You'll Discover:

- Practical Solutions: Whether you're a new homemaker or a seasoned pro, Watson's tips cover a wide range of topics. Learn how to set up a guest room, unclog a sink, or keep garbage odors at bay.

- Comfort and Creativity: Housekeeping isn't just about chores; it's about making your home a haven. Watson encourages readers to find comfort and express creativity within their living spaces.

Why Read It?

- If you're tired of mundane housekeeping manuals, "Smart Housekeeping Around the Year" offers a welcomed breath of fresh air.

- Anne L. Watson's personal touch and unique insights make this almanac a DELIGHTFULLY FUN read.

- The mice illustrations add whimsy and make the book even more endearing.

Final Thoughts:
"Smart Housekeeping Around the Year" is more than a guide—it's an invitation to embrace homemaking with joy and intention. Anne L. Watson's warmth and practical wisdom shine through, making this book a valuable addition to any home library.

I liked the mice and liked the almanac that is a good guide to housekeeping during the year.
I love almanac and collect housekeeping books, I think I would buy it.
It's a good book if you want some idea on how to schedule housekeeping.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

I'm not the best housekeeper and knew that I could find some pointers in this book.

Honestly, I wasn't sure what to expect with this book. Maybe several cleaning suggestions, similar to what one my find in the spring cleaning addition of Real Simple magazine? But no ... Smart Housekeeping Around the Year provides some tips for cleaning, but it is more about how to set up and organize your home.

The author / Anne Watson has obviously done considerable research and is communicating what works for her (and usually why it has worked for her, as opposed to other methods).

In my opinion, this would make a lovely present for a new bride.

There were a couple times where some things were a bit repetitive; but not too much.

A tremendous amount of work, thought and creativity went into creating Smart Housekeeping.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to review the advance read copy of Smart Housekeeping Around the Year in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to Anne L. Watson the author and Next River Books the publisher for approving my request to review.

A delightful home-keeping book with tips to keep you busy throughout the year. Nothing earth-shattering here but a good resource for young adults venturing out on their own who need a do-able guide to keeping their clutter down and their living space clean

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book gave simple instructions for each month throughout the year on housekeeping and planning, but it was more like a checklist. I did not receive any new information or tips. I did love the mice. I thank NetGalley and Next River Books for the read.

Not for me! After reading this book, I am certain that I am not the target audience for it. I found it to be boring, and the little felt mice just seemed like an unnecessary gimmick.. Sorry!

I love organizing books and this was a fun one to look through. There were a few things that I hadn't thought about doing before but some ideas seemed a little dated to me...I don't know many people who have desktop computers anymore so I'm not sure that would be a big issue these days for having guests in an extra room with a computer in it. She also said that robotic vacuums don't clean very well and I beg to differ. I have had one for several years and love mine and I know several ladies who have these and feel the same way I do.

All in all, cute mouse pics and good info but it's not a book I would refer to over and over.

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review. All opinions are my own.

Publication date: 1 June 2023

Not going to lie, I downloaded this for the mouse on the cover. But it was surprisingly helpful! I guess I wasn't sure what this book was going to be beyond the straight forward - this is a book on cleaning but there were tidbits that I wouldn't have thought about, especially as I don't own a home. But some of the tips are universal beyond just a home and into the living space.

Super cute!!

A cute take on homemaking using felted mice as the focal point. She give quite a bit of useful information on household tasks and when to do them. I'm not sure who would use this book regularly but it was fun to read.

Okay, yes, there is a mouse on the cover. More mice inside the book. But that's okay, because the content is robust and the format really works well. I'm a senior and you'd think I'd have housekeeping down pat at this point, but I'd buy this book. It does seem like an excellent reference to have on hand and I do wonder how it would be to follow it month by month.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advance copy of this book. Everyone needs to have a copy on their shelf!

I found so much interesting and helpful things in this book . It has Everything from how to keep folders on everything from the hot water heater to your refrigerator their warranty’s and repairs to where you should place door mats and why she also go through most parts of a house from the door on up and how to set them up so they are welcoming and to make living in the area easy for you.. I highly recommend reading this if you want your house to be clear of clutter, clean, and once you follow her advice run easy and efficiently. I will be referring back to it I am sure multiple times .housekeeping isn’t just house work it’s setting the stage for your whole life at hom.
Ok I have to say when I seen this book it interested me but the mouse on the cover made me almost not choose it I thought why would the author use mice. They are used throughout the book and they are used as cute props so I got over it fast. Thank you netgalley I am sure I will be referencing this book a few times..