Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too!

A Novel

by Martha Hall Kelly

#TheMarthasVineyardBeachandBookClub #NetGalley

I was drawn to this book by both its title and cover. I always look at books that are about books and the 1940s look of this one also appealed to me. True confession-I had never before read anything by this author. I will definitely be reading from her backlist as I very much enjoyed this title.

Martha’s Vineyard…WWII…Sisters…Relationships…Those who may want to stay or leave…Class distinctions…Publishing…Books…all excellent ingredients for (historical) fiction.

The story came to life as a character in the present travels to Martha’s Vineyard to learn more about her recently deceased mother. The artist with whom she connects, Elizabeth Devereaux, has a lot to say and this forms the part of the narrative set in the past. Much happens to Cadence and Briar as readers will discover.

Through this novel, I learned something about what life was like for the islanders during WWII. Think u-boats for one. This was interesting as it was a change from the many stories set in France during the period.

Anyone who enjoys historical fiction and/or good stories about women will want to pick this one up.

Of interest is the author’s note about what inspired her to write this novel.

Many thanks to Random House and Ballantine for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 27 May 2025

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Martha Hall Kelly’s tale of the home front is simply irresistible. Coming of age in dangerous times, the Smith girls find strength in dreams, family, the land, and in the life-changing power of books. This story drew me in, then swept me away!”—Lisa Wingate, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Shelterwood

“A dreamy beach book that also sizzles with tension . . . another winner by one of the best historical fiction writers around.”—Fiona Davis, New York Times bestselling author of The Stolen Queen

“A heart-in-your-mouth tale of family, friendship, and romance as a small American island finds itself on a potential frontline of World War II.”—Charmaine Wilkerson, New York Times bestselling author of Black Cake

“Celebrates the magic of books, family, and truth as several women—bound by blood and friendship—discover their destinies.”—Kristin Harmel, New York Times bestselling author of The Paris Daughter

“Martha Hall Kelly turns her pen stateside to Martha’s Vineyard during World War II, where the Smith sisters realize the war will leave their world forever changed . . . A delight.”—Kate Quinn, New York Times bestsellingauthor of The Briar Club

“Inspired by true events, Kelly’s new novel explores friendship, family dynamics, and the power of books to unite communities. Recommended for historical fiction readers who enjoy the work of Kristin Hannah, Marie Benedict, and Kate Quinn.”—Library Journal

From the Publisher

#ThePaperPrincess #NetGalley

Children’s Fiction

32 pages

Description:

from the publisher

“The best book yet from this talented author/illustrator, and one that children will love.” — School Library Journal, starred review

“Consistently beautiful.” — The New York Times

A deluxe reissue of a classic picture book about creativity, courage, and imagination, perfect for children who love art, storytelling, and meaningful adventures.

A gust of wind sends a handmade paper princess flying. “Wait! I didn’t finish you,” cries the little girl who made her. “I’ll finish myself,” calls the princess as the wind carries her away—over a meadow and river, to a carnival and a playground, and finally back home.

This beloved picture book by Elisa Kleven follows one small paper princess on a vibrant, imaginative journey of self-discovery. Told with lyrical simplicity and illustrated in Kleven’s signature mixed-media collage, the story celebrates creativity, resilience, and belonging as the princess learns to find her own way in the world.

Here’s what makes The Paper Princessa timeless treasure:

•A Beloved Classic Returns: Back in print after years of reader demand, Elisa Kleven’s cherished story continues to inspire a new generation of children.

• A Princess Unlike Any Other: This imaginative heroine doesn’t rely on castles or crowns. She discovers her strength through creativity, curiosity, and determination.

• Stunning Mixed-Media Artwork: Elisa Kleven’s signature collage illustrations create vibrant miniature worlds filled with texture, color, and playful detail.

• A Story About Courage and Belonging: Through her journey, the princess learns that confidence and character grow from within.

• A Deluxe Gift Edition: Featuring foil stamping and sculptural embossing, this edition makes a beautiful keepsake for families and classrooms.

The Paper Princess is a beautiful picture book about imagination, creativity, and finding your way, perfect for young readers, classrooms, and anyone who believes in the power of art and storytelling.

My thoughts:

Sometimes a lot of thought can go into a short book. That certainly is the case here in the story of a girl, the paper doll that she created and that doll’s adventures when she blows away. Young listeners will hope that the two will be reunited.

Kleven has written a title that pulls the reader right in with its appealing imagery. There is a drawing with “socks like starry skies,” for example. The rest of the text is similarly engaging and imaginative.

I absolutely adore the illustrations in these pages. They are very sweet, detailed and colorful.

This would make a lovely read for an adult and small child. There is also lots that could be talked about in the illustrations.

Many thanks to NetGalley and The Collective Book Studio-Tiny Torch Books for this title. All opinions are my own.

Editorial Reviews:

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 3-A little girl draws and cuts out a picture of a princess. When the paper doll is blown away by a gust of wind, she travels far and wide and finally, through a coincidence worthy of The Steadfast Tin Soldier, ends up with her own little girl again. Kleven has taken this simple story and given it style and heart. The events, some of which are either purely fanciful or highly unlikely, all seem authentic. Giving an inanimate object a believable personality is not an easy feat, and the author does a fine job of it. Her graceful phrases add a lyrical air, and emotions are described with a light and delicate touch. Her multimedium collages have never looked fresher or more interesting. The world she creates is not necessarily free from danger or sadness, yet it is predominantly full of beauty and sunlight. All the elements of the visual arts-texture, pattern, shape, color, and line-come alive in her skillful hands. The best book yet from this talented author/illustrator, and one that children will love.
Lauralyn Persson, Wilmette Public Library, IL
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Ages 5-7. A little girl draws a brave and friendly looking princess on a piece of paper and then cuts her out. But before the child can decide what kind of hair to give her new friend, the wind sweeps down and carries the paper princess away. Flying over the city, searching for the perfect hair and her way back home, the princess learns a lot about life and the ways of the world. With her shoes like watermelons and her dress like a forest, the paper princess is both childlike and princesslike (indeed, she is friendly and brave). Kleven’s collage artwork is as spectacular as it was in Abuela (1991): it celebrates family, diversity, and individuality. This magical world, in which blue jays have feathers of Florentine paper and princesses have sweaters to wear when they go flying, is full of the spirit of creativity and the importance of play in defining one’s home. Kathryn Broderick

www.nytimes.com/interactive/2026/05/26/books/review/author-towns-quiz.html

www.nytimes.com/2026/05/24/books/review/summer-beach-reads.html

Pub date: 03 March 2026

Historical fiction-Women’s fiction

320 pages

Description:

from the publisher

For fans of Her Hidden Genius and The Engineer’s Wife comes the awe-inspiring true story of Caroline Herschel, an 18th century astronomer who lived in the shadow of her brother, but learned to pave her own path among the stars.

1772. Caroline Herschel is beholden to her wildly popular musician brother, William, who rescued her from servitude and brought her to live a comfortable life in Bath. Caroline vows that, because William saved her, she must always remain by his side. When William becomes obsessed with the science of astronomy, Caroline follows suit, and soon, the duo are moving to Windsor to be close to court, so they can advise the king about the stars and become members of the Royal Astronomical Society. Overshadowed by her brother, Caroline quietly studies the stars, attributing her success to the men in her life. But when it becomes clear that Caroline is just as much the astronomer as the men in society, she will have to break free from the life she’s lived, and find her own place amongst the stars.

Based on the true story of Caroline Lucretia Herschel (1750-1848), The Woman and Her Stars shines a light on a woman who was raised to believe she was worth nothing more than to serve others, but whose genius and resolve made her one of the world’s leading astronomers. An inspiring story set within the societal boundaries of the Regency era, it is a journey of self-belief, friendship, and triumph. 

My thoughts:

I enjoy reading historical fiction. I like entering worlds and times with real personages, even though I know this is not biography.

This story about Caroline Herschel will be enjoyed by those who like stories about women who did not fully conform to the expectations of their times. It is always satisfying to see such women given a voice, even if, as here, it is many years later.

Caroline Herschel was a woman who made an astounding discovery. Get to know her and her brothers in this novel and find out how she accomplished all that she did.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks-Landmark for this title. All thoughts are my own.

#FamousLastWords #NetGalley.

Imagine that you are Cam and that your entire world is turned upside down. You have always found your husband, Luke, to be pretty laid back and so supportive. He cooks! Both of you are exhausted but adore your baby, Polly. And, Luke is so good that you always have some time to have a break and read. Imagine that you are a book agent, ready to go back to work on your first day…AND THEN, the unthinkable happens.

Your husband wasn’t there when you woke up and left a somewhat cryptic note. You soon discover that he is involved in a tense hostage situation. WTF (as the rude might say). How can this be? Why? How do you a piece a life back together after this? Did you ever know your spouse? Where is he? Alive? Not?

Also, imagine That you are Niall. He was the hostage negotiator. The decisions that you made are haunting you.

How will events unfold? Find out in this page turner. I was absolutely glued to it and recommend it highly for those who enjoy suspenseful stories.

Many thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 25 February 2025

From the Publisher

Many of us remember Inspectors Morse and Lewis, both in books and in TV series. More recently Simon Mason has published a series that is once again set in the university and its environs.

Mason has a conceit in the series. The two detectives are both named Wilkins. There the similarity ends. Ray is Black, well-educated and immaculate in appearance. Ryan grew up in a trailer park and mostly wears track suits. Both have the ability to solve complex investigations.

Zara Fanshawe was a kind of “It Girl” who at times seemed to have it all. How did things go so wrong for her, eventually ending in her death? The Wilkins men are on the case although Ray may be tempted away by a high up police person named Chester.

There are a number of murders to be solved. There are the wealthy and down on their heels. There are interesting connections among people.

I find it very easy to recommend this title and the series. A fourth book will be coming out soon. I will definitely be reading it!

Julia Kelly has written a number of historical fiction titles that I have enjoyed.  With A Traitor in Whitehall, she adds a murder mystery into the mix.  The result was an absorbing read.
Readers learn early on that protagonist, Evelyne, has a backstory through her parents' relationship .  She moves forward from this into managing her own life.  When she is tapped by a friend of her father's to work in Whitehall, both in a position there, and also with an eye to reporting to an outside source, little does she anticipate all that will happen.
One of the women who works in the typing pool has been found murdered.  Why?  Who did it?  Readers will try to figure this out even as Evelyne works with David, supposedly a Minister's aide, on the case.  There are many suspects.
In addition to the well conceived plot, I also enjoyed the setting in Churchill's War Rooms.  Readers are given a genuine feel for what it would have been like to work in this deep underground setting during the war years.
One thing that I struggled with a bit, however, was keeping all of the women who worked with Evelyne straight.  I went back a number of times to remember something about each of them.
This minor quibble aside, this was a book that I very much liked.  I hope that Ms. Kelly will add another and make this a series.
Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press/Minotaur for this title.  All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 03 October 2023

#ATraitorinWhitehall #NetGalley

About the Book

When two misfits discover they’ve inherited the same beach house, sparks fly in the most unexpected ways, in this hilarious and heartfelt rom-com from the New York Times bestselling author of Summer Reading.

Free-spirited travel influencer Hannah Spencer has spent five years touring the country in her vintage van, alone save for her hulking Great Dane, Dude. Until an unexpected inheritance from her pops has Hannah thinking about putting down roots in Cape Split, North Carolina, where she’s the new owner of a worse-for-wear seaside beach house. Or, rather, fifty percent of one. Turns out Simon O’Malley inherited the other half from his gramps.

As Simon and Hannah spend the summer tag-teaming repairs on the crumbling cottage, they discover it was once home to a timeless love story. As their own relationship shifts from enemies to friends to lovers, they begin to wonder if the house’s romantic past might be a good omen for their future together. But there’s one problem—Simon is set on selling the property at the end of the summer.

For Hannah, the Split isn’t like anyplace she’s ever been, and Simon isn’t like any man she’s ever known—she doesn’t want to let this new life go. She just needs Simon to see their budding relationship and this newfound community in the same way, or their first summer share might also be their last.

About the Author

Jenn McKinlay is the award-winning New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of several mystery and romance series. Her work has been translated into multiple languages in countries all over the world. She lives in sunny Arizona in a house that is overrun with kids, pets, and her husband’s guitars.

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From the Publisher:

Library Journal notes that McKinlay “offers an ode to summers on the beach, small towns and love itself.

My thoughts:

I had heard of this author and wanted to give one of her books a try, so I was delighted to be offered a spot on this blog tour. Many thanks to Berkley Publishing for this opportunity.

This book has what readers are looking for when they want a bit of an escape. The setting, characters, romance, and plot were all well done.

I enjoyed this title. It could easily be added to anyone’s beach reads shelf this summer. They will enjoy time spent in Cape Split with Hannah and Simon.

Pub date: 26 May 2026

366 pages

Categories: Romance and Women’s Fiction

An e book bargain

#HowtoFindALostLove #NetGalley

We all know that life does not always go to plan. What we choose to do next can make all the difference. This is the situation that Jess is experiencing as this lovely novel opens.

Jess has recently faced some hard times that have made it difficult for her to trust and believe in others. She has been couch surfing at her best friend’s and needs a place to live. This is how she comes to meet Joan who is looking for a lodger.

This device puts one younger and one older person together as Jess rents a room in Joan’s house. Joan is doing this in order to liven up her life. Indeed many things will happen for both of these women over the course of the story. One of the entertaining ones for me was to watch Joan and Jess switch with Jess swearing off her mobile for old fashioned communications just as Joan learns about the internet and more.

Will Jess and her close friends be able to save a vintage theater? What role (for good or bad) will Joan’s son play in this? Will someone from her past get in touch with “Joany?” Will these characters find some happiness? Read this one to find out. It is just delightful.

Many thanks to Headline and NetGalley for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 23 May 2024