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

www.nytimes.com/interactive/2026/05/18/books/review/novel-adaptations-quiz.html

I liked the first book that I read by Tessa Bickers so was delighted to receive an early copy of this title. Once again, this author has written a book that was easy to read and enjoy.

Not everyone may feel that getting up before dawn is something to be lauded. However both Daisy and Tom are generally out on the bus before daylight, and each finds this time before London fully awakens for the day to be special.

Daisy is on her way to her job as an entertainment reporter. Tom is trying to get over his heartbreak and wants to be out of his flat. There he is on the bus, always reading Orlando by Virginia Woolf while Daisy is generally scrolling on her phone. When they get off the bus one day, and Daisy is threatened, Tom comes to her rescue and the two talk as Tom walks Daisy to her job.

From this beginning, Daisy and Tom find things to offer one another. Daisy will comb Orlando to try to figure out why the book was so important to Tom’s ex and if this book led to their breakup. For his part, Tom offers to photograph Daisy’s upcoming wedding.

There is a problem however, as it is possible that neither should really be with the ones that they were with. How will things play out? Will Daisy and Tom find their way to one another? Find out in these pages.

Tessa Bickers offers a good read here.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 19 May 2026

Post first published on 10 April 2026

Description:

from the publisher

One book. Two strangers. An unforgettable journey as they rewrite the ending.

Daisy Douglas has spent her life behind the scenes: at work, in her relationships, and now, in planning a wedding she isn’t sure she even wants. As an entertainment journalist, she can spot the start of a story a mile away. So when her routine 4 a.m. bus ride to the newsroom takes a surprising turn, she notices.

For months, the same man has boarded at the same stop, reading the same tattered copy of Virginia Woolf’s Orlando over and over as if his life depends on it. When a broken-down bus and a shared walk through the quiet early-morning London streets finally throws them together, Tom reveals the heartbreaking truth as to why he can’t be without his novel.

Determined to help him find the answer to the riddle hidden in its pages, Daisy joins Tom on his strange literary quest—one that leads them to places neither of them ever expected. But as their friendship deepens, she starts to wonder if what they’re both looking for might not be in the book after all.

From the Publisher:

Many thanks to everyone at Berkley for the invitation to this blog tour. I really enjoyed the book. (See below for more)

From the publisher:

A tantalizing novel about a struggling chocolatier who is granted a magical vision of the future of her dreams, only to realize that her heart may desire something else entirely, from the bestselling author of The Magic of Lemon Drop Pie.

Paris trained chocolatier and single mother Emmie Wynne gave up her own dreams six years ago when she returned to her Pacific Northwest coastal tourist town to run her family’s struggling candy store. Now on her thirty-fourth birthday, Emmie has only one wish, to be granted the vision that every Wynne woman is given once in her lifetime—a shimmering glimpse of her true destiny. This year, when she blows out her candles, it finally comes true.

Her vision is more delectable than she could’ve imagined—her very own artisanal chocolate shop filled with decadent truffles and caramels, and her celebrity crush, Henry Summers, down on one knee. And when Henry suddenly arrives in town for the summer, offering Emmie the opportunity of a lifetime, the future in her vision suddenly seems possible.

But a rekindled connection with Jakob, her former high school best friend turned hunky, brooding tattooed baker, forces Emmie to grapple with the bittersweet realization that her destiny may not be what her heart truly longs for. As the culmination of her vision draws nearer, can Emmie find the courage to create a happiness of her own making?

From the Publisher:

Editorial Reviews:

“Heartfelt, heartwarming, joyful, and uplifting. You can’t go wrong with a Rachel Linden book.”—#1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber

“Perfect for fans of Hallmark movies. With a couple that fans will root for, along with supporting characters that add depth and charm to the novel, it’s a great read for a cozy afternoon.”—Library Journal

The author:

Rachel Mae Linden (who also writes as Rachel Linden) is a novelist and international aid worker whose adventures in over fifty countries around the world provide excellent grist for her writing. She is the author of Recipe for a Charmed Life, The Magic of Lemon Drop Pie, and several other novels. Currently Rachel lives with her family on a sweet little island near Seattle, WA where she enjoys creating stories about hope, courage and connection with a hint of romance and a touch of whimsy.

To learn more about Rachel Linden, visit her website or find her on Facebook or Instagram

My review:

Sometimes the right book just comes along when it is needed. Maybe that is part of the magic of this author’s books. This was a comfort read exactly when I needed one. It is perfect for when a non-stressful read is wanted.

Emmie has returned home from a burgeoning career as a chocolate maker in Europe because her family needs her help. Emmie takes over her parents’ fudge shop, emotionally supports her mother who has a chronic health problem, and does her very best to care for her young son. She literally (and metaphorically) has a lot on her plate.

Emmie is surrounded by many others, perhaps most importantly Jakob whom she dated in high school. Also key is Henry whose TV show Emmie regularly watches. Imagine her surprise when Henry comes to her town for the summer.

Linden usually puts a bit of magic in her books. Here she inserts a special candle that tells the women of Emmie’s family their future. Will what she sees be what Emmie wants? Is there any room for interpretation?

The setting in a small Pacific Coast town with Norwegian roots (that really exists!) is lovingly described. I could so easily picture the Main Street and its’ shops.

Linden very talks about the importance of finding what a person wants in life. This is a very valid message but I think could perhaps have used a tad lighter touch.

Those who enjoy small towns, romance, stories about family and friends, and, of course, chocolate will want to pick up this title.

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

Every once in a while I come across a new series that offers good reads. Such is the case with the books written by Marsali Taylor. These novels will, I think, appeal to anyone who has enjoyed Ann Cleeves’s Jimmy Perez series.

As is true for Cleeves, Taylor’s books wonderfully evoke Shetland’s towns, islands and waterways. There are characters and relationships to follow from one title to the next. The main character is Cass. She loves to sail and be on the water. She has a complex backstory which will keep readers interested. A police inspector named Gavin and the Scandinavian Anders are two important men in her life.

In this third entry, a young woman named Annette has been killed. Will she be the last victim? Read the book to find out. Cass will be very involved as readers wait for justice to be served.

This book has a lot about witchcraft in it. This is not something that featured in the first two titles but it is germane to the plot. This wasn’t my favorite topic but I will always follow Cass so I kept reading.

I definitely recommend this book and this series. I think that there are twelve entries in all.

Note that right now, the first book, Death on a Shetland Longship is just $2.99 as an e-book.

I loved this alphabet book about all of the jobs that  girls can do.  With one entry for each letter of the alphabet and appealing, bright illustrations, this book is a winner!  A few of my favorites include:

W is for writer, U is for UN Ambassador, S is for Software engineer, Q is for quantum physicist…you probably get the idea by now; it is that girls can dream big.

Highly recommended for those who want to nurture possibilities in our children.

 

#ABCDogs #NetGalley

I recently read and reviewed Chin’s book, Ten Happy Dogs, which was adorable. Now I get the chance to see more of the artist’s work in thisalphabet book. Note that this cute title is a board book that is perfect for little ones to hold.

From Akita for A through to Zerdava for Z, kids can learn their letters with a dog for each one. Personally, I thought that the Corgis were very cute.

In addition to the illustrations, each entry includes facts about a breed.

Adults and children can enjoy looking at this book together.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed Press for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 22 September 2026

Description:

from the publisher

Let’s learn our ABCs—with dogs from around the world! The beloved creator of Dogs of the World and Doggie Language introduces children to the alphabet alongside twenty-six delightful dog breeds in this paws-itively charming board book.

Perfect for kids and dog-lovers, this alphabet board book is both an engaging introduction to the ABCs and a celebration of canine diversity. From the Akita of Japan to the Havanese of Cuba to the Rottweiler of Germany, each illustrated pup is paired with fun facts about their history, traits, and role in human lives.

With its lively illustrations and fascinating details, this dual-learning book supports early literacy while sparking curiosity about the many breeds that make up our four-legged friends. A dog-gone good time for the whole family!

If you love learning ABC’s with these furry friends, you can also learn your numbers with the companion board book Ten Happy Dogs!

I have been wanting to read a book by Tara Moss for quite a while and am very glad that I finally now have. I will be working my way through her backlist, I am sure.

This story has a lot going for it. I loved the main characters (Billie and those around her) and their interrelationships. The plot was involving and I kept wanting to carve out a bit more time to read.

It was fascinating to see how Moss spread this story over three distinct time lines. Time on the cruise ship was also intriguing as was delving into the history of Billie’s father.

When I got to the end, I found myself knowing that I would read whatever this author writes next. She has a terrific series here.

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

Pub date: 02 December 2025

Post first published on 27 December 2025

Description:

An old family secret leads from the streets of Sydney to Italy’s sun-drenched Neapolitan coast, in this immersive historical mystery from #1 international bestselling author Tara Moss

Pacific Ocean, 1907. A girl embarks on a journey to begin a new life far from home.

Naples, 1943. A woman shelters underground from a wartime air raid, praying her husband will return home.

Sydney, 1948. Billie Walker, returned from a stint as a wartime investigative journalist, uncovers a dusty box in her father’s old office whose contents—correspondence with a woman on the other side of the world—just might explain how they all are connected.

Plunged into a perilous search that will take her onto the first postwar luxury passenger ship to sail across the ocean to Italy, Billie finds herself up against a dangerous adversary—someone with a mysterious grudge against her family—as she races to uncover the secrets her father left behind. And as the trail leads her towards two women whose histories may be entwined with her own, she realizes that her father’s Italian secret just might upend everything she thought she knew.

From the Publisher:

A repost

Lisa See has written many works of historical fiction yet this is the first book of hers that I have read. It won’t be the last.

Ms. See tells an absorbing story and one that is filled with historical detail and, numerous characters and aspects of Chinese culture. Her settings come to life so gorgeously. Early in the book, the protagonist is traveling to Shanghai. I could feel her seasickness and claustrophobia. I think I was as eager as she was to get outside for some air. The author’s words made this voyage so vivid.

Characters are a strength of this writer. They are complex, multidimensional, interesting and relatable, despite the fact that they lived long before us. For example, the protagonist’s mother dies very early in the story. I had been admired her and was upset when she collapsed. The why of this was historically accurate and tragic to those of our present day. I could feel the daughter’s grief. Another example… a concubine was living in the home. She, too, was not a cardboard figure but rather a woman with feelings, education and a wish to help this grieving girl.

These are examples from early in the book but so much more follows. This is a long and involving novel. Along the way, readers will learn much about the China in the 1400s.

Readers are introduced to Yunxian and her friend/colleague Meiling . Yunxian has a life in which she tries to balance her love of medicine with the traditional women’s roles of the time. Readers will hope that she can achieve all that she wants.

Highly recommended to fans of historical fiction. I know that I will now read more titles by this author.

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

Pub date: 06 June 2023

368 pages

From the Publisher

by Kerry Greenwood

An e book bargain

Welcome back Phryne and Dot! A new novel with these beloved characters is always cause for rejoicing. This time, Phryne and Dot make their way to a spa for recovering WWI soldiers. It may sound like a peaceful retreat but series regulars know that mayhem is sure to follow, along with a resolution by the end of the novel.

Readers who enjoy fashion, wit and spas are sure to love this latest entry in the series. After reading this, many will look for other titles by Ms. Greenwood or they may want to watch the Miss Fisher mysteries on Acorn TV. Whichever way readers choose to encounter Phryne, they can’t go wrong.

Also note the gorgeous cover of this novel. The artwork is magnificent and Miss Fisher shines.

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

by Deanna Raybourn

#ASinisterRevenge #NetGalley

Deanna Raybourn enjoys writing series. I have read all of the titles featuring Julia Grey and recommend them. I was very excited to spend time with a title in her series featuring Veronica and Stoker (among others in the rich cast of characters). I can’t wait to read all of the ones that I missed!

Despite not having read other books about Veronica, it was quite easy to become absorbed in this story and its people. It is clear that there were difficulties between the main characters, Stoker and Veronica, at the end of the last book. This one picks up as Veronica and Stoker’s brother search for him in a scenario that recalls The Hound of the Baskervilles.

Tiberius needs the help of these two. Veronica is a lepidopterist while Stoker likes nothing better than dinosaur bones. They also sleuth and that is what is required here.

In a mystery with roots that seem to come from the past, old friends of Tiberius are being killed. This group met at university and became close, even giving a name to their friendship circle. After graduation, the plan was to travel in Europe and spend time in one another’s family homes. When the group was at Tiberius’s family estate an accident (or was it murder?) took place. Now, in the book’s present, others in the group are being killed. Veronica and Stoker need to keep Tiberius from being the next victim as they dig deep into the case.

Raybourn ably brings together her cast of characters, each of whom is a well portrayed individual. The plot crackles. The relationship between Veronica and Stoker crackles as well.

I highly recommend this title to those who love historical mysteries with good characters, especially a strong and atypical woman of her time in Veronica. The plotting was also engaging.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 07 March 2023