Month: June 2021

The View from Alameda Island (Carr)#TheViewFromAlamedaIsland #NetGalley

THIS NOVEL IS AN E BOOK BARGAIN FOR THE WEEK OF 6.27.21

by joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews

#TheViewFromAlamedaIsland #NetGalley

Fans of Robyn Carr’s will be delighted to find that she has a new (non-series) novel out just in time for spring and Mother’s Day. This book is about second chances, making the kind of life that you want to have happen and of not holding back out of fear.

The story focuses on Lauren who seems to have it all…except that, of course, she doesn’t. She is married to Brad, a successful surgeon, and has two daughters.

Beau is married with two stepsons. He is a landscape architect whose marriage has been unhappy for years.

Tim is a priest and friend of Beau’s. He also becomes a friend of Lauren’s.

What happens to each of these characters, those around them and their relationships forms the basis of the novel. The pages turn easily and readers will be interested in how the characters fare. A good women’s fiction book all in all.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

The Country Guesthouse A Sullivan’s Crossing Novel by RobynCarr

THIS TITLE IS AN E BOOK BARGAIN FOR THE WEEK OF 6.27.21

by joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews

Robyn Carr is a prolific writer of women’s fiction. Her Virgin River novels are now a series on Netflix. The Country Guesthouse is one of the author’s Sullivan’s Crossing books. These stories take part in Colorado and are interconnected although they do not have to be read in order.

This title is primarily about Owen, Hannah and Noah. They face challenges although readers of this author know that usually things end well. Owen is a world traveler and a photographer who had a significant tragedy in his life. Hannah was a close friend to Noah’s mother, who died and named Hannah to be his guardian. Noah, who is five years old, has mild CP and is grieving the loss of his mom. Over the course of this story, the three come together, heal and find love while also connecting with the characters from previous books.

I recommend Robyn Carr’s novels to those who enjoy women’s fiction. This one is an easy read that takes the reader to a beautiful place and the kind of caring community we dream about.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

Get to know: Mindful Mr. Sloth

by Katy Hudson

#MindfulMrSloth #NetGalley

Pub date: August 1, 2021

The illustrations in this adorable book are simply irresistible. Beginning with the cover where Sasha and Mr. Sloth and continuing throughout this title, the illustrations draw the reader’s eye.

Young Sasha is a girl in a rush…busy, busy, busy. One day she stops for a moment as Mr. Sloth lands on the roof of her tree house. Thus begins an unusually action packed day for Mr. Sloth. He sees how Sasha lives, will she take anything from him?

These two friends teach little ones a bit about mindfulness. It could well be a helpful lesson for both the child who hears this story and their adults.

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

A Mudlark’s Treasures

by joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews

London in Fragments

by Ted Sandling

#NetGalley

THIS TITLE HAS NOW BEEN PUBLISHED

#AMudlarksTreasures #NetGalley

Have you ever heard about the original mudlarks? They searched for treasures left behind in the Thames. The most traditional mudlarks were young boys in the 1800s who were looking to find anything that might bring them a bit of money. Now in the 21st century we still have mudlarks. Their finds tell the story of London’s history.

Readers will enjoy learning more about the finds of the mudlarks as they read this fascinating book. Things found include everything from clay pipes to tableware to wine bottlenecks to tea pots and so much more. These objects are fully described by the book’s author.

This title is packed with information and history. There is also an extensive bibliography. I wish that there had been photos but perhaps there will be in the published copy of this title.

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

You will want to stay for a while: Primrose Park by Christie Barlow

Primrose Park is one of a series of books set around Love Heart Lane. That place name is enough to help readers to know if this is a title for them. If a reader enjoys British set romance with likeable characters. this one with its appealing cover should go on the summer reading list.

This entry is about a hardworking vet named Molly who one night does something unexpected and out of character. It seems like it was just a good experience until…some repercussions come close to home. Read the book to learn what happens. You will then probably want to go back to read all of the titles in this series.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this light and pleasant read. All opinions are my own.

NOTE: RIGHT NOW THIS TITLE IS JUST 99 CENTS IN ITS E BOOK VERSION.

Troy by Stephen Fry

by joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews

#Troy #NetGalley

NOW OUT:

Stephen Fry has done many things, of which talented author is just one. This is the third in his erudite, witty and well-illustrated books about ancient Greece. His earlier titles, Mythos and Heroes were wonderful (re)tellings of stories, some of which I knew and some of which were new to me. Now Fry has turned his attention to tales of Troy. Yes, readers may think that they already know these stories but I can safely say that they may not and that time with this title is time well spent. I truly enjoyed it.

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