













From The Short List:







Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too!
Great reads for adults and children!






















Here is the ninth in a cozy series set in Amish country (in Pennsylvania). Daisy, a friend and her fiance’s dog discover a body. Was the person a victim of a hit and run or was something more murderous the cause of death? Readers can most likely answer that question. Daisy, herself, will figure this out while she also plans a party for her parents and thinks about her own wedding plans. Luckily for the reader, she is a terrific multitasker.
Murder with Earl Grey tea is just the sort of mystery that cozy readers love. They will enjoy this one and will wish that they could actually visit Daisy’s Tea Garden.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for this title All opinions are my own.

This edition of Buzz Books Romance is out now and, even better, it is free. Anyone who reads (or is thinking about reading) in this genre, should give this title a look. There are fourteen generous excerpts from upcoming publications here. Prospective readers can see the books’ covers, learn about the authors, read a summaries and then try out the titles. Perfect.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Buzz Books for this title. All opinions are my own.

I am always eager to take a look at this publisher’s titles. There are always good cozy mysteries to be found.
Here is the third title in Tamara Berry’s series. Her protagonist has stirred up trouble even as she solved her previous cases. Now, she wants to feel accepted in her community but, of course, a new murder comes her way and troubles follow.
I really enjoyed that the book’s protagonist is a writer and bookseller. That added to the fun of this read for me. I also liked the story’s setting and all of the characters who surround Tess. Her mother has a prominent role here.
This book is recommended to those who enjoy a fun mystery without much gore. Many thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for this title. All opinions are my own.
Pub date: 30 May 2023

This is the third in a series after Dear Mrs. Bird and Yours Cheerfully. These have been very enjoyable reads. Cheers!







FREE









I think that this is a fantastic entry in the Rebel Girls series. Those who are Pride adjacent or who themselves celebrate a PRIDE identity will get so much from this title. Kids and their adults who are a part of this community will feel recognized and those who are not will also find much to learn and admire here.
In this colorfully illustrated title, I found people whose names I recognized as, for example, Billie Jean King, Janelle Monae and Laverne Cox. I also met many new people in these pages. Here are sports figures, scientists, artists, activists and more.
Each person featured gets a two page spread. There is biographical information, a quote from each person, and some q codes. Lots to explore here in a good entry in the series. There is space to write, a list of helpful terms and more at the end of the book.
Thank you Rebel Girls for recognizing our many communities.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Rebel Girls for this title. All opinions are my own.




#RelishYourRetirement #NetGalley
As can be guessed from this book’s cover, the focus is on retirement and women. Inside are found many ideas and some helpful guidance. Just a few of the chapter headings include Clearing the Identity Crisis Hurdle, Keeping Your Creative Juices Flowing, Challenging Yourself Mentally and Physically, and Learning New Skills Without Pressure, along with some others.
I like this author’s view that retirement is/can be a positive stage in life; she views it as a time during which women may be able to think a bit more about themselves and not only others. She observes that it is a time “once again to think about who you want to be when you grow up…” Yes, really.
The author of this book is a warm guide to this phase of life as she pays attention to many aspects of retirement that are not about finances, but living. She offers much in these pages. Read this if you have retired or, like everyone, will retire one day. It offers a good road map for travelers on the retirement pathway.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Trinity Publications for this title. All opinions are my own.
Pub date: 02 May 2023