Author: joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews

Kudos to the talented Ann Cleeves for this first entry in her new series. I have read the author’s Vera and Jimmy Perez novels, both of which I recommend. As a reader who looked forward especially to every Perez novel, I was sad to learn that the series had finished. I wondered if there would be no more books by this author. I am delighted that that is not the case.

In The Long Call, Ann Cleeves creates a world within a small community in North Devon where rivers converge; the setting effectively becomes a part of the story. In this world, there are three police officers who are central characters. First is Matthew; he was raised within the Brethren, a conservative religious group. While Brethren characters are very much a part of the novel, Matthew himself has left the group. This cast him away from the familiar into a new life in the police and with his husband, Jonathan. Next is a female character, Jen. She is divorced and never has sufficient time for that elusive work-life balance. Ross is a police officer who seems a bit full of himself but he too has reasons for being as he is. I enjoyed spending time with each of these characters.

The story is populated with many others. There are businessmen, a curate and his girlfriend, an artist and many others. There is the murder victim whose backstory is essential to the plot. Also, there are three young women with Down Syndrome who are integral to the novel. Ms. Cleeves portrays each as a fully rounded person. She is clear eyed and empathetic in the portrayals of the three and their families.

This book was an excellent read and one that I highly recommend. I was sorry to get to the end of the book and only hope that the next in the series comes out soon. If you are a person who enjoys well written British mysteries, put this one on your TBR pile

Many, many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this book in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks to Sourcebooks for re-issuing this delightful title by Jenny Colgan.  It was the first of her books that I read and I have been reading her stories ever since.  The author has a knack for developing relatable characters and warmhearted story lines.

In this one Issy Randall takes a risk and starts her own business.  The Cupcake Cafe is an appealing place in a lovely town.  You will feel that you can taste Issy’s food as you read the novel.  This is also a love story and a story about friendship.

For readers who want to read a book for sheer enjoyment this one is highly recommended.  Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to revisit Issy and co.

Note that there is another novel about Issy:

What reviewers are saying about Meet Me At The Cupcake Café:
“A hilarious, fast-paced fantasy about starting over, perfect for fans of Sophie Kinsella. Absolutely adorable.”—Booklist
“A funny novel about friendship, food and love… “—Kirkus
“A delightful story… warm, funny and well-written.”—Fresh Fiction
“Absolutely adorable… charming… an endearing, delightful read”—Silver’s Reviews

From Booklist

Some literary fiction, historical fiction, and mystery for today.

One day Ella May’s mum encourages her to taste a new food, telling her that it is good to try new things. Ella takes this idea and runs with it, deciding to do things differently. For example, she walks backwards. Others catch on and walk backwards too, so Ella May decides to…read the book if you want to find out.

This is a short sweet story that young listeners will enjoy. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book is the latest in a wonderful series for young children.  In each nicely illustrated entry, is a story about a famous person while, at the end of each, there is a more detailed time line and photos.  Each book shows the child that there is a world awaiting them that is full of possibility and that dreams matter. This book on Nureyev is no exception!

Readers will learn about how Rudolf fell in love with dance from the first time that he saw a ballet.  Due to poverty and lack of resources, he was seventeen when he was accepted to ballet school.  Young readers will find out about the ways in which Rudolf wanted to do things differently, his defection from Russia and the amazing, high leaping dancer that he was.  Mention is also made of how there should not be particular dreams for girls or boys but dreams for everyone.

This book is a welcome addition to the series.  Celebrate dance as you learn about Nureyev.  Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto for this read in exchange for an honest review.

This is a short picture book about Anna and her monkey. Anna is a third grader whose monkey is with her all the time. The monkey represents the dyslexia that makes school life challenging at times. Anna explains how her monkey distracts her, changes the directions of letters and more. She expresses her concern that she will not make it through third grade. However, Anna also shows some ways in which her monkey is a good companion and she does make it to her finish line.

This book was written for adults to read with children who have dyslexia. It is a way to open a conversation and talk about a topic that can be difficult. There are some suggestions for discussion at the end of the book.

This book fills a niche for children who have dyslexia and also for students who may need to empathize with a friend or fellow student’s situation. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this read in exchange for my honest review.

This is a lovely book that is full of ideas for how children can do kind things for others. It will appeal to elementary school age children and may help to counteract some of the meanness that occurs regularly in their world. The illustrations are bright, colorful, cheerful and appealing. The suggestions are simply stated. A child could dip into this volume without reading it in order. There are many good ideas to be found. A few examples:

Paint kindness rocks and leave them where they will be found.

Set up a bird feeder. There are directions for how to make one from a pine cone.

Foster a pet.

Set the dinner table without being asked.

Bring two jars of homemade bubbles to the playground. Instructions are included.

Make a welcome card that you and your friends sign (for a new kid in town.)

If these ideas appeal to you and/or you think that they may appeal to a child you know, consider purchasing this book. It would also be a good resource for a school library.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this read in return for an honest review.

There are may choices for today.  A couple, The Summer Cottage and Three Things About Elsie are in my TBR pile. Death at La Fenice is the first Donna Leon mystery.  The series is wonderful, especially for the food and family.  I’ve also included a few other mysteries by well regarded authors.

Wow! An embarrassment of riches today.  Hope you find something that you like!

This illustrated short story is written with kids who have dyslexia in mind.  The publisher notes that the font is one that is more easily read by kids who have dyslexia.

It is summer and time for camp.  Sammy and his fellow campers are given the task of finding their group’s red flag.  Sammy, who has dyslexia, is assigned to read the map.  This causes him understandable anxiety but he tries to trudge through.  Of course, there are issues, the group gets lost and then, Sammy’s highly tuned, visual memory helps to save the day!

This book may well appeal to children who face similar challenges.  It also gently reminds other children to not tease and recognize everyone’s skills.  There is a helpful section for adults at the end of the book.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this e galley in exchange for my honest review.