Author: joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews

See below for a link to her obituary in the New York Times.

I loved this author’s The Shell Seekers when I read it.  The story of Penelope Keating, her marriage, children and her growing up enthralled me.  I also very much enjoyed Winter Solstice.  Other novels were less memorable to me but still good reads including September and Coming Home.

This brightly illustrated book will be a useful addition to classroom and library shelves.  In this story, it is diversity week at school. Students from Japan, Mexico and Hawaii share some of their traditions and the children learn from one another.  Suggestions for responding to new experiences will encourage politeness among those who are being exposed to something for the first time.  Diversity is presented as a positive value in which all have something to contribute.  The book also includes suggestions for the adults in students’ lives.

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

#DiversityIsKey #NetGalley

This book serves (no pun intended) as an introduction to the game of tennis. The basic elements of play are described, terms are defined and there are short quizzes for the reader. The photographs contribute to the book’s appeal by showing kids in action. Youngsters interested in the game may want to take a look at this.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley. The opinions are my own.

#MyFavoriteSportTennis #NetGalley

This book invites children to be meteorologists in their own emotional climates.  The analogy between weather conditions and feelings provides the context for the activities and reflections in the well illustrated text.  This is a book that will help children to safely explore their feelings and will then provide them with echniques that will help them to manage in daily life.

In my opinion, this book is a book for children to explore with a trusted adult.  In order for them  to complete the challenges, children clearly would need to feel safe. Thus, Feelings Forecasters deserves a place in schools that focus on the “whole child,” as all schools should.  It could also be a good resource for children who are in the foster care system who could explore the activities with peers and a trusted counselor.

Feelings Forecasters is a rather sophisticated book.  Adults may initially need to help children to buy into its agenda.  If they can become invested, children will have the opportunity to better understand themselves and to manage in a complex environment.

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this informative and emotionally resourceful read.  The opinions are my own.

#FeelingsForecasters #NetGalley

#CodyEatsEverything #NetGalley

This is part of a series of early readers. The text is very simple, yet appealing in its easy repetition. The illustrations are amusing and bright.

Young readers will be entertained by learning about the things that Cody is happy to eat and will enjoy the success of reading on their own. Adults will appreciate the short section on using this book with a child. All in all a fun read for everyone.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this e-galley. The opinions are my own.

This is a truly lovely book.  It is winningly illustrated in black and white which makes it feel calm, un-rushed and peaceful.  The language is simple yet engaging; for example: “It was a sun twinkling day.”

The story line is basic.  A cat goes out to have a picnic lunch while a dog comes outside to read.  They peaceably co-exist until the end of the story when they begin to interact.

So many children’s books are lively, bright and colorful.  This one shows that there is room for books that are quiet as well.  Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this highly appealing book.  The opinions are my own.

#InBlossom #NetGalley

Susan B Anthony is someone who often comes to mind when considering iconic American women. Her influence has become widespread over time.

Susan Anthony is the only woman featured in a series of four books on prominent Americans written by this author. This places her in company with Alexander Hamilton, Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Jackson. In my opinion, she can hold her own.

The reader learns about the early influences on Susan Anthony who was an observer of all around her. As she grew up, Susan saw that the rights of women were not valued or protected. Over the course of her life, she fought for change for women as detailed in this biography.

This is an excellent entry in a series that should appeal to middle grade students. Adults who read this book will also feel better informed. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this fine read.

#MakingOfAmericaSeries #NetGalley

(Kirkus Reviews)
“An excellent introduction to a woman that should be remembered for her tireless work to get women the right to vote and live as they chose.”

(School Library Connection)

(Booklist)

I recently posted a NYT Book Review’s review of this title.  In many ways, I agreed with it.

I had read The Child, this author’s second novel. and very much enjoyed it.  See my review of that one below.  I began this book with high expectations that were not quite realized.  Nonetheless, I found that I was constantly turning the pages of the short chapters until I got to the end.

The central story is about Rosie and Alex who travel to Thailand for their gap year.  The two are very different with Alex having a stronger moral compass.  Rosie wants to party while Alex wants to see and experience the country.  What happens to them and why forms the central mystery/suspense of the book. No spoilers here. Around them, there are other characters in Thailand and Rosie and Alex’s families at home in England.  The reader also spends time with a detective and reporter who were also in this author’s earlier novels.  Their relationships and backstories figure prominently in the narrative.  There is an overlap in that Kate is reporting but her son is also traveling in Thailand and a part of the story’s events.

This novel deals with tragedy and the impact of a difficult upbringing. I won’t say about whom or whose so as not to spoil the suspense.  Yet, despite this, I found that I did not care about the characters or story as much as I had hoped to.

I give this one a solid three stars.  If you read it, I would love to know what you think.

Praise for The Suspect

“A nail-biting tale of missing teens and the parents who worry for them. Fiona Barton’s first two novels, The Widow and The Child, were international bestsellers.…The Suspect deserves equal success. It’s…expertly written….Barton’s characterizations are exceptional.”—The Washington Post

“In The Suspect, Fiona Barton mixes universal truths with a thrilling tale.”—USA Today (3½ out of 4 stars)

I have not read Fiona Barton’s first book, “The Widow,” although I probably will now. Her sophomore effort, “The Child,” is intriguing and suspenseful Who is the baby found on the building site? How are the characters and their stories connected? What does it mean to be a parent? To grieve? To confront and accept one’s past? “The Child” is about all of this while being a page turner. I did guess the answer to the central mystery but this did not in any way lessen my enjoyment of this novel. I feel confident that Fiona Barton’s next book will be, “third time the charm.” Recommended for suspense fans.  Thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to review this novel.

This one is for fans of Jane Austen.  It is told from the point of view, of the servants in the Bennett household.

From Publishers Weekly

Ones to look for today:

The Red Address Book is a recently published novel that is in my TBR pile.

“Written with love, told with joy. Very easy to enjoy.”
—Fredrik Backman, author of A Man Called Ove

“In a reader’s lifetime, there are a few books that will be companions forever. For me, The Red Address Book is one of them. It will comfort you, and remind you of all the moments when you grabbed life with both hands. It is also an homage to the wisdom of women who have lived longer than most of us. One is never too old to learn that love is the only meaning of life—let’s listen to these women.”
—Nina George, author of The Little Paris Bookshop

“A charming, fragile romance.”—Kirkus Reviews

Blue Lightning is an entry in Ann Cleeves’s Jimmy Perez series set on Shetland.  This is one of my favorite mystery series.  I recommend that you read every one.  Jimmy is a well developed character and I always enjoy spending time with him.

Miss You is another in my endless TBR pile.

“If ever a couple was ‘meant to be’ it’s Tess and Gus. This is such a witty, poignant and uplifting story of two lives criss-crossing over the years, with near-miss after near-miss…I couldn’t put it down” (Sophie Kinsella, bestselling author of the Shopaholic series)

“Brilliantly constructed, with wonderful characters you’ll be cheering on, this romantic story is full of poignant moments, has a huge heart and a massive feel-good factor. Engrossing and entertaining.” (Sunday Mirror)

“Debut novelist Eberlen develops two wonderfully distinct storylines, but her characters are carefully connected by proximity and circumstance. . . . Eberlen’s characters are so real and deserving of love-thankfully it’s safe to root for them both, and root for them you will.” (Kirkus )

“Eberlen…excels in creating realistic characters whom readers will adore-including Tess’ unusual sister, Hope; Tess’ sassy best friend, Dolly; and Gus’ impulsive college pal, Nash. Eberlen also shines at keeping the story moving through 16 years of friendship, purpose, and love. Swoon-worthy.” (Booklist (starred review))

“Eberlen’s marvelous debut novel captivates and immerses…. This worthy, wonderful, and witty read is a must-have for all romantics who believe in hope.” (Library Journal)

Sullivan’s Island was the first book that I read by Dorothea Benton Frank.  She writes absorbing women’s fiction.

From Publishers Weekly