Author: joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews

I love to read, recommend books and open the world of reading to others. I tutor to ensure that the next generation of readers will know the joys of a good book because their reading skills have improved. I am an avid reader, especially of mysteries and fiction. I believe that two of the world's greatest inventions were the public library and eyeglasses!

An e-book bargain for today

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

Starred Review. The servants of the Bennett estate manage their own set of dramas in this vivid re-imagining of Pride and Prejudice. While the marriage prospects of the Bennett girls preoccupy the family upstairs, downstairs the housekeeper Mrs. Hill has her hands full managing the staff that keeps Longbourn running smoothly: the young housemaids, Sarah and Polly; the butler, Mr. Hill; and the mysterious new footman, James Smith, who bears a secret connection to Longbourn. At the heart of the novel is a budding romance between James and orphan-turned-housemaid Sarah, whose dutiful service belies a ferocious need for notice, an insistence that she fully be taken into account. When an expected turn of events separates the young lovers, Sarah must contend with James&’s complicated past and the never-ending demands of the Bennetts. Baker (The Mermaid&’s Child) offers deeper insight into Austen&’s minor characters, painting Mr. Collins in a more sympathetic light while making the fiendish Mr. Wickham even more sinister. The Militia, which only offered opportunities for flirtations in the original, here serves as a reminder of the horrors of the Napoleonic Wars. Baker takes many surprising risks in developing the relationships between the servants and the Bennetts, but the end result steers clear of gimmick and flourishes as a respectful and moving retelling. A must-read for fans of Austen, this literary tribute also stands on its own as a captivating love story. First printing of 150,000. Agent: Clare Alexander, Aitken Alexander Associates. (Oct.)

Longbourn

E-book bargains

Ones to look for today:

The Red Address BookBlue Lightning: A Thriller (Shetland Book 4)Miss You: A NovelSullivan's Island (Lowcountry Tales Book 1)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

Frank’s debut novel is a story of redemption set in South Carolina’s steamy low country. Susan Hamilton Hayes’s comfortable Charleston existence is shattered when she finds her husband in bed with another woman. Faced with a failed marriage, a confused teenage daughter and a mediocre job, she sets about the business of healing. Slowly, supported by visits to her sister in their childhood home on sleepy Sullivan’s Island, Susan becomes a successful newspaper columnist, regains her confidence as a woman (despite a hilariously deflating date) and finally explores the death of her complex, abusive father decades before. Chapters alternate between the present and 1963, the year her father died, as Susan faces both the strength and the damaging effects of her family legacy. The ending – complete with a perfect suitor reemerging from Susan’s youth – is almost too picture perfect to ring true but both the setting and the characters are blazingly authentic. Frank evokes the eccentric Hamilton family and their feisty Gullah housekeeper with originality and conviction; Susan herself – smart, sarcastic, funny and endearingly flawed – makes a lively and memorable narrator. Thanks to these scrappily compelling portraits, this is a rich read. (Feb.)
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

 

 

 

 

Another in a series: Little Hoo has the Flu

This is a simple story book for young listeners. They will see how well a mother owl takes care of her baby when he becomes ill. The routines of a sick room are simply explained. The reader also sees Little Hoo’s friends arrive. They can’t play with Little Hoo but come back with a get well surprise for him. Children will be reassured to know that when ill, they can feel better soon.

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

#LittleHooHasTheFlu #NetGalley

A fantastic (true) voyage: The Voyage of Discovery

This is quite a clever book in my opinion.  The illustrations are engaging, the text is informative and in the book (unlike in my e-galley), there are flaps to lift; I don’t know about you but I always found flap lifting to be fun when I read with my children.

In this book, children are invited to find a missing movie reel.  Along the way, they are presented with an appealing history of communication.  There are small boxes on each two page spread that are filled with interesting facts.  Children can learn about everything from the discovery of the Rosetta Stone, to telegraphs, to the discovery of graphite, to the printing press, telephones and of course, the movies.  All are presented in a way that makes learning easy and fun.

I highly recommend this one to both kids and adults.  You will all be entertained.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this enjoyable book. The opinions are entirely my own.

#AllAboardTheVoyageOfDiscovery #NetGalley

Here are some examples of the illustrations from the book.

voyage, game, book, learnParis, France, voyagevoyage, interactive, atlantic

Fun with Books: The Ultimate Cartoon Book of Book Cartoons

From the publisher:

#TheUltimateCartoonBookOfBookCartoons #NetGalley

For Kids Who Want to Go Places: Around the World in 80 Ways

This visually appealing book consists of a series of two page spreads. Each features modes of transportation. For example, there are two pages that illustrate and talk about hot air balloons. There is another two page spread that is about travel by camel and yet another that features fire engines, police cars and ambulances. I found Around the World in 80 Ways to be a fun, engaging and well illustrated book. I learned a lot about ways of getting around! If you know a child who is interested in how we move, they will most likely enjoy leafing through this book.

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

#AroundTheWorldIn80ways #NetGalley

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