Author: joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews

Robyn Carr has written many novels over several series; fans of hers will know that she has written the Virgin River, Thunder Point and Grace Valley books.  Her latest series takes place in Sullivan’s Crossing.  The Best of Us is novel number four.  Old characters reappear but, if you have not read the other titles, this can be read as a stand alone.  Love grows across three generations in this story.  The teen pair are challenged by a threatening medical diagnosis; the couple in their thirties face an unplanned pregnancy and the couple in their sixties show that love can happen at any age.

Setting is also important in this novel.  Sullivan’s Crossing is that small town that people think of when they imagine small town life as idyllic.  There is a beautiful setting near the mountains, kind people and a strong sense of community.

Long term fans of Roby Carr will most definitely welcome her latest book.

From the publisher:

In Sullivan’s Crossing, #1 New York Times bestselling author Robyn Carr has created a place where good people, powerful emotions, great humor and a healthy dose of common sense are the key ingredients to a happy life. Sullivan’s Crossing brings out the best in people. It’s a place you’ll want to visit again and again.

#TheBestOfUs #NetGalley

I absolutely adore the Elly Griffiths series.  If you have not read the novels this is your chance to stock up!  Today the novels in the series are all either $1.99 or $2.99.  Elly Griffiths has created a world that I love revisiting.  Main character Ruth is quirky and human; Nelson her police foil is a man with loyalty to both Ruth and his wife Michelle. Ruth’s daughter Kate shows Ruth as a mother as well as a professor and detective.   Ruth’s best friend Cathbad is a Druid but DO NOT let that put you off.  There are a host of other characters and relationships in the book along with the mysteries.  You are in for a treat with this series.  READ!

Just bought these books and i am excited about them. The Donna Leon novels each cost under $2 and the series is an excellent one. I have been wanting to read To Capture What We Cannot Keep for awhile. It is an historical novel set in Paris when La Tour Eiffel was constructed.

By Donna Leon:

About Face

The Waters of Eternal Youth

Earthly Remains

By Beatrice Colin

To Capture…

Covers to follow

This book is an absolute delight! The most aptly named Van Go animal family lives in Scotland. They love their home country but Mom and Dad would like their children to see more of the world. So…off they go during their school vacation. Children and their parents will enjoy traveling with them.

The family travels through Europe, India, Australia, New Zealand, New York and more. With bright, cheerful illustrations reminiscent of Richard Scarry, all kind of vehicles are seen. There are trains, boats, planes, taxis and bikes, just to name a few.

I highly recommend this book. It was great fun from start to finish and will remind children and adults that there is a great world out there just waiting to be discovered and enjoyed!

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher.

Originally published in the Netherlands, this is an illustrated mystery for young readers or listeners. The questions…Who is wreaking havoc in town? Who is the vandal? How will the case be solved? How does the prisoner escape? How does a young girl save the day? Spend a little time with this book and find out!

From Library Journal

This has been a busy and satisfying week for me.  In addition to having received 1,000 likes on my site, I have now written 500 posts.  When I first started the blog, I never expected to get so far or to find so much satisfaction in it.  Yet again, thank you readers!

Do you know a child who loves nature?  One who is interested in birds?  If yes, this could be a lovely addition to their bookshelf.

There is lots of talk about the environment these days.  In this book, children will discover that nature and preservation were being discussed in 1900 as well.  This book tells the story of Frank Chapman and his contributions.  About Mr. C:

“He worked at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City…He wrote book and magazine articles about birds.  He studied birds’ habits and habitats…Frank Chapman loved birds.”

Mr Chapman was dismayed by sport hunting that took place on Christmas Day.  He initiated changes that led to bird counts rather than bird culls.  This book tells how he did that and how today’s young explorers can become bird counters too.

The book has informative illustrations.  These include pictures of a number of bird species.  There are additional resources and suggestions at the back of the book.  The note from the author is also interesting.  We learn that she was the little girl in Jane Yolen’s book, Owl Moon.

Thanks to NetGalley and Quarto for this great book on nature and birds.

I adored this book.  It has everything that an Anglophile could possibly want.  There are churches, books and searches.  There is romance between a Brit and an American.  There are mysteries and family connections. There are even arguments about print versus digital.   On your first cold night in the fall, imagine you are by the fire and enjoy this read!

My children’s lit class has progressed through fairy tales, Alice in Wonderland, Peter Pan (in the edition that is a play) and is now focused on Little Women.  I first read Little Women when I was twelve or thirteen.  That was the first time that I realized the term classic did not translate to boring.  I was looking forward to reading this most loved American novel again and wondered if the magic would still be there…it is!

Little Women can be read as an engaging family novel.  Set during the Civil War, it chronicles the March family.  Marmee is wise and always eager to provide moments of learning for her daughters, Father is a man who does his duty, even when it is inconvenient and then there are the girls Meg, Jo, Amy and Beth.  Each has her own personality and struggles.  Most readers have a favorite March sister, who was yours?  For me, it used to be Jo but this time around I found it more difficult to choose.

I had forgotten that Alcott can be very funny.  The scenes of Meg’s early marital life and her jam disaster  show the humorous side of the expectations in relationships.  Jo, who was modeled on the author is an iconic character who represents the possibility of independence for  young girls, in an era when marriage was generally expected.  This time around, I was more aware of how Amy grows over the course of the novel.  I enjoyed reading about her travels in Europe.  Beth, deeply loved by most readers, is present in her quite quiet and loving way.

Of course there are many more characters including the irrepressible Laurie and Grandfather March.  The community also comes to life with its schools, festivals, parties and daily life.

According to my professor, the novel reflects a progressive ideology, including being anti-slavery and in favor of education reform.  It reflects the circle of Bronson Alcott, Emerson, etc. with an emphasis on self-reliance, open mindedness and empathy.  Becoming a “good Christian woman” is emphasized and reflects the values of the time.

If you have not read Little Women, I recommend that you do.  If you have a daughter, suggest it to her.  She will identify with the girls as may you; you may also be inspired by Marmee’s parenting.  If you have read the novel, think of the joys of reading it again.

Please let  me know your thoughts about LW.  I would love to hear them.