Author: joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews

A reminder that many of this author’s mysteries have recently been re-issued.  I just took photos of a couple of the novels; there are many more.  I loved the Nigel Strangeways series when I first read it and look forward to reading the series again.  Interesting fact for Oscar season…Nicholas Blake was the pen name for Cecil Day Lewis, father of yes…that actor, Daniel.

The Lido is simply a lovely book. It is a story of friendship between the generations and the joys of community. Kate is a twenty-six year old reporter who suffers from a panic disorder. She is assigned the story of the lido, an outdoor pool, that is threatened with foreclosure. In covering this story, Kate moves ahead in her own life. Kate works with eighty-something year old Rosemary on the lido campaign. The story of the lido links with Rosemary’s childhood and marriage. Widow Rosemary recalls the love of her George throughout the novel in touching and moving ways. Surprise of this book…author Libby Page is only in her 20s and this is her first novel. Bravo Ms. Page! You have written a sweet, touching and life-affirming story.  Thank you NetGalley!

Last night I was lucky enough to hear Kristin Hannah speak about The Great Alone at my local Barnes and Noble.  She was very down to earth and open in talking about her writing process and her life.  A few things about this new novel; the character, Leni, is the central one and she reads the same books that KH did at her age; KH’s family has ties to Alaska where they run a lodge and she has spent significant time there.  In this novel, KH wanted to address issues that she felt her child’s generation did not know around domestic violence and PTSD which were not acknowledged in the 70s.  She scrapped an earlier book about Alaska that she wrote after The Nightingale, feeling that it was not good enough.   When asked,” what is the worst advice you could give a writer” she replied “to stop writing.”  KH moved a lot as a child and books were important to her.  She was a practicing lawyer when she was placed on bedrest during a pregnancy and began to write.  She loved writing and never went back to the law.

Hope this gets you to thinking about reading some of her novels.  By the way, KH  said she will not write any more sequels; she is happy to leave her characters at the end of each book and to pursue new ones.

The Great Alone comes out today.  I have not as yet read it but thought readers of her fiction would like to know.  Some books by this author that I have enjoyed are Winter Garden and True Colors.  Everyone seemed to love The Nightingale which I liked and blogged on this site.  This writer has a long backlist so she may be an author for you if you enjoy contemporary fiction.

This one is from NetGalley for reviewing 50 titles!

This one, that I don’t know how to reduce in size, is for having 50 likes on my blog.  Thanks to all of you who have “liked.”  It is so encouraging.

I look forward to many more reviews and conversations!

Thanks for your suggestions, Madame Writer.  I go to Jane Austen as well.  I think that I am going to retead some Mary Stewart.  There are new digital versions with gorgeous covers.  Will try Rhys Bowen as well.

Looking for some comfort reads.  What are your favorites? Currently, I am reading The Lido.  Review to follow.

Tasha Alexander’s historical mystery series is at least fourteen books strong and yet, this is the first novel that I have read in the Lady Emily series. How did I miss them? I truly enjoyed this historical puzzler that was set in the wonderful worlds of ballet and 1900 St. Petersburg. The story is told from the perspective of a dancer and Lady Emily. The world of the book comes to life, the characters are engaging and the mystery was intriguing. I highly recommend this one for those who like their mysteries without too much gore. I am certain that I will now read the author’s earlier books. Thank you NetGalley!

 The Great Race tells the story of how the years in the Chinese calendar got their names. This fun animal story is appealingly illustrated and told with a gentle sense of humor. Ideal for young children as a read aloud.

#TheGreatRace #NetGalley

#TheQueen #NetGalley  Are you among those watching The Crown or someone who is now eagerly awaiting Season 3? While you are waiting, take a look at this beautifully illustrated book about Queen Elizabeth, her family and her world. This one can be read cover-to-cover or dipped into like a coffee table tome. Learn about the man who cured the King’s stutter, Peter Townsend and the Queen and her family right up through the present day. Highly recommended for the Royals fan!!