Author: joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews

Love happens in all places, at all times and, hopefully, for all people. Each person’s story includes joy, heartache and changes over time.
Amy Bloom’s novel is both universal and specific regarding relationships, as she writes about Eleanor Roosevelt and Lorena Hickok, largely from Lorena’s point of view. Their coming together and moving apart is richly imagined as is the era in U.S. history. With appearances by FDR, Missy LeHand and others, historical personages are shown with both their strengths and flaws. This novel evoked many feelings. Definitely a book worth reading.

This is the first book that I have read by Ellery Adams and I truly enjoyed it. The protagonist, Nora, is a bookseller who believes that there is a book that is just right for each customer’s particular emotional state; the notion that one could get meaningful suggestions from a bookseller was lovely in this day of internet sales. I enjoyed the many literary references and the back stories of the protagonists. There are also hints of romance. If you like cozies, I would recommend this book highly.

I have read Jennifer Chiavarini’s quilting novels and enjoyed them all. Of her historical novels, I have read Mrs. Lincoln’s Rival and found the story to be quite interesting. So…I was truly looking forward to reading this book. I found the history to be fascinating. While I knew something about Byron’s relationship with his cousin, I knew less about his marriage. I knew almost nothing about Ada and her complex relationship with her mother. Reading about her life was compelling. I would rate this book more highly except that I wished the narration had been a bit livelier.

Jacqueline Winspear’s Maisie Dobbs series goes from strength to strength.  The first books took place during WWI while, in this latest entry WWII, has just been declared.  Maisie continues to be a fascinating character; she is highly intuitive and compassionate.  In this novel, Maisie investigates the deaths of several victims who were refugees from Belgium.  Learn what connects them and also read this book for the beginning of Maisie’s relationship with a young war evacuee.  I always love catching up with this series’ regulars including Maisies’s father, Frankie; stepmother, Brenda; along with Priscilla, Lady Rowan, Billiy and Sandra.  A highly (!) recommended read.

I absolutely adore this book which is filled with the richness of love,  relationships and nature.  There is  an abiding spiritual sense flowing through these poems which are deep but accessible.   A few of my favorites are Don’t Worry, Moments, I Wake Close to Morning, Whistling Swans and Everything That Was Broken.  But…dig in anywhere.  You will be so very glad that you did!

I look forward to every month’s Buzz Books and this is no exception. Great to see what books are forthcoming and to read excerpts. As you will see, there are some great reads coming up!

I read this book a year or so ago but have been thinking about it again for two reasons; first, in England, they are making a television series with the author as she trains her second hawk and the other reason is that I have been thinking about how we mourn and acknowledge deaths of those we love.  This book has so much in it; there is biography, the training of the hawk and a great deal about T H White who had a very difficult time with his own hawk.  T H White wrote one of my all time favorite books, The Once and Future King, so I was fascinated to learn more about him.  Sadly, he had a rather tragic life.  This book is highly recommended for nature lovers, lovers of T H White and those looking for a meaningful memoir.

Another badge from NetGalley!  It is so much fun to see these; reminds me of when I earned badges for Girl Scouts.  I am proud of my accomplishment in having reviewed 25 books and I look forward to reviewing many more.  I welcome feedback from all of you readers; let me know what you are thinking about books and reading.

This is a relaxing read; the type of book that I read before going to bed at night. Darcy and Riley make an appealing couple. While the story is somewhat predictable, that is not a bad thing as this is the sort of book that one reads expecting good things to prevail. There was back story on the main characters which added some depth. The town, the villagers and the lighthouse are all lovingly described. So…an enjoyable read for those who like light romantic novels..

This is the first book that I have read by this author; she has one previously published mystery in the series. Each chapter begins with a literary quote from either Wuthering Heights or Jane Eyre. These presage events and/or emotions experienced by the characters in the chapter. I enjoyed the quotes and the many book references throughout the novel. The main characters were appealing although overall the characters and mystery would have benefited from greater depth and nuance. This was a good, cozy read.