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!

She is a phenomenon: Taylor Swift (Isabel Maria Sanchez Vegara)-an e book bargain

#TaylorSwift #NetGalley

What Taylor Swift has achieved in her career is pretty amazing. She has to be one of the most popular singers ever. This entry in the good series tells her story.

Readers learn that Taylor grew up in a family that loved music Once she discovered country music, Taylor knew what she wanted to do even if she felt isolated from her peers at times. She has gone on to sing in many genres for her fans. Her hard work and persistence make her a role model for those with dreams.

This book is delightfully illustrated. There is additional information at the back.

Many thanks to Quarto Publishing Group and NetGalley for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 11 June 2024

An e book bargain

Murder in Chianti by Camilla Trinchieri

by joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews

For some reason, during the corona virus pandemic, I have been spending a lot of time in virtual Italy reading mysteries that are set there.  My guides, until I read this novel, were Donna Leon and her Inspector Brunetti, and Andrea Camilleri and his Detective, Montalbano.  Their novels feature an engaging protagonist, beautiful locations and, VERY IMPORTANT, delicious food.

So, I was curious about this book set in Tuscany and happy to receive an ARC.  I was not disappointed.  This novel, the start of a new series, and its detective, fit right into the sub genre of Italian police stories.

The protagonist of Murder in Chianti is widower and former New York City police detective, Nico.  He has moved to Chianti following the death of his wife, Rita.  Rita has a cousin in Chianti who owns a restaurant, one source of the delicious sounding food in the novel.  Food wise, I would give a lot to get breakfast where Nico does each day.  I also would like to sample some of the alcohol mentioned in the book, especially the red wines.

Around Nico are the police officers who want his help in solving a case, Perillo and Daniele.  The murder of the story has ties with the past.  The victim left Italy a number of years ago and became a successful vintner in California.  Why did he return to Italy?  How does this visit lead to his death?  Who will be hurt as the case is solved?

This was a very readable book and one that I enjoyed.  I recommend adding it to your TBR list.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an hoenst review.  I look forward to the next novel in this seris.

She is: Amazing Grace Adams (Fran Littlewood)-an ebook bargain

As this book opens, Grace Adams is not feeling so amazing. it would be more accurate to say that she is feeling overwhelmed. Anyone who has ever been stuck in traffic will enjoy reading what Grace does when in this situation. This will be the beginning of readers caring about what happens to Grace.

The novel moves back-and-forth in time, letting readers know about Grace’s early linguistic talents, her marriage, her work, motherhood and more. She is the kind of woman who is trying to manage her life as. anyone who has read a novel by Allison Pearson might recognize.

Readers who enjoy stories with humor and emotion will be happy to meetGrace.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Henry Holt & Company for this title.

This book was published in 2023

A seasonal title: One Day in December by Josie Silver and One Day in December by Shari Low-an e book bargain

This novel has received a good deal of attention, including being selected for Reese Witherspoon’s book club.  It is the story of Laurie and Jack, their friends and families.  It is a story of a romance that may or may not go to a happy ending.  It is definitely one in which the course of true love “never did  run smooth.”  If you enjoy light, romantic fiction you might want to join the many who have read this title.

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

I previously reviewed another novel with the same name.  That review is reprinted below.  I think that I preferred the less well known one, which is this one.

Four main characters and a number of their connections feature in this engaging women’s fiction read. The action takes place over the course of one day with sufficient back story to give the novel some depth. The book begins with a character dying in hospital; it will only be at the end of the novel that the reader learns who this is.

As for the characters…Bernadette is married to surgeon, Ken, their union is not a happy one. She, Ken and their two children are one story line. Media obsessed Lila is another; she is involved with Ken and is half sister to the more likeable Caro. Both Caro and Lila’s mothers were married to the same man but they have never met. Cammy wants to marry Lila but gets to know Caro as well. There are others in the novel including Caro’s cousin, Caro and Lila’s parents and an entire French football team! Each chapter follows one of the main characters.

I found this book to be an enjoyable read; one of those novels that is good for a time when you want to relax. There will be another book by this author coming out soon.

An e book bargain-The Maid by Nita Prose

The Maid has garnered so much praise both before and after publication. It is a book that is definitely worth reading. Those who enjoy The Thursday Murder Club and Ruth Galloway mysteries are certain to love this novel with it quirky, idiosyncratic and (morally) good protagonist.

Molly sees the world in her own way. She appears to be “on the spectrum,” though I hate to use that term and do not want to make Molly anything other than the unique woman that she is. Molly has trouble reading social cues and people’s facial expressions. This can lead to her being naively trusting. Molly speaks with a beautifully old fashioned syntax and sometimes makes rhymes as, for example, “a tissue for your issue.”

Molly lives with her grandmother who works as a domestic. Molly is herself a maid, working at the Grand Hotel. It is a job that suits her orderly personality and Molly takes great pride in her work. (She will hopefully leave readers with more respect for those who toil in hotels for the benefit of the guests).

Molly becomes involved in a series of events that leave her in over her head. There were times when I wanted to yell “stop” to Molly when she trusted some of the hotel staff and guests but, of course, could not do so. The fact that I wanted to is a tribute to the author’s ability to create characters for whom readers will care.

Who will protect Molly? Will she get out of this mess? Will she or the hotel ever be the same? Read this charming, heartfelt novel to find out. To use one of Molly’s favorite words, it is “delightful.”

I sincerely hope that the author’s next book is published soon. I give this first novel of hers five stars.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Now out:

Calm in 40 Images

The art of finding serenity

by The School of Life

The authors of this title observe that they, like all of us, become anxious at times. They hope that this book will make things a bit easier for whoever picks it up.

In these pages are a series of images. To the left of each image is a short essay with something to contemplate and, hopefully, for the reader to take away.

A reader can dip in and out as they choose. Hopefully, this book’s intended audience will find comfort in these pages.

Many thanks to NetGalley and The School of Life for this title. All opinions are my own.

Three stars The authors of this title observe that they, like all of us, become anxious at times. They hope that this book will make things a bit easier for whoever picks it up.

In these pages are a series of images. To the left of each image is a short essay with something to contemplate and, hopefully, for the reader to take away.

A reader can dip in and out as they choose. Hopefully, this book’s intended audience will find comfort in these pages.

Many thanks to NetGalley and The School of Life for this title. All opinions are my own.

Three stars 🌟🌟🌟

You might want to have one too: The Book Swap

The romance novel about book lovers and for book lovers – uplifting, moving, and full of love

by Tessa Bickers

#TheBookSwap #NetGalley

The Book Swap was a delight to read. I very much enjoyed this story of two characters who got to know one another (even) better through sharing their thoughts about books and life. The device that the author uses is to have them each taking books from a little free community library and writing to one another in the margins. I found that I was always looking forward to see which book these two would be reading next; maybe this reflects the eagerness that they had as well.

Readers meet Erin. She has faced a great loss and has a unique way of coping (find out in the book). In a scene that many readers may envy, she quits her toxic work place despite not knowing what she will do next. Readers follow as she figures this out with a therapist sister often voicing her opinions.

James has his own difficulties. His mother suffers from mental illness and he periodically spends stretches of time with his parents to help out. James has a job that he does not love. What will he do about this?

Bonnie…well, read the book to find out who she is and what her role in the story is.

No spoilers so don’t want to go into how these characters intersect.

This book is not entirely light in nature but it is a consistently good read. I was always happy to settle down and spend time in the world of these characters.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 03 September 2024

From the Publisher

The Book Swap
Two Book Lovers. Two Broken Hearts. One Fresh Chapter.
“A love letter to books and reading. I just loved it.”—Cesca Major, author of Maybe Next Time

Now out:

Jewish Voices

Inspiring & Empowering Quotes from Global Thought Leaders

by Dana Rubin

This collection of thoughtful quotes is organized by topic. A few of these include Art and Culture; Laughter and Tears; Antisemitism and the Holocuast; Family and Home; and more. Each of these sections begins with an orientation to the topic.

The author-compiler’s introduction notes the importance of language and words to the Jewish population across the diaspora. She has chosen quotes from Greek, Latin and Aramaic teachings as well as Yiddish lore. In addition, there are sayings from migration to the Aegean, the Iberian Peninsula, Asia Minor and the Russian steppes. Quotes cover a wide period of years up to the present day.

Readers are also given information on those who are quoted. Some of these authors may be well known, for example there are quotes from Amy Shumer and Ruth Bader Ginsburg while others will be from those not previously known by the reader.

The quotes themselves are plentiful. In addition, the text is accompanied by graphic illustrations.

This book would make a lovely gift or addition to libraries. It would maybe be a nice title to give to someone at the time of the Jewish fall holidays. I hope it will be read by many and will help to open dialogue during fraught political periods.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for this title. All opinions are my own.

Five stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟