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!

Imagine: Calm in 40 Images

The art of finding serenity

by The School of Life

#Calmin40Images #NetGalley

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.

Pub date: 05 September 2024

I would love to wear: The Paris Gown

A Novel

by Christine Wells

#TheParisGown #NetGalley

Christian Dior is having a moment. He has featured in a recent Apple TV series as well as in a number of works of historical fiction. That is the case in this novel where window shopping and a dress by the couturier feature in the story.

Wells tells the story of three friends who reunite in post war Paris. They are Claire, Gina and Margot. Claire is a native French woman and chef. Gina is an American aspiring writer/journalist. Australian Margot is working at Dior’s fashion house. All have their struggles, relationships and hopes.

Early in the novel, readers learn that Claire was lucky enough to be loaned an apartment above her father’s bistro. The mysterious Madam Vaughan has gone away for reasons not initially shared and left Claire to occupy her home. She has also gifted a Dior gown to Claire. The three young women clearly benefit from her generosity.

Claire invites her friends to stay with her. Readers then follow them through their lives and will, I think, care about what happens to them.

This story is involving and nicely details the characters and their world. This is a story of female friendship that I very much enjoyed.

Many thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 20 August 2024

Now out: The Bookshop Sisterhood

This is the story of four friends who want to open a bookshop. They are Celeste who has recently been a carjacking victim; Toni, an influencer, with some big secrets; Leslie who is facing major crises with both her daughter and husband; and, Yasmeen who begins the book much less privileged than her friends.

This story was a bit over the top at times and melodramatic BUT I could not stop turning the pages. I really wanted to know how things would turn out for each of these women and their store.

As a bonus, the novel gives shout outs to a number of books. Readers may want to add some of these to their own lists.

Those who enjoy stories about friendship and women at crossroads will want to give this title a look.

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

Four stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐

From the Publisher

You can always rely on a good book and great friends...
"Absolutely brilliant," Kristan Higgens, "You'll laugh, you'll cry and...rejoice," Brenda Novak

Editorial Reviews

Review

“An inspiring read about the power of women’s friendships and how learning to trust those one loves best can be risky but ultimately rewarding.” —Library Journal


“satisfying…Readers who enjoy stories about women overcoming life obstacles will be drawn in.” —Booklist

Put on your chef’s toque: Sesame Street Let’s Cook Together

With 40 Fun, Healthy Recipes

by DK

#SesameStreetLetsCookTogether #NetGalley

The cover of this book drew me right in. After all, how could a person resist Big Bird and Elmo in these food incarnations?

Kids and adults will enjoy this visit with the Sesame Street family in the kitchen. Note that children will need the help of an adult when they are ready to cook.

The book begins with a safety disclaimer that is not scary but is worth reading. There are additional introductory sections as well.

There are 40 healthy recipes in this book. They are grouped into categories titled Bright Breakfasts, Super Snacks, Yummy Lunches, Delicious Dinners and Healthy Treats. Just a few of the recipes are for Gonger’s Egg Surprise, Granola Cookie Bits, Grouch on Toast, Coconutty Chicken Bites and Mango Fro Yo-Yo. All have easy to follow directions and illustrations. I like that for each there are lists for ingredients and tools before the recipe. There are also sections called Helping Hand with extra tips.

The book concludes with a number of additional sections including a Guide for Grown Ups.

Here is a wonderful way to introduce a child to the fun and nutrition that can be found by preparing food at home. I highly recommend it.

Many thanks to NetGalley and DK-DK Children’s for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 13 August 2024

Now out:

Trouble in Queenstown

A Mystery

by Delia Pitts

It is easy to recommend this debut mystery and series starter. The investigator is a Black woman who has returned to her New Jersey community and childhood home. There are many unsettling things going on beneath the surface of her hometown. When Vandy becomes involved in an investigation, murder and more will happen and much will be exposed.

There are twists, a good plot and a look at some important issues in these pages. Murder in Queenstown is definitely worth adding to a reading list.

Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this title. All opinions are my own.

Four stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

From my backlist: Christmas on the Little Cornish Isles by Phillipa Ashley

I’ve noticed a lot of e galleys for forthcoming holiday reads. Somehow, I forgot to post on this festive themed story.

I go to books by this author when I truly need to relax and escape. Ashley can be trusted to tell a story with decent people facing some obstacles and, hopefully, finding their happy endings. In this one, I enjoyed the setting and found myself hoping that this Christmas would be a happier one for Maisie. Will they arrival of an Australian looking for seasonal work make a difference? That just may be.

Read this one when you need to take a break from day to day life. You will finish it feeling better than when you started and happy to have visited Gull Island.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for this title. All opinions are my own.

This title was published in 2017

She’s back (and I am glad): The Dark Wives

A Vera Stanhope Novel

by Ann Cleeves

I always am excited when a new novel featuring Vera Stanhope is published. The Dark Wives is classic Ann Cleeves and I think that the author’s fans will be delighted with this book. Any new reader could start here but I think that they will then want to go back to read all of the other titles. (Note too that there is a TV series featuring Vera).

IMPORTANT: Anyone who did not read the last book but is a fan of the series should know that there is a spoiler about Holly. I do not give that away below .

A care home for adolescents who are unable to live elsewhere features in the story. Four young people live there in a place that is profit making. Nonetheless, there are some who seems to care about their charges. A per diem worker named Josh was seemingly well liked and yet he is murdered early in the story. At the same time, Chloe, one of the teens and someone who had a crush on Josh, has gone missing. So…the plot begins.

What led Josh to take this job? Does it tie in to his feelings for an old girlfriend? To his interest in the arts? To something else? What leads to a second murder?There is a lot for Vera and her team, including newbie Rosie, to sort through.

Just a few of the things that I liked about this book were: the settings, the number of characters and their connections, the plot and the concern of the author for young persons in need. This is an atmospheric story that kept me wanting to read more. It is easy to recommend this one.

Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 27 August 2024