Author: joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews

Essential Skills to Recover from Stress, Trauma, and Adversity

by Glenn R. Schiraldi

Everyone faces setbacks and adversity at points in their lives. For some, each challenge is devastating and leaves a person unable to cope while others seem to manage similar situations with more equanimity. The author of this book would posit that one’s resilience (ability to cope and bounce back) deeply influences responses. So, what is one to do if they don’t feel very resilient? Maybe take a look at this title.

The author’s perspective includes a number of therapeutic viewpoints and techniques such as positive psychology and CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) among others. Readers engage with these in this workbook.

Just a few of the chapters are titled Rapid Relief Techniques, Self-Compassion, and Meaning and Purpose. Take a look, try some of the suggestions and see if they help you. They just might!

Many thanks to NetGalley and New Harbinger Publications Inc. for this title. All opinions are my own.

This title was published in 2017

A Rip Through Time Novel

by Kelley Armstrong

Ms. Armstrong offers an interesting and original take on the crime novel by adding a time slip element. Disturbing the Dead is the third in this series that also includes A Rip Through Time and The Poisoner’s Ring. Fans of the books will be excited about this new entry that may also gain new readers for the author.

Mallory Atkinson has found herself in Victorian Scotland rather than in her own time period in these stories. While very different, her life has been interesting as she assists a medical examiner. This time, weird events transpire around the unwrapping of a mummy. Whose body becomes part of an investigation? Find out in this fun read that includes many characters from the two earlier books.

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

Pub date: 07 May 2024

by Shauna Robinson

As soon as I see the word bookshop in a book’s title, I always want to know more and often go on to read the novel. We book lovers seem to love titles set in one of our favorite locations. That was certainly true for me in this case.

Readers will enjoy getting to know Maggie Banks. She moves to a small town to help run a friend’s bookstore. It turns out that this is a shop with rules about what can be sold. Maggie has her own ideas and begins to implement them. Will she be successful? Who should be informed about her decisions?

This is a book that, while easy to read, raises some questions about the ability to buy and read the books that we want and how bookstore agendas are set. See if you agree with the old guard who have their reasons or with Maggie.

Readers will cheer for Maggie as she begins to find herself and her voice. Her growth is something to applaud.

This book has a little of many enjoyable tropes. There are good characters, a small town a secret, a bit of romance and more.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 01 November 2022

Four stars ****

I am a fan of a number of mysteries set in Ireland. Of course, there is Tana French. There are also Dervla McTiernan and Andrea Carter to name just two of my other favorites. Carlene O’Connor is another author whose new series , I am excited to read. This is the second title of those and it is a bit less cozy than some of the author’s other longer running series.

This is a story that can be read for its Irish setting, the characters and the mystery itself. The book opens when meteor showers/shooting stars are coming; some believe that they will bring good luck while others are not so sure. Readers can guess which predictions will be true.

The first victim is an elderly man while the second is a voluptuous young woman. She is camping with a group and the detective, Cormac was involved with one of them. How will that come back to haunt him?

In addition to the mystery there are backstories. Dimpna’s father has Alzheimer’s while Cormac’s mother has motor neuron disease and is failing. These personal situations impact the characters but do not keep these two from figuring out what has transpired.

This is a solid mystery and one that is worth a look.

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

From the Publisher

I’m reading The Best Celebrity Memoirs To Read This Summer,… on Everand. Check it out: https://www.everand.com/article/753673112

I have loved this author’s books ever since I happened upon The Lido (aka Mornings with Rosemary) a few years ago. The Vintage Shop is vintage Page and a perfect summer read.

In this book, in addition to learning about vintage clothing, readers primarily spend time with three characters. They are Lou, who is mourning the recent death of her mother, Donna who recently found out that she was adopted and Maggy whose husband divorced her. They are each facing challengers. The lives of these women intertwine in interesting ways and each grows over the course of these pages.

Readers spend time in both England and the U.S. What do these places and people have to do with the yellow dress on the book’s cover? Read this one to find out. I highly recommend it.

At Home with Today’s Creatives

by Elizabeth Metcalfe

#NewEnglishInteriors #NetGalley

What a visual treat this title is! I loved turning the pages and dreaming of all the places where I will (never) live.

This book showcases twenty-two interiors. I only recognized Cath Kidston’s name in that list but no matter. One does not have to recognize the names to enjoy what has been created. I was sold from the introduction where I saw a colorful bathroom. And, color is really featured in these interiors.

In addition to the gorgeous photos, there is also good text. The author notes that the interiors are rich with feeling and mood. I agree. She is a good guide and I enjoyed meeting those to whom she introduced me.

Whether or not a reader is thinking about decorating, this is a title that makes for a wonderful escapist read.

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

Pub date: 01 October 2024

A Novel

by Toshikazu Kawaguchi

Sci-Fi and Fantasy

#BeforeYourMemoryFades #NetGalley

Have you ever wished that you could go back to the past? Is there something you wanted to say? Something you wanted/needed to do? Do you want to revisit a critical time? It might not be possible for you and me but it is exactly what the characters in Kawaguchi’s stories can do so long as they follow the rules.

In Before Your Memory Fades, third in the series, readers old and new can experience the magic of these opportunities. Here they will visit café Donna Donna which has some of the same magic as café Funiculi Funicula as in the earlier novels.

True to form, there are four stories in this collection. They feature:

A daughter who begrudges her deceased parents for leaving her orphaned

A comedian who aches for his beloved and their shared dreams

A younger sister whose grief has become all-consuming

A young man who realizes his love for his childhood friend too late

How will lives be changed? Turn the pages in the stories with a unique concept to find out.

To be enjoyed with your next cup of coffee. Your life may just be changed a bit too.

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

This book was published in 2022

Also by this author:

A lovely read: Tales from the Cafe

Is there time: Before we say goodbye

A Novel

by Brenda Novak

The Bookstore at the Beach is the second title that I have read by Ms. Novak, following her earlier novel, One Perfect Summer. As was true of that book, this is a long (448 pages) story that is filled with plot and character.

Readers follow and get to know the lives, struggles and joys of three generations of women from one family. The oldest is Mary. She runs a bookstore in a small town and leads a fairly insular life. Mary is not a risk taker. Why? What happened to her in the past that formed her attitudes and character? No spoilers so you have to read the book to find out.

Next up is Autumn, Mary’s daughter. She has come with her two children to spend time with Mary over the summer. Readers learn early on that Autumn’s husband has been missing for nineteen months, most likely related to his travel in Ukraine. Should Autumn hold on to hope that he will come back or…should she again become involved with her high school crush who lives in the town where Autumn is summering?

Finally there is Taylor, Autumn’s daughter. She was feeling numb and engaged in sexual activity without using birth control. Is she pregnant? If yes, how will this define her life? There is also a strong plot line about Taylor’s friendship with Sierra as Taylor wonders if she is in love with her.

The author holds onto all of the many plot strands without losing any of them. She tells a story that has some depth and that held my interest.

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

A Novel of Queen Elizabeth II and Her Beloved Corgi, Susan

by Eliza Knight

I have read a number of historical fiction titles that are about Princess/Queen Elizabeth and enjoyed them so I was quite excited about this book. It is by an author I already like. In fact, I purchased The Queen’s Faithful Companion even before I heard back reagarding my NetGalley request. (Thanks for the egalley to NetGalley and William Morrow. I now have two copies of this one.)

This was a very enjoyable read. It tells a story that many may know but with the addition of Susan. Susan was the first in a long line of corgis beloved by Elizabeth. Her presence adds to the fun of the book.

Readers also have the pleasure of meeting Hanna. She takes care of the dogs and gets to know Elizabeth well.

This book humanizes Elizabeth. After all, any dog lover has something in common with her.

It is easy to recommend this delightful read.

Pub date: 11 June 2024

From the Publisher