Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too!
Great reads for adults and children!
This entry in the popular series tells the story of the world renowned gymnast. Her successes in competition are certainly given attention but so are some struggles and her willingness to stand up for what is right. All of these facts of Biles make her an inspiration.
Simone Biles is a role model. Here kids will get to know more about her.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for this title. All opinions are my own.
Five stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
#BIsforBelonging #NetGalley
This alphabet book that is about belonging features compassionate words for all of the letters. For example G is for gifts (not material ones), K is for kindness, R is for relationships, and U is for understand.
This title is cheerfully illustrated with children of many backgrounds. The text is simple but well able to inspire conversation.
This is a terrific alphabet book. It encourages children to understand themselves and others.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Teacher Created Materials-Free Spirit Publishing for this title. All opinions are my own.
Pub date: 06 August 2024
#Haiku #NetGalley
For those who may not know, haiku poetry consists of seventeen syllables. While this may seem short, so very much can be expressed in this form.
This title includes works by four masters of haiku. Read about each of them before going to the poems. The overall introduction is also informative.
The included poems are often gorgeous and thought provoking. I love that each page includes calligraphy and a transliteration of the Japanese as well as the English translation.
In my opinion each work is a jewel and meant to be savored. Read slowly and take in the experience in this lovely book.
Many thanks to Amber Books and NetGalley for this title. All opinions are my own.
Pub date: 14 August 2024
#Haiku #NetGalley
For those who may not know, haiku poetry consists of seventeen syllables. While this may seem short, so very much can be expressed in this form.
This title includes works by four masters of haiku. Read about each of them before going to the poems. The overall introduction is also informative.
The included poems are often gorgeous and thought provoking. I love that each page includes calligraphy and a transliteration of the Japanese as well as the English translation.
In my opinion each work is a jewel and meant to be savored. Read slowly and take in the experience in this lovely book.
Many thanks to Amber Books and NetGalley for this title. All opinions are my own.
Pub date: 14 August 2024
Readers will be able to decide if this book is for them just as soon as the title is read. Anyone who feels that they may indeed people please too much (and perhaps to their own detriment) will find much of value here.
Readers get to learn about Bowen family theory and will understand why people pleasing is so prevalent and, equally, why it may be important to not completely succumb. One thing that I liked in this book was that points are made through the use of vignettes of clients engaged in the therapeutic process. The book is written in a very easy to understand way and will, I think, be welcomed by its target audience.
Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press-St. Martin’s Essentials for this title. All opinions are my own.
Pub date: 09 July 2024
#EyewitnessHorse #NetGalley
Getting this book as a gift for a horse loving child will ensure immediate popularity and thanks. This title is packed full of information that young horse enthusiasts will find fascinating.
The visual aspect of this book is very impressive with many photos. There is also a lot to learn with some of the topics including Mares and foals; Horses in history; Exploring the horse; Horses of the world; Useful ponies and much more. For each subject there is a two page spread.
This is a book that can be perused in any order. It is a nice entry in the Eye Witness series.
Many thanks to NetGalley and DK-DK Children for this title. All opinions are my own.
Pub date: 06 August 2024
#TheGarnettGirls #NetGalley
The Garnett Girls are women who are trying to find their way over the course of this well written first novel. Mother, Margo, was once wildly in love with Richard but all did not go well. She has gone on to a somewhat chaotic life and has been a less than perfect mother.
Margo’s three daughters have their own relationships and issues. Imogen is about to be engaged but is William really the right person for her? Is she doing what is safe or what is best for her? Sasha has a rather prickly relationship with controlling husband Phil, while Rachel seems to have the perfect husband d(he does lots of cooking and childcare). Is he?
Readers follow each of the daughters careers-writer, doctor and lawyer respectively. Has professional success made then happy? What will happen to them and Margo?
This book has wonderful settings. The characters are sufficiently complex and there is lots of plot. All of these make for an involving read.
Many thanks to NetGalley and, Avon and Harper Voyage for this title. All opinions are my own.
Pub date: 16 May 2023
These blurbs are from authors whose books I have enjoyed.
Five stars *****
I highly recommend this title that teaches and empowers girls (though it could be useful to boys, adults…). It is nicely illustrated and packed with information.
This title is divided into sections on matters related to home, schoo,l and being out in the world. Just to give a flavor of the title with a subsection from each area…learn how to do laundry, to have difficult conversations with friends, to understand money matters.
This title would make a great gift and I think the recipient may refer to it often.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Zeitgeist for this title. All opinions are my own.
#TheSwansNest #NetGalley
So many know the poem of Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s that begins “How do I love thee? Let me count the ways…” Many also may know that Robert and Elizabeth were deeply attracted to one another. But…how many know the background of their story with the restrictions of Victorian life, strong fathers and connections to Jamaican sugar plantations? How many know where they went to live and how they fared?
Ms. Mc Neal pens excellent historical fiction here. The people are brought to life and some new insights are offered. Historical fiction fans are in for a treat as are admirers of these poets.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Algonquin Books for this title. All opinions are my own.
Pub date: 12 March 2024
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#AMurderMostFrench #NetGalley
Four stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This series began with last year’s Mastering the Art of French Murder. This second title is every bit as delightful.
Here is an historical mystery set in post WWII Paris. It features a fictional protagonist, Tabitha, and a friend of hers. That friend is the larger than life Julia Child. Together the two become involved in murderous situations.
This time, chefs should beware what they drink. Not too far into the novel, two have died after imbibing what should have been very special vintages. Tabitha and Julia are on the case even if the police inspector (and possible romantic interest for Tabitha) does not want their help.
What I like best in this book (and in the first one) is the evocation of Paris. When Tabitha and Julia visit a market it is easy to visualize the food and want to start cooking. And speaking of which, every time Julia is around food, and that is often, the book is so much fun.
Highly recommended to those who are foodies, those who love Paris and those who like historical mysteries. I hope there will be a third book soon
Many thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for this title. All opinions are my own.
Pub date: 23 April 2024
Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too! 