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!

Now out: My First Day of Kindergarten Activity Book

This lovely activity book was written by a former kindergarten teacher. In a series of activities, she takes children through a day at school. It incorporates teaching/reviewing things that kids will want to know. For example, on the first page, titled Good Morning, children are asked to circle everything that is blue. Another page called Let’s Go to School asks kids to circle the transportation that can get them there. For example, they may take the bus but they probably won’t swim. There are matching games, dot to dots, find what’s different, sequencing, patterns, shapes, letters and much more. All in all, a nice resource for a child and an adult to do together. I definitely know a child who would like this and you may too.

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

Five stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Just a note to those whose blogs I follow

You may notice that I am not up to date on reading my favorite blogs. No, it’s not that I don’t want to read the posts because I really do! The reason is that I have just had eye surgery on one eye and another surgery is upcoming. So, please bear with me and I will soon be back to reading at speed.

I appreciate every word that you write and thank you for following my posts.

Pencils out: Logic Puzzles Book for Brain Fitness

#LogicPuzzlesBookforBrainFitness #NetGalley

Here is another in a series of puzzle books for “brain training.” These puzzles may in fact be good for you (note the 90 day challenge) but I mostly do them because I think that they offer a fun challenge.

There are six different types of puzzles included in this title. They are logic grids puzzles, sudoku, calcudoku, battleship, kakuro, and Masyu (a puzzle with which I was unfamiliar). There are three sections, each of which includes some of the puzzle types, with harder puzzles being added as one goes along. Puzzlers can choose to go in order, or if they feel more skilled, they can advance to a harder section. Try puzzles that you already know that you like or learn something new. There are full directions for each type. However, the puzzles are approached, have fun!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Zeitgeist for this title. I plan to get the hard copy of this title so that I can do all of the puzzles. All opinions are my own.

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

Pub date: 30 July 2024

They say that: All’s Fair in Love and War (Virginia Heath)

Are you a lover of Regency romances? Would your day be enhanced by a frothy and fun read? If yes, take a look at this first title in a new series by Virginia Heath.

The premise is that a rather uptight uncle and employee of the Admiralty has suddenly become responsible for his sister’s three children, said sister being off on an adventure of her own. Needless to say he does not relish the responsibility and is not perhaps fully capable either. So…he hires someone to do the job.

The children will like her very much. Will he? You may know but the fun will be in getting there. Watch Harry (he) and Georgie (she) as they come together.

Recommended to those who are fans of this genre and those who want to try it out. Many will be eager for the next installment.

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

Pub date: 28 May 2024

From the Publisher

All's Fair in Love and War Virginia Heath
All's Fair in Love and War Virginia Heath Mimi Matthews quote
All's Fair in Love and War Virginia Heath Amalie Howard quote

Editorial Reviews

Review

“An enjoyable new Regency series.”
-Library Journal

Camino Ghosts (John Grisham) is published today

#CaminoGhosts #NetGalley

This latest novel by John Grisham is part of the Camino Island series. Earlier titles included Camino Island and Camino Winds. Bruce Cable , bookshop owner, and novelist Mercer Mann are again involved in the events that unfold in this new book.

This is the story of Lovely Jackson and her ancestors. They lived on an island that, at the time of the novel, is full of deep historical connection and meaning to her. When developers want to take over and claim this land, the stage is set.

Will the island be preserved? Will deep pocketed developers succeed? Is the island haunted? Readers will want to know. I think even more, however, readers will want to follow the story of Lovely and her ancestors.

This is one of the better books to have been written by Grisham in recent years. I recommend it.

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

Pub date: 26 May 2024

It’s going to be okay: Group

How One Therapist and a Circle of Strangers Saved My Life

by Christie Tate

An e book bargain today

The guide in this memoir is an author with a unique and honest voice. While very accomplished, she has clearly had her struggles. In this memoir the reader observes Ms. Tate as she brings her issues to a therapy group and her rather unconventional therapist. As a result her life was changed.

This book has received mixed reviews. There are those who have given it five stars and others who have barely given it one. Having facilitated support groups as part of my career, I was intrigued to read about the author’s experience with her therapist and the other members of her group. I recommend that you take a look and decide for yourself. I am glad to have read it.

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