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!

Who is on the guest list: The Ball at Versailles (Danielle Steel)

This title is an e book bargain for 4.6.24

#TheBallatVersailles #NetGalley

Reading this book after not having read a title by this author for a while, I am reminded of the reasons for her success. She knows how to tell a story that engages the reader without asking anything in return except to sink in and enjoy the story.

This novel takes place in the late 1950s when things were (somewhat) different for women. Cotillions were still quite popular in some circles and invitations to balls were a coveted mark of belonging and status. Here is a story of several young women who agree to go to the first ball in Versailles that is inviting Americans, forty young women in all.

Readers meet Amelia, a college student with aspirations to become a lawyer. Her widowed mother convinces her to accept. There is Felicity, another college student, an overweight young woman who adores her studies at MIT. She agrees to please her parents. There is also a young women, Caroline, whose parents are prominent in the movie business and, finally, a young New Yorker, Samantha, whose father is quite rich and overprotective; she has a medical issue.

Peek into the lives of these characters pre Versailles. What will happen to them and their families as they get ready to go to France and once they are there? Readers will keep turning the pages to find out.

Anyone looking for a fun read with its peek at high society will, I think, enjoy this title. It was a perfect holiday read for me.

Many thanks to Random House Publishing Group/Ballantine for this title. All opinions are my own.

This title was published in November 2023.

A book that I truly love: What is the Point of Art

#WhatsthePointofArt #NetGalley

The cover of this boook will draw readers right in. Here, there are already ideas about the role of art. Open the book and read the beginning section on some points about the importance of art. Next find a beginner’s history of art. It starts with Ancient Art and moves right through up to Contemporary Art.

Throughout, this book is appealingly and colorfully illustrated. Adults (and some kids) will enjoy seeing what is on each page. For example, at the very beginning, readers can see Monet at work.

The text is full of information and features many places and cultures. It does not overwhelm but, I think, offers enough to intrigue children.

I wish that someone had gifted me a book like this when I was younger. Even as an adult I love it. I learned a lot in these pages. Very highly recommended.

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

Pub date: 16 April 2024

It is: A Love Letter to My Library

What book lover could resist the cover of this title? A Love Letter to the Library is just delightful and an ode to a special place. Children will get a good look at all the joys that can be found here.

Both the text and vivid illustrations pay affectionate tribute to a special place. Get this one for any budding reader and enjoy it together.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Soucebooks Kids for htis title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 04 June 2024

What they did! Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade (Janet Skeslien Charles)

#MissMorgansBookBrigade #NetGalley

Janet Skeslien Charles’s novel, The Paris Library, was historical fiction at its best, and here, with Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade, she offers readers another emotional and compelling story. Charles takes a part of WWI history about which I knew nothing and brings it to textured and detailed life.

The Miss Morgan of the title was of the daughter of J. Pierpont Morgan . She went to France to help those who experienced the devastation that comes from losing everything held dear. For this community, survival was a daily challenge. The American Committee for Devastated France wanted to offer assistance and hope. This group of international women helped rebuild destroyed French communities building relationships in the process..

Children’s librarian, Jessie (Kit Carson) works as the New York Public Librarary as the story opens. Her boss is very critical and is a constant voice in Jessie’s head. Jessie wants to do more and volunteers to go to France. She brings her talents, insecurities, many books and her love of them (especially perhaps Anne of Green Gables) with her.

In addition to Jessie and Miss Morgan readers meet doctors, nurses, cooks and other brave women. And, of course there are the people of the community. Readers are sure to want the very best for them. Just two of these characters are a young teen who loves to read and drive, and a woman devastated by the loss of her husband and baby. The remnant that she has left is a book that was written by her husband and that Jessie restored.

What the American women accomplished and created was nothing short of amazing. Readers will be engaged by their stories and works. Note too that Jessie was honored by France for her accomplishments in the field of children’s libraries.

As is often true in historical fiction, there is, in addition, a story set in a time close to the present. This features a young woman who is microfilming at the NYPL and learns of Jessie’s story. Readers trust that the storylines will intersect and indeed they do.

This is a novel for anyone/everyone who adores books, historical fiction, and good storytelling with emotional resonance. Very highly r4ecommended.

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

Pub date: 30 April 2024