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!

9 Brilliantly Gritty Crime Novels Set in Glasgow, Scotland – GREAT BRITISH BOOK CLUB

Though Glasgow’s rates of homicide and violent crime are mild compared to many American or African cities, the city has long had a reputation as the “murder
— Read on greatbritishbookclub.com/gritty-crime-novels-set-in-glasgow-scotland/

What happens to: Davy in the Snow (Brigitte Weninger)

#DavyintheSnow #NetGalley

Children’s fairy tales often include a challenge that must be overcome before the happy ending comes. That is the case in this story about Davy and Mia.

These two young rabbits feel ready for independence so they volunteer to bring carrot cake to their grandparents. They have a nice visit and, fortuitously, hear a story about what their grandparents did in a big snowstorm.

Of course, this is the obstacle that Davy and Mia then face. They know what to do, Davy is an excellent big brother and all ends well.

The illustrations in this story are very appealing. Both children and adults will enjoy them. The message of the story is not to panic, to trust oneself and be hopeful is a good one.

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

Pub date: 12 September 2023

Someone had a: Dedication to Murder (Lauren Elliott)

#DedicationtoMurder #NetGalley

Dedication to Murder is the latest in Lauren Elliott’s, A Beyond the Page Bookstore, series. This title is the ninth entry; the first was Murder by the Book.

Long time readers of the series may be delighted to find that Addie is planning to get married. However, issues from the past and death that is likely not natural cause some obstacles.

Readers will be hooked from the very first chapter. Something happens here that will definitely throw the prospective bride and groom.

I loved that part of the story referenced The Velveteen Rabbit. What is its significance to Addie? What is she going to learn abut herself? Will things get sorted out so that life’s good events can go on? Readers will enjoy finding out in this enjoyable cozy/traditional mystery. The pages definitely turn.

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

Pub date: 25 April 2023

A blog tour! High Tides and Summer Skies by Jennifer Bohnet

About the book:

High Tides and Summer Skies

New beginnings don’t always mean painful endings . . .

A fabulous, timeless story of friendship set in Devon from bestselling author Jennifer Bohnet.

As time ebbs and flows over the summer both Katie Teague and her godmother Mattie Cranford discover their lives are at a crossroads

Mattie shackled to the family wool shop for over 50 years, feels life has passed her by. She dreams of seeing the world and shaking off a lifetime of regrets.

When Katie is made redundant, Mattie seizes the moment and asks Katie to move back to her home town of Dartmouth and breathe new life into the rundown wool shop and to her surprise Katie agrees.

As Katie settles back into the rhythm of Devon life and renovating the shop, Mattie sets off on a luxury cruise.

But the arrival of Katie’s ex-boyfriend with an unexpected dream job offer threatens to unsettle the calm waters.

Will she sacrifice the shop and Mattie’s happiness – or her own career?

Previously published as Shadows of Conflict

Purchase Link – https://mybook.to/hightidessocial

Author Bio –

Jennifer Bohnet is the bestselling author of over 12 women’s fiction titles, including Villa of Sun and Secrets and A Riviera Retreat. She is originally from the West Country but now lives in the wilds of rural Brittany, France.

Social Media Links –  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jenniewriter1

Twitter https://twitter.com/jenniewriter

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jenniewriter/

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/JenniferBohnetnewsletter

My review:

My Recommendation-Four stars

Those who are looking for a relaxing summer read may very well enjoy this title. It is an easy read with good settings and characters, just the thing for a lazy afternoon. Readers meet Mattie and Katie. Mattie is of a certain age and looking to expand her world from Dartmouth, where she has lived her whole life. Katie is looking for a change after losing a job and no longer having faith in her boyfriend. Each will shake their life up with what readers will hope are good results. Mattie has run her family’s yarn shop for years but has had enough. She offers Katie the opportunity to make of it what she can, while Mattie plans her first trip away. Mattie goes on a luxury cruise where she meets Henri and has the beginnings of a romance. Katie, meanwhile, faces challenges in getting the store up and running; who is sabotaging her? Good thing that Leo is around to offer support. I liked the descriptions of the settings in this book. I especially enjoyed visiting the small island that Mattie and Henri went to (where they heard the chanting). In some ways, this story is predictable but, then again, predictable sometimes is just what I want. Recommended for when a reader wants a nice story.

Many thanks to Rachel, Boldwood Books and NetGalley. It was a pleasure to be part of the blog tour for this enjoyable title.