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 will get: The Last Word (by Katy Birchall)

Those who are looking for a fun, engaging and relaxing read may want to put this one in their beach bag. It has a premise that has been done before (when the ex descends back into one’s life), but it is done well here.

The setting is within the world of journalism. Watch as sparks fly between the Celebrity and Features editors.

This is just the kind of book for a warm afternoon. Sit down with a favorite iced drink and watch the pages turn.

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

Pub date: 02 May 2023

From the Publisher

The Last Word Katy Birchall
The Last Word Katy Birchall Publishers Weekly quote

Editorial Reviews

Review

Praise for The Last Word:
“Ryan and Harper’s chemistry is undeniable and their constant competitions are exhilarating. Fans of the enemies-to-lovers trope should check this out.” -Publishers Weekly

“This enemies-to-lovers romance from Birchall is the perfect office-love story and readers will fall for Harper and Ryan and their second-chance romance.” -Library Journ

Fun and challenging: Brain Games to Exercise Your mind (by Gary Small, M.D.)

#BrainGamestoExerciseYourMind #NetGalley

I am a person who enjoys doing puzzles. I like the challenge and the fun of getting something right. So, I was delighted to grab hold of this title as soon as I saw it.

The subtitle of the book explains why this book could be “good” for you. I am all for that but also like that the puzzles are interesting and fun. I think that even if you are not worried about an aging brain. or are young, there are still puzzles here for you.

I like that there are many different types of challenges. It was also interesting that the author explains the rationale of each puzzle before the reader starts it. The format of having the answer on the following page was nice as readers don’t need to go back and forth to the end of the book, as is often the case in puzzle books.

Before getting to the puzzles, read the introduction. There are other sections too, on diet, a suggested morning activity and more.

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

Pub date: 01 August 2023

What is it like to be: The Keeper of Stories (by Sally Page)

#TheKeeperofStories #NetGalley

Often children follow the path of their parents but, here, Sally Page wrote her novel after her daughter, Libby Page, has published several. I think that Sally writes stories that are every bit as involving and heart warming as Libby’s (not that there is a competition. I loved Libby’s first novel The Lido).

As this story opens, Janice is working as a house cleaner. (See Phaedra Patrick for another good story about a cleaner). This job may not be high prestige but Janice brings a lot to it, including her curiosity about people.

In a way that reminded me of Maeve Binchy, in parts of this book, Ms. Page ably sketches the life stories of her characters. One, for example, has created a doll house but…it has an undertaker’s on the first floor. Readers will find out why.

Janice is an appealing and curious woman who enjoys reading and learning about people. What will happen as she learns more about herself? What will Mrs. B’s role be in this process? Read this enjoyable novel to find out.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for this title. I look forward to her next book. All opinions are my own.

This title was published in January 2023.

Advance Praise

“I absolutely loved it! So different, clever, funny, and charming.”

-Katie Fforde, Sunday Times (London) bestselling author

“Funny, wise, moving, and full of lovely moments…The characters are endearing and unforgettable.”

-Hazel Prior, author of the Richard & Judy Book Club Pick Away with the Penguins

“Absolutely spellbinding…Warm-hearted, thoughtful, funny, and yet deeply poignant.”

-Celia Anderson, author of 59 Memory Lane

“A treasure of a book. Beautiful, emotional, and heartfelt with a cornucopia of characters you’ll love spending time with.”

-Phaedra Patrick, author of The Library of Lost and Found