Author: joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews

#WhatYouTaughtMe #NetGalley

This title would make a good gift for someone whom you value. Each section represents a quality. These include Kindness, Patience, Confidence, Courage, Gratitude, Preparation, Commitment, Teamwork, Perspective, and Respect.

The quotes come from a wide range of sources. Each is short and meaningful and all offer a nice bit of inspiration.

For example, Marie Curie said

Life is not easy for any of us. But what of that? We must have perseverance and above all confidence in ourselves. We must believe that we are gifted for something and that this thing mus be attained.

And one more…

Nelson Mandela-I’ve learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.

Dip in and out of this book when a boost is needed. It might just help!

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

Pub date: April 2023

From the Publisher

Provide your own personal thank you note with a special dedication page in the book. Better than a traditional thank you card!

Ten themed chapters Features quotes on different themes such as kindness, respect, gratitude, and teamwork, as well as many others	Beautiful gift packaging including gold foil Replace the traditional thank you card with a gift book that will bring a smile to the recipient	Perfect gift for anyone in your life who has provided guidance or inspiration Great gift for mentors, bosses, coaches, teachers, tutors, parents, and more

This is an upbeat and positive book that helps kids to identify and manage a wide variety of emotions. It is brightly illustrated (as can be seen from the cover) and somewhat interactive.

Four big emotions are featured here. They include happy, sad, fearful and angry. No judgment is attached to what some might consider “negative” feelings.

This book will be welcomed by parents, teachers, mental health providers and, of course, kids. It is a nice resource.

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

This title was published in 2018.

From the Publisher

Being Yourself

I Don’t Fit In Feeling ‘different’ or that you don’t fit in can make you feel sad and alone. But everyone is unique, and you are too! There’s nothing different about that. Be yourself! You’re the best at that.	Calm is a Superpower My Mixed Emotions is one tool that will help your children begin to identify their emotions, and ultimately, manage them. After all, feeling grateful and becoming happier is something we can all benefit from.	The Wonder of You Today you are you. That is truer than true. There is no one alive who is youer than you! – Dr. Seuss.

Managing Turbulent Emotions

All about Happiness Tremendous things are in store for you, wonderful surprises await you! – Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Roald Dahl.	All about Anger I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship – Little Women, Louisa May Alcott.	All about Sadness After a storm comes fair weather, after sorrow comes joy – Russian proverb.

I am currently reading this author’s newest book. I love the series.

Jo Bartlett writes the kinds of books that readers want when they are looking for a warm and emotional read This title is the third in a series but can easily be read as a standalone. It is the story of Georgia Banks.

Georgia has been given some bad news, really bad. Readers learn this right away. It makes her decide to make the most of the summer. Georgia wants to be by the sea and with her friend Gabe. She stays at the lovely Seabreeze Farm (I wish that I could go there!).

What happens to Georgia? What will this mean to her and Gabe?

I very much enjoyed this emotional read. Recommended for those who enjoy good stories and women’s fiction.

Many thanks to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for this title. Also thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books. All opinions are my own.

Books by Maryse Condé and Eva Baltasar are among six nominees for the prestigious award for fiction translated into English.
— Read on www.nytimes.com/2023/04/18/books/international-booker-prize-shortlist.html

Soldier Sailor by Claire Kilroy review — the world is ‘an adult place from which I’d been banished’

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/e74595a0-dd39-11ed-a0a8-657f9e54fc6a?shareToken=ac806b997d07bd04ba1ac010ca8042aa

#BertandMamieTakeaCruise #NetGalley

Mystery readers will adore getting to know Bert and Mamie, those Americans from Ohio. Many will hope that this is the start of a series.

The couple goon a cruise to Africa, motivated by Bert’s wish to take the trip. It is 1939 and readers probably know what this means about the state of the world. Things are not good.

What will happen when Mamie witnesses a murder? Yes, readers can imagine that she and Bert will figure things out; the fun is in getting there in this entertaining read.

Recommended to mystery readers, those who like historical crime and armchair travelers.

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

This title was published in March 2023

This is the author’s second novel, following on the well regarded Violin Conspiracy. I very much enjoy that these are music based stories. Think the world of composing is quiet? Well, not exactly when it may turn out that someone who claimed authorship of some works, may have had no right to do so.

What did Josephine Reed compose in the 1930s? What was her relationship with another composer named Delaney? Why is one of Delaney’s relative contacting protagonist Bern Hendricks? Who else will be involved as things become complicated? Will wrongs be righted? What is the role of race in the story and its events? Read this enjoyable, thoughtful sophomore work by the author to find out.

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

Advance praise for Brendan Slocumb’s Symphony of Secrets

“Music lovers will revel in Symphony of Secrets, a novel that is at once a celebration of music and also a cautionary tale about legacy, privilege, and creative genius.” —Nita Prose, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Maid

“Absolutely brilliant! Once again, Slocumb’s consummate skills are on vivid display as he gives us a fascinating page-turner that slips back and forth in time and seamlessly blends a heart-pounding thriller, a heartfelt look at family and quiet heroism, and a searing exposé of issues stretching from deep in our country’s past to the very present. The ‘secret’ of his title is apt indeed. And as for the cast: nobody creates rich, fully formed characters like Brendan Slocumb. Some books we finish and move on. This one will stay with you long after you turn the final page.” —Jeffery Deaver, New York Times bestselling author of The Bone Collectorand Hunting Time

“A twisty, mesmerizing mystery—Brendan Slocumb’s writing is like music itself, dancing elegantly from the page.” —Danya Kukafka, bestselling author of Notes On An Execution

“With Symphony of Secrets, Slocumb has woven an incredible thriller about music, genius, history, and greed—and how easily innocent passion can turn to dangerous, deadly obsession. You won’t be able to put it down until the last note!” —Peng Shepherd, author of The Cartographers

#TheFlames #NetGalley

The Flames is a complex and well written historical fiction title that tells the story of Egon Schiele, the times in which he lived in Vienna, the women who surrounded him, and some scandals. Sound like a lot? It is but the research and assured writing of Ms. Haydock leaves readers in good hands.

Four women tell their stories; each of them longs for significance with the artist. There are those who are neighbors, relatives and models with each contributing to the narrative.

Schiele had a short life but it was certainly one that was packed with incident. The times were also intense.

I recommended this title for those who like historical fiction, complicated characters, art and, long and immersive reads.

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

This title was published in March 2023.

From the Publisher