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!

Mary Berry’s Baking Bible: Revised and Updated

With Over 250 New and Classic Recipes

by Mary Berry

#MaryBerrysBakingBibleRevisedandUpdated #NetGalley

Anyone who has watched Mary Berry on TV knows that she is one talented baker. She has been at it for longer than many readers have even been alive. Plus, Ms. Berry makes it look so doable. All fans of Mary will be thrilled to see that a new edition of her Baking Bible is being published in May.

Inside this beautifully illustrated book are over 250 recipes. Some of the categories covered are classic cakes, celebration cakes, baking for children, tarts and pastries, buns and scones, and many others. Just a few of the recipes are those for a chocolate mirror cake, an amazing castle cake that a child is sure to love, and orange and chocolate fork shortbread cookies. At over 400 pages, this book has enough recipes for a lifetime.

Also included at the beginning of the book is a great deal of helpful formation. Read about equipment, baking terminology, ingredients, tips, and conversion tables and then get to work.

Looking for a Mother’s Day or other occasion gift, even a gift ot one’s self? Keep this in mind. It is terrific.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed Press for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 09 May 2023

Now out: It’s OK

I love the children’s books that are published by this press. They are always well done and gently inspiring. That is definitely the case here.

It’s OK is teaching children self-compassion and how to identify their feelings, all the while recognizing that others have felt this way too. Here are crucial aspects of social emotional learning.

The text is simple and the illustrations are appealing. The repeated mantra is there for children to use. In addition there is a section at the end of the book that offers additional practices for self-acceptance.

This book belongs in both preschool and home libraries. It would be excellent for an adult and child to talk about this title together. This book might even help adults to be kinder to themselves.

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

Can she complete: Someone Else’s Bucket List by Amy T Matthews

#SomeoneElsesBucketList #NetGalley

Readers who like stories that require a nearby box of tissues will want to take a look at this novel. It has sadness but also going out of one’s comfort zone in order to meet a challenge.

Protagonist Jodie’s sister has tragically died way too young. The family is grieving which would be more than enough but, in addition, they are being crushed by medical bills.

Bree left behind a bucket list. Jodie is told that someone will pay off the debt if she completes all of the tasks on Bree’s list. She agrees to try and readers will surely root for her as she moves through them. They may especially be interested to see if she falls in love. Readers will also, perhaps, come away with some new experience ideas of their own to complete.

This was a good read. Recommended to fan’s of women’s fiction and those who like stories in which heroines try hard to succeed and learn.

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

Pub date: 23 May 2023