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!

Kate Morton On Bringing Characters to Life and the Importance of Readers — CrimeReads

A friend asked me recently what I love most about writing; I had to stop and think for a minute, searching for a way to explain. There are, of course, many parts of the writing process that I love. There’s a week, at the very end of the structural edit, when all of the efforts…

Kate Morton On Bringing Characters to Life and the Importance of Readers — CrimeReads

Yum: 100 Morning Treats by Sarah Kiefer

#100MorningTreats #NetGalley

Here is a book that will make even night owls want to get up and start their days. It has recipes from my favorite (bread) food group. There are recipes for muffins, rolls, biscuits, breads, scones, danish, French toast and more. Every single one of these 100 appeals to me.

As is generally true for cookbooks, this one begins with a section packed with helpful information. Then come the recipes with directions that make sense and the mouthwatering photos.

This book will be adored by those who like the bread game, even if it is not breakfast time. For those who don’t like to bake, gift it to someone as a gift and offer to be the taster.

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

Pub date: 09 May 2023

Now out: Stuffed

Wow! What an idea for a cookbook. Who knew that so much could be done with sandwich cookies?

This book contains what are called 65 “mix and match” recipes. They are divided into delightful sections including Oldies but Goodies; For the Love of Chocolate; The Cool Cookies; Tart and Tangy, and more. There are recipes for Chocolate Chip Cookies, Hot Fudge Sundae Macarons, Spiced Chocolate Cookies with Dulce de Leche and so many more.

There are helpful beginning sections to get bakers set up. The recipes that follow are clear and the pictures will make you hungry.

This is a scrumptious title. It will surely find its audience!

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

From the Publisher

Stuffed
StuffedStuffedStuffed
Homemade MilanosChocolate-Dipped Peanut Butter Cookie Ice Cream SandwichBrown Butter Toffee Walnut Cookies with Bourbon Ice Cream
StuffedStuffedStuffed
Lavender Lemon Shortbread with Meyer Lemon CurdParmesan Pizzelle with Whipped Herb Cream CheeseBlack Cocoa Brownie Mint Chip Sandwiches
Stuffed

Cheers: Wine Club

A Monthly Guide to Swirling, Sipping, and Pairing with Friends

by Maureen Petrosky

#WineClub #NetGalley

I drink wine but am by no means a connoisseur. This book is an accessible, unsnobby and good guide to wines and it left me knowing a great deal more. Oh, and let’s not forget that this title is pretty; the bright colors and layouts really appealed to me. Organized by month, each chapter is packed with information. For example, January is about Cabernet Sauvignon, April is Merlot, August is Sauvignon Blanc and November is Pinot Noir. The author imagines that readers will use this guide as they form their own wine clubs; sounds like a great idea.

There is information on how to organize and host an event. There are tips for “tasteful tastings,” food pairings, ways to talk about wine and more.

Those who want to learn about wine and/or those who want to learn along with friends, will very much enjoy this title. It would make a great gift to a friend or one’s self.

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

Pub date: 30 May 2023

Would you like to: Return to Hummingbird Way by Reese Ryan

#ReturntoHummingbirdWay #NetGalley

This is the second of two books in a series; first was Second Chance on Cypress Lane. I have not read the first title but had no trouble following along in this one.

This is a novel that uses a well known trope of romantic/women’s fiction. An old rivalry/connection with someone who seemed to be in the past comes to the forefront. This is what happens with Sinclair and Rett (that is surely a name that brings romance to mind as in Mr. Butler, even if that had a different spelling).

The two are reunited when they become involved in a mutual friend’s wedding. Readers may feel that they know where this story is going. That is okay. This is just a relax and enjoy it kind of story. It will be savored by those who like small town romances.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Forever Grand Central for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 25 April 2023