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!

Learn about: New Zealand

by Philippa Werry

#NewZealand #NetGalley

Visiting New Zealand was such a highlight in my travels. Having loved the country, I was eager to see this book, even knowing that it was written for children. Included is information on the country’s history and geography, along with sections on traditions and New Zealand today. The end of the book includes suggestions for further reading and an extensive glossary.

This well illustrated title is packed with information. It would make an excellent addition to a home or school library.

By the way, I very much liked the Maori prayer that is at the end of this title.

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

Pub Date 15 Aug 2022

48 pages

Now out:

American Wildflowers: A Literary Field Guide

by Susan Barba (Edited by), Leanne Shapton (Illustrated by)

Anyone who knows (or is) a nature lover, here is the perfect gift! Edited by a poet, Ms. Barba has organized a wonderful and diverse collection of poetry and prose about American wildflowers. She also writes an excellent introduction. There are contributors who are alive, dead, white, black, indigenous,male, female, so all welcoming and inclusive. Biographies of the contributors may be found at the end of the book. The water color illustrations throughout this title are gorgeous and coexist perfectly with the text. All in all, a delightful, thoughtful book and one to savor.

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

The three Ms: Mango, Mambo, and Murder

A Caribbean Kitchen Mystery

by Raquel V. Reyes

#MangoMamboandMurder #NetGalley

Raquel V. Reyes has written a cozy mystery that includes many of my favorite ingredients (pun intended). Therevare a cooking theme, lots of family (and their interference), a TV show, murders and more. Set in Miami and with a Cuban American protagonist, there are atmosphere, interesting characters and a good mystery within these pages. Cozy readers, take a look!

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

Pub date: 12 October 2021

336 pages

Note that the second in this series has also been published.

A love note to grandmothers: Grandma Grandma, Brave and Tall

by Antoinette Brooks

#GrandmaGrandmaBraveandTall #NetGalley

This is a lovely story about family history and connections. A little girl asks her grandmother to tell her a story. The grandmother complies and stories told in rhyme ensue; they show the life experiences of the different grandmothers in a charming way. The illustrations are just perfect; at times they are bright and colorful but, in one, when there is a storm, the illustration is appropriately dark.

This is a wonderful book to share with a young child. Hopefully it will inspire the adult to share some stories of their own.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Bright Thoughts Publishing for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 15 October 2022