Author: joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews

#PerilinParis #NetGalley

I think that this is the sixteenth book to feature Georgie. It all began with Her Royal Spyness back in 2007. I cannot believe that I have come so late to this enjoyable series. I plan to make my way through the backlist and look forward to hours of pleasure.

Georgie is a Lady and a distant relative of royalty. As this book opens, she is about to go to Paris with her husband. He reminded me of Colin in the Tasha Alexander series as he is on a mission. While the appropriately named Darcy works, Georgie spends time with her friend Belinda, among others.

Belinda is working for Coco Chanel. This gives the reader access to an atelier and the famous designer. There are other real people, including Hemingway mentioned; there are also fictional members of the “lost generation.” In addition, there are Georgie’s mother and her German partner. This is a bit tricky during Hitler’s rise.

Georgie does not know exactly what Darcy’s mission is. She is very concerned however, especially when she hears something about Berlin. Is Darcy a traitor?

Rhys Bowen is a master of her craft. This story unfolds effortlessly. Read it! Come to Paris, enjoy the landmarks and the feel of the city, watch the characters in action and then say (like me), I can’t wait for the next book.

Many thanks to Berkley Publishing Group for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 08 November 2022

304 pages

Sneak Peek is free.

Also others by this author, including the first, Death at La Fenice.

From this week’s The Short List:

Read, enjoyed and reviewed by me.

A story about tennis and more. Reviewed by me.

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SOME OTHER BOOKS:

An Academy of American Poets Anthology

by The Academy of American Poets

#100PoemsThatMatter #NetGalley

I am always looking for excellent and inspiring poetry collections. Here is a good one that will reward readers for thoughtfully engaging with its contents.

The book is organized according to six topics. These include the spirit; ,grieving, social justice, the environment, the body and, finally, desire. Read in order or dip in randomly; however readers choose to find their favorite, they will enjoy this anthology’s contents.

The introduction invites readers in. The author reassures that readers don’t have to understand everything about a poem to enjoy it or to capture the feeling that it seeks to evoke.

The very first entry was by a poet new to me, Nazim Hikmet. It definitely made me think about my life, gratitude, things that are finite, living in the present and more. Just imagine where I will be after reading all of the other ninety-nine.

Enjoy poems by those you may know already like Langston Hughes. Also, discover all those new voices that are just waiting to be heard.

Although I received this title as an arc, I think that I will purchase the hard copy. It is that engaging in my opinion.

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

Pub date: 13 December 2022

I listened to the audio version of this book which was narrated by the author. Lucy Worsley was a delightful companion as she read her book; she made it seem as if she was having a conversation with the listener.

Agatha Christie’s complex and interesting life story is fully detailed here. Read about how she traveled to Egypt for her “coming out,” her falling in love with Archie and later with Max. See her as a parent. Learn about her well-known temporary disappearance. Travel with her on archaeological expeditions and oh, yes, she did write some books that are discussed here as well.

I highly recommend this very enjoyable title. It is both the story of Agatha and those around her as well as a rich social history.

by Barry Timms

#APinchofLove #NetGalley

This book tells a sweet, rhyming story about the immense power of love. The accompanying illustrations are just delightful; at times they are bright and vibrant, while at others they are a bit more gentle.

This book would make for a nice read to a child and the adult might just love it too.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for this title. All opinions are my own.

32 pages

Pub date: 06 December 2022

#AChristmasDeliverance #NetGalley

Every year, Anne Perry can be counted on to write a Christmas novella. These shorter books make for nice gifts to her fans. They offer an absorbing read for when something short and seasonal is needed.

This year’s book brings back Scuff. He is now studying medicine and holding things together at the clinic while Doctor Crowe is distracted. Crowe is concerned about what he has seen happening to a rich patient whom he treated in the past. He fears that Ellie is being forced into a marriage. What is the truth?

At the same time, Scuff has his own girl to watch out for. She is Mattie and she needs to feel cared for. Scuff will do his best to be sure that nothing bad happens to her or to Doctor Crowe.

Because this is a seasonal story, readers can feel confident about how things will work out. The joy is in following the people and the plot as they turn the pages.

Many thanks to Random House Publishing Group and NetGalley for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 08 November 2022

From the Publisher

In the Footsteps of the Literary Greats

by Travis Elborough

#TheWritersJourney #NetGalley.

This book’s author chose an appealing and interesting topic. Where do writers go, do these places offer inspiration and what are their journeys like?

This book features beautiful photos and content about the travels of everyone from Maya Angelou to Jane Austen; from Lewis Carroll to Agatha Christie; from Fitzgerald to Flaubert and so many more, ending (alphabetically) with Virginia Woolf.

I think that this book would make a wonderful gift for the holiday season. I would like to buy the hardcover copy for myself. Read it in order or just move directly to a favorite author.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 15 November 2022

222 pages