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!

I would love to be: Lost in Paris

by Elizabeth Thompson

It took me a little while to get to this title but once I did I was completely and happily immersed in this story. It is set in two time periods.

The present day story opens in Bath (England), a place that I know well but have not been to for a while. This hooked me in immediately as I met tour guide and protagonist Hannah who was leading a Jane Austen themed tour there. When the characters went to Sally Lunn’s for her famous buns, I enjoyed a virtual return to that establishment.

Hannah has been living in London with two friends and working as a tour guide. She has always had a complicated relationship with her mother. This is seen from the first when Hannah calls her mother by her first name, Marla. Marla has pretty much been a disappointment to Hannah who is dismayed when Marla unexpectedly travels from Florida to London to see her.

But…Marla has BIG news. She and Hannah have inherited an apartment in Paris. They had no idea that Hannah’s great grandmother Ivy had ever lived in France. She did, starting in the 20s when she hoped to work for Chanel. With her roommate, Ivy met some well known writers and artists who make cameo appearances in the story. Hannah learns even more about Ivy through her diaries.

How and why was this apartment abandoned? What was Ivy’s full story? Will Marla and Hannah reconcile and…will Hannah find love? Turn the pages to find out.

I recommend this one for those who enjoy women’s fiction and stories with enticing settings. Many thanks to NetGalley and Gallery books for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub Date 13 Apr 2021

Editorial Reviews

Review

“A heartwarming story that mixes history and mother-daughter bonds in a wonderful way.” —PopSugar

“This debut novel will appeal to historical fiction readers, Francophiles, those who enjoy stories about mother-daughter relationships, and fans of Woody Allen’s 2011 movie, Midnight in Paris. The historical mystery, beautiful setting, and vivid characters make this a must-read.” —Library Journal (starred review)

“Thompson intersperses entries from Ivy’s diary throughout, capturing the romance of 1920s Paris via Ivy’s encounters with Lost Generation luminaries like Hemingway, Stein, and Picasso. The satisfying ending provides a thoughtful resolution, as well as room for all of the characters to continue their growth. Readers who enjoy Abbi Waxman and Jenny Colgan will be drawn into this multigenerational story.” —Booklist

So glad the secret is shared: The Secret Gardens of the South East

A Private Tour

by Barbara Segall

#TheSecretGardensoftheSouthEast #NetGalley

What a treat for garden lovers and armchair travelers! Twenty gardens, all of which are just gorgeously photographed, are included in this title. To name a few; 87 Albert Street, Balmoral Cottage, Long Barn, Moleshill House,and Sussex Prarie Garden. Whether known to readers or not, these often lush, always beautiful gardens come to life on the page. Happily, there is a section at the end of the book with information for visitors.

I loved the forward to this book. It notes that gardens are works of art that can be about history, architecture and more. It is observedhere that gardens are also about relationships and the people who create them. Gardens of some well-known designers are in these pages. Many other of these gardeners were not known to me.

I picked up this book on what felt like a hard day. It offered some lovely respite.

Gardeners and lovers of beauty, take a look at this one! It is filled with inspiration.

Pub Date 04 Oct 2022

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

Queens

Women in Power through History

by Dr Phyllis G Jestice

#Queens #NetGalley

As I write this post, many are mourning the death of Queen Elizabeth. It seems like a fitting time to recommend a book that highlights many of the strong and capable women who became monarchs, despite the male oriented cultures in which they lived. Within these pages learn about queens and their roles, starting with the Ancient World and ending with Modern Challenges for Monarchies.

The author begins by pointing out that many texts were full of the reasons why women could not/should not rule. Women rulers struggled against this belief for many years. There were few women who ruled on their own although, as the mothers or wives of kings, women maintained some influence. It is because of their scarcity that many know of some of the most important female rulers in their own stead, including Elizabeth II.

This is a work of history, not a series of biographical vignettes. It is well written and researched. Those looking for a relatively academic look at this topic will enjoy this title as may many readers interested in learning about both ideas and people. Note that this book is beautifully produced with many works of art and other illustrations.

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

Pub date: 08 September 2022

Lunchbox

So Easy, So Delicious, So Much Fun to Eat

by Marnie Hanel; Jen Stevenson

#Lunchbox #NetGalley.

This was the perfect time for me to discover this book and let others know about it. School is just beginning. Are you a person who regularly needs to pack a lunch for a child you know? Would you like to do this with a bit more elan and flair?

Surprise someone by making their lunch tasty and fun. It will feel doable after spending time with this book and its many ideas.

The author begins with a chapter called Lunch Logistics. It provides all the information that is needed for the following chapters.

One of the many things that I enjoyed seeing was all the ways that a mini Babybel cheese could be decorated. This is just one of their whimsys.

The authors seem to like bento box style lunches. Many of these involve assembling not needing to know anything special about cooking or baking. Others do involve some cooking but the recipes feel very doable. For example, one lunch box includes peanut noodles (recipe included) along with apple slices, rice cracker mix, tangerine and raspberries, and edamame. Yes, the noodles are a bit more sophisticated than peanut butter and jelly but that may be just the thing. Others such as a suggested first day of school lunch are simple and creative. For example assemble a pencil whose base is cheddar cheese.

Recommended for those who are creative and view lunch as a fun challenge. Their lucky kids will enjoy opening thier lunch boxes.

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

Pub date: July 2022