Author: joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews

by Barbara DiLorenzo

#OneThursdayAfternoon #NetGalley

I’ll begin by saying that I wish that we did not need this book but, since we do, all credit to the author/illustrator for this sensitive title. As can be seen in the cover art, Ava is not smiling. At first, she does not want to tell her Grandad what is wrong. Wisely, he gives her time, and time in nature, to let Ava share at her own pace.

What is bothering Ava is school lock down drills. They must be very scary for schoolkids.

Grandad empathizes and listens. He reminds Ava that there is beauty in the world too and that he is always there for her.

As the school year begins, teachers may want this book in their classrooms. Families may also want to share this one with their children. Counselors know that it can be easy to want to avoid the tough topics but think about getting this book for your child. It is not less scary to ignore reality. In fact, perceptive kids know what is going on and wonder why adults don’t acknowledge it.

Thank you to this author for taking on a hard topic in a soft way.

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

Pub date: 06 September 2022

A Novel of Rogue Crusaders, a Jewish Female Physician, and a Murder

by Esther Erman

When I was in the ninth grade my class read Ivanhoe. There were times when I did not find this to be an absorbing story. However, I was very struck by the book having a Jewish character in Rebecca who was a foil to the Anglo Saxon Rowena. Jewish young women surely were not well represented in the literature of the time.

I’ve often thought of rereading Ivanhoe but have never actually done it. However when I saw this title on NetGalley, I began thinking of Rebecca and how she was portrayed in Ivanhoe. I was very excited to read this book which extends her story.

This novel has so much to recommend it. There is the depiction of the historical period including the state of medicine. There is Rebecca and those around her. Then to ice the cake, there is a mystery. All of these make for a good read for historical fiction fans.

Many thanks to NetGalley and She Writes Press for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 02 August 2022

Poses and Practices for Improving Full-Body Mobility Over Time

by Adriana Lee

This author fills her book with information on yoga. She is a good guide. Included in these page are forty poses and sixteen sequences with detailed directions. Reasons why flexibility is important are made clear.

The pose categories include warm ups, cooldowns, backbends, forward bends, twists and inversions. The sequences are designed for help with specific issues as, for example, lower back pain.

I am a person who found it difficult to fully understand how to do the poses. This may be no fault of the author. I do better with a person in real time demonstrating for me. However, if that is not true for you, this book may be very helpful indeed.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Callisto Media-Rockridge Press for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 06 Sep 2022

poisonedpen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/BN-Sep-22.pdf

by Carrie Doyle

Here is the second book in a cozy series by Carrie Doyle. It has a fun title with a pun and is an entertaining escapist read.

Dreaming of living on a tropical island after leaving fraught city life? Think it will be easier? Well, maybe it should be but it surely is not for Plum. Her simple life is disrupted by a murder and her need to get involved in the events that follow. There are lots of shady characters in this sunny setting.

Come along for the ride and the escapism. Then read the others in the series.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 25 January 2022

updated edition

by David Fathers

#LondonThamesPath #NetGalley

Most know that the Thames has an important place in the history of England and, of course, most visitors to London spend some time by it. So do the natives. Here is a title that offers everyone an excellent guide to places along its banks. There are so many included in this book, among them are the well known such as Westminster Abbey, St. Paul’s and the London Eye. There are also less known spots including Cubitt Town and Blackwell.

A helpful introduction reminds readers of the river’s importance. Then organized by areas, find out more about the many attractions. Note also that the book has very inviting graphics.

Anyone going for a walk may love this title. Those who can’t travel or be in London may also enjoy some armchair travel.

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

Pub date: 13 September 2022

Illustrations by Marjolein Bastin

by Louisa May Alcott

#LittleWomen #NetGalley.

I have adored these editi0ns of the classics with illustrations by Ms. Bastin. They make each book feel special. Look for the others too. There are lots of Austens, among others.

This time, the novel is the most classic of American novels, Little Women. The story of the March sisters is filled with affection and understanding. This was the first book that I ever read as a classic. I was a kid and it was a light bulb moment as I learned that the term classic did not mean boring. I have since read Little Women several times, even once in a class on children’s literature.

Here is an edition that I agree is not inexpensive but is so beautiful. It would make a perfect gift. Having seen this as an e galley, I am likely to buy this one when it is published. I can’t wait to turn the actual pages.

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

Pub date: 04 October 2022