Author: joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews

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Let’s Count Forward AND Backward

by Nan Evenson

This book is quite delightfully and exuberantly illustrated. It is a counting book with a sense of humor. I think that both kids and their adults will enjoy this one.

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

Pub date: 30 September 2021

A Novel

by Sara Paretsky

Overboard is the twenty-second title is Ms. Paretsky’s long running series featuring Vi Warshawski. I first encountered Vi in Indemnity Only which was originally released in 1982. Somehow, this talented author has very successfully kept Vi socially relevant and engaging. The books are always a good read and will certainly be enjoy by those who like Sue Grafton.

This time, Vi encounters an enigmatic, injured teen girl. It is late at night. This girl says something but disappears soon thereafter. What happened? What does she know? Since this is a Vi W novel, readers can be sure that some powerful people will be involved. How do the police fit into these events?

One interesting aspect of the book is the acknowledgment of the pandemic. This is happening more in books recently but it is always good to look at things with Vi.

This is a long novel. The pages will turn though! I think that readers both new to and familiar with the series will like this one.

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

Pub date: May 2022

From the Publisher

by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara

Here is a new entry in this terrific series for kids. This time they will spend time with football/soccer star Marcus Rashford. Kids will see how he came to build an amazing sports career. What I think is equally impressive though is Rashford’s social conscience and desire to give back. I hope that readers will also be inspired by this aspect of his life.

This book has enticing illustrations that go so well with the text. As always, there are additional sections at the end of the book with more information.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group-Frances Lincoln Children’s Books for this excellent title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 06 Sep 2022

A Feminist Book for Children Ages 3-5

by Rachelle Burk

This brightly illustrated book for young children does exactly what it set out to do. Here are brief biographies of a number of women who grew up to do amazing things. Just some of those included in these pages are Harriet Tubman, Helen Keller, Frida Kahlo, Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Simone Biles; there are fourteen short biographies in all.

This title would make a great gift. Let girls and boys know how much women have accomplished. Surely, that is inspiring.

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

Pub date: 30 August 2022

A Novel

by Claire Heywood

Historical novels about the ancient Greeks and Romans seem to be enjoying a good deal of popularity at the moment. I have read Ariadne, Elektra and Pandora’s Jar, to name just a few. I have also spent time with Stephen Fry’s retellings of the Greek myths. I wonder if, as our world, seems increasingly unsettled, authors and readers turn to other complex times either for answers or to remember that there have been many other complicated historical eras.

In Daughters of Sparta, Ms. Heywood tells her version of the story about the ever famous Helen and her sister Klytemnestra. Their fates were entwined and the story told here is involving. How did these young girls lives become the subject of love, war, revenge and mythology? Find out in this historical novel. Ms. Heywood does a good job of bringing their world to life.

Many thanks to Penguin Group Dutton and NetGalley for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 22 Jun 2021

Editorial Reviews

Review

Praise for Daughters of Sparta

“Heywood’s wondrous retelling of the lives of two ancient princesses struggling for independence and agency in a patriarchal society resonates deeply in today’s imperfect world. Required reading for fans of Circe, and a remarkable, thrilling debut.” —Fiona Davis, New York Times bestselling author of The Lions of Fifth Avenue

“Helen of Troy and her sister Klytemnestra are reimagined in this gorgeous retelling of the classic Greek myth—not as women defined by their husbands and lovers but as battle-weary survivors of a patriarchal society who take control of their own destiny. Absolutely riveting!” —Alka Joshi, New York Times bestselling author of The Henna Artist

A Novel

by Susan Mallery

So, this novel has the perfect title for a read at this time of year. It will be enjoyed by both her new and old readers of this author. They will find an involving story about characters, families and the choices that people make.

Robyn’s life involved always being there for her husband and children. In order to do this, she ruled out options like going to college. Now, in her forties, Robyn’s husband and she are divorced. He has had a series of relationships, some of which are questionable. Robyn’s daughter, Harlow, is planning to marry young, while her son has decided not to go to college. Oh, by the way, Robyn also has to figure out how to support herself when the payments from her former spouse stop. Yes, she has a lot to think about.

While Robyn is in Florida, her great aunt Lillian (aged 94 or so) is in California. Lillian is getting to know the former Marine (and current writer) Mason to whom her husband left her eccentric home. It will pass to him when Lillian dies. There is also a bequest to Robyn.

Robyn decides to leave family behind for a trip to California and Lillian. Will her family stay behind? What will happen out West? How will Robyn’s life change as a result? Readers will find out over the course of this story.

In addition to following Robyn, there is also a secondary plot about Robyn’s best friend and her marriage. Robyn has worked part-time in this friend’s antique business. So, two families that readers get to know.

This book will be enjoyed by those who read women’s fiction. They will most likely then eagerly await the author’s next book.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 15 Mar 2022

Editorial Reviews

Review

PRAISE FOR THE SUMMER GETAWAY

“The Summer Getaway is a reflective and moving tale of family ties.”—New York Journal of Books

“Mallery’s latest contemporary romance has the family dynamics, heartfelt introspection, and emotional truths that keep readers coming back. The perfect escape for readers wanting to get away.”—Booklist

PRAISE FOR SUSAN MALLERY

“Susan Mallery never disappoints.”—Debbie Macomber, #1 New York Times bestselling author

“Mallery is one of a kind.”—RT Book Reviews

“Mallery is an expert at writing about strong women, their friendships, and their romances.”—Booklist

From the Publisher