Author: joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews

A Novel

by Liz Bowery

This book offers its readers an enjoyable gay themed enemies to romance read. I especially liked the background of politics in the story.

Here we have two people whose work involves the governor of California. She, Leonora, wants to run for president and Thom is on the campaign. Data analyst Clay and he are forced to interact for the good of her run.

We all know that the media impacts election campaigns and that happens here. A photo of Thom and Clay goes viral and the action speeds up. Lennie has asked the two to “fake date” and things escalate.

Readers will be hoping for that happy ending. Will they get it? Read the book to find out. Publishers Weekly describes this one as a “breezy romcom.”

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

Pub date: April 2022

From the Publisher

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Quick-paced, sharp, and thoroughly entertaining. I couldn’t put it down!”—Helen Hoang, New York Times bestselling author

“One of my favorite reads this year. Love, Hate & Clickbait is a steamy and satisfying romp on politics, public life, and our private hearts.”—Jean Meltzer, author of The Matzah Ball

“Bowery keeps the romance light and engaging… With political intrigue, social media virality, fake dating, and an enemies-to-lovers romance…it’s a charming, breezy rom-com.”—Publishers Weekly

The Story of Art in 80 Palettes

by Chloë Ashby

#ColorsofArt #NetGalley

Those who love painting, color and art history are sure to delight in this book. Both readers who know a great deal about art history and those coming to this title out of curiosity will find much to enjoy here.

In her introduction, the author invites the reader to think about color. This includes imagining a world without it and also the many ways in which we take the colors that are seen each day for granted. Color and painting are inextricably intertwined. Artists choose their colors from the materials that are available to them in their historical period and are also influenced by their favorites or the demands of their patrons as Ms Ashby notes. It is fascinating to look at the results in these individual works and to admire the ways in which they were painted.

The book moves chronologically, beginning with the well known horse paintings that were found in a French cave long ago and ending in the modern day. For each work, there are a collection of swaths of the colors in the work and a high quality reproduction of the piece.

This is a book with which a reader could spend many hours. It can be read in chronological order or dipped into. Either way it is a worthwhile title filled with the sensibility of the author who provides this curated tour.

I received this book as an electronic advanced reader’s copy. I like it enough to want to purchase the book when it is published.

Many thanks to Quarto Publishing Group-White Lion, Frances Lincoln Books for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 30 August 2022

by Claire Oshetsky

LONGLISTED FOR THE 2022 PEN/FAULKNER AWARD FOR FICTION

Chouette is a unique read. I remember being taught that the word “unique” is a superlative so no reason to attach words like very or quite or extremely to it. It is a word meant to stand on its own, so this is where I will leave it.

Some readers will love this book for its idiosyncrasies and particular look at parenthood, especially its view as one where each parent sees their child differently and wants different futures for them. This makes the book seem quite the metaphor for many children who are seen as not within the “norm.”

Chouette is born to a human parent but is owl like. Her mother had premonitions about this and faced a difficult decision to make about whether to seek an abortion. This may resonate a great deal, especially in light of the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision.

Because of who she is, Couchette engages in some predatory behaviors. At the same time, she is broken winged and perhaps not able to survive on her own, just as human babies cannot.

What will happen to Chouette and her family? Will they find a way to live together or will they be split apart? Read this tricky novel to find out. I’d love to know what readers think.

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

Pub date: 16 November 2021 and recently out in paperback

Review

“Searing and ethereal…. [Chouette focuses] squarely on Tiny’s fierce love as she battles her husband and nature to allow Chouette to be wild and exact, stakes that feel frightening and true to life…. A harrowing and magnificent fable.” — New York Times Book Review

“Oshetsky’s book is surrealism at its best…. “Chouette,” which abounds with humor and lush imagery, forces parents to consider their relationship with their children…. The book has deep and universal resonance.” — San Francisco Chronicle

“Weirdly funny and bold, this novel will make you look at maternal sacrifice in a new way.” — Real Simple

“By turns poetic, gory, heartbreaking and strange…. An engrossing, surreal portrayal of motherhood.” — NPR

by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Alex Woolf

Here is another in a series of Sherlock Holmes stories for beginning chapter book readers. I find these stories to be good retellings of the canon. The cartoon like illustrations will add to young readers pleasure in these titles.

The Sign of the Four draws the reader right in. There are mysterious pearls, a missing father, a seeming pact among four adults, hints of doings in India and more. Just think, this all happens in the first chapter! I do think that readers will want to keep turning the pages to discover the case’s solution along with Holmes and Watson.

Children may enjoy these books just as they are. I imagine that some will go on to be curious about the originals.

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

Pub Date 01 Jul 2022 |

Creative Prompts and Challenges to Help You Get Through Anything

by Lori Deschene

#TinyBuddhasInnerStrengthJournal #NetGalley

I was not familiar with Tiny Buddha before requesting this ARC. (Those interested can find out more online.) Nonetheless, I learned a lot from exploring this title. It is one that will reward the reader for the time they put into thinking about the many prompts and more that are included in these pages.

The author shares that she has had her own serious struggles as, for example, with bulimia and depression, and has tried to grow through them. This growth is what she hopes for her readers as she asks them to think about their lives. This title is divided into sections on the mental, emotional, physical and spiritual dimensions of life. In each of these parts of the book, there are writing prompts, a doodle and a challenge.

It is suggested that one could begin this book in any section. However, it is better to complete one section before moving to another is the advice given.

For those who want to know and understand themselves and have the discipline to set aside thinking and being time, this book will will be a most helpful resource.

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

Pub date: 30 Aug 2022 |

The CrimeReads editors select the month’s best new fiction in crime, mystery, and thrillers. * Winnie M. Li, Complicit (Emily Bestler Books) Winnie Li stunned the crime and literary worlds with her intense debut, Dark Chapter, based around a traumatic incident in the author’s own life and nominee for the Edgar Award for Best First Novel. Now she’s…

The Best New Crime Novels of the Month: August 2022 — CrimeReads

Tom Boy is the second in this series of historical mysteries; it takes place as WWII is casting its threat over the world. Protagonist Jane has a lot on her plate. She is a San Francisco based cub reporter who is also trying her best to parent her sister, Elsie. It is not easy.

Into this mix comes the opportunity (made with effort) to attend Wimbledon. Jane is going to cover local star Tommie who is competing. When Tommie’s coach dies in the stands, is it murder? Jane will want to know.

Follow along with this intrepid young woman. The pages will turn as the story unfolds. Jane is willing to do whatever it takes to get her story. Will that story be gossip about Tommie or one about her (murdered?) coach. Find out.

Many thanks for the opportunity to read this enjoyable title. I look forward to more adventures with this Jane, who is anything but plain.

From the Publisher

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Blanton-Stroud is a wonderful writer, and Jane is a compelling creation. . . . An intriguing and engaging mystery—readers will hope for more adventures starring the redoubtable hero.”
—Kirkus Reviews