Author: joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews

#Wahala #NetGalley

Wahala tells the story of three Anglo-Nigerian women and what happens when a fourth comes into their space. The three women were friends from childhood and they have moved into adulthood with the usual sorts of issues. Still, they very much enjoy getting together.

The three are Ronke, Simi and Boo, along with their partners. Ronke is a dentist. She is dating someone but her friends are not sure that he should be “the one.” Boo is married with a young daughter; at times she feels quite stifled and wants to be back in the world of work. Simi works in fashion and seemingly has a good relationship.

One day, two of these friends plan to have lunch together. Unexpectedly for one of them, Isobel is at the table. She insinuates herself into the lives of the other three. Read the novel to find out why and what happens. It becomes a bit tangled.

This book is very aptly named. I looked up the definition of Wahala and it means bother or trouble. There was certainly lots of that in this novel. It is (melo) dramatic but a fun read. One small critique, I am not sure why but I often found myself having to remind myself which character had which backstory. Possibly, that was unique to me. Still, I was find with keeping on reading.

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

Pub date: 11 January 2022

This book currently costs 4.99 for the e book version.

by Sarah Graves

Death by Chocolate Chip Cupcake is the fifth in a series that those who like sweets and mysteries are sure to enjoy. It features Jacobia “Jake” Tiptree who was the protagonist in the author’s earlier “Home Repair” series. I read several of those.

This time, Jake and her friend (and conspirator in chocolate) are invited to cater desserts for a party given by a glamorous (is there any other kind?) actress. Taking a page from Agatha Christie, there is a storm and guests are stranded in what might be a haunted house.

Of course, there is a murder. Someone is thrown over a cliff. There are suspects and a case to solve. No spoiler, it may not be easy, but Jake will do just that.

Those who like Maine and enjoy traditional mysteries may want to give this title a look. They may then want to read the entire series.

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

Pub date: 29 Mar 2022

by Angela Ferraro-Fanning

#LittleHomesteaderASummerTreasuryofRecipesCraftsandWisdom #NetGalley

Adults, would you like to offer a child whom you know some fun that has nothing to do with screens? I hope so and, if that is the case, this charmingly illustrated book will be a most welcome resource.

As the authors note summer is the perfect time to get outside. They observe that kids can go on picnics, observe wildlife, make Popsicles, do crafts and more. This book will help to make all of these activities possible. Enjoy tomatoes, watch bees, have fun with bubble wands or build a bug hotel. Kids may not want to come back inside!

Many thanks to Quarto-Ivy Kids and NetGalley for this seasonal title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 22 May 2022

I think that I will purchase this. I enjoyed the author’s Owen Archer series.

Sonali Dev has written several novels that update stories by Jane Austen. I very much enjoyed the two that I read and recommend them. Those were Pride, Prejudice and Other Flavors, and Recipe for Persuasion. It is clear from the titles which Austen books they were based upon. I found these titles to be absorbing easy reads that I looked forward to spending time with at the end of the day. There is a new book based on Emma coming out in May and I plan to read it and also last year’s Incense and Sensibility.

The Wedding Setup is a short story by the popular author. It is free on Amazon Prime or available to purchase for ninety-nine cents.

In this short story readers meet Ayesha. She has put her wild days and own needs on the back burner in the aftermath of a family tragedy. Ayesha has been working in the family restaurant rather than pursuing her own dreams.

When there is a wedding to attend, Ayesha’s mother wants to fix her daughter up with a doctor. Ayesha has done so much for her family but can she go so far as dating someone for her mother? What if there is someone else with whom she wants to be in a relationship?

Relax, read and know it will all be okay in this delightful short story. I recommend it and the author’s other books. (There are also non Jane Austen themed ones that I have not read as yet.)

Many thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 11 January 2022

A CBT Guide for Moving Past Chronic Indecisiveness, Avoidance, and Catastrophic Thinking

by Martin N. Seif; Sally M. Winston

#OvercomingAnticipatoryAnxiety #NetGalley

CBT is a very popular and effective form of psychological treatment. The author of this title looks at how cognitive behavioral therapy can help anxious people to better cope and understand this (often overwhelming) emotion.

Anticipatory anxiety is discussed in a first chapter that describes this mindset as “bleeding before you are cut.” Readers will sense if this sounds true for them If it does, read on. Learn how indecisiveness and avoidance factor in. Find out more about how perfectionism contributes to the problem. Finally, get some help. I especially liked the chapter titled Common Questions Answered. These feel like situations that readers might wish that they had written to an advice columnist.

One important takeaway from this title is to remember that making change requires time, patience, practice and learning not to be too unforgiving of the human mistakes and emotions that we all feel. I believe that this book will help readers in doing exactly that.

Many thanks to NetGalley and New Harbinger Publications for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 02 May 2022