Some e book bargains for 4.19.22
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!
What is the cost of: Passing by Nella Larsen
I am currently taking a class on Women in Literature. It has been marvelous. We have read Sappho, The Metamorphoses, Medieval Literature and more. Coming closer to the present day was this title by Nella Larsen.
Passing was written during the Harlem Renaissance. It is the story of Clare Kendry who “passes” for white. What has this cost her? What will happen when she meets up with old friend Irene?
This is also Irene’s story. She left me with a new understanding of how trying to hold on to security above all else is a complex choice.
At moments, the tension in this book was almost unbearable for me. The reader knows something is going to happen to Clare but what? I could not put this book down wanting to find out but kind of in that way where at the same time I didn’t want to know.
A content warning: There is a character in this books whose racism is deeply jarring.
Have you read this book? What did you think? There is also a Netflix movie based on this novel.
It sure is: My Delicious Garden
by Anne-Marie Fortin
This colorfully illustrated children’s book tells the story of a family’s garden over the course of a year. Month by month children will see how a garden goes from planning to planting to harvesting and to enjoying the garden’s bounty all year long. Hopefully, this will inspire kids (who have the space) to get out there and plan their own gardens.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Owlkids Press for this title. All opinions are my own.
Pub date: 15 March 2022
We welcome when: Happiness Comes in Waves
Life Lessons from the Ocean
by Holly Daniels Christensen
#HappinessComesinWaves #NetGalley
The author of this title has loved the beach since she was a child growing up on Cape Cod. From that beginning, it took Ms. Christensen some time to find her way in the world. Always, though, the ocean inspired her and she shares that mindset in this title. A few of the headings included in the book are Be Unstoppable, Be Abundant, Be Adventurous and Be Grounded, all of the things that we could use.
This book is a compilation of reflections, zen activities, photos and quotes. The photography is magnificent and captures the ocean in its many moods.
Those who are looking for some inspiration may well find just that in these pages. It is the author’s guide to an authentic life.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto-Rock Point for this title. All opinions are my own.
Pub date: 10 May 2022
Would you join: The Marlow Murder Club
A Novel
by Robert Thorogood
Readers who devoured Richard Osman’s two mysteries are pretty sure to enjoy The Marlow Murder Club. It has many similar good eccentricities while telling its own story.
As in Osman’s novels, our woman on the scene is a pensioner. Eccentric Judith Potts is in her seventies. She may be a little too fond of whisky. She sets crossword puzzles to earn money, lives in an inherited property and observes everything around her. She is also intrepid.
One night Judith hears a shot. Her neighbor Stefan is dead. It is quickly established that Stefan was murdered. His character is less clear; there are those who saw him as a good and kind man and others who did not. What was the nature of his association/relationship with an antiques business and Elliott, its proprietor? How, if at all, is Stefan’s death connected to another victim, a well-liked taxi driver named Iqbal? And, what about the people Judith gets to know along the way? There are a mysterious redhead, a dog walker and a vicar’s wife among others. It all crescendos in a satisfying story.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for this title. All opinions are my own.
Pub date: 03 May 2022
Mary McCarthy,Florence and more
Can one get away with: Bending the Paw
by Diane Kelly
Bending the Paw is the ninth title in this canine themed mystery. The story features a dog and her partner. Join them in a stormy Fort Worth as they work to solve their latest case. There is blood, lots of it, and a missing husband but no corpse. What’s up? Read this one to find out. Also, watch out for the crooked contractor. The pages turn easily as readers follow Megan (human) and Brigit (our cover dog) and, for readers who enjoy this one, there are many more, beginning with Paw Enforcement.
Many thanks to NetGalley and St Martin’s press for this title. All opinions are my own.
Pub date: 27 October 2020
Some e book bargains for 4.18.22
And some weekly e book bargains that are the first in series
Welcome to a new series by one of my favorite authors: Death in Focus (Perry)#DeathInFocus #NetGalley
This title is an e book bargain for the week of 4.18.22
Kudos to Anne Perry! She is not an author who rests on her laurels. Ms. Perry recently started a series with Daniel Pitt, son of long-term series regulars Thomas and Charlotte and now, she has started a series featuring Elena Standish. This novel takes place as Hitler is rising to power in Germany.
The characters in the family…Elena is an aspiring photographer. Her sister Margot was widowed shortly after marrying during WWI. Grandfather Lucas was in MI6 during WWI and maintains his connections. His wife, also was active in the war. Then there are Elena’s parents Charles and his wife Katherine. He is a diplomat; she is American. There are many characters not in the family, from the Jewish population in Berlin to the Brownshirts to those who are busy plotting and to Cordell at the British Embassy.
The settings in the novel are vividly described. The book opens in…
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If you need help: Math Practice Tests for the ACT
by Vibrant Publishers
#MathPracticeTestsfortheACT #NetGalley
The college application process can just be so stressful. If seems unfair for kids’ fates and egos to be so caught up in this labyrinthine process.
Some teens are able to take the college admission tests without panic. Others need practice. Those who do will find this book of eight complete practice tests (and answers) to be a good resource. It is a book that has no frills but does just what it promises.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Vibrant Publishing for this title. All opinions are my own.
Pub date: 16 June 2022
Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too! 