Author: joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews

I confess that when I first heard about this book I wasn’t sure that I wanted to read it but then I saw so many positive blurbs that I decided to give it a try. I am so glad that I did!

This is historical fiction that will undoubtedly be enjoyed by those who have read Ariadne (or similar stories) and those who have followed the stories about Marcus Didius Falco in ancient Rome. As is true for the other books mentioned above, Ms. Harper succeeds in creating a world filled with a sense of place. Life is not always easy there and especially not for the protagonist, who endures life changes due to circumstances beyond her control. However, Amara will give all that she has to try to create the life she wants. Follow along with her in this book that will have you turning the pages rapidly.

CONTENT WARNING:

This is a story about a woman who is sold into prostitution in historical Pompeii.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

From the Publisher

The First School by the Sea Novel

by Jenny Colgan

Are either of these answered “yes” by you?

1. I envied that my children had the Harry Potter series to read. Could I please have a boarding school series of my own?
2. I always enjoy Jenny Colgan’s novels.

If you said yes to either or both, you will most likely enjoy this (re-issued) novel by Ms. Colgan. Even better will be the knowledge that this is the first in a four book series.

Spend time with new teacher Maggie in gorgeous Cornwall. Also get to know the school, its students and Maggie’s colleagues.

This is escapist fiction that surely does what it intends. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this enjoyable read. All opinions are my own.

An Illustrated Guide to the Victorian Language of Flowers

by Jessica Roux

So, now we have social media and everything is always out there. But, long before our time, people found their own unique ways to communicate. One of these was via the message of flowers. For those who yearn for a more peaceful time or who would just like to have a bit of fun, this title offers a perfect guide.

Readers learn that this practice began in 1819. From there, it became quite popular as a (clandestine) form of communication. The author notes that, although floriography has not been so popular since WWI, remnants remain. Two of the given examples were that roses still signify love while lilies are often used in mourning.

This book includes numerous gorgeous illustrations. The text offers “definitions” of what each symbolizes.

I enjoyed this title. It can be viewed as a general guide to flower identification or as a way to think about communication.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

by Bree Baker

Pleading the Fish is the seventh entry in the “punnily” (my word) named series, following on Partners in Lime. As readers can no doubt deduce from the title and the cover, this book is a cozy and will certainly appeal to readers of not too violent stories. I know that I find myself enjoying cozies more and more as the world goes scarier and scarier; I so welcome the escape.

This time, in what which the publisher indicates is the final book of the series, readers find all the genre’s ingredients including, literally, someone who uses ingredients as a cafe owner. There are also a picturesque setting, murder and an amateur sleuth in Bree. There is also her police foil and fiancee.

Stakes are high here as Bree does not want her nuptials destroyed by a murder. She and the women in her family are reputedly cursed in love; will she get her happy ending? Even though readers know that the case will be solved, they will enjoy the story along the way.

As an extra gift to readers, there are recipes included in the book. Enjoy!

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own, including that I am sad to see the end of Ms Baker’s run with these titles.

AND SOME BARGAINS FOR THE WEEK:

Readers who enjoy British romantic suspense can’t do better than Mary Stewart.

A Novel

by Ellen Meister

Have you ever gone to a party where things turned out rather differently from what you expected? That is most definitely Dana Barry’s experience. She goes to a company party hoping to advance her career…instead, she has to deal with a smarmy boss who…later turns out to have been murdered. Dana passed out after drinking. Did she murder this lecherous boss and not remember? Read this one to find out.

The Rooftop Party is a pretty lighthearted mystery. It will be enjoyed by those who like their fictional murders not too filled with graphic detail and also by those who read women’s fiction.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own

Editorial Reviews

Review

2021 SUMMER READ PICK–LONG ISLAND WOMAN

“THE ROOFTOP PARTY is a wickedly entertaining rom-com/murder mystery from start to finish. It promises to be a contender for beach read of the year.”
                                                                                  –BookReporter

“Perfect for readers who like their mysteries light on the murder but heavy on the humor.”–Kirkus

52 Large and Small Joys for Today and Every Day

by Sophie Blackall

This is a book to savor for those who need help to focus on the quotidian joys of every day life. 52 such joys are included in this peacefully illustrated title. I began to relate immediately with thing to enjoy #2 which was morning coffee. I spent a few minutes thinking about the loveliness of a morning when my spouse brings me coffee and I read from a novel before taking on the heavier lifting of the day. Hugs also sounded good as did patting a friendly dog and reading bits of a favorite book. If you need a reminder to try to find a moment of happiness even in these dark days, pick this one up.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

This title will be published on 19 Apr 2022.

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