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 do you know: The Ultimate Guide of Random Facts

Boredom-busting Trivia That Will Impress Your Friends

by Cerebrum Publishing

#TheUltimateGuideofRandomFacts #NetGalley

Those who love trivia and arcane facts (or who hope to make millions on Jeopardy one day) will enjoy this book. There are many questions here and they involve everything from fill in the blank to multiple choice to matching questions, to questions.

Categories include movies, celebrities, history, food, classic literature and more. If answering questions or just getting some new information appeals to you, give this one a look. It could be used for a fun pub quiz or family quiz night.

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

Is it what she deserved: Death of a Busybody

A British Library Crime Classic

by George Bellairs

Mystery fans are undoubtedly familiar with the “Golden Age” of detective fiction. Writers including Dorothy Sayers, Agatha Christie, Josephine Tey were popular then and remain popular today. Of course, there were many others writing during these years, of whom one was George Bellairs. Readers who enjoy this time period in mystery writing will want to give this title a look.

This novel has all of the key features of the stories of that time. Readers can tell this from the first page when a character named Rev Ethelred Claplady is introduced. There follows a murdered busybody along with a Scotland Yard inspector.

There is also the small village where much transpires. Sound good to you? If yes, read this and other entries in the series both of Bellairs book and the British Library.

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

Will he follow: In His Father’s Footsteps

A Novel

by Danielle Steel

#InHisFathersFootsteps #NetGalley

Daneille Steel has been writing novels for many years. She has been highly successful with her titles regularly becoming bestsellers. Readers know that they will find a story that makes them turn the pages and one that has some emotional resonance.

In this novel, the subject is surviving the Holocaust and trying to make a new life. This is difficult for the couple in the story and also has implications for their son. Jakob and Emmanuelle, make a life together after the war. It is based on hard work after they are able to come to America. Will they be able to put their past in a less fraught place and will they achieve the “American Dream?” What of their son? He faces his own obstacles but no spoilers so I will not say more.

Those who enjoy historical fiction and/or women’s fiction should enjoy this title. It is hard though to be reminded of the very real issues involved with war and survival, especially in light of current events.

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

Get out your brushes: Painting Happiness

Creativity with Watercolors

by Terry Runyan

#PaintingHappiness #NetGalley

I found the cover of this book to be so lively that I knew that I wanted to see more. Indeed, the pages inside are so vibrant and engaging. Anyone who has ever thought about taking up watercolors or who thinks about mindfulness would do well to give this title a look. It is packed with good information. A chapter that I found especially helpful was the one entitled “What Stops Us.” I also like the chapter on “Mindfulness and Being Present.” There is also the bonus of seeing the author’s work; I found it so cheerful.

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

This book will be published on April 05 2022

Practice reading with: The Princess and the Pea

Fairy-Tale Phonics

by Susan Purcell

#ThePrincessandthePea #NetGalley

I volunteer as a reading tutor. This is a serious commitment on my part as I believe that learning to love reading and to be a competent reader, ensures a much better future for any child with whom I work. So, I was interested in this phonics based title, hoping it would be appealing to young students.

This is a book that can be used in many ways. It can be read as an enjoyable story with its accompanying lively illustrations. There are also vocabulary words and/or activities to work on. At the end of the book there are illustrations that will help a child with memory and concentration as they cab recall and retell the story.

I found all of this to possibly be a bit overwhelming for a child. I think though that this book could be very helpful if everything is done in steps, i.e. first read the story and later go back to try the activities on the bottom of the pages. I would love to spend time with a child while thinking about his title. I would then know how best to use it to encourage a young reader. All said though, this looks like a good resource.

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