Author: joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews

A Novel

by Rebecca Serle

Dannie is the kind of young woman, who for reasons that become clear, sets her goals and works hard to achieve them. She has the life that she seems to want as the story opens. Dannie has just interviewed for the job of her dreams and (not a spoiler because it happens early in the novel), her compatible boyfriend David is about to propose to her in an iconic Manhattan setting. All seems perfect but…if that were the case, this would just be a short story.

Instead, Dannie has a strange experience. She is transported to the future and the man she is with is not David, but Aaron. This dream seems so real and it has a great impact on Dannie; so great an impact that she talks to a therapist about it.

Meanwhile, Dannie continues in her life. Readers spend time with her and her friend Bella who is a more spontaneous, artistic type. What will happen to Dannie? To Bella? To Aaron? Does Dannie belong with David? Should she be with Aaron even though that would be complicated (no spoiler so not saying why)?

This novel has gotten mixed reviews. Still, I liked it well enough. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.

A Novel

by Brenda Novak

The Bookstore at the Beach is the second title that I have read by Ms. Novak, following her earlier novel, One Perfect Summer. As was true of that book, this is a long (448 pages) story that is filled with plot and character.

Readers follow and get to know the lives, struggles and joys of three generations of women from one family. The oldest is Mary. She runs a bookstore in a small town and leads a fairly insular life. Mary is not a risk taker. Why? What happened to her in the past that formed her attitudes and character? No spoilers so you have to read the book to find out.

Next up is Autumn, Mary’s daughter. She has come with her two children to spend time with Mary over the summer. Readers learn early on that Autumn’s husband has been missing for nineteen months, most likely related to his travel in Ukraine. Should Autumn hold on to hope that he will come back or…should she again become involved with her high school crush who lives in the town where Autumn is summering?

Finally there is Taylor, Autumn’s daughter. She was feeling numb and engaged in sexual activity without using birth control. Is she pregnant? If yes, how will this define her life? There is also a strong plot line about Taylor’s friendship with Sierra as Taylor wonders if she is in love with her.

The author holds onto all of the many plot strands without losing any of them. She tells a story that has some depth and that held my interest.

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

Recipes from Emily’s Table Alongside the Poems That Inspire Them

by Arlyn Osborne

Many of us think of Emily Dickinson as the author of beautiful and, at times, enigmatic poems. I have rarely thought about her domestic life or her cooking skills but, of course, given her times and world, it makes sense that Emily spent time in the kitchen.

This beautiful book opens up Dickinson’s world to the modern reader. Here is a collection of (updated) recipes that give a sense of what Emily cooked and baked.

Following an interesting introduction, the book is divided into six chapters. These include Breakfasts and Brunches; Tea Time at the Dickinsons; From the Stockpot; Poetic Suppers; Emily’s Best Breads; and Cakes, Pies, and Other Sweet Things. A sample recipe from each section includes Baked Berry Pecan French Toast, Cherry Scones, Mushroom Pot pie, Little Dinner Rolls and Federal Cake. Each recipe begins with an interesting fact about this most interesting poet. There are also poems to read.

Interspersed with the recipes are many photos. The food looks very appealing.

This book would make an excellent gift for a Dickinson lover, including yourself!

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

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This title is part of a series of books for very beginning readers. It features bright illustrations and repetitive text. The beginning of the book illustrates common words that are found in the story. At the end of the book, there are additional activities.

This series is designed to give beginning readers a sense of mastery. Have a child you know read the story to you.

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

A Novel

by Susan Mallery

Pub Date 09 Feb 2021

Mackenzie Dienes made a close friend, Stephanie, when she was in college. Over time, Mackenzie married Stephanie’s brother, Rhys, and she began working for Rhys’s mother, Barbara at the family winery. For sure, Mackenzie knows her grapes and the business yet she is always an employee, never a full partner in the company.

Mackenzie at first thought that she had everything that she could possibly want with her marriage, home and career. However, big cracks began to appear. A slight spoiler…Mackenzie and Rhys realize that they cannot stay together any longer. What will happen to Mackenzie? Will she find the life that she wants and what will she have to go through to get there? Read the book to find out.

I give this book a solid three stars. I did not find myself so immersed that I couldn’t wait to get back to the story to read more.

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