Author: joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews

A Novel

by Sarah Jio

This is the first book that I have completed in 2022. I hope that I will enjoy many others as much as I enjoyed this one.

To begin, I did not (at first) love the cover. However, by the time a reader finishes the novel, it is clear that everything there has meaning. This is true for the title of the book as well.

This is a dual timeline story. One focus is on Eloise. She is a British woman who makes relationship choices that reverberate across both time and the plot. Readers watch as she chooses between Edward, a wealthy Brit, and Frank, an American. What will happen to her and how will she cope?

Eloise’s daughter is Valentina. She lost her mother’s presence in her life when she was twelve. This has left her wounded. What happened? Why?

Plot lines cross when Val travels to London to take over a bookshop. What will she learn about herself over the course of this endeavor? One spoiler…she will find love.

I don’t want to give anything away so no more on plot. I will just say that this is a novel with heart.

The bookshop is really a character in the book. I would want to spend so much time there were it a real place. Because of this, the novel is an anthem to books and their role in reader’s lives.

I very much enjoyed this novel. It is a lovely read.

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

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This has been such a tough year for so many. During this time, books have most definitely sustained me…and I hope you as well.

Many thanks to everyone who has taken the time to read the blog. I wish you all a year that is healthy, peaceful and happy.

by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara

Over the course of 2021 I have reviewed many books in this series. It seems appropriate somehow to close out the year with this title on a truly good man and inspiring figure. Hope it will also inspire you and the children in your life.

Nelson Mandela’s story is well and simply told here, from his early years, through his education and eventual arrest. Mandela’s “long walk to freedom” is noted. I love the last sentence of this book. It simply states “…a winner is just a dreamer who never gives up.”

As it always true in this series, there are supplemental materials at the end of the book. These offer additional information. Also, the illustrations enhance the text; their colors match the tone of the story.

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

The books listed below have all been read by me. If interested, you can find the reviews on my site.

Blog readers, does this work or do you prefer when I post the review?

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Susan Wittig Albert has been penning China Bayles mysteries since 1994 when Thyme of Death was published. I have been a fan since the beginning. I like the characters and the ways in which relationships among them evolve and change. Reading each new title is like going for a visit with old friends.

A few of the characters:

China is a former lawyer who has moved to Pecan Springs, Texas where she runs businesses related to her love of herbs.

Ruby is China’s close friend. She may appear a bit flaky and New Age at times but she is solid. Readers learn some important back story about her over the course of the books.

McQuaid is the one with whom China spars and has a relationship.

There are many others and I enjoy them all.

This newest book has to do with a stolen book and the chaos that follows its fate. The story includes a good enough mystery and lots of herbal lore.

I enjoyed this title. If you have time though, start at the beginning and work your way up to this one.