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!

It’s normal: Feeling Sad

by Mary Lindeen

#FeelingSad #NetGalley

This title is part of a series that hopes to help children recognize and cope with their complex emotions. The photos that accompany the text will help children to recognize how this feeling might look like in others. Ample permission is given for having this feeling and attention is paid to different ways in which it can be expressed. Ways of responding and/or getting help are also included. All in all, a good beginning text on this subject.

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

Now out: Rebel Girls Champions

25 Tales of Unstoppable Athletes

by Rebel Girls

Wow! This book is full of inspiration. Whatever sport a rebel girl might be interested in, she can find a role model here. Included are women who play sixteen sports in all, everyone from Serena Williams (tennis) to Simone Biles (gymnast) to Ismita Malaviva (surfer) and others including Lisa Leslie (basketball), Megan Rapinoe (soccer),Tegan Vincent-Cooke (Para dressage rider) and quite a few more.
Each athlete has her story told in two pages. One features text while the other has a gorgeous illustration and quote.
There are a number of activities included at the end of this title as well. For example, there are “write your story”and “what kind of champion are you?”
Note that the final edition of the book may reflect additional information from the Olympics.
I found this to be a wonderful book. Get it for a child in your life. You will both enjoy it.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.

What will you see? London Explored

Secret, surprising and unusual places to discover in the Capital

by Peter Dazeley; Mark Daly

#LondonExplored #NetGalley Pub Date 30 Nov 2021

This title offers a unique glance at one photographer’s London. Organized by neighborhood, the book features photographs with descriptions of the sites. Some of these are well-known, while others were certainly new to me. For example, there is a Foundling Hospital where Handel had been a patron. Then, what about the London Sewing Machine Museum or Raqib Shaw’s Sausage Factory. There are also more familiar sites including the London Library and Lambeth Palace Gardens. Both armchair and real travelers may well enjoy losing themselves in these pages. The text that accompanies the photos is packed with information. I found this to be an absorbing escape from my own home.

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

Now out:

A Surprise for Christmas and Other Seasonal Mysteries

by Martin Edwards

This collection of stories has been put together and edited by Martin Edwards. In addition to writing his own novels, Mr. Edwards has contributed to a number of collections for Poisoned Pen Press and the British Library. Among these are The Christmas Card Crime and Other Stories; Vintage Crime; and Blood on the Tracks.
This new book will make a perfect gift for a fan of classic mystery stories and their authors. Following a short introduction, readers will find a dozen holiday themed stories. Some of the authors included are Ngaio Marsh, John Dickson Carr, Margery Allingham and Cyril Hare. Each tale begins with a short biographical section on the author.
The nice thing about a story collection is that readers can complete an enjoyable short story relatively quickly and add pleasure to their day. Of course, there will be some who will want to read all of these stories right in a row!
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Unto Us a Son is Given is an e book bargain for 10.21.21

Unto Us a Son Is Given by Leon

by joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews

A new novel from this author is always most welcome! What I love about this series is not so much the mysteries, although those are well constructed, but the relationships among the characters and the ways in which the city of Venice is brought to life. Guido and Paola seem so real and affectionate with one another; they have a marriage that many would envy. Watching Guido and Paola with their children is a treat as is reading about their latest family dinner. Guido’s relationships with his extended family and work colleagues are also brought vividly to life.

In this book, a friend of the family who is elderly wants to adopt an adult male to be his heir. Will you as the reader feel empathy for this lonely man? All around wonder if this adoption is a good plan but he is determined and undeterred. Is this what leads to his and one other’s death? What are the reasons for what is happening? How are families constructed? They are not all like Guido’s.

For fans of Donna Leon, the chance to spend time with her will be a delight. New readers will also enjoy the book and will probably then look to read others in the series.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this good read. The opinions are mine alone.

#UntoUsASonIsGiven #NetGalley