Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too!
Great reads for adults and children!
Pub Date 08 Jun 2021
This book is a collection of jokes on a variety of topics. Some are just silly while others made me laugh out loud. All of the jokes are G rated and can be shared with both adults and kids. If you are looking for some smiles, give this one a look.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.
This collection of poems tells a story. The subject is the evolution of a relationship with all of the inherent vulnerability, revelation, hope, fear, acceptance and more that come to light. The poems are from the perspectives of two people and reflect their growing connection to each other. This title will perhaps make readers think back to when a relationship began or wish for the start of one. It is a tale well told.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.
Jennifer Robson has written a number of well received historical novels. I very much enjoyed her earlier book, The Gown, so was looking forward to reading Our Darkest Night. It did not disappoint.
I have written before about the number of historical fiction titles that center on WWII are being published now and why I think that is so. In brief, I think that, in our current uncertain times, the certainty of who won the war and the courage that people displayed, gives some reassurance to readers.
This is one of the few WWII novels that I have read that takes place in Italy, the other being The Road to Grantchester. The settings added to my knowledge and enjoyment of this title.
Robson’s story is about a Jewish young woman who needs to leave Venice to hide in the countryside in order to escape the Germans. She meets a young man who had been studying for the priesthood but has left to help his parents manage their farm. Antonia and Nico meet and she subsequently poses as his bride in an effort to stay safe. What will happen to them over the course of the war? Will their assumed relationship become a real and valued one? Will they both survive the war? What will happen to their families? Read this title to find out.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.
Pub date: March 9, 2021
This is yet another beautifully illustrated and well written entry in this long running series. This time the story of Malala is simply and honestly told, including her having been shot. Malala’s wish for an education for her and all girls is nicely and inspiringly explored here. She has traveled far and accomplished much and was the youngest winner of the Nobel prize.
Many thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.
Pub Date 16 Feb 2021
This is another book set in France during WWII. Before you think that you’ve read enough of these, give this one a chance. It is an engaging and involving read.
The Paris Dressmaker follows several women and the men and families that surround them. Lila is a talented dressmaker and designer. Lila’s closest friend is Amelie, another seamstress. Then there is Sandrine and her close friend Michelle. Sandrine works at the Jeu de Paume. Each of these characters faces moral decisions, choices and moments of fear and courage.
The settings in this book are wonderfully rendered. There are the dress salons, a bookstore, the Jeu de Paume, a bakery, The Ritz..and the list goes on. Each is vividly portrayed as are the streets of wartime Paris.
This is a novel that tells moving stories of love, friendship, resistance, traitorous behavior, courage and consequences. The narrative moves back and forth in time from 1939 and into the 1940s.
I became quite involved in the lives and stories of these characters. I think that readers will as well.
I alternated between reading this book and listening to it. The narration was excellent with characters well delineated and the French accents of the characters.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.
![Secrets from a Happy Marriage: A Novel by [Maisey Yates]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51eGyamNbHL.jpg)
Although this author is new to me, she has written many novels in the romance/women’s fiction area. In this title, she tells the story of three women. They are the family members who together run a B and B. Rachel is a widow who is the parent of a teen, while Anna has a decision to make about her marriage. The mother of these characters knows that life is not easy, yet she wishes that she could protect her children. What is this mom’s secret and what will the impact of it be?
Fans of this author and those new to her may both enjoy this novel. At its heart is the importance of family.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.
by joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews
MY EARLIER REVIEW
Thanks to Sourcebooks for re-issuing this delightful title by Jenny Colgan. It was the first of her books that I read and I have been reading her stories ever since. The author has a knack for developing relatable characters and warmhearted story lines.
In this one Issy Randall takes a risk and starts her own business. The Cupcake Cafe is an appealing place in a lovely town. You will feel that you can taste Issy’s food as you read the novel. This is also a love story and a story about friendship.
For readers who want to read a book for sheer enjoyment this one is highly recommended. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to revisit Issy and co.
Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too! 