Author: joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews

Earth-Friendly Tips and Comic Strips

by Patrick McDonnell

I have adored the Mutts comic strip ever since the first time that I read one of Patrick McDonnell’s sweet entries. He has a way of universalizing human experience through his animal characters.

In this collection, the focus is our earth and the environment. Mixed in with the comics are suggestions for things that we all can do for our planet. Mr. McD is not (too) preachy and he makes many good points. And, of course, readers will get to spend time with Mooch, Earl and all of their friends. I defy anyone not to smile at times as they dip into this book.

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

by Janet Skeslien Charles

The Paris Library is a novel that I highly recommend even with the abundance of choice in WWII historical fiction. The importance of the American Library and the commitment of those who worked there is a reminder of how important books are, perhaps even more so, when the world is in chaos. Readers will enjoy the many books that are named over the course of the novel. They would make for a good TBR list.

All good novels tell stories about characters. This one is peopled with those that readers will get to know with all of their strengths and flaws. Some are good, some not so good and some a mix of the two. All are brought to life.

Odile is a young woman when the story opens. She lives with her father, who is in the police, her brother, an idealist, and her mother who eventually learns that her husband is involved in an affair. Odile has always loved books and lands her dream job at the American Library. There she meets a wide ranging group of patrons and staff. Her brother’s fiance, Bitsy, also works at the library. Odile gets to know Margaret as well; she is a British ex pat and another key protagonist.

Each of these characters faces the war, issues of loyalty and friendship and disillusion. Their intertwining stories are well depicted as are the many settings in the novel.

Odile’s romantic interest for much of the book is Paul. He, too, is a policeman. Readers will follow as some of his decisions make Odile even more aware of the cruelty of war.

As is true of many novels written today, there is a dual story line. This takes place in Froid, Montana where Odile came to live. There a young girl befriends Odile and tries to figure out her own life in the aftermath of her mother’s death. There is much that Odile has to teach her young friend.

I both listened to and read this story. The narration was flawless with individuals coming to life with different voices and accents. It was a wonderful listen.

I highly recommend this book. I hope that readers will enjoy it.

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

The Direct Approach to Lasting Peace, Happiness, and Love

by Stephan Bodian

Those who are interested in, or already integrating some mindfulness into their daily lives, may want to give this title a read. The author is interested in helping people to move past mindfulness, even though he found the practice to be very helpful. He sees this book as a resource for those who are beginning to look for something more. The author has studied both mindfulness and psychology and has pondered these approaches.

Honestly, I found this one a bit difficult to understand and connect with. I found the language to be somewhat obfuscating. That may be because I have not read his earlier works.

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

A Novel of Suspense

by G.M. Malliet

G. M. Malliet is, perhaps, best known for her series of mysteries about Max Tudor. He is a vicar in a small parish in England. Max has been the subject of seven books.

Weycombe is not part of the series. This novel tells the story of an American who marries a titled Brit. The two live in a wealthy, gated community. But, of course, all is not well. When a realtor is murdered, a rattled Jill wants to find out what happened. What does she discover?

I did not enjoy this book as much as I had hoped that I would. Other readers let me know what you thought.

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

by Paul Schmid

Pub Date 27 Apr 2021

This playful book is boldly illustrated. Both young children and adults may smile as they read it.

Bunny is given a carrot for a snack…of course, it can be eaten, but how? Watch as Bunny’s imagination takes over and enjoy his eating adventure.

For anyone who has daydreamed while eating, this book may strike a chord.

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