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!

Just published:

English and British History in 100 Bite-size Chunks

by Paul Hodson

#EnglishandBritishHistoryin100BitesizeChunks #NetGalley

In a book of just under 400 pages, the author of this title covers English and British history beginning with “The Fossil Record,” moving through Ancient and Pre-Roman Times and continuing on until finally reaching The Atomic and Nuclear Space Digital Age of War. Along the way, readers can spend time in their favorite era whether that is time with the Romans, The Georgians, The Stuarts, The Victorians or a different time entirely.
The range in this book is extensive. In browsing, I read about Victorian women and the evolution of their rights and then moved backward to read about ancient art. There is so much of interest in this book.
You do not have to be a scholar to read this book. It is geared to anyone who would like to know more about English and British history.
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this interesting title. All opinions are my own.

Now out:

Windcliff

A Story of People, Plants, and Gardens

by Daniel J. Hinkley

#Windcliff #NetGalley

I was not familiar with the author when I received this e galley from NetGalley but I was intrigued by the thought of spending (virtual) time in a beautiful place. As it turns out, the author is well known in horticultural circles. His gardens are celebrated in this beautifully illustrated title.

Mr. Hinkley is an honest and open guide throughout this volume with a voice that, at times, feels elegaic. Spend time with him and his horticultural treasures. Imagine that you are in the exact spot where a photo was taken. It will be well worth your time.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

Feel better: The Happiness & Contentment Workbook

Opening your heart, embracing your natural joy

by The Happy Buddha

#TheHappinessContentmentWorkbook #NetGalley

The author of this book is an optimist. The Happy Buddha believes that happiness is our natural state and one that we are distracted from by the outside, perhaps through possessions or the opinions of others or our own ruminations. The belief that causes of discontent can be understood and addressed is at the core of this title.

Those who engage with this book will begin to explore questions and to better understand themselves. For example, readers can list their limiting beliefs, think about what they need to forgive, practice mindfulness, cope with jealousy and more.

The Happy Buddha believes in the ice cube analogy. Readers will learn what this is and how to work with it. Those who patiently work their way through this title will learn not only about this but also about themselves.

I found this book to be interesting. It offers a chance to engage with one’s self and to self-knowledge. I do think that there are similar books out there but this one could be worth your time as well.

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

A complex position: The Royal Governess by Wendy Holden

The Royal Governess: A Novel of Queen Elizabeth II's Childhood by [Wendy Holden]

Wendy Holden has been a writer of light women’s fiction for many years. With The Royal Governess she most successfully ventures into historical fiction.

Marion Crawford is the woman who became “the royal governess.” It was not her aim in life as she started out wanting to be a reformer who taught children living in the slums. Crawfie, as she became known, changed direction when she realized that she could potentially introduce Princess Elizabeth to the “real” world, hopefully making her better able to understand “normal” people and normal life.

This novel offers an excellent history of the royal family; it is all here. There are young Elizabeth and Margaret, the future King and Queen, David and Mrs. Simpson, Prince Philip, Peter Townsend and many others. There are all of the events including WWII, the abdication, Elizabeth’s marriage and more. All are told through the lens of Marion Crawford’s experiences.

Readers also learn what Marion gave up for her job. They will also see how she was treated by those she served.

Readers of historical fiction and those who enjoy books about the Royal Family are sure to enjoy this novel. Kudos to Ms. Holden on her new direction.

Give this a try: Niksen

The Dutch Art of Doing Nothing

by Annette Lavrijsen

#Niksen #NetGalley

This book is another in the mode of those on hygge and others that suggest ways to live better and less frantically. This one appealed to me from the moment I saw the first beautiful and relaxing illustrations inside. It offers the Dutch view on the importance of life style and doing nothing.

Niksen is a terms that is about the power of the pause. Such balance with time away from stress is surely something to be wished for. This book offers readers ways to achieve a state of greater calm.

I know that with Covid it can feel at times that we are doing nothing but that is not the case. Many feel stressed even as they feel less productive. This book will help readers to reset and better make their way through each day.

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

Out today:

Whale Day

And Other Poems

by Billy Collins

I knew who Billy Collins was before receiving this most welcome e galley. As many are aware, he was an American poet laureate. As this year I am trying to read more poetry, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to savor the works in this collection.

What strikes me about the poet and his poems is how accessible and relatable they are and he is. There were so many times when reading this volume that I found myself nodding my head and wanting to share lines with others. Many of the poems relate day to day universal experiences. Throughout, the poet’s sensibility, sensitivity and humor are present.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review. It is a special book.

Now out:

Eleanor

by David Michaelis

The “Eleanor” of the title is, of course, Eleanor Roosevelt. She had most difficult early years and went on to live a truly remarkable life. How did Eleanor go from a child so alone in the world, an orphan at an early age whose mother ridiculed her and whose father loved her but suffered from alcoholism and an inability to cope with life, to a most admired woman? What was it like to be sent to school in England? What did it mean to have an uncle who was larger than life and a president? To fall in love with an ambitious, pampered cousin who could not be faithful and who also had serious health challenges? How did Eleanor go from an insecure young woman to a woman who was among the most admired in the world, a surrogate for Franklin and a first lady throughout WWII? Who did she lean on and love once she knew that Franklin had affections elsewhere?

All of these questions come under the scrutiny of Mr. Michaelis who has written an engaging and very readable biography of Eleanor. It covers her whole life and finds the sweet space between a serious biography and an absorbing read. I recommend it highly.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this read in exchange for an honest review.

Parts of life may be still but not all…and what does the title mean? Still Life

A Karen Pirie Novel

by Val McDermid

#StillLife #NetGalley

In my opinion, Val McDermid is one of the very best authors of mystery/police procedurals/suspense who is writing today. Her stand alone novel, A Place of Execution is extraordinary. She has another great one in The Vanishing Point. Then, of course, there are Ms. McDermid’s many series. The oldest are the Lindsay Gordon and Kate Brannigans and then there are the Tony Hill and Carol Jordans. However, my favorite series is the one featuring Karen Pirie. So, I was THRILLED to receive the ARC of Still Life from NetGalley. It absolutely dis not disappoint.

Karen Pirie is a DCI who is in charge of historical cases that generally have a connection in the present. She is based in Scotland although in this book she travels afield, including a trip to Paris. Each novel in the series has several story lines that come together. There is a lot going on in this one.

The books are perhaps read in order although that is not strictly necessary. That said, long term readers will feel for Karen as the killer of her significant other Phil is released from prison. How will this change both her life and that of the killer? Followers of the series will also enjoy being updated on Karen’s relationship with Hamish and the work of her sidekick Jason.

There are several plots. There is the presumed murder of a Scottish political figure in the past and the fate of his brother in the present. There is a body found in a camper vab that may belong to the artist girlfriend of a road accident victim. There are clues like OUDS, 12N, art works, the fate of a conceptual artist and more.

In less talented hands, plates could get dropped but Ms. McDermid is in fine command of her craft. My only criticism is that now I will have to wait at least a year to spend time with Karen again.

I highly recommend this one! Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.