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!

Recently published:

Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Immigrant Women Who Changed the World

by Elena Favilli

#100ImmigrantWomen #NetGalley

This book is an excellent compendium of stories for “rebel girls” but also for anyone interested in learning more about a variety of accomplished women immigrants. The book can be read in order or at random. For each woman her area of interest is listed. To name just some of the women included, there are Lupita Nyong’o, an actress; Madeleine Albright, politician; Frieda Belinfante, cellist and conductor;Burke Harris, pediatrician and so many more, all the way to the end of the alphabet. Each short, engaging entry includes an illustration, a quote and a short biography.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this inspiring collection that will remind girls that they can be anyone they choose. All opinions are my own.

Now out: Return to Virgin River by Robyn Carr

#ReturntoVirginRiver #NetGalley

Robyn Carr wrote her first Virgin River novel back in 2007. Many books followed before Ms. Carr moved to other series including Thunder Point and Sullivan’s Crossings. Perhaps the author was inspired to return to Virgin Riven because of the TV series that is now on Netflix. Whatever the motivation, long term readers of the Virgin River novels will undoubtedly be happy to return. They know that they can count on good people, a nice community and a love story.

This novel is about Kaylee and Landry. Kaylee is an author of suspense novels who is experiencing writer’s block following the death of her mother. Through family friends, she chooses to travel to Virgin River in the hope that she will finish her novel. No spoiler to say that she does and even that she moves into a new genre, that she falls in love and that some unexpected things happen to her. That is the Virgin River formula.

Kaylee’s romantic foil is Landry, an artist and dog trainer. He helps Kaylee to overcome her fear of dogs and to move forward even as she recognizes that she will always miss her mom.

The relationship that Kaylee had with her mom is lovingly described and maybe even idealized a bit. I suspect that many readers will wish for the same closeness, acceptance and encouragement that Kaylee’s mom gave her.

There are other characters in Kaylee’s orbit but readers will perhaps most enjoy that the names of all the characters from the earlier novels are called out here. While many make an appearance, it is Jack and Mel who are most featured.

As an extra treat, the story is seasonal. Readers will enjoy Thanksgiving and Christmas in this most perfect of towns. I especially enjoyed the description of the tree lighting.

This is a sweet novel. I don’t know if Robyn Carr will write about Virgin River again. Regardless, this novel is a gift to her fans.

An additional bonus in the novel is a section describing the making of the TV series and Ms. Carr’s visit to the set. There is also a long excerpt from one of her other novels.

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

Would you like to visit? japan

CONNECTING YOU TO WONDERLANDS

by TAKASHI SATO

#japan #NetGalley

Until we can travel in real time, armchair travel is an escape. Anyone who has ever thought of visiting Japan will, I think, enjoy this title. The photographs are gorgeous, the book is well organized and it includes a good amount of detail. The author/photographer knows Japan well and is an excellent guide. I enjoyed the escape that the stunning photos provided.

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

Recently published:

The Adventures of Rembrandt the Tuxedo Cat

Helps Callie, the Calico Cat, Find Her Meow

#TheAdventuresofRembrandttheTuxedoCat #NetGalley

Remy, a tuxedo cat, befriends a Calico cat whom he names Callie. The two enjoy playing together with Remy taking the lead. While Remy purrs all of his communications (com-mew-nications?) , Callie never purrs. She speaks expressively, for example nodding.

The rest of this picture book is about looking for Callie’s voice. Will she find it? If yes, what will lead to her purring?

This book gives kids a couple of messages. One is that friends don’t have to have the same abilities to enjoy each other’s company. Another is that it is okay to do things in one’s own time.

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

Now out:

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.

Looking for advice? My Therapist Says

Advice You Should Probably (Not) Follow

by My Therapist Says

#MyTherapistSays #NetGalley

Some readers will know that My Therapist Says is not only the title of this book but, in addition, something that can be followed on Instagram. Readers should know that this is a somewhat tongue in cheek title and not straight advice. Once readers know that, they may find it to be an enjoyable read.

The book is divided into a number of sections. A few of these include Am I a CEO yet?; You Can’t Leave, You’re My Only Friend; and Mom! The Meatloaf!.

This title should appeal to those who enjoy My Therapist Says on Instagram. It was not really for me though.

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