Author: joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews

I have enjoyed so many books that were set in Ireland, everything from the mysteries of Tana French to the novels of Maeve Binchy and Marian Keyes.  So, I was excited to come across this book which is set in the fictional town of Ballyanna.  Ballyanna is a quiet seaside town in the southwest of Ireland.  The main characters whose lives readers follow there are Daniel and his son who are recovering from a tragedy, and Annie the daughter of the local hotel owner who has her own issues.  How these characters lives intersect form the basis for this story which tugs at the emotions.

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

Please note:  If this title intrigues you, it is currently just 99 cents as an e  book.

Dream Big is one of those children’s stories that adults will also love.  It is a fable of hope and demonstrates a belief in transformation. Enjoy the poetry and whimsy of this book along with its positive message.

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

This anthology of mystery stories has an entertaining conceit…what would it be like to match up authors and their detectives in a story?  Answer…a good idea.  So, in this collection there are pairing of, for example, Val McDermid and Peter James; or Kathy Reichs and Lee Child.  Read their stories to see how the detectives come together.  Also readers will enjoy the introduction to each story in which they learn a bit about the writers.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this fun story collection in exchange for an honest review.

Editorial Reviews

So many interesting choices today. Hope there is something that  you might enjoy.

The Last Trial was published recently and should be welcomed by fans of Turow’s long series.  The other books are pretty much light and entertaining.  Enjoy.

This title includes reviews of 25 books that were selected by the author.  Some of the book opinions included are for Farenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury; David Coppperfield by Charles Dickens; The Cuckoo’s Calling by Robert Galbraith’ The Pearl by Steinbeck and many more; twenty-five in all.  Mr. Hill gives honest and detailed reviews.  This book appears to be an excellent resource for those who are wondering what to read next.

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

Pub date:  October 25, 2020

I was very excited to receive this ARC of the second title by Allison Montclair. It was an enjoyable read with elements of mystery, intrigue and humor.

The characters: Gwen Bainbridge and Iris Sparks. Gwen was widowed in the war and it took her a bit of time to find her way again. Iris worked in a secret job during the war.

Their current work: They run an agency that introduces people to one another; it’s a matrimonial bureau.

Their contacts: Gwen can be in touch with the aristocracy while Iris has many war and university contacts.

This case: To be involved in vetting a certain Greek prince who would like to marry Princess Elizabeth.

Overall, this is a light read. It is perfectly fine as a standalone though readers may well want to read the first in the series as well. This book will be enjoyed by those who like historical mysteries, the time period and female protagonists.

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

Pub date:  July 28, 2020

#ARoyalAffair #NetGalley

The cover of this book evokes its mood; sleep should be a good and relaxing part of each day.  Unfortunately, that is not always the case.  This book tries to help by addressing the issue of sleep from many perspectives, starting by explaining concepts such as the stages of sleep.

This gorgeously illustrated title (with lovely quotations) includes chapters on everything from your bedroom, to getting ready for bed, to falling asleep and, even waking up, plus even more.  This is an excellent and broadly based resource that hopefully will help readers to finds those zzzzzzs.

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

pub date:  August 5, 2020

#TheCalmandCozyBookofSleep #NetGalley

Some fun choices here.  I liked I Let You Go and there are several others that I would like to read.  Enjoy!