Author: joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews

This is a wonderful book for children who are interested in scientific discovery or for a child that you would like to interest in the natural world.  It tells the story of Charles Darwin in a beautifully illustrated title that was written to coincide with the 200th anniversary of the voyage of the Beagle.  Adults can learn quite a bit from spending time with this title as well.  I know that I did.

Readers discover that Charles lost his mother when he was young, that he did not always like school and that he did not conform to his father’s expectation that he would follow as the third generation doctor in the family.  Rather he became intrigued with the world of nature.  This biography serves to humanize Darwin, a figure who is larger than life in the history of scientific discovery.

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

#WhenDarwinSailedtheSea #NetGalley

I previously reviewed The Detection Club: Part 1.  Fans of that title will no doubt enjoy this follow up.  The style is comic book with entertaining graphics.  The sleuths are members of the real 1930s Detection Club including Agatha Christie, G.K. Chesterton, John Dickson Carr, Dorothy Sayers and others.  Each of these authors is portrayed with their individual personality and style. Will they solve the case?  Can a robot solve it more quickly and/or better?  Read this title to find out if you are a fan of the graphic novel and mysteries that are a bit tongue in cheek.

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

#TheDetectionClub #NetGalley

sleuthofbakerstreet.ca/i/1584200/July_2020_e_MOM_Read.pdf

This cookbook is designed to help one to eat healthy, good tasting food.  Included are 100 recipes, many of which look delicious.  Some of the tasty ideas include Matcha Chia Pudding Parfait, Warm Red Cabbage Salad with Blue Cheese and Walnuts, Almond and Eggplant Babaganoush,  Cauliflower Gratin and, Hoisin Glazed Tofu with Stir Fried Vegetables. Whether you are a vegetarian or you are looking for a side dish or change of pace, this cookbook is worht a look.

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

#LowCarbVegetarianCookbook #NetGalley

From the publisher:

One of many bites from the book: Tofu Hot Wings With Yogurt Ranch Dressing

Serves 4–6 // Prep Time: 10 Minutes // Cook Time: 1 Hour

Serve this dish to tofu doubters. The long cook time allows the tofu to develop a skin, making for a chicken-y result. In truth, people will eat anything covered in hot wing sauce!

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Cut each block of tofu into 8 cubes. Arrange the tofu cubes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes.

3. Turn the tofu cubes over and continue baking for 15 more minutes.

4. Pour the hot wing sauce over the tofu and bake for a final 15 minutes.

5. Transfer the tofu hot wings to a plate and top them with any hot wing sauce that’s left on the baking sheet.

6. Serve warm, with celery sticks and ranch dressing.

I read and enjoyed Ms. Sittenfeld’s, American Wife, which was about a fictional Laura Bush. It felt so true and believable. So I was excited to learn that the author had written another story based in politics, this one about Hillary Rodham.

The first section of the book reportedly stays pretty close to what really happened, with Hillary meeting and becoming involved with the charismatic Bill when they were students at Yale Law. It is, in part in this section, a story of a young woman who always felt smart but not always attractive. Hillary here was fiery and committed, just as she had been in her college graduation speech. This continued in the work that she did for children and families while at Yale. Any woman or girl growing up who feels that being labeled “smart” was a mixed blessing will understand the fictional Hillary’s feelings and surprise that “someone like Bill” was interested in her.

Post graduation, Hillary and Bill live in Arkansas in this novel with Hillary becoming a law school professor and Bill beginning his steps into politics. No spoiler after the publicity for this novel…but Hillary chooses not to stay with Bill. She is uncomfortable with his inability to commit to just one intimate relationship. So…what happens to Hillary after striking out on her own makes up the rest of the novel.

Hillary initially returns to Chicago where she teaches at Northwestern and over time becomes interested in running for office around the time of the Clarence Thomas hearings. I won’t say more but leave it to readers to find out what happens. Would this life have been preferable for Hillary? It is something to think about. Clearly the choices that we make impact how our lives unfold. Readers will no doubt contemplate that as they read discover where the author’s imagination takes them.

The reviews that I have seen for this novel have been mixed. I am in the camp that is glad to have read the book.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

Editorial Reviews

My favorites out of these are Dog songs and The Guest Book.  I reviewed  The Guest Book previously.  I plan to read Queen of the Owls.  Enjoy.

This is a title for sheer escapism. It is a follow up to the author’s earlier novel, The Royal We, the first story about Bex and the prince with whom she falls in love. In this title, which seems to have some similarities with stories in the British press, the newlyweds have decamped in order to protect their relationship. (a bit like Harry and Megan?) What happens when they must return to London? What will be the fallout in their relationships with other members of the Royal Family? Will their own relationship emerge as a strong one? Read this sequel to find out.Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

#TheHeirAffair #NetGalley

This is a lovely book that has very appealing illustrations. The outdoor ones are in earth tones and show nature beautifully.

Readers will learn the story of a young girl who had curiosity in abundance. Her discoveries led to the discovery of dinosaur bones and so much more. Mary studied and learned for her whole life; she became an expert even though she was not allowed to study in the all male universities of the time. Interestingly though male scholars came to her with their questions.

Mary’s story is well told. It is inspiring and I hope through this book will become better known. The end of the book contains additional helpful resources.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed The Citadel when I read it many years ago.  I wrote about and liked the Munier mystery.  The Wodehouse is free. Enjoy.

I adored the Anne books when I was young and have also enjoyed rereading them as an adult. Every time a new book about L.M. Montgomery becomes available I want to spend time with it and this title is no exception.
Readers will get to know the young author through her scrapbook, a forum that provides a true sense of connection with Ms. Montgomery. Enjoy seeing what the author was doing right around the time that she would be writing about Anne in this beautiful book.
I recommend this title to those who are part of the author and Anne’s fan club. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

#ImaginingAnne #NetGalley