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!

Spend some time here: On Ocean Boulevard by Mary Alice Monroe

This is the first book that I have read by Ms. Monroe although I know that she is a seasoned author who writes novels based in the south. I am delighted to have spent time with the characters she creates and recommend this women’s fiction title as one to add to your summer/vacation reading list.
I am pretty sure that the characters in this book have been in other books written by the author. I did not find that to interfere with my becoming involved in their lives. The story is about several generations including Linnea who has recently upended her life and Cara who is about to marry for the second time as the novel begins. Linnea’s parents are among the other character whose story is told.
In addition to writing about characters that I cared about, I think that the author created a wonderful sense of place. While I may not actually travel this summer, I certainly enjoyed my time in the Isle of Palms.

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

On Ocean BoulevardOn Ocean Boulevard

The Complete Tales & Poems of Edgar Allan Poe by Edgar Allan Poe

This book is exactly what its title declares.  Following an introduction, readers will find all of the Poe that they could possibly want.  Here are tales both well-known and new to discover, along with the poems including some of my favorites including The Bells, Annabel Lee and The Raven.

I have a digital ARC of this book.  The on sale copy will be a gift book edition that promises to be quite nice.

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

Pub date:  August 11, 2020

#TheCompleteTalesPoemsofEdgarAllanPoe #NetGalley

Now out: The Mountains Wild A Mystery by Sarah Stewart Taylor

The Mountains Wild is the first book in a new series by this author. It is her first book in many years, although she did have an earlier series that I read. I think that The Mountains Wild is the start of something good! I already am eager to read the next title.
There are many things that I thought were very well done in this book. The settings came to life vividly and authentically. Much of the story takes place in Dublin and its surrounding area; I felt like I was on the streets, at the pubs and in the countryside. The secondary location is on Long Island which is also well portrayed with its beaches and the family’s Irish bar.
The characters were either people that I really wanted to spend time with…or really didn’t, meaning that in each case the author brought them to life. There are families, friends, a priest, suspects all taking their turns in these pages.
As for the plot…protagonist and detective D’Acrcy’s unstable cousin disappeared in Ireland twenty plus years ago. Her disappearance seems tied to a string of murders, including a current case. What happened? Who was responsible? Could it be one of the characters whom I liked? The case, no surprise, will be solved but I did not foresee some of the twists.
I highly recommend this title. If you like mysteries by Tana French, this could be just your cup of tea…or should I say pint?
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. I rate this book most highly

Love Your Body Your body can do amazing things… by Jessica Sanders

This book should be on every child’s bookshelf!  It will help to counter the negative feelings that so many kids seem to grow up with in terms of how their body looks and/or functions.  This title encourages and reminds children to appreciate all that their body can do and to love it exactly how it is.  Highly recommended!

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

#LoveYourBody #NetGalley

Editorial Review

“This is an important book about positive body image and self-affirmation that every young person should read, regardless of gender or sexual orientation. The cartoon illustrations, all girls, depict an amazing assortment of body types, and the universal message about accepting every unique and special aspect of every body, in the literal sense, comes through loud and clear. Readers are reminded to celebrate and be thankful for everything their bodies can do, whether they’re playing sports or cuddling little brothers, and not to fret about things they wish their bodies could do. Ten realistic self-care tips are provided in the text and as a poster on the back of the book’s jacket—they include connecting with nature, dressing up and strutting around, and finding a meaningful quote and using it as a mantra. More important, readers are encouraged to seek help from a trusted adult when they feel down about themselves and nothing seems to help. The author is a social worker based in Australia, and she offers a website with support resources ranging from mindfulness activities to lesson plans. The text addresses readers personally, and hopefully audiences just getting used to their bodies will internalize this important message.”  

– Kathleen McBroom, Booklist, Starred Review

From the publisher:

body positivity

body positivity

body positivity

If you are ever finding it hard to love your body, try writing a list of all the great things that your body helps you to do.

Everyone needs to ask for help sometimes—you are not alone.

Show your body love and thanks by practicing self-care. Sometimes you will forget and some days it will feel nearly impossible, and that’s okay. When this happens, just remember to be kind to yourself—speak to yourself like you would your very best friend.

Would you vacation here? The House on Fripp Island by Rebecca Kauffman

F

Fripp Island: three miles of what should be the perfect vacation break locale. The characters: Scott and Lisa and their children, and Poppy and John and theirs. How do they come together? Scott won a trip to the island in a company raffle. After having some trouble finding another family with whom to share their good fortune, Lisa invites Poppy and her family along. Poppy was a friend of Lisa’s when she was growing up although their paths have diverged. But, something is wrong, very wrong. Readers learn this right away as the beginning of the story is told by someone who was murdered. What happened? Why? What are the characters hiding?
Honestly, I wanted to enjoy this book more than I did. My issue was that I did not like the characters as much as I had hope that I would. Still, other readers may feel differently and this book does feel like a good summer suspense read.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

Some other opinions:

“Kauffman’s keen, atmospheric follow-up to The Gunners explores class, friendship, and dark family secrets…inevitably, events spiral to a shocking conclusion. Kauffman’s characters leap off the page…Readers will devour this suspenseful summer drama.” —Publishers Weekly

“Our assumptions about whose tensions, desires, rages, and shy longings might erupt into murder are provoked and reversed right up until the final pages, when the mystery of Fripp Island is revealed…An entertaining and ultimately tender book.” —Kirkus

“The tensions between the haves and the have-nots offer an insight into contemporary America…In watchful prose by turns powerful and delicate, the action builds to an event as inevitable as it was unpredictable. Gripping.” —The Sunday Times

“Suspenseful…While the fault lines…allow for plenty of tart observations on marital disenchantment, Kaufmann spins a secondary, far more disconcerting story about the toxic power of suspicion and rumour. A smart summer read.” —The Daily Mail

#TheHouseonFrippIsland #NetGalley

Recently published: Jean-Michel Basquiat by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara

I always look forward to reading the latest entries in this wonderful series that features little people with big dreams. This time Ms. Vegara Sanchez is writing about the artist Basquiat. She is joined by the illustrator who contributes a great deal to the look and feel of this title.
Young readers will learn that Jean-Michel loved art from the young age of four. He found his calling early in life. Children will learn that he had his own unique contributions to make to the art world and that he became close friends with another well known artist, Andy Warhol.
Kids who read this book will know that art can be made in many ways. That is a good lesson to learn along with the reminder to follow one’s passion.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

#JeanMichelBasquiat #NetGalley

Now out: Little White Fish Deep Beneath the Sea by Guido Van Genechten

This title is beautifully and colorfully illustrated against black pages. All of the sea creatures look so friendly and adorable.
The story line is simple. Little White Fish wants to know what is on the bottom of the ocean. Many of his friends warn him against swimming all the way down but White Fish persists. What does he find? How does he get back to his friends?
This is a sweet book that celebrates adventure and friendship. I enjoyed it.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

#LittleWhiteFishDeepintheSea #NetGalley