joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews

Come for a visit: Under Scottish Stars by Carla Laureano

This book is the third in a trilogy that includes Five Days in Skye and London Tides. I have not read the first two novels but did not find that to be an issue as this book could be read as a standalone.

What I most enjoyed about the book was its setting on the Isle of Skye. It is a place that I would love to visit and the fictional hotel in the story would be just the place to stay! I also liked the two main characters Serena and Malcolm, each of whom has a history and some sadness in their past. Yes, it is a bit predictable how they interact with each other but the nice thing about that was that I could just relax and enjoy the story as it unfolded.

I recommend Under the Scottish Stars for those who are looking for a comfortable read. By the way, I listened to part of the book on audio and loved the Scottish voices in the dialogue.

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

#UnderScottishStars #NetGalley

Lucy Foley on her new book. From the NYT Book Review

Staff picks from the NYT Book Review

Highly recommended! A World Full of Poems/Selected by Sylvia M. Vardell

This gorgeously illustrated title provides a wonderful introduction to poetry for young children. The adults who share or read these poems will also enjoy the experience.

The poems are organized by subjects including, for example, Family and Friends, Feelings, Animals and Nature, Cities, Towns and Travel, Fun and Games, Science and Art, Body and Health and A World of Learning. The range is vast and appealing.

I enjoyed so many of these poems, for instance, I’m Bigger by Kristy Dempsey. What older sibling won’t enjoy this paean to having skills that the new baby lacks while also acknowledging love for that tiny creature?

This book is inclusive. For example, the section on family includes poems about everything from adoption to same sex families to the Korean tradition of a baby choosing an object that is tied to their future to a poem titled Abuelita. Throughout this book, on all other subjects this book is equally inviting.

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

#AWorldFullofPoems #NetGalley

Pub date: October 6, 2020

Watch what you eat: Death by Dumpling A Noodle Shop Mystery by Vivien Chien

This is the first entry in what is now a seven book series. The setting and characters are both enjoyable.

Protagonist Lana moved away from her family but finds herself back with them and their restaurant after a series of setbacks. She is not eager to be living with her mother whose deepest wish is for Lana to get married. She had also not expected to be back working at her family’s restaurant. Nor was she expecting to be investigating a murder. But, of course, life does not always go as expected.

If you are a reader who enjoys cozies, you may well find yourself reading this novel, maybe even with a good dinner! Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

#DeathByDumpling #NetGalley

Some e book bargains for August 22, 2020

The Cloister Tess of the D'Urbervilles The Widow Broken Ground (Karen Pirie Books Book 5) Tess is just $.99 today. It is a classic. I enjoy books by both Barton and McDermid; there are both today. Enjoy.

Now out: A Barrel of Good Clean Jokes for Kids by Bob Phillips

The jokes in this title concern twenty-one different topics including (among others) A Long Day at School, Colorful Characters and From A to Z. Learning to “get” jokes is a stage in children’s development. Those who have reached this milestone will, no doubt, enjoy sharing these jokes with others. This book includes enough jokes to keep a child going for days.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

#ABarrelofGoodCleanJokesforKids #NetGalley

To be an educated citizen: World Politics in 100 Words Start conversations and spark inspiration by Eleanor Levenson

Politics is a subject much talked about in our current climate. This title, geared to elementary school children aims to educate and open up topics for discussion. As the title notes, there are 100 words in all. Just a few of those included are bureaucracy, activist, capitalism, patriotism, leader and more.

Many thanks to NetGalley for this title in exchange for an honest review. This well illustrated reference deserves a place on school and home library shelves.

#WorldPoliticsin100Words #NetGalley

From the publisher:

politics

Politics

The Greek philosopher Aristotle wrote a book, Politics, in the fourth century BC, analyzing the different ways of governing (being in charge) and the questions that arise from these. Not much has changed since. Today we use the word politics to refer to the people and processes involved in making decisions about how we live our lives, and how people try to achieve that power, such as running for election, making political friends (and enemies) who will help them on their path to power, and coming up with ideas for what they would do if they actually ever achieve this.

Sovereignty

The idea that a country is free to decide how it rules itself is called sovereignty, so a sovereign state is one that governs itself. This means that whatever form of government is in charge of making the rules in a country—whether it is an elected government or an absolute monarch (a king or queen who decides everything—it should be able to do so without other countries and organizations interfering. In reality, countries are bound by many treaties (agreements they sign with other countries) and by international law, which are laws that govern the relationships between different countries.

Independence

When one nation is ruled by another, it may seek independence, which means it wants to become its own country with its own government making its own laws. In some cases this may mean leaving an empire. In others it may be leaving a union that was entered into willingly in the past. To be independent a country must define its borders and be recognized by other countries, usually by being admitted to the United Nations. The country may have to gain independence by winning a vote, by fighting a war, or through peaceful negotiation with the current governing country.

Grassroots

Ordinary people who make up the majority of those in an organization or political party are considered to be the grassroots. As the name suggests, it means starting from the bottom (roots) up, so ideas that originate with ordinary members or activists, or leaders who emerge from this group of people, are considered to come from the grassroots. This is instead of ideas that start with leaders and then are communicated downward to the rest of the organization. If a politician is said to be losing touch with the grassroots it means they no longer know what ordinary people think.

It can be done! Finding Work You Love 3 Steps to Getting the Perfect Job After College by Kirk Snyder

Anyone who has been through the process of that first. post college, job search knows how stressful the process can be. While it can be exciting to go out into the world hoping for the perfect (or good enough) position, it can also be stressful and try one’s self-confidence. Making time for reflection before the job search begins can be very helpful as the author of this book knows.

Kirk Snyder is a university professor who appears to have the credentials and experience to help those venturing out into the world. He created a class at USC to address the issues that he writes about and shares what he has learned in this book which offers a systematic approach to finding a good job with a good fit. The has three sections, one on defining one’s value in the job market, the next on finding a fit and the final section of getting a perfect position. Throughout he writes in a relatable style that includes many vignettes. All in all, he helps students to reflect, plan and look for a job.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review. This title could be a good gift (or gift (to one’s self) or for those in college and beyond.

#FindingWorkYouLove #NetGalley

Some e book bargains for August 21, 2020

The Secret Chord The Temptation of Forgiveness (Commissario Brunetti Book 27) Beastly Things (Commissario Brunetti Book 21) The Age of Light: A Novel Strong Poison (The Lord Peter Wimsey Mysteries Book 6) Wicked Autumn: A Max Tudor Novel