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!

Slowing down: Thank You, Miyuki by Roxane Marie Galliez, Seng Soun Ratanavanh

Most impressive in this title are the gorgeous illustrations that accompany the text.  With shades of pink and turquoise predominating, the gentle pictures evoke a lovely sense of the relationship between Miyuki and her grandfather as the active Miyuki learns to slow down and meditate with her grandfather.  This is a sweet book; it is worth looking at along with all of the Miyuki titles.

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

Pub date:  September 1, 2020

#ThankYouMiyuki #NetGalley

Now out: Let’s Fix Up the Yard by Robert Pizzo

This is a nice book for young children about what is involved in cleaning the yard and making a garden. There are pictures of the tools that are involved and pictures of them being used. The book ends in a cute way with the yard workers needing a rest. The only thing that I did not like about this well illustrated book was the use of the circle heads with no features at all. I think that young children might be happier seeing a simple face.

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

#LetsFixUptheYard #NetGalley

Is it a good time to know more? Practical Genealogy 50 Simple Steps to Research Your Diverse Family History by Brian Sheffey

This title is exactly as described; it provides an excellent and practical guide to exploring family history. Just a few of the many things that a reader can find out from this book include learning how to research land records, learning what can be found out from a “binding order” and ways to listen to the music of one’s cultural heritage. Each section of this book is short and practical. I think that this book will be useful to many and , most especially, to those who are just beginning their exploration.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

#PracticalGenealogy #NetGalley

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Research Naturalization Records

With the exception of Native Americans, the United States is a country of immigrants—many of whom eventually became citizens. Unless you’re researching Native American ancestors, at some point you’ll need to access immigration and naturalization records. These documents will give you interesting insights into details such as whether your ancestors traveled alone or with family members and how old they were when they made the journey.

Find and Review Passenger Ship Logs

Passenger ship logs are a rich source of information about your ancestors. While not always easy to locate, these logs are worth the effort. What job did your immigrant fourth great-grandparents have back in their native Palermo, Italy? How old were they when they arrived? Did your third great-grandmother Janie arrive in Baltimore on her own or with her parents and siblings? Passenger ship logs just might have the answers.

Explore Marriage Records

Local laws usually required that marriages be recorded in civil records, regardless of whether a civil or church authority performed the ceremony.

Typically, the clerk of the town or county where the bride resided stored the marriage record. However, marriage records—particularly early ones—can also be housed in state archives. You can find more recent marriage documents in a state’s Vital Records Division.

Don’t quit: The Finisher by Peter Lovesey

I have read every book in Peter Lovesey’s wonderful Peter Diamond series so I was absolutely overjoyed to receive this e galley to review.  As always, the story takes place in Bath, England; the setting is vividly brought to life with its unique architecture and planned design.  Imagine my surprise and delight when I found that a significant location in this title was the very street that I had lived on in Bath.  It just added extra joy for me as I read this.

Peter Lovesey has a sardonic, playful sense of humor which was very present in this book.  The title has several meanings as becomes clear as one reads.  There are police officers, most already known to the devoted readers of the series, along with other characters who are vividly brought to life including a criminal from an old case of Diamond’s, a murder victim, the Russian Olga, teacher Maeve, illegal immigrants and many more.  Some of these characters are in a half marathon that is central to the action of the story.

Lovesey spins plates in the air as the plot evolves and he manages to get to the end of the novel without dropping any of them.  I loved this book and hope that Lovesey, who is in his 80s, will just keep on writing.

Many, many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest view.  I adored my virtual trip to Bath and the time spent with this book and its characters.

#TheFinisher #NetGalley

Now out: Hush… Little Bear Is Sleeping A Book with Sounds by Surya Sajnani

This is a short, beautifully illustrated book in which the illustrations playfully evoke nighttime. This title is designed to help the littlest ones to fall asleep. As I had a proof copy, unfortunately I could not hear the sounds but this is a sweet book even without them.

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

Let’s escape with stories: Celtic Mythology for Kids Tales of Selkies, Giants, and the Sea by Chris Pinard

Many people grow up learning about Greek and Roman mythology but, of course, many cultures have their stories of heroes/heroines and gods/goddesses.  This book compiles many of these stories that are Celtic in origin.

Children who read or have the stories read to them will spend time with giants, fairies, witches, selkies and more.  The stories are well told and each ends with a short section of things to think about.  The stories are divided into four topics including mischief makers and monstrous fakers, for love alone, landscapes in Celtic folklore and into the wide and wild world. Enjoy these exciting tales from Wales, Scotland, Ireland and  Brittany.

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

#CelticMythologyforKids #NetGalley

From the publisher:

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The Giant’s Causeway

In the north of Ireland lived the foster mother of the legendary hero Finn Mac Cumhaill. Years before, Finn had eaten a magical salmon and earned the gift of divine inspiration.