Author: joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews

I love stories that are set in Ireland.  This has led me to read all of the Tana French books, books by Benjamin Black and Sarah Stewart Taylor’s new first in a series.  I also give a shout out to the novels by Dervla McTiernan.

Here we have a cozy mystery by Sheila Connolly who also makes Ireland the location for her series featuring Maura Donovan.   This is the eighth featuring Bosten ex=pat Maura Donovan.  This one includes fairy forts and murder.  Will Maura resolve everything including her relationship with her mother?

This book can feel a bit slow and repetitive at times but I think that it will be enjoyed by readers of the author’s other stories in the series.

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

#FatalRoots #NetGalley

The Reginald Hill was one of my favorites of the author’s many books.  I read and reviewed (and enjoyed) The Gown.  The H.G. Wells is free.  The Rennie Airth should be liked by fans of Charles Todd, among others.  Enjoy.

This title is very cute and will be loved by doodlers.  Learn to draw in many categories including animals, people, food, flowers & plants, around the house and more.   The book begins with lots of information about ballpoint pens (a lot more than I had guessed that there was to know here)  and drawing materials before going into how to make the many objects included within.  The end of the book has a section on “special lessons” should a reader want to learn more techniques.  Throughout are adorable doodles that I know that I will enjoy creating.

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

pub date:  September 1, 2020

This book will surely be welcomed by those who enjoy armchair travel and women’s fiction.  The French setting is lovely and escapist.  The four main characters are women that you will wish well as they grow and explore.  All in all, a recipe for a perfect summer read.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving  me the opportunity to spend quality time with Amy, Chelsea, Victoria and Matilda.  All opinions are my own.  Bon voyage!

Children have such wide ranging interests and are curious about so many things. Many will have been bitten by a mosquito at some point. For kids who like insects or want to know more about that itch, this is a good resource. It is geared toward elementary school aged children and is full of facts. Accompanying these facts are cartoon illustrations that are pretty funny.
So young entomologists here is a good resource for you. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

This book offers adolescents moments of contemplation, ninety in all.  The title is clearly geared toward Christian teens but the ideas could be thought about regardless of one’s faith.  For example, how does one learn from mistakes, what is love and more.

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

Are you using this time at home to improve your mind?  Would you like to learn a bit about philosophy?  If so, this book provides a brief overview of the subject.  Those who become intrigued will not doubt want to read further but, if you just want a sense of the important thinkers, this book will provide exactly that.

This title starts in 585 BCE and works its way up to philosophy since 1960.  Thus, it is very comprehensive.  I enjoyed this book.  Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

By the way, if you would like to learn more about philosophy from a novel, try this.I very much enjoyed this title.

This alphabet book is intended to be fun for a baby but even more so for baby’s adult. Babies will see some adorable illustrations and fashion ABCs while adults will enjoy the sense of humor that permeates this title. For example, E is for evening wear shows a picture of a child’s slippers. New parents may well chuckle as they contemplate what evening wear might have once meant to them. The book is full of this kind of amusement and should bemuse new parents..
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

Pub date: August 4, 2020

#FisforFashionDarling #NetGalley

We hear a lot about the importance of gratitude in our lives.  But why is living with this emotional response and belief so important?  For those who are interested in taking a deep dive into the topic, this book collects a number of essays and comes with a good imprimatur.  The essays lean toward the academic so be prepared but time spent with this title will be time well spent. Read the book in order or browse.  Either way you will be rewarded as you learn more about how the science of thankfulness can “rewire our brains for resilience, optimism and the greater good.”

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

Pub date:  September 1, 2020

#TheGratitudeProject #NetGalley

This collection of tales from the Greek myths includes so many well known stories. These retelling will be enjoyed by the intended audience of children and also, I think, by adults. Inside this book are the stories of Zeus, the Titans, Apollo, Athena, Demeter, Persephone, Prometheus, Midas and many more. There is also a final section called “About the Myths” which provides additional information.
The author begins by putting the myths in context. They were used by the ancient Greeks to help in understanding their world and, because of this they were essential. Not only were the stories a part of the oral tradition, they also appeared in art, theaters and more, thus revealing their importance in daily life.

The stories themselves are well told and accompanied by illustrations that enhance the text. The book looks engaging and encourages a reader to see what comes next.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review. I would like to purchase this book when it is published. It is a good and readable reference.

#GreekMyths #NetGalley