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!

Let’s support our families: I’ll Lend You My Daddy A Deployment Book for Military Kids Ages 4-8 by Becky King

Do you know a family in which a dad is deployed?  If so, and if there is a young child in the family, this title may be a welcome resource.  The author, herself, has experience with the subject of her book.

This is a lovely book for helping children to understand and cope with what it means to have a family member away on a deployment.  It will help children to identify and understand some of the feelings that they experience and to realize why a parent is away.  It will also remind them that, even though a parent is away, they are not alone.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.  My only niggle…why is this about dads and not parents?

#IllLendYouMyDaddy #NetGalley

Start the day out right: Breakfast at the Honey Creek Café by Jodi Thomas

This is the first book that I have read by Ms. Thomas.  It is the start of a new series for the author.  I think that this title will be enjoyed by those who read books by writers including Debbie Macomber, Brenda Novak and Robyn Carr.  It is an enjoyable women’s fiction title.

The three main male characters are Colby, Sam and Pecos.  The three women are Piper, Anna and Kerrie.  Their respective relationships form the basis for the romances of the novel.  There is an additional relationship that includes the sheriff and  the woman with whom he is involved.  The setting is a small Texas town where Piper is the mayor.

Colby comes to town to be a bodyguard/detective whose charge is Piper who, in turn, is receiving threats and who had a date with someone who subsequently disappeared.  The sheriff has himself been out of reach and is not there to help for much of the story.

Colby has a back story of injury.  He wants to be a Texas Ranger.  Sam is a minister who is looking to find himself; he has escaped through many other occupations.  Pecos is young, graduating from high school and becoming a man over night.  The women with whom they are involved are strong and are survivors and people who cope.

This is a book that will be welcomed by readers who are looking forward to an easy but enjoyable read.  Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

Pub Date

#BreakfastattheHoneyCreekCafé #NetGalley

A P and P story: The Other Bennet Sister A Novel by Janice Hadlow

Let me just say at the outset that I adore this book.  If you are a Jane Austen fan, definitely take a look at this title.

The other Bennet Sister is Mary.  If you have read P and P, you know how she is portrayed there.  In this title, readers will get to know Mary so much better.  I felt for her immediately as some of the first things to come up in the novel had to do with being a middle sister, bookish, needing glasses, not feeling pretty (enough) and not necessarily wanting to go to parties.  I could identify with these!  I also relate to Mary’s efforts at self improvement as she approaches the piano and her father’s library.  Watching Mary figure out her life while spending time with other members of the Bennet household made this a wonderful read for me.

I think that Ms. Hadlow has captured the tone of Jane Austen.  Mr. B is still sardonic, Mrs. B is a bit empty headed and the sisters are very much themselves.

Another plus of this title for me is its length.  At 480 pages it is a novel to sink into.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this most enjoyable title.  All opinions are my own.

#TheOtherBennetSister #NetGalley

We still need to grin: I Left the House Today! Comics by Cassandra Calin

This book may well make you smile.  The cartoonist seems to have a very good (and personal) understanding of what it is like to be in one’s 20s and navigating life.  There is gentle humor on topics like hair that doesn’t cooperate, not being very tall, and dealing with relationships, schools and many other aspects of life.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title that made me smile.  All opinions are my own.

Pub Date

#ILefttheHouseToday #NetGalley

For when it’s time: Keys to a Successful Retirement by Fritz Gilbert

Keys to a Successful Retirement: Staying Happy, Active, and Productive in Your Retired Years by [Fritz Gilbert]Most of us will retire at some point or perhaps just scale back at work.  Feeling ready and prepared for this life stage is so important and the factors to consider are many.  Finances are what often come first to mind but there are other important considerations including how to spend one’s retirement time, how retirement will impact relationships and more.

This book provides a lot of information to, as the author notes, “staying happy, active, and productive in your retired years.”  In addition to covering everything from depression to using one’s time as one wishes to feel as good as possible, this book also has an excellent section of resources.  These include things like financial websites, lists of retirement blogs, podcasts,  books and much more.

I recommend this book as an excellent resource.  Many thanks to Callisto publishing for this title in exchange for an honest review.

From the publisher:

Consider setting up a “bucket system,” whereby you allocate investments to one of three buckets based on how long it will be before you need to tap into the money.

Don’t retire without thinking about how it’s going to impact your relationships. You’ve never spent as much time together as you will in retirement. Plan for it.

Rather than thinking about seeking your passion, ask yourself, “What can I do with my time that’s important?” Committing your energy to something that matters to you is the true frosting on your retirement cake.

Some e book bargains for April 25, 2020

A variety once again.  I just purchased the short story collection and am excited about dipping into it.  The Paula Daly book was made in to a tv series that is available on one of the streaming networks (I forget if it is on Britbox or Acorn TV.)  The Fletcher mystery is free.  Kristin Hannah has written lots of good women’s fiction titles.  Also Chabon, a title by Delderfield and one on horses.  Hope there is something for you!

100 Years of the Best American Short StoriesBetween SistersCollected FictionJust What Kind of Mother Are You?The Middle Temple MurderChosen by a HorseLong Summer Day

Let’s go: Wilma Rudolph My First Wilma Rudolph by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara

This title is a board book in the Little People, Big Dreams series. As is always true of Ms. Sanchez Vegara’s books, this title is beautifully illustrated and inspiring as it tells the story of athlete Wilma Rudolph. Young children will learn the amazing story of this girl with 19 siblings who went on to achieve great athletic feats, despite having been diagnosed with polio at the age of four.
In telling Wilma’s story, the author honestly and sensitively addresses the racism of Ms. Rudolph’s era. In acknowledging this the author opens the way for a good discussion with a child.
Get these books for a child you know; they will learn that life is full of amazing opportunities and will, hopefully, see that they can set their sights high. They will see too that obstacles can be overcome.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

Pub Date

#WilmaRudolph #NetGalley