Author: joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews

The author of this book offers much helpful information and advice to those who have difficulty sleeping due to anxiety. The book offers guidance on the ways in which cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help people who are often awake at night. Along with the educative sections, which are detailed and useful, the book includes spaces for reflection where a reader can write journal entries within the book. There are also other helpful sections including a sleep assessment survey and an insomnia severity tool. Additional sections called try this offer useful ways to engage and improve one’s nights.
Many thanks to Callisto publishing for this title in exchange for providing an honest review. I have found this book to be a helpful resource. Four stars.

From the publisher:

This is a picture book for young children. It tells of two friends who love being together and enjoy all of the same things. Each likes the same kind of jam, feeds the carrots that they are supposed to eat to the class rabbit instead, get haircuts at the same time, etc. To one another they feel like twins and they wonder if people can tell them apart. The reader may want to pay attention to the fact that they are shown in different colors, as they are of different races.

The charm of this book is that the children have not yet learned prejudice. It is based upon a real story. This would be a good book for a nursery/preschool child as it could open up discussion. The illustrations are bold and lively.

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

This publisher does an excellent job of adapting classics for younger readers. In this instance, the choice is one of the most well known of the Sherlock Holmes canon. Readers will become engaged in the story which is enhanced with cartoon like illustrations. Hopefully, young readers appetite for more stories of Holmes and Watson will follow.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review. Of note is that the adapter explains the meaning of some of the words that may be unfamiliar to the young, modern reader.

Pub Date 14 May 2020  

#kidsSherlock #NetGalley

So many of the books that I have been reviewing seem relevant to our current circumstances. At this moment spouses may be spending more time together than usual and tensions may arise in just about any relationship. While this book was not written with covid in mind, it does seem like a very good resource for now.
The author is a trained clinician who offers this book to couples. Professionals may also find it to be helpful in their work with clients. The book is well organized. Each of the 52 chapters begins with a short vignette about a couple. Following this an activity of some kind is offered. For instance, there is a chapter on self care. This includes many helpful suggestions of ways to care for oneself. Following these ideas, the author offers discussion questions for partners to chat about.
If couples are in serious, unrelenting difficulty it may be risky to try to treat oneself although, with respectful interaction, this book might still be a resource. For those who wish for a better relationship and better communication this title looks quite helpful.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

#EasyMarriageCounseling #NetGalley

From the publisher:

One of many engaging exercises:

Answer these questions with your partner. Examine your traditions for holidays and discuss new traditions you may want to create.

1. What were your family’s traditions for the holiday season? Be specific. What did it look like? What did you do together? How much time did you spend with family? Did you have any important traditions or rituals, like foods, activities or tasks, or family outings?
2. Is there any overlap in the ways you and your partner celebrated holidays? What are the differences?
3. What feels refreshing about how your partner celebrates holidays? What makes you nervous?
4. What traditions are important for you to carry on in your family, and what new traditions do you want to establish?
5. If you have or plan to have kids, what do you want them to experience from the holidays?

Mystery, historical fiction, a thriller, Snoopy and the book that sparked my interest in Sociology.

The author of this lavishly illustrated title encourages readers to make sketchbooks that are uniquely theirs; she emphasizes that perfection is not the goal. Rather the book is designed as a guided journey and exploration as readers create their own books. The author points out that a sketchbook is a safe place, kind of like a journal it seems to me.
In our current time when it feels that there is so much to stress about, this book will be welcomed by those who need a venue to express and show feelings, thoughts, artwork and more. Throughout the author is encouraging and non-judgmental; she is a welcome companion on the journey.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

#ExpressiveSketchbooks #NetGalley

I remember Ramona Quimby and her family from both my own childhood and those of my children. Because of so many happy memories, I was thrilled to receive this book from the publisher and NetGalley in return for an honest review.
The author of this title gives ample attention to the difficulty of writing a book that will engage and appeal to young readers. Of course, she notes Beverly Cleary’s skill in this regard. The author also reminds readers that the illustrations of Ms. Cleary’s books were not static but evolved over the decades. For us, this may mean that some sections of the book evoke more nostalgia than others.
Joyously readers will spend time not only with Ramona but also Beezus, Henry Higgins, Ribsy and more. In addition to the many illustrations, there are excerpts from the books. If this makes you smile, you will definitely delight in this volume.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

Pub Date 01 Sep 2020

#TheArtofRamonaQuimby #NetGalley

This sampler includes excerpts of new novels from three writers of women’s fiction, all of which promise escape reading.  One of the titles, Sunrise on Half Moon Bay, I have already read and enjoyed.  Another, the novel by Ms. Thayne is in my TBR pile.  The final entry, Seduced by a Steele, is new to me.  There is enough of a teaser for each novel that readers will easily be able to decide if they want to read the full title.

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

#SamplerMothersDayReadsfromHarlequin #NetGalley

A mix…women’s fiction, thrillers and mystery, novels, biography and a children’s title.

I have read many entries in Sulari Gentill’s Rowland Sinclair series and very much enjoyed them. Ms. Gentill created a very full, interesting world in those novels, peopled by characters with whom I wanted to spend time.
After She Wrote Him was something new for the author and for me as well. This book is a standalone. A story about Madeleine and Edward, it is idiosyncratic and unique. While I admire the risks that the author took in this title, I prefer the Rowly series. Still, I will always take a look at anything this author writes.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.