Author: joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews

This book begins with a biography of the author. He is quite impressive, highly educated and very dedicated. He has made it from Oxbridge to the life of a monk in Scotland. He once was on a meditation retreat of four years duration. For so many reasons Gelong Thubten seems most qualified to be an engaging companion in learning more about happiness.
This book offers a text that raises many things to think (and meditate) upon. There are chapters on What is Happiness?; Stress in the 21st Century; Meditation and Mindfulness; Getting Started; Forgiveness; and more.
The author of this book feels very genuine as he talks about his own experiences and offers thoughts and insights. Take some time to read this one. It may help you and those with whom you interact to indeed understand and find more happiness.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review

Mostly light and entertaining.  I plan to read The Riviera Express; it looks like it might be fun.  The classic title is free.  Enjoy.

Dinnertime for Zaza is a short, colorfully illustrated title for young listeners. The story is simple; Zaza makes dinner for all of her stuffed animal friends. She is a nurturing caretaker to them and encourages them to eat well. Then Mommy comes along and Zaza has her own dinner.

Not at all complicated but cute. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

#DinnertimeforZaza #NetGalley

A new entry in this excellent series is always most welcome. This time, young readers will be inspired by Corazon Aquino.
Readers of this charmingly illustrated book will learn that Cory came to the U.S. to be educated. She later returned to the Philippines with her husband, Ninoy. Corazon always had a voice but it was magnified when her husband was arrested for criticizing the government. As a dictator gained power, the couple and their child were exiled.
What happened to the family? What did Corazon go on to achieve? Readers will find out and hopefully will be inspired to question what governments do when there is a void in democracy.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

Pub date:  August 4, 2020

Every time I find that a new Ruth Galloway book is due to come out, I get super excited. I adore spending time with Ruth and watching the evolution of her relationship with Nelson, the father of Ruth’s daughter Kate.
Long time readers of the series know that Nelson and Ruth’s relationship is a complex one that often leads to cliffhangers in the novels. I think that this relationship will intrigue readers for as long as Ms. Griffiths writes. There is something so lovely about a romantic heroine who is about to turn fifty.
There are so many other interesting characters surrounding Ruth. There is Frank with whom she now lives; Cathbad, yes the Druid; Nelson’s wife and daughters; Cathbad’s reporter daughter and more. There are also highly evocative settings.
And, of course, there is murder and mystery. Ivor has just been jailed for multiple murders. Was he guilty? Who are those with whom he spent time at an artistic retreat? How will these characters interact and intersect with the series regulars? Read the book to find out.
I often find that the case itself intrigues me less than the people in this author’s stories. Still, for the last half hour of reading this title, I was gripped and kept turning the pages eagerly.
This novel could be read as a standalone. If readers do that, I hope they will go back and read the stories from the very first one to catch up. Long terms followers of the series will, I think, be delighted by Ruth’s return.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

Pub date:  July 14, 2020

A couple of classic mysteries and a title by Ms. Jenoff.  Enjoy.

For those who are looking for something fun to do and who are bored with some of their overused covid entertainments, why not try drawing? This book does exactly what it says; it shows you how to draw animals, plants,  people, architecture and more in just a few steps.  This is a fun guide for both kids and beginning artists.

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

From the publisher:

So many readers adore the books by this author that I feel almost as if no review is necessary.  All loyal fans need to see is her name on the title of the book.

This is the third book that I have read by this author.  My favorite is still How to Walk Away, although What You Wish For is certainly an enjoyable read.

I liked the setting of this book, both the Texas location and the vibrant, joyous school where narrator Sam is the librarian. This novel is primarily about Sam and Duncan with attention paid also to those around them.  The two knew each other in the past when Sam had a crush on the flamboyant, exuberant Duncan.  Sam is now at a new school and guess who the new principal is?  (I’m sure that no guess is needed).  But why is Duncan so different?  Will he and Sam connect again?  Even if you feel you know the answers, this book is a good one to laze around with on a summer’s day.  Its message of taking as much joy in life as possible, despite life’s difficulties, is an affirming one.

On NetGalley, there are 1576 reviews and counting with readers all liking the book.  These are the biggest numbers that I have seen on the site.  I think that readers who buy this book will enjoy it too!

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

pub date:  July 14, 2020

All kinds of good fiction here.  See my archive for a review of The Whispers of War.