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!

A crucial time: A Week at the Shore A Novel by Barbara Delinsky

In Barbara Delinsky’s newest novel, one week changes lives as relationships are re-examined, rekindled and renewed.

One week, usually not much happens in that amount of time, but for the characters in this novel past and present come together as old hurts along with family secrets and relationships surface along with questions about a disappearance.

Protagonist Mallory lives with her thirteen-year-old daughter Joy in New York where she has a busy life as a photographer.   Mallory’s camera allows her to both be creative and to look at the world through her own (literal) lens.  Mallory’s sister Anne lives in the Rhode Island town that Mallory left behind. Anne cares for her father, runs a (delicious sounding) breakfast restaurant, The Sunny Side Up and tries to decide what she wants from a relationship.  Third sister Margo has also left town and lives in Chicago with her family.  The three sisters reunite at the shore.

Also in Rhode Island is Mallory’s boyfriend from her younger years.  They had a serious falling out when Jack’s mother disappears from Mallory’s father’s boat, not to be heard from for over twenty years.   What happened to her?  What was the involvement of Mallory’s father?  Did he cause her death?  Did she die? Will he talk?  This is one of the big mysteries of the novel but there are others including the question of Mallory’s paternity.

I grew up in Rhode Island where the book is set.   To me the town seemed generic though, like any beach town, not especially RI-ey.  However, the town was charming and readers will wish that they could visit there.

This is a solid novel that kept me turning the pages.  It was not my favorite book by this author but I definitely enjoyed it and do recommend it to those who enjoy women’s fiction.  I preferred Ms. Delinsky’s last novel, Before and Again but that just means that you could read both!

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

Before and Again: A NovelBefore and Again…how does what happens, mistakes that we have made, impact our view of the past, our present and our belief in the future? These big issues are fictionally brought to life in Barbara Delinsky’s newest novel.
Early on in the book, the reader learns that a moment of inattention led to the death of the protagonist’s daughter, Lily. Any parent can, but does not want to, imagine what this could mean. The reader watches as Maggie tries to move on and start fresh but…can/should the past be denied? A concurrent theme involves Grace who has secrets and stories of her own. In addition, Grace’s son is accused of computer hacking and the consequences of his act may impact his future, just as Maggie and Grace are impacted by their pasts.
I found the characters to be sympathetically drawn and would recommend this book to readers of women’s fiction.

 

 

Stars Before Bedtime A mindful fall-asleep book by Jessamy Hibberd; Claire Grace

This book is geared towards three-to-six year olds and the adult who reads them a bedtime story.  The author notes that, in the age of screens, it is more difficult for children to relax and get ready to go to sleep.  One possible solution is to look at this book with a child once they are ready for bed.

Using stories and imagery from the constellations and mythology, a number of short tales are told.  Alongside these are stretches, breathing exercises and other mindfulness activities to help a child become ready for sleep.

The author wisely suggests reading in any order and trying out activities even if you are not certain that your little one will engage.  To me, it seems worth the effort.

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

#StarsBeforeBedtime #NetGalley

Fatal Inheritance A Novel by Rachel Rhys

Eve Forrester is living a conventional life in 1940s  England where she is married (to the first man who asked) and is in a relationship that is passionless and stifling.  However, Eve’s life changes early in the book when, in a common fictional trope, she receives a letter.  This letter sends Eve to France where she has been left a quarter share in a house on the French Riviera. Why?  Who was the mysterious Guy who left a piece of a home that is like technicolor to Rachel’s formerly drab life?

The reader meets many of the people with whom Eve interacts in France including a writer, an actress, an art dealer and members of Guy’s family.  Reminiscent of the novels of Mary Stewart or Daphne DuMaurier’s Rebecca, there are threats to our protagonist.

As is true of books of this genre, the reader turns the pages feeling confident that. after turmoil, all will be better for Eve.  The fun of the novel is watching as she gets there.

Rachel Rhys does a lovely job in describing the settings of the book.  I wanted to spend time in the house where Eve stayed.  The characters are slightly stock, the mystery a bit convoluted yet I very much enjoyed the escapism of this read.

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

Editorial Reviews

Review

#FatalInheritance #NetGalley

Hungry? The World Eats Here Amazing Food and the Inspiring People Who Make It at New York’s Queens Night Market by John Wang; Storm Garner

Imagine that you live in one of the world’s most populous cities.  Imagine that not only are there lots of people but that there are lots of foods.  Imagine that you would like to taste some of them.  Well, if you are in New York City’s Borough of Queens, this is something that you can not only imagine but experience.  For everyone else, enjoy this virtual trip and its wonderful food culture and recipes.

Just some of the places that are the origins for the food at the market are Puerto Rico, Trinidad, Peru, Argentina, South Africa, India,South Korea, Indonesia, Russia and Ukraine.  Enjoy recipes for a pastrami sandwich, Salvadoran chicken tamales, Peruvian Ceviche, Guyanese Beef Patties, Trinidadian Callaloo, Almond Biscotti, Ukrainian Blintzes with Creamy Mushrooms , Pakistani Tandoori Chicken Kati, Beef Momos with Hot Sauce and many more.

Illustrated with many photographs as well as drawings this is a visually appealing cookbook that also includes stories about many of the cooks.  Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this amazing food journey.  All opinions are my own.

#TheWorldEatsHere #NetGalley

Time to play tennis: Evonne Goolagong by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara

This title is yet another wonderful entry in one of my favorite series for kids.  Each book features someone who had a dream and worked to make it come true.  In this entry, young readers learn about the childhood and accomplishments  a well-known tennis champion.

Young Evonne grew up in Australia at a time when there was prejudice against the indigenous population.  She was raised in a family of eight children where money was scarce but…one day she found a ball and her lifelong passion for tennis.

The author tells readers that Evonne was not allowed to play on the court in her community.  She stood outside to listen and learn until one day someone gave her a key so that she could practice on the court at night.

From this beginning Evonne was “discovered” by a coach and moved to Sydney.  She became a successful player who remembered her family’s advice to enjoy the game.  Evonne won many championships and was the first mom to win a major tournament at Wimbledon.

The illustrations in this book are so cheerful and the story of Evonne is inspiring. I recommend adding this title to your home or school library.

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

#EvonneGoolagong #NetGalley

From the publisher:

Evonne Goolagong (Little People, BIG DREAMS)

childrens book

childrens book

childrens book

childrens book

Evonne’s family was very poor and couldn’t afford to buy her many toys. But one day, under the wheel of her father’s car, Evonne found the most amazing treasure: an old tennis ball.

But taking part in a world-class tennis tournament felt like a fairy tale to a little Indigenous girl! Evonne was not allowed to join a tennis club and had to watch the games through the fence, memorizing everything the coach said.

She had to wait nine years until she won Wimbledon again. That day, there was a very special guest watching her from the stands—her daughter Kelly. Evonne became the first mother to win the tournament in more than 60 years.

When she retired, Evonne kept inspiring the next generation of Australian tennis players, helping young Indigenous children make it onto the court. And this is how little Evonne became the most graceful player the world has ever met. A living legend who breaks barriers every time she hits the ball.

Time to cook: The Quick & Easy Healthy Cookbook 125 Delicious Recipes Ready in 30 Minutes or Less by Carrie Forrest, MBA, MPH

I am impressed by the number of good cookbooks I have seen by this publisher. This is yet another one based on fast, not too complicated recipes. The section on breakfast includes vegan tofu scramble breakfast burrito, breakfast bacon sausage patties and a strawberry banana smoothie. Next come soups and salads, for example, curry chicken salad, lemon quinoa vegetable salad and coconut green curry soup with beef and vegetables. Are you hungry yet?
The chapter on vegetable mains has everything from a Mexican corn tortilla and beans casserole to vegan coconut and mushroom risotto. There are seafood mains like Parmesan and tomato foil baked halibut and pesto baked salmon with vegetables. For poultry think turkey Parmesan meatballs, loaded chicken and black bean nachos and orange chicken stir fry. Meat recipes include barbecue meatloaf muffins and one dish pepper steak skillet. The book even has recipes for deeserts and snacks.
This cookbook includes so many recipes and they all look very easy for those who are not kitchen whizzes. I recommend this one. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

From the publisher:
healthy cookbook, clean eating cookbook, meal prep, health, clean eating, meal prep cookbook

Delicious recipes like:

Sheet Pan Beef and Broccoli

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and set aside.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the steak, broccoli, tamari, olive oil, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine, making sure that all the beef and broccoli get coated with the sauce.

3. Put the beef and broccoli onto the sheet pan. Use a spoon to spread the ingredients into a flat layer. Bake the mixture for 15 minutes, or until the meat has cooked through and the vegetables have started to brown.

4. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and top the mixture with the scallions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve hot.

Per serving: Total calories: 340; total fat: 21g; saturated fat: 7g; carbohydrates: 10g; sugar: 4g; fiber: 3g; protein: 26g; sodium: 781mg; cholesterol: 76mg

This quick and easy Asian-inspired dish is made using the sheet pan method. The ingredients get coated with the sweet and spicy homemade sauce, and then baked until the meat is cooked through and the veggies are still crisp. I like to serve this dish over cooked white or brown rice.

Active Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 25 minutes Yield: 4 servings Serving size: 1¼ cups

NUT-FREE GLUTEN-FREE DAIRY-FREE

  • 1 pound sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 4 cups broccoli florets
  • ¼ cup reduced sodium tamari
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 3 scallions, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

  • #TheQuickEasyHealthyCookbook #NetGalley