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 classic adapted for younger readers: A Scandal in Bohemia The Sherlock Holmes Children’s Collection (Easy Classics) by Sir Arthur Conan Dolye (original author), Stephanie Baudet (adapted by)

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.

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#kidsSherlock #NetGalley

Can it be simple? Easy Marriage Counseling 52 Self-Guided Exercises to Deepen Your Relationship by Emelie A. Blank, MA, LMFT, LPC

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?

Now out: Expressive Sketchbooks Developing Creative Skills, Courage, and Confidence by Helen Wells

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

Do you adore Ramona? The Art of Ramona Quimby Sixty-Five Years of Illustrations from Beverly Cleary’s Beloved Books by Anna Katz

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.

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#TheArtofRamonaQuimby #NetGalley

Best New Reads for Mother’s Day: A Sampler

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

Now out: After She Wrote Him by Sulari Gentill

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.

My Book of Gymnastics by DK

Do you know a girl aged seven to nine who is fascinated by gymnastics?  If you do, this book will be perfect for them. Beautifully illustrated with many photos and diagrams, this title is comprehensive.  There are sections on different types of gymnastics, the various pieces of equipment, the role of teamwork, star gymnasts, a quiz and more.  For those who dream of, or just watch, the Olympics, this one is for you.

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

#MyBookofGymnastics #NetGalley
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A good title for our times: The Daily Meditation Book of Healing by Worthy Stokes

While in the midst of our current world crisis, it is very easy to lose one’s temper and/or sense of perspective.  This little book may help those who are frazzled.  It includes a short meditation for every day and, with them, a chance to recalibrate emotionally.  The author shares her experience of coming to meditation in a short introduction; a compelling case is made for the practice.

I will be reading an entry every day.  Maybe doing this will help you too!

Many thanks to Callisto for this title in exchange for an honest review.

Pub date:  May 5, 2020

From the publisher: