Author: joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews

Mystery, suspense and in The Leavers, a well reviewed novel with immigration and its problems at its heart.  Also, a classic women’s fiction title.  I still remember how I became so absorbed in Emma’s story.

The story of Alan Turing is beautifully told in this new title in the Little People, Big Dreams series.  Nothing is glossed over as the story is told not only about the breaking of the Engima code but also Turing’s being gay and the way that he was treated in England.

Readers of this title who may feel a bit alone or different will be encouraged by learning about all that Alan did, after he faced the loss of a person very important to him.  This book could be a great jumping off point for talking with a child.

Alan’s story is told in a matter of fact style.  The illustrations are lovely, expressive and greatly enhance the text.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read a book in one of my favorite series.

#AlanTuring #NetGalley

Bird Summons tells the story of three Muslim women who go on a vacation/pilgrimage to visit the grave of a Scottish woman who converted to Islam. Each of these friends has a full life and issues with which to cope. They form the basis of the novel.

Salma was born in Egypt. She was a physician there but is not able to practice her profession in the U.K. Instead, she is a massage therapist. Salma is married to David, who had converted to Islam before they met. Salma has only self-imposed restrictions in her life. She has recently heard from an old love who is still in Egypt. What decisions will she make?

Moni has a traditional marriage although it is a stressed one. Moni has a son with profound developmental issues who is the focus of her life. Will she move to be with her husband back in the Middle East? What would this mean to her son and her?

Imam, the youngest of these friends, has lived her life on the basis of her beauty. She thinks that she has found a relationship that will sustain her but, unfortunately, her partner does not seem willing to face the lack of acceptance of the relationship from his family. Will she come into her own?

The story centers on these characters both as individuals and in their interactions with each other. The novel is a mix of straightforward narrative and strange tales told by a symbolic bird. What do these bird summons mean to the characters? Read the book to find out.

This novel is a good read. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in return for my honest review.

A few titles for today.  The Oz book is free.  Donna Leon and Dorothy Simpson are both from series.

Oh, how I would love to sleep better!  If the same is true for you, spend a little time with this title; I think that it may help you.

This book is divided into sections covering Sleep in Perspective, Patterns of Sleep, The Sleep Environment, The Sleeping Body, A Mind for Sleep, and Overcoming Sleep Problems.  Each section includes many short subsections that seemed quite informative.

The book also includes a number of exercises to help further your sleep goals. Some utilize mindfulness techniques; others require things like making a sleep diary.  There are also many suggestions as for example, what kind of bed might be best for an individual.

This title is comprehensive. It may well restate some things that you already know such as the impact of alcohol and caffeine on sleep but there is also much that was new.  Throughout the book is calmly illustrated.

I recommend Learn to Sleep Well  if you would like to think more about your sleep patterns and are on a quest to wake up each day feeling better.

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

Of these, my choice would be the Ruth Rendell first but take a look to see if something else appeals to you.  Let me know!

I recently reviewed this book, Recipe for a Perfect Wife. Here is another take.

The Way Through the Woods by Colin Dexter

Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah

Northanger Abbey by Val McDermid

The Paris Seamstress by Natasha Lester

To Let by John Galsworthy

Twice I have lost my comments. I quit! But these are all good titles. Special shout out to Winter Garden.

September by Rosamunde Pilcher

Shem Creek by Dorothea Enron Frank

The Pilgrim of Hate by Ellis Peters

The Charlotte and Thomas Pitt novels, volume 2 by Anne Perry

Visitation Street by Ivy Pochada

Death and Judgement and The Temptation of Forgiveness by Donna Leon

The first two are good women’s fiction titles. Then, lots of mysteries. Enjoy!