Author: joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews

I reviewed The Guest Book (see blog) and liked it.  Before I Go to Sleep was a good thriller.  Betty Smith presents a classic.  If you miss Agatha Christie, you might like The Monogram Murders, though the original AC is better.  Linda Castillo writes a fairly hardboiled series in an Amish community; not cozy.

Hope you see something tht interests you here.

Grow Kind is another title published in conjunction with the American Psychological Association. These books address issues and subjects that will lead to positive growth for children.

In this title, that is colorfully and very cheerfully illustrated, a young girl learns about being kind to others. This is shown is several ways; there is allowing her older sister to sleep late, picking the bounty from a garden and sharing it with neighbors and classmates. The protagonist also gives food to someone who is standing by the road and is hungry.

As always, the story is followed by sections for adults that further enhance the lesson of the story and that help those who interact with children to understand their needs. I found this title to be another good entry in a good series.

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

review.

#MindfulThoughtsforMothers #NetGalley

Of all people, parents may benefit from practicing mindfulness (if only they can make the time). There are so many stresses and challenges that come with being a mom that stepping back for a moment can be incredibly helpful. This book aims to help with that. Some of the topics covered include love, the first few months, mothering together, tantrums, impermanence, the daily grind, challenges and acceptance, gratitude, , teenagers and the journey onwards, among others. This book offers gentle advice to mothers. Maybe this title will help you or a mom that you know.

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

See archive for reviews of Queen Bee and The Best of Us.  Hope there is something here that you may enjoy.

This is a cute board book for toddlers about a person who is so important, mommy. What does she do all day? Lift the flaps to find out. Sometimes the answer will be a bit whimsical as when mommy has lots of laundry to do. With bright and appealing illustrations, this title should be enjoyed by the youngest book lovers.

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

#WhatisMommyGoingtoDo #NetGalley

Tove wrote letters, lots of letters.  They were to family, friends, readers and more.  Of these the editors include 160  written between 1932 and 1988.  Each section of the book begins with an introduction that helps to place the letters in context.  For example, in letters to family, it is noted that Tove left Helsinki to study in Stockholm and also spent time in Paris and Italy.  The book includes photographs of Tove and those to whom she wrote.  There are also drawings, as for instance, a map of a Paris neighborhood, an outfit that Tove wore or some of her art.

This book will be welcomed by fans of the Moomin series who would like to know the author better.  It will also appeal to anyone who enjoys the insights to be found in the letters that people write.

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

Some excellent choices if you have time to read after all of your shopping.

Dear Blog Readers,

Thanks so much for spending time with me this year.  I hope that  you have found some good books as a result.  I am looking forward to next year and lots more excellent reads.  Wishing each of you the very best in 2020.

Warmly,

Joyce

Are you and/ or you and your family resolving to eat healthier in 2020? Or, would you just sometimes like to have a good vegetarian recipe? If you answer yes, this will be just the cookbook for you. Recipes are divided into chapters on hearty soups, satisfying salads, loaded handhelds, bountiful bowls, perfet pasta, one pot wonders, comforting casseroles, center stage vegetables and breakfast for dinner. All of these appeal to me. The final chapter is on sauces and staples while the book begins with advice for meatless Monday. Some of this advice is about staples to stock, tools that are needed and also how to get children involved.

There are so many recipes that I cannot list them all. Just a few include cauliflower wild rice soup, miso soup with shiitake mushrooms and ramen noodles and rustic winter stew. This only covers the soup chapter. There is so much more. All of the recipes are well laid out with clear instructions.
I recommend this book to those who enjoy their veggies. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review. I plan to buy this book myself.

From the publisher:

#TheMeatlessMondayFamilyCookbook #NetGalley

This book is part of the Little People, Big Dreams book series for the youngest children. The illustrations are very appealing; Stephen and those around him are cartoon like while the skies look very pretty. This short book tells the main facts of Stephen’s life including his illness.
Two quotes from the book: “But instead of looking down at his feet, Stephen decided to look up at the stars.” Another quote: No matter how difficult life may seem, there is always something you can succeed at.”
The message of this book is to not give up and to follow dreams old and or new. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for another entry in a wonderful series.