Author: joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews

The Ruth Rendell is part of the Inspector Wexford series.  I’ve enjoyed everyone that I read.  The Airth is part of an historical mystery series; will be enjoyed by those who like Charles Todd, I think.

This book tells the stories of 50 outstanding Americans who can be excellent role models for children.  Some of those featured were well known to me including Louisa May Alcott, Ruth Bader Ginsburg or Doctor Seuss.  Others were new to me including S. Stillman Berry, a marine zoologist, or Claudette Colvin, a teen who did not give up a seat on the bus at an earlier date than Rosa Parks.  For each entry, even for those known to me, there were interesting facets of a life and facts that I did not already know.  Very helpful were the ways in which the author anticipated what a reader might want to know.  For example, in talking about Elizabeth Sprague Coolidge, a composer, pianist and art patron, the term chamber music is explained.  To further add to the readers’ experience, the author has a Tips For You section after each entry.  For example the entry on cartoonist Charles Adams suggest looking up his books of cartoons or drawing people you know and turning them into cartoon characters.

I recommend this book highly.  Both children and adults will learn a lot and be impressed by some outstanding Americans.  Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

#AmericanTrailblazers #NetGalley

This Side of Murder and Treacherous is the Night. The back story of this series is World War I. Readers learn more about Sidney’s experiences during that time and empathize with his difficulty in coping. Readers will also enjoy spending more time with this couple as they get to know one another better.

In this entry, Verity has two cases to solve. In one, a friend has been accused of murdering her husband. In the other, a friend from Verity’s WWI spy work, asks for her help in investigating the murder of her sister. The novel includes many settings including mansions and locations in France and England.

Readers know that the cases will be solved but how? Are they related? Do they relate to the war? Find out as you read this latest adventure .

Also, I want to comment on the cover. I think that it is really gorgeous.

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

I have not as yet read this book but plan to.  I have read many novels by Susan Wiggs that I have enjoyed including the Lakeshore Chronicles, a multi book series, Just Breathe, Family Tree, Map of the Heart and The Ocean Between Us.  She writes excellent women’s fiction.

From the Back Cover

Editorial Reviews:

“The latest from best seller Wiggs (The Apple Orchard) is a great mix of contemporary women’s fiction, an old-fashioned friends-to-lovers story, and a big dose of #metoo reading in one fantastic package. The dialog flows smoothly, the past and present time lines effortlessly tell the tale, and the raw beauty of the Pacific Northwest is the perfect setting. The characters are unforgettable, especially Caroline and her two adorable charges. They, along with the author’s focus on domestic abuse, are the standouts.”  (Library Journal (starred review))

“Wiggs’s characters are believable not only because of their complexity, but because of their ability to deal with their faults. This story about discovering strength from friends and within is a winner.” (Publishers Weekly)

“Wiggs writes with thoughtfulness, gentleness, and realism as she tells the stories of women affected by domestic violence. The gentle romance between two friends reconnecting never distracts from these survivor stories. A topical and excellent book for every library.” (Booklist)

A Borrowing of Bones is the first book in a projected series by this author. The second title will be published in early November. I definitely plan to read that as well.

This novel has mysteries, murders, a great setting and some villains. It also has characters, both human and canine, with whom I truly enjoyed spending time. There is a backstory for the characters that engages the reader as well.

Protagonist Mercy was named Mercy because of the Quaker history in her family. However, her life has not been quiet and peaceful. Mercy has not followed the path that her parents set out for her. They wanted Mercy to follow in their own footsteps by becoming a Boston based lawyer. Instead, Mercy became a military MP. While in Afghanistan, she fell in love with her fiancee who was Mexican American. He has died and Mercy has the care of his well trained military dog. This is not a spoiler as the reader knows of Martinez’s death early in the story. The reader gets to know Mercy in all of her Shakespeare quoting stubabornness, intelligence and integrity.

On the other side of Mercy is Troy and his dog Susie Bear, who is named from the John Irving book. Together, the dogs and human grow close. They solve murders, thefts and ensure the well-being of a young mother and her baby.

I truly enjoyed this book. My trip to Vermont in these fictional pages was time well spent.

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

#AborrowingOfBones #NetGalley

Editorial Reviews:

Comparisons may be made between Munier’s debut mystery and Margaret Mizushima’s Timber Creek K-9 mysteries. A stronger read-alike is Julia Spencer Felming’s mysteries featuring Rev. Clare Fergusson, another female veteran. The believable dogs, the touches of humor, the independent, determined Mercy, and well-crafted characters will bring readers back.” ―Library Journal (starred review and debut of the month)

06/18/2018
Retired military police officer Mercy Carr, the 29-year-old heroine of literary agent Munier’s delightful first novel and series launch, and her bomb-sniffing Belgian shepherd, Elvis, are recovering in rural Vermont from the death of the man they both loved, Sergeant Martinez, who was killed in combat a year earlier in Afghanistan. During a hike in the woods, Mercy and Elvis discover a baby and contact the authorities. Fish and Wildlife game warden Troy Warner arrives with his search-and-rescue dog, Susie Bear, and the dogs detect human remains buried nearby. When the baby later disappears from a local hospital, Mercy and Elvis investigate, with sometimes reluctant assistance from Troy and Susie Bear. Munier (The Writer’s Guide to Beginnings) allows the attraction between Mercy and Troy to develop organically, though the book falls prey to some typical first novel shortcomings, including a convoluted plot and implausible intuitive leaps. The portrayal of working dogs will appeal to fans of David Rosenfelt and Margaret Mizushima. The blend of lovingly detailed setting and lively characters, both human and canine, makes this a series to watch. Author tour. (Sept.)

I have never made a quilt but have often admired them. They are a practical, beautiful art form. So, I was intrigued by this title which looks like it might be for beginning quilters as well as those who are more experienced.

The book starts with a brief history of quilting. I learned that quilting came to Britain by way of the Crusades and that different styles of quilting developed in the U.S. and Britain, though these distinctions faded over time. The book goes on to talk about the tools and materials that are needed for the projects along with an explanation of what tools and techniques make it possible to make a quilt in as little time as a weekend.

After this, there are many projects. Each comes with complete instructions. Every quilt is shown in a photograph and these makes for a fun look.

This appears to be a good title for a novice quilter although some reviewers felt that they were more for advanced beginners. I am not qualified to answer that question but will say that this looks to be a good resource for those who want to make quilts from baby crib to twin bed sized.

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

#TheWeekendQuilter #NetGalley

From the publisher:

The Kitten, The Cat & The Apple is the story of a gray kitten who is bored and wants attention. The kitten does his/her very best to engage the adult cat. The cat, who would like a break, I think, does his/her best to respond. The reader then sees what happens.

This is a simple, cute story with amusing illustrations. Children will relate to the cat, while adults may well feel an affinity for the cat.

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

#TheKittenTheCatTheApple #NetGalley

This well-researched and written book tells the story of Ada Lovelace. Ada was the daughter of the famous poet, Lord Byron, although she did not know her father well. Ada’s mother was a woman of strong opinions who had definite ideas of what she wanted for Ada.

Ada was educated by governesses in her early years. She often found her lessons boring until Miss Stamp was hired. Miss Stamp allowed Ada’s imagination to soar, despite Ada’s mother’s not wanting this. Miss Stamp and Ada read stories and did experiments, including trying to fly.

Soon after Miss Stamp was let go, Ada became quite ill and took years to recover. She then moved along the path of expectations, attending balls and eventually marrying. However, she also observed and exercised her mathematical skills. Influential thinkers with whom she spent time included Mary Somerville and George Babbage, the designer of an important precursor to the computer.

I have read several books about Ada Lovelace. This is one of the best, especially for its target audience of elementary school aged children. They will relate to Ada’s spirit and curiosity. Hopefully, readers will be encouraged to pursue their own studies and interests, even if not everyone agrees with their pursuits.

The end of the book includes a number of suggested activities and and afterword.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this excellent, well-illustrated story of Ada Lovelace in return for an honest review.

Wow!  I cannot believe the number of books here that I have either read or have in my TBR list.  A few comments…

I am currently reading and enjoying Dragonfly.  A full review will follow.  This WWII set novel has suspense and characters in whom I am interested.

I enjoyed Orphan Train when I read it.  The story was interesting and absorbing.

A Fierce Radiance was quite engaging.  I learned a lot about antibiotic development and the story was suspenseful and engaging.

Anya Seton’s novels were written many years ago.  She is a mistress of historical fiction.

Finally, I adore Jacqueline Winspear’s Maisie Dobbs series.  They are best read in order but buy them when you can.

Other titles here are among the many that I would like to read.  What do you think?

This is another wonderful entry in the Little People, Big Dreams series. This book tells the story of a young Muslim girl who, when she grew up, became a respected architect. As an architect, Zaha Hadid had a unique vision which included curvilinear constructions.

Young readers will see how this imaginative child became a capable and formidable architect. Knowing about her will encourage girls to not be held back by nationality, religion or wanting to succeed in a male dominated field. Most definitely an empowering message.

The illustrations are a bit cartoon like but nevertheless appealing. There is a time line with photos at the end of the book.

Once again, many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto for this book in exchange for an honest review. I truly love this broad based series.

From the publisher: