Author: joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews

Debbie Macomber has been writing women’s fiction for many years. She has a keen sense for what her fans want; this includes a family story, a romance, something heartwarming and nothing that is rated above PG…and she delivers.

In this story two single moms, Jenna and Maureen, have children who are growing up, leaving home and facing some adult issues…college, leaving college, having a baby. The empty nest looms for both, especially Jenna who struggles as her daughter leaves home.

Jenna, a nurse, and Maureen, a librarian become involved in romances with Rowan, a surgeon and Logan, a plumber/construction worker. Each couple has their ups and downs but the ending of the novel is never in doubt.

If you are looking for a comfort read, nothing too taxing but a gentle escape, Debbie Macomber could be just the author you need.

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

Reviews

When I was about ten years old, my mom bought be an atlas of the U.S. that was published by Golden Books. I had been wanting the book for some time. I thought about how much I enjoyed that book when I received this one in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley and the publisher.

This book is an excellent and interesting introduction to the United States. Following a welcome page, there is a section on the biomes of North America and then the states…each one has beautifully, lively illustrated pages. Readers will learn “Fast Facts.” These include the size and population of the state, along with when it joined the Union, the State nickname and the State bird. Each map has pictures imposed on it that show sites, crops, animals and more. There are also additional illustrations that highlight places to visit. For example, there is the Grand Ole Opry in Tennessee, the Crystal Bridges Museum in Arkansas, the mansions in Newport, Rhode Island and so much more.

Help a child you know to learn geography. This book can be read in the order given or randomly. It is a good resource and will be enjoyed by both adults and kids.

From the publisher:

Truman the Dog is a beginning chapter book that is sure to engage new readers who love dogs. With short chapters, appealing illustrations (some seemingly by the narrator), and action it is sure to appeal. See what happens when Truman enters a foster family and reacts. Watch him with his foster family and the family dog as they interact.

Young readers will enjoy the refrain, “Oh Truman, you found trouble.” Along with Kaita, young readers will wonder about where Truman will next live.

Your heart will definitely be warmed as you get to know this pup and family.

There are a number of bonus sections in the back including suggestions about drawing, meeting the real Kaita who was the basis for the girl in the story and more information about fostering.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an engaging beginning reader. All opinions are my own.

I especially recommend The Crossing Places.  This is the first of the Ruth Galloway mysteries and one of my very favorite series!

There was no book like this when I was growing up.  This is a modern, social justice based ABC.  While its board book format makes this a book for toddlers to look at, the concepts are more sophisticated and for (slightly) older children…or the book can grow with your child.  A few examples:  D is for Difference, G is for Gender, P is for Privilege, etc.  Each concept is explained in a positive way.  The illustrations are bright, appealing and inclusive. This book is a good resource for opening discussion about how people treat one another.

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

From the publisher:

Some classics today with McCarthy and Conroy.  Then there are mysteries, all of which are worth a look.  Enjoy.

This is an appealing book of opposites featuring Pandas. It offers a very cute way to teach your child while you enjoy gorgeous photos of the animals. Both adults and children will have fun with this one.

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

Last year I was so excited to learn that there was going to be a new Robert Galbraith book.  I purchased the novel as soon as it came out and then held on to it for quite a while before reading.  It was worth the wait for me.

The Strike books are best read in order although a new reader could pick this one up and still enjoy it. Long term readers of the series may feel, as I do, that the novels are to be savored for the relationship between the protagonists.  Since Robert Galbraith is J K Rowling, a master plotter, I am sure that she knows where she is going to take us in their (not quite) romance.

Along with catching up with Robin and Matthew (and Sarah) and Strike, there is a mystery to solve.  What did Billy see?  How does it relate to the troubled family of the Minister for Culture?  How does this plot intersect with that of the blind minister who is involved in sport and her sleazy husband?  Who is the murderer in the present?

Set in London, Parliament, country estates and the country the book has many settings.  Politics and the London Olympics are the background.

The novel is long, very long, but I was happy to stay within the pages of this book as I both eagerly awaited the denouement and yet, did not want the book to end.   I am already looking forward to the next in this series.

Have you read this one?  Did you enjoy it?  I would be interested to know your thoughts.

Another view:

“At times you might feel as you did when reading the Harry Potter books, particularly later in the series, when they got longer and looser. You love the plot, and you love being in the company of the characters, and you admire the author’s voice and insights and ingenuity, and you relish the chance to relax into a book without feeling rushed or puzzled or shortchanged…. Long live the fertile imagination and prodigious output of J.K. Rowling.”―The New York Times

A to Z with Dear Dragon is part of a series for very beginning readers. In this brightly illustrated book, readers will find a word for every letter of the alphabet. There is a glossary with pictures to help children to know the word, even if they cannot yet read it. In addition, at the end of the book, there are suggestions for activities and further learning.

This book could be a good teaching tool. I don’t think, however, that there is anything especially engaging in it. Still, if you are looking for an alphabet book, this is one possibility.

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

This book is part of a series on artists. I have read the one on Frida Kahlo, which was well done, and now there is an entry of Van Gogh. This short book does an excellent job of telling the story of Van Gogh’s life and work. Young readers will learn about Vincent’s struggle to find what he wanted to do; for example, they will read that Van Gogh was a minister for a time before becoming an artist. Van Gogh’s mental health issues are included in an honest, but not too detailed, way. Readers will also learn about Van Gogh’s brother Theo and his relationship with Paul Gauguin. And of course, there is the art! The illustrations are vibrant and many of the artist’s works are found on these pages. This book should be a welcome entry for a school collection on artists for young readers.

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

From the Publisher

Portrait of an Artist: Vincent van Gogh

Vincent took himself for very long walks.

He was overwhelmed by the beauty in the swirling leaves on the trees and the warm orange colors of the fields. He felt as though couldn’t get enough of the world around him and he couldn’t paint it fast enough.