Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too!

The Keeper of Lost Things is on my TBR pile.  I have read and reviewed this author’s second novel,which I liked very much.  Here is that review for The Wisdom of Sally Red Shoes:

This is author Ruth Hogan’s second novel. I was quite moved by it and plan to read her debut, The Keeper of Lost Things. She has a talent for describing characters who are fully human, quirky and both struggling and trying their best.

The novel is about two women and those they know, love and/or have lost. Masha is a mother whose child disappeared a number of years ago and, although not found, was presumed to be dead. Masha has grieved for him and has struggled to progress in her life. The reader observes as she moves forward bit by bit, fortified by new and old relationships. Part of Masha’s story takes place at the lido, a favorite locale for me after reading Libby Page’s novel. As in that novel, swimming yields some peace.

Then there is Alice. She is a mother who is overprotective and very attached to her son. Her backstory is told with compassion and the reader comes to understand her struggles and decisions.

Sally, herself, is a elderly woman whose past history becomes known late in the novel. She is eccentric and a source of some of Masha’s healing. She reminds Masha of the importance of continuing to dance, both literally and metaphorically. Other characters include Kitty who has overcome her own tragedy.

While characters in this book have experienced loss, the story is not depressing. Ruth Hogan writes empathically and I was sorry when the novel ended. There is a twist that you might see coming but, even if you know, you can enjoy reading about it.

This is classic Agatha Christie.

This one looks interesting though I have not read it.  I think it sets up a Bernie Madoff-like story.

 

It has now been two years since I began blogging on this site.  I have so enjoyed sharing my reading adventures with you.  Many thanks to all who have read a post here and there and thanks, indeed, to all of you who have become followers.

In honor of the two years, I am going to pick a book that was a favorite for each month. Today, I am looking back at 2017.  Hopefully, you will find something that you have read or would like to read below.

The Dearly Beloved is the first novel by Cara Wall; I am pretty certain that it will not be her last. The Dearly Beloved is the story of Charles, Lily, James and Nan. Each is an adult with a unique upbringing. Charles has faced many parental expectations; Lily has suffered much loss; James had a hardscrabble background, while life seemed sweet for Nan. While in college, Charles and Lily meet as do James and Nan.

Both Charles and James are “called” to the church; they have different approaches to God and activism, as demonstrated over the course of the book. Charles and James are appointed as co-ministers of a New York City church on lower Fifth Avenue. Their strengths and weaknesses come to light and are not the same. The reader watches as the two families’ lives unravel and knit over a period of many years.

This book includes discussion about what faith (or lack of it) means to each protagonist. I found these sections enhanced the novel for me.

This is not perhaps a perfect book, just as James, Charles, Nan and Lily are not prefect but it IS might good.

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

#Thedearlybeloved #NetGalley

So very many good choices here.  Hope you find something that you will enjoy.

This is an adorable book that both children and adults can love. In it, the reader learns about how Nora, the cat, does her very best to protect her family from Gustave the Mouse and even aliens from the moon. But does her family understand her? NO. Do they know the reasons for her behaviors? NO. Do they empathize with her? NO. Any reader may be able to relate to the difficulties in Nora’s life.

The illustrations in this story are funny and appealing. They very much enhance the text.

Give this one a try for a fun read. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for letting me meet Nora.

#NoNoNora #NetGalley

Red Light, Green Lion is one of those children’s books that also has a fine and uplifting message for adults. It is about the unexpected things that can happen in life and about coping with whatever comes up with an open mind and heart.

Some examples of the clever pages in this book…each is on a two page spread with whimsical line drawings, so at first it is not clear what the second page will say.

Red Light…Green Li (next page) lac (lilac)

Red Light…Green Li (next page) fe preserver (life preserver)

And some text:

“Then on some days, when we feel most discouraged, something amazing happens right in front of us, and we don’t even notice it happening.

Red Light…Green Li (next page) ghtning bugs

And it changes everything.”

This is a sweet book with a positive message.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this e-proof. The opinions are my own.

When a parent is ill and in the hospital, children can feel quite unsettled and anxious.  This beautifully and charmingly illustrated story demystifies the experience and will help children know what to expect when they visit a sick relative.  The text is simple, informative and reassuring making this book is a good resource for the young hospital visitor.

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

#FeelBetterMommy #NetGalley

This beautifully illustrated story reads like a fable. In it, the reader observes as various animals make their cases for why the sun or the moon is better and more needed. The animals think of a number of ways to resolve their dilemma of which should be in charge and finally find a solution. Of course, the critters decide that both the moon and sun are important and needed. Along the way, young readers find out more about all of the things that the sun and moon provide for us. The book concludes with an extended additional section on the science of the sun, moon, seasons and more.

In addition to telling a tale about the sun and moon, the story is also a metaphor for problem solving and co-operation among people. This can open up a good discussion for children and their adults about compromise and working together.

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

#SunMoonTakeTurns #NetGalley

 $1.99

I adored this book.  It has everything that an Anglophile could possibly want.  There are churches, books and searches.  There is romance between a Brit and an American.  There are mysteries and family connections. There are even arguments about print versus digital.   On your first cold night in the fall, imagine you are by the fire and enjoy this read!

9

This is an adorable book featuring the irrepressible Anne Shirley in delightful embroidered illustrations. Each feeling relates back to something in the novels. Young children can learn to identify how feelings are expressed when looking through this book. Another welcome addition to what I hope will be a long series of Anne books.

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this delightful book. All opinions are my own.

This is a lovely alphabet book in which each letter is represented by something from Anne of Green Gables. The illustrations are particularly charming. While this title may appeal to toddlers, I think that its greatest impact will be with adults who have happy memories of reading the Anne books. Still, this is an opportunity to interest your child from Anne at a young age. Go for it!

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this nostalgic ABC. All opinions are my own.