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

This is a funny and entertaining short read that young children will relate to. Nancy wants the cornbread…all of the cornbread. She involves her listeners in ensuring a successful plan of securing this treat for herself, only herself, but what happens? Little ones will be amused to find out as this book provides a nice, not at all preachy lesson on sharing. The illustrations engage the reader and add to the story. Perfect for toddlers who understand the concept of “mine.”

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

Nevada Barr is well known for her series of novels featuring Park Ranger Anna Pigeon.  What Rose Forgot is not an Anna book but a standalone.  It involves the reader in the story of Rose, a woman in her late 60s.

When the story begins, Rose wakes up in the woods in a confused state.  It takes her time to return to some version of reality when she then meets up with two young boys.  They kindly arrange to contact the dementia care center where Rose has been living.  She does not feel that she belongs there though and the book is about how she got there and why. Along the way, readers meet those who help Rose to understand and solve the mystery of what has happened to her.

This book has gotten excellent editorial reviews. To me, it was an okay read.  I could not quite become immersed in the story.  Still, you may enjoy it, especially if you have read other books by the author.

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

Editorial Reviews

A Christmas Gathering is this year’s seasonal novella written by Anne Perry. This one features two of my favorite Anne Perry characters, Vespasia and Victor Narraway. Fans of the Thomas Pitt series will know these characters well but the book can also be read as a standalone.

Vespasia is a woman of a certain age and she has the beauty and wisdom that those of her age hope for. Victor has a difficult past history; among other jobs, he was the head of Special Branch which dealt with crimes around terrorism and other issues.

The two are invited to a house party over the lead up to Christmas. As it turns out, Victor has a job to do while there although he does not initially tell Vespasia this. Also at the house are the person assigned to pass a confidential report to Victor and someone who is looking to hurt Victor. Victor, himself, is aware of the similarities between this assignment and one in his past when he failed. This failure has troubled him for twenty or more years.

The case is solved in time for Victor and Vespasia to welcome the holiday. Along the way, there is much wisdom dispensed, some of it centering on the need to forgive oneself one’s human failings. In addition there is much wit in this book as Vespasia spars with at least one of the other women in the house party.

This novella is a quick read and one that will be welcomed by Anne Perry’s many readers. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

My Turn, Your Turn is a very good book for young children who find it difficult to share; this is really something that is true for most toddlers and preschoolers.  In this simple story, two children squabbling over a toy, get an idea from an adult about how to work it out.  A useful lesson in a book with expressive illustrations in just a few colors.

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

From the Publisher

My Pet Slime is the first in what will be a series of beginning reader’s chapter books. I found it to be a fun read and think that kids will too.

Piper has always wanted a pet but is allergic to everything. It is talk about your pet time at show and tell which makes not having what she so desperately wants even harder. Using her ingenuity Piper fashions a pet from slime. Amazingly when space dust from her grandmother, an employee of Astroblast Explorers, accidentally lands on the slime, it comes to life but can only be seen by children.

Piper names her pet, Cosmo. She brings him to school but then he is not in her backpack when she checks. Piper accuses her frenemy, Claire, of taking Cosmo. Readers will enjoy finding out what happens.

The story ends on a cliffhanger when Piper’s grandmother is missing. That event should get readers interested in reading the next book.

The back of the book includes a recipe for slime and some facts on a particular slime discovered by scientists that can forage for food.

This is a nicely illustrated chapter book that will encourage young readers to enjoy books. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this book in exchange for an honest review.

From the Publisher

So many great books for mystery lovers.  I highly, highly recommend the Ruth Galloway Series, The Cuckoo’s Calling, Case Histories and The Ritual Bath.  I will say again that I love Ruth Galloway; she is quirky as are her friends.  It is one of my absolute favorite series.

This is a short, beautifully illustrated picture book that tells the story of a squirrel and a snowman who become friends during the coldest part of the year. Snowman is cold and squirrel realizes that he wants to help. Soon our snowman is covered in scarves and blankets. Snowman and a variety of animal friends enjoy spending time together. You can probably guess what happens…Spring comes and snowman is no longer there. Squirrel and his friends miss the snowman. The wise owl tells them “Look around and you will see that Snowman is always with you.” This seems to me to make this book one that can be read by children to help them to cope with a death.

I understand the concept of this book and can see where it could be a non-threatening way to talk with children. I do think that some of them may wonder why a snowman would not want to be cold in winter but perhaps that is a small quibble.

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

This is a short picture book story that has sweet illustrations. It tells the story of Bear who loves Squirrel but is too shy to let Squirrel know directly. Instead, Bear leaves small gifts for Squirrel. Squirrel does not know who her secret admirer is. By the end of the book, the two make a connection. Children will be glad to see that they have gotten together.

This book is for young children who will relate to the the wish to be friends. It may read differently to older children who might not want to have someone whom they do not know reaching out to them anonymously. Still, for the age group of the book, I think that it may be well received.

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

#BearInLove #NetGalley

Hoda Kotb is well known as a host of the Today show.  She is also an adoptive parent.  In this book, M. Kotb has collected a variety of inspirational quotes with one for every day of the year.  They are uplifting and positive morsels for reflection.  In some instances, Ms. Kotb has added her own thoughts or  following the quote.  This is a nice book for a day when you are looking for a small uplift and perhaps something to think about.

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

From the Publisher

Donna Leon came up again but as they are so good, I show them again.  I did not get absorbed by Hilary Mantel’s novels but know that many love them, so here they are.  Fern Britton writes delightful women’s fiction.  Then there is Agatha Christie for the season and a couple of other books as well.  Enjoy!