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

This book will be published in the summer and is a welcome re-issue of a title by Jenny Colgan. This author’s novels are always involving and heart warming.

In this one, Anna (who works in the chocolate industry in England) suffers a freak accident. While recuperating, she reconnects with her old French teacher, Claire. Claire encourages Anna to go to Paris where Anna takes a position in a very different chocolate business. Anna’s ups and downs form part of the story. The other and equally engaging story is Claire’s. The reader learns about the choices she made when younger and her feelings about them.

Jenny Colgan writes novels that tug at the heart strings and leave readers feeling satisfied. That is certainly the case in this novel.

Many thanks to Sourcebooks and NetGalley for a lovely time in Paris. All opinions are my own.

From Booklist

This book contains a series of short comic strips, each of which ends with the phrase “Oh No.” Who knew that there were so many things that one could say “Oh No” to. Some strips are about the personal while others poke at corporations. A few examples (minus the illustrations)

They say to write from real experience. (Picture of diary with days saying “Did nothing.”) Oh no.

Parent:

I have made an offspring. I will do my best to raise them well.

Later: You messed me up (from child) Oh no.

If wry humor appeals to you, give this collection a try.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. The opinions are my own.

So, kind of a random assortment.  Those who have not read Game of Thrones and who want to, this is a great buy for you.  Restoration Heights is a mystery and a story about the impact of gentrifcation; it has gotten excellent reviews.  the inbetween days sounds like one of those titles that might make you cry. I include The Secret Lives of the Amir Sisters for fans of the Great British Baking Show; it is written by contestant (no spoiler so won’t say if she won), Nadia.  And lastly, can’t go wrong (usually) with an Elizabeth George title; this is one of the earlier novels.  Enjoy!

#AkissForGiraffe #NetGalley

This is a simple story with charming illustrations that is geared toward young children.  Piggy wants to give Giraffe a kiss but can’t figure out how to. Giraffe is tall while Piggy is not.  What should Piggy do?  Young listeners will find out by the end.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this toddler book.

This is a book filled with paper folding/origami projects that look adorable. Some of my favorites are the bento box. the cat & dog hearts, the tea bag and the dustpan & scoop. The beginning of the book provides detailed instructions on the basic origami folds. Each project is presented in step sequence with diagrams and illustrations. If you enjoy origami, definitely take a look at this book.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an e-galley of a book filled with fun projects. All opinions are my own.

My earlier review of this title:

I wanted to read this novel from the moment that I heard about it. It turns out that it was a very good, but not absolutely amazing, read.

The Gown in question is the one that Queen (then Princess) Elizabeth wore for her wedding. However, the Royals are not the ones that this story is about; rather, the novel is a fictional account of two women who embroidered this most important dress and the granddaughter of one of them. The book moves back and forth between the 1940s and the present day.

An important setting in the book is the studio of Norman Hartnell whose atelier designed and made Princess Elizabeth’s wedding dress. Mr. Hartnell comes across as a nice man who hired nice people. He and Miss Duley, who manages the embroiderers, were real people. The author did her research and was fortunate enough to meet one of the seamstresses from the time. This gives the studio scenes a welcome authenticity.

The three protagonists are Ann, Miriam and Heather. Ann has been impacted by the war and its post-war austerity. No spoilers so I won’t say what happens to her. She is a good friend to Miriam, a Jewish woman, who emigrated to London after suffering many losses during the war. Heather is Ann’s granddaughter. The book is told in alternating narratives of the three.

At the end of the book there is a section on sources, a reader’s guide and an interview with Betty, the seamstress whom the author interviewed.

If you enjoy historical novels, I recommend this. I cared about the characters and found the setting to be quite interesting. If you have watched The Crown, this novel gives background from the time of the first series.

I would give this one three plus stars, just shy of four. Let me know what you think if you read it.

You may have seen the movie.  Now you could read the book.

For fans of the TV show, This Is Us.

This one is a Hercule Poirot with a murdered dentist.

This is a tough and moving autobiography by Alan Cumming.  It feels very honest and raw.

I love the Duncan and Kincaid series.  Nice to read in order but every novel is a good one.  For fans of the author, there will be a new book this fall.

This is the new one.

Her novels are generally fun reads.

From the Back Cover

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This book is part of a wonderful series from Wide-Eyed Editions. In this entry about Gustav Klimt there are ample opportunities to learn about the artist and his way of creating; the reader then can create their own works using their knowledge. The beginning of the book lists the tools needed to complete the projects; I loved that the artist’s eyes and learning to look was included.

Klimt’s biography is given. The reader learns of how he wanted to break away from tradition to make his own art. The reader will find that shapes and gold were important to Klimt and will find out why. In terms of projects, there is the chance to create pictures and even to use stickers.

I think that this series provides such an appealing entree to learning about art. I can’t wait for the next volume.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

#ArtMasterclassWithGustavKlimt #NetGalley

#WatchMeReadAndDrawOnTheFarm #NetGalley

This is an appealing book for young artists and their adults. The book tells a simple story of a visit to the farm. This provides the opportunity to show all of the animals that are found there, along with barns, tractors, etc. Perfect for teaching young children the names of the animals and of course you can teach the sounds too. There is also a page showing how to draw the animals in simple steps. The back of the book has stickers and more space for creating artwork. All in all, an excellent activity book.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.