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

A variety of fathers and their children enjoy activities together in this simple story with bright, colorful and likeable illustrations. Whether it is working together, playing together or getting ready for bed, life is fun for parents and children when they spend time together. This is a nice read for a child and a dad to enjoy together.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this appealing picture book. Since I read an e-galley, I missed out on lifting the flaps but you won’t have to!

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.

#TrumanTheDog #NetGalley

The Jane Jacobs book is a classic.  Peter Robinson’s mystery series is an excellent one.

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.