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

I read and enjoyed The Chilbury Ladies’ Choir so was thrilled to be offered this e-galley from NetGalley and the publisher.

This novel takes place during WWII. I duly note how many recent historical novels have taken place during this era. Nonetheless, I found this to be one that was a good read.

The novel’s protagonist, Mrs. Braithwaite, (a woman of a certain age), has tried to live her life very much in accord with convention and awareness of social status. She is dethroned from her position as head of the WI early in the book. Over the subsequent course of the novel Mrs. B changes from an unlikable character to a woman with more nuance.

Mrs. B’s emotional and real journeys put her in contact with the unassuming Mr. Norris. Together they move away from their comfort zones, begin thinking more of others and have adventures. Yes, belief must be suspended but one roots for them nonetheless.

There are several story lines that show Mrs. B’s emotional growth. One has to do with a young teacher injured in a bombing raid while another takes place during the blackout in a supposedly safe haven that becomes flooded. The reader also comes to understand Mrs. B’s biography and how it led her to be the person that she was.

There are spies and plots along with counter plots and a depiction of war-torn London. There are the beginnings of a gentle love between the protagonists and other hearts that have been broken.

Mrs. Braithwaite reminds me a bit of Mrs. Bird, the eponymous character in one of 2018’s debut novels. However, unlike Mrs. Bird, Mrs. Braithwaite has the capacity to change.

I enjoyed this novel. Again, thanks to NetGalley and publisher.

A few other WWII books that I have blogged on:

This Bird Soars Dear Mrs. Bird

A (de)light to read: Light Over London

the prisoner in the castle

#TheSpiesOfShillingLane #NetGalley

Hope that you might enjoy at least one of these.

Margaret and Chip appear to be the perfect couple at the start of this women’s fiction title. Both have just completed their MBAs and are on the path to high achievement. Margaret is hoping that Chip will propose to her. Not much of a spoiler because what I am writing next happens very early in the book. Chip does propose but does it in a small plane that Margaret had not wanted to fly in. There is an accident and Margaret suffers a serious injury which upends her life. The novel then tells the story of what happens to Margaret. The story is also about Margaret’s parents, her sister, Chip and his family and the hospital staff, especially Ian.

Readers will be rooting for Margaret as she figures out what to do in her life. The reader will undoubtedly enjoy spending time with her family and with Ian as well.

I enjoyed this novel which I read quickly. The author does not sugarcoat what Margaret experiences in her recovery. However this is a romance so each reader will have to decide if they want to buy into the semi-fairy-tale.

I would read other books by the author and would look forward to doing so. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-galley of the novel which I was given in exchange for an honest review.

This book is an entry in a series entitled, Little Guides to Great Lives.  It is indeed a good guide to the very significant, short life of Anne Frank. Anne’s story is a difficult story for children to learn; it is about a young girl who died too young in a horrible way for nothing that she did wrong, but for being Jewish during a period of great anti-Semitism and war.  I always wish that children did not have to know such a painful story but the lessons from Anne’s life are too important to shield children from.

This book tells Anne’s story well.  It shows the many ways in which she was a normal girl in an abnormal time.  She had a loving family, friends and parents who tried their best to protect her.  Her early life, her time in the annex and her life in a concentration camp are all detailed.

The illustrations add greatly to this story.  They are in simple colors but filled with life and emotion.  Important people have their portraits with some facts beneath them.  Anne’s imagination is brought to life in one spread that I especially love.

This is an important story and one that needs to be understood.  Young readers will perhaps be inspired to read Anne’s diary after reading this book.

Of note is that there is a section in the back of the book with additional information including definitions of terms that children might not know.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for sharing this little guide to a great life.  The opinions expressed are my own.

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U.S. Cover                                                             British cover

I have read every title in Peter Robinson’s Inspector Banks series so I can say with full confidence that I found this to be one of his best.  The mystery itself is suspenseful.  The team and my favorite characters are all present.  Relationships are reviewed, explored and in some cases deepened.  Banks is just so interesting to spend time with; he (as the author’s surrogate) knows so much about music, poetry and the arts.

In this one, Banks reflects on many of his past relationships.  There is a hint of intrigue between him and Zelda, a woman who lives with, long term character Annie’s, father.  At times, I found the book elegaic and wondered if it would be Robinson’s last.  However, the very end of the book leaves me hopeful that there will be more.

The story has to do with two seemingly unrelated crimes that come together.  The story line is pertinent in both the front story and in the story of Zelda as it explores how women are treated and may be sexually exploited.

Don’t just take my word for how good this book is!

“As usual, Robinson provides a solid police procedural enhanced by the rugged Yorkshire setting. Banks himself—jazz and solitude-loving, difficult, somewhat melancholic, unlucky in love—is always fascinating… [F]or series fans, this one is a sure bet.” (Booklist on Careless Love)

“Engrossing… Those who enjoy methodical police procedurals that build to a logical, satisfying conclusion will be amply rewarded.” (Publishers Weekly on Careless Love)

“Robinson fans will enjoy the latest entry in this long-running series…Well-written and believable, with recognizable but multifaceted characters and enough twists to keep the story riveting until the mystery is solved.” (Library Journal on Careless Love)

“Careless Love is another entertaining novel in the Inspector Banks series.” (The Hamilton Spectator on Careless Love)

“A mighty force to be reckoned with in crime fiction.” (Publishers Weekly on Peter Robinson)

As I was reading this children’s book, I started to think about the Headspace app, which is something that I listen to. Indeed, this is a book for kids that introduces the principles of mindfulness. A metaphor comparing feelings to sky and clouds threads through this nicely illustrated story that will help children to identify feelings while, hopefully, learning not to be overwhelmed by the “rain cloud” ones. This book provides a good and easy to understand introduction to mindfulness for children. In addition, there are =resources at the end of the book for both children and adults.

Thanks to NetGalley and Quarto for this good addition to the emotional health shelf.

#YourMindIsLikeTheSky #NetGalley

 

This is another charming entry in the board book version of the Little People, Big Dreams series. It tells the story of Ada Lovelace, a mathematician who programmed an early computer-like invention. The story is simply told with appealing illustrations. Young children can find Ada’s white cat throughout the story.

This series received kudos from me. It inspires children to explore, be curious and know that a world of discovery awaits them.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto publishing for another entry in a favorite series.

#AdaLovelace #NetGalley

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.

#OhNo #NetGalley

This book is a wonderful resource for anyone (and it should be just about all of us) who cares about women’s voices and what women have to say. It was masterfully put together by Anna Russell and includes speeches (although often not the full speech) by women beginning with Elizabeth the First and going historically up through Hillary Clinton and Margaret Thatcher among others. Below are the names of just some of the women in this book; the range is enormous and you will find words of those you know and those whom you are hearing for the first time.

Sojourner Truth, Sarah Winnemucca, Ida B. Wells, Emmeline Pankhurst, Emma Goldman, Nancy Astor, Virginia Woolf, Margaret Sanger, Marie Curie, Helen Keller, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, Eva Peron, Helen Keller, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Namomi Wolf, Wilma Mankiller, J.K. Rowling, Julia Gillard, Michelle Obama and Maya Lin.

The book opens with an excellent introduction which talks about the author’s process in finding and selecting the entries. Along the way, she gives the reader an understanding of the importance of women’s written words.

Each entry features biographical information, the speech, a full page quote and biographical illustrations of the orators. This book can be read in any order. It is a wonderful resource and would make an excellent addition to any young to older woman’s bookshelf…to say nothing of men and boys’ shelves too.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto publishing for this excellent read. It is is not often that I go on to buy a book that I have been able to review as a galley but this time I will. I want to be able to spend more time with this formidable collection of women’s wisdom.

#SoHereIam #NetGalley

A new novel from this author is always most welcome! What I love about this series is not so much the mysteries, although those are well constructed, but the relationships among the characters and the ways in which the city of Venice is brought to life. Guido and Paola seem so real and affectionate with one another; they have a marriage that many would envy. Watching Guido and Paola with their children is a treat as is reading about their latest family dinner. Guido’s relationships with his extended family and work colleagues are also brought vividly to life.

In this book, a friend of the family who is elderly wants to adopt an adult male to be his heir. Will you as the reader feel empathy for this lonely man? All around wonder if this adoption is a good plan but he is determined and undeterred. Is this what leads to his and one other’s death? What are the reasons for what is happening? How are families constructed? They are not all like Guido’s.

For fans of Donna Leon, the chance to spend time with her will be a delight. New readers will also enjoy the book and will probably then look to read others in the series.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this good read. The opinions are mine alone.