An e book bargain

Know her name: The Engineer’s Wife A Novel by Tracey Enerson Wood

by joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews

When my children were in first grade and studying women’s history, they and I learned about Emily Roebling.  Until then, I had not known abut this woman who followed through on the work that led to the completion of the Brooklyn Bridge.  Both of my children made field trips with their classes and walked over the bridge; one of them continues to walk over the bridge frequently.  It is an iconic site in New York.

So, given this background, I was absolutely thrilled when NetGalley and the publisher offered me this title in exchange for an honest review.  I found this novel to be very engaging  as  Emily was vividly brought to life, from her days in the South to her time in New York.  Emily achieved so much in following through on the bridge but there was more to her life than that as this author ably showed.  Emily’s marriage and other relationships in her life are portrayed as her story is told.

During a time when we are re-examining women’s contributions in so many areas, this book illuminates someone otherwise slightly lost to history.  I highly recommend this title for those who enjoy historical fiction.

A terrific read for those who enjoy baking and mystery: The Golden Spoon by Jessa Maxwell-an ebook bargain

#TheGoldenSpoon #NetGalley

Perfect for curling up with on a winter’s evening, this book engaged me right from the start. Six bakers arrive at a Vermont estate to compete on a baking show that fans of the Great British Baking Show will recognize right away. However, what if unlike on the GBBS, all did not go well and the issues were not only with the bakes? What if, Instead, murder and mayhem occur during the competition? The bakers are a captive audience so there are also echoes of Agatha Christie, along with Mary Berry, in these pages.

The bakers all have their stories and get to tell them as each narrates sections of the book. They range from a former foster child to a retired nurse, from a self made millionaire to a math teacher, along with a young pie maker and a construction worker. There are other characters as well. These include baking show host and owner of Grafton Manor, Betsy Grafton, the new co-host, Archie, the conniving Melanie and others. How do these characters backstories impact their actions? Who will be murdered and why? Find out, even as you enjoy the baking challenges.

Simon & Schuster’s Editorial Director describes The Golden Spoon as “this wonderfully atmospheric debut” that is “one of the most satisfying puzzles I have read in ages.” I concur. This novel is written by an assured writer who tells an involving story. I highly recommend this one.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 07 March 2023

An e book bargain

Lady Clementine by Marie Benedict

by joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews

Lady Clementine is a wonderful historical novel and one that I highly recommend. As can be seen from the title, it is the story of Clementine Churchill, wife of Winston. The story is told in Clementine’s voice and Ms. Benedict inhabits that so well that, while reading, I truly felt that Clementine was telling her story. The book focuses quite a bit on WWII but there was much before that in Clementine’s biography and these earlier times merit also captured the author’s attention.

Readers learn that Clementine’s childhood was rather insecure and find out why this was so. The losses she experienced and her opportunities to marry before meeting Winston are detailed.

Clementine and Winston had many years together prior to WWII. Readers experience the ups and downs of their relationship, Winston’s political and military woes and their significant family tragedy. Winston’s neediness and strong need for Clementine to be available become quite clear. Readers also witness Clementine’s mental health struggles and the challenges that she faced as a mother. Throughout there is the lens of Clementine finding her own voice and her desire to be appreciated and recognized for the incredible woman that she was.

I give this novel 5 stars, something that I rarely do. I recommend it that highly.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for this read in exchange for an honest review.

Death at the Sign of the Rook (Kate Atkinson)-an e book bargain

#DeathattheSignoftheRook #NetGalley

My first impression is that Kate Atkinson must have enjoyed herself when writing this book. In this novel, she has created unique, over the top and idiosyncratic characters who often, in my opinion, require some suspension of disbelief on the reader’s part. The plot here includes a number of tropes, including the murder mystery weekend, the small English village, the snowstorm that isolates characters, stolen art, family relationships and more.

Readers who have read other Jackson Brodie mysteries will be delighted to meet up with him, his family and his police contacts once again. This time, he has been hired to look into stolen art but stumbles on much more.

There were times when I felt that Atkinson was going for the comic, even farcical, effect. That said, some of her portraits of the characters, were quite moving. While many jokes were made, often by Ben, about his war experiences, he is very sympathetically presented. Ben reminded me of Strike in the JK Rowling series. Their situations are similar in dealing with the loss of a limb. He is just one among a group that includes a vicar, actors, down on their heels aristocrats and others.

This book just gallops along. Events and situations pile up on one another. Atkins fans will rejoice!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Doubleday for this title. All opinions are my own.

pub date: 03 September 2024

An e book bargain: By Any Other Name

Jodi Picoult

#ByAnyOtherName #NetGalley

Where does the title come from? Find out below. Think too of the different meanings it might have.

Picoult is an author who does not write the same book twice. That said, she has a knack for writing interesting novels that are often quite topical (school shootings, abortion and more).

In this latest work, Picoult examines ways in which women’s work is often taken to be less valuable. How might this play out in two time periods? Turn the pages to find out.

In the earlier time period, Picoult postulates that Emilia Bassano was never credited but wrote many of Shakespeare’s plays. Could this be true?

The world of her and Shakespeare’s time is very authentically portrayed here. Picoult did her research. Details of clothing, education, women’s roles, the power of men and more come alive.

Emilia faced many obstacles after her father died and her mother left her. She was educated but faced many constraints. How did she survive?

In the present day, Mel, who is a budding playwright, faces many challenges. She has learned that Emilia was a relative and has written a play about her. How are their lives the same and different? How do they each face their creative obstacles? Read this long novel to find out.

Be sure to look at the notes at the back of the book. There are lots of details on Shakespeare related references.

Those who are already fans of the author will likely buy this book. I hope that those new to her will also pick this up.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine Books for this title. All opinions are my own.

Title answer: Romeo and Juliet. Think 🌹

Pub date: 20 August 2024

From the publisher

The College Finder by Steven R Antonoff Ph.D and Jay McCann M.S.

The college search process is often stressful, challenging, unrelenting and competitive. Having resources and support can be very helpful. For those who want a book that might help to sort through what schools offer and look for, this one could be of help.

The overall theme of this title is finding…including the following sections:

Finding Your Way, Finding Community, Finding Academic Success, Finding Value, Finding First Steps, Finding Activities, and Finding Global Learning.

The authors also look at hidden gems, fields of study in more. There are many lists to help in the sorting and discovery process.

This book is designed to help students find schools where they can thrive. It is not just recommending that handful of extremely competitive schools.

Start with the questionnaire and go from there to get some suggestions and advice.

This book is long and packed with lists. I wish that there had been more to this book than the lists however.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Educonsulting Media for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 01 May 2025

Fifth edition

Over 800 pages