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

Five stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

So many adults have fond memories of reading the Anne of Green Gables series. In her books, Ms. George hopes to spark that same feeling in young readers. One hopes that they will then move on to the originals.

Ms. George has done a nice job in her series of six books in all. She captures the spirt of Montgomery’s language and phrasing. Favorite people are here including Marilla, Diana, Gilbert, Miss Stacey, and Anne, of course. While sadly, this is the last book, the set would make a nice gift for a summer reader.

In this entry, that is illustrated and has short chapters, Anne is unhappy with her trademark red hair. What will happen when she wants a change? What will she learn? What will she want to do with her life? Readers will enjoy finding out in this lovely end to the series.

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

Pub date: 05 August 2025

72 pages

Others by this author:

Now out: If I Couldn’t Be Anne by Kallie George

It’s tough for her: Anne’s Tragical Tea Party by Kallie George

That E matters: Anne’s School Days

Yes, that Anne: Anne Dares (Kallie George)

All of the Maisie Dobbs books by Jacqueline Winspear have been excellent.  The novels are best read in order but are worthwhile no matter how you do it.  The series begins around the time of WWI and is now taking place during WWII.  Maisie is a self-aware heroine who has a strong moral compass in a world that is often in chaos.  You will value spending time with her, her family and her friends.  If you have enjoyed the Maggie Hope series or books written by Charles Todd, you will not regret giving this series a try.

#TheParisSecret #NetGalley

Note that I am commenting on the extended preview. ALSO NOTE: I HAVE SINCE READ AND VERY MUCH ENJOYED THE WHOLE NOVEL!

This book appears to have many elements that will make it an engrossing read. I will certainly buy the book so that I can spend more time with this book’s characters and story lines.

After an opening set in the days after WWII, the novel moves to the year 1928 when Skye and Liberty Penrose are children being raised by their single mother. Their mother Vanessa, who predicts the future for clients, is a pilot who has passed on her love of the skies to her aptly named older daughter.

When the reader first meets Skye, she is ten and unconventional. Younger sister Liberty appears prone to temper tantrums and may be less than stable. Skye meets Nick during this summer and it is clear that they will have connections throughout the entire story.

The book jumps to 2012 in the following section. In this, a descendant of one of the main characters, Kat, travels to Cornwall to visit her grandmother’s house. Grandmother Margaux has ties to Nick and Skye as I think will become clearer.

This is another story with sections set before, during and after WWII. Illuminated through Skye is a story of the women who flew planes during the war. There is a sense that Liberty and the other main characters will face many threats as the novel continues. It also feels like the past and present will tie together by the end of the book.

This appears to be an involving and interesting novel. As noted above, I will be purchasing it so that I can see how it ends.

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

#2026ABookofGraceFilledDays #NetGalley

This book offers a bit of wisdom and contemplation for every day, starting in December 2025 and moving through all of 2026. Each short entry invites the reader in-to think, to perhaps find comfort or inspiration for daily behavior, and to pray if they are a person who does.

I think that this book will be liked by its intended audience. A time for reflection could be just the perfect way to start a day.

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

Note that this book is Christian in nature. Those who are not Christian, might however, also like the thoughts for the day.

Pub date: 29 July 2025

400 pages

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From captivating novels to insightful nonfiction, these are the books that are making the biggest splash in 2025!
— Read on www.penguinrandomhouse.com/the-read-down/the-best-books-of-2025

#BookPeople #NetGalley

Imagine a small village. It has a very traditional bookshop that has been in one family for generations. It prides itself on being serious and is run by a Darcy like owner.

Imagine that a new bookshop opens and that it is right across the street. It is run by an Elizabeth Bennett like young woman. She stocks all of the genre books that a reader might dream about. She also offers many types of meetings and activities.

Imagine also that there is going to be a book event that these two may need to both embrace. And…imagine sparks flying in what is justifiably described as a “spicy” romance title.

Add to all of this, a collection of love notes from the traditionalist’s great grandfather and a mystery woman. They refer to each other as H and C-Wuthering Heights anyone? They add some intrigue to the plot.

Mix all of thesetogether to find an enjoyable read that will appeal to its intended audience. There may not be suspense but there most definitely is fun in these pages.

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

Pub date: 28 January2925

#HowtoTeachYourMonstertoRead #NetGalley

This short book is amusingly illustrated and has rhyming text. In it, a little girl tries to help her monster who is nervous about reading. Along the way, the concept of word families is introduced with several examples. This may be helpful to beginning readers and reflects a phonics approach.

This title offers one way of approaching reading. I think that some children will enjoy it.

Note: there is some information for adults at the end of this book. This will help them in helping kids.

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

Pub date: 01 August 2025

32 pages

www.nytimes.com/interactive/2025/07/07/books/review/snarky-book-quotes.html

Four stars ****

The cover of this book, its title and the book’s description all drew me in and made me very eager to read this one. It did not disappoint. I think that The Women of Ardemore House will be adored by those who enjoy a twisty plot and an interesting protagonist.

As in The Maid (Nita Prose),, the main character, inheritor of Ardemore House, sleuth, and keen observer is neurodiverse. This leads to Jo being hyperlexic as just one of her talents. But, readers will enjoy spending time with Jo for many reasons, not just her autism. (It has been noted that the author also is neurodiverse, leading her to be well able to describe Jo’s world.)

Jo is coming out of a difficult period when the story opens. She is recently divorced and has been badly used by her publisher ex. Jo has also experienced the death of her mother. So, when she learns that she has an inheritance in England, Jo is ready to try out the ex-pat life. She arrives to find the requisite decaying country pile and its small cottage, a rather strange caretaker and a portrait…but it disappears.

When caretaker Sid is murdered, the story moves toward solving the case. This gives readers the opportunity to know all those working the case as well as the people in the village.

Who killed Sid? Why? Will Jo find happiness in Britain? Readers will turn the pages as they wait to find out.

I recommend this title. Mystery fans could not do better as they start reading in 2024.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for this title. All opinions are my own.