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

#MissMorgansBookBrigade #NetGalley

Janet Skeslien Charles’s novel, The Paris Library, was historical fiction at its best, and here, with Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade, she offers readers another emotional and compelling story. Charles takes a part of WWI history about which I knew nothing and brings it to textured and detailed life.

The Miss Morgan of the title was of the daughter of J. Pierpont Morgan . She went to France to help those who experienced the devastation that comes from losing everything held dear. For this community, survival was a daily challenge. The American Committee for Devastated France wanted to offer assistance and hope. This group of international women helped rebuild destroyed French communities building relationships in the process..

Children’s librarian, Jessie (Kit Carson) works as the New York Public Librarary as the story opens. Her boss is very critical and is a constant voice in Jessie’s head. Jessie wants to do more and volunteers to go to France. She brings her talents, insecurities, many books and her love of them (especially perhaps Anne of Green Gables) with her.

In addition to Jessie and Miss Morgan readers meet doctors, nurses, cooks and other brave women. And, of course there are the people of the community. Readers are sure to want the very best for them. Just two of these characters are a young teen who loves to read and drive, and a woman devastated by the loss of her husband and baby. The remnant that she has left is a book that was written by her husband and that Jessie restored.

What the American women accomplished and created was nothing short of amazing. Readers will be engaged by their stories and works. Note too that Jessie was honored by France for her accomplishments in the field of children’s libraries.

As is often true in historical fiction, there is, in addition, a story set in a time close to the present. This features a young woman who is microfilming at the NYPL and learns of Jessie’s story. Readers trust that the storylines will intersect and indeed they do.

This is a novel for anyone/everyone who adores books, historical fiction, and good storytelling with emotional resonance. Very highly r4ecommended.

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

Pub date: 30 April 2024

New crime fiction for April — Anthony Horowitz, plus a detective nun in New Orleans

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/79018732-e8bb-4a27-8e3b-219be752675f?shareToken=953b8554546f314e4e2df5c382a14181

#FamiliusBooks #NetGalley

This is a very cute and simple alphabet book. What may distinguish it for some is that all of the words have something to do with Australia. For example, D is for Didgeridoo; J is for Jumbuck; N is for Ned Kelly and so on.

I think that both kids and adults may enjoy this one. I certainly did.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Familius for this title. All oopinions are my own.

Pub date: 07 May 2024

I will start by saying that I highly recommend this title which is a story of Germany in the aftermath of WWII. Set in several countries, including Britain, Germany, Italy and Switzerland, it is the story of the titular Edith Graham. As the novel opens, Miss Graham is an educator living at home with her mother, a life that she found somewhat dull and meaningless. When she is offered the opportunity to go to Germany to help with the re-establishment of educational facilities, she is really for the change and challenge. But…much more is in store for Edith.
Readers learn that, before the war,Edith was in love with a handsome, smart, German man named Kurt. Miss Graham also became close to his wife Elisabeth. What happened to this couple during WWII? How did they survive? What did they do? What happened to them afterwards? Their story line forms a large part of the narrative.
Around Edith are various agents, each with their own, and sometimes overlapping, agendas. There are Dori, Vera and Adeline for the women, each of whom has been shaped by their wartime experiences. In addition, there are the men; they represent the U.S. and the British. What are their agendas? How will these intersect with those of the women?
There is espionage here and, after a slightly slow start, a book that had me turning the pages and connecting with the characters. In addition to an excellent plot, the book raises a number of issues: what was life like for the Germans as the Americans, Russians and British entered their defeated country? How do people survive when they have nothing, not even food? Do ends justify means? Who can be trusted? Can there be justice in a world that has been turned upside down?
As readers follow the story, each chapter begins with an entry from Miss Graham’s Cold War Cookbook. Readers will learn the significance of these menus as they become involved with the novel.
I have read many books of historical fiction about WWII. This one is a bit different in that it largely takes place after the war. It is a compelling read and one that I recommend most highly. I give it five stars, something I do not often do.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this read in exchange for an honest review.

#MissGrahamsColdWarCookbook #NetGalley

Three stars ***

After reading the author’s biography I know that she understands some of the challenges that her characters face. These two characters, Klara and Alex bring their histories with them. As the book’s summary notes, their calendars are in sync…is it possible that they will one day be too?

The fun of reading in this genre is knowing that things will most likely work out. That is nice to know in such unsettled times.

Definitely a book to add to a TBR list. This is just right for a good read.

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

Four stars ****

Children’s literacy is something about which I am passionate. I firmly believe that all kids should be able to read and enjoy books, menus, street signs…all the things that can be read. It is essential to do everything possible to make this happen if a child is to have a bright future.

This book’s author clearly knows this and also offers many projects for many places in which to use words and hands on, exploratory learning. With chapters titled Story Walks, Word Gardens, Literacy Trails, and Make it Happen (among others), there is much from which to choose.

This title celebrates learning and reinforcing literacy skills while engaging with the world outside. What a simple but brilliant idea. It could involve something as simple as an outdoor story time or a hunt for something. It could be enrichment in the woods, a garden or a school’s playground. Children (and their teachers) will benefit from being outdoors and will even concentrate better once they are back inside.

This is a book to help teachers plan what to do with their students using this model. As the author points out it can be good to try just one thing. There is no shortage of ideas here to get teachers started.

This book is a good resource for open minded educators. I hope that schools will consider its ideas.

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

#RhythmandClues #NetGalley

This book’s title cleverly reflects that the protagonist owns a record shop and that she will have a mystery to solve. The fun is in seeing how things go in this latest in the series.

There seem to be a lot of murders in the small Texas town where sisters Juni, Tansy and Maggie live (see the earlier books). They just don’t seem to get to run their business Sip & Spin Records (sounds like a good place to visit.) smoothly. Crime always finds a way in.

This time the record/coffee shop is facing financial difficulties and it does not look like there is an easy way to resolve them. The sisters talk with a less reputable financier as they try to find an option. When he is murdered, the story is set up.

Those who like traditional, series based stories set in small towns will want to give this title a look. It is an enjoyable read and I look forward to then next in the series.

Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 26 March 2024

Three stars ***

This is a children’s picture book about a cat who wants to do nothing. He turns down all invitations, even one to become a cat-stronaut. Finally, one animal tries to dig a little deeper. What is found out?

This is a book that is, I think, about empathy. One message is that it can be better not to be alone. I am curious to learn more about readers’ reaction to the final page.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for this title. All opinions are my own.

Four stars ****

I think that any older sibling who is reacting to a new baby’s arrival will love this book. With empathy and engaging illustrations, it brings to life the difficult adjustment process that the older child faces. At the same time, the special and unique bond that children in the same family share is acknowledged.

This book would make a perfect gift for an older sibling. It could also lead to some good conversations if read with a favorite adult.

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

#WidowsontheWinePath #NetGalley

I was drawn to this title by both its cover and the book’s description. Here Julia Jaman does what many authors of women’s fiction-she places a group of friends together and lets the reader become a part of their lives. In this instance, the women are widows who have formed their own support system as the support group they attended was not for them. The three, Viv, Janet and Zelda all get to know another widow named Libby. How will these friends be there for Libby when she most needs them. Find out more about all four women in this enjoyable read.

Note that this book is the second in the series. I think that it can be read as a standalone.

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

Pub date: 03 April 2024