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

Five stars *****

Here are recipes for every lunchtime palate. Included are chapters on salads, vegetables, soups, sandwiches, pasta, seafood, meat and, grains +bakes.

This title’s author/cook observes that she has learned how to make satisfying meals that don’t take hours. She does this (as noted in the introduction) by reducing the numboer of ingredients and focusing on bold, fresh flavors. She also has pantry staples available such as lentils. With these (and more) she makes meals that she describes as nourishing, comforting and healthy. Sounds great to me.

Enjoy the photos (they make my mouth water) and the recipes. Readers will definitely want to eat these.

I really like this book. It would make a great gift to give yourself. Lunch will be so much nicer.

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

From the Publisher

#TheGreatGatsby #NetGalley

I have read The Great Gatsby at least three times but it is the sort of book that gives more every time a reader spends time with it. I found this edition to be a very appealing one and I enjoyed reading it.

I was drawn first to the gorgeous cover. The graphics inside are also sure to enhance a reader’s enjoyment of the book. It is rare that adults get illustrated stories; this is something special and it makes this edition of the popular novel stand out.

Recommended for Gatsby fans old and new. This would make a great gift for the right person.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel publishing for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 10 October 2023

#CatFamilyatTheMuseum #NetGalley

Is there anything that young kids like more than lift the flap books? This one has so many things to discover that it will keep little ones busy for quite a while. The illustrations inside this book are very inviting and the text is age appropriate. The theme of the story is the cat family’s trip to the museum, a place where there is so much to see.and learn.

Highly recommended for young children and their grown ups!

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

Pub date: 03 October 2023

Anyone who is a fan of Jeopardy most likely knows who Amy Schneider is. She shared aspects of her personal life over the course of her many (and profitable) wins on the show. Those who would like to know Amy better can spend time with her in this book.

The chapters are titled in true Jeopardy style. A few of these are How Did You Get So Smart? When Did You Know You Were Trans? What’s it Like Having ADD? How did You and Genevieve Meet? and many more.

Those who want to know primarily about Jeopardy may not be fully satisfied with this title. Readers need to know going in that that this book is about Amy’s life and that Jeopardy was just one part of it.

This title will, I think, be welcomed by those who have faced some/any of the same life experiences that Amy has. She seems candid about everything and may well leave some of her readers feeling less alone.

This is a book for adults as Amy points out in the introduction. She notes that many kids may have watched her on Jeopardy but that they are not her audience. She gives hope that she will perhaps one day write a book for them.

So, if you are curious about this Jeopardy phenom, give this one a look.Many thanks to NetGalley and Avid Reader Press for this title. All opinions are my own.

A very enjoyable read. Reviewed by me.

#AWorldFullofWinterStories #NetGalley

This book drew me right in. I think that adults and children also will want to look inside these pages after seeing the appealing cover. Inside are stories from around the world. There are fifty in all.

The tales are organized by topic; to name a few, there are Birds and Beasts; Tricks and Troubles, ; Ice and Snow; and even some stories about Christmas. Each short entry is beautifully illustrated and is identified by the country where the story originated.

This book is one that would make for perfect bedtime story reading. These old fashioned stories can be enjoyed by both adult and child.

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

Pub date: 10 October 2023

Groff works on several novels at once, composes in longhand, and wrote a draft of her new book, “The Vaster Wilds,” in iambic pentameter “just for fun.”
— Read on www.nytimes.com/2023/09/09/books/lauren-groff-vaster-wilds.html

i reviewed this.

Four stars ****

This is such a lovely book. It offered me a perfect escape from my life as I looked at absolutely gorgeous photos as I whiled away some time. By the way, the text included in each two page spread is also quite informative. Some of my favorite entries were on Gertrude Jekyll, Vita Sackville-West and Tasha Tudor. I also liked the ones entitled Childhood Memories, The Mother Daughter Garden and, A Special Harmony. That said, wherever a reader looks they will find respite and enjoyment as they visit England Germany, Sweden, Denmark and the U.S.

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