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

#DoYourBest #NetGalley

Bear Grylls, the very well-known adventurer, has here written a book in which he shares some of his expertise. The result is a title packed with information in its over 350 pages. Chapters include everything from How to be a Scout and How to be an Adventurer to How to be You. These sections are followed by one called Useful Stuff That Just Might come in Handy (indeed!).

The book opens with a welcome in which Bear signs off as “your friend.” He is truly welcoming as he encourages kids to use this book in whatever way and/or order makes sense to them. He gives permission to get the book dirty and messy. He hopes that this is a title that will be kept and used for many years. I love how he encourages kids to face life fearlessly and with a spirit of adventure.

This title is nicely illustrated and filled with information and inspiration. Even just a few pages in, learn all the things that can be done with a neckerchief. Learn how people have coped with adversity with Nelson Mandela as just one example.

I highly recommend this book. Even though it is for kids (possibly), there is much that could benefit an adult as well. For a start, take a look at the section on what makes a good leader.

Note: The title is connected with and references the Scouting program.

Many thanks to Nicholas Brealey/Hodder & Soughton U.S. for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 28 September 2023

From the Publisher

www.nytimes.com/2023/10/04/books/missoula-montana-books.html

www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/10/05/books/review/nobel-quiz-2023.html

#TheBeginningofEverything #NetGalley

Fans of Fraser’s first novel, The Bookshop of Second Chances, will be delighted to read her new novel. This title may also bring the author new fans.

As the story opens, Jess has fallen on hard times and not for the first time. She is camping out in a cemetery as she has no home. Things look up when she happens on an empty house and uses her lock picking skills to get inside. Jess decides to squat in this home. She hopes that she will find a job, start a new life, and leave her most recent abusive relationship firmly in the past.

One day, Jess is wakened by someone in her (not really hers, of course), new digs. In a surprising twist, rather than being thrown out, Jess is allowed to stay. In return, she will help with the renovations (they are many) that are needed.

Gethin has his own history of a broken heart and, he, too, is vulnerable. What will happen to these two somewhat broken souls? Will they find their happily ever after? Readers will hope so as they wish for good things for these appealing protagonists.

Recommended to those who enjoy women’s fiction and romance.

Many thanks to Random House Publishing Group for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 28 September 2023

From the Publisher

The author’s first book is now $4.99 in its digital format

My Review:

The Bookshop of Second Chances is a light women’s fiction novel. The title tells readers a lot; yes, there is a bookshop (and one that I wish I could visit) and yes, there are second chances. So, if this appeals to you, take a look at this book. Readers learn early on that Thea has been dumped by her husband…and not just that, her (former) best friend is now living in her house. Luckily Thea has another good friend, Xanthe, who is there to help and to travel with Thea to Scotland. Why are they going there? Because Thea has inherited a relative’s house and, get this, it was left to her because her relative remembered her as a person who loved to read. Won’t that make book lovers hope for a surprise inheritance? So, Thea begins a new life in Scotland. She makes some friends and begins to work in Edward’s bookshop. He is a somewhat crusty individual but the two slowly become friends. Will they become something more? Read the book to find out. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my ow

Four stars ****

It is easy to recommend this absolutely gorgeous book. Already a nature lover? Feeling like you need more of the natural world in your life? Either way, there is so much to be enjoyed in this beautifully illustrated title.

Garden, stargaze, visualize, pay attention and more in these pages. Readers will hopefully be inspired in their day to day life as they read.

The book is organized by month and season. The authors hope you will dip in and out anywhere that you like. There is always something intriguing to contemplate. Each entry has a theme and icon. To name a few, there are icons representing well being, wisdom, foraging and plant knowledge among others.

Take a deep breath and enjoy. I may just buy the hard copy of this one when it is published.

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

From the Publisher

Retellings of Greek myths from a feminist point of view are having their moment now. I’ve recently read both Elektra and Ariadne and recommend them. Now, I have enjoyed another retelling from the Greeks, the story of Medusa…and what a story it is!

Those who know anything about Medusa may well find her repulsive. However, much like Frankenstein’s monster, there was more to this woman than a reader might assume. As a beautiful woman, she was treated very poorly, as was often the case for those who lived among the gods. This was especially true for women if they caught the eye of a libidinous male with another jealous female in his life (in this case Athena).

This story is about Medusa and also Perseus. Spend time with them and other gods and Greeks. Though their tales are writ large, in many ways these characters act as mortal as the reader. This allows the reader to relate to the novel.

Recommended to those who enjoy retellings of important ancient Greek women, along with those who enjoy historical fiction.

Many thanks to Source Books/Landmark for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 26 September 2023

Note: now just $3.99 in the e book version

Four stars: ****

This collection of Carols, poems and unabridged Christmas stories is reasonably priced (19.99 U.S.) and would make a lovely gift. Inside are such classics as A Christmas Carol, The Gift of the Magi, and Twas The Night Before Christmas, among many others. There is also the sheet music for a number of well known songs. All in all, a nice collection that would offer some nice reading time for the whole family.

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

I have loved this author’s other books and plan to read this.

A favorite

First in her newest series

Note: there are multiple books on sale by some of these authors.