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

#CozyCaseFilesVolume19 #NetGalley

I am a great fan of the cozy case files. They include helpful descriptions of forthcoming titles along with generous excerpts and information on the authors. Just the thing for planning what to read next.

In this edition of the free resource, readers will learn about forthcoming mysteries by Celeste Connally, Elizabeth Penney, Cate Conte, Diane Kelly, Korina Moss, Ellie Alexander, Donna Andrews, and, M.C. Beaton with R.W. Green. Some of these writers were known to me while others offered a chance to learn about something new. Cozy readers will find much to enjoy here.

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

Pub date: 22 August 2023

Lisa See has written many works of historical fiction yet this is the first book of hers that I have read. It won’t be the last.

Ms. See tells an absorbing story and one that is filled with historical detail and, numerous characters and aspects of Chinese culture. Her settings come to life so gorgeously. Early in the book, the protagonist is traveling to Shanghai. I could feel her seasickness and claustrophobia. I think I was as eager as she was to get outside for some air. The author’s words made this voyage so vivid.

Characters are a strength of this writer. They are complex, multidimensional, interesting and relatable, despite the fact that they lived long before us. For example, the protagonist’s mother dies very early in the story. I had been admired her and was upset when she collapsed. The why of this was historically accurate and tragic to those of our present day. I could feel the daughter’s grief. Another example… a concubine was living in the home. She, too, was not a cardboard figure but rather a woman with feelings, education and a wish to help this grieving girl.

These are examples from early in the book but so much more follows. This is a long and involving novel. Along the way, readers will learn much about the China in the 1400s.

Readers are introduced to Yunxian and her friend/colleague Meiling . Yunxian has a life in which she tries to balance her love of medicine with the traditional women’s roles of the time. Readers will hope that she can achieve all that she wants.

Highly recommended to fans of historical fiction. I know that I will now read more titles by this author.

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

Pub date: 06 June 2023

368 pages

From the Publisher

Five stars *****

The cover of this book gives a good indication of the range of feelings that are explored in these pages. The authors are well qualified for their task with one a psychologist and the other a parenting and health writer.

This book is for children although adults may want to peek at it as well and be open to what their child wants to say while reading it. They may also want to sit down and share some of the ideas in this one with younger kids.

This title covers many day to day feelings and situations that kids face in their friendships and more. It is cleverly designed with cartoons, information and even a cat and dog who make points. I like that the book covers serious topics in a fun way.

I highly recommend this title. It is a gift (for a lifetime) to help children identify, understand and learn to cope with their emotions. Get this one for your home library.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Beyond Words Publishing. All opinions are my own.

From the Publisher

Boldwood has a talent for finding the kinds of stories that readers of women’s fiction crave, and that is clearly the case here. There will be readers who are excited about some romance and professional challenges with a character who is NOT in her twenties.

Nicky: She has been widowed and this has not been easy. Nicky’s two children are now grown and she is a bit adrift. Enter a friend with a challenge (that readers will adore) and a trip to Provence. What will NIcky find? Will she be successful? Will she find love again?

Settle down to read this one when you have time. You will enjoy the escape and won’t want to be interrupted.

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

Pub date: 11 July 2023

Four stars ****

I love the pun filled titles of this author’s work. A Fatal Groove is the second in the series, with the first having the title, Vinyl Resting Place. Readers can probably guess that these stories have to do with music and, indeed, the book’s protagonist has a record and drinks shop, cutely called Sip n Spin.

The story is set in Texas at bluebonnet season, a time that sounds lovely indeed. As readers from the first book may know, three sisters have opened a record shop. A joy in the story is watching their interactions.

Chaos breaks out when the town’s mayor is seemingly poisoned by a drink made in the sisters’ store. Of course, this means that it is essential to their business to find the culprit. Cozy/traditional mystery readers know that they will do just that. Enjoy this title as you watch the case unfold. It was a fun read.

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

The Shadow Girls is the fourth title in a series that includes Trace of Evil, The Wicked Hour, The Witching Tree and this latest in the Natalie Lockhart series. Some readers will feel that they need to read these books in order as they may be a bit adrift otherwise. No bad thing as those who are interested will have more to read! Or, start here and work backwards.

Past events include the death of Natalie’s sister and a missing friend . Here, in the new book, lots more trouble is piled on. A modern day witch (!) is dead, there are goings on at a warehouse. Why? What is happening in Burning Lake? Also why is a police officer in a coma?

This is a complex story. The reader is drawn in immediately, first meeting Stevie and then going to the hospital with Natalie where she is visiting Luke. From here, there are twists enough to keep the pages turning.

Will Natalie be back in a new book? Maybe not but I hope so.

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

Pub date: 25 July 2023

When my older daughter started college, she took a philosophy class and found it to be most intriguing. I have never studied philosophy myself so I very much enjoyed spending time with this title. A number of philosophical concepts are explored beginning with the ancient Greeks and moving toward the modern day. If you want to know who Aristotle was or how his philosophy differed from Plato’s (to give just one example), this book will provide an answer. I found that my brain needed to pay attention to understand all that was presented here. To help with learning, there are illustrations including art works throughout. This book offers a good introduction to philosophy. Readers can then decide if they want to pursue any topic or philosopher in more depth on their own. Many thanks to NetGalley and Arcturus publishing for this title. All opinions are my own.

THE BOOKSHOP OF YESTERDAYS

#TheWritersGarden #NetGalley

Bibliophiles and gardeners, here is a perfect book for you (and me). Visit the gardens of a number of writers, enjoy what you see, and learn about the importance of each writer’s garden.

The photos throughout are just gorgeous. In addition, the text is quite informative. For example, learn in the very first entry about why Louisa May Alcott’s father bought a particular property and what was grown there. I like that each entry has a section on the writer themself.

There is so much to see here, so this book will provide enjoyment for many hours. J have so many favorites that it is so difficult to pick a few. That said, I especially enjoyed Louis May Alcott’s Orchard House; Jane Austen in Kent and Hampshire, Frances Hodgson Burnett at Great Maythem Hall, Agatha Christie at Greenway, Thomas Hardy on Dorset and, Beatrix Potter at Hill Top.

I would love to own the hard copy of this title and to visit some of these gardens in person. As the author points out, we are so lucky that they have been preserved, even as they evolve.

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

Pub date: 26 September 2023