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

There are many parenting books out there but they are generally geared to the early years through adolescence. Job done? Not really and certainly not for everyone. Especially in our current age, parenting does not seem to end with the completion of school. Instead, parents seem to be ever more involved with and concerned about their children.

Worried about their job prospects? Relationships? Mental health issues? Are you estranged? Not sure what to say as you become a grandparent and watch your child parenting? These are the sorts of issues that keep parents on edge but not sure what to do. Should one parent their adult child (how is that for an oxymoron though the author explains why he chose it.) and intervene and, if so, how? For those who want some thoughtful assistance, here is one highly regarded author who wants to help.

As one example, someone I know found the advice on what to do if you are not so sure of your child’s romantic partner to be spot on and very helpful. Suddenly there was something to contemplate and/or do about a situation rather than spinning mentally.

The advice and vignettes in this book will be welcomed by readers. Those who are parents of twenty and thirty year olds will leave these pages feeling a bit more certain about how they want to proceed and when.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for this title. All opinions are my own.

by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara

#OliveMorris #NetGalley

This is one of my favorite series for young readers and listeners. Often I already know the person who is being profiled but, in this instance, I did not. I am so glad, though, to have spent time with Olive.

Olive’s story is inspiring. She came to Britain from Jamaica. She went on to fight to right the wrongs that she saw. For example, she spoke out against police brutality and was arrested and mistreated as a result. Olive was not deterred however. She went on to fight for housing and opened a Black community bookstore. As if that were not already enough, Olive fought for Black and Asian women. How was she honored? Read this title to find out. The message that a person needs to stand up for their beliefs will resonate with idealistic young people.

As is true with the books featuring little people with big dreams, the illustrations are well done. They enhance the story.

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

Pub date: 06 June 2023

I enjoyed this and reviewed it

#MindfulnessinGardening #NetGalley

I have a tendency, at times, to buzz around and need to stop to breathe. That is what I hoped would happen when reading this title and, yes, it did.

The author shares some of the insights that can be gained from the gardening profession and how this work connects with mindfulness. Redwood acknowledges the influence of the well known Thich Nhat Hanh who has had a deep influence on those practicing mindfulness. There are quotes from Hanh in the text.

The book is organized by seasons, beginning with spring. Readers first spend time with the snowdrop and then learn about a mindfulness activity that can be done while pruning. The book goes on to offer gardening tips and ways to practice mindfulness in this setting.

I am not lucky enough to have a garden but I visit a botanical garden regularly. I will try to take some of these practices and insights with me when I next walk there. After reading this book, I also know that I would like to visit Chalice Well Gardens near Glastonbury Tor, a peace garden, where the author is employed.

This book offers a chance to step back, breathe and contemplate. It is part of what i think will be an excellent series.

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

Pub date: 20 June 2023

Lines for Life

by Ben Crystal; David Crystal

#EverydayShakespeare #NetGalley

It is always fun to have a book that one can look at every single day. Here the quotes are all from the Bard and offer much food for thought and entertainment. With so many quotes, readers are sure to find old friends and new words both.

Both authors are experienced writers on Shakespeare and good guides in this title. It is worth the time to read their introduction.

I like that this title is organized the months by themes. For example, February, not surprisingly, gets love. The authors also do a good job of putting each quote in context.

This book would make a nice gift. I think that I will purchase the hard copy.

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

Pub date: 05 September 2023

Another week, another batch of books for your TBR pile. Happy reading, folks. * John Lawton, Moscow Exile (Atlantic) “Lawton infuses the entire troupe with sparkling life, using crackling dialogue and rapier wit to bring a Technicolor sheen to the moral ambiguity of the Cold War.” –Booklist Don Winslow, City of Dreams (William Morrow) “The…

10 New Books Coming Out This Week — CrimeReads

Here is a romance title with heart. It offers a warm and involving story about people who are both appealing and struggling at times. It has moments of comedy, drama and makes readers care.

The main characters are Brianna and Jacob. Both are ER doctors at the same hospital. Brianna has been there for a while and is expecting a promotion. Jacob’s arrival may spoil that prospect while for Jacob, himself, entry into this new hospital is not easy. Will these two follow the usual romance fiction trope? Readers will happily turn the pages to find out.

In addition to offering an engaging story, Ms. Jimenez takes on some bigger issues. One involves a character who is young and in need of a kidney donor; the impact of the condition on his emotional state is well described. Another was that Jacob suffered from anxiety. Ms. J did a good job of toggling between the serious and less so.

The title of this novel reflects that the protagonists got to know each other better through letter writing. Their anticipation of receiving written correspondence, not texts, made me want to go check my mail box.

Recommended for romance and fiction readers. I would definitely read other books by this author.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Forever Grand Central Publishing for this title. All opinions are my own.

From the Publisher

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Sparkling prose, skillful plotting… contemporary romance gold.”―Publishers Weekly

“Jimenez is a true talent.”―Emily Henry, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Book Lovers

#ExitStrategy #NetGalley

Those who enjoy reading New York City based police dramas are certain to enjoy this title as are those who watch TV series like Blue Bloods or East New York. The protagonist of this novel, Gemma, is a detective and hostage negotiator. She ends up with a high stakes situation when hostages are taken at City Hall. Readers will hope for her successful resolution of a fraught situation.

This book offers the reader a tight plot and also an entry into Gemma’s world. As in Blue Bloods, many of her relatives are also police officers. I enjoyed meeting them and look forward to spending time with them in other books.

Those who like a story with action and good characters will want to give this title a look.

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

This title was published in 2020

Here is the second in the series:

by Sally Romano

#MomShareYourLifeStoryBook #NetGalley

Do you ever wish that you knew more about your mom? Wish that there was an easy way to preserve some of her stories? If so, this book is a perfect way to achieve your goal.

This book consists of a series of prompts. There are twelve chapters and topics. Just a few of these include Your Family Tree, Falling in Love and, Facing Adversity. What follows in each is a series of short answer questions. For example, “Did you visit your grandparents as a child, and what things would you do while there?” Another, “What were your family’s favorite festive and/or religious celebrations?” And one more, “What is your life motto?” Of course, there are many additional topics in the book.

This journal would make a lovely family keepsake. I think that parents will want to answer the questions as they will enjoy knowing that their child(ren) are interested in who they are.

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

Pub date: 12 April 2023

I reviewed this one.

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A good story