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

by Codi Hall

Once fall gets closer, many begin to think even further ahead to the Christmas season. Those who want to anticipate December with a romance novel, get to know Merry.

This book has what romance readers crave. The story is sweet and the characters are engaging. Oh, and of course, there is a child who plays an important role. There is even the setting of a Christmas tree farm.

The two main characters knew each other in the past. Watch what happens to them in the present.

Those who enjoyed Nick and Noel’s Christmas Playlist will want to take a look at this second title by the author. Anyone who watches Hallmark movies, this one is for you. It has that vibe.

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

Pub date: 06 September 2022

100 Affirmations for Happiness

by Elicia Rose Trewick

#Joy #NetGalley

I recently reviewed a book by this author titled Calm. This collecction is a lovely companion piece to that one as both calm and joy are states that many would like to experience. This book is filled with affirmations, 100 in all, that encourage readers to find joy. The text is accompanied by floral illustrations that add some color to the words. Spend time with these thoughts and exercises. They may well help in having more joyful days.

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

Pub date: 06 October 2022

Here is some good escapist fiction. Readers get to know and spend time with a granddaughter and, more importantly, her grandmother in a story that spans both the present and the past.

In the current period, Jenna’s marriage has ended leaving her adrift and unhappy. She subsquently agrees to a road trip with her grandmother, Evelyn. The two are on their way to Massachusetts.

Evelyn begins to share a story that Jenna did not know. It is from the 1950s and is about how she fell in love with someone who was not Jewish. Sadly, Evelyn could not marry him. What was their full story? How will this lost love’s great nephew impact the future of these characters? Find out in this delightful novel. It is a nice long read filled with humor and warmth and one that is quite enjoyable.

Many thanks for the ARC of this novel. All opinions are my own.

Here’s how we reviewed now-famous mysteries by the likes of Agatha Christie, Ngaio Marsh, Dorothy Sayers, Dashiell Hammett and more.
— Read on www.nytimes.com/2021/10/21/books/classic-crime-novels-that-still-thrill-today.html

Whether you want to be scared, shocked or stumped, we will help you pick your poison. Strychnine-laced cocoa, anyone?
— Read on www.nytimes.com/2020/10/25/books/best-agatha-christie-books-murder-mystery.html

In “Agatha Christie: An Elusive Woman,” Lucy Worsley revisits the weird story of one of the 20th century’s most popular and enduring authors.
— Read on www.nytimes.com/2022/09/06/books/review/agatha-christie-elusive-woman-lucy-worsley.html

Meet the People Who Live, Work, and Play Across the USA

by Margeaux Weston; Sarosh Arif

This book contains a colorful two page spread for every state. Included are things that make each state unique, famous people associated with that state, the state flag, and many other fascinating facts. I began by looking at the state where I grew up and learned things that I had not known. This book also addresses issues of past history such as discrimination and changes that have taken place historically.

I would have loved this book when I was a kid. It is engaging and can be dipped into in any order. It really shows the breadth and depth of the country.

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

Pub Date 04 Oct 2022

The titles listed above are on this week’s Short List. They are recent titles published at discount.

Fashioning Modern Femininity in the Twentieth Century

by Kimberly Chrisman-Campbell

It is a truism often stated that “Clothes make the man.” Well, the same can be said of women as this interesting social history clearly shows. Its author is a good guide as readers discover from the start of the book.

In her introduction, the author shares her thoughts, feelings, wardrobe choices and professional experiences. Next are chapters on many iconic dresses. These include, for example, the little black dress, the tennis dress and the strapless dress, among the well-known ones. There are also garments with which I was unfamiliar as in the bar suit and the Delphos.

Each chapter is packed with facts. Readers learn about the history of the featured garment, its construction and some of the famous names who wore it. My only quibble is that I wish there had been illustrations in each chapter. Note though that I read an advanced copy of this title and the final version may well be filled with photos.

The end of this title includes notes and a helpful bibliography for those who want to explore further. Anyone interested in fashion history may well enjoy this title.

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

Pub date: 06 September 2022

Editorial Reviews

Review

“An entertaining and insightful look at the evolution of the skirt across the 20th century… Exquisitely detailed and evocatively written, this stylish history casts an underappreciated garment in a rewarding new light.” –Publishers Weekly

“A love letter to the many-faceted qualities of the skirt and a fascinating look at how the skirt has changed – from who is wearing it to how it reflects the times we live in.” –Alexandra Shulman, former editor-in-chief of British Vogue and bestselling author of Clothes and Other Things That Matter