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

by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara

The world is full of interesting and accomplished people. All of them were once children as this author knows very well. Ms. Sanchez Vegara has authored many interesting short books about young people with big dreams. This newest entry tells the story of Wilma Mankiller, a well known Native American.

Young readers will watch as Wilma grows from a young girl to an activist and then to her election as, the first female, Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. The story notes some difficult times in American history including the forced relocation of the Trail of Tears. There was also a move that Wilma’s own family made when she was young. She left her land and go to San Francisco. She returned to Oklahoma many years later.

Wilma became a wife and mother (she, herself was one of many children). She also became dedicated to her cause.

Through Wilma, young readers are given an example of the importance of fighting for the things in which a person believes. Is there a better message for these days?

Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto-Frances Lincoln Children’s Books for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 02 August 2022

by Amy Lillard

A look at her author’s page shows that Amy Lillard writes in several genres and has several series. Here, is the first in a new one.

I admit that I am always tempted to explore books that are about books so this cozy caught my eye. In this Mississippi set story the protagonist/amateur sleuth is bookstore owner, Arlo Stanley. When the author who is to be the focus of her biggest book signing ever dies during a high school reunion weekend, the plot line is set.

This title has all of the elements that cozy lovers want. There is a dead man who was difficult enough to drive someone to murder. There is an amateur sleuth in Arlo and a love interest when Arlo’s old boyfriend comes back to town. There is a book club. There is a small town. Readers are drawn in from the first page when a body is found in front of Arlo’s bookstore. All in all, this title makes for an enjoyable, light, (no gore) read.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press. All opinions are my own.

Pub Date 29 Oct 2019

From the Publisher

Editorial Reviews

Review

“A promising series debut, sometimes humorous, often puzzling, and peopled with believable characters.” – Kirkus Reviews

poisonedpen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/BN-July-4th-22.pdf

Faith Hogan is an author whose books many women’s fiction readers enjoy. In this long (470 plus page book), she tells the stories of Amanda and Tess. They just happen to live in the same Georgian style house and will get to know one another over the course of the story.

This is fiction about forming friendships and not making assumptions about the lives of others. This Irish set novel draws readers into the characters lives and will be enjoyed by those who read the novels of Cathy Kelly or Marian Keyes.

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

Pub date: 01 December 2017

Fans of JK Rowling’s Cormoran Strike series (written as Robert Galbraith) have been re-reading the series and eagerly awaiting news of the latest book in the
— Read on greatbritishbookclub.com/new-cormoran-strike-book-6-announced-the-ink-black-heart/

by Rebel Girls

I have read, reviewed and recommended many titles in the Rebel Girls series and this book is another welcome addition to their collection. This time, readers will not find stories of well known women and girls, but rather, will learn more about themselves through quizzes. Some of these include

Gutsy Globe-Trotter or Hometown Hero?

Are You a Morning Glory or a Night Owl?

Team Player or Solo Star?

What Pet Should You Get?

and many more.

This book would make a great summer project and the knowledge earned may well help its readers. Girls can also quiz those around them and see how well they can predict their answers. All in all, I like this brightly illustrated book.

Many thanks to Rebel Girls and NetGalley for this title. all opinions are my own.

Pub Date 09 Aug 2022

Everything You Need to Know about Art in a Dozen Masterpieces

by Noah Charney

This title offers a concise (about 176 page) guide to art history and related topics. Much is included here in chapters organized by everything from “Is it Even Art?,” to “The isms Cheat Sheet in Thirty Paintings,” to “The Complete(ish) History of Sculpture,” and more, including sections on topics like conservation. The text is accompanied by many artworks. A wide variety and range of genres, time periods and cultures are represented in these pages. I have taken a number of art history classes and still found many, many works unknown to me and much to learn.

Readers are in excellent hands with Noah Charney as instructor and guide. Those wanting a better knowledge of art written by someone who believes that art is for all, will want to take a look at this title.

One suggestion, there are more mentioned art works than illustrations, so know that you can look a painting up via the internet in order to see it.

#The12HourArtExpert #NetGalley

Many thanks to NetGalley and Rowan & Littlefield Publishers for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 15 July 2022