Let’s have fun at the:

Seaside

by Happy Yak

#Seaside #NetGalley

Happy Yak is the perfect name for the creator of so many delightful children’s books. This time, little ones will enjoy a cheerful beach day.

This book is for very young children. There are many things to name and see. Some of the words are for objects while others are actions or qualities (for example, helpful). So children will discover illustrations with words like turtle, whale, paddling, waving and many more. All in all, a cute and sweet vocabulary title.

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

Pub date: 05 July 2022

Pride Month 2022 Middle Grade Sampler

#PrideMonth2022MiddleGradeSampler #NetGalley

This Pride Month sampler includes generous excerpts from six books that are geared to middle school readers. These titles will be welcomed by children and their adults. They reflect many kinds of kids and families.

As an example, “different kinds of fruit” is about a sixth grader, her father and a new student who comes to the school. The Lock Eater is a fantasy about an orphan. The other included books are “Pride,” “The Visitors,” “Too Bright to See” and, “The Best Man.”

Many adults recall how important books were to them when they were growing up, especially if they were feeling alone or different. Finding a book whose characters related to them often made a huge difference. In that way, many will find something terrific in these titles.

These are books that belong in home and on library shelves. Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub Date 23 Jun 2022

Some e book bargains for 6.22.22

The Short List for this week-recent titles that are discounted

see review at http://www.joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews.wordpress.com

Other e book bargains for today:

I want to read this. She has a new book coming out soon.
see review at http://www.joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews.wordpress.com
See my review. address above.
Look for review at http://www.joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews.wordpress.com

Be careful what you eat: Murder at the Beacon Bakeshop by Darci Hannah

#MurderattheBeaconBakeshop #NetGalley

I generally have quite a few cozy mysteries in my TBR pile. They are just the kind of book I want when I am feeling stressed. Despite a murder or two, these stories are comforting as justice is served. If only that were always the case in the real world.

Murder at the Beacon Bakeshop is the first in a series. There are now three titles in all. This first novel introduces readers to Lindsey Bakewell (a name that is quite appropriate). She left Wall Street for Michigan after her relationship ended. This gives her the opportunity to pursue a passion for baking. No surprise to readers that she becomes involved in a murder investigation given the genre. It is a surprise to Lindsey though when her former fiance is involved. Some suspension of disbelief is required while reading but achieve that and this is a good story of its type.

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

Pub Date 23 Feb 2021

Where are your crayons or colored pencils? Garden of Fairytale Animals

A Curious Collection of Creatures to Color

by Kanoko Egusa

Coloring is one of those activities that brings back nostalgic memories of childhood. How strangely satisfying it was to pick up a crayon or pencil from that Crayola set (the bigger, the better) and get to work. Coloring can similarly offer relaxation to adults. This book is definitely one that looks like it would be fun to have.

The cover drew (pun, again!) me right in. It just looks so inviting. The first pages are examples of completed pictures and they are gorgeous. They will inspire. The following detailed pages cry out for my colored pencils. I think that I will have to purchase this one!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Fox Chapel Publishing for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub Date 09 Jun 2022

#GardenofFairytaleAnimals #NetGalley

From the Publisher

A colored illustration of a deer and bunnies with text, "garden of Fairytale Animals Coloring Book."

"A Storybook-Inspired Coloring Experience. 66 whimsical designs."

“The artwork in Garden of Fairytale Animals is absolutely gorgeous with so much charm and whimsy on every page. I want to live in this enchanting and magical world that Kanoko Egusa has created!” —Katie Vaz, Artist, Illustrator, Author of Make Yourself Cozy and Cottagecore Galore

Line art of a library full of fairytale animals with text, "20 Magical Full Spread Designs."
A colored cat design and bunny with text, "Inspirational gallery of fully-colored examples."
A black and white photograph of author Kanoko Egusa.

About the Author

Kanoko Egusa was born in Sendai, Japan. After graduating from university, she studied professional design and drawing at a vocational school in Kanazawa and started to work as a freelance graphic designer in 2008. In 2011, she began kanoko egusa design atelier, creating illustrations depicting imaginary worlds filled with animals, flowers, and plants.

In her studio, Kanoko surrounds herself with the things and images that inspire her. She takes inspiration from nature and from antique books, postcards, and greeting cards. Kanoko begins each piece of art simply, hand drawing using a dip pen and ink. She then digitizes each illustration to make any adjustments and finishing touches. With each illustration, she seeks to capture vivid expressions and magical moments, full of emotion and life.

The Adventures of Rembrandt the Tuxedo Cat

#TheAdventuresofRembrandttheTuxedoCat #NetGalley.

This is a simple, colorfully illustrated story about some animal friends who encounter a calamity. A-Jay was accidentally tumbled out of his nest by one of the animals. They then work together to remedy the situation. This is a children’s story that encourages cooperation and truthfulness. Kids who like animal stories may enjoy hearing this one.

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

Pub date: 21 June 2022

Additional e book bargains for 6.21.22

see review at http://www.joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews.wordpress.com
see my review at http://www.joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews.wordpress.com
see review at http://www.joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews.wordpress.com
One of the first books that I read and enjoyed by this author.
see review at http://www.joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews.wordpress.com

Is it possible to: Fake It Till You Bake It

A Novel

by Jamie Wesley

#FakeItTillYouBakeIt #NetGalley

This is a fun summer read that tells the story of Jada and Donovan, their coming together, the decisions that they make and the evolution of their relationship. All of the ingredients (bit of a pun) that romance readers eat up (pun again) are in these pages.

Jada had a most unfortunate experience. This led to her return to San Diego where she found a job in a bakery while she licks (yikes, the puns) her wounds. This leads to her meeting Donovan. He is a professional sportsman, a football player. What happens when an assumption is made that these two are a couple? Have fun turning the pages and suspend disbelief as you find out. It will be a pleasure.

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

Pub date: 21 June 2022

From the Publisher

Fake It Till You Bake It Jamie Wesley
Fake It Till You Bake It Jamie Wesley Talia Hibbert quote
Fake It Till You Bake It Jamie Wesley Kwana Jackson quote
Fake It Till You Bake It Jamie Wesley Roni Loren quote

Editorial Reviews

Review

OPRAH DAILY, “The 28 Most Anticipated Romance Novels of 2022”

“Fake It Till You Bake It is like a chilli-chocolate cupcake―super sweet with one hell of a kick. Wesley combines delightful characters, delicious tension, and a fascinating setup to create this truly satisfying romance.” — Talia Hibbert, New York Times bestselling author of Act Your Age, Eve Brown