Ink and Shadows by Ellery Adams

by joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviewsApril 10, 2021

Ink and Shadows is the fourth entry in Ellery Adams’s Secret, Book, and Scone Society series. I have enjoyed all of the books and recommend them. They are, perhaps, best read in order although the author gives enough back story for a new reader to quickly catch up.

Two things that I love about the series:

The main characters. Each of them has struggled in life and moved forward. Each has a particular love or talent that is given its due in the books. My favorite is Nora. She owns the bookstore of my fantasies; there are amazing themed displays, a full array of titles, good coffee and knowledgeable staff. There are nooks to sit in and children’s story hours. Plus, Nora is a bibliotherapist. This means that the novel is filled with good reading suggestions. Nora has her past struggles and guilts; she has a new relationship which is in trouble in this title.

Nora’s friends are all women with their own stories and talents. They include a baker, a woman skilled in massage and comfort and two other close friends. Each has a gift for friendship.

The setting. The small town is lovingly portrayed. It is cozy with farmer’s markets, festivals, artisan shops, good foods and the outdoors close by.

There are murders sullying the town. Both a daughter and her mother are dead. Is the cause their interest in a grimoire or is there another reason? Are their deaths tied to the commune that they lived on prior to coming to Miracle Springs?

The author takes on some social issues as well. There is a group of women who believe in censorship and want Nora’s Halloween store windows taken down. There are also comments on CBD.

Readers who want a slightly less than cozy, cozy take a look at this series. I am already looking forward to the next book!

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

Picnic in Someday Valley by Jodi Thomas

by joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviewsApril 27, 2021

Readers of Breakfast at the Honey Creek Cafe will be delighted to meet up with their old (character) friends in this second novel set in Texas. Piper, the mayor, and her Texas Ranger are back along with the widows and a number of other folks from the first novel including Pecos and his young bride. For those who have not read Breakfast, there is a lot of information given to catch you up; however, for a more leisurely read, take the books in order.

In part, this title tells the story of Marcie. She was a character in the first novel too, but comes into her own here. Marcie is a singer who made the mistake of getting involved with the wrong man. She expects little to bad things from relationships. Will it be any different with Brand?

Readers also meet Jesse, a young widower. He takes excellent care of his three children and his farm but can he hope for more in life? Will he find love with the baker of the most perfect scones?

Spending time in the locations and with the characters make for a relaxing read. Travel to Texas; readers will want to stay for a while.

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

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The Book of Candlelight by Ellery Adams

by joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviewsJanuary 14, 2020

The Book of Candlelight is the third entry in this mystery series by Ellery Adams. I have enjoyed all three books. In this one, readers again spend time with the four main female characters, each of whom has a significant secret in their past. They have bonded together to provide support to each other and to their community. Chief among the protagonists is Nora who owns a bookstore. She is a bibliotherapist and readers enjoy the added bonus of learning some of her book picks.

Series do not stay stagnant, so new characters are introduced. I hope that some will reappear in the next entry. The arrival of Sheldon adds a bit of magic to life at Nora’s bookstore and in the community. There are also the new owners of an inn.

There are two murders in the novel, one of a local Cherokee potter and the other of a young man who was seeking adventure and experience in the North Carolina region where the books are set. The mystery itself has connections with the past and is well developed. However, the main delight of this series is the characters and their world.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

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Doodle Days

Over 100 Creative Ideas for Doodling, Drawing, and Journaling

by Jane Maday

#DoodleDays #NetGalley

Doodle Days by Jane Maday

by joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviewsJune 14, 2021

#DoodleDays #NetGalley

Pub Date: July 6, 2021

Often when I am in a class or talking on the phone I find myself doodling. Forever, it seems I have drawn faces, coffee cups and flowers. I am getting bored with these so was very excited to see this book. It is full of ideas about making those fun little pictures.

Short sections include everything from how to use the book to tools and materials, and lines and shapes. By the end of this sample, I wanted the full book and was full of ideas. I am very eager to get started.

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

The Science of the Mind and Behavior

by Jacqueline B. Toner; Claire A. B. Freeland

#PsychologyforKids #NetGalley

Pub Date 03 Aug 2021  

This title provides a fine introduction to psychology. It will spark the curiosity of its readers as they learn about such varied topics as Chapter 5’s “What Makes Me Me, or Chapter 14’s What is Stress, or Chapter 16’s What Helps People Do Well, or Chapter 19’s How Can You Understand Other People’s Experiences?

This book has the imprimatur of the American Psychological Association which adds credence to what is included inside its’ pages. Readers will be drawn in right away. One of the first psychologists included is one who works with video games while another studies how people react to smells and another looks at what makes toys appealing. Kids see quickly that psychology covers a wide array of ways to understand feelings and behaviors.

Each section of each chapter is short and will keep readers’ attention. There are also illustrations throughout. I especially liked the sections titled Try This and Now You Know.

All in all, this book provides a good introduction to psychology. Interested readers may well explore deeper after finishing this title or may even begin to consider a career as a psychologist.

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

by Algonquin Books

Algonquin consistently publishes fiction that is of high quality. In this sampler, readers get a peek at six recently released novels. They are Silence is a Sense, Libertie, A Theater for Dreamers, Legends of the North Cascades, and Hot Stew. For each title, the novelist has also written an essay that will add to a reader’s sense of the book. This collection of previews and more is a real treat and will likely inspire readers to add to their summer reading lists. I, myself, especially want to read Libertie and A Theater for Dreamers.

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