The Country Guesthouse A Sullivan’s Crossing Novel by RobynCarr

THIS TITLE IS AN E BOOK BARGAIN FOR THE WEEK OF 6.27.21

by joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews

Robyn Carr is a prolific writer of women’s fiction. Her Virgin River novels are now a series on Netflix. The Country Guesthouse is one of the author’s Sullivan’s Crossing books. These stories take part in Colorado and are interconnected although they do not have to be read in order.

This title is primarily about Owen, Hannah and Noah. They face challenges although readers of this author know that usually things end well. Owen is a world traveler and a photographer who had a significant tragedy in his life. Hannah was a close friend to Noah’s mother, who died and named Hannah to be his guardian. Noah, who is five years old, has mild CP and is grieving the loss of his mom. Over the course of this story, the three come together, heal and find love while also connecting with the characters from previous books.

I recommend Robyn Carr’s novels to those who enjoy women’s fiction. This one is an easy read that takes the reader to a beautiful place and the kind of caring community we dream about.

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

Get to know: Mindful Mr. Sloth

by Katy Hudson

#MindfulMrSloth #NetGalley

Pub date: August 1, 2021

The illustrations in this adorable book are simply irresistible. Beginning with the cover where Sasha and Mr. Sloth and continuing throughout this title, the illustrations draw the reader’s eye.

Young Sasha is a girl in a rush…busy, busy, busy. One day she stops for a moment as Mr. Sloth lands on the roof of her tree house. Thus begins an unusually action packed day for Mr. Sloth. He sees how Sasha lives, will she take anything from him?

These two friends teach little ones a bit about mindfulness. It could well be a helpful lesson for both the child who hears this story and their adults.

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

A Mudlark’s Treasures

by joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews

London in Fragments

by Ted Sandling

#NetGalley

THIS TITLE HAS NOW BEEN PUBLISHED

#AMudlarksTreasures #NetGalley

Have you ever heard about the original mudlarks? They searched for treasures left behind in the Thames. The most traditional mudlarks were young boys in the 1800s who were looking to find anything that might bring them a bit of money. Now in the 21st century we still have mudlarks. Their finds tell the story of London’s history.

Readers will enjoy learning more about the finds of the mudlarks as they read this fascinating book. Things found include everything from clay pipes to tableware to wine bottlenecks to tea pots and so much more. These objects are fully described by the book’s author.

This title is packed with information and history. There is also an extensive bibliography. I wish that there had been photos but perhaps there will be in the published copy of this title.

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

You will want to stay for a while: Primrose Park by Christie Barlow

Primrose Park is one of a series of books set around Love Heart Lane. That place name is enough to help readers to know if this is a title for them. If a reader enjoys British set romance with likeable characters. this one with its appealing cover should go on the summer reading list.

This entry is about a hardworking vet named Molly who one night does something unexpected and out of character. It seems like it was just a good experience until…some repercussions come close to home. Read the book to learn what happens. You will then probably want to go back to read all of the titles in this series.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this light and pleasant read. All opinions are my own.

NOTE: RIGHT NOW THIS TITLE IS JUST 99 CENTS IN ITS E BOOK VERSION.

Troy by Stephen Fry

by joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews

#Troy #NetGalley

NOW OUT:

Stephen Fry has done many things, of which talented author is just one. This is the third in his erudite, witty and well-illustrated books about ancient Greece. His earlier titles, Mythos and Heroes were wonderful (re)tellings of stories, some of which I knew and some of which were new to me. Now Fry has turned his attention to tales of Troy. Yes, readers may think that they already know these stories but I can safely say that they may not and that time with this title is time well spent. I truly enjoyed it.

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

What makes one: A Woman of Intelligence

A Novel

by Karin Tanabe

Pub Date 20 Jul 2021

Note: This review is for the audio book version of this title.

Readers note the clever title of this book and consider the possible meanings. Then start reading and enjoy an excellent novel.

Katharina is a multi-lingual graduate of Columbia University who finds employment with the nascent United Nations as the novel begins. She enjoys her life; Katharina finds her career to be fulfilling and she enjoys the flirtatious life of a single woman in a world filled with men. Life seems pretty wonderful.

Soon Katharina falls in love with and marries the estimable Tom. He is a pediatric surgeon who takes saving the lives of children most seriously. He is also a New Yorker with impeccable connections to the most upper of the upper classes. Although Tom has told Katharina that he doesn’t want her to change, it soon becomes evident that this is not true.

Katharina becomes mother to a baby and toddler in short order and leaves her job. She is expected to be the perfect mother, housewife, wife and society lady. But…she balks. Readers who have wondered if they want to have children will think carefully after they read the section of the book where Katharina has a very, very, very bad day and takes off running.

From here, the book layers in espionage. Katharina is led back to a Columbia years boyfriend who is a Communist organizer and to those who are looking to rout out Communists and their sympathizers (against a background of the McCarthy hearings).

The suspense ratchets up as Katherina navigates her two worlds and roles; one that wife and one as potential informer. Katharina meets and works with new people including a Black handler to whom she is very attracted.

No spoilers so no more. Suffice it to say that this is an absorbing read.

As to the narration, I found it to be excellent. There are different voices for the different characters. It was a delight to listen as the story unspooled.

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

Note: I previously read this author’s earlier novel, The Gilded Years. It is a very different book to this one but also a very good read.