Remain Silent A Manon Bradshaw Novel by Susie Steiner

by joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviewsMay 15, 2020

Remain Silent is the third book in Susie Steiner’s Manon Bradshaw mystery series.  I very much enjoyed this author’s first two novles in the series and was eager to read this one as well.

Remain Silent is, in some ways, a very tough read.  It is the second book that I have finished recently that has a theme centering on the plight of illegal immigrants.  Ms. Steiner portrays what happens to these characters including Matis, Lukas and  others, with such brutal reality that it was painful to read.  The message is an important one however and something that needs to be considered.

Manon herself can be acerbic, funny and a woman who makes many pithy parenthetical statements.  In this book, Manon is overwhelmed with challenges.  She has a young son, a teenaged son and a partner, Mark, who is in the hospital.   Manon’s lament on how she wishes that she had been treating Mark better will strike a chord with anyone who has faced challenges in a relationship.

Around all of this, of course, there is a mystery.  The murder is that of one of the immigrants and Manon is tasked with solving the case.  Readers who have read the series will welcome back characters on her team including Davy.

SPOILER:

The afterword by the author reveals some of what she, herself, has been experiencing and this, too, has been quite sad and difficult.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in an excellent series in exchange for an honest review.  I hope that Ms. Steiner will continue writing.  She is a talented and clear eyed author.

#ROMeANTICALLYCHALLENGED #NetGalley

When I saw the title of this novel, I thought that it took place in Rome, Italy. That was part of why I wanted to read it. However, the Rome of the title is actually in Rhode Island. Once I let go of Italy, I found this to be an easy read with characters whom I liked.

Annie has grown up as the only Asian person in her community which has not always been easy. She reflects on this in the novel. When her wedding plans fall through, Annie ends up in Rome, Rhode Island (She, too, was hoping for Italy). Although not what she was looking for Annie tries to make it work.

Emmitt is home after covering a big story in China. Of course, he and Annie meet. Will they become a couple?

Along with these two, there are the members of Emmitt’s family. He has a daughter whom he is trying to get to know. Paisley has other family members who do not always make it easy for Emmitt.

While in some ways this is a predtictable story, sometimes that is just what a reader wants.

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

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.