Before the Crown by Flora Harding

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

by joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews

This book will certainly be quickly picked up and read by those who love stories about Elizabeth and Phillip, and/or by those who enjoyed the Netflix series, The Crown.  This story starts as one of youth; readers observe as Elizabeth and Phillip get to know each other, beginning when the future queen was just a girl.  There is an early vivid scene of a Christmas pantomime at the castle during WWII.  Elizabeth is an Aladdin who eagerly looks for a certain dashing naval officer in the audience.  She is clearly interested in him.  But, what does he think of or want from her?  Even if you know how history played out, the author manages to create some suspense.

Phillip is portrayed as interested in this young Elizabeth but also as a man who is not fully ready to settle down.  The influence of his family history (royalty without a country) and his uncle Mountbatten’s pressure to become the future monarch’s husband are realistically portrayed.

Another section of the book, at the end of the war, shows Elizabeth as the young girl she is.  This has been the subject of a movie, A Royal Night Out. and very much comes to life in the novel.  It was one time when Elizabeth was able to shed her persona and be part of a crowd in a celebration.

From these beginning chapters, the author crafts a well told accounting of one of the longest and most famous marriages in the Western world, one that Elizabeth’s father did not initially endorse.  Readers are swept along as this couple moves toward one another and their eventual wedding.  Be there with them on this journey as the pages turn.

I highly recommend this readable and enjoyable historical novel.  Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

pub date:  September 18, 2020

Meet Me in Monaco A Novel of Grace Kelly’s Royal Wedding by Hazel Gaynor; Heather Webb

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

by joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews

Meet Me in Monaco feels like the perfect title for right now.  It is a gentle, romantic story that will allow its readers to escape daily life.  Much of the book is set in France with its beautiful towns and countryside.  And then, of course, readers also spend time in Monaco itself.

The background for the story is Grace Kelly’s wedding to Prince Rainier but Sophie and Jim are also prominent characters for whom readers want the best.  Sophie is a parfumier with a beloved family business that is facing financial ruin.  The man she is to marry does not always seem right for her.  Jim is a photographer assigned at times to follow Ms. Kelly.  Jim is divorced and the woman in his life is daughter, Emily.

Sophie meets Jim when he chases Grace into Sophie’s store.  From this beginning, readers will spend time with the three and with the others who surround them, all the while hoping for fairy tale endings.

The book follows a typical narrative structure with the addition of nterspersed news articles.  These are fun to read and help readers to feel that they are witnesses to the action.

This novel was written by two authors who worked very well together.  It was impossible for me to detect who was writing when.

I highly recommend this novel for those who need a bit of feel good time.

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

The View from Alameda Island (Carr)#TheViewFromAlamedaIsland #NetGalley

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

by joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews

#TheViewFromAlamedaIsland #NetGalley

Fans of Robyn Carr’s will be delighted to find that she has a new (non-series) novel out just in time for spring and Mother’s Day. This book is about second chances, making the kind of life that you want to have happen and of not holding back out of fear.

The story focuses on Lauren who seems to have it all…except that, of course, she doesn’t. She is married to Brad, a successful surgeon, and has two daughters.

Beau is married with two stepsons. He is a landscape architect whose marriage has been unhappy for years.

Tim is a priest and friend of Beau’s. He also becomes a friend of Lauren’s.

What happens to each of these characters, those around them and their relationships forms the basis of the novel. The pages turn easily and readers will be interested in how the characters fare. A good women’s fiction book all in all.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

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.