Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too!

A Flower House Mystery

by Jess Dylan

Readers go to cozy mysteries when they want a break from the harshness of life. Yes, bad things happen in these stories, including murder, but there is not over the top violence. Also, books in this genre tend to feature likeable protagonists, pets, inviting small town settings and often the chance to learn about something…think baking or in this case a flower shop.

This title goes according to that formulation and will be enjoyed by fans of the genre. The protagonist has returned to the place where she grew up having faced stresses away from home. However, home doesn’t provide a stress free existence. As could be guessed from the title, someone is murdered in the flower shop.

There are suspects, townsfolk whom readers will like and, of course, a crime to be solved. All will be resolved.

This is the first in a new series. Cozy lovers may well look forward to any books that follow.

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

Pub Date 27 Jul 2021  

I must confess that I did not know nearly as much as I thought I did about the movement that led to the (eventual) right for women to vote in the United States. I was aware of those who started the movement both the U.S. and England but I was familiar with only one of the three women featured in this novel.

The three are Alice Paul, Ida Wells and Maud Malone. Each has her life story told against the vivid backdrop of the politics of the day and their individual histories.

Alice Paul was raised as a Quaker; Ida Wells knew much about slavery, and Maud Malone was an Irish American librarian. What led each of these women to fight so hard for something that many now take for granted? Jennifer Chiaverini helps readers to understand why they worked persistently for what they believed in.

These three are not the only ones who appear in the book. To name just two others, there are Jane Addams and Ava Vanderbilt.

The history that Alice, Ida and Maud lived through comes to life in this novel. I was especially struck by all that Ida Wells endured including the impact of yellow fever on her life, the lynchings of people that she knew and much more.

Around these women are the men, many of whom wanted to thwart votes for women. They included President Wilson. Will the women succeed in organizing a massive march for the day before his inaugural? Read this one to find out.

I found The Women’s March to be among my very favorite books by this author. I learned a lot but did not feel that I was being lectured to.

This historical fiction should be on reading lists for high school students and up. It would make a superb book club selection.

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

Jill Mansell is one of the very best writers of women’s fiction. Her novels always have heart and warmth, along with good plots, likeable characters and smile for readers. This time we meet Didi and Shay; Rosa, Red, Benny, Ingrid, Harry, Will and others, including a well-known actress. All are well portrayed and people that readers will enjoy getting to know.

Didi and Shay met as teens and broke up; now, Shay is back. Will their past history derail them or will they find their happy ever after? Shay’s dad has been in and out of jail many times and yet he is a most appealing character. Red is dying and wants to spend time in the town where Shay grew up and where Shay is living in Didi’s hotel. Layla is Didi’s closest friend; will she find love through Shay’s dating site or closer to home? Rosa, Layla’s mother, loved her husband Joe who died. She is offering shelter to Shay’s dad, Red, and becomes involved with Benny, a goodhearted man to whom she sold her house.. And, there is more although this gives a sense of all of the many interrelationships in this heart warming novel.

Readers looking for a relaxing read should mark their calendars for this books’ release date. I highly recommend it. Ms. Mansell has written many novels; readers may want to read them all.

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

by An Leysen

Pub date: July 20, 2021

I love the concept of this title. It fuses a story with music by Beethoven. Readers of the published version of this title will be able to listen to some music snippets as they look at and read the story. This seems like a nice way to introduce young ones to some classical music.

Children who lie in bed creating stories will surely relate to Sofia who imagines that she is a pirate. Her adventures form the core of this nicely illustrated title. There are a sea monsters, a mermaid and even a treasure. So much fun for one evening.

Of note is that there are a playlist and some information about Beethoven at the end of the book.

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

#TheDisappearingAct #NetGalley

Catherine Steadman may be known to some because of her role in the ever popular Downton Abbey. But…surpise (!) she is also a talented author. This is Ms. Steadman’s third novel following on Something in the Water and Mr. Nobody. Those who enjoyed her earlier novels are sure to enjoy this one as well. New readers of the author may also want to give this title a look. It has summer read written all over it.

Actress Mia found success in a British film called Eyre. Based on this accomplishment, Mia’s agent encourages her to go to America for pilot season. The strange and mysterious events that then ensure form the basis for the novel.

Those who enjoy suspense titles should enjoy this one. What did happen to Emily? What will Mia’s role in the strange situation turn out to be?

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

sleuthofbakerstreet.ca/i/1584200/June_2021__e_MOM_Read.pdf

Eight Cousins is free.

by Lo Cole

This is such a cute book! I highly recommend it for anyone from a young child to an older adult. It has wonderful illustrations in just a few colors (good for babies), rhymes and humor. Take a look. You will smile.

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

From the Publisher

by Esther Van den Berg

Pub date: 7.13.21

Do you know someone whose child will be starting nursery school or a play group this fall? If you do, take a look at this title. It will help to alleviate any apprehensions that kids feel about that strange new place.

I love the animal characters in this book; I think that they make the story more approachable than one with children in it. Plus, the illustrations are just incredibly adorable.

Robin doesn’t want to go to school but…by the end of his time there, Robin does not want to go home.

American readers may find it strange that the teacher is called ma’am but that is my only quibble with this sweet title.

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