Will she find it? Miss Benson’s Beetle A Novel by Rachel Joyce

by joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviewsAugust 14, 2020

Miss Benson’s Beetle is by the author of The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, a book that I very much enjoyed.  So, I was excited to receive this e galley from the publisher.  The book does not disappoint.

As has been true in her other novels, Rachel Joyce is a mistress of creating quirky characters for whom readers will care.  The beginning of the novel introduces Miss Benson.  What teacher will not identify with her ‘losing it,’ even if they might not take the actions that she does?

From this unlikely beginning Miss Benson goes on the quest of her lifetime, to the New Caledonia, in search of a rare golden beetle.  Readers learn what led to this obsession and of the tragedies in Miss Benson’s past.  Accompanying Miss Benson is the irrepressible Enid Pretty who has her own back story.  There is also another less savory and wounded character whom Miss Benson did not hire when she met him.

This is a story about doing what one dreams of in life.  It is about embarking on a journey without knowing how it will end.  Isn’t this a universal of going on journeys and taking risks?  Readers will become attached to the story and character and will immerse themselves in Miss Benson’s world.

This is a novel that has both humor and heart.  I highly recommend it.

Shakespeare’s Gardens

by Jackie Bennett

Pub Date 11 May 2021  

Shakespeare’s Gardens is such a visually appealing book! I loved the many photos and their evocation of places and other times. I also like that this title examines different places in Shakespeare’s life, not just the well known Anne Hathaway’s cottage. There are chapters on Tudor Gardens, Shakespeare’s birth place, Mary Arden’s farm, Hall Croft and more in addition to the home of Anne. There is a lot to learn in a book that seems like a nice accompaniment for fans of Hamnet, among others.

The author points out that Shakespeare not only lived during exciting historical times but also in a time of richness for gardens with imports from Peru, Mexico and Asia, for example. The appearance in Shakespeare’s plays of common garden elements and the flowers of his time is also noted in the helpful introduction. The book goes on to be very informative and interesting. I recommend it.

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

Who is “The Child?”

by joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviewsJuly 31, 2017

I have not read Fiona Barton’s first book, “The Widow,” although I probably will now. Her sophomore effort, “The Child,” is intriguing and suspenseful Who is the baby found on the building site? How are the characters and their stories connected? What does it mean to be a parent? To grieve? To confront and accept one’s past? “The Child” is about all of this while being a page turner. I did guess the answer to the central mystery but this did not in any way lessen my enjoyment of this novel. I feel confident that Fiona Barton’s next book will be, “third time the charm.” Recommended for suspense fans.  Thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to review this novel.

Know her name: The Engineer’s Wife A Novel by Tracey Enerson Wood

by joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviewsApril 7, 2020

When my children were in first grade and studying women’s history, they and I learned about Emily Roebling.  Until then, I had not known abut this woman who followed through on the work that led to the completion of the Brooklyn Bridge.  Both of my children made field trips with their classes and walked over the bridge; one of them continues to walk over the bridge frequently.  It is an iconic site in New York.

So, given this background, I was absolutely thrilled when NetGalley and the publisher offered me this title in exchange for an honest review.  I found this novel to be very engaging  as  Emily was vividly brought to life, from her days in the South to her time in New York.  Emily achieved so much in following through on the bridge but there was more to her life than that as this author ably showed.  Emily’s marriage and other relationships in her life are portrayed as her story is told.

During a time when we are re-examining women’s contributions in so many areas, this book illuminates someone otherwise slightly lost to history.  I highly recommend this title for those who enjoy historical fiction.

Flowers can heal: The Heirloom Garden A Novel by Viola Shipman

by joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviewsMay 25, 2020

Viola Shipman (the pseudonym for a male author) has successfully been writing fiction that appeals to women.  I think that this is his sixth book.  The author chose his nom de plume to honor his grandmother.

I think that this author has found a winning formula.  The novels are appealing and full of humanity.  This new book is about two women, each of whom has faced trauma and grief.  The older protagonist, appropriately named Iris as you will understand when reading the book, lost both her husband and her daughter.  The thing that keeps her going is her garden, though it is a very private one.  The second protagonist is Abby whose husband suffers PTSD, leading this family to be under strain as well.  How these characters come together forms the basis for this novel.

This book is one that fans of this author will welcome I am sure.  New readers may want to give it a read as well.

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

NOTE THAT THIS BOOK IS CURRENTLY AN E BOOK BARGAIN AT $2.99.

#TheHeirloomGarden #NetGalley

In a Book Club Far Away

by Tif Marcelo

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.

War and Millie McGonigle

by Karen Cushman

I was drawn to this middle-grade readers’ title by the author and by the intriguing cover. It matches the book’s content. We see a girl on the beach which should evoke pleasant feelings and yet…there appear to be ominous planes and ships right off shore. This is the introduction to the story of Millie, a girl who lives in California during WWII and, more specifically, around the time of the bombing of Pearl Harbor.

This was a difficult time in American history and it is difficult for our protagonist. She is living her life with the usual issues of childhood including school, friendships, sibling rivalry and a grandmother’s death, but also with rations, Hitler in Europe and a sense that the U.S. is not safe. How will she cope? Who will help her?

Readers who pick up this book will find out. I hope that they will also discuss the book’s content with a trusted adult as the story is not always easy. It is, however, very well done by the author of Catherine, Known as Birdy.

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

From the publisher: