The Direct Approach to Lasting Peace, Happiness, and Love

by Stephan Bodian

Those who are interested in, or already integrating some mindfulness into their daily lives, may want to give this title a read. The author is interested in helping people to move past mindfulness, even though he found the practice to be very helpful. He sees this book as a resource for those who are beginning to look for something more. The author has studied both mindfulness and psychology and has pondered these approaches.

Honestly, I found this one a bit difficult to understand and connect with. I found the language to be somewhat obfuscating. That may be because I have not read his earlier works.

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

A Novel of Suspense

by G.M. Malliet

G. M. Malliet is, perhaps, best known for her series of mysteries about Max Tudor. He is a vicar in a small parish in England. Max has been the subject of seven books.

Weycombe is not part of the series. This novel tells the story of an American who marries a titled Brit. The two live in a wealthy, gated community. But, of course, all is not well. When a realtor is murdered, a rattled Jill wants to find out what happened. What does she discover?

I did not enjoy this book as much as I had hoped that I would. Other readers let me know what you thought.

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

by Paul Schmid

Pub Date 27 Apr 2021

This playful book is boldly illustrated. Both young children and adults may smile as they read it.

Bunny is given a carrot for a snack…of course, it can be eaten, but how? Watch as Bunny’s imagination takes over and enjoy his eating adventure.

For anyone who has daydreamed while eating, this book may strike a chord.

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

Missed the play? The Lehman Trilogy A Novel by Stefano Massini

by joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviewsMay 21, 2020

The story of the Lehman Brothers is a fascinating one.  When I first heard of the play, I thought that it was about the collapse of the firm during the financial crisis.  I learned though that this is the story of the family as they left Bavaria, came to the U.S. and achieved much success, at least for a time.

Interestingly, at a time when most immigrants came to New York, the first of the brothers went South.  He was involved in textiles and living through the Civil War.  The story follows him, his brothers and their families.

This novel uses a free verse style.  Some may not like this although I did.  It made me go slowly and savor the text.

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

By the way, the play was excellent if you ever have the opportunity to see it.  It was VERY long but the time flew by.

The fairy tale collection is free.

A Lady Emily Mystery

by Tasha Alexander

The Dark Heart of Florence is the fifteenth book in a series featuring Lady Emily, her husband Colin and those around them. Long term readers will be delighted to again spend time with these characters and those new to the books may well want to go back and read at least some of the earlier entries.

There are many things that were appealing in this latest dual timeline story. One of these is the author’s knowledge of Florence, the Medici family, Savonarola and the imagined lives of those who lived at that time. She then takes readers on a virtual tour of that same city in 1903. It bears repeating that the erudite Ms. Alexander knows her Florence.

For those who may not know, Lady Emily’s husband works for the British government. His jobs often involve secrecy. However, Lady Emily, who is not a typical woman of her time, always becomes involved as well. Watching how their work leads to a restoration of order is another enjoyable aspect to the series.

In the part of the book that is set during the time of Botticelli, readers meet a young woman who wants more than what a young woman can typically expect, which is an arranged marriage. Who she falls in love with and the consequences of that choice form one thread of the narrative.

In 1903, Lady Emily, her close friend, her husband and her husband’s work colleague are staying in the home that was bequeathed to Colin’s daughter from an earlier relationship. A body falls to the ground. Why was he murdered? Does it have to do with Colin’s work or, possibly, a hidden treasure? Readers will keep turning the pages in order to find out.

Readers can be sure that they will find plenty of adventure in this story that is engaging and interesting. I definitely recommend this title.

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

This title is the start of a new series for this author who also writes books about Lady Hardcastle. Lady H is peripherally involved here as well. A friend of hers suggests that the Dizzy Heights, a jazz group, can help to solve a case. As readers can tell from the title, there are missing diamonds, stolen during WWI.

This mystery, that takes place in the 1920s, is an enjoyable one. There is music, a private members’ club, a dance contest and more on the way to solving the case.

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

by Lee Hollis

Pub Date 30 Mar 2021

Lee Hollis is the author of several cozy mystery series. These include the stories that follow Maya and Sandra, starting with Murder at the PTA; and those following Hayley Powell, beginning with Death of a Kitchen Diva. The series with Poppy Harmon is this author’s newest and Poppy Harmon and the Pillow Talk Killer is the third in this series. The book can certainly be read without having started with title number one.

Poppy is of a certain age (something that I liked), was an actor and now enjoys her work as a private detective. She is based in Palm Springs, CA. In this novel, Poppy is on a set for the first time in many years. She is undercover and there to keep an eye on a young starlet, Danika, who is being stalked. But, uh-oh, Danika is killed in Joshua Tree National Park.

Readers can be sure that Poppy and her cohorts will solve the case. Will they find that it is connected with an earlier crime, that of the Pillow Talk Killer? Cozy lovers may enjoy solving this one right along with them.

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

Meet the creatures who inspired our everyday technology

by Christiane Dorion

Pub Date 06 Apr 2021

This book will undoubtedly fascinate young future scientists. In it, they will learn about the many ways in which animals, sea creatures and insects have invented things that have inspired and influenced human technology. For instance, the second entry is about a butterfly that has taught humans about adding color to textiles. Next readers learn about a shark’s skin and its influence on everything from bathing suits to, potentially, the material on the outside of airplanes. Each colorful two page spread includes numerous facts and lively illustrations. There are more than thirty entries in all.

This is an interesting title that kids can explore in any order. Who knows what ideas they will have after reading this book?

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