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

This is a sweet story of role reversal, told from the child’s point of view. It is about how to get a parent to sleep at night. The book follows what the child and their mom do all day long, from getting up, to chores, to play, to that bedtime story. The illustrations are playful, as when the child helps to clean the toilet bowl with overflowing suds.. Little ones will enjoy this title and it can make for a nice bedtime story.

This title is published by a Christian press. There is some brief mention of God and the book ends with a bedtime prayer for mom and child.

pub date:  September 1, 2020

 

Debbie Macomber is a prolific writer of women’s fiction. This, her latest title, is dedicated to her very close friend, a woman who died of cancer. Indeed, one of the two sisters in this title has had a bout with cancer as well. As a result, Harper wants to live her life to the fullest. She is a risk taker. Older sister and caretaker Willa worries about her and so does the reader of the novel, wondering if she will stay healthy.
As Harper’s story unfolds, so does Willa’s. She owns a coffee bar and bakery that I would love to visit. Into the store walks Sean, a former baseball player and now a photographer with a passion for good causes. The title of the book comes from the location of their first date. Will his relationship with Willa make it?
I know that Ms. Macomber is a knitter and one place Sean travels to is Bolivia where he wants to document the impact of climate issues on those who graze animals for wool. I assume that the issue is a real one because of the author’s interests. It adds an interesting travel story to the novel.
I enjoyed this book and its characters as they explored, faced challenges and cared about each other. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

#AWalkAlongtheBeach #NetGalley

Editorial Reviews

Some mystery, some women’s fiction and a title by Sarah Perry.  Enjoy.

Helen Macdonald is the author of H is for Hawk. I loved that title about which I said at the time:
I read this book a year or so ago but have been thinking about it again for two reasons; first, in England, they are making a television series with the author as she trains her second hawk and the other reason is that I have been thinking about how we mourn and acknowledge deaths of those we love. This book has so much in it; there is biography, the training of the hawk and a great deal about T H White who had a very difficult time with his own hawk. T H White wrote one of my all time favorite books, The Once and Future King, so I was fascinated to learn more about him. Sadly, he had a rather tragic life. This book is highly recommended for nature lovers, lovers of T H White and those looking for a meaningful memoir.

So, I was extremely excited to learn that a new book by this author was being published. Ms. Maconald’s new title is a collection of essays. Each entry is short and the book can be read in any order that a reader would like.

Helen Macdonald is an exquisite observer of the natural world who describes her subject as love for the wonders of the non-humans around us. This book of essays is definitely one that I will dip into many times. I recommend that you do the same.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

I have read many books in this author’s Scumble River series but this is the first that I have read in her newer series.  Winner Cake All is the third entry in Ms. Swanson’s Chef-to-Go series.  The chef is Dani and, as in many cozies, she finds herself investigating a murder as an amateur sleuth. In this entry Dani is organizing an engagement meal when a murder takes place.

If you are a reader who enjoys stories about food and amateur detectives, this book is worth a look.  Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title.  All opinions are my own.

This cheerfully illustrated title provides a good introduction to the environment for grade school readers.  They will learn what the environment is, and then about endangered species, greenhouse gases, how to limit a carbon footprint and more.  Children will also be invited to complete projects including making your own microhabitats and making a mini greenhouse. There are also some fun quizzes.  This book provides a positive resource that will teach children to respect and preserve the world around them.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.  I highly recommend this engaging and thoughtful title.

pub date:  September 22, 2020

Some variety here from mystery to literary fiction to spiritual wisdom.  Enjoy.

I always find that spending time with Melanie Travis, her pets, friends and family to be relaxing. I think that Laurien Berenson has a good sense of what cozy readers are looking for. She has likeable characters, decent plots and…the dogs!
In this entry in the long running series, the story takes place around Halloween. Melanie’s school colleague is accused of murder after an elderly man dies after eating sweets that she made. Readers can be certain that the case will be solved.
This 26th entry in the series is a fun seasonal mystery that can be read both by long time fans or new readers. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

This book opens by letting young children know that part of growing up is learning to recognize and manage emotions. The offer is extended to learn how to do this with some Sesame Street friends. What a good way to learn!

A mindfulness tip is given for every day situations, for example, falling asleep. The behavior is described then modeled by a Sesame Street character and then the child is invited to try. In the sleep scene, it is suggested that the child say good night to each part of their body working upwards from the toes. In another, milk is spilled and rather than feeling bad, Cookie Monster and children are invited to use positive self-talk. There are a number of additional situations packed into this short title.

This book is appealing and helpful. I recommend it for young children and a trusted adult to share together. It could also be used by early childhood educators.

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

pub date:  October 6, 2020

#CalmMonstersKindMonsters #NetGalley

Protagonist Hara likes Jane Austen.  The book opens with a quote from Pride and Prejudice and Hara listening to a Jane Austen audio book as she waits to visit her imprisoned father. Knowing that this novel is somewhat of a take on Pride and Prejudice, I found it interesting that in the opening scene Hara’s glasses are remarked upon several times.  I felt that the author was setting me up to know that the way in which Hara sees the world may be open to misinterpretation.  It left me thinking about the near sighted Helena in A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

During her visit to her father, Hara tells him that she won an important contest. She is off to Boston. Hara is going to be interviewing a famous basketball player.   This sets up everything that next happens in the novel as Hara gets to know him and a rookie player whose last name is Darcy.

I think that this book will be enjoyed by those who are looking for a bit of escapist reading.  Austen fans will enjoy the quotes that begin every chapter.

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