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

Get to know some members of a generation that is seeking change and who will inspire many.  Those profiled here are trying to fix so much. They want no more massive shootings, a climate that can sustain us, LGBQT rights, to take care of people and so much more.  Spend some time reading these inspiring profiles and think about what you can do to improve our lives and world.  This is an important book as it reminds us to look further than our own self interest. It is filled with biographies, quotes, wonderful graphics and more.  Share it with a young person that you know.

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

pub date:  September 22, 2020

This is a title for sheer escapism.  It is a follow up to the author’s earlier novel, The Royal We, the first story about Bex and the prince with whom she falls in love.  In this title, which seems to have some similarities with stories in the British press, the newlyweds have decamped in order to protect their relationship.  (a bit like Harry and Megan?) What happens when they must return to London?  What will be the fallout in their relationships with other members of the Royal Family?  Will their own relationship emerge as a strong one? Read this sequel to find out.

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

Some classics here including a version of War and Peace that is free for those who are feeling ambitious.

This book provides writers with many guidelines. In chapters on everything from style (including capitalization, abbreviations, spelling and more), to those on Business, Health and Science, Digital Security, and Religion among others, guidance and information are given that will help writers with their projects.
In addition to suggestions on grammar, punctuation, usage and more, this title also reflects changes in the language and provides information on the values of the AP.
This book is published biennially which keeps it current. For example, this edition talks about the use of gender neutral language. There are also entries on the corona virus. If you are a word person, just browsing through the pages of this title is so interesting and instructive. It is encyclopedic in its entries.
The book utilizes the knowledge of the staff of the AP. It is a welcome tool that belongs in both academic and home libraries.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

 

#TheAssociatedPressStylebook #NetGalley

The joyous cover says so much. Here is the story of a woman who loves to sing. As is always true, this entry in the Little People, Big Dreams celebrates a life and tells a story for young readers in an engaging way.
Readers will learn that Aretha grew up surrounded by music. She sang in church before moving on to a more secular stage. Aretha sang for Martin Luther King Jr. and Barack Obama. She wrote her own music and, of course, became known for singing R E S P E C T. What a value to teach our young!
Many thanks to NetGalley for this gorgeously illustrated title in exchange for an honest review.

Pub date:  August 4, 2020

#ArethaFranklin #NetGalley

Some fiction titles here.  Coming Home is in my tbr pile.  I enjoy the Inspector Thanet mysteries. Both the 5:41 and the Mary Wesley take place on trains.  The Emily Bronte is free.

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This is the first book that I have read by Ms. Monroe although I know that she is a seasoned author who writes novels based in the south. I am delighted to have spent time with the characters she creates and recommend this women’s fiction title as one to add to your summer/vacation reading list.
I am pretty sure that the characters in this book have been in other books written by the author. I did not find that to interfere with my becoming involved in their lives. The story is about several generations including Linnea who has recently upended her life and Cara who is about to marry for the second time as the novel begins. Linnea’s parents are among the other character whose story is told.
In addition to writing about characters that I cared about, I think that the author created a wonderful sense of place. While I may not actually travel this summer, I certainly enjoyed my time in the Isle of Palms.

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

This book is exactly what its title declares.  Following an introduction, readers will find all of the Poe that they could possibly want.  Here are tales both well-known and new to discover, along with the poems including some of my favorites including The Bells, Annabel Lee and The Raven.

I have a digital ARC of this book.  The on sale copy will be a gift book edition that promises to be quite nice.

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

Pub date:  August 11, 2020

All fiction, pretty light except for The Kite Runner.  I am intrigued by The Clergyman’s Wife since I just read the other Bennet Sister which also has Charlotte Lucas in it.

The Mountains Wild is the first book in a new series by this author. It is her first book in many years, although she did have an earlier series that I read. I think that The Mountains Wild is the start of something good! I already am eager to read the next title.
There are many things that I thought were very well done in this book. The settings came to life vividly and authentically. Much of the story takes place in Dublin and its surrounding area; I felt like I was on the streets, at the pubs and in the countryside. The secondary location is on Long Island which is also well portrayed with its beaches and the family’s Irish bar.
The characters were either people that I really wanted to spend time with…or really didn’t, meaning that in each case the author brought them to life. There are families, friends, a priest, suspects all taking their turns in these pages.
As for the plot…protagonist and detective D’Acrcy’s unstable cousin disappeared in Ireland twenty plus years ago. Her disappearance seems tied to a string of murders, including a current case. What happened? Who was responsible? Could it be one of the characters whom I liked? The case, no surprise, will be solved but I did not foresee some of the twists.
I highly recommend this title. If you like mysteries by Tana French, this could be just your cup of tea…or should I say pint?
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. I rate this book most highly