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

Has covid left you inside for too long?  Do you feel that you want/need to do something that is a bit more physical?  If yes, this book could be a good resource.  It presents workouts that can be done at home and at varying levels of intensity.  If you stick with it, you should gain in strength and endurance. Good luck!

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

From the publisher:

The Exercise: The squat movement will condition every muscle in your lower body, including your quads, calves, hamstrings, and hips. Practicing box squats will iron out any bad habits and ensure your legs stay healthy.

How To Do It: Start by standing upright with your heels right next to the box or bench you will be using. Reach out with your hands in front of you to provide a counter-balance. Begin the movement by sitting back with your hips while bending your knees forward to lower yourself down. Track your knees in the same direction as your toes while you descend. Touch the box gently with your hips and begin standing up while pressing down into your heels.

The Goals: Aim to complete three sets of 30 squats with smooth and controlled reps. Be sure to keep your heels on the floor at all times and don’t let your feet twist or rock against the floor. Your feet should be still, as if they are set in concrete. Also, ensure your knees track in the same direction that your toes are pointing throughout each rep. You can vary this exercise by adjusting the height of the box.

I will start by saying that I highly recommend this title which is a story of Germany in the aftermath of WWII.  Set in several countries, including Britain, Germany, Italy and Switzerland, it is the story of the titular Edith Graham. As the novel opens,  Miss Graham is an educator living at home with her mother, a life that she found somewhat dull and meaningless. When she is offered the opportunity to go to Germany to help with the re-establishment of educational facilities, she is really for the change and challenge. But…much more is in store for Edith.
Readers learn that, before the war,Edith was in love with a handsome, smart, German man named Kurt. Miss Graham also became close to his wife Elisabeth. What happened to this couple during WWII? How did they survive?  What did they do? What happened to them afterwards? Their story line forms a large part of the narrative.
Around Edith are various agents, each with their own, and sometimes overlapping, agendas. There are Dori, Vera and Adeline for the women, each of whom has been shaped by their wartime experiences. In addition, there are the men; they represent the U.S. and the British. What are their agendas? How will these intersect with those of the women?
There is espionage here and, after a slightly slow start, a book that had me turning the pages and connecting with the characters. In addition to an excellent plot, the book raises a number of issues: what was life like for the Germans as the Americans, Russians and British entered their defeated country? How do people survive when they have nothing, not even food? Do ends justify means? Who can be trusted? Can there be justice in a world that has been turned upside down?
As readers follow the story, each chapter begins with an entry from Miss Graham’s Cold War Cookbook. Readers will learn the significance of these menus as they become involved with the novel.
I have read many books of historical fiction about WWII. This one is a bit different in that it largely takes place after the war. It is a compelling read and one that I recommend most highly. I give it five stars, something I do not often do.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this read in exchange for an honest review.

Pub date:  July 7, 2020

#MissGrahamsColdWarCookbook #NetGalley

This title is geared toward girls and poses the question, would you like to go wild?  In this instance, wild means adventures in nature and urban settings.   The book is organized by locations inviting girls to have experiences in the snow, the sand, the water, the mountains, the countryside and the city.

The author, an adventurer and TV presenter (I think in the UK), is no stranger to adventures herself.  She is an encouraging guide in this title. She shares many of her adventures in this charmingly illustrated book.  Her first adventures have to do with travel to the poles.  She then invites girls to have adventures closer to home, for example going sledding, ice skating or having snowball fights.  She also encourages skiing, snowboarding, kite skiing and more.  The book then continues through each of the other environments.

this book is nicely laid out and full of many adventures.  Hopefully its readers will get outside (away from screens) and engage in some of what the world has to offer.

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

pub date:  October 6, 2020

#WildGirl #NetGalley

There are many secrets in this engrossing story.  Why do Hope and Tink arrive in the middle of the night?  Why is Tink silent?  What is Peg, Hope’s relative, not telling?  Find out as you read this novel that is set in Northern Michigan and features protagonists that readers will like.  It is an enjoyable read.  Try it with a bowl of sweet summer fruit by your side.

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

#TheBitterandSweetofCherrySeason #NetGalley

I reviewed The Moonglow Sisters; it’s a summer read. Black Enough is free as is The Mysteries of Udolpho.  I always enjoy Dorothy Sayers and Anne Perry.  The Mary Renault books are classics.

This is the inspiring story behind the movie.  It is well worth introducing this book to a child you know.

This title is a bilingual Spanish/English one. The book opens with some text about how colors brighten the world before teaching about the names of some colors in both languages. The illustrations are sweet, vibrant and engaging. This book is a nice way to introduce a young child to another language.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

#AlltheColorsDeColores #NetGalley

This book is part of a series that shows young children the fun things that can be found in American cities. In Chicago there is everything from Wrigley Field to the Field Museum and lots of good food including Deep Dish Pizza. You may not be able to travel right now but you can enjoy a virtual trip to the Windy City.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

Women’s fiction by authors who are well liked.

This charmingly illustrated book for children is written by a ballerina which lends it authenticity.  With multicultural students, the ballet teacher introduces them to dance.

This book is packed with information.  The five positions, arm movements, twirls and more are all described and tried by the children.  They even learn about the author’s favorite ballet, Sleeping Beauty.

This book for young students will give them lots to practice.  Hopefully, it will encourage a fun love of dance.

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

#WelcometoBalletSchool #NetGalley

pub date:  August 4, 2020