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

 

This is the first book that I have read by Ms. Thomas. It is the start of a new series for the author. I think that this title will be enjoyed by those who read books by writers including Debbie Macomber, Brenda Novak and Robyn Carr. It is an enjoyable women’s fiction title.
The three main male characters are Colby, Sam and Pecos. The three women are Piper, Anna and Kerrie. Their respective relationships form the basis for the romances of the novel. There is an additional relationship that includes the sheriff and the woman with whom he is involved. The setting is a small Texas town where Piper is the mayor.
Colby comes to town to be a bodyguard/detective whose charge is Piper who, in turn, is receiving threats and who had a date with someone who subsequently disappeared. The sheriff has himself been out of reach and is not there to help for much of the story.
Colby has a back story of injury. He wants to be a Texas Ranger. Sam is a minister who is looking to find himself; he has escaped through many other occupations. Pecos is young, graduating from high school and becoming a man over night. The women with whom they are involved are strong and are survivors and people who cope.
This is a book that will be welcomed by readers who are looking forward to an easy but enjoyable read. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

This is the first book that I have read by this author who has written a number of successful thrillers. The premise was intriguing. A high school student was murdered in a cave. Who did it? Why?
The case is not solved at the time. Now, a number of years later a new clue has been found and the case is being re-opened. During the initial investigation, the investigator was the father of one of the victim’s friends. Now, in the current time line, the detective is that daughter and friend, Maggie. She is heavily pregnant and volunteers to review the old files and work on the case.
I liked the setting of this story. However, I found that there were characters who were most unlikable including the victim’s sister, Nola, and the victim’s boyfriend from the time, a bully and abuser. I found that I did not enjoy the book as much as I had hoped because of these characters to whom I did not want to relate. I did want to see the case resolved however.
If you like your stories on the darker side, this may be for you. It was a tad too much for me.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

A number of good choices today.  The Dorothy Sayers is a favorite of mine. Dorothy Simpson’s books are good reads for those who like mysteries with recurring characters and not too much violence. I recently reviewed the Viola Shipman title.  You can even find a top baking book.  Enjoy.

My days start out with one of my favorite activities, sipping coffee and reading. For me, coffee is a favorite beverage in all its many drink forms from iced to brewed to lattes and more. So, I was intrigued to find this title which is part of a series on everyday items.
The book opens with a quote from Virginia Woolf that lets readers know that her time with her coffee cup was welcome. It goes on to share the author’s experience with this beverage.
Ms. Lenney clearly enjoys her brew. She opens the book taking readers on her morning coffee preparation routine. It is clear that this ritual matters to her. This title goes on in a very chatty and personal style to make clear the important role of this drink.
I enjoyed spending time with Ms. Lenney as her thoughts went here and there on the topic of coffee in general, her coffee, her family and more. I am not sure that this title is for everyone but i definitely enjoyed it…while I drank my coffee!
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

#Coffee #NetGalley

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

Pub Date 23 Jun 2020

I have reviewed the Carr (see archive).

I was very excited to receive an e galley of this title; I knew that I wanted to read this book from the moment that I learned of its existence.

I have been reading a number of Jane Austen related works lately including Emma and The Other Bennett Sister. Furthermore, this book looked like it would appeal to those who enjoyed The Chilbury Ladies Choir, Dear Mrs. Bird and The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society, all of which I read and enjoyed. So…did the book live up to my hopes?
Yes, it did!
This novel tells the stories of a number of characters who were impacted by WWI and are living in the 1930s when the story begins. The characters either live in Chawton or spend time there. As savvy readers know, Jane Austen lived in this village
Each of the main characters has a compelling back story and all have struggled in some way. Characters include a farmer, an actress, a very smart domestic worker, the owner of a home with ties to the Austens, a doctor, a lawyer, a teacher and more. Each is beautifully portrayed and is multi-dimensional.
The characters are brought together through their love of Austen. One of the pleasures of this book was the observations on Austen’s works and the influence and impact of her novels on the protagonists. Another delight in the book is the way in which the village comes to life.
This book is not filled with the kinds of actions that one finds in thrillers. Rather, it is a novel that takes its time. Readers will find that they are amply rewarded for staying with this gently paced novel. I recommend it highly.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review. Note that this is Ms. Jenner’s first novel; I sincerely hope that it will not be her last!

Other opinions:

“Just like a story written by Austen herself, Jenner’s first novel is brimming with charming moments, endearing characters, and nuanced relationships…Readers won’t need previous knowledge of Austen and her novels to enjoy this tale’s slow revealing of secrets that build to a satisfying and dramatic ending.” ―Booklist (starred review)

“Readers who enjoy character-driven novels will want to read this book. Like Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows’s The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, it’s a must-purchase for libraries of all sizes.” ―Library Journal (starred review)

“Delightful… Jenner’s immersive character development is juxtaposed against her study of Austen’s characters, providing clever insight into how the trials of Austen’s life were revealed through her books.” ―Publishers Weekly

What a cute ABC for little learners.  To give a sense, A is for Aware; D is for Dream; I is for inspired; P is for Patience, and so it goes til Z is for Zen.  This one is for parents who do their mindfulness to share with their babies.  In addition to the peaceful words, there are sweet illustrations.

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

Pub Date 04 Aug 2020

First off, let me say how much I like this book.  It is easy to read, has some wit and is incredibly helpful.  I love to write, but while my daughters knew of Oxford commas and FANBOY, I did not.  For those who do not know, these are all about the uses of commas.  I know that now. That tricky piece of punctuation and others are explicated here.  I highly recommend this title to anyone who wants to write better.

Many thanks to the publisher, Callisto, for this read in exchange for an honest review.

From the publisher:

I don’t always read romances although I definitely read my share of women’s fiction, and I know that the two genres overlap.  Regardless, Covid has left me wanting to have some reads that I just know going in will be light, engaging and, yes, easy reads.  This romance set in North Carolina fits the bill.  There are the two protagonists who are as different as can be, although readers know it will only be a matter of time before they face an attraction.  There is a nice setting with a house in need of repair and the promise of more books in the series to come.  All a win, if this is your kind of book.  It  could be.

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

#SummeronHoneysuckleRidge #NetGalley