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

The title says it all. Here are excerpts from upcoming books. So many good reads to sample here…and, of course, you can buy the books as they are published.
Each entry begins with an introduction to the story and is followed by a generous excerpt. For example, first up is Carolyn Haines and her detective, Sara Booth Delaney. I have read and enjoyed many titles in this series featuring Sara and the group around her which even includes a “haint” named Jitty.
Some of the other books I already am familiar with thanks to NetGalley. I enjoyed Hannah Dennison’s book that is set on the Scilly Isles. On my TBR pile are The Devil’s Bones and The Secrets of Bones. Other titles have also captured my interest. I very much want to read Allison Montclair’s new novel after last year’s debut of her marriage bureau sleuths. Similarly The Fate of a Flapper intrigues me as I have the first in that series.
If you are a cozy reader or want to try cozies in our current stressful climate, sample a title or two hear to decide if you would enjoy the book. You well may.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review

I hope that you have saved some time to read this weekend.  Some really good choices here.

This picture book is filled with intricate and interesting illustrations. The story itself is one of a young girl who, through the power of imagination, envisions a sandcastle that is large, complete with windows and fully furnished. In this fantasy kings and queens come to visit and ice cream is served all day. But wait!…there are some inconveniences with sandcastles just because…they are made of sand! Young readers will watch to see what happens next.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

#Sandcastle #NetGalley

The Little People, Big Dreams series is consistent…the books are always engaging and inspiring. They provide an ideal way for children to learn about the lives of people who have made a difference. This entry is sport themed and could stand beside an earlier title on tennis legend, Yvonne Goolagong. Each woman scaled unbelievable heights in becoming a great tennis player.
Children reading will see Billie Jean fall in love with tennis and win many championships. But Billie Jean did more than that, she advocated for women in sports, fought for sports scholarships for girls and even in a famous match showed that she could defeat a male player.
The illustrations in this book are so engaging and adorable. I just loved looking at Billie Jean in each one. They add to the quality of the reader’s experience.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for another winning entry in a winning series. All opinions are my own.

#BillieJeanKing #NetGalley

This is a lovely book that has very appealing illustrations.  The outdoor ones are in earth tones and show nature beautifully.

Readers will learn the story of a young girl who had curiosity in abundance.  Her discoveries led to the discovery of dinosaur bones and so much more.  Mary studied and learned for her whole life; she became an expert even though she was not allowed to study in the all male universities of the time.  Interestingly though male scholars came to her with their questions.

Mary’s story is well told.  It is inspiring and I hope through this book will become better known.  The end of the book contains additional helpful resources.

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

Pub Date 01 Jul 2020

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!

#TheJaneAustenSociety #NetGalley

A bit of everything today…literary fiction, inspiration, women’s fiction and mystery/thriller. Enjoy.

This activity book is for children ages 3-5.  I think that it will be enjoyed by them.  There are lots of pictures to color, spot the difference puzzles, dot to dots, mazes and more.  There are many brightly colored illustrations throughout.  I found this to be an appealing title that will be fun for its intended audience.

Many thanks to Callisto for this title in exchange for an honest review.

I still remember the excitement of learning to read when I was five…all this adult book love began there.  So, I wish that for all children.  This title should help.  The stories are simple, repetitive and have colorful illustrations that give context for the words.  Little ones will, I think, be so excited when they can read this one on their own.

Also included are fun activities that reinforce the learning.  Children can trace words, find the word in a word search, find the letters for a word and more.

Many thanks to Callisto publishers for this title in exchange for an honest review.  I can’t wait to share this book with a child I know.

A mix but maybe something for you…the Anne Perry is the first in her Thomas and Charlotte Pitt series.  I love Mary Oliver and just bought that one!