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

I recommend her novels most highly!!!

I was very excited to receive this ARC of the second title by Allison Montclair. It was an enjoyable read with elements of mystery, intrigue and humor.

The characters: Gwen Bainbridge and Iris Sparks. Gwen was widowed in the war and it took her a bit of time to find her way again. Iris worked in a secret job during the war.
Their current work: They run an agency that introduces people to one another; it’s a matrimonial bureau.
Their contacts: Gwen can be in touch with the aristocracy while Iris has many war and university contacts.
This case: To be involved in vetting a certain Greek prince who would like to marry Princess Elizabeth.
Overall, this is a light read. It is perfectly fine as a standalone though readers may well want to read the first in the series as well. This book will be enjoyed by those who like historical mysteries, the time period and female protagonists.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this read in exchange for an honest review.

#ARoyalAffair #NetGalley

This book features many famous buildings from all around the world.  Just a few of those included are the Parthenon, the Colosseum, the Taj Mahal, the Blue Mosque, the Palace of Versailles, the Empire State Building,  the Statue of Liberty and more.

Children will learn a bit about the history of buildings beginning when ancient people first sought shelter on through modern buildings. They will then go on to get a short look at each of the featured structures.  Children can then research on their own if they would like to learn more.

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

#WorldofWonderGreatBuildings #NetGalley

This biography for beginning readers is another entry in an excellent series for young readers.  Well illustrated and told, this book introduces children to the life of one of our greatest and brightest scientists.  As is true in all of the books in the series, there are many ways in which the reader’s experience is enhanced including a quiz at the end, timelines, questions to think about,quotes and more.

Young readers will learn a great deal about this fascinating and eccentric man who did not speak until he was four years old.  They will find out how he got  from there to showing the world just what a genius he was!

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

There have been ten earlier books in this series although this is the first one that I have read. It pairs two investigators, who as is often the case in fiction, are somewhat mismatched. The case that they are involved in has elements of the build up to poor relationships with Germany prior to WWI and an important religious document that must be located. The detectives are involved with important British political figures including the PM as they race to restore order.
This title is a solid addition to a series. I think that I need to go back and meet these detectives earlier in their careers.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

Just a couple of fiction titles.  Enjoy.

Organized by the seasons, starting with spring, young readers will explore the activities that takes place on a farm over the course of the year. For example, in the spring, there are “At the Orchard” and “Harvesting Early Spring Crops” sections, while summer has “Corn Planting and Harvesting.” along with “Heading to the Country Fair.” Among the fall sections are “Harvesting Pumpkins and Squash” and “Putting the Farm to Sleep” and for winter there are “Winter Maintenance” and “At the Farmer’s Market.” (Note there are many additional sections as well.)

The book opens with an introduction to the many types of farms that exist, everything from dairy to poultry to sheep and then to orchards and crops. Readers will see and learn about everything from chickens to bees. There are vehicles and tools and so much more. There is even a recipe for bread.
I truly loved the idyllic illustrations that are found throughout the book. They made me wish desperately to be on that farm. I found this book to be delightful and engaging.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

Young children will enjoy learning their colors with Kiki in this gently and appealingly illustrated book.  Along with learning colors, children will get a message in this book:  it is good to be exactly who you are!

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

#YouareSpecial #NetGalley

This sweetly illustrated picture book is one in a series of stories about Sir Tim.  In this one, Tim has told some lies.  Gently, the story helps young listeners to understand that it is important to tell the truth and that it is okay to make mistakes.  This book could help parents to open an important topic for discussion with their toddlers and pre-schoolers.

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

This is an engaging, illustrated biography for those who are starting to read chapter books.  The story of MLK is well told from the time that he was a young boy thinking that he wanted to be a fireman or a doctor or a performer through his years as a key person in the Civil Rights Movement. The author places King’s life in context by talking about the Civil War, Reconstruction, Jim Crow laws, sit-ins and more, all in a way that children will be able to understand. As is true in other books in this series, there are maps, questions to think about, timelines, a family tree and more that enhance the chronological story of King’s life.

The end of the book includes a glossary and a bibliography.  These will add to the reader’s knowledge and offer chances to extend their learning.

During this time, when many are thinking about the BLM movement, this book provides a chance to think about how long this fight has been going on and how bravely MLK stood up for his beliefs.

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