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

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

Covid has changed all of our lives; one of the many things to adjust to has been the absence of live sports. However, there is a long history of amazing athletes and this book can be a reminder until events are once again underway.
Sports figures often inspire. Many times athletes have achieved after adversity and have worked incredibly hard to find their success. This title tells the inspiring stories of 40 of them. Some of these men and women were known to me while others were not. Among those profiled are Spyridon Louis, of whom I had no knowledge; Charlotte Cooper, a Wimbledon winning tennis player, whom I also did not know; Jim Thorpe, one I already knew; and many others including Jesse Owens; Mark Spitz; Nadia Comenici; and Steve Redgrave to name just a few.
Young readers will, hopefully, be inspired by what they learn as they leaf through this illustrated title. Each entry is divided into easily read sections. The achievements of the athletes are something to applaud.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

Pub date:  June 2, 2020

#40InspiringIconsAmazingAthletes #NetGalley

Viola Shipman (the pseudonym for a male author) has successfully been writing fiction that appeals to women.  I think that this is his sixth book.  The author chose his nom de plume to honor his grandmother.

I think that this author has found a winning formula.  The novels are appealing and full of humanity.  This new book is about two women, each of whom has faced trauma and grief.  The older protagonist, appropriately named Iris as you will understand when reading the book, lost both her husband and her daughter.  The thing that keeps her going is her garden, though it is a very private one.  The second protagonist is Abby whose husband suffers PTSD, leading this family to be under strain as well.  How these characters come together forms the basis for this novel.

This book is one that fans of this author will welcome I am sure.  New readers may want to give it a read as well.

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

NOTE THAT THIS BOOK IS CURRENTLY AN E BOOK BARGAIN AT $2.99.

#TheHeirloomGarden #NetGalley

Looks like mystery and history, along with a modern classic in Stoner.  Enjoy.

Lots of good choices this week!  See my archive for reviews of the Brenda Novak and Robyn Carr titles.  Also, if you have a beginning chapter book reader, I highly recommend Frog and Toad!

I blogged on this title recently.

This one is in my tbr pile