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

Language evolves to meet new needs and has done so for a very long time.  The use of they/them in new contexts is part of that history.  It is important that language be responsive and make sense.  In this book, the author provides a good explanation for the current addition of they/them as a singular pronoun that is responsive to our current time.

The author provides history and engages in dialogue with the reader, all the while helping readers to embrace adding to their vocabularies.  This book is recommended for those who want to educate themselves and others in their lives.  Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

Pub date:  September 29, 2020

#HowtoTheyThem #NetGalley

In this time of Covid, my  walks take me past two neighborhood parks.  Each day, no matter how tired I am of this time in our lives, seeing the flowers that are in bloom brings some cheer.  Because my walks have been daily, I think that I am more aware of each bloom that fades as others come forth during the spring and summer seasons.

Blooming Flowers is a title that plays homage to this bounty.  It is organized by seasons and filled with gorgeous illustrations.  So, for example, for spring there are the daisy, the daffodil, the lily and more, while for summer we see the rose and sunflower among others and so on through the snowdrop and violet in winter.

The author’s love of all things floral shines through in this appealing title as does her deep knowledge of her subject.  Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this read in exchange for an honest review.

NOTE:  CURRENTLY A $3.99 E BOOK

I have recently read a number of novels about the British Monarchy and WWII. Some of the books that I enjoyed are Lady Clementine, Before the Crown, The Other Windsor Girl, Another Woman’s Husband and The Woman Before Wallis. All have been immersive reads. To that group I will now add The Queen’s Secret.
The Queen of this novel is the current Queen’s mother, Queen Elizabeth who was married to Bertie aka George the VI. This book is told from her perspective. Elizabeth had more than one secret from what I could see. She also had her own voice and point of view in this novel on everything from David and Wallis, to how her daughters were raised to the way that she wanted to conduct her relationship with her husband. She comes across as very human with a love of sweets and drinks. I found her story to be well-told here as the Queen shares everything from her childhood to her figure to working with Churchill and more.
Lovers of this period, the TV show The Crown and/or historical fiction may want to read this title. I know that I am glad that I did.
By the way, I went back and forth between the audio and the book as I enjoyed this title. The many voices that the narrator took on in the audio were so well done and added to the audio experience.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

 

The poems in this book are short and entertaining, yet they encourage reflection.   There are prose poems on everything from “How to Handle a Fortune Cookie Whose Prediction Cuts You to the Core, to “How to Know If It’s  True Love Day” to “How to Say What You Really Think Day” and many more.

I found myself returning to this book several times so as to soak in the thoughts and feelings.  I recommend it even if you don’t often read poems.

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

Pub date:  August 10, 2020.

If you are in a relationship and you are home with some time, this book might intrigue and/or entertain you.  There are quizzes in loads of categories, everything from favorite things to food to travel to couple’s pasts, present and future.

This title is written by a couple’s counselor.  She notes that these quizzes are not about competition but about knowing one’s partner and nurturing a relationship.

This book seems quite appealing.  Partners can see how well they know each other and also enjoy learning more about someone with whom they are deeply involved.

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

From the publisher:

Lots of modern classics here.  I’ve reviewed The Stranger Diaries which I liked.  There is another in the series scheduled for publication in England.  I liked the Ann Patchett which is an early novel.  For kids in hot weather, try Mr. Popper!  Enjoy.

Are any of you getting a message from NetGalley indicating that the site may be “unsafe?”

Just saw this as an e book bargain. I have blogged on it and think it is an excellent nonfiction title.

This title is one that ideally will be shared by a parent and a young child. Through a combination of simple text with some rhyming, and cartoon llustrations, many feelings are described and identified. Talking about the many emotions that a person can experience will help children to recognize what they are feeling and to learn that all of these can be described and talked about.
I found this to be a book that deserves a place in the homes of young kids. I did not love the illustrations but that is clearly a matter of personal preference and others may well feel differently.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.
pub date: November 1, 2020

#djcorchin #NetGalley

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I have been reading stories about Sarah Booth since the first in the series, Them Bones, was published in 1999. There are now over twenty titles in all.
Starting to read one of these mysteries is like taking a long exhale. They are relaxing, fun and require some suspension of disbelief. Sarah Booth has a haint (ghost) named Jitty who appears to her in various costumes and always with the same hope which is to find Sara Booth a husband and give her a child and a new generation to the family. Up until now this has not happened but Jitty always hopes as she takes part in the stories. Sara Booth is surrounded by a cast of other regulars as well from her best friend Tinkie to the sheriff.
Where Sara Booth goes, murder and hi jinks follow. It is no different in this stories which takes place near Easter.
Regular readers of Ms. Haines’s books will eagerly pick up this latest entry. The books can be read out of order but if you are looking for lots of escape, start at the beginning and then move forward.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

Pub date:  July 21, 2020

 

#TheDevilsBones #NetGalley