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

Historical fiction at its best allows readers to immerse themselves in another place and time. When it is done very well, I often find myself wishing for a different ending…even as I know what happened historically. That was exactly my reaction to this novel; I kept wanting to guide the characters when the events are, in reality, long past.
The woman who was the woman before Wallis Simpson is Thelma. For anyone who may not know, Wallis married David, the heir to the British throne who abdicated, paving the way for Elizabeth to be the current monarch. Thelma, nee Morgan, was a twin and her twin was Gloria Vanderbilt. Again, for any who may not follow such things, Gloria was involved in a dispute over the custody of “little Gloria,” her daughter, with Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney. (Little Gloria grew up to be the mother of Anderson Cooper). Thelma, herself, had an early divorce and then married Duke Furness. He introduced her to the future king with whom she had a long term affair.
The author lays out all of these events in glorious detail with characters who come to life and settings that I would love to visit. There are country estates, chapters set in Paris, London, the English country side and New York. Readers visit David’s bolt hole, Belvedere Castle, and watch it come to life.
Each of these personages tried to live their life while others tried to heavily influence their actions. This creates the conflict of the novel and real life.
I wanted each of these historical personages to find happiness and that was the gift of the author, as I knew how each of the plot lines ended. If you enjoy historical fiction, I highly recommend adding this to your TBR list.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.
#TheWomanBeforeWallis #NetGalley

Pub Date 21 Jul 2020

Don’t Let Go is such an appealing and charmingly illustrated story that both children and parents will love. The polar bear family goes to the beach. One young member of the clan does not want to go into the water independently. Watch as he is encouraged to get into the sea using a variety of toys. See what happens to his dad in the process!

This is a fun story. It is also sweet as it shows how parents care for their children.

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

#DontLetGo #NetGalley

Margot thinks about the moon all the time. She reads, collects facts and talks about outer space all the time to the consternation of others . This makes it difficult for Margot at school, both academically and socially. Things crescendo until one day all of the words that come out of Margot’s mouth are about the moon landings; she can say nothing else. Margot goes home and writes her frustrations out on the wall. The result is that her mother really hears her and responds to her in a creative way.

This is a good book for kids who may feel different. It acknowledges difference and also the importance of being heard. Along the way, there are lots of interesting moon facts.

This title has appealing and inclusive illustrations. They add to the story in a lovely way.

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

#MargotandtheMoonLanding #NetGalley

I enjoyed Missing, Presumed.  A second book by this author has been published and the third will be out soon.

An incredible array of choices, so many are appealing.  See my archive for reviews of The Long Call and How to Walk Away.

Do you know a family in which a dad is deployed?  If so, and if there is a young child in the family, this title may be a welcome resource.  The author, herself, has experience with the subject of her book.

This is a lovely book for helping children to understand and cope with what it means to have a family member away on a deployment.  It will help children to identify and understand some of the feelings that they experience and to realize why a parent is away.  It will also remind them that, even though a parent is away, they are not alone.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.  My only niggle…why is this about dads and not parents?

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.

Pub Date 26 May 2020

Go to the excellent newsletter, Bookreporter.com, where you will find a spot to download this book.  It makes for a nice diversion.

Thank you Bookreporter and Ms. Bashford.

Let me just say at the outset that I adore this book.  If you are a Jane Austen fan, definitely take a look at this title.

The other Bennet Sister is Mary.  If you have read P and P, you know how she is portrayed there.  In this title, readers will get to know Mary so much better.  I felt for her immediately as some of the first things to come up in the novel had to do with being a middle sister, bookish, needing glasses, not feeling pretty (enough) and not necessarily wanting to go to parties.  I could identify with these!  I also relate to Mary’s efforts at self improvement as she approaches the piano and her father’s library.  Watching Mary figure out her life while spending time with other members of the Bennet household made this a wonderful read for me.

I think that Ms. Hadlow has captured the tone of Jane Austen.  Mr. B is still sardonic, Mrs. B is a bit empty headed and the sisters are very much themselves.

Another plus of this title for me is its length.  At 480 pages it is a novel to sink into.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this most enjoyable title.  All opinions are my own.

#TheOtherBennetSister #NetGalley

This book may well make you smile.  The cartoonist seems to have a very good (and personal) understanding of what it is like to be in one’s 20s and navigating life.  There is gentle humor on topics like hair that doesn’t cooperate, not being very tall, and dealing with relationships, schools and many other aspects of life.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title that made me smile.  All opinions are my own.

Pub Date 02 Jun 2020

#ILefttheHouseToday #NetGalley