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

We have now made it to April, so full spring is not too far away. Still, where I live, it is rainy and gray today. What a perfect day to spend time in the gardens of Brandywine Cottage.

The photographs throughout the book are just gorgeous! The text is very informative as well but I think that I spent more time admiring the photos as I read and browsed. There are recipes, practical tips, information about plants and much more to read.

The gardens are organized by six, not four, seasons. After reading what the author has to say, this made sense.

I dreamed about gardens in all seasons after reading this delightful volume. Many thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to spend time at the cottage. All opinions are my own.

AYearatBrandywineCottage #NetGalley

#AYearatBrandywineCottage #NetGalley

This is another very charmingly illustrated entry in the book series for the youngest children by Ms. Sanchez Vegara. This entry tells the story of Dolly Parton.

Young Dolly had a gift for music and got her first regular slot on a radio show when she was only ten. From there she went from strength to strength to become the legend that we know today. In addition to her singing and writing, along with being an entrepreneur, readers will learn that Dolly wanted to give something back. She became involved in a program that donates books to children in need.

Children should enjoy this latest entry in a good series. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

Pub Date 16 Jun 2020

Some wonderful choices here.  A lucky day for kids with so many classic titles.

For adults, I loved Mrs. Dalloway although I have to say that I came to that conclusion after reading it for the second time. There are some other nice choices for adults here as well.

Enjoy.

The title says it all a.  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 these books I already am familiar with thanks to NetGalley.  I enjoyed Hannah Dennison’s novel 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 may well find a new book to read while on lockdown.

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

 

Mystery, suspense and Joan Didion.

Sandhamn sounds like an idyllic place to spend the summer…except that bad things keep happening there as readers of this series know. In this entry in Swedish author Sten’s series about Nora, Thomas and those who surround them, it is Midsummer Eve. This is a time for revelry and much partying by those who are teens. However this year some pretty bad things happen as readers who pick this up will learn.
Ms. Sten’s books are always involving and sometimes tragic. Still, I enjoy spending time with these characters and in this place. Nordic noir is pretty popular now but these title do not seem to get much attention. The series is definitely worth a look in my opinion.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

I always look forward to reading the latest entries in this wonderful series that features little people with big dreams.  This time Ms. Vegara Sanchez is writing about the artist Basquiat.  She is joined by the illustrator who contributes a great deal to the look and feel of this title.

Young readers will learn that Jean-Michel loved art from the young age of four.  He found his calling early in life.  Children will learn that he had his own unique contributions to make to the art world and that he became close friends with another well known artist, Andy Warhol.

Kids who read this book will know that art can be made in many ways.  That is a good lesson to learn along with the reminder to follow one’s passion.

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

Pub Date 16 Jun 2020

#JeanMichelBasquiat #NetGalley

Children have such wide ranging interests and are curious about so many things.  Many will have been bitten by a mosquito at some point.  For kids who like insects or want to know more about that itch, this is a good resource.  It is geared toward elementary school aged children and is full of facts.  Accompanying these facts are cartoon illustrations that are pretty funny.

So young entomologists here is a good resource for you.  Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

From the publisher:

Pub Date 14 Jul 2020

#TheMosquito #NetGalley

Suspense and a couple of classics; I’ve also included Learning to See about Dorothea Lange.  Right before the world changed I saw an exhibit of her work.  It was inspiring so I am excited about reading this one.  Ms. Hooper also wrote The Other Alcott and has a new book coming out in July.

A lot of choices today.  I sent a separate post on Mary Oliver but again say how much I love her poetry.  I think that it will resonate in our current climate.  The Trollope title is free.  MIss Silver is quite old fashioned but some may enjoy these classic mysteries. So, fiction, poetry, classics, mystery, historical fiction, there is a lot to choose from.