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

This is the first entry in what, I think, will be a series. The things that I loved most in this cozy mystery were the setting, the characters and the knitting. The story takes place in a small Scottish town that, aside from murder, sounds like an idyllic place to live. The protagonist, Paislee, is surrounded by family and friends. She runs Cashmere Crush, a friendly shop, for wool and knitting.
As often happens in mysteries, there are two murders. As an amateur, Paislee annoys the detective but…of course, finds the killer. I was pretty sure that I knew who this was and I was right. There is a clue that really points to the perpetrator.
This is a good book if you just want something easy and distracting. There is Scottish dialect which tries to add authenticity but can also be distracting.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

This cookbook will be welcomed by those who are gluten and/or dairy free, vegetarian, and/or vegan, or some combination of the above. Those with no particular dietary commitment may also enjoy the many delicious sounding recipes to be found within this title.
There are 100 recipes in all. Beside each one is information about the kind of recipe it is, for example GF for gluten free. The first chapter on foundations includes recipes for mayo, marinades, pastas and more. Following this are recipes for each meal of the day as well as sides, desserts, and various chutneys, aiolis and more.
So many recipes to choose from but I will take just one from each category. These recipes include pumpkin protein pancakes, Yuba noodle salad with ginger dressing and raw vegetables, smoked fish chowder, fish tacos with pistachio mole; roasted sweet potatoes with coconut oil and tandoori masala, rice pudding with fig puree and vanilla, and mango chutney.
The directions could be followed and the photos made me hungry. What more couldyou ask for ?
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honestr eview.

pub date:  August 11, 2020

#goodforyoucookbook #NetGalley

This book begins with a biography of the author. He is quite impressive, highly educated and very dedicated. He has made it from Oxbridge to the life of a monk in Scotland. He once was on a meditation retreat of four years duration. For so many reasons Gelong Thubten seems most qualified to be an engaging companion in learning more about happiness.
This book offers a text that raises many things to think (and meditate) upon. There are chapters on What is Happiness?; Stress in the 21st Century; Meditation and Mindfulness; Getting Started; Forgiveness; and more.
The author of this book feels very genuine as he talks about his own experiences and offers thoughts and insights. Take some time to read this one. It may help you and those with whom you interact to indeed understand and find more happiness.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review

Mostly light and entertaining.  I plan to read The Riviera Express; it looks like it might be fun.  The classic title is free.  Enjoy.

Dinnertime for Zaza is a short, colorfully illustrated title for young listeners. The story is simple; Zaza makes dinner for all of her stuffed animal friends. She is a nurturing caretaker to them and encourages them to eat well. Then Mommy comes along and Zaza has her own dinner.

Not at all complicated but cute. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

#DinnertimeforZaza #NetGalley

A new entry in this excellent series is always most welcome. This time, young readers will be inspired by Corazon Aquino.
Readers of this charmingly illustrated book will learn that Cory came to the U.S. to be educated. She later returned to the Philippines with her husband, Ninoy. Corazon always had a voice but it was magnified when her husband was arrested for criticizing the government. As a dictator gained power, the couple and their child were exiled.
What happened to the family? What did Corazon go on to achieve? Readers will find out and hopefully will be inspired to question what governments do when there is a void in democracy.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

Pub date:  August 4, 2020

Every time I find that a new Ruth Galloway book is due to come out, I get super excited. I adore spending time with Ruth and watching the evolution of her relationship with Nelson, the father of Ruth’s daughter Kate.
Long time readers of the series know that Nelson and Ruth’s relationship is a complex one that often leads to cliffhangers in the novels. I think that this relationship will intrigue readers for as long as Ms. Griffiths writes. There is something so lovely about a romantic heroine who is about to turn fifty.
There are so many other interesting characters surrounding Ruth. There is Frank with whom she now lives; Cathbad, yes the Druid; Nelson’s wife and daughters; Cathbad’s reporter daughter and more. There are also highly evocative settings.
And, of course, there is murder and mystery. Ivor has just been jailed for multiple murders. Was he guilty? Who are those with whom he spent time at an artistic retreat? How will these characters interact and intersect with the series regulars? Read the book to find out.
I often find that the case itself intrigues me less than the people in this author’s stories. Still, for the last half hour of reading this title, I was gripped and kept turning the pages eagerly.
This novel could be read as a standalone. If readers do that, I hope they will go back and read the stories from the very first one to catch up. Long terms followers of the series will, I think, be delighted by Ruth’s return.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

Pub date:  July 14, 2020

A couple of classic mysteries and a title by Ms. Jenoff.  Enjoy.

For those who are looking for something fun to do and who are bored with some of their overused covid entertainments, why not try drawing? This book does exactly what it says; it shows you how to draw animals, plants,  people, architecture and more in just a few steps.  This is a fun guide for both kids and beginning artists.

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

From the publisher: