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

So many readers adore the books by this author that I feel almost as if no review is necessary.  All loyal fans need to see is her name on the title of the book.

This is the third book that I have read by this author.  My favorite is still How to Walk Away, although What You Wish For is certainly an enjoyable read.

I liked the setting of this book, both the Texas location and the vibrant, joyous school where narrator Sam is the librarian. This novel is primarily about Sam and Duncan with attention paid also to those around them.  The two knew each other in the past when Sam had a crush on the flamboyant, exuberant Duncan.  Sam is now at a new school and guess who the new principal is?  (I’m sure that no guess is needed).  But why is Duncan so different?  Will he and Sam connect again?  Even if you feel you know the answers, this book is a good one to laze around with on a summer’s day.  Its message of taking as much joy in life as possible, despite life’s difficulties, is an affirming one.

On NetGalley, there are 1576 reviews and counting with readers all liking the book.  These are the biggest numbers that I have seen on the site.  I think that readers who buy this book will enjoy it too!

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

pub date:  July 14, 2020

All kinds of good fiction here.  See my archive for a review of The Whispers of War.

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I always think that guides to personality types are fun to explore. I have done the Meyers-Briggs test in the past and found the results to be interesting. What’s Your Enneatype presents 9 personality types; for example, The Improver/Reformer/Perfectionist; The Helper/Giver/Befriender/ The Peacemaker/Mediator/Reconciler, along with the other six to total nine types. See where you may belong as you explore.
Readers of the book will learn what an enneagram is and is not, how the three descriptors for each type relate to each other, and ways NOT to use this tool. Take a look. See where you think you fit and maybe learn a bit more about yourself.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this interesting read ine xchange for an honest review.

Pub date:  August 4, 2020

The author of this adorable book tells readers early on that the word Kawaii roughly translates as “cuteness.”  Well, the doodles that you can make from this book are just that.  It is a feel good collection that I highly recommend. Learn how to make the sweet, whimsical doodles.  Enjoy a few tricks; for example, think about where to place the two dots for eyes and the smile. Whether you like to draw or not, this title will bring a smile to your face.

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

Pub date:  August 18, 2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

         Mrs. Dalloway is a book that improved on each reading of it that I undertook.   It is free today.  I enjoyed the Candace Robb title that is the beginning of a series.  Long Flight Home has an interesting take on a WWII novel:  carrier pigeons.  Enjoy.

This title is geared toward preschool aged children although I think that slightly older children could also benefit from it. The book is designed to help little ones recognize, experience and name their emotions. The illustrations do a good job of evoking the feelings that they represent; for example, anger is marked by a flame.
Adults who have some insight can name and recognize what they are feeling. This helps with self-regulation. This book is beginning that process for children.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this helpful title. All opinions are my own.

#HowDoIFeel #NetGalley

This book is a great resource for readers looking for new authors to explore. (They may also find authors they already like and know among the 50 who are included here). To name just some of those included: Djuna Barnes, Octavia Butler, Albert Camus, Colette, Sylvia Plath, J.R.R. Tolkien, Jean Rhys and Kurt Vonnegut.
The book begins with an introduction that lays out what makes a writer a cult writer specifically. Folloiwing this are the many biographical entries, all with illustrations that enhance the text.
This is a fun and interesting book for browsing. I recommend it.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

It’s summer now so, of course, I am thinking about summer reading. Here is a good one to put on your TBR pile if you are looking for a relaxing and enjoyable book
This is a story about Ellen who is a single mom as the story opens. She has a college bound son, Cooper, who is worried about leaving her by going away to school. What will happen? Why is he worried?
Readers watch as Ellen’s friend, Unity, steps in and up. She develops a list of challenges for Ellen to get her moving forward. Unity will also work on this list. (Readers learn that she is also stuck) How will they grow and change? Read the novel to find out.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this enjoyable read in exchange for an honest review.

Pub date: August 4, 2020

#TheFriendshipList #NetGalley

Early Bird Books is having a huge sale right now.  There are way too many books included for me to list them.  Look for them on line. Happy reading.

Some good fiction reads here.