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

This title is geared toward girls and poses the question, would you like to go wild?  In this instance, wild means adventures in nature and urban settings.   The book is organized by locations inviting girls to have experiences in the snow, the sand, the water, the mountains, the countryside and the city.

The author, an adventurer and TV presenter (I think in the UK), is no stranger to adventures herself.  She is an encouraging guide in this title. She shares many of her adventures in this charmingly illustrated book.  Her first adventures have to do with travel to the poles.  She then invites girls to have adventures closer to home, for example going sledding, ice skating or having snowball fights.  She also encourages skiing, snowboarding, kite skiing and more.  The book then continues through each of the other environments.

this book is nicely laid out and full of many adventures.  Hopefully its readers will get outside (away from screens) and engage in some of what the world has to offer.

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

pub date:  October 6, 2020

#WildGirl #NetGalley

There are many secrets in this engrossing story.  Why do Hope and Tink arrive in the middle of the night?  Why is Tink silent?  What is Peg, Hope’s relative, not telling?  Find out as you read this novel that is set in Northern Michigan and features protagonists that readers will like.  It is an enjoyable read.  Try it with a bowl of sweet summer fruit by your side.

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

#TheBitterandSweetofCherrySeason #NetGalley

I reviewed The Moonglow Sisters; it’s a summer read. Black Enough is free as is The Mysteries of Udolpho.  I always enjoy Dorothy Sayers and Anne Perry.  The Mary Renault books are classics.

This is the inspiring story behind the movie.  It is well worth introducing this book to a child you know.

This title is a bilingual Spanish/English one. The book opens with some text about how colors brighten the world before teaching about the names of some colors in both languages. The illustrations are sweet, vibrant and engaging. This book is a nice way to introduce a young child to another language.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

#AlltheColorsDeColores #NetGalley

This book is part of a series that shows young children the fun things that can be found in American cities. In Chicago there is everything from Wrigley Field to the Field Museum and lots of good food including Deep Dish Pizza. You may not be able to travel right now but you can enjoy a virtual trip to the Windy City.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

Women’s fiction by authors who are well liked.

This charmingly illustrated book for children is written by a ballerina which lends it authenticity.  With multicultural students, the ballet teacher introduces them to dance.

This book is packed with information.  The five positions, arm movements, twirls and more are all described and tried by the children.  They even learn about the author’s favorite ballet, Sleeping Beauty.

This book for young students will give them lots to practice.  Hopefully, it will encourage a fun love of dance.

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

#WelcometoBalletSchool #NetGalley

pub date:  August 4, 2020

I love the idea of simple cookbooks with recipes that are satisfying but not too challenging.  This fits the bill with the added plus that the 100 plus recipes are geared toward smaller portions.

This book is wide ranging with recipes for everything from breakfast through dessert, plus snacks.  To name a few:  Greek Scramble Breakfast Wraps; Sweet Potato Hash with Bacon, Eggs, and Cheese; Grilled Prosciutto and Fig Sandwiches; Panzanella; Crispy Chickpeas with Spinach and Fried Eggs; Butternut Squash Mac N Cheese’ Spicy Crab Cakes; Greek Lemon Chicken with Olives…Raspberry Crumble, and so many more.

The recipes are easy to follow.  Each includes the amount of prep and cooking time.  All in all, a very nice cookbook.

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

#5IngredientCookingforTwo #NetGalley

From the publisher:

Have you retired?  Do you dislike being written off as someone with nothing to contribute?  If you answer yes, or can imagine answering yes at some point in your life, this book is for you.

Jane is at that stage in her life when she is asked for help by a friend and willingly assists.  From this beginning, Jane is given a paid job!  She goes undercover in a retirement community where the shenanigans lead to a murder.  Will Jane solve the case?  I am certain that you can answer that question but read this one anyway for the fun along the way.

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

Pub date:  June 30, 2020

#JaneDarrowfieldProfessionalBusybody #NetGalley