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

Do you enjoy women’s fiction? Are you ready to be immersed in a long (464 page) book? If you might answer yes to these questions, this title could provide you with an escapist read.
The setting is Lake Tahoe, a beautiful and peaceful place with lots of water, places to walk and sports to enjoy. There are three protagonists; Serenity, Reagan and Lorelei.

Serenity writes books about true crimes. There is a true crime in her personal life that has changed everything for her. Next is Reagan; she is an ambitious, successful advertising executive until one decision and one moment changes everything. She will be faced with some big decisions. Then there are Lorelei and her four year old daughter Lucy. Lorelei grew up in foster care and knows nothing about her family. She was happy in her marriage until…
What do these women have in common? No spoiler as this comes out early in the novel; the three share a blood relationship discovered after they did testing with a DNA site. How are they connected? Who is their common biological relative? Why has no-one ever discussed any of this with any of them> You will need to get very close to the end of the book to find the answer.
Around this central plot there are many others involving the sisters’ families, their evolving relationship and their next door neighbors, all of whom have their own stories. The strands intertwine and four narrators voice the story; these are the three sisters and Finn, one of the neighbors.
Overall, this was a book where the pages turned. The characters are well established and each is very much their own person. That said, I think that the novel might have been (even) better had it been shorter. Sometimes sections replayed things that were already known to the reader.
This was the first novel that I have read by this author. I would most likely read another of her books.
3.5 stars
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

#OnePerfectSummer #NetGalley

This is a title published under the auspices of the American Psychological Association. These books address significant childhood issues through a story. There are always suggestion at the end of the book for the adults who are important to a child.

This title is about Sarah whose brother Ethan has died. The cause of his death is not given and is not the focus of the story. Rather the book is about how Sarah reacts, how her parents cope and how they begin to talk together.

Remembering Ethan is told in a way that is sensitive to the needs of young children. It can serve as a very helpful conversation starter on a sad yet important topic. Children will learn that it is important to allow for sad feelings and to talk about the person who has died. Children will also see that parents are also having their own reactions. The ways in which the family comes together will be reassuring to young listeners.

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

#RememberingEthan #NetGalley

The Little People, Big Dreams series is consistent…the books are always engaging and inspiring. They provide an ideal way for children to learn about the lives of people who have made a difference. This entry is sport themed and could stand beside an earlier title on tennis legend, Yvonne Goolagong. Each woman scaled unbelievable heights in becoming a great tennis player.
Children reading will see Billie Jean fall in love with tennis and win many championships. But Billie Jean did more than that, she advocated for women in sports, fought for sports scholarships for girls and even in a famous match showed that she could defeat a male player.
The illustrations in this book are so engaging and adorable. I just loved looking at Billie Jean in each one. They add to the quality of the reader’s experience.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for another winning entry in a winning series. All opinions are my own.

 

#BillieJeanKing #NetGalley

I was so delighted to receive this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher.  The book’s description led me to think that all that I look for in a cozy could be found here.  Location: check…Scotland.  Books: check…the protagonist owns a bookstore, although readers learn that is is imperiled.  Well, as you read, you just have to believe that it will work out since the book is part of a series.  Characters: Check…there is even one of those favorite tropes, two characters who look alike.  And check:  of course, murder. Add to all of this that that there is some history as well.  These elements taken together, lead to a very enjoyable read.  If you like cozies, consider this one!

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher.  All opinions are my own.

Do you know a mom who needs some helpful thoughts sent their way? Are they doing too much? Do they berate their body? Do they worry about a spouse in law enforcement? Do they give and give and give?

There are thoughts for all these moms and many more in this book of 365 prayers. Written by a mother and daughter team, the authors encourage their readers to think about the needs of those they know. This book has a nice concept and will offer thoughts for a whole year.

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

This picture book beautifully normalizes the reasons why children (and adults) may cry. It passes no judgment and does not belittle. Rather, some of the many reasons for tears are described; these include anger, sadness and happiness among others. Crying is seen as a normal response to being human. At the end of the book, there is additional information, some of it scientific, about tears. The book is sensitively illustrated with gorgeous pictures that enhance the text. This would be a great title to share with a child you know.

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

This book should delight toddlers and preschoolers.  With vivid, highly detailed illustrations and rhyming text (along with repetition), it reads quickly.  Young children will enjoy their chaotic journey on this bus…and what happens at the end?  Read this one to find out.

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

#BunniesontheBus #NetGalley

Pub date:  July 2020

This book provides a delightful introduction to weather for young children.  The illustrations are cheerful and filled with smiles; they are also very inclusive as they picture the children learning about the weather.

This book includes a lot of information that is presented clearly and simply.  Young children will learn about daily weather, seasons, wind, cloud types, rain, snow and much more.

This book belongs in pre-schools and homes.  Maybe it will encourage some future scientists and meteorologists!

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

#AllAboutWeather #NetGalley

From the publisher:

Mostly mystery with Greek Mythology if you are ambitious; also the book by Steve Jobs somewhat unacknowledged daughter, Lisa.

This is part of the author’s Karen Pirie series.  I have enjoyed all of the novels that feature her.