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

A mix…women’s fiction, thrillers and mystery, novels, biography and a children’s title.

I have read many entries in Sulari Gentill’s Rowland Sinclair series and very much enjoyed them. Ms. Gentill created a very full, interesting world in those novels, peopled by characters with whom I wanted to spend time.
After She Wrote Him was something new for the author and for me as well. This book is a standalone. A story about Madeleine and Edward, it is idiosyncratic and unique. While I admire the risks that the author took in this title, I prefer the Rowly series. Still, I will always take a look at anything this author writes.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

Do you know a girl aged seven to nine who is fascinated by gymnastics?  If you do, this book will be perfect for them. Beautifully illustrated with many photos and diagrams, this title is comprehensive.  There are sections on different types of gymnastics, the various pieces of equipment, the role of teamwork, star gymnasts, a quiz and more.  For those who dream of, or just watch, the Olympics, this one is for you.

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

Pub Date 05 May 2020  

 

While in the midst of our current world crisis, it is very easy to lose one’s temper and/or sense of perspective.  This little book may help those who are frazzled.  It includes a short meditation for every day and, with them, a chance to recalibrate emotionally.  The author shares her experience of coming to meditation in a short introduction; a compelling case is made for the practice.

I will be reading an entry every day.  Maybe doing this will help you too!

Many thanks to Callisto for this title in exchange for an honest review.

Pub date:  May 5, 2020

From the publisher:

I found this to be an absolutely brilliant book. John Carey, an Oxbridge professor, is an erudite guide to learning about poems and poetry. But, he is not only an intelligent guide, he has written a book where I wanted to keep turning the pages.
This book encompasses the history of poetry from the earliest epics, such as The Gilgamesh Epic, and moves through the centuries, ending in chapter 40 with modern poets including Maya Angelou and Mary Oliver. I could list so many, many of the included poets but will pick just ten to give an idea of what the book contains: Homer, Dante, Donne, Milton, Wordsworth, Eliot, Pound, Elizabeth Bishop, Auden and Stevie Smith.
To give an example of the flavor of this title, chapter one is about the Gilgamesh Epic. The story itself is clearly recounted but the author gives so much more than this; for example, there is discussion about how this story relates to other biblical tales and poetry’s depictions of death as a central issue for all. This expansiveness leaves the reader with much food for thought.
Professor Carey sees that music and poetry are analagous; one gives us the best of noise while the other may give us the best of words. (This is my understanding of what he said).
I recommend this book most highly. Even before our current crisis, 2020 was becoming the year of exploring poetry for me. This book will enhance my understanding and experience as I continue my journey..
Many, many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this book in exchange for an honest review. I found it to be a special book.

This title is another entry in a new series that will help young children to recognize and express their feelings. As can be seen from the title, this entry is about being proud. Young children learn what the term proud means and the things that may elicit this feeling. Attention is also paid to times when pride may lead to issues as in bragging. The cheerful star based and colorful illustrations add to the book. This title can help with children’s emotional learning process.

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

Pub Date 06 Oct 2020  

#IFeelProud #NetGalley

This title is another entry in what I feel is an under publicized Scandinavian mystery series. Sten writes relatively long novels which I enjoy as I know that I will get to read each book for a while.
In this novel, readers old and new will enjoy spending time with police officer, Thomas, and lawyer, Nora, as they again become embroiled in a case with murder and complexity. The story is about Carsten Jonnson, his family and his business associates. Carsten, in the beginning of the novel, is one of those titans who has a lot of money and believes that this pretty much lets him do what he likes. This includes building a large summer home on Sandhamn. But, of course, being a mystery series a number of bad things will happen. The suspense builds right up until the end.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this book in exchange for an honest review. I recommend this series. The titles are attractively priced and the setting, characters and stories are all interesting.

The Klay title received good reviews.  The Langton and Lockridge are from older mystery series while the Dickens is free.

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