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

When I was a young teen, I took a sewing class. For some reason, the skills needed for making a skirt or a jumper did not come easily to me. So, it was with great interest that I picked up this title on skills that I lack. What I found was a gorgeous book, beautifully illustrated and filled with quotes. In it, the authors teach so much that one needs to be able to mend, beginning with the basic threading a needle. It becomes clear that mending is also full of metaphor for life.
We are entering a time when popular wisdom is suggesting that we reuse and recycle our clothes rather than always buying new things. So, this book on sewing and more is quite timely.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this lovely book. All opinions are my own.

From the publisher:

This book is a take on Little Red Riding Hood as can be seen from the cover. It keeps some elements of the story while turning the story upside down. For one funny example, the wolf has been to anger management. Little Rude clearly has not. Young readers may well enjoy Little Rude’s behaviors as they may often feel similarly but not have permission to act out. How does Little Rude come to appreciate manners? Read this funny tale with a child you know to find out.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this book in exchange for an honest review.

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Going with pretty light and easy today.  I think that the publishers are offering us distraction. I have read, reviewed and enjoyed How to Walk Away.  (see below).

HOW TO WALK AWAY (my review)

Margaret and Chip appear to be the perfect couple at the start of this women’s fiction title. Both have just completed their MBAs and are on the path to high achievement. Margaret is hoping that Chip will propose to her. Not much of a spoiler because what I am writing next happens very early in the book. Chip does propose but does it in a small plane that Margaret had not wanted to fly in. There is an accident and Margaret suffers a serious injury which upends her life. The novel then tells the story of what happens to Margaret. The story is also about Margaret’s parents, her sister, Chip and his family and the hospital staff, especially Ian.

Readers will be rooting for Margaret as she figures out what to do in her life. The reader will undoubtedly enjoy spending time with her family and with Ian as well.

I enjoyed this novel which I read quickly. The author does not sugarcoat what Margaret experiences in her recovery. However this is a romance so each reader will have to decide if they want to buy into the semi-fairy-tale.

I would read other books by the author and would look forward to doing so. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-galley of the novel which I was given in exchange for an honest review.

BookPage is making some issues free to read online. Another thanks to the amazing book community!

A mystery, a romance, a thriller, an historical mystery and an historical novel.

This title is part of a series on accomplished women that is geared for those who are between the ages 9-12. Other titles in the series have been about J.K. Rowling, Oprah Winfrey and Mae Jemison. In this one, young readers will be inspired by Michelle Obama.
The story begins when Michelle is eight and wakes up on her birthday. Readers spend time with Michelle and her close family. They learn about how important school was to Michelle and about her dream to follow her brother to Princeton, only for a guidance counselor to tell her that she might not be “Princeton material.” The authors talk about how this made Michelle feel and acknowledges that one cannot always listen to or believe those around them. And, yes, Michelle made it to Princeton where she had mentors and thought big for herself.
From here the book goes on to describe Michelle’s early jobs, meeting Barack and, of course, the presidency. Attention is paid to how Michelle found her way to programs that had meaning to her while First Lady and how she inspired others thought initiatives on areas like healthy eating.
The book ends noting Michelle’s accomplishments after the White House like her successful biography.

Throughout the book there are quotes from Ms. Obama that show her personality, dreams and strength. The illustrations throughout are original and appealing.
At the end of the book there are tips on how to become a leader like Michelle and a section on questions for readers to answer. There is alps a bibliography.
This book is an excellent addition to an excellent series. I hope that it will inspire girls to achieve all that they can and to believe in themselves.
Many thanks tho NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest reveiw.

The author of this book recalls that she was a child who always questioned. Often the author found her answers (or more questions) through her reading. With this book, she is encouraging young readers to think deeply and not be afraid to question.

This book provides an introduction to philosophy and life’s big questions, as for example, what happens when we die, what is human nature and so much more. This title is divided into five chapters, Identity, Life, Truth, Culture, and Creativity. Within each are questions to explore and the thoughts of philosophers and thinkers on the topic. For example, there are quotes on human nature from Plato, Salman Rushdie, Noam Chomskey and others. In a section on is god real, there are quotes from Maya Angelou and Karl Marx.

Early in the book, the author suggests ways to respectfully listen and disagree with others. She also notes that everyone can change their mind about something.

This book is colorfully and brightly illustrated. It is a great resource.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange f

Robyn Carr is a prolific writer of women’s fiction; to name just a few there she has written the Virgin River, Grace Valley and Thunder Point series.  Her many fans will pretty much always read what she writes.

This title is a standalone.  It tells the story of Justine (in her fifties) and Addie (in her thirties), sisters who, due to their age difference, were not especially close.  Addie, for reasons that the book makes clear, left her degree program to care for her parents while married mother Justine went from success to success with the support of her house parent husband.

However, as we all know, novels often have an arc.  Characters have experiences, struggle, grow, learn and, if they are lucky, find themselves in a better place.  As Justine’s marriage implodes and Addie tries to figure out what to do with her life, what will happen?  At the end of the novel, will the sisters be closer and happier?  (Readers will hope so).

In following the Justine and Addie’s stories, Ms. Carr explores social issues including women who return to the workforce insecure after years away and men who face partner abuse.  The author clearly wants her readers to know that there is help for those who suffer. She also wants toshare what makes for a good relationship in her estimation.

This book is an easy read that fans of the author will welcome.  The small town setting is very appealing.

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

#SunriseonHalfMoonBay #NetGalley

Pub date:  April 14, 2020

Digitalpw.com. Publisher’s Weekl y is making all content available. I love how the book world is trying to help us.

Booklistonline.com is offering free access until further notice. It is an excellent resource.