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

Let me just say at the outset that I adore this book.  If you are a Jane Austen fan, definitely take a look at this title.

The other Bennet Sister is Mary.  If you have read P and P, you know how she is portrayed there.  In this title, readers will get to know Mary so much better.  I felt for her immediately as some of the first things to come up in the novel had to do with being a middle sister, bookish, needing glasses, not feeling pretty (enough) and not necessarily wanting to go to parties.  I could identify with these!  I also relate to Mary’s efforts at self improvement as she approaches the piano and her father’s library.  Watching Mary figure out her life while spending time with other members of the Bennet household made this a wonderful read for me.

I think that Ms. Hadlow has captured the tone of Jane Austen.  Mr. B is still sardonic, Mrs. B is a bit empty headed and the sisters are very much themselves.

Another plus of this title for me is its length.  At 480 pages it is a novel to sink into.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this most enjoyable title.  All opinions are my own.

#TheOtherBennetSister #NetGalley

This book may well make you smile.  The cartoonist seems to have a very good (and personal) understanding of what it is like to be in one’s 20s and navigating life.  There is gentle humor on topics like hair that doesn’t cooperate, not being very tall, and dealing with relationships, schools and many other aspects of life.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title that made me smile.  All opinions are my own.

Pub Date 02 Jun 2020

#ILefttheHouseToday #NetGalley

Most of us will retire at some point or perhaps just scale back at work.  Feeling ready and prepared for this life stage is so important and the factors to consider are many.  Finances are what often come first to mind but there are other important considerations including how to spend one’s retirement time, how retirement will impact relationships and more.

This book provides a lot of information to, as the author notes, “staying happy, active, and productive in your retired years.”  In addition to covering everything from depression to using one’s time as one wishes to feel as good as possible, this book also has an excellent section of resources.  These include things like financial websites, lists of retirement blogs, podcasts,  books and much more.

I recommend this book as an excellent resource.  Many thanks to Callisto publishing for this title in exchange for an honest review.

From the publisher:

A variety once again.  I just purchased the short story collection and am excited about dipping into it.  The Paula Daly book was made in to a tv series that is available on one of the streaming networks (I forget if it is on Britbox or Acorn TV.)  The Fletcher mystery is free.  Kristin Hannah has written lots of good women’s fiction titles.  Also Chabon, a title by Delderfield and one on horses.  Hope there is something for you!

This title is a board book in the Little People, Big Dreams series. As is always true of Ms. Sanchez Vegara’s books, this title is beautifully illustrated and inspiring as it tells the story of athlete Wilma Rudolph. Young children will learn the amazing story of this girl with 19 siblings who went on to achieve great athletic feats, despite having been diagnosed with polio at the age of four.
In telling Wilma’s story, the author honestly and sensitively addresses the racism of Ms. Rudolph’s era. In acknowledging this the author opens the way for a good discussion with a child.
Get these books for a child you know; they will learn that life is full of amazing opportunities and will, hopefully, see that they can set their sights high. They will see too that obstacles can be overcome.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

Pub Date 16 Jun 2020

#WilmaRudolph #NetGalley

The author of this book offers much helpful information and advice to those who have difficulty sleeping due to anxiety. The book offers guidance on the ways in which cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help people who are often awake at night. Along with the educative sections, which are detailed and useful, the book includes spaces for reflection where a reader can write journal entries within the book. There are also other helpful sections including a sleep assessment survey and an insomnia severity tool. Additional sections called try this offer useful ways to engage and improve one’s nights.
Many thanks to Callisto publishing for this title in exchange for providing an honest review. I have found this book to be a helpful resource. Four stars.

From the publisher:

This is a picture book for young children. It tells of two friends who love being together and enjoy all of the same things. Each likes the same kind of jam, feeds the carrots that they are supposed to eat to the class rabbit instead, get haircuts at the same time, etc. To one another they feel like twins and they wonder if people can tell them apart. The reader may want to pay attention to the fact that they are shown in different colors, as they are of different races.

The charm of this book is that the children have not yet learned prejudice. It is based upon a real story. This would be a good book for a nursery/preschool child as it could open up discussion. The illustrations are bold and lively.

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

This publisher does an excellent job of adapting classics for younger readers. In this instance, the choice is one of the most well known of the Sherlock Holmes canon. Readers will become engaged in the story which is enhanced with cartoon like illustrations. Hopefully, young readers appetite for more stories of Holmes and Watson will follow.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review. Of note is that the adapter explains the meaning of some of the words that may be unfamiliar to the young, modern reader.

Pub Date 14 May 2020  

#kidsSherlock #NetGalley

So many of the books that I have been reviewing seem relevant to our current circumstances. At this moment spouses may be spending more time together than usual and tensions may arise in just about any relationship. While this book was not written with covid in mind, it does seem like a very good resource for now.
The author is a trained clinician who offers this book to couples. Professionals may also find it to be helpful in their work with clients. The book is well organized. Each of the 52 chapters begins with a short vignette about a couple. Following this an activity of some kind is offered. For instance, there is a chapter on self care. This includes many helpful suggestions of ways to care for oneself. Following these ideas, the author offers discussion questions for partners to chat about.
If couples are in serious, unrelenting difficulty it may be risky to try to treat oneself although, with respectful interaction, this book might still be a resource. For those who wish for a better relationship and better communication this title looks quite helpful.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

#EasyMarriageCounseling #NetGalley

From the publisher:

One of many engaging exercises:

Answer these questions with your partner. Examine your traditions for holidays and discuss new traditions you may want to create.

1. What were your family’s traditions for the holiday season? Be specific. What did it look like? What did you do together? How much time did you spend with family? Did you have any important traditions or rituals, like foods, activities or tasks, or family outings?
2. Is there any overlap in the ways you and your partner celebrated holidays? What are the differences?
3. What feels refreshing about how your partner celebrates holidays? What makes you nervous?
4. What traditions are important for you to carry on in your family, and what new traditions do you want to establish?
5. If you have or plan to have kids, what do you want them to experience from the holidays?