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

Oh, how I would love to sleep better!  If the same is true for you, spend a little time with this title; I think that it may help you.

This book is divided into sections covering Sleep in Perspective, Patterns of Sleep, The Sleep Environment, The Sleeping Body, A Mind for Sleep, and Overcoming Sleep Problems.  Each section includes many short subsections that seemed quite informative.

The book also includes a number of exercises to help further your sleep goals. Some utilize mindfulness techniques; others require things like making a sleep diary.  There are also many suggestions as for example, what kind of bed might be best for an individual.

This title is comprehensive. It may well restate some things that you already know such as the impact of alcohol and caffeine on sleep but there is also much that was new.  Throughout the book is calmly illustrated.

I recommend Learn to Sleep Well  if you would like to think more about your sleep patterns and are on a quest to wake up each day feeling better.

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

Of these, my choice would be the Ruth Rendell first but take a look to see if something else appeals to you.  Let me know!

I recently reviewed this book, Recipe for a Perfect Wife. Here is another take.

The Way Through the Woods by Colin Dexter

Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah

Northanger Abbey by Val McDermid

The Paris Seamstress by Natasha Lester

To Let by John Galsworthy

Twice I have lost my comments. I quit! But these are all good titles. Special shout out to Winter Garden.

September by Rosamunde Pilcher

Shem Creek by Dorothea Enron Frank

The Pilgrim of Hate by Ellis Peters

The Charlotte and Thomas Pitt novels, volume 2 by Anne Perry

Visitation Street by Ivy Pochada

Death and Judgement and The Temptation of Forgiveness by Donna Leon

The first two are good women’s fiction titles. Then, lots of mysteries. Enjoy!

I read a number of intriguing reviews on this title, so was eager to read the book. It did not disappoint.

The novel tells the story of two artists, Anna in the 1940s and Morgan in 2018. Around them is famous, recently deceased artist, Jesse. The most impressive feat in the novel is the way in which the author connects their stories.

Anna wins a contest to create a mural in a small southern town. Northerner Anna has many experiences in Edenton, culminating in a major event. In the present, Morgan is trying to atone for past poor decisions. Around each of these characters are many others who come to life.

This story is partly a meditation on family (good and bad), race, community and more. The author clreverly adds to the story with diary entries and newspaper stories.

Readers of women’s fiction and others will enjoy this novel that so excellently portrays its places and characters.

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

I love the idea of a cookbook that only requires cooks to have a few ingredients per recipe.  It makes me feel that the 90 plus recipes in this book will be easy to make and satisfying too.

As is true for most cookbooks, there are sections on the three daily meals plus additional sections on veggies and sides, snacks and desserts.  Some of the recipes in this book are baked blueberry oatmeal, egg in a hash with sweet potato and bacon, zesty chicken salad, banana party pepper tuna salad, Cuban mojo pork chops and orange rice, crispy oven fried fish sticks,orange kissed carrots, warm apple baked brie, and chocolate pudding cake.  I could go on and on as so many of these recipes look and sound delicious.

The book starts with a great deal of helpful information on things to have in the kitchen, menu planning and more.  There are also many tips on cooking for busy people. The author also shares anecdotes from her life.

One note, recipes in fact have more than five ingredients but some of these are for things most would have on hand like salt, pepper, milk, etc.  Above each recipe are things to know, as for example, “make ahead-nut free-soy free-gluten free.  These headlines can be quite helpful when deciding what to make.

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

This is a book of gently amusing comics about a relationship. Reflective of every day life and mostly sweet, this book will be enjoyed by those who know the ups and downs of daily life with a significant other.

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

Historical fiction about Ada Lovelace, Unbroken and a Donna Leon.

I have reviewed the Donna Leon and the Jennifer Chiavarinia.  See blog.