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

The story of Alan Turing is beautifully told in this new title in the Little People, Big Dreams series. Nothing is glossed over as the story is told not only about the breaking of the Engima code but also Turing’s being gay and the way that he was treated in England.
Readers of this title who may feel a bit alone or different will be encouraged by learning about all that Alan did, after he faced the loss of a person very important to him. This book could be a great jumping off point for talking with a child.
Alan’s story is told in a matter of fact style. The illustrations are lovely, expressive and greatly enhance the text.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read a book in one of my favorite series.

From the publisher:

Little Alan was a boy from London who grew away from his parents. He was so shy and inward that nobody expected much from him. But sometimes that’s just the kind of people who do the things no one can imagine.

The first thing that you (or a child) will notice is that this book contains not a single word of text.  The pictures tell the story and convey both what is happening and the emotions of the characters.

This is a tale about becoming a family and how a family may not always look as we expect.  The crane is caring for an egg; the bird is upset when the egg falls out of the nest…a spoiler (the egg survives).  Enjoy the surprise of seeing who hatches and the relationship that ensues.

I like that this book has no text.  Because of this a child and adult can tell the story and talk about it.

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

Pub date:  August 15, 2020

This is a perfect title for this moment.  If you are all cooped up at home and know a teen who could use an activity (and feed you), this one is worth a look.  It also is a useful resource for anyone who is trying to learn to prepare a meal.

The book includes 100 recipes divided into categories including Breakfast, Snacks and Sides, Soups and Salads, Solo Meals and Family Meals.  Some examples from the Family Meals section are Mustard and Maple Glazed Chicken, Easy Chicken Tetrazzini and HOmemade Chicken Pot Pie.  At the other end of the day, a few of the breakfast recipes include Banana Brea, Breakfast Tacos and a Green Chile Casserole.

The cookbook has lots of photographs and the directions are easy to follow.  I call this one a winner!

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

#TheHowToCookbookforTeens #NetGalley

Women’s fiction and a couple of titles for children.  Enjoy!

This book has the most delightful illustrations!  Pearl and her mom are so lovingly portrayed by the illustrator as they dance and do other activities together.  I would purchase this book for the visuals alone.

The story is sweet as well though.  Pearl enjoys being at her mom’s ballet school.  Her mother offers her the opportunity to go to preschool but Pearl isn’t sure.  The beauty of the story is that the mother does not force her child and so Pearl makes her own decision.

This is a lovely book for introducing children to the activities of preschool.  It also shows a caring parent/child relationship.

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

Pub date:  July 21, 2020

Again, a bit of a mix here.  Some a bit deeper today, as with the William Styron collection.  The F Scott Fitzgerald is free.  Two books on writers though very different with one on the Brontes and one on the syndicate that wrote the Nancy Drew books. Otherwise, some mysteries and suspense.

I have continued to say how much I like the Donna Leon series.  For those who are watching TV, think of getting a free month of MHZ where there is a tv series based on the books.  I am enjoying it.

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.