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

This book would be a nice gift for someone who is seeking self-knowledge, including you if this is something that appeals. The Magic of Mindset is a guided journal with room for reflection and your own thoughts. For example, you may be prompted to think about somewhere that you feel stuck or talking to your future self about a way that you would like to succeed. There are also many affirmations and words of encouragement.

There are undoubtedly other guided journals out there but there may not be one as gorgeous as this. The artwork is so beautiful!

Of note: This title could also be a resource that a therapist and patient/client could talk about together.

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

From the publisher:

So last night I did NOT have a good night’s sleep. I don’t know if this book will make me sleep better tonight but I can say that it is very cute. This is a book for all ages. There are sheep everywhere to be counted and all kinds of puzzles including mazes, word searches, spot the difference, find the two that are alike and more. Throughout the book is delightfully illustrated with cartoon sheep like the ones that you see on the cover..

In addition to the puzzles, there are many quotes about sleep. There are also hints that are tried and true, such as shutting off screens, drinking warm milk, etc.

This book will not necessarily solve your sleep problems, but you might enjoy looking through it.

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

Do you know what the monkey mind is? Does your child? As I understand it, this is a concept that addresses our being all over the place, unable to focus on the moment or to live one’s best and most peaceful life. We all can use some assistance in learning to quiet ourselves and to be more present. This deck hopes to help children, and maybe their adults, to do this by sharing some of the “playful and powerful qualities of animals and elements in nature as inspiration to discover these qualities in ourselves.” In a note to adults, the author states that the exercises are meant to provide a “safe way to reflect on difficult topics and a form of…support.” The author engages children by offering them multiple ways to use the cheerily illustrated deck.

I recommend these cards as one tool for helping children to think, feel and be as comfortable as possible in their lives. Adults may well enjoy this deck too!
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this title in exchange for an honest review.

From the publisher:

 

MonkeyMindMeditationDeck #NetGalley

I adore the old fashioned illustrations that appear throughout this book; I felt nostalgic as I saw Camay soap, Tang and Crisco in the paintings. Amy, the artist, talks in the introduction about her inspiration while Martha, the cook, also adds her take. The book itself is organized with the day in mind, beginning with breakfast and moving through to late night snacks. There are then anytime treats. Yum.

Within this framework, there are intriguingly named recipes. For example, the Morning’s Glories section includes “Ethel’s Overnight Breakfast in Bed (a casserole), and Marge’s Usual Sunrise (a drink) among others. These titles definitely enticed me and kept me browsing through this book.

The recipes are all doable. The presentation is quirky and fun. This title could be a nice addition to a cook’s bookshelf.

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

 

#AGoodMealisHardtoFind #NetGalley

Robyn Carr is a prolific writer of women’s fiction. Her Virgin River novels are now a series on Netflix. The Country Guesthouse is one of the author’s Sullivan’s Crossing books. These stories take place in Colorado and are interconnected although they do not have to be read in order.

This title is primarily about Owen, Hannah and Noah. They face challenges although readers of this author know that usually things end well. Owen is a world traveler and a photographer who had a significant tragedy in his life. Hannah was a close friend to Noah’s mother, who died and named Hannah to be his guardian. Noah, who is five years old, has mild CP and is grieving the loss of his mom. Over the course of this story, the three come together, heal and find love while also connecting with the characters from previous books.

I recommend Robyn Carr’s novels to those who enjoy women’s fiction. This one is an easy read that takes the reader to a beautiful place and the kind of caring community we dream about.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

Tasha Alexander’s historical mysteries take place early in the 20th century. In this entry, Lady Emily and her husband Colin are visiting Pompeii and Herculaneum where they become entangled in murder and chaos. The book also includes a novel within a novel that tells the story of a (freed) slave, a young woman poet and her fate.

The strengths of this book include the settings and the characters with whom I wanted to spend time. The author has done significant research and her description of the excavations of Pompeii and Herculaneum are filled with atmosphere, historical terms, and objects. Similarly, the world of the poet, Kassandra, comes vividly to life with its taverns, food stalls and homes both ostentatious and simple.

I enjoyed the relationship of Emily with her husband, Colin, and close friend, a lord. Kassandra, Lepida (her former owner), Lepida’s husband and Melas, a painter are all well drawn. Also, readers of the series will be interested to get to know Kat, but no spoilers here. I found the murder mystery itself to be less compelling and felt that the story could have been edited just a bit.

Nonetheless, if you are curious about archaeology and enjoy historical mysteries, you might want to pick up this latest in the series. I also recommend this author’s earlier title, A Death in St. Petersburg.

Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for this title in exchange for an honest review.

Lady Clementine is a wonderful historical novel and one that I highly recommend. As can be seen from the title, it is the story of Clementine Churchill, wife of Winston. The story is told in Clementine’s voice and Ms. Benedict inhabits that so well that, while reading, I truly felt that Clementine was telling her story. The book focuses quite a bit on WWII but there was much before that in Clementine’s biography and these earlier times  also captured the author’s attention.

Readers learn that Clementine’s childhood was rather insecure and find out why this was so. The losses she experienced and her opportunities to marry before meeting Winston are detailed.

Clementine and Winston had many years together prior to WWII. Readers experience the ups and downs of their relationship, Winston’s political and military woes and their significant family tragedy. Winston’s neediness and strong need for Clementine to be available become quite clear. Readers also witness Clementine’s mental health struggles and the challenges that she faced as a mother. Throughout there is the lens of Clementine finding her own voice and her desire to be appreciated and recognized for the incredible woman that she was.

I give this novel 5 stars, something that I rarely do. I recommend it that highly.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for this read in exchange for an honest review.

sleuthofbakerstreet.ca/i/1584200/Jan_2020_e_MOM_Read.pdf

Last year I read and reviewed this author’s first book, The Widows.  I thought it was a fantastic book, one that seemed very much the work of a seasoned author.  I was very, very excited to receive this second novel in the series from NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press; thank you!! I adored this book although I do acknowledge that it covers some very difficult topics.

The plot has much to do with events that happened in this small, mountain, Ohio community during the Civil War.  Those occurrences have haunted lives and are re-awakened in the present.  The past and present intertwine as, during both time periods, there were many strains, struggles and injustices centered on race and discrimination.  Kudos to the author for making the time period vivid and memorable, if not easy.  Readers will learn something about the WKKK, an organization that I wish had never existed and about women who could be placed in asylums by the men in their lives.  Mysteries will be solved but not in a merry, we can all be happy sort of way.

The characters are so well portrayed.  They are complex, struggling, some honorable, some not.  The main protagonist, Lily, a female sheriff,  is beautifully brought to life as are her close friends Marvena and a struggling Hildy.  I was so happy to meet up with them again.

This new novel can be read as a standalone.  However, you may be so caught up in the lives of these people and their time, that you will read both novels in some order.

I give this book five stars, something that I do not do lightly or often.  If you enjoy this one, I would also highly recommend that you read the books by Julia Keller.

 

I’ve been thinking about how to best write about this book by first time author Jess Montgomery. First time author! Wow, Ms. Montgomery writes like an experienced novelist as she effectively creates a place, characters and narrative tension. She has written what I consider to be a truly excellent debut novel.

The Widows are Lily and Marvena, each of whom has children, has lost a husband and is trying not to lose her way. Life in Bronwyn County, Ohio for them and those they love, following WWI is full of hardship. Coal is king and a harsh master. Poverty and company scrip rule many lives.

In this world, Marvena and her common law husband John have worked to organize the miners. This is a freighted and difficult task given the strong arm tactics of the mine owners. Pinkertons are brought in to quell resistance. Other outsiders try to dominate illegal moonshine businesses.

On the surface, Lily’s life looks better. She is married to Sheriff Daniel Ross, a former boxer and half brother to the mine owner. However, early in the novel, Daniel is killed. The circumstances surrounding his death are a central mystery in the novel.

Both Marvena and Lily have relationship history with Daniel. Each realizes that she did not fully know him. As they come to know one another, Lily and Marvena come to also know themselves.

Peopled with many additional characters that come vividly to life, this novel is engaging, realistic and compelling. Put it on your TBR pile for January when it will be released. I recommend this one very highly.

Many thanks to NetGalley, the author and St. Martin’s Minotaur for this fantastic read!

This book provides a fun way to consolidate the skills involved in learning to count.  It starts with one, of course, and by the end of this title gets to 100.  Along the way, children will find many things to count and look for.  This title makes counting fun and I think that children will enjoy it.  The illustrations are appropriately complex, fun and colorful.

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