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

Mystery, a classic or two, some women’s fiction and Barbara Taylor Bradford’s first novel.  I reviewed The Spotted Dog and A Bitter Feast (see the archive.)

In Barbara Delinsky’s newest novel, one week changes lives as relationships are re-examined, rekindled and renewed.

One week, usually not much happens in that amount of time, but for the characters in this novel past and present come together as old hurts along with family secrets and relationships surface along with questions about a disappearance.

Protagonist Mallory lives with her thirteen-year-old daughter Joy in New York where she has a busy life as a photographer.   Mallory’s camera allows her to both be creative and to look at the world through her own (literal) lens.  Mallory’s sister Anne lives in the Rhode Island town that Mallory left behind. Anne cares for her father, runs a (delicious sounding) breakfast restaurant, The Sunny Side Up and tries to decide what she wants from a relationship.  Third sister Margo has also left town and lives in Chicago with her family.  The three sisters reunite at the shore.

Also in Rhode Island is Mallory’s boyfriend from her younger years.  They had a serious falling out when Jack’s mother disappears from Mallory’s father’s boat, not to be heard from for over twenty years.   What happened to her?  What was the involvement of Mallory’s father?  Did he cause her death?  Did she die? Will he talk?  This is one of the big mysteries of the novel but there are others including the question of Mallory’s paternity.

I grew up in Rhode Island where the book is set.   To me the town seemed generic though, like any beach town, not especially RI-ey.  However, the town was charming and readers will wish that they could visit there.

This is a solid novel that kept me turning the pages.  It was not my favorite book by this author but I definitely enjoyed it and do recommend it to those who enjoy women’s fiction.  I preferred Ms. Delinsky’s last novel, Before and Again but that just means that you could read both!

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

Before and Again…how does what happens, mistakes that we have made, impact our view of the past, our present and our belief in the future? These big issues are fictionally brought to life in Barbara Delinsky’s newest novel.
Early on in the book, the reader learns that a moment of inattention led to the death of the protagonist’s daughter, Lily. Any parent can, but does not want to, imagine what this could mean. The reader watches as Maggie tries to move on and start fresh but…can/should the past be denied? A concurrent theme involves Grace who has secrets and stories of her own. In addition, Grace’s son is accused of computer hacking and the consequences of his act may impact his future, just as Maggie and Grace are impacted by their pasts.
I found the characters to be sympathetically drawn and would recommend this book to readers of women’s fiction.

 

 

https://nyti.ms/3aVj0tj

A couple of mysteries and a fairy tale book which is part of a well-known series and free.

This book is geared towards three-to-six year olds and the adult who reads them a bedtime story.  The author notes that, in the age of screens, it is more difficult for children to relax and get ready to go to sleep.  One possible solution is to look at this book with a child once they are ready for bed.

Using stories and imagery from the constellations and mythology, a number of short tales are told.  Alongside these are stretches, breathing exercises and other mindfulness activities to help a child become ready for sleep.

The author wisely suggests reading in any order and trying out activities even if you are not certain that your little one will engage.  To me, it seems worth the effort.

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

Many mysteries and many classics, definitely my favorite kinds of books.  Hope you see something that interests you!

Eve Forrester is living a conventional life in 1940s  England where she is married (to the first man who asked) and is in a relationship that is passionless and stifling.  However, Eve’s life changes early in the book when, in a common fictional trope, she receives a letter.  This letter sends Eve to France where she has been left a quarter share in a house on the French Riviera. Why?  Who was the mysterious Guy who left a piece of a home that is like technicolor to Rachel’s formerly drab life?

The reader meets many of the people with whom Eve interacts in France including a writer, an actress, an art dealer and members of Guy’s family.  Reminiscent of the novels of Mary Stewart or Daphne DuMaurier’s Rebecca, there are threats to our protagonist.

As is true of books of this genre, the reader turns the pages feeling confident that. after turmoil, all will be better for Eve.  The fun of the novel is watching as she gets there.

Rachel Rhys does a lovely job in describing the settings of the book.  I wanted to spend time in the house where Eve stayed.  The characters are slightly stock, the mystery a bit convoluted yet I very much enjoyed the escapism of this read.

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

Editorial Reviews

Pride and Prejudice was published around this time of year in the 1800s.  This edition is just 99 cents for a great classic.  Speaking of classics, two mysteries that fit that definition and then a book on music and a novel that received good reviews.  It is in my TBR pile.  Enjoy.

Imagine that you live in one of the world’s most populous cities.  Imagine that not only are there lots of people but that there are lots of foods.  Imagine that you would like to taste some of them.  Well, if you are in New York City’s Borough of Queens, this is something that you can not only imagine but experience.  For everyone else, enjoy this virtual trip and its wonderful food culture and recipes.

Just some of the places that are the origins for the food at the market are Puerto Rico, Trinidad, Peru, Argentina, South Africa, India,South Korea, Indonesia, Russia and Ukraine.  Enjoy recipes for a pastrami sandwich, Salvadoran chicken tamales, Peruvian Ceviche, Guyanese Beef Patties, Trinidadian Callaloo, Almond Biscotti, Ukrainian Blintzes with Creamy Mushrooms , Pakistani Tandoori Chicken Kati, Beef Momos with Hot Sauce and many more.

Illustrated with many photographs as well as drawings this is a visually appealing cookbook that also includes stories about many of the cooks.  Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this amazing food journey.  All opinions are my own.