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

This seems like a great time for cookbooks as we are all probably eating at home more.  This entry has a fun twist.  The author has created recipes around favorite books.  Below are some examples:

Snacks, Appetizers and Sides:

Doctor Who:  fishfingers and custard; The Matrix: Tastee Wheat;Blade Runner: White Dragon Noodles.

Soups and Stews:

The Hunger Games:  Lamb Stew with Plums; Avatar:  Seaweed Noodles; Firefly:  Wife Soup.

Main Dishes:

The Avengers: Shwarma; Breaking Bad: Los Pollos Hermanos Chicken; Buffy: Double meat Medley.

Cakes and Cupcakes:

Harry Potter: Cauldron Cakes; Divergent: Dauntless Chocolate Cake; The Hobbit: Seed Cakes

Other Desserts: The Chronicles of Narnia: Turkish Delight; Harry Potter: Treacle Tarts; My Little Pony: ChimiCherryChanga.

Of course, the above is a sample as the book includes many more.  The recipes are clearly presented and there are beautiful photographs throughout.

A unique cookbook that I enjoyed.  Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this book in exchange for an honest review.

#TheGeekyChefCookbook #NetGalley

This is a title in the board book collection of Little People, Big Dreams series. Each tells the story of a well known person in an easy to understand text. These biographies show children a wide range of dreams and accomplishments with the hope that the child you read to will dream big too!
This entry is about the little girl who grew up to be the well-known educator. Children will learnt that Maria was the first girl to study medicine in Italy; she was often alone as the other students did not work with her. Listeners will find out what Maria did after becoming a doctor and the great influence that she had on ways to teach children. They will learn that there are still Montessori schools today.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publiseher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

#MariaMontessori #NetGalley

Two women’s fiction titles that could provide good escape, fairy tales for a little (or big) one and free, plus one tougher title.

Many titles by C S Lewis. There are the Narnia books and others as well.

We are now living in times of tremendous uncertainty.  Many of us and our young reading buddies wonder what will remain the same and in what ways our lives will change indelibly once we are on the other side.  While the subject of this fine novel is not Covid 19, but divorce and life afterwards for protagonist Bea, some elements may well resonate.

When her parents divorce, Bea is given a notebook.  In it she will write about the things that will not change.  Middle grade readers will learn along with Bea that some things remain the same while others evolve.  They will spend time in this rich story and hopefully come to see that change, even when not asked for, can help to make us who we are.

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

#TheListOfThingsThatWillNotChange #NetGalley

Pub date:  April 7, 2020

Okay, so one day we and our kids will again be hanging out at stables and enjoying all that riding has to offer.  Until then, enjoy time with this book and prepare for that time.

This title is encyclopedic in nature.  Chapters include Horse Life, The Perfect Horse-For You!, Ready to Ride, Safety Skills, Eating Like a Horse, Stable Life, Grooming Guide, Healthy and Happy, Sports, Shows and FUN! with additional sections on routines, a glossary, resources and references.  Definitely a title that a young rider (ages 8 to 12 on average) will enjoy.

Readers will learn about the horse’s life cycle, how horses communicate, the different breeds and coat colors, tips for riding and so, so much more.  Find out about riding gear for both the horse and rider.  Know a horse’s gaits from walk to gallop.  Know how to groom your equine buddy.  I could go on and review everything in the book but will leave some for readers to discover and enjoy.

The author knows her stuff.  She has been in love with horses since the age of three.  Now, she has more than 45 years of experience in the world of horses.

The text is clear and is accompanied by appealing illustrations.  I very highly recommend this title for budding equestriennes.  They will learn so much, will enjoy going through the book and will soon be asking their favorite adults to get them a horse!

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

From the publisher:

#HorseLife #NetGalley

This title is a spiritual (Christian) book that offers women something to think about every day of the year. Taking stories from life, each entry is meant to be encouraging and connects to something with deeper meaning. This book will be welcomed by the many readers who like to start their day in a good mental/emotional space.

Many thanks to NetGalley for this title, with an entry for every day of the year, in exchange for an honest review.

#GodSeesHer #NetGalley

This sweet and funny story is about Benny and Sam, a hot day and swimming.  Benny is the pup who wants to swim while responsible Sam feels that Benny needs to take lessons before jumping into the pond. What will happen?  Young listeners will enjoy finding out and, as a bonus, will see that swimming can be fun!

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

#BennyLearnstoSwim #NetGalley

The Birthday Book is a bilingual title that is based on a Mexican song.  The virtual copy that I read cannot fully show how much fun this book could be; it can be read accordion style and has flaps to list.  Still, I could see the bright and cheerful illustrations and could enjoy the simple text.

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

#TheBirthdayBookLasMañanitas #NetGalley

I was thinking mysteries and escape today so found these.  There are many inexpensive Agatha Christie books to be had.  I am also showing some of Kate Charles books.  I very much enjoyed both of her series; they are very British, although the author is American.  Living Beautifully looks like a good title for calming readers down.  Enjoy!