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

See archive for reviews of Queen Bee and The Best of Us.  Hope there is something here that you may enjoy.

This is a cute board book for toddlers about a person who is so important, mommy. What does she do all day? Lift the flaps to find out. Sometimes the answer will be a bit whimsical as when mommy has lots of laundry to do. With bright and appealing illustrations, this title should be enjoyed by the youngest book lovers.

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

#WhatisMommyGoingtoDo #NetGalley

 

Tove wrote letters, lots of letters.  They were to family, friends, readers and more.  Of these the editors include 160  written between 1932 and 1988.  Each section of the book begins with an introduction that helps to place the letters in context.  For example, in letters to family, it is noted that Tove left Helsinki to study in Stockholm and also spent time in Paris and Italy.  The book includes photographs of Tove and those to whom she wrote.  There are also drawings, as for instance, a map of a Paris neighborhood, an outfit that Tove wore or some of her art.

This book will be welcomed by fans of the Moomin series who would like to know the author better.  It will also appeal to anyone who enjoys the insights to be found in the letters that people write.

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

Some excellent choices if you have time to read after all of your shopping.

Dear Blog Readers,

Thanks so much for spending time with me this year.  I hope that  you have found some good books as a result.  I am looking forward to next year and lots more excellent reads.  Wishing each of you the very best in 2020.

Warmly,

Joyce

Are you and/ or you and your family resolving to eat healthier in 2020? Or, would you just sometimes like to have a good vegetarian recipe? If you answer yes, this will be just the cookbook for you. Recipes are divided into chapters on hearty soups, satisfying salads, loaded handhelds, bountiful bowls, perfet pasta, one pot wonders, comforting casseroles, center stage vegetables and breakfast for dinner. All of these appeal to me. The final chapter is on sauces and staples while the book begins with advice for meatless Monday. Some of this advice is about staples to stock, tools that are needed and also how to get children involved.

There are so many recipes that I cannot list them all. Just a few include cauliflower wild rice soup, miso soup with shiitake mushrooms and ramen noodles and rustic winter stew. This only covers the soup chapter. There is so much more. All of the recipes are well laid out with clear instructions.
I recommend this book to those who enjoy their veggies. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review. I plan to buy this book myself.

From the publisher:

#TheMeatlessMondayFamilyCookbook #NetGalley

This book is part of the Little People, Big Dreams book series for the youngest children. The illustrations are very appealing; Stephen and those around him are cartoon like while the skies look very pretty. This short book tells the main facts of Stephen’s life including his illness.
Two quotes from the book: “But instead of looking down at his feet, Stephen decided to look up at the stars.” Another quote: No matter how difficult life may seem, there is always something you can succeed at.”
The message of this book is to not give up and to follow dreams old and or new. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for another entry in a wonderful series.

A bit of everything here…a Dickens classic, a biography,  a well loved teacher, mystery, siblings and a great read by Marie Benedict.  Enjoy!

Children spend a lot of time indoors.  They are in school, they have after school activities and of course, when at home, they may enjoy indoor activities, spending time in front of screens.  This book will help to get children outdoors, a place that they need to be and enjoy with an activity that does not involve competitive sports.

With the help of this book, children will conceive a garden and work on bringing it to fruition.  They will imagine what they want to see, build it and make things grow.  What could be better!

The author of this book cares about the outdoors, children and the growth that takes place in gardens.  Her investment is clear in this book.  She encourages adults and children to imagine a space and see it come to life over time.  She knows that time spent in a garden is time well spent.

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

From the publisher:

The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend by Katarina Bivald Once you let a book into your life, the most unexpected things can happen… A New York Times bestseller and #1 Indie Next Pick! Get it now for $1.99 Was $16.99 AMAZON | B&N | APPLE KOBO | BAM Pretty Guilty Women by Gina LaManna Mirror, mirror on the wall. Who’s the guiltiest one of all? A People Magazine pick and recommended by Entertainment Weekly! Get it now for $2.99 Was $12.99 AMAZON | B&N | APPLE KOBO | BAM The Other Einstein by Marie Benedict A vivid and mesmerizing novel about the extraordinary woman who married and worked with one of the greatest scientists in history. A USA Today bestseller and recommended by POPSUGAR! Get it now for $4.99 Was $16.99 AMAZON | B&N | APPLE KOBO | BAM The Girl Who Wrote in Silk by Kelli Estes A scrap of silk will reach across a century to reveal a forgotten woman’s tragedy and threaten a powerful family. A USA Today bestseller and #1 Indie Next Pick! Get it now for $1.99 Was $14.99 AMAZON | B&N | APPLE KOBO | BAM Miranda’s Big Mistake by Jill Mansell Revenge is a dish best served sweet… An irresistibly feel-good story about friendship, family, and finding love where you least expect it! Get it now for $4.99 Was $15.99