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

Don’t Let Go is such an appealing and charmingly illustrated story that both children and parents will love. The polar bear family goes to the beach. One young member of the clan does not want to go into the water independently. Watch as he is encouraged to get into the sea using a variety of toys. See what happens to his dad in the process!

This is a fun story. It is also sweet as it shows how parents care for their children.

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

Far out at sea, the water is as blue as cornflower petals and as clear as the purest glass.” So begins this version/translation of the well known fairy tale. It is nicely told here. The text is accompanied by pen and ink drawings that enhance the text. This Hans Christian Anderson tale is the basis for the Disney movie but is not the same. Read this for yourself or with a child that you know.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to reread this beautifully written story. All opinions are my own.

#TheLittleMermaid #NetGalley

I had a real reaction to the end of this novel, though no spoilers here.  If you read it, or have read it, I’d love your opinion.

“In Jenna, [Jodi] Picoult has created an unforgettable character who will easily endear herself to each and every reader. . . . Leaving Time may be her finest work yet.”—Bookreporter

“[A] captivating and emotional story.”—BookPage
 
“With plenty of twists and a surprising ending, [Leaving Time] explores the grieving process and what happens when we cannot move on.”—Woman’s Day

“A moving and emotional story.”—Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
 
“A truly engaging read . . . Full of the deep characters and multilayered story lines that have earned [Picoult] a spot in many readers’ hearts.”—Library Journal

“Delivers a powerhouse ending.”—Booklist

“Memorable and poignant.”—Publishers Weekly

This book for the youngest children is absolutely adorable.  The illustrations are multicultural, engaging and appealing!  Toddlers will watch baby over the course of the day and learn what baby does, for example, when she puts on boots or a bib.  Highly recommended for the little ones.  I really liked this book.

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

This title will teach the rudiments of Spanish to its readers.  Both adults and younger students will find this book to be practical, engaging and helpful.  The book is divided into sections including Greetings, Getting to Know You, Time, Emotions, Health and Wellness, Emergencies, Jobs and Careers, Everyday Life, Travel, Out and About on the Town and Reason to Celebrate.  There are then sections that are more grammar related.

The individual lessons are short and should be practiced regularly.  There are quizzes to reinforce one’s learning.

I find this book to be a good resource and plan to study Spanish with it.  Gracias to NetGalley and the publisher for this read in exchange for an honest review.

#LearnSpanishwithPictures #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 Corfu Trilogy is the basis for the Durrell tv series on PBS.  Henrietta is part of a British mystery series.  Julia Glass is literary fiction.  Patti Callahan Henry is women’s fiction while the Elgar is a thriller.

Do you know a mom who needs some helpful thoughts sent their way? Are they doing too much? Do they berate their body? Do they worry about a spouse in law enforcement? Do they give and give and give?

There are thoughts for all these moms and many more in this book of 365 prayers. Written by a mother and daughter team, the authors encourage their readers to think about the needs of those they know. This book has a nice concept and will offer thoughts for a whole year.

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

#MidnightMomDevotional #NetGalley

I do not read as many “cozy” mysteries as I once did.  However, I could not resist a book with this title.  A Body in the Bookshop is the second novel in this author’s series.  She capably brings the town of York to vivid life and also develops good characters and relationships.  However, I found the mystery itself to stretch credulity a bit.

I recommend this one as a quick and okay read. Readers can tell that the author loves books as she refers to a number of titles over the course of this novel.

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

The Secret Garden is truly a childhood classic. It is a great read aloud for an adult and child. Now, Secret Garden lovers can expand and enhance their experience with the book through this cookbook.

Following an introduction the cookbook is divided into seven sections; these are Yorkshire Breakfasts, A Manor Lunch, An English Tea, From the Kitchen Garden, Dickon’s Cottage Food, A Taste of India and finally, Garden Picnics. The introduction includes information on the reign of Queen Victoria, ruler at the time that the book is set, and the kinds of food that were available to different social classes at that time.

The book is lavishly illustrated with photographs, starting with a statue of Mary and Dickon that is in Central Park in New York City and appealing drawings. There are also many quotes from the book. There are additional interesting facts throughout as well.

Each of the sections begins with an introduction that gives context to the recipes. Some of these are Savory Muffins Spiked with Cheddar Cheese, Roast Chicken with Bread Sauce, Toffee Pudding with Butterscotch Sauce, A Proper Pot of Tea, Lemon Curd Tartlets, Spring Peas with Fresh Mint, Pease Pudding, Cottage Loaf with a Topknot, Sooji with Fresh Fruit and English Crumpets. It is very tempting to list each recipe as they all look so good, but this is just a sample.

The recipes come with clear and easy to follow directions. Some have as few as three steps so cooks can choose the recipes that they feel most ready to tackle.

All in all, this is a lovely and appealing book. I recommend it highly!

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

From the publisher: