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

This book is exactly as advertised.  It is a compilation of easy to prepare, appealing small bites.  There are recipes in categories including light snacks, dips & spreads, finger foods, savory plates, fancy bites and something sweet.  A few of the recipes include crispy garlic butter smashed potatoes, salmon fritters, cheese stuffed chicken meatballs marinara, bacon wrapped asparagus, chunky guacamole and marinated feta with rosemary and orange.  The instructions are clear and easy to follow.  All in all, a great resource for those who are entertaining this holiday season!

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

#TheEasyAppetizerCookbook #NetGalley

From the publisher:

The Mitford Murders is the start of a series.  The third entry will be published soon.  See archive for my review of this title.  Otherwise, a thriller, a novel and a modern classic.

Charles M. Schulz had a unique gift for finding both the humor and sweetness in every day life. This book is another great collection featuring the Peanuts gang. There are strips about school, fitness, wanting acceptance and more, all illustrated with gentle humor. This is a great book to dip into. It will make you smile for sure.

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

A few years ago, I read this author’s earlier work, The Return, for a class that I was taking. It was truly an extraordinary book written by a writer of immense talent. The story of the author’s return to Libya and his quest (it really is one) to learn more about his father, the book was moving and thought provoking. As soon as I saw this title on NetGalley, I so hoped that I would be provided with a copy of the book in exchange for my review.

So, here I am highly recommending this book to you. It tells the story of how Matar, following The Return, planned a trip to Sienna. For reasons that he describes, the work of painters from this region were important to him. He almost did not make it. Luckily for the reader, he did.

Matar writes about where he stayed and his experience of the paintings that he came to see. It is a wonderful book by a writer with fluid grace. A couple of quotes to give you an idea.

On a bad plane ride:

I remember thinking I did not mind dying-that it would have to come at some point-but that I was not quite ready yet, that dying now would be a waste, given how much time I had spent learning how to live.

On the school of painting:

They believe that what we share is more than what sets us apart. The Sienna School is hopeful but also flattering…

By challenging the imagination they nudge our perception a little and, for an instant at least, the world is remade.

I highly recommend this book. It is special. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher.

Greta and the Giants is a beautifully illustrated story book about the difference that can be made when one person, in this case a child, protests, educates and makes change happen.  It is loosely based on Greta Thornberg and there is a section on her and things that children can do at the end of the book.  In the story itself, Greta is trying to get giants (corporations) to stop defiling the forest.  As other join her a movement is born.

It is painful to think that young children need to know about climate change, but they do.  This book, along with some follow up discussion, is a good introduction to a hard topic.

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

#GretaAndTheGiants #NetGalley

From the publisher:

This board book is designed to help children prepare for a check up. I found it to be fairly sophisticated for the young readers it targets. There is a lot of information in the book and this includes some medical terminology. Sphygmomanometer seems like an impressive word for a toddler and pre-schooler’s book. Read with a parent, this book can certainly help a child to know more about their body, what happens at a check up and why things like vaccines are given.

The illustrations that accompany the text are appealing. I especially love all of the eyes that are featured on these pages.

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

Some comments:  I really enjoyed Into the Woods and have gone on to read all of Tana French’s novels.  The books are in a new television series on the Starz network. Grantchester is the book upon which the PBS series is based.  This title and the series are not exactly the same although they feature many of the same characters.  The Royal Secret is by the author of The Seven Sisters series which I have blogged on.  I have not read this non-series novel yet.  Happy reading!

T

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.

#TheMagicOfMindset #NetGalley

From the publisher:

Cathy Kelly is an Irish writer of women’s fiction.  She has written many novels, only some of which are available in the U.S.  In this title, Ms. Kelly tells the story of three women born on the same day; Callie is 50, Sam is 40 and Ginger is 30.  Each is coping with a major change; Callie’s husband has left her (I won’t say why), Sam becomes a mother and Ginger who is overweight and bullied goes through her own transformations.  With fictional license,  the author has the path of these three women cross over the course of the novel.

I think that this author’s strength is describing emotions.  I felt this particularly with Sam who brought back memories of what it was like to be pregnant and to be an overwhelmed, exhausted, scared new parent.  The less strong aspect of this writer is that she creates a story that does not feel fully true to life but, if you like a novel in which characters grow and you can suspend disbelief, this one is an enjoyable read.

Sometimes the world feels chaotic; the reasons why are different for each of us but all of us could benefit from the calming wisdom in this book.  The illustrations are lovely and peaceful and go nicely with the text.  The author has sections on a number of topics including Focus & Awareness, Body & Wellness, Habits & Rituals, Rest & Relaxation and Patience & Poise.  Each section features a number of terms which are expanded upon.  What I particularly liked was that they were linked to sections called Try This which offer ways to put the concepts into practice.  This book is a great companion to any mindfulness app that readers use or may be read on its own.  I rate it highly.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.  I think that I will buy this one for my home library.

From the publisher: