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

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:

This title is geared towards third to fifth graders but I think that many adults will also appreciate its clean, concise description of the role of the electoral college. Included is information on the college’s historical origins and the rationale for its formation. Readers will learn why the number 538 is an important one for elections and will understand where the number comes from. There is also a section discussing some of the feelings for and against the electoral college as compared to a system based on the popular vote.

This title includes a number of photographs. It is very readable and the author does his job well. It is important to engage kids in the political process. Hopefully, this book will help them to do so.

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

And please, register to vote so that you and your electors can have their say!

From the publisher:

Diane Mott Davidson has written a series of culinary mysteries.  I loved Colin Dexter’s Inspector Morse series.  It was also a wonderful tv series starring John Thaw.  The Lockridges are Manhattan detectives, kind of like Nick and Nora Charles. Nanreath is historical fiction while Robert Goddard has written some pretty twisty titles, though I have not read this one.

The Vegetarian Cookbook is described as being for young cooks but I think that cooks of all ages will enjoy the recipes it contains. I also think that young cooks may need a bit of adult help as they follow some of these recipes.

The book is divided into sections including Brilliant Breakfasts, Super Snacks, Lovely Lunches, Delicious Drinks, Moreish Main Meals and Sweet Stuff. Some of the recipes are avocado mash on sourdough bread, poached eggs with greens and Hollandaise sauce, Chinese rolls, Watermelon and Feta summer salad, Pasta and homemade pesto, Oat milk Hot chocolate, Sweet potato lasagna, Cauliflower steaks and Zingy lime pie.

This book is an appealing, well illustrated title. There are sections at the beginning of the book on the different food groups, equipment, kitchen safety, etc. These add to the usefulness of this one as a reference.
I recommend this title. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this delicious book ine exchange for an honest review.

#TheVegetarianCookbook #NetGalley

From the publisher:

Yet again, a wealth of choices, many of which I have read or would like to read.  I have reviewed The Stranger Diaries which is by one of my favorite authors. I also reviewed Transcription. (see archives).  Becoming Mrs. Lewis is about Joy Davidson and C. S. Lewis.  Heaven My Home has gotten excellent reviews as has Something in the Water.  Hope you see something that you will enjoy.

Robyn Carr is a prolific writer of women’s fiction. Her Virgin River novels are now a series on Netflix. The Country Guesthouse is one of the author’s Sullivan’s Crossing books. These stories take part in Colorado and are interconnected although they do not have to be read in order.

This title is primarily about Owen, Hannah and Noah. They face challenges although readers of this author know that usually things end well. Owen is a world traveler and a photographer who had a significant tragedy in his life. Hannah was a close friend to Noah’s mother, who died and named Hannah to be his guardian. Noah, who is five years old, has mild CP and is grieving the loss of his mom. Over the course of this story, the three come together, heal and find love while also connecting with the characters from previous books.

I recommend Robyn Carr’s novels to those who enjoy women’s fiction. This one is an easy read that takes the reader to a beautiful place and the kind of caring community we dream about.

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

Other titles in the series:

 

#TheCountryGuesthouse #NetGalley