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

So many historical fiction titles on WWII have been published.  I think that this has to do with many important anniversaries and commemorations and perhaps also because it was a war in which the right thing seemed clear.  As a result, it seems that some look back on the war almost nostalgically even while noting and recalling its enormous tragedies.

So, I wondered if I wanted/needed to read another title set in this time period.  I will emphatically say yes (!) as I very much enjoyed Dragonfly.  In my opinion, this is by far the author’s bests book.

Dragonfly tells the story of five people who are recruited as spies in occupied France.  The backstory of each character is fully explored and I cared about each of them.  These characters are an athlete from Texas with German roots, a young man whose biological father turns out to be an important fighter in the French resistance, a fly fisherman, a fashion designer and a fencer.  Three are men and two are women.

Each is embedded in Paris and interacts with the main German characters in the story, some of whom are described sympathetically.  Code named Dragonfly, the team gets to work.  There is much suspense as they do so and this aspect of the story is handled beautifully by the author as the plots and characters intersect.  At times, I truly worried for these characters especially as the beginning of the book states that one of them may well have died while on their mission.  The suspense is indeed suspenseful.

I highly recommend this title for those who would like to sink into a long (577 pages) and absorbing story.

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

#Dragonfly #NetGalley

Editorial Reviews:

A Forbes “Best Historical Novels for Summer 2019”

“Gripping…In this fast-paced and enjoyable WWII espionage tale, Meacham takes readers to 1942 Nazi-occupied Paris to follow five American spies as they attempt to gather information to assist Allied and French Resistance forces…. Meacham’s nail-biting tale will please fans looking for an intricate story of spycraft and deception.”― Publishers Weekly

“Complex, epic, and rich in historical detail-an uplifting story of finding friendship behind enemy lines.”― Kirkus

“Meacham ratchets the suspense ever tighter, while providing fascinating backstory on the intrepid five [American spies] as well as delivering a detail-rich portrait of Paris during the Occupation.”― Booklist

As adults, we are very aware of the many issues in the world. From politics to climate change, from bullying to plastics, there are so many areas that stress us. That stress can easily be passed on to kids.

How to Make a Better World offers an optimistic alternative for children by empowering them to make a difference. There are so many suggestions and roadmaps for what can be done in this book. Divided into sections on You, Community, Environment and more, the book helps children to look at what they might like to achieve. The author starts with one’s self stressing the need for good care, mindfulness, sleep, etc. Then the author moves out to things to do in the world from how to be a good friend to writing to elected officials and to going on a protest march, to name just a few. Brightly illustrated with inclusive art, the pages of the book are quite appealing. All in all, this is an inspiring book for elementary school aged children.

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

From the publisher:

 

So, a bit of background. The slime phenomenon was nowhere in sight for me until I started to volunteer with families who had a child with cancer. The playroom is open to the patient and their siblings. I discovered that many of them like to make slime. The first time I tried to make it on my own with a child, I brought out the wrong kind of glue. The second time the consistency was not right. Now I can make a passable, if not great, slime. So…clearly there is more to know.

This book is written by a slime expert. It has clear instructions, options and suggestions for projects. There are also lists of ingredients and things for adults and children to be aware of that have to do with safety and storage. I now know that there are fluffy hybrid slime, crunch hybrid slime, snow slime and more. There is a world of slime wonder here.

Slime serves many purposes. There is the fun of making it and its stress relieving properties to name two. With this book, slime folk will have all their options. Highly recommended for fans.

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

The Grace Kelly dress is, of course, inspired by the beautiful wedding gown that Grace Kelly wore although this story is not about Grace Kelly. Rather, it is about three women and one wedding dress that was inspired by the one worn by Princess Grace.

Rose’s story begins in the 1950s in Paris. Rosee is an orphan who works in an atelier as a seamstress. The very talented Rose makes a wedding dress for the lovely Diana and, while doing so, they become friends despite the class barriers. Rose is attracted to Diana’s brother Robert but he is engaged to someone else. What will happen?

In the 80s, Joan seems to have the perfect, if conventional and guarded life. She is engaged to someone who is perfect on paper but…is he the right one for her? What is the story of her sibling who died?

Unconventional Rocky, Joan’s daughter, is conflicted about wearing her mother’s wedding dress although not about her fiancee. Can she make it into something that makes sense for her?

Around these primary characters, there are many others whose stories are also told. The emotions, mistakes, regrets and decisions that these characters make form the basis of the novel as each makes the dress her own.

The Grace Kelly Dress is women’s fiction with conflict and fairy tale. Try it on for size if you would like a light read.

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

Some blurbs:

“Exactly the type of book I love: charming, smart, and brimming with heart.”

—EMILY GIFFIN, #1 New York Times bestselling author of All We Ever Wanted

“Fast paced and entertaining from beginning to end.”

—KRISTIN HANNAH, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Nightingale

This book recounts Monet’s life and art for young readers.  Throughout, there are copies of paintings that Monet completed.  At the end of the book,  those who are interested can learn more about the works.  Monet’s evolution as an artist from making caricatures when he was young, to academy studies, to finding his own style are all described.  Some attention is also given to Monet’s personal life, especially his love for the mother of his children.  All in all, a good resource for students who are just beginning their studies of art history.

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

ffHere are some first novels that are good reads along with one by WinstonChurchill.

This book is a fantastic resource for both home and school libraries. It is geared toward elementary school children but, as an adult, I also found it to be highly informative and interesting. As would be expected 50 trailblazers are featured in the book. Some of them were well known to me, as for example, Joe Biden or Rosa Parks while many others were new to me. Just a couple of the new names to me included Margaret Murie and the All American Red Heads. Some of the people featured are quite contemporary, as for example, Colin Kapernick. Each person has a two page spread that is dense with information. There are sections on what the trailblazer did, where they were from, how their work continues and more. There are also quotes. I enjoyed this one from Rebecca Lobo:

and my daughter walked in the room and looked at the TV and said to Steve, ‘Are those boys playing?’ And I said, ‘Yes.” And my daughter said, “I didn’t know boys played basketball.”

I give this book a full five stars. It will inspire and inform the children in your life. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

This title is the latest  in a series of brief biographies of well known individuals.  Each is meant to teach and inspire young children.  This entry about Martin Luther King is no exception.  In this title with muted, multi racial illustrations, Martin’s story is told from childhood.  At that time, he experienced discrimination.  Young readers learn how this impacted him as he moved to change things through peaceful protest.  Because this book is for young children, there is no mention of his assassination but rather focuses on his “I have a dream” speech.

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

Lots of mystery and/or suspense for well regarded writers.  Also, the most recent title by Kristin Hannah.

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.