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

This book combines fact and whimsy to amusing effect. The story is about human boy Leo who will be having a tonsillectomy. He goes to the hospital with his parents only to find that it is run by animals. Some of the staff treat Leo like an animal, asking things like if he was the runt of the litter and when he had his last rabies shot. He is given a cone collar after surgery until he assures the staff that he will not eat from the floor or chew on his leg. Mixed in with the vet facts is information on what happens when a child’s tonsils are removed. Young children and parents may well enjoy this entertainingly illustrated effort to demystify and find fun in a situation that children do not tend to see as funny.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this read. All opinions are my own.

Lady Clementine is a wonderful historical novel and one that I highly recommend. As can be seen from the title, it is the story of Clementine Churchill, wife of Winston. The story is told in Clementine’s voice and Ms. Benedict inhabits that so well that, while reading, I truly felt that Clementine was telling her story. The book focuses quite a bit on WWII but there was much before that in Clementine’s biography and these earlier times merit also captured the author’s attention.

Readers learn that Clementine’s childhood was rather insecure and find out why this was so. The losses she experienced and her opportunities to marry before meeting Winston are detailed.

Clementine and Winston had many years together prior to WWII. Readers experience the ups and downs of their relationship, Winston’s political and military woes and their significant family tragedy. Winston’s neediness and strong need for Clementine to be available become quite clear. Readers also witness Clementine’s mental health struggles and the challenges that she faced as a mother. Throughout there is the lens of Clementine finding her own voice and her desire to be appreciated and recognized for the incredible woman that she was.

I give this novel 5 stars, something that I rarely do. I recommend it that highly.

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

This book will be published in January 2020.

Praise for Lady Clementine:

“Benedict is a true master at weaving the threads of the past into a compelling story for today. Here is the fictionalized account of the person who was the unequivocal wind beneath Winston Churchill’s wings — a woman whose impact on the world-shaper that was WW2 has been begging to be told. A remarkable story of remarkable woman.”—Susan Meissner,  bestselling author of The Last Year of the War

“The atmospheric prose of Marie Benedict draws me in every single time. Lady Clementine’s powerful and spirited story is both compelling and immersive. Benedict fully inhabits the measured and intelligent voice of Clementine Churchill. Entranced throughout, I discovered the secrets behind a familiar story I thought I knew. Deftly moving from the early nineteen hundreds through World War II, Benedict skillfully paints a vivid picture of the times and life of Clementine, the remarkable woman who was the steady force beside Winston Churchill.” —Patti Callahan Henry, New York Times bestselling author of Becoming Mrs. Lewis 

More on Clementine Churchill

I admired both Sonia Purnell and Clementine Churchill even before I was (fortunately) approved by NetGalley for this book on Clementine Churchill . I learned so much from the biography written by Ms. Purnell. This book reiterates many important elements of this fascinating woman’s biography, from her troubled childhood throughout two World Wars and her life beyond. What makes this book different and special, at least to me, are the photographs. They are fascinating both in terms of Clementine and Winston’s lives and as illustrations of the lives of people who lived throughout the 1900s. The text and photos are perfect complements to one another and add to the depth of experience for the reader.

I am savoring this book as I read it. I highly recommend it and give it five stars.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this magnificent book.

I have read but not reviewed this.  It is excellent.

Some variety here…The Crown should be fun to look at while we await the new season.  Driving Miss Norma got good reviews.  It is a story about a road trip that someone takes when terminally ill but is meant to be not too depressing.  I am curious about Resistance Women which is based on WWII events.  It is in my TBR pile.  Then, I have included the anthology because it seemed interesting.  Enjoy.

Pair this with my review of The Dutch House in my archive.

https://nyti.ms/209NVcc

Sorry. Link not going to article but to nyt site.

First, the illustrations in this book are so appealing and adorable!  They absolutely enhance the text.  This book is for young children.  It begins by demystifying what a vet does.  This will be helpful for children who need to take their pet to see the vet.  The book then gives two examples of the vet at work.  One case is about a dog and the other a pony.  Both animals recover well of course.

I found this book to be very cute and a nice introduction to the field of veterinary medicine.  Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this read in exchange for an honest review.

I always recommend Leon and Sayers but think these other bargains look good too.

Where I live, there has been a lot of rain recently, so this book was a fun reminder of what rain can mean to a child. Camille is bored; her parents are ignoring her and so she decides to amuse herself. When she gets outside and it is raining, Camille discovers the joy in this weather. While on her adventure, she meets some insects and follows them to see something special. When Camille returns home, she encourages her parents to go for a walk with her.

The above is the simple synopsis of the story. In addition, there are lovely illustrations that abound with a love of nature. Save this one for a rainy day read with a child you know.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this e galley in return for an honest review.

This book is part of a series on “Stem Superstars” that is written for early elementary school students.  This story of Mae Jemison will inspire young children who are interested in science, medicine and space.

This is a short, simply written book that is full of excellent photos.  Readers will learn about all that Dr. Jemison studiend on her way to becoming an astronaut.  They will see that she has led a very impressive life.

The book is enhanced with “Did You Know” facts.  It also includes suggestions for activities, definitions and a list of additional resources.  This book will be a welcome addition to the library or home shelves of aspiring scientists.

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

#MaeJemison #NetGalley

I was thrilled to receive this novel from NetGalley and HarperCollins in exchange for an honest review. I have read every book in this series of very British mysteries that, surprisingly, are written by an American author who lives in Texas. A Bitter Feast is book 18 in this fine series that has deepened over time. If you can, read the books in order for the people, the history and the relationships but, if you can’t, this could be read as a standalone.

Detectives Duncan Kincaid and Gemma Jones, who married many books ago, are invited to the country with their three children (Backstories on the children appear in earlier books as only one is the shared child of both Gemma and Duncan). They are invited by another police officer, Melody Talbot (again backstory in earlier novels), to her parents beautiful Cotswold home for the weekend. The descriptions of the countryside and the house will make you wish that you could hop a plane, unless you already live in Britain.

Of course, there are murders. There is also lots of food as chefs are important characters in the story. Why was a famous chef murdered? Why was his demise followed by others? And of course, whodunnit? I thought that I knew but I was wrong.

My only regret upon finishing A Bitter Feast was knowing that I now have to again begin the wait for the next book by this author. If you like traditional British mysteries/police procedurals, I highly recommend.

#AbitterFeast #NetGalley

Editorial Reviews

This is another wonderful entry in the Little People, Big Dreams series.  This book tells the story of a young Muslim girl who, when she grew up, became a respected architect.  As an architect, Zaha Hadid had a unique vision which included curvilinear constructions.

Young readers will see how this imaginative child became a capable and formidable architect.  Knowing about her  will encourage girls to not be held back by nationality, religion or wanting to succeed in a male dominated field.  Most definitely an empowering message.

The illustrations are a bit cartoon like but nevertheless appealing.  There is a time line with photos at the end of the book.

Once again, many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto for this book in exchange for an honest review.  I truly love this broad based series.

#ZahaHadid #NetGalley