books – Page 4 – Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too!

The Cat Who Couldn’t Be Bothered (Jack Kurland)

#TheCatWhoCouldntBeBothered #NetGalley

This is a children’s picture book about a cat who wants to do nothing. He turns down all invitations, even one to become a cat-stronaut. Finally, one animal tries to dig a little deeper. What is found out?

This is a book that is, I think, about empathy. One message is that it can be better not to be alone. I am curious to learn more about readers’ reaction to the final page.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 26 March 2024

There is trouble ahead: The Christmas Appeal (Hallett)

Any reader who enjoyed Hallett’s The Appeal will undoubtedly be thrilled by the return of the Fairway Players. This time they are working on a Christmas panto, Jack and the Beanstalk (and oh, that stalk!) Once again, there is trouble ahead in this uniquely told tale.

Two young attorneys, known to readers of the first book, are given a series of documents and asked to figure out what evil deed(s) may have transpired. Readers can try to solve the case as they read the documents along with Femi and Charlotte.

I loved the snarkiness of aspects of this novella. Anyone who has ever gotten an overly braggy Christmas letter from a friend or family member will grimace in recognition at the one that starts the story. The responses to it are pretty funny.

Those who enjoy Christmas mysteries and who are looking for a quick read will, I think, enjoy this book. I did.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Atria for this title. All opinions are my own.

This book was published in October 2023

From the Publisher

You will be glad to meet: The Farmer’s Wife (Helen Rebanks)

#TheFarmersWife #NetGalley

As soon as I saw the cover of this book, I knew that I wanted to read it. The book fully delivered on what I was hoping for.

This is a beautifully written account of the life and family (several generations) who live and work on a farm in the Lake District. Start at the beginning with Helen’s reflections which are beautiful and insightful. Go on to read the whole book.

The author knows that she is lucky to live in such a beautiful area but also acknowledges that she, her husband, four children and animals have good times and challenges. All are recounted well.

In addition to the narrative, there are some lovely line drawings in these pages (starting with the hens). There are also many recipes.

Readers who enjoy memoirs, stories about women and/or who fantasize about a rural life, here is just the book for you (or someone on your holiday list). I really enjoyed it.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Horizon for this title. All opinions are my own.

This title was published in September 2023

From the Publisher

#TheFarmersWife #NetGalley

You will be glad to meet: The Farmer’s Wife (Helen Rebanks)

#TheFarmersWife #NetGalley

As soon as I saw the cover of this book, I knew that I wanted to read it. The book fully delivered on what I was hoping for.

The author knows that she is lucky to live in such a beautiful area but also acknowledges that she, her husband, four children and animals have good times and challenges. All are recounted well.

In addition to the narrative, there are some lovely line drawings in these pages (starting with the hens). There are also many recipes.

Readers who enjoy memoirs, stories about women and/or who fantasize about a rural life, here is just the book for you (or someone on your holiday list). I really enjoyed it.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Horizon for this title. All opinions are my own.

This title was published in September 2023