This is a different Jodi Picoult novel. Her first Historical Fiction I believe. It's a dual timeline about a playwright named Emilia Bassano in 16th cThis is a different Jodi Picoult novel. Her first Historical Fiction I believe. It's a dual timeline about a playwright named Emilia Bassano in 16th century England. The story goes with the assumption that she is the true author of Shakespeare's work. In present day NYC Melina Green as a female playwright is encountering obstacles in getting recognition for her work.
I credit Picoult with writing such a thought provoking novel. She's the ‘Queen of Research.’ It's a strong female driven story. I was mostly engaged in Emilia's story as it was heartbreaking. The book did mostly focus on her. Melina's story was not as engaging to me. I think the book was just too long. IMO it did need some editing. There was too much filler. I think for me this was an example of too much "telling" and not enough "showing." Some parts of the novel were closer to 3.5 *...more
This is my first time reading a Wendy Webb book and I really enjoyed it. Her writing flows really well especially when shifting through the different This is my first time reading a Wendy Webb book and I really enjoyed it. Her writing flows really well especially when shifting through the different characters and time settings.
In present day Minnesota, Cassandra and her cousin Maria want to learn more about their family who originated from Italy. Cassandra decides to travel to the tiny town of Santo Stefano to rediscover her roots. There she meets and befriends some of the townspeople. They are a friendly bunch and they begin to help her find out more about her ancestors. Meanwhile, the book also goes back in time and tells the story of her (great-great), and (great)-grandmother. Perhaps the townspeople of old were not as friendly!
I really enjoyed the Italian setting. The town and atmosphere was vividly described - as was the delicious food! The story was told at just the right pace and kept my interest all throughout. It's sprinkled with a tiny bit of "old world" magic that's just perfect for this time of year ...more
This is the second book in the Bow Street Duchess Mystery series. In some ways I enjoyed it more than the first one. Once again great writing and a grThis is the second book in the Bow Street Duchess Mystery series. In some ways I enjoyed it more than the first one. Once again great writing and a great feel for the time period. I just love that this series has a bit of everything mixed into the story. There's always a mystery to be solved, some romance brewing and a sprinkle of paranormal.
In this book Audrey, The Duchess of Fournier is at her country home and stumbles upon the body of her friend Charlotte. She calls for Hugh Marsden, the Bow Street Detective to come and investigate. She feels something is not right and her friend would not commit suicide. Audrey again finds herself alongside Hugh in helping him to investigate this startling case.
I'm enjoying this series and will continue with the next book. I'm anticipating the next mystery and the tension is building with Hugh and Audrey. I'm excited to find out if they will ever end up together.
I'd like to kindly thank Book Sirens and the Author for granting me access to this Advance Reader's Copy....more
Book 2 of the Tate & Bell Mystery series. Another highly entertaining Victorian mystery!
This one was not as dark and gruesome as the first book. Once Book 2 of the Tate & Bell Mystery series. Another highly entertaining Victorian mystery!
This one was not as dark and gruesome as the first book. Once again Inspector Sebastian Bell from Scotland Yard is trying to crack the case. A man is found hanging off of Traitor's Gate on a meat hook. He is also missing his tongue! Bell will call upon his new friend (and love interest) Nurse Gemma Tate for some help.
The writing is wonderful. The atmosphere and Victorian era is vividly depicted. I enjoyed this one from start to finish. There were many characters being investigated and I did not guess the perpetrator. Sebastian and Gemma are getting closer romantically. I can't wait to read Book #3!
Published on June 24, 2024
I'd like to kindly thank NetGalley and Storm Publishing for granting me access to this Advance Reader's Copy....more
The story and writing is divine! This captivated me from beginning to end.
This is the story of the Soffer fWow! Now this is how I love my Historicals!
The story and writing is divine! This captivated me from beginning to end.
This is the story of the Soffer family that focuses on the eldest daughter, Malaka "Minnie." "Home is where your people are."
On January 17, 1920 prohibition began in the United States. That is the day Minnie and her mother and brother stepped onto Ellis Island in New York. Minnie's father was awaiting his family's arrival from Ukraine. This was to be a new start for the family. A new life filled with hopes and dreams and with some reservations.
The Soffer's are a Jewish family that settle in the lower East side of New York City. They are struggling to survive but have the love of family and their community on their side. The father makes a decision that will impact the family and especially Minnie for years to come.
This story is set from the 1920's to mid 1930's. An era that fascinates me. It's about the grittier side of that time when mobsters and speakeasies ruled the town. A story about doing what it takes to survive even if it's not what you really want to do. This definitely pulled at the heartstrings ❤️...more
This is one of my favourite novels ever! I've been meaning to try this dramatized full-cast production for so long. Why did I wait this long? It is abThis is one of my favourite novels ever! I've been meaning to try this dramatized full-cast production for so long. Why did I wait this long? It is absolutely FANTASTIC! Gosh, I so love Anne Shirley! ☺️
This is a star studded cast. Marillia, is portrayed by the legendary Catherine O'Hara. Matthew, by the fabulous Victor Garber and Anne is portrayed brilliantly by the wonderful Michela Luci. If you adore Anne of Green Gables this audio is a must!
What a great story! Impressive writing! I enjoyed my first Jenny Lecoat novel a lot. The story takes place on one of the British Channel Islands,4.5 *
What a great story! Impressive writing! I enjoyed my first Jenny Lecoat novel a lot. The story takes place on one of the British Channel Islands, Jersey Island- which was occupied for 5 years by the Nazis in WW II. Just after the liberation of Jersey there is much joy amongst the locals but that joy is also mixed with anger.
Jean lives with her mother. Her father Philip Parris was jailed and taken away by the Nazis to a Camp after someone "snitched" on him for having a radio. Hazel and her father lived in the flat above Philip Parris's Ironmongery. Hazel is accused of being the one to tattle on Jean's father. The stories alternate between Jean and Hazel and soon their lives will intertwine.
Both girl's stories are sad. With the backdrop of a troubled island this only added more emotion to the story. I liked that this was a little different than the WW II books that I usually read as it took place just after the war. There were 12 chapters and they were long but I liked that there was an epilogue that tied everything up nicely. The author's notes were interesting to read as this story was inspired partly by her own family's war experience.
Available from July 2, 2024 and onwards
I'd like to kindly thank NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for granting me access to this Advance Reader's Copy....more
A charming and heartfelt story with some elements of Christian fiction. I listened to the audible and enjoyed it.
This is a dual time line story. 3.5 *
A charming and heartfelt story with some elements of Christian fiction. I listened to the audible and enjoyed it.
This is a dual time line story. One taking place in 1976 and one in present day. The 1976 timeline was my favourite. I loved listening about Rebecca Saint James who was the 'Queen of Etiquette and dinner parties' in her little town of Beaufort, North Carolina. One day Rebecca and her husband, Townsend (who we hear from in a couple of chapters of his own) disappear after a dinner party. Their children are distraught and shut-up the home for almost 50 years. In the present time her Granddaughter, Keaton shows up to finally put the house up for sale. She walks into a home that has been untouched since 1976. She also finds her Grandmother's diary of recipes and etiquette and begins to read it. Keaton is dealing from a heartbreak and her Grandmother's diary and the small town will help her to heal and learn to live again and quite possibly love again too.
I loved reading about Rebecca Saint James' story. I couldn't quite put the pieces together about her disappearance until near the end. I also loved the town of Beaufort and all the sweet townspeople. Keaton's story was a little on the slower side and it took me a bit to warm to her. I'm still not quite sure I liked the way the story ended. It took away from the story a little for me hence minus the half a star.
I enjoyed the author's style of writing and the overall message left me with a warm feeling when I finished the book....more
Madeline Martin has written a very compelling story! I like how she incorporated some true historical events and happenings throughout the novel. BravMadeline Martin has written a very compelling story! I like how she incorporated some true historical events and happenings throughout the novel. Bravo to the great research!
The story literally begins with a bang! A young Emma is caught in a bookstore fire that ends in tragedy for her family. Some years later she is living in Nottingham and is now a widow with a 7 year old daughter and Britain is on the brink of war. This essentially is a story about a single mother trying to keep her child safe during WW II.
I enjoyed reading about the Boots Chemist Lending Library that Emma begins to work at. I did not know anything about this Lending Library that was a sort of up-scale place usually on the top floor of a Boots Chemist/Pharmacy. It differed from a normal library as it was a paid subscription service for more up-to-date books. Britain had what was called a, "Marriage Bar" that barred married or widowed women to work in most places. So, Emma had to say she was single to get the job (although her supervisor knew the truth.)
The story touches on many events during this era. Dunkirk, children's evacuation to the countryside to keep them safe, the Mass Observation by the public of recording their thoughts and actions down, and the SS Benares ship carrying children to safety in Canada being struck by a German u-boat and killing almost all of them.
I like how this book promoted the love of reading especially with Emma and her daughter Olivia. Books brought them closer together. It's always wonderful to read about how comforting books were to people during wartime. This one was a bit predictable but very enjoyable. Don't miss the author's note at the end of the book.
This was a buddy read with Darlin' Darla. Once again I loved discussing the book with her! Please check out her review for her perspective.
Published September 10, 2024
I'd like to kindly thank NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for granting me access to this Advance Readers Copy....more
Another NetGalley book that sat on my shelf for far too long!
This is an engrossing WW II story about two people who meet and fall in love in such a hoAnother NetGalley book that sat on my shelf for far too long!
This is an engrossing WW II story about two people who meet and fall in love in such a horrendous time.
Ruby lives in the small village of Bartonford near Devon. She works for the local newspaper and lives with her Father. The Americans have descended upon the town and have set-up a camp to prepare for the invasion of Normandy. Sam, is a young American soldier from the South. He's running away from a terrible life. Ruby, is told by her father to stay away from the Americans. Two people from different walks of life yet they fall in love in such tragic circumstances. Can their love survive?
I was fully invested in this book from start to finish. The particular chapters on the D-Day invasion had me holding my breath. I'll gladly read another Emma Pass book! Great storytelling!
I'd like to kindly thank NetGalley and Head of Zeus (Aria) for granting me access to this Advanced Reader Copy....more
This is my first Irina Shapiro novel but definitely not my last! She is a captivating writer! I listened to the audio and the great Imogen Church hitsThis is my first Irina Shapiro novel but definitely not my last! She is a captivating writer! I listened to the audio and the great Imogen Church hits this one out of the park!! I was totally mesmerized and invested in this story from the first to the last page. Church's different tones and exclamations and slower pace made this ever so entertaining. I thought it was a perfect narration ...more
I enjoy a good Regency Romance from time to time. Who better than Julia Quinn to deliver. This is part of her, “Bevelstoke’s” series.
Miss Miranda hasI enjoy a good Regency Romance from time to time. Who better than Julia Quinn to deliver. This is part of her, “Bevelstoke’s” series.
Miss Miranda has been in love with her best friend’s older brother since she was 10 years old. She keeps a diary of her thoughts and thinks there will never be a chance for them to be together.
Thanks to my GR friend Heidi for drawing my attention to this series. I enjoyed it and I loved the fairytale ending.
I've heard of Edith Wharton the famous author but I've never read anything by her (now I want to look up her books!) I enjoy stories in the Gilde3.5 *
I've heard of Edith Wharton the famous author but I've never read anything by her (now I want to look up her books!) I enjoy stories in the Gilded Age so that in itself drew me to this book.
The narrator has a perfect voice and inclination for the era.
This is a fictitious account of a murder that occurs and Edith Wharton becomes a bit of a sleuth in trying to solve the crime.
I really enjoyed Edith and her life around this period. She's 49 years old and starting to feel old. She's stuck in a loveless marriage and still writing her stories. One day she meets a fellow author whom she dislikes right away. The next day he is found dead! Edith is surprised but also intrigued and starts to dig for answers.
I enjoyed meeting Edith. She's a bit snobbish but she rubs shoulders with the upper class so that's not surprising especially in that era. She does have a kind heart though. Where the book missed the mark a little for me was the mystery. I would have enjoyed a bit more complexity. Overall, I was entertained and it's a good book.
I'd like to kindly thank NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for granting me access to this Advanced Listening Copy.
A story of redemption and forgiveness set in the Gilded Age.
This is a Christian Historical Fiction novel. While I usually don't read this genre I deciA story of redemption and forgiveness set in the Gilded Age.
This is a Christian Historical Fiction novel. While I usually don't read this genre I decided to give this a try as I love books set in the Gilded Age. It did not disappoint!
The story begins with the passing of the wealthy Arthur Stanhope. He leaves behind his wife, mother and unmarried daughter. He also leaves his vast fortune to a distant male cousin. His wife Sylvia is at her wits' end. She is scrambling to marry off her youngest daughter, Adelaide to a wealthy man before it becomes known that the family has lost their fortune. Junietta, Arthur's mother feels her granddaughter Addy should marry for love. Will she be able to sway Sylvia's mind? Junietta tries by beginning to tell Sylvia and Addy her life story. The book then begins to go back and forth in time.
It's a beautifully written story that is well narrated. I loved the narrator's tone and inflection. It was perfect for the time period.
Now Available
I'd like to kindly thank NetGalley and RB Media for granting me access to this Advanced Listening Copy....more
WOW! A 5 Star Plus! Hats off to the exquisite writing and research by Kate Thompson. This will definitely be a top favourite of the year for me!
I enjoWOW! A 5 Star Plus! Hats off to the exquisite writing and research by Kate Thompson. This will definitely be a top favourite of the year for me!
I enjoyed Kate Thompson's last book, "The Little Wartime Library" (and loved the quick mention of those characters in this book) but I loved this one even more!
Essentially about a friendship and the hardships of war. This story is about the German occupation of the Channel Islands in the British Isles and focuses on the island of Jersey. Grace and Bea are the best of friends and live in Jersey and the Germans have just taken occupation of the country. Grace is a librarian and Bea is a postmistress. It follows their friendship and lives throughout the war. Grace begins to hide banned books and distributes them to local islanders while Bea begins to intercept letters from local spies "snitching" on the Islanders to the Germans.
This story is captivating from the very first page all the way to the last. It's filled with pain and loss but also hopes and dreams. The author's notes are a must read! There is a lot of extra research and information provided and my favourite part was finding out that some of the characters were real life people.
If you are a wartime historical fiction fan this one is not to be missed!!
I'd like to kindly thank NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for granting me access to this Advanced Reader Copy.
My tenth and final instalment for my 2023 Epic Books Personal Reading Challenge of the 70's/80's.
4.5 *
This book was originally published in 1982 by onMy tenth and final instalment for my 2023 Epic Books Personal Reading Challenge of the 70's/80's.
4.5 *
This book was originally published in 1982 by one of the greatest Historical Romance Authors of that time, LaVyrle Spencer. I listened to this one on Audio and the Narrator was wonderful.
Karl Lindstrom is a Swedish man who has come to Minnesota, USA to establish a better life. It's 1854 and he's been lonely on the homestead for some years. He's building a new home and needs a bride. Anna Reardon is desperate to leave Boston and has a younger brother under her care. She answers an add for a mail-order bride for a Lumberjack in Minnesota. She has secrets but needs help so she decides to take the offer.
This is a beautiful story about forgiveness and acceptance. The setting and time period is vividly captured. I can see why this author was very popular in her time. From start to finish I was totally immersed in the story. A wonderful Historical Romance....more
Worthy of all the stars! This is an epic tale! I'm ready for book #2 and I wonder what kind of story this author will think ☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️ shamrock stars!
Worthy of all the stars! This is an epic tale! I'm ready for book #2 and I wonder what kind of story this author will think up next.
The book begins in 1898 in the tiny Aran Islands just off the mainland of Ireland. Moira Rose is 18 years old and lives on the island with her Father and brothers. Recently the family has been told that one of her brothers in America has died in war. His American friend, Adam has come to deliver his personal belongings. Rose and Adam fall in love during his extended stay. Adam receives a telegram from New York City that his father has taken ill. He must leave at once but promises to send passage for Rose to come be with him there as they plan to wed. Once he leaves Rose finds out she is pregnant. After not hearing from him she decides to go to America determined to find him. She buys a ticket in steerage on a steamship and makes her way across the Atlantic to Ellis Island.
This story spans from 1898 Ireland and continues to New York City until 1925. The author has done significant research and incorporated real-life events into the story. The story is told from Rose's point of view. We follow Rose's life in America and all her trials and tribulations and simultaneously Adam's as well. There is heartbreak, secrets and treachery along the way. Will Rose and Adam get their second chance? I highly recommend you read this to find out ...more
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