Review: The Hollywood Daughter

The Hollywood Daughter by Kate Alcott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have never been a huge fan of Ingrid Bergman, but I knew enough to have a background on the character written in this book, but I don't think it's necessary to have any background at all. Most of the story centers on Jesse (Jessica) Malloy and her family, who are devout Catholics and their religion plays a big part in the events that shape their family dynamics. Jesse's dad is Ingrid's publicist so you see quite a bit of Ingrid as Mr. Malloy is working to make Ingrid a MASSIVE star....until Ingrid falls in love. Once that happens everything changes for all the Malloy's.

Personally, I enjoyed the book and had a hard time putting it down. I do enjoy most book with an early Hollywood story woven through the mix.

My only disappointment was that I knew enough of Ingrid's story to know why her career took a turn here in America and I expected the Hollywood daughter to be HER daughter, not her PR guys daughter. I wasn't expecting it this way.

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Review: Americanos, Apple Pies, and Art Thieves

Americanos, Apple Pies, and Art Thieves by Harper Lin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Harper's books never fail to entertain me. This one was right up my alley...an Americano and an art show. Fran and Matt have developed the cutest little relationship, mischief happens and Fran is right there in the middle of it all. As usual, there are extra characters you like, you don't like and some you hate and just when you think you know where the story is going....there's a twist!



Ms. Lin's characters have really grown over the course of this series and I really like all of them. If you haven't read this series, pick up book one and get started! It would be a wonderful day to spend a rainy afternoon, a day at the beach or commute time.

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Review: Goodnight From London

Goodnight From London by Jennifer Robson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

WOW!! I have been waiting to read this because I needed the ebook since I didn't want to mess up my autographed copy. It was well worth the wait. Once I opened the ebook I devoured the text. It was a wonderful journey. We met Ruby who seems like an incredible girl that has some deep secrets. Her secrets will be revealed and she will fall for a man that also has deep secrets. Ms. Robson writes the most perfect books for me, there is some romance, but not trashy and the books are FULL of history from the early 20th century wars. This one will focus on WWII, you will actually be right in the middle of the blitz in London.

I simply adore this book.

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Review: The Road Taken

The Road Taken by Rona Jaffe
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was FANTASTIC! From the second I started it, I had NO desire to put it down and was sad that I could not just sit down and devour it from start to finish.

The book opens with a little girl (born 1900) experiencing the death of her mother. Throughout the book we follow this little girl and her siblings as they grow up, have children and grandchildren, through wars, peace time, famine, sickness, health, differences and similarities, love and hate....and a century.

A fabulous journey....I really didn't want to end.

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Review: Cold Case and Cupcakes

Cold Case and Cupcakes by Harper Lin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This Cupcake Mystery series keeps getting better. I am really growing fond of Amelia. I feel like I know her much better too and I love that. She made me angry a couple of times in this book, so that means I am getting invested. :) I think this series is so fun. It's a quick read where you can try to figure out the whodunit or you can just sit back and enjoy.

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Review: Nevertheless: A Memoir

Nevertheless: A Memoir by Alec Baldwin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I do enjoy watching Alec Baldwin, I've always been a fan. I think he's opinionated (like me) and he makes me think with his off the wall thinking, but this book made me see a different side of Alec. A compassionate man that loves his kids, not at all the smart a** he asks like in public. This man loves his wife and family and always has. I knew he liked old movies and it was nice to hear him talk about it and then at the end adding his faves (he left out Norma Shearer, how could one leave out Norma?). I enjoyed the book immensely and was sorry to see it end.

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Review: The Most Beautiful: My Life with Prince

The Most Beautiful: My Life with Prince by Mayte Garcia
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I am certain the ever private Prince would hate this book. I am certain he would be furious with the knowledge of it's publication, but I am glad for it. I feel that this book has truth to it in many ways. I don't entirely believe that Mayte knew nothing about his drug use being with him for so long, but maybe she didn't as she was blind by love. Reading the story of the loss of her son made me cry. You could feel the pain pouring out in every word Mayte wrote, it oozed all over the place. I knew Prince was no where near perfect, I hate more than anything I know about him to know that he abused drugs though. The gifted guitar player, the extraordinary dancer, the talented fashion designer...he was outstanding. What he wasn't was faithful to his ladies and that to me is a bit wrong. He seemed close to Mayte, he shouldn't have cheated. Well, he is gone and we can't take it back, what we can do is read this and get a glimpse of the day to day life of Prince Rogers Nelson.

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