Review: Harlot Queen

Harlot Queen by Hilda Lewis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I always enjoy a good fiction story based on real life events. This one did not let me down. It is the story of Isabelle of Castile and Edward II. She was mad for him when they were betrothed, but my how things change. The author stuck to the story I have always read in regards to Edward and Isabelle's life.....until the end. Aw, for that you need to read the book. It is a great telling of the she-wolf and her place in English history.

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Review: Rosemary: The Hidden Kennedy Daughter

Rosemary: The Hidden Kennedy Daughter by Kate Clifford Larson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have added another Kennedy book to my read list this year. I wasn't going to read this one because I figured it would sadden me, but she is so pretty I could not resist. I am glad that I did not. I was very sad indeed, but I learned a lot about the Kennedy child deemed not quite as good as the rest by dear old dad. Poor Rosemary. Poor all other people that went through was she did.

This book will break your heart if you have any feelings, but you will also read more of the Kennedy drive. And my heart was softened a bit towards JFK....a WONDERFUL read that I could not put down.

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Review: The Heir and the Spare

The Heir and the Spare by Emily Albright
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Once I got to focus on this book, I LOVED it! It was a mix of William and Kate and the Princess Diaries and Friends. I simply adored the tale of Evie and Edmund and really wanted a sequel because I loved it. It was a perfect poolside read for me today.

Light, fluffy, and a bit predictable, but you will like it.

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Review: The Hamilton Affair

The Hamilton Affair by Elizabeth Cobbs
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I love American History and Presidential History and I had very high hopes for this book because of that. I wish I could say it was superb because I wanted it to be. I felt that Alexander wasn't developed. If I didn't know what I knew about him would I have even liked this character? I don't think so. It would have read like any other quick read romance. I didn't know much about Eliza (and still don't) except what I know from the play which may be true or untrue (not sure). The colors of the cover and silhouetted figures remind me very much of the playbill so I am thinking maybe this was rushed to press to capitalize on the fact that we ALL want and NEED more Hamilton in our lives. I just wish this lived up to it. I did enjoy it more once I put on the soundtrack, so you might want to consider reading and listening at the same time.

My favorite parts of the book were the scenes of Jefferson (my fave) and Hamilton and Hamilton and Washington. I pretty much felt these were dead on with what I have studied of the men.

I also felt the duel scene was worthy. I actually think this is my favorite part.

I just wish I fell in love with Alexander here like I did with the play.

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Review: A Deadly Bridal Shower

A Deadly Bridal Shower by Harper Lin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Once again, I'm thoroughly entertained by Harper Lin. I can always count on an afternoon well spent. The books are short, but full of action.

Sometimes I want to murder a character myself. This book had two such characters for me.....but I love that! Suspects are found around every corner, but will you figure it out?

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Review: Five Presidents: My Extraordinary Journey with Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, and Ford

Five Presidents: My Extraordinary Journey with Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, and Ford by Clint Hill
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I wanted to read this book just because the Secret Service is kind of fascinating to me. I had no idea until I got into the book that I knew of this guy and what he did on a very important day in history. I also learned by reading this more of what LBJ and Ike were like. I have read a lot on each guy, but this was the more personal spin on their lives. While I know there was much left out this was a good read. I did like that he rarely spoke of his family, and you see he rarely saw that family because of his job...so it fit right with history.

PS, the cream of the crop was meeting Mr. Hill in Oct 2017 and hearing him tell the story and answer questions.

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Review: Alexander Hamilton

Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

For almost 10 years, this book has sat on a shelf. For almost 10 years I said, "I need to read this". Finally almost 10 years later thanks to a dude name Lin-Manuel Miranda I got it out. Took me about 10 years to read it, but I loved it. Why did I wait so long? I study Washington, Jefferson, and Madison....and read a book on Burr (Gore Vidal---superb); not once had I read a book on A. Ham. I rather enjoyed getting to know him. As a matter of a fact, this book introduced me to A. Ham fiction and books on duels. I have visited a few sites on Alexander and taken photos but it was because I knew he was FIRST Treasury Secretary, not because he was so intriguing. Thanks LMM for introducing a NON Presidential hero to me.

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