Review: The Radium Girls: The Dark Story of America's Shining Women

The Radium Girls: The Dark Story of America's Shining Women by Kate Moore
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Well, I teared up. I don't cry very easily but this book did it. Until a few weeks ago I had NO idea this happened. I am not sure why it was quieted because this story needs to be told. It all started when a friend posted a facebook article about this, the article referenced this book so of course I had to try it. From the second I started it, I couldn't stop. It is all I thought about. The girls living the high life, elite jobs and losing it all in such a horrible, horrendous way. And the company...I just wanted to line them all up and smack them (at minimum) for what they did to not only these girls, but their families. Some of them had children!!! You need to read this book. I have told everyone I can to try it, I don't think you will be disappointed. I did both the audio at work and the digital book at home.

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Review: Mary Astor's Purple Diary: The Great American Sex Scandal of 1936

Mary Astor's Purple Diary: The Great American Sex Scandal of 1936 by Edward Sorel
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Completely scandalous!!! Mary Astor, the famous actor, had mad affair with screen writer George S Kaufman and WROTE it down....or did she? Could she have started the writing and her estranged husband finished it in an attempt to gain custody of their child?

I adored this book for many reasons, one I like Mary. She is brilliant in many films. Two, the scandal is a bit off the wall, the trial took place in 1936 when most studios were still covering up the indiscretions of their stars. Three, the book is a look into a Mary's other affairs too, including John Barrymore.

Mary would go on to make some of her greatest films after the scandal staring what I call the "untouchable" star touch. They can kind of do whatever and come out a ok...this includes "acting" on the witness stand.

Another cool thing I like about this is that Mr. Sorel was about 86 when he wrote and illustrated this. I find that fascinating!

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Review: Every Little Step

Every Little Step by Bobby Brown
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Of course, I love New Edition/BBD and Bobby Brown, so I was going to love this book for that reason alone; but Bobby has had quite the tough life. I didn't know about all the things he has been through other than that famous marriage.

I listened to the audio and I am soo glad that I did. Bobby read it for the most part, but also some of his kids entered the scene, followed by some ex's and then Ralph Tresvant!!!

Bobby will never be a literary star, he will never be a great narrator, but the dude can sing (I wish he did it a little in the audio book), he probably can still move and he is Bobby Brown and that is all that matters to me. I enjoyed this book Every Little Step of the Way.

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Review: Granny Undercover

Granny Undercover by Harper Lin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

For one thing, let me thank Harper for giving me an ARC to enjoy. My honest review is what you get. I have read every one of Harper's books. This series is my favorite....it's about a butt kicking ex CIA granny, Barbara Gold, only no knows she ex cia. Barbara is looking for ways to bond with her son and his family (esp her teenaged grandson), she's exploring new hobbies and local clubs in her new hometown. In this novella she discovers gardening. The hedge clippers that gardeners use will play a big part in the death of a local man, and the death will at first be ruled a suicide. Here is where it gets spicy, Barbara stumbles upon this death and her training leads her to realize it wasn't a suicide. From here Barbara gets into all kinds of trouble and will need some of that CIA training to save the day.

This is a quick read, a funny read (I chuckled out loud a couple of times) and very entertaining. I recommend any of Harper's books, but this series is by far my fave (followed by the Pink Cupcake).

Thank you Harper!!!

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Review: The Two-Family House

The Two-Family House by Lynda Cohen Loigman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Helen and Rose, the best of friends married to brothers that work together. Both families live in the same house too. Sounds simple but what you are about to read is full of ups and downs and a little drama. The overall story, I loved. So many twists, so many turns...I loved it. Parts of the story, I felt were too accelerated...things were missing to me. It is for that reason that I give the book 4 stars instead of 5. I will tell you that the ending is exceptional!

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Review: Here We Go Again: My Life in Television

Here We Go Again: My Life in Television by Betty White
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It took Betty 3 hours to read this book to me. I enjoyed it because I like her voice and love her tv work. Here she explains how she got started on the new thing called television. She talks about the wonderful Alan Ludden, Carol Burnett, Mary Tyler Moore, and the Golden Girls. A must for Betty fans!

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Review: Cremas, Christmas Cookies, and Crooks

Cremas, Christmas Cookies, and Crooks by Harper Lin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When a teacher at the local high school is murdered, there is only one person that comes to mind to solve the mystery. FRAN! (I am so glad she is back)

There are plenty of suspects, including a favorite teacher. Everyone who knows Mrs. Crowsdale, knows she is innocent....problem is she can't prove it and this is where Fran enters the drama.

I do believe this is may favorite book in the series. I say this every time, but I am very interested in the characters and Fran's coffee shop business. If you have not picked up a Harper Lin book....you should remedy that now. The books are quick reads perfect for a vacation or weekend read.

I received a copy of this book in advance in trade for my honest opinion of the book.

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