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13 September 2018

Review: The Dollhouse

The Dollhouse The Dollhouse by Fiona Davis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love a book that sucks you and and won't release you. This book fit the bill perfectly. Picture this....it's 1952, you are in a hotel in NYC. It's a hotel unlike hotels we have these days, this one was for ladies only. Many of the girls were attending college or modeling during the day and having fun at night. It is in this setting where Darby from a small town finds herself. She is in NYC to go to a college she doesn't want to attend studying a profession she has no desire to do.

The people she meets will change her life.

Flash forward to 2016...because this story takes place in 1952 and 2016. Rose lives in the same hotel (now condos) that Darby lived back in the day and STILL lives there! Rose will reveal secrets of the past and solve mysteries of the present all the while dealing with an ill father, work drama and a crappy boyfriend.

Darby will change Rose's life.

This book is full of twists and turns. I thought I knew what was going to happen, but then BAM I was wrong and the story turned. What a great book to finish my 2016 reading challenge.

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Review: A Bridge Across the Ocean

A Bridge Across the Ocean A Bridge Across the Ocean by Susan Meissner
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Here's the thing. I love Susan's books, so I knew I would love this for that reason. The second reason was because it was about the RMS Queen Mary and I do love ocean liners. The third reason for me to love the book, it has sprinkles of WWII heroines interlaced all through the story. The fourth reason....the twist. It is a perfect read for me!

The story is set in modern day with the character Brette that sees ghosts. I know this part was strange to me as well, trust me, it will make sense.

In our journey we travel back to times during and post WWII. We follow GI War Brides as they leave their European homes and come to America to be with their grooms.

The story will have you hooked from the beginning, the twists will have you on the edge of your seat, the book will be so hard to put down so save some time to just read. So far it is my pick book of 2017.

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Review: The Wicked City

The Wicked City The Wicked City by Beatriz Williams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It is nice to have the Schuyler sisters make another appearance! That was a pleasant surprise. This book did go from 1924 and 1998 and how the timelines intertwine. I always like this in a fictional read. Ginger is our 1924 gal. We follow her through her day to day life and learn of traumatic event in her childhood. When her mother gets sick, her past comes right back to smack her in the face.

Ella, our 1998 friend, life has completely changed from what she envisioned when she married Patrick. She has to learn how to live all over again....and somehow she gets connected to Gin in 1924.

Look to see who is connected to the Schuyler family and what that connection is.

I enjoyed the 1998 timeline better, but I realize I couldn't have that timeline without Ginger being a flapper in 1924.

As for Ms. Williams, she is on the list of authors I MUST read. Tiny Little Thing is still my favorite, but I have loved them all.

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Review: Love and Other Consolation Prizes

Love and Other Consolation Prizes Love and Other Consolation Prizes by Jamie Ford
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

They say "don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened", but that is very hard. I was sucked into the book and could NOT let go. Ernest is a character you fall in love with the second he appears. You want to hug him in the first chapter. Then when he goes to America you want to hug him again. The World's Fair will make your mouth drop because of the things Ernest experiences there and how a simple fair will change the course of his life forever. He will meet Fahn and Maisie in this new life and form bonds that will take him to the "present" day portion of the novel which is the early 60's. He will never break the bond form with these 2 little girls.

What I took away....Jamie can take dark places in the world and explain how it was and show that there can be good in unpleasant things. What Jamie does with his pen is explore good and ugly and takes the reader right with him. I have a couple of reasons why he is my favorite present day author.
1. He introduces me to parts of America (Seattle past) I didn't know existed, but I should have.
2. He makes me care about his characters and ache when they hurt and rejoice when they prosper.

Today begins the day that I start longing for his next book. Thank you Jamie.

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Review: Lafayette in the Somewhat United States

Lafayette in the Somewhat United States Lafayette in the Somewhat United States by Sarah Vowell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was a tad apprehensive about reading this book.
1. I had never read anything by the author
2. The cover didn't thrill me
3. I like Lafayette and wanted to keep liking him.

I am happy to say that the first 2 on my list didn't matter because from the first page, I was captivated. The author wove history around modern day experiences and places. She very successfully connected the past with the present and took a road trip in the process. What a brilliant move!

She is correct that most folks don't know about Lafayette. Don't realize how vital he and his friends were to America gaining independence, but this book could help them understand where all the Lafayette Square are Lafayette Drives across got their name.

That brings me to #3 on my list. I still like the Marquis de Lafayette. I like him a lot and I am so grateful to him and all his friend's sacrifices so we could become a nation.

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Review: The Magnolia Story

The Magnolia Story The Magnolia Story by Chip Gaines
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is very fast. Only took a couple of hours to finish. It's told in the he/she type of banter that they employ on the show. While I have only watched the show a few times, I respect them and what they do. I applaud them for being so honest in their book and working their way up to where they are today. Taking chances and trusting God. I am all about that, so I respect them more.

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Review: The Hollywood Daughter

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 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 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 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 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 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 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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Review: Granny's Got a Gun

Granny's Got a Gun Granny's Got a Gun by Harper Lin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am giving this book 5 stars! It is a quick weekend or beach read. You don't have to do a lot of thinking, just enjoy. I think you may even laugh out loud in some parts. This was fun that an ex CIA agent that just happens to be a grandma can still kick some butt in the crime dept.

Barbara is retired and missing her exciting life as a CIA agent. She lives in a sleepy little town, goes to her book club meetings and hangs with her friends...it's just not enough...until...one of the book club members dies right in front of the gang. Barbara will need a little assistance to solve this crime, maybe even help from her grandson.

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Review: Becoming Marie Antoinette

Becoming Marie Antoinette Becoming Marie Antoinette by Juliet Grey
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I am going to admit, that I struggled through this one. I am not sure why as the subject matter thrills me, I don't think it was the entirely the writing. Even though I like tales that grip you and don't let go and this one just did not. I did try to read this while reading a Chernow book and maybe that was some of the issue. I am going to read the 2nd one just because as I stated, I love the subject matter.

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Review: The It Girl and Me: A Novel of Clara Bow

The It Girl and Me: A Novel of Clara Bow The It Girl and Me: A Novel of Clara Bow by Laini Giles
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book was fun. It started out a little different than I expected it to, but when it ended....ZOWIE!!! I loved how the story wrapped up and then I saw it was based on a true person (Daisy DeVoe) and this really happened. I am not sure how much liberties the author took with the true story, but it the book read like a "it happened but it's hard to believe it did" tale. I very much enjoyed this, as I do the series. I am hoping so much that the author pulls off a Forgotten Actress story on Norma Shearer or Thelma Todd, or even Carole Landis.

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

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 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 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 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 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 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 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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Review: Another Woman's Husband

Another Woman's Husband Another Woman's Husband by Gill Paul
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It all starts with the car crash that claimed the life of Princess Diana. This part takes me back to just how I felt when I learned Diana had died. Just when I am focused on Diana, we go back in time to the days of Wallis Simpson and her David (Edward VIII). The story is woven between these two women and pretty much how they both affected English history.

On another note, I am new to Gill Paul, but I realize that I am a big fan!!

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Review: The Affair: An enthralling story of love and passion and Hollywood glamour

The Affair: An enthralling story of love and passion and Hollywood glamour The Affair: An enthralling story of love and passion and Hollywood glamour by Gill Paul
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I expected this book to be full of the tales of Liz and Dick as they fell in love on the set of Cleopatra. What I got was a book where that happened...PLUS, there was a Dateline twist! I loved that little surprise. Diana was hired to be the historian on the set of the epic film. She's married to an older man and disappointed he didn't want to go to Rome with her. She left her man at home and had all kind of adventures. These adventures changed her life forever.

I very much enjoyed this journey.

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Review: The Paris Winter

The Paris Winter The Paris Winter by Imogen Robertson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I will tell you that I almost stopped reading this book at about 7% in. All I was getting was a poor girl that wanted to paint and she had a wealthy Russian friend. I actually stopped reading and picked up another book. For some reason, I opened this on my Kindle one last time and started reading. There it was the TWIST. That changed everything. I was sucked right into the world of 1909 Paris. As I said, Maud was boring to me at first. Just a typical starving artist until Tanya introduced her to Mr. Morel and Sylvie. Sylvie we find out is addicted to opium and Mr. Morel is trying to hide that fact from everyone, stating she is his little sister and he would do anything to protect her. The lies Mr. Morel tell get bigger from here until he does something that completely shocked me!! I mean my jaw dropped. From this point on, I could not wait to see what was going to happen. I am going to give this a 4 star because from about 12% on, the book was superb.

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Review: The Lost Letter

The Lost Letter The Lost Letter by Jillian Cantor
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Set in two timelines (I love these kinds of books) and focused on a stamp. I didn't do any research on stamp making in WWII, but this seems like a genius idea to hid things from the German army in a drawing of a postage stamp. There is a love story with the stamp idea and you will be at the collapse of the Berlin wall.

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Review: The Address

The Address The Address by Fiona Davis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was going to read this solely for the reason that Fiona wrote it (I adore her books), but then she set the book at the Dakota. What a fascinating building to set a story!! Then she threw in a murder mystery. This one was hard to put down.

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Review: The German Girl

The German Girl The German Girl by Armando Lucas Correa
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My friend made me read this and I am so glad that she did! This book travels from 2014 with Anna to 1939 with Hannah and follows the lives of the Rosenthal's/Rosen's. The story traveled to Havana, which I loved. Having just gotten back from Havana and visited many of the places from the book....everything was so visible in my mind. The story was sad, so sad, but such an important tale to tell. I had never heard about the ship St. Louis and had no idea what happened to those people. It's another story from (pre) WWII that people should know. Thank you sir for telling this history along with adding some characters that we would want to know more about and enjoy spending time with (we would also be sad right alongside them).

A wonderful book.

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Review: The Prisoner in the Castle

The Prisoner in the Castle The Prisoner in the Castle by Susan Elia MacNeal
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

WOW!!! WoW! WOW!!

Ok, I just finished this and I am a big ball of "I can't believe it". This book was outstanding. This series has gotten better and better with every book. Now, there is a lot of murder in each one, it is wartime and Maggie works for the government, lots of deaths.

In this one, the tables have turned and she knows too much government secrets so she is locked away in a castle off the coast of Scotland with many other agents.

You don't get much into the reading of the book before people start dying off. Who is doing the killing? Well, that will lead you through a maze of double crossers, and radio transmissions, a missing German U-boat and finally you will see how it was all done, and you will say, "wow, that ride was worth it".

Enjoy!

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Review: You Can't Spell America Without Me: The Really Tremendous Inside Story of My Fantastic First Year as President Donald J. Trump

You Can't Spell America Without Me: The Really Tremendous Inside Story of My Fantastic First Year as President Donald J. Trump You Can't Spell America Without Me: The Really Tremendous Inside Story of My Fantastic First Year as President Donald J. Trump by Alec Baldwin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Donald J Trump is the greatest person on the planet. I know because he told me so almost as soon as the book started.

I did the audio version and no one does Trump better than Baldwin. This book was a bit like a giant SNL skit. You won't learn much about the REAL Donald J Trump, but you will learn about one Donald J Trump. Confused yet?

It didn't seem very long that "Trump" narrated and then some dude (the co author) came in. I kind of lost interest there, but it came back when Trump re-entered the room.

All in all, this was fun. If you are looking for a book on the President, move on. If you are looking for a few laughs and possibly a way to build your self esteem, proceed on.

I can't imagine that reading this would give you the same feeling so I say do the audio.

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Review: The War Bride's Scrapbook

The War Bride's Scrapbook The War Bride's Scrapbook by Caroline Preston
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this book so very much. Full of ephemera, letters, drawings, and advertisements. This book was over the top because of the story line that went along with all the fun stuff. The story line was FANTASTIC!!! It was written in a style like we were reading an actual woman's journal. A journal where she placed every single item that was ever important to her inside. Like a memory vault, a vault with secrets, lies, war, and adultery and visually appealing with the turn of each and every page.

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Review: Granny Strikes Back

Granny Strikes Back Granny Strikes Back by Harper Lin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Barbara Gold is just perfect! She is a former CIA agent that is trying hard to live a nice calm life in retirement. She has met a man she is a bit attracted to and goes on a date with him. From there things get kind of adventuresome for the duo. Once it got to this point, I could not stop until I was finished. I won't spoil it for you, but I will tell you it will be fun, unexpected and a tad outrageous. Wonderful fun!

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Review: Elizabeth the Queen: The Life of a Modern Monarch

Elizabeth the Queen: The Life of a Modern Monarch Elizabeth the Queen: The Life of a Modern Monarch by Sally Bedell Smith
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I very much enjoyed this journey through the Queen's life. The insights into her early life were fun to visit because in my lifetime I have only known the Queen to be older. I also liked looking into the time during Diana's death and how the royal family had to reshape after that. In between these times, I saw a glimpse of a very strong woman that tries hard to uphold her duties and is willing to change with the times. I very much enjoyed this read. After I read the text version I did that audio and I enjoyed the narrator's voice.

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Review: Desserts and Death

Desserts and Death Desserts and Death by Harper Lin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love all of Harper's books. This is one of my favorite series that she writes. You can read any of the books as a standalone, but you will have lots of fun if you start from book 1 and read all the way to this one (#6). Amelia owns the cutest and very popular cupcake food truck....her ex is a louse that tries to take their kids away (she has primary custody but he and his new wife want them). She has a budding romance with a policeman and she tends to get into a lot of trouble. This one starts when LuAnn hires her to bake 100 plus cupcakes for a funeral. It is just as crazy as you think it could get! A fun "read at the beach" or on a plane book. I personally like these books whenever I just want to escape for a few hours.

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Review: Espressos, Eggnogs, and Evil Exes

Espressos, Eggnogs, and Evil Exes Espressos, Eggnogs, and Evil Exes by Harper Lin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I think the Cape Bay Cafe series is so fun. I love a good coffee shop. This is a part of a series, but you could read it as a stand alone, but why would you want to?

Fran's best friend and co worker is stalked by her boyfriend's ex...then the ex ends up dead. Who do think is the suspect? Sammy the best friend. Jump right in for some fun, some craziness and a nice way to spend a weekend. Bonus....there is a "killer" eggnog recipe in the back of the book.

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Review: This Is Me: Loving the Person You Are Today

This Is Me: Loving the Person You Are Today This Is Me: Loving the Person You Are Today by Chrissy Metz
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

While it is written in the typical celebrity book style, it is also a sweet book. I did the audiobook so you can hear Chrissy's honest voice about the life events that shaped who she is. You hear the gratitude in her voice...which makes it different than the typical celebrity book. There was heart here. I also felt her belief in God which makes my heart happy :)

She talks about her mistakes, her successes and her dreams and tries to help you fulfill YOUR dreams by giving you life lessons based on what she has been though in this life.

I gave it 5 stars because she is AWESOME!!!!!!!!

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Review: Failing Up: How to Take Risks, Aim Higher, and Never Stop Learning

Failing Up: How to Take Risks, Aim Higher, and Never Stop Learning Failing Up: How to Take Risks, Aim Higher, and Never Stop Learning by Leslie Odom Jr.
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is written as Leslie talks and I adored that about the book. It was like sitting down and having a conversation with him. In this conversation he talks to us about mentors. That was the main thing that I took away from the text. Finding that mentor, listening to them and allowing them to help guide you into being the best YOU! The second thing I took away was being active in the quest for that better you. Being your own advocate...being active in searching your path, forging that path and using God to guide you. I loved how he was tight with his family, how his wife is his shining star and how he doesn't quit. The thing I didn't like was that he rarely touched on the role that made me adore him, SMASH. That is where I discovered him and started following him, but he made up for that a bit by talking about his role in RENT (oh how I would have loved to see him in that show) and of course how Aaron Burr changed him. Great book LOJ.

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Review: The Day the World Came to Town: 9/11 in Gander, Newfoundland

The Day the World Came to Town: 9/11 in Gander, Newfoundland The Day the World Came to Town: 9/11 in Gander, Newfoundland by Jim DeFede
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I am a tad obsessed with the play Come From Away since it was at the Ford's Theater the same time we were there in 2016. I have been trying to find something that would tell of what really happened over these days in Sept 2001. This book was short but provided some details as to what a small town did to make thousands of scared travelers feel safe and cared for. It is kind of emotional because you sort of have all those feelings you had on September 11, 2o01 and then you feel the terror of "the plane people".

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Review: My Dear Hamilton: A Novel of Eliza Schuyler Hamilton: Wife, Widow, and Warrior in Alexander Hamilton’s Quest for a More Perfect Union

My Dear Hamilton: A Novel of Eliza Schuyler Hamilton: Wife, Widow, and Warrior in Alexander Hamilton’s Quest for a More Perfect Union My Dear Hamilton: A Novel of Eliza Schuyler Hamilton: Wife, Widow, and Warrior in Alexander Hamilton’s Quest for a More Perfect Union by Stephanie Dray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I did adore this book. One hundred percent focused on Eliza and not Eliza as a perfect being, on Eliza as a woman that loves and has been hurt and betrayed, experienced loss and hardships and joy. It was so much like being a fly on the wall and being there during the events of her life. If you only know Eliza from Hamilton: An American Musical, this will take you deeper into what she could have been like.

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Review: The Last of the Duchess: The Strange and Sinister Story of the Final Years of Wallis Simpson, Duchess of Windsor

The Last of the Duchess: The Strange and Sinister Story of the Final Years of Wallis Simpson, Duchess of Windsor The Last of the Duchess: The Strange and Sinister Story of the Final Years of Wallis Simpson, Duchess of Windsor by Caroline Blackwood
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Royal Family has always interested me and I read just about any book that I can on any member. Wallis has been one of my favorites, not for what she did good but for how she was a determined lady, twice divorced and her goal was to marry David and be Queen. Maybe that is not what she was thinking, but I think it was. I do think that this is the best book that I have ever read about Wallis. One other interesting fact is that when I looked up the author I saw that she herself led an interesting life so now I have to go study her.

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Review: Margot

Margot Margot by Jillian Cantor
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love historical fiction books that take someone we may know and tell us a story about their life that might or might not be true. This premise was mesmerizing in the way that it took Anne Frank's sister and saved her. She was in the future with a life and secrets and trying to hide who she was in the past while trying to live in the present.

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Review: Island of Sweet Pies and Soldiers

Island of Sweet Pies and Soldiers Island of Sweet Pies and Soldiers by Sara Ackerman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What a beautiful book~I felt like I was right there in Hawaii during the aftermath of Pearl Harbor. I loved Parker very much and was sitting on pins and needles waiting to hear about his company. Not only was I worried about those guys, but also Herman and Ella. I thought it was a good book and a great way to spend a weekend.

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Review: Dolley

Dolley Dolley by Rita Mae Brown
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I wanted to love this. I tried to love this. I mean I liked it ok, but it was a little too much history and not enough historical fiction for me. Dolley was portrayed in a light that I liked, but there was so much war stuff.

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Review: The Wedding Date

The Wedding Date The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I normally don't read these types of books (romance), but was intrigued because of the cover and then the fact that these two didn't even know each other. I devoured it in a few hours. Normally during a romance, I feel that I have killed a billion brain cells, this was not like that...this was like a romantic comedy starring Kerrie Washington and Jim from the Office. Fun times.

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Review: Hope Never Dies

Hope Never Dies Hope Never Dies by Andrew Shaffer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I picked this book up solely to have the bromance continued (I have missed those memes). This book won't win any prizes in literature and the diaglogue is kind of unbelievable, but the ride is fun. I laughed and wrote memes in my head. T
he best part of the book is that Joe Biden is the crime solver (I adore Joe Biden)...all in all, it was a fun little cozy and a good way to spend an afternoon.

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07 September 2018

John S McCain

I remember a time (about 1988) where I was sitting in my parents' bedroom on a floral loveseat (that rocked) watching Tom Brokaw on the Nightly News.  He did a story on a former POW from the Vietnam War that had spent almost 6 years in a Hanoi prison.  I remember hearing Tom talk about how he was beaten and had thoughts of suicide.  He showed this photograph and I thought even at that young age, "I could never go through that."  Tom talked of his service, his undying love for his country and it ended there for a while. 

I heard his name over the years because he was a Senator from Arizona, but not much because the news wasn't in those days what it is today.  You didn't get news all the time and there was so much to cover in the short amount of time that the news was on that you didn't get everything from everywhere.  Then in 1998 the news starting buzzing that a certain Senator from AZ was considering running for President.  Instantly I started reading what I could and backing him.  I got my 2-year-old child telling everyone about the hero, John McCain (she even convinced Santa Claus on her dad's news show that he needed to vote for John McCain).   Well,  George W. Bush won on Super Tuesday and he was out, but he had released a book that would change everything for me.  

Faith of My Fathers was released and I devoured it.  I read it twice back to back at first because it told not only the McCain family history but also a tale of America the Beautiful.  I really think all Americans should read a book like this to understand how we have such a great country and how proud we should be that we do.  This war hero became the greatest American of my lifetime at this time.  

The next few years I was able to listen to him more because he released more books, we now had news anytime we wanted it and we had the internet.   I found his email on the internet and emailed asking him to autograph my books.  His secretary and I would go back and forth for the rest of his life (and a bit after) conversing and getting my books signed. 

 In 2007 he said he was running again.  I was all over whatever it took to get the word out to vote for him.   I went to Alaska in June and heard about this Sarah Palin, at this time she was just a Govenor in Alaska and not known anywhere but there.  We went to the Capital there in Juneau and the local guides on our tours told us how wonderful she was for their state. I started studying her "rogue" style and I did indeed like her.   In August McCain picked her for his running mate.  I was excited to have a lady that wasn't fancy dancy on the ticket.  The problem was she kept talking, but I didn't care because my candidate got the nomination!  I did like her attitude, spunk and desire (I may have been a tad jealous that she got on the National stage---even though she wasn't ready and not a good choice for him).  The next little bit of time was fantastic!  He was riding high and doing well.  He was then up against Barack Obama who had more money, charisma, and big backers. His dream was just as big as McCain's.   McCain was trailing but remained classy to the end of the campaign.  I was working the election polls and my husband texted me that it was over.  I was so very sad.  His dream ended that night, but so did mine...I really wanted him to be President.   

Over the next few years, there was plenty of time to see him fight for America from the Senate floor. He wrote more books, showed us his comedy side, fought with Presidents and other Senators....he showed us he was "The Maverick".  

I was very sad when he announced his brain cancer.  There was no known cure and it was super aggressive.  He would be dead in about a year.  Those words are still hard to type out here...dead in about a year.  He made a documentary about his life and titled it after his favorite (and my second favorite) author's books; For Whom the Bell Tolls.   It was a moving documentary and I may have cried a few times.  I do have a few quotes that I had to write down while watching, and I will leave you with those...one is from his chief of staff and the two from Senator McCain himself.  




“If he showed us how to live, he’s also showing us how to die.”  Grant Woods


"We need to give the American people what they deserve. And right now, they're not getting it."

“I greet every day with gratitude. . . . I’m confident and I’m happy. I’m very grateful for the life I’ve been able to lead. And I greet the future with joy.”




Review: Before We Were Yours

Before We Were Yours Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When I read that this book was inspired by a true children's home, I was scared to read it. I can't imagine someone hurting a child and in this time period, they got away with it........

Many children are taken from their homes and put into the Tennesse Children's Home. These children are mistreated, malnourished and abused; there is simply no one to be an advocate for them, not even the police. The children are stripped of every life they knew including their very name.

The "good" children are dressed up and paraded around wealthy people who fall in love with the children to fulfill a longing they have, then they are fleeced over and over and threatened to have "their" newly adopted children taken away from them. The "misbehaving" children are punished, put in a closet and some just vanished (when I read up on the home it was said probably murdered).

This book not only shows you the lives of the children but a glimpse into the families the children were stolen from and the sorrow they feel at the loss of their family.

Don't think that this book is not worthy of your time, because it very much is worthy of your reading minutes. Not all the bad guys win....fast forward to the future.

Avery is the daughter of a famous senator. She is being groomed to take his seat one day. She is engaged to a man that would be good for her image and for her family's standings. One day she sees her grandmother Judy in a photograph that she doesn't recognize...she derails all of her plans and focuses on finding out the story of this photograph. The photograph leads back to the children's home but will give you some good feelings too.

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Review: The Alice Network

The Alice Network The Alice Network by Kate Quinn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My friend Kelly had been after me to read this book for months. I was patiently waiting my turn for the digital copy at McLib (McCracken County Public Library)...when it was my time I checked out the book immediately was sucked into the writing. I had to put it down to go to work, but I didn't want to.

The past: Evelyn is drawn into this world she never imagined, a world where she could help her country defeat the Germans in WWI, she just needs to be smart, listen carefully and fight with her conscience over what is right.

The future: Charlotte is looking for her cousin that has not been heard of since WWII ended. She enlists the assistance of a very reluctant Evelyn in finding not only her cousin but a way for Evelyn to make peace and rewrite wrongs of the past.

This book was beautifully written and the characters well developed. I was cheering for Evelyn's success in both timelines.

I can see why my friend Kelly made it her pick book of 2017. Thank you for making me read this book.


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26 August 2018

Review: The Great Alone

The Great Alone The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Outstanding!!! Alaska is my favorite place on the planet and I felt like I was right back there in the place I love. I felt the wind, the cold, the endless daylight, the crisp air. You were immersed in the middle of nowhere in Alaska. LOVE that!! Not only did my favorite place have a starring role, but there was a captivating story to follow along. Characters I hated, characters I loved. A story that blew me away. I loved every word of ever page of this book. So much that I turned in my library book and went and bought my own copy because I will read again and again.

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Review: The Wildest Sun