Book Review: The Courtesan's Daughter by Susanne Dunlap

Author: Susanne Dunlap

Title: The Courtesan's Daughter

Genre: Historical Fiction

Format: ebook

Pages: 340

Published: April 25, 2023

Where I Got It: My shelf (From the author/publisher for my honest and unbiased opinion)

Summary: 

What happens when a daughter’s dream and a mother’s sordid past collide?

1910 New York. Seventeen-year-old Sylvie and her French-immigrant mother Justine eke out a living doing piecework in a tenement on the Lower East Side, while Sylvie attends school so that she can escape their life of poverty by becoming a teacher.

At least, that’s what her mother believes should happen. Sylvie, though, has a different dream. She wants to be a star in the new moving pictures, just like the beautiful Vitagraph Girl. When she meets a dangerously handsome Italian boy at church one Sunday and he encourages her ambitions, she begins secretly taking steps toward the career she knows her mother won’t approve of.

But Sylvie isn’t the only one with secrets. Justine has kept her sordid past from Sylvie ever since they came to New York fifteen years before, stitching together a fabric of lies along with the shirtwaists she finishes every day, doing everything in her power to keep the truth from her daughter—that she fled Paris as a courtesan after committing a crime that could still get her arrested, or worse.

When Justine’s past catches up with her in a single act of brutality, Sylvie witnesses what she thinks is her mother’s betrayal and runs away during a freak blizzard, putting them both in grave danger.

Ambition, survival, and unexpected alliances combine in this mother-daughter story that proves love can conquer all—at a price.

Review:

When I first saw the cover and read the summary I knew I had to check this out right away!

The story follows Sylvie and Justine. Sylvie is 17 years old who is attending school to become a teacher so she can get out of the life of poverty, however, she dreams of more. Justine is Sylvie's mother and is an immigrant from France. She dreams of a quiet life for herself and her daughter. However, when Sylvie meets a dangerously handsome man...things will not be the same. Secrets, betrayal, ambition, hope, and danger will arise. 

I really did enjoy this overall. There is drama and secrets and growth between Justine and Sylvie. They both got to share their POVs. We got to understand them both this way and I think it really helped the story in some ways. Now, I will say the plot did seem to have some slow spots due to some inner monologues dragging on a bit but I'm glad we got to understand them both. 

Other than that...no issues. I enjoyed the story. It made me sad that Justine had such a bad past and that Sylvie ran off the way she did. However, I think Sylvie going off on her own was important for them both to grow and deal with the past, but it still made me sad. Way to break your poor mama's heart!!! 

We had a couple good twists and the ending was nice. It tied in everything together. I actually ended up slightly feeling bad for a certain character (no spoilers) if it was all true. Still don't like that character, of course, but yeah I did end up having some sympathy. The author did a fantastic job showing that everyone is complex and nothing is black and white. It is all a mixture of grey.

In the end, I ended up liking this quite a bit. I loved watching these characters find their way and find their paths. We had some nice twists and turns. There were some slow spots, but I had no other issues. I'll give this 4 stars. A nice historical fiction and a people story that I would recommend. 

Re-read: The Girl They Left Behind by Roxanne Veletzos

Author: Roxanne Veletzos

Title: The Girl They Left Behind

Genre: Historical Fiction

Format: ebook

Pages: 353

Published: October 9, 2018

Where I Got It: My shelf (Netgalley)

Summary: 

On a freezing night in January 1941, a little Jewish girl is found on the steps of an apartment building in Bucharest. With Romania recently allied with the Nazis, the Jewish population is in grave danger, undergoing increasingly violent persecution. The girl is placed in an orphanage and eventually adopted by a wealthy childless couple who name her Natalia. As she assimilates into her new life, she all but forgets the parents who were forced to leave her behind. They are even further from her mind when Romania falls under Soviet occupation.

Yet, as Natalia comes of age in a bleak and hopeless world, traces of her identity pierce the surface of her everyday life, leading gradually to a discovery that will change her destiny. She has a secret crush on Victor, an intense young man who as an impoverished student befriended her family long ago. Years later, when Natalia is in her early twenties and working at a warehouse packing fruit, she and Victor, now an important official in the Communist regime, cross paths again. This time they are fatefully drawn into a passionate affair despite the obstacles swirling around them and Victor’s dark secrets.

When Natalia is suddenly offered a one-time chance at freedom, Victor is determined to help her escape, even if it means losing her. Natalia must make an agonizing decision: remain in Bucharest with her beloved adoptive parents and the man she has come to love, or seize the chance to finally live life on her own terms, and to confront the painful enigma of her past.

Review:

I accidentally redownloaded this book and I took it as a sign to re-read this gem. I first read this in 2018 when it first came out. I adored it then. And well...I still adore it now. 

The story follows Natalia and both sets of her parents. We get to see a little glimpse of her biological family at the beginning. To save her and themselves, they drop her off at the orphanage. It was really rough reading this. I felt so bad for them and for the baby. Poor things. Natalia gets adopted by a well-off family who cannot have kids. We get to see Natalia grow up in a rough time period. They go from being run by the Nazis to being run by the Communists. Going from one prison to another one. 

This book is a blend of fiction and a real story. Which, I must applaud the author for doing a great job blending the two. 

The author re-envisioned her mother's story since they knew nothing of her biological grandparents who had to leave her mother behind. It always breaks my heart when there is a huge mystery. I can understand that wonder and sadness. My mother was put up for adoption in the late 1950s and we had no idea the story until Ancestry.com. We did the DNA test and we were able to find her half-siblings and figure out what happened. That is pretty rare. Even rarer in the author's case. Her mother was put up for adoption during such a turbulent time and area.

But yes, this book has it all. All of the feels. Even after a second read, I found myself with some tears. 

Now, I remember not liking Victor during my first read....but I ended up appreciating him more. Still not a huge fan, but he did what he did. He did sacrifice a lot for Natalia. 

I def recommend this one. Even after all these years I still really adore this one. 

5 stars. 

Book Review: Nightwoods by Charles Frazier

Author: Charles Frazier

Title: Nightwoods

Genre: Historical Fiction, Mystery, & Thriller

Format: paperback

Pages: 272

Published: January 1, 2011

Where I Got It: My shelf (Used book store)

Summary: 

Charles Frazier puts his remarkable gifts in the service of a lean, taut narrative while losing none of the transcendent prose, virtuosic storytelling, and insight into human nature that have made him one of the most beloved and celebrated authors in the world. Now, with his brilliant portrait of Luce, a young woman who inherits her murdered sister's troubled twins, Frazier has created his most memorable heroine.

Before the children, Luce was content with the reimbursements of the rich Appalachian landscape, choosing to live apart from the small community around her. But the coming of the children changes everything, cracking open her solitary life in difficult, hopeful, dangerous ways.

Charles Frazier is known for his historical literary odysseys, and for making figures in the past come vividly to life. Set in the twentieth century, Nightwoods resonates with the timelessness of a great work of art.

Review:

I finally finished this. Yayy! *throws confetti*

Luce is a young woman who doesn't need or want much in life. She wants to be left alone with the Appalachian landscape and the small community, but when she inherits her murdered sister's troubled twins everything is changed. Her life has become more difficult, and hopeful, but also a danger is breathing down their backs. 

I have been meaning to read this book for a while. In total now I have read 3 books by this author. My first one was 'Cold Mountain' and I absolutely ADORE that one. One of my personal faves. The other one and this one...sighs....I struggled with both. 

Now, this did get WAY better by 50%. The first half of the book I had to force myself to sit down and read it. Ugh. In the second half, I actually found myself wanting to read more and more. There were scenes that I wanted to skim, but I pushed forward. 

Luce was a rough character to really like. So were the twins. When you get to know why they are the way they are, you can feel for them and understand them (be warned there are some major triggers in the flashbacks and whatnot)....but I still never connected. Maybe that is why I struggled so much? I never fully connected with anyone. Yes, I cared and wanted them all to live and be happy, but I could've walked away in that first half and never looked back. After the second half, I cared a tiny bit more just because the action was heating up and things were happening. 

The baddie needed to be shoved off a mountain. Which yayy! Gotta love a baddie you loathe! 

In the end....I wish I had liked this better. The second half was way better than the first, but only just so. I had a hard time connecting with anyone and it just didn't fit for me. 2 stars from me. 

Challenge(s):

- #5 TBR Pile Reading

Audiobook Review: Sweet Tea and Spirits by Angie Fox

Author: Angie Fox

Narrator: Tavia Gilbert

Title: Sweet Tea and Spirits

Series: Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries #5

Genre: Urban Fiction, Paranormal Romance, Thriller, Cozy Mystery, & Fantasy

Format: Audiobook

Pages: 248

Published:  April 25, 2017

Where I got It: My shelf (Audible

Summary: 

Southern girl Verity Long is about as high society as her pet skunk. Which is why she’s surprised as anyone when the new head of the Sugarland social set invites her to join the "it" girls. But this is no social call. Verity’s new client needs her to go in undercover and investigate strange happenings at the group’s historic headquarters.

But while spirits are whispering hints of murder, the socialites are more focused on Verity’s 1978, avocado-green Cadillac. And when Verity stumbles upon a fresh body, she's going to need the long-dead citizens of Sugarland to help her solve the crime. Good thing she has the handsome deputy sheriff Ellis Wydell on hand, as well as her ghostly sidekick Frankie. The bad thing is, the ghosts are now whispering about the end of a certain ghost hunter.

Review:

I was going to take a long break from the series to focus on other stuff BUT I had a super hankering so I broke my promise. I meannnnnn it has been since Jan since I read one....so four months (nearly five) seems fair? Right????

We follow Verity and her ghost sidekick, Frankie, right after the last book. She is called in by the head of the Sugarland social and is invited to join their group undercover and investigate the strange happenings of the group's historic HQ. Verity will stumble upon a fresh body that seems like an accident, but due to a warning from a ghost earlier....it was def a murder. She will need to get the help of long-dead citizens of Sugarland, Frankie, and her love Ellis to help. 

I would recommend at least reading the book before this one since there are some references and things that are happening because of the last one. 

These are just so much fun!!! We get a mystery with ghosts, a cute skunk, and a cute hunk. I adore this series so much. 

The mysteries and twists were good. I had my guesses, but I was never sure. I feel like I pointed the finger at everyone so I was right at one point or another, but there were some red herrings for sure. There is one character that I am mad at that...that person seriously needs a kick swift kick of needs. GRR. Slippery Mfer. 

I loved the side ghosties here. I loved their little mystery and secrets that finally come out. That just added something special. 

Awwww and Frankie. His little side story is adorable. I don't want to spoil anything. But cutteeeeee. 

And the narrator is fantastic as per normal. She is becoming one of my faves. 

In the end, one of my favorites of this series. So much fun. Can't wait to read the next one! 5 stars. 

Challenge(s):
- #19 for Audiobook challenge

Blodeuedd's Monday Review: Heroic Hearts

 

Format: 368 pages, Paperback

Published; May 3, 2022 by Ace

UF/Own

I only read this one for the Anne Bishop one!

Little Things by Jim Butcher 

Kind of feels like I am not missing much by not reading Butcher

The Dark Ship by Anne Bishop read by Alexandra Harris 

It took place somewhere else! Ohhh nice. I liked that. I love that. Got to to see what the European others were up to after everything was destroyed.

Comfort Zone by Kelley Armstrong 

Eh, it worked.

Train to Last Hope by Annie Bellet 

Interesting, and dark

Fire Hazard by Kevin Hearne 

At the moment I can not even recall it

Grave Gambles by R.R. Virdi 

Quite interesting

Silverspell by Chloe Neill

I guess Neill is just not for me

Troll Life by Kerrie L. Hughes

I liked this one

Return of the Mage by Charlaine Harris 

No idea what was going on

The Vampires Karamazov by Nancy Holder

I liked this one

The Necessity of Pragmatic Magic by Jennifer Brozek

Zero recollection

Dating Terror by Patricia Briggs

An Asil story, nice

As always, some good, some bad

In this short story collection of courage, adventure, and magic, heroes—ordinary people who do the right thing—bravely step forward.

But running toward danger might cost them everything. . . .

Audiobook Review: A Dragon of a Different Color by Rachel Aaron

Author: Rachel Aaron

Narrator: Vikas Adam

Title: A Dragon of a Different Color

Series: Heartstrikers #4

Genre: UF, Fantasy, Paranormal, YA 

Format: Audiobook

Pages: 512

Published:  July 28, 2017

Where I got It: My shelf (Birthday gift)

Summary: 

To save his family from his tyrannical mother, Julius had to step on a lot of tails. That doesn’t win a Nice Dragon many friends, but just when he thinks he’s starting to make progress, a new threat arrives.

Turns out, things can get worse. Heartstriker hasn’t begun to pay for its secrets, and the dragons of China are here to collect. When the Golden Emperor demands his surrender, Julius will have to choose between loyalty to the sister who's always watched over him and preserving the clan he gave everything to protect.

Review:

Finally diving into book 4. Got sidetracked by other books, plus....I'm getting sad the series is nearly over. 

We continue on Julius' journey to make his clan better. He has had to step on a lot of tails, but he has made a lot of allies too. A new threat arrives though so things are about to get a whole lot worse. Heartstriker has more secrets to pay and the China dragons have come to collect and demand their surrender.

Awwww Julius....Marci....Bob! Chelsea! SOBS! I can't believe there is only one book left after this!

We picked up right after book 2 ended. Lots of crazy things have happened. Eeee I don't want to spoil anything. But things go from bad to worse. Julius will have to face the Golden Emperor. Marci will have to face....stuff. There is a lot going on and everyone and everything is at risk. 

I really, really enjoyed this one. I wish there had been more Justin though! Sobs! Love him! I'm sure he'll be back in with a vengeance in the last one, but I missed him. 

There was a lot of talking in this one. I was happy we got to learn a LOT, but sometimes some scenes felt a little stretched out. 

The narrator has returned and he is still amazing. Perfect voices for these characters. I couldn't imagine anyone else. 

In the end, I wanted more Justin, but we got to meet a lot of new characters SO it makes sense some other sides had to take to the bench. Other than that I adored this. We got to learn so much and so many questions have been answered. The ending has me itching for the new book, but I want to hold out a bit since it is the final book. Eeeek! Things are all coming to a head that is for sure. But yesssss this was great. 4 stars from me. 

Challenge(s):
- #18 for Audiobook challenge

Book Review: To Dream Of Shadows by Steve N Lee

Author: Steve N Lee

Title: To Dream Of Shadows

Series: World War II Historical Fiction #1

Genre: Historical Fiction & Romance

Format: ebook

Pages: 354 

Published: April 16, 2023

Where I Got It: My shelf (Given to me by the author/publisher for my honest and unbiased opinion)

Summary: 

She’ll save hundreds of lives. But can she save her own?

Inspired by a previously untold true story.

1943, Eastern Europe. 18-year-old Czech, Inge is torn from her family and imprisoned in some godforsaken hellhole. Half-starved and suffering regular beatings, she battles through month after month of torturous labor while praying for liberation by the Allies. But rescue never comes. And her dream of surviving the war dies.

Heinz, an SS Sergeant, has been force-fed the Third Reich's poisonous philosophy since childhood. As a boy, he had no choice but to believe it, however, nowadays, he uses his position to covertly help prisoners.

So when a random act of kindness thrusts Inge and Heinz together, they can't resist being drawn to one another. And it turns their world upside-down. Unable to deny their feelings, they dare to dream of a future, a life… together.

But their relationship does not go unnoticed. For Inge and Heinz, falling in love becomes a death sentence. And not just for them, but for all those they care about.

Unless…

Inge can make an unthinkable sacrifice.

Inspired by a previously untold true story of a forbidden love, To Dream Of Shadows is an epic tale of compassion, sacrifice, and the strength of the human spirit.

Review:

I couldn't wait to get started on this book! I have loved other books by the author and I am always drawn to books and stories set during WWII. 

Here we follow the story of Inge and Rudi based on a true story that we do not know a lot about. Inge is torn from her family and imprisoned. She finds herself moved to another camp under Rudi. Rudi has been fed Hitler's lies since he was a boy. Nowadays he realizes that those were lies and is using his power to try to help his prisoners the best he can. When the two meet there is something there. An unthinkable and dangerous love that can and will ruin everything if anyone finds out.

Words are hard.......I really adored this book. I had a hard time putting it down but due to life. Gah. Why must we humans sleep? 

This was just so tragic all the way around. So many countless deaths over hate and lies. The author did a fantastic job bringing this world and these characters to life. They were complex and you wanted everyone to live happily ever after. Times are dark and uncertain. 

Oof the ending got me. Loved that nice final twist so good.

Awww Bruno!!!! That had me in absolute tears!!!

I never, ever encourage this...but you HAVE to read the Author's Note at the end. I found it added something special to what we just read. I won't spoil anything, but yes, read that too once you finish the story. 

This was heart-wrenching, beautifully written, carefully researched, gripping, and inspiring. The characters jump off the page and you won't want to stop reading.

In the end, read this. I enjoyed it. I loved it. 5 stars from me. 

TMST: Blogging Expectations

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post where bloggers discuss a wide range of topics from books and blogging to life in general. Weigh in and join the conversation by adding your thoughts in the comments. If you want to do your own post, grab the question and answer it on your blog. Feel free to leave your links in the comments if you are participating.

4/18/2023: What were your expectations when you started blogging?

Honestly? I expected to quit after a while. I had two failed blogs I gave up on rather quickly. I thought I would post for a few months and no one would care so I would stop caring. 

Look at me now! I have a few followers and have made a few friends. I have been blogging for yearssssssss now and I still love it. :) 

Blodeuedd's Monday: Kismet by Becky Chalsen

352 pages, Paperback

Expected publication April 18, 2023 by Dutton

Women´s fiction / to review

For as long as anyone can remember, it has been Amy, Jo, and Ben. Amy and Jo, the inseparable Sharp twins who couldn't be more different; and Ben, Amy's childhood sweetheart turned husband.

But as this year's Fourth of July weekend approaches, something feels off. Jo's whirlwind engagement and wedding ceremony now eclipses the twins' long-awaited thirtieth birthday. Recent arguments between Amy and Ben have left their marriage feeling more like make-believe than ever-after. And as the family beach town transforms for Jo's wedding weekend, Amy's trusted trio will be tested by the most unexpected hurdle yet: the arrival of a handsome, mysterious newcomer in a best man suit. One with a strikingly familiar face. A face that Amy had planned to never see again.

This holiday weekend, even the strongest SPF won't protect the Sharp twins from all the secrets about to take center stage.

I went in thinking romance, no this was not romance    spoiler The main character cheats on her husband. And then it is just fine again. spoiler 

Not even romantic fiction, more like women´s fiction. But hey that is what I get when it is about a wedding.

This was the story of two sisters. Jo who is getting married to a man she recently met. They will have a week of activities before the wedding. Amy comes with her husband Ben. They are having difficulties in their marriage. And then there is the man she has not seen for years that shows up.

There is drama. Amy and her husband. Inlaws that do not like Jo. And the wedding approaching.

When I put the whole oh not romance thing aside it was good, though Amy is not a good person and honestly Ben, maybe you should leave her.

Movie Review: Dungeons & Dragons Honor Among Thieves (2023)

Title: 

Dungeons & Dragons Honor Among Thieves (2023)

Length:  2h 14m

Released: 2023

Genre:  Action/Adventure, Comedy, & Fantasy
Rating: PG-13
Where I Got It: Watched at theater

SUMMARY:

A charming thief and a band of unlikely adventurers embark on an epic quest to retrieve a lost relic, but things go dangerously awry when they run afoul of the wrong people.

Click here for the trailer

REVIEW:

I have been itching to watch this since I seen the first trailer eons ago. I love D&D and I love this cast. What could go wrong???

A charming thief and band of unlikely adventurers embark on a quest to retrieve a lost relic but things go wrong when they realize that there are dark forces at bay that could kill them all. 

Again, what a fun cast! And I loved the creatures and characters they used. The world of D&D is HUGE and there are so many character types and creatures they could've used, but I applaud what they picked! The bard is the main character...risky, but perfect with Chris Pine's charm and humor. Perfect main character. 

This was SO fun. What else can I really say? 

Lots of action. 

Comedy that will have you LOLing!

Heart that will make your heart beat!

Fun. You won't want it to end 

An evil and scary baddie that will make you scared for everyone.

Great times. Even if you don't like/know D&D, if you like fantasy in anyway you will adore this film. It was perfect and I can't wait for more. 

5 stars of course. 

Audiobook Review: Beyond the Wand by Tom Felton

Author: Tom Felton

Narrator: Tom Felton

Title: Beyond the Wand

Genre: Nonfiction, Memoir

Format: Audiobook

Pages: 288

Published:  October 18, 2022

Where I got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

From Borrower to wizard, Tom Felton's adolescence was anything but ordinary. His early rise to fame saw him catapulted into the limelight aged just twelve when he landed the iconic role of Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter films.

Speaking with candour and his own trademark humour, Tom shares his experience of growing up on screen and as part of the wizarding world for the very first time. He tells all about his big break, what filming was really like and the lasting friendships he made during ten years as part of the franchise, as well as the highs and lows of fame and the reality of navigating adult life after filming finished.

Prepare to meet a real-life wizard.

Review:

I have been a HP girl since the first movie came out. Once I seen that first movie I HAD to dive into the books too. And I'll be frank......one of my first crushes was Draco. After the films were done, I actually grew to admire the actor himself. He's talented and he has always seemed like a guy I would love to be friends with. So of course I had to check out his book. I am SOOOOO glad I found this at my library because this had a lot of heart and now I want my own copy. 

This is written by and narrated by the famous Tom Felton who did not have a completely normal adolescence thanks to some early on commercials and then movies. His fame certainly heightened when he took the role as Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter films. Here we follow him as young Tom to famous Tom to troubled Tom to the still-growing Tom. He speaks with candor and humor and heart. 

I feel like this book has three parts....one, seeing Tom as a child and his family. Second part, his HP life. Third, the aftermath and where he is present day (as of when he wrote the book). I loved all three parts for different reasons. 

Part 1) I love a good origin story. How we are raised is so instrumental to us being adults so it fascinates me to see him growing up. 

Part 2) LOVED HP as a kid and I still love it as an adult. Naturally, I ate up this section. I loved getting to see the behind-the-scenes and learning more about not only Tom's role, but other folks onset. Can't get enough. 

Part 3) So many people can struggle with life after a huge role like that especially young actors and I'm sure he is not alone. I loved how honest he was with his mental health issues. As someone who struggles with anxiety and depression, I can so relate to him on this base level. I am not famous or wealthy or whatever, but I am human and so is he. I wouldn't wish mental health issues on anyone, but it is nice being able to know you are not alone. He was so honest and I loved it. 

This was such a good book. He gives us the good stuff like behind-the-scenes of HP but then he gives us the truth about himself all at the same time. I can for sure see myself relistening or re-reading this. 

Now, I had no choice but to do the audio version. He narrates it himself!!!!! Duh! And boy o' boy he did a fantastic job. He was able to be serious when needed and then silly when needed (his little Tom kid voice had me chuckling). I'll have to look it up and see if he has done other narrations. If not....he needs to do some! I could listen to him read all day. He has a nice voice and really does an excellent job painting the world. 

Overall, this was a fantastic read. I loved the origin story, I loved the HP time, and I loved the brutal honesty of his life after HP. You can tell he really wrote this and narrated this from his heart. Honestly, I want him to narrate more! He did such a good job. If you at all like HP or even the actor or heck, if you enjoy a good story about a guy making his way through life....I highly suggest this one then. 5 stars. 

Challenge(s):
- #17 for Audiobook challenge

Book Review: The Bookstore Sisters by Alice Hoffman

Author: Alice Hoffman

Title: The Bookstore Sisters

Genre: Short Story, Magical Realism, Contemporary fiction

Format: ebook

Pages: 36

Published: November 1, 2022

Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon freebie)

Summary: 

Isabel Gibson has all but perfected the art of forgetting. She’s a New Yorker now, with nothing left to tie her to Brinkley’s Island, Maine. Her parents are gone, the family bookstore is all but bankrupt, and her sister, Sophie, will probably never speak to her again.

But when a mysterious letter arrives in her mailbox, Isabel feels herself drawn to the past. After years of fighting for her independence, she dreads the thought of going back to the island. What she finds there may forever alter her path—and change everything she thought she knew about her family, her home, and herself.

Review:

Another freebie that I picked up from Amazon. Look at that cover! How could I resist? I honestly jumped into this without reading the summary. Took a risk and a gamble (which is a rare thing for me indeed).

Here we follow Isabel who has moved to New York and has nothing to tie her to her old life in Brinkley's Island, Maine. Her parents are both gone, the family bookstore is all but bankrupt, and her sister will probably never talk to her again. A recipe for her to move on with a new life. Things change when a mysterious letter arrives in her mailbox and Isabel is forced and drawn to the past. After years of fighting for her freedom, she reluctantly goes back to that island. What she finds will change everything. 

This was a quick read but it didn't feel like it. Not in a bad way mind you, but this had a lot of depth and character-development. It is a short story you need to take your time with....at least I did.

I really enjoyed watching Isabel and Sophie defrost and, essentially, find themselves and find each other.  

Now, I seen that this is listed as 'fantasy' on some people's shelves. There isn't a thing that is fantasy-like. I also seen 'magical realism' which is a stretch but you can see a tiny smidge of that in a couple parts. I would've liked some more tbh. I think it would've added something extra and nice. 

But yes, this was a nice short story. Some parts I did feel needed to be slightly longer. Instead of 30 something pages....maybe 50? Some parts needed more time. 

In the end, this was a nice people story with some depth. It could've been a hair longer to expend on some scenes and really get the meat of it....but it was nice overall. 3 stars from me. 

TMST: Book Series

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post where bloggers discuss a wide range of topics from books and blogging to life in general. Weigh in and join the conversation by adding your thoughts in the comments. If you want to do your own post, grab the question and answer it on your blog. Feel free to leave your links in the comments if you are participating.

4/11/2023 How long do you stick with a series you loved, if you start not enjoying the books? 

I am so weird when it comes to series. I start a lot of series and rarely finish them. If book 1 and book 2 were just okay....I rarely continue on. Now....if I get addicted by book 2, I'll finish the whole series. 

Normally I have to slow my roll and read other stuff for a bit to give the series a break. I learned this the hard way with the Anita Blake series. I read SO many one after the other and I got burnt out. I never went back and I adored that series. Someday...maybe....we'll see. 

Now, if the series starts getting super meh I will abandon it. If I don't care anymore...why bother wasting my time, my blogs time, and the writer's time? Sometimes you gotta throw in the towel. 

B's Monday Review: The Bronte Plot by Katherine Reay

By: Katherine Reay

Narrated by: Laura Kirman

Length: 8 hrs and 57 mins

Release date: 06-18-19 by Thomas Nelson

Fiction /own

I had to read one of my sync freebies, and my eye fell on this one.

Lucy goes with a client to England (and honestly a lot of drama in there. The client is the gran of her ex. Lucy did something bad at work. Lucy wants to visit England to see her dad she has not seen for decades.) Yes bring the drama.

But mostly it was Lucy coming to terms what she did and if she can make it better. And if she can find a way back to her ex. All while being in England, the home of her beloved literary heroes and heroines.

Good book. Good narration too, she was really great and did a fantastic job

Lucy Alling makes a living selling rare books, often taking suspicious measures to reach her goals. When her unorthodox methods are discovered, Lucy's secret ruins her relationship with her boss and her boyfriend James—leaving Lucy in a heap of hurt, and trouble. Something has to change; she has to change.

In a sudden turn of events, James's wealthy grandmother Helen hires Lucy as a consultant for a London literary and antiques excursion. Lucy reluctantly agrees and soon discovers Helen holds secrets of her own. In fact, Helen understands Lucy's predicament better than anyone else.

As the two travel across England, Lucy benefits from Helen's wisdom, as Helen confronts the ghosts of her own past. Everything comes to a head at Haworth, home of the Brontë sisters, where Lucy is reminded of the sisters' beloved heroines, who, with tenacity and resolution, endured—even in the midst of change.

Now Lucy must go back into her past in order to move forward. And while it may hold mistakes and regrets, she will prevail—if only she can step into the life that's been waiting for her all along.

Joint Review: Murder Mystery 2 (2023)

This month we decided to review 'Murder Mystery 2'.

Blodeuedd is in purple and Carole is in blue.

Title: Murder Mystery 2

Genre: Action/Adventure, Comedy

Released: 2023
Rating: PG-13

Length: 1h 30m

Site: Netflix 


Full-time detectives Nick and Audrey are struggling to get their private eye agency off the ground. They find themselves at the center of international abduction when their friend Maharaja, is kidnapped at his own lavish wedding.

Click here for the trailer. 

DISCUSSION:

I can´t remember a lot from the first movie, except it was funny. And after having watched 2, well I think I remember lot of death

I want to rewatch the first one! But yes, so much death! They are def bad luck ;)

I kept thinking that OMG, they are so effed. All evidence leads to them!!

Such bad luck! But they are actually good at their job. 

They really are, in some weird way. But mostly unlucky with dead bodies

That scene of with the van had me unalive with laughter! Literally the most hilarious part of the film. 

Oh that was a funny bit! When the movie ended I even felt it was too short. It was quite the crazy, but funny ride

Agreed! I wanted more! With the ending it does give us hope there will be a 3rd! And I loved that mini twist. LOL again….they can’t win ;) 

Yes a third would be funny. I expect a car ride from hell, many dead bodies and familiar faces. Please give us more

Yas!!! Such a fun cast! I feel like there is more with that last scene. That person seems to have some ties. More mysteries ahead!

I just hope we do not have to wait as long. Come on netflix, this was fun, so what about next year? Hint hint. Or keep up the good work and more like that. I need funny stuff these days

Ughhhhhh I hope we wouldn’t have to wait that long!! I mean…I’ll take what I can get….but ughhhhhh. I love them and I want them to be successful. Such a fun couple. Maybe they can go to a different fun country like Japan or something. 

Now I want to see them in Australia and him being kicked by a kangaroo. Is that just me? Lol

OoOOoOOOOooo that would be fun! Adam Sandler fist-fighting a gangster kangaroo! That would be gold!

Right, amazing! I do feel they have more to give and that is a good thing. So many go on when there is nothing left but I could have one more crazy adventure

Ooo! The Maharajah has a baby and the baby is kidnapped. They fly to Australia to save it. Insert fight with kangaroo. And deadly spiders and snakes everywhere! There is still much for them to do! They have a lot of talent of solving the mystery even with the bad luck. I want moreeeeee!

I am game! 

I do not have a lot to say about this movie, it was funny, crazy and what more can one say then?

So hard not to give away spoilers. The mystery was good. I didn’t see that twist. Fun cast. Hilarious and action-packed. Perfect date movie. 

Recommended. Watch it 🙂

Agreed. And TBH you don’t even really need to watch the first movie; which you SHOULD watch it bc it is funnnnn. 

The end?

The end! :D