Movie Review: Young Washington (2026)

Title: Young Washington

Length: 2h 1m

Released: 2026

Genre: Historical, Biography, War
Rating: PG-13
Where I Got It: Theater

SUMMARY:

A young George Washington faces war, betrayal and impossible choices that will forge a leader.

Trailer

REVIEW:

Oh, Georgie Wash. I was so excited to see this!!!! I had to go see it in theaters. My fellow history nerd friend and I went to see it. And yes, I dragged poor Hubby along. 

We all know the history of George Washington. But how many know his early days? It was not an easy road for him. 

The cast was lovely. I LOVED who they had to play young George. I hope, in a few years, he can play an older George. He really filled those shoes well.

One thing of note I kept whispering to myself was the camera angles, especially in the battle scenes. They felt different but good. There is so much going on, and you feel in the middle of it. I think the camera team did great. 

Some of the dialogue felt a little cliché, but it didn't ruin the story or characters. I loved the foreshadow drops. Made me chuckle.

There was a "special message" at the end...skip it. It didn't add anything extra to the story or whatever. 

I would for sure watch this again. The battle, the story. It was entertaining and a reminder that everyone starts somewhere. A leader is not born. A leader is made. 

4 stars from me. 

 

Book Review: The Petticoat Letters by Kelly Lyman

Author: Kelly Lyman

Title: The Petticoat Letters

Series: Rebels of the Revolution #1

Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance

Format: Paperback

Pages: 346

Published: November 5, 2017

Where I got It: My shelf (Gift)

Summary: 

At the outbreak of the Revolutionary war, Nora Bishop’s home is burned to the ground—along with her dreams, plans and all her family members except one. At 20-years-old and still unmarried, she moves to Manhattan to live with her Loyalist uncle, hoping to find her brother who has joined the Patriot cause against her late family’s wishes. But, battle breaks out and she finds herself at the mercy of one American ranger, Alex Foster, who is the only person in a position to bring her to safety.

Her growing feelings toward Alex and his passion for freedom help her reevaluate her stance on the case for independence and makes her question her loyalties further. When she is asked to spy for the rebels, she agrees. But can she partake in the act of treason and do what is asked of her when the sadistic Captain William Roth seems to watch her every move and threatens the life of her brother who has been captured? And how can she grow closer to Alex when the war threatens to tear them apart?

Review:

This seemed like the perfect read for America's 250! It's been a hot min since I read an HR or HF set during the American Revolution. 

Here we have Nora, who pretty much lost it all at the start of the war. Her family home was burned to the ground, and only she and her brother survived. However, the war took her brother away too when he decided to fight with the Rebels. Nora is unwed and living with her loyalist family. She soon finds herself at the mercy of the Rebels and Alex. While in his company, she starts to see what the Rebels see...and maybe there is something between her and Alex. 

This had an extremely slow start. It took me a couple of tries to push through. I was tempted to toss in the white flag of defeat and move on. After my second attempt, I was hooked. There was a scene that made me want more. No spoilers from me!!

But yes, this gets intense in a few spots. War is hell and all. So some triggers for sure. 

Can I be honest? I didn't like Alex or Nora by the end. I started out liking Nora, and then I lost respect for her. Alex? I was always meh, but he annoyed me after a scene. I still kept reading because I was more curious about the war and etc. That was fun! A part of me wishes this wasn't a romance. SHOCKED faces I see, but yes....not all things should be romances. Yes, there can be some love, but this would've fared better as just historical fiction, methinks. 

Don't get me started on the big baddie. He was literally a caricature of a British redcoat baddie. Mmmmmm, but he was scary so I will give him that. 

All-in-all, I was entertained. I liked the spying and war and etc. The romance was meh because I didn't care for our mains. And the baddie was scary, but he was your A-typical redcoat baddie. I'll give this 3 stars. It would be a 2, but I think some of the scenes deserve a little more love, and maybe I'm being overly kind. 

 

Reading Challenges:

- Reading Romance Challenge #17 (Non-Regency)

Book Review: Dragonfly in Amber by Diana Gabaldon

Author: Diana Gabaldon

Title: Dragonfly in Amber

Series: Outlander #2

Genre: Historical Romance, SciFi, Fantasy

Format: paperback

Pages: 947

Published: July 1, 1992

Where I got It: My shelf (Used book store that I am blanking on the name of)

Summary: 

From the author of Outlander... a magnificent epic that once again sweeps us back in time to the drama and passion of 18th-century Scotland...

For twenty years Claire Randall has kept her secrets. But now she is returning with her grown daughter to Scotland's majestic mist-shrouded hills. Here Claire plans to reveal a truth as stunning as the events that gave it birth: about the mystery of an ancient circle of standing stones ...about a love that transcends the boundaries of time ...and about James Fraser, a Scottish warrior whose gallantry once drew a young Claire from the security of her century to the dangers of his ....

Now a legacy of blood and desire will test her beautiful copper-haired daughter, Brianna, as Claire's spellbinding journey of self-discovery continues in the intrigue-ridden Paris court of Charles Stuart ...in a race to thwart a doomed Highlands uprising ...and in a desperate fight to save both the child and the man she loves....

Review:

I read book 1 ages ago, and I meant to go back, but just never did. I've been watching the show and loving it, so it was the push I needed to continue the series. 

We continue watching young Claire fight to try and stop the war, and "modern" Claire goes back to where it all began with her daughter in tow. 

I know this book was written in the 90s, and there is a show about it, but I don't want to spoil anything! 

The duo timeline was fun. We are mainly in the "flashback" following young Jamie and young Claire fleeing to France. There is still hope to change the future, but it seems like fate has other plans for them time and time again.

I enjoyed it. It was long and sometimes long-winded. But I gobbled up each page. There were some stretches of time I had to take a break. It is emotional, especially because you know what is coming. An impending doom for sure. Yes. I teared up a time or two with this one. 

The author does such a great job bringing the worlds and the characters to life! You just want all your beloved characters to live happily ever after. 

Can I say something...controversial? As much as I liked this book and the other one.........I think the show is better. There are some little changes they did that just worked better. Some character development that I really liked. Not saying this is bad, but the show is just a smidge better. I still want to read book 3 one day, though!

Honestly, I think I might do the audio of it. I want to try it!

But yes, this was good, but it is a heavy read. Length and emotions. You need to read book 1 first for sure or have at least watched season 1 of the show. 

All-in-all, it was lovely coming back to Claire and Jamie. It felt like old friends. I do so love them both. 

4 stars. 

Reading Challenges

-  Reading Romance Challenge #4 (series I meant to go back to)

Movie Review: Wuthering Heights (2026)

Title: Wuthering Heights

Length: 2h 16m

Released: 2026

Genre: Drama, Romance
Rating: R
Where I Got It: Theater

SUMMARY:

A passionate and tumultuous love story set against the backdrop of the Yorkshire moors, exploring the intense and destructive relationship between Heathcliff and Catherine Earnshaw.

Trailer

REVIEW:

When I saw the trailer for the first time months ago, I knew I had to go see this. 'Wuthering Heights' is one of my favorite books to date. I read it every few years. I would read it every year, but it is a tragic read for sure. 

Here we have Cathy and Heathcliff. We all know the story. They are toxic, and their love is destructive. He misunderstands her conversation and leaves. She marries Linton. He comes back rich and ready to either have her or destroy everything. 

I will admit....I was nervous about the casting here. Mainly so our Heathcliff. I've seen this acting, and I like him, but I didn't know if he could pull off the dark side of Heathcliff. The youthful and in love version is doable, but the toxic side? I was nervous. HOWEVER, I was proven wrong. He did a delightful job. I wanted to clap. 

The rest of the cast was lovely. They all did a great job making you hate them and/or feel pity for them. I also loved the kid versions they cast. They actually looked like mini versions of our characters. Lovely. 

So, I went with Hubby and our mutual friend. Hubby barely remembered the last version I made him watch, but our mutual friend had never seen or read the book. After the movie ended, he said, "Man. I started off liking them, but I hated them by the end." I replied, "Yep. They are all terrible, terrible humans. Minus Linton, who didn't deserve any of this." And that is why I love this. They are all so toxic to each other. Maybe if everyone just sat down and talked ALL of this drama could've been avoided. So many hurt feelings. So many betrayals. So dang tragic. 

The aesthetic and music choice was interesting. I was a little unsure at first, but I grew to like it a lot. The colors were bold. 

The ending was different from the book. Which is fine. They cut out a whole part of Heathcliff's schemes, but it isn't the first movie adaptation that has done this. 

I was also really annoyed that they didn't include a huge part of Cathy's monologue describing her love for Heathcliff and Linton. It's classic! It is what all of booknerds wanted to hear! Disappointing!

In the end, I did enjoy this. I can see myself watching this again. It was intense and delightful, but in a dark way. They changed the ending, which didn't bug me too much. My biggest complaint is so minuscule, but I LOVE that whole quote. I'll give this 4 stars. 

 

Movie (Documentary) Review: The First American (2016)

Title: The First American

Length: 1h 35m

Released: 2016

Genre: Biography, Documentary
Rating: Not Rated (I would say MAYBE PG)
Where I Got It: Amazon

SUMMARY:

George Washington is central to understanding America's founding. He was the crucial figure in winning the American Revolution, in creating the Constitution, and in establishing the precedents for effective self-government as our first President. George Washington's sense of virtue, his lifelong activity as a citizen, his reverence for the rule of law, and his commitment to establishing the American Republic make him the essential figure for every American to know and study.

Trailer

REVIEW:

I technically watched this July 4th weekend, but I honestly forgot to write this review. I watch so few movies these days. I've been more into my TV shows lately. So yeah - I went back and watched this just so I could remember what I watched. 

Here we dive deep into George Washington and his life and impact on the United States. He was the first president. He was very beloved back then and for some...still beloved today. 

I thought this was very well done overall. I'm happy that the creators kept this bi-partisan and didn't try to push their political parties' agenda. This was about Washington and his impact on this country. Nicely done. 

I'm glad they dug into his pre-Revolution life; his childhood and his young adult life. From the research I've done on the man, his early life is really interesting and really would lead him to victory in the future. He was a complex man and unknown man. He was quiet and reserved. I think the documentary did a good job reflecting that. 

The acting scenes were.....okay. Some bits were really good like the battles. But there were some cringey moments. I'm not sure the person playing Martha was the person to do it. Maybe it was the script? She seemed SO awkward. George was nicely portrayed, but Martha was a bit off. 

This was a nice documentary and I would recommend it to people who would like to learn more. Very informative AND interesting. It wasn't boring at all. I think this would be a nice tape for students. 

I'll give this 4 stars. 

Book Review: Into the Wilderness by Sara Donati

Author: Sara Donati

Title: Into the Wilderness

Series: Wilderness #1

Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance

Format: ebook

Pages: 898

Published: August 3, 1998

Where I Got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

Weaving a tapestry of fact and fiction, Sara Donati’s epic novel sweeps us into another time and place . . . and into a breathtaking story of love and survival in a land of savage beauty.It is December of 1792. Elizabeth Middleton leaves her comfortable English estate to join her family in a remote New York mountain village. It is a place unlike any she has ever experienced. And she meets a man unlike any she has ever encountered—a white man dressed like a Native Nathaniel Bonner, known to the Mohawk people as Between-Two-Lives. Determined to provide schooling for all the children of the village, Elizabeth soon finds herself locked in conflict with the local slave owners as well as with her own family. Interweaving the fate of the Mohawk Nation with the destiny of two lovers, Sara Donati’s compelling novel creates a complex, profound, passionate portait of an emerging America

Review:

This has been burning a hole in my "I should really read it" pile for a LONG time. I think I even checked the book out in High School but never had a chance to read it. I was def that kid that would check out FAR too much. Literally the max I could have. 

Here we have Elizabeth Middleton who has left her comfortable English estate to join her family in the remote New York village. There she meets a man she can't get out of her mind. He is so unlike any man she has ever met. His name is Nathaniel Bonner, known to the Mohawk people as Between-Two-Lives. She will find herself in a conflict with the local slave owners as well as her own family. 

This....was.....so....long.....omg. I didn't remember that fact so I picked this one and another long one. Whoopsies. 

But yes. The length was rough but I did enjoy it. Some dry spots that could've been shortened a hair, but overall it was enjoyable. Elizabeth was a bit too perfect for my liking, but I was rooting for her and Nathaniel. 

Ugh Richard. 

Ugh Kitty. 

Ugh the crappy townspeople. 

This is 1792 and you know there will be intolerant Aholes, but man, it hurts how bad they are and think. Sighs. 

But yes, there is love. There is drama. And things get complex. 

I guess this is a continuation of 'THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS' which I watched the movie and attempted to read the book (I really need to give it a 2nd chance - it has been 15 years since I last tried). Had zero idea the two are tied. Which is cool!

OoooooooooooOOOOOOOOOoooooooo the ending. *shakes fist*. I'll have to read book 2. 

All-in-all, I did enjoy the vast majority of the book. There were some rough patches sprinkled throughout, but they didn't ruin the story for me. The characters were entertaining and the story SO complex and it does show a nice mirror to society at the time. Oof. The ending!? Ugh. I'll need to read book 2. 

I'll stamp this with 3 stars. 

- Favorite Character(s): Nathaniel

- Least Favorite Character(s): Kitty and Richard (boo)

Challenge(s):

- Library Love #1

- Romance Reading Challenge #4 (1700s setting)

Book Review: The Traitor's Wife by Allison Pataki

Author: Allison Pataki

Title: The Traitor's Wife

Genre: Historical Fiction

Format: Paperback

Pages: 496

Published: January 1, 2014

Where I Got It: My Shelf (Used Book Store)

Summary: 

A riveting historical novel about Peggy Shippen Arnold, the cunning wife of Benedict Arnold and mastermind behind America's most infamous act of treason . . .

Everyone knows Benedict Arnold--the Revolutionary War general who betrayed America and fled to the British--as history's most notorious turncoat. Many know Arnold's co-conspirator, Major John Andre, who was apprehended with Arnold's documents in his boots and hanged at the orders of General George Washington. But few know of the integral third character in the plot: a charming young woman who not only contributed to the betrayal but orchestrated it.

Socialite Peggy Shippen is half Benedict Arnold's age when she seduces the war hero during his stint as military commander of Philadelphia. Blinded by his young bride's beauty and wit, Arnold does not realize that she harbors a secret: loyalty to the British. Nor does he know that she hides a past romance with the handsome British spy John Andre. Peggy watches as her husband, crippled from battle wounds and in debt from years of service to the colonies, grows ever more disillusioned with his hero, Washington, and the American cause. Together with her former love and her disaffected husband, Peggy hatches the plot to deliver West Point to the British and, in exchange, win fame and fortune for herself and Arnold.

Told from the perspective of Peggy's maid, whose faith in the new nation inspires her to intervene in her mistress's affairs even when it could cost her everything, The Traitor's Wife brings these infamous figures to life, illuminating the sordid details and the love triangle that nearly destroyed the American fight for freedom.

Review:

Well.....last book of 2023. Wild that. 

This tale follows Clara who was the maid of the infamous Peggy who would go on to marry Benedict Arnold. Clara would go on to watch Peggy be seduced by John Andre, seducing Benedict, and then betraying the American cause. 

I simply LOVED that we see everything through Clara's eyes. After her grandma dies she is left with little options, but luckily she lands a job with Peggy and her family. It was interesting to see everything play out from this perspective. I even loved seeing Clara fall in love too. It was nice.

Oh...my....gawd....I wanted to slap the shit out of Peggy. She is a little brat and everyone was so charmed and fooled. It would've been fitting if she stayed with John....they are both charming snakes that people simply fell in love with. No spoiler here since it's history, even the jailers of John ended up feeling bad when they had to hang him. Wild, man...wild. Peggy was OBVIOUSLY a part of their plans, but she was able to charm Washington, Hamilton, and the rest, and the believed her stunts. However, what a wonderful villainous character to follow and watch. I truly feel the author did a wonderful job portraying this lady.

This was for sure a book I had a hard time putting down after the drama started. The beginning took a minute but you could tell all the pieces on the board were being set for some intrigue and drama. Yessssss as Kronk would say....

All-in-all what a nice way to ending my 2023 reading chapter. This was excellent and I enjoyed it. It had it all...love, drama, intrigue, and hint of comedy (Peggy is ridiculous). 5 stars from me. 

 

Challenge(s):

- #12 TBR Pile Reading (yayy all done)

Movie Review: Napoleon (2023)

Title: Napoleon

Length: 2h 49m

Released: 2023

Genre:  Historical Fiction, Action/Adventure, Biography
Rating: R
Where I Got It: Theater 

SUMMARY:

An epic that details the checkered rise and fall of French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte and his relentless journey to power through the prism of his addictive, volatile relationship with his wife, Josephine.

Trailer

REVIEW:

The moment I first saw the trailer I KNEW I had to see this in theaters. There was no other option for me. The cast....the director....the subject matter? Yes. 

This is about the infamous Napoleon Bonaparte. We get to witness his rise and fall politically and with Josephine. While he conquered the world....Josephine conquered his every waking thought. 

The reviews of this are SO polarized. Which is fitting for Napoleon. In his life and even today he is either loved or hated. Makes sense the film would settle in the hearts of people differently. 

Personally....I ended up LOVING this movie. It was really good. I will admit that it was a slow, slow burn...........but it oddly fit. I loved watching the tension rise and rise until everything shattered at the Battle of Waterloo. Damn, that was a scene. 

The cast was brilliant and I loved watching them. I honestly couldn't take my eyes off Napoleon and Josephine. They were captivating in their portrayals and if they don't win SOMETHING I would be utterly shocked.

Lots and lots of people are mad since there were some liberties taken like the first scene with Marie Antoinette. Many claim Napoleon was not there. Well..........do we know 100% for sure? Who knows. And yes I could spot a couple of historical inaccuracies but you have to take Hollywood historicals with a grain of salt. The creators will change things and for lack of a better phrase...butter up the screen. Now there is a fine, fine line to be careful of and I found that they did a good job on that line. Historically accurate enough for History Nerds like me to enjoy it, but still have it be entertaining enough for people like my husband who is meh about history. *chefs kiss* Very nice. 

But yesssssss I loved it. It was good. I wouldn't mind a re-watch one day. I think it's going on the Apple Streaming Service (boo), so I may have to buy it on DVD one day. 

5 stars for sure. I for sure recommend this BUT be warned that there is a lot of blood. It is a war film at the end of the day.

Audiobook Review: Sinful Scottish Laird by Julia London

Author: Julia London

Narrator: Derek Perkins

Title: Sinful Scottish Laird

Series: Highland Grooms #2

Genre: Historical Romance

Format: Audiobook

Published: February 28, 2017

Where I got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

Widowed and forced to remarry in three years' time or forfeit her son's inheritance, Daisy Bristol, Lady Chatwick, has plenty of suitors vying for her hand and her fortune. But a letter from a long-lost love sends Daisy and her young son to her Scottish Highland estate to buy time for his return. Along the way she encounters the powerful Cailean Mackenzie, laird of Arrandale and a notorious smuggler, and she is utterly and unwillingly bewitched.

Cailean has no use for any Sassenach in his glen. But Daisy's brazen, flirtatious nature and alluring beauty intrigue him. When her first love appears unexpectedly at her estate, Cailean knows that a passionate woman like Daisy cannot marry this man. And to prevent the union, Cailean must put his own life at risk to win her heart.

Review:

This is the 2nd book in the series. I read book 1 last year. 

Here we follow Daisy Bristol, aka Lady Chatwick, and Cailean who is the laird of Arrandale. When Daisy's husband passed away and she is forced to remarry in three years' time or forfeit her son's inheritance. There are plenty of suitors vying for her hand...and her money. However, she wants to marry for love or at least for friendship, so when she receives a letter from a long-lost love sends her to her Scottish estate to buy time for his return. Along the way, she will meet Cailean who is not only a laird but a notorious smuggler. She is utterly bewitched but he has no use for a woman and especially not an English lady. 

This is book 1 but you can read this as a standalone. There are some references to the other couple since they are Cailean's parents, but they explain what you need to know. 

This was a slow start for me. I really and truly struggled to get into the story. I found myself zoning out, however, I kept pushing forward. Things did turn around for me after page 50 and I found myself invested in our characters. 

I liked Daisy and Cailean. You can see the lust and even some friendship, but the love took a while which worked for them. They both were burned by love in the past (in different ways) so you can see why they are unsure of their feelings. Plus Daisy is living in a fantasy that Robert (who was her first love) and her are meant to be. Poor thing believes he loves her and not her fortune. Spoiler...not spoiler....he doesn't. She does figure it out but it takes a while. 

I really did love how our two MCs are a little older and not virgin-y. She is a widow hitting 30 soon and Cailean is about to turn 36 any day. It was also nice seeing how complex they were. Lots of issues and flaws. They have been hurt and there is some external issues they have to deal with too. Between her being English and him Scottish....and then the political issues impacting this romance. It is not an easy romance but they will find their HEA (not a spoiler of course). So yes, it took a while and it worked. 

The ending was nice and the resolution was dealt with perfectly. However, there are some things not 100% settled. I feel like there is something heading their way though....book 3 is about Cailean's brother so I'm sure the other shoe will drop then. 

The narrator was the same as book 1. He did a good job then and did a good job here. Nice voices and flawless changes in accents and different genders. 

In the end, I struggled with the beginning but I pushed through and I grew to enjoy it. I liked the characters and you can't help but root for them to find love. 3 stars from me. 

Challenge(s):
- #8 for Audiobook challenge

- #7 for Romance Reading Challenge - MC 35+ years old

Movie Review: Prey (2022)

Title: Prey

Length:  1h 39m

Released: 2022

Genre:  Action, Adventure, Drama, Sci FI
Rating: R
Where I Got It: Hulu

SUMMARY:

The origin story of the Predator in the world of the Comanche Nation 300 years ago. Naru, a skilled warrior, fights to protect her tribe against one of the first highly-evolved Predators to land on Earth.

Click here for the trailer

REVIEW:

This I first watched the trailer a while back I simply couldn't WAIT to watch it! When I seen it was on Hulu I grabbed the hubby and we watched it the moment we could. 

Naru is a skilled hunter, survivor, and warrior. She a Comanche woman who has to prove herself. When the Predator lands on Earth she will have to use every trick she knows to save herself and her people. 

This movie kicked ass. I loved every second of it. Naru was awesome. She wasn't perfect but she was a quicker learner. I also loved her pup! That pup deserves all the snacks and all the awards you can give to a dog. 

Now...I will say you HAVE to watch this in the Comanche Dub. I will never watch the English version. The Comanche Dub made it feel so real and it just added another layer. 

As a note - we come across some French fur-trappers who are jerks. They only speak French except for one who knows some Comanche. Which I thought was great. You are following in Naru's steps and only know what she knows. She doesn't know French so it was a treat. I was able to translate some of the French for the hubby and me. But I have a 2nd-grade reading level soooooo ya. There was some stuff I didn't know but I didn't care. You can infer based on what was going on and their actions. 

The fights scenes were fun! 

The ending was good. It wasn't exactly how what I was expecting, but it was good. Won't spoil the ending for ya ;) 

There is a small hint that we may get a sequel one day. Which I would love!! 

But yes, def a good movie. By far my favorite Predator movie! Naru was awesome. The puppy was great. The fight scenes fun. I recommend this for sure. 5 stars. 

Book Review: Yakimali's Gift by Linda Covella

Author: Linda Covella

Title: Yakimali's Gift

Genre: Historical Fiction, YA, Romance

Format: ebook

Published: July 28th 2014

Where I Got It: My shelf - Amazon

Summary: 

It’s 1775 in Mexico, New Spain, and 15-year-old Fernanda Marquina, half Pima Indian and half Spanish, can’t seem to live up to her mother’s expectations or fit into the limited female roles of her culture. While she tends her garden, matches wits with buyers and sellers at the weekly market, and avoids Mama’s lectures and the demands of Nicolas, the handsome soldier pursuing her, Fernanda grabs any opportunity to ride the horses she loves, racing across the desert, dreaming of adventure in faraway lands.

But when a tragic accident presents her with the adventure she longed for, it’s at a greater cost than she could have ever imagined. With her family, Fernanda joins Juan Bautista de Anza’s historic colonization expedition to California.

On the arduous four-month journey, Fernanda makes friends with Feliciana, the young widow Fernanda can entrust with her deepest thoughts; Gloria, who becomes the sister Fernanda always wished for; and Gloria’s handsome brother Miguel, gentle one moment, angry the next and, like Fernanda, a mestizo–half Indian and half Spanish. As Fernanda penetrates Miguel’s layers of hidden feelings, she’s torn between him and Nicolas, who has joined the journey in the ranks of Anza’s soldiers and whose plans include marrying Fernanda when they reach California.

But propelling Fernanda along the journey is her search for Mama’s Pima Indian past, a past Mama refused to talk about, a past with secrets that Fernanda is determined to learn. The truths she discovers will change the way she sees her ancestry, her family, and herself.

Review:

I've had my eye on this one for a while so I decided to bite the bullet and read it and make my book club read it too. Hehehe 

Fernanda is half Pima Indian and Spanish and she can't seem to live up to her mother's expectations or fit into the limited female role she must play. Between her mother's lectures and Nicholas who wants to marry her...she feels like she can't catch her breath. She just wants to ride horses and go on adventures. After tragedy strikes, she will be given a chance to get everything she wants. With her family, they join in on Juan Bautista de Anza’s historic colonization expedition to California. Along the way, she will meet new friends, find love, find herself, and search for her more information on her mother's past and culture. 

This was a quick read and I enjoyed it. There were some slow-paced parts for sure, especially in the beginning. 

For sure a YA but enjoyable and I think this would be a good one for kids in history classes to read. 

I liked Fernanda a lot. She was a sweet girl and I wanted her to have it all!

Boo to Miguel AND Nicholas. Okay...they have their pros and cons, but I didn't like either for Fernanda. Miguel was kind of a jerk which we learn WHY, but still. And Nicholas was too pushy and too rigid. Oh and a racist. Boo to both of them. I wish she had found someone else. Spoiler, not spoiler, she ends up with one of them. Personally, I do not think the romance was needed. I would've liked her just focusing on herself and searching for answers for her mother. 

I would love a sequel. That would be nice to see her years later. Maybe she goes back to the Pima tribe! IDK. Curious to see her live and help build California up. 

Other than that, I enjoyed it. It was slow-paced here and there, but I liked it. I'll give this 3 stars.

Book Review: The Raven Prince by Elizabeth Hoyt

Author: Elizabeth Hoyt 

Title: The Raven Prince

(Princes #1)

Genre: Historical Romance

Format: ebook

Pages: 392 

Published: November 1st 2006

Where I Got It: Borrowed Library

Summary: 

Widowed Anna Wren is having a wretched day. After an arrogant man on horseback nearly crushes her, she arrives home to learn that she is in dire financial straits.

THERE COMES A TIME IN A LADY'S LIFE

The Earl of Swartingham is in a quandary. Having frightened off two secretaries, Edward de Raaf needs someone who can withstand his bad temper and boorish behavior.

WHEN SHE MUST DO THE UNTHINKABLE . . .

When Anna becomes the earl's secretary, it would seem that both their problems are solved. But when she discovers he plans to visit the most notorious brothel in London, she sees red-and decides to assuage her desires . . .

Review:

Picked this up because 1) it matches a square on my challenge bingo sheet and 2) that dress is sooo pretty and 3) I was curious to see how she becomes his secretary  

We follow Anna Wren who has been a widow for a few years and the Earl of Swarthingham. Anna is nearly crushed by an arrogant man on horseback and then she realizes her financials are crumbling. She decides she needs a job to help. The Earl is in a quandary. He has frightened off two secretaries and no one wants to take the job because no one can withstand his bad temper and boorish behavior. Walks in Anna. She takes the job and everything seems okay until she discovers he plans to visit the most notorious brothel in London. 

Very unlikely that any Earl would ever, ever hire a woman during this town, but he is not an a-typical bro and he is a jerk-face soooo I will allow it and I liked it. 

The beginning started fine and I enjoyed it. Anna was fun and even the jerk-face Earl was fun. However...I got really bored with their romance about halfway. I will admit that I started skimming. The sexual tension had me yawning. Which is weirrrrd because I did like the two of them and they seemed to work together well. But that is that. Work. I did not feel and believe their chemistry. 

And then the brothel parts happened. Sighs. I get her getting jealous. For sure. But her going all the way to London, talks with a whore, and then puts on a mask and goes to the Earl's room to have smexy times with him. WHAT? How dangerous! How silly! 

And of course he finds out. Duh. I really didn't understand why we needed the brothel scenes. It seemed unnecessary. They were already lusting over each other and working together.  

I feel like there was too much shoved into this and the modern language used here and there really bugged me.  

Sighs. Not for me in the end.

I loved our characters, but I didn't love them and their chemistry. Plus there were too many modern notions and languages that made it hard for me to like. I'll stamp this with 2 stars. 

Challenge(s):

- #13 for Romance Bingo - Widow/Widower (yayy bingo!)

Time for TV Tuesday: The Great (Season 1)

Recently Finished:

The Great (season 1)

Through: Hulu

"A royal woman living in rural Russia during the 18th century is forced to choose between her own personal happiness and the future of Russia, when she marries an Emperor." - IMDb

The summary really does nothing to describe this show. We follow the story of Catherine the Great in her early years and when she first arrives to Russia to marry Peter. She is young and naïve but she realizes that Peter is useless as an Emperor soooooo she should take the crown herself and lead this nation. 

This had humor and had drama. And as they proclaim this is occasionally true and accurate. They don't try to hide that they had some fun with the story and characters sometimes. Which worked for the story. 

Oooooooooo this was funny and sad all at the same time. 

I had a hard time hating Peter all the time. He's just a dumb, spoiled dude. The actor is adorable too so it makes it hard fully hating him all the time. But then there were times I wanted to stab him myself and be done with it. Loved the actor for this role. 

Poor Catherine. I was a little worried about who they casted to play her, but it worked well and she did excellent. 

I just loved the overall cast. It was fun. 

BF even started watching with me when he realized how fun this was. 

Yes, be prepared for some historical inaccuracies, but it was overall enjoyable and I want to rewatch it. I hope they do a season 2 soon. This ended a little open-ended. If you don't know the real history you wouldn't know. And I was a sobbing mess!!! SOBS! SEASON 2 PLEASE!!!

5 stars of course ;)