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 ;) 

Audiobook Review: The Ash Tree by MR James

Author: M.R. James 

Narrator: David Suchet

Title: The Ash Tree

Genre: Short Story, Novella, Horror, Classic, Paranormal

Format: Audiobook

Published:  1904

Where I got It: My shelf (Audible)

Summary: The tale of a man who unwittingly angers a sorcerer

Review:

Stumbled upon this on Audible and it fits what I as looking for. Something short but spooky. 

The story follows Sir Matthew Fell and his grandson Sir Richard. Years previous a woman was found guilty of being a witch and condemned to death because of the testimony given by Sir Matthew. Not long after, Sir Matthew dies in a mysterious and horrific circumstances. Fifty years later, Sir Richard inherits his grandfather's home and he starts realizing that the ash tree might be to root of his problems. 

Oh idiots the lot of them. Especially Richard. Even if you don't believe in supernatural stuff...why would you WANT to stay in the room that your grandfather died in. NOT just DIED...but died a terrible and horrific death. Super creepy. 

And that tree. *shudders* Creepy tree. Burn that thing down. 

This was short, but it worked. If it was longer I think it wouldn't have been so creepy.

My only issue was that the beginning took a little while to warm up. But it was all worth it by the end. 

The narrator did a good job and I loved the sound effects. Both added to creep factor. 

For sure worth the listen! I'll give this 4 stars. 

Challenge(s):
- #47 for Audiobook Challenge

Audiobook Review: The Tory by TJ London

Author: T.J. London

Narrator: Shane East, Tara Langella, Patrick Zeller, Marnye Young

Title: The Tory

(The Rebels and Redcoats Saga #1)

Genre: Historical Fiction & Romance

Format: Audiobook

Published:  April 11th 2018

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

Summary: It is the winter of 1776, and Captain John Carlisle, one of His Majesty’s not-so-finest, has gone back to the scene of the crime to right a wrong so dark it left a permanent stain on what was once an illustrious career and left a man broken, defeated, in search of justice…

In an effort to win back his commission, he must discover the true nature of the relationship between the Six Nations of the Iroquois and the Colonial Army. Undercover as a war profiteer, John travels to the treacherous Mohawk River Valley and infiltrates local society, making friends with those he’s come to betray. 

But a chance meeting with a beautiful half Oneida innkeeper, whose tragic history is integrally linked to his own, will provide him with the intelligence he needs to complete his mission—and devastate her people. 

Now, as the flames of war threaten to consume the Mohawk Valley, John has the chance to not only serve King and country, but to clear his name. When the truth he uncovers ties his own secrets to those in the highest positions of the British military and threatens the very life of the woman he’s come to love, he will be forced to make a choice…

Review:

When I seen this I could not help but want to check it out! 

The story follows disgraced John Carlisle who has been given a second chance to redeem himself and prove his loyalty to the Crown but at what cost? He has to go back to where everything went wrong and were his demons hide. He goes back undercover to uncover the relationship between the Six Nations of the Iroquois and the Colonial Army. He meets the beautiful innkeeper who also has a tragic past that unknowingly is linked to John's. 

This was an intense listen. The narrators were awesome and had me needing to listen to more and more. I could not put this down! I had to know what was going to happen next. 

Everyone has secrets and not everything is black and white. The author did a fantastic job showing this. Even our baddie cannot be simply summed up. He is certainly evil....but he isn't all there either from what I can see. It made it a really interesting read for sure because you really don't know what anyone is capable of. Loyalty is fragile. 

Poor John. Poor Dellis. I am rooting for them but it is not at all an easy romance especially when the truth comes out. They both have their demons...especially John. It did take me a few to get actually like John...but I feel like that was the point. He is a scoundrel and rake and likes to drink and be in business with a prostitute. It was nice seeing him grow up and find love in his heart. He's not all the way there yet, but he is really redeeming himself.

Ooooo I can't wait for book 2! This left off with such a big cliffhanger!!! I need to know what happens next! There is something big coming and I feel like not everyone is going to survive this. 

This is a dark world at times so just be warned there are some...dark scenes and some are a hair gruesome (ignore my bad pun here). They don't last long and that made me happy, but it is necessary to really get you into the world and see that it was for sure the Wild West before the actual Wild West. War is a nasty business. 

Overall, I really, really liked this book. The narrators were fantastic and the story kept me on the edge of my seat. I can't wait for book 2!! I'll stamp this with 5 stars. 

Challenge(s):
- #45 for Audiobook Challenge

- #8 on THE BAD BOYS OF ROMANCE challenge

Book Review: The First Mrs. Rothschild by Sara Aharoni

Author: Sara Aharoni
Title: The First Mrs. Rothschild
Genre: Historical Fiction & Romance
Format: ebook

Pages: 484
Published: January 1st 2015
Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: It is the turn of the eighteenth century in Frankfurt, Germany, and young Gutle and Meir Amschel Rothschild struggle to establish themselves in the cramped and restricted Judengasse. But when Meir’s talents as a novice banker catch the attention of a German prince, Meir is suddenly afforded entrée into the European world of finance and nobility, and the Rothschilds’ lives are changed forever. As proud as Gutle is of her husband’s success, she is also cautious—very much aware of the fact that her husband’s rise is tied to his patrons’ willingness to “see past” his Jewishness. As their family grows, and a dream of fortune comes true, so does their belief that money will ultimately bring the power needed to establish Jewish civil rights.

Told through Gutle’s intimate journals, revealed across decades—from the French Revolution through personal tragedies and triumphs

Review:

Finally reading this one. It has been on my virtual Kindle shelf for a million years. 

We follow Gutle who is a young Jewish woman in Frankfurt, Germany during the turn of the eighteenth century. She marries Meir Amschel Rothschild who wants more than life in Judengasee. After catching the eye of a German prince, Meir and Gutle find themselves in a whole new world and new dangers.

The story is told all in journal formatting which usually excites me. I love that intimate connection with characters! However....I didn't connect with Gutle like I wanted to. Maybe it was her? Maybe it was me? But...she....was boring. Gah. That is so harsh of me I know! However, I was more curious about her hubby and her children. I felt like she was a school teacher lecturing (especially as we got further along in the story). It didn't feel natural or like she was writing her true thoughts all the time. We had glimpses here and there, but I felt like she didn't want to let her emotions run freely. 

The story itself was okay and it was fun seeing them rise. They are good people and he worked really hard to get everything! I cheered. But....that connection was lost for me. Maybe if it was his journal or if it was just told like a normal story - ie 1st person or something. 

I will admit...I skimmed a lot especially in the middle and near the end. There were so many times I just wanted to walk away and be done...but I pushed forward because I was curious to see what this family had in store for them. Plus there are so few stories set in the Jewish POV. I wanted to learn and see so I kept reading and finished this. Again...maybe I would've felt more with a different POV or story format.

Overall, I wish I had liked this more. It felt more like a lecture sometimes rather than intimate thoughts of a young girl who becomes a wife, mother, grandmother, and so on. I'll give this 2 stars.