Book Review: Don't Forget to Write by Sara Goodman Confino

Author: Sara Goodman Confino

Title: Don't Forget to Write

Genre: Historical Fiction, Chick Lit

Format: ebook

Pages: 334

Published: September 1, 2023

Where I got It: Kindle Unlimited

Summary: 

In 1960, a young woman discovers a freedom she never knew existed in this exhilarating, funny, and emotional novel by the bestselling author of She’s Up to No Good . When Marilyn Kleinman is caught making out with the rabbi’s son in front of the whole congregation, her parents ship her off to her great-aunt Ada for the summer. If anyone can save their daughter’s reputation, it’s Philadelphia’s strict premier matchmaker. Either that or Marilyn can kiss college goodbye. To Marilyn’s surprise, Ada’s not the humorless septuagenarian her mother described. Not with that platinum-blonde hair, Hermès scarf, and Cadillac convertible. She’s sharp, straight-talking, takes her job very seriously, and abides by her own rules…mostly. As the summer unfolds, Ada and Marilyn head for the Jersey shore, where Marilyn helps Ada scope out eligible matches—for anyone but Marilyn, that is. Because if there’s one thing Marilyn’s learned from Ada, it’s that she doesn’t have to settle. With the school year quickly approaching and her father threatening to disinherit her, Marilyn must make her choice for her future: return to the comfortable life she knows, or embrace a risky, unknown path on her own.

Review:

This was picked for our book club!!! Never heard of it so I was excited to read it. It sounds good and look at that cover!!! 

Here we have Marilyn, who wants to do what she wants and be free. After being caught kissing the rabbi's son and declining to marry him, she is sent to her great-Aunt's for the summer. Her aunt is described as being humorless and tough, but Marilyn is pleasantly surprised. Yes, Ada can be all of those things, but there is more to her. With Ada's help, Marilyn will have to find the courage to make her own choices for her future. She will have many decisions to make before the end of summer. 

I am feeling lazy. I'll divide and conquer this review.

The Good

- Loved our cast here except for Marilyn's parents. I wanted to shake them. 

- I loved the setting

- The vibes of this book were intoxicating. I didn't want to stop! 

- We have a few twists, and they were great. 

- That last twist!!! I had a feeling, but I didn't think it would happen! EEEEE!

The Bad and the Ugly

- My only real issue was the very end. HOW CAN YOU LEAVE US LIKE THIS!?!?!?!?! Are we going to get a book 2? Short story? POV shift? SOMETHING?

Conclusion

I really, really liked this book. I didn't want to stop reading, and I wanted more. Maybe an epilogue or something. SOMETHING. But other than that, I have no real issue. I'll give this 5 stars even with the ending. It might be me being selfish. I loved everything else. 

Book Review: The Fourth Daughter by Lyn Liao Butler

Author: Lyn Liao Butler

Title: The Fourth Daughter

Genre: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Contemporary

Format: ebook

Pages: 280

Published: August 1, 2025

Where I got It: Amazon

Summary: 

In Taiwan, the bond between grandmother and granddaughter opens up a healing world for them both in an inspiring family saga about the comfort of food, untold histories, and indomitable mother love.

Chef Liv Kuo’s star is on the rise…until a traumatic incident leaves her emotionally unable to venture outside her Manhattan apartment. But an unexpected reason to break free comes from Ah-Ma, Liv’s beloved grandmother in Taiwan. Ah-Ma needs Liv’s help in finding her fourth daughter, taken from her when the girl was an infant. After all these years, it seems impossible. It’s also a Ah-Ma’s fourth daughter is an aunt Liv never even knew existed.

After landing in Taiwan, Liv hears the heartbreaking story of her grandmother’s plight in a country once under martial law, of choices made for her, and of the hopeful search for a lost girl that has endured for more than sixty years. Like the enriching food and traditions that bind Liv and Ah-Ma, their journey for answers brings them together.

And it’s a quest that turns up both a precious old cookbook and a tale of fatal betrayal that shakes everything Liv believed about her family—revelations that could also give her the courage to face the trauma she left behind.

Review:

A member of my Twitch community (if you're curious, my name on Twitch is Carole_Rae) picked this book for me to read. I was instantly curious when I read the summary because I love books like this!!

The story follows Liv and her grandmother. Liv went through a terrible tragedy and can't get out of her house because of the fear. However, everything changes when she speaks to her grandma who is convinced she seen her missing daughter at the store. It has been decades since grandma had last seen her daughter, but she believes it is her. Years previous, her fourth daughter was taken away from her because of a superstition that the number 4 is a bad luck number. To help her beloved grandma, Liv forces herself to fly out to help find this woman.

This hit me so hard especially near the end. I was in tears. Happy and sad tears. So many years wasted because of the mistakes of people in the past. 

I loved following along with the current POV and the past POVs. It made me sad seeing how people had good intentions and some not so good bring such sadness to everyone. Yes, there was happiness and joy, but so much could've been avoided. 

Gah! Grandma's husband was a rat bastard! *shakes fist* Bad man.

There was a sprinkle of romance between Liv and Simon. I didn't really think it was needed, but it was lovely seeing Liv finally find peace again and he helped her. It didn't overtake the story (thankfully) but the love was wildly quick.

The ending was lovely. I loved how it ended SO much. That letter? GAH! Beautiful. 

Such a good book. I for sure recommend it. The romance didn't seem needed, but it was fine overall. It was lovely seeing Liv find some peace after what she went through. I hope she finally gets the therapy she needs. I'll stamp this with 4 stars. 

Favorite Character(s): grandma and Liv

Least Favorite Character(s): Grandma's husband

 Challenge(s):

- Cloak and Dagger #26

Book Review: Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Author: Taylor Jenkins Reid

Title: Daisy Jones and the Six

Genre: Historical Fiction

Format: ebook

Pages: 369

Published: March 5, 2019

Where I Got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

A gripping novel about the whirlwind rise of an iconic 1970s rock group and their beautiful lead singer, revealing the mystery behind their infamous break up.

Everyone knows Daisy Jones & The Six, but nobody knows the real reason why they split at the absolute height of their popularity...until now.

Daisy is a girl coming of age in L.A. in the late sixties, sneaking into clubs on the Sunset Strip, sleeping with rock stars, and dreaming of singing at the Whisky a Go-Go. The sex and drugs are thrilling, but it's the rock and roll she loves most. By the time she's twenty, her voice is getting noticed, and she has the kind of heedless beauty that makes people do crazy things.

Another band getting noticed is The Six, led by the brooding Billy Dunne. On the eve of their first tour, his girlfriend Camila finds out she's pregnant, and with the pressure of impending fatherhood and fame, Billy goes a little wild on the road.

Daisy and Billy cross paths when a producer realizes the key to supercharged success is to put the two together. What happens next will become the stuff of legend.

Review:

I've eyeballed this one and funnily enough this was picked for Book Club soooooooooo sure why not. 

Told in the format of an interview we get to the heart of the raise and fall of Daisy Jones & The Six. We'll get the behind-the-scenes that everyone has wanted. 

First thing first.....the format was wildly different. You know those documentaries where they interview people to tell the story? The author attempts this here. We get multiple people telling us the story of the band. It was interesting and refreshing. It was done alright. I do wish we had more descriptives of HOW the people were talking and feeling and looking. You could assume. There were some instances of the author putting a few descriptives like "[pauses]", but there should have been more instances and more descriptives. I'm sure if I had done the audiobook, the narrator would've taken liberties and it might've helped. But yes, more would've been a great benefit, because the reader is left to pretty much assume.

The beginning had me curious...and then it lost me for a few, but after a certain scene it had me in it's grasps again. I could only read small chunks at a time, but I was hooked. I had to know what the final straw to break the camel's back was. There was SOOOO much drama in this band. It was bound to erupt, but it was just waiting for that last straw to fall. 

I hated everyone BUT I was enraptured with them all. They are all selfish, emotional, and immature. But you gotta remember....they are young and they are "stars". LOTS of ego in the room. 

The ending felt...rushed in a way. And I don't agree with a certain email. Gah. I'm just going to say it.......no I'm not.....I am. EEE. Okay [SPOILER ALERT] Billy's wife passes and pretty much gives the AOK for Billy and Daisy to reconnect and make another "song". Which YOU KNOW was her giving them permission to finally be together. Gag. They are so toxic for each other. Billy being Billy, though, he'll do it. :S Plus it felt so reductive of the characters. You can love someone but it doesn't mean that you should be together. SIGHS. Plus....I feel like Camila would've NEVER wanted that. IDK. It just didn't vibe with the whole story [SPOILER END]

Other then that ending and how I wanted more from the format.....I did like this. It was different and entertaining. Toxic characters doing toxic things in the 60s and 70s. What more can you ask for?

All-in-all, I did find myself liking this. I had some issues especially the ending little curveball. Bleh. Other than that I liked it. I can't wait to discuss this one. I'm sure we will have a lot to talk about. Rating???? Mmmmm. This has been a struggle for sure. 3....yes....3 stars seems fine. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Conflicting

Challenge(s):

- Library Love #31

Book Review: The Neighbor by Dean Koontz

Author: Dean Koontz

Title: The Neighbor

Series: The City #0.5

Genre: Horror, Thriller, Short story, Paranormal, Fantasy, Mystery

Format: ebook

Pages: 33

Published: January 1, 2014

Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 

A prequel to The City

The year is 1967. Malcolm Pomerantz is twelve, geeky and socially awkward, while his seriously bright sister, Amalia, is spirited and beautiful. Each is the other’s best friend, united by a boundless interest in the world beyond their dysfunctional parents’ unhappy home. But even the troubled Pomerantz household will seem to be a haven compared to the house next door, after an enigmatic and very secretive new neighbor takes up residence in the darkest hours of the night.

Review:

Got a few little short stories from Amazon. Gotta love it! But I picked this one up because I have read a book by this author before and I have been interested in checking out 'The City' (book 1). So why not read the prequel? 

The year is 1967 and Malcolm is 12. He is awkward and geeky, while his sister is spirited and beautiful and talented. He swears she'll be famous someday. They are best friends and united by a boundless interest in the world outside of their dysfunctional home. However, there is something dark next door that makes them happy to be living in their home. 

This was short but filled to the brim with story. I was hooked to every single page. I wasn't quite sure what was going to happen or what was even going on. 

The ending was good. Now I'm extra excited for the first book. I believe Malcolm and his sister make appearances so that will be fun to see them in the aftermath of what they experienced. 

But yes, this was short, but good. A nice mini thriller and mystery with paranormal stuff attached. I'm so glad what happened happened to that house. A very good ending. 

Fun! Can't wait to read book 1. 

I'll give this 5 stars. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Mysterious

Movie Review: Oppenheimer (2023)

Title: Oppenheimer

Length: 3 hrs

Released: 2023

Genre:  Biography, Drama, History
Rating: R
Where I Got It: Peacock

SUMMARY:

The story of American scientist J. Robert Oppenheimer and his role in the development of the atomic bomb.

Trailer

REVIEW:

Been meaning to watch this and I really am bummed I didn't watch this in theaters. This would've been visually wonderful on the big screen. But 3 hours in a theater and not pausing? Oof. So maybe it's good I watched it at home with Hubby. 

Here we watch the story of J. Robert Oppenheimer who was the father of the atomic bomb. We not only see his journey and his team's journey to taking a theory and making it a thing, but we also see the aftermath to his career. 

Dang this had one heck of a cast. They spent ALL the money on this. Loads and loads of big names and they all did amazing. They played off each other well. Sometimes with so many big names it can feel like a battle on the screen. 

What a controversial man even in his own time. He was interesting and I knew so little about him. I knew the basics....he led the Manhattan Project....that's all. It was interesting not only learning about him, but the majority of his whole team. I feel like the movie did a good job really getting to the heart of the people...especially Oppenheimer. He was complex. His emotions with what happened with his product was beautiful to watch. You could tell he had mixed feelings, but that last scene with Albert....broke my heart in a way. They don't victimize him or excuse what they all did, BUT it does make you look at the people themselves. It makes you question yourself too.....what would you have done in those desperate and scary times? 

Honestly....this could've been two movies. There was so much more they could've really dived into. 

The jumping around time could've used a more distinct indicator or something when switching around. You def have to pay attention. There was a time or two when I was momentarily confused, but I would catch my bearings and be okay. This is a film you HAVE to pay attention to. Lots of subtle things. 

But yes. This is a film that everyone should watch. It does give us a look at humanity. Not just of the past....but of today. It makes you think. It makes you feel. It makes you question everything. I can see why this got the hype it did. It was really good. I do want to re-watch someday. I'll give this 4 stars. The time hopping could have been done slightly better. They did good, but I feel like there could've been a better indicator. 

I'm starting something new in March for reviews....one word summaries...because I love trying new things with my reviews. 

One Word Summary: INTENSE

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

Joint Review: The Making of Her by Bernadette Jiwa

Hello all! Blodeuedd and I will be discussing "The Making of Her" by Bernadette Jiwa. Blodeuedd is in red and I am in orange.

Author: Bernadette Jiwa
Title: The Making of Her
Genre: Historical Fiction
Published: August 9th 2022
Format: ebook

Pages: 352

Provided to us by Netgalley

Summary:

Dublin 1996. Joan Egan lives an enviable life. She and her husband, Martin, and daughter, Carmel, are thriving in Dublin at the dawn of an economic boom. But everything changes when Joan receives a letter from Emma, the daughter who she and Martin gave up for adoption thirty years before, asking for a life-or-death favor.

While Joan grapples with the guilt over giving up her baby long ago, she must confront her present as the cracks in her marriage become impossible to ignore and simmering tension with Carmel boils over. Meanwhile, Carmel and Emma must come to terms with the perceived sins of their mother, to imagine a future for their family before it is too late.

Discussion:

This was just a random book I said yes to and made Carole read it too.

Awwww! It sounded too good to not check it out. I’m glad we read it! This is for sure an excellent book club book.

I thought the whole preggo in Ireland in the 60s sounded good cos of all those scandals and all. But there was almost nothing about the effed up things the Catholic church was up to back then. And I still wonder about her siblings?!?!

I do wish we had more seeing her journey when she was young and preggo. We only got glimpses. And yessss I would’ve liked to see what happened to the siblings. Maybe there will be a sequel with her finding all her family?

I did feel a bit disappointed personally, I felt there were many roads that could have been taken. Like did she never look or wonder about them? I’d wonder about my siblings! And yes I felt the whole pregnancy journey should have been more. Now it was more a boring middle-aged couple where the husband was a d*ck.

I think it would’ve been more…. heart-wrenching if we got to see her before, during, and then after. And then all the drama with Emma and Ben. I think it would’ve been more impactful. And ugh damn Martin and his venomous mother. 

Yes, it should have been more gutwrenching. I did not even like Emma, I felt she was too oh if my mum had been alone then poor mum, but now she was not so f her.

I get Emma being a little bitter because she didn’t know the story. You finally get a chance to learn and hear Joan’s side, but she was still f her. It’s tragic how it all went down. I felt bad for Joan and Emma and even Carmel. They deserved more. Again…f Martin and his mom. LOL that is all I kept saying the whole time. 

I get bitter, but one thinks that after hearing the story she would understand, like hello, your dad?!? Doesn’t that tell you anything? I felt really sorry for Joan. Being stuck with Martin and his toxic mum for 30 years. The ending too was so meh, it needed more impact.

For real. Joan was so young and she was pretty much a prisoner in that house….a bird locked in a gilded cage. I did cheer at the end when Joan did what she did. Good for her. Good for Carmel. I’m mad at Emma for what she did. I am hopeful there will a second book. I feel like there is more story to tell. Like we get to see Joan’s siblings. The ending just ended. Too many loose ends.

Hmm, I wonder how Catholic the author is, maybe she doesn’t want to say too much about 60s practices of taking kids and such. Delve deeper you know. But yes I really wanted to know more. Maybe there were no records, but still, go find them! See, what this book left me was that question.

To be fair…Joan may not know anything about that. If there is another book maybe the author can dive into with Joan looking for her siblings that were taken. I’m sure those poor kids have horror stories!

I do wonder….but hey at least Martin did stand by her. This book could have taken a much much bleaker turn. Her ending up in some home run by nuns, and shunned by her friends.

I’m very, very surprised Martin stayed by her. I still don’t fully get why he just didn’t marry her in London. He was an ass and only wanted to do things on his and his mother’s schedule. Grrrr Martin. Maybe Joan could’ve found a nice fella to take her and her baby in.

Nah, that baby would have been taken from her and adopted, and maybe she finally had made it somewhere to start a new life. But yes I am surprised Martin didn’t just say bye and leave. At least he tried that asshole. And they could just have pretended to have married earlier, but hhh scandal. Well fu Martin, you coward.  Be a man!

Yes. That was his biggest flaw. He was a coward. I like to think that maybe Joan could’ve found another man. Even if they took the baby…maybe when Emma showed up that man would’ve been all “YES! LET’S HELP HER!!!!” IDK. I’m so glad Joan and Carmel womened up. 

That other man would totally have been, let’s help her at once! And then it would have taken a happier turn. And maybe they would have hunted down Martin, and he would still be a bitter old man. But this time Joan and Emma would have been all f that guy.

Wishful thinking! I hope there is a book 2. I am invested in these characters…especially Joan, Carmel, and little Ben. I need more of a closure.

I need more closure too.

More is needed, but def a good book for book club. Lots to talk about lol.

Agreed.

The end?

The end! Until next time friend.

About the Authors

Carole and Blodeuedd have been blogging for a long while now. The last few years the epic duo has been discussing books, watching movies, and even wetting the pen and sharing their stories with the worldwide web. They both love cats, chocolate, and a good story.

Book Review: Inseparable by David Kruh (and Giveaway!)

Author: David Kruh

Title: Inseparable

Genre: Historical Fiction, Action/Adventure

Format: ebook

Pages: 325

Published: June 21st 2022

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

Summary: 

INSEPARABLE is based on the June, 1962 escape by three inmates from Alcatraz in a homemade raft. In David Kruh's debut novel two of the escapees land on a beach near Sausalito. They are found by an independent-minded thirteen year-old boy who decides to help them to freedom. In this fast-paced adventure, they must evade the authorities, the media - and the boy’s mother

Review:

Once I saw this book and read the summary, I knew I had to read it. I've always been intrigued by Alcatraz and the stories surrounding this prison. 

The story is based on the 1962 escape of three inmates from Alcatraz in a homemade raft. Two of the escapees landed on a beach near Sausalito. There they are helped by a 13-year-old boy. Not only do they have to evade the authorities and the media, but they also have to evade the boy's mother. 

Honestly, I had a hard time putting this down! I had to know what was going to happen next for the inmates and their young accomplice! I liked Tommy and I thought he was a nice addition to the story. 

I know a little bit about Clarence Anglin, John Anglin, and Frank Morris. Not much though, but I remember the names and some of the story. I barely remember the movie starring Clint Eastwood (it has been a million years since I watched that movie). I was super tempted to do a quick Google search, but I was a good kid and didn't. Yes, yes, be proud of me. I'm glad I didn't because I was able to just enjoy this rendition without outside influences.

But yes, I really enjoyed this version of events. I also thought the formatting was different but fit perfectly for the story. There weren't necessarily "chapters", but the story was broken down by day and times. It was fun and gave the story a sense of urgency! 

The ending was good and it made me want more! 

Overall, this was fast-paced and intriguing. It was a heck of a ride, but I loved every moment. I had no idea what was going to happen next and I couldn't put it down. Some nice twists and turns that will make you stay up way too late wanting to read just a few more pages. I highly recommend this for historical fiction lovers! I had zero issues! Rating? I'll give it 5 stars of course. 

Website: http://https//inseparablealcatraznovel.com/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/david.kruh

Buy Inseparable by David Kruh:

Amazon Barnes&Noble

Giveaway Inseparable by David Kruh:

This giveaway is for 1 print copy and 2 eBook copies open to the U.S. only. This giveaway ends on July 27, 2022, midnight pacific time. Entries are accepted via Rafflecopter only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Teddy Rose Book Reviews Plus July 6 Kickoff & Interview 

Carole Rae's Random Ramblings July 8 Review 

Gud Reader Goodreads July 11 Review 

Amy Locks, Hooks and Books July 12 Review & Excerpt 

Denise Amazon July 13 Review 

Suzie My Tangled Skeins Book Reviews July 14 Review & Guest Post 

Gracie Goodreads July 15 Review 

Nora S. Storeybook Reviews July 18 Guest Review & Excerpt 

Sal Bound 4 Escape July 19 Guest Review 

Bee Book Pleasures July 21 Review & Interview 

Laura Lee Celticlady’s Reviews July 25 Guest Review 

Teddy Rose Book Reviews Plus July 26 Review

Movie Review: Legend (2015)

Film Title: Legend

Length:  2h 12m

Released: 2015

Genre:  Crime, Biography, Drama
Rating: R
Where I Got It: Netflix

SUMMARY:

Identical twin gangsters Ronald and Reginald Kray terrorize London during the 1960s.

Click here for the trailer

REVIEW:

Fiancé forced me to watch this movie. Okay, okay "forced" is not the right word. I do like movies like this and I adore Tom Hardy...so it was a win-win. Just a long movie and I'm becoming an old lady ;) 

The story follows twin gangsters Ronald and Reginald Kray during the 1960s. They are building their gang and power in London. Reginald is suave and charming but volatile, while his brother Ronald is unstable and a wild card. 

I went into this film not really knowing anything about the Krays and their gang. I had heard the name in passing but I didn't know anything. So once the film was done I did some research just to see how accurate the film was (naturally). Not too shabby. They def Hollywood-ed it up a bit and left out some stuff. There are so many rumors and complexities that would've beefed up the film, but I think they tried to make it simplistic and show only really what Frances knew since she was the one narrating the film in a sense. It made sense, but I feel like there were some rumors they could've addressed.  

The cast was great. I adore Tom Hardy so I am biased...of course. However, he played the twins so well that you would swear it was two different people. I certainly did!! I will say I didn't really buy the chemistry and love/lust between Reggie and Frances. They did well with the hate parts, but there was no spark there for me. Maybe it was done on purpose? IDK.

I liked the fact that Frances was the narrator and mainly shown through her limited POV. She drops a lot of foreshadowing which made me itch to want to google (I tried my damnedest, but I did spoil myself on one thing).

Overall, I enjoyed the film. The cast did excellent minus the lack of a spark between the two. I liked the narration and how the showcased the story of these two crazy Kray brothers. In the end, I'll give this 4 stars. 

Book Review: PRIDE AND INTENTIONS by Dushica Labovich

Author: Dushica Labovich

Title: PRIDE AND INTENTIONS
Genre: Historical Romance
Format: ebook

Published:  May 31st 2020

Pages: 265 
Where I Got It: My shelf (Given to me by the author/publisher for my honest and unbiased opinion)

Summary: An unofficial guide to love and trust;

A romantic story and family drama;

A tale about female strength.

Set in beautiful castles in the middle of the twentieth century, this is a story about Doris Rose the daughter of an English oligarch who cannot forget the poor young man who stole her heart a long time ago when her parents forcefully separated them.

But love has the power to turn the dark tragedy of their past into a miracle. Reborn as one of the richest men in England, the former poor boy from her childhood returns to her parents' lives...

Morally marred by lies, deception and secrets from her parents' past, the former mistress of Magnolia Castle, Doris Rose, is forced to abandon her wealth and join the working class. She blames the very man she secretly loves for her misfortune.

The oligarch's plans and the pride of the girl who has lost everything become the only things that tie two people who secretly love one another.

Is love stronger than hatred? Is love mightier than wealth? How will the turbulent relationship between the oligarch's daughter and the poor thief of her heart end? Are they ready to put everything at stake for the sake of love?

Review:

 I was offered to read the English version of this and when I seen the cover and read the synopsis, I was hooked. I had to check it out. 

The story follows Doris Rose who is the daughter of an English oligarch who cannot forget the young man who stole her heart years ago. The two are torn apart because of her parents. Time goes by but a miracle will happen. He has become one of the richest men in England and she has walked away from her parents and their wealth to make a name for herself and earn her own way in the world. Will the two find each other and finally stay together? Or will wealth and hatred keep them apart. 

This was short, but it worked for the story.

I did feel the beginning dragged a little bit. It took a couple of chapters for me to really become invested in our characters. However, after a certain event, I became hooked and had to know how it was all going to end! 

Poor young love! I felt for them. I GET that her parent's didn't want her to marry a poor person and they didn't fully trust him or think he was good enough....but....c'mon guys...let them love each other.

The world can cruel...especially because of society and the stupid rules. We know they will find love eventually and someday, but I was so nervous because I had no idea how they were going to put aside their differences and find each other again. 

This is inspired by Austen's 'Pride and Prejudice' but it is its own story. There are some parallels here and there but on a whole the characters and story have a different path. I liked how the author did this. You can see the parallels scattered around, but this was a fresh of breath air for me. I enjoyed it!

I LOVED the last scene of the story. It brought a little tear of joy to my eye. It was a wonderful way to end the story. 

All-in-all, I really did enjoy this. The beginning was a little slow in pulling me in, BUT once I was hooked I was indeed hooked and could NOT put this down. I'll give this 4 stars.