Movie Review: Nuremberg (2025)

Title: Nuremberg

Length: 2h 28m

Released: 2025

Genre: Drama, Legal Thriller
Rating: PG-13
Where I Got It: Theater

SUMMARY:

A WWII psychiatrist evaluates Nazi leaders before the Nuremberg trials, growing increasingly obsessed with understanding evil as he forms a disturbing bond with Hermann Göring.

Trailer

REVIEW:

Rarely do I go to the theater anymore, but when I do it is for a movie that I've been itching to see. This is one of them. I took my fellow history-loving friend and Hubby. I'm so glad we did. 

The movie follows Dr Kelley as he is tasked with being a psychiatrist for the Nazi leaders arrested. They will be facing trial. One of the main leaders is Hermann Goring who is 2nd in charge of Nazi Germany. Dr Kelley becomes obsessed with learning and understanding the evil in front of him. 

This movie is haunting me. I want to go back and see it again. The way they filmed this was great. They really dig into the minds of these Nazi bastards. Especially Goring. Goring and Kelley form a weird friendship until Kelley sees something that cannot redeem these men. 

The first half you can see how Goring got to where he was in life. He was charming and sauve and he felt like you could have a beer with him. He was an amazing maniuplator. There were times I started to feel bad for him, but then the court scene. Oh.My.God. I was in tears. It was hard to watch but it was a HUGE reminder that these men were evil. Pure evil. Sure they are human at their core and maybe didn't start evil, but they were just as bad as Hitler. 

I loved how complex this was. It was so layered and I couldn't look away. The acting was amazing and if they don't receive an award....then I don't know what a good movie is. 

But yes, trigger warning....I'll put a spoiler alert here: There are ACTUAL scenes from the camps that they show at the trial. [End spoiler] I felt these were super important to display to remind viewers of the terrible events that transpired and that our pity for these men could and should only go far. 

The scene where Kelley gets in Goring's face was Oscar-worthy for both men. Damn. You could feel the hatred. 

100% worth the watch. This movie came out at a good time to remind us that evil is great at hiding. Evil men (and women) are amazing at charming their way to the top. They are great at tricking and lying straight to our faces. Bad people can do a lot of damage. Sure, they may have not started off as evil, but power is a nasty, nasty thing.

5 stars. 

Audiobook Review: Hot for Slayer by Ali Hazelwood

Author: Ali Hazelwood

Narrator: Nina Yndis, Maxim Reston

Title: Hot for Slayer

Genre: Paranormal Romance, Short Story

Format: Audiobook 

Published: September 23, 2025

Where I Got It: Audible

Summary: 

When a vampire slayer loses all his memories, the only person who can help him is the vampire he’s tried to kill for centuries in this unforgettable short story by #1 New York Times bestselling author Ali Hazelwood.

When Aethelthryth—“Ethel” to her modern-day Manhattan neighbors—finds her sworn nemesis Lazlo Enyedi with no memory of who or what they are, an ancient hunt becomes an unexpected chance at forbidden passion. He’s crashing on her couch, solving her sudoku puzzles, and looking at her like she’s his eternal flame (minus the whole bursting-into-ashes part). As his memories slowly return, Ethel realizes she might be in danger of losing more than just her head…

Review:

I seen this and immediately added it to my library. That cover. That summary. WEEEEE perfect for Spooky Season. 

Okay...so we have Ethel who is a vampire. She has been hunted by Lazlo forever. His job is to slay her. However, he loses his memory and Ethel takes pity and takes care of him. Ethel has a very good chance of losing her heart or more possibly her head if he kills her. 

This was super entertaining!!! I was hooked from page 1. A vamp and a slayer? PAH-LEASE that is what my brain was wired for from a young age (*finger guns at childhood memories of 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer*). This time we have a lady Vamp and a male Slayer. The chemistry was off the charts right from the gecko. 

Ethel is a sweet bean who just wants a quiet life. She only drinks the blood of bad corporate folk. Good for her. 

Lazlo has had a lot of chances to take her out, but...something always "saves" her. Mmm sus. 

I loved that Ethel took in Lazlo after he had an accident and lost all his memories. She could've just left him or killed him, BUT she has a big moral compass and she took him in. Adorbs. 

I loved watching them talk and then more. Cuties. 

The reveal was adorable. 

The narrators did a great job. Their American accents were.....alright. Not their cup of tea I don't think, but it was passable and didn't ruin the story for me. 

I'll give this 5 stars. Just soooo adorable. 

Favorite Character(s): Ethel

Least Favorite Character(s): The bad vamp

 Challenge(s):

- Audiobook #47

Movie Review: All Quiet on the Western Front (2022)

Title: All Quiet on the Western Front

Length: 2h 28m

Released: 2022

Genre: Drama, Historical, War
Rating: R
Where I Got It: Netflix

SUMMARY:

A young German soldier's eagerness to serve his country quickly fades when he witnesses the horrors of combat on the Western Front during World War I.

Trailer

REVIEW:

So I read the book a few years ago and I think I seen the 1930s version of the film when I was super young (or at least clips of it) so I was eager to watch this eventually. 

The story follows Paul and his friends. It is midway through WWI and they are eager to fight. However, they quickly realize war isn't pretty. Especially this war. While Paul and his friends struggle to stay alive and sane, the political world is on fire. Germany is losing the war and running out of bodies to send to the front. They will have to decide what to do.

I couldn't remember much of what happened in the book. There were a couple of things I remembered so I was prepared for some parts. 

You can't help but feel for Paul and his friends. War is hell....especially WWI. It was the dawn of a new age of fighting and they were being led by old folk used to the old style of war so the casualties were staggering. New technologies, new styles of fighting....no rules. This was war was a bloodbath. The film did a great job showing this. This was visually gorgeous. The music filled in the gaps and made this so intense. 

Now they did take away a few scenes of Paul going home at one point. I'm kind of bummed they did that because it shows how Paul is transforming. The beginning...he is a young dumb boy. The middle...he is losing his old self. The ending...he is the hardened soldier. Honestly, they could've compromised and just had him interact with civilians in some way just to show his realization he is not the old Paul anymore. 

However, they did add some political scenes which I did appreciate overall. It showed the bloated elite making decisions and being unsure if they should stop the war and sign the deal. The scene when they are all signing made me cry. That Armistice of Compiègne would seal the fate of Germany. Yes, the war is over which is awesome, but signing the armistice would begin a treaty that would be so harsh on Germany that it will lead to another and even more deadly war. The way they filmed that scene was so haunting and perfect.

This film was hauntingly beautiful. It was really good and I highly recommend it even if you haven't seen the past renditions or read the book.

I'll give this 5 stars. Yes, I was bummed they altered some scenes and removed Paul going home for a few, but the added behind-the-scenes political parts made up for it. Especially that signing scene. Oof. 100% recommend this film.  

Movie Review: Nosferatu (2024)

Title: Nosferatu

Length: 2h 12m

Released: 2024

Genre: Horror, Dark Fantasy
Rating: R
Where I Got It: Peacock

SUMMARY:

A gothic tale of obsession between a haunted young woman and the terrifying vampire infatuated with her, causing untold horror in its wake.

Trailer

REVIEW:

I've been wanting to see this since I first heard of it being in production. The oldie was a classic so yessss it was about time we get this remake. 

This is the story of a woman who is being haunted by something dark and evil. She's been haunted since she was a child. It disappeared for a while, but now it's back. 

Dark. Extremely dark. There are no glittery vamps here. This vamp is evil and will kill anything and everything. He's been locked up but his powers can still reach far and wide. What a scary dude. 

The acting was PHENOMENAL! Our vamp was certainly scary and creepy. Our heroine and hubby you rooted for and wanted to win. You want everyone to live, but you know they won't especially when he arrives (no spoiler here). 

This isn't a jump-scare. Sure a couple of moments might make you jump, but the horror was creepiness and feeling uncomfortable. Loved it. I get tired of scary movies relying on jump-scares and blood/gore. Sure we have it here, but that is not what makes this horror-filled. There is such a sense of unease and you know something is bubbling to the surface. The location and tones they used for the film made it even more dark. Such a beautiful job!

Honestly, I barely remember the original. I watched it when I was in High School....I should track down the original and re-watch it. From what I recall, this did a good job sticking with the heart of the story.

All-in-all, I really enjoyed this film. It was beautifully done and it stuck with me. Great acting. Great script. Great feel to the film. 5 stars. 

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

2-in-1 Reviews: Falling for Her Ex and Cupcakes & Macarons

Author: Chrishaun Lee

Title: Falling for Her Ex

Series: Falling For #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Short Story

Format: ebook

Pages: 48

Published: March 4, 2021

Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 

Lena is a young aspiring writer, but she’s afraid to put her work on the market. When she secretly shares her book with her publishing boss, who can smell a best-seller in his sleep, he tells her it’s no good. Lena has to decide if she should let go of her dreams or go behind his back to see if she has what it takes to become a best-seller. Her ex finds out and he has plans of his own for getting her back.

Review:

Recently I downloaded a bunch of Amazon freebies and this one immediately caught my eye!

Here we follow Lena who is a young aspiring writer. She is afraid to put her work on the market though and that fear is even more prominent when she secretly shares her book with her publishing boss and he tells her it's no good. Lena will have to decide if she should just let her dream go or go behind his back and put it on the market. Her ex finds out about her plans and decides to help her....and win her back. 

This was cute. I adored Emmanuel and Lena's friend. They were fun. I was super annoyed with Lena though. Don't get me wrong I liked her too, but I wanted to shake her!!! When I found out the reason why they broke up I could've kicked her. It was a simple solution and if she had just taken 2 secs to listen and look they didn't need to break up. Emmanuel should have cleared his name and moved on. Make Lena chase him. 

Overall, this was a cute romance if you look past why they broke up, to begin with. I loved watching Emmanuel help her out and win her back. He's a good guy. 3 stars from me.

Author: Bethany Lopez

Title: Cupcakes & Macarons

Series: Delilah Horton #4.25

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Short Story

Format: ebook

Pages: 34

Published: April 7, 2020

Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 

Join Lila and Cade on their European Honeymoon in this short story filled with laughs, sexy times, and the gorgeous backdrop of Europe!

Review:

Sooooo I didn't know this was part of a series. Whoopsies. I didn't even read the summary. The cover...and title.....I just grabbed it. It's a freebie so why the hellz not?

Lila and Cade are heading to Europe for their Honeymoon! Filled with laughs, sexy times, and a beautiful backdrop. 

I enjoyed this even though I soon realized this was part of a series. Eee. It was cute watching this couple just relax and enjoy their honeymoon. It made me miss mine! Sobsssss! 

Even though I missed the previous book I was still able to enjoy this. I'm sure fans of the series squealed and cheered when this came out because this couple deserves all the happiness. 

I'll give this 4 stars. 

Giveaway & Book Review: Half Notes From Berlin

Author: B.V. Glants

Title: Half Notes From Berlin

Genre: Historical Fiction

Format: ebook

Pages: 256

Published: October 4, 2022

Where I Got It: My shelf (Given to me for my honest and unbiased opinion)

Summary: 

Berlin, 1933. Hans believes he and his family are safe from persecution.

Then, he discovers his family's dirty secret: his maternal grandparents were Jews who converted to Christianity.

Driven by the desire to understand who he is and whether his mother's blood really is tainted, Hans befriends Rebecca, the only Jewish girl he knows. Perhaps if Jewish blood isn't evil, his mother will be ok.

To be a Jew in Hitler's Germany is dangerous. But to fall in love with one is unthinkable.

Desperate to keep both his family's true heritage and his love for Rebecca a secret, Hans attempts to navigate this terrifying new world. He's disconsolate when his Jewish mother is kicked out from the Berlin Conservatory. He's disgusted by his Aryan father's aims to acquire Jewish business on the cheap.

Worst, he must watch helplessly as his classmates target Rebecca with increasing violence and malice.

But when his school announces it will expel Jewish students, Hans is determined to fight for Rebecca — and for the lives and souls of his family.

Review:

Couldn't resist checking this one out when I read the summary. 

Here we follow Hans. He lives in Berlin with his parents and it is 1933. Things have changed. Germany now belongs to Hitler. Society is changing and to be a Jew is not safe. Hans thinks he is safe...until he overhears his parents and learns that his maternal grandparents were Jews who converted to Christianity years ago. Driven to understand more about his Jewish blood, he befriends Rebecca the only Jewish girl in his school. He soon realizes that he may have feelings for her but he must watch helplessly as his classmates target Rebecca with increasing violence and malice. 

I found this perspective very interesting and refreshing. Things are just beginning to get really bad. You could see some people wanted to be blind to it...some people saw the writing on the wall and left. It was sort of eerie seeing the poison of hate take over even the youths. It's tragic and scary how quickly it spread.

Honestly, I couldn't put this down!! I finished it in a day. Hans and his story had me drawn in right from this first page. 

One can't help but hope, but Hitler's Germany lives little room for hope and you know things will not go well for people who are Jewish or who sympathize with Jews.

The ending made me want more. There is a sense there might be a sequel. One can hope!!! I think we need one for sure because there felt like there were more stories to tell. I want to see more of Hans.

In the end, I really enjoyed this but it did make me sad...as it should. You can't help but want the best for Hans and Rebecca, but you know that bad things are heading their way. I would love to read a sequel. There seems like there are way more stories and adventures for Hans. I recommend this. 5 stars from me. 

 

Giveaway 

Enter to win a paperback copy of Half Notes from Berlin by B.V. Glants! We have 10 copies up for grabs! 

The giveaway is open to the US only and ends on December 30th. You must be 18 or older to enter. 

Embed Code: Half Notes From Berlin

Book Review: Heartless Hette by ML Farb

Author: M.L. Farb

Title: Heartless Hette

(Hearth and Bard Tales #3)

Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Paranormal, & historical fiction 

Format: ebook

Expected publication: October 18th 2021

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

Amazon, Goodreads, BookBub

Summary: 

Come to Germania, where a clockwork heart rules and a fool advises--and a laugh can bring both to their knees.

When Princess Hette refuses a sorcerer's proposal, he retaliates by stealing her heart--literally. Desperate to resist his influence, Hette makes herself emotionless, stifling all feelings until she can find her heart and win it back.

The Court Fool is the only one who knows where to find the sorcerer, and he has his own curse to battle.

Riddles and magic plague their path, but if Hette can't find the sorcerer in time, her heart will be the least of her losses

Review:

Awwww I am in love with the series. They are all connected in a way, but you can read them separately or in any order you want.

Here we are in Germania where Princess Hette refuses a sorcerer's proposal of marriage. In revenge, he casts a curse. He steals her heart. Desperate to resist his influence, Hette makes herself emotionless and stifles any feeling until she can find get her heart back. The Court Fool is the only one who knows where to find the sorcerer and he has his own curse to battle, so they team up. Riddles and magic plague their path, but if Hette can't find the sorcerer in time not only will she remain heartless, she may lose more. 

This was so good. It started off a little slow for me, but then I was hooked and finished reading this in a couple of sittings. 

I had no idea what was going to happen or how this team was going to break these curses. I was on the edge of my seat. Especially when we find out the Fools curse and everything he has at stake (won't spoil it!). 

Awwww I loved watching Hette grow and find the meaning of love. She had always been heartless in a way even before the curse. She hated love and didn't feel like love was important for her personally or for her future role as queen. She had a great personal journey and it made me happy to see her fall in love with a certain someone and make great friends. It was nice to see her grow and learn and survive these perils. I loved it.

Loved, loved her little team! They were all so different but so similar. An unlikely group of friends that is for sure. I especially adored Konard our Fool. He was my favorite character methinks. 

OOooOOOoooOOOOO that ending got me! I was literally holding my breath. I was so worried. 

In the end, this was my favorite of the three books so far. I really enjoyed our heroes and their journey. Such a good read to start off October. It's a must-read. 5 stars for sure. 

Audiobook Review: Wicked Angel by Julia London

Author: Julia London

Narrator: Anne Flosnik

Title: Wicked Angel (The Rogues of Regent Street #2)

Genre: Historical Romance

Format: Audiobook

Published: 1999

Where I got It: Audible

Summary: 

Forbidden love is always a scandalous choice....

She raced across the pasture, vaulted a fence, and landed, stunned and breathless, on top of the most handsome man she had ever seen. The bemused stranger stayed to capture the fancy of the brood of orphaned children in her charge, then stole Lauren Hill's heart with a searing kiss as he left. Lauren couldn't tell him she was a widowed countess fallen on hard times. She tried to forget him-until she saw him again at a London ball. The man who haunted her dreams was a duke, out of her class...and he was pledged to another woman.

The ton is ablaze with talk of the ravishing Bavarian countess. Stunned, Alexander Christian, Duke of Sutherland, recognizes Lauren as the country girl who's captured his heart. Duty has forced him to pledge himself to another, to take his proper place in society and in Parliament. He wants one night with his blue-eyed enchantress, but will he be able to walk away from her again, or will he risk it all to be with the woman who fires his blood and makes him think of a . . . Wicked Angel

Review:

This is technically book 2, but you can for sure read this out of order or as as standalone. The previous couple is briefly mentioned here and there and pop up. It has no real impact on the story.

Lauren Hill is now widowed, so she returns back to England to care for her family land and the orphans under her protection. After a certain event with being chased by a hog, she lands on the most handsome man she has ever seen. The man is none other than Alexander who is a Duke. However, they keep their real titles to themselves. He a duke and she a widowed Bavarian countess. After spending some time together they becomes friends and maybe something more after sharing a goodbye kiss. The two meet again in London. He is already betrothed and Lauren needs to find a rich husband to save her land and the orphans. The two realize, though, they are madly in love with each other but they have responsibilities.

I was absolutely hooked from page one. I adored these two together. They seemed so perfect. They had a rare chance to fall for each other without the weight of their titles and their responsibilities. They also didn't kiss or have smexy time until he had to leave and all they shared was a heated kiss. I liked this meeting and getting to know each other. 

However...things - for me - began to corrode when both parties got to London.

Yes. Alexander was engaged already to a really nice girl. Maybe if she was a beyotch or rude or dumb or they were JUST newly engaged or something....I wouldn't have felt bad. However, she was sweet and innocent and they were engaged for like 2 years. She had previously been engaged to his older brother, but the brother died so when he became duke he decided to take her on. Poor girl. I felt SO bad for her. I want her to find love darnit. Yes - it was obvious her and Alexander were NOT right for each other, but she was so sweet. 

And Magnus. OMG. He wanted to help Lauren and I really feel like he liked her. AND SHE JUST RIPS HIS HEART OUT! WAH! Honestly?????? I feel like him and Lauren would've been perfect together. Sighs. He was an angel and he deserves love too. I did some research and he never got a book. GAH! The author did mention in passing in the epilogue he saved a girl? So maybe they fell in love too. Sighs. I'll have to use my own imagination I guess.

Okay...two great people hurt two great people. It happens....but was Alexander great? He was sort of a jerk to his fiancé, to Lauren, to his brother, to his mother....to everyone. Plus.....what was special about him? Okay - he was nice to the orphans and didn't point out Lauren's brother's disability. Sure. Points there. However, all Lauren ever thought about was how hawt he was, how big his hands are, how nice his legs are, and he's a Duke. What truly had her in LOVE with him? He understood her quotes she would randomly say? He was a decent politician and wanted to lower taxes for businesses? I mean...he owns a business so it is self serving for sure. IDK. It all seemed rather shallow when it came to him. Lauren was a nice, pretty, smart, and charitable gal. Too good for Alexander methinks.

I am kinda bummed. I felt like Lauren should've ended up with Magnus in the end. He was a grumpy fella, but he seemed like he had a personality outside of his looks and he was willing to wait for Lauren and even marry her and take the orphans along. Good egg there. 

The narrator was good. I liked her. No issues there. 

In the end, I wish I had liked this more. It started out awesome, but Alexander lost too many points with me. I wanted Lauren to be with someone else. Maybe he will redeem himself if we see him around town in the next one. 2 stars from me. 

 

Challenge(s):
- #64 for Audiobook challenge

Audiobook Review: Follow My Lead by Kate Noble

Author: Kate Noble 

Narrator: Alison Larkin

Title: Follow My Lead

(The Blue Raven #3)

Genre: Historical Romance, Mystery

Format: Audiobook

Pages: 355

Published:  March 25th 2011

Where I got It: Audible

Summary: 

Jason Cummings, Duke of Rayne is feeling the weight of his responsibilities - one of which is to get married. Being the most sought after bachelor in London can be trying, so who can blame him if he seeks refuge from the voracious hordes of young debutantes at the decidedly female-free Historical Society? Female-free, that is, until Winnifred Crane marches up to the door, demanding entrance.

Despite her prowess as a historian, Winn is denied membership the Society. So she daringly offers an unusual bargain: if she can prove the authenticity of a certain painting, she'll be granted recognition, fame, and respect. But to do that, she must go abroad. And to go abroad, she must have an escort, even a stubbornly unwilling one...

Jason has no desire to accompany Winn on her adventure across Europe, but even he is not immune to Winn's passion for her profession. As the journey proves more difficult than planned, they must work together to stay one step ahead of their rivals.... and the closer they get to the proof Winn seeks, the closer she and Jason become. But as their adventure turns dangerous, can Jason keep this headstrong bluestocking safe? And what will become of their growing bond when the adventure ends?

Review:

I was a touch unsure about this one because I was meh about Jason in the last one. However, I seen this on Audible so I decided to finally dive in. 

We follow Winn and Jason as they go on an adventure of craziness. Winn is denied membership at the Historical Society, so she offers an unusual bargain...if she can prove the authenticity of a certain painting, then they have to grant her recognition, fame, and respect. In order to do this, she has to go abroad. Through some craziness, Jason becomes her escort and guide. He is intrigued by the woman and also wants to see her win. However, their adventure turns out to much more difficult than planned and they have to stay ahead of someone who wants Winn to lose. 

This was very exciting. I was on the edge of my seat the entire listen! I had zero idea what was going to happen next. I had no idea and I loved it. It was a ball of craziness for sure. A perfect word for this book and it's characters. 

I did warm up to Jason right away especially when he took Winn's side at the very beginning. It was very sweet and noble of him. 

Winn? I actually was a unsure of. I guess you can say I had a love-hate for her. She was so clueless for being so smart. She is all brains and no polish (ha Hamilton). Without Jason she would have gotten nowhere. Poor, poor noble Jason. 

I also adored Sarah. I want her to be happy. She will find her HEA!

This was very fun and I adored it. I think it is one of my favorites of the series so far. How funny is that!? I was hesitant of this one, but it has ended up as one of my favorites so far?? Thus is life, eh?

The narrator is pure perfection. I adore her voices. Her German ones were great. 

In the end, I highly adored this. The characters, the adventure, the mystery, all the craziness? All fun. I'll stamp this with a 5. 

Challenge(s):
- #6 for Audiobook 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.