Movie Review: Mamma Mia (2008)

Title: Mamma Mia

Length: 1h 48m

Released: 2008

Genre:  Comedy, Musical, Romance
Rating: PG-13
Where I Got It: Max

SUMMARY:

Donna, an independent hotelier, is preparing for her daughter's wedding with the help of two old friends. Meanwhile Sophie, the spirited bride, has a plan. She invites three men from her mother's past in hope of meeting her real father.

Trailer

REVIEW:

I have not seen this movie since 2008 when it first came out and I..............hated it. Oh boy. But I went to a Bachelorette party over the weekend and this was the movie the bride wanted to watch. SOOOOO 2nd chance? Sure. 

The majority of us have a vague idea of what this is about. But the story is about Donna and her daughter, Sophie. All Sophie's life she never knew who her father truly was. After finding her mom's diary she realizes there could be THREE men who could possibly be the dad. There is Sam who was the love of Donna's life but it ended bad. Or it could be Bill or Harry who were pretty much rebounds. The whole story is told through Abba songs.

This was a 2nd chance, in a way, for this movie. I watched this back when it was released in 2008 and I was a teen. I scoffed at it and didn't like it. I was a movie"snob" if you will. But I was obsessed with the Twilight films? Ahhhhh teenagers man. I was a little unsure of re-watching this, but I'm a sucker for musicals now...plus I do adore Abba. 

Okay....there are some weird story points here and it is all very, very, VERRRRYYYY cheesy. However......I did have fun with it. I could see myself re-watching this again if the crowd demands it. 

The music was fabulous. The dance numbers fun. The actors they have??? Mamma mia did they get a hell of a cast. 

The story had a lot of faults and the ending....talk about Hallmark-y. However, it was amusing. Unrealistic, but amusing nonetheless. 

OH! A scene worth mentioning that actually did tug at my heart strings was the one with Sam and Donna. That song always gets me, but Donna singing it to Sam? Uuuuuuuuuggggggghhhhh, please pass the tissue! It got me. Lovely. 

I am curious about the sequel, but I know what kind of happens there and so I'm unsure if I will. Maybe if the crowd demands it then sure I will. 

All-in-all, for all of the weird plot points, unrealistic moments, and cheesy-ness.....this is an experience. The music is wonderful (it's Abba dammit) and the cast is great. Is it the best film ever? Nah. But it is amusing. 3 stars from me. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Lively

Audiobook Review: Pericles and Aspasia by Yvonne Korshak

Author: Yvonne Korshak

Narrator: Alan Adelberg

Title: Pericles and Aspasia

Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance

Format: Audiobook

Published: October 4, 2022

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

Summary: 

Two lovers crest the wave of the golden age of Pericles, statesman and general, and Aspasia, his courtesan, a philosopher's daughter, and a brilliant woman in her own right. In a world of hierarchies, he is at the top when she arrives as little more than flotsam cast up on Athenian shores. Their love transcends social sanctions, enduring and deepening despite the grave threat it presents to Pericles' reputation as a leader of the Athenian democracy.

The novel unfolds against the background of the arts and history of the Golden Age, seen through the eyes of two individuals who lent their particular brilliance to make it "golden": Pericles, the great orator and visionary of democracy, and its most influential woman, Aspasia. Their story takes them from the Agora-Athens' marketplace to the Acropolis, from the raunchy Athenian Port Piraeus mercantile across the Aegean Sea to East Greece. Pericles and Aspasia—together and apart—navigate treacherous paths from venal calculations to impassioned philosophical inquiry, from high-stakes sea battles to the passions of family life.

Pericles and Aspasia engages issues that are vital today—the paradoxes of democracy, the tensions of hierarchy, the ironies of gender, and others—but this novel is immersed in classical the city, its sunshine, its physical presence, its people, and their struggles and aspirations.

Review:

It feels nice jumping back into ancient times! I love a good historical fiction set in Ancient Greece or Rome. Always a blast. 

Here we follow Pericles and Aspasia and their romance. Pericles is a well-respected statesman while Aspasia was taken from her home has become a courtesan. The two meet and fall in love. This love could ruin Pericles' reputation and make him question many laws and societal norms. 

Throughout my journey of learning about Ancient Greece the name Pericles has been mentioned more than once. He was pretty prominent in his time. I'll admit...I don't recall the name Aspasia as much. I'm sure she was mentioned, but never really dwelled upon. After reading this, I went on a journey to learn some more about her. Her history isn't really known. They don't even know if she ever became Pericles' wife or whatnot. She is a mystery. That is interesting and a little bit sad. Heck, we can't even be sure of Pericles' first wife's name! Sad that these women are barely remembered. 

I enjoyed this story quite a bit.I loved reading both his POV and her POV. I'm glad we got to see both sides of the story. I, especially, loved seeing Aspasia's story. I know we can only guess, but I loved the origin story the author gave her. It was fitting and seemed so right. 

There are a few spots of info-dumping, but I found sometimes it was necessary for the story/scene at hand. Sometimes the info-dumping was a hair too much. 

This was a pretty hefty book and it worked! To be honest? I didn't want it to end. I wanted to see more. No spoilers, but there is more to the story and I would've loved an epilogue of sorts! The ending ended well, but I'm greedy and wanted more...especially of Aspasia. I loved her while Pericles...I liked him....but I wanted to kick him sometimes too. 

The narrator was fantastic. I feel like I have heard his voice before but when I looked up other books he has done I don't recall those books. But yes, his voice was fitting and he did a good job even with the female voices. A lot of the female voices were similar to each other, but he did good. Luckily there weren't a lot of women running around so that made the job easier I suppose. 

All-in-all I did enjoy this. Some info-dumping that was a bit too much, but it was easy to wade through that, and still like the story. The narrator was fantastic and fit. If you like historical fiction about Ancient Greece I fully recommend this one. It was a good one! 4 stars from me. 

Challenge(s):

- #61 for Audiobook Challenge

Book Review: The Secrets of a Scoundrel by Gaelen Foley

Author: Gaelen Foley

Title: The Secrets of a Scoundrel

Series: Inferno Club #7

Genre: Historical Romance, Fiction

Format: Ebook

Pages: 384

Published: January 1, 2014

Where I Got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

Nick, Lord Forrester, has a reputation that is legendary—both as a lethal warrior and a wicked lover. But when his rule-breaking ways land him in a Scottish dungeon, he's left there to rot, until a mysterious lady visits his cell and offers him a way out.

All he must do is risk his neck on the mission she proposes—and obey her every command. One look at the luscious beauty has Nick ready to promise her anything, but he must resist his desire, or she could send him straight back to prison.

Virginia, Lady Burke, is well aware that the powerful ex-spy will try to take command of their quest, but it's her job to keep him under control. Yet how can she keep this untamable scoundrel under her thumb when all she really wants is to unleash the smoldering passion between them?

Review:

I read the first six of the series years ago. I honestly forgot about this series until recently when I stumbled upon this in the library ebook section. Eee!

Here we follow Virgina and Nick. Nick is a spy made of legends, but when his rule-breaking ways land him in a Scottish dungeon. He is left there to rot until a mysterious lady visits his cell and offers him a way out. All he needs to do is risk his neck on a mission and obey her every command. Easy peasy. The mysterious lady is none other than Virgina, Lady Burke. She is well aware that the ex-spy is a scoundrel and hard to control, but he is the only one who can aid her. 

I'm soooo glad this did well as a standalone. Some references to the past, but easy enough to follow. Thank goodness because I certainly barely remember the past books. It has been YEARS. We don't see the past characters until the very end. That ending did make me "awww". It was a reunion for not only Nick but for me. It was lovely seeing the old crew. I'm not intrigued and may backtrack.....someday.

The beginning was a little slow for me to get into, but after a certain scene, I didn't want to stop reading!!! I had no idea how everything was going to end, especially after a certain moment. Scary!!!!!!

Lots of twists and turns and watching these two become partners...to friends....to lust....to love. It was lovely. It felt natural while they accomplished their mission.

Minus the beginning slump, I really enjoyed this. It actually re-sparked my love and interest in the past characters. 

In the end, I highly recommend this series and this book. Lots of spies....lots of debauchery....lots of action.....lots of love. Def a fun series. This author is always fun. I MUST read more. It has been too long. 4 stars from me. 

Book Review: The Crimson Thread by Kate Forsyth + A Giveaway!

Author: Kate Forsyth

Title: The Crimson Thread

Genre: Historical Fiction

Format: paperback

Pages: 350

Published:  July 5th 2022

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

Summary: 

In Crete during World War II, Alenka, a young woman who fights with the resistance against the brutal Nazi occupation, finds herself caught between her traitor of a brother and the man she loves, an undercover agent working for the Allies.

May 1941. German paratroopers launch a blitzkrieg from the air against Crete. They are met with fierce defiance, the Greeks fighting back with daggers, pitchforks, and kitchen knives. During the bloody eleven-day battle, Alenka, a young Greek woman, saves the lives of two Australian soldiers.

Jack and Teddy are childhood friends who joined up together to see the world. Both men fall in love with Alenka. They are forced to retreat with the tattered remains of the Allied forces over the towering White Mountains. Both are among the seven thousand Allied soldiers left behind in the desperate evacuation from Crete's storm-lashed southern coast. Alenka hides Jack and Teddy at great risk to herself. Her brother Axel is a Nazi sympathiser and collaborator and spies on her movements.

As Crete suffers under the Nazi jackboot, Alenka is drawn into an intense triangle of conflicting emotions with Jack and Teddy. Their friendship suffers under the strain of months of hiding and their rivalry for her love. Together, they join the resistance and fight to free the island, but all three will find themselves tested to their limits. Alenka must choose whom to trust and whom to love and, in the end, whom to save.

Review:

Can't help myself when I see a WWII novel...especially if it has women doing their part! So yesss I was so excited to get started on this one! I've read a previous book by this author so that made me extra excited!

We follow Alenka, Jack, and Teddy. Alenka is a young Greek woman who fights with the resistance against the Nazi occupation. She finds herself dealing with not only the Nazis, but her traitor of a brother, the men she loves, and being an undercover agent working for the Allies. She has a lot on her plate. Jack and Teddy are longtime friends who joined up together to see the world and fight the Nazis. They find themselves forced to retreat with the tattered remains of the Allied forces over the White Mountains. They are left behind during the evacuation from Crete. Alenka hides both of them. As Crete suffers under the Nazi boot, Alenka finds herself drawn into a dangerous triangle of conflicting emotions with Jack and Teddy. Teddy and Jack find their friendship will suffer under the strain of months of hiding and rivalry for Alenka's love. 

I really should read more by this author! I read a previous book a while back and liked it. And then I read this one and liked it too. This author is talented and really knows how to bring the world to life and make characters that will stay with you!! 

At first, I did not like Alenka at all. I thought she was whiney and annoying. She did grow on me as we went along but it took a few chapters. And then I loved her. She is a brave woman indeed! 

I liked Teddy and Jack. Jack more than Teddy. You can't help but root for Jack! 

Honestly...I had no idea what was going to happen. I was so worried! Between the Nazi scum running around and Alenka's brother????? Ugh. I was on the edge of my seat. Her brother was scum too because he LOVED the Nazis and wanted to join them and help them. Poor Alenka. Poor thing had to grow up so quickly because of the war. 

Normally I try and stay away from love triangles but I do make exceptions from time to time. The triangle here didn't bug me at all since it didn't take over the plot. Yes, there are a lot of feelings...but they do have bigger fish to fry so we get to see other things play out. We also didn't have over-the-top dramatic scenes that make me roll my eyes. The author did a wonderful job balancing the angst of the love issues and real-life war issues. It felt real and I applaud the author for this. 

There are some dark scenes, but it is war...so you know you are going to see some bad, bad stuff. The author didn't make it overly graphic so for those with weaker stomachs, you'll be okay. But yes, fair warning this is set during one of the deadliest times in history. 

I did shed a couple of tears. I won't spoil anything, but I did have to wipe my eyes a couple times. 

In the end, I simply couldn't put this down! The author is fantastic at bringing characters to life and making them complex and fascinating. You'll get swept away and not want to stop reading. You'll love the characters. I did struggle a little bit with one of the main characters, but I soon grew to love her as much as the other two. I highly recommend this for my historical fiction lovers. 5 stars from me. 

I'm having some good books so far for July *knocks on wood so I don't jinx this good luck*! That makes me happy...I was striking out a lot earlier in the month/end of June. 

Giveaway!!

 Enter to win a copy of The Crimson Thread by Kate Forsyth! We have 10 copies up for grabs! The giveaway is open to the US only and ends on July 29th. You must be 18 or older to enter. Embed Code: The Crimson Thread Direct Link: https://gleam.io/OAUjk/the-crimson-thread

Book Review: Breaking the Foals by Maximilian Hawker

Author: Maximilian Hawker
Title: Breaking The Foals
Genre: Historical Fiction
Pages: ebook
Published:  March 2018
Where I Got It: My shelf (Given to me by the author/publisher for my honest and unbiased opinion)



The Troy of myth was a real city. This is its story…

Hektor’s life of privilege is forever changed when a man, allegedly possessed by the sun god, inspires revolution among the oppressed townspeople of Wilusa – the historical Troy of myth.

For Hektor, son of Bronze Age Wilusa’s despotic ruler, social equality contradicts every principle he has been indoctrinated into believing. But his principles and obsession with duty is alienating him from his young son, Hapi, with whom he has a fractured relationship. 

When the ‘possessed’ man saves Hapi’s life, Hektor is compelled to question the foundations upon which his father has constructed his life as he rebuilds his relationship with his child through the breaking of a foal. Wilusa collapses into political violence as the commoners rise up, and Hektor must decide whether to defend the people, but lose his identity, or remain loyal to an irrational, dangerous father.

I was drawn in the cover and title. When I read the summary, I was extremely intrigued to read this. 

The story follows Hektor who has lived a life of privilege in the city of Troy. His father is an irrational and dangerous man who has made life for the common folk really hard. Things happen and Hektor must decide what side he is on. All the while he is trying to do right by his son Hapi. 

This was a really interesting tale for sure. It was a people story but mixed with the intrigue and violence of the time. I really liked the blend. It was so interesting to see the fabled Hektor in this light. Very different then from the Hektor we all know from the epic poem. I liked him there (ya...I was the one rooting for Troy ;D) and I liked him here too. This version was a more realistic version. 

There were some parts I scratched my head at like some word choices, but they didn't bug me overmuch. It's hard to be 100% accurate for historical books (trust me...I know - been there) especially when it comes to some slang words that are sooooo commonplace now. 

Also, I really wished this had been longer. I felt there was so much more that could've been added! I would've liked to see more in the epilogue. Maybe there be another book? I want to see what happens next!

That ending. Sighs. So sad! Can't say much without spoilers, but oooo the feels. 

I did love the added bits with the son and the horse. It oddly worked so well and I'm sure there is some symbolism there if one is to really think about it. 

Overall, I did like this book. It was interesting and the ending did get me there. I do wish this had been longer. I feel like there is so much more story to tell! Also, a few little hiccups along the way, but all-in-all a good read especially if you're looking for something different. I'll stamp this with 3 stars. 

Audiobook Review: Lady of the Eternal City by Kate Quinn

Author: Kate Quinn
Narrator: Elizabeth Wiley
Title: Lady of the Eternal City (The Empress of Rome #4)
Genre: Historical Fiction
Pages: Audiobook
Published: March 3rd 2015
Where I Got It: My shelf (Audible)



Elegant, secretive Sabina may be Empress of Rome, but she still stands poised on a knife’s edge. She must keep the peace between two deadly enemies: her husband Hadrian, Rome’s brilliant and sinister Emperor; and battered warrior Vix, who is her first love. But Sabina is guardian of a deadly secret: Vix’s beautiful son Antinous has become the Emperor’s latest obsession.

Empress and Emperor, father and son will spin in a deadly dance of passion, betrayal, conspiracy, and war. As tragedy sends Hadrian spiraling into madness, Vix and Sabina form a last desperate pact to save the Empire. But ultimately, the fate of Rome lies with an untried girl, a spirited redhead who may just be the next Lady of the Eternal City . . . 


Oh no! The last book in the series. I have been dreading this day but also really excited to see everything come to a conclusion. 

Sabina and Vix are back. So much has happened. So many years. Sabina is now the empress and her husband, Hadrian, is not all sane. Smart and brilliant, but the man has a lot of demons. Especially after a certain event occurs. Vix just wants to live a simple life but his fate seems tied to the empress and emperor.  The fate of the empire may rest on the shoulders of a young girl. 

This was loooonnnnngggggg. Super long, but I didn't mind it really. I actually enjoyed it. I didn't want it to end tbh. I love Sabina and Vix. I also grew to adore Annia. There are even bits of me that like Hadrian. The man needed serious therapy. He is so smart, but he lacks normal human emotion. I do really encourage you to read the others of the series. I felt like they all built up to this one. I would at least read book 3 in order to really appreciate Vix and Sabina. 

The format was still a little odd for me. Everyone's POVs were in one format, but Vix was 1st person. I forgive this and understand it especially when we learn that Vix is writing his memoirs SOOO it does give a reason why the author did what she did. 

Other than that, I adored this book. I think it was one of my favorites of the series. It made me cry. It made me cheer. It gave me all the feels! 

I did listen to the audio of this and I really loved it. The narrator really did a good job. I think she was the same from the last book. But yes, I loved her voices. Every character (and mind you...there are a LOT of characters) had their own voices. Kuddos there. 

Overall, this was really good. It's hard not to give away some spoilers. But this made me feel! This ended perfectly and I can't wait to read more by this author. She is one of my favorites. She really knows how to get you hooked and absorbed. Worth the read. I'll give this 5 stars since the ending gave a good reason why the format was the way it was. 

Comic/Graphic Review: Xena - Penance by Meredith Finch

Author: Meredith Finch
Title: Xena - Penance
Genre: Comic, Fantasy
Pages: ebook
Expected publication: October 9th, 2018
Where I Got It: Netgalley

The path to redemption is never easy, and the journey of a warrior princess seeking to wash the blood of innocents from her hands is no exception. Xena travels to Athens, to plead for redemption in the temple of Eleos. But some things can never be forgiven and the shadows of past sins are long. Will Xena find redemption or betrayal waiting for her in the temple of the gods? The power, the passion, the danger... her courage would change the world. Xena: Warrior Princess. 



Ooooh, Xena. Love her. She was my hero growing so when I got the chance to read this I jumped at the opportunity to give it a go. 


The art is really good. I loved how Xena and especially her costume seemed to be very influenced by Wonderwoman. It makes sense and I loved the art. It was done well. The characters have similar looks to the original show, but I was happy that the artist decided to put her own spin on the characters. 


The story begins at the beginning with Xena on the road where she meets Gabrielle. She saves Gabrielle from some bandits and allows her to join her. It was good to start. It has been so long I cannot remember how the show started but I think it was similar. 


I honestly wished we didn't have to deal with Gabrielle. She is so annoying. Or, I wish, had her show up later. I would've liked some character building with Xena without Gabrielle running amok and getting in trouble. 


Overall, this was good. I enjoyed the art and this interpretation. I wouldn't mind some more! I'll give this 3 stars. 

Audiobook Review: Empress of the Seven Hills by Kate Quinn

Author: Kate Quinn
Narrator: Elizabeth Wiley
Title: Empress of the Seven Hills (The Empress of Rome #3)
Genre: Historical Fiction
Pages: Audiobook
Published: April 2012
Where I Got It: My shelf (Audible)

Powerful, prosperous, and expanding ever farther into the untamed world, the Roman Empire has reached its zenith under the rule of the beloved Emperor Trajan. But neither Trajan nor his reign can last forever...

Brash and headstrong, Vix is a celebrated ex-gladiator returned to Rome to make his fortune. The sinuous, elusive Sabina is a senator's daughter who craves adventure. Sometimes lovers, sometimes enemies, Vix and Sabina are united by their devotion to Trajan. But others are already maneuvering in the shadows. Trajan's ambitious Empress has her own plans for Sabina. And the aristocratic Hadrian-the Empress's ruthless protégé and Vix's mortal enemy-has ambitions he confesses to no one, ambitions rooted in a secret prophecy.

When Trajan falls, the hardened soldier, the enigmatic empress, the adventurous girl, and the scheming politician will all be caught in a deadly whirlwind of desire and death that may seal their fates, and that of the entire Roman Empire...

Audible is certainly helping me flush out my TBR list! I love how I get a free one of my choice every month. It is brilliant. 

I've been wanting to read this, but every library over the years either a line out the door or the book isn't available (I haven't checked this new library in my new town yet). When I saw this was for grabs on Audible I swooped in and picked it up. 

The story follows Vix who is the son of the couple in the first book (oh how I miss them). He is back in Rome and ready to get a career going. Sabina is the daughter of a powerful senator and the niece of the emperor. The two stumble upon each other (childhood friends) and they get a little romance going. Things happen and they fall apart. However, they remain friends over the years. They occasionally become lovers and become enemies. I like to consider them frienemies. They hate but love each other at the same time. 

At the same time, we get some snipbits of the emperor's wife (gods I wanted to smack her silly) and Titus. I loved him! I want more from him in the future. 

Like this author's other work she really knows how to bring the past alive and make these characters blossom. They are always so complex and they feel so real. I really could relate to Sabina in a lot of ways. Especially the love of traveling (*grumbles about needing a passport*) and wanting to consistently learn and be her own woman. I felt bad for her, but she did put a lot of her issues on herself. She should've married Titus............I digress. 

I enjoyed the story for sure. My only real issue was how Vix's POV and how it was written. He was given 1st person while the other characters were given 3rd person. Also, Vix seems to be telling this story to someone so it has forewarnings and little notes. This was indeed annoying. Luckily we had a good narrator that loved using different voices so I always knew who's POV it was. 

The narration was pretty good. It took me a while to really get into how she narrated. She really did add a lot of passion into her storytelling. I grew to appreciate it especially during the battle scenes and high intense scenes. 

In the end, this was good. Not as good as the other two, but still a good read. I enjoyed the characters and I enjoyed the story. There were a couple of things that bugged me, but I am curious to see where the series takes off next. I'll stamp this with 3 stars. 

Book Review: The Romanov Empress

Author: CW Gortner
Title: The Romanov Empress
Genre: Historical Fiction
Pages: ebook
Published: July 10 2018
Where I Got It: My shelf (Netgalley)



Narrated by the mother of Russia’s last tsar, this vivid, historically authentic novel brings to life the courageous story of Maria Feodorovna, one of Imperial Russia’s most compelling women who witnessed the splendor and tragic downfall of the Romanovs as she fought to save her dynasty in the final years of its long reign.
                  
Barely nineteen, Minnie knows that her station in life as a Danish princess is to leave her family and enter into a royal marriage—as her older sister Alix has done, moving to  England to wed Queen Victoria’s eldest son. The winds of fortune bring Minnie to Russia, where she marries the Romanov heir and becomes empress once he ascends the throne. When resistance to his reign strikes at the heart of her family and the tsar sets out to crush all who oppose him, Minnie—now called Maria—must tread a perilous path of compromise in a country she has come to love.
                  
Her husband’s death leaves their son Nicholas as the inexperienced ruler of a deeply divided and crumbling empire. Determined to guide him to reforms that will bring Russia into the modern age, Maria faces implacable opposition from Nicholas’s strong-willed wife, Alexandra, whose fervor has lead her into a disturbing relationship with a mystic named Rasputin. As the unstoppable wave of revolution rises anew to engulf Russia, Maria will face her most dangerous challenge and her greatest heartache.
  
                
From the opulent palaces of St. Petersburg and the intrigue-laced salons of the aristocracy to the World War I battlefields and the bloodied countryside occupied by the Bolsheviks, C. W. Gortner sweeps us into the anarchic fall of an empire and the complex, bold heart of the woman who tried to save it. 

I really enjoy this author's work. I have read a few and there are more I want to read. This one landed on my lap and I've been drooling over this book for weeks. I wanted to wait until after or near its publication. 

The story follows Minnie/Maria who is Tsar Nicholas' mother. We all know the tale of the fall of Nicholas, his family, and Imperial Russia. However, how many people can they really know his mother? I know I know very little of this force of nature. In this tale, we get to see her young, newly married, become the empress, become a mother, and see her lose everything. So sad, so very sad. I cannot imagine seeing everything fall away and never really, truly knowing what happened to part of your family. She lost so many of her family members during the fall of the monarchy. 

If only those stubborn men had listened to her!! That darn Russian pride was the downfall. If they had listened to her and followed through on her father-in-law's plan to follow in England's footsteps ALL OF THIS COULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED. But no. The stubbornness of males caused so many needless deaths. They could have avoided the fall of a great country. 

The story was told wonderfully. I enjoyed every moment. There were a couple of slow moments, but they did not last long. Maria had very time to rest. Lots to do especially with all those kids and constant issues popping up. 

Yes, she was a stubborn woman and could be harsh, but I was on her side pretty much for everything especially Nicholas' wife. Yes, let Nicky marry her...but I really feel that Alexandra was a huge factor in the fall of the monarchy especially with her fascination with that man. 

I liked Sasha too, but in the end, he was a stubborn male who didn't realize the people give power NOT god. England learned this and some other countries did too THUS why their royalty got to keep their place. A pity indeed. 

The ending was so sad, of course. I did get some tears especially thinking how monstrous revolutionaries can be. THE CHILDREN! They did nothing. UGH!!!!! So sad. My heart broke for Maria. She lost everything and pretty much everyone; such a tragic story. I loved it though. This was real and I felt the author really brought the characters to life. Splendid, indeed. 


In the end, this is a must-read for anyone who likes historical fictions. Heck. For anyone who likes a good people story. The author is such a good storyteller and knows how to bring historical people to life! Just note...there is no HEA in this one. Very sad. I'll stamp this with 5 stars. :3