This author just never fails to deliver a great read. The stories aren't long but just the right length to deliver without getting buried by unAmazing
This author just never fails to deliver a great read. The stories aren't long but just the right length to deliver without getting buried by unnecessary details. I knew a little about Princess Anne but virtually nothing about her mother Elizabeth who is really the primary character. A terrific little read!...more
I absolutely loved the follow up to the first book. I enjoyed all the characters and the translation of this novel is impeccable. I was engaged from sI absolutely loved the follow up to the first book. I enjoyed all the characters and the translation of this novel is impeccable. I was engaged from start to finish. Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publishers for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion....more
What a journey. This book is unique in its writing style and the story is about a very difficult subject - mental health. However, it needs to be spokWhat a journey. This book is unique in its writing style and the story is about a very difficult subject - mental health. However, it needs to be spoken about and not brushed under the rug. The author writes this story about a character named Someone who could be anyone and you will go on this wild wave with him. It is extremely fast paced and you can finish in a day. Some of the story may surprise you. I also liked all the pop culture references....more
It did honestly take to about 50% of the way through to become, at least to me, as good as the previous books in the series. Once it hit thGood finish
It did honestly take to about 50% of the way through to become, at least to me, as good as the previous books in the series. Once it hit that mark it was terrific. I loved how the characters stayed true to form all the way through and the ending was on point. I have not been disappointed yet by these authors. It seems two heads are better than one!...more
Very different storytelling to say the least and I found myself struggling, at times, to stay engaged. This is definitely not your average historical Very different storytelling to say the least and I found myself struggling, at times, to stay engaged. This is definitely not your average historical fiction book but is definitely worth giving it a go. Alas for me, I'll just stick to the typical versions of writing. Thanks to Netgalley, the author and publishers for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion....more
A very good book if you don't know much about the history of these monarchs. It covers the important aspects of their lives, families and the good andA very good book if you don't know much about the history of these monarchs. It covers the important aspects of their lives, families and the good and bad decisions of their rule. I also think it would make a very good book to add to ones collection. My only critique is that it could use some more pictures but the maps were pretty cool. Thanks to Netgalley, the author and publishers for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion....more
The synopsis of this story had my name written all over it. However, I have mixed feelings after completing the book. I am struggling to find the righThe synopsis of this story had my name written all over it. However, I have mixed feelings after completing the book. I am struggling to find the right words as to where or what it failed to deliver on for me because I love medieval stories, fantasy, strong female characters - seemingly everything this book has - but it was just OK for me. It's not a bad story but as other reviewers said it's just not for everyone. It is a bit heavy on the narrative for me but it does have its moments. It also has some great pictures to accompany it. Overall I would rate it 3.5 stars. Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion. ...more
A very good book for new and old Tudor fans alike. Well researched and detailed without being dry. Each chapter can be read as a stand alone as every A very good book for new and old Tudor fans alike. Well researched and detailed without being dry. Each chapter can be read as a stand alone as every unfortunate soul has their own. However, there is some repetition as it relates from one person to another i.e., Anne Boleyn and Katherine Howard. This in no way distracts from the story. I think this would make an excellent edition to anyone's Tudor collection. Contains pictures which is always a bonus for me. Thanks to Netgalley, the author and publishers for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion....more
I kept waiting for the story to get moving. It's as if it is just stuck in neutral the majority of the time. I don't fault this author because it seemI kept waiting for the story to get moving. It's as if it is just stuck in neutral the majority of the time. I don't fault this author because it seems pretty consistent with the majority of book series that they lack recaps. When there's a gap between books (and you're a big reader like me) you tend to need a reminder of where the story left off. With this book I just didn't care about any of the characters at all. I figured I must have enjoyed the previous books to continue but will probably only read final to complete....more
I really wanted to enjoy this book. The synopsis stated that this was for fans of Philippa Gregory (which I am a huge fan) but I don't see tNot for me
I really wanted to enjoy this book. The synopsis stated that this was for fans of Philippa Gregory (which I am a huge fan) but I don't see the similarities. It was much too dry for my taste. I like a balance between dialogue and narrative and this book was heavy on the latter. I found myself skipping through much of it. Too bad as Sophia Dorothea is not someone who much is written about. I have a few other of this authors books in my queue and will give another chance but if the same, I will move on....more
I don't mind time slip stories but I wasn't a huge fan of this one. I enjoyed the story of Rose Gwyn but felt it would have been much betteA good read
I don't mind time slip stories but I wasn't a huge fan of this one. I enjoyed the story of Rose Gwyn but felt it would have been much better without the modern tale attached to it. I've read a few books about her sister Nell so there certainly was opportunity to expand on Rose's story. With that said if you are a fan of historical British monarchy fiction it's still worth a read....more
This is rare for me but it's a DNF. I'm about 25% in and still waiting for it to get started. Terribly boring that it was putting me to sleep before tThis is rare for me but it's a DNF. I'm about 25% in and still waiting for it to get started. Terribly boring that it was putting me to sleep before the sun even set. Too many good books out there so do yourself a favor and skip this one. ...more
Read this to my 2 year old granddaughter who picked it yesterday while I was babysitting her. She was playing outside while I was next to her on my PaRead this to my 2 year old granddaughter who picked it yesterday while I was babysitting her. She was playing outside while I was next to her on my Paperwhite and then she wanted to see Nana's "toy". Try explaining to a 2 yo that it's not a toy - which is how it resulted in me getting the book for her. So in all the years I have been on Goodreads this is actually the first children's book I have reviewed. It was a story that even I enjoyed but the true test was that a newly turned 2 yo sat and listened through the whole thing - although she insisted it was an owl! Loved it!...more
Exceptional storytelling of a terrible human being - plain and simple. I loved the references throughout of examples of other tragic and similTerrific
Exceptional storytelling of a terrible human being - plain and simple. I loved the references throughout of examples of other tragic and similar events. I'm an avid reader of true crime books and this is one of the best....more
I've read all the books in this series and have enjoyed each and every one. I enjoy the different stories and themes along with theAlways Entertaining
I've read all the books in this series and have enjoyed each and every one. I enjoy the different stories and themes along with the authors style of writing. I just wish they were edited better - thus the deduction of a half star. A solid 4.5. Keep them coming Jack!...more
Okay, first a confession - I'm probably one of the very few who is not a fan of this movie and I love most musicals. Not sure why but it just wasn't, Okay, first a confession - I'm probably one of the very few who is not a fan of this movie and I love most musicals. Not sure why but it just wasn't, however, my daughter who also loves musicals (apple doesn't fall far from the tree) happens to love it. So her growing up caused me to have to watch this several (hundreds?) times over so I know it every which way. With that said the subject of this book intrigued me and it is soooooo much better than the movie/musical. Although this is fiction - it is a blend of fiction and non-fiction and not only better aligns truth from Hollywood tales but also tells the rest of Maria's tale. I'm sure reading Maria's own biography (I believe there are 2) would tell her story completely correctly but, in my opinion, Michelle Moran, blends this together perfectly. It's fast reading and NEVER a dull moment. A great read whether you are a fan of the movie/musical or not. Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion....more