I'm a huge fan of true crime but this one just didn't work for me. The author was certainly the key to unlock the confession and conviction of these hI'm a huge fan of true crime but this one just didn't work for me. The author was certainly the key to unlock the confession and conviction of these horrendous crimes. However, the reader doesn't need to be reminded of this every other page. It almost read like a memoir rather than a true crime story. I felt the story was drawn out with tidbits that weren't necessary. The book is interesting but needs more polish - I found it difficult to finish. Finally - all good true crime books have pictures - this has none. Thanks to Netgalley for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion....more
This was my first book by this author and I was not disappointed. You will find yourself emerged in the time period with all its rich descriptions. I This was my first book by this author and I was not disappointed. You will find yourself emerged in the time period with all its rich descriptions. I love a story with a great balance of dialogue and narrative and this book nailed it. Interesting characters and an intriguing tale - won't be the last I read by this author. Thanks to Netgalley, the author and publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion....more
I can remember being about 10 years old - sitting in an empty "theater" in Breezy Point, NY watching Funny Girl and being absolutely mesmerized. It waI can remember being about 10 years old - sitting in an empty "theater" in Breezy Point, NY watching Funny Girl and being absolutely mesmerized. It was summertime and while everyone else was at the beach - I was alone in our makeshift movie theater every day watching Barbra perform magic on screen. I am absolutely in awe of this woman today as I was 55 years ago. The honesty of her life - the ups and downs - successes and failures - are told without fabrication. Put all your preconceived notions about her aside and read this - she is as real as they come. God certainly blessed us with a genius of a woman! Thank you Barbra - you've never failed to disappoint me. I would rate this higher if I could. Also - lots and lots of wonderful pictures....more
These two authors are the best at this genre in my opinion and can't write fast enough for me! This story continues to surprise me Rush right through
These two authors are the best at this genre in my opinion and can't write fast enough for me! This story continues to surprise me and I go deeper into each character and even felt a tear come down my face (wait what?). Can't wait for the final book in the series....more
I was very excited to receive an advanced copy of this book as who isn't a fan of the Wizard of Oz! The writing was right on point for the time periodI was very excited to receive an advanced copy of this book as who isn't a fan of the Wizard of Oz! The writing was right on point for the time period and the location - lots of Bible quoting references (maybe a bit too many?). However, I felt a bit robbed that the book hardly has Dorothy in it at all. It really revolves around a whodunit (without giving away any spoilers) and I kept hoping Dorothy and her adventure in Oz would work itself back into the story. Even so, it kept my interest and I would recommend it to others but NOT if they are looking for a true "After Oz" experience. 3.5 stars rounded down. Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion....more
Like all of Freida McFadden books she keeps you glued. The chapters are short and very fast paced so you are done with the book before Not my favorite
Like all of Freida McFadden books she keeps you glued. The chapters are short and very fast paced so you are done with the book before you know it. I didn't enjoy this one as much as her previous books as I felt I kinda knew what was happening and it took a long time to get there. I also missed the twists and turns that this author is famous for. Sometimes the third time is not the charm....more
Not at all what I expected but oh so good. Unraveling the mysteries of the puzzles just added to the story. Definitely a bit different take onEngaging
Not at all what I expected but oh so good. Unraveling the mysteries of the puzzles just added to the story. Definitely a bit different take on a mystery, at least for me. I very much enjoyed it and looking forward to the next book....more
A profound story of one women's journey dealing with mental illness. I've read several books on the subject but never told quite like this. The authorA profound story of one women's journey dealing with mental illness. I've read several books on the subject but never told quite like this. The author tells her tale and references a few classic literary books and the impact they've had on her life. It was so interesting because I've read those books but reading this book put a completely different light on them and shows the impact books can have on us. The only criticism I have is that the timeline jumps around from time to time and is a bit repetitive. Otherwise this is brilliant. Thanks to Netgalley, the author and publishers for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion....more
This book just really lacked any solid story. Was more like a day to day recounting of 18 months in London during the war. Very predictableJust so so
This book just really lacked any solid story. Was more like a day to day recounting of 18 months in London during the war. Very predictable and ended abruptly. I've read better. ...more
This book just sums up exactly how I feel about Mary Tudor and her rule as Queen. Once again, Alison Weir doesn't disappoint and keeps the story flowiThis book just sums up exactly how I feel about Mary Tudor and her rule as Queen. Once again, Alison Weir doesn't disappoint and keeps the story flowing and historically accurate. This takes place from the time of Mary's childhood until her death and covers all the important events during her lifetime. As with all of her books there is a great authors note at the end. Thanks to Netgalley, the author and publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion....more
This book just doesn't have a real story to it. Very predictable and reads like a day to day recounting of life during an 18 month period during WWII.This book just doesn't have a real story to it. Very predictable and reads like a day to day recounting of life during an 18 month period during WWII. It just dragged along. I've read better. 2.5 stars...more
I'm definitely in the minority on this one. I really liked the previous three books but it appears that the arc of that story is finished and3.5 stars
I'm definitely in the minority on this one. I really liked the previous three books but it appears that the arc of that story is finished and has morphed into this. I'm just not into this type of fantasy i.e. dragons, shape shifting, etc and found it a bit boring. I did like most of the characters and the humor but unsure if I will continue on when the next book comes out....more
Pretty open, especially about her tough childhood. I found it very impressive that she accomplished what she did without any real training nor did shePretty open, especially about her tough childhood. I found it very impressive that she accomplished what she did without any real training nor did she have to sleep her way to the top. Not a lot of details on behind the scenes of her movies which was a bit disappointing but it's her story to tell....more
I really liked this book. It was written for those in the medical field and those that aren't. It's fast paced and tells the stories and secrets of foI really liked this book. It was written for those in the medical field and those that aren't. It's fast paced and tells the stories and secrets of four nurses working at four different hospitals. These four women are composites of hundreds of interviews the author completed. She then weaves them into a novel type format. There's also very informative advice on hospital visits....more
A fun and interesting read. This book covers movies from all different periods of time as well as genres. Especially enjoyable when they are movies thA fun and interesting read. This book covers movies from all different periods of time as well as genres. Especially enjoyable when they are movies that you have seen. There's a fairly large amount of casting the wrong actors for a part but that was not unusual in early Hollywood when actors were under studio contracts. Sad to see that historical inaccuracies still exist today. I hope this author writes more on this subject. Thanks to Netgalley, the author and publishers for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion....more
If you want to learn more about the people who formed England, this is the book for you. It sounds like it's about the women but it does address the mIf you want to learn more about the people who formed England, this is the book for you. It sounds like it's about the women but it does address the men heavily where little is known about the women during that period. It's well constructed, interesting and educational. The author put alot into this and I will definitely be adding to my hardcopy library! Thanks to Netgalley, the author and publishers for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion...more
A touching story of a remarkable woman and the challenging life she lived. A life filled with frustration, fear, anger but also with humor and the strA touching story of a remarkable woman and the challenging life she lived. A life filled with frustration, fear, anger but also with humor and the strength and love she gained from her children. OCD is difficult to treat in today's world - read what it was like for this woman to be married to a man with it while raising 5 children during the 60s and 70s. Joan was amazing....more
I've always liked reading about Queen Matilda and this book by Anne Bailey is enjoyable. It's a different view of her life and starts ofMighty Matilda
I've always liked reading about Queen Matilda and this book by Anne Bailey is enjoyable. It's a different view of her life and starts off after what I'll call her first Cristina years. Watching her relationship with Henry develop over the years is fun and she was such a spitfire. I do feel that it rushed the last 5% of the book but by no means should deter you from reading it....more