I typically have liked this authors works but not this time. I couldn't connect with the main character at all, I was able to quickly guesNot his best
I typically have liked this authors works but not this time. I couldn't connect with the main character at all, I was able to quickly guess the plot and it was way to narrative and dry. Do yourself a favor and skip it. ...more
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and really liked this authors writing style. I will definitely be reading more of his works. I knew who Lana Turner wasI thoroughly enjoyed this book and really liked this authors writing style. I will definitely be reading more of his works. I knew who Lana Turner was but wasn't born at the time of this event so was very unaware of it. The whole story was fascinating for me and makes me wonder did her daughter truly commit the murder? Some reviewers feel the author makes claim, in a roundabout way, that Lana did it. I didn't get that sense, but felt that he laid out the facts and left it up to the reader to decide. A really good book and thoroughly researched. Includes a few pictures. Thanks to Netgalley, the author and publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion....more
I was very excited to read this book because Queen Berengaria is not a person who is written about very often. Unfortunately this book just missed theI was very excited to read this book because Queen Berengaria is not a person who is written about very often. Unfortunately this book just missed the mark. It primarily focused on her long and very tedious journey to meet up with Richard for her marriage. The problem is that it just wasn't all that eventful and thus makes for lackluster reading. There is a second book to be published in February and perhaps this book should have been shorter and combined with the next one which hopefully will be better. Thanks to Netgalley, the author and publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion....more
One of the best books I've ever read! I was absolutely spellbound reading about Captain Cook and his final voyage. I'll admit I knew pretty much next One of the best books I've ever read! I was absolutely spellbound reading about Captain Cook and his final voyage. I'll admit I knew pretty much next to nothing about him but what a man he was. The author painstakingly did their research in putting this book together. Typically stories like these can be dry and difficult to get through unless you are really into the subject matter but not this one. You will find yourself making excuses to get back to reading it. I can't say enough about it but just read it! You will learn so much and be fascinated at the same time. Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion....more
Such an interesting book about two (2) passionate women, ahead of their time in my humble opinion, whom probably most of us novice type cooks never heSuch an interesting book about two (2) passionate women, ahead of their time in my humble opinion, whom probably most of us novice type cooks never heard of. This book tells of their lives, their families and even shares some terrific recipes. I have to say Agnes was my favorite of the two (2). I also enjoyed the authors writing style - was like she was just telling me their stories directly. The book even contains pictures which is always an added bonus for me! Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion. ...more
A very short follow-up story to The Perfect Child book. Did Janie deserve it or was she a victim of her circumstances? What length will a moQuick Read
A very short follow-up story to The Perfect Child book. Did Janie deserve it or was she a victim of her circumstances? What length will a mother go through for the sake of her child? You may not like the story but it will make you stop and think what would you do?...more
I always look forward to another book in this series and this didn't disappoint. The author has a way of writing the subjects story, wAlways Enjoyable
I always look forward to another book in this series and this didn't disappoint. The author has a way of writing the subjects story, where not much is always known, and creates a believable and compelling tale. Matilda was an incredibly interesting woman and one I definitely would have liked to have known....more
I have to admit I was disappointed with this final book in this series which I enjoyed. I don't know for sure if it's because it was the leng3.5 stars
I have to admit I was disappointed with this final book in this series which I enjoyed. I don't know for sure if it's because it was the length between the release of the last book and I forgot the storyline but I just couldn't reconnect at all. I truly believe that a recap should preface all series books to once again engage the reader. With that said I found the story lacking and kept waiting for more to happen. Felt let down....more
A very interesting historical fiction story about Louis-Benoit Zamor, page to Madame Du Barry. Little is really known about him but the author does a A very interesting historical fiction story about Louis-Benoit Zamor, page to Madame Du Barry. Little is really known about him but the author does a very good job in putting together a tale about his life. This first book in what I believe will be a two part series starts with his life in her "service" at around the age of 5 and ends with the beginning of the French Revolution. Fascinating history of how slavery was perceived in France during that time. There were some moments where it was just a little bit dry for me (never been a fan of American History - go figure) but very minor moments. A definite recommended read. Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion....more
Sometimes stories can lose some of their message in translation but not this one. This story is very raw, honestly brutal and an amazing tale of humanSometimes stories can lose some of their message in translation but not this one. This story is very raw, honestly brutal and an amazing tale of human survival. This is a book that everyone should read. It was a privilege to read his story. Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publishers for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion....more
What a different way to write a true crime story and I should know I've read enough of them throughout my lifetime. It's like sitting in a coffee housWhat a different way to write a true crime story and I should know I've read enough of them throughout my lifetime. It's like sitting in a coffee house with the author and having him lay out everything he's uncovered and then asking for your opinion on what really happened and why you think so. Excellent research and has pictures along with newspaper articles which is always appreciated by me! There's a bit of repetition so I would rate this 4.5/5. Thanks to Netgalley, the author and publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion....more
I found this book so good that I had a hard time putting it down. This was a story of a young girl who seemingly had it all until one night changed heI found this book so good that I had a hard time putting it down. This was a story of a young girl who seemingly had it all until one night changed her life forever. You will have to keep reminding yourself that it takes place in 1964 or you will get frustrated with the main character Lorraine. I would have rated it five stars if we could have seen the outcome of Lorraine's life in the future. Thanks to Netgalley, the author and publishers for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion....more
An interesting story about the women of Pan Am Airlines and some of the experiences of the women who worked for them. Such a different cultInteresting
An interesting story about the women of Pan Am Airlines and some of the experiences of the women who worked for them. Such a different culture back then. Story was nicely woven in with the history of the time....more
An interesting book about a life most of us no nothing about. The authors journey was intriguing but I did find myself skipping some sections as it beAn interesting book about a life most of us no nothing about. The authors journey was intriguing but I did find myself skipping some sections as it became a little dull. Perhaps that is a result of the life of a cloistered nun. I will say this, the author was able to find her true self that the majority of us never succeed in achieving. Thanks to Netgalley, the author and publishers for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion....more
I have read quite a few books on the Holocaust, particularly regarding life at the different concentration camps but none have hit me as hard as this I have read quite a few books on the Holocaust, particularly regarding life at the different concentration camps but none have hit me as hard as this one. What's a bit unnerving about it is that this story is about Maria Mandl who was the highest ranking female of the womens camp at both Ravensbruck and Auschwitz. I had never heard of her before. The story is told after 10 years of extensive research done by the author and countless interviews with Holocaust survivors who remembered Maria well. This woman was evil in its purest form. Rarely has a book affected me like this one did - I actually had a disturbing dream or two while reading it. This woman got off easy compared to the hell she put others through. An excellent, but very emotional read. Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion....more
I have never heard of this woman and it's too bad because all women should know her story! She was a pioneer in the field of women's medicine and condI have never heard of this woman and it's too bad because all women should know her story! She was a pioneer in the field of women's medicine and condemned for it. She fought most of her life for the rights of women and their rights to their choices for their bodies. The author painstakingly did his research and gives light to a remarkable woman. Thanks to Netgalley, the author and publishers for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion....more
I really wanted to like this book but like another reviewer stated it was just too dry for me in so many places. Now I happen to be a reader who prefeI really wanted to like this book but like another reviewer stated it was just too dry for me in so many places. Now I happen to be a reader who prefers a lot of dialogue in books and being this is a book where the main character is deaf it's limited. The research the author invested into this book is to be commended though. Perhaps I am just the wrong audience for this story. Thanks to Netgalley, the author and publishers for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion....more
Roberta Kagan never fails in delivering a great story. All the books of hers that I've read revolve around the WWII era, but what I liked about this oRoberta Kagan never fails in delivering a great story. All the books of hers that I've read revolve around the WWII era, but what I liked about this one was that rather than focusing on a Jewish family - it centers around a German one. There are still others of hers that I have on my TBR list, but this is the first time that one of her books, at least for me, centers around a German family pretty exclusively. The author has such a unique way of telling a story, that some might say has been told and retold, to make the reader feel as if its been their first time in hearing such a tale. She brings every character to believable life. You have to read her books to experience it. I promise you - once you read one you will be hooked! I can't wait to read more of what assuredly will be a terrific series. Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion....more
Absolutely phenomenal! Terrific from start to finish. I just love reading about unknown historical people and the author does a great job of bringing Absolutely phenomenal! Terrific from start to finish. I just love reading about unknown historical people and the author does a great job of bringing Count Louis to life. What a tale that you have to read about. This book comes with pictures - it just doesn't get any better than this. I will definitely be keeping this author on my radar! Thanks to Netgalley, the author and publishers for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion....more
It's very hard to be critical of a book that is so very personal to the author. I struggled with this as her story seemed to only scratch the surface.It's very hard to be critical of a book that is so very personal to the author. I struggled with this as her story seemed to only scratch the surface. Obviously she went through something no child should ever have to suffer through, but I just couldn't connect to everything that was happening. It is all too confusing. Also for someone who ended up achieving her PhD in the field of Psychology, if she went for therapy she never explains it. I don't discount anything that the author went through and what she has accomplished with her life but I'm just not sure this book is anything more than just a journal of her life. Thanks to Netgalley, the author and publishers for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion....more