I stayed up way too late last night finishing Dragon Lady but it was worth it...what a fan-freakin-tastic book it was!
Set in 18th century China, XiangI stayed up way too late last night finishing Dragon Lady but it was worth it...what a fan-freakin-tastic book it was!
Set in 18th century China, Xianggu is the daughter of a peasant family with a loving mother but a father who is unsuccessful in life and who takes it out on her and her mother. When her father sells her to pay for his debts she is forced to leave the only home she knows and the love of her mother to become a prostitute on a flower boat owned by Madam Xu. But Xianggu is resourceful and clever and tries to make the best of her new situation by learning all she can from everyone she comes to meet. She ham ambition to become like Madam Xu and not just be another flower girl for the rest of her life. When her fate changes she is taken by pirates and again, with her cunning, she rises to the top and creates her own future. I absolutely adored Xianggu! She was stronger than anyone in her position had a right to be and she was no one's victim. She was truly a badass!
Again, Autumn Bardot has captivated me with her incredible writing skills. There is so much to love about Dragon Lady! Adventure, danger, passion, intrigue....this book had it all! I cannot recommend it enough and truly think it would make for an excellent movie! I can't wait for the next Autumn Bardot book and luckily I won't have to wait very long as The Emperor's Assassin releases tomorrow!
Merged review:
I stayed up way too late last night finishing Dragon Lady but it was worth it...what a fan-freakin-tastic book it was!
Set in 18th century China, Xianggu is the daughter of a peasant family with a loving mother but a father who is unsuccessful in life and who takes it out on her and her mother. When her father sells her to pay for his debts she is forced to leave the only home she knows and the love of her mother to become a prostitute on a flower boat owned by Madam Xu. But Xianggu is resourceful and clever and tries to make the best of her new situation by learning all she can from everyone she comes to meet. She ham ambition to become like Madam Xu and not just be another flower girl for the rest of her life. When her fate changes she is taken by pirates and again, with her cunning, she rises to the top and creates her own future. I absolutely adored Xianggu! She was stronger than anyone in her position had a right to be and she was no one's victim. She was truly a badass!
Again, Autumn Bardot has captivated me with her incredible writing skills. There is so much to love about Dragon Lady! Adventure, danger, passion, intrigue....this book had it all! I cannot recommend it enough and truly think it would make for an excellent movie! I can't wait for the next Autumn Bardot book and luckily I won't have to wait very long as The Emperor's Assassin releases tomorrow!...more
I've been fascinated with Vlad Dracula since I was a little girl. Don't judge, I was a little macabre as a kid :) I haven't read much about him as an I've been fascinated with Vlad Dracula since I was a little girl. Don't judge, I was a little macabre as a kid :) I haven't read much about him as an adult so I jumped super quick to pick up The Impaler's Wife and I am so glad that I did. It's phenomenal! Author Autumn Bardot expertly crafted a fascinating look into Vlad's life and his relationship with his wife, Ilona. I did not want to put it down!
It was dark, twisted, passionate, sexy, and absolutely riveting!
The Impaler's Wife starts off at the coronation of King Matthias of Hungary when his cousin, Ilona, meets his political prisoner, Vlad who is a Prince of Wallachia. Despite the machinations of her Aunt who wanted her sister to marry Vlad, Ilona steals his heart and they begin their life together. Jumping back and forth in time we also get glimpses into Vlad's youth, where he spent much of his childhood as a prisoner with his brother in order to make his father the King behave. Vlad honed his violent tendencies and acquires his infamous torture method of impaling from his enemies.
Ilona's character was great and a perfect match for Vlad. Despite his violent past and rumored temper, she is drawn to him. They were a great match in bed too :) Be prepared for some sexy scenes!
"A storm rages inside Vlad Dracula, one you must learn to control and subdue."
There's nothing better than reading a book that makes you think about it all day until you can finally sit down to read it and that was The Impaler's Wife for me. I cannot wait to read more from Autumn Bardot!
Merged review:
I've been fascinated with Vlad Dracula since I was a little girl. Don't judge, I was a little macabre as a kid :) I haven't read much about him as an adult so I jumped super quick to pick up The Impaler's Wife and I am so glad that I did. It's phenomenal! Author Autumn Bardot expertly crafted a fascinating look into Vlad's life and his relationship with his wife, Ilona. I did not want to put it down!
It was dark, twisted, passionate, sexy, and absolutely riveting!
The Impaler's Wife starts off at the coronation of King Matthias of Hungary when his cousin, Ilona, meets his political prisoner, Vlad who is a Prince of Wallachia. Despite the machinations of her Aunt who wanted her sister to marry Vlad, Ilona steals his heart and they begin their life together. Jumping back and forth in time we also get glimpses into Vlad's youth, where he spent much of his childhood as a prisoner with his brother in order to make his father the King behave. Vlad honed his violent tendencies and acquires his infamous torture method of impaling from his enemies.
Ilona's character was great and a perfect match for Vlad. Despite his violent past and rumored temper, she is drawn to him. They were a great match in bed too :) Be prepared for some sexy scenes!
"A storm rages inside Vlad Dracula, one you must learn to control and subdue."
There's nothing better than reading a book that makes you think about it all day until you can finally sit down to read it and that was The Impaler's Wife for me. I cannot wait to read more from Autumn Bardot!...more
Burning Ground is the debut novel by D.A. Galloway and what a debut it is!
When Graham Davidson is young he and his family are hit with tragedy after tBurning Ground is the debut novel by D.A. Galloway and what a debut it is!
When Graham Davidson is young he and his family are hit with tragedy after tragedy, leaving Graham to carry around enormous guilt. He wants to find his place in the world and has a passion for forrestry. He beings working at a farm and meets a Crow Indian named Redfield that teaches him about their ways. They grow close and one night Redfield tells him about a "vision quest" where you can connect with spirits.
When Graham is at school at Penn State (which was where my grandfather went to school) he notices an ad to work as a Dock Worker at Yellowstone National Park. He needs the money to help with school so he quickly signs up.
One night when there is a full moon Graham tries the "vision quest" ritual and wakes up the next day, he's suddenly 100 years back to the past. He's in a Military camp and decides to join them. The Hayden Expedition is there checking out the area for the new Yellowstone National Park. That's where the action takes off as Graham has to deal with a lieutenant that does not like him, falls for a Crow woman, and fights off a huge bear.
I thoroughly enjoyed Graham's writing and the photos he included in the book. I am very impressed that this is his first book and can't wait for more from him! If you're looking for a unique and fascinating read, check out Burning Ground!...more
Guess who's back? Back again? MK's back...tell a friend :)
MK Tod is back with another gripping, emotional historical that will grip you from the startGuess who's back? Back again? MK's back...tell a friend :)
MK Tod is back with another gripping, emotional historical that will grip you from the start!
Paris in Ruins tells the story of the siege on Paris during the Franco-Prussian War through the eyes of two upper class women, Camille and Mariele. Although they are soon to be sisters-in-law the two don't become close until they are thrust into helping the city during the tumult.
Camille refuses to leave the city when her mother and siblings escape before the siege and stays to see what she can do to help. When the famous French actress Sarah Bernhardt opens a hospital to help treat the wounded Camille signs up to help.
Mariele sees the disparity in the streets. Food is either scarce or too expensive. The poor are dying from starvation and battle for the city is imminent. She soon becomes involved in a group that helps young children, while she waits for word from her fiancé who is fighting.
I was blown away by the courage and conviction of these two women, and the love they had for their city. I think this quote sums them both up pretty well:
"I'm doing it for Paris, for my family and friends, and for France. It's important, and I want to do something important. I'm privileged, Monsieur. Privileged to be part of an educated, wealthy class. With privilege comes responsibility."
Paris in Ruins is truly a remarkable read! There is never a dull moment. In fact, the scenes where Miriele and her mother try to escape seriously had me at the edge of my seat! There was romance, and a little mystery as well so truly something for everyone.
This is my first read about the siege of Paris and MK Tod did a fabulous job at bringing it to life! I highly recommend it!...more
Last year I fell in love with Andie Newton's debut novel, The Girl I Left Behind, and now she's back with her sophomore novel, The Girl from Vichy, whLast year I fell in love with Andie Newton's debut novel, The Girl I Left Behind, and now she's back with her sophomore novel, The Girl from Vichy, which proved to be just as amazing!
The story follows Adèle Ambeh, a young woman that lives with her family in Vichy, France. At this time in history, France signs a treaty with the Third Reich, and their country is split in half - one part is occupied by the German and the other is under the rule of Phillippe Petain, who is secretly collaborating with the Germans unbeknownst to the locals. Adèle is against the deal with the Germans and is desperate to get away from her upcoming marriage to an officer in the French police, which her father arranged. With the help of her mother, Adèle travels to a convent so that she may ask for refuge. Along the way, she meets another woman on the train - and oh boy, what a meeting that was! The woman, Marguerite, turns out to be heading to the convent as well. After their tense first meeting, the women aren't exactly fans of each other but once Adèle finds out that Marguerite is part of the French Resistance she is brought into the fold and trained to be part of the Resistance. I don't want to give too much of the plot away, but I will say that you will be sitting at the edge of your seat for some scenes! It's so good!
Between The Girl I Left Behind and The Girl from Vichy, Andie Newton has proven to be an exciting new voice in Historical Fiction and I cannot wait to see what she writes next!...more
I feel like I say this whenever I write a review for a Mimi Matthews book, but this one is definitely my favorite so far! And that is saying somethingI feel like I say this whenever I write a review for a Mimi Matthews book, but this one is definitely my favorite so far! And that is saying something because I adore every book she's ever written! But Fair as a Star will always be special to me and I know I will never forget Beryl and Mark. That's reason #4,972,087 that I love Mimi's books. The characters she creates will forever be embedded in your heart and soul.
Beryl is back home in Somerset, England after being away for a year in Paris with her benefactor Aunt. With only three months to go until her wedding Beryl is a reluctant bride and not exactly thrilled to be home. There are rumors in town as to why Beryl left town so suddenly and stayed away so long when she was betrothed to the most eligible man in town. But the real reason Beryl left will be revealed when she confides in her fiance's brother, Mark, the town's curate and the only person she is truly close to. Mark's love for Beryl will have to be forgotten if she is to marry his brother, but their connection is undeniable.
In addition to the love aspect, this book also deals with a very serious topic, that of depression, or melancholia as they called it back then. I've suffered from depression from a very young age so I related to Beryl 100%. I loved the way Mark wanted to learn more about how she was feeling and didn't try to "fix" her. The scenes with those two together had me feeling all the feels! I just love them so much. As I was reading I wanted to wrap them both up in a bubble and stab anyone that threatened their happiness!
Another thing I love about Mimi's books is that she always includes a cute dog and I absolutely loved that feisty little Ernest!
I cannot recommend Fair as a Star enough! It's a beautiful story that will capture your heart! I think I might have to read it again tonight :) I miss them already!...more
There's nothing better than snuggling up at night with a creepy Victorian gothic story during a Global pandemic. Well, that's certainly a sentence I nThere's nothing better than snuggling up at night with a creepy Victorian gothic story during a Global pandemic. Well, that's certainly a sentence I never thought I would write, but here we are. Seriously though, reading The Lost History of Dreams was the best way to escape the craziness of the day and be transported back in time.
This is the kind of book that you want to read slowly and savor. Waldherr's writing is powerful and lush and she sets the scene so well it's like a movie playing in your mind.
Robert is a post-mortem photographer who is still mourning the tragic death of his wife, Sida, when his estranged brother reaches out to him and asks him to photograph their cousin, Hugh, who just passed away. Upon arriving Robert meets Isabelle, who has inherited Ada and Hugh's home, and she isn't keen on the idea of allowing Robert to enter Ada's Folly, a glass chapel that was built for Ada and is said to be her burial place. Isabelle makes a deal with Robert that if she allows him to do that he must write down Ada's life story. Over the course of 5 days, Isabelle reveals more about Ada's life to Robert, but in doing so more questions arise. Is Isabelle who she says she is? Is Ada really dead?
The beginning starts off a little slow but once Isabella begins telling Ada's story I was captivated! I was turning the pages so fast because I just HAD TO KNOW!
If you like dark, haunted Victorian novels with tales of tragic love, a mystery or two, and ghosts then I highly recommend The Lost History of Dreams!...more
This year I pledged to read more genres outside of historical fiction so when I received an email from Anne Cater about a new Nordic Noir book I immedThis year I pledged to read more genres outside of historical fiction so when I received an email from Anne Cater about a new Nordic Noir book I immediately jumped at the chance! And I'm so glad I did!
Frank Frølich is wrapping up his latest case as a Private Investigator when he meets Mathilde and begins seeing her. When she learns he is a PI she tells him about a friend of hers that needs his help. She works at a Refugee center and there is a girl there looking for her sister who left Iraq and traveled to Norway. She is worried for her sister and needs to find her before she is deported. With little to go on Frank doesn't expect to have much luck finding her and when a reporter contacts Frank to look into an old case involving a mysterious fire that claimed a lot of lives years before, the case takes on a whole new life. People begin dying and Frank is drawn into many investigations at once. It was like a Russian nesting doll...with each layer a new mystery is revealed. I loved that!
I really enjoyed Dahl's unique writing style and once the mysteries unfolded I was hooked. I am definitely going to pick up the other books in the series to see what I missed. Many thanks to Anne Cater and Orenda Books for the chance to read Sister!...more
Have you ever sat down to start a new book, only planning to read for an hour or so and ended up devouring the entire thing in one sitting? That happeHave you ever sat down to start a new book, only planning to read for an hour or so and ended up devouring the entire thing in one sitting? That happened to me the other night with The Yellow Bird Sings. I literally could not put it down. There is no way my review will do justice to just how incredible this book it.
The Yellow Bird Sings is an emotional & heartbreaking read. It follows the life of a Jewish woman Roza and her young daughter as they hide from the Nazis. At a time when people are turning in their Jewish neighbors for a bag of sugar, they are lucky to have a sympathetic neighbor family to help them. Though it does come at a price. They spend their days in absolute silence, not daring the make even the slightest noise to alert others to their presence, hiding in a pile of hay in the attic. Their only entertainment are the stories that Roza tells her daughter Shira about their family, their shared love of music and the little yellow bird that Shira has with her.
When the opportunity comes for Shira to escape to a better life with people that help Jewish children, her mother Roza must make the most difficult decision in her life to either let her go or stay together and hope for the best.
The author's writing is phenomenal and the book instantly grabs you. It's not an easy read but an important one and it's one that I know I will never ever forget.
Have tissues at the ready because you're gonna need them!...more
"So it is, we fall in love with the impossible, break our hearts pining for a dream."
A beautifully written story of love and heartbreak set on the rem"So it is, we fall in love with the impossible, break our hearts pining for a dream."
A beautifully written story of love and heartbreak set on the remote islands of St. Kilda, Elisabeth Gifford sweeps you away with her lyrical writing and captivating tale in The Lights of St. Kilda.
I spent a glorious weekend reading this exquisite novel and I have zero regrets! I was captivated from start to finish.
The book alternates between 1927 and 1940 and follows the lives of Chrissie, who lives on the island of Hirta, which is the main island in the chain, and of Fred, a student who visited the island to do a geological survey for a project for Cambridge.
In the 1940 timeline, Chrissie recounts her life on the island to her daughter Rachel while Fred talks about his experience there to pass the time while he was a prisoner in a German prison camp. Chrissie now lives on the mainland and listens to the radio every day, desperate for news of Fred. Thoughts of Chrissie are the only thing keeping Fred going as he escapes from his captors and fights his way home. Will he ever see her again?
"It was your face that had stayed with me as we fought in France. It was you who'd sustained me when we were hungry and without sleep for nights as we fought the retreating action back towards the Normandy coast."
I loved, loved, love this book and cannot wait to pick up more from Elisabeth Gifford! Highly recommended....more
An intriguing Historical Mystery set during the reign of Elizabeth I, State of Treason is the first book in Paul Walker's William Constable Spy seriesAn intriguing Historical Mystery set during the reign of Elizabeth I, State of Treason is the first book in Paul Walker's William Constable Spy series.
When William Constable, an astrologer and physician, is called into Sir Walsingham's office he's not sure why someone so prominent in Elizabeth I's court would want to meet with him. As he states in the book: "What could Master Secretary want of me; a scholar of no great reputation and only moderate wealth?"
Walsingham shows him a mysterious box with strange markings on it and asks him to decipher the code. What he uncovers is a plot against the Queen and telling of a hidden bastard child, and a chart thought to predict the death of Elizabeth I. Such a chart would be a treasonous offense if the person who created it was caught.
I found William to be one of the most likable characters I've ever read. He is a true Renaissance man...fluent in several languages, and knowledgable in mathematics, astrology, medicine, and physics..and just an all-around lovely human. I adored how he took excellent care of his ailing mother. Who was wonderful too by the way, and not just because her name was Amy :)
In addition to unraveling the plot (which was fascinating), readers will love the sweet romance included as well, and the insightful look into a different aspect of Elizabeth's reign. I definitely am looking forward to the second book in the series!
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