Review: How to Be a Wallflower

How to Be a Wallflower by Eloisa James
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This novel was a charming ( and steamy) romance with quite a bit of humor. I was a bit shocked, considering not too many historical romance writers add humor to their works. I can compare this particular book to some of those by author Katie MacAlister's, Noble Intentions  for one. Perhaps How to Be a Wallflower is far less slapstick but funny nonetheless.

Take one female owner of Lewis Commodes and one newly arrive American of the Astor family (Yes, THOSE Astor's), throw them together a bit accidentally, let them make a bet, and see sparks fly. Oh, and did I mention that Miss Cleopatra Lewis, who is soon to be launched in society has sworn never to marry and decides that she must remain a wallflower?

A comedy of (minor) errors, and shocking intentions, that I thoroughly enjoyed.

*ARC Supplied by the publisher Avon, NetGalley, and the author.

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SYNOPSIS: "From New York Times bestseller Eloisa James, a new Regency-set novel in which a heiress with the goal of being a wallflower engages a rugged American in a scorchingly sensual, witty wager that tests whether clothing does indeed make the man—or the wallflower!

Miss Cleopatra Lewis is about to be launched in society by her aristocratic grandfather. But since she has no intention of marrying, she visits a costume emporium specifically to order unflattering dresses guaranteed to put off any prospective suitors.

Powerful and charismatic Jacob Astor Addison is in London, acquiring businesses to add to his theatrical holdings in America—as well as buying an emerald for a young lady back in Boston. He's furious when a she-devil masquerading as an English lady steals Quimby's Costume Emporium from under his nose.

Jake strikes a devil's bargain, offering to design her “wallflower wardrobe” and giving Cleo the chance to design his. Cleo can't resist the fun of clothing the rough-hewn American in feathers and flowers. And somehow in the middle of their lively competition, Jake becomes her closest friend.

It isn't until Cleo becomes the toast of all society that Jake realizes she's stolen his fiercely guarded heart. But unlike the noblemen at her feet, he doesn't belong in her refined and cultured world.

Caught between the demands of honor and desire, Jake would give up everything to be with the woman he loves—if she'll have him!"

Review: Where the Grass Is Green and the Girls Are Pretty

Where the Grass Is Green and the Girls Are Pretty by Lauren Weisberger
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

4.5 stars rounded up.

Oh dear, this is the perfect beach read. I kid you not. This book combines the best of what Lauren Weisberger is known for. High-powered over-achiever media types and the gratuitous lives of the suburban rich.

This story is about two very different sisters, their families, and life dealing them some well-deserved Karma.
There is just one slight hitch -these sisters are guarding secrets. Secrets that can ruin careers and ruin families.

I will admit that with so many books that deal with the ultra-left wing and the uber-rich, this book really has not much new to give us. But that is what makes this book so relaxing and fun. Ms. Weisberger does manage to give this book a bit of a creative kick in the pants, and she brought a topic to the table that hasn't been rehashed a million times.

This book was a fast, fun, read and I recommend it to those who like books of this ilk...I know I do!

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Synopsis: "From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Devil Wears Prada and When Life Gives You Lululemons comes a highly entertaining, sharply observed novel about sisters, their perfect lives . . . and their perfect lies.

A seat at the anchor desk of the most-watched morning show. Recognized by millions across the country, thanks in part to her flawless blond highlights and Botox-smoothed skin. An adoring husband and a Princeton-bound daughter. Peyton is that woman. She has it all.

Until . . .

Skye, her sister, is a stay-at-home mom living in a glitzy suburb of New York. She has degrees from all the right schools and can helicopter-parent with the best of them. But Skye is different from the rest. She’s looking for something real and dreams of a life beyond the PTA and pickup.

Until . . .

Max, Peyton’s bright and quirky seventeen-year-old daughter, is poised to kiss her fancy private school goodbye and head off to pursue her dreams in film. She’s waited her entire life for this opportunity.

Until . . .

One little lie. That’s all it takes. For the illusions to crack. For resentments to surface. Suddenly the grass doesn’t look so green. And they’re left wondering: will they have what it takes to survive the truth?"

Review: Highland Wolf

Highland Wolf by Lynsay Sands
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Do you remember Annabel from the very first book? You know, the girl that was supposed to become a nun? An English Bride in Scotland Well, this book is about her and her husband Ross's nephew, Bryson MacDonald.

I can't believe that I have been reading this particular series for 10 books now. This book is written in a typical Lynsay Sands manner. It is comfortable to rely on how a story is going to go with every book.

You get anxiety, misunderstandings, angst, attempted murder, mystery, an adorable heroine, and a big burly hero---plus a lot of steamy scenes.
In other words, we get a typical novel from this author. And that is a relief to me. In this day and age, I need something I can rely on!

*ARC supplied by the publisher, the author, and NetGalley.

SYNOPSIS: "New York Times Bestselling Author Lynsay Sands delivers another sexy historical romance set in the wilds of the Highlands

In all her daydreams about her wedding day, Lady Claray MacFarlane never once imagined being dragged to the altar by her greedy uncle and forced to marry a man she didn't know. But that's what happened, or would have, had a Highland warrior not snatched her up at the last minute and ridden off with her in his arms...

They call him the Wolf. The mercenary's courage and prowess in battle are known throughout the Highlands, and with his handsome face and black-as-sin hair, he was as intelligent and deadly as the wolf he was named for...

But the Wolf is also Claray's betrothed. Thought to have been killed as a child, he'd been in hiding all these years. Now, he's determined to earn enough coin to rebuild his home, reclaim his birthright, and honor his marriage contract to Claray. For he's fallen for the tender-hearted lass...and he will do anything to protect her and their future together."

Review: Dior or Die

Dior or Die by Laura E. Akers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I loved this book, and I only had one issue with it. It was just a matter of me having to suspend my disbelief a little too much (living in one of the top 5 most expensive zip codes would be impossible with what she was left with yearly). Still, I quickly got over that because I figured I misunderstood something.

The gist of the story is that Davia needed to take some time from the very elite and vicious military organization she works with. Davia can do it all-shoot, hand-to-hand combat; nothing phases her until her Aunt dies and leaves her a ton of money. However, this money comes with stipulations, and that's how our story starts!


Sometimes funny, sometimes heart-pounding...in some places, it reminds me of a
Stephanie Plum novel  , only in this universe, Stephanie knows what to do with a gun!

I enjoyed the read and found that I couldn't put it down.

Thanks to the Author, BookSirens, and the publisher for my ARC.


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SYNOPSIS: "She’s survived dangerous missions for the government, but can she survive life among the rich?

Davia Glenn is the first woman on a covert paramilitary team until a mission goes deadly wrong. She inherits a fortune, moves to a wealthy community, and soon discovers the crazy under all that money. On a terrorist’s hit list, Davia must navigate her new life while dodging assassins.

Torn between two men and two worlds, Davia must decide her future— but this time, she wears haute couture instead of camouflage and combat boots.

If you love the grit of Jack Reacher and the fun of Stephanie Plum,  one-click Dior or Die today for your next addicting, suspenseful mystery read."

Review: The Recovery Agent

The Recovery Agent by Janet Evanovich
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In her own book, Gabriela Rose comes off as a little less butt-kicking and a little more as someone who relies on others to help her. (See Fortune and Glory: Tantalizing Twenty-Seven  ). This book seems very similar to Ms. Evanovich's Stephanie Plum books, and I liked that very much.

I liked the fact that Gabriela has an ex-husband helping her out (and with a name like Rafer, what was Janet thinking when she named him that?), and the best part of this book was side-kicks (which I know they are not 'good' guys), but they are humorous side-kicks nonetheless.

Gabriela is a recovery agent-she goes looking for things treasures, family heirlooms, etc., that have been lost or stolen. But this time, things get personal for her when her family's town is destroyed in a hurricane, and they need the money from the legendary Ring of Solomon, which of course, she and Rafer just happen to have a map to!

This was an interesting story that took place in multiple countries and parts of America.

The heat level between Gabriela and Rafer is not too steamy, but it's there. One of the best parts of this book was the secondary characters, and I hope to see them in future books.

All in all, a typical Janet Evanovich quick, fun read.

*ARC supplied by Atria Books, Janet Evanovich, and NetGalley.

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SYNOPSIS: "#1 New York Times bestselling author Janet Evanovich returns with the launch of a blockbuster new series that blends wild adventure, hugely appealing characters, and pitch-perfect humor, proving once again why she’s “the most popular mystery writer alive” (The New York Times).

Lost something? Gabriela Rose knows how to get it back. As a recovery agent, she’s hired by individuals and companies seeking lost treasures, stolen heirlooms, or missing assets of any kind. She’s reliable, cool under pressure, and well trained in weapons of all types. But Gabriela’s latest job isn’t for some bamboozled billionaire, it’s for her own family, whose home is going to be wiped off the map if they can’t come up with a lot of money fast.

Inspired by an old family legend, Gabriela sets off for the jungles of Peru in pursuit of the Ring of Solomon and the lost treasure of Cortez. But this particular job comes with a huge problem attached to it—Gabriela’s ex-husband, Rafer. It’s Rafer who has the map that possibly points the way to the treasure, and he’s not about to let Gabriela find it without him.

Rafer is as relaxed as Gabriela is driven, and he has a lifetime’s experience getting under his ex-wife’s skin. But when they aren’t bickering about old times the two make a formidable team, and it’s going to take a team to defeat the vicious drug lord who has also been searching for the fabled ring. A drug lord who doesn’t mind leaving a large body count behind him to get it.

The Recovery Agent marks the start of an irresistible new series that will have you clamoring for more and cheering for the unstoppable Gabriela Rose on every page."

Review: How to Love Your Neighbor

How to Love Your Neighbor by Sophie Sullivan
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This may very well be the book you are looking for when you need a couple of hours of light reading while on a long plane trip or out at the beach. But, unfortunately, it was just not my particular glass of wine!

This book had a lot of potential, in my opinion. The enemies-to-lovers plot device could have been perfect. However, I have never seen "enemies" become best buddies in such a short period. Apparently, decorating each other's houses is excellent therapy! Who knew?

Grace just seemed to be a bit spineless. Noah was the quintessential poor little rich boy.

Then we add on the dysfunctional families plot device -both Noah and Grace have severe issues with their families.

Unfortunately, I didn't feel any chemistry with Noah and Grace. I did, however, learn an awful lot about decorating, though!

The curmudgeonly 'older friends with a lot of wisdom' device showed up here too.

This book almost felt like the pacing was for a novella and not a full-length book.

And while I'm discussing what bothered me, I know that this is an ARC, but I think the problems with editing should have been taken care of by now. For example, a magazine called Home and Heart at first was then called Hearty Home later on in the novel. Then the name went back to the original toward the end of the book.

You may also need to strain your suspension of disbelief muscles for a few more parts of this book.

All in all, this is not a 'bad' book; it just wasn't the tension-filled book I was expecting.

*ARC supplied by the publisher, author, and NetGalley.

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Review: Garden Variety

Garden Variety by Christy Wilhelmi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

4.5 Stars, rounded up. Will Goodreads never man up about the stars? I never thought that a community garden could have so much going on besides gardening! I'm not much of a gardener-if I garden at all, it is in pots on my deck, but this book made me want to go and really get my hands into the dirt and make some new friends. I did get a tad annoyed with the moaning about global warming, but I did find it fascinating to find out how gardening/planting differs throughout the country. Don't get me wrong; this book is more than just gardening advice (tho you do get a lot of that); it is a romance, a bit of a mystery, a laughing and crying book. It is a book about strong characters and shy characters---it just seems to have everything that pushed my buttons and allowed me to love it. *My thanks to William Morrow, NetGalley, and Ms. Wilhelmi.

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SYNOPSIS:"If you thought community gardening was nothing but pulling weeds and planting seeds think again. In this fresh and delightful debut, Christy Wilhelmi shows that there's more to gardening than merely keeping pests at bay ...

Each time Lizzie steps through the gates of the Vista Mar Community Gardens, she knows she's left the chaos of the outside world behind. Here, the rows are even, tools are properly stored, and each season brings new life. But even the shiniest apple can hide a worm, and behind the leafy green fa�ade there is hidden heartbreak, tomato hornworms, and inter-garden political powerplays.

And to make things worse--a long forgotten loophole enacted by a nasty neighbor brings the outside world crashing in. The members are feuding, Lizzie's budding romance is wilting on the vine, and the very existence of Vista Mar is threatened. Can Lizzie and her fellow gardeners fight to save their urban oasis while they struggle to stay grounded in this chaotic city?

Garden Variety is as much about growing food and flowers as it is about life's growing pains, and how a community rallies and comes together to save their own."

Review: A Lovely Day Tomorrow

A Lovely Day Tomorrow by Lynn Kurland
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I seem to be the only one that wasn't thrilled with this book. And it breaks my heart to not love this book. It's been so long. I found myself confused by the number of past characters, what periods they were from, and how they met their beloveds. Also, I wouldn't say I liked the fact that there indeed wasn't much of a story as far as I could tell. We spent more time traveling and meeting people than working out a plotline. I feel like I have to go back and re-read all thirty of the past books just to know what the heck was going on in THIS book. A formidable task, to be sure. This link helps more than Lynn's own website: https://www.fantasticfiction.com/k/ly...

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SYNOPSIS: "Olivia Drummond is finished with the family business: no more mysteries, treasure hunts, or collectable anything made prior to the year 2000. She’s come to England for a fresh start, which she’ll get to right after she survives a family reunion at the feet of a spectacular castle. What she hasn’t expected is to meet a man carrying a medieval sword who turns her world upside-down and leaves her with more questions than answers.

Jackson Kilchurn, heir of a powerful medieval family, has spent his life scoffing at paranormal oddities. When he finds himself pushed through a portal into a different century, his good sense tells him to turn round and go home. He would, if he hadn’t dropped a key he needs—or if he hadn’t just met the woman of his dreams in the last place he’d ever thought he would find her.

Jackson’s past soon collides with Olivia’s present, though, and unless a few dangerous mysteries are solved, their future together is not at all certain . . ."

Review: Dial A for Aunties

Dial A for Aunties by Jesse Q. Sutanto
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a hoot! It wasn't a huge laugh-out-loud book; it was more an eye-rolling frustrating book with a lot of giggles. There were times that I wanted to throw the book against the wall, but then I remembered it was a Library Book and didn't want to make the taxpayers pay for a new one! This book proves that if something CAN go wrong, it will. I love learning about uber-rich weddings, and to add more pleasure for me, this particular wedding has problems that we could never foresee. I also love multi-cultural fiction, and this one was perfect. It all ends happily, though! Along with what an accidental murder, we have a romance Now what is happening with Meddy and her Aunties was totally unrealistic- I had to suspend my disbelief and then beat it into submission to get through this book. But it was just so worth it. It was a clean read sex-wise, but it did have swearing and believe me, you can see why if you read this. I loved this book so much that I have already pre-ordered the next one. Four Aunties and a Wedding  (less)

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SYNOPSIS: "What happens when you mix 1 (accidental) murder with 2 thousand wedding guests, and then toss in a possible curse on 3 generations of an immigrant Chinese-Indonesian family?

You get 4 meddling Asian aunties coming to the rescue!

When Meddelin Chan ends up accidentally killing her blind date, her meddlesome mother calls for her even more meddlesome aunties to help get rid of the body. Unfortunately, a dead body proves to be a lot more challenging to dispose of than one might anticipate, especially when it is inadvertently shipped in a cake cooler to the over-the-top billionaire wedding Meddy, her Ma, and aunties are working at an island resort on the California coastline. It's the biggest job yet for the family wedding business—"Don't leave your big day to chance, leave it to the Chans!"—and nothing, not even an unsavory corpse, will get in the way of her auntie's perfect buttercream flowers.

But things go from inconvenient to downright torturous when Meddy's great college love—and biggest heartbreak—makes a surprise appearance amid the wedding chaos. Is it possible to escape murder charges, charm her ex back into her life, and pull off a stunning wedding all in one weekend? "

Review: Bad Luck Bridesmaid

Bad Luck Bridesmaid by Alison Rose Greenberg
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

While this book was not my glass of Zinfandel, I can see that it may appeal very much to others, perhaps those younger than I.

F-bombs abound! A lot of hot sex, but not so much that this can be considered erotica.

All I could think of when I read this book was that it was the 1980's all over again but in reverse. Instead of the men not wanting to get bogged down with love and permanent relationships, now women (well at least our MC Zoey!) don't want to be in that position. Women are now being hard-@sses in their roles as business owners. Let the good times roll, as it were.

I am reading this book with the hope that it will stop being one long angsty monologue and evolve into something a little more absorbing. The idea of a bridesmaid being bad luck at weddings is good and had a lot of laughter potential, but that is not the path this author chose.

Minor Spoiler-don't think of this book as a romance. If you do you will be disappointed.

* ARC was supplied by the publisher, St. Martin's Griffin, NetGalley, and the author.

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SYNOPSIS: "It’s official: Zoey Marks is the cursed bridesmaid that no engagement can survive. Ten years, three empire waist dresses, and ZERO brides have walked down the aisle.

After strike three, Zoey is left wondering if her own ambivalence towards marriage has rubbed off on those she loves. And when her building distrust of matrimony culminates in turning down a proposal from her perfect All-American boyfriend, Rylan Harper III, she and Rylan are both left heartbroken, leaving Zoey to wonder: what is it exactly about tying the knot that makes her want to run in the opposite direction?

Enter Hannah Green: Zoey’s best friend, who announces that she’s marrying a guy she just met (cue eye roll). At a castle. In gorgeous, romantic Ireland, where Rylan will be in attendance, and Zoey will be a bridesmaid. It’ll be fine.

Okay, the woman definition of fine (NOT FINE).

Determined to turn her luck around, Zoey accepts her role and vows to get Hannah down the aisle—all the while praying her best friend’s wedded bliss will allow her to embrace marriage and get Rylan back.

But as the weekend goes on, Zoey is plagued with more questions than answers. Can you be a free spirit, yet still want a certain future? Can you have love and be loved on your terms? And how DO you wrangle a bossy falcon into doing your bidding?"

Review: The Christie Affair

The Christie Affair by Nina de Gramont
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book was just not my glass of wine.

What should have been a 5-star book only rated 3 stars with me. However, the idea behind this book was brilliant. Take the true-life disappearance of Agatha (Dec 3, 1926 – Dec 14, 1926) and make a part true (the husband) and a mostly fictional story about it.

Unfortunately, it just did not work for me. Instead, the book focused on the mistress and her very tragic upbringing.

The whole book is told from the mistress's point of view, and in some ways, it is disconcerting. For example, you will be reading passages that have nothing to do with the mistress (Nan), and all of a sudden, Nan will be 'talking'.

There are many, many hot-button issues in this novel- the Catholic Church, rape, forced adoption, cheating, etc.

*ARC was supplied by NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and the author.

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SYNOPSIS: "A stunning new novel that reimagines the unexplained 11-day disappearance of Agatha Christie that captivated the world.

"A long time ago, in another country, I nearly killed a woman. It's a particular feeling, the urge to murder. First comes rage, larger than any you've ever imagined. It takes over your body so completely, it's like a divine force, grabbing hold of your will, your limbs, your psyche. It conveys a strength you never knew you possessed. Your hands, harmless until now, rise up to squeeze another person's life away. There's a joy to it. In retrospect, it's frightening, but I daresay in the moment it feels sweet. The way justice feels sweet."

So begins The Christie Affair, told from the point of view of Miss Nan O'Dea, a fictional character but based on someone real. In 1925, she infiltrated the wealthy, rarified world of author Agatha Christie and her husband, Archie. A world of London townhomes, country houses, shooting parties, and tennis matches. Nan O'Dea became Archie's mistress, luring him away from his devoted wife. In every way, she became a part of their world--first, both Christies. Then, just Archie.

The question is, why?

And what did it have to do with the mysterious eleven days that Agatha Christie went missing?

The answer takes you back time, to Ireland, to a young girl in love, to a time before The Great War. To a star-crossed couple who were destined to be together--until war and pandemic and shameful secrets tore them apart.

What makes a woman desperate enough to destroy another woman's marriage?
What makes someone vengeful enough to hatch a plot years in the making?
What drives someone to murder?

These questions and more are explored in Nina de Gramont's brilliant, unforgettable, lush, and powerful novel."

Review: The Fashion Orphans

The Fashion Orphans by Randy Susan Meyers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Wow! This was a heck of a ride. Almost too angsty, maybe even depressing for me, but I'm glad I stuck with this book. There are bits of this story that will stretch the line of credibility to the thinnest, but the characters make giving up your disbelief worthwhile.

To explain this story would be taking the chance that I'm going to give something up, but I'll give it a try. This is a story of two sisters who have had different lives with their mother while growing up. They also had very different lives as adults, and to be sure, these are women, not young adults.

Their mother had died, leaving them a legacy, one that they have to figure out together what to do with. Oh, and did I tell you that these sisters were estranged?

So this story ends up being about sisters learning to love again, each other, and the men in their lives. It is a story of coming to terms with what life has handed them. It is a story of multi-generations learning to love each other.

Plus, it was a remarkable story of Coco Chanel.


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Synopsis: "Two estranged sisters find that forgiveness never goes out of style when they inherit their mother’s vintage jackets, purses… and pearls of wisdom

Estranged half-sisters Gabrielle Winslow and Lulu Quattro have only two things in common: mounds of debt and coils of unresolved enmity toward Bette Bradford, their controlling and imperious recently deceased mother.

Gabrielle, the firstborn, was raised in relative luxury on Manhattan’s rarefied Upper East Side. Now, at fifty-five, her life as a Broadway costume designer married to a heralded Broadway producer has exploded in divorce.

Lulu, who spent half her childhood under the tutelage of her working-class Brooklyn grandparents, is a grieving widow at forty-eight. With her two sons grown, her life feels reduced to her work at the Ditmas Park bakery owned by her late husband’s family.

The two sisters arrive for the reading of their mother’s will, expecting to divide a sizable inheritance, pay off their debts, and then again turn their backs on each other.

But to their shock, what they have been left is their mother’s secret walk-in closet jammed with high-end current and vintage designer clothes and accessories— most from Chanel.

Contemplating the scale of their mother’s self-indulgence, the sisters can’t help but wonder if Lauren Weisberger had it wrong: because it seems, in fact, that the devil wore Chanel. But as they being to explore their mother’s collection, meet and fall in love with her group of warm, wonderful friends, and magically find inspiring messages tucked away in her treasures — it seems as though their mother is advising Lulu and Gabrielle from the beyond — helping them rediscover themselves and restore their relationship with each other."

Review: The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post

The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post by Allison Pataki
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a magnificent ride! I love historical fiction of this caliber. You get facts mixed with delicious niblets of supposition and gossip—just my perfect cup of tea during these cold months of winter. Ms. Post had an incredible life, and I did some research on my own to see just how much of this book had real history behind it. Plenty! Yes, she was a bit of a spendthrift (well, to my middle-class outlook at any rate!), and for the life of her, she could not find the perfect man. In my opinion, she should have just quit with the men, but what can I say? It was a different era. The founding of Post Cereal was fascinating, as was when Post bought Birdseye Frozen food and then turned this multi-million dollar company into General Foods. This was something considering the time period. This was the late 1920's - just think, not everyone even had electricity back then, but Marjorie was introducing frozen foods to America. What a life-WWI, WWII, the Spanish Flu, women's suffrage, becoming director of a multi-million dollar company before women even had the right to vote, 4 husbands, three daughters. All I can say is WOW! I admit the author does get a little taken with the money Marjorie spent, but it was fascinating. Especially when she and husband number 3 were Ambassadors to Russia just as WWII was creeping in. Frankly, I don't think there are very many women alive today that can do all that Ms. Post did and did with so much flair! I recommend this book highly to those who like history, women's issue books, romance, and gossip. *ARC was supplied by the publisher, Random House, the author, and NetGalley.

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SYNOPSIS:"Mrs. Post, the President and First Lady are here to see you. . . . So begins another average evening for Marjorie Merriweather Post. Presidents have come and gone, but she has hosted them all. Growing up in the modest farmlands of Battle Creek, Michigan, Marjorie was inspired by a few simple rules: always think for yourself, never take success for granted, and work hard--even when deemed American royalty, even while covered in imperial diamonds. Marjorie had an insatiable drive to live and love and to give more than she got. From crawling through Moscow warehouses to rescue the Tsar's treasures to outrunning the Nazis in London, from serving the homeless of the Great Depression to entertaining Roosevelts, Kennedys, and Hollywood's biggest stars, Marjorie Merriweather Post lived an epic life few could imagine.

Marjorie's journey began gluing cereal boxes in her father's barn as a young girl. No one could have predicted that C. W. Post's Cereal Company would grow into the General Foods empire and reshape the American way of life, with Marjorie as its heiress and leading lady. Not content to stay in her prescribed roles of high-society wife, mother, and hostess, Marjorie dared to demand more, making history in the process. Before turning thirty she amassed millions, becoming the wealthiest woman in the United States. But it was her life-force, advocacy, passion, and adventurous spirit that led to her stunning legacy.

And yet Marjorie's story, though full of beauty and grandeur, set in the palatial homes she built such as Mar-a-Lago, was equally marked by challenge and tumult. A wife four times over, Marjorie sought her happily-ever-after with the blue-blooded party boy who could not outrun his demons, the charismatic financier whose charm turned to betrayal, the international diplomat with a dark side, and the bon vivant whose shocking secrets would shake Marjorie and all of society. Marjorie did everything on a grand scale, especially when it came to love.

Bestselling and acclaimed author Allison Pataki has crafted an intimate portrait of a larger-than-life woman, a powerful story of one woman falling in love with her own voice and embracing her own power while shaping history in the process."

Review: Crossroads of Bones

Published March 2018 (first published June 19th 2017)

Crossroads of Bones by Luanne Bennett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Kindle Unlimited

I'm not one to give out 5-star reviews willy-nilly, and it is very rare for me to find a book that deserves that distinction in Kindle Unlimited -but this book does deserve it. For me, this book is unique; it was exciting, it was somewhat sexy, it had a good mystery, and best of all, it was free, and it is a series. I'm thrilled to have some more of these to while away my time! This book has shifters, demons, and other very, very unique characters. It is set in Savanah, which seems to be a perfect location. Katie appears to be a hard-nosed ass-kicking bitch, but she really isn't since she is just coming to learn about her powers of shifting. According to the tiny slight cliff-hanger at the end of this one, we will learn more about that in the next book.

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SYNOPSIS: "Katie Bishop would have taken her secret to the grave, but . . .

a bunch of fat cat society folks smelled her out and made her an offer she couldn't refuse.

Katie just wants to run her tattoo business quietly under the radar. But when a man walks into her shop and hands her a drawing of the same tattoo she's been dreaming about for weeks, things start to spin out of control. The last two people who tried to apply that tattoo are dead.

Only half human, it's her other half that an elite group wants to hire-a group of Savannah's more privileged citizens, including the city's reigning coven of witches.

There's a rogue god on the loose, and Katie is the only one who can send him back to hell before he breaks open the crossroads and lets the underworld waltz right in-if he manages to get that deadly tattoo inked onto his back."

Review: A Shiver of Light

A Shiver of Light by Laurell K. Hamilton
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

1.5 Stars

This review is from: A Shiver of Light (A Merry Gentry Novel) (Kindle Edition)
Edited for various typos made while in the heat of the moment!

Please forgive my ramble for that is what this is and less a review -I find that my review is written more like this book was and less like a proper review!

Sooo...we waited 5 years for *this*?

A recap of the story with no spoilers ------------------------------->

Discussions of past books...blah,blah,blah.

Discusses the entourages clothing and appearance.

Have babies.
More inappropriate talk about the men.

Some action.
More recap, re-hash, filler, introspective depressing filler.

Some interesting bits with Taranis and the Andais that never get built on.

Being set up as a Deity - again never gets expanded on---Oh and more re-hash.

A death, a fight, some dream leaping/visiting and questioning of mortality--- yet MORE filler and repetitiveness.

The end. ------------------------->

Annoying parts? Aside from the fact that this book was filled to the covers with c r a p --- there was actually some interesting parts, unfortunately, they had not been expanded on to make a fresh new book. The interesting and plot building parts seem to be brushed under the carpet and we the readers are left wondering what the heck we waited.

<-------------------------------------------SPOILERISH---------------------------------------------->
The death was supposed to be horrific, but it just left me with a 'so what' sort of feeling, I didn't feel horror or regret and I should have, It just wasn't written for me to actually 'feel it'.

The interesting bits with the Queen were perfect and there should have been more.

Merry bringing mortality to Fairy seems to be an unwise addition to this story - a better plot would have been the Fae and all its representatives should have brought immortality to Merry.

Could the third baby possibly the King?

------------------------------------>END SPOILERISHNESS<--------------------------------------------

Merry should have taken care of the King the whole way, not just as far s she took it. Unfortunately for us this leaves the option open for Ms. Hamilton to be repetitive with her next book-repeating (beating dead horses) anything that Taranis ever did to our poor Merry- If I had read one more time how she was beaten at the Shining Court by the King - I would have pulled my own eyes out!

This is the perfect book for the first time reader who has not read the first books since everything will be totally fresh for you -for us long-time readers...be ready to beat yourself over the head to keep yourself awake long enough to finish.

Also be prepared for nothing really new, or eye-opening.

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Review: The School for Good Mothers

The School for Good Mothers by Jessamine Chan
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

1/2 STAR

I'm not finished with this book, and my opinion may change, but I doubt it. This book has just been making me more disgusted (and more bored) by the page. So I may end up adding to this review.



If you are looking for a dystopian novel, this is not it.

" (dys·to·pi·an
/disˈtōpēən/adjective
relating to or denoting an imagined state or society where there is great suffering or injustice.)."

If you are looking for a HORROR novel, this is the one for you.

If you are looking for a book that resonates with the somewhat reverse bigotry -then this is the novel for you.

Are you woke? Then you will love this book.

A book cannot be dystopian if these things take place in "real" life already. What do you think it's like for women in jail for child abuse? This place is a jail that also teaches. Prisons (long term) do that too. And that may be where you find the horror creeping in. There is only one thing that would make this dystopian (the children), and even that is a stretch in this day and age.

By today's standard these women and, I presume, men have broken laws, laws meant to protect children. Although nowadays, I believe we go a little too far with what can be claimed as abuse.

The characters are nothing to be sympathetic for. They are flat and lifeless. The co-parents of Harriet are about as PC, correct as you can get without losing your 'self.'



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SYNOPSIS: "In this taut and explosive debut novel, one lapse in judgement lands a young mother in a government reform program where custody of her child hangs in the balance.

Frida Liu is struggling. She doesn’t have a career worthy of her Chinese immigrant parents’ sacrifices. What’s worse is she can’t persuade her husband, Gust, to give up his wellness-obsessed younger mistress. Only with their angelic daughter Harriet does Frida finally feel she’s attained the perfection expected of her. Harriet may be all she has, but she’s just enough.

Until Frida has a horrible day.

The state has its eyes on mothers like Frida — ones who check their phones while their kids are on the playground; who let their children walk home alone; in other words, mothers who only have one lapse of judgement. Now, a host of government officials will determine if Frida is a candidate for a Big Brother-like institution that measures the success or failure of a mother’s devotion. Faced with the possibility of losing Harriet, Frida must prove that she can live up to the standards set for mothers — that she can learn to be good.

This propulsive, witty page-turner explores the perils of “perfect” upper-middle-class parenting, the violence enacted upon women by the state and each other, and the boundless love a mother has for her daughter."

Review: A Terrible Fall of Angels

A Terrible Fall of Angels by Laurell K. Hamilton
My rating: 0 of 5 stars

You guys are really on your own with this book -I can't recommend it, but I can't NOT recommend it.

If you expected something different from Ms. Hamilton, don't hold your breath. Oh well, sure, the story is different, but the writing is not.

This book had so much potential.  We start with a wonderful and a bit graphic fight, learn about Angels, Ms. Hamiltons take on God/Gods and (?)Heaven.  This book had so many different religions in it, and I don't want to offend anyone. Oh, and speaking of offending anyone-Ms. Hamilton went a little too overboard the politically correct stuff, although she mainly did make fun of it.  She also managed to add to the PCness by adding several LGBTQ characters.  

So great first few chapters, perhaps the first third of the book, the following third or more filled with explanations, and Zaniels self-flagellation over his marriage, overly inflated passages, you know the typical Hamilton schtick, and a hint of something BIG yet to come.

The book's last third (or less) was as exciting as the first part.

So what can I say?  You guys are on your own with this. Instead of investing my cash in it, I took this out from the library, and I'm glad I did. Yes, I will read the second book and probably re-read the first one in the interim.

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Review: The Family

The Family by Naomi Krupitsky
My rating: 0 of 5 stars

Many reviewers call this book "historical fiction," and I would like to know why? History takes a back seat to the relationships in this book. As a matter of fact, any kind of story takes a back seat to the relationship between these two seemingly mentally incapacitated women (at least that's what their inner-dialoguing makes it feel like).

This was the most boring piece of angsty nonsense I have ever read. I had so been looking forward to this book. I didn't think this would be a shoot-em-up, but I felt that we would meet at least some of the other family members, especially the other wives. We did not. So nothing much happens. Well, at least until the last maybe, a quarter of the book.

Now things get a little more interesting with Book 5; yes, this entire book is divided into 'books.' Things do pick up but in such a literary and dreamy way that you don't get the full impact.

I cannot believe that I stuck with this book until the end just to see if SOMETHING, ANYTHING would happen. Thank goodness for libraries -I should have wondered why the waiting list for this book wasn't longer.

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SYNOPSIS: "In the vein of an American Elena Ferrante, a captivating debut novel about the tangled fates of two best friends and daughters of the Italian mafia, and a coming-of-age story of twentieth-century Brooklyn.

Two daughters. Two families. One inescapable fate.

Sofia Colicchio is a free spirit, a loud, untamed thing. Antonia Russo is thoughtful, ever observing the world around her. Best friends from birth, their homes share a brick wall and their fathers are part of an unspoken community that connects them all: the Family. Sunday dinners gather the Family each week to feast, discuss business, and renew the intoxicating bond borne of blood and love.

Until Antonia’s father dares to dream of a different life and goes missing soon after. His disappearance drives a whisper-thin wedge between Sofia and Antonia as they become women, wives, mothers, and leaders, all the while maintaining a complex and at times conflicted friendship. Both women are pushing against the walls of a prison made up of expectations, even as they remain bound to one another, their hearts expanding in tandem with Red Hook and Brooklyn around them. One fateful night their loyalty to each other and the Family will be tested. Only one of them can pull the trigger before it’s too late.