Review: An American Beauty

An American Beauty by Shana Abe
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

April 25, 2023 publication date

I loved Ms. Abe's first novel The Second Mrs. Astor, but An American Beauty didn't sway me as much as the first novel did. Perhaps I am more of a prig than I had thought because this couple, Arabella and Collis Huntington, were portrayed as lovers rather than being in love. I did some research myself and found that what I found (although I admit that I didn't dig very far) didn't support much of what this author wrote - hence historical fiction. And this knowledge disappointed me.

I know that things like this go on all the time-poor very young girl in dire straights makes a career choice that is questionable at best, meets a very much older, RICH man, and leaves everything (for instance, her son by the old man) so she can live the life of ease. Apparently, it was common then as it is common now.

This is just not my favorite theme. I like less duplicity and more truth-telling. However, with the lack of information on Arabella, I can see why the author took so many liberties.

It really is a good book that will satisfy those who love the Gilded Age era and those who love to read books about an impoverished woman pulling herself up by her bootstraps and making the best of things.

This will be a great summer beach read.

*ARC supplied by the publisher Kensington Books, the author, and Edelweiss/ATTL.

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SYNOPSIS: "For fans of HBO’s The Gilded Age and readers of Marie Benedict, Karen Harper, and Ellen Marie Wiseman, this sweeping novel of historical fiction from New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author Shana Abé is inspired by the true story of Arabella Huntington—a charismatic, complex woman born to poverty who became one of the most powerful and wealthy figures of her time.

1867, Richmond, Virginia: Though she wears the same low-cut purple gown that is the uniform of all the girls who work at Worsham’s gambling parlor, Arabella stands apart. It’s not merely her statuesque beauty and practiced charm. Even at seventeen, Arabella possesses an unyielding grit, and a resolve to escape her background of struggle and poverty.

Collis Huntington, railroad baron and self-made multimillionaire, is drawn to Arabella from their first meeting. Collis is married and thirty years her senior, yet they are well-matched in temperament, and flirtation rapidly escalates into an affair. With Collis’s help, Arabella eventually moves to New York, posing as a genteel, well-to-do Southern widow. Using Collis’s seed money and her own shrewd investing instincts, she begins to amass a fortune.

Their relationship is an open secret, and no one is surprised when Collis marries Arabella after his wife’s death. But “The Four Hundred”—the elite circle that includes the Astors and Vanderbilts—have their rules. Arabella must earn her place in Society—not just through her vast wealth, but with taste, style, and impeccable behavior. There are some who suspect the scandalous truth, and will blackmail her for it. And then there is another threat—an unexpected, impossible romance that will test her ambition, her loyalties, and her heart . . .

An American Beauty brings to vivid life the glitter and drama of a captivating chapter in history—and a remarkable woman who lived by her own rules."

Review: Lassiter

Lassiter by J.R. Ward
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I don't know why, but I'm having a difficult time reading this book. I keep going through different feelings-hating it then, loving it.

True review will be put up tomorrow, and I don't know if I'm going to be able to post it without spoilers. For now, it will get 3 stars.

Damn, I wrote the perfect review and deleted it by mistake. Poop!

Okay, I finished this book. I thought to myself all the way through that I'm probably going to stop reading this series because the books are all starting to blend into one. Nothing changes-there is romance, sex, and fights; oh, and weird dialogue that I am getting too old to understand and food too. These are romances, so naturally, there is no surprise with our HEAs. The path to Lassiter's happiness is fraught, but what else is new?

The Lessening Society is back with a cool change. Devina was starting (towards the end) to become something less than the Demon she is and maybe a redeemable entity. She has finally found her true love and has even gotten a new Birkin Himalayan bag out of the deal. (350,000.00???)

I kept slogging through this somewhat predictable book just because I had to finish it. After all, it was an ARC, so guilt made me do it. However, I'm glad I kept going since things do get very strange. At one point, about two chapters from the end, I was going to throw my e-reader out the window and then claw out my own eyes for the pain this part of the book was giving me. But please make it through to the epilogue; that will help. Maybe. Or it will muddle things up for you as it did me.

----Spoiler----there will be a time jump (our time).

Interesting things happen with Nate, George, Fritz, and Wrath. Just what the heck IS Rahvyn? Did I miss a book that explains her powers? Did I skim over something during my re-reads of past books?

Long-time, devoted readers will love this book. Maybe. If you are a newbie to this series, don't start here.

ARC supplied by the publisher Simon & Schuster/Gallery Books, publishing date is (April 11, 2023), the author, and Edelweiss/ATTL.

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SYNOPSIS: "Destiny, duty and desire clash in this epic new novel in J. R. Ward’s #1 New York Times bestselling Black Dagger Brotherhood series…

Lassiter, the fallen angel, is too good at the savior business. In his new role overseeing the fates of all vampires, he’s influenced outcomes he shouldn’t have- so the Creator is calling him home. But the angel has a reason to stay in Caldwell. He’s bonded with a mysterious female who’s seemed to appear from out of nowhere… and has powers that defy all reason.

Rahvyn is well aware that she doesn’t belong in the present. And she never intended to stay, for her true place is in the past. Lassiter proves to be undeniable, however, and she lets herself fall for the angel- until a secret he’s been keeping comes out and she fears that for him, it’s not about love, but duty.

As the Omega’s son reestablishes the Lessening Society, and the Brotherhood must resume the deadly war- an unfathomable tragedy occurs. In the aftermath, Rahvyn has to decide whether to stay and help- or save herself from an immortal heartbreak she knows will crush her very soul…"

Review: Not the Ones Dead

Not the Ones Dead by Dana Stabenow
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is a little different from Ms. Stabenow's usual mystery. Oh, don't get me wrong. There are the usual wonderful descriptions of the land, flying, food, animals, character growth, and the same 'friends helping friends' vibe as her other books.

I'm just not at all sure that I like the political vibe you get with this book. Yes, it is a modern, up-to-date issue, but it is not what I expect from a book that is supposed to be entertaining, no matter what side of the political coin you fall on or the color of your skin.

All in all a good mystery that keeps your blood boiling.

*This ARC was supplied by the publisher, Head of Zeus, the author, and NetGalley.

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SYNOPSIS: "The gripping new Kate Shugak novel by New York Times bestselling author Dana Stabenow. What seems a tragic accident soon becomes a murder investigation as Kate is drawn into a case of political intrigue.

A mid-air collision in the Alaskan wilderness between two small aircraft leaves ten people dead. Was it a bird strike, pilot error... or premeditated murder?

Then an eleventh body is found in the wreckage: a man shot gangland style, twice in the chest and once in the head.

In an investigation that reaches to the highest levels of government, justice may not be served, but Kate Shugak is determined that the truth will out, even at the risk of her life and the lives of those she loves most."

Review: Simply Lies

Simply Lies by David Baldacci
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

If you can put aside pure logic for most of this book, then you may find this an enjoyable read.

I had some difficulty keeping track of all the characters, the AKAs, and the timelines. Figuring out who was genuinely evil was near impossible, and the number of red herrings was enough to repopulate the Atlantic!

I love mafia books, and I wish this book dealt with that aspect a little more. I got bogged down and flustered when electronic currency (near the end) and the like were being discussed, as I had no clue what the author was talking about.

It took me a little while to drop my sense of logic and really get into this book. However, once I did get into it, I was in it for the long haul.

*ARC was supplied by the publisher Grand Central Publishing, the author, and NetGalley.

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SYNOPSIS: A twisting new psychological thriller in which two women—one a former detective, the other a dangerous con artist—go head-to-head in an electrifying game of cat and mouse.

Mickey Gibson, single mother and former detective, leads a hectic life similar to that of many moms: juggling the demands of her two small children with the tasks of her job working remotely for ProEye, a global investigation company that hunts down wealthy tax and credit cheats.

When Mickey gets a call from a colleague named Arlene Robinson, she thinks nothing of Arlene’s unusual request for her to go inventory the vacant home of an arms dealer who cheated ProEye’s clients and fled. That is, until she arrives at the mansion to discover a dead body in a secret room—and that nothing is as it seems.

Not only does the arms dealer not exist but the murder victim turns out to be Harry Lancaster, a man with mob ties who used to be in Witness Protection. What’s more, no one named Arlene Robinson works at ProEye.

In the blink of an eye, Gibson has become a prime suspect in a murder investigation—and now her job is also on the line until she proves that she was set up. Before long, Gibson is locked in a battle of wits with a brilliant woman with no name, a hidden past, and unknown motives—whose end game is as mysterious as it is deadly.

Review: Conquer the Kingdom

Conquer the Kingdom by Jennifer Estep
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I hate to be the only one not infatuated with this book, but there you have it. I wasn't. I felt that it was written for a much younger age than adults and just had a couple of sex scenes thrown in to bring the rating from G to R.

I should have re-read my reviews on the last two books before I agreed to tackle this one. Yes, this book does finish off this trilogy, but it does leave room for many more books—at least two more trilogies.


My issue (besides it being childish) is so many characters, so many bad people, and so much repetition, and I mean chapter to chapter, paragraph to paragraph. It became a book that I ended up skimming to get past all of that. So many 'should have been dead' scenes. Ugh.

It was a good conclusion. But to me, an annoying one.

ARC was supplied by the publisher Avon and Harper Voyager/ Harper Voyager, the author, and NetGalley.

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SYNOPSIS: Magic reigns, plots abound, and a new love might not conquer all, in this must-read finale to the epic Gargoyle Queen trilogy by international bestselling author Jennifer Estep.

Time is running out for crown princess Gemma Ripley. Despite being a cunning spy and a powerful mind magier, Gemma hasn't been able to track down the most dangerous enemy her kingdom of Andvari has ever seen. Adding to her worries is the Sword and Shield tournament. With gladiators flocking to the capital city of Glanzen, Gemma can't tell who is friend--or foe.

Determined to protect Andvari at any cost, Gemma hatches a bold plan, but things aren't what they seem. Soon, everything she holds dear is being threatened, including her burgeoning relationship with Prince Leonidas Morricone.

With the kingdom she holds dear slipping through her fingers, Gemma will have to conquer her fear and unlock the true secret of her magic--or watch her friends and family die and her beloved Andvari fall . . .

Review: Gigi, Listening

Gigi, Listening by Chantel Guertin
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

3.5 stars

This book was a sweet novel about finding out that want you want may not necessarily be what you need.

Gigi falls in love with the narrator of a romance novel. I mean, head over heels, nearly stalkerish love! So her best friends save up and buy her a trip to where this man works for a touring company. They hope that he and Gigi will find themselves to be a match made of romance novels. Of course, this is not how it works out.

I found some of the interactions of the many people on this tour bus to be more interesting than anything that happens to our protagonists. I haven't found a book yet where the secondary characters interest me just a tiny bit more than the main characters...but there you have it.

This is a romance -so expect the necessary happily-ever-after, but in a bit of an unexpected way.

*ARC supplied by the publisher Kensington Books, the author, and NetGalley

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SYNOPSIS: From the Canadian TV personality and author of the instant hit, INSTAMOM, comes a touching and witty novel with emotional depth—perfect for fans of Christina Lauren or Sophie Kinsella—about the life-changing journey of a woman smitten with an audiobook narrator taking an impulsive trip to England to meet the man behind the mic.

Gigi Rutherford loves love stories. She reads them, she sells them at her romance bookstore, and she could spend hours imagining the meet-cutes of every couple she encounters. but when it comes to her own love interests, Gigi is out of stock. Instead of enduring bad date after bad date, these days she'd rather curl up with hr favorite audiobook and the only man who makes her heart skip a beat: Zane Wilkenson, the smooth-voiced narrator Gigi is convinced is her soulmate.

Then, she's presented with the chance of a lifetime: a ten-day bus tour through the English countryside, an ocean away from her bookstore—all in the presence of Zane, in person, as he leads the tour. But when Gigi arrives at the bus terminal in London, Zane is nowhere to be found. Until he shows up, she's stuck with an eclectic group of fellow travellers: recently widowed and chatty Charlotte; trivia-obsessed Francis; Jenny, a true-crime-makeup YouTuber documenting every detail for her subscribers; and Sindhi and Roshi, a long-married couple who can't stop bickering. Then there's the brooding bus driver, Taj, who Gigi, finds infuriating yet also incredibly alluring...

With heart and charm, warmth and humor, Chantel Guertin explores the meaning of love and family—and how, sometimes, the journey to yourself is where you'll find everything you've been searching for.

Review: The Last Carolina Girl

The Last Carolina Girl by Meagan Church
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.5 Stars

I hate to say it, but this is the first time I have heard of Eugenics and the many people it affected. Then find out that it is still happening in some legal guardianship instances. And I quote," Is forced sterilization still happening in the United States?
In states that do not have laws, forced sterilizations might still be happening to people under guardianship. This is because many guardians have a lot of power to make health care decisions for people under guardianship. They usually do not need to ask a judge before deciding what health care someone gets." Unquote.

This book is not totally about Eugenics, but it does happen, and it isn't pretty. This whole family isn't pretty. This book starts in the 1930's end the epilogue ends in the year 2006. Leah had a very difficult childhood, at least to our standards today. She lost her mother in childbirth and her father more than a decade later. Among other tragendies. Now she has nowhere to go, so a family opts to be a sort of Fostercare family...or are they really? Secrets and lies abound.

This was a difficult read with no perky happy ending. It does have a satisfying ending, although I wish the author would have delved into a deeper confrontation with the family that took her in.

I recommend this book to those who are interested in Southern history from the 1930s

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


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SYNOPSIS: A searing book club novel for fans of Where the Crawdad's Sing and The Girls in the Stilt House following one girl fighting for her family, her body, and her right to create a future all her own

Some folks will do anything to control the wild spirit of a Carolina girl...

For fourteen-year-old Leah Payne, life in her beloved coastal Carolina town is as simple as it is free. Devoted to her lumberjack father and running through the wilds where the forest meets the shore, Leah's country life is as natural as the Loblolly pines that rise to greet the Southern sky.

When an accident takes her father's life, Leah is wrenched from her small community and cast into a family of strangers with a terrible secret. Separated from her only home, Leah is kept apart from the family and forced to act as a helpmate for the well-to-do household. When a moment of violence and prejudice thrusts Leah into the center of the state's shameful darkness, she must fight for her own future against a world that doesn't always value the wild spirit of a Carolina girl.

Set in 1935 against the very real backdrop of a recently formed state eugenics board, The Last Carolina Girl is a powerful and heart-wrenching story of fierce strength, forgotten history, autonomy, and the places and people we ultimately call home.