02/19/20 - MY NEXT BOOK TO READ IS ...

The Book of Lost Friends by Lisa Wingate.

This is the THIRD book that I am reading by this author. I have no expectations about this book, but I know that I thoroughly enjoyed the previous two books by her. This is another ARC from NetGalley so I am very excited to read this novel!

If you want to know more about The Book of Lost Friends, go to Goodreads to learn more!!

Happy reading,

Dorothea 💜

REVIEW - A HUNDRED SUNS

3.0 stars

I received a complimentary e-book copy of this book from St. Martin's Press through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you to Karin Tanabe, St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

First off, let me say that I was so excited to read this book. I knew very little of pre-communist Indochine and this novel was based primarily in 1933 Hanoi. However, this book did not come close to my expectations. I did not like EITHER of the two female protagonists. They were fully-fleshed out and that was the problem - the more I learned about the characters, the less that I liked them.

The author does write beautifully, but the storyline was a bit convoluted for me with too many complicated and divergent plot lines that conveniently merge and are tied up in a bow for an ending.

I may be in the minority for reviewers, but I just didn't like this book. It was just average to me and didn't really get interesting until about 375 pages into it. VERY lukewarm recommend if you like the time period.

Happy reading,

Dorothea 💜

02/13/20 - MY NEXT BOOK TO READ IS ...

A Hundred Suns by Karin Tanabe.

This is the FIRST book that I am reading by this author. I am quite excited by the time period and location - 1933 Indochine. I know little to nothing about the area and time period so I look forward to learning much more! This is another ARC from NetGalley so I am very excited to read this novel!

If you want to know more about A Hundred Suns, go to Goodreads to learn more!!

Happy reading,

Dorothea 💜

REVIEW - CESAR MILLAN"S SHORT GUIDE TO A HAPPY DOG

3.0 stars

This book was mediocre to me. Unfortunately, the charisma that Cesar Millan has on television did not transfer to this book which was so disappointing to me.

There were a few tips that I gained from the book, but nothing that was really new or unusual so I really wanted more from this book.

Lukewarm recommend if you are starting your journey to learn about being a dog parent.

Happy reading,


Dorothea 💜

02/12/20 - MY NEXT BOOK TO READ IS ...

Cesar Millan's Short Guide to a Happy Dog by Cesar Millan.

This is the FIRST book that I am reading by this author. I have seen many of his television shows and was impressed by many of his techniques. As a recent pet rescue owner, I am hopeful that this book with help with puppy training. I have checked this book from the library. Please support your local library!!

If you want to know more about Cesar Millan's Short Guide to a Happy Dog, go to Goodreads to learn more!!

Happy reading,

Dorothea 💜

REVIEW - CODE NAME HELENE

5.0 stars

I received a complimentary e-book copy of this book from Doubleday through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you to Ariel Lawhon, Doubleday, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

OMG, this novel was INTENSE!! It had VERY graphic scenes of the horrors of WWII. Unfortunately, we need these reminders or we will forget the REAL-LIFE horrors that so many experienced during the Nazi reign of terror. But, I must confess that I loved the protagonist - Nancy Grace Augusta Wake. #Shero

Nancy was a real-life shero who had an amazing life and was responsible for the saving of so many lives. It was inspirational to read about her. Yes, it was fictionalized, but it makes me want to know more about her and her life!! I had NO idea that she existed and that is a real shame - we need to recognize these heroes and sheroes before they are gone forever.

Ariel Lawhon writes beautifully and honestly. I loved this book so much even though reading some of it was very painful and hurt my heart. However, learning about Nancy made it all worth it.

This was NOT a super-fun read, but it was a VERY good and enjoyable read! I HIGHLY recommend it WWII history buffs or folks who just want to learn about this amazing shero, Nancy Grace Augusta Wake AKA Helene!!!

Happy reading,


Dorothea 💜

JANUARY 2020 WRAP-UP

First off, apologies to all! January was a crazy month and it is bleeding over into February as well!! YIKES!

Our 5-month-old rescue puppy was spayed and I had to keep her occupied. That was challenging and it was survival of the fittest - I am lucky that I survived. Fortunately, she gets her stitches out this Tuesday! #ADOPTDONTSHOP

So I only read two books in January which is short of my goal of reading one book per week. Hopefully, I can catch up!! These two books (actually ARCs) were both wonderful and recommended! Please get them from the library, buy them, or read an ARC! Support books, authors, and libraries!! I learned so much from reading both of them!!

Happy reading,

Dorothea 💜