Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Reviews of physical books, ebooks, and audiobooks personally read or listened to by me! booksbydorothea - Instagram; booksbydorothea - Threads; Books by Dorothea - Goodreads
Writing: 5.0 stars
Ina writes beautifully. That is no surprise as she used to work for Presidents Ford and Carter!
I love how she talks about food, friendship, and life with it all being interconnected. It was lovely.
Narration: 5.0 stars
Great narration. Ina is not a perfect speaker or an on-camera personality which she readily admits in the audiobook. But that nervousness and imperfection make her so approachable and so likable. She is real!
She is funny, a swear word dropper, and a straight-shooter - my kind of gal!
Character Arc: 5.0 stars
The audiobook is told chronologically which I thoroughly enjoyed.
Memorable: 5.0 stars
She spills her guts, so to speak, about her life and how she rose above a harsh family life in an affluent part of Connecticut. Something that her father said to her resonates with me deeply and sadly.
Ina found her love, Jeffrey, very early in life. But, she also knew what she needed in her marriage which she asked for and received.
I was shocked at what happened when Ina and Jeffrey applied for a mortgage in the early 1970s. The loan officer wouldn't consider her income because "she would get pregnant and stay home". Geez, how sexist and misogynist!
Entertaining: 5.0 stars
Ina was so funny. She has a great sense of humor and would be a hoot to have a meal with.
Book cover: 5.0 stars
So pretty.
Book title: 5.0 stars
Words to live by.
HIGHLY recommend
STATISTICS
Release date of 10/1/2024
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
This is the fourth book in a five-book series. I would describe the series, Her Majesty the Queen Investigates, as a "cozy mystery series. I say "cozy" because the book isn't horribly graphic. I also love the idea of Queen Elizabeth II solving crimes - it just tracks for me.
The premise of this book is a double murder in Chelsea with potential involvement with aristocrats and royals. The time frame is in 1957, a departure from the rest of the series. In this book, the Queen begins her working relationship with Joan McCraw, acting APS (Assistant Personal Secretary).
This book takes place primarily near multiple royal residences in England and Scotland.
I hope the fifth and next book isn't the last (say it isn't so, S.J. Bennett)!!!
Writing: 4.0 stars
The writing is good. It is not overly descriptive but rather a crisp, no-nonsense style like how the Queen comes across.
I loved that the Queen's clothing and jewels were described in detail. She was still young and coming into her personal power as a monarch and woman.
Character development: 4.0 stars
The character development of the two main characters of Queen Elizabeth II and Joan, her Assistant Personal Secretary (APS) is in its infancy. But, the Queen trusted herself and found someone she could trust in Joan. Both are strong women which I always love reading about.
The secondary characters are the Queen's extended family, local nobility, acquaintances, and her secretaries.
The tertiary characters are the police investigators, victims, and witnesses.
Storyline: 4.5 stars
The storyline was a good whodunit. The twists and turns made this mystery so much fun. Of course, I had no clue who the killer or killers were.
The main locations were the many royal residences and surrounding areas in Great Britain.
Memorable/Informative: 4.0 stars
I am a huge Anglophile as many of my ancestors immigrated from that area.
I was shocked that Joan was perceived by many of the male aristocrats and the Queen's male secretaries as disreputable because she was Irish. This was 1957!
Book cover: 4.0 stars
Nice.
Book title: 4.5 stars
On point.
Suggestion:
An explanation of the titles and how to correctly address the nobility and royalty would be helpful for this clueless American reader!
DEFINITE recommend
BOOK INFORMATION
NetGalley ARC (ebook)
A Death in Diamond (Her Majesty The Queen Investigates #4) by S.J. Bennett
407 pages
Zaffre
Release date of 1/21/2025
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Writing: 3.0 stars
Unfortunately, this book is not well written.
It is based on tapes Lisa Marie recorded to begin the foundation of her autobiography. Riley Keough, her daughter, fills in some of the gaps in the audio to make it more understandable and add a back story.
I am surprised that it is an Oprah's Book Club pick.
Narration: 3.5 stars
This book has three narrators. First is Lisa Marie whose poorly recorded excerpts are included and are the most powerful and raw part of this audiobook. Second is Riley who read well but was emotionally flat (as I think she is still processing so much). Finally, Julia Roberts does an outstanding job for most of the audiobook.
Due to the three narrators, an audiobook is the way to go with this memoir, IMHO.
Character Arc: 3.0 stars
The audiobook is told chronologically which I thoroughly enjoyed.
My real issue is that this book is just too short due to huge time gaps in Lisa Marie's story. Her life was not fully explored which is disappointing.
Memorable: 3.0 stars
Yes, there are some salacious parts, but most don't add depth to the story. It is all personal decisions and I support Lisa Maria in them all.
The biggest takeaway for me is what would Lisa Marie's life have been IF her father hadn't died on that fateful day. Good, better, or worse - we will never know. This book is all about grief and loss along with generational trauma including drug and alcohol abuse.
Entertaining: 3.0 stars
It wasn't entertaining per se. It was just what it was.
Book cover: 3.0 stars
A much better picture could have been picked.
Book title: 3.0 stars
Unsure if it is a good title.
LUKEWARM recommend
STATISTICS
Release date of 10/8/2024
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Lisa Marie Presley/Riley Keough
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
OVERVIEW
This is the fifth book written by three author friends (Williams, Willig, and White) AKA The Three W's. The only author of the three I have read is Beatriz Williams which is how I found this book. This is my first novel by the three authors in collaboration.
I know this book was satire and tongue-in-cheek, but I liked the book rather than loved it.
Writing: 4.5 stars
The writing is good. I could not determine who wrote what chapters so it is a well-done collaboration.
I liked that the three main characters had their own chapters and at the beginning of the novel each started with a police interrogation. The interrogations were hysterically funny!
Character development: 4.0 stars
The main characters were Kat, Emma, and Cassie. They are three diverse writers who meet to write a book together at a Scottish castle. The three main characters were as different as their individual genres.
The secondary characters are Detective Chief Inspector (DCI) McIntosh (the police officer investigating a murder), Calum (castle caretaker), Morag (castle housekeeper), and Archie (estate manager).
The tertiary characters are the murdered individual, townspeople, and other characters that move the story along.
Storyline: 3.0 stars
The storyline is told in flashbacks with police interrogations and then the chapter focuses on one of the three main characters. This was the best part of the book.
The book was long and could have been edited more. This novel is slow for the first 75% of the book other than the police interrogations. Then it takes off for the last 25% and is fast-moving and fun. So for me, the chapters with the police interrogations could have been very edited.
The main location was Inner Hebrides, Scotland.
Memorable/Informative: 3.5 stars
I enjoyed learning a small amount about the Inner Hebrides and how each island community is connected.
Book cover: 4.0 stars
Okay.
Book title: 4.0 stars
Meh.
DEFINITE recommend
BOOK INFORMATION
NetGalley ARC (ebook)
The Author's Guide to Murder by Beatriz Williams, Lauren Willig, and Karen White
416 pages
William Morrow
Release date of 11/5/2024
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Writing: 5.0 stars
Connie writes beautifully, efficiently, and eloquently. I wished for a little more "heart" in the writing, but she did a great job considering her background. I had to remind myself that Connie is a trained journalist who avoids personal feelings while reporting. There are some "tell-all" moments especially about male anchors and those in power - disgusting.
Narration: 5.0 stars
Perfectly narrated. Connie has a voice that is just so lush and professional. I could listen to her read the Constitution and wouldn't be bored.
She is also funny and a straight-shooter - my kind of gal!
Character Arc: 5.0 stars
The audiobook is told chronologically which I thoroughly enjoyed. She discussed her childhood, career, and finding love. Such a happy ending.
Memorable: 5.0 stars
Many of the sexist issues that Connie dealt with in the 70's, I was dealing with in the 90's. Unbelievable.
I loved that so many Asian-American women were named Connie in the 70's-90's after her. It is a great honor and a living testament to her hard work and what she meant to many.
Entertaining: 5.0 stars
It was so funny at times with her wicked sense of humor and double-entendre comebacks. I loved her honest take on people without being snarky and how she owned her mistakes.
Book cover: 5.0 stars
Gorgeous.
Book title: 5.0 stars
Short and sweet.
HIGHLY recommend
STATISTICS
Release date of 9/17/2024
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Writing: 4.5 stars
HRC writes beautifully - very descriptive and real. She definitely wrote to her audience which are educated, middle-class women. It was totally on point.
I disliked her use of name-calling to refer to many folks on the other side of the aisle including Trump and McConnell. She didn't need to go low like that.
Narration: 3.5 stars
HRC has a voice that can become grating when she is angry or upset about a topic - that is how she read the parts about Trump. It was annoying and not pleasant to listen to at all.
On the other hand, when talking about her family members, her voice softened and was lovely and loving.
Character Arc: 4.0 stars
The audiobook is told chronologically, but HRC does deviate by backtracking to fill in stories or explain things more fully. Learning about her parents' marriage and her childhood explains why she has always been so driven. HRC is the oldest, daughter, with two younger brothers. Enough said!
Memorable: 4.5 stars
The one chapter about the white scarves is amazing. I was breathless to hear how it all worked out. It was an incredible feat performed by women for women to get targeted Afghani women out of Afghanistan before the US left. There are many other stories in this book that were just as good.
Entertaining: 4.0 stars
HRC can be quite funny in some of her anecdotes.
But, for me, learning about all that she did as a lawyer, First Lady of Arkansas, First Lady of the US, Senator, and Secretary of State was awe-inspiring. She accomplished so much, but not all is known to the public.
Book cover: 3.0 stars
A more flattering picture could have been chosen for her.
Book title: 5.0 stars
Very appropriate. Joan Baez, anyone?
STRONG recommend
STATISTICS
Release date of 9/17/2020
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Hi, everyone!!
Did you know as part of your Amazon Prime Membership you receive a FREE monthly Kindle book available?? It is called Amazon First Reads!! You can find out more about it here: Amazon First Reads.
The Amazon First Reads email went out yesterday! There are TWO free Kindle books for October 2024.
My TWO choices for October 2024 are:
An Age of Winters by Gemma Liviero (ebook)
So what Kindle book are you SELECTING?!?
Also, as a reminder, remember to "buy" AND download the FREE books from Amazon! You cannot read the books for free if they are not downloaded! Ask me how I know?
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Good morning, everyone!!
September started with the
possibility of being a twelve-book or more month. Unfortunately, life got in
the way with a sick family member in the hospital. Thankfully, a discharge is
expected tomorrow (and I did read a book while waiting at the hospital)!!
2nd ANNUAL
“booksbydorothea” BEST BOOKS OF 2024:
All We Were Promised by Ashton Lattimore (January) 5 stars (ebook)
Miss Morgan's Book Brigade by Janet Skeslien Charles (February) 5 stars (ebook)
The Lost Story by Meg Shaffer (March) 5 stars (ebook)
How To Read A Book by Monica Wood (April) 5 stars (ebook)
Here One Moment by Liane Moriarity (May)
4.5 stars (ebook)
The Friday Afternoon Club (June) 5 stars (audiobook)
The Bookstore Wedding by Alice Hoffman (July) 5 stars (ebook)
The Briar Club by Kate Quinn (August) 5 stars (ebook)
The Moment of Lift by Melinda Gates (September) 5 stars (audiobook)
GOODREADS READING GOAL:
My goal is to read 100 books in 2024. As
of 09/30/2024, I have read 69 books, or 69% of my goal.
SEPTEMBER 2024 STATISTICS:
10 total books
7 e-books; 3 audiobooks; 0 physical
books
2 books were ARCs (Advance Reader
Copy)
7 books were library books
0 books were purchased
1 book was an Amazon First Reads
0 books were a Book Club Girl
Audio listening time in September:
28 hours, 49 minutes
Pages read in September: 2,824
pages
Average review rating: 4.30 stars
SEPTEMBER BOOK RATINGS
with BOOK COVERS:
5.0-star book (2)
The Moment of Lift by Melinda Gates (audiobook) LINK
4.5-star book (4)
The Garden of Promises and Lies by Paula Brackston (ebook) LINK
All In by Billie Jean King (audiobook) LINK
4.0-star book (3)
Framed by John Grisham/Jim McCloskey (ebook) LINK
The Twilight Garden by Sara Nisha Adams (ebook) LINK
3.5-star book (0)
3.0-star book (1)
When We Were Friends by Jane Green (ebook) LINK
If you want to read my full review of
any of these books, there are individual review links for each ebook or
audiobook next to the book title and author. Click on the specific book link to get to that book review!
Happy reading!
Dorothea 💜
P.S. You can find out more about my book ratings HERE.