A Map to Paradise by Susan Meissner (eARC/eBOOK)
Happy reading,
Dorothea đ
Friday, January 31, 2025
Thursday, January 30, 2025
REVIEW - Looking for Jane (eBOOK)
Looking for Jane by Heather Marshall (eBOOK)
OVERVIEW
OH. MY. GOODNESS!! This historical novel resonated with me beyond belief. Most especially because of the overturn of Roe which had always guaranteed me access to an abortion for all of my childbearing years! But the same cannot be said for my daughter, which terrifies me.
This is the second book by Heather Marshall that I have read. This is her first novel and it was AH-MAZING!!!! I cannot wait for her to write more amazing books!!
TRIGGER WARNING: Death, maternity homes, abortion, infidelity, infertility, medical procedures, rape, forced institutionalization, forced adoption
OVERALL REVIEW: 5.0 stars
Writing: 5.0 stars
The writing is intense, well done, and just so incredible. Heather put a lot of thought and effort into researching this book. The stories are heartbreaking and revolting. She writes about everything in this book including horrifying situations candidly while still allowing this to be an enjoyable book.
Character development: 5.0 stars
The main characters are Angela (an infertile woman trying to get pregnant), Evelyn (an abortion provider before it was legal), and Nancy (a pregnant young woman). All of their stories are from different times before, during, and after abortion was legal in Canada.
The secondary characters are Tina (Angela's wife), Molly (Evelyn's friend), and Michael (Nancy's friend).
There are so many tertiary and general characters that if I explained who they were it would ruin the story.
Storyline: 5.0 stars
The basic premise was about access to abortion from the 1960s to current times. But, this historical fiction novel is more than abortion. It is about motherhood and the issues and choices that we face from infertility, OB/GYN care, birth control, adoption, and abortion. People who become pregnant, trans women, and women in general have so much to consider and need good healthcare to live well and be healthy.
The main locations were Toronto and Montreal, Canada
Memorable/Informative: 5.0 stars
This novel is a feminist manifesto to be angry, fight, and advocate for body autonomy and our civil rights. We do not want to go back to the 1950s when a white, old man decided the course of a woman's life (whether or not she could have an abortion).
Unfortunately, the current administration in the U.S. wants us to return to the "dark ages" of women's health. I am hopeful that the courts will shut this nonsense down!
Book cover: 5.0 stars
So pretty!
Book title: 5.0 stars
Perfect, in so many ways!
HIGHLY recommend
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) borrow (eBOOK)
Looking for Jane by Heather Marshall
400 pages
Atria Books
Release date of 3/7/2023
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL)
Happy reading,
Dorothea đ
Wednesday, January 29, 2025
REVIEW - The Lost Passenger (eARC/eBOOK)
The Lost Passenger by Frances Quinn (eARC/eBOOK)
OVERVIEW
This is my first book by Frances Quinn and is her third historical novel. Her previous two historical novels also had unique premises.
I'm struggling with this review because I liked the premise, but it didn't feel like it was executed as realistically as it could have been. Plus, I really didn't like many of the characters.
TRIGGER WARNING: Death, infidelity, alcohol abuse, sinking of the Titanic, poverty
OVERALL REVIEW: 4.0 stars
Writing: 4.5 stars
The writing in this novel is good. The sinking of the Titanic is vividly done almost worse than watching the movie as I could imagine the horror in my mind.
I did have some difficulty with the English slang of the period and couldn't always find definitions for some of it. A glossary of terms might have been helpful but would be cumbersome.
Character development: 4.0 stars
The main character is Elinor, the spoiled rich daughter of the "Cotton King" who marries the son of an earl. It was a loveless marriage and she is horribly unhappy and controlled.
The secondary characters are Frederick (Elinor's husband), Robert (Elinor's father), Molly (Elinor's temporary maid), and Molly's family in New York.
The tertiary characters are Frederick's friends and family and the Titanic.
This historical novel had a huge cast of characters. They were necessary to add richness to the story. But I didn't like most of them, especially the main character and the titled English people.
Storyline: 4.0 stars
The basic premise was a young rich woman in an unhappy marriage survives the sinking of the Titanic with her young son. To start a new life in New York, she must be listed among the dead. So she thinks quickly and decides to change their lives forever.
The main locations were in various cities in England; aboard the Titanic and the Carpathia; and the Lower East Side of New York City.
Memorable/Informative: 4.0 stars
The premise of this book is good and could have happened in the 1910s when this novel was set, but it still would have been difficult to pull off.
But, it would never work today. Social media would never let it happen. This makes me think about the role social media has in my life. It is definitely something to cut back on and engage in the present.
Book cover: 4.0 stars
Meh!
Book title: 4.0 stars
There could be a stronger title.
DEFINITE recommend
NetGalley ARC (eARC/eBOOK)
The Lost Passenger by Frances Quinn
384 pages
Simon & Schuster UK
FUTURE release date of 2/25/2025
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Happy reading,
Dorothea đ
Tuesday, January 28, 2025
My next eARC/eBOOK is...
The Lost Passenger by Frances Quinn (eARC/eBOOK)
Happy reading,
Dorothea đ
REVIEW - The Secret History of Audrey James (eARC/eBOOK)
The Secret History of Audrey James by Heather Marshall (eARC/eBOOK)
OVERVIEW
Oh, my goodness! This book is absolutely AH-MAZING!! I inhaled it as I couldn't stop reading it!! This is my first novel by this author as this is only her second book. Now, I am off to find her first novel and inhale it too, I'm sure.
Yes, I know! I have said that I wouldn't read any more WWII historical novels. But, this novel appealed to me because it was about the German Resistance (Red Orchestra). I had no idea that there were so many resistance cells before and during WWII including SS officers, university students, and others who despised Hitler. It was fascinating to learn of the many reasons for the resistance from altruism to love of country to stopping the war.
TRIGGER WARNING: War, Holocaust, sexual assault, starvation, physical violence, blood, confinement, death
OVERALL REVIEW: 5.0 stars
Writing: 5.0 stars
The writing is phenomenal, beautiful, and heartbreaking. It is so appropriate that I was reading this incredible historical novel yesterday on International Holocaust Remembrance Day and the 80th Anniversary of the Liberation of Auschwitz concentration camp.
This historical novel makes me ponder the similarities in what is currently happening in my country after the change in the administration. It is a warning to us all to never forget and a call to resist!
Character development: 5.0 stars
There are two main characters in each of the dual timelines. In the WWII timeline, they are Audrey (an English-German young woman) and Ilse (Audrey's Jewish best friend). In the more contemporary timeline, they are Audrey (now an elderly woman) and Kate (Audrey's employee).
There is a secondary character in each timeline. In the contemporary timeline, it is Ian (Kate's friend). In the WWII timeline, it is Friedrich (SS officer).
The tertiary characters are Audrey and Ilse's families, Kate's family and husband, and WWII.
This novel had many interesting and nuanced characters developed well to enrich the storyline.
Storyline: 5.0 stars
This novel is told in dual timelines chronologically with a few flashbacks, as needed. The WWII story is about WWII, German resistance, and the end of the war and the contemporary story is about a woman surviving the loss of her parents in a horrible car crash and starting a new life.
The main locations were Berlin, Germany; Alnwick, England; various locales in the Netherlands and Germany.
Memorable/Informative: 5.0 stars
I did not know anything at all about German resistance before or during WWII. The only resistance that I learned about was the French resistance. The assumption was that the Germans collaborated or ignored what was happening around them, but this novel shows that this just wasn't the truth.
This author highlighted so many women who were part of the German resistance who were integral in fighting against Germany to defeat Hitler and end the war.
Book cover: 5.0 stars
Gorgeous!
Book title: 5.0 stars
Excellent!
HIGHLY recommend
NetGalley ARC (eARC/eBOOK)
The Secret History of Audrey James by Heather Marshall
429 pages
Simon & Schuster
FUTURE release date of 2/25/2025
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Happy reading,
Dorothea đ
Monday, January 27, 2025
My next audiobook is...
Never: The Autobiography by Rick Astley (audiobook)
Happy reading,
Dorothea đ
REVIEW - Let's Call Her Barbie (audiobook)
Let's Call Her Barbie by RenÊe Rosen (audiobook)
OVERVIEW
This was one of those books you assume will be one thing, and then it is very different and better! Initially, I thought this book would be about Barbie and the development of the entire line, various types, and clothing. But, it was so much more. The people behind the invention and development were much more interesting than Barbie. That is a lot as I am a Southern California girl who grew up with Barbie and a Mattel factory near my childhood home.
One of my early memories involves playing with my cousin, Deana's, Barbies while listening to The Mamas and Papas on American Bandstand and her shushing me. I was five or younger.
TRIGGER ALERT: Foul language, alcoholism, drug abuse, sexual content, eating disorders
OVERALL REVIEW: 5.0 stars
Writing: 5.0 stars
RenÊe writes beautifully. It is as if you can feel the minds and hearts of the characters. So well done!
Narration: 5.0 stars
The narration was wonderfully done. The narrator had a perfect voice for this audiobook.
Character Arc: 5.0 stars
The audiobook is a chronological story of Barbie from her development in 1956 to 1976. This twenty years is the heyday of Barbie with some flashbacks to explain some of the characters' backstories. The characters most involved with Barbie included Ruth and Elliot Handler, Jack Ryan, and Charlotte Johnson.
The stories of the four main characters and many secondary and tertiary characters are more fascinating than the development and creation of Barbie. I was shocked, but so intrigued!
Memorable: 5.0 stars
Ruth Handler was an incredible force of nature. I would have loved to meet her as she invented Barbie and then developed her from a prototype to a toy dynasty. Ruth was badass!
Entertaining: 5.0 stars
This book was full of wild and crazy stories! There was never a moment to be bored.
Book cover: 5.0 stars
Perfect.
Book title: 5.0 stars
Awesome title!
HIGHLY recommend
STATISTICS
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) borrow (audiobook)
Let's Call Her Barbie by RenÊe Rosen
Penguin Audio
12 hours, 51 minutes
Release date of 1/21/2025
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Happy reading,
Dorothea đ
Saturday, January 25, 2025
My next eARC/eBOOK is...
The Secret History of Audrey James by Heather Marshall (eARC/eBOOK)
Happy reading,
Dorothea đ
REVIEW - The Memory of Cotton (eBOOK)
The Memory of Cotton by Ann K. Howley (eBOOK)
OVERVIEW
Okay, for full transparency, I have known the author, Ann, for a long time. Our sisters have been friends since junior high. Ann and I graduated from CSULA and took some college classes together.
But, when Ann asked me to read her book and give an honest review, I knew I could be fair and truthful. She gave me a free Kindle copy to read and review.
I always knew Ann could write well, but I didn't realize how well. This gem of a young adult fiction book is exactly what middle and junior high school students should be required to read in English classes. This is also a good book for deep discussion and openness for parents to easily cover difficult topics with their kids.
TRIGGER WARNING: Reference to murders, some Ku Klux Klan interaction, LGBT+ prejudice, loss of a child, bullying, physical violence
OVERALL REVIEW: 5.0 stars
Writing: 5.0 stars
Ann writes vividly and beautifully. Descriptive, yet not overly so.
This is a perfect mix of writing for young adults with some SAT words to prepare them for college. But, it is also a good read for adults.
Character development: 5.0 stars
The three main characters are Shelby (a 15-year-old girl), Darrin (Shelby's best friend), and Margaret/Grandma (Shelby's grandmother). Shelby and Darrin are on an adventure with Grandma from Pennsylvania to North Carolina.
The secondary characters are Miss Rose (Grandma's childhood best friend), Mr. Robert (Miss Rose's brother), and Charlie (Shelby's brother). These characters add so much character and depth to this lovely story.
The tertiary characters are Shelby's and Darrin's parents and the people of Finley, NC.
This novel had many varied characters to round out the storyline and dive deeply into the main characters' personas including the difficult subject matter.
Storyline: 5.0 stars
This novel is told chronologically, but there are some slight flashbacks to explain what is happening currently. Some of this is done via journal entries.
But the story is about Shelby finding a Ku Klux Klan robe while helping her Grandma pack to move. This discovery sets off a chain of events impacting Grandma's hometown and three families.
The main locations were Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Finley, North Carolina.
Memorable/Informative: 5.0 stars
I did not know about the three cycles of the Ku Klux Klan. But, I despise everything they stand for, period. However, learning about them prepares me for how to deal with them.
Unfortunately, this novel is incredibly relevant due to the changes occurring in our federal government with the current presidential administration.
I did not think I would enjoy a novel that included the Ku Klux Klan, but I did.
Book cover: 4.5 stars
Pretty!
Book title: 5.0 stars
Excellent!
HIGHLY recommend
BOOK INFORMATION
Kindle eBOOK gifted by the author
The Memory of Cotton by Ann K. Howley
184 pages
Independent
Release date of 5/1/2024
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Happy reading,
Dorothea đ
StoryGraph
A friend of mine, Alexandra (THANK YOU!), recently reminded me to check out StoryGraph. Incidentally, we met at a Taylor Swift concert - serendipity. We love books and Taylor!
I just set up my StoryGraph account - booksbydorothea - and I absolutely adore it already!! It is so personalizable and easy to use. You can even import your Goodreads information. I tweaked my reads as it all didn't transfer perfectly, but that usually happens with any file transfer!
So I will use Goodreads and StoryGraph concurrently this year and see who performs the best. I have a feeling already! But, I will give it the full year.
As an aside, I am trying to avoid making more money for billionaires like Mark Zuckerberg and Jeff Bezos. I also love that StoryGraph is not connected with either and was created by a Black woman! I am also looking for an app that is like Instagram, but not attached to Meta. Supposedly, Bluesky is doing that now. Fingers crossed!
As a reminder, contact information is:
Email: booksbydorotheablog@gmail.comGoodreads: BOOKSBYDOROTHEABlog: booksbydorothea.blogspot.com
StoryGraph: booksbydorothea
Instagram: booksbydorothea
If you follow me on any of these platforms, please let me know so I can follow you back!!
Dorothea đ
Thursday, January 23, 2025
REVIEW - Come Fly with Me (eARC/eBOOK)
Come Fly With Me by Camille Di Maio (eARC/eBOOK)
OVERVIEW
I have read all of Camille Di Maio's books and this is the best so far! The period, the setting, the characters, and the premise were so fascinating. Plus, all the twists and turns were incredible.
I knew little to nothing about this time in aviation at all. I also didn't know that Pan Am did not fly domestically!! Flying during the Golden Age of transcontinental flight sounds so different from our flying experiences today. My only regret after reading this book is that I never had the opportunity to fly on Pan Am!
TRIGGER WARNING: Reference to spousal physical and mental abuse
OVERALL REVIEW: 5.0 stars
Writing: 5.0 stars
Camille writes so beautifully and realistically for the period in the book. I could visualize every scene and character in my mind as I was reading. It was as if it were playing out before me. Well, done!
Character development: 5.0 stars
The two main characters are Beverly and Judy, flight attendant students in Miami, Florida. Beverly is escaping a restrictive Park Avenue life and Judy is fleeing her abusive husband.
The secondary characters are Henry (Judy's husband), Joe (Judy/Beverly's instructor), and Mark (Beverly's friend). These characters are what create the tension and interest in this story.
The tertiary characters are Beverly and Judy's family and friends, the beautiful foreign cities they discover, and Pan Am.
This novel had many varied characters to round out the storyline and dive deeply into the main characters' personas.
Storyline: 5.0 stars
This novel is told chronologically, but there are out-of-order series of vignettes. They are integral to the final story and are beautifully written.
I enjoyed that this novel shows a deep and real female friendship that becomes like a chosen family. My best friend and I have known each other for over 50 years and we are like Beverly and Judy in many ways. You'll have to figure out who is whom!
The main locations were Miami, Florida; San Francisco, California; and Honolulu, Hawaii. Also, many other foreign cities make cameo appearances.
Memorable/Informative: 5.0 stars
I have never enjoyed flying, just like Camille. But, I have always admired flight attendants, referred to as stewardesses during the time of the book. They are there to keep us safe and I am grateful for their training and calm under pressure. Getting a little peek at their intense training makes me feel a little better for my next flight!
Book cover: 5.0 stars
Gorgeous!
Book title: 5.0 stars
Perfect.
HIGHLY recommend
BOOK INFORMATION
NetGalley ARC (eARC/eBOOK)
Come Fly With Me by Camille Di Maio
327 pages
Lake Union Publishing
FUTURE release date of 2/18/2025
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Happy reading,
Dorothea đ
Tuesday, January 21, 2025
My next audiobook is...
Let's Call Her Barbie by RenÊe Rosen (audiobook)
Happy reading,
Dorothea đ
REVIEW - Brooke Shields Is Not Allowed to Get Old (audiobook)
Brooke Shields Is Not Allowed to Get Old by Brooke Shields (audiobook)
OVERVIEW
I'm unsure how I feel versus how I should think about this audiobook. In some ways, this pseudo-memoir was a positive treatise on aging and the systemic erasure of women over forty. But, at times, it was a commercial for Shields' new hair product line product, Commence.
There are some gossipy tidbits, but most have been discussed on morning shows and in celebrity magazines. So if you are looking for her to "spill the tea", this isn't the memoir for you. But, if you want a cheerleading session and her experience as an aging woman, you will enjoy this memoir.
Brooke and I are only four years apart and are later in life moms so I relate to much of what she discusses in this book. But some just didn't apply or work for me.
TRIGGER ALERT: Post-partum depression, alcoholism, medical violence, and sexual assault.
OVERALL REVIEW: 4.0 stars
Writing: 5.0 stars
Brooke writes well as she has a Princeton education. She writes deeply, emotionally, and hopefully which is how she comes across as a person.
Narration: 5.0 stars
The narration by Brooke as a professional actress was strong, emotional, and gut-wrenching at times. But, also fun and self-deprecating. Her voice is perfect in this audiobook.
Character Arc: 3.5 stars
The audiobook is a chronological grouping of essays set in chapters. Each chapter could stand alone except for some of the backstories in the early chapters. This memoir covers Brooke's personal and professional life from birth to current with most spent on her life after forty.
At times, the discussion of Commence got repetitive. Yes, I understand it is her new "baby", but it grated on me.
Also, Brooke discusses her celebrity friends a lot. A lot! But, I understand that that is her social circle, but her "civilian friends" sounded interesting also.
Finally, she quotes a lot of studies and articles. The reference material could have been handled with footnotes instead of quoting the citations as it slowed the narration.
Memorable: 3.5 stars
I had no clue that Brooke had had two major health scares. Older women unfortunately must deal with this as we age. I would have appreciated some suggestions or treatments to help with physical aging.
Some of her stories were horrifying, disgusting, and rude. My heart hurt for the young Brooke who I wanted to give a big hug!
Entertaining: 4.0 stars
This book was entertaining and informative, at times. Brooke has an engaging personality even when discussing difficult topics. She is real and raw in this memoir.
Book cover: 5.0 stars
Beautiful.
Book title: 4.0 stars
I like it, but long. It reminded me of Fall Out Boy song titles. IYKYK!
DEFINITE recommend
STATISTICS
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) borrow (audiobook)
Brooke Shields Is Not Allowed to Get Old by Brooke Shields
Macmillan Audio
9 hours, 1 minute
Release date of 1/14/2025
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Happy reading,
Dorothea đ
Monday, January 20, 2025
My next eARC/eBOOK is...
Come Fly with Me by Camille Di Maio (eARC/eBOOK)
Happy reading,
Dorothea đ
REVIEW - The Bookstore Keepers (eARC/eBOOK)
The Bookstore Keepers (Once Upon a Time Bookshop Stories #3) by Alice Hoffman (eARC/eBOOK)
OVERVIEW
This was another great short story by the amazing Alice Hoffman. This is the third and final short story in The Once Upon a Time Bookshop Stories about a family bookstore on the fictional island of Brinkley's Island, Maine. I loved this sweet and lovely series.
Caveat: Please read the first two books in this short story before this one!
OVERALL REVIEW: 5.0 stars
Writing: 5.0 stars
Alice Hoffman is my favorite author, period. Her writing is beautifully spectacular, poetic, and brilliant. This short story was another great read!
Character development: 5.0 stars
The two main characters, the Gibson sisters, Isabel and Sophie run the family bookstore. The sisters have been close in the past, but Isabel lived in New York City for many years and returned as the prodigal daughter.
There are a lot of secondary characters including Johnny (Isabel's husband) and Violet (Sophie's daughter).
The tertiary character was the island and the bookstore.
Storyline: 5.0 stars
This short story concerns family, loss, grief, and unconditional love.
Johnny and Isabel receive bad and good news plus a secret. Violet returns home from college with a secret. Isabel guilts Violet into staying to run the bookstore.
We receive a lovely ending to this wonderful short story series!
The main location is the fictional Brinkley's Island, Maine.
Memorable/Informative: 5.0 stars
This was a perfect read with today being Inauguration Day and having finished a heavy WWII book yesterday. It isn't a life-changing book, but it made my heart and soul happy!
Book cover: 5.0 stars
Gorgeous.
Book title: 5.0 stars
Perfect!
HIGHLY recommend
BOOK INFORMATION
NetGalley
The Bookstore Keepers by Alice Hoffman
50 pages
Amazon Original Stories
FUTURE release date of 2/4/2025
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Happy reading,
Dorothea đ
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