OVERVIEW
I made the right decision by switching from an audioBOOK to an eBOOK for this one!! The personal pictures and visual names of these "bad ass women" were important to me to "feel" them.
I thoroughly enjoyed learning about these incredible, formidable, and inspiring women who helped turn the tide of WWII (yes, I know, but this was about WOMEN)! The sad part for me was that these heroines are largely unknown, which is another example of history focusing on white men. ARGH!
TRIGGER WARNING: Violence, guns, murder, assassination, war, racism, sexism, xenophobia, sexual violence, and genocide
OVERALL REVIEW: 4.5 stars
Writing: 4.0 stars
Mari, a retired Major General (U.S. Army), wrote this book. She did not know about many of the sixteen (two were a pair of sisters) heroines, and I had read about two of them.
She wrote well, but not beautifully. Yes, this was a biography, but there could have been more descriptive language about the women, their environment, and their thoughts. The bottom line is that the author writes like a Major General.
This book was heavily researched with footnotes, a bibliography, and references. What a labor of love for Mari!
The writing would have been better if there had been more editing. Meri repeated herself in the chapters about each heroine and in the closing three chapters.
Character development: 5.0 stars
These heroines (and Main Characters) were:
The secondary characters were American, Russian, and English government officials, military, and spy agencies.
The tertiary character is WWII.
Many historical figures and minor characters were mentioned in this biography.
Storyline: 5.0 stars
Each of the women had a different storyline in their own chapter. All of these women were called to service by the war and/or felt the need to serve others. Their stories were incredible and memorable!
The main locations were the U.S., China, and Europe.
Memorable/Informative: 5.0 stars
These women were the real deal! There are other "forgotten to history" women who should be recognized for their accomplishments during WWII. Some of the stories are better than what Hollywood could write. No spoilers here!
Book cover: 5.0 stars
Perfect!
Book title: 5.0 stars
Excellent!
STRONGLY recommend
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) borrowed (eBOOK)
The Girls Who Stepped Out of Line by Mari K. Eder
400 pages
Sourcebooks
Release date of 8/3/2021
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL)
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
OVERVIEW
Writing: 5.0 stars
The writing was so well done and it is apparent that Jessica has a master's in journalism major! Perfectly described, but still done with an appropriate utilization of words.
I am very confident that Jessica did not use a ghostwriter!
Narration: 5.0 stars
Jessica narrates beautifully and really tells her story her way.
Character Arc: 5.0 stars
The audioBOOK is chronological showing her growth as a person and sometimes extrovert.
Memorable: 5.0 stars
Oh, my the things that Jessica did! She did stand-up comedy three times, talking to random strangers, online friendship dating, networking, improvisational classes, deep talking to men, traveling alone to a foreign country, going to Portugal to use "magic mushrooms", and hosted her first dinner party.
She really did a fantastic job getting out of her comfort zone!
Entertaining: 5.0 stars
At times, Jessica was so funny that when I was listening to this audioBOOK in bed I was afraid I would wake up my husband.
Book cover: 4.5 stars
Nice..
Book title: 5.0 stars
Hysterical!
HIGHLY recommend
STATISTICS
Release date of 5/28/2019
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
OVERVIEW
Well, this is getting to be a long series - The Cotton Malone Series. This historical fiction mystery novel was an interesting read with information about Florence, Sienna, and the Medicis (pronounced MED-i-chis).
Sadly, this series leaves us with the same cliffhanger from the last book in this series. C'mon, Steve Berry! This is book 19 - PLEASE, write book 20 and wrap it up. Cotton needs to really retire to his bookshop in Copenhagen!!!
I was so lucky to receive this book from the library the day it was released!! Please get a library card if you don't already have one. There is so much more than books at the library to explore!
TRIGGER WARNING: Violence, guns, murder, assassination, classicism, war, infidelity, and toxic relationships
OVERALL REVIEW: 4.0 stars
Writing: 4.0 stars
Steve Berry is an amazing researcher which is evident in his writing. He travels to the locations he writes about which makes me so jealous. Plus, he adds details and descriptions.
I like that he always includes a detailed Author Note that breaks down the facts from fiction. The only issue for me is the Italian language references and terms in this novel that I couldn't find more via Google Translate. A glossary would be helpful to this reader!
Character development: 4.0 stars
The main character is Cotton (a former CIA-type operative) who gets called by his former boss to help the Vatican with a problem. Cotton is a hugely multifaceted and fascinating character who has been fully developed through the nineteen books in this series. Honestly, I would love to have Cotton as a friend or neighbor!
The secondary characters are Bishops Richter, Stamm, and Ascolani (Roman Catholic bishops); Father Giumenta (Roman Catholic priest); and Eric (Italian political operative).
The tertiary characters are the Pope, the Vatican, the Roman Catholic church hierarchy, and assorted people in the various locales.
Many historical and current minor characters moved this fictional story along.
Storyline: 3.0 stars
The story starts with Cotton surreptitiously doing a "sneak and peek" in a church residence in Germany. Then everything goes haywire with five or six storylines that tie up at the end.
The multiple storylines were hard to follow due to the many characters involved. Additionally, some of the things that were done by these characters were unbelievable and unreasonable (not getting into specifics to avoid spoilers). It seemed like a real stretch at times.
The main locations were primarily Rome, Florence, and Siena.
Memorable/Informative: 4.0 stars
I now know how to pronounce Medici correctly (MED-i-chi)!
But, seriously, I really didn't realize the power and wealth that the Medici family had in Tuscany and beyond including multiple Medici popes. Unfortunately, the line died out along with the wealth and power.
Thankfully, Anna Maria Luisa Medici left all of her wealth including jewels, artwork, etc. to Florence upon her death. There was a condition that this gift never left the city. This provided a treasure trove of so much beauty that made Florence one of the most incredible cities in the world.
Book cover: 4.0 stars
So pretty!
Book title: 4.0 stars
Excellent!
DEFINITE recommend
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) borrowed (eBOOK)
The Medici Return (Cotton Malone Series #19) by Steve Berry
405 pages
Grand Central Publishing
Release date of 2/18/2025
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL)
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
OVERVIEW
What a lovely book! It is my sixth read book of Julia's recently published seven historical fiction and mystery historical fiction novels.
Yes, dear blog reader, you may say I previously swore off WWII books FOREVER! Well, exceptions are going to be made for books that interest me and for authors that I love reading. This book met 2 of 2!! Winner, winner, chicken dinner!
I was so lucky to receive this book from the library the day it was released!! Don't forget to use your library card - it is good for more than books! Off soapbox, now!
TRIGGER WARNING: Death of a parent, war, infidelity, toxic relationships
OVERALL REVIEW: 5.0 stars
Writing: 5.0 stars
As always, Julia writes so incredibly beautifully. Her prose is filled with gorgeous descriptions of the beautiful clothing in this novel. The clothing sounded amazing even with the rationing.
Julia researched WWII clothing and clothing rationing as compared to current times. In the Author's Note, the incredible differences in quantity and quality of clothing from the 1940s to now are shocking. On a personal note, my daughter and I are purchasing better-made and sustainable clothing that we can tailor and wear for longer. The fast fashion clothing trend just isn't working for us anymore!
Character development: 5.0 stars
The main characters are Sylvia (older sister), Izzie (younger sister), Miss Reid (seamstress), and William (barrister and friend of the sisters).
The secondary characters are Hugo (Sylvia's husband), Jack (Izzie's friend), Claire (Sylvia's friend), Maggie (Sylvia/Izzie's mother), and the dressmaker shop, Mrs. Shelton's Fashions.
The tertiary characters are Sylvia's high-society friends, Izzie's WAAF (Women's Auxiliary Air Force) friends, and WWII.
I loved that Julia used letters between the characters which was the best way to communicate back then. It also allowed the characters to more fully develop who they were versus what they showed to others. The letters were so touching and perfect.
Many minor characters also helped bring this lovely novel to life.
Storyline: 5.0 stars
The basic premise is that Maggie dies leaving her dressmaker shop to her two daughters, Sylvia and Izzie who are estranged. Then Izzie is conscripted into the WAAF leaving Sylvia to run the dressmaker shop. The sisters write letters to one another and other characters which adds such a beautiful touch to this novel.
The main locations were primarily London with some time spent in other cities in England.
Memorable/Informative: 5.0 stars
I knew there was rationing in England and the U.S. during WWII as my dad spoke of ration books and "brownouts". He was around seven at the end of WWII and lived on the West Coast where the threat of attack was real.
But, I had no idea how difficult it was regarding clothing, especially for women. The annual reduction in ration coupons until 1949 must have been incredibly challenging to manage.
I also had no idea how bad the classicism was in England during WWII. But, unfortunately, we have the same type of elitism here in the U.S., unfortunately.
Book cover: 5.0 stars
So pretty!
Book title: 5.0 stars
Excellent!
HIGHLY recommend
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) borrowed (eBOOK)
The Dressmakers of London by Julia Kelly
430 pages
Gallery Books
Release date of 2/18/2025
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL)
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
The Dressmakers of London by Julia Kelly (eBOOK)
The Medici Return (Cotton Malone #19) by Steve Berry (eBOOK)
Hi, everyone!
So not surprisingly on "Publishing Day Tuesday" two books on my Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) hold list became available TODAY!!
Since I have not started the most recent Isabel Allende eARC, I will pause it until I read the two above books which I have been anxiously awaiting to read!!
As an avid reader, I go where the books take me!
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
OVERVIEW
Writing: 4.0 stars
The writing was good, but not exceptional.
I am unsure if Patrick utilized a ghostwriter, but if he didn't - good job!
Narration: 4.5 stars
Patrick narrates beautifully and laughs at himself throughout the book. He sounded tired at various times during the reading. However, throughout his life, he always pushed himself through pain, and this book was no exception.
Character Arc: 4.0 stars
The audiobook is fairly chronological but somewhat superficial.
But I wanted more. I wanted more about his childhood and meeting Lisa as well as his cancer diagnosis.
Memorable: 4.0 stars
Patrick had to deal with a lot of physical pain in his life from a knee injury playing football his senior year of high school, to breaking both legs while filming a movie, to his ultimate fight against cancer. Patrick had emotional pain as well with depression and imposter syndrome plus he lost his father young and his older sister died by suicide.
My heart broke for Patrick and Lisa. When I checked Wikipedia for Patrick, it was good to see Lisa is remarried and seems happy again.
Entertaining: 4.0 stars
This book wasn't entertaining, per se. It was more informative about his life, but we were not fully let into it.
It wasn't full of anecdotes, funny stories, or lots of spilled celebrity tea (there was some). It was dark and sad especially when Patrick read about how hard it was to get a foothold in the entertainment industry.
Book cover: 4.5 stars
Lovely.
Book title: 5.0 stars
A great double entendre.
DEFINITE recommend
STATISTICS
Release date of 9/29/2009
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
OVERVIEW
This was a free short story offered by Amazon First Reads for February 2025. Since I have never read anything by Abby Jimenez, this was an easy way to start!!
I really enjoyed this short story about a difficult topic - stalking. But the author made it not so difficult with some fun characters!
Now looking for the rest of Abby's books to add to my TBR list!
TRIGGER WARNING: Stalking, violence, incest, physical injury, infidelity
OVERALL REVIEW: 5.0 stars
Writing: 5.0 stars
Abby is an easy to read and fun writer. It was a perfect read after my very scholarly previous book.
Character development: 5.0 stars
The two main characters are Charlotte (the frightened stalkee) and Seth (the injured foot arborist) who are neighbors.
There are a lot of secondary characters including Izzy (Charlotte's friend), Gabe (Seth's friend), and John (the apartment property manager).
The tertiary characters were the hysterical ladies from the California Poppy Retirement home and George (the stalker).
Storyline: 5.0 stars
This short story is about two neighbors forced to spend Valentine's weekend together because their apartment stairs are erroneously removed.
NOTE: If you don't think this storyline could happen, it happened to me in my first apartment. The only difference was the banister was removed on a steep set of stairs and the only way to my apartment.
The main location is Burbank, California.
Memorable/Informative: 5.0 stars
For me, the girl power of Charlotte and Izzy was awesome! Put a sock on your baseball bat - read this short story to find out why!
Book cover: 4.0 stars
Nice.
Book title: 5.0 stars
Perfect - double entendre!
HIGHLY recommend
BOOK INFORMATION
Amazon First Reads
The Fall Risk by Abby Jimenez
82 pages
Amazon Original Stories
FUTURE release date of 3/1/2025
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
OVERVIEW
This is the first book by Helen Rappaport that I have read and finished (DNF another of her books). This is a dense, footnote-heavy, and thoroughly researched non-fiction book. It was very scholarly and detailed which was not what I was expecting rather than a historical fiction novel.
I liked this book but would have loved it if I understood more about the main character, Julie. She sounds like an amazing historical individual but not much remains of her letters, journals, or anything else that would allow insight into her thoughts and feelings.
It might have been a better book if each chapter was devoted to a member of the Saxe-Coburg family starting with Julie's parents and ending with their children. There was a lot of backstabbing, social climbing, and secret alliances in this family.
If you are a huge British/Russian history nerd, this is the book for you!
TRIGGER WARNING: Death, forced marriage, violence, animal abuse, infidelity, alcohol abuse, war, intermarriage, pregnancy
OVERALL REVIEW: 3.5 stars
Writing: 3.0 stars
The writing in this book was research-like but also salacious as well. Julie is believed to have destroyed most of her received correspondence and requested that her letters be destroyed upon reading. There was no way to verify much about Julie, herself, as so much was drawn from others' letters, official records, and observations. The gossipy aspect of this book just bothered me.
Also, why I love to increase my vocabulary and knowledge, so many SAT words were included as well as unknown places and individuals. It hurt my reading experience to look up so many words, places, and individuals.
Character development: 3.5 stars
The main character is Julie of Saxe-Colburg. She was one of three sisters from her family who were summoned by Catherine the Great to evaluate her as a potential wife for her grandson.
The secondary characters are Konstantin (Julie's husband), Leopold (Julie's brother), and Auguste (Julie's mother).
The tertiary characters are the royal families of Europe and Julie's extended family and friends which are one and the same.
This historical book had a huge cast of characters. Many family members became royalty in another country and changed their names to the country they joined via marriage.
Unfortunately, there were too many characters to be able to fully develop them very well. This was a massive project to undertake and it just didn't succeed to me.
Storyline: 3.5 stars
The basic premise was that a Coburg princess married the grandson of Catherine the Great at FOURTEEN. The husband was an erratic and violent individual which resulted in an unhappy marriage. In the background, Napolean is marching through Europe and the other Coburg siblings are also marrying into the Russian royal family and/or marrying first cousins.
The main locations were in various cities in Europe; particularly, St. Petersburg, Russia, Bern, and Geneva, Switzerland. and Coburg, Germany.
Memorable/Informative: 5.0 stars
My knowledge of European royalty was that there was a lot of intermarrying between the royal families for power and money. Also, marriages were conducted along religious lines unless the prospective spouse converted. So this resulted in cousins marrying cousins, especially first cousins.
Since Queen Victoria and Prince Albert were first cousins, Julie was their aunt. Auguste (Julie's mother and Victoria/Albert's grandmother) plots the marriage of Victoria and Albert when they are infants knowing the close familial ties to consolidate the influence of Saxe-Coburg.
Finally, when the brides and grooms were presented to potential royal in-laws, it was like a cattle call. It was humiliating and arranged without regard to love matches. The women especially were helpless as it was a fait accompli if selected.
Book cover: 4.0 stars
Pretty!
Book title: 4.0 stars
The subtitle is very misleading as Julie was unlikely to ever be Empress of Russia.
Recommend
NetGalley ARC (eARC/eBOOK)
The Rebel Romanov by Helen Rappaport
328 pages
Simon & Schuster UK
FUTURE release date of 4/15/2025
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
