Talking to My Angels by Melissa Etheridge
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Wednesday, September 13, 2023
Review - Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone - Outlander #9
This is a big guess, but I think that this is about the twentieth book by Diana Gabaldon that I have read. All of the books by her that I have read have been in the Outlander universe.
This book took over seven years to be published from the eighth book, Written in My Own Heart's Blood - Outlander #8. I have had it on Kindle and my To-Be-Read list for almost two years as I wasn't sure how long it would take me to read it. Surprisingly, it only took me six days to read 960 pages! Yikes!!
Now the Outlander series (book and television show) has almost a cult following and Diana Gabaldon is highly revered. But, I have not read one of her books in almost nine years and think that the books have gotten much more religious with whole pages dedicated to religious services and texts. Additionally, the length of the book is a bit unwieldy, some editing would have made this book so much more enjoyable.
The story is about a time-traveling wife Claire and her husband Jamie who live in North Carolina during the Revolutionary War. The story unfolds with the issues, drama, and hardship during a war. Of course, the story is left on a cliffhanger!
This series is exceedingly good, but waiting such a long time between the novels is discouraging and loses the motion and flow of the books. In retrospect, I wish that I had waited to "binge" all of the novels once they were done.
OVERALL REVIEW: 4.0 stars
Writing: 4.0 stars
The writing, as always, was very well done. Also, the research was really good and detailed, but maybe a bit over the top at times. I also feel as if SAT words were used continually so I had to look up obscure 18th-century words to follow the train of the plot. Additionally, there were multiple languages used by the characters and there was no glossary or dictionary that was available to define some of these words or phrases. The German and French could be discovered via the translate function. But the Gaelic is not available for translation. So that was a bit frustrating. Finally, the biggest issue for me was that editing would have helped make this novel so much stronger.
Character development: 4.0 stars
This was totally normal historical fiction as there were a great deal of characters! But way too many characters! 0It included the people and book characters of Fraser's Ridge, Charles Town (Charleston), Savannah, multiple battlefields, and the Native American villages. There were a lot of people to try to remember and juggle. At times, I could not keep them all straight.
The main characters are Claire (wife/healer), Jamie (husband/warrior/landowner), Brianna (daughter/engineer), Roger (son-in-law/lay minister), and William (Jamie's natural son/British Army captain).
The secondary characters are all of their extended family all over the Americas. This includes landed British gentry and aristocracy, Native Americans, Quakers, Patriots, Loyalists, famous historical characters, and so many more. It was a lot of people to manage and remember.
The final and tertiary characters are all of the ordinary people who live in all these locations. The were many, many tertiary characters.
Storyline: 3.5 stars
At times, it felt like there was no real plot and the storyline just kept adding more and more characters to set up the next book. This book just had so many plot lines and sub-plot lines that it was confusing at times to try and understand what was actually happening.
The main locations were North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Virginia, New Jersey, and New York.
Memorable/Informative: 4.0 stars
It was an interesting novel, but I think that it could have been so much more. As a lover of history, I really wanted fewer characters and more detail on the characters included. At times, it felt like a history lesson and not a book to read for pleasure.
Book cover: 4.0 stars
The last few novels in this series don't have the best covers, in my opinion.
Book title: 5.0 stars
I loved the title - it was a perfect tie-in to the bee hives that Claire has. It seemed to be a metaphor for what was happening during the Revolutionary War.
Gut feeling: 4.0 stars
I assumed that I would LOVE this book as I have liked the other books by this author that I have read, but this was only a strong like.
Suggestions:
A glossary of non-English terminology and a cast of characters to keep everyone straight! Additionally, the genealogy tree should have dates - that would be really helpful also!
RECOMMEND
BOOK INFORMATION
Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone - Outlander #9 by Diana Gabaldon
960 pages
Dell
Release date of 11/23/2021
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Friday, September 8, 2023
My next book read is...
Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone - Outlander #9 by Diana Gabaldon
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
REVIEW - A Frozen River
OVERVIEW
This is the third novel that I have read by this author! I loved this book from the first chapter! It was so very interesting such an unusual time period!! I actually could not put it down - I started it last night and finished it this evening. Around 24 hours! That is definitely the sign of a GREAT book!
The story is about the real life of a midwife in the district of Maine (still part of Massachusetts then). It takes place during the winter of 1789-1790 when there is a murder in a small village along a river that leads to more crimes. The midwife was literate (thanks to her husband) and kept journals recording her daily life, births in the community, and other important information. She also was a secret-keeper and moved freely through the village so she was privy to much as she was regarded as a health care professional in the community.
This novel is so good as it combines historical fiction with a mystery - a "who done it" while the village continues life pretty much as normal.
OVERALL REVIEW: 4.5 stars
Writing: 4.5 stars
The writing was very well done. It was descriptive, yet very lovely. The author included excerpts from the midwife's journal which was a fascinating touch! The story was so interesting and a part of history that I knew nothing about at all. Now, I need to learn more about Martha Ballard and her life!!
Character development: 4.5 stars
This was totally normal historical fiction as there were a great deal of characters! It included the people of the village, the midwife's immediate family, and judicial characters not from the area. Yes, there were a lot of people to keep track of, but it was handled well.
The main characters are husband and wife, Martha (midwife), Ephraim (mill owner), and their five children living at home. The marital relationship and the familial relationship are the foundation of the entire book. It was just lovely!
The secondary characters move the story along, but there were so many of them that we just couldn't get full character development from all of them. We did for some of them though!
The final and tertiary character is the Kennebuck River and Hallowell, Maine.
Storyline: 4.5 stars
The writing had me on the seat of my pants! There were several twists and turns that literally had me gasping out loud - it was so smart and interesting! It was a historical fiction mystery. Perfect fun!
The main locations were Hallowell, Maine, and Oxford, Massachusetts.
Memorable/Informative: 4.5 stars
It will stay for me forever! I loved learning about Martha Ballard and Hallowell, Maine!
Book cover: 5.0 stars
Perfect with the red outfit against the grey and snowy background!
Book title: 4.5 stars
Excellent!
Gut feeling: 3.0 stars
I figured that I would like this book as I have liked the other books by this author that I have read.
Suggestions:
Maybe a cast of characters to keep everyone straight!
Definite RECOMMEND
BOOK INFORMATION
The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon
432 pages
Doubleday
Release date of 11/14/2023
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Thursday, September 7, 2023
REVIEW - A Night at the Tropicana
OVERVIEW
This was a short story available as a First Reads selection from Amazon for September 2023. The storyline interested me as I don't know much about Cuba plus I had never read anything by this author.
A young woman, Natalie, meets a young man named, Antonio, at the opening of the Tropicana in Havana on the last night of her Cuban vacation.
The story starts from there and continues to a lovely conclusion. Honestly, I think that this could be a stand-alone book as the characters and storyline are great!
OVERALL REVIEW: 4.5 stars
Writing: 4.5 stars
The author writes beautifully and descriptively. I enjoyed her descriptions of the environment and clothing to set up the storyline at the Tropicana!
Character development: 4.5 stars
This was not typical historical fiction as there were not a lot of characters. That was a nice change of pace.
There are two main characters Natalie and Antonio. Natalie is from Miami, Florida on her last night of a Cuban vacation. Antonio is a Cuban native who attends the same Tropicana opening as Natalie. Fate intervenes.
Storyline: 4.5 stars
The storyline is just lovely. I loved the timeframes and how the author weaves them together so seamlessly.
The two locations were Havana, Cuba, and Miami, Florida, USA.
Memorable/Informative: 4.5 stars
I enjoyed the story so that makes it memorable to me. I also want to learn more about Cuba and read more of the author's historical fiction novels.
Book cover: 4.5 stars
So very pretty and true to the story!
Book title: 4.5 stars
Excellent!
Gut feeling: 3.0 stars
As I indicated earlier, I had never read any of this author's novels. I had no clue!!
Suggestions:
Some pictures of the Tropicana would have been a lot of fun!
Definite RECOMMEND
BOOK INFORMATION
A Night at the Tropicana by Chanel Cleeton
41 pages
First Reads by Amazon
Release date of 10/01/2023
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Tuesday, September 5, 2023
UPDATED; My next book is...
The House is on Fire by Rachel Beanland
ETA: I decided not to read this book as it was too heavy for me right now. Plus, there were a lot of people wanting to read it at the LAPL. So it will go on my To-Be-Read List!!!
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
REVIEW - A Traitor in Whitehall
Wowza! I really, really was trying to avoid WWII books, but the premise of this book just interested me so much. It was about the Cabinet War Rooms (CWR) in London. I knew very little about the CWR, but I knew that Churchill took the government underground. So seeing the CWR is definitely on my bucket list.
The story starts right as the London Blitz begins in September 1940. The main character, Evelyne, is recruited by a family friend to join a typing pool in the CWR in order to report to him about anything that is amiss. Well, within a few days, another woman, Jean, in the typing room is killed. The mystery is unpacked from there.
The best part was the description of the CWR and how it all worked for the people who worked there during WWII. It was amazing how they all pulled together as a country to defeat Germany.
This is a wonderful and fun historical fiction mystery. It was great!
OVERALL REVIEW: 4.5 stars
Writing: 4.5 stars
I have read several of Julia Kelly's historical fiction novels. But this is the next level. I loved the mystery combined with historical fiction plus all of the twists and turns had me guessing, incorrectly, until the very end!
The writing about the London Blitz and CWR was powerful. All of the folks involved with the lifesaving work during the London Blitz and CWR are heroes - they saved the world from a horrific fate.
Oh, and I see this novel referred to with a subtitle as "The Parisian Orphan" at Goodreads. This information was briefly referenced in the storyline. I really hope that this becomes a long series as the characters are fascinating!
Character development: 4.5 stars
As a typical historical fiction novel and mystery, there are many characters! Especially with what the story is based on - the London Blitz and CWR affected a LOT of people!
There are two main characters Evelyne and David. Both work for the CWR and quickly become partners in solving the murder of Jean. They work together and separately to solve the murder and treason, but did they?? Yes, there are so many twists and turns until the final ending that is so well done!!
The secondary characters are the typing pool, the "bad guys", and Jean who indirectly haunts everyone from the grave.
So, so good!
Storyline: 4.5 stars
The storyline is about finding a traitorous mole and solving a murder! It was done so very well! The characters had two sides to their personality and details and clues slowly reveal themselves. But the hard part is knowing if the information revealed has to do with the murder and treason.
The location was London.
Memorable/Informative: 4.5 stars
I knew very little about the London Blitz as it wasn't covered much in our history classes here in the United States. I also only knew about the CWR because friends visited them recently while on vacation in England. This was a huge turning point in world history and we all should know all about this time frame! All this is so fascinating and I need to learn more!!!
Book cover: 4.5 stars
So very pretty!
Book title: 4.5 stars
Completely on point.
Gut feeling: 4.0 stars
As I indicated earlier, I knew very little about the London Blitz and the CWR. So I wasn't sure if this novel would be for me!
Suggestions:
A map of the areas mentioned in London would have been helpful for this American native.
Definite RECOMMEND
BOOK INFORMATION
A Traitor in Whitehall by Julia Kelly
288 pages
NetGalley Kindle ARC
Release date of 10/03/2023
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Sunday, September 3, 2023
REVIEW - The Other Princess
This was another fascinating historical fiction novel about a historical character that I knew nothing about - Aina Sarah Forbes Bonetta. She was an enslaved African princess by a ruthless African warlord who traded in slavery purely for money. Aina was rescued by an English Commander who convinced the warlord to make Aina a "gift" to Queen Victoria.
The story then starts anew with her learning English, leaving Africa via ship, changing her name, and becoming an official ward and unofficial goddaughter of the Queen. The story is about her very interesting life interwoven with the forced conversion to Christianity in Africa, racism, and the horrors of colonialism. What was most interesting to me is that not much has changed in England, Africa, or the United States in the intervening 100 years.
This is a powerful read about a fascinating woman who had a life well-lived.
OVERALL REVIEW: 4.5 stars
Writing: 4.0 stars
Denny S. Bryce has an easy writing style and covers a lot of material and time in one book about Aina/Sarah. She is descriptive and kept me spellbound. I think that she is about to break out and become a GREAT writer of the next level like Alice Hoffman.
I look forward to her next book to see her writing develop and richen!!
Character development: 4.5 stars
As this is a historical fiction novel, there are many characters! But the author handles it well so we understand the backstory of those that matter to the storyline only.
There are two main characters Aina/Sarah and Queen Victoria. They are formidable adversaries as well as having a unique guardian/ward relationship. For much of the book, Sarah is not in close contact with Queen Victoria who makes major life decisions for her without any input. It is sad that Queen Victoria supported, educated, and took care of Sarah, but seemed to do it out of duty and a "white savior complex". This was the same attitude that the Queen had towards Africa and all of her colonies. It was extremely difficult to read and then fully understand the consequences of her actions and beliefs.
The secondary characters are the royal family, the families that Sarah lived with in England, her African boarding school and schoolmates, and most importantly her family of origin in Africa. Yes, that is a lot of characters!
Storyline: 4.5 stars
The storyline is about surviving pain and grief regardless of the twists and turns that life gives you. Sarah was a survivor who lived through slavery to become the ward of Queen Victoria. She had a full and fulfilling life which we learn about as the story progresses.
The locations were Africa, England, Madeira, and the Atlantic Sea.
Memorable/Informative: 4.5 stars
This was a very difficult novel to read at times. The beginning was exceptionally horrific as it graphically describes the horrors and brutality of slavery. This will stay with me forever - slavery was never about "helping" people. It was to make money off of human beings regardless of what today's celebrities or politicians believe. It was and is pure evil!
Book cover: 4.5 stars
Beautiful!
Book title: 5.0 stars
Accurate and descriptive.
Gut feeling: 4.0 stars
I had no idea if I would like this book - the author and the subject matter were completely unknown to me. I was so happy that it was an excellent novel!
Suggestions:
A map of the areas where Sarah lived in Africa (and current place names) would be helpful.
Definite RECOMMEND
BOOK INFORMATION
The Other Princess by Denny S. Bryce
488 pages
NetGalley Kindle ARC
Release date of 10/03/2023
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
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