REVIEW - Can't We Be Friends ebook

 Can't We Be Friends by Denny S. Bryce and Eliza Knight (ebook)

OVERVIEW

When I saw the premise for this book, I wanted to read it badly. This historical novel did not disappoint. I read the entire novel in about twenty-four hours!!

This novel covers the timeframe when Marilyn and Ella became and were friends. The story is told from both Marilyn's and Ella's viewpoints in different chapters which makes it very intriguing. Both women were gifted artists - Marilyn as an actor and Ella as a singer. Strong women at the top of their fields who become real, not Hollywood real, friends.

I loved how this novel showed how women can be real friends who share, help each other, and are there in times of crisis. It was lovely to see this friendship start, bloom, and grow. 

OVERALL REVIEW: 4.5 stars

Writing: 4.5 stars

The writing was very strong and descriptive. The authors wrote so well together and created a beautiful historical novel. They both did a lot of intense research to write this amazing novel and it shows. 

My only little nitpick is at times it was a little too descriptive. I'm not sure that I needed to know about their lipstick brand/colors as well as the perfume that they wore. 

On the other hand, there were musicians/singers mentioned in Ella's storyline referred to by their first names that I was not familiar with at all, and some backstory would have been helpful.

Character development: 4.0 stars

There are two main characters - Marilyn Monroe and Ella Fitzgerald. Due to the racism of the time, there is much more known and written about Marilyn than there was written about Ella which is such a shame. I would have loved to have learned a little more about Ella and her music especially as she was a self-taught artist which is extremely impressive. 

The secondary characters are the supporting characters in either or both of their lives from their agents, managers, record labels, and Hollywood studios to their friends, families, and lovers/husbands. Again, as it was a historical novel there are a lot of secondary characters needed to support the story.

The tertiary character is their friendship. Throughout their friendship, they were there for each other for the highs, lows, and in-betweens.  

Storyline:  4.5 stars 

This historical novel is all about Marilyn's and Ella's friendship including their careers and loves. It takes place between 1952-1962 when they meet until Marilyn's passing. 

The main locations were New York City, Los Angeles, and various international locations.     

Memorable/Informative:  4.5 stars

One of the biggest takeaways was that Ella endured intense prejudice not just in the U.S. due to Jim Crow laws, but in England as well as the territory of Hawaii. Honestly, I can only assume that this ugliness happened regularly to her even though she was a world-renowned singer. If she was treated this way, what was the ordinary person subjected to during this time?

Also, I learned that Marilyn was a supporter of the early Civil Rights Movement and supportive of her friend, Ella, even helping to publicize her performances with reporters. 

Book cover: 4.5 stars

Just lovely! Both Ella and Marilyn are smiling at each other!

Book title: 5.0 stars 

Excellent!

HIGHLY recommend

EBOOK DETAILS

NetGalley ARC (ebook)

Can't We Be Friends by Denny S. Bryce and Eliza Knight 

384 pages 

William Morrow Paperbacks

Release date of 03/05/2024

INFORMATIONAL LINKS

Denny S Bryce; Eliza Knight

My Goodreads review

William Morris Paperbacks

NetGalley

Happy reading 📚! 

Dorothea 💜

My next ebook is...

 

Can't We Be Friends by Denny S. Bryce and Eliza Knight (ebook)

Happy reading 📚! 

Dorothea 💜

REVIEW - Endangered Eating audiobook

 

Endangered Eating by Sarah Lohman (audiobook)

OVERVIEW

This was a fascinating book about was something that I never thought about. Food. For me, food was just bought in the supermarket, from friends's gardens, or in the meat department. I never had food insecurity nor did I think about what foods I purchased. I knew about some really quality lemons like Meyers and tomatoes like Big Boys, but what about heritage chicken? However, I never considered that there were endangered, heirloom, and extinct foods from all over our country. I am guilty at the supermarket of only picking out pretty produce, but does the ugly produce taste better? Yes, I have favorite produce or meat, but I never really stopped to consider that it could all go away. The other thing is that I know that produce is not ripened naturally, but picked early and expected to ripen later, but not all produce works that way. I want to eat delicious real food! So this has made me want to find local food at Farmer's markets and do a lot of research including CSAs!

Sarah was very knowledgeable and truly interested in learning about these unique food products. Now to find out even more myself as I am fortunate to live in California with access to so much locally. 

OVERALL REVIEW: 4.0 stars

Writing: 4.0 stars

The writing was good, but not of the level of beautiful writing of novels. It did feel more like the writing of an academic which is not a bad thing. It just wasn't as pretty as what I am used to - I am spoiled. 

Narration: 4.5 stars

Sarah is a very good narrator. She is passionate, real, and funny in her narration. I would have loved to accompany her on some of these amazing food trips as I love to eat good food. 

Character Arc: N/A

There really wasn't a real character arc. It was specific chapters about specific foods in a specific region or area.

Memorable: 4.0 stars

I loved how the loss of these specific foods made it difficult for the most vulnerable among us - BIPOC folks, especially Native and Black people. Many of these lost foods were important to their heritage, lifestyle, and religious beliefs. 

Entertaining:  3.5 stars

I would say that this book was more educational than entertaining. It was a deep dive into these heirloom foods, their region, and what was being done to save them. At times, I did need to listen to a section again to fully grasp what was being explained.

Book cover: 3.5 stars

It isn't pretty enough to attract the attention of random readers in bookstores!

Book title: 4.0 stars 

On point. 

DEFINITE recommend

STATISTICS

Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) borrow (audiobook)

Endangered Eating by Sarah Lohman

Dreamscape Media

11 hours, 6 minutes

Release date of 10/24/2023

INFORMATIONAL LINKS

Sarah Lohman

My Goodreads review

Dreamscape Media

Los Angeles Public Library

Happy reading 📚, 

Dorothea 💜

REVIEW - The Hidden Life of Cecily Larson

 The Hidden Life of Cecily Larson by Ellen Baker (ebook)

OVERVIEW

This book totally intrigued me and I was not disappointed by any of it at all. It was offered as an ARC by Book Club Girl which offers a free Kindle ARC every two weeks usually on Monday. I normally find out about ARCs via Instagram, but I only read the books that really interest me like this one did. 

This multiple-time period historical novel is all about secrets, DNA testing, and the real meaning of family. The characters were so interesting and varied plus the plot line hooked me especially as I have friends who have had family secrets unearthed because of DNA testing. Honestly, I am shocked that nothing has bubbled up yet for me, but one never knows!

This novel had three female protagonists and was a female-centered novel which was incredible and enjoyable. However, this is a novel where women help women, but also a novel where take advantage of other women. When will we, as women,  ever learn?

OVERALL REVIEW: 4.5 stars

Writing: 4.0 stars

The writing was strong and descriptive, but efficient. It was surprisingly easy to read even with some of the difficult subject matter. The writing did not hold back when dealing with some of the most difficult storylines, but it was not gratuitous. 

Character development: 4.5 stars

There is one main female character - Cecily. The novel takes her from a four-year-old girl being dropped off at an orphanage by her mother in 1924 to an elderly woman in 2015. She had one heck of a life that was a fun ride from beginning to end of the book! 

The secondary characters are Liz, 2015 (daughter) and Molly, 2015 (granddaughter) plus other people who are impacted by the same DNA. DNA testing uncovers secrets that disrupt their lives in both positive and negative ways. 

The tertiary character is the normal folks one would encounter in each period and place including partners, family members, and friends. There are a lot of characters again as this is a normal historical fiction novel. 

Storyline:  4.5 stars

This novel is about Cecily in multiple periods. Honestly, she is a fascinating character who lived through so many tragedies, but her life was filled with love! Love is what makes Cecily who she is! 

The main locations were Minnesota, North Carolina, and Rhode Island.    

Memorable/Informative:  4.5 stars

The biggest takeaway is that women have been abused and continue to be abused by the patriarchy. The big issue is that women support the men in their abuse to get a "step up". Men manipulate the women to manipulate other women. What a horrific mess. We need to stop this cycle for our daughters and granddaughters.  

Book cover: 4.5 stars

Just lovely!

Book title: 5.0 stars 

Outstanding!

HIGHLY recommend

EBOOK DETAILS

NetGalley and Book Club Girl ARC (ebook)

The Hidden Life of Cecily Larson by Ellen Baker 

384 pages 

Mariner Books

Release date of 02/20/2023

INFORMATIONAL LINKS

Ellen Baker

My Goodreads review

Mariner Books

NetGalley

Book Club Girl

Happy reading 📚! 

Dorothea 💜

REVIEW - Weyward ebook

 Weyward by Emilia Hart (ebook)

OVERVIEW

I didn't read this book when it first came out as I wasn't sure about it for some weird reason. However, it won multiple Goodreads awards and friends loved it so I decided to give it a try and I am so glad that I did! 

This debut effort by Emilia Hart was a great historical novel. It had similar themes to the Practical Magic series by Alice Hoffman and The Discovery of Witches series by Deborah Harkness both of which I adore! As you may not know, there is a little bit of a witch in every woman - she just has to find it and use it. 

This novel had three time periods and three female protagonists which was a lovely way to show how the "gift" of witchcraft is passed from woman to woman in the Weyward line. The similarity between the three timelines and women is that the women have been abused and used by men in their lives and that there are signs that are ignored by loved ones. The biggest takeaway is if you believe a woman is being abused, she probably is. 

OVERALL REVIEW: 4.5 stars

Writing: 4.5 stars

The writing was powerful with lovely prose. It was a very interesting and easy read! I most especially loved the descriptions of nature including the birds, insects, and plants. It was as if I could hear and feel what the characters were experiencing. However, at times, I felt that the language was repetitive and could have been a bit more diverse. Since this is Emilia's first book, she is going to be a powerhouse in the future and I cannot wait to read more of her books!

Character development: 4.0 stars

There are three main female characters - Altha, 1619; Violet, 1942; and Kate, 2019. These women are descended from a long line of women who are healers as well as have the "gift" of witchcraft. 

The secondary characters are the normal folks that one would encounter in each period including partners, family members, and friends. There are a lot of characters, specifically secondary ones in this novel, as this is a normal historical fiction novel. 

The tertiary character is the "gift" of witchcraft that each of the main characters possesses and learns to manipulate and control

. 

Storyline:  4.0 stars

Since this novel is divided into three distinct periods, at times it felt like the storyline for Altha was weaker than the other two storylines. It would have been nice to know how Altha's life progresses as she is the first Weyward woman in the novel.  For me, the post-medieval period is the most interesting, but is, unfortunately, the most difficult to explore and research.

The main locations were England specifically Cumbria and London.    

Memorable/Informative:  4.0 stars

The biggest takeaway is that women have been abused and continue to be abused by the patriarchy. The "good" men in this novel and in real life need to become more vocal and step up to help end this abuse.

Book cover: 4.5 stars

Very pretty!

Book title: 5.0 stars 

Perfect!

HIGHLY recommend

EBOOK DETAILS

Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) borrow (ebook)

Weyward by Emilia Hart (ebook)

336 pages 

St. Martin's Press

Release date of 02/02/2023

INFORMATIONAL LINKS

Emilia Hart

My Goodreads review

St. Martins Press

Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL)

Happy reading! 📚

Dorothea 💜

My next ebook is...

 The Hidden Life of Cecily Larson by Ellen Baker

Happy reading! 📚

Dorothea 💜

REVIEW - Backlash Blues ebook

Backlash Blues (Gabriel Præst series #2) by Amulya Malladi (ebook)

OVERVIEW

Full disclosure, this is not the first or will be the last book that I read by this author. I enjoy her books immensely especially this foray into a completely new genre of mystery thriller.

This is the second book in the Gabriel Præst series by Amulya Malladi. The series is enjoyable as the characters, location, and plot are very fun and entertaining! It is not your typical mystery thriller at all. 

This novel takes place in the current time beginning with Gabriel Præst, a Private Detective, being asked to investigate an employee's death by the Human Resource Director from Copenhagen Bank. Then the novel takes off quickly and intensely in many directions and keeps one guessing until the very end.  

Since this novel takes place primarily in Copenhagen, it makes me really want to visit Denmark. The city, restaurants, people, and landmarks sound wonderful. The Danish culture totally aligns with my personal world and life views. However, it does show that even in forward-thinking Denmark, sexual harassment and corruption occur. There is a lot of work still to do everywhere. 

OVERALL REVIEW: 4.0 stars

Writing: 4.0 stars

The writing was good, but at times it felt off because of the Danish and English languages interplay. It didn't flow well as the combination of English and Danish combined with the descriptions of designer clothing, wine, and restaurants bogged it down a bit. Yes, the main character, Gabriel Præst, is totally into the better things in life, but it could be scaled back and still define his character beautifully. Also, the alphabet soup of Danish police organizations got confusing just like the American ones do.

The pacing was insane. I was so anxious to find out what happened at the end of the book. I actually almost finished the book before midnight last night, but I knew that I would not sleep after finishing it so I completed it this morning. That is the sign of a good book!

Character development: 4.5 stars

The main character is Gabriel Præst who is one of my favorite characters ever. I love his loyalty, non-judgment, and concern for the people in his life. I would be thrilled to have him as a neighbor and friend! Gabriel is a former Copenhagen police detective who is well-connected with powerful, diverse, and trustworthy friends. 

The secondary characters are Gabriel's good friends who range from a rich banker's daughter to the Copenhagen Police Chief to a motorcycle gang member. A very eclectic group of friends and characters support this story. 

The tertiary characters are the "bad guys", various American and Danish police organization folks, and journalists/bankers trying to get to the nefarious reason for the death of the Copenhagen Bank employee. 

Storyline:  4.0 stars

This was an intense and wild ride of a storyline. The main plot is about the investigation of the employee's death, but it goes in a lot of varied directions bringing in more and more "bad guys". But, it does have a balance with "good guys" appearing from a lot of unexpected places. 

It was interesting to learn more about Danish culture and the country as a whole. There is a big sub-plot about the Danish banking industry acquiring Belarusian and other Baltic banks which sounds like a recipe for disaster, if true.  

The main locations were Denmark specifically Copenhagen and New York City.     

Memorable/Informative:  4.0 stars

The biggest takeaway is that women are sexually abused in every country even in the most progressive of egalitarian countries. Shameful and sad. 

Book cover: 4.0 stars

Nice.

Book title: 5.0 stars 

A really GREAT title. 

DEFINITE recommend

EBOOK DETAILS

From the author's newsletter ARC (ebook)

Backlash Blues (Gabriel Præst series #2) by Amulya Malladi 

377 pages 

Nordic Noir Publishing or self-published (unable to verify)

Release date of 02/26/2024

INFORMATIONAL LINKS

Amulya Malladi

My Goodreads review

Happy reading! 📚

Dorothea 💜

My next ebook is...

 Backlash Blues (Gabriel Præst series #2) by Amulya Malladi (ebook)

Happy reading!!! 📚

Dorothea 💜

My next ebook is...

Weyward by Emilia Hart (ebook)

 

Happy reading! 📚

Dorothea 💜

REVIEW - The Phoenix Crown ebook

 The Phoenix Crown by Kate Quinn and Janie Chang (ebook)

OVERVIEW

This is my fourth book of 2024 and my first 5-star book!! This was a team writing effort by Kate Quinn (who I have read) and Janie Chang (who was new to me). What an incredible collaboration!

This was a historical fiction novel with the 1906 San Francisco earthquake as the plot twist. As someone who was born and raised in Southern California, the authors got the whole visceral earthquake ordeal down on paper exactly as it feels like (especially as both grew up in earthquake-prone areas). 

San Francisco was "the city" of the West Coast in 1906. It had a very cosmopolitan feel with an opera house, grand hotels, and elegant restaurants, but it still had the underlying tensions of xenophobia especially against the Chinese. It was horrible to read about this again in a historical novel about how bad it was and how dangerous it was for the Chinese, period. 

It was a wonderful book that was written beautifully about my home state - the good, the bad, and the ugly. If we don't learn about our history, we can never do better as a society.

OVERALL REVIEW: 5.0 stars

Writing: 5.0 stars

The writing was beautiful and detailed but flowed so well. I could not determine who wrote what part of this amazing novel - the authors write so well together. The prose was just lovely and dovetailed both authors' strengths together.  This was a fantastic collaboration and hope that they write more books together.

Character development: 5.0 stars

There are four main female characters - Gemma, an opera singer; Suling, an embroideress; Alice, a botanist; and Reggie, an artist. There is also a villainous main character Henry Thorton. These four women are looking for justice against the villainous man who horribly wronged them. 

The secondary character is San Francisco, California, and the 1906 Earthquake. The earthquake allows a huge plot shift to take place and characters to interact in incredible ways. 

There are a lot of tertiary characters as is normal for a good historical fiction novel. All of these characters add so much depth and color to the storyline. 

Storyline:  5.0 stars

This novel begins about two weeks before the 1906 San Francisco earthquake and ends about five years afterward. The story is just so creative and well-written that it is an intense experience to read this book. All I wanted to know was what happens at the end?!? It was a very good ending, but not at all what I expected!

The main locations were mainly San Francisco, California, and Paris, France and vicinity.    

Memorable/Informative:  5.0 stars

The novel made me realize how San Francisco was destroyed in 1906 not so much by the earthquake but by the fires. That is still a very scary possibility with any earthquake even now.

Book cover: 5.0 stars

Gorgeous!

Book title: 5.0 stars 

Perfect!

HIGHEST recommendation

EBOOK DETAILS

NetGalley ARC (ebook)

The Phoenix Crown by Kate Quinn and Janie Chang

384 pages 

William Morrow

Release date of 02/13/2024

INFORMATIONAL LINKS

Kate Quinn Janie Chang

My Goodreads review

William Morrow

NetGalley

Happy reading! 📚

Dorothea 💜

My next audiobook is...

 Endangered Eating by Sarah Lohman (audiobook)

Happy reading! 📚

Dorothea 💜