The Fall Risk by Abby Jimenez (eARC/eBOOK)
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Sunday, February 16, 2025
REVIEW - The Rebel Princess (eARC/eBOOK)
The Rebel Romanov by Helen Rappaport (eARC/eBOOK)
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 💜
Thursday, February 13, 2025
My next audioBOOK is...
The Time of My Life by Patrick Swayze (audioBOOK)
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
REVIEW - Unlovable (audioBOOK)
Unlovable by Darren Hayes (audioBOOK)
OVERVIEW
This was a memoir by Darren Hayes, lead singer of Savage Garden. I never knew what happened to the group as I was a new mom and the early aughts are a blur.
This is the most real, raw, and open memoir. I listened to it as an audioBOOK, making it even more powerful to hear Darren's stories in his own voice.
TRIGGER ALERT: Foul language, domestic violence, child abuse, alcohol abuse, homophobia, bullying, smoking, hate speech, mental illness, fatphobia, animal cruelty
OVERALL REVIEW: 5.0 stars
Writing: 5.0 stars
Darren writes strongly and so from the depths of his soul. He shares such deeply horrible and devastating things that happened to his family during his childhood. It was brave and very well written. Kudos to you, Darren.
I don't know if he had a ghostwriter, but if not - BRAVO!
Narration: 5.0 stars
The narration was fantastic! Darren narrated which is my preferred choice with autobiography or memoirs audiobooks. His voice is lovely and he has a talent to mimic so well along with a beautiful Australian accent.
Character Arc: 5.0 stars
The audiobook is fairly chronological with more explanations or flashbacks which explain so much about his childhood, career, and recent new beginning.
This memoir was difficult in the first few chapters as Darren details the ongoing abuse that occurred in his family of origin. If this is triggering, this may not be the book for you.
Memorable: 5.0 stars
Darren had to deal with a lot as a child. Those deep and repressed memories are buried deep in our memories affecting our lives now. However, Darren used Eye Movement and desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy to work through his childhood trauma. I have done the same for my fear of heights and flying which are related to my childhood also. Thank you, Darren, for sharing this incredible therapy tool!
What really stuck with me and will stick with me was that the person who first used a homophobic slur towards Darren was his own father. His first bully was his father. This really broke my heart.
This memoir touched my heart deeply. It aches for all of the pain that Darren endured, but he has overcome it. I am very proud of him and his hard work to heal.
Entertaining: 5.0 stars
Darren is funny but has a very dry humor. I loved it!
He didn't "spill the tea" on any celebrities or name names of his past lovers. This is not a tell-all book, but it is so life-affirming.
Book cover: 5.0 stars
Perfect.
Book title: 5.0 stars
Sad, but true.
HIGHLY recommend
STATISTICS
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) borrow (audiobook)
Unlovable by Darren Hayes
Random House Australia Audio
13 hours, 53 minutes
Release date of 11/5/2024
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Tuesday, February 11, 2025
My next eARC/eBOOK is...
The Rebel Romanov by Helen Rappaport (eARC/eBOOK)
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
REVIEW - Swimming to Lundy (eBOOK)
Swimming to Lundy by Amanda Prowse (eBOOK)
OVERVIEW
Oh, I just loved this recent book by Amanda Prowse. She writes about real life with an understanding of the reality of family. Her books are not about perfect relationships and families, but rather about the warts and all. It is the B sides and how life really is!! Don't get me wrong, her books are not "junk food reads". This is the FIFTEENTH book I have read by Amanda so I am almost halfway through her book oeuvre (I just discovered this word and love it)!!
TRIGGER
WARNING: Sexual situations, alcohol abuse, blood, death, infidelity, strong language
OVERALL REVIEW: 5.0
stars
Writing: 5.0
stars
Amanda's writing is just so lovely! It is descriptive, yet just perfectly worded and not overdone. I love that she is English and writes English slang and verbiage.
Character development: 5.0 stars
The
character development is always strong in Amanda's books and this is no exception.
There are two timelines in 2023/2024 and 2002/2024 in Ilfracombe, England. The first timeline is about Tawrie (waitress, daughter, and granddaughter) and the second is about Harriet (mother, wife, and researcher). The two timelines eventually merge into collided lives and previous history.
The secondary characters in both timelines are Bear (Tawrie's friend), Annalee (Tawrie's mother), Nan (Tawrie's grandmother), Dan (Tawrie's dad), and Hugo (Harriet's husband).
The
tertiary characters are the family and friends of Tawrie and Harriet, the people of Ilfracombe, and Ilfracombe. fellow students and the ship's crew. Plus, multiple throw-away characters add to the storyline.
Storyline: 5.0 stars
As this novel is written in two timelines, it is so creative how the two timelines are braided to create a powerful and intense ending.
The basic premise was about Tawrie who was born and raised in Ilfracombe and never followed her dreams. Then her friendship with Bear begins and her life is upended. Also, Harriet moves to Ilfracombe to restart and repair her marriage with complicated results.
The main locations were Ilfracombe and London, England.
Memorable/Informative: 5.0 stars
I didn't know London was colloquially referenced as the "big smoke". That is why I love reading books written by authors from other countries. I always learn so much about the author and the country where the book is set.
Book cover: 5.0 stars
Perfect!
Book title: 5.0 stars
Excellent!
HIGHLY recommend
Purchased from Amazon
Swimming to Lundy by Amanda Prowse
408 pages
Lake Union Publishing
Release date of 8/6/2024
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Friday, February 7, 2025
REVIEW - The Sirens (eARC/eBOOK)
The Sirens by Emilia Hart (eARC/eBOOK)
OVERVIEW
I'm back in my comfort zone of mystical fantasy combined with historical fiction!! Oh, my goodness, I loved this novel so much. Utter perfection! I enjoyed Emila's debut novel, Weyward, but this novel is beyond incredible. It was phenomenal!
TRIGGER WARNING: Sexual situations, statutory rape, alcohol abuse, confinement, overall cruelty, homophobic slurs, strong language
OVERALL REVIEW: 5.0 stars
Writing: 5.0 stars
The writing was gorgeous, luscious, and powerful! Emilia was the perfect author for this unique and beautiful story. It was lushly descriptive, but not so overdone that it was just descriptive with no real story.
Character development: 5.0 stars
The character development is strong and thorough, but this a heavy character novel which is what was so appealing about this novel.
There are two timelines in 1999/2019 Australia with sisters Jess (an artist) and Lucy (a college student). Another timeline is the 1800ish about the long journey in the hold of ship with Irish women convicts traveling to Australia with twin sisters Mary and Eliza.
The secondary characters in 1999 are Max (Jess's best friend) and Cameron (Jess's teacher); in 1999/2019 Mike and Mary (Jess's/Lucy's parents); in 2019 Melody (Jess's friend); and in the 1800 timeline the 80 or so female convicts.
The tertiary characters are fellow students and the ship's crew. Plus, multiple throw-away characters that add to the storyline.
Storyline: 5.0 stars
As this novel is written in multiple timelines, the setup takes up about a third of the book to fully set up the storyline. It is intense and so powerful!
The basic premise was about two sisters in two different timelines. Two sisters in Australia in two current times and two sisters on a convict ship on their way to Australia. The Australian sisters' two timelines merge and then weave beautifully with the Irish sisters' timeline like an intricate tapestry.
The storyline sounds confusing and vague. But I am purposely avoiding much context to keep from spoiling the storyline.
The main locations were: Ireland, the ship from Ireland to Australia, and Australia.
Memorable/Informative: 5.0 stars
I knew the long journey on ships the convicts took from the United Kingdom to Australia was horrific, but this historical novel is very realistic in the horrors and cruelty. This type of punishment was inhumane, but most especially for women.
Book cover: 5.0 stars
Gorgeous!
Book title: 5.0 stars
Perfection!
HIGHLY recommend
NetGalley (eARC/eBOOK)
The Sirens by Emilia Hart
352 pages
The Borough Press
FUTURE release date of 2/13/2025
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Tuesday, February 4, 2025
Amazon First Reads
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 to me late yesterday! There is a free Kindle book and a free Kindle short story for February 2025. I am really enjoying the additional short story along with the free ebook!
My TWO choices for February 2025 are:
The Warbler by Sarah Beth Durst (eBOOK)
The Fall Risk by Abby Jimenez (short story)
So what Kindle book are you SELECTING?!? Neither of these is historical fiction so I hope I like them both. Abby Jimenez is a popular author, but this is my first exposure to her writing!
Also, as a reminder, remember to "buy" AND download the FREE books from Amazon! You can't read a book or a short story that hasn't been downloaded! Ask me how I know?!?
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
REVIEW - Never (audiobook)
Never by Rick Astley (audiobook)
OVERVIEW
Rick Astley's ubiquitous song "Never Gonna Give You Up" was the 1987 summer hit. LINK (I Rickrolled you if you clicked the link, LOL)!
This is the type of fun that Rick includes in his autobiography. Yet is also very soul-searching, raw, and real. Rick is the type of person you could grab a drink with and talk for hours. I would love the opportunity!
TRIGGER ALERT: Foul language, alcohol use
OVERALL REVIEW: 5.0 stars
Writing: 5.0 stars
Rick writes well and from the heart.
I don't know if he had a ghostwriter, but if not - WELL DONE!
Narration: 5.0 stars
The narration was fantastic! Rick did it which is my preferred choice with autobiographical audiobooks. He has a beautiful voice and a lovely English accent.
Character Arc: 5.0 stars
The audiobook is fairly chronological with occasional explanations or flashbacks to develop the story fully.
This is Rick's autobiography and is his story. He was open and shared much about his life including his difficult childhood and the predatory music industry.
Memorable: 5.0 stars
Rick had colorful and eccentric parents. I could relate to his relationship with his parents on many levels although our childhoods were quite different.
It was a redemption story of an artist who was just another money maker for his original producer Pete Waterman and writers Stock Aiken Waterman (SAW). But, Rick leaves music behind to have a normal life and then finds joy and happiness in music again after 50!
Entertaining: 5.0 stars
This book was full of wild and crazy stories and was hysterical! All I can think of is someone shouting "WANKER!" and I smile!
Book cover: 5.0 stars
Perfect.
Book title: 5.0 stars
Excellent title!
HIGHLY recommend
STATISTICS
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) borrow (audiobook)
Never by Rick Astley
Macmillan Audio
7 hours, 43 minutes
Release date of 10/10/2024
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
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