Homeseeking by Karissa Chen (ebook)
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Tuesday, May 6, 2025
REVIEW - The Secrets of Lovelace Academy (ebook)
The Secrets of Lovelace Academy by Marie Benedict/Courtney Sheinmel (ebook)
OVERVIEW
This is the first book I have read by Courtney Sheinmel and the fifth by Marie Benedict.
Unfortunately, the conception and idea behind this book didn't execute as I had hoped. The idea is brilliant and could be a series, but it didn't work for me as a middle-school book.
OVERALL REVIEW: 3.5 stars.
Writing: 3.5 stars
Marie and Courtney definitely write well.
Some contemporary slang, such as cool, slipped into the novel's dialogue before it was commonly used. Also, the unusual car accident and dyslexia diagnosis at this time seemed out of place. It may have been to add an interesting tidbit to interest current readers.
Character development: 3.5 stars
The main character was Lainey, who was at an orphanage and offered a scholarship to Lovelace Academy. Lainey has great difficulty transitioning from the orphanage to the Lovelace Academy.
The secondary characters are Lady Blunt (headmistress of Lovelace Academy and daughter of Ada Lovelace) and Mileva Einstein (yes, the first wife of THAT Einstein).
The tertiary characters are the orphanage caretakers, orphans, students at Lovelace Academy, and Lainey's friends in Switzerland and at the Academy.
I wrongly assumed that the Lovelace Academy would be the focus of this novel. Most of the time was not spent at the Lovelace Academy, and we didn't really get to know much about it. What a missed opportunity!
Storyline: 3.0 stars
The storyline really details the horrific time that Lainey spends at the orphanage. It was ugly and very descriptive, which I didn't enjoy, and a middle school student wouldn't either.
Lainey attends the Lovelace Academy and doesn't fit in there due to being a scholarship student.
Then the story veers wildly when Lainey travels alone from London to Bern, Switzerland. She meets Mrs. Einstein, and it just seems unbelievable from there.
The locations were primarily London and Bern.
Memorable/Informative: 3.0 stars
I already knew Ada Lovelace was an incredible mathematician. But, I didn't know much about her life, and most especially that she died so young. I would have enjoyed learning more about her and having the period shift quite a bit earlier to include more of her life.
Book cover: 4.5 stars
Beautiful!
Book title: 3.0 stars
We did not learn much about the secrets of the Lovelace Academy.
Recommend
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) borrow: ebook
The Secrets of Lovelace Academy by Marie Benedict/Courtney Sheinmel
304 pages
Aladdin
Release date: 4/22/2025
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL)
TRIGGER WARNING: Institutionalization of orphans, physical violence, starvation, child labor, theft, classism, death of a parent
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
May 2025 - Amazon First Reads
Hi, book blog friends!
A perk of your Amazon Prime Membership is a FREE monthly Kindle book! It is called Amazon First Reads, and you can find out more about it here: Amazon First Reads.
The Amazon First Reads email for May went out a few days ago. There is a free Kindle book and a free Kindle short story for May 2025. I am enjoying the additional short story along with the free Kindle eBOOK!
My TWO choices for May 2025 are:
Death Row by Freida McFadden (short story)
The Baker of Lost Memories by Shirley Russak Wachtel (ebook)
So, what Kindle book are you choosing? The book I chose for May is historical fiction, so I am back in my comfort zone!
Also, as a reminder, remember to "buy" AND download the freebies from Amazon! You can't read a book or a short story that hasn't been downloaded!
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Monday, May 5, 2025
REVIEW - The Library of Lost Dollhouses (ebook)
The Library of Lost Dollhouses by Elise Hooper (ebook)
OVERVIEW
This is the first book I have read by Elise Hooper, and I have one word to describe it: LOVELY!! What a perfect book to start out my May reading journey!
As much as I would like to avoid it, this book mentions (not the entire plot) of WWI and WWII. The parts included were needed and added so much to the depth of the storyline.
One of the best parts of this lovely book is that strong, intelligent, and artistic women are the primary focus. Amazing!
OVERALL REVIEW: 5.0 stars.
Writing: 5.0 stars
Elise is an amazing author. She writes beautifully, descriptively, and emotionally. It is the writing that I seek out and most enjoy in the historical fiction genre.
Character development: 5.0 stars
This was a dual timeline story with 1910-1974 (long) and 2024 (short) storylines. The character development was exceptional! The main character of the long storyline is Cora (a gifted artist), and the main character of the short storyline is Tildy (a head library curator). Once Tildy discovers a secret room in the private library where she works, her and Cora's lives intersect and implode.
The secondary characters are Belva (long story; a wealthy woman), Hugh (long story; soldier), and Ben (short story; Cora's relative).
The tertiary characters are the coworkers at the library, WWII soldiers, wealthy individuals, library patrons and contributors, and the family and friends of the main and secondary characters. Of course, the dollhouses are also beautiful characters, each in their own right.
Storyline: 5.0 stars
The long storyline is about Cora escaping her life to Paris to start an art career, but WWI and life get in the way. She escapes and lives in England, and then WWII breaks out, forcing her to remain. Cut to the short storyline when Tildy discovers the dollhouses. It was so well done to tie these disparate storylines together like a gorgeous piece of silk.
The locations were: New York City, Paris, rural England, rural New Hampshire, Los Angeles, and finally, San Francisco.
Memorable/Informative: 5.0 stars
I knew nothing about these beautiful dollhouses, miniatures, and the artistic/engineering skills needed to make them. I am gob-smacked by the talent utilized for all of them. Now, I have something new and different to add to my bucket list!!
Book cover: 4.5 stars
Lovely!
Book title: 5.0 stars
Excellent!
HIGHLY recommend
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) borrow: ebook
The Library of Lost Dollhouses by Elise Hooper (ebook)
320 pages
William Morrow
FUTURE release date: 4/1/2025
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL)
TRIGGER WARNING: War, sexual situations, mild cursing, classism, pregnancy, death, death of a parent, medical content, domestic violence, violence
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Sunday, May 4, 2025
The Storygraph First Milestone!!!
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Good evening, book blog friends!!
As you can see from my graphic, I have met my first milestone for The Storygraph! 100 consecutive days of reading!! Woo hoo! Now, to hit 200 straight days!
On a side note, I have been missing in action since Thursday. Unfortunately, my best friend's auntie passed away last Friday, with the Celebration of Life this weekend. Also, it was her widower/uncle's 90th birthday. So lots of remembrances, joy, and love this weekend!
Thankfully, I could stay with my best friend at her hotel in San Clemente and support her during this difficult time. So much love, tears, and laughter shared between us for almost 60 years!!!
So thanks for your support and patience!
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Friday, May 2, 2025
booksbydorothea - The Storygraph April 2025 Monthly Recap
Hi, book blog friends!!
If I didn't already LOVE The Storygraph, look at my monthly (April 2025) wrap-up graphics that are FREE to everyone! It is so much better than that "other site", which does nothing monthly!
If you like book statistics like me, check out booksbydorothea's April 2025 full, free statistics HERE.
Yes, I will keep the "other site" until publishers, authors, and my friends come over to The Storygraph!! Come on over, please be my "friend"!!!
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Thursday, May 1, 2025
booksbydorothea - April 2025 - Monthly Wrap-up
Hi, book blog friends!!
April was a hectic month for our family with college Spring Break (daughter), my birthday, Easter, jury duty for me (only two hours!), and the finale was a Sacramento school trip (daughter). I’m tired just reading about it, and I lived it!
Yes, I continue to read and listen to books to avoid the news and social media. Not listening to the news and not being on social media (except for my book-related accounts) has been a huge lift for my mental health! The good news was that this was another strong reading month with SEVENTEEN books (audiobooks and ebooks).
April had eleven five-star books: seven ebooks, four audiobooks, and no physical books. This was a unique month filled with incredible books!!!
BEST BOOKS APRIL 2025 (plus previous months)
ebooks 2025
JANUARY
The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern by Lynda Cohen Loigman
The Stolen Queen by Fiona Davis
What Happened to the McCrays? by Tracey Lange
More or Less Maddy by Lisa Genova
Paris Undercover by Matthew Goodman
The Bookstore Keepers by Alice Hoffman
Come Fly with Me by Camille Di Maio
The Memory of Cotton by Ann K. Howley
The Secret History of Audrey Jones by Heather Marshall
Looking for Jane by Heather Marshall
FEBRUARY
The Sirens by Emilia Hart
Swimming to Lundy by Amanda Prowse
The Fall Risk by Abby Jimenez
The Dressmakers of London by Julia Kelly
MARCH
This One Life by Amanda Prowse
Austen at Sea by Natalie Jenner
Isola by Allegra Goodman
The Book Club for Troublesome Women by Marie Bostwick
APRIL
The Wandering Season by Aimie K. Runyan
The Girls of Good Fortune by Kristina McMorris
Where the Rivers Merge by Mary Alice Monroe
Marsha by Tourmaline
Abigail and Alexa Save the Wedding by Lian Dolan
The True Happiness Company by Veena Dinavahi
The Martha's Vineyard Beach and Book Club by Martha Hall Kelly
Audiobooks 2025
JANUARY
Me by Elton John
Let’s Call Her Barbie by Renée Rosen
FEBRUARY
Never by Rick Astley
Unlovable by Darren Hayes
Sorry I'm Late, I Didn't Want to Come by Jessica Pan
MARCH
-NONE-
APRIL
Everything is Tuberculosis by John Green
The Next Day by Melinda French Gates
Time to Thank by Steve Guttenberg
Change the Recipe by José Andrés
Physical books
JANUARY-FEBRUARY; APRIL
-NONE-
MARCH
This One Life by Amanda Prowse
2025 READING GOAL
My goal is to read 101 books in 2025. As of April 30th, I have read 60 books, or 59.4% of my goal.
APRIL 2025 STATISTICS
17 total books
9 ebooks; 8 audiobooks; 0 physical books
7 books - ARC (Advanced Reader Copy)
9 books - Library
0 books – Purchased
0 books - Amazon First Reads
0 books - Book Club Girl
0 books – author gifted
0 books – friend gifted
Audio listening time in April 2025: 65 hours, 11 minutes
Pages read in April 2025: 3,104 pages
Average review rating: 4.71 stars
APRIL 2025 BOOK RATINGS with BOOK COVERS
ebooks 2025
5.0-star ebook
The Wandering Season by Aimie K. Runyan LINK
The Girls of Good Fortune by Kristina McMorris LINK
Where the Rivers Merge by Mary Alice Monroe LINK
Marsha by Tourmaline LINK
Abigail and Alexa Save the Wedding by Lian Dolan LINK
The True Happiness Company by Veena Dinavahi LINK
The Martha's Vineyard Beach and Book Club by Martha Hall Kelly LINK
4.5-star ebooks
The Language of the Birds by K.A. Merson LINK
4.0-star ebooks
A Clean Mess by Tiffany Jenkins LINK
NOTE: There were no 3.5-star or 3.0-star ebooks this month.
5.0-star audiobooks
Everything is Tuberculosis by John Green LINK
The Next Day by Melinda French Gates LINK
Time to Thank by Steve Guttenberg LINK
Change the Recipe by José Andrés LINK
4.5-star audiobook
Source Code by Bill Gates LINK
4.0-star audiobooks
Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver LINK
Careless People by Sarah Wynn-Williams LINK
Fahrenheit-182 by Mark Hoppus LINK
NOTE: There were no 3.5-star or 3.0-star audiobooks this month
Physical books 2025
NOTE: There were no physical books read this month.
If you want to read my full review of any of these April books, there are individual review links for each ebook or audiobook next to the book title and author (under APRIL 2025 BOOK RATINGS with BOOK COVERS just above). Click on the specific book link to get to that book review.
April has been a fun reading month with so many extraordinary books. What have been YOUR most recent extraordinary books? Inquiring minds want to know!!
Happy reading!
Dorothea 💜
P.S. For additional helpful tools on my blog, check out:
Book Rating Legend LINK
Glossary LINK
booksbydorothea social media:
Monday, April 28, 2025
My next ebook is ...
The Library of Lost Dollhouses by Elise Hooper (ebook)
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
REVIEW - A Clean Mess (eARC/ebook)
A Clean Mess by Tiffany Jenkins (eARC/eBOOK)
OVERVIEW
This is the first book by Tiffany Jenkins that I have read. However, this is the second book she has written about her life with drug addiction. From what I understand, this second book begins where the last one stopped after she got out of prison, rehab, and finally a sober-living home.
I have not read many books about drug addiction because it has not directly affected me, nor have I had a close friend or family member addicted to drugs. I am very fortunate in that regard.
I liked this book as it was an easy read about a difficult topic. I will not be reading her first book, as this second book was enough for me. I liked this book, but didn't love it! It just didn't connect with me.
OVERALL REVIEW: 4.0 stars.
Writing: 4.0 stars
The writing was okay, but it wasn't a book of great literature, and that was not the intent. For the subject matter, the writing was on point.
As a side note, the overuse of "dude" and f-bombs was a bit much.
Character development: 4.0 stars
The main characters are Tiffany and Colin, who met at her cousin's recovery graduation event. Both were in recovery and had not yet achieved a year of sobriety. The book is told from Tiffany's viewpoint.
The secondary characters are Tiffany's dad, Frank, and Tiffany's sister, Lanie. Additionally, her close female friends from recovery are also secondary characters.
The tertiary character who is the most insidious is addiction. It is scary, horrifying, and humiliating.
Storyline: 4.0 stars
The storyline starts when Tiffany enters a women's sober living home. When she meets Colin, all hell breaks loose, and the rollercoaster begins.
The main location was Florida.
Memorable/Informative: 4.0 star
This memoir is very graphic and honest about how hard it is to stay sober with a drug addiction. Addiction is evil, vindictive, and manipulative. This explains why so many folks go to rehab several times before it sticks. But, sadly, many never get clean and sober and die from overdoses.
What I would have loved is information, from an addict's perspective, on how to help keep kids off drugs, alcohol, and other addictions. This would have been helpful, or maybe it will be another book.
Book cover: 5.0 stars
Pretty!
Book title: 4.0 stars
Very appropriate.
DEFINITE recommend
NetGalley eARC/ebook
A Clean Mess by Tiffany Jenkins
304 pages
Harmony
FUTURE release date: 6/3/2025
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
TRIGGER WARNING: Drug use, infidelity, pregnancy, drug addiction, recovery, death of a parent, mental illness, heavy cursing
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
REVIEW - Change the Recipe (audiobook)
Change the Recipe by José Andrés (audiobook)
OVERVIEW
This was a beautiful memoir filled with so much good life advice. It may be my new gift for college graduates, as this was the book I needed when I started adulting!
However, I would have enjoyed it more as a physical or digital book instead of listening to it as an audiobook. There was just so much material that I would have absorbed it all better visually rather than verbally.
Full disclosure: The charity, World Central Kitchen (WCK), that José co-founded, is one of two charities our family regularly supports. WCK was in Southern California almost immediately after the January 2025 fires and fed many people I know in Altadena and Pasadena.
OVERALL REVIEW: 4.5 stars.
Writing: 5.0 stars
The writing was passionate, powerful, and real. It was completely from José's heart. There was a ghostwriter, but it didn't affect Jose's message.
Narration: 5.0 stars
José is not a professional actor or speaker, but he read this audiobook with so much emotion.
Of course, I am sure some people will complain that José has a Spanish accent on the audiobook, making it difficult to understand. I call bullshit! I have a Southern California accent - we all have accents!
The best thing to do is to read or listen to this book. It is an important book!
Character development: 5.0 stars
There were no main characters per se. It is all about José, cooking, and WCK. José believes in good food, food that tells a story, and food for all. All three are beautifully interwoven throughout the book.
José's family of origin, his own family, WCK family, and extended chef networks play prominent roles throughout the book. Additionally, the customers who pay in his restaurants or folks helped by WCK are treated with grace, care, and hospitality.
Memorable/Informative: 5.0 stars
For me, José takes way too much heat for feeding both sides of the Israeli/Palestinian war. Both sides are hungry and thirsty.
His altruistic work of feeding the hungry is what José is passionate about. He has tried to stay out of the political drama, but it keeps rearing its ugly head. José's focus is getting food and water where it is needed quickly and efficiently while cutting through the idiotic red tape.
Entertaining/Educational: 5.0 stars
José hits the mark when he talks about endless wasteful meetings, while agencies wait instead of reacting to help after disasters. This is the same issue in the U.S. with our businesses and government - we talk too much about doing without doing anything at all.
José and WCK get it done because they are creative, forward-thinking, and on the ground quickly. They assess the needs, speak to the helpers already there, and use the available resources at the disaster site. This is much better than waiting for supplies to arrive!
Book cover: 5.0 stars
Appropriate!
Book title: 5.0 stars
Perfect, especially with the subtitle.
HIGHLY recommend
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) borrow: audiobook
Change the Recipe by José Andrés
4 hours, 36 minutes
Harper Audio
Release date: 4/22/2025
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL)
TRIGGER WARNING: Mild cursing, classism, colonialism, war, violence, lack of food and water, xenophobia
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
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