REVIEW - The First Gentlemen (ebook)

 The First Gentlemen by Bill Clinton and James Patterson (ebook)

OVERVIEW

This is the third collaboration by Bill Clinton and James Patterson. I have read all three books, but this one is not the strongest (I think the second book was the best, by far). 

I liked this book, but didn't love it. It was a fast and easy read; however, I figured out the mystery about one-third of the way through the book. 

A huge pet peeve is the huge amount of white space in this book. It could have been consolidated so much better. 

OVERALL REVIEW:    3.5 stars

 

Writing: 3.5 stars

The writing is meh. I assume that President Clinton wrote most of the legal and president-adjacent material, which is the most interesting part of the series to me. James probably wrote the plot outline with President Clinton doing the heavy lifting. 

I have felt that James' books have deteriorated in quality of writing for the past fifteen years or so. Most especially, once he started writing with partners. 

Character development: 3.5 stars

The main characters are Maddy (the President), Cole (the First Gentleman), and Burton (the President's Chief of Staff). The three have been friends since they were undergrads at Dartmouth over twenty years ago. 

The secondary characters are Garrett and Brea (a lawyer-journalist writing team) and Suzanne (a murdered woman).  

The tertiary characters include various attorneys, mobsters, police, FBI, coworkers, family, and friends of the main and secondary characters. There are a lot of characters, which is to be expected in a procedural crime mystery. 

The character development was adequate - it wasn't weak, but it wasn't strong either.   

Storyline:  3.5 stars

The storyline is the discovery of Suzanne's body and the police and prosecution's case against the suspected killer. The plot goes in multiple directions, which helped me figure out the mystery. 

The locations were New Hampshire, Dartmouth, and Washington, D.C.  

Memorable/Informative:   4.0 stars

It really made me realize that politics is a "dog-eat-dog" proposition and how back-door deals make things run in Washington, D.C.  

Book cover: 3.0 stars

I don't understand who it is or what it is about. 

 

Book title: 4.0 stars 

There was much more to the story - it wasn't just about the First Gentlemen. 

 

Recommend

Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) borrow: ebook

The First Gentlemen by Bill Clinton and James Patterson

474 pages

Little, Brown and Company

Release date: 6/2/2025

 

INFORMATIONAL LINKS

Bill Clinton

James Patterson

Goodreads review

Storygraph review

Little, Brown and Company

Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL)

TRIGGER WARNINGS:

Alcohol, death of a parent, grief, cancer, medical content, gun violence, murder, death, car accident, violence, rape, and strong cursing.

Happy reading, 

Dorothea 💜

My next ebook is ...

 The First Gentleman by Bill Clinton and James Patterson (ebook)

I am also reading an eARC/ebook. However, since this is a library book with a borrowing time limit, I will finish this book first! 

Happy reading, 

Dorothea💜

My next audiobook is ...

 Care and Feeding by Laurie Woolever (audiobook)

Happy reading,

Dorothea 💜

Review - Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight (audiobook)

Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight by Alexandra Fuller (audiobook)

OVERVIEW

This is a beautifully written memoir about a horrific time in Africa. It was difficult to absorb and understand, so I listened to it slowly, so I could "try" to understand it. But, honestly, I don't understand it all.

I don't understand the recent colonialism in Africa (or anywhere, actually), the subjugation and discrimination against the African Blacks, and the civil wars with the white minority fighting to retain their power. 

Additionally, I wouldn't say that I enjoyed this memoir, but it was an enlightening and important book to read. 

OVERALL REVIEW: 4.0 stars

 

Writing: 5.0 stars

Alexandra writes beautifully about the good, bad, and ugly during her childhood in multiple countries in Africa. 

This was written in first person, so it was shocking to know and understand that a child experienced these horrific, tragic, and violent events. It was exceedingly graphic, at times. 

Also, this was not a linear memoir so it can be a little confusing at times. 

Narration: 4.5 stars

The narration was done by Lisette Lecat, who did a fantastic job with the various voices and accents. However, I prefer that the author narrate their own memoir. 

Character development: 4.5 stars

The main character is Alexandra (Bobo). 

The secondary characters are Alexandra's parents, Tim and Nicola, and her sister Vanessa. 

There are many characters throughout the memoir, but they are all the same stereotypical individuals transplanted in different places. That is how they seemed to me, honestly. 

The character development was incredible for Alexandra as she is shocked and surprised by so much throughout the book. Alexandra's parents and sister are developed, but they are not the focus of the book.

I must be honest and state for the record that I despised Alexandra's parents as well as the other white colonizers. 

 

Memorable:  5.0 stars

I was shocked at the entitlement and superiority of the white colonists, in general. This memoir was set during the 1970s/80s, which is somewhat recent. 

There was a comment by the mother, Nicola, that asked why there isn't a white country for whites in Africa. That was and is the core of the problems in Africa - everyone wants their piece.  

Entertaining/Educational:  4.5 stars

This memoir made me realize how much has been taken from Africa and the individual governments by the colonizers, but little is given back to the native peoples. It is a very uneven and abusive set of relationships. 

Book cover: 5.0 stars

Perfect - loved the black and white picture.   

 

Book title: 5.0 stars 

On point.  

Definite recommend

Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) borrow: audiobook

Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight by Alexandra Fuller

10 hours, 11 minutes 

Recorded Books, Inc.

Release date: 12/1/2001

 

INFORMATIONAL LINKS

Alexandra Fuller

Goodreads review

The Storygraph review

Recorded Books, Inc

Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL)

TRIGGER WARNINGS: Graphic blood, gore, and violence, death of an animal, death, medical content, medical trauma, mental illness, alcohol, alcoholism, colonialism, racism, xenophobia, cursing, pregnancy, loss of a child 

Happy reading, 

Dorothea 💜

My next eARC/ebook is ...

 

The Girl in the Green Dress by Mariah Fredericks (eARC/ebook)

Happy reading,

Dorothea 💜

REVIEW - The Witch's Orchard (eARC/ebook)

 The Witch's Orchard by Archer Sullivan (eARC/ebook)

OVERVIEW

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This is Archer's debut novel! What a great start to a long writing career. This novel is a love letter to the small towns, families, and life in the Appalachians. 

This is a multi-genre novel that includes contemporary fiction, storytelling, mystery, and Appalachian folklore, with a sprinkle of romance for good measure. 

I thought multiple times that I figured out the plot twist and solved the mystery - I was wrong over and over again! I really love the main character, Annie Gore, and would love a series about her, please, Archer!

OVERALL REVIEW: 4.5 stars.

 

Writing: 4.5 stars

The writing is strong. It flowed like a mystery novel with choppy endings and cut-outs, which is to be expected in this genre. 

However, at times, Archer hit her poetic stride with beautiful writing with her exquisite storytelling. I would love for her to expand upon this in her next book, even if it is another mystery. I love beautiful words with storytelling! 

Character development: 5.0 stars

The main characters are Annie (a private investigator), AJ (a local police deputy), and Max (the client from Appalachian North Carolina). 

The secondary characters are Jessica, Olivia, and Molly (missing girls whom Annie is hired to find), Shiloh (the town baker and Annie's friend), and Susan (the town psychic and herbalist). 

The tertiary characters are the missing girls' parents and families, the townspeople, neighbors, and friends.  

The character development was strong. I really understood the well-developed back story for the main and secondary characters.  

Storyline:  4.5 stars

The storyline focuses on finding the three missing girls by Annie, who is hired by Max (Molly's brother). The small town where this occurs is very similar to where Annie grew up. Annie comes to town, pokes the hornet's nest, and all hell breaks loose. 

The location was primarily fictional, Quartz Creek, North Carolina. 

Memorable/Informative:   4.5 stars

It is heartbreaking that little towns, like the fictional Quartz Creek, are dying out as people leave them for jobs and lives elsewhere. We are losing our Americana traditions.

 

Book cover: 4.0 stars

It was a little creepy and weird, but it was exactly the point.     

 

Book title: 5.0 stars 

Excellent!

 

Strong recommend

NetGalley eARC/ebook

The Witch's Orchard by Archer Sullivan

304 pages

Minotaur Books

FUTURE release date: 8/12/2025

INFORMATIONAL LINKS

Archer Sullivan

Goodreads review

Storygraph review

Minotaur Books

NetGalley

TRIGGER WARNINGS:

Alcohol, alcoholism, drug use, drug production, murder, kidnapping, violence, gun use, death of a parent, grief, medical content, moderate cursing, pregnancy, and infidelity.

Happy reading, 

Dorothea 💜

My next eARC/ebook is ...

 The Witch's Orchard by Archer Sullivan (eARC/ebook)

Happy reading, 

Dorothea 💜

REVIEW - Ever After (eARC/ebook)

Ever After by Amanda Prowse (eARC/ebook)

OVERVIEW

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I love Amanda's books because they are based on real-life family situations, from new love to loss of love and everything else in between. Most of Amanda's books are contemporary fiction or women's fiction, but she has also written two very personal non-fiction books. 

I have read over twenty books written by Amanda and will continue to read them as long as she is willing to write them! What a great symbiosis. 

This book was another lovely, perfect, and palate-cleanser for the chaos in the world!

OVERALL REVIEW: 5.0 stars.

 

Writing: 5.0 stars

Amanda wrote this book beautifully, descriptively, and thoughtfully. There were many sensitive issues covered, but she handled them with grace and sensitivity. 

Plus, Amanda always throws in a few author words that I don't know, but not in a pretentious way. I always love learning new vocabulary. 

Character development: 5.0 stars

The main characters are Enya (a widow and Aiden's mother), Aiden (Enya's son and Holly and Iris's friend), Holly (Aiden's neighbor friend), and Iris (Aiden's "airplane friend" - read the book to understand this reference).  

The secondary characters are Jenny (Enya's BFF and neighbor), Angela (Enya's sister), and Jonathan (Enya's deceased husband).   

The tertiary characters are the other neighbors, friends, and family of the main characters (as well as the secondary characters). primary and secondary characters, and lots of "throw-away" characters. 

The character development was strong, as always. The main characters grow, develop, and learn together. 

Storyline:  5.0 stars

The storyline focuses on Enya's grief over the loss of her husband, Jonathan, while trying to keep everyone else together, putting her needs last. Aiden travels to Italy for a work trip, and everything changes for everyone during the three weeks that he is gone.  

The locations were Essex and Bath, England, and Portugal.  

Memorable/Informative:   5.0 stars

This book is about serendipity. You never know who or how you will meet a person who will become special in your life!

Book cover: 5.0 stars

Perfect.     

 

Book title: 5.0 stars 

Lovely!

 

Highly recommend

NetGalley eARC/ebook

Ever After by Amanda Prowse

412 pages

Late Union Publishing

FUTURE release date: 8/12/2025

 

INFORMATIONAL LINKS

Amanda Prowse

Goodreads review

The Storygraph review

Lake Union Publishing

NetGalley

TRIGGER WARNINGS:

Alcohol, alcoholism, death of a parent, grief, cancer, medical content, moderate cursing, pregnancy, and infidelity.

Happy reading, 

Dorothea 💜

My next audiobook is ...

 Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight by Alexandra Fuller (audiobook)

Happy reading, 

Dorothea 💜

My next eARC/ebook is ...

 Ever After by Amanda Prowse (eARC/ebook)

Happy reading,

Dorothea 💜

REVIEW - The Women at Ocean's End

 The Women at Ocean's End by Faith Hogan (ebook)

OVERVIEW

This is the sixth book by Faith Hogan that I have read. I have a one-word summation of them all - LOVELY!

I love that this book was based on a fictional island off the coast of Ireland. Apparently, there are many uninhabited and inhabited islands, so adding to my bucket list!

OVERALL REVIEW: 4.5 stars.

 

Writing: 5.0 stars

Faith writes so beautifully. It is so descriptive that I can picture it all in my mind while I am reading it! That is the best writing for any reader!

Character development: 4.5 stars

The main characters are Constance and Dotty (best friends), Heather (Dotty's daughter), and Ros (park ranger). 

The secondary characters are Maggie (Constance's mother), as well as Norman and Sylvie (Dotty's parents).   

The tertiary characters are all the various people, including friends and family, primarily on the fictional Pin Hill Island. It is a large cast of characters!

The character development was strong. I just always want more. Most especially about the secondary characters. 

Storyline:  4.5 stars

The storyline is told in two main storylines with a lot of overlapping of different times, also told in flashbacks. But, basically, Constance and Dotty are best friends. Constance and her mom move to Pin Hill Island, and Dotty and her mom join the move. Time continues to pass until secrets are revealed and discovered.

The locations were fictional Pin Hill Island, Dublin, and London. 

Memorable/Informative:   4.0 stars

It was wonderful to learn about the islands off the coast of Western Island. 

Book cover: 5.0 stars

Faith ALWAYS has beautiful covers!    

 

Book title: 4.5 stars 

There appears to be confusion as to the correct title on various book sites. Either one is perfect!

 

Strong Recommend

Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) borrow: ebook

The Women at Ocean's End by Faith Hogan

401 pages

Aria

Release date: 6/5/2025

 

INFORMATIONAL LINKS

Faith Hogan

Goodreads review

The Storygraph review

Aria

Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL)

TRIGGER WARNINGS:

Alcohol, alcoholism, death of a parent, grief, cancer, medical content, death of an animal, and mild cursing.

Happy reading, 

Dorothea 💜