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I have started another series! Guys, I think I have a problem. The afterlife is just an endless room full of books right? Because that will be the only way for me to catch up on all the books I want to read. So this new series is called The Four Kingdoms by Melanie Cellier. The first book is The Princess Companion: A Retelling of the Princess and the Pea. The book introduces Alyssa, a woodcutter’s daughter. She gets lost in the woods during the storm and finds herself at the castle and begging for shelter. This night would change her life. Turns out, she is great with the twin princesses, Sophie and Lilly. The King and Queen make her their companion since they tend to cause a little mischief. However, it is their older brother, Max that keeps Alyssa distracted. Alyssa is really wonderful at creating stories. Due to a sensitive nervous system, she also has great instincts. She uses these instincts to help protect the kingdom but may lose her heart.
You all know how much I love fairytale retellings. I have not read one inspired by the Princess and the Pea and I really love the creativity that the author took with it! There are some moments when the pace is slow and the language a little cheesy. However, I really love the characters. Alyssa is opinionated and not afraid to speak her mind, even to the Royal Family. I love her relationship with Lilly and Sophia. (These princesses will make an appearance in the spin-off series, Beyond the Four Realms.) The girls struggle with not being close to their family and Alyssa gives them care, love, and teaches them through her stories.
There is also a little action that adds an exciting layer to the story. There is political intrigue, spies, and betrayal. The ending does leave some storylines open since there are more books in the series. Also, do not be fooled. Not everyone gets a Happy Ever After. I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.
You all know how much I love fairytale retellings. I have not read one inspired by the Princess and the Pea and I really love the creativity that the author took with it! There are some moments when the pace is slow and the language a little cheesy. However, I really love the characters. Alyssa is opinionated and not afraid to speak her mind, even to the Royal Family. I love her relationship with Lilly and Sophia. (These princesses will make an appearance in the spin-off series, Beyond the Four Realms.) The girls struggle with not being close to their family and Alyssa gives them care, love, and teaches them through her stories.
There is also a little action that adds an exciting layer to the story. There is political intrigue, spies, and betrayal. The ending does leave some storylines open since there are more books in the series. Also, do not be fooled. Not everyone gets a Happy Ever After. I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.
I read a lot of historical romance that I am introduced to through InD’Tale Magazine. I have heard wonderful things about Julia Quinn. However, when I heard one of her book series was going to be turned into a Netflix series produced by Shonda Rhimes, I knew I had to pick it up. The Duke and I by Julia Quinn is the first book in the Bridgertons series. The Bridgerton Family is introduced. Violet is the mother and had to raise her eight children after her husband passed away. The children are named Anthony, Benedict, Colin, Daphne, Eloise, Francesca, and Hyacinth. See a pattern? Well, this book stars Daphne. She is funny and beautiful but always the friend and not being courted, much to her mother’s dismay. However, Anthony’s friend, Simon Basset comes to town, he triggers the obsession of all the “ton’s” mothers. Simon Basset is a duke that not many know much about. But he is a duke so that is enough for him to be smothered by mothers. Daphne and Simon come up with a sham courtship idea. They pretend to court so Daphne gets more attention from other suitors and he gets to avoid the mothers. The only problem is how long can it remain a sham before feelings start getting involved?
What did I just read?! Phew. Now, I love historical fiction novels. But I love relatable issues as well. Simon has speech issues and is emotionally and physically abused by his father until he abandons him altogether. He grows up wanting the ultimate revenge, letting the Dukedom die with him. I think that is wonderful that the author addresses speech impediment issues and also that of child abuse. However, it snowballs after that and it ultimately became unbelievable.
Now, don’t get me wrong. The characters are great. Kind of. Let me explain. Daphne is fun and witty and paired with Simon, even more so. In fact, their banter is my favorite part of the book! They seem so perfectly paired. However, Simon’s issues with his father spiral and just become unreasonable. Then Daphne commits a heinous act. No spoilers but it was truly despicable.
I also enjoyed Daphne’s relationship with her family and her brothers. I could have done without the uber-macho big brother act, but deep down I love how close they are. So I am so torn with this book because I LOVED it but there were aspects that I absolutely hated. So I figure I should rate this book 3 out of 5 stars.
What did I just read?! Phew. Now, I love historical fiction novels. But I love relatable issues as well. Simon has speech issues and is emotionally and physically abused by his father until he abandons him altogether. He grows up wanting the ultimate revenge, letting the Dukedom die with him. I think that is wonderful that the author addresses speech impediment issues and also that of child abuse. However, it snowballs after that and it ultimately became unbelievable.
Now, don’t get me wrong. The characters are great. Kind of. Let me explain. Daphne is fun and witty and paired with Simon, even more so. In fact, their banter is my favorite part of the book! They seem so perfectly paired. However, Simon’s issues with his father spiral and just become unreasonable. Then Daphne commits a heinous act. No spoilers but it was truly despicable.
I also enjoyed Daphne’s relationship with her family and her brothers. I could have done without the uber-macho big brother act, but deep down I love how close they are. So I am so torn with this book because I LOVED it but there were aspects that I absolutely hated. So I figure I should rate this book 3 out of 5 stars.
I have read 10 other Bernard Cornwell books and needless to say, I am a fan. Agincourt by Bernard Cornwell is one of his standalone novels. This novel introduces Nick Hook who has a family feud with another local family and well as the local priest. This feud has him banished to France. He ends up being part of a company in the town of Soissons. However, the siege of Soissons is devastating. Nick saves a novice named Melisande from rape. They manage to escape. Now, King Henry V is bringing his army to reclaim what is rightfully his. Nick Hook finds himself an Archer under the command of Sir John Cornewaille. Everything leads up to St. Crispin’s Day in Agincourt.
“No!” Sir John thrust a gauntleted hand to strike Hook’s shoulder. “You fight my battles, Hook,” he punched Hook’s shoulder again, “that’s what I pay you for. But if you fight mine, then I fight yours, you understand? We are a company!”
AGINCOURT, SIR JOHN CORNEWAILLE
This book is not for those who want something fast-paced and superficial. This book is what I would consider an epic. There are many things that make this book special and one of those is the detail. Having read Bernard Cornwell before, I know how intense his battle scenes are, and he does not disappoint in this book. The siege and battle are written with such detail you feel as if you are fighting in the mud along with the soldiers.
Agincourt is one of those battles that has been immortalized by William Shakespeare and just in history in general. Based on the statistics of the battle, the English shouldn’t have won. –And if anyone screams spoilers…come on, this battle happened 600 years ago. But I digress. Bernard Cornwell has a deep understanding of this battle. Every detail leads up to Agincourt. The win could be attributed to a couple of things. The first is that it supposedly rained so much that the mud was almost impossible to fight in. The second, the archers. Making the main character an archer just really brings this book to life.
This book is one of the most richly detailed historical fiction books I have ever read. Be prepared, this battle is devastating. DO NOT GET ATTACHED. That is all I will say on the matter. I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars.
“No!” Sir John thrust a gauntleted hand to strike Hook’s shoulder. “You fight my battles, Hook,” he punched Hook’s shoulder again, “that’s what I pay you for. But if you fight mine, then I fight yours, you understand? We are a company!”
AGINCOURT, SIR JOHN CORNEWAILLE
This book is not for those who want something fast-paced and superficial. This book is what I would consider an epic. There are many things that make this book special and one of those is the detail. Having read Bernard Cornwell before, I know how intense his battle scenes are, and he does not disappoint in this book. The siege and battle are written with such detail you feel as if you are fighting in the mud along with the soldiers.
Agincourt is one of those battles that has been immortalized by William Shakespeare and just in history in general. Based on the statistics of the battle, the English shouldn’t have won. –And if anyone screams spoilers…come on, this battle happened 600 years ago. But I digress. Bernard Cornwell has a deep understanding of this battle. Every detail leads up to Agincourt. The win could be attributed to a couple of things. The first is that it supposedly rained so much that the mud was almost impossible to fight in. The second, the archers. Making the main character an archer just really brings this book to life.
This book is one of the most richly detailed historical fiction books I have ever read. Be prepared, this battle is devastating. DO NOT GET ATTACHED. That is all I will say on the matter. I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars.
This is my first Ruth Ware book! I own a few of her books on my shelf and I have finally had the chance to read one. The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware is the perfect summer thriller! Lo Blacklock wakes up to a burglar in her home. Her boyfriend is out of town and this event scars her for life. However, she has to pull herself together for the opportunity of a lifetime. She is a travel journalist and has the opportunity to go on the maiden voyage of a luxury cruise. One night while on the cruise, she wakes up, hears a scream, and a splash. She is convinced someone was thrown overboard. The woman who was in the cabin next to her has vanished. However, security says that no one was reserved for that room and no one with her description fits anyone on the ship. Lo knows what she saw and someone leaves her cryptic messages. She knows there has been a cover-up, but who is the murderer or even more so, who is the victim?
This is definitely a cryptic thriller! As I said above, the perfect book to read on the beach. (If the beaches were open, that is.) It did take me a few chapters to really connect with the story. The beginning of the story is pretty slow. It really picked up the pace about 1/3 of the way through. Plus that ending was not predictable which is huge for me. I hate predictable endings, but this one kept me on my toes!
The only other thing that just didn’t work for me is the unreliable narrator aspect. It is pretty cliche at this point. However, the mystery is spectacular. Plus, the investigative journalist aspect is also extremely realistic and adds a nice touch to the story.
All the characters are mysterious in their own way, which adds to the unpredictable factor. All in all, I rate this book 3 out of 5 stars!
This is definitely a cryptic thriller! As I said above, the perfect book to read on the beach. (If the beaches were open, that is.) It did take me a few chapters to really connect with the story. The beginning of the story is pretty slow. It really picked up the pace about 1/3 of the way through. Plus that ending was not predictable which is huge for me. I hate predictable endings, but this one kept me on my toes!
The only other thing that just didn’t work for me is the unreliable narrator aspect. It is pretty cliche at this point. However, the mystery is spectacular. Plus, the investigative journalist aspect is also extremely realistic and adds a nice touch to the story.
All the characters are mysterious in their own way, which adds to the unpredictable factor. All in all, I rate this book 3 out of 5 stars!
"Buckle up; this book is one emotional rollercoaster!"
Check out my full review at:
http://magazine.indtale.com/magazine/2020/july-august/viewer/desktop/#page/68
Check out my full review at:
http://magazine.indtale.com/magazine/2020/july-august/viewer/desktop/#page/68
"Passion, betrayal, and a love that is determined to survive-this historical fiction has it all!"
Check out my full review at:
http://magazine.indtale.com/magazine/2020/july-august/viewer/desktop/#page/76
Check out my full review at:
http://magazine.indtale.com/magazine/2020/july-august/viewer/desktop/#page/76
"Crack open a cold one, because this slow-burn romance will warm anyone up!"
Check out my full review at:
http://magazine.indtale.com/magazine/2020/july-august/viewer/desktop/#page/88
Check out my full review at:
http://magazine.indtale.com/magazine/2020/july-august/viewer/desktop/#page/88
“Certain seeds it will not nurture, certain fruit it will not bear and when the land kills of its own volition, we acquiesce and say the victim had no right to live”
THE BLUEST EYE BY TONI MORRISON
The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison is actually my first Toni Morrison book. I have been a reader all my life and took so many lit classes in college and somehow I have never had the opportunity to read this book until now.
This book begins in 1941 and is the story of Pecola. However, the book changes points-of-view throughout the story. One of the points-of-view is Claudia, the daughter of Pecola’s foster parents. Pecola is placed in foster care after her father burns down their house. Pecola’s circumstances have made her believe that she is ugly and she desires blue eyes. With blue eyes, she will beautiful like the other white girls in her city.
This is a relatively short novel, at only 200 pages but it makes its point. This book discusses race, internalized racism, abuse, class, family, and innocence. This novel is tragic. This book shows just how awful and cruel racism is. Pecola is ashamed of her skin and her looks because society tells her that the most beautiful girls have blonde hair and blue eyes. This has an impact on how she views herself and more importantly her worth. This book was published in 1970 and our society still portrays beauty in that way. We need to do better as a society so every girl feels beautiful, comfortable, and worthy in her own skin.
There is also the themes of sexual assault. The sexual abuse that Pecola endures is extremely difficult to read. The hurt and pain, along with the shame and loss of innocence is described extremely well.
The points-of-view changes did through me off a few times, but they are a necessary part of the story. This isn’t a “light” read. It will weigh heavily on your heart, but you need to pay attention and learn. The prose is outstanding. I can honestly say I have never read anything like it. It flows perfectly. I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars. I definitely recommend this read and will be purchasing more Toni Morrison books in the future.
THE BLUEST EYE BY TONI MORRISON
The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison is actually my first Toni Morrison book. I have been a reader all my life and took so many lit classes in college and somehow I have never had the opportunity to read this book until now.
This book begins in 1941 and is the story of Pecola. However, the book changes points-of-view throughout the story. One of the points-of-view is Claudia, the daughter of Pecola’s foster parents. Pecola is placed in foster care after her father burns down their house. Pecola’s circumstances have made her believe that she is ugly and she desires blue eyes. With blue eyes, she will beautiful like the other white girls in her city.
This is a relatively short novel, at only 200 pages but it makes its point. This book discusses race, internalized racism, abuse, class, family, and innocence. This novel is tragic. This book shows just how awful and cruel racism is. Pecola is ashamed of her skin and her looks because society tells her that the most beautiful girls have blonde hair and blue eyes. This has an impact on how she views herself and more importantly her worth. This book was published in 1970 and our society still portrays beauty in that way. We need to do better as a society so every girl feels beautiful, comfortable, and worthy in her own skin.
There is also the themes of sexual assault. The sexual abuse that Pecola endures is extremely difficult to read. The hurt and pain, along with the shame and loss of innocence is described extremely well.
The points-of-view changes did through me off a few times, but they are a necessary part of the story. This isn’t a “light” read. It will weigh heavily on your heart, but you need to pay attention and learn. The prose is outstanding. I can honestly say I have never read anything like it. It flows perfectly. I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars. I definitely recommend this read and will be purchasing more Toni Morrison books in the future.
10 books down, 3 to go! Well, technically 2 more books. The last book isn’t going to be released until later this year. And trust me, I am counting down the days. But I digress. The Flame Bearer by Bernard Cornwell is the 10th book in the Saxon Stories Series. Uhtred of Bebbanburg has fought in many shield walls. He is getting older but he is still fighting his way to reclaim his family home, Bebbanburg. Britain is at peace…but it all could collapse at any moment. His son-in-law rules in Northumbria. Aethelflaed still rules in Mercia, but she is ill. Edward rules in Wessex but Uhtred’s enemies are still present in Edward’s court. The time comes for Uhtred to head to Bebbanburg but a new enemy has appeared…the Scots.
I think I have said this in one of my previous reviews of this series…Uhtred needs a break. He has only sacrificed his entire life fighting for one king after the next to preserve the peace in Britain. Does anyone appreciate him? NO. Well, his men appreciate him. They have been through battle after battle and they are the most feared force in Britain. I must say, I do love that we see the Scots again. The Scots are an enemy of Uhtred but their relationship isn’t exactly hostile. They have mutual respect for each other. The warrior banter never gets old. While the story contains so many life or death situations and that brief humor is always appreciated.
As always, the two best aspects of this series are the historical detail and the characters. The historical detail is so perfect that I feel completely immersed in the book. But I love the characters. They are real, flawed, and bring history to life.
Matt Bates narrates this book as well and he is just wonderful. He nails every accent, personality, gender, and age. There is so much passion as he reads that it is difficult to press pause. Another 5 out of 5 stars for this installment of the Saxon Stories!
I think I have said this in one of my previous reviews of this series…Uhtred needs a break. He has only sacrificed his entire life fighting for one king after the next to preserve the peace in Britain. Does anyone appreciate him? NO. Well, his men appreciate him. They have been through battle after battle and they are the most feared force in Britain. I must say, I do love that we see the Scots again. The Scots are an enemy of Uhtred but their relationship isn’t exactly hostile. They have mutual respect for each other. The warrior banter never gets old. While the story contains so many life or death situations and that brief humor is always appreciated.
As always, the two best aspects of this series are the historical detail and the characters. The historical detail is so perfect that I feel completely immersed in the book. But I love the characters. They are real, flawed, and bring history to life.
Matt Bates narrates this book as well and he is just wonderful. He nails every accent, personality, gender, and age. There is so much passion as he reads that it is difficult to press pause. Another 5 out of 5 stars for this installment of the Saxon Stories!
I am a white mother of two white boys. I am trying my best to educate them about race and gender. I want them to be a part of the healing of this country. In order to do that, I need to educate myself. Motherhood So White by Nefertiti Austin is a memoir that tackles race, gender, and parenting in America. Nefertiti goes through her upbringing and how she was raised by her grandparents because her own parents were young parents and were often gone. When Nefertiti realizes that she is ready to be a mother, she is single and wanting to adopt a child of her own. She discusses the adoption process but how the system is catered to white parents. When she adopts her son, she is desperate for information to only find there is no information for a single black woman raising a black boy. The world is terrifying for mothers, but we will never know the fear that black mothers experience. The parenting world has no diversity, leaving black mothers behind.
“Racism as veiled compliments for Black folks was nothing new. Society could not imagine us as disciplined, hard working committed to perfecting our craft. Rather, strong Black women must be super Negroes with mythical powers who white people could safely cheer for because they were rare enough to be unthreatening. The inhumanity of this gaze is the problem and exactly the point I hoped to make with this book. Motherhood is so white and in need of a revolution.”
MOTHERHOOD SO WHITE
Wow. This is a beautiful memoir. It is touching, informative, educational, and inspirational. She provides a voice for black mothers, especially mothers adopting black babies. As a mother myself, community is so important. I am a part of a local mom’s group. However, the majority of the moms in the group are white. They are a wonderful group but there are experiences that we couldn’t understand as white women. We need to help this world become more inclusive to ALL mothers. To be more inclusive, we need more representation in every aspect in motherhood, like parenting books. But it goes so much further than that. We live in a society filled with systemic racism. Black women are more likely to die in childbirth. Black boys have a target on their back from birth. Black mothers in the adoption process are seen as “welfare queens”–the only reason why they are fostering or adopting is for the money. Black babies up for adoption being called “crack babies.” Nefertiti Austin really shines a light on a broken system that is meant for white women. I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars.
“Racism as veiled compliments for Black folks was nothing new. Society could not imagine us as disciplined, hard working committed to perfecting our craft. Rather, strong Black women must be super Negroes with mythical powers who white people could safely cheer for because they were rare enough to be unthreatening. The inhumanity of this gaze is the problem and exactly the point I hoped to make with this book. Motherhood is so white and in need of a revolution.”
MOTHERHOOD SO WHITE
Wow. This is a beautiful memoir. It is touching, informative, educational, and inspirational. She provides a voice for black mothers, especially mothers adopting black babies. As a mother myself, community is so important. I am a part of a local mom’s group. However, the majority of the moms in the group are white. They are a wonderful group but there are experiences that we couldn’t understand as white women. We need to help this world become more inclusive to ALL mothers. To be more inclusive, we need more representation in every aspect in motherhood, like parenting books. But it goes so much further than that. We live in a society filled with systemic racism. Black women are more likely to die in childbirth. Black boys have a target on their back from birth. Black mothers in the adoption process are seen as “welfare queens”–the only reason why they are fostering or adopting is for the money. Black babies up for adoption being called “crack babies.” Nefertiti Austin really shines a light on a broken system that is meant for white women. I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars.