Carnegie's Maid by Marie Benedict

 

I listened to the unabridged audio version of Carnegie's Maid by Marie Benedict, which was nicely narrated by Alana Kerr Collins.

Carnegie's Maid is the second novel I've read by Marie Benedict. This novel is a work of historical fiction set in the USA during the late 1800s. What I love about Carnegie's Maid, aside from it being a work of historical fiction, is that it features a strong, female protagonist named, Clara Kelley. Strong, leading ladies in Marie Benedict's novels seems to be a common theme in her novels. 

I read and reviewed, The Other Einstein by Marie Benedict earlier this year, which features Mileva Maric as the strong leading lady in this particular novel. I also have plans to read, The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict, which also features another strong, female leading character as well. So, I see a trend here that I like in Marie Benedict's novels!

As far as the rest of Carnegie's Maid is concerned, I liked the storyline, characters, and plot development. The story's pacing was delightfully even throughout. The struggles of immigrants has a strong presence within Carnegie's Maid as well, which only added another layer to the storyline.

I look forward to reading more novels by Marie Benedict based on the fact that I've enjoyed reading two of her novels to date.

Listening time for Carnegie's Maid by Marie Benedict is 9 hours, 2 minutes.

Below is the plot summary for Carnegie's Maid by Marie Benedict from the Goodreads website:

From the author of The Other Einstein, the mesmerizing tale of what kind of woman could have inspired an American dynasty.

Clara Kelley is not who they think she is. She's not the experienced Irish maid who was hired to work in one of Pittsburgh's grandest households. She's a poor farmer's daughter with nowhere to go and nothing in her pockets. But the other woman with the same name has vanished, and pretending to be her just might get Clara some money to send back home.

If she can keep up the ruse, that is. Serving as a lady's maid in the household of Andrew Carnegie requires skills he doesn't have, answering to an icy mistress who rules her sons and her domain with an iron fist. What Clara does have is a resolve as strong as the steel Pittsburgh is becoming famous for, coupled with an uncanny understanding of business, and Andrew begins to rely on her. But Clara can't let her guard down, not even when Andrew becomes something more than an employer. Revealing her past might ruin her future -- and her family's.

With captivating insight and heart, Carnegie's Maid tells the story of one brilliant woman who may have spurred Andrew Carnegie's transformation from ruthless industrialist into the world's first true philanthropist..

I am giving Carnegie's Maid by Marie Benedict a rating of 4 stars out of 5 stars.

P. S. I enjoyed reading the following paragraph from Carnegie's Maid (page 24 of the paperback edition), which is of Clara Kelley's perspective upon arriving to America from Ireland.

"In the short walk from the carriage to Mrs. Seely's establishment, I saw filth the likes of which I'd never imagined. Black clouds billowing in plumes from tall stacks. Buildings turned ashen from sooty air, outlines of posters in white, like ghosts on their walls. Why didn't anyone tell me that industrialization would look like biblical hell?"

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Bookish Quote of the Day!!

 

A Hack on How to Clean Your Book Edges

Hmmm, I discovered an interesting video tutorial on YouTube that explains how to clean the edges of your books to make them look almost pristine again.

I can't say as I'd try this cleaning hack on first edition, signed collectible books. I'd be too afraid it would permanently damage such a book. 

Maybe, just maybe, I'd try this cleaning hack on books I acquired from Little Free Libraries, charity/thrift shops, garage sales, and the like... But then again, who am I fooling? I probably wouldn't trouble myself with the effort if I wasn't going to keep the books permanently in my personal collection. 

Would you try the technique suggested in the above YouTube video? Let me know if you do and how it worked out for you.

The Best Book Video Ad I've Seen to Date!!

 

When I first started watching the above video, I had no idea the video was a video to promote the novel, Grim Begins by Wiktor Miesok, and is the first novel in the Grim Series. It's billed as an organized crime thriller.

Grim Begins by Wiktor Miesok has a rating of 4.7 stars out of 5 stars on Amazon. I may just read this novel after all.

The Heart of a Dog by Mikhail Bulgakov

 

I listened to the unabridged audio version of The Heart of a Dog by Mikhail Bulgakov, which is well narrated by Ben Allen.

I've been meaning to read more books written by Russian writer, Mikhail Bulgakov, for decades now. I first learned about Mikhail Bulgakov in college from my Russian language professor in the early 1990s. My professor absolutely loved Bulgakov's novel, The Master and Margarita. So, based on my professor's glowing review, I decided to read The Master and Margarita in the early 1990s. I absolutely loved this novel beyond words. The Master and Margarita is the only book I've ever read by Mikhail Bulgakov until now.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of when The Heart of a Dog was written. I figured the time was right for me to read this novella as my next choice for something to read that was written by Mikhail Bulgakov.

The Heart of a Dog by Mikhail Bulgakov is a political, satire set in Moscow after the Russian revolution has already occurred. There are a lot of references in this novella that flew over my head, so I was forced to do a lot of digging online to figure out some of the symbolism referenced throughout The Heart of a Dog. Doing the online research wasn't so bad, as it did add to my understanding of what the author was trying to convey.

As far as the storyline goes, it is fantastical as I'd imagined it would be considering the author. I enjoyed the storyline and interesting characters in The Heart of a Dog. 

Essentially, you have a professor who transplants the testicles and pituitary gland of a recently deceased man into a stray dog with consequences no one sees coming... The dog begins to transform into a human with a spectacular outcome and results that are less than positive.

These events portrayed in The Heart of a Dog seemed reminiscent of Frankenstein by Mary Shelley... You have a scientist playing 'God' (if you will) by trying to reanimate a dead body (Frankenstein) or in this case, transplanting human organs into dog's body (The Heart of a Dog). It all made for interesting reading.

If you are into Russian literature, classics, and political satire, then The Heart of a Dog by Mikhail Bulgakov may be your next read to devour.

Below is the publisher's summary for The Heart of a Dog by Mikhail Bulgakov from Chirp's website:

A well-to-do professor working in Moscow strikes up an unlikely friendship with a stray dog and attempts a scientific first by transplanting the testicles and pituitary gland of a recently deceased man into the dog. With a wild, but alarmingly human animal on the loose, the professor’s previously respectable life becomes a nightmare beyond his imagination. A superb satirical novel, it is also a sharp and pointed criticism of Soviet society, especially the new rich that arose after the Bolshevik revolution.

I am giving The Heart of a Dog by Mikhail Bulgakov a rating of 3 stars out of 5 stars.

As a side note, The Heart of a Dog marks my 50th read of 2025. It looks like I'll meet and exceed my reading goal of reading 52 books this year much sooner than anticipated, which is always good news.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Top Eleven Tuesday - Genre Freebie - Graphic Novels/Graphic Non-Fiction Books

  

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme hosted by Jana @ That Artsy Reader Girl. Top Ten Tuesday was originally created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.

Although, I wouldn't say I am a huge fan of graphic novels or graphic non-fiction books, I've read quite a few of them over the years. Below are eleven books I've enjoyed reading from this category. Click on the links provided below to read my review of each book listed.

1. Tetris: The Games People Play by Box Brown

2. Trinity: A Graphic History of the First Atomic Bomb by Jonathan Fetter-Vorm

3. Drama by Raina Telgemeier

4. Embroideries by Marjane Satrapi

5. They Called Us Enemy by George Takei

6. The 14th Dalai Lama by Tetsu Saiwai

7. Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood by Marjane Satrapi

8. Persepolis 2: The Story of a Return by Marjane Satrapi

9. March (Trilogy Slipcase Edition) by John Lewis

10. Red Scare by Liam Francis Walsh

11. Primates: The Fearless Science of Jane Goodall, Dian Fossey, and Biruté Galdikas by Jim Ottaviani

Have you read any of the above books? Are there any graphic novels you recommend?

The Secret Lives of Cows by Rosamund Young

 

I listened to the unabridged audio version of The Secret Lives of Cows by Rosamund Young, which was narrated by the author.

The Secret Lives of Cows by Rosamund Young was my first read for August 2025 and was a book that had been on my reading wishlist for some time. The Secret Lives of Cows is a work of nonfiction and is a quick listen at 3 hours, 41 minutes.

I'm glad I finally read The Secret Lives of Cows as I love cows and wanted to learn more about them from the author. Rosamund Young is an English farmer and she provided a lot of interesting information about cows on her farm. The personality and behavior of individual cows is amazing, but not surprising.

Rosamund Young discusses hens, sheep, and pigs in her book as well as organic farming. Although, I found these topics to be interesting, I wish they'd been excluded from this book altogether. The Secret Lives of Cows is already a very short book as it is and I'd rather have had the sole topic of this book be about cows exclusively instead of a book that included other animals in it.

Below is the publisher's summary for The Secret Lives of Cows by Rosamund Young from the Goodreads website:

Cows can love, play games, bond and form strong, life-long friendships. They can sulk, hold grudges, and they have preferences and can be vain. All these characteristics and more have been observed, documented, interpreted and retold by Rosamund Young based on her experiences looking after the family farm's herd on Kite's Nest Farm in Worcestershire, England. Here the cows, sheep, hens and pigs all roam free. There is no forced weaning, no separation of young from siblings or mother. They seek and are given help when they request it and supplement their own diets by browsing and nibbling leaves, shoots, flowers and herbs. Rosamund Young provides a fascinating insight into a secret world - secret because many modern farming practices leave no room for displays of natural behavior yet, ironically, a happy herd produces better quality beef and milk.

I am giving The Secret Lives of Cows by Rosamund Young a rating of 3 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Bookish Quote of the Day!!

 

Wear Your Dreams: My Life in Tattoos by Ed Hardy with Joel Selvin

 

I started reading the hardback edition of Wear Your Dreams: My Life in Tattoos by Ed Hardy with Joel Selvin in late 2021, but I eventually switched over to the audio version in July of this year due to another recent flare up with my vision issues.

I liked the hardback edition of Wear Your Dreams: My Life in Tattoos for its beautiful dust jacket. Even the endpapers within the interior of Wear Your Dreams: My Life in Tattoos were beautifully rendered with tattoo artwork. The physical book also contained many photographs as well that are (of course) not part of the audio version of Wear Your Dreams: My Life in Tattoos.

Overall I enjoyed listening to Wear Your Dreams: My Life in Tattoos from start to finish. This book was narrated by Johnny Heller and I found him to be an okay narrator. I think a different narrator could have been chosen as I felt Johnny Heller's voice was too gravelly.

I have always enjoyed reading or listening to memoirs and biographies. Ed Hardy became such a big cultural icon and well known tattoo artist that I wanted to learn more about the man behind the public figure and how he became the man he is.

I enjoyed listening to Wear Your Dreams: My Life in Tattoos. The memoir discusses Ed Hardy's childhood, education, personal and professional life. Ed Hardy has lived a very colorful life to date and has met and interacted with various artists and people from different walks of life. He's pretty much lived in a wide range of places like Japan, Hawaii, New York, Vancouver, Seattle, San Diego, San Francisco, and Orange County, California. 

It was interesting to read about Hardy's life as a tattoo artist, how he became a painter and showed his paintings in exhibits later in life, and how Ed Hardy paired up with French fashion designer, Christian Audigier, which explodes the Ed Hardy brand through the use of his tatto imagery on clothing and accessories.

As much as I enjoyed Wear Your Dreams: My Life in Tattoos, I found it to be a bit dry. I also found the few chapters about Ed Hardy's life as a painter to be boring.

Below is the publisher's summary for Wear Your Dreams: My Life in Tattoos by Ed Hardy with Joel Selvin from the Goodreads website:

The memoir of iconic tattoo artist Ed Hardy from his beginnings in 1960s California, to leading the tattoo renaissance and building his name into a hugely lucrative international brand "Ed Hardy" is emblazoned on everything from t-shirts and hats to perfumes and energy drinks. From LA to Japan, his colorful cross-and-bones designs and ribbon-banners have become internationally ubiquitous. But long before the fashion world discovered his iconic designs, the man behind the eponymous brand spearheaded nothing less than a cultural revolution. In Wear Your Dreams, Ed Hardy recounts his genesis as a tattoo artist and leader in the movement to recognize tattooing as a valid and rich art form, through to the ultimate transformation of his career into a multi-billion dollar branding empire. From giving colored pencil tattoos to neighborhood kids at age ten to working with legendary artists like Sailor Jerry to learning at the feet of the masters in Japan, the book explains how this Godfather of Tattoos fomented the explosion of tattoo art and how his influence can be witnessed on everyone, from countless celebs to ink-adorned rockers to butterfly-branded, stroller-pushing moms. With over fifty different product categories, the Ed Hardy brand generates over $700 million in retail sales annually. Vividly packaged with original Ed Hardy artwork and ideal for ink devotees and Ed Hardy aficionados alike, Wear Your Dreams is a never-before-seen look at the tattoo artist who rocked the art world and has left a permanent mark on fashion history.

I am giving Wear Your Dreams: My Life in Tattoos by Ed Hardy with Joel Selvin a rating of 3 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain

 

I initially read and reviewed The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain back in March 2015. I've been meaning to read and review The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain ever since.

Earlier this year, I decided to finally listen to the unabridged audio version of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain, which was well narrated by Eric G. Dove.

Personally, I found the first, eight chapters kind of slow for The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain plot wise. Things FINALLY picked up in chapter nine and I found myself enjoying the storyline more with each chapter that followed.

Although I found The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain to be enjoyable, I actually liked The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain much better.

The publisher's summary for The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain from the Goodreads website:

With The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, not even Twain could have known that when he introduced readers to the inhabitants of the fictional town of St. Petersburg, Missouri, he would also be introducing two characters - one a clever and mischievous scamp, and the other a carefree, innocent ragamuffin - whose stories would ultimately shape the course of American literature. But whereas its sequel and companion piece, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, would harken an end to childhood, the story of Tom Sawyer is one that depicts the excitement and adventure of boyhood along the Mississippi.

Revisit this enduring classic and you will be struck not only by Twain's skill at capturing a time and place so vividly but also by his uncanny ability to crystallize those oftentimes tumultuous and conflicting emotions that a child experiences at the precipice of adulthood: a longing to be free from the rules and obligations of adults while enjoying the laxity inherent in childhood; a love of all things macabre, like blood oaths, cemetery cures, and haunted houses, that reveal a true innocence - an unawareness of real-life consequences and one's own mortality; and the pangs of guilt when knowing the right thing to do and doing the right thing appear to be at odds.

I am giving The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain a rating of 3 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Health Care Reform: What It Is, Why It's Necessary, How It Works by Jonathan Gruber

 

I read the paperback edition of Health Care Reform: What It Is, Why It's Necessary, How It Works by Jonathan Gruber. This book was published in 2011. This book contains good information, but feels a bit dated because it was published 14 years ago.

I still feel Health Care Reform: What It Is, Why It's Necessary, How It Works by Jonathan Gruber is relevant. Jonathan Gruber is an economist with a PhD in economics from Harvard. He seems to have a lot of credibility when it comes to Health Care Reform.

I enjoyed reading Health Care Reform: What It Is, Why It's Necessary, How It Works by Jonathan Gruber. The information is easy to understand and follow throughout this book. I enjoyed the artwork contained within this book as well.

Below is the publisher's summary for Health Care Reform: What It Is, Why It's Necessary, How It Works by Jonathan Gruber from the Goodreads website:

You won’t have to worry about going broke if you get sick. We will start to bring the costs of health care under control. And we will do all this while reducing the federal deficit. That is the promise of the Affordable Care Act. But from the moment President Obama signed the bill into law in 2010, a steady and mounting avalanche of misinformation about the ACA has left a growing majority of Americans confused about what it is, why it’s necessary, and how it works. If you’re one of them, buy this book. From how to tame the twin threats of rising costs and the increasing number of uninsured to why an insurance mandate is good for your health, Health Care Reform dispels false fears by arming you with facts.

I am giving Health Care Reform: What It Is, Why It's Necessary, How It Works by Jonathan Gruber a rating of 4 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Bookish Quote of the Day!!

 

New to Us Little Free Library in Castro Valley, California!

 

Yesterday morning, I found a new to me Little Free Library in Castro Valley, California with my mom and husband.

This is a cute LFL located in a nicely landscaped yard.

I left behind three books at this LFL,

but I didn't take any books home with me because

this LFL was pretty picked over.

Little Free Library in Danville, California!!

 

Yes, to finding a new to me Little Free Library in Danville, California with my mom and husband. We found this cute one after enjoying breakfast out last Sunday morning!

I left two books at this Little Free Library, but I didn't find any books I wanted to bring home and read.

Top Ten Tuesday - Books Set in/Take Place During World War II

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme hosted by Jana @ That Artsy Reader Girl. Top Ten Tuesday was originally created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.

I've read and reviewed the following ten books set during World War II. Most of them I loved. Click on the links below to read my reviews!

1. Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay

2. The Taster by V. S. Alexander

3. Winter Men by Jesper Bugge Kold

4. The Alice Network by Kate Quinn

5. The True Story of Hansel and Gretel: A Novel of War and Survival by Louise Murphy

6.Milkweed by Jerry Spinelli

7. Blackout by Simon Scarrow

8. Flygirl by Sherri L. Smith

9. Letters from Skye by Jessica Brockmole

10.Tightrope by Simon Mawer

Have you read of the following books? Which ones did you love?

UC Berkeley University Libraries!!

University libraries are always amazing to visit!! They are so varied in the way they look from campus to campus. 

I recently came across an online article published on July 15, 2025 via UC Berkeley's Library Communication. 

The article is titled, Welcome to the UC Berkeley Library! Here’s what you need to know. There is a ton of information about the multiple campus library locations, their hours, and services offered to students. Great information for incoming students.

Do you have a favorite university library?

Bookish Quote of the Day!!

 

Bookish Decor!!

 

I love bookshelves! I love the idea of this bookshelf with special drawers that pull out so us shorter folks can reach books sitting on the top shelves. 

I wonder how sturdy these pullout shelves would be? I also hope these bookshelves come in different looks as this one looks kind of boring. 

French Milk by Lucy Knisley

 

I've had French Milk by Lucy Knisley on my reading wishlist since earlier this year. I was able to find a used paperback copy online recently through World of Books, so I decided to go ahead an grab it. French Milk by Lucy Knisley is a graphic memoir that combines both black and white photography and the artist's black and white drawings from her five week trip to Paris, France with her mother. They visit Paris, France to celebrate her mother's 50th birthday and her 22nd birthday.

Graphic novels/memoirs are generally quick reads and French Milk by Lucy Knisley was no exception. I liked how each page of this graphic memoir had either one black and white photo or original artwork from the artist. Each image looked to be postcard size. 

I did enjoy Lucy Knisley's artwork. I liked that this book read like a scrapbook/diary, which made for fun reading. I did, however, find Lucy Knisley to be a bit immature and superficial... Perhaps, it's due to her young age? I just found her immaturity and superficial behavior to be a turn off for me personally. Additionally, the writing is very small, which had me using a magnifier to read the text throughout most of this book. I almost did not finish reading this book due to the small font size.

Below is the book blurb about French Milk by Lucy Knisley I discovered on the author's website:

Through delightful drawings, photographs and musings, twenty-three-year-old Lucy Knisley documents a six-week trip she and her mother took to Paris when each was facing a milestone birthday. With a quirky flat in the fifth arrondissement as their home base, they set out to explore all the city has to offer, watching fireworks over the Eiffel Tower on New Year's Eve, visiting Oscar Wilde's grave, loafing at cafes, and, of course, drinking delicious French milk. What results is not only a sweet and savory journey through the City of Light, but a moving, personal look at a mother-daughter relationship.

I am giving French Milk by Lucy Knisley a rating of 3 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Top Ten Tuesday - Books with Honorifics in the Title

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme hosted by Jana @ That Artsy Reader Girl. Top Ten Tuesday was originally created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.

I loved this week's Top Ten Tuesday topic... It's so unique!!! I had to really dig deep to find books I want to read with honorifics in the title. 

1. Miss Benson's Beetle by Rachel Joyce

2. Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

3. Miss Morgan's Book Brigade by Janet Skeslien Charles

4. The Second Mrs. Astor by Shana Abe

5. Doctor Zhivago by Boris Pasternak

6. The Daughter of Doctor Moreau by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

7. A Country Doctor's Notebook by Mikhail Bulgakov

8. The Mystery of Mrs. Christie by Marie Benedict

9. Mrs Hudson Investigates by Susan Knight

10. Mr. X by Peter Straub

Have you read any of the above books? Would you recommend any of them?

Lady Harriette: Fitzwilliam's Heart and Soul, Pride and Prejudice Untold, Book 3 by P.O. Dixon

 

I listened to the unabridged version of Lady Harriette: Fitzwilliam's Heart and Soul, Pride and Prejudice Untold, Book 3 by P.O. Dixon, which is well narrated by Pearl Hewitt. This is the final novel in the series as far as I know!

I'm happy to report that Lady Harriette: Fitzwilliam's Heart and Soul, Pride and Prejudice Untold, Book 3 is better than the previous novel in the series. This novel had some interesting adventures and detours, but overall too much drama for my tastes to fully enjoy this novel. It read too much like a soap opera.

I am happy to be finally finished with the 'Pride and Prejudice Untold' trilogy!! It's a fun concept for a trilogy, but too much drama that the series read like a soap opera. Also too much erotica or lust in parts for this genre. I wouldn't recommend this trilogy.

Below is the publisher's summary for Lady Harriette: Fitzwilliam's Heart and Soul, Pride and Prejudice Untold, Book 3 by P.O. Dixon from the Goodreads website:

Past is Prologue ... After his father threatened to cut him off financially for what the Earl of Matlock deemed his son's debauched, heedless way of life, Richard Fitzwilliam set his cap at young Lady Harriette Middleton. A second son whose habits of taste demanded he marry a woman of substantial means, Richard's sole intention was securing her dowry. Having entered her bedchamber under the cover of darkness, he set upon his course. He promised to court her, to win her heart, to marry her. Lady Harriette, the only daughter of one of the wealthiest peers in England, never accustomed herself to accept 'no' for an answer. Richard meant to change all that. She likened his declaration to win her heart as more of a challenge than a promise. By the end of their whirlwind courtship, it was unclear who was pursuing who. The Continuing Story Unfolds ... Colonel Fitzwilliam and Lady Harriette's hasty courtship and subsequent marriage notwithstanding, Richard finds himself deeply in love with his beautiful wife. However, having seduced his innocent young bride, a single question haunts him-does he truly deserve his happiness? Her husband's lack of fortune never concerned Lady Harriette- she loves him. Young, spirited, and beautiful, she has always enjoyed a charmed life. When Richard's past lands on their doorstep, suspicion soon rears its head, and Harriette's questions go unanswered. Seeking explanations on her own is her only recourse. But, does she uncover more than she bargained for?

I am giving Lady Harriette: Fitzwilliam's Heart and Soul, Pride and Prejudice Untold, Book 3 by P.O. Dixon a rating of 3 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Bookish Quote of the Day!!

 

What He Would Not Do: Mr. Darcy's Tale Continues: Pride and Prejudice Untold, Book 2 by P. O. Dixon

 

I listened to the unabridged audio version of What He Would Not Do: Mr. Darcy's Tale Continues: Pride and Prejudice Untold, Book 2 by P. O. Dixon, which is once again well narrated by Pearl Hewitt. 

I was less than thrilled with the second novel in the 'Pride and Prejudice Untold' trilogy. Ugh, the drama and the sex scenes were just too much for me. The last 15-20% of the novel focused on two minor characters that are the focus of the third novel. So, I couldn't quite figure out why they took up such a large chunk of this novel's space when they are a big part of the next and finally novel in the series. I also thought the character of Elizabeth Bennet was fairly immature at different points in this novel as well, which was a turn off.

Below is the publisher's summary for What He Would Not Do: Mr. Darcy's Tale Continues: Pride and Prejudice Untold, Book 2 by P. O. Dixon from the Goodreads website:

Pride and Prejudice lovers who enjoyed To Have His Cake (and Eat it Too) won't want to miss what happens next. Having overcome the many seeming obstacles to marrying Miss Elizabeth Bennet, his former employee and the woman of his dreams, Fitzwilliam Darcy must now reaffirm his promise to be a man truly worthy of her affections. Confronted, out of the blue, with the knowledge of her husband’s past, Elizabeth, too, is obliged to reconsider long-held tenets that otherwise threaten to tear them apart. Now that the honeymoon is over, will Darcy and Elizabeth's love survive the trials and tribulations that an unequal alliance will surely bring or will those who persist in separating them prevail? What He Would Not Mr. Darcy's Tale Continues ~ A Regency historical fiction adaptation of Jane Austen's timeless classic Pride and Prejudice. Intended for Mature Audiences.

I am giving What He Would Not Do: Mr. Darcy's Tale Continues: Pride and Prejudice Untold, Book 2 by P. O. Dixon a rating of 2 stars out of 5 stars.

I'm currently 20% into the third installment of the 'Pride and Prejudice Untold' trilogy. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the third novel is not as bad as this one.

Until my my next post, happy reading!!

Bookish Joke of the Day!!

 

To Have His Cake (and Eat It Too): Mr. Darcy's Tale: Pride and Prejudice Untold, Book 1 by P. O. Dixon

 

I listened to the unabridged audio version of To Have His Cake (and Eat It Too): Mr. Darcy's Tale: Pride and Prejudice Untold, Book 1 by P. O. Dixon, which is well narrated by Pearl Hewitt.

What initially drew me to To Have His Cake (and Eat It Too): Mr. Darcy's Tale and the two additional books in the trilogy, was the fact that it's a sort of retelling of Pride and Prejudice from Mr. Darcy's perspective. 

Additionally, the low sale price of 99 cents for each novel and the good online reviews for each novel helped to seal the deal in the desire to read the trilogy.

Although, I loved the narrator/narration for this novel, I found To Have His Cake (and Eat It Too): Mr. Darcy's Tale was middle of the road likable for me. I liked this novel, but far from loved it. It gives a glimpse as to what life may have been like in England during this time for the upper classes and social expectations of the day, but too much drama!! 

Plus, the last 20% of this novel contained a lot of EROTICA scenes, which I wouldn't have expected from the likes of this novel. Sure, people had sex during this time period, but to focus on such amorous passion and sex scenes seemed a bit much.

Below is the publisher's summary for To Have His Cake (and Eat It Too): Mr. Darcy's Tale: Pride and Prejudice Untold, Book 1 by P. O. Dixon from the Goodreads website:

What single gentleman of a large fortune, with sense and education and knowledge of the world, would not wish to have his cake and eat it, too?

Mr. Darcy comes to realize the reason it's seldom possible when he hires Miss Elizabeth Bennet - whose situation is dire after her father's passing - as his sister's paid companion.

Can two strong-willed people live amicably under the same roof, or will their passions explode into something wonderful?

Follow Mr. Darcy's journey from a man who is proud and haughty to one who seeks to please a woman worthy of being pleased.

I am giving To Have His Cake (and Eat It Too): Mr. Darcy's Tale: Pride and Prejudice Untold, Book 1 by P. O. Dixon a rating of 3 stars out of 5stars.

Until my nest post, happy reading!!

Top Ten Tuesday - Books I Want to Re-Read

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme hosted by Jana @ That Artsy Reader Girl. Top Ten Tuesday was originally created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.

I've done this post several times previously already. Some books are the same from previous posts. A few are new to the list.

1. The Master & Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov

2. The Hero of Our Time by Mikhail Lermontov

3. 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne

4. East of Eden by John Steinbeck

5. Why We Can't Wait by Martin Luther King, Junior

6. The Familiar Dark by Amy Engel

7. The Roanoke Girls by Amy Engel

8. All Is Not Forgotten by Wendy Walker

9. Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden

10. Suggestible You by Erik Vance

Have you read any of the books mentioned in my post this week?

Bookish Quote of the Day!!!

 

Coraline by Neil Gaiman

 

I read the paperback edition of Coraline by Neil Gaiman. This is the fourth book I've read by Neil Gaiman. I never thought I'd read another novel by Neil Gaiman, because I didn't enjoy reading the first three novels I'd read by Neil Gaiman. Plus, the sexual assault allegations against Neil Gaiman, have left a sour note with me regarding Gaiman's reputation.

Recently, however, I discovered a paperback copy of Coraline at a local Little Free Library, I've heard Coraline is a really good read from other avid readers/Neil Gaiman fans. I wasn't paying for a copy of Coraline, so why not give Coraline a read to see if it lived up to the hype. 

Surprisingly, Coraline by Neil Gaiman is a really good read!! I actually liked this children's book quite a bit. It's a creepy, spooky, fun read. The leading character, Coraline, is an inquisitive, smart youngster. Coraline is brave in the face of danger and is able to problem solve and figure her way out of very sticky situations. In this regard, I do applaud Neil Gaiman for creating a positive centric, young leading, female role model. 

The following is the publisher's summary for Coraline by Neil Gaiman from the Goodreads website:

"Coraline discovered the door a little while after they moved into the house. . . ."

When Coraline steps through a door to find another house strangely similar to her own (only better), things seem marvelous. But there's another mother there, and another father, and they want her to stay and be their little girl. They want to change her and never let her go.

Coraline will have to fight with all her wit and courage if she is to save herself and return to her ordinary life.

"I think this book will nudge Alice in Wonderland out of its niche at last. It is the most splendidly original, weird, and frightening book I have read, and yet full of things children will love." - Diana Wynne Jones

"This book will send a shiver down your spine, out through your shoes, and into a taxi to the airport. It has the delicate horror of the finest fairy tales, and it is a masterpiece. And you will never think about buttons in quite the same way again." - Terry Pratchett

"This book tells a fascinating and disturbing story that frightened me nearly to death. Unless you want to find yourself hiding under your bed, with your thumb in your mouth, trembling with fear and making terrible noises, I suggest that you step very slowly away from this book and go find another source of amusement, such as investigating an unsolved crime or making a small animal out of yarn." - Lemony Snicket

I am giving Coraline by Neil Gaiman a rating of 4 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Bookish Bedroom Decor!

 

Wow, what a fabulous look for book lovers!!

Imagine having this look as a headboard for your bed.

I'd love it, but my husband would not.

I think he'd be too concerned about various objects

falling off the shelves and hitting our heads in the middle

of the night while we are sleeping.

Would you do something like this to liven up your bedroom?

Six In Six 2025

I learned about Six In Six from both Marianne @ Let's Read and also from Yvonne @ It's All About Books.

I've since learned that Jo @ The Book Jotter created Six In Six. Jo created 52 bookish related categories from which book bloggers select six of the categories that most resonate with them and then share six books/authors that belong into the categories they've chosen. All six books/authors selected must be ones that were read during the first half of the current year. See the official rules here.

Six new authors to me

1. Samantha Hunt

2. Marie Benedict

3. Colin Higgins

4. Patti Callahan Henry

5. Lois Murphy

6. Erle Stanley Gardner

Six authors I have read before

1. Willa Cather

2. John Steinbeck

3. Jessica Hagedorn

4. Harper Lin

5. Richard Matheson

6. Joshilyn Jackson

Six audiobooks I’ve listened to

1. Colorful by Eto Mori

2. The Seas by Samantha Hunter

3. TheSacrifice by Rin Chupeco

4.Aphrodite's Island by Hilary Green

5. 84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff

6. Spoon River Anthology by Edgar Lee Masters

Six from the non-fiction shelf

1. Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World by Vicki Myron

2. Trust Your Intuition by Jill Sylvester LMHC

3. Botanical Curses and Poisons Fez Inkwright

4. The Oswalds: An Untold Account of Marina and Lee by Paul R. Gregory

5. Millionaire Mission by Brian Preston

6. Stealing the Show: A History of Art and Crime in Six Thefts by John Barell

Six books recently added to my wishlist

1. Talulla Rising by Glen Duncan

2. By Blood We Live by Glen Duncan

3. I, Lucifer by Glen Duncan

4. Butcher by Joyce Carol Oates

5. These Things That Walk Behind Me by David Surface

6. Every Day Is A Gift by Tammy Duckworth

Six authors I read last year – but not so far this year

1. Gary D. Schmidt

2. Paul A. Offit MD

3. Jeff Strand

4. Martha Wells

5. Peter Straub

6. David Morrell

So, are you willing to create your own Six I Six post?

Consider yourself tagged if this kind of post you like

to create!!