What Moves the Dead by T. Kingfisher

I listened to the unabridged audio version of What Moves the Dead by T. Kingfisher, which is well narrated by Avi Roque. I'd had this horror/fantasy novella on my reading wishlist for a while. I'm glad I finally listened to What Moves the Dead by T. Kingfisher as it was really good. 

What Moves the Dead is a retelling of Edgar Allan Poe's, The Fall of the House of Usher. What Moves the Dead is also the first novella in the 'Sworn Soldier' series. If you enjoy reading books and novellas that fall into the horror and fantasy genres and are also into a retelling of a classic story, then this book may be for you. The storyline, plot, and characters are fun! This book is most definitely worth the hype.

Below is the publisher's summary for What Moves the Dead by T. Kingfisher found on the Goodreads website:

From the award-winning author of The Twisted Ones comes a gripping and atmospheric retelling of Edgar Allan Poe's classic "The Fall of the House of Usher."

When Alex Easton, a retired soldier, receives word that their childhood friend Madeline Usher is dying, they race to the ancestral home of the Ushers in the remote countryside of Ruritania.

What they find there is a nightmare of fungal growths and possessed wildlife, surrounding a dark, pulsing lake. Madeline sleepwalks and speaks in strange voices at night, and her brother Roderick is consumed with a mysterious malady of the nerves.

Aided by a redoubtable British mycologist and a baffled American doctor, Alex must unravel the secret of the House of Usher before it consumes them all.

I'm giving What Moves the Dead by T. Kingfisher a rating of 4 stars out of 5 stars. 

Until my next post, happy reading!

Resist by Tom Palmer

 

After reading and reviewing Over The Line by Tom Palmer earlier this month, I decided to listen to the unabridged audio version of Resist by Tom Palmer. Resist by Tom Palmer is well narrated by Anna Gilthorpe.

I loved listening to Resist! It's a well written novel set in Nazi occupied Netherlands during World War II. The story is inspired by the real life events of Audrey Hepburn as a teenager. Audrey Hepburn lived in the Netherlands during WWII with her family. She took part in helping with the Dutch Resistance in an effort to thwart the Nazi occupation of The Netherlands. 

I truly enjoyed reading about Audrey Hepburn's life during this time and how it affected her life and the life of others. Resist is a middle schooler read. It's an excellent historical fiction novel. 

Below is a short video of Tom Palmer discussing his novel, Resist.

Below is the publisher's summary for Resist by Tom Palmer, which I found on Chirp's website:

Multi-award-winning author Tom Palmer shines a light on life under wartime occupation, in a beautifully told story inspired by the childhood of Hollywood legend Audrey Hepburn.

As the brutal Second World War stretches on with no end in sight, life for ordinary Dutch people in the Nazi-occupied Netherlands is fraught with peril and hardship. There is very little to eat and the population lives under the constant threat of arrest and enslavement.

After the murder of her beloved uncle and the capture of her brother by the Germans, Edda is determined to do anything she can to help the resistance fight back against their oppressors. But what can a teenage girl do and how much risk is she willing to take?

Award-winning author Tom Palmer shines a light on the incredible work of the WWll Dutch resistance, in a story inspired by the childhood of Hollywood legend Audrey Hepburn.

I am giving Resist by Tom Palmer a rating of 4.5 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Over the Line by Tom Palmer

Earlier this month, I made a list of books that covered the topic of 'soccer' in some way as a way to tie it in with the 2026 FIFA World Cup games.

I am not a soccer fan, nor did I watch any of the 2026 FIFA World Cup games. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup happening, I decided to search for books that discuss soccer in some way. My hope is to inspire readers who are also soccer fans to read more books on a topic they like.

One of the books I discovered was Over the Line by Tom Palmer. Tom Palmer is a new to me author. Initially what attracted me to Over the Line by Tom Palmer was the fact that it features a large chunk of its subject matter to soccer. I soon learned that this children's/middle school novel is a work of historical fiction set in Europe during World War I. The events are inspired by real life events, which makes for good reading.

So, within a few minutes after learning about Over the Line by Tom Palmer, I downloaded and began listening to the unabridged audio version. Essentially, I finished listening to this book 2 hour, 10 minutes in one sitting.

The writing is good and so is the storyline for Over the Line. I was impressed with how much I enjoyed Over the Line. Perhaps, I'll have to give another one of Tom Palmer's novels a try in the future.

Tom Palmer has a YouTube page. I watched the following short video of Mr. Palmer reading a section from his novel, Over The Line.

Below is the publisher's summary for Over the Line by Tom Palmer found on the Goodreads website:

Based on a true story of a sporting hero's experience in the trenches. Jack is to make his debut as a professional footballer, but it's 1914 and the world is at war. Talk of sportsmen's cowardice leads to the formation of a Footballers' Battalion and Jack has little choice but to join up. Jack and his team-mates will have to survive a waking nightmare if they are ever to play again.

I am giving Over the Line by Tom Palmer a rating of 4.5 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

The Vaster Wilds by Lauren Groff

 

I listened to the unabridged audio version of The Vaster Wilds by Lauren Groff, which is nicely narrated by January LaVoy. The Vaster Wilds is the second novel I've read by Lauren Groff. I read Lauren Groff's novel, Matrix, back in 2021 and thoroughly enjoyed it. I've been meaning to read more of Lauren Groff's novels since then. This month I made it happen by finishing The Vaster Wilds.

I enjoyed aspects of The Vaster Wilds, like the fact that it is a very descriptive novel in almost every way as only Lauren Groff can do. This novel touches upon religion, the circle of life, nature itself, and more. I found the section on naming of things to be an interesting discussion. Also, the brutality and beauty of nature is described in much detail in this novel as well. But, overall, I wasn't in love with this novel as I'd hoped I'd be.

The Vaster Wilds is a work of historical fiction set in America during the time of early colonialism. The protagonist is a young servant girl, whom flees a colonial settlement suffering from the plague. It's the dead of winter and the climate is cold and harsh. She must go it alone and try to survive the vast wilderness on her own. As she journeys on her own, we learn more about her life and how she came to the American Colonies. Essentially, we learn of the world solely through the servant girl's eyes and it's the only perspective we have. I would have liked to see her interacting with others throughout this novel to give it more depth.

Below is the publisher's summary for The Vaster Wilds by Lauren Groff:

A servant girl escapes from a colonial settlement in the wilderness. She carries nothing with her but her wits, a few possessions, and the spark of god that burns hot within her. What she finds in this terra incognita is beyond the limits of her imagination and will bend her belief in everything that her own civilization has taught her.

Lauren Groff’s new novel is at once a thrilling adventure story and a penetrating fable about trying to find a new way of living in a world succumbing to the churn of colonialism. The Vaster Wilds is a work of raw and prophetic power that tells the story of America in miniature, through one girl at a hinge point in history, to ask how—and if—we can adapt quickly enough to save ourselves.

I am giving The Vaster Wilds by Lauren Groff a rating of 3 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!!

Our Lady of the Nile by Scholastique Mukasonga

 

I listened to the unabridged audio version of Our Lady of the Nile by Scholastique Mukasonga, which was very well narrated by Inger Tudor.

Scholastique Mukasonga is a new to me author. She was born in Rwanda in 1956. Mukasonga is Tutsi. She and her family were exiled to Burundi. In 1994, 37 of Scholastique Mukasonga's family members were killed in the Rwanda genocide.

Our Lady of the Nile is set in Rwanda primarily at an all girls Catholic high school/boarding school in a remote area of Rwanda near the Nile River. Rwandan girls are sent to 'Our Lady of the Nile' by their families in order for them to become "the feminine elite of the country and to escape the dangers of the outside world. The book is a prelude to the Rwandan genocide and unfolds behind the closed doors of the school..." 

And what a microcosm Our Lady of the Nile school is of things to come politically in Rwanda!! The story focuses on several of the girls attending Our Lady of the Nile school. These girls come from different backgrounds and ethnicities (Hutu and Tutsi) and we read about their different lives and views (both political and cultural views) of each of the main characters. 

Overtime, as things heat up in Rwanda, we find things take a turn for the worse at Our Lady of the Nile school by the end of the novel. Gloriosa, one of the female students and villain of the novel, takes over running much of the school. Gloriosa's father is a powerful man in Rwanda and she takes on her father's political views. Gloriosa acts entitled due to her father's powerful status in society and acts as though she can't be touched due to her father's power within Rwanda.

There are so many more layers and nuances within Our Lady of the Nile that are touched upon.... like religion and colonialism as well as politics, of course. It gives insight to life in Rwanda leading up to the Rwandan genocide. It's worth the read if you're interested in reading books by a Rwandan writer about her own country.

Below is the publisher's summary for Our Lady of the Nile by Scholastique Mukasonga, which I found on Chirp's website:

Scholastique Mukasonga drops us into an elite Catholic boarding school for young women perched on the edge of the Nile.

Parents send their daughters to Our Lady of the Nile to be molded into respectable citizens and to escape the dangers of the outside world. Fifteen years prior to the 1994 Rwandan genocide, we watch as these girls try on their parents’ preconceptions and attitudes, transforming the lycée into a microcosm of the country’s mounting racial tensions and violence.

In the midst of the interminable rainy season, everything unfolds behind the closed doors of the school: friendship, curiosity, fear, deceit, prejudice, and persecution.

With masterful prose that is at once subtle and penetrating, Mukasonga captures a society hurtling towards horror.

I'm giving Our Lady of the Nile by Scholastique Mukasonga a rating of 4 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

The Green Baize Door by Eleanor Birney

I received an ARC/pdf version for The Green Baize Door by Eleanor Birney for FREE from Booksirens in exchange for an honest review.

The Green Baize Door by Eleanor Birney is a work of historical fiction and it also falls into the mystery genre as well. The release date for The Green Baize Door is on January 27, 2026. 

I am a fan of historical fiction novels and also mystery novels, which is why I was drawn to The Green Baize Door by Eleanor Birney as this novel falls into both genres equally. 

Eleanor Birney is a new to me author. What better way to explore a new to me author than by reading the ARC edition for FREE to see how I enjoy their writing?

I was hoping for more when it came to The Green Baize Door. I was drawn to this novel's cover, the storyline, the fact that it has a female leading character, and the genres it falls into. However, I found the first 30% of this novel to be kind of boring after the first chapter or two, which made me not want to continue reading it. I'm glad that I did finish reading The Green Baize Door as the storyline did pick up and become more engaging and continued to be more captivating as the story moved along.

I enjoyed the characters of both James Lett and Marie Chevalier. I didn't expect the murderer to be the person revealed at the end of the novel!! 

The writing was good overall for The Green Baize Door, but I won't go out of my way to read another novel by Eleanor Birney.

Below is the publisher's summary for The Green Baize Door by Eleanor Birney, which I discovered on Amazon's website:

An atmospheric historical mystery where every character has their own agenda, and their own truth.

In the fashionable mansions on Chestnut Hill, a simple green baize door separates the masters’ world from the servants’. That door is thrown wide when an elderly housekeeper is found brutally murdered on the first day of the new century. Marie Chevalier, the housekeeper’s poor but ambitious granddaughter, and James Lett, the mansion owner’s kind but indolent son, suspect the killer is connected to one of their families—but which one?

From drawing rooms to alleyways, their separate investigations lead them through the sometimes lavish, sometimes brutal, landscape of turn-of-the-century New England. When long-buried secrets begin to unravel the fragile threads that hold both households together, Marie and James must find a way to bridge the gulf between them—if only to prove that the murderer belongs not to their own world, but to that strange and foreign land on the other side of the green baize door.Inspired by real-life events, The Green Baize Door is a richly layered historical mystery that explores themes of class identity, family loyalty, and the sometimes blurry line between virtue and vice.

I am giving The Green Baize Door by Eleanor Birney a rating of 3 stars out of 5 Stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

The Lodger by Marie Belloc Lowndes

 

I listened to the unabridged version of The Lodger by Marie Belloc Lowndes, which is nicely narrated by Anne Hancock.

The Lodger by Marie Belloc Lowndes is a short story and a work of historical fiction set in London, England. 

Marie Belloc Lowndes is a new to me author. I was drawn to The Lodger, because it is about Jack the Ripper. I am fascinated by Jack the Ripper's true identity. Who really was Jack the Ripper? Marie Belloc Lowndes gives us a fictional look at who he might have been.

Below is the publisher's summary for The Lodger by Marie Belloc Lowndes from Chirp's website:

According to legend, in 1910, Marie Belloc Lowndes attended a London dinner party where a guest told her that his mother’s butler and cook claimed they had once rented rooms to Jack the Ripper, the notorious mass murderer. The idea for “The Lodger” was born.

Mr. and Mrs. Bunting have sunk their savings into their house with plans to let rooms. But no lodgers have materialized, and they are on the verge of penury when, one foggy night, a knock on the door brings Mr. Sleuth, an unassuming gentleman whose needs are perfectly suited to the suite of rooms the Buntings have to rent.

Gradually, relief turns into suspicion, then dread, as Mrs. Bunting notices their savior’s strange habits are not mere eccentricities. When his late-night forays seem to coincide with the lurid headlines her husband reads to her about the grisly murders in London, she slowly realizes she may be harboring a monster. And if he’s discovered, it will mean ruin for the Buntings.

This is the original 1911 short story. Jack the Ripper’s identity was never discovered but “The Lodger” offers a tantalizing possibility that has entertained and intrigued readers for more than a century.

I am giving The Lodger by Marie Belloc Lowndes a rating of 3 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!

She Had Glass Eyes by C.S. Schiavone

I received a FREE copy of the ebook edition of She Had Glass Eyes  by C.S. Schiavone from Booksirens in exchange for an honest review.

She Had Glass Eyes by C.S. Schiavone was a recently released novella as of October 20, 2025 and is 73 pages in length. This novella fits into the gothic, historical, fantasy, and horror genres. 

I liked the premise of this novella and the story's summary, which is why I chose to read and review it. I also enjoyed the unreliable leading female character, Deliverance (Dilly) Edvance, in She Had Glass Eyes as well. 

She Had Glass Eyes is set in England in the mid-1800s. It has a bit of a Frankenstein feel to it. Essentially, you have an inventor named Dr. Joseph Faber, who has created a mechanical marvel named, Euphonia, that simulates human speech. While on public display, most of the general public recoils from Euphonia, but not Dilly. Dilly's fascinated by Euphonia... Actually, Dilly's obsessed with Euphonia and dreams about her nightly. Dilly likes the idea of creating an army of mechanical beings. Dilly looks forward to working with Dr. Faber in the future with regards to Euphonia and that is wrought with strife. I won't go into a deep dive into Dilly and Dr. Faber's working relationship towards the end of She Had Glass Eyes, other than to say it does not bode well for all.

As far as the writing goes and the overall plot development in She Had Glass Eyes, I was less than impressed. I felt like She Had Glass Eyes could have been so much better!! I'm kind of surprised with all the glowing online reviews for She Had Glass Eyes.

Below is the publisher's summary for She Had Glass Eyes by C.S. Schiavone from Amazon's website:

When Dr. Joseph Faber unveils his eerie invention in 1846 London—a mechanical marvel that simulates human speech—the public recoils. But one witness listens too closely.

Deliverance Edvane, a solitary undertaker with a mind sharpened by disdain, sees in the invention not horror, but possibility. What begins as fascination soon spirals into obsession, as she plots to take the machine for herself. Darkness stirs in the spaces between invention and insanity in this chilling tale of machines, madness, and the dangerous echo of a voice not quite human.

I am giving She Had Glass Eyes  by C.S. Schiavone a rating of 2 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

The Queen's Gambit by Walter Tevis

 

I first learned about The Queen's Gambit from the promotion of the Netflix miniseries of the novel. I didn't initially know that the Netflix miniseries was based on a novel until some time later on. By the way, I still haven't watched the Netflix series, but my husband and I plan to do so now that I've read the novel.

I chose to listen to the unabridged audio version of The Queen's Gambit by Walter Tevis, which is well narrated by Amy Landon. I am a beginner chess player and truly enjoyed the storyline, which focuses on chess as one of the major topics.

Walter Tevis is a new to me author. I loved the pacing and writing for The Queen's Gambit. The character building and plot development are well done and definitely kept my interest throughout the entire novel. 

I also liked leading character, Beth Harmon. As a young girl, Beth is orphaned early in life and is sent to live in a religious orphanage in Kentucky. While at the orphanage, Beth begins learning to play chess at 8 years old from a janitor at the orphanage. She quickly becomes a prodigy at playing chess. 

Beth is eventually adopted around the age of 12 years old and goes on to live an unorthodox lifestyle with her adoptive parent. Beth starts playing in chess tournaments shortly after being adopted and winning tournaments with ease. Additionally, Beth is able to earn big money from her winnings at chess tournaments.

The Queen's Gambit isn't just about chess though. It's also a coming of age novel. It's also about addiction as Beth initially becomes addicted to prescription pills while at the orphanage. Later on in life, Beth has issues with alcohol consumption as well.

We also see the loneliness and social awkwardness Beth endures throughout the novel and seeing her try to fit in while pursing her passion for playing chess. We read a lot about Beth's growth as a chess player, which leads her to the upper echelons of the chess world. Beth becomes a household name as a chess player and plays against world champion chess players.

Politics, religion, and feminism are all topics that are touched upon in The Queen's Gambit as well, which makes this novel a multilayered one to read. I look forward to reading other novels by Walter Tevis.

Below is the publishers summary for The Queen's Gambit by Walter Tevis from Chirp's website:

Engaging and fast-paced, this gripping coming-of-age novel of chess, feminism, and addiction speeds to a conclusion as elegant and satisfying as a mate in four. Now the basis for a highly acclaimed, award-winning Netflix series.

Eight year-old orphan Beth Harmon is quiet, sullen, and by all appearances unremarkable. That is, until she plays her first game of chess. Her senses grow sharper, her thinking clearer, and for the first time in her life she feels herself fully in control.

By the age of sixteen, she is competing for the US Open championship. But as Beth hones her skills on the professional circuit, the stakes get higher, her isolation grows more frightening, and the thought of escape becomes all the more tempting.

I am giving The Queen's Gambit by Walter Tevis a rating of 4 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Riven Rock by T. C. Boyle

 

I've had Riven Rock by T. C. Boyle in my 'tbr' pile for 15.5 years now and FINALLY listened to the unabridged audio version this year. 

In all honesty, I'm not sure why it took me so long to finally read this novel as it was a novel I'd wanted to read for several reasons. I love historical fiction. Especially, historical fiction novels that feature famous people from real life in them. 

Additionally, I lived in the Santa Barbara, California area for 16 years. Riven Rock is a real life place and located in the super, affluent area of Santa Barbara known as Montecito. Riven Rock was the former 84-acre estate once owned by the McCormick Family of the International Harvester fame. The estate was eventually sold off and subdivided. 

As a side note, it is my understanding that Prince Harry and his family now live in a home, which is currently located on the grounds of the old Riven Rock Estate. Click on the above highlighted link for Riven Rock to read the full history of the Riven Rock Estate on Wikipedia.

As far as the novel goes, Riven Rock by T. C. Boyle was horrible, in my opinion. Riven Rock by T. C. Boyle was a complete let down and waste of my time. I found it to be extremely boring, very long and drawn out as the listening time for Riven Rock was 20 hours, 23 minutes. 

I thought the two main characters were going to solely be Stanley McCormick and his wife, Katherine Dexter McCormick... And that the rest of the characters would be secondary ones... But I was wrong! Yes, they were the main characters, but they also shared the limelight with Eddie O'Kane, Stanley's alcoholic, womanizing male nurse. There was too much focus on Eddie O'Kane's life as a byline in Riven Rock, which I personally didn't enjoy.

Lastly, the narration for Riven Rock by T. C. Boyle, wasn't my favorite either.

I didn't like the storyline, characters, writing, or pacing for Riven Rock by T. C. Boyle.

The following is the publisher's summary for Riven Rock by T. C. Boyle from Chirp's website:

T. C. Boyle's seventh novel transforms two characters straight out of history into rich mythic figures whose tortured love story is as heartbreaking as it is hilarious. It is the dawn of the twentieth century when the beautiful, budding feminist Katherine Dexter falls in love with Stanley McCormick, son of a millionaire inventor. The two wed, but before the marriage is consummated, Stanley experiences a nervous breakdown and is diagnosed as a schizophrenic sex maniac. Locked up for the rest of his life at Riven Rock, the family's California mansion, Stanley is treated by a series of confident doctors determined to cure him. But his true salvation lies with Katherine who, throughout her career as a scientist and suffragette, continues a patient vigil from beyond the walls of Riven Rock, never losing hope that one day Stanley will be healed.

Blending social history with some of the most deliciously dark humor ever written, Boyle employs his hallmark virtuoso prose to tell the story of America's age of innocence—and of a love affair that is as extraordinary as it is unforgettable.

I am giving Riven Rock by T. C. Boyle a rating of 1 star out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

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!!

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!!

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!!

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!!

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!!

The Other Einstein by Marie Benedict

 

I love reading historical fiction novels. I've been aware of Marie Benedict as an author for quite sometime now. In fact, I have a few of her novels in either my 'to be read' pile or on my ever growing reading wishlist. However, I hadn't read any of Marie Benedict's novels until June 2025.

I decided to listen to the unabridged audio version of The Other Einstein by Marie Benedict, which is nicely narrated by Mozhan Marnò.

I think one of the many reasons I enjoy reading historical fiction novels is because I enjoy seeing how an author will portray the interactions between historical figures. In this case, we have Albert Einstein and his first wife, Mileva Marić, featured front and center in The Other Einstein by Marie Benedict. Mileva Maric is clearly the main character with Albert Einstein as the secondary character.

I found the writing for The Other Einstein to be riveting and very engaging for the most part. The storyline and character development were also well done. 

I enjoyed learning more about the life of Mileva Maric as I never knew she existed until reading this novel. Mileva was a brilliant mathematician and physicist. She met Albert Einstein while both were attending college and the pair fell in love during their college days. Albert Einstein was sweet, romantic and tender towards Mileva Maric. However, over time, Einstein becomes more egotistical, especially as he becomes more famous. Mileva becomes pregnant out of wedlock with Albert's child, byt Albert refuses to marry her at the time. Once married, the pair continue to work intellectually on Einstein's work. It seems like Mileva had contributed significantly towards Einstein's work, but she isn't given credit for her help. Albert is even unfaithful to Mileva during their marriage and eventually treats her badly the more famous he becomes. Mileva eventually divorces Einstein and is given custody of their children.

In the author notes at the end. Ms. Benedict goes into the research she performed in order to write this novel. Ms. Benedict also sites where she found some of the information she discovered while researching for this novel.

The only major disappointment for me was that the last section of the novel. Section three was a bit drawn out for my liking. I felt like it could have been shorter. Additionally, I felt like Einstein was made to look like a major creep when it came to his personal life with Mileva Maric. If he was a major creep, how far do you go to drive the point home in a work of fiction?

Below is the publisher's summary for The Other Einstein by Marie Benedict from the Goodreads website:

A vivid and mesmerizing novel about the extraordinary woman who married and worked with one of the greatest scientists in history, written by New York Times bestselling author Marie Benedict!

In the tradition of The Paris Wife and Mrs. Poe, The Other Einstein offers us a window into a brilliant, fascinating woman whose light was lost in Einstein's enormous shadow. It is the story of Einstein's wife, a brilliant physicist in her own right, whose contribution to the special theory of relativity is hotly debated and may have been inspired by her own profound and very personal insight.

Mitza Maric has always been a little different from other girls. Most twenty-year-olds are wives by now, not studying physics at an elite Zurich university with only male students trying to outdo her clever calculations. But Mitza is smart enough to know that, for her, math is an easier path than marriage. And then fellow student Albert Einstein takes an interest in her, and the world turns sideways. Theirs becomes a partnership of the mind and of the heart, but there might not be room for more than one genius in a marriage.

I am giving The Other Einstein by Marie Benedict a rating of 4 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!

Once Upon a Wardrobe by Patti Callahan Henry

 

I listened to the unabridged audio version of Once Upon a Wardrobe by Patti Callahan Henry, which is well narrated by Fiona Hardingham.

Once Upon a Wardrobe is my first experience with anything written by Patti Callahan Henry. I was drawn to Once Upon a Wardrobe for two main reasons. The first reason is that Once Upon a Wardrobe is a work of historical fiction and I am a fan of historical fiction. The second reason is its tie in to The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis.

I enjoyed this novel overall. It has a nice plot/storytelling and good characters. However, I wasn't overly captivated by it as I'd hoped I'd be.

Below is the publisher's summary for Once Upon a Wardrobe by Patti Callahan Henry from the Goodreads website:

Megs Devonshire sets out to fulfill her younger brother George’s last wish by uncovering the truth behind his favorite story. The answer provides hope and healing and a magical journey for anyone whose life has ever been changed by a book.

1950: Margaret Devonshire (Megs) is a seventeen-year-old student of mathematics and physics at Oxford University. When her beloved eight-year-old brother asks Megs if Narnia is real, logical Megs tells him it’s just a book for children, and certainly not true. Homebound due to his illness, and remaining fixated on his favorite books, George presses her to ask the author of the recently released novel The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe a “Where did Narnia come from?”

Despite her fear about approaching the famous author, who is a professor at her school, Megs soon finds herself taking tea with C. S. Lewis and his own brother Warnie, begging them for answers.

Rather than directly telling her where Narnia came from, Lewis encourages Megs to form her own conclusion as he slowly tells her the little-known stories from his own life that led to his inspiration. As she takes these stories home to George, the little boy travels farther in his imagination than he ever could in real life.

Lewis’s answers will reveal to Megs and her family many truths that science and math cannot, and the gift she thought she was giving to her brother—the story behind Narnia—turns out to be his gift to her, hope.

I am giving Once Upon a Wardrobe by Patti Callahan Henry a rating  of 3 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Throwback Thursday - Historical Fiction Novels I Enjoyed Reading!!

I am a lover of historical fiction novels!! I'm hoping you are too!! If so, please feel free to peruse the list of 31 novels I've read and reviewed here on my blog over the years. I've really liked or loved each of the following books listed below novels. Each of the below books have been books I've rated with either a 4 star review or higher. 

1. Kindred by Octavia E. Butler

2. I Am Livia by Phyllis T. Smith

3. Murder As Fine Art by David Morrell

4. Yellow Crocus by Laila Ibrahim

5. The Taster by V. S. Alexander

6. Romanov by Nadine Brandes

7. The Color of Air by Gail Tsukiyama

8. Euphoria by Lily King

9. Abraham Lincoln:Vampire Hunter by Seth Grahame-Smith

10. The Ruby In The Smoke by Philip Pullman

11. The Woman Before Wallis by Bryn Turnbull

12. The Sherlockian by Graham Moore

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

14. The Last Runaway by Tracy Chevalier

15. Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers

16. Mortal Heart by Robin LaFevers

17. Dark Triumph by Robin LaFevers

18. Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco

19. The Girls in the Stilt House by Kelly Mustian

20. Wench by Dolen Perkins-Valdez

21. Letters From Skye by Jessica Brockmole

22. Aphrodite's Island by Hilary Green

23. Tipping The Velvet by Sarah Waters

24. Flygirl by Sherri L. Smith

25. The Whisky Sea by Ann Howard Creel

26. The Samurai's Garden by Gail Tsukiyama

27. News of the World by Paulette Jiles

28. The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood

29. Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay

30. The Second Mrs. Hockaday by Susan Rivers

31. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows

Have you read any of the historical fiction novels I've listed above? If so, please let me know what you thought of the novel(s) in the comment section below. Also, please, share some historical fiction favorites you've enjoyed reading over the years as well. I'm always on the lookout for my next great read!

Aphrodite's Island by Hilary Green

Aphrodite's Island by Hilary Green is my seventh read of 2025! I listened to the unabridged audio version, which is nicely narrated by Ana Clements.

It's no secret that I love historical fiction and a good mystery too. Aphrodite's Island falls into both genres nicely. Aphrodite's Island is essentially two stories in one. How these two stories meld together makes for fun reading.

The novel starts out set in the country of Cyprus in 1955 with British National Serviceman, Stephen Allenby. During Stephen Allenby's time in Cyprus he falls in love with a 17 year old local girl named, Ariadne. They want to marry each other, but it isn't possible due to the political climate in Cyprus at the time. Ariadne becomes pregnant with Stephen's baby, but they aren't able to connect so that Ariadne may share with Stephen's baby. Due to political climate, they never see each other again. What becomes of Ariadne?

Fast forward to the 1970s, where the point of view switches to Cressida Allenby. Cressida is the young daughter of Stephen Allenby and his wife, Laura, back in England. Laura and Stephen are both working as teachers and their marriage is in shambles. Stephen can't stand working as a teacher, but an opportunity to return to Cyprus for work purposes presents itself and Stephen and his family move there. Stephen hopes the change of scenery will invigorate his married life, but it doesn't. Another major upheaval occurs in Cyprus in the early 1970s due to political instability within Cyprus and expats must evacuate Cyprus asap.

Fast forward to the 1990s. Cressida Allenby is now an adult has lost her mother due to death, is dumped by her longtime boyfriend, and is feeling tired herself. So, Cressida decides to take a holiday in Cyprus to rejuvenate. During her time in Cyprus, Cressida begins to learn that her family's past may not be as it seems and begins investigating the past by reading a newly discovered journal belonging to her late mother and love letters written in Greek by her father to an unknown woman. Cressida begins to question things about her parents and their lives together as a family. Cressida never really knew her father very well and was told by her mother that he'd died when she was really young. Laura refused to discuss anything about Stephen with Cressida, despite Cressida wanting to know more about her father.

Also during this time in Cyprus, Cressida falls for a local man, but Cressida doesn't seem to think he has the same feelings for her... Or so she thinks! Cressida returns to London, England after her holiday in Cyprus and this is where a lot of the plot's twists and turns happen. AND there are a lot of twists and turns!

I won't continue my review any further for those that may want to read this novel. It is a good read.

Listening time for Aphrodite's Island by Hilary Green is 7 hours, 8 minutes.

Below is the publisher's summary for Aphrodite's Island by Hilary Green, which I found on Amazon's website:

One letter can change your whole life.

Cressida thought she knew her family’s history, but when she finds a box of old love letters, it makes her question everything.

Cyprus, 1955.

Seventeen-year-old Ariadne is in love with young British National Serviceman, Stephen Allenby. But her family are deeply involved with an organization campaigning for a union with Greece, and do not approve.

And they’re not the only ones.

It’s only a matter of time before Stephen is sent back to England, leaving Ariadne pregnant and alone. Stephen does his best to move on with his life. He marries Laura and has a baby girl called Cressida, but it’s not long before the cracks start to show and his marriage falls apart …

Cyprus, 1998.

Forty-three years later, Cressida goes to Cyprus to recover from the double trauma of her mother’s death and the desertion of her boyfriend. She wants to find out why her father disappeared from her life when she was six, and she’s convinced the island holds the answers.

The chance discovery of a box of love letters written in Greek to her father leads Cressida on a quest for the truth. Who wrote those letters? And are they somehow linked to her father’s disappearance?

Her search for answers leads her on a heartbreaking journey of love, loss, and discovery.

I am giving Aphrodite's Island by Hilary Green a rating of 4 stars out of 5 stars. This is the first 4 star review I've given to a book this year. All of my previous reads this year have been 3 star reads.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

After Oz by Gordon McAlpine

 

I listened to the unabridged audio version of After Oz by Gordon McAlpine, which is well narrated by Maria Ru-Djen. Gordon McAlpine is a new to me author.

I was initially attracted to After Oz by Gordon McAlpine because of it's association with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum. After Oz isn't so much a retelling of L. Frank Baum's classic novel, but a novel that comes up with what actually might have happened to Dorothy and her dog, Toto, after she returns to Kansas from the land of Oz... And what a creative storyline Gordon McAlpine writes in After Oz!

After Oz is a combination mystery/thriller/suspense novel and historical fiction novel set in the late 1890s than it is a fantasy novel. Although, the events of After Oz are centered on Dorothy Gale's life after the tornado and her 'subsequent' visit to Oz occurred,  Dorothy herself isn't really the main character of After Oz. In fact, I would have liked to see Dorothy's character play a larger role in After Oz, but I am getting ahead of myself.

After Oz begins with the tornado and its aftermath. The setting is in Kansas, of course, during the late 1890s in a rural farming community. Dorothy had gone missing just prior to the tornado and is found with her dog, Toto, a few days later disoriented in a neighbor's pumpkin patch.

Physically, Dorothy is unhurt, but her fantastical tale of Oz with its flying monkeys, talking beasts, the scarecrow, the tin man, and both a good witch and a bad witch have the very conservative and religious townsfolk up in arms over Dorothy's mental frame of mind. The fact that Dorothy states she accidentally killed the 'bad witch' while in Oz with water that melts the 'bad witch' only further solidified that her mental health is off.

A few days later, a local woman within the community is found dead in her home. No one in the community liked the dead woman and many people often called her a witch. To make matters worse, the woman's face was melted a way through the use of lye. Due to Dorothy's statement that she killed a bad witch while visiting Oz and the way in which the 'bad witch' was supposedly killed, the locals feel that Dorothy killed the local woman. Long story short, Dorothy is committed to an insane asylum for the crime of murder and she's only eleven years old girl.

It isn't until 28 year old psychologist, Dr. Evelyn Grace Wilford, discovers Dorothy's case and comes to the asylum where Dorothy has been committed and evaluates Dorothy for herself. Dr. Wilford determines that Dorothy is innocent of murder and is set out to prove it by finding the guilty party. This leads Dr. Wilford back to Dorothy's hometown where she interviews the important townsfolk pertinent to Dorothy's case. After Oz becomes more of a mystery/thriller/suspense novel at this time and is primarily told through the point of view of Dr. Wilford and also an unknown narrator from the community. Lots of twists and turn happen within After Oz and an unexpected ending as well.

The storyline for After Oz is intriguing and captivating. The writing was good and the characters were interesting. I enjoyed After Oz quite a but, but the overly abundant religious overtones, some of the narrow minded townsfolk, and what seemed liked some implausibilities here and there with regards to what life might be like during the late 1890s made After Oz a tad less appealing.

Below is the publisher's summary for After Oz by Gordon McAlpine from the Goodread's website:

Gripping and emotionally riveting, this whimsical tale is an empowering and timely retelling of The Wizard of Oz where one little girl is forced to face head-on the prejudices of the Midwest in the late 19th century.

Kansas, 1896. After a tornado destroys the Gale family farm, 11-year-old Dorothy goes missing. As the days pass by, the Gales are increasingly terrified the worst has happened. But when the girl turns up unharmed four days later, the townsfolk breathe in a sigh of relief. That is, until Dorothy herself relates her account of the events that took place after her disappearance.

In vivid detail, Dorothy describes a fantastical land and its magical inhabitants, from the scarecrow, the tin man, and the cowardly lion to the wizard and the witch. Her recollections are not only regarded as delusional, but also as pagan and diabolical in nature, especially when the body of a local spinster is found.

Making connections between the evil witch Dorothy claims to have defeated and the ill-tempered old crone, authorities find what they believe to be incriminating evidence, sentencing Dorothy to the Topeka Insane Asylum.

When 28-year-old psychologist Dr. Evelyn Grace Wilford arrives at the asylum to interview Dorothy, she begins to wonder if Dorothy truly committed the crime or if something unfathomable has really occurred.

In a small town full of insidious secrets, will Evelyn be able to save Dorothy from her terrible circumstances? Or is something menacing lurking just out of sight?

I am giving After Oz by Gordon McAlpine a rating of 3 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!