Reviewed
-
Reviewed: “The Nine” by Gwen Strauss
I have a hard time review non-fiction books sometimes, because it always seems like a disservice to the people the book is about. This is especially true with the story of Helene, Nicole, Jacky, Zaza, Lon, Guigui, Zinka, Mena, and Josee. These nine women formed a friendship in a Nazi concentration camp of all places.… Continue reading
-
Reviewed: “The Secret History” by Donna Tartt
I have done it. I have read THE SECRET HISTORY. Been meaning to do that for awhile, glad it’s one box ticked on my list of reading things to do. Will I read it again? Maybe? Here’s the thing… it’s fine. It’s got mystery and suspense and drama and angst. All good things. But the… Continue reading
-
Reviewed: “The Mouse and the Motorcycle” by Beverly Cleary
My second grade teacher Mrs. Bucci gave everybody a book at the end of the year. Many kids did not want books but I did. I vaguely remember not wanting a book about a mouse riding a motorcycle but I’m not, and never have been, overly picky when it comes to books so I’ve kept… Continue reading
-
A Year in Review … A Year in View
Well, it’s no longer 2020. Yay? To be fair, I’ve always thought it was a bit silly to celebrate December 31 flipping to January 1 as though the ability to get a new calendar means anything will be markedly different than it was a day ago. That being said… Content must be made and it… Continue reading
-
Reviewed: “Furbidden Fatality” by Deborah Blake
This book is essentially perfect. The cutest little cozy mystery, featuring a strong group of good girlfriends, hints of romance to come later in the series, super cute animals, heartwarming animal rescue stories, small town gossip & drama, and a murder! Really, as a mystery, I don’t want to say too much because if you… Continue reading
-
Reviewed: “The Last Garden in England” by Julia Kelly
(Thanks to NetGalley and Gallery Books for the chance to read an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.) Everything I love in a novel came together seamlessly in Julia Kelly’s THE LAST GARDEN IN ENGLAND. That could be the sum of the review but I have more to say about… Continue reading
-
Reviewed: “Fairy Godmothers, Inc.” by Saranna DeWylde
“Fairy Godmothers, Inc.” isn’t the sort of book I usually reach for but sometimes, especially in 2020, you just need some fluffy romance and all the funny shenanigans associated with sweet, meddling magical godmothers. And this hit the spot very well. All of your favorite fairy tale characters live in Ever After, Missouri… even the… Continue reading
-
End of the Year TBR – 2020
Here’s the deal – there are 39 days left in absolute dumpster fire that has been 2020. Back last December, eons ago when life was simpler and and things hadn’t yet devolved into the sort of surreal, too extreme to be true reality of today, I set a Goodreads goal to read 60 books in… Continue reading
-
Reviewed: “Crossing the River” by Carol Smith
“Crossing the River: Seven Stories That Saved My Life” is a sort of memoir in the form of a collection of essays. If you are looking for something hopeful and uplifting, this is not the memoir for you. If you are looking for something heavy and oppressive, this is the memoir for you. And is… Continue reading
-
Reviewed: “Valhalla” by Alan Robert Clark
Maybe it’s me, but historical fiction gets tricky when it’s about someone well-known and well-documented. Given that historical fiction is my go-to, comfort genre in reading and that history is the place where I get sucked into the most rabbit holes and want to read all the things… this complicates my Reading Life in rather… Continue reading
About Me
An English diarist and naval administrator. I served as administrator of the Royal Navy and Member of Parliament. I had no maritime experience, but I rose to be the Chief Secretary to the Admiralty under both King Charles II and King James II through patronage, diligence, and my talent for administration.
Adventures With Words 