Book Review / The Elusive Truth of Lily Temple

Hi internet world! I have another blogger book review for ya! 

Back of the book: 

"Peter Driscoll, an underground investigator to the wealthy, has never met anyone like Lily Temple. The beautiful silent-film actress spins fairy tales and plays frivolous roles in front of the cine-camera, but beneath the costumes and stage makeup is a woman with a quick wit--and a murky past.

Peter has been tasked with locating the legendary Briarwood Teardrop, an exquisite sapphire, which Lily wears beneath her gown. In order to stay close to her and hopefully unravel the mystery of her story--and the sapphire--Peter employs Lily's help on a case, which leads to a useful partnership. But as they are investigating together, Peter is also investigating Lily. The closer he gets to the truth, the more danger they face. And the closer he gets to Lily, the clearer it is that he needs her even more than she needs him.

Award-winning author Joanna Davidson Politano whisks you away to Edwardian England in 1903 for a whimsical and layered tale that treads the crooked line between real and make-believe."

My Review: 

⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑

4.5 stars! 

This book surprised me with how much I liked it. I wouldn't say its my typical favorite genre... It is historical, yes, but it had a level of whimsy and fairytale-ness that it almost needs its own category. That being said, I must confess something... I haven't read or watched many fairytales. I've heard the names of the classics, and I know roughly what they are about. But to give you some context, I had really no clue what the hints were for the various fairytales mentioned through quotes at the beginning of the chapters and the ones the characters referenced. Knowing about them may have helped me understand a bit more. I got the gist though, so that's what matters! 

I loved the overall quality of writing style. I must say, these words and descriptions were beautifully penned. So much so that I collected my favorite quotes along the way. I'll share those at the bottom of this review. I liked the setting in a garden, although this part did seem a little far fetched, thinking the garden was somehow special or magical (same with the necklace). On one hand, I can see the beauty that Lily Temple saw, as I also love nature and being out in the "garden." 

The characters were fun, Lily made me smile and Peter was Peter. I think he would be considered a cinnamon roll among literary fangirls. Even though they were nothing alike, their romance didn't seem forced, it was so cool to see their story come full circle at the end. (I also love how this book started and then jumped back, then finished where it started).

This book had a short cast of characters, we didn't get to know many other characters, but the two MC's lives did cross with at least 3 people's stories. I liked the mystery aspect! I didn't really have a favorite side character and I usually do. 

Overall, this was a fun read, full of beautiful descriptions, deep themes disguised in fairytale lingo, and likable characters, one of which had many tricks up her sleeve!

My favorite quotes: 

"We are all of us a combination of romance novels, humorous tales, and tragedies, depending on what angle we show the world”

“Some called him ineffectual and bookish, silent and lacking in might, but only because they didn’t know what real strength looked like or from whence it came.”

“Regret was a poison that never left the bloodstream”

“In my experience, a woman’s intuition is seldom wrong and never unfounded.”

“It’s a pity and a blessing that we cannot see the future until it is the present.”  

What was your most recent read? 

Blessings, 

bRoOkLyNe :)

Hi! It's a book review // Just for the Summer

HELLO ALL WHO READ BOOK REVIEWS! 

Bookworms, friends, all who enjoy reading, this post may be for you! But if not, that's okay, I shall just talk to myself about this summery read. When yours truly gets a free book in the mail, I try my hardest to be a "good reviewer" and actually write a review when I'm done. So that is what this is, me holding up my end of the bargain! (*wink wink* also it's nice to just type out a post for this blog too, this little corner of the internet has so many happy memories for me. Even tho my life has changed a bunch... I still wish to someday start another blog of sorts.) 

Anywho! On to the review! 

Just for the Summer: 

⭑⭑⭑⭑⭒

This book was fun, lighthearted, and perfect for entertainment on a lazy day. The characters were enjoyable, and I especially liked Ginny and her genuine heart. Jacqueline, on the other hand, rubbed me the wrong way. But I'm glad the author decided to turn her story into a life lesson for the readers. 

The setting was fun, I pictured the beautiful outdoors of Idaho, rushing white water, and craggy rocks and thick forests! I'm definitely a country girl so I couldn't relate with Jacqueline at all. I liked the small-town community found at the lodge. I also liked Jack, he was that typical old grouch with a soft heart.

The one thing I didn't like was the romance. Both romances were pretty shallow, and I was unconvinced at the end that they were truly in love. Lol, but for a light summer read, I'd say I enjoyed hearing about the job swap idea. It kinda read like a hallmark. 

The cover is cute and contemporary, it matches the genre really well! 

If you enjoy small-town community, friendships, and a little bit of girl drama, then I'd give Just for the Summer a try! 

About the book: 

Ginny Masters manages a popular boutique hotel in Seattle and manages it with aplomb. But the daily challenges and irritations of a fast-paced job and a demanding boss are starting to get to her. Jacqueline Potter manages her grandfather's fishing lodge in Idaho because it was the only job she could find after graduating with her hospitality degree. She's grateful for the work but longs for a more sophisticated and cosmopolitan life she's just not going to find in this backwoods town.

The solution to both their problems seems obvious. Just for the summer, they'll swap jobs and lifestyles. But they never anticipated swapping love interests . . .

In this fabulous new twist on an age-old fable, award-winning and bestselling author Melody Carlson introduces you to two career-focused women who are about to discover that there's more to finding happiness than just switching up the scenery.

These rainy pictures go well with the Seattle side of this book! 

Does this book sound interesting to you? Have you read any good summer books this year?

 

The Warsaw Sisters // Book Review

Another review book review! 

⭑⭑⭑⭒⭒

Heartbreaking, impactful, and a difficult read. 

One one hand, for history buffs, this is a 5 star book. The writing style is like poetry: deep and moving. The descriptions so real I ‘bout cried multiple times. The characters determined and realistic, with faults and character flaws.

On the other hand, for sensitive readers, this is a 0 star book. History must be remembered but this book is too painful for those with soft hearts like mine. 

These characters faced things that I would have never imagined… yet to think that stuff like this was real, it breaks my heart. 

I enjoy reading about those dedicated to fight for freedom in WW2, yet I have never read a book so raw and sad. Revealing such heartbreaks and trials of those in Poland. Despite this, the bravery of those who tried to stand for freedom, it’s inspiring. These fictional characters stood in place of real people that lived, fought, and died for a cause. 

Truthfully, I almost did not finish this book. But I had to know how it ended. I had to know what happened and if there was hope. The last couple chapters did offer a sliver of hope in them. But the ending was bittersweet and solemn. 

This was not a light read. It was heavy. The plot itself was complicated, with a timeline of about 5 years worth. It was well-planned and plotted. The writing style was amazing. Deep, insightful, and poetic. It was a story of sisterhood, loss, and human resilience. A story of love and the loss of loved ones. 

Unfortunately, I cannot recommend this to my friends. The descriptions were too real for me to want to share this story. However, I do think that this book was good for what it was advertised as. It’s just not for the sensitive heart.

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving weekend! What are you reading? 

 

Against the Wind // Book Review

Hey blogosphere! I'm back with another book review for ya! 

About the book: 

Doctor-in-training Louisa Vaughn has no intention of remaining in Sweetwater Crossing. She's just there for a few days to help a friend. But she can't abandon the injured man she finds at the side of the road. Until his broken leg heals, she'll serve as the town's doctor and midwife. She may not be fully qualified yet, but surely she's better than nothing.

Josh Porter's plans to win his grandfather's challenge and fulfill his father's final wish to gain full control of the family business hit a roadblock when he breaks his leg. But his enforced stay in Sweetwater Crossing gives him new ideas about the expansion of the company into new territory—ideas Louisa could help turn into reality. 

If only the town were more accepting of Louisa's talents! Someone is determined to convince her to abandon her dream of healing others. Can Josh help her uncover the person behind the threats before it's too late? And is there any future for them together when neither of them plans to stay?

My review: 

★★☆☆☆ 

Two stars. 

When I saw this beautiful blue cover, I knew I had to give this book a try! And after finding out this was a book about a doctor in training, I thought it might have some Dr. Quinn vibes. 

Against the Wind was a sweet story, one that I would have liked more if I would have read the first book in the series. Because I hadn't, I felt like I was missing some important pieces to the sisters' stories. I also did not relate with the characters, they didn't seem to resonate with me. The writing style didn't grab my attention either. 

Although this story did not live up to my expectation, I did enjoy the small-town community of Sweetwater Crossing. It's always fun to read about small western communities and how they used to operate. The climax to this story picked up a bit, but other than that, this book was pretty slow. 

I love the cover. And I did like that the characters showed courage because they each chose to be entrepreneurs in a time where following the safe path was expected of them. 

What was the last book you gave 2 stars to? 

Have you ever read anything by this author? 

Shadows at Dusk // Book Review

 

I'm back for another book review! This one was a quick read that may have gotten me out of a small reading slump. My favorite genre is historical fiction, but I've found that some historical fiction is too slow and borderline boring. So occasionally I throw in a suspense book to keep things interesting! Today's review is for Shadows at Dusk by Elizabeth Goodard. 

Lets begin! *clickety-clack on my keyboard* 

Shadows at Dusk 

★★★☆☆

It took me three days to read this book, and what an adventurous tale I was brought upon! The plot was fast-paced and although the suspense was not high, the action was! 

Detective Trevor West was a determined character, willing to take any risk in order to see justice served. His character could think on his feet and respond well to any scenario he found himself in. I like that he cared enough about his sister and then later on, Carrie, to never cease his search and never give up on them. I also like how he wasn't right all the time. He was not immune to error, as must fictional heroes are. I would have liked to hear more about his past history, the book hinted at his past but it felt like an afterthought and not a crucial element to the story. 

Unlike Trevor's, Carrie James's past played a major role in the storyline. Carrie had overcome unimaginable things yet remained brave and stronger because of it. Her story is a bit unrealistic, yet since it *is* fiction, I'll let that slide. I like how her character was capable, even during the events of facing her fears... She didn't let herself become paralyzed but rose to the occasion. 

This book had some sad moments, some grief that I felt was pushed through too quickly. The ending and overall romance was also a bit forced in its pacing. 

One thing I loved was the adventure element to this book. It is not common in Christian fiction to get national treasure vibes or any sort of adventurous plots that stretch the imagination. This book did, it opened my imagination to the inside of dark caves, the Alaskan mountains, cargo planes, and more! I was drawn in by the excitement, yet I will admit I wish the excitement would have built a bit for each incident that the characters faced. They resolved them almost as quickly as the trouble happened. 

There was some plot twists that kept me interested in knowing what was going to happen next, and I liked how there was a team effort amongst characters (both main characters and also some side characters). 

Overall, this story is an awesome addition to my suspense collection. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a quick read about daring characters facing all odds against them.

 Back of the Book: 

Montana Detective Trevor West is desperate to learn what happened to his sister, who went missing in Alaska over a year ago, leaving nothing but a few photographs as clues to her whereabouts. At the advice of Police Chief Autumn Long, Trevor enlists the help of an experienced bush pilot. If Carrie James can't help him find the places in the photographs, no one can.

But Carrie has her own agenda. Grieving the death of her closest friend and the only person she could trust, Carrie will help Trevor find his sister on one condition--that he help her track down her friend's killer.

As the two close in on the answers they crave, they'll face dangers and connections they could not have imagined. They'll have to learn to trust one another--and face the dark secrets of the past--if they are ever to discover the truth and bring a killer to justice.

What genre of books do you like to read to get you out of a reading slump? 

Is Shadows at Dusk a book you would ever want to add to your TbR? 

Happy reading and comment below if you'd like! 

The All American // Book Review

 

Hi! It's been awhile since posting a book review... I'm slowly working my way out of a reading slump! 

★★★★☆

The All American by Susie Finkbeiner 

This was a new to me author and her writing style proved to be engaging and her characters realistic. The story unfolds from the eyes of two sisters in the 1950s. Their family might live in an ordinary town with ordinary neighbors (who didn’t end up to be too friendly!) but the Harding family was anything but ordinary. 

The father, Will, reminded me of Hugh Jackson who plays P.T. Barnum in The Greatest Showman. He was a dreamer with deep nuggets of wisdom for his children. I like how he took time for each child and really connected with them on their level. 

And funnily enough, I also thought the mom reminded me of Charity Barnum. Someone sophisticated, loyal, and the glue that held the family together.

Even though the book was an equal split between sisters, I felt like Bertha was the main character. She followed in her father’s footsteps and took chances in order to make her dream of being a Sweet Pea come true. I enjoyed reading about her grit, determination, and kindness to her fellow Sweet Pea team. Her relationship with Leo could have been expanded, and I would have liked to see things wrap up with those two at the end.

Flossie’s story was the most entertaining to read. Her character reminded me of Anne of Green Gables (which I’m sure Flossie would approve of this comparison). Even though she was younger, and often acted younger than she was, I loved that she was a devoted bookworm. She was also a good friend, and learned lots about friendships (what really matters in a friend group) along the way. She said what was on her mind, and she was quite dramatic. This made her story very humorous at times. 

Overall, this story was about trials. And how trials can bring families together. This family (though fictional) showed me that life does not always have hallmark endings, but happiness, purpose, and contentment can be found in the thick of uncertain times. I enjoyed learning about The All American Girls Baseball League. I would have liked to hear more about the girls who played alongside Bertha (especially Lucy and her story). I also felt like the whole book ended with some loose ends. More closure would have been nice. One thing I thought was neat was the letters and newspaper clippings sprinkled throughout. A nice touch! 

I enjoyed reading the Harding sister’s story! It was both humorous, melancholy, and deep. Though, thanks to Flossy, I may need to brush up on some of my literary references. *winks* Thank you Revell Reads for a complimentary copy!

What summer books have you been enjoying? 

Many Blessings, 

Brooklyne 

First Review of 2023!!

 

5 stars! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

My favorite author has once again blown me away with intriguing characters, historical setting, and a page-turner plot! The Sound of Light is a story about rising to courage in uncertainties. Both main characters showed integrity in the face of hardship and their willingness to bend the rules in order to save the lives of their neighbors is an important theme. 

I enjoyed learning about the historical location (Denmark) in WWII. Some of the terminology and language was hard for me to grasp at first, but it’s also one of those things I like best about Sundin’s books. Learning new things!

The ending was a whirlwind but kept me invested in the plot. I felt like this book had slightly less biblical content and I would have liked to see more of it in especially Else’s story. We got more character insight through Hemming as his story was more intriguing. All in all, I enjoyed reading The Sound of Light and can now add it to my growing list of Sarah Sundin favorites! 

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I know this blog has been inactive for awhile, but if you happen across it again, "hi!" 

Happy Reading!