The Windsor Affair - Historical Fiction Review

Goodreads: The Windsor Affair by Melanie Benjamin

Rating: Really Liked It (4 Stars)
Source: Publisher

Description: Feuding Windsor brothers and their wives—some things, it seems, never change. The Men: Edward David Windsor, heir to the British throne, and Albert, known as Bertie, his younger brother, “the spare.” The Women: Edward’s wife Wallis, an American divorcée, and Bertie's wife Elizabeth, descended from Scottish nobility. The Feud: a rivalry that will last all their lives, make headlines, and still fuel gossip pages nearly a century later.

The Windsor Affair recreates the cataclysmic events that nearly toppled the monarchy and incited the power struggle between Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, the queen-to-be, and Wallis Simpson, aka “That Woman," who fell into a calculated love affair with Prince Edward. Told from the perspective of both women, the novel propels readers into the fabulous world of the debonair Prince of Wales, café society of the 1930s, and the glittering private lives of the Windsors.

The first novel dedicated to the infamous rivalry between these two world-famous women, The Windsor Affair brings us all the gossip and intrigue between the two very different—yet perhaps more similar than they would admit—wives of royals. As Queen, Elizabeth would become the symbol of British pluck and courage during World War II and remain a British institution for the rest of her long life. Wallis would be forever forced to enact the World’s Greatest Love Story even after it sours, as she goes from being admired to vilified and, ultimately, pitied.

Against the backdrop of the Abdication Crisis, World War II, coronations, funerals, births, and deaths, these two women maintain a bitter, biting, sharp-tongued feud—until age and the long arm of history bring about a kind of understanding. For the last communication between these bitter rivals was a simple, surprising “In friendship, Elizabeth.”

Genre: Fiction - Historical

Why I Picked This Book: I've had good luck with this author and this is such a sliding door moment in history that it absolutely fascinates me.  

My Impression: I really enjoy Melanie Benjamin's writing and her ability to make characters in historical fiction come alive.  This was an interesting story with multiple POVs - sometimes Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, future Queen Consort and then Queen Mother, Wallis Simpson, otherwise known as "That Woman", and occasionally context provided by Queen Mary, Queen Consort and both women's Mother-in-law.   It would have been easy for Benjamin to lean into traditional views and portray one woman as the Saint and the other as the Devil but she doesn't at all.  

Wallis is a challenging and complicated person and while I never liked her there were times I couldn't help but admire her and feel sorry for her.  She is dealt a poor hand in life but has a driving ambition to survive and for security.  While I don't think many people would agree with how she did it and I doubt in real life she made many friends, she does survive though it is questionable if she ever truly felt secure.  Elizabeth is a product of the society she was raised in.  She understands duty and image and is well aware of her charms and the different methods of persuasion.  While I didn't particularly care for her, I couldn't help but admire her loyalty and her protectiveness of her family - especially her husband.  Both women are tough as nails but in completely different ways and it was fascinating to see their story revealed.  

The book centers around a sliding door moment in history with David's abdication but showing all events leading up to it and then the fallout.  It's interesting and a little terrifying to think just what would have happened in World War II if David had remained King as even before abdication he was pretty vocal about his Nazi sympathies.  

While not the fastest read this is a well done and compelling read about complex characters during an incredibly complicated time in history.  If this is a period of time that interests you it is well worth reading - as is any book by this author.

Would I Read More of this Series/Author? Definitely!  I've really enjoyed everything I've read by this author and am looking forward to reading more.  

Would I Recommend this Book? If you enjoy historical fiction this is definitely worth the read!

* I received this book in exchange for an honest review. As always my opinions and impressions are completely my own. *

The Labors of Hercules - Classic Mystery Review

Goodreads:  The Labors of Hercules by Agatha Christie

Rating: Really Liked It! (4.5 Stars)
Source: Purchased

Description:   The Labours of Hercules comprises an even dozen mysteries starring Christie's most popular sleuth, the ever-dignified Hercule Poirot. The introductory chapter of the collection sets up the rest of the book. At a dinner party, another guest compares the labors of Poirot to those of Hercules, and the little Belgian is not amused. He has already decided to retire, but makes up his mind to take on 12 great cases - each somehow reflecting the labors accomplished by Hercules - as a farewell to crime solving. All of the cases are quite different from each other, from searching for a lost poet to hunting down a particularly ferocious murderer, from solving mysterious deaths of religious cult members to saving a young would-be politician from potential blackmailers.

 
Genre: Mystery - Classic

Why I Picked This Book: This was the May pick for the Read Christie Challenge

My Impression: I really love Christie's short stories and this was a fun collection.  There are some books that you can kind of feel Christie behind the scenes having a fabulous time playing with particular plots and themes and this is definitely one of them.  The short stories have a wide range from major cases with political implications, to missing people, to the kidnapping of a small dog, along with a random assortment of other problems.  

I liked the premise and I love Poirot in this book.  He's clearly delighted with his little project and making the cases fit his idea.  I am also a big fan of Miss Lemon so any book that involves her is always a good one.  This is a fun collection of short stories and would be a good introduction to Poirot if you aren't familiar with him yet.

Would I Read More of this Series/Author?  Of course!  I'm looking forward to the June pick - The Murder of Roger Ackroyd.  It's one I haven't read in awhile.

Would I Recommend this Book? I would.  This is a good short story collection on its own and would be a good introduction to Poirot.

Friday Fives - Five Quick Reviews for Books I've Read Recently

I'm in a list making kind of mood so I thought I'd start making random five lists.  Sometimes they'll be bookish other weeks not so much. This week I'm sharing 5 quick reviews for books I've read recently.

1.  A Skeleton in the Family by Leigh Perry - I've been wanting to read this series for years and finally got around to picking up the first book.  It did not disappoint.  I like that the author didn't even attempt to explain how the Sid the skeleton exists.  She just leans into the fact it makes no sense and then continues on with the mystery.  Sid is a fun character - he's both funny and sympathetic and always curious.  The mystery was intriguing as Georgia and Sid try and figure out just who Sid was before he was Sid.  I like the supporting cast of characters and the details of Georgia's job with all the perils of academia.  This was an enjoyable read and is the beginning of a series that I am looking forward to continuing.  My Rating: Liked It! (3.5 Stars)

2.  The Rose Code by Kate Quinn - This was a tense read and for the first half a very grim one.  I loved the story of the three very different women with three very different skills working at Bletchley Park during World War II.   Oslo's relationship with Prince Phillip was interesting, I really loved Mab's story, and I couldn't help but feel sorry for Beth.  The story deals with some really tragic situations and consequences, and Beth's storyline is frankly terrifying.  The first half to three quarters of the book was almost a bit too grim and there were times that I didn't feel like the story was making much progress though Quinn's writing and ability to bring characters to life kept it from being a drudge to read.  The last third was fantastic and I was absolutely hooked.  I was tackling random cleaning projects I'd been putting off just so I'd have more time to listen.  I also really loved how the epilogue was done.  I enjoy this author and the audio was fantastic.  I will definitely be looking for more of her books.  My Rating: Really Liked It (4 Stars)

3.  Murder, She Wrote: The Body in the Trees by Jessica Fletcher and Terrie Farley Moran - I really love this series and my favorites are the books set in Cabot Cove with all the familiar side characters and the cozy dynamic of the little town in Maine.  I love how Maeve especially is so kind and helpful but has a very firm limit on how much time she can spend with people.  This was a delightfully cozy read with two mysteries - one about a purse snatcher and one about a tourist in town for the fall leaf colors.  As with most books in this series the focus is more on day to day life than active mystery investigation.  I really liked the discussions of dealing with some of the more elderly residents in town who were starting to have physical limitations.  The mystery solution was a bit of a surprise but made sense.  I do wish that it and the solution to the bicycle bandit had been fleshed out a bit more but overall, it was an enjoyable cozy read.  My Rating: Liked It! (3.5 Stars)

4.  The Mother-in-Law by Sally Hepworth - This is my second Hepworth book and it will definitely not be the last.  This is a complex story of a family when there are adult children and a significant amount of money involved.  The two primary narrators are Diana (the Mother-in-Law) in the title and Lucy (the daughter-in-law). I really liked how the author put their version of specific incidents side by side so we can really see what the intentions were and how events transpired.  There's a mystery but I was more fascinated with the evolution of the characters and relationships.  That said the mystery aspect was very well done and quite a surprise.  There is quite a lot of talk of one of the characters struggles with infertility so if that is a difficult topic for you this may be one to avoid.  It's done well but it is the focus of a storyline.  My Rating: Really Liked It (4 Stars)

5.  A Beautiful Blue Death by Charles Finch - I love a good historical mystery and this was a good start to a series.  Charles Lenox is a wealthy Victorian gentleman with an interest in history and everything around him.  When a maid, previously in the employee of his friend and neighbor Lady Jane, commits suicide he's pulled into the investigation with surprising complex motives.  The setup and pacing was a bit slow but overall the mystery and investigation was enjoyable.  I liked characters and the basic setup of the series and am looking forward to continuing with the series.  My Rating: Liked It! (3.5 Stars)

Dungeons and Danger - Cozy Mystery Review

Goodreads: Dungeons and Danger (A Ravensea Castle Mystery #2) by Elizabeth Penney

Rating: Really Liked It (4 Stars)
Source: Publisher

Description:  As Halloween approaches, Ravensea Castle is bustling with excitement as Nora Asquith welcomes the fall season guests to her family's newly converted bed and breakfast. A historian studying the movements of the Vikings has traced their exploits to Ravensea. A certain Viking woman, known as the Red Maiden, landed here and the historian believes she buried a treasure hoard before the castle was built. He is hopeful he can find the hoard now. Nora can't help but wonder if the enigmatic castle ghost she's always referred to as the woman in red could be this very Viking?

Meanwhile, a team of four ghost hunters is coming to stay at Ravensea for the filming of Britain's Got Ghosts. Former students of the historian, the group arrives with their own rivalries and baggage. They try to see who can make the most paranormal contacts and end up getting more than they bargained for.

When the historian is murdered during a Viking festival on castle grounds and his notes go missing, Nora can't help but wonder if the treasure was why he was killed . . . and could it be connected to the visiting ghost hunters? Additional "accidents" befalling the hunters raise the stakes as Nora races to find the killer—and the treasure—before another death occurs.

Genre: Mystery - Cozy

Why I Picked This Book: I enjoyed the first book in this series and have enjoyed other books by this author.

My Impression: I enjoyed the first book which setup the structure for the series.  I liked Nora and her family (though her sister took a bit of patience) and of course I can't resist a haunted castle turned inn.  I enjoyed this even more.  Nora is getting the hang of running the family castle as an Inn all while managing dwindling family resources and running her own apothecary business where she makes soaps and salves using herbs grown on the castle grounds.

This was a fun setup with a treasure hunter and a group of ghost hunters who don't get along.  All the characters are up to something and it doesn't seem like anyone is telling the whole truth.  When the body finally falls about 30% in it isn't a surprise but the list of suspects is long.

I loved the mix of history and cozy mystery.  The characters are likable with slightly complicated dynamics and the side characters including dogs, a cat and a castle full of ghosts in entertaining.  The investigation is well done and kept me interested.  I liked the addition of Nora's boyfriend who is also a detective.  It adds a bit of validity to Nora's nosiness.   This was a fun read with a lovely setting and a fun mystery.  I'm looking forward to reading more from this author and especially this series.

Would I Read More of this Series/Author? Of course!  I've really enjoyed everything I've read by this author.

Would I Recommend this Book? If you like cozy mysteries this is a good pick though I would recommend starting with the first book just for context.

* I received this book in exchange for an honest review. As always my opinions and impressions are completely my own. *

The Summer Share - Contemporary Romance Review

Goodreads: The Summer Share by Jenn McKinlay

Rating: Liked It! (3.5 Stars)
Source: Publisher

Description: Free-spirited travel influencer Hannah Spencer has spent five years touring the country in her vintage van. An unexpected inheritance from her Pops brings Hannah to Cape Split, North Carolina, where she learns she’s the new owner of a worse-for-wear seaside beach house. Or, rather, fifty percent of one. Turns out Simon O’Malley inherited the other half from his Gramps.

As Simon and Hannah spend the summer tag-teaming repairs on the crumbling cottage, they discover the house was once home to a timeless love story. Soon, they begin to wonder if the house’s romantic past may be a good omen for their future together. But there’s one problem—Simon is set on selling the property at the end of the summer.

Hannah thought one summer at the Split would be enough, except it isn’t like any place she’s ever been, and Simon isn’t like any man she’s ever known—and she’s thinking about putting down some roots. She just needs Simon to see their budding relationship and this newfound community the same way or their first summer share might also be their last.

Genre: Romance - Contemporary

Why I Picked This Book:  I typically enjoy McKinlay's books and I liked the premise of this one.

My Impression: I enjoyed this book for the most part.  Hannah and Simon are an interesting mix.  It's a little bit of a grumpy/sunshine setup but they're also both dealing with grief and quite a lot of trauma.  It was interesting to see how they both dealt with the issues as they're both processing but in different and fairly realistic ways.  I liked the setup quite a lot.  There's some hijinks at the beginning as they try to figure out just what is going on as well as an adorable and high spirited Great Dane.  I liked the community feel of the neighborhood.

After awhile it does feel like the plot is spinning its wheels a bit.  There's only so many time they can argue different opinions regarding the house without repeating themselves.  As well, it felt like it took awhile for Simon's backstory to really be revealed to the reader and to Hannah.  Overall, however, this was an enjoyable read with mostly likable characters - and did I mention the dog?  I liked the plot and found it a bit of a unique twist on the inheritance and forced residence trope which is one of my favorites.  

This was a fun read that tackled loss and a sense of betrayal that I think most of us deal with in some way at some point in our lives.  McKinlay's standalones have been super reliable enjoyable reads and this was no exception.

Would I Read More of this Series/Author? I would!  While her books aren't always my favorite I do always enjoy them and I look forward to seeing more from her.

Would I Recommend this Book?  If you like lighter reads that tackle real emotion this is a great pick.

* I received this book in exchange for an honest review. As always my opinions and impressions are completely my own. *

Top Ten Tuesday - Ten Favorite Books by Ten Favorite Authors

Today I'm linking up with Top Ten Tuesday hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl which is all about lists.  Since lists are one of my favorite things this is one of my favorite linkups!  Today's topic is Ten Favorite Books by Favorite Authors.

1.  Sleeping Murder by Agatha Christie - If I absolutely had to name a favorite Christie this would probably be it.  There's a plot hole or two but I love the story so much I don't even care.  It's coming up for this year's Read Christie challenge and I'm so excited about it.

2.  Shattered Silk by Barbara Michaels - I have a few Michaels books that rotate as my favorite and this one involving a woman starting a vintage clothes store is my current favorite.

3.  Inheritance by Nora Roberts - I always enjoy Roberts' books but this first in the trilogy was my favorite in awhile.  I loved the premise, the setting and the characters.  I liked the rest of the trilogy but neither lived up to this one.

4.  The Blue Castle by L.M. Montgomery - I love all of Montgomery's books (even the ones that you can tell she wrote just to fulfill contract obligations) but this one is probably my absolute favorite.  Any book with Anne is a close second with Jane also being serious competition.

5.  The Dressmakers of London by Julia Kelly - I have so many books of Kelly's left to read but so far I've thoroughly enjoyed every book I've read.  This one stands out a bit though.

6.  Once Upon a Wardrobe by Patti Callahan Henry - This is another author who has many books I still need to read but I've loved everything I've read.  This one absolutely hooked me and I'm looking forward to a reread.  

7.  The Twelve Jays of Christmas by Donna Andrews - This is a chaotic cozy mystery series with an enormous cast and lots of hijinks and it is always a good time.  The Christmas mysteries are typically my favorite and this one involved everyone having to wear hats indoors because they kept being divebombed by Blue Jays.  I don't remember why there were a lot of birds inside, but it was funny.  

8.  Devil in Winter by Lisa Kleypas - I love Kleypas's historical romances and am thrilled to see she has a new book coming out in the next few months.  This is one I've reread countless times and I never get tired of it.  It's the only villain redemption story I've every truly believed in.

9.  Someone to Wed by Mary Balogh - Balogh was one of my first favorite historical romance authors and I've recently gotten back to her books.  I don't find them quite as rereadable as Kleypas but I love the worlds she creates. 

10. When All the Girls Have Gone by Jayne Ann Krentz - I wouldn't necessarily list Krentz as one of the highest quality authors and they very rarely stay with me after I've finished them but they are a guaranteed distraction and a fun reading experience.

What are some of your favorite books by your favorite authors?

The Final Target - Romantic Suspense Review

Goodreads:  The Final Target by Nora Roberts

Rating: Really Liked It (4 Stars)
Source: Publisher

Description: He showed up at Arden Bowie’s debut author appearance with a copy of her novel and an eager smile. He showered her with compliments and got her autograph. Then he came to her next event. And the one after that.

Dustin was just an aspiring writer who wanted advice, Arden reassured herself. But after giving in to one of his incessant invitations and chatting with him over coffee, she discovered that ignoring her inner alarm bell had been a terrible mistake…

An introvert at heart, Arden had long craved solitude―but now, after a harrowing assault, she finds herself hiding behind locked doors and startling at every sound. And her relief at his imprisonment is tempered by anxiety when Dustin’s wealthy mother helps to get him a paltry five-year sentence at a psychiatric facility.

Arden decides to write a new story for herself, moving to a tiny Oregon town and befriending Gideon, an ex-LAPD detective. But while she learns to thrive, Dustin remains his delusional, twisted self, as fixated as ever and now seething with anger. He still believes Arden's purpose on earth is to serve and please him. And his job is to protect her. But who will protect her from him?

Genre: Romance - Suspense

Why I Picked This Book:  I always enjoy Roberts' books so of course I had to pick this one up!

My Impression:  This was an entertaining read with a mix of cozy elements and some nail-biting scenes.  The basic structure of the book reminded me quite a bit of a previous book - The Obsession - something bad happens, then we have the main character making her home and getting settled, followed by some more bad stuff.  The plot is completely different and other than being in creative fields Arden and Naomi don't have anything in common.  This did make me want to reread The Obsession because I enjoyed this one so much and remember enjoying that one as well.

Arden is a likable main character who can be a bit standoffish with new people which makes a lot of sense considering her backstory.  I loved the buildup of the story and the evolving of the world Arden lives in.  The bad guy in this is super creepy in a completely believable way.  I enjoyed Gideon's character and really loved his relationship with his grandfather.  

As I would expect from Nora Roberts, this was a great read with a fantastic group of characters, a well paced plot and just compulsively readable.  I always enjoy her yearly standalone romantic suspense and this was no exception.  

Would I Read More of this Series/Author?  Absolutely!  This made me want to reread some of her past books I enjoyed while I wait for her next book.

Would I Recommend this Book? If you enjoy romantic suspense but still want likable main characters this is a must read.

* I received this book in exchange for an honest review. As always my opinions and impressions are completely my own. *