This Terrible Beauty by Katrin Schumann


This Terrible Beauty by Katrin Schumann
Publisher: Lake Union Publishing
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (381 pgs)
Rated: 5 stars
Review by Snapdragon

From the bestselling author of The Forgotten Hours comes an unforgettable story of one woman’s journey to reclaim what she lost in a country torn apart by the devastating legacy of WWII.

On the windswept shores of an East German island, Bettina Heilstrom struggles to build a life from the ashes. World War II has ended, and her country is torn apart. Longing for a family, she marries Werner, an older bureaucrat who adores her. But after joining the fledgling secret police, he is drawn deep into its dark mission and becomes a dangerous man.

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Ten years later, Bettina has reinvented herself as a celebrated photographer in Chicago, but she’s never stopped yearning for the baby she left behind. Surprised by an unexpected visitor from her past, she resolves to return to her ravaged homeland to reclaim her daughter and uncover her beloved’s fate, whatever the cost.

From the start of This Terribly Beauty we are effortlessly transported into Bettina’s life and her past. Ms. Schuman offers of the story of a life confronted by challenges; those large challenges involving World War II, as well as personal challenges, made by the main character. Bettina’s circumstances are often out of her control, but her early decision to follow her heart, her judgments and her eventual resolution are all understandable.

We, as readers, are drawn in and find ourselves sympathizing even with choices we might not have made ourselves. It is easy to share outrage, loss and conviction. She sees her world as if through the lens of a camera and more and more becomes clear. Love both captivates the main character and traps her.

The author writes her prose with immediacy; with an in-the-moment quality that is hard to describe. At the outset, I thought to find fault with it, but progressing, found myself drawn in, so the style disappeared and all that is left is story and the emotions.

Background details seem to emerge in almost poetic turns of phrase, for example: “…there’s an unruly rosebush twisting its way over the step…” and ” …memories live in each closet.”

The synopsis really does this book no service, leading me to expect a rather abrupt drama, rather than the thoughtful and heartfelt life’s journey This Terrible Beauty offers. Five solid stars and I highly recommend you add This Terrible Beauty to your “must read” list.

The Captain & the Theatrical by Catherine Curzon & Eleanor Harkstead


The Captain & the Theatrical by Catherine Curzon & Eleanor Harkstead
Publisher: Pride Publishing
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (214 pgs)
Other: M/M, anal sex
Rating: 4 stars
Review by: Moonflower

When Captain Pendleton needs an emergency fiancée, who better to turn to than his male best friend? After all, for Amadeo Orsini, life’s one long, happy drag!

Captain Ambrose ‘Pen’ Pendleton might have distinguished himself on the battlefield at Waterloo but since he’s come home to civvy street, he’s struggled to make his mark.

Pen dreams of becoming a playwright but his ambitious father has other ideas, including a trophy wife and a new job in America. If he’s to stand a hope of staying in England and pursuing his dream, Pen needs to find a fiancée fast.
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Amadeo Orsini never made it as a leading man, but as a leading lady he’s the toast of the continental stage. Now Cosima is about to face her most challenging role yet, that of Captain Pendleton’s secret amour.

With the help of a talking theatrical parrot who never forgets his lines, Orsini throws on his best frock, slaps on the rouge and sets out to save Pen from the clutches of Miss Harriet Tarbottom and her scheming parents.

As friendship turns into love, will the captain be able to write a happy ending for himself and Orsini before the curtain falls?

A war hero who fought against Napoleon is still a child when faced with the prospect of disagreeing with his father’s plans for his life! Ambrose longs to be a playwright and his friend, Orsini, has shown a play of his to various people who all agree how good it is. Orsini’s alter-ego, Cosima, has to put on the show of her life to fool Ambrose’s father.

This is the third book in the Captivating Captains series and I do believe this one is now a joint-favourite with book four – The Captain and the Best Man. Set back in 1817 and a world of Theatricals and Balls, it is full of the rich and famous, intrigue, and a dash of mystery. I wouldn’t class this as erotic although there are some steamy moments.

The world-building is clear and concise, detailed enough to give you the important parts without bogging you down with anything unnecessary. The characters themselves, whether they are fair or foul, all play their parts to perfection.

This was a delightful read with the perfect ending, although if I’m honest, I will admit to wanting more – just so I could see if their life together was as idyllic as I have imagined it to be. Absolutely recommended by me.

Mydworth Mysteries: A Little Night Murder by Neil Richards and Matthew Costello


Mydworth Mysteries: A Little Night Murder by Neil Richards and Matthew Costello
Publisher: Bastei Entertainment
Genre: Historical, Mystery/Suspense
Length: Short story (119 pages)
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Lavender

A young poacher is found shot dead in the woods of a grand estate near Mydworth. A sad accident it would seem. But the boy’s mother is convinced it is murder and when Harry and Kat investigate, they find the poacher’s life was not as innocent as he made out …

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Set in the 1920s near a great estate in England, this mystery will keep you wondering “Who did it?” until the end. Harry and his American wife, Kat, decide to investigate the death of a young man poaching on an estate. They do not believe his death was accidental.

Harry and Kat are quite charming, and it is delightful to go along with them as they peruse the neighborhood talking to people in search of clues to support their suspicion that a young man was murdered.

The secondary characters serve well to provide information and give readers clues to ponder. The physical details of the village add their own kind of charm, and the historical tid-bits fill out the imagery of the 1920s to perfection. People aren’t always as they seem, and Harry and Kat get to the bottom of things in a clever way.

It’s not a high-stress, page-turning type of story, but rather escapist reading, best enjoyed with a cup of tea. Readers are sure to enjoy putting pieces together. This story is an entertaining tale while being a fun intellectual exercise. I recommend this book to those who love light-hearted historical mysteries.

Around the World in 50 Years: My Adventure to Every Country on Earth by Albert Podell


Around the World in 50 Years: My Adventure to Every Country on Earth by Albert Podell
Publisher: Thomas Dunne Books, an imprint of St. Martin’s Press
Genre: Non-Fiction, Recent Historical, Contemporary
Length: Full Length (354 pgs)
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by Lavender

Around the World in 50 Years is the inspiring story of an ordinary guy who achieved two great goals that others had told him were impossible. First, he set a record for the longest automobile journey ever made around the world, during which he blasted his way out of minefields, survived a serious accident atop the Peak of Death, came within seconds of being lynched, and lost three of the five men who started with him: two to disease, one to the Vietcong.

After that, Albert Podell set another record by going to every country on earth. He survived riots, revolutions, civil wars, trigger-happy child soldiers, voodoo priests, jihadists, robbers, corrupt cops, and Cape buffalo. He traveled through every kind of earthquake, cyclone, tsunami, volcanic eruption, snowstorm, and sandstorm that nature threw at him. He ate everything from old camel meat and African field rats to dung beetles and the brain of a live monkey. And he overcame encounters with crocodiles, hippos, anacondas, giant leeches, flying crabs―and several beautiful women who insisted that he stop this nonsense and marry them.
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Around the World in 50 Years is a remarkable and meaningful tale packed with some of the most memorable, frightening, and hilarious adventure stories you have ever read.

Has anyone been to every country on earth? Albert Podell has, and he wrote about it. He started his travels as a young man and finished them in his twilight years. He left the most dangerous and harrowing countries for last.

The subject matter alone is fascinating. Readers get glimpses of other countries and cultures through the eyes of an American traveler. Podell doesn’t describe all 196 countries here. He mainly goes into his wild adventures in the countries where he encountered real trouble, whether of the natural type—wild animals or extreme desert conditions in Africa—or the human type—dealing with wars and radical politics.

There are only a few pleasant experiences described within these pages, and the author’s words offer great insights into these other lands. One will appreciate getting a peek into how so many other people live. Podell is honest, and his interpretations are laced with humor. This book is not for kids though. There is adult content, telling readers how it really is.

Since it took him fifty years to do this, Podell sometimes updates readers on the situation in certain countries. He also had to backtrack at times because new countries were created or disappeared. One can often feel his stress and surprise as well as feel relieved for him when he barely escapes one life-threatening predicament after another.

This adventurous tale will very likely give readers in certain places a whole new appreciation of where they live. It will make them grateful for what they have and maybe even make them want to stay home. It’s an eye-opening experience going along with this author on his world-wide journeys, and I’m glad I read this book.

The Smuggler’s Escape by Barbara Monajem


The Smuggler’s Escape by Barbara Monajem
Publisher: Soul Mate Publishing
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (321 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Poinsettia

After escaping the guillotine in her native France, aristocrat Noelle de Vallon takes refuge with her aunt in Sussex. Feisty, resourceful, and determined to make her own way, she takes over the local smuggling operations, doubling their profits. But when their plans are betrayed, a man from her past steps out of the shadows to save her. Too bad he’s the last man on earth she ever wanted to see again.

Years ago, Richard, Lord Boltwood’s, plan to marry Noelle was foiled when his ruthless father shipped him to the Continent to work in espionage. But with the old man at death’s door, Richard returns to England with one final mission: to catch a spy. And Noelle is the prime suspect.

But if you suffer from any of this indication then you must draw your cialis for cheap https://www.unica-web.com/awarding_of_unica_medal_2003.htm physician attention to treat the successive bad effects. Before looking at any female enhancer alternative, let’s cheap generic tadalafil try to see what makes a woman’s sexual desire decline. This way, the breakdown of cycle GMP does not take place, which in turn, further results in rocklike erections that long levitra sale https://www.unica-web.com/archive/2006/koreatrain.pdf last, really last. You don’t have to put up with offensive, time consuming and complex, thus to help you have healthier erections viagra generic canada easily, we bring forth realistic tips that not just assure but will definitely maximize your erections on all fronts. Noelle is determined to finish the smuggling run and escape back to France. She needs Richard’s help to do it, but how can she ever trust the man who abandoned her? And how can Richard catch the real culprit while protecting the woman who stole his heart and won’t forgive him for breaking hers?

Can Richard and Noelle learn to trust each other?

Noelle and Richard have quite the past. They fell in love and promised to marry. Unfortunately, circumstances tore them apart leaving Noelle feeling confused and betrayed. Two years later, Richard returns to find Noelle heavily involved in smuggling and in danger of being arrested as a spy. Richard desperately wants to help her, but Noelle, still angry at being abandoned, is determined to make her way on her own. However, Noelle may need more than her own willpower to escape with her life.

Richard and Noelle are certainly an intense couple. Their wills are evenly matched, they have great chemistry, and they enjoy teasing and bickering with each other, or at least they did at one time. Richard comes back expecting to pick up where they left off, but Noelle is understandably angry at being left behind without explanation. Rather than being entertaining, their bickering had a bitter taste. I found myself wishing I could have gotten to know them before their forced separation. I think they would have been a fun couple to watch.

Richard and Noelle’s major issue is trust. They both expect loyalty and trust, but weren’t willing to be completely honest with each other. So many of their problems could have been cleared up in a single, honest conversation, and there were many opportunities to have that conversation. Unfortunately, they stubbornly push ahead, each convinced they know what is best. Consequently, they cause each other a lot of unnecessary heartache. I found this frustrating. As a result, it was hard for me to relax and enjoy their relationship. Richard is determined to keep Noelle with him even though it is clear she is upset and has misconceptions about why he left her. Yet, Richard professes to be confused by Noelle’s behavior. I find this very hard to believe. I know the misunderstandings are meant to add tension and suspense to the plot, but I found them all rather unsettling.

Despite these issues, I am pleased to say that Richard and Noelle eventually find their way to a happy ending. After everything they have endured, I believe they will be a powerful couple and will be more open and honest with each other in the future.

Looking for a historical romance with a strong-willed couple and plenty of emotional turmoil? I recommend giving The Smuggler’s Escape a try!

Stolen Kiss with the Hollywood Starlet by Lauri Robinson


Stolen Kiss with the Hollywood Starlet by Lauri Robinson
Brides of the Roaring Twenties, Book 2
Publisher: Harlequin
Genre: Historical
Length: Full length (368 pages)
Heat Level: Sensual
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Mistflower

An innocent country girl…

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In this Brides of the Roaring Twenties story, hotshot lawyer Walter Russell knows an innocent country girl like Shirley Burnette is going to find it tough in cutthroat Hollywood. A stolen kiss with this bright, young singer may be worthy of the silver screen—but Walter hates show business and has sworn off starlets. He knows he should steer well clear…if only he wasn’t so compelled to help her!

Have you ever gone to a rock concert where you idolized the band and at the end they do an encore and you still don’t want it to end and you scream for another encore? Then you go home and you’re still pumped over all the songs they sang and full of adrenaline. That’s this book in a nutshell. I love the author Lauri Robinson and this book ‘rocked’. I didn’t want it to end. Just when I thought it was over there was an epilogue and then a mini epilogue. I’m still walking around with a book glow.

Stolen Kiss with the Hollywood Starlet is book two in the Brides of the Roaring Twenties series. I did read book one and I feel book two could be read as a stand alone if needed. I actually loved book two more than book one. I’m definitely hoping there is a book three on the way. I want more in this time era. This series is the first time I’ve ever read any romance novel written in the roaring twenties and I love it. Talk about refreshing!

The hero, Walter and the heroine, Shirley left me feeling in love, full of hope and inspired to follow my dreams. I loved the interaction between the two. From the moment they met I was smitten with them as a couple. They were heartwarming, comical and sexy.

In fact, all the characters are relatable and easy to bond with. This is what makes the Brides of the Roaring Twenties series so wonderful. It gave me a sense of friendship with in the community. In a world with corruption there are still a few good people.

From beginning to end I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. This was an ooh la la book for me. That translates to I would read this book a second time. I definite recommendation. This is a tangent but I’ve never been to a book signing but if I ever did it would be to a Lauri Robinson book signing. This was my eight book by her and it might be my favorite one so far. It’s definitely going on my keepers shelf.

Baby on His Hollywood Doorstep by Lauri Robinson


Baby on His Hollywood Doorstep by Lauri Robinson
Brides of the Roaring Twenties Book 1
Publisher: Harlequin
Genre: Historical
Length: Full length (369 pages)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Mistflower

A roaring twenties runaway…

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With the Chicago mob hot on her heels and her late best friend’s baby in her arms, Helen Hathaway hightails it to Hollywood. There she finds little Grace’s uncle, charismatic film producer Jack McCarney. She knows she should keep him—and Grace—at arm’s length; after all, they could be wrenched apart by Grace’s father’s return. But instead she’s falling for Jack, bonded by the baby who needs them both…

A book written by Lauri Robinson is pretty much a guarantee for me that I am going to have an enjoyable read. I’m pleased to share that Baby on His Hollywood Doorstep wasn’t a disappointment. In fact, I’m excited that it is book one in the series Brides of the Roaring Twenties. I don’t know why I count but this happens to be my seventh Lauri Robinson book.

Baby on His Hollywood Doorstep was an excellent introduction to a new series. I considered the plot and setting to be rather unique and it therefore piqued my interest to want to read the next one.

Another reason I enjoyed this is because of the cast of characters. I developed a kinship with each one. Helen, the heroine, was born into a life that she had no choice in the matter. As life typically goes, there are often turns of events that we have no control over. We all have the choice to let it define us or not. Helen struggled with the cards life dealt her. It was heartwarming to read how she chose to rise above it. It happens, of course, with the help of others, mainly the hero, Jack, and as expected Jack had his life struggles too, but together they became a united force.

I truly loved this book and have no qualms recommending it. However, I have one bone to pick. Without giving any spoilers, I felt that there is a scene omitted. If so, it’s one I would have preferred to have been in on because Helen has a rather significant meeting/conversation with a significant person and I was not privy to it and I felt I should have been. I learned of it and heard what was said after the fact because she told Jack. Prior to this meeting there was a previous confrontation with this particular person where things were said that were pivotal to the plot. There was an agreement and, well … I can’t say anymore other than I would have liked to have heard her and this particular person have this second conversation. Perhaps it was done on purpose so that I would feel the same anger as Jack did when he learned what Helen had done behind his back. He forgave her faster than I did. Perhaps if I was in on the conversation then I would have been more forgiving. I kind of understand her reasoning but I didn’t like feeling left out. That’s the only major hiccup I experienced while reading this story.

I was entranced from beginning to end and was genuinely entertained. I’m thrilled that I already have the next book sitting next to me waiting to be read. I encourage others to join me in experiencing this new reading adventure, starting with Baby on His Hollywood Doorstep. The future for this series looks promising.

A Rogue to Remember by Chasity Bowlin


A Rogue to Remember by Chasity Bowlin
The Hellion Club Book 1
Publisher: Dragonblade Publishing, Inc
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (222 pages)
Heat level: Spicy
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Honeysuckle

Douglas “Devil” Ashton, Lord Deveril, was forced by his father to join the army and was exiled to India. It was punishment for all his many wicked, wild and reckless ways. While serving his country, the unthinkable happens at home. Devil’s sister is seduced by a fortune hunter and cast out by their father. By the time Devil returns to England, he’s too late to save her… but if he can obtain the right governess, one who specializes in working with children others have deemed unmanageable, he might be able to save his niece.

There is only one problem – no respectable woman would ever consent to be employed in the house of the Devil Lord. If she did, she’d never be able to be employed elsewhere again, as his very name is synonymous with ruin.

But Wilhelmina Marks is no ordinary governess. She’s a graduate of the Darrow School, an integral member of The Hellion Club, and a determined lady in her own right. Marina, Lord Deveril’s niece is a challenge… but not nearly as challenging as her uncle. He is all that they have said of him. Hedonistic. Rakishly charming. Too handsome by far. But also kind and perhaps a little broken. It’s that combination which draws Willa to him and makes him irresistible to her.
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But danger looms when Marina’s wastrel, fortune hunting father returns, intent on claiming his daughter.

Willa and Devil must work together to keep the little girl safe… is it a recipe for disaster or a recipe for love?

United in their love for a broken child, Willa and Lord Devil will go to great lengths to help her heal. Just maybe along the way, they’ll discover love can create a family out of ruin.

I love a man who loves his family and children. Devil’s background story earned him lots of points with this reader. His dead father, not so much. The author lays out both Willa and Devil’s motivations for why they are how they are and it was both believable and instantly had me cheering for them to find love. Their first face to face meeting is both fun and a little volatile. I couldn’t wait until round 2.

The ruse that they come up with, to keep her reputation in tact, was a little unbelievable for me. It relied heavily on his servants not knowing the truth. As Willia had been in his home before on interview for the governess position, I wasn’t sure how they would suddenly forget just because she returned in the guise of his betrothed.

Outside of that mild crit, the story flows really well. The dialogue and scenery are descriptive and well in keeping with the time period. I felt like I was there. I also was drawn into how unjustly people can be judged for actions outside their control. Books that make me feel something are good books.

There’s a sinister element to this story that I had to see resolved as soon as the villain of the piece was introduced. Hated him on site and looked forward to his imminent demise.

I love the concept of this series of books and I’m excited to see several more planned. The Hellion Club is made up of the byblows of upper crust. The fact that these girls who are sent to Darrow School to be hidden away are going to make such a huge in-your-face’ explosion in “polite society” tickles me to no end. I can’t wait to see who makes a splash next!

The Prince of Broadway by Joanna Shupe


The Prince of Broadway by Joanna Shupe
Publisher: Avon Books
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (384 pages)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Powerful casino owner.
Ruthless mastermind.
Destroyer of men.

He lives in the shadows . . .

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She is society’s darling . . .

Florence Greene is no one’s fool. She knows Clayton Madden is using her to ruin her prestigious family . . . and she’s using him right back. She plans to learn all she can from the mysterious casino owner–then open a casino of her own just for women.

With revenge on his mind, Clay agrees to mentor Florence. However, she soon proves more adept–and more alluring–than Clay bargained for. When his plans are threatened, Clay must decide if he is willing to gamble his empire on love.

A gilded age romance for the ages.

I’ve read other books by Joanna Shupe and have never been let down. I wasn’t this time, either. This book plugs right along, the writing is well-done and kept me invested throughout. I’ll be reading more by this author.

Yes, there were times when I thought Florence was a bit above her station. Women had some freedoms and she tends to go higher than she should be. But that’s what made her fun. Okay, sometimes it made her petulant and a tad irritating, but she knew what she wanted and was not going to let anyone tell her no. I liked that. Then there’s Clayton. He’s just as much of a piece of work. He’s doing things that aren’t quite square, yet he’s not doing it for ill-gotten gain. It’s a tad trite that he’s the casino owner with the heart of gold, but he kind of is. The chemistry between him and Florence is off the charts. I liked each time they got together.

If you’re looking for a book with rich characters that might annoy you one minute, make you love them the next and ultimately stay with you, then this is the book you’re looking for. Recommended.

His Excellency George Washington by Joseph J. Ellis


His Excellency George Washington by Joseph J. Ellis
Publisher: Vintage Books, A Division of Random House, Inc.
Genre: Non-Fiction, historical
Length: Full Length (275 pgs)
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Lavender

To this landmark biography of our first president, Joseph J. Ellis brings the exacting scholarship, shrewd analysis, and lyric prose that have made him one of the premier historians of the Revolutionary era. Training his lens on a figure who sometimes seems as remote as his effigy on Mount Rushmore, Ellis assesses George Washington as a military and political leader and a man whose “statue-like solidity” concealed volcanic energies and emotions.

Here is the impetuous young officer whose miraculous survival in combat half-convinced him that he could not be killed. Here is the free-spending landowner whose debts to English merchants instilled him with a prickly resentment of imperial power. We see the general who lost more battles than he won and the reluctant president who tried to float above the partisan feuding of his cabinet. His Excellency is a magnificent work, indispensable to an understanding not only of its subject but also of the nation he brought into being.

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Author Joseph J. Ellis has written other important historical works and shows he has done his research. The information is presented in a way to make a reader trust what’s on the page. One is likely to find many intriguing points within that will inspire a longing to delve deeper and perhaps do more research.

Washington is presented as human, but Ellis makes it clear that the nation’s first president was widely regarded in somewhat mythical terms. Washington, after all, was the main guy in “the winning of independence and the invention of nationhood” (271). We learn how Washington became the man he needed to be to lead the Americans to victory and who helped him. Washington’s detractors are also discussed. This was interesting because it led to an exploration of his psyche and deepest motivations.

We are reminded of Washington’s challenges and glories as president and surprised at times by factors that aren’t as commonly known.

Even in retirement, Washington’s work was never done. At long last, when he was preparing for the end, he contemplated controversial and important issues, thinking of what posterity would think of him. He made decisions based on complicated reasons. As a bonus, readers get to see some of the other founders through his eyes.

This book is worth the read. I have a degree in history and would definitely read this author again, feeling not only engaged in the reading but also educated, believing the information was quite reliable.