In this sequel to the great epic that is Dune, Paul Atreides has been in power for over a decade. Instead of a young man grasping at power, he is a haIn this sequel to the great epic that is Dune, Paul Atreides has been in power for over a decade. Instead of a young man grasping at power, he is a hardened leader who is jaded by power.
This sequel is notably different from the first book in the series both in tone, length, and complexity. There are few of the epic battle and fight scenes that characterize the first book. In fact, there is far less action overall. Most of the book consists of long stretches of dialogue discussing intrigues, conspiracies, and what action the characters should take.
It felt like this book is setting the scene for the next in the series. As well, this book is setting the scene for the Atreides line continuing, as much of the book is consumed with how and by whom Paul's children will be born.
While not nearly as epic or awe inspiring as the first book, I did appreciate this book and found it easier to follow than the first book in many ways. I was disappointed to see how much Paul's character seems to have changed over time. Curious to see where this series will go next. ...more
Justin gets some notoriety online when a Reddit thread discussing his 'curse' where every woman he dates then goes on to find their soul mate after thJustin gets some notoriety online when a Reddit thread discussing his 'curse' where every woman he dates then goes on to find their soul mate after they break up blows up. Emma, a traveling nurse who has a bit of the same problem, decides to message him. They playfully agree that they should date each other to break the curse and as a traveling nurse, Emma selects Minnesota where Justin lives next so she can have a quick fling. But what is supposed to be a lighthearted summer turns more serious when Emma's toxic mother shows up, Justin has to take custody of his three younger siblings, and the pair feel more strongly for each other than they ever expected.
I loved this. Abby Jimenez does such a wonderful job at creating the best banter between her characters. Before Justin and Emma meet, they message and call back and forth and it feels playful and flirtatious and true to life. The connection between these two was both funny and fun and also very compelling. They had instant chemistry, which made Emma's decision to take a temporary job so she can meet him feel believable.
But beyond the banter and romantic tension, Jimenez does such a good job of creating characters with complicated back stories. Emma comes to the relationship with a very traumatic history. She had a terrible childhood of abuse and neglect from her mother. The truths she discovers over the course of this book are just jaw dropping! Jimenez very intentionally emphasizes that Emma facing her own issues through therapy is the only way that she can be ready for a healthy and successful relationship with anyone. Similarly, Justin has a lot going on with caring for his siblings. I like that the novel has a lot of substance and back story. Just like real life, falling in love happens in the midst of life happening.
I really adored this book and really don't have any criticisms. An excellent, well written romance with great substance and depth. ...more
Anna Appleby is recovering from a painful divorce and trying to focus on her two children and her job as a columnist. But her office rival is vying foAnna Appleby is recovering from a painful divorce and trying to focus on her two children and her job as a columnist. But her office rival is vying for her column, which she desperately needs now that she's a single mother trying to pay all the bills on her own. So, Anna pitches a unique column idea: seven dates, all chosen by her children. Which is how Anna embarks on a series of awkward encounters and new connections. Along the way, she finds herself drawn to the most surprisingly romantic interest of all.
This was so cute. It seemed obvious from the start who her love interest would end up being, but I still loved the journey. I don't typically enjoy the divorced mom/older woman storyline, but this one was well done. I loved this second chance romance that shows a woman approaching 40 finding love again while also being a wonderful mother and employee. Anna is the full package! Anna comes across as caring and open to new ideas and experiences, which really made the whole plot and the different dates work. There were also several very funny scenes!
While I thought this was cute and entertaining, it still couldn't top Cousens' earlier novel, The Good Part for me (but only because I absolutely and thoroughly loved that one; it was hard to top!) I also questioned how Anna and her love interest would sort out several issues long-term after the conclusion of the novel. But all in all, another wonderful romantic comedy from Sophie Cousens....more
In this collection of essays, TODAY show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie explores the role of faith in everyday life and the impact it has had on her own lIn this collection of essays, TODAY show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie explores the role of faith in everyday life and the impact it has had on her own life. This reads not as a memoir but more of a spiritual manual, guided by what Guthrie sees as the six essentials of faith: love, presence, grace, hope, gratitude, and purpose.
This was a really lovely read. I read this for a literary club I am in. I don't know that I would have picked it up on my own, but I'm glad it found its way into my hands. There are so many beautiful stories and anecdotes from Savannah's personal life and faith that she includes to help illustrate her points. I had no idea before reading this how large a role faith plays in her life, but it truly has played in a role in some many facets of her life from her childhood to her feeling called to her career path, and her approach to parenting.
This was a quick read with short, bite sized chapters. Savannah herself encourages her readers to read this in small chunks or randomly, however you might feel called and it would certainly work that way. Each chapter could stand on its own.
In sum, I'll close this out with a few lines from one of Savannah's favorite hymns that she includes in the book:
Caroline lives a double life - literally. In one life, it is 1727 and she is being raised by her grandfather on a southern plantation and has never knCaroline lives a double life - literally. In one life, it is 1727 and she is being raised by her grandfather on a southern plantation and has never known her parents. When she goes to sleep, she wakes up in her other life in 1927, where she is the daughter of a prominent preacher and has two older brothers who have strayed from the Christian lifestyle her parents preach about. In 1727, Caroline runs away when her grandfather tries to force her into a marriage, she doesn't want. Caroline ends up at sea, where she crosses paths with Marcus Zale, a handsome pirate while also spending time with Lewis Cager, a childhood friend in 1927.
I adore this series. Such a unique time travel premise. With each new book in the series, I think Meyer cannot possibly top the plot of the last book, but she somehow always does. Meyer also does a fantastic job with the historical research behind these books. Multiple characters in this book are based on true historical figures. And she skillfully ties together the plots and historical events in both alternating storylines. These books are faith based but do so in a tender and not overbearing way. Their faith is a key part of the characters' characterization, so it feels natural that it comes up in dialogue and also thematically.
A major theme of this novel was God's forgiveness and love for everyone. No one is beyond salvation. I loved that Caroline steadily encourages Marcus to lead a better life and seek forgiveness. Similarly, in her 1927 timeline, her parents and brother must reconcile the mismatch between what they preach and their lifestyles. There is a lot of forgiveness and compassion given by many in this book, which felt very Christian and lovely. "God didn't send Jesus for the healthy, Marcus. He sent Him for the sinner. He sent Him for all of us. There is not a preacher alive who can stand blameless before God. We won't change the past, but we can change the future. No matter how long you're gone, you can always return home" (213).
I did think this was a very romantic depiction of pirates. I think in reality Caroline's life with a ship full of pirates would have been rough and violent and not one filled with talks about books and God. I also found it hard to believe how many people just easily believed that Caroline was being truthful about living two lives. It seemed too fantastical for everyone just to accept so easily.
Overall, another wonderful installment in one of my favorite series. I'm so glad the author decided to extend this with a fourth and fifth book. I look forward to reading book five!...more
Clementine Monroe is at a crossroads. She's been dumped by her cheating ex, fired from her dream job, and now has to find a new place to live. Then shClementine Monroe is at a crossroads. She's been dumped by her cheating ex, fired from her dream job, and now has to find a new place to live. Then she unexpectedly finds herself working for a gorgeous musician, Theo Eliott, for the summer. While she is undeniably attracted to Theo, Clemmie's dad is a rock star, and she has always vowed that she would never date a celebrity.
I was absolutely instantly reeled into this novel from the opening chapters. The undeniable chemistry between Clemmie and her one-night stand was so compelling. I felt positively giddy reading the first section of this book. Another aspect that I really liked, in addition to the intense chemistry between the characters, was how real they felt. Yes, of course, it is far-fetched that multiple characters are famous musicians, but they also felt like real people who get sick, embarrass themselves, and have funny ticks and hangups. I thought the characters were really funny and enjoyed their banter.
The only thing I didn't love about this book was the ending felt a bit anti-climactic. I loved most of the book but the sections after they are staying together in the isolated house weren't quite as engaging for me. But all in all, an adorable and compelling romance novel that I truly enjoyed! I think this novel is seriously underhyped and cannot believe I don't hear more people talking about it. ...more
Vanessa Mazur has been a personal assistant to the top defensive end in the National Football Organization, one Aiden Graves, for several years. DespiVanessa Mazur has been a personal assistant to the top defensive end in the National Football Organization, one Aiden Graves, for several years. Despite waiting on the man hand and foot, he is mostly rude and monosyllabic to her. Until she finally quits, and Aiden shows up at her door, begging her to come back. Not only is he deigning to speak to her, but he is asking her to marry him so he can keep his visa to continue living in the states.
This was a cute marriage of convenience trope romance. Vanessa and Aiden have a sweet love story, and their connection slowly builds over time through spending quality time together. I liked the fact that he was a football player and everywhere they went, he was recognized and had other girls interested in him, but he remains stubbornly uninterested. Vanessa had an interesting and troubling childhood backstory that added interest and dimension to the story.
However, this book was a very slow build. It was much longer than was necessary. It felt like a stream of consciousness from Vanessa's perspective where she just ad nauseum told the reader literally every thought that came into her head for endless pages on end. While I liked that their connection was not based on physical attraction or intimacy but rather on getting to know one another, the author sure made her readers wait until the very finale of the book to see them come together. I also was unsure how I felt about how poorly Aiden treated Vanessa while she was employed by him. I understand that is guarded and just not great with people, but it just didn't excuse his poor manners for me. I also did not buy that a huge football player who has girls throwing themselves at him constantly would remain so unattached and celibate for literal years. Not buying it.
A cute sports romance that I enjoyed but didn't love as much as I had hoped.
Viola works within the world of video game design and is thrilled when her company has the chance to design a game based on her all-time favorite bookViola works within the world of video game design and is thrilled when her company has the chance to design a game based on her all-time favorite book series. The only problem is that she will have to work with Jesse Andrews, who works for a rival company and who has made it very clear to Viola that he wants nothing to do with her. When the two teams go on a retreat to spend time working together, Viola dreads the awkward proximity to Jesse. But as they spend more time together, Viola realizes that she may have misjudged Jesse and his perceived dislike for her.
I really enjoyed this novella! The author built plenty of opportunities for the two main characters to bump into each other between their shared line of work and the fact that her cousin is marrying his college roommate, bringing them together at social functions. The scene where they are suddenly under the mistletoe together at an engagement party! The tension! Viola has such a huge crush on Jesse and his apparently indifference or even dislike for her was very compelling.
I found it an interesting choice that this book is only available in audio format. I enjoyed the narration but wondered if I would have enjoyed it more if there had been some chapters from Jesse's point of view that were narrated by a man. My only real complaint with this book is that I was sad it ended so soon! This is novella length and while the story felt fairly fleshed out and, it would have been even better if I could have savored it more and also gotten to learn more about what happened after they returned home from their work retreat.
This was a fun, spicy enemies-to-lovers romance. I know nothing about video game design or that world, but Hazelwood made it interesting and fun. ...more
One day when Laurie is riding the bus home from work, she has a moment of connection and attraction with a stranger she spots from the bus window. ButOne day when Laurie is riding the bus home from work, she has a moment of connection and attraction with a stranger she spots from the bus window. But her bus drives away before she can get off, and for months afterwards she talks to her best friend and roommate Sarah about the mysterious Bus Boy, the love of her life. Until one day, when Sarah brings her home her new boyfriend Jack, who just so happens to be the mystery guy from the bus. Laurie doesn't want to crush Sarah's enthusiasm for her new love, so she keeps it to herself. For the next ten years, Sarah and Jack are connected and drawn to one another, yet not together, in a moving love story of missed opportunity.
This was a really cute love story that gave me Serendipity vibes. There are some December scenes, but it is not overly Christmas-y. I loved Laurie and Sarah's friendship and Laurie's love for her friend that ultimately leads to her not telling her about who her boyfriend is. I also liked the pull between Jack and Sarah; their attraction, even when they try to deny it and are in relationships with others, is undeniable.
I am not a huge fan of miscommunication tropes and really feel like so much could have been avoided if Laurie had told Sarah immediately that her new boyfriend was the very same boy she had been dreaming of for months. Laurie makes the mistake to withhold information and also be dishonest with Sarah multiple times in this book. She is overall a good friend, but I do understand why Sarah would be very angry upon learning the truth.
There is just also a lot of buildup and back and forth. Jack says some very unkind things to Laurie at some points in this book and is dishonest to his girlfriend Sarah at multiple points and I found it fairly unforgivable. An intense attraction and/or belief you are meant to be with someone does not give you a blank slate to treat others badly.
A cute book about imperfect people who handle an awkward situation imperfectly. I liked it, but not nearly as much as I had hoped. ...more
This sixth book in the Felicity series starts off on a good note. Felicity's beloved horse Penny is going to have a foal. While Felicity still worriesThis sixth book in the Felicity series starts off on a good note. Felicity's beloved horse Penny is going to have a foal. While Felicity still worries about former owner Jiggy Nye trying to claim Penny or being cruel to her again, for now he is in jail. On a delivery to the jail, Felicity and her friend Elizabeth learn that Jiggy Nye is living in horrible conditions and is very ill. Felicity is persuaded by her friend that she should do something to help. But soon after, Elizabeth's father is unjustly jailed for his Loyalist beliefs.
Like many of the American Girl novels, the plot of this book is wild! Little girls visiting jail, people being thrown in jail, and death of a loved one are all critical elements of the plot of this book. It is not for the faint of heart. However, I do think it was all handled in a tasteful way and deals with issues that children of any age will face (doing what is right for others, grieving the loss of elderly family members, etc.). Elizabeth continues to be an excellent friend to Felicity and encourage her to be a better person in this book and in return, Felicity and her family are very supportive to the Cole family, despite not sharing their political views.
Another great installment in this series. I have so enjoyed re-reading it as an adult with my daughters. ...more
In 1987, two kids, Sadie and Sam, meet in a hospital. She is there because her sister is sick. And he is there recovering from a tragic car accident tIn 1987, two kids, Sadie and Sam, meet in a hospital. She is there because her sister is sick. And he is there recovering from a tragic car accident that has changed the trajectory of his life. They quickly bond over their love of video games and play hours together. Eight years later, they run into each in a crowded train station and begin working together making games that will ultimately change the video game industry. While not romantic love, theirs is a partnership and friendship that endures through decades and many life changes.
There is a lot to unpack in this book! This is a complicated relationship about complicated people who frequently have disagreements and falling outs. Other than the themes of friendship, innovation, entrepreneurship, and business partnership, this book touches on disability, life as an Asisan American, parental death, and gun violence.
I was also intrigued by the mirroring or story within a story concept Zevin uses. For instance, Sadie and Sam bond over games and over and over, it is the games and immersing themselves in an imaginative world that brings them back together. The beginning of Sam and Sadie's friendship and the conclusion of the novel also felt like a mirroring. The game has been reset, they will begin again: tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow.
I have previously read The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin and really admire her ability to write unconventional storylines about unlikely relationships. Her characters typically are quirky and have frequently endured great loss. I like that she doesn't necessarily write romantic love stories; but instead writes about incredibly meaningful relationships and bonds that often are on the margins in fiction, in this case business partners and best friends. ...more
Felicity has been home a lot helping her mother prepare for the birth of her new baby. When a friend suggests a visit to her grandfather's plantation,Felicity has been home a lot helping her mother prepare for the birth of her new baby. When a friend suggests a visit to her grandfather's plantation, Felicity begs her mother to go, even though her mother's delivery is imminent. Her mother takes pity on Felicity, and they go leave Williamsburg for the trip, but things go south when they are in a carriage accident that puts her pregnant mother in danger.
This was a fun re-read with my daughters. They were absolutely ecstatic to read this one because they love babies and were so delighted for Felicity to have a new sister. We read it in between the fifth and sixth full-length Felicity books, because timewise that it where it belongs (it is announced that her mother is pregnant in book five and the baby is already born in book six). Reading it as a mom, I kept thinking about how kind Felicity's mother is, to want to indulge her daughter, although it was ill-advised to travel so late in pregnancy!
The short stories are very brief, but this felt full fleshed out with a nice ending. It was a dramatic delivery story, but it was handled in a very respectful way and showed Felicity being brave and responsible for her younger siblings. The only thing I was disappointed in was the final historical section of the book. This one was a repeat that has pictures and information that was already covered in one of the full-length books!...more
Since her first relationship, Daphne Bell has been given a gift: she receives a slip of paper with her love interest's name and a number on it. The nuSince her first relationship, Daphne Bell has been given a gift: she receives a slip of paper with her love interest's name and a number on it. The number is the exact amount of time they will be stay together. For twenty years, she has received slips that let her know that her relationship has an expiration date. Until one day, she finally receives one with just a name but no number. Jake is seemingly perfect for her, but Daphne struggles with committing and questioning the paper's prediction.
This was such an interesting premise with the magical realism detail of the slips of paper that show up without explanation. Throughout the novel, it jumps back in time to tell the story of each of Daphne's relationships, all bracketed by the foreknowledge of how long she will be with them.
BUT I had so many issues with this!! I know this is probably just a personality and personal preference of my own, but if I got a piece of paper that said I would be with someone for only five weeks, I probably would just opt out entirely. For me personally, it would feel like a waste of my time. Why and how does Daphne still wholly commit herself to any of the men, knowing that it won't last? And who is sending these? Why does she believe the notes as fact? How does she know it isn't someone just messing with her? None of this was ever explained or explored and it drove me crazy that she just blindly obeyed them as if they were law and she had no free will or choice in the matter.
Second, she has a male best friend that she used to date and still spends tons of time with. Red siren started going off immediately for me. It just seemed so obvious that it was a clear tip off they were still into each other.
Third, Daphne is hiding a significant detail about her life and history from her significant others. I questioned her ability to even hide this from intimate partners that she was spending a lot of time with. And I also questioned why she would hide it, especially as long as she does with Jake. It felt dishonest and disrespectful to Jake to not tell him sooner. In short, it gave me the ick.
An intriguing premise, but this just fell flat for me. Beautifully narrated by Julia Whelan for the audio version. ...more
Over eight years, master thief Stephane Breitwieser stole more than three hundred objects from museums and cathedrals all over Europe. With his girlfrOver eight years, master thief Stephane Breitwieser stole more than three hundred objects from museums and cathedrals all over Europe. With his girlfriend working as his lookout, he did so without every threatening anyone and without raising any suspicions. Until it all fell apart. Interestingly, unlike most that steal artwork, he had no interest in making money from his stolen items, but instead used it to decorate the attic where he and his girlfriend lived. An art lover, he was also addicted to the thrill of pulling off his heists and was unable to stop himself, despite the risks.
This was such an interesting true story, written by the author after numerous interviews and in cooperation with Stephane Breitwieser himself. He seems to feel no remorse for taking the art and was able to be so levelheaded about it in the moment that he was never suspected. He would calmly scope out any security, identify art that was the right size to easily sneak out, handily and quickly remove it from its frame, and slide it under his shirt and saunter off. He believed that museums were prisons and that he was in fact liberating the artwork, although of course it ended up in the prison of his own rooms, only seen by himself and his girlfriend.
The greatest tragedy of the stolen artwork is what happened to it when Stephane was finally arrested. In a panic, his girlfriend and mother, terrified of being caught in possession of the artwork worth literally millions of dollars, began to dispose of it by throwing it in ponds, by the side of the road, etc. Some of it, including silver and statues, were eventually recovered, but some was not. I audibly gasped aloud to hear about one tapestry that was thrown in a ditch on the side of the road. A motorist saw it, thought it looked valuable, and turned it into the police. The police disagreed and thought it had been thrown out as trash but still thought it was colorful and put it down on the floor in their break room right by their billiards table. The officers walked over it for weeks before someone finally realized what it actually was: a missing 17th century tapestry.
I do wish that Stephane's mother and girlfriend had agreed to be interviewed as well. It was understandable that his mother supported him no matter what, but I am especially curious about why the girlfriend went along with the heists and then why she decided enough was enough. She seems to have moved on and rather quickly, having a child soon after he was caught.
I listened to this on audio and wish I had read it in physical form instead. I did not enjoy the narrator's speaking style and worry that I missed some details as a result. I have previously read The Stranger in the Woods by Michael Finkel. I enjoyed it immensely. I liked this one as well, but it seemed like a briefer and slightly more cut and dried story: thief sees things he likes, thief takes them, thief gets caught. Still, an enjoyable read....more
Dr. Briana Ortiz doesn't have a lot of positives in her life. Her husband cheated on her and her divorce is about to be finalized, and her brother is Dr. Briana Ortiz doesn't have a lot of positives in her life. Her husband cheated on her and her divorce is about to be finalized, and her brother is seriously depressed as he losing hope on finding a kidney donor. The only thing that is going right is her job until the new doctor of staff, Dr. Jacob Maddox, threatens a promotion she has been hoping for. Until the new doctor writes her a letter. And Brianna discovers that he's funny and fun to talk to. And then she finds out he was tested and is a perfect match for her brother and wants to donate his kidney to her brother.
So much to love about this delightful romance! I loved Jacob and Briana's story and how their relationship is more complex than boy meets girl. Jacob has experienced a bad breakup himself and is struggling with his brother now dating his ex. He also suffers from pretty bad social anxiety. And Briana wonders if she will ever be able to trust anyone again after the way she was treated by her ex-husband. But the two have undeniable chemistry and build a quick rapport after spending time together and talking constantly. I love how supportive and non-judgmental they are of one another. Briana does what she can to understand and support Jacob when he is feeling anxious and in turn, Jacob gives the ultimate gift by agreeing to donate his kidney to her brother and for being so understanding of her hesitancy to date again after her divorce.
It did seem a littleeee improbable that Jacob would just coincidentally be the perfect donor match for her brother. And that he would sign up to donate when he didn't even know her or her brother at the time. I also don't have a lot of patience for miscommunication tropes and there was a little bit of that in here, although it ended up being resolved fairly quickly to my relief. I also thought the eleventh-hour panic over their relationship and how it was so speedily resolved in the end was a bit overblown. But otherwise, this was an endearing love story. I loved both characters and thought they had a great backstory and great chemistry.
I listened to the audiobook version of this book and loved that there was a male and female narrator for the alternating chapters. This really brought both Briana and Jacob's perspectives to life and made this such a fun, performative listen. I also really appreciated the author's note about her personal connection to organ donation and experience with an autoimmune disease. Her personal experience certainly showed through in the writing and details in the story. ...more
Ina Garten is known as the owner of Barefoot Contessa, author of thirteen bestselling cookbooks, and Food Network personality. Now, in this memoir, shIna Garten is known as the owner of Barefoot Contessa, author of thirteen bestselling cookbooks, and Food Network personality. Now, in this memoir, she tells her own story in her own words. Ina had a difficult childhood with repressive parents. But she married her husband Jeffrey while still in college, and their lives took them Fort Bragg to camping through Europe and from boring bureaucratic jobs in Washington D.C. to finally purchasing Barefoot Contessa in the Hamptons that launched her career in the food industry.
Full disclosure, I didn't go into this as an Ina fan! Not to say I dislike her; I just don't know much about her and have never followed her. But I found her story, told her in own voice incredibly charming. Ina describes her life and career in a breezy, conversational way. I love that Ina fearlessly pursues her passion. She isn't afraid to change course, take risks, or give up on something that isn't giving her joy. She also shares about difficult experiences, especially her childhood and troubled periods in her marriage, that make this feel more intimate than I would have suspected. I listened to the audiobook version of this book, which was narrated by Ina herself and found her story in her own voice very charming. I devoured this in just a few days, relishing her descriptions of camping throughout Europe in a small orange tent, or racing to the bakery practically in the middle of the night to frantically make baguettes. She outlines both her successes and her failures, and how she has used mishaps, when things haven't worked, as moments to help her learn what she needs to change so that they will work next time.
Other than the admittedly big bombshell that she and Jeffrey were at one time separated and considering divorce, this memoir is very fluffy in a lot of other ways. She is charming and drops just enough details that you almost forget that there is so much that she hasn't told her readers. She shares almost no personal details about her husband and only outlines his career highlights as if reading off the main bullets off a resume. She shares nothing about his family or much at all about her own parents or brother after the point when she gets married. She only very briefly touches on their decision to not have children. Most of the narrative is about dinner parties, food and dishes she likes, her different jobs, and renovating different houses, with little introspection or greater depth about the relationships in her life.
I did find it interesting that she repeatedly refers to her dynamic with her husband as almost parent to child. She does seem very spontaneous, pulled by her passions and fancies, which is a large part of her charm and success. But it also seems like he is the grounding force, the payroll, and the voice of reason behind her projects. I was surprised by how much time they seem to have spent apart during their marriage.
There is also no denying that Ina has led a very privileged life. Despite referencing having to pinch pennies early in their marriage, this hardship looks like camping through Europe for four months - not exactly an impoverished lifestyle. It's clear their affluence developed swiftly over the course of the marriage without her explicitly saying so but through obvious details such as the constant purchase of different properties, endless home renovations (a clear passion project of Ina's), and her ability to cut and run from any job, home, venture when it no longer brings her joy. At one point, she describes begging a friend to come be her personal assistant, telling her that she would pay her whatever salary she wanted. One of the final projects in the book is her purchasing and renovating a Paris apartment, a crowning moment for the couple who had always wanted to go back to Europe after their camping trip in early marriage. She works hard and has accomplished much but also clearly does so in great ease and with a substantial bank account.
I really, truly loved this memoir and am so glad I listened to it. She is passionate and charming, and it was little wonder to me that she has gained such a following.
Felicity has traveled to her grandfather's Virginia plantation for a long summer visit in 1775. During her visit, her loyalty between her father and hFelicity has traveled to her grandfather's Virginia plantation for a long summer visit in 1775. During her visit, her loyalty between her father and her friend Ben, her father's apprentice, is torn. Ben is desperate to join George Washington's army but as an apprentice is still committed to serve the Merriman family for several more years. So, he has decided to run away to enlist. Along the way, he is injured and seeks Felicity's help, as she once sought his.
I enjoyed getting to see Felicity in a different setting and one she loves. Felicity is an outside girl and relishes spending the summer outdoors on horseback on her grandfather's plantation. I read this with my daughters, and they were both absolutely thrilled that Felicity's mother is expecting a baby in this novel. I love that Felicity is high spirited and questions authority and also acts on her own conscious rather than blindly following what her parents or grandfather tell her.
In some ways, rereading these as an adult, I'm surprised by how much of the plot focuses on political unrest in the colonies. While I think a young girl would be aware of this occurring in her larger world, I think a girl like Felicity would not be very personally involved in Loyalist versus Patriot activity like she is portrayed. The novel largely skirts around the issue of the plantation being one that is powered by slaves, but it does provide an overview of life for enslaved individuals on plantations in the looking back section after the conclusion of the novel. It would have been nice if they could have been highlighted in the plot or at least acknowledged by Felicity as people and thus who endure great hardship to support the lifestyle her family enjoys. I do think if this were written today, it probably would have a very different focus. ...more
"It's sad, of course, to forget. But it is a lonely thing to be forgotten, to remember, when no one else does."
Addie LaRue is born in a small town in "It's sad, of course, to forget. But it is a lonely thing to be forgotten, to remember, when no one else does."
Addie LaRue is born in a small town in France and dreams of a life bigger than her town and family have to offer her. When she is in her early 20s in 1714, she is pressured to marry, and in desperation, makes a deal with a shadowy devil figure that she ultimately calls Luc, to be free from obligation. But she doesn't realize the full extent of the terms of her deal. She is free - and totally anonymous. No one she knows and loves remembers her, in fact, no one can remember her from day to day. She cannot write or leave a mark, cannot rent a room or buy a house, hold down a job. But she is free from obligations and immortal. And thus begins three hundred years of anonymously drifting through life without love or attachments. Until she meets a boy in a bookstore who does remember her. And it changes everything.
This was such an intriguing premise for a book. This is an obvious Faustian bargain tale, with Addie making a deal with a devil and blindly failing to realize that what she is surrendering - love and attachments to others - is worth far more than what she is gaining. I know Addie didn't truly know what she was agreeing to, but it just felt like a foolish, overwrought move that she had been explicitly warned against to agree to the stranger's offer. In short, I had a hard time suspending my disbelief.
I really struggled with this book. I found it very slow for the first third or more of the novel. Due to the anonymity of Addie's life, her life is aimless and without meaning, and unfortunately that is also the way the novel reads for chapters on end. I also felt that the author could have done so many cool things with Addie being alive for so many historical events over multiple centuries! Instead, she just mentions in passing that she knew various famous historical figures or remembers when certain things happen.
I also struggled with the reality that at heart, this novel really only had three characters: Addie, David, and Luc, since no one else remembers or really knows Addie. It made the world of the novel feel incredibly limited. I also questioned the attachment between Addie and David. If they both are ultimately together because of the bargain they each have made, how do they even know they are really drawn to each other and not just drawn to each out of desperation and no other options? Luc was intriguing but such a shadowy and mysterious figure without any real explanation and it was hard for me to accept he was just this magical devil/God figure.
I am in the minority in not loving this book. I have read so many glowing reviews of this novel and know many rank it among their favorite novels. Perhaps it was just overhyped for me, but it fell short of my expectations, and I struggled to make it through this. ...more
Book three picks right up where book two left off. Bryce has been transported to an alternate world (with characters familiar to Maas fans) while the Book three picks right up where book two left off. Bryce has been transported to an alternate world (with characters familiar to Maas fans) while the two men she loves the most, her love Hunt and her brother Ruhn, remain imprisoned in the Asteri dungeons undergoing extreme torture. Will Bryce be able to discover how to defeat the Asteri, return to her world, and save everyone in Midguard? Or will evil prevail?
My favorite part of this novel, really the only part I enjoyed wholeheartedly, was the Lidia and Ruhn storyline. I really liked how complex of a character Lidia is, including her backstory and motivation for her actions and her chemistry with Ruhn.
There was a lot going on here. A lot. In fact, there are six alternating perspectives and each of the brief chapters cycle through most of them. It felt like whiplash to get a couple pages from each perspective in a revolving door throughout the hundreds of pages. On the other hand, it did make the pace of the book feel rapid, despite the immense length of this novel. I still love Bryce and Hunt, but the pair were separated the majority of this novel. I support their mission to defeat evil and create a better world but whew, the author has them pulling any type of magic and tricks out of the hat so things will go in their favor. There seem to be no rules or limits to the type of creature, type of magic, or what can or can't happen in this book.
I couldn't help but be amused in the final chapters as certain characters are literally spinning through space. It just felt like the author tried throwing everything AND the kitchen sink into this one. I wanted to read this next book to see what happens next to the characters, but this felt like a slog and not a particularly satisfying one. Rounding up to be generous to three stars. ...more
Sarah Beth
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