The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion by Beth Brower

 

Title: The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion

Author: Beth Brower

Genre: Historical Fiction

Synopsis: "The Year is 1883 and Emma M. Lion has returned to her London neighborhood of St. Crispian’s. But Emma’s plans for a charmed and studious life are sabotaged by her eccentric Cousin Archibald, her formidable Aunt Eugenia, and the slightly odd denizens of St. Crispian’s.

Emma M. Lion offers up her Unselected Journals, however self-incriminating they may be. Armed with wit and a sideways amusement, Emma documents the curious realities of her life at Lapis Lazuli House." -Back Cover

My Thoughts

This cute little novella was given to me as a gift for Christmas. Emma's journal contains honest and charming descriptions of her life and the people in it. Many plotlines are started in this book, which leaves the reader curious and wanting more! Unfortunately, almost none of them are resolved at the end of volume one, creating a necessity to continue further into the series to find out what happens next. Having a book reach its climax at the very end without resolution is not my favorite style, but I'd like to read the next volume to see if that is the style of the entire series.

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The Roaring Days of Zora Lily by Noelle Salazar

 Title: The Roaring Days of Zora Lily

Author: Noelle Salazar

Genre: Historical Fiction

Synopsis: "2023, The Smithsonian's National Museum of American History: A costume conservator is preparing an exhibition featuring movie costumes from the 1920s to present day. As she gingerly places a gown once worn by Greta Garbo on a mannequin, she discovers another name hidden beneath the designer's label, leaving her to wonder—who is Zora Lily?

1924, Seattle: Poverty-stricken Zora Hough spends her days looking after her younger siblings while sewing up holes and fixing hems for clients to bring in extra money, working her fingers to the bone just to survive. But at night, as she lies in the bed she shares with one of her three sisters, she secretly dreams of becoming a designer like Coco Chanel and Jeanne Lanvin.

When her best friend gets a job dancing in a club downtown, Zora is lured in by her stories of music, glittering dresses and boys. She follows her friend to the underground speakeasies that are at once exciting and frightening—with smoke hanging in the air, alcohol flowing despite Prohibition, couples dancing in a way that makes Zora blush and a handsome businessman named Harley. It’s a world she has only ever imagined, and one with connections that could lead her to the life she's always dreamed of. But as Zora's ambition is challenged by tragedy and duty to her family, she'll learn that dreams come with a cost."

 -Back Cover

My Thoughts

Reading this novel, which I received as a Christmas gift, was so fun! It encompassed Zora's life without ever feeling slow or boring. Zora's friendships and familial relationships are relatable and realistic. She follows the societal expectations of the period while still pushing the boundaries of what women of the time could accomplish. While the events of the story may be exciting and dramatic, they're tempered enough to give a natural and believable feel. 

I struggled at first with how the brief introduction in 2023 would fit in with the rest of the story. It doesn't come back into play until the very end, but it provided a beautiful full-circle ending that I thoroughly enjoyed.

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The Cuban Heiress by Chanel Cleeton

 

Title: The Cuban Heiress 

Author: Chanel Cleeton

Genre: Historical Fiction

Other books I've read by this author: Next Year in Havana, When We Left Cuba

Synopsis: New York heiress Catherine Dohan seemingly has it all. There’s only one problem. It’s a lie. As soon as the Morro Castle leaves port, Catherine’s past returns with a vengeance and threatens her life. Joining forces with a charismatic jewel thief, Catherine must discover who wants her dead—and why.
Elena Palacio is a dead woman. Or so everyone thinks. After a devastating betrayal left her penniless and on the run, Elena’s journey on the Morro Castle is her last hope. Steeped in secrecy and a burning desire for revenge, her return to Havana is a chance to right the wrong that has been done to her—and her prey is on the ship.

As danger swirls aboard the Morro Castle and their fates intertwine, Elena and Catherine must risk everything to see justice served once and for all.

My Thoughts

I really enjoyed reading this novel, so much so that it only took me one week to finish it! I bought it on my birthday with a gift card from a friend, and I'm so glad I did!

 I loved the intrigue and mystery surrounding so many of the characters. I loved the description of the ship, the passengers, and Havana. I loved the unexpected twist near the end, and of course, the history surrounding the ship itself. 

Chanel Cleeton's books are so well done and truly enjoyable to read, I cannot wait to read more from this author!

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Loyal in Love by Jean Plaidy

Title: Loyal in Love: Henrietta Maria, Queen of Charles I 

Author: Jean Plaidy

Genre: Historical Fiction

Synopsis: The daughter of Henry IV of France, Princess Henrietta Maria, becomes a pawn in a political strategy to stabilize relations between two countries when her father marries her to Charles I of England. Sent abroad, she finds herself living in a Protestant country that views her own faith—Catholicism—with deep suspicion.
Yet her new husband is a man of principle and integrity, and Henrietta and Charles fall deeply in love. Henrietta is passionate about her faith, however, and soon politically powerful people, namely Oliver Cromwell and his Puritans, turn her loyalty to her religion into a focal point for civil war. As the royal couple watch the fall of Thomas Wentworth, first Earl of Strafford, the rise of Puritanism, and Englishmen fight Englishmen, they are undeterred in their dedication to each other and in their belief in the divine rights of king and queen—even as spies lurk in their very own household. - Back Cover

My Thoughts

Henrietta is such an interesting character as written by Plaidy. She is meddlesome and entitled and yet somehow endearing. It is written in the first person past tense, as though Henrietta is telling her life story. This gives an interesting perspective and allows for some irony of self-reflection. Events move quickly and there was less punctuation than I'm used to, which makes the writing feel more stream of consciousness; like an elderly woman might speak when telling a story. I enjoyed reading it and look forward to reading others in the series. 

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Sex and Vanity by Kevin Kwan

Title: Sex and Vanity

Author: Kevin Kwan
Genre: Fiction
Other books I've read by this author: Crazy Rich Asians, China Rich Girlfriend, Rich People Problems

Synopsis: On her very first morning on the jewel-like island of Capri, Lucie Churchill sets eyes on George Zao and she instantly can't stand him. She can't stand it when he gallantly offers to trade hotel rooms with her so that she can have a view of the Tyrrhenian Sea, she can't stand that he knows more about Casa Malaparte than she does, and she really can't stand it when he kisses her in the darkness of the ancient ruins of a Roman villa and they are caught by her snobbish, disapproving cousin Charlotte. "Your mother is Chinese so it's no surprise you'd be attracted to someone like him," Charlotte teases. 

The daughter of an American-born Chinese mother and a blue-blooded New York father, Lucie has always sublimated the Asian side of herself in favor of the white side, and she adamantly denies having feelings for George. But several years later, when George unexpectedly appears in East Hampton, where Lucie is weekending with her new fiancé, Lucie finds herself drawn to George again. Soon, Lucie is spinning a web of deceit that involves her family, her fiancé, the co-op board of her Fifth Avenue apartment building, and ultimately herself as she tries mightily to deny George entry into her world - and her heart. - Back Cover

My Thoughts

After reading (and loving) the Crazy Rich Asians trilogy, I had high hopes for the latest novel by Kevin Kwan. It was a cute story that I had intended as a palate cleanser between heavy historical fiction novels, but it didn't quite hit the spot as its predecessors had. Some parts were good; light and fun, quick to read; but points it felt so slow that I wasn't interested in picking it up again (thus the long wait between posts). It felt predictable and the characters weren't super interesting. Overall, it was fine, but not one that I'd say anyone NEEDS to read.

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Treachery by S. J. Parris

                                                           

Title: Author: S. J. Parris

Genre: Historical Mystery

Other books I've read by this author: Heresy, Prophecy, and Sacrilege

Synopsis:

August, 1585. A relentless enemy. A treacherous conspiracy. Elizabethan England is on the brink of war. 

Sir Francis Drake is preparing to launch a daring expedition against the Spanish when a murder aboard his ship changes everything.

Giordano Bruno agrees to hunt the killer down, only to find that more than one deadly plot is brewing in Plymouth’s murky underworld. And as he tracks a murderer through its dangerous streets, he uncovers a conspiracy that threatens the future of England itself. - Back Cover 

My Thoughts

I really enjoyed book 4 of this series. It was actually this book that got me into the series. I took it out of the library months ago without realizing it was part of a series. I hate reading series out of order, so I returned it and grabbed books one! I loved the incorporation of Sir Francis Drake. A fresh historical character into an already fun historical series is a highlight for me! The mystery and drama do not disappoint, this novel is as good as all the others so far.

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To Sir Phillip, With Love by Julia Quinn

 

Title: To Sir Phillip, With Love

Author: Julia Quinn

Genre: Historical Romance

Other books I've read by this author: The Duke and I, The Viscount Who Loved Me, An Offer From a Gentleman, Romancing Mister Bridgerton

Synopsis: Sir Phillip knew that Eloise Bridgerton was a spinster, and so he’d proposed, figuring that she’d be homely and unassuming, and more than a little desperate for an offer of marriage. Except . . . she wasn’t. The beautiful woman on his doorstep was anything but quiet, and when she stopped talking long enough to close her mouth, all he wanted to do was kiss her . . . and more.
Did he think she was mad? Eloise Bridgerton couldn’t marry a man she had never met! But then she started thinking . . . and wondering . . . and before she knew it, she was in a hired carriage in the middle of the night, on her way to meet the man she hoped might be her perfect match. Except . . . he wasn’t. Her perfect husband wouldn’t be so moody and ill-mannered, and while Phillip was certainly handsome, he was a large brute of a man, rough and rugged, and totally unlike the London gentlemen vying for her hand. But when he smiled . . . and when he kissed her . . . the rest of the world simply fell away, and she couldn’t help but wonder . . . could this imperfect man be perfect for her?

My Thoughts

I have enjoyed all of Julia Quinn's Bridgerton novels, but this one is just a little different. For the most part, it takes place away from London and society and the reader gets to know Eloise and Sir Phillip independently from the Bridgerton family. I love that Eloise decides to marry not because she feels she has to, but rather because she wants to; she always does things on her own terms. 

I also like their love story, it is different than all of Eloise's siblings, and while it isn't without drama, it is less overtly dramatic.

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