The Boleyn Inheritance by Philippa Gregory

Title: The Boleyn Inheritance
Author: Philippa Gregory
Genre: Historical Fiction

Synopsis: The story of the rise and fall of Henry VIII's fourth and fifth wives, Anne of Cleves and Katherine Howard.

My Thoughts

After the last book I read, (see review below) it was so refreshing to start a book that I could just not put down. There are so few novels about Anne of Cleves and Katherine Howard and, as usual, Gregory really creates relatable characters from what information history has provided her. 
The story is told from three first-person perspectives, Anne of Cleves, Katherine Howard, and lady-in-waiting, Jane Boleyn (Anne Boleyn's sister-in-law). This allows the reader to get a complete view of how events unfolded and give depth to each of the women. The true terror of the people at court is also made quite apparent throughout the novel as well. Henry VIII's madness is in full swing during this part of his life so everyone around him fears for theirs.
The author really works to humanize these women and show that they are more than the terrible things King Henry and history have said about them. She gives reasons for why they may have acted as they did. 

I have read many of Philippa Gregory's novels, all of them good, but this may be my favorite so far. As I have said before, I knew the fates of Anne of Cleves and Katherine Howard before I started reading, but somehow Gregory builds suspense and endears the reader to the characters so you begin to wonder if maybe it will end differently.

I would recommend this to anyone who is intrigued by the Tudors, enjoys a good story, and/or appreciates interesting female protagonists. 
Enjoyed this novel as well? Not so much? Feel free to comment below!

To buy this book from amazon now, click on the image at the top of the post.
To see more from Philippa Gregory, visit her website linked above.

Saffire: A Novel by Sigmund Brouwer

Title: Saffire
Author: Sigmund Brouwer
Genre: Historical Fiction

Synopsis: Cattle farmer and ex-rodeo rider, John Holt travels to Panama where a new canal is being constructed. He is sent there by Teddy Roosevelt to help the Americans figure out who might be sabotaging the construction of the canal. Holt meets a young girl named Saffire whose mother has gone missing and decides to help her. This becomes a dangerous task and John Holt must choose between solving the mystery or heading home to his young daughter back in the United States.

My Thoughts

The synopsis on the back cover was a little misleading. When I first picked up this book I thought I was going to be reading a novel where Teddy Roosevelt played a strong role, this is far from true. Once I figured out that James Holt was the protagonist I was a little disappointed, but still interested to see what the novel had in store.
Saffire has a really enjoyable storyline, but just doesn't quite have the "grab your attention" quality I'm looking for in a book. The story takes place over four days, but it feels much longer. There are aspects of mystery and a love story, but neither of them are particularly fleshed out. 
I understand that the author is going for a love at first sight kind of feel, but it just doesn't really come across as romantic or as though it is deeper than just an initial attraction until the very end of the book.
 As far as the mystery portion goes, there is not enough information provided to really make the reader wonder who might be behind the sabotage. In attempting to create mystery the author really just left too many questions so the reader didn't understand what was happening in the story.
Overall, this on is not one I will be recommending to friends

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To see more from Sigmund Brouwer, visit the website linked above.

I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.

This is Where I Leave You by Jonathan Tropper

Title: This is Where I Leave You
Author: Jonathan Tropper
Genre: Fiction

Synopsis: The patriarch of the dysfunctional Foxman family passes away and requests that they sit shiva in his honor. The story follows Judd Foxman as he describes what it is like to be in close quarters with his mother, 3 siblings, their significant others, and their children for seven days. The situation is made more awkward by the fact that Judd is going through a divorce after his wife has an affair with his boss.

My Thoughts

I saw this as a movie a few years ago and when I saw it on sale at Books-a-Million I picked up a copy for me and one for my mom. The premise is super interesting and it is a step away from my usual genre.
 Judd Foxman is an interesting character, kind of an "every-man." It makes the reader feel like they know exactly what he is going through. Unfortunately, in attempting to describe his experience the author is a bit more graphic/risque than I like. A few scenes I actually said "seriously!?" out loud to myself because it went too far.
If you can get passed the graphic nature of the writing, then you can look forward to a book that will make you laugh, cry, shake your head, and think deeply about the meaning of family and relationships.
Hopefully my mom will comment below what she thinks once she has finished reading it. As always anyone who reads something I review is invited to comment as well!

To buy this book from amazon now, click on the image at the top of the post.
To see more from Jonathan Tropper, visit the website linked above.

Radio Girls by Sarah-Jane Stratford

Title: Radio Girls
Author: Sarah-Jane Stratford
Genre: Fiction

Synopsis: Maisie Musgrave, a poor, young, an American raised Canadian living in London, gets hired as a secretary for the BBC in the mid-1920s. She loves the fast paced environment filled with famous speakers and finds she has a talent for working in radio.  As she moves up the ranks she becomes closer with the director of talks, Hilda Matheson. In an effort to uncover and broadcast the truth, Hilda and Maisie come to discover a dangerous conspiracy.

My Thoughts

Radio Girls is a really fun read. I read a lot of historical fiction and this is a topic I hadn't read much about. It was super interesting to see the dynamics of women in the workplace in the mid-1920s; especially those who were in positions higher than a secretary. 
The best part of this story was that it wasn't just about working at the BBC, it also has aspects of a love story, and a touch of mystery. It also discussed social issues of the time including homosexuality and the beginnings of the Nazi party.
 I just happened to be randomly reading this at the same time a coworker had picked it up. It had some excellent twists and he was a bit ahead of me so there was always a "just wait" tone as we discussed what was happening in the story.

If you have read this novel I would love to hear what you think in the comments below!

To buy this book from amazon now, click on the image at the top of the post.
To see more from Sarah-Jane Stratford, visit her website linked above.

An Unseemly Wife by E.B. Moore

Title: An Unseemly Wife
Author: E.B. Moore
Genre: Fiction

Synopsis: Ruth Holtz's familiar Amish life is left behind as her husband breaks the rules of their Order to travel West to Idaho to claim land for their family with their four children, and one on the way. Everything she has ever known changes as her family can no longer truly be 'separate' from the English as they join a wagon train. 

My Thoughts

The first 90% of this book was great. The Holtz family and the wagon train West is filled with wonderfully well-developed characters and the novel has a great storyline. This story had me rooting for Ruth and Aaron as they traveled West against the wishes of their Plain community. 

Seeing her husband and children through Ruth's eyes gives an interesting perspective on Amish family life. The reader also has a view of her inner conflict: Staying a part of the Fold vs Adhering to her husband's wishes. The development of Ruth's character as she is taken from her familiar home and introduced to the English way of life is really beautiful. I like the way Moore uses transitions from what is occurring on the trail to a flashback of the Holtz family on their farm.

At about page 300 I felt like there was no way that the story could be wrapped up in the remaining 36 pages. I hate to say it, but I was right. The ending of the novel felt like the author ran out of paper and had to finish the story. Main characters from the wagon train were no longer a part of the story. Then boom, boom, boom, three major events take place in the span of 36 pages that should have been another 100-150 pages to fit with how the rest of the book had been written.
After such a great beginning and middle I was just so disappointed with the end of An Unseemly Wife that it ruined it the novel for me.

 If you have read this novel and can justify the ending to me, I would love to hear your opinion in the comments below. I would love someone else's point of view on this one!

                  To buy this book from amazon now, click on the image at the top of the post.

To see more from E.B. Moore, visit her website linked above.

Blood & Beauty by Sarah Dunant

Title: Blood & Beauty
Author: Sarah Dunant
Genre: Historical Fiction

Synopsis: This novel, set in Rome in the late 1400s, follows the story of the Borgia family as Cardinal Rodrigo Borgia buys his way to becoming Pope Alexander VI. Rodrigo uses his papal rule to gain power for the Borgia family by making convenient marriages and appointments for his illegitimate children.

My Thoughts

This is the first novel I have read involving the Borgias and it really left me wanting to know more. Something struck me as different right away when I started reading this novel. It took me a moment to figure it out but then I realized it was that the book is written from a third person perspective but in present tense. I don't think I have come across a historical fiction novel written in this manner (and I read a lot of historical fiction!). It gives the reader a sense of being right there as everything is happening. 

For the most part, this was a really enjoyable read that gave insight into a really corrupt time in the church. It has history, war, family drama, weddings, murder, and romance, so something for everyone. There was one point early on when I was worried that I had accidentally picked up a romance novel where the author gets a little graphic during a love scene, but later Dunant only used it to give the reader insight into the character of a key player in the story. 

The novel ends with a very open-ended scene, leaving the reader wanting to know how all the members of the Borgia family end up. Be prepared to do a little google search to learn more, I know I did!
I am really interested in reading more fiction about the Borgias if you have any suggestions feel free to comment below!

To buy this book from amazon now, click on the image at the top of the post.
To see more from Sarah Dunant, visit her website linked above.

An Irish Country Wedding by Patrick Taylor

Title: An Irish Country Wedding
Author: Patrick Taylor
Genre: Fiction

Synopsis: The story of a country doctor, Fingal Flattery O'Reilly, and the people of the small Irish town of Ballybucklebo that he serves. Once young lovers, Fingal and Kitty O' Halloran, reunite in their 60's and are getting married. This is the 7th of 10 Irish Country novels.

My Thoughts

This is the second novel in the series that I have read (Fingal O'Reilly, Irish Doctor). I was excited to find it in the clearance section because I enjoyed reading the first one as well. The books in this series are nice simple reads that move along smoothly. 
It is always nice to come back to familiar characters, and a simple storyline. There are a few suspenseful moments in this novel, but they are resolved quickly. It occasionally flashes back to when Fingal and Kitty were young, which contributes to the backstory nicely.
Overall, it is a good book to help you relax and laugh at the lovable characters.

Let me know if you agree in the comments below!

To buy this book from amazon now, click on the image at the top of the post.
To see more from Patrick Taylor, visit her website linked above.

Mrs. Lincoln's Rival by Jennifer Chiaverini

Title: Mrs. Lincoln's Rival
Author: Jennifer Chiaverini
Genre: Historical Fiction

Synopsis: A beautiful and intelligent young woman brought up by a father with presidential aspirations, Kate Chase works to establish her widowed father as a member of Lincoln's cabinet. As the people of Washington City praise her, Mary Todd Lincoln feels threatened and the two become rivals as they help the men in their lives to achieve greatness.

My Thoughts

This is the third novel that I have read by Jennifer Chiaverini (Mrs. Lincoln's Dressmaker, The Spymistress). Mrs. Lincoln's Rival had exactly what I liked about her other novels as well; a strong female lead living during the American Civil War offering a historical perspective different from the one told in history class. 
It was really interesting to learn about Kate Chase and her father, Salmon P. Chase, especially because they were from Ohio. Mr. Chase was governor of Ohio before being elected to represent Ohio in the Senate and then being selected by Lincoln to be Secretary of the Treasury. 
The reader gets inside information into how the government is being run as S. Chase solicits advice and confides in his daughter. Kate also gives a window into the social aspects of life as Washington City elite, holding dinners and attending parties hosted by the president and first lady. Of course, with Kate being a young woman, there is a large portion dedicated to courting rituals of the time as well.
Kate's friends also keep her informed about the happenings at the White House. I find the author's take on the Lincolns to be very intriguing because she does not idealize them, but rather focuses on the fact that they were real people.
Chiaverini chooses to showcase the less desirable aspects of Mary Todd Lincoln's temperament and the fact that Abraham Lincoln was not a strong abolitionist when he first took office.

If you are looking for a historically accurate piece of Civil War fiction then this book is for you! If you have read this novel, let me know what you think in the comments below!

To buy this book from amazon now, click on the image at the top of the post.
To see more from Jennifer Chiaverini, visit her website linked above.

The Martian by Andy Weir

Title: The Martian
Author: Andy Weir
Genre: Science Fiction

Synopsis: A man is stranded on Mars after an aborted mission when he is believed dead by his fellow astronauts. He chronicles his attempt to survive until the next mission to Mars arrives, in four years.

My Thoughts

As you can tell from my quick turn around on this post, this book is a really quick read. I'm not usually one for science fiction, as a science teacher the inaccuracies often really bother me. Andy Weir really knows his stuff, and I appreciate the research that had to go into keeping this novel realistic. It is a little science heavy at first, but it is needed to show how our stranded astronaut, Mark Watney, is well trained and creative enough to survive on Mars alone.

 Watney maintains a light and humorous tone as he keeps a log of his time on the red planet. The reader also gets to understand the situation from the perspective of officials at NASA and the team of astronauts who left Watney behind, as they work to save him. The best part is that even with careful scientific planning, things sometimes go awry for our protagonist; it is what keeps the reader totally engaged and invested in the story.

All in all, this a really good read. If you are not sold on science fiction but want to be converted, I recommend this book. I could not put it down, I just had to know if Mark Watney was going to make it back home to Earth.

To buy this book from amazon now, click on the image at the top of the post.
To see more from Andy Weir, visit his website linked above.

The Ice Cream Queen of Orchard Street by Susan Jane Gilman

Title: The Ice Cream Queen of Orchard Street
Author: Susan Jane Gilman
Genre: Fiction

Synopsis: This novel follows the life of a woman who immigrated to the United States from Russia as a young child. She encounters many hardships on her way to becoming a famous ice cream mogul.

My Thoughts

I have to admit, the cover and title of this book are what really drew me in. It looked so good to me I even paid full price (gasp!) for it. This novel was worth every penny. 500 pages and not once did it feel too long. It is seriously so, so good.
While the ice cream cone is why I picked it up, this story is about so much more than ice cream. An elderly Lillian Dunkle (aka. Lillian Dinello, Malka Bialystoker, Malka Treynovsky) narrates her life, semi-chronologically. While it jumps around a little in time, it is still easy to follow and keeps the reader wanting to know more.
 I really loved how this story is packed with history. As we move through Lillian's life the effects of each decade change how she lives and runs her business. It is so interesting to see how much changes in one person's lifetime. And all of this is intertwined with the evolution of ice cream in America, what could be better?
I could not recommend this book more. I think everyone should go out and get this one, it is a great summer read. (or an anytime read!) 
Let me know what you think of this book in the comments below!

To buy this book from amazon now, click on the image at the top of the post.
To see more from Susan Jane Gilman, visit her website linked above.

A Different Sun by Elaine Neil Orr

Title: A Different Sun: A Novel of Africa

Author: Elaine Neil Orr

Genre: Fiction

Synopsis: A young woman raised on her parents' southern slave-holding plantation travels to Africa as a missionary. The story is based loosely on the writings of missionaries Lurana Davis Bowen and Thomas Jefferson Bowen.

My Thoughts:

I really enjoyed reading this novel. I haven't read many books set in Africa and I'm really glad I grabbed this one off the shelf! I loved following the protagonist, Emma, as she grew up on a plantation in Georgia, became a missionary in Africa, and began her family. 

Emma is a character I found myself rooting for as she figures out life in a new country on a new continent. She is an unconventional woman living in the mid-to-late 1800s who wants more from life than to inherit her father's plantation. As you may notice, I love a good, strong, female lead.

 While most of the story is from Emma's point of view, we get the perspective of a few other main characters throughout the story as well. This allows for well-developed characters and helps the reader get a better understanding of life missionaries and native people in Africa.

The story takes unexpected turns, keeping the reader engaged and wanting more. If you are looking for something different, interesting, and with an ending that makes you wonder, this novel is a great choice.

To buy this book from amazon now, click on the image at the top of the post.

To see more from Elaine Neil Orr, visit her Amazon site linked above.

King's Mountain by Sharyn McCrumb

Title: King's Mountain: A Ballad Novel
Author: Sharyn McCrumb
Genre: Historical Fiction

Synopsis: A battle of the American Revolutionary War from as told from the perspective of residents of Appalachia who decide to fight on the side of the American rebels to defend their land, and an officer of the English forces. The characters are based on McCrumb's ancestors, whom she researched for this work.

My Thoughts

I really wanted to like this book, I was excited to hear about The Revolutionary War from a new perspective as I read the inside of the book jacket. Unfortunately, I just could not get into it. 

The author provides an immense amount of backstory on two men, Col. John Seiver, and Major Patrick Ferguson. The main chapters are told from the perspective of Col. Seiver, one chapter is told from Major Ferguson's perspective while the rest of Ferguson's story is told from the perspective of a young woman servant. To provide all this background information McCrumb moves back and forth between past and present, often without warning. The lack of transition feels awkward when trying to figure out what is occurring in the story. In addition, the fact that the story rarely comes back to this in-depth background leaves the reader wondering why the first 200 pages were important at all.

About 200 pages in is where I started to get interested in the story because it was finally moving forward. I was still finding myself having to re-read pages that lost my attention as the militia wandered trying to find Major Ferguson's army. The great number non-descript of characters makes keeping track of who is who quite difficult.
All-in-all, this one was just not for me. If you have read it and experienced it differently, please feel free to comment below and share your insight!


To buy this book from amazon now, click on the image at the top of the post.
To see more from Sharyn McCrumb, visit her website linked above.

2016 Reading Challenge

I found this on PopSugar, and I want to see how many I can get! Follow the link to find a larger version. See if you can get all of these in 2016! Let me know how your challenge is going in the comments below.

The Red Queen By Phillipa Gregory

Title: The Read Queen
Author: Phillipa Gregory
Genre: Historical Fiction

Synopsis: Part of the "The Cousins' War" series by Phillipa Gregory, the story follows Margaret Beaufort, a Lancaster. After several marriages, this pious young girl becomes an ambitious young woman fighting to put her son on the English throne.

My Thoughts: 

After reading the other five books in this series, I had an understanding of the large events that would take place. Each book tells the story of The Cousins' War (aka. The War of the Roses), from the perspective of a woman member of the warring parties. As expected, it was an enjoyable read with a great mix of historical fact and fiction that captivate the reader.

What was unexpected, is the sympathy I felt for the protagonist, Margaret Beaufort, who I had come to despise in the five works I had read previously. 

The early chapters provided me with the background I needed to see that Margaret started as an innocent, dreaming girl. By the end, though I understood the hardships that made her the hardened and manipulative woman she became, I still found her to be unlikeable. Oddly, I liked that I wasn't always on her side, even as the protagonist in the story. Her actions in this novel made me really think about if the ends can justify the means.

Most of the book is written in first person from Margaret Beaufort's point of view. There was an odd switch for a few chapters toward the end, where battle scenes were written in third person. While I understand that Margaret wasn't present for the battles, the switch felt uncomfortable, and when the battles were over, it came back to first person. 

Overall, this was a good read that kept me engaged and in suspense. (Even though I knew what was going to happen! How does Gregory do it?) I highly recommend any of the books from this series, many of which I enjoyed even more than this one.

To buy this book from amazon now, click on the image at the top of the post.
To see more from Phillipa Gregory, visit her website linked above.