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Reviews by Maxine D. (Chicago, IL)

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The Last Grand Duchess: A Novel of Olga Romanov, Imperial Russia, and Revolution
by Bryn Turnbull

The heartbreaking, short life of a cloistered princess. (1/23/2022)

"The Last Grand Duchess" by Bryn Turnbull is a historical novel that concentrates on Olga, the eldest daughter of Nicholas and Alexandra. Unable to avoid their fate the author provides a realistic view into a close knit family that was often stifling and overprotective and …more

My Lovely Wife
by Samantha Downing

Did not find the Characters believable nor likable (12/18/2018)

I basically did not enjoy this book. I marked average instead of poor because I found the book easy to read. Not very original. The story and characters are unrealistic and the story and subject matter are not to my liking. I would not recommend this book to most people.

To Capture What We Cannot Keep
by Beatrice Colin

Enjoyed the Descriptions of Paris and The Eiffel Tower (11/18/2017)

I took a while to get into the book although I found it very easy to read and I was immediately drawn into to the setting and the characters. It wasn't until the end that the story and the characters truly came together for me. I thought they could be be more fully …more

The Story of Arthur Truluv: A Novel
by Elizabeth Berg

Really enjoyed The Story of Arthur Truluv (6/14/2017)

This is the first time I am reading a book by this author and I will be reading others. The characters quickly drew me in and I found myself finishing this book rather quickly. I felt like I could identify with each of the characters in different ways. I lost my mother when …more

The Half Wives
by Stacia Pelletier

Found it Difficult Read (2/7/2017)

I found this book very difficult to get into and finish. I think the storyline was interesting though the structure was what made it hard to follow and made it not hold my interest. I did not like the author's style of writing.

Victoria
by Daisy Goodwin

Very Enjoyable, A Young Queen Victoria came to Life for Me (11/15/2016)

In the 1990's I visited Kensington Palace where I had a wonderful tour which included the telling of Victoria's childhood there. As I began reading I recalled my visit. Knowing that this book is a series on Masterpiece Theatre coming in January, I feel the screenplay must …more

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The Girls of Good Fortune
by Kristina McMorris

Brave the Shanghai tunnels in this tale of love, identity, and resilience passed through generations.

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The Lilac People
by Milo Todd

For fans of All the Light We Cannot See, a poignant tale of a trans man’s survival in Nazi Germany and postwar Berlin.

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Daughters of Shandong
by Eve J. Chung

Based on the author’s family story, comes an extraordinary novel about a mother and her daughters’ escape from Taiwan.

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Lies and Weddings
by Kevin Kwan

A forbidden affair erupts at a lavish Hawaiian wedding in this wild comedy from the author of Crazy Rich Asians.

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