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 very out of step with the moving of the times. The characters are well developed and the list of characters and the glossary were helpful. I enjoyed this book and strongly recommend it to other readers who enjoy well-researched and written historical novels.
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 described in the beginning. Alice and James Arrol were rather empty. In the end it all came together for me and I would reccommend this book to anyone who loves Paris.
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 I was 19 years old and I am now 70 so I can identify with missing your mother throughout your life. Fortunately my father was more like Arthur Truluv than Maddy's father. I also found much to identify with Lucille also. I would highly recommend this book and look forward to reading other books by Elizabeth Berg.
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 of come first as this book reads more like a screenplay than a novel. I think this actually made it more enjoyable for me. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys Masterpiece Theatre and I am looking forward to the series. I also hope that the author Daisy Goodwin will write another book or books on Queen Victoria as this book just begins to tell the story of her reign.
