Category: Book Review

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Review: War of the Roses: Margaret of Anjou by Conn Iggulden

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War is coming….or is it winter? This is the book that inspired the wildly popular A Song of Ice and Fire series (AKA Game of Thrones). This latest book in the War of the Roses series was a constant action sequence.

I haven’t read the first book in the series and that did put me at a bit of a disadvantage because I didn’t fully understand the relationships between some of the characters but I do know my British history so it didn’t take too long to get situated in the story.

the year is 1454 and King Henry VI has remained all but exiled in Windsor Castle, struck down by his illness for over a year. His fiercely loyal wife and Queen, Margaret of Anjou, safeguards his interests, and hopes that one day her son Edward will know the love of his father.

Richard Duke of York, Protector of the Realm, extends his influence throughout the kingdom while King Henry struggles with his illness. The Earls of Salisbury and Warwick make up a formidable trinity with Richard, and together they seek to break the support of those who would raise their colors in the name of Henry and his Queen.

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Review: Miss Emily by Nuala O’Connor

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Emily Dickinson is one of America’s most beloved poets. But who was the woman behind all that passion and genius? This book offers a glimpse (albeit a fictional glimpse) into the life of Emily and her life as a recluse in Amherst, Massachusetts.

The story alternates between Emily’s POV and that of her new Irish maid, Ada. Ada has left her family in Ireland in favor of seeking employment in a prosperous new world. When she lands her job at the Dickinson residence as a’ maid of all’, she knows she is fortunate to be in with such a well to do family.

Emily and Ada quickly hit things off and develop a mutual respect for each other. As Emily becomes more and more reclusive, she starts living vicariously through Ada. Though separated by their social standings these two women find a mutual friendship that is both beautiful and compelling.

I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect from this novel…..I was thinking it would be more about Emily and her life and less about the maid and the bonds of female friendship/companionship but I was pleasantly surprised with this new perspective.

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Review: The Heart of Betrayal (The Remnant Chronicles #2) by Mary E. Pearson

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Princess Lia and her handsome Prince Rafe, are being held captive in the barbarian kingdom of Venda.

In an effort to save her from certain death, Kaden, Lia’s would be assassin, tells the Vendan Komisar that she has the sight and will be a great asset to the Vendan people.

The Komisar agrees to spare her life…..for now. But her position is precarious. The same goes for Rafe, he lies to the Komisar and tells him that he is an emissary sent on behalf of the  Dalbreck Prince to negotiate an alliance.

But this lie has only bought Rafe at best a month before his sham is revealed.

Lies. Lies. And more lies. Lies roll off of Rafe’s tongue with ease. This makes Lia nervous…..though she loves her prince, she doesn’t know if she can trust him.

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Review: The Last Town (Wayward Pines #3) by Blake Crouch

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The last time we saw Wayward Pines, all hell was breaking loose…..literally! The abbys had arrived in town and everything was in complete and utter chaos.

Ethan Burke called David Pilcher’s bluff and told the residents of Wayward Pines what the town really was and in retaliation, Pilcher opened the gates and let the abbys in. Now the town is under attack and there is no way to stop the abbys.

With humanity down to only 400 people, there aren’t that many people to ‘spare’ and with the abbys making short work of the remaining towns people, Ethan hopes to find a way to stop the abbys and save the residents of Wayward Pines before it’s too late!

Armed with only a few weapons and residents with little combat or shooting knowledge, the odds are against Ethan but he isn’t willing to give up his family or his life just yet.

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Review: The Truth According to Us by Annie Barrows

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It’s summer time in small town America.

In the panhandle of West Virginia, Layla is cut off by her wealthy family in the middle of the Great Depression.

She is forced to find a job with the Writers Project writing the history of Macedonia, a small town in West Virginia.

While working, she will board with the Romeyn family and where we will meet two other main characters:  Jottie and Willa.

Layla’s assignment is to write the official history of the town, she learns there are plenty of secrets in the town, not to mention plenty of colorful characters. She begins investigating the town and her inquiries force the Romeyn family, as well as the town, to face some painful memories.

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