Category: Literary Criticism

Book Critic, Book Review, Books, Literary Criticism, Reading

Review: Midnight in Berlin by James MacManus

by The Lit BitchLeave a Comment on Review: Midnight in Berlin by James MacManus

I am a sucker for war romances…..and that’s sort of what I thought I was getting with this book.

While it does have elements of romance, it’s more of a book about the beginning days of WWII and what was going on behind the scenes with diplomatic discussions etc.

Berlin, 1938. Newly-appointed diplomat, Noel Macrae and his wife Primrose arrive at the British Embassy in Berlin.

Prime Minister Chamberlain is intent on placating Nazi Germany, but Macrae is less so.

Convinced Hitler can be stopped by other means than appeasement, he soon discovers he is not the only dissenting voice in the Embassy and finds that some senior officers in the German military are prepared to turn against the Fuhrer.

Gathering vital intelligence, Macrae is drawn to a Nazi bordello and its enigmatic Jewish hostess Sara Sternschein. Sara is a treasure-trove of knowledge about the Nazi hierarchy in a city of lies, spies and secrets.

Continue reading “Review: Midnight in Berlin by James MacManus” →

Book Critic, Book Review, Books, Literary Criticism, Reading

Review: A Fine Imitation by Amber Brock

by The Lit Bitch2 Comments on Review: A Fine Imitation by Amber Brock

The 1920s seem to be a very popular period in literature at the moment.

I’ve read a lot of books lately set in this time period which is fun because it’s a period that often gets passed over in historical fiction.

The Regency, Tudor, and Victorian era always seem to garner the most literary action when it comes to historical fiction.

In this book we meet young New York socialite Vera Bellington who passes her days with champagne-soaked socializing and then at night she waits for her less than attentive husband to come home to her, which basically never happens.

Her life is lonely to say the least and she is longing for some kind of excitement…..anything to break up the monotony in her life.

Then along comes French artist, Emil Hallan who moves into her building. He is mysterious and his art work is also a mystery to Vera so she is soon intrigued and curious about this young, handsome painter. Somehow she finds herself drawn to Emil’s warmth and passion but yet she is suspicious about him.

Continue reading “Review: A Fine Imitation by Amber Brock” →

Book Critic, Book Review, Books, Literary Criticism, Reading

Review: The Storm Sister (The Seven Sisters #2) by Lucinda Riley

by The Lit Bitch6 Comments on Review: The Storm Sister (The Seven Sisters #2) by Lucinda Riley

Last spring, I had the pleasure of starting this unique series, The Seven Sisters.

This series tells the story of each of the D’Apliese sisters that were adopted by a rich billionaire, Pa Salt, and named after the Seven Sisters constellation.

This book is the second in the series and chronicles the story of Ally D’Apliese who is a sensible, professional sailor.

After sailing in one of her most challenging races, the smoldering chemistry between skipper, Theo, and Ally is ripe for igniting. The two are vacationing together in the Greek Isles when word reaches Ally that Pa Salt has died.

After this devastating news Ally returns to her home retreat ‘Atlantis’ in Geneva to mourn her father. When she arrives her father has left clues for all seven of the sisters to find out where they come from…..if they choose. Most of the sisters have said said they will find out someday but few have expressed much interest in the subject of their ‘roots’.

Ally returns to Theo and begins to prep for the ‘race of her life’ called Fastnet which promises glory for the winning team but it also promises extremely dangerous conditions.

Continue reading “Review: The Storm Sister (The Seven Sisters #2) by Lucinda Riley” →

Book Critic, Book Review, Books, Literary Criticism, Reading

Review: The Tsarina’s Legacy by Jennifer Laam

by The Lit Bitch2 Comments on Review: The Tsarina’s Legacy by Jennifer Laam

The book begins with flashbacks to the Empress Catherine of Russia, and the relationship she had with Grigory  ‘Grisha’ Potemkin.

Grisha is in love with Catherine, and is trying to win back her heart. Unfortunately, Catherine has a new lover named Platon Zubov.

Platon is a threat to Grisha, not only because he is Catherine’s lover, but also because he tries to influence Catherine.

He is determined to preserve Catherine’s legacy he must save her from Zubov’s dangerous influence and win back her heart.

Veronica Herrera receives news that she is an heiress to the Romanov throne, and receives an invitation to go to Russia.

Seeking purpose, Veronica agrees to act as an advocate to free a Russian artist sentenced to prison for displaying paintings critical of the church and government.

Veronica is both celebrated and chastised. As her political role comes under fire, Veronica is forced to decide between the glamorous perks of European royalty and staying true to herself.

Continue reading “Review: The Tsarina’s Legacy by Jennifer Laam” →

Book Critic, Book Review, Books, Literary Criticism, Reading

Review: The Girl from the Paradise Ballroom by Alison Love

by The Lit Bitch2 Comments on Review: The Girl from the Paradise Ballroom by Alison Love

Soho, 1937. When struggling Italian singer Antonio meets the wife of his wealthy new patron he recognizes her instantly: it is Olivia, the captivating dance hostess he once encountered in the seedy Paradise Ballroom.

Olivia is afraid that Antonio will betray the secrets of her past, but little by little they are drawn together, outsiders in a glittering world to which they do not belong.

At last, with conflict looming across Europe, the attraction between them becomes impossible to resist – but when Italy declares war on Britain, the impact threatens to separate them for ever…

That’s the description of this latest historical fiction novel and to my surprise…..the description didn’t really match the novel which was unusual for me. I noticed other reviewers noted the same thing.

I think what caught me off guard was the implication of an ‘epic romance’ based on the description of the novel. The description, to me, implies epic based on using the war as a backdrop. In most war time romances that I’ve read, they are typically pretty long and the war plays a larger role in the story overall.

Continue reading “Review: The Girl from the Paradise Ballroom by Alison Love” →