Books, Reading

Special Feature: The First Actress by C.W. Gortner

by The Lit Bitch1 Comment on Special Feature: The First Actress by C.W. Gortner

C. W. Gortner is such a wonderful writer when it comes to reimagining the lives of famous women. I have read many of his books and enjoyed every one! It’s so rare that a male writer can capture the essence and stories of women to such an exacting degree but he does it every single time! If you haven’t read any of his books you definitely need to.

If you have been reading historical fiction for a while, Gortner will no doubt be on your radar. His latest book, The First Actress, is out now in paperback and since its hardback release last year, it’s been getting a lot of high praise from readers. It follows the story of Sarah Bernhardt who is the first ‘film star’ and in this book, her story is told from her own POV which I think is powerful and exciting.

I am hoping to read this one in the fall but since the paperback is out now, I thought I would share a bit about this book with you guys today! Gortner has a practiced hand when it comes to story telling and he also does a fantastic amount of research for all of his novels. I have no doubt that this book will be equally as well thought out and researched as his others. Be sure to snag yourselves a copy today!

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

Review: Beth and Amy by Virginia Kantra

by The Lit Bitch2 Comments on Review: Beth and Amy by Virginia Kantra

Little Women was the first time I saw myself in a book character. Jo March was me idol as a child. I especially loved the Winona Ryder film version of this classic and always felt like Jo March was so me and whenever I envision Jo March, I think of Winona Ryder. Jo March will forever be one of my favorite classic characters and one I strongly identify with where as Amy will forever be the girl who stole Laurie from her! Amy is my least favorite March sister.

I haven’t read Virginia Kantra’s modern reimagined book Meg and Jo yet but it was high up on my TBR list. When this next book on Beth and Amy came up for review, I had to jump at it even if Amy isn’t my favorite. I was eager to see a modern take on such a classic story and see how those timeless characters were portrayed in a modern setting.

For me, books like this can go either way. Classic characters in a modern setting don’t always work for some reason. I think a lot of readers have nostalgia connected to those characters and seeing them in a world that isn’t their norm, makes it hard to connect with them. But I was open to trying this one and seeing where it took me.

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Books, Reading

Special Feature: Match Made in Paradise (Paradise, Alaska #1) by Barbara Dunlop

by The Lit BitchLeave a Comment on Special Feature: Match Made in Paradise (Paradise, Alaska #1) by Barbara Dunlop

Berkley Romance books are some of my absolute favorite reads and when I saw this new series was being released, I knew it was going to be golden! Author Barbara Dunlop has written a number of spicy rugged romances and this is a new contempo romance series for her but she is no stranger to the genre of romance.

I am also here for romances set in obscure locations like Alaska. I mean when you think about escaping some where sexy to find unexpected love, Alaska isn’t exactly the place that I think of first but this book might just change my mind! I am so excited to sink my teeth into a sexy rugged hero, so bring on all the swooning!

If romances are your thing (they are definitely mine!) then you aren’t going to want to miss this new series. It’s already receiving sizzling reviews and readers are loving the chemistry between the characters and the stunning setting in Alaska! I am reading this one on my plane ride home and I cannot wait to start it! Pick up a copy for yourself today!

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

Review: A Betting Woman: A Novel of Madame Moustache by Jenni L. Walsh

by The Lit Bitch1 Comment on Review: A Betting Woman: A Novel of Madame Moustache by Jenni L. Walsh

Over the years I have started to work with more exclusively with larger publishing houses but I still have a special spot in my heart for smaller publishers and their great authors who maybe don’t get the same recognition that some of the larger houses do. When I can, I do try to read books from smaller publishers especially when they look really good!

When I was approached to review A Betting Woman, I liked the premise of the book. I love that it was based on a real person and that it focused on the life of a women who was making her own way in the gambling world during the gold rush. I wrote a paper in college on the gold rush and how it brought settlers west and created a lot of boom towns so it’s a time period that is interesting to me and often not explored in traditional historical fiction.

If you are a historical fiction fan but are looking for something a little off the beaten path then I think this would be a good option for you. This one has a distinct American West vibe that is fun and fresh so if it sounds like something you are craving then you need to snag yourself a copy!

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Books, Reading

Special Feature: Tears of Amber by Sofía Segovia

by The Lit Bitch1 Comment on Special Feature: Tears of Amber by Sofía Segovia

For all the people who read The Murmur of Bees, here it is—your next Sofia Segovia book, Tears of Amber. The Murmur of Bees came out in 2015 and was widely praised by readers and many have been eager to read the next Segovia book. Tears of Amber has already gathered a ton of positive reviews and I cannot wait to read this one! I also have a copy up for giveaway over on my Instagram page so if this book sounds like something you might like, pop on over to my IG page and enter my giveaway!

This is going to be a great historical fiction read, I can feel it! I know a lot of historical fiction fans feel like the genre is saturated with WWII era books but this one sounds like it’s going to be different and told through a different lens. It sounds moving and sweeping. I think historical fiction fans will find a lot to love here. And even if you aren’t into historical fiction, this book might change your mind! It sounds like such an elegant read not to mention that cover is pure fire! I love it!

This book is out now and receiving great reviews, not to mention it was part of Amazon’s First Reads program. You don’t want to miss this one! Don’t forget to stop by my IG page and enter my giveaway and be sure to get this one on your TBR list for the summer.

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