Special Feature: The Age of Decadence: A History of Britain: 1880-1914 by Simon Heffer

I don’t read a ton of non fiction or history books anymore. I mean I kind of got my fill when I was doing my masters in history. It’s not that I don’t love history or reading non fiction history books, but I have to been in the mood for one. I do love history books, but for the most part, I lean toward novels and fiction or mysteries. But ever once in a while a great history book catches my eye.

One of my favorite periods in history is that odd few years between the Victorian era and WWI. It was a time of elegance and riches the likes of which the world is unlikely to ever see again. At the start of the Great War, the world as we know it under went massive social change and it’s such an exciting time period for me.

That was one of the reasons why this book caught my eye. It pinpoints my favorite period in history and brings it directly into the spotlight. Simon Heffer’s 900+ page history book has received some high praise from readers. While it might be on the long side, it covers so much of British history in great detail…..social, artistic, and cultural history come together in this exciting new history book! I cannot wait to check out some of the topics he covers in this one. And it sounds like it’s a very readable history book rather than a dull text. I am really looking forward to this one!

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Special Feature: The Last Queen: Elizabeth II’s Seventy Year Battle to Save the House of Windsor by Clive Irving

There has been a bright spot in the pandemic, I have finally had an excuse to get caught up on some of my favorite Netflix shows, one of which is The Crown. I absolutely love anything related to the monarchy and I was so excited to finally have some time to catch up on one of my favorite shows!

I have read a lot of fiction based on the Windsor monarchy, but I hadn’t read too many non fiction novels though. In general I am not a big non fiction reader but I have enjoyed some memoirs and other non fiction works, I mean I am a historian after all, which is one of the reasons this book caught my eye.

Today I am thrilled to be bringing you guys not only a little bit about this book, but a special excerpt written but the author as well all about Queen Elizabeth II. If you love The Crown and are looking for a more comprehensive history of the royals, then this might be a book you want to check out!

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Review: Love Poems for the Office by John Kenney

John Kenney’s quick little ‘Love Poems’ books have been a bright spot in my reading calendar over the last few years. While not quite a ‘poet’ Kenney never ceases to connect with his audience in an unexpected way.

I laughed out loud at a number of this poems over the years and have enjoyed giving these little books to friends and family throughout the years, especially for stocking stuffers. He has a wonderful comedic voice.

When this one came up for review, I was excited to read it because I know that he has rarely written a poem that I don’t find humor in, in at least one way or another. And these books are short and quick to read as they are poetry, you can easily pass some times quickly reading through this collection.

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Review: Lust Killer by Ann Rule

For ‘Non Fiction November’ my book club really wanted to read a true crime novel. And seriously, is there anyone better than Ann Rule?! The answer is no….no there is not. I absolutely love all of her novels and have read so so so many of them.

However, it’s been years since I have read one of her novels. Like at least 15+ years. I went through a big true crime phase back in the early 2000s and a devoured many of her books but for some reason I didn’t read this one and I am shocked because I have an intimate connection with this book.

My uncle was one of the defense attorneys for the wife in this book and the murders happened right here in my home town, and my dad went to school with the killer. I mean why haven’t I read this book long before now?! I literally have no idea but our book club thought this would be a great read for Non Fiction November!

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First Impression: Playing with Fire: A Modern Investigation into Demons, Exorcism, and Ghosts by Billy Hallowell

For hundreds of years, humans have been fascinated with the dead. Whether it’s been contacting loved ones in seances, haunted houses, or searching for a spiritual connection that will be with them in the afterlife.

This non fiction book explores the occult world of demons and ghosts but through the perspective of faith. Right away this is what attracted me to this book. I thought it would be an interesting study about what you believe and how the occult factors into that.

When I picked this one up I was interested to see how the author explored these topics and was eager to check out his writing style since he is an investigative journalist. Though I don’t read a lot of non fiction I was curious to see what direction this book went in.

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