January, 2019

"The Real Wallis Simpson" by Anna Pasternak         

This book outlines the romance and lives of Prince Edward and Wallis Simpson. It paints Wallis not as a gold digging American divorcee, but a woman trapped by Edward's passion and inability to let her go. It shows Edward as a passionate, honorable, and stubborn man as he fought his entire life to have Wallis recognized by the royal family.         

I thought this was an interesting and well written book. It depicted Edward and Wallis as real people, rather than the one-dimensional picture you normally get of royalty. It seemed to be well researched, and felt as if the author really knew the characters. Overall, 4 out of 5 stars.

"The Quintland Sisters" by Shelley Wood         

When Emma Trimpany assists the local midwife, she is astonished when five baby girls are born. During the babies first days of life, Emma and a nurse keeps watch over them. Immediately, the world takes notice of the quintuplets, and the doctors and parents fight over their care and publicity. Eventually, the quints are moved across the street to a newly built nursery, where their every move is watched by their adoring public. Emma continues to help with their care, and eventually obtains a nursing certificate.         

This was a well written, and engaging story. I found the book hard to put down. The combination of journal entries, newspaper articles, and letters really worked to tie the story together and create progression. I do wish that the book contained some photos of the babies, or some of the advertisements based on the babies. Overall, highly recommended.

"Dreaming in Code: Ada Byron Lovelace, Computer Pioneer" by Emily McCully         

This book outlines the life of Ada Byron Lovelace. Ada is known throughout the world as the first computer programmer. Raised by a strict and domineering mother, Ada never met her father, the famous poet Lord Byron. Interested in math, mental puzzles, and inventions, Ada was a woman born well before her time.          

I thought this book was a bit mediocre. I didn't feel like I really got to know Ada. The book rushed through her life story, leaving out huge periods of time. The book spent a lot of time talking about Ada's mother, but then barely discussed her husband and children. Overall, this book was a bust.

"City of Flickering Light" by Juliette Fay         

Irene, Millie, and Henry jump from a moving train to escape their life in a traveling burlesque show. The friends make their way to Hollywood, where they are determined to break into the pictures. Henry immediately finds work at the movies as a tailor. Irene eventually finds work in the typing pool, and Millie waits on the benches, hoping to be picked as an extra. Together, the three friends navigate the exciting, and often treacherous, world of Hollywood.          

This was a dynamic, fun, and entertaining book. The characters were well developed and interesting. They story moved at a nice pace, and showed a depth of emotion and range. I look forward to reading more from this author.

"A Woman of No Importance" by Sonia Purnell         

During WWII, Virginia Hall risked her life over and over, as a spy in occupied France. During the beginning of the war, she created a vast organization of contacts, busted fellow spies out of jail, and relayed on-the-ground intelligence about German troop movements, numbers, and the day-to-day condition. After her cover was blown, she escaped over the mountains in the dead of winter with a prosthetic leg. Once back in England, she demanded to be sent back to France. Upon her return, she coordinated guerrilla fighters, blowing up bridges, arranging equipment drops, and reporting back vital information.

  Virginia Hall was a fascinating person. I can't imagine her strength and determination. Although the book was slow at times, it was well written and engaging. Overall, well worth picking up.

"The Princess of 42nd Street" by Hodas and Ridley         

Romola, the eldest daughter of New York's King of Porn, writes about her childhood and the turbulent relationship she has with her father and mentally ill mother. I'm not entirely sure how I feel about this book. The first half was well written, interesting and engaging. The second half was kind of bizarre. It continually foreshadowed events, but then glanced over them briefly. It promoted the sequel, which hasn't been written yet, and then turned into this weird self-promotional book about Romola's new age, alternative healing and motivational career. Overall, a bust.

"The German Midwife" by Mandy Robotham         

Anke Hoff begins the story as a political prisoner in a German concentration camp. A midwife, Anke delivers the babies of pregnant inmates, only to have the guards murder the babies at first light. It is a brutal and demoralizing existence, but she does her best for the mother's under her care. One day, she is taken from the camps and told that she will now serve as midwife to Eva Braun.          

This was a well written and engaging book. The characters were interesting and dynamic. There were some good twists and unexpected moments that kept me reading long into the night. Overall, well worth picking up.

"Margaret Tudor" by Melanie Clegg

This book outlines the life of Margaret Tudor, older sister of Henry VIII. At a young age Margaret was married to King James VI of Scotland. The two enjoyed several good years together until he was killed when Margaret was 23. Margaret was made regent for her son, a position she was forced to give up when she remarried a year later.          

Although Margaret Tudor is an interesting historical figure, this book was a bit dry. She didn't quite seem realistic, and I never felt like I was able to get to know her. The book moved slowly, even tedious at times. Overall, 3 out of 5 stars.

"Woman 99" by Greer Macallister          

When Charlotte's sister is committed to an asylum, she feigns suicide in the hopes of getting her out. Charlotte is at first overwhelmed by life in the asylum, but quickly adjusts to its rhythms. Much to her surprise, she discovers that not all of the women inside are insane. The asylum's goal is to make money, not to help the inmates.          

This was an interesting read. Charlotte and her fellow inmates were well developed characters. Her naivete was astounding at times, but it felt right for the time period. Most of the guards and doctors seemed stereotypical and could have used a bit more development. Despite this criticism, I enjoyed the book and look forward to reading more from this author.

"Lost You" by Haylen Beck         

Libby and her son Ethan journey to a resort hotel for vacation. When Ethan rushes into the elevator alone, he disappears. Security videos show that he has been taken by another woman. When Libby and the police catch up with the woman, she claims that Ethan is her son. The book alternates with the past, where Libby and her husband are working with an agency for a surrogacy adoption.          

I had a hard time putting this book down. It was suspenseful and engaging. It unraveled at a nice pace, and the back and forth in timelines really worked. Overall, well worth picking up.