July, 2020

"Secrets of Eveline House" by Sheila Forsey         

Playwright Violet, her husband Henry, and their young daughter Sylvia move from London to Eveline House in Ireland. Violet's plays, which seem to criticize the church, are banned in Ireland. The townswomen are less than kind to Violet, and trying to oust her, send threatening letters to her daughter. Henry, born in Ireland, refuses to move. One day, Violet disappears, and Henry is the sole suspect. Seventy years later, wedding gown designer Emily buys Eveline House. The house is exactly how it was left in 1950, full of personal possessions, family photographs, and even the clothes of the former occupants. Determined to find out what happened, Emily begins looking into its history.

     This book was extremely slow moving. The author switched points of view, but often went over the same information or scene. Neither timeline was particularly compelling or page turning. Overall, a bust.

"Burn our Bodies Down" by Rory Power          

Margot and her mother have been everything to one another. Yet, Margot's mother is distant, needy, and aloof. Margot just wants to know her mother, her past, her family, anything. When Margot finds her grandmother's number, she calls her. When Margot runs away from home, to her grandmother, she unravels more about her family history than she ever wanted to know.          

I don't really know how to describe this book other than - odd. The characters were odd, particularly Margot's mother and grandmother. The story itself was odd, not in a bad way, it was just different. I'm not sure I really enjoyed this book, but I didn't dislike it. Overall, 3 out of 5 stars.

"The Night Portrait" by Laura Morelli         

This book alternates between four points of view. In 15th century Milan, Cecilia sets herself up to become the mistress of the Duke of Milan. Leonardo Da Vinci, while dreaming of war machines, paints her portrait. At the beginning of WWII, Edith, a German art restorer, is tasked with uncovering priceless works of art throughout the conquered territories. At the end of WWII, after landing on the beaches of Normandy, Dominic is tasked with working with the Monuments Men team.          

Although this was an interesting story, the book itself was a bit repetitive and slow moving. Each point of view was only for a page or two, which made it hard to get to know the characters. The book would have been much better of the author took her time with the story, rather than flitting from story line to story line. Overall, 3 out of 5 stars.

"Jackie and Maria" by Gill Paul          

Maria Callas, a famous Greek opera singer, leaves her husband after meeting and falling for Aristotle Onassis. The world's richest man, Aristotle lives a life of glamour and fun aboard his yacht. In America, Jackie Kennedy makes the decision to stand by her cheating husband, as he gains political notoriety, and eventually the White House. After the death of her husband, Jackie falls into a deep depression. While still maintaining his relationship with Maria, Aristotle sweeps into her life, offering her security and money.          

This was an absolutely fascinating book. The story was well paced and the characters were well developed and multi dimensional. My heart broke for Maria, as she tried to hold onto her love, career, and herself. Jackie, was tougher to like, but I understood her point of view and why she was seeking security through Aristotle's wealth. I look forward to reading more from this author.

"The Exiles" by Christina Baker Kline         

After becoming pregnant by her employer's son, Evangeline is accused of stealing a ring that he gave her. Sentenced to transport and hard labor in Australia, Evangeline is put on a repurposed slave ship. On the ship, Evangeline befriends Hazel, a teenager who is skilled in midwifery and herbs.          

This was a well written and engaging book. It was well paced and delivered many surprises. The characters were well developed and very interesting. I enjoyed reading about this topic, one I've rarely seen in books. I look forward to reading more from this author.

"The Downstairs Girl" by Stacey Lee         

After being dismissed from her job as a hat maker, Jo Kuan is forced into a job as a lady's maid. Her charge is difficult, cantankerous, and determined to make Jo uncomfortable. Jo and her adopted father, Old Gin, live in a hidden cellar. Above them lives the Bell's a newspaper family. When Jo learns that the newspaper is in trouble, she begins pinning an agony aunt column "Dear Miss Sweetie." Her irreverent columns, and challenges to society's normal quickly lands her in hot water, as people across the city try and uncover her identity.          

I was pleased to discover a strong, female character, determined to make a difference in the world. I loved Jo's attitude and point of view. Although Jo was a strong character, a lot of the secondary characters were one dimensional and felt like caricatures. The plot itself was a bit predictable, and easily resolved. Overall, 3 out of 5 stars.

"American Royals II: Majesty" by Katharine McGee          

After the death of her father, the King of America, Beatrice struggles to define herself, and find her power. With her advisor insisting that she marries, she reluctantly decides to set the date. Meanwhile, her sister Samantha fakes a relationship to make Beatrice's fiancée jealous. Samantha's best friend Nina, struggles with the aftermath of her relationship with Prince Jefferson, and struggles to define herself. Prince Jefferson's power crazed ex girlfriend Daphne, continues to plot ways to get back with Jeff.         

Overall, this was a fun, quick read. However, a lot of the plot seemed to be a repeat of the first book. I understand that relationship drama is the bedrock of a young adult book, but some of the angst felt stale. Despite this criticism, I would read more from this author. 3 out of 5 stars.