Audio: Tony's Wife - Adriana Trigiani

Audio CD, 12 h

Narrator. Edoardo Ballerini

Published November 20th 2018 by HarperAudio

historical fiction

Thank you Harper for this review copy!

MY Thoughts

That blurb sure makes it seem like these two meet one summer and fall in love. No they did not.

ChiChi wants to become a singer, and she tries everything to make it happen. She writes her own song, she records albums (in her garage). She is driven and smart.

Severio becomes a singer even if that was maybe not the road he really wanted to take. But well on it he wants more and more of everything.

They meet in the summer of 1938, and then go back at doing their own things. Their story will span until 2000. They become friends and coworkers. ChiChi writes hits, he sings. He flirts with women, she builds something. But obviously they will try something more, and I kept waiting for it, since after all the book is called Tony's girl.

I liked how ChiCi was always I will not be a doormat, I will choose my own fate. But then she becomes a biddable Italian wife. And she feels resentful that she is the one giving everything up. But he never asks that of her. And that is not the person he fell in love with either. She shapes herself into something she does not want to, nor he. Their story is not a happy one. He has wandering hands and I felt like if she had stayed true to herself then maybe he had too. Or maybe he was just a smex addict.

It is a book about working hard and trying to make something of yourself. About falling in and out of love. About how men think they can have it all, while the women carry the burden.

Conclusion:
I enjoyed it, even if I had wished for his hands not to wander so much. But then this was not a romance.

Narrator

I did like his voice for everyone, and I also liked how he aged them. From 16 to 80. He had a smooth voice that fitted the story.

Synopsis

Set in the lush Big Band era of the 1940s and World War II, this spellbinding saga from beloved New York Times bestselling author tells the story of two talented working class kids who marry and become a successful singing act, until time, temptation and the responsibilities of home and family derail their dreams

Shortly before World War II, Chi Chi Donatelli and Saverio Armandonada meet one summer on the Jersey shore and fall in love. Both are talented and ambitious, and both share the dream of becoming singers for the legendary orchestras of the time: Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Benny Goodman. They’re soon married, and it isn’t long before Chiara and Tony find that their careers are on the way up as they navigate the glamorous worlds of night clubs, radio and television. All goes well until it becomes clear that they must make a choice: Which of them will put their ambitions aside to raise a family and which will pursue a career? And how will they cope with the impact that decision has on their lives and their marriage?

From the Jersey shore to Las Vegas to Hollywood, and all the dance halls in between, this multi-layered story is vivid with historical color and steeped in the popular music that serves as its score. Tony’s Wife is a magnificent epic of life in a traditional Italian family undergoing seismic change in a fast paced, modern world. Filled with vivid, funny and unforgettable characters, this richly human story showcases Adriana Trigiani’s gifts as a storyteller and her deep understanding of family, love and the pursuit of the American dream. 

Audio: A Dangerous Duet - Karen Odden

Audio CD, 10 h, 43 min

Narrated by: Billie Fullford-Brown

Published November 6th 2018 by HarperCollins

Historical Mystery

Thank you Harper for this review copy

My Thoughts

A historical mystery will always win over a modern one. It's darker, and harder to catch bad guys.

Nell is a pianist and she needs to earn money. What else to do than to dress up like a guy and play at a music hall. She is careful, and she wouldn't have gotten away with it if her brother had not been coming home late every night. Music is her passion and she wants to study and learn more.

I must say I was quite fascinated by her Scotland Yard detective brother. I would love to learn more about him and see him solve a crime, and hey maybe find that special someone. Now he is busy solving murder and thefts.

As for the story. Nell works hard. She finds that the owner's son seems nice. And then she learns something dangerous. Foul deeds at the music hall. Then the clock starts ticking. Will her brother solve the case in time for her to be safe.

Conclusion:

I enjoyed the story, and I do hope she writes one about the brother!

Narrator Billie Fullford-Brown

I liked her narration. Everyone had a distinct voice and she kept the drama coming.

Sample

Synopsis

Nineteen-year-old Nell Hallam lives in a modest corner of Mayfair with her brother Matthew, an inspector at Scotland Yard. An exceptionally talented pianist, she aspires to attend the Royal Academy; but with tuition beyond their means, Nell sets out to earn the money herself-by playing piano in a popular Soho music hall. And the fact that she will have to disguise herself as a man and slip out at night to do it doesn't deter her.

Spending evenings at the Octavian is like entering an alternate world, one of lively energy, fascinating performers, raucous patrons-and dark secrets. And when Nell stumbles upon the operations of an infamous crime ring working in the shadows of the music hall, she is drawn into a conspiracy that stretches the length of London. To further complicate matters, she has begun to fall for the hall owner's charismatic son, Jack, who has secrets of his own.

The more Nell becomes a part of the Octavian's world, the more she risks the relationships with the people she loves. And when another performer is left for dead in an alley as a warning, she realizes her future could be in jeopardy in more ways than one. 

Age of Myth - Micheal J. Sullivan

Paperback, 432 pages

Published January 31st 2017 by Del Rey Books (first published June 28th 2016)

Series: The Legends of the First Empire #1

Fantasy

Own

My Thoughts:

I actually had a hard time getting into this book, so for once I am glad I took a breather. Because it was not bad, it was just long. A took a long break and then I started again, this time the pages flew by and I read it in a few days. It felt light and thrilling. I guess sometimes a break is good, but only if you know you will like it when you start again (I can not say the same for another book I put on break.)

This one takes place before the Riyria series, a series I really should read again cos suddenly I have so many questions! You can read it before that series, or after. Because reading it after R makes you go all whaaat? No way. Hehe.

Raithe kills a god. What is up with that?! The Fhrey can not be Gods if they die that easily or? As for Raithe he is one of those really good guys that you do like cos he is honorable and just.

Persephone is a widow trying to deal with her new role in their little society. She is smart and resourceful. Not a good thing if the new leader wants to look good. Oh I liked her, she was older, she did not back down. Though she should have seen a few things coming.

Suri is a teenage mystic. Mysterious and weird. Love her. She warns them that war is coming. Well obviously since a human killed a God. It's not like they can let that rest now can they.

Things will happen, but that war is still ahead of them. I really liked the whaaat moment I had regarding a certain God. That blew me away. Maybe I should have known it, but it was so long since I read Riyria.

Conclusion:
I liked the characters and I can not wait for more. I like Sullivan's style, it is very old school, which for me is perfect. Lighter you know.

Blurb

Since time immemorial, humans have worshipped the gods they call Fhrey, truly a race apart: invincible in battle, masters of magic, and seemingly immortal. But when a god falls to a human blade, the balance of power between humans and those they thought were gods changes forever.

Now only a few stand between humankind and annihilation: Raithe, reluctant to embrace his destiny as the God Killer; Suri, a young seer burdened by signs of impending doom; and Persephone, who must overcome personal tragedy to lead her people. The Age of Myth is over. The time of rebellion has begun.

TMST

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post on Rainy Day Ramblings where Rainy discuss a wide range of topics from books to blogging. Weigh in and join the conversation by adding your thoughts in the comments. If you want to do your own post, grab the question and answer it on your blog.

November 27th: Do You Procrastinate Writing Reviews?

No, not really. I have to write them as fast as possible to catch the feelings in my brain and heart. Now I usually end up waiting a day (not that I want to),  but for lack of time. But on a good day I finish a book and write it that evening :)

Wow...this was short.

S meeting someone she has seen on telly and we ending up in the paper ;)

Audio: The Other Miss Bridgerton - Julia Quinn

Audiobook, Unabridged 10h

Published November 20th 2018 by HarperAudio

Series: Rokesbys #3

Historical romance

Thank you Harper for this review copy

My Thoughts

I still have book 2 sitting in my shelf, but that is the good thing with his rom, you can read out of order.

Poppy was, well her name suits her. She was fun, insightful and wanted to know everything. Which lands her in trouble and she is kidnapped by pirates.

Ok privateers.

Nope, not even that. The captain is an agent of the crown, so sorry, no pirates!

Andrew is a Rokesby. His brother is married to Poppy's cousin. His family thinks he is out there being a normal captain and not secret agent man. But omg Andrew, why could you not tell her! I get that is should be a secret because he does carry secrets, but just tell her who you are! Men!

A lot of the book takes place on the ship where they slowly get to know each other. Because he really is a gentlemen even if he can not tell her the truth.

Then there is some danger, and a certain smexy scene that made me go all come on you two! Not there!

Something was a bit wrong though. It lacked that Quinn-ess. The funny wit. Maybe ship books are not for her. But then the thing is, not a lot to do on a ship.

Conclusion:
Cute. Banter. Two people that fit so well together.

Narrator.

Sorry, but Andrew did not sound that smexy. He sounded like some 60 year old. SO sad. I did like her Poppy voice, that fit really well.

But I do fear I have read too many Quinn books, because in my head this was not the Quinn narrator in my head. Which is my own voice ;) I wish I had gone the all Quinn as audio route

Blurb

He was in the wrong place... 

Fiercely independent and adventurous, Poppy Bridgerton will only wed a suitor whose keen intellect and interests match her own. Sadly, none of the fools from her London season qualify. While visiting a friend on the Dorset coast, Poppy is pleasantly surprised to discover a smugglers’ hideaway tucked inside a cave. But her delight turns to dismay when two pirates kidnap her and take her aboard a ship, leaving her bound and gagged on the captain’s bed…

He found her at the wrong time... 

Known to society as a rascal and reckless privateer, Captain Andrew James Rokesby actually transports essential goods and documents for the British government. Setting sail on a time-sensitive voyage to Portugal, he’s stunned to find a woman waiting for him in his cabin. Surely, his imagination is getting the better of him. But no, she is very real—and his duty to the Crown means he's stuck with her.

Can two wrongs make the most perfect right? 

When Andrew learns that she is a Bridgerton, he knows he will likely have to wed her to avert a scandal—though Poppy has no idea that he is the son of an earl and neighbor to her aristocratic cousins in Kent. On the high seas, their war of words soon gives way to an intoxicating passion. But when Andrew’s secret is revealed, will his declaration of love be enough to capture her heart…? 

Joint Audio Discussion: Still me - Jojo Moyes

Hello all! Carole and I will be discussing "Still Me" by Jojo Moyes. I am in black and Carole in purple/

Author: Jojo Moyes

Narrator: Anna Acton

Title: Still Me (Me Before You #3)

Genre: Fiction, Romance

Pages: Audiobook

Published: January 30th 2018 

Where I Got It: library

Louisa Clark arrives in New York ready to start a new life, confident that she can embrace this new adventure and keep her relationship with Ambulance Sam alive across several thousand miles. She steps into the world of the superrich, working for Leonard Gopnik and his much younger second wife, Agnes. Lou is determined to get the most out of the experience and throws herself into her new job and New York life. 

As she begins to mix in New York high society, Lou meets Joshua Ryan, a man who brings with him a whisper of her past. Before long, Lou finds herself torn between Fifth Avenue where she works and the treasure-filled vintage clothing store where she actually feels at home. And when matters come to a head, she has to ask herself: Who is Louisa Clark? And how do you reconcile a heart that lives in two places?

Funny, romantic, and poignant, Still Me follows Lou as she navigates how to stay true to herself, while pushing to live boldly in her brave new world.

This was my favorite Moyes so far, and that is saying much since I got so pissed at it too ;) But the previous book was just soooo dreadful. And I did like that this was audio for me, book 2 was print and book 1 was movie. Pretty cool.

Yesss the 2nd book was so bad. This was my 2nd favorite of the series. Book 1 will always hold a special place in my heart. It was so sad. This one was good but I did not cry. I did feel for Lou. I feel like she always gets bad luck!

It is starting to feel like MOyes is milking this too much, and I do hope this was the end...wait no I don’t. Cos of that thing you know. But I liked this one because it felt more relaxed. Just a girl in the city.

I am curious to see if there is another one. She left it a little open-ended. What is next? Or will she leave it to us to decide. And I know what I want to happen. Not THAT. I am so angry that Lou just let him come back. No. 

She gave us a happy little ending, with more that could come. Making it in the city. But yes, I was pissed. Sam is not right for Lou. I hated it. F grand gestures. No, why did Moyes have to go and do that. It did ruin the book for me.

I adored Sam in book 2 and the beginning of book 3. But he F’ed up and I loathe him. Lou deserves better. He needed to really do more than that. He needed to really do a lot and sure that “grand gesture” is a nice beginning, but I would make him earn me. And I would still probably tell him no after all of that. LOL

Some things can not be forgiven. And her other guy, sigh, Josh was so nice in the beginning, but then suddenly he was a jerk. Like I said to you I did feel the author changed that too quickly. We should have seen something from the start and not make him into an arsehole all the sudden. So that she could get her other man

It was all of a sudden. I can see if it had been a few months and then he starts having enough of Lou’s weirdo-ness. I am bummed but we should’ve known better. He looked like Will but he is not Will whatsoever. Will would’ve kicked his butt. 

I am finding it hard to discuss this book. It was really good one, I enjoyed it, but other than the men and Agnes, fu Agnes! I do not have a lot to say. As for the Agnes thing, I would not have been that nice, I would have taken her down with me.

It is SOOOOOO hard to not give away spoilers. So mannnyyyy of them. And yes F Agnes too. I felt bad for her at the beginning, but she just used Lou. I would’ve easily tossed her under the bus. No, I will not take that graciously. But maybe that makes Lou better than us. I am glad it happened though, because I am glad we got to learn more about the old lady. I actually ended up loving her and that little Pug. Super cute!

Haha, the pug with the shifty eyes, yes he was a darling...after a while,and the old lady too. Agnes, I got her, but at the same time as she was so supposedly in love she did that. But I guess all is forgiven in love in this book.

I do wish that the author gave us more of a conclusion with that whole story. Because that is a huge thing to lie about. I am curious. 

I do want to know. And I do not know why he did not just sent Elaria to work for his wife. She kept calling Agnes a whore, i mean that is not cool. The household would sure have been happier.

He was just blind to it all. I would not be cool with a person working for me calling my BF names. And that daughter? No….she needed a slap in the face. A little snot, but realistic. That happens all the time. It is more common for a step child to hate the new, young bride/husband. Especially if they were older when the parents break up. 

Still, you are 24. Get a job and shut up. I get being resentful, but I do feel these two could have been happy if everyone hadn’t been a dick about it.

Right??? I am glad that she was finally put in her place. She was a little beyotch. Like I said...I felt bad for Agnus...but then she did what she did and I was pissed. Not cool. Sure things worked out, but I can’t imagine doing that to one of my friends. 

Right! Not cool Agnes.

Ok so the narrator whose name I do not remember did a great job. I really felt like I liked the story more cos of her.

I adored the narrator. I loved all of her accents. So fun!

Would I have liked the print as much...doubtful. A good narrator makes everything so much better :)

Mhmmm I am not sure. I think I would’ve liked the story, but the narrator for sure added more to it so it made me like it better. She was the perfect Lou. 

SO even with that THING, I felt the book was really good. I wanted to know what would happen to Lou and I liked the narrator. I call that a success, hehe ;)

I am glad we decided to read this. I know we were both unsure because of how BAD book 2 was. I’m happy with this choice. The story was really good even though Sam and Agnus were aholes. But it does give us a reminder that life is not fair and Lou has bad luck. I miss Will D: 

A good solid choice. Yay. That means the next one will probably suck. Is it your turn?

It is your turn m’am. ;) But yes, I am pleasantly surprised with this pick. I was worried because the last book was good too. Two good, solid picks??????? Makes me worried for December’s choice!

I kind of want to go xmsssy but that is doomed to fail

That sounds like a good plan, but knowing our luck it will fail. Hahahaha

The end! I need to take in S and wake her.

Okay! I am helping Gma move today. Ugh. It is soooo cold out there. 

About the Authors

Carole and Blodeuedd have been blogging a long while now. The last couple of years the epic duo have been discussing books, watching movies, and even wetting the pen and sharing their stories with the worldwide web. They both love cats, chocolate, and a good story.

Death Below Stairs - Jennifer Ashley

Paperback, 313 pages

Published January 2nd 2018 by Berkley Books

Series: Kat Holloway Mysteries #1

Historical mystery

Library

My Thoughts

It seems that you met Kat and McAdam in a prequel novella, and I do detest those. This is the first book, f the prequels. But sure it works fine without it, but I did feel like I lost out why they liked each other.

Kat starts a new job. She is a excellent cook and every dish she serves sounds so yummy. As yes, they are talked about.

Her new employer seems to be a d*ck. Ugh, do not work for him!

Her new assistant is murdered, and Kat just started this bloody job the day before! But she is a smart woman, she takes no BS. And she will find out who did this.

McAdams is a mystery. But he seems to be everywhere, know everyone, and can do everything. So he sure works for someone. And he is on the case, sort of. I really do not know anything about him, so no real feelings. 

Then there is  Lady Rankin's sister who lives with Lord and Lady Rankin. She did not take any BS either and wore trousers cos she wanted to.

But how on earth Kat got away being away so much I do not know. Your job is in the kitchen!

Conclusion

It was light, short, a nice little mystery, suspense and some romantic feels.

Blurb

Highly sought-after young cook Kat Holloway takes a position in a Mayfair mansion and soon finds herself immersed in the odd household of Lord Rankin. Kat is unbothered by the family’s eccentricities as long as they stay away from her kitchen, but trouble finds its way below stairs when her young Irish assistant is murdered. 

Intent on discovering who killed the helpless kitchen maid, Kat turns to the ever-capable Daniel McAdam, who is certainly much more than the charming delivery man he pretends to be. Along with the assistance of Lord Rankin’s unconventional sister-in-law and a mathematical genius, Kat and Daniel discover that the household murder was the barest tip of a plot rife with danger and treason—one that’s a threat to Queen Victoria herself. 

The Tethered Mage - Melissa Caruso

Paperback, 438 pages

Published October 24th 2017 by Orbit

Series Swords and Fire #1

Fantasy

Own

My Thoughts:

I did enjoy this one. It was a solid book, but nothing amazing. Good is still good, and I do hope book 2 will be even better. But hey if the entire series is solid good then that is fine too. I liked the lightness of it.

I wanna get back to Anne with an E, so better make this short.

Amalia is a noble woman who becomes a Falconer by mistake. That is someone who says what the person wielding magic can or can not do. I liked Amalia, she was sensible.

Zaire is the one with magic. Eh, maybe I will warm up to her. She was so something at times.

Zaire wants to be free and hates Amelia. They must become friends.

And someone is trying to make war happen.

The worldbuilding was not the strongest, pretty weak to be honest. But the story was light and easy and fast to read. I will def read more.

BlurB.

In the Raverran Empire, magic is scarce and those born with power are strictly controlled -- taken as children and conscripted into the Falcon Army. 

Zaira has lived her life on the streets to avoid this fate, hiding her mage-mark and thieving to survive. But hers is a rare and dangerous magic, one that threatens the entire empire.

Lady Amalia Cornaro was never meant to be a Falconer. Heiress and scholar, she was born into a treacherous world of political machinations. But fate has bound the heir and the mage. 

War looms on the horizon. A single spark could turn their city into a pyre.

Audio: Blanca and Roja - Anna-Marie McLemore

Narrated by: Almarie Guerra, Kyla Garcia, James Fouhey, Therese Plummer

Length: 9 hrs and 38 mins

Release date: 10-09-18

Publisher: Audible Studios 

YA Fiction Magical realism

Thank you Audible for this review copy!

My Thoughts:

A wish was made, and the wish turned into a curse. In every del Cisne family 1 girl will turn into a swan. It does not matter if you get one daughter and then say no more, the swans will always have their way. There will always be two girls to choose for. And that is one terrible curse.

Blanca was the sweet one. Roja was the the dark one. And also literally. Blanca was almost blonde and was the princess. Roja had dark hair and was the witch. Blanca would do anything for her sister and I admired her for that. While Roja was jealous, resentful and at a certain point in the book I started to dislike her.

Fairytales are woven in and Roja thinks of the story of Snow White and Rose Red a lot. I guess we get some of those swan legends too. And I did like that. Which brings me to the problem i had with the book. I thought this would be fantasy, but then they talked about jeans and cars and it was magical realism. But then thing is, magical realism is always there and you can not quite know what you are seeing. While this was really straight forward, one will turn into a swan, the whole town knows it. And later there was even more magic. See, that was not my problem either, what I wanted was more world building. I know nothing except that there is a town, that we visit like once for a sec. There is their house and there is a farm. I do not know this world. I love world building, but this was driving me crazy. If it had been fantasy I could have lived with it, but now I was all, why does not anyone come to investigate them turning into swans! I mean since everyone knew it! It should have been fantasy. Now it was just lacking. And when I get stuck on something I can not let it go.

There are actually 4 POVS in this book. There are also two boys who have gone missing, but they are not missing. They turn into trees, bugs, bears, you name it and later they become human again to interact with the girls. Which yes obviously means everyone will fall in love. Barclay is the rich boy running from his family, and Page is running from her family because they can not deal with the fact that Page is a boy, and not a girl. Though she accepts being called she, but never girl. I liked Page, he was fleshed out. While Barclay was never really anything more than a blue eyed boy that Roja liked.

Conclusion:*
I did like the book (even if the menstruation parts felt too long and like fillers, oh and the end, there were like 10 endings. Just end already). I did wish it had been fantasy, because it did not feel like magical realism when I could not understand where it was . It could just as well have been fantasy then in a world with white and latin populations. I liked the magic over it and she is a great writer. So the positive balances out the negative.

Narrator.

Yes there are 4 and that works really well since they shift povs a lot. That way you really know who is talking since they are so different from each other. It was well balanced.

Blurb

The del Cisne girls have never just been sisters; they're also rivals, Blanca as obedient and graceful as Roja is vicious and manipulative. They know that, because of a generations-old spell, their family is bound to a bevy of swans deep in the woods. They know that, one day, the swans will pull them into a dangerous game that will leave one of them a girl, and trap the other in the body of a swan.   

But when two local boys become drawn into the game, the swans' spell intertwines with the strange and unpredictable magic lacing the woods, and all four of their fates depend on facing truths that could either save or destroy them. Blanca & Roja is the captivating story of sisters, friendship, love, hatred, and the price we pay to protect our hearts.

TMST: Thankful

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post on Rainy Day Ramblings where Rainy discuss a wide range of topics from books to blogging. Weigh in and join the conversation by adding your thoughts in the comments. If you want to do your own post, grab the question and answer it on your blog.

November 20th: What Are You Thankful For?

I guess that answers when is Thanksgiving ;) I am hoping for some Black Friday sales, cos yes that is a thing here too. Online stores gotta keep up with US ones.

I am thankful for the obvious things, that are not that everyone have in the end.

I am thankful for a roof over my head. I like our flat and little yard.
I am thankful for my SO who is patient when I am raging hormonal b*tch.
I am thankful for my beautiful daughter. She may not let me sleep, ever, but she is precious.
I am thankful for living in Finland. First we get to be home for 9 months when the baby is born, and then if we so chose we get to be home even longer. This with not that much money, but we do get some, and  with some do not buy books or other things rules, means I can be home until Fall. Then I really should go back so she can start daycare.
I am thankful for Luci, he is a handful too but I adore him.
I m thankful for food on my table and a nice quiet life.

I am also thankful for all of you! You make my day every time :D With comments and more. Thank you all!

Lost boy - Christina Henry

Paperback, 318 pages

Published July 4th 2017 by Titan Books

Fantasy

Own

My Thoughts

Wow, Henry made me hate Pan. She even made me look at the original story in another way. It is creepy. Going to get boys for that island. Making those boy fight pirates. Getting new ones as old ones perish. What if those boy leave something behind?

Jamie was the first boy Peter brought to the island. He was happy there but decades went by, and now he is more like a mother to the new ones. And there have been so many new ones. Disease, pirates, animals, each other, they have died to so many things, and Jamie does his best to protect the boys.

While Peter is a flighty thing. Talking about adventures, how fighting is fun and wanting everyone to love him. Ugh, he is so creepy and he only gets creepier.

And yes this is the story of how Captain Hook is born, and I have never understood him better. Pan is a menace.

Conclusion:
It is a brutal book, all told through rose colored lenses until those fall off. It's a great story, and a sad one in a way. Because Peter is a monster hiding behind a smile.

Blurb:

There is one version of my story that everyone knows. And then there is the truth. This is how it happened. How I went from being Peter Pan’s first—and favorite—lost boy to his greatest enemy.

Carole's Sunday Review: A light of her own - Carrie Callaghan

Author: Carrie Callaghan

Title: A Light of Her Own

Genre: Historical Fiction

Pages: 300

Published: November 13th 2018

Where I Got It: My shelf (Given to me by the author/publisher for my honest and unbiased opinion)

In Holland 1633, a woman’s ambition has no place. 

Judith is a painter, dodging the law and whispers of murder to become the first woman admitted to the prestigious Haarlem artist’s guild. Maria is a Catholic in a country where the faith is banned, hoping to absolve her sins by recovering a lost saint’s relic. 

Both women’s destinies will be shaped by their ambitions, running counter to the city’s most powerful men, whose own plans spell disaster. A vivid portrait of a remarkable artist, A Light of Her Own is a richly-woven story of grit against the backdrop of Rembrandts and repressive religious rule.

I was drawn in by the cover and by the summary. I couldn't wait to read this. 

The story follows Judith who is a painter. She is dodging the law and the whispers of murder. She meets Maria who is a Catholic in a country where it is banned. Judith will become one of the first women to be admitted into the Haarlem's artist's guild. I didn't know of Judith, but I knew of her work. I have seen the portraits and paintings, but I never knew who the artist was. So you can imagine how pleasantly surprised when I connected the dots while reading this and looking at the cover. 

It took me a while to really get into the book. The beginning was slow and I didn't connect with the characters right away but after a while, I finally felt invested and moved forward. I was worried it wouldn't pick up, but when it finally did I ran through this and got this done in a couple of sittings. 

I liked Judith even though she was pretty selfish from time-to-time. Maria was okay. I enjoyed watching these two strong women battle this world. Men owned everything and ruled over everything, so it was SO hard for ambitious women to succeed. Men sucked big time back then. I felt so bad for Judith and Maria. 

The story was slow-paced but it was fun to read all cuddled up. Learned a lot about Judith and the Haarlem's artist's guild. Lots of darn politics for a guild of painters. You would think it wouldn't be but like everything politics and money talk.  

Overall, I enjoyed this. It took a while for me to get into the story and it was slow-paced, but it was fun. Poor Judith and Maria. They had a rough time for sure in this man's world. I recommend it if you like a good people story or a good historical fiction. I'll give this 3 stars. 

Saturday Discussion: Anne with an E

Hello everyone! This month Carole and I decided to shake it up a bit and watch Season 1 and Season 2 of 'Anne with an E'.

I am in red and Carole in orange.

Title: Anne with an E 

Genre: Drama

Running Time: Season 1 & Season 2

Rating: TV - PG

Released: 2017 - 2018

The adventures of a young orphan girl living in the late 19th century. Follow Anne as she learns to navigate her new life on Prince Edward Island, in this new take on L.M. Montgomery's classic novels.

DISCUSSION: 

Mmm, your text was hidden from me just now. Sigh. Not my day! Let us start

Very weird! But yesssss. I am so glad we watched this. I’ve had this on my list for a while. So long that season 2 already came out. LOL I am so bad.

Same! I am glad I finally watched it, all thanks to the book Marilla of Green Gables. Which also made me realise many have not read or watched the previous series. OMG I loved that series as a kid. Canadian tv rocks! It was so sweet.

I never watched it as a kid! D: I heard of it and I wasn’t really interested. Not sure what was wrong with my kid mind.

Well to be honest, there wasn’t much on when I was younger. Things I remember was Anne of Green Gables, Flying Doctors (best show ever), MacGyver and Little house on the Prairie. So those were always on re-runs ;)

I remember Little House on the Prairie. That was fun. I was a Full House and Prince of Bel-Air kid. I also liked the anime shows (nerrrddddddd kid). So yes. This was a first for me. I wasn’t sure what to expect. LOL. Anne is a handful D: IDK if I could handle her as my kid.

Lol. I like to think that I have a good imagination, but Anne’s head is always in the clouds. And at that time when chores had to be done and houses not burned down ;) Well, I can imagine her being quite the handful.

I feel like I would have a hard time being her friend at first. Not that she is a bad person, but she is clueless and embarrassing. She is also pretty darn selfish. Bless Diana’s heart. Took her in right away even though all the others were like “ew red-headed orphan!” Which. I like red-heads...I am jealous I don’t have red hair. >_>

Yes, why the hate on red-heads?  Always wanted red hair! And why the hate on her being an orphan?! Privileged two parents assholes!

But yes Anne is, more fun to read or watch then to have as an actual friend. I guess you grow used to her and then I imagine she is quite wonderful. Always thinking of new games. But she is also THE BIGGEST DRAMA QUEEN ever.

Yesss that town needed to have a reality check. HOW MANY TIMES DOES ANNE HAVE TO SAVE THE DAY FOR YOU PEOPLE TO AT LEAST TOLERATE HER!??!?!?!?!?!?!?!?! I wanted to scream. Like….c’mon she is learning the proper ways to act in society. She was a damn orphan. Give the girl a break. That one boy (can’t remember his name) was such an asshat. I wanted someone to beat him. Terrible kid. No reason for it. He has a good home and friends. UGH

And yessss she was a huge drama queen. She really needs to see a therapist. Things got overly dramatic at the end of season 2. I was a little meh about it. Like….I don’t know what to say without spoiling. But c’mon. Everyone chill.

I liked season 1, it was nice. But in season 2 I felt they took on too much too fast. Race, social differences, gender, women’s role, sexuality in different forms, bullying. Every issue there is they wanted to bring forth. Too much at once.

Yes, they did take on too much in the last season. I get all those are important things especially back then. But focus on a couple of things. Save some plot line for the next season.

I guess that if they did not know they would get a 3rd then they wanted to discuss everything! But it was all too fast. Spread it out! Like now I felt the whole Dash thing so weird. What kind of grown man follows a 14 year old boy home and lives with him? And then his romance, also too fast!

I feel like they went around the whole thing wrong. Maybe Dash comes to town with him and then gets a house in the town. Meets his girlfriend. The boy is lonely and asks Dash and the wife to move in. I think I would’ve felt better that way. It just felt awkward. Don’t get me wrong. I adored the Dash character, but like you said...it felt rushed and awkward. Season 1 was soooo good and Season 2 felt so rushed and jam-packed with all these social issues.

Dash was wonderful, but yes his story should have been spread out over more and now just have them move in and..weird! And then they had those other things too. Like I would have liked the Miss Stacy thing to have its on time too. She was interesting. A woman in pants. Shocking! But like all other things it was thrown in there. S1 was much better. Sad but true.

They were prolly worried that was the last season. Not sure if they even announced another season or not. But I wished they did spread things out. I was happy to learn more about Anne’s adopted parents. Poor things. Gave up so much. I am so glad that Matthew got to have his moment of anger. He really held it all in with his silent ways. He was so resentful and I don’t blame him! I would’ve been too. He lost his brother too!

It does make me wonder, how did the brother died? Did I miss it?

They only allude to it. I don’t think they actually say HOW he died. How they talk about it was that it was just an accident of some sort.

At least they did not throw that in also, maybe it can be said in s3. Which I hope is more calmed down.

Have they announced s3 yet? I want to watch it! Even though S2 was rushed, I still enjoyed it overall. LOL. I want to see what happens next to these characters. *does research* Yesss looks like S3 is confirmed. Cool.

I meant to have so many things to say and now...siiiiiilence. Ok, so yes it is a fun series. I always like historical and it is fun to watch. Even when rushed.

There are a lot of topics they bring up but I feel like some of them will spoil the storyline. And again I apologize for the small spoiler I gave you a while back ;). It is a good show to watch and discuss. This town sucked at first but they are better now.

Well, that town is meant to suck, hehe. And they will grow and accept more things…*coughs* ANd there will always be asshats!

UGH the queen of having a closed mind is Marilla’s friend. I wanted to smack her! But then there were times she was awesome and then she would suck again. Ugh!!!! Maybe she won’t suck in season 3.

All people have ups and downs I guess. But she was being a b*tch at times

She was the worst. She was just as dramatic as Anne. LOL

Oh no, she is Marilla’s Anne! Like DIana to ANne

Oh dear god. Does that mean Diana is going to end up a spinster??????!!!! LOL

 Do you want me to spoil it?

Nooooo. LOL I’ll have to wait like a good girl. But I doubt Diana would be a spinster.

Oh now I remember. The teacher romance..that was weird too. I felt like they started it like one thing and then made it another thing.

Ewwww that whole thing was gross. Maybe if the teacher was actually good looking it wouldn’t have been gross? IDK but he looked like a child molestor (which in fact he was). He was a mean werido.

But at that time no one thought it would be weird if that girl married him. I guess she was like 17? Totally ok if he had a future. But it was so strangely done. Like with the whole season

True. It wouldn’t have been super weird...but HE made it gross. He looked gross, sounded gross, just ew. If he had been even remotely pleasing to the eye I think I wouldn’t be so grossed out. I’m glad it ended the way it did. He was an ass.

He was the worst kind of bully. I wanted to kick his arse.

Me too! Me too!

So, do we have more to add?

Without spoiling anything major??? Mmmm. Nothing but...Watch this show. It is good. At least watch s1.

Too bad s1 ends with a spoiler so you have to watch more!

LOL yesss it was a good way to end it. I couldn’t help but start s2 in a rush. OH THOSE GUYS! *shakes fist*

So long Avonlea then!

Can’t wait for s3!!!!!!!