The Gown by Jennifer Robson

Paperback, 406 pages

Published February 21st 2019 by Headline Review (first published December 31st 2018)

Historical fiction

Library

I am always weary of books with different timelines, because I always like the historic more. And sure it began like that here too, but then at the end I actually liked them both.

Ann works as an embroider, she meets Miriam and they become friends and coworkers. I did feel like maybe there should have been more Miriam. She had too much of a background for that backgrund not be be experienced. She had hid in plain sight, she had been in the resistance, she had been to Ravensbruck, her entire family was dead. But that is all we learned, those words. Too me that is an entire book.

They work for the man chosen to make Princess Elizabeth's wedding dress. Ann meets someone, Miriam meets someone...

And then it is 2016 and Ann is dead and her grand daughter decides to learn more as she knows nothing about her gran's past. Shaky beginning, but then I got into it (cos yes she meets someone, I guess that pulled me in, I am all for romance.)

It is not the most exciting book, they work on the dress, they fall in love, the gran daughter goes to London. But at the same time it made me want to watch the Crown for some reason, cos here I was behind the scenes so to say.

But it was good and Miriam totally deserves a background book.

London, 1947: Besieged by the harshest winter in living memory, burdened by onerous shortages and rationing, the people of postwar Britain are enduring lives of quiet desperation despite their nation’s recent victory. Among them are Ann Hughes and Miriam Dassin, embroiderers at the famed Mayfair fashion house of Norman Hartnell. Together they forge an unlikely friendship, but their nascent hopes for a brighter future are tested when they are chosen for a once-in-a-lifetime honor: taking part in the creation of Princess Elizabeth’s wedding gown.

Toronto, 2016: More than half a century later, Heather Mackenzie seeks to unravel the mystery of a set of embroidered flowers, a legacy from her late grandmother. How did her beloved Nan, a woman who never spoke of her old life in Britain, come to possess the priceless embroideries that so closely resemble the motifs on the stunning gown worn by Queen Elizabeth II at her wedding almost seventy years before? And what was her Nan’s connection to the celebrated textile artist and holocaust survivor Miriam Dassin?

Audio: Heidi's guide to four letter words by Tara Sivec and Andi Arndt

By: Tara Sivec, Andi Arndt

Narrated by: Andi Arndt

Length: 6 hrs and 15 mins

Original Recording Audiobook

Release date: 09-03-19

Language: English

Publisher: Audible Original

Contemporary romance

For review

I like a book that can make me snort! This was funny, her family was, omg, so embarrassing! But in the best way to listen about.

It is only my second listen by Andi, but she is is great! Maybe putting them in Minnesota was the right call (sorry Minnesota people), but the accent was perfect for how her family acted. Also are they like the Canadians of the US?  So yes Andi did a great job with everyone and I could feel Heidi's embarrassment to my soul.

Heidi has lost her job cos of budget costs, but does she really want to be a teacher? She also wants to be bolder, to take charge, to get her sexy neighbor to notice her. But she is not these things, she looks like a kindergarten teacher, she can't even say balls, and she would rather hide in a bush than go and talk with him.

So she starts working for an audiobook company. She starts a podcast. She drinks too much wine. And she learns to say balls and so much more.

Oh and Brent was lovely, freaking lovely.

Laugh out loud moments (mostly cos of her family), and a nice story that let's her take charge of her own love life.

I liked it! A lot :D I also listened to it in a day cos S is sick. SO yay, a listen in a day book.

Narration

Well I already talked about that. Great!

Nothing good ever comes from drinking a box of wine alone. So when I decided to entertain my drunken self by setting up some hand-me-down podcasting equipment and reading the steamy parts from romance novels, I never thought anyone would actually listen. The fact that I admitted my huge crush on my sexy next door neighbor made the whole thing even more mortifying. But sometimes life surprises you, and that’s how my podcast, Heidi’s Discount Erotica, was born.

Now I, Heidi Larsen, a sweet former kindergarten teacher in Waconia, Minnesota, lead a scandalous double life reading erotic novels to the listening world. And with each episode, I find myself embracing my new alter ego more and more. Now I’m starting to feel more comfortable in my own skin and do things I never would have dreamed of - like kissing my neighbor.

Look out, Waconia, because Heidi’s on the loose! She’s in your ears, in your hearts, and down your pants...wait, that didn’t sound as good as it did in my head. Well, you get the picture, don’tcha know!

Best of November

Happy December! 2019 is coming to a close soon. I am in awe. 

Here are our favorites for last month. 

Best Movie of the Month (or show):

First, my favorite...........Carnival Row

"I will do best tv series this month again and the honor goes to Carnival Row. Srsly you guys, watch it"

Now, Carole's favorite.........Us (2019)

"So good. Scary, creepy, and makes you think and talk. Worth it."

Best Book of the Month:

First, Carole's favorite.........You Can Thank Me Later by Kelly Harms

"I had three that really could have gotten this trophy. However, I'll have to pick this one.This had everything you could need and want. I cried, laughed, got mad, and it made me think. Super good! You can thank me after you read this."

Next is my favorite............Etched in Bone by Anne Bishop

"It was a hard one this month, I am still not sure that this was the best one. I really liked the two by Seanan McGuire too. But I will close this Fall of Bishop with another best book of the month."

Best Cover of the Month:

Carole's favorite

Blodeuedd's favorite

Carole's Monday: Corporate Christmas

Author:  Bernadette Marie 
Title: Corporate Christmas
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Pages: ebook
Publication Date: November 5th 2019
Where I Got It: My shelf (Given to me by the author/publisher for my honest and unbiased opinion)



Chloe Richardson had just landed the biggest client of her career. A promotion was in her future, or so she thought until the handsome Jason Mitchell walked into her office with his gorgeous smile and searing blue eyes—and took her job.


Losing her job so close to Christmas, Chloe’s only choice was to go back home to Aubrey Heights, where the Christmas spirit is celebrated in a tourist loving, wonderland. Perhaps she can pull herself together before the new year—before her new career search.


However, Jason follows her to Aubrey Heights—with a mission of his own. First he stole her job—now he wants to steal her heart.


Is the spirit of Christmas alive enough in her to let that happen?




'Tis the season for holiday books!! Couldn't resist this one!


The story follows Chloe who has spent years being groomed for great things by her former boss. Now that he has retired, Chloe is working like a madwoman for the new boss. However, that promotion that she deserved is given to an external hire named Jason. Things happen and now Chloe goes back home to Aubrey Heights for the holidays to get her head straight and find a new path. Jason follows her there to steal her heart. 


As I mentioned, I was intrigued by this book right away. However, I did have my worries about how Jason would steal her job and then her heart. Luckily he wasn't a huge jerk like I thought. It really wasn't his fault he got the job and not her. I was also really worried that HOW he was going to win her heart. She has every right to be upset. 


I liked Chloe and I liked Jason. They were cute and I just wanted them to be happy but I wasn't sure how they were going to get their HEA. 


The town of Aubrey Heights is cute. I wanna go there! So cute and small. 


The beginning was a little slow there for me to really get hooked, but as soon as I was hooked I was hooked. I got this done in a couple of sittings. Short, but good overall. 


In the end, I really did like this. A little slow at the beginning and I was worried about how Chloe was ever going to get with Jason. If you are looking for a quick, cute xmas book this is the one for you. I'll stamp this with 4 stars.