The Three Mrs. Wrights

The Three Mrs. Wrights by Linda Keir

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

His life in general had been a neatly wrapped package of lies.

Jonathan Wright, also known as Jon, Jack to close friends, Trip to new “friends”, has everything a man could ever want. A beautiful family, gorgeous and devoted wife, successful business, smart and ambitious girlfriend. Jon Wright is not an ordinary man. He is a man with a constant need for new experiences, new challenges, new business ideas, new cars, new hobbies, new lovers. His life is a constant movement, to a new city, a new country, a new lover’s bed. But all good things at one time or another come to an end, and Jon’s was not an exception.

Three strangers, divided by social class, age, and status have one thing in common: they’ve been deceived by a master of lies. And they unite to bring Jon’s cruel actions to justice.

I loved the plot, what a phenomenal and catching story. However, the ending was very disappointing and dry. It felt like a typical Hollywood movie ending. I expected better twists and more amusing revenge. Nevertheless, I’ve enjoyed the novel. Thank you NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for a free and advanced copy of the book.

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The Last Train to Key West

The Last Train to Key West by Chanel Cleeton

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Three strangers, three difficult dilemmas. Their paths cross in Key West.

After years of abuse, Helen finally makes a difficult decision. This time it is not about her, it’s about the child she is caring inside her. But will she be able to protect her unborn baby and give it a happy and carefree life?

To help her family survive – Mirta has to sacrifice her future and marry an American businessman. But will she be able to make a happy life with a man she knows nothing about, move to another country and leave her family behind?

After the Wall Street crash, Elizabeth’s life turned upside down. In order to provide care for her sick mother, she must marry a dangerous man. But will the marriage guarantee the safety net her remaining family needs?

While each young girl tries to beside their future, a big danger is approaching the sunny Key West.

I’ve heard many great reviews about Chanel Cleeton’s novel and was super excited to read her newly released novel. Loved the idea of the plot, great location. But the characters just didn’t fully catch my attention. The only personage I liked was Helen. Simple ad good-hearted girl. I wish Elizabeth and Mirta’s stories were more fascinating. Nevertheless, the story is perfect for a beach read this hot summer. Thank you NetGalley and Berkley Publisher for a free and advanced copy of the novel.

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The First Actress

The First Actress by C.W. Gortner

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sarah Bernhardt – an actress, theater star, courtesan, humanitarian, single mother, sister, friend. She is one of a kind. A person who played so many different roles on and off the stage.

Sarah has lived a very full life. A daughter of a famous courtesan and wealthy french nobleman, Jewish by birth, Christian by choice. Her adamant and bold attitude lured me into the pages of her life story. From a very early age, young Sarah showed her strong willpower and determination, she set goals and achieved it, and stood up to her oppressors. Sarah was never afraid to take on serious responsibilities, help friends and family in need.

Sarah Bernard built her name using her talent and ambition. Sarah’s story is fascinating. A bastard who not only became a famous actress but was able to portray both male and female roles, started in theater proceeded into the film world, and became the highest paying actress of her time. I am very happy that I came across this wonderful novel, thank you NetGalley and Ballentine Books Publisher for a free and advanced copy of the novel and an author for a wonderful life story of Sarah Bernard.

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Who Did You Tell?

Who Did You Tell? by Lesley Kara

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Life is all about second chances.

Astrid gets a fresh start in life. After the rehab, she moves in with her mother who helps Astrid with her transition. She starts to attend AA meetings, makes new friends, and meets a lovely guy. However, no matter how hard she tries, she can’t escape the past. And eventually, it catches up with her, someone out there knows her secret, the secret that she thought has died with her ex-boyfriend…

Will Astrid’s past ruin her future?

I loved the build-up of the plot, great story and I loved Astrid’s character. However the ending was a little disappointing, I expected a stronger finale. Thank you, NetGalley and Ballantine Books publisher for a free and advanced copy of the novel.

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The Jane Austen Society

The Jane Austen Society by Natalie Jenner

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I declare after all there is no enjoyment like reading!
~Jane Austen

1943 England

A small village Chawton has been home to well known Jane Austen. Decades later, at the end of the Second World War, a group of Chawton residents bonded by the love of England’s most talented and beloved novelist has gathered together for a very important mission – to preserve and restore Jane Austen’s home and continue her legacy.

The task, so simple at the beginning, demanded a lot of attention, resources, and conquest over numerous obstacles. But with the help of Jane Austen’s dedicated fans, the mission did not only become accomplished but also created new long-lasting friendships and a few happy endings.

The plot of the novel was great, yet very predictable. I found myself very distracted while reading the story. Nevertheless, I believe this book is a great dedication to a wonderful novelist. Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for a free and advanced copy of the novel.

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Becoming Beauvoir

Becoming Beauvoir: A Life by Kate Kirkpatrick

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My very first book about Simone de Beauvoir and I loved every detail about her life.

The biography was well written and kept me very interested and entertained, mainly because Beauvoir was a fascinating woman. Such an extraordinary philosopher and novelist! I was blown away by her life story, so many interesting qualities in one tiny person. What caught my big attention was the years during Nazi occupancy, she didn’t join the resistance, and continued to write and publish her works. Although her devotion and relationship with Sartre were confusing to me. I was also amused by an unusual “family” they have created.

Great story about remarkable woman and feminist. I think the book was a bit too long, nevertheless, it was worth the time I spend reading it.

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The Paris Hours

The Paris Hours by Alex George

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Twenty four hours, four strangers, one great city.

Alex George introduces the reader to four doleful stories. Maid Camille, who carries a distressing secret. A puppeteer Souren who tells the kids untraditional tails. An American journalist Jean-Paul who mourns the tragic death of his wife and struggling romantic painter Guillaume.

During one day, all four strangers chaise their past in a city of lights, and conclude their day in Le Chat Blanc, where they hope to get their closure.

A terrific novel, with the appearance of Josephine Baker, Ernest Hemingway, Sylvia Beach, Marcel Proust, and Gertrude Stein. The author did an amazing job portraying four heart-rending stories, I found myself cheering for each character and hoped for them to get their well deserved happy ending.

Thank you Flatiron Books for an advanced and free copy of the novel.

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The Queen of Paris

The Queen of Paris: A Novel of Coco Chanel by Pamela Binnings Ewen

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’ve been a big fan of Coco Chanel for many years. The more I read about the fashion icon – the more I fall in love with her personality, strength, stubbornness, and big loving heart. Coco’s intelligence and willingness to survive fascinates me and can’t get enough of her life story.

“The Queen of Paris” is a wonderful novel that shades more lights on Coco’s years during the great war, especially her collaboration with Nazi. The author did a great job explaining the action Coco had to take in order to save herself, her loved ones, and her business during the difficult years of the war.

As I read many books about the enchanting mademoiselle Coco, a lot of facts are already known to me, however, the part about the association with Nazi was extremely fascinating and informative. Thank you NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for an advanced copy of the novel and Pamela Binnings Ewen for a wonderful story of The Queen of Paris.

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The Dilemma

The Dilemma by B.A. Paris

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I didn’t know what to expect when I began reading B.A. Paris’s new book “The Dilemma”. From the previous experience, I knew of an author’s style and her love to shock the reader with deliciously shocking twists. And I must say, I was not disappointed.

It’s Livia’s big day. Ever since the quick wedding she dreamed of having a big fancy party for one of the birthdays. Twenty-two years later, the dream comes thru. Close family and friends, neighbors and colleagues, are all surround the birthday girl, showering her with well-deserved attention and love. But Livia’s mind is not at ease. A secret, a bag of secrets she has been hiding from loved ones, the one that can hurt many families and tore their relationship apart.

And here comes another twist. Livia is not the only one that is keeping the deadly secret. Throughout the big celebration, Adam chats, and drinks, and eats, and dances, and being a perfect host at his wife’s 40th birthday, but his mind is occupied by a tragic event, that is tearing him from the inside out.

The quote says: “the truth will set you free”, but in Adam and Livia’s case it will turn their world upside down.

A phenomenal novel, took me two days to read it. Brilliant story, shocking twists, one phenomenal rollercoaster ride. The thriller of the year! Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advanced copy of the book.

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Three Hours in Paris

Three Hours in Paris by Cara Black

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

“Three Hours in Paris” is an astonishing tale of an American young woman, in a heart of Paris, playing for the English team, with an order to execute German politician and leader of the Nazi Party, the Fuhrer himself. How did an American girl fell into the British spy army to fight against the world’s biggest bully?

Months prior to Sunday, June 23, 1940, Kate experienced the biggest loss of her life, the deaths of her husband, and newborn baby by the hands of the germans. Shortly after, she received an opportunity of a lifetime – to perform an act of revenge.

And finally, June 23, 1940, Kate is back in Paris, the city that once brought her happiness, loving husband, and hopes for a bright future. This time she is here on a mission of her lifetime. Unfortunately, Hitler’s assignation goes wrong, Kate is on a run. And shortly after the fatal morning, she realizes the horrific truth. His mission was never the main plan, she was being used as a decoy. Angry and betrayed, young American finds herself on the dangerous streets of once-beloved Paris, surrounded by an enemy. Kate’s desire to survive pushes her one step forward every time she meets new obstacles, and in the end, she concludes the mission her fellow agents were sent to do but failed in the process.

Yet another phenomenal story of strong women during the horrific days of WWII. I was on the edge of my seat while reading the book. I am fascinated by the bravery of all characters. Thank you, NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for an advanced copy of the novel, and Cara Black for a remarkable and gratifying novel.

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Sweet Little Lies

Sweet Little Lies by Caz Frear

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Caz Frear has written an addictive and compelling story. “Sweet Little Lies” was twisted and filled with complex characters, misdirections, lies, and secrets.

Recent murder hits close to home and brings back memories from Detective Cat’s childhood. The victim is recognized as a missing teen from the time when Cat was just a little girl. While hiding this fact from her superiors, Cat jumps headfirst into the investigation and details that she unveils put a strain on an already difficult relationship with her father.

This book has been sitting on my TBR shelf for ages, I have no idea why it took me so long to get to it. I was drawn to the investigation. I could not get enough of the suspense. At first, I was not impressed by the fact that the detective had a connecting to the victim, but the further I read and discovered the twists – I was hooked to the storyline. The phenomenal story, easy read, great and right amount of characters who are equally involved in the story, many unexpected developments. This novel includes everything required for a juicy thriller read. Do not repeat my mistake and do not let this gem collect dust on your TBR shelf.

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A Hundred Suns

A Hundred Suns: A Novel by Karin Tanabe

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I must admit I was quite surprised by the plot – both the storyline and history. It took me a while to understand who was a villain and who was a victim.

The novel has two narrators, American Jessie Lesage and French Marcelle de Fabry. Both women come from different backgrounds and social statuses. They have built themselves up and created a better future with successful marriages. There is one more thing Jessie and Marcelle have in common – Michelin family.

I’ve enjoyed the novel more than I ever expected it. The stories of both Jessie and Marcelle tell us about poverty, child abuse, drug abuse, infidelity, political wars, and revenge. I’ve learned so much about French Indochine during the 1930s. An author painted a sad, gruesome but real picture of the colonies and its natives’ lives before the fall of France during WWII.

“A Hundred Suns” is a wonderful historical fiction read. I enjoyed both Jessie and Marcelle’s storylines, admired their ambition, dedication, and strong will. Thank you, NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for a free and advanced copy of the novel.

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