Ruth's Journey
Book
Set against the backdrop of the American South from the 1820s until the dawn of the Civil War, this...
18th century Paris was a place of great uncertainty - and this book has echoes of Dickensian London. It’s so much more than that though. Not only do we get some wonderful descriptions of the sights, sounds and smells of Paris at the time, we also get to look at Edward Carey’s beautiful pictures. I say beautiful, they’re pictures that portray people in their sometimes beautiful ugliness (that’s a thing, right?).
The life that Little lives! I hadn’t known any of the background of Madame Tussaud, and to be honest, with the way her formative years went, I’m astonished that she survived to old age. The Paris of the French Revolution was a dangerous place, and Little had come to know some dangerous people.
I don’t want to say anything else. It would be a shame for me to reveal any of the (what were to me) big surprises. This is a startling, moving, frustrating, emotional, bizarre, glorious journey through the French years of Madame Tussaud’s life. It was recommended to me by book blogger @yearsofreading, and I’m so glad I listened to her. Now I recommend that if you haven’t read this book, and you’ve read my review this far, go out and read it. You won’t regret it!
ClareR (5721 KP) rated The Bastille Spy in Books
Aug 1, 2019 (Updated Aug 1, 2019)
I’ve no idea how likely this would have been, and largely speaking, I don’t actually care. This book is non-stop action, as Attica is asked to investigate the murder of a rebel in the Bastille. She sees how dangerous Paris is becoming, and how the French royal family really don’t care about their poorer subjects. Attica teams up with a Privateer/ Pirate to complete her mission - and I found myself wondering (and hoping - see point 2):
1. When the next book will be coming out*, and
2. Will he be in it!
*for the record, I know that this book has only just released, and I’m firmly of the opinion that authors should take as long as they want/ need to take over writing their books. Can’t help but want to see more of these fabulous characters though!
Attica’s backstory is fascinating: the bastard daughter of a British nobleman who has escaped from slavery, educated and brought up as a Lady, she is expected to marry to her family’s advantage (or to that of the Crown). Attica doesn’t really like playing by the rules though, and trains to be a spy - which sounds brutal, but prepares her for some pretty risky missions.
The French people generally, whether Royalists or Republicans, don’t come off terribly well. The Republicans all seem to be pretty bloodthirsty and immoral, the Royalists are ‘just’ immoral. So, happy days (I should also say here that I know lots of lovely French people who are neither immoral or bloodthirsty. Just to make that clear 😉)!
Have I said how much I liked this book? Because I really did. If you want a fun, exciting, historical fiction novel, then this will be right up your street. I’m definitely putting this in my ‘Look out for the next in the series’ watchlist (yes, I really do have one of those).
Many thanks to Jellybooks who provided me with a copy of this book to read and review all the way back in April 2019! I’ve had to try very hard to keep this under my hat since then!
The Grimaldis of Monaco: Centuries of Scandal, Years of Grace
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The Grimaldis of Monaco tells in full the remarkable history of the world's oldest reigning dynasty....
BookwormMama14 (18 KP) rated A Refuge Assured in Books
Jan 2, 2019
The choice of setting for this story is one that I am not very familiar with at all. It was refreshing and captivating to learn about the time in America during the French Revolution. SO.MUCH.HISTORY. is packed into this book. It totally satisfied my nerd girl heart. But packed snugly in between all the history, you will find a story of identity, love, acceptance...
Vivienne has fled everything she had ever known for her safety. Her life is in shambles, but she is determined to move forward and succeed in life. Liam is torn in multiple directions. But his heart for truth, justice, and Vivienne and Henri will make your heart melt instantaneously.
I encourage everyone to get their hands on this book! You will be swept into the story and learn so much. You will also get to see a very practical application of our Father's love for us and finding our identity in Him.
I received a complimentary copy of A Refuge Assured from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Catherine the Great
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Knowledge of Life
Georges Canguilhem, Stefanos Geroulanos, Daniela Ginsburg and Paola Marrati
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The making of Music is the story of our musical history, its origins and how it has shaped us. We...
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A Spencer Love Affair is the true story of the love affair and marriage between the 4th Duke of...
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Bread, cash, dosh, dough, loot. Call if what you like, it matters now more than ever. In The Ascent...