Search
Search results
ClareR (6256 KP) rated Young Elizabeth: Princess. Prisoner. Queen in Books
Jun 3, 2024
Young Elizabeth: Princess. Prisoner. Queen by Nicola Tallis is such an interesting non-fiction account of Elizabeth’s life: from her mother, Anne Boleyn meeting Henry VIII, to the day she succeeds to the throne. In those intervening years, Elizabeth is pronounced a bastard after the execution of her mother, is predated on by her stepmothers husband, is accused of trying to topple her sister Mary from the throne, is imprisoned in the Tower and other great houses - as long as she is out of Mary’s way. She is spied on and may well have really been involved in plots against her sister.
Elizabeth was far too clever to be caught, and that comes across really clearly. She was her parent’s daughter: clever, resilient and she knew the best people to have around her. These personality traits and the things that happened to her, formed the young woman and queen she would later be.
Nicola Tallis read through, and included, a lot of Elizabeth’s personal correspondence. It must have been exhausting for Elizabeth. She was constantly under suspicion of treason. She may well have been though, and she certainly didn’t conform wholeheartedly to Catholicism as Mary wanted her to.
This was such a fascinating read - and I’m notoriously picky with non-fiction. I often find it dry and hard to concentrate on, but not with Young Elizabeth. It was riveting, and held my attention from start to finish!
Elizabeth was far too clever to be caught, and that comes across really clearly. She was her parent’s daughter: clever, resilient and she knew the best people to have around her. These personality traits and the things that happened to her, formed the young woman and queen she would later be.
Nicola Tallis read through, and included, a lot of Elizabeth’s personal correspondence. It must have been exhausting for Elizabeth. She was constantly under suspicion of treason. She may well have been though, and she certainly didn’t conform wholeheartedly to Catholicism as Mary wanted her to.
This was such a fascinating read - and I’m notoriously picky with non-fiction. I often find it dry and hard to concentrate on, but not with Young Elizabeth. It was riveting, and held my attention from start to finish!
Stumbling Stones
Book
"Alice knew that Selma sometimes felt judged by their mother and didn't always like it when Alice...
Historical Fiction Jewish History Family History WWII
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2658 KP) rated The Cunning Cruise Ship Caper in Books
Jul 12, 2025 (Updated Jul 12, 2025)
Sandy’s Cruising Toward Another Murder
Sandy’s agent has booked his next job on the comeback trail. He’s joined by his sister and a band, and his job is to provide two shows a night on a week-long Caribbean cruise. It should be easy enough, right? Complicating things is the dead body that Sandy finds in his dressing room the first night of the cruise. The victim was part of another show on board the ship. Sandy doesn’t feel like the cruise ship’s security is taking the murder seriously, especially if they consider him a suspect. Can he figure out what really happened before the cruise ends?
This is another fun mystery with Sandy. The mystery could have kicked off sooner, but the setup was still entertaining and did set up some subplots. Once it did get going, we had some nice twists before the logical solution. I did figure part of it out a little early, but not too much before the big reveal. I enjoyed watching Sandy develop more here, especially in his relationship with his sister. And I liked how her blindness came into play in the story. There was one reference to something that happened after the book is set, but it’s a minor issue. I’m glad I finally started this series. If you are looking for a new cozy series, you’ll be glad you picked it up as well.
This is another fun mystery with Sandy. The mystery could have kicked off sooner, but the setup was still entertaining and did set up some subplots. Once it did get going, we had some nice twists before the logical solution. I did figure part of it out a little early, but not too much before the big reveal. I enjoyed watching Sandy develop more here, especially in his relationship with his sister. And I liked how her blindness came into play in the story. There was one reference to something that happened after the book is set, but it’s a minor issue. I’m glad I finally started this series. If you are looking for a new cozy series, you’ll be glad you picked it up as well.
Hi Love, You Just Dropped Your Glove (A McCusker Mystery #3)
Book
Thomas Barry, Lefty Kelly, and Brendy McCusker were all teenage boys who were roaming the streets of...
Crime Police Procedural
Sweetest Blood
8.5
Rate It
Book
Felix. When my sister gets cursed into a coma by a witch coven, I’m forced to pay them...
MM Paranormal Romance Vampires Witches
The Queen’s Maid: Anne Boleyn in France (The Anne Boleyn Chronicles, #2)
Book
The Tudor series continues! For fans of Philippa Gregory, Elizabeth Chadwick, Carol McGrath and Anne...
Renaissance Historical Fiction Tudor Fiction Anne Boleyn
Merissa (14184 KP) rated Rebel's Desire (Iron Portal #4) in Books
Apr 14, 2023
This is the fourth book in the Iron Portal series and I would recommend that you read them all. Not because of any links in the storyline but just because they are all quick, fantastic reads.
This story is about Keely and her sister, who were thrown out at a young age by their father, for being freaks. Taryn is a Cascadian who comes to the rescue of a damsel in distress, even though she is the one who acts first. Keely is a kick-ass warrior who will fight when necessary and has learnt to live on the streets. She knows the rules and which ones she can break or bend. Taryn doesn't like anyone and he trusts even less. So when these two get together, things are bound to get fiery.
The characters in this are as delightful as always, like them like Keely or dislike (loathe is too strong a word) like her sister, they are well-rounded and believable. The Iron Guild warriors are as united as ever.
A fast-paced and well-written story with no plot holes plus a good amount of angst. The Iron Portal series continues to deliver. Definitely recommended.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jul 17, 2015
This story is about Keely and her sister, who were thrown out at a young age by their father, for being freaks. Taryn is a Cascadian who comes to the rescue of a damsel in distress, even though she is the one who acts first. Keely is a kick-ass warrior who will fight when necessary and has learnt to live on the streets. She knows the rules and which ones she can break or bend. Taryn doesn't like anyone and he trusts even less. So when these two get together, things are bound to get fiery.
The characters in this are as delightful as always, like them like Keely or dislike (loathe is too strong a word) like her sister, they are well-rounded and believable. The Iron Guild warriors are as united as ever.
A fast-paced and well-written story with no plot holes plus a good amount of angst. The Iron Portal series continues to deliver. Definitely recommended.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jul 17, 2015
Merissa (14184 KP) rated Clueless (Squad Goals #1) in Books
May 5, 2023
CLUELESS is the first book in the Squad Goals series and we start with Lexi - a male cheerleader - and Ryder. Lexi has been in love with Bad Boy Ryder for five years now and knows nothing can come of it but it's hard for him to change his heart. Ryder loves Kait, Lexi's sister, like a sister and has always noticed Lexi but didn't do anything about it until the day he did!
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Partly because it was nice to read about male cheerleaders and how supportive each team was instead of the usual bitchiness and backstabbing that you get. And also Ryder - our not-so-bad boy. It may have taken him a while to catch on to what everyone else already knew but once he did, he was all in.
The story flowed naturally, as did the misunderstandings, easily sorted out by just taking a moment and figuring out what was important. These guys know what's what! There is also a great group of supporting characters that I am dying to hear more from.
The start of a great series and definitely recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
May 5, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Partly because it was nice to read about male cheerleaders and how supportive each team was instead of the usual bitchiness and backstabbing that you get. And also Ryder - our not-so-bad boy. It may have taken him a while to catch on to what everyone else already knew but once he did, he was all in.
The story flowed naturally, as did the misunderstandings, easily sorted out by just taking a moment and figuring out what was important. These guys know what's what! There is also a great group of supporting characters that I am dying to hear more from.
The start of a great series and definitely recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
May 5, 2023
RavenclawPrincess913 (253 KP) rated A magic steeped in poison in Books
Jun 23, 2022
Title: A Magic Steeped in Poison
Author: Judy I Lin
I love the cover it's so pretty. It's so sad the main characters sister is dying and if she wins the contest saving her sister would be a good prize like she wants. The fact she accidentally poisoned her and her mom must be hard to live with. I loved the quote that explained their beliefs in death: "Three souls contained within each of us separated from our bodies when we die. One returning to Earth, one to the air, and the final soul descending into the wheel of life." It's a nice way of putting how death works around this point is where I got hooked on the book. When she sold her only memory of her mom she had left in Nánjiāng was very sad. I agree with the makers of the game that they had to take a test to be let into the competition it'll help keep the cheaters out. I also loved how they gave them a price limit for the tea ingredients so make it more fair. The boy she met while shopping for ingredients my gut said don't trust him but later on he helped save the Princess from an assassin attempt. I don't want to go into more detail so I don't spoil the rest of the story for others but all around I loved this book and I would 100% reread it.
Author: Judy I Lin
I love the cover it's so pretty. It's so sad the main characters sister is dying and if she wins the contest saving her sister would be a good prize like she wants. The fact she accidentally poisoned her and her mom must be hard to live with. I loved the quote that explained their beliefs in death: "Three souls contained within each of us separated from our bodies when we die. One returning to Earth, one to the air, and the final soul descending into the wheel of life." It's a nice way of putting how death works around this point is where I got hooked on the book. When she sold her only memory of her mom she had left in Nánjiāng was very sad. I agree with the makers of the game that they had to take a test to be let into the competition it'll help keep the cheaters out. I also loved how they gave them a price limit for the tea ingredients so make it more fair. The boy she met while shopping for ingredients my gut said don't trust him but later on he helped save the Princess from an assassin attempt. I don't want to go into more detail so I don't spoil the rest of the story for others but all around I loved this book and I would 100% reread it.
Merissa (14184 KP) rated The Pantomime Prince in Books
Nov 28, 2022
"This is a little cracker of a book."
THE PANTOMIME PRINCE is a short but oh-so-sweet seasonal story about Teddy filling in on stage for his pregnant sister. Receiving flowers each performance is bittersweet when he longs for someone of his own but knowing the flowers are sent for his sister.
I won't go into detail about the story itself as I really don't want to ruin what is a little cracker of a book. Teddy makes his feelings known to the reader, giving me pause as my heart broke a little for him. Basil was a brilliant addition that had me laughing out loud.
My only wish would be that this was a longer story. I wish I could have delved a little deeper into the characters and their backstories. There are so many things I need to know. Samantha SoRelle did an amazing job of creating a short story that grabs your attention and characters that hold it from page to page. And for that reason, I want more. I don't think I'm ready to say goodbye to Teddy and Basil yet.
A fantastic read that is absolutely recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
I won't go into detail about the story itself as I really don't want to ruin what is a little cracker of a book. Teddy makes his feelings known to the reader, giving me pause as my heart broke a little for him. Basil was a brilliant addition that had me laughing out loud.
My only wish would be that this was a longer story. I wish I could have delved a little deeper into the characters and their backstories. There are so many things I need to know. Samantha SoRelle did an amazing job of creating a short story that grabs your attention and characters that hold it from page to page. And for that reason, I want more. I don't think I'm ready to say goodbye to Teddy and Basil yet.
A fantastic read that is absolutely recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!