Month: January 2022

Book Review · Books

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid [BOOK REVIEW]

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The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid [BOOK REVIEW]

Going into “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” by Taylor Jenkins Reid, I knew I should be expecting something spectacular. And still, it managed to surprise me and leave me amazed.

About The Book:

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid [BOOK REVIEW]


Pages: 385

Format I read it in: Audiobook

Publisher: Simon & Schuster UK

Purchase Links:
Amazon UK | Amazon US

★★★★

Synopsis:

Evelyn Hugo is one of the most renowned Hollywood actresses of her time. Over the years, she has made a true legacy with the many movies she has made and the Oscars she has won. And yet, what fans are always wondering about are her husbands. After all, Evelyn Hugo had seven husbands in her lifetime and managed to outlive them all. And now, in the 80’s, she’s ready to tell her story. But only if Monique is the one writing it.

Monique is not exactly on top of the world. Her husband has left her, and her professional life is going nowhere. Regardless of why Evelyn has selected her to write her biography, Monique is determined to use this opportunity to jump-start her career.

During the next few weeks, Evelyn shares all the secrets she has with Monique. It’s finally time for the world to know who Evelyn Hugo really is.

My Thoughts:

I can’t help but wonder how I would have felt it I had read the paperback copy of the book, instead of listening to it. And the more I think, the more convinced I am that I would have enjoyed the same. Except maybe I would have made more notes and captures a few more quotes. Listening to The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo took me on a journey, that I’m not sure I was expecting, but it was one I most certainly needed.

Evelyn’s strong character and personality shines from the very first chapter. Having met some very big celebrities in my life, I could exactly picture that aura that she carries, where people walk on their tip toes when she’s around. That moment when you know you’re surrounded by greatness. That is Evelyn. And with every new page, I was more and more invested in what she had to say. Her determination is contagious. And her upbringing sad. The way men treat her is outrageous, but the way she lets them is even more aggravating. But she knows what she wants and she’s aware what she needs to do to get there.

“Be wary of men who need something to prove.”

And then Evelyn meets Celia, and things start to change, but also stay the same at the very same time. The relationship Evelyn has with Celia is so beautiful and so devastating. The happiness and the sadness that comes with it, and the burden of such a big secret that they have to bear. All because people are not ready to hear. The determination, sacrifices, love and hurt – with Evelyn I felt it all. And more.

Reading books that feature Hollywood celebrities is not my first pick, but I loved this book. I was hooked and couldn’t stop listening, from one chapter to the next. From one movie to the next one. And from one husband to another. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is sad, but beautiful. It was shocking, but not surprising to read about a Hollywood that has a certain idea of beauty and fame and a guidance on what’s right and what’s not.

I am so glad I picked this book up – it was definitely worth it. Both Evelyn and Monique and their unique stories really stuck to my heart, and I will cherish them always. 100% recommend.

About The Author:

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid [BOOK REVIEW]

Taylor Jenkins Reid is the New York Times bestselling author of Malibu Rising, Daisy Jones & The Six, and The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, as well as four other novels. Her newest novel, Malibu Rising, is out now. She lives in Los Angeles. You can follow her on Instagram @tjenkinsreid. 

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Book Review · Books

The Maid by Nita Prose [BOOK REVIEW]

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The Maid by Nita Prose [BOOK REVIEW]

In today’s world of mundane and one-dimensional characters, the narration of Molly in The Maid by Nita Prose is a desperately needed breath of fresh air.

About The Book:

The Maid by Nita Prose [BOOK REVIEW]


Pages: 352

Format I read it in: Hardcover

Publisher: Harper Collins

Purchase Links:
Amazon UK | Amazon US

★★★★

My Thoughts:

The beginning hooked me instantly. Molly is such a lovely character. She is a good soul as well as a very hard-working maid in the Grand Regency Hotel. She is very socially awkward and doesn’t understand social cues like the majority of the people do. This something causes people to make fun of her, underestimate her, take her for granted and hurt her. And she knows it, she doesn’t sugar-coat it either. However, throughout her life, she’s always had her Gran as her support and counsellor in social behaviour. But since her grandma died, there is no one else to tell Molly how to separate a good egg from all the bad ones.

When one of the hotel guests is found dead in the hotel and Molly is the one that discovers the body, her whole world turns upside down. Molly very quickly realizes that she cannot trust everyone, and that people are not always as trustworthy as they seem to be.

“I was just thinking how one day can be so utterly grim and the next such a blessing. In this life, you just never know what’s around the bend, be it a dead man or your next date.”

Honestly, very early in the book I really struggled with how naive Molly can be at times. At one point, I wanted to shout “How can you not realize what is going on in that hotel room?”. However, very soon it all starts to make sense, and my amazement for Molly only continues to grow. Her positive attitude and the ability to only see the good in others really humbled me at times. I was team Molly all the way through and loved watching her stand up to people in the end.

“As I cleaned, I fantasized about all the things I would do – spray bleach in her face, strangle her with a bathrobe tie, push her off the balcony – if ever I caught Cheryl red-handed, stealing tips from one of my rooms.”

Molly and Gran

The relationship between Molly and her Gran is so precious. Even though her grandma is not longer there, we can always feel her presence. She taught Molly amazing lessons as well as raised her in a lovely woman. As someone who spent a lot of time with my grandparents growing up, I really felt their connection. And also the emptiness when those people you so much admire are no longer with you, but their spirit and their lessons always remains.

“We’re all entitled to a bad day now and again, I heard Gran say in my head. But when they are all bad days, with no pleasant ones, then it’s time to reconsider things.”

The Mystery

The Maid would be considered as a cozy mystery. Although the murder is a big event in the book, it’s also a side story that helps Molly to develop her character, find her place in the world and learn so many new things about herself and the world around her. The entire hotel was also a place of mystery, suspense and intrigue for me. I loved Molly’s interactions with her coworkers and the guests, as well as her thoughts throughout her shifts. The writing is very fast-paced and very captivating. Before you realize, you’ll be 80 pages in.

“For the first time in my life, I think I understand what a true friend is. It isn’t just someone who likes you; it’s someone willing to take action on your behalf.”

The Maid is the perfect mix of suspense, friendship, trust, hard work and doing what’s right. There is a lesson that you should always be kind, and that sticking up for your friends is always worth it, as long as you know who your true friends are. No wonder this book is all people are talking about this January. Its recognition is very well deserved and I very warmly recommend it!

About The Author:

The Maid by Nita Prose [BOOK REVIEW]

Nita Prose is a longtime editor, serving many bestselling authors and their books. She lives in Toronto, Canada, in a house that is only moderately clean.

Visit Nita at nitaprose.com, on Instagram @nitaprose or on Twitter @NitaProse.

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Blog Tour · Books

BOOK TOUR Announcement – Entitled by Gill Merton

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BOOK TOUR Announcement - Entitled by Gill Merton

Hello lovelies, I am so excited to let you know about a new book tour that I’m working on. The book is called Entitled by Gill Merton. We are working on a cover reveal, blog tour, bookstagram tour and a publication push as well, so there’s everything for everyone, if you want to get involved.

Have a look below at the synopsis, and fill out the form if you wish to participate.

About The Book:

BOOK TOUR Announcement - Entitled by Gill Merton


Her lost baby…

His missing children…

A lifetime of lies

In the early seventies, Nan and her toddler twins arrive on a remote Scottish island. They’re introduced as the long-lost family of eccentric lady-of-the-Big-House, Maud Campbell. Sixteen years on, the twins are asking questions…but someone knows they’re not twins. They’re not even Nan’s children. And Nan isn’t Nan.

Information About The Tour

  • There are a few things you can choose to take part in – cover reveal, blog tour, bookstagram tour, reviews, interview with the author, guest posts and mini extracts will all be available. 
  • The cover reveal will be in the last week of February 2022.
  • The publication push will be on the 1st March 2022.
  • The blog tour and bookstagram tour will be running from 7th March  2022 until the 20th March 2022.
  • There will be ebook copies of the book sent to every participant, and paperback copies might be available to UK participants for the publication date.
FILL OUT THE FORM HERE

If this is a tour that you are interested in participating in, please do fill out the form below or email me back with the preferences of dates and what you would want to take part in.  

Ivana – Diary of Difference

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Book Review · Books

Living Dead in Dallas by Charlaine Harris [BOOK REVIEW]

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Living Dead in Dallas by Charlaine Harris [BOOK REVIEW]

If you’ve read my review for Dead Until Dark, you already know my feelings before getting into Living Dead in Dallas. I wasn’t impressed with this book, but I will continue reading the series.

About The Book:

Living Dead in Dallas by Charlaine Harris [BOOK REVIEW]


Pages: 279

Format I read it in: Paperback

Publisher: Gollancz

Purchase Links:
Amazon UK | Amazon US

★★★

Synopsis:

Sookie’s co-worker is killed outside the bar where she works, and very shortly after, she has a dangerous encounter with a mythological creature that wants to deliver a message. On top of that, Sookie and Bill are sent to Dallas, trying to locate a missing vampire. Things escalate, and now both humans and vampires might be in a grave danger.

My Thoughts:

It’s a big shame I can’t get over the fact that I don’t like Sookie. If she was annoying in the first book, she’s twice as annoying in this one. Her inner monologues are terrible, and her personality even worse still. When I was reading her story, it felt like someone was taking about a 12-year-old. She still believes people should treat her in a special way because she can read minds, but she doesn’t mind being treated by Bill as if she were a possession. She’s the first one to judge people for not being modest, but she flirts with people and vampires whilst she has a boyfriend and is also involved in some interesting situations involving sex. I think I’ll stop here, because I’ve already decided Sookie’s not the reason I like this book series, so time to move on.

In the first book, I liked Bill for his maturity, but his behaviour, especially towards Sookie didn’t impress me. I also think he didn’t get much time in the book, and hopefully his behaviour in the next book will improve. Luckily, Eric was here to make up for it. Now he’s a vampire I like. He intrigued me a lot and I want to see more of Eric. And as much as I don’t like Sookie, I liked her scenes with him and I foor for her and Eric to be together at some point.

The beginning of the book already made me realise some of the bigger issues this book has. Firstly, with this Church, or so called, Fellowship of the Sun. The characters in this book are racist. Starting with Sookie’s co-worker, who I won’t name because of spoilers, but is well known for fans of the TV Show. He is the only (so far) black friend that Sookie has met. And when he is killed, there are many things she says that are not okay. Not to mention the thoughts she also reads from other people in the town.

The Fellowship of the Sun

Living Dead in Dallas is the book where we meet The Fellowship of the Sun. The members of this cult are people that hate vampires, and not only think that vampires should go back to hiding, but they want vampires dead too.

“What the Klan was to African Americans, the Fellowship of the Sun was to vampires.”

Then, we get to these people from the Church, who discriminate the vampires. And later on, we even get to meet one vampire, who is gay and a pedophile, but because he chooses the way of God and decides to “meet the sun”, is forgiven for his sins. Godfrey is actually one of my favourite characters in this book, together with Eric, but I don’t think the other characters should have handled his sins in the way they did. I also might be biased from watching the TV Show, as Godfrey and Eric had a way better story and plot than they did in this book. Regarding the Fellowship of the Sun, I expected much more to this. However, as some of the characters are still around, I have a feeling that we might read more from them in the next books.

I liked the involvement of other creatures too, not only the vampires. I liked Sam’s little side story that tangled with Sookie’s experience in Dallas, although I wasn’t too keen on her being so inquisitive on his romantic life, when it’s none of her business. On the subject of vampires, however, I really enjoyed the rules the vampires have and their ranks and statuses. Even their punishment, if someone betrays them, although quite cruel, they seemed fair.

To my surprise, we do get to meet Tara in this book. But if you’re a fan to the TV show, she’s nothing like Sookie’s bestie that we know and love. Here, she is more interested in accompanying Eggs to orgies, one of which Sookie joins as well. But I won’t get into how that happens and why and let you read that bit for yourself.

Summary

Overall, I quite enjoyed Living Dead in Dallas although there are a lot of questions and things that don’t sit quite right with me at all. It took me on a fantasy adventure full of vampires and kept me intrigued until the end. I didn’t like Sookie, but the many incredible side characters made up for that. I will continue the series, as I am a bit invested now, and I look forward to see what Club Dead has in store for me.

About The Author:

Living Dead in Dallas by Charlaine Harris [BOOK REVIEW]

Charlaine Harris Schulz is an American author who specializes in mysteries. She is best known for her book series The Southern Vampire Mysteries, which was adapted as the TV series True Blood. The television show was a critical and financial success for HBO, running seven seasons, from 2008 through 2014.

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Book Review · Books

Hollow City (Miss Peregrine’s Peculiar Children #2) by Ransom Riggs [BOOK REVIEW]

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I wanted to read Hollow City as soon as I finished Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. And now, after finishing Hollow City, there’s only one thing I want to do. Immediately start Library of Souls – the third book in the series.

About The Book:


Pages: 428

Format I read it in: Paperback

Publisher: Quirk Books

Purchase Links:
Amazon UK | Amazon US

★★★★★

Synopsis:

We start where we left off, as soon as the children escape the island, they realise foes are everywhere. Everyone is out there to get them and now they need to save Miss Peregrine as well. Get prepared to join these peculiar children and go through many different loops, discovering other peculiars. And most importantly, saving the woman that has been taking care of them all throughout these whole years.

My Thoughts:

The first thing I loved about this book was the beginning. I loved the eerie theme that the books starts with. Travelling at sea and getting from one island to another is a great start to project the turbulent experience all of these children are about to experience.

“I, too, said a silent goodbye, to a place that had changed me forever – and the place that, more than any graveyard, would forever contain the memory, and the mystery, of my grandfather.”

Their adventure, albeit very dangerous, was also very thrilling to me as a reader. Witnessing the children surviving and discovering new places, new destinations and new loops was a blast. Firstly, we get to visit a loop that was only supposed to be a story they read about in a book. A myth that actually turns to be true. And not only that, but we also meet some of the most peculiar creatures with the most incredible personalities. New quest to add to my personal journal – find yourself a chicken that lays explosive eggs. Because why not.

“But you can’t feel bad every second, I wanted to tell her. Laughing doesn’t make bad things worse any more than crying makes them better. It doesn’t mean you don’t care, or that you’ve forgotten. It just means you’re human.

The children then continue their journey, encountering a few caravans with Gypsies. This part of the book was the most exciting one for me. The fear the children have melts from the hospitaling of these lovely people. And although they’re on a mission and surrounded by danger, for once they felt safe. Meeting Radi, the son of Bekhir and reading about his story was incredible. I could almost feel how he felt and could only imagine how hard making choices must be in his situation.

“In that moment I was deeply grateful to the Gypsies, and for the simple mindedness of the animal part of my brain; that a hot meal and a song and a smile from someone I cared about could be enough to distract me from all that darkness, if only for a little while.”

Hollow City was so good, I even started liking Jacob a bit, especially towards the end of the book. I am not so sure how I felt about Emma in the end, though. She was trying to make decisions that weren’t hers to make, and that really put her in my bad books. I think Library of Souls will probably cover more of this section and answer some questions for me. Also, a little tip – don’t read this series alongside the A Song of Ice and Fire series by George R.R. Martin. There’s a big chance Emma and Melisandre to clash as the same character. Fire and age, well, what do I know. 🙂

“She thought they were weak and cowardly – that they’d taken the easy way out. I couldn’t help wondering, though, if these peculiars simply knew more than we did about what the wights did with their captives. Maybe we would choose death, too, if we knew.”

Ransom Riggs impressed me again, and I am so happy I read Hollow City. Once again, the photographs were amazing. But even more important than that, is how Ransom took these photographs, and made them into a story. All whilst making them in an order that compliments the reading perfectly. He is truly a master of his craft.

Please pick it up! To escape reality and enter a peculiar world! To meet children who are so incredibly unique. And to witness a new world, full of time-manipulation, adventure and grave danger. Pick Hollow City – to experience childhood again, for it is the most confusing, interesting and amusing part of all our lives. And also, the most peculiar.

“There was romance in the unknown, but once a place had been discovered and cataloged and mapped, it was diminished, just another dusty fact in a book, sapped of mystery. So maybe it was better to leave a few sports on the map blank. To let the world keep a little of its magic, rather than forcing it to divulge every last secret.”

About The Author:

Hi, I’m Ransom, and I like to tell stories. Sometimes I tell them with words, sometimes with pictures, often with both. I grew up on a farm on the Eastern shore of Maryland and also in a little house by the beach in Englewood, Florida where I got very tan and swam every day until I became half fish. I started writing stories when I was young, on an old typewriter that jammed and longhand on legal pads.

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