Author: Ambrosia

Book Review: Duchess A novel of Sarah Churchill by Susan Holloway Scott

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A historical novel based on the life of the lady-in-waiting who helped bring James II to the throne of England.

Brimming with the intrigue and sensuality of one of history’s most decadent courts, Duchess brings to vivid life the story of an unforgettable woman who determines her own destiny-outspoken, outrageous, but most of all true to herself and her heart.

In 1673, as a penniless twelve-year-old, Sarah Jennings arrived at the bawdy Restoration Court of Charles II. Armed with a potent combination of charm, beauty, and intelligence, she prospered. Not only did Sarah win the trust of the future Queen Anne, but she managed to protect her virtue and reputation, marrying the one man as ambitious as she was: the dashing young soldier John Churchill. Over the next forty years, Sarah would amass an immense personal fortune, help make her husband a national hero, and help bring a new king to the throne.

My first thought in this review is once again this book did not take me so long to complete because I didn’t like it but purely I started reading it while starting a new job, and working on a move. Bad timing to read any book to be sure.

Duchess is a good account and tail of Sarah Churchill; many may ask well who is Sarah Churchill? Well that is a fantastic question; Sarah Churchill was a relatively commonly born girl who went into the service of the Duchess Mary Beatrice, whose husband was Duke James who became the deposed King James. For a more modern who’s who Sarah Churchill is the great great etc. Grandmother of Sir Winston Churchill.

This book is full of the things you would expect to find at court, intrigue, back biting, gossip rumors love and war. It is a fantastic following of this family rises and falls through their time in trying to better their circumstances by playing the courtly games and working hard. Susan Holloway Scott once again delivers a fantastic novel of historical play. Is it 100% accurate no, but then no work of fiction is. It is however as accurate as it is going to get and a good read. This one goes on my must read list.

Book Review: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K Rowling

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Readers beware. The brilliant, breathtaking conclusion to J.K. Rowling’s spellbinding series is not for the faint of heart–such revelations, battles, and betrayals await in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows that no fan will make it to the end unscathed. Luckily, Rowling has prepped loyal readers for the end of her series by doling out increa… more »singly dark and dangerous tales of magic and mystery, shot through with lessons about honor and contempt, love and loss, and right and wrong. Fear not, you will find no spoilers in our review–to tell the plot would ruin the journey, and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is an odyssey the likes of which Rowling’s fans have not yet seen, and are not likely to forget. But we would be remiss if we did not offer one small suggestion before you embark on your final adventure with Harry–bring plenty of tissues.

The heart of Book 7 is a hero’s mission–not just in Harry’s quest for the Horcruxes, but in his journey from boy to man–and Harry faces more danger than that found in all six books combined, from the direct threat of the Death Eaters and you-know-who, to the subtle perils of losing faith in himself. Attentive readers would do well to remember Dumbledore’s warning about making the choice between “what is right and what is easy,” and know that Rowling applies the same difficult principle to the conclusion of her series. While fans will find the answers to hotly speculated questions about Dumbledore, Snape, and you-know-who, it is a testament to Rowling’s skill as a storyteller that even the most astute and careful reader will be taken by surprise.

A spectacular finish to a phenomenal series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is a bittersweet read for fans. The journey is hard, filled with events both tragic and triumphant, the battlefield littered with the bodies of the dearest and despised, but the final chapter is as brilliant and blinding as a phoenix’s flame, and fans and skeptics alike will emerge from the confines of the story with full but heavy hearts, giddy and grateful for the experience

What is there to say about the Deathly Hallows it was a good story, a fitting ending in all honesty. Anyone who knows me knows I have not been wildly fanatic about Harry Potter but I was looking forward to this book and in all honesty I was not disappointed. The start of the book was a bit slow, but it did pick up.
We once again follow Harry and his Gang through twists and turns and all leading up to the battle against Voldermort. Certain chapters fell flat as if perhaps the writer had run out of something on that topic to say, but others were gripping and held you riveted. I won’t spoil the ending in case there are others like me who are behind on the Harry Potter train, but regardless of what some say I do not think it fell flat, I believe the ending was just right. The tension was so epic through a great deal of the book and the large battle even more so especially as you tally up the loses, and they were many. The ending was like a release of the tension and keeping the character intact. Well done and a good ending.

Book Review: The Vanishing act of Esme Lennox by Maggie O’Farrell

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In the middle of tending to the everyday business at her vintage clothing shop and sidestepping her married boyfriend’s attempts at commitment, Iris Lockhart receives a stunning phone call: Her great-aunt Esme, whom she never knew existed, is being released from Cauldstone Hospital, where she has been locked away for over sixty years. Iris’ grandmother Kitty always claimed to be an only child. But Esme’s papers prove she is Kitty’s sister, and Iris can see the shadow of her dead father in Esme’ face. Esme has been labeled harmless; sane enough to coexist with the rest of the world. But Esme is still basically a stranger, a family member never mentioned by the family, and one who is sure to bring life-altering secrets with her when she leaves the ward. If Iris takes her in, what dangerous truths might she inherit? Maggie O’Farrell’s intricate tale of family secrets, lost lives, and the freedom brought by truth will haunt readers long past its final page

Iris Lockhart is going about life, minding her own business and trying not to think about the fact that she is in love with her step-brother when *bam*: she finds out she has a great-aunt that she’s never heard of who’s been locked up in an asylum for the last sixty years. Iris feels compelled to take Aunt Esme under her wing and the novel goes on to reveal the events that led to Esme’s lockup while Iris tries to sort out her own life.

Wasn’t too crazy about this one. The book vacillates between Iris’s life and what happened to Esme that led her to lockup in the nuthouse. It took a while to figure out that the random stream-of-consciousness passages were coming from an addle-pated grandmother and that added to the bit of confusion over the rapidly changing points of view in the novel.

Nor was the (adopted, step, whatever) brother/sister-being-in-love-thing working for us. Yes, we understand they weren’t blood related. It was still creepy in a V.C. Andrews kind of way.

O’Farrell did a nice job of conveying the terrible conditions that existed (and still do, to some extent) asylums during the early 20th-century, but she didn’t play enough to this strength. It was one of those novels that could have been great, but fell flat, although we admit the ending was pretty sharp. Ultimately, it needed more One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest quality to really work.

Kinda meh on this one. Don’t rush out today to buy it…perhaps a library checkout would be better because it does have a pretty snappy ending.

Book Review: Mine Til Midnight by Lisa Kleypas

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When an unexpected inheritance elevates her family to the ranks of the aristocracy, Amelia Hathaway discovers that tending to her younger sisters and wayward brother was easy compared to navigating the intricacies of the ton. Even more challenging: the attraction she feels for the tall, dark, and dangerously handsome Cam Rohan.

Wealthy beyond most men’s dreams, Cam has tired of society’s petty restrictions and longs to return to his “uncivilized” Gypsy roots. When the delectable Amelia appeals to him for help, he intends to offer only friendship—but intentions are no match for the desire that blindsides them both. But can a man who spurns tradition be tempted into that most time-honored arrangement: marriage? Life in London society is about to get a whole lot hotter

What is there to say about Mine until Midnight, this is a hot little book. It is of course a bodice ripper at the core; you can tell that by the cover I am sure. However it is a bodice ripper with more to it. Dealing with prejudice of the Gypsy kind in England, a brother who is grieving so much for his lost fiancé that he forgets about his own family.

Along with the budding romance between the handsome Cam and the semi prudish Amelia you can see some more budding things between other characters. This book was a fun romp with some hot scenes. It has been a while since I read a straight up bodice ripper and this one did not disappoint. I admit they are a guilty pleasure for me, but when I can read one that has more meat to it I am very happy. This book fulfills that, it even gets a little bit into the supernatural with a haunting. Not too shabby for a romance right? If you like some fun romps with meat on their bones this is a good book for you.

Book Review: Phi Beta Bimbo by Trish Jensen

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Leah Smith, a lifelong nerd, conducts research for her doctoral disseration on women in the workplace by disguising herself as a sexy employee. The experiment should prove who fares better in the workplace: the brassy bimbo or the plain Jane. Matters get complicated when Mark Colson, the company security specialist, thinks she is a corporate spy… more » posing as two different women.


I was not sure I would like this book when I picked it up but I thought I should at least give it a fair shake it seemed funny. I am very glad I did give it a fair shake the book was hilarious. Now while some of the events taking place were a bit unbelievable the story itself was still fun. Following the love and business of a family and their friends and the relationships they build is a great ride.

If you’re looking for a fun quick read this book will do that for you. It is a fun light and airy chic lit book and Trish Jensen does a great job. This one actually had me wishing that there was another one to find out what happens with Mark and Leah, and Gramps and all the other fun little characters you meet in this book. To be sure it is not a book that is full of tons of thinking and plot twists, it is just good fun.


Book Review: The Davinci Code by Dan Brown

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An ingenious code hidden in the works of Leonardo da Vinci. A desperate race through the cathedrals and castles of Europe. An astonishing truth concealed for centuries . . . unveiled at last.

While in Paris, Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon is awakened by a phone call in the dead of the night. The elderly curator of the Louvre has been murdered inside the museum, his body covered in baffling symbols. As Langdon and gifted French cryptologist Sophie Neveu sort through the bizarre riddles, they are stunned to discover a trail of clues hidden in the works of Leonardo da Vinci—clues visible for all to see and yet ingeniously disguised by the painter.

Even more startling, the late curator was involved in the Priory of Sion—a secret society whose members included Sir Isaac Newton, Victor Hugo, and Da Vinci—and he guarded a breathtaking historical secret. Unless Langdon and Neveu can decipher the labyrinthine puzzle—while avoiding the faceless adversary who shadows their every move—the explosive, ancient truth will be lost forever

The best parts of the book remind me of the first and third Indiana Jones films (Temple of Doom sucked). Dan Brown builds his fictional story on just enough truth about Christian history to spark imagination and plant in his readers a kernel that will lead to conversations, research and a deeper understanding of the life of Christ, the Church and the role mankind has played in muddying up the religion. We shouldn’t read his book as “The Gospel According to Dan”, and I would bet Mr. Brown would say the same thing. But it is a wonderful starting point for someone unfamiliar with the formation of the early church and the political/social choices of the first leaders that have shaped the evolution of the faith. I have yet to talk to any reader of the book who did not immediately locate a copy of The Last Supper and look for the clues the book suggests exists amid its scene.

But with all that highbrow content is a very lowbrow narrative, full of melodramatic mysteries, knock-you-over-the-head-clues and prose that at times sounds like it belongs in a dime store. The arch of the story is a common mystery (despite the very uncommon content), and is not unlike the plot of an episode of Scooby-Doo (a crime takes place, suspects are identified, people aren’t who they say they are and our heroes figure it all out). At the very end, I half expected the main villain to really be Old Man Withers of the Amusement Park and our two protagonists to enjoy a nice meal of Scooby Snacks.

Book Review: Madame Tussaud: A Novel of the French Revolution by Michelle Moran

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From Versailles to Boulevard du Temple, royalists to revolutionaries, art to science, Moran (Cleopatra’s Daughter) returns with a new historical novel of fierce polarities. Set during the French Revolution, with an emphasis on the Reign of Terror, Moran’s fourth deftly chronicles the consequences of seeking reversals in power-or liberty. Marie Grosholtz, the talented wax sculptress who would become Madame Tussaud, narrates with verve. She and her family are “survivalists” who “straddle both worlds until it’s clear which side will be the victor…” but never come across as opportunists; they are resourceful, sympathetic individuals facing an unraveling nation and an increasingly angry mob mentality. Though readers may wince at the inevitable beheadings, the storming of the Bastille, and the actions of men like Robespierre, Moran tempers brutality with Marie’s romance and passion for artistry; quiet moments in the family’s atelier provide much needed respite. This is an unusually moving portrayal of families in distress, both common and noble. Marie Antoinette in particular becomes a surprisingly dimensional figure rather than the fashionplate, spendthrift caricature depicted in the pamphlets of her times. A feat for Francophiles and adventurers alike.

When we visit places that started as historical places we often forget that they started as such. I think that is the case of Madame Tussauds in modern day history, it is so easy to forget she was a real person. Michelle Moran’s novel reminds us that she was indeed and not only was she a real person but that she formed herself in the most turbulent time in French history. Michelle Moran’s novel of Madam Tussaud is a master piece and a thrilling read. We meet so many characters that are known and loved it almost takes your breath away. The characters are so well written they seem to leap off the page.

I would recommend this book to an array of people. If you like history in general read it, if you like French history read it, Marie Antoinette? Read it. Must I really say more on who it will appeal too? This book truly is a triumph of work and I compliment Michelle Moran for another well done work!

Book Review: Homecoming by Cynthia Voigt

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“IT’S STILL TRUE.”
That’s the first thing James Tillerman says to his sister Dicey every morning. It’s still true that their mother has abandoned the four Tillerman children somewhere in the middle of Connecticut. It’s still true they have to find their way, somehow, to Great-aunt Cilla’s house in Bridgeport, which may be their only hope of staying together as a family.

But when they get to Bridgeport, they learn that Great-aunt Cilla has died, and the home they find with her daughter, Eunice, isn’t the permanent haven they’ve been searching for. So their journey continues to its unexpected conclusion — and some surprising discoveries about their history, and their future.

Cynthia Voigt has a way with description that puts the reader right there in the story. I could picture all the places where the kids crashed at night, and the physical appearance of each character, and of course, the taste of each of the hundred or so meals mentioned. I felt that for the most part, the characters’ emotions and motives were realistic enough. Of course the younger siblings are going to miss their mother badly. The older two were probably more aware of her mental instability and had, in a sense, already been saying goodbye to her for some time. The kids were very industrious for their ages, especially at their grandmother’s, but there was this mutual agreement that to just come and freeload off her would not ensure their being taken in permanently. Abigail Tillerman’s prickly personality made her the most interesting soul in the story. I could relate to Dicey because she had a touch of gender dysphoria. She was more practical than I’ll ever be, but there was little room for sentimentality while struggling to get her family to a safe place. I disliked James’ know-it-all attituded and I liked passive weak Maybeth even less, but at least Ms. Voigt created realistic siblings with good points and bad points. Sammy’s obstinacy and energy helped during the long stifling months in Bridgeport. Now, Homecoming’s ending was satisfactory. I could see kids saying, “Is that all there is” in disgust, but an ending with great fanfare would have been unrealistic. Ms. Voigt wasn’t writing a Disney-style epic, and it seemed right that the kids found acceptance with their grandmother and needed nothing more. I rated three stars because the post-Bridgeport chapters really dragged. The part about hiding out in a traveling circus seemed kind of lame, and I would have hated spending four long days salvaging some strange relative’s farm in the scorching summer. But life is like that, at times exciting and at other times a real drag, with hope lying ahead. I stand by teachers’ decision to push Homecoming as part of their classroom curriculum!

Book Review: The Sacred Meal by Nora Gallagher

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The sacred meal that is part of our faith does more than connect us to the holy, it connects us to each other.

“I think Jesus wanted his disciples and everyone who came after him to remember what they had together. What they made together. What it meant to be together. How the things he did could not have been done without them.”

In her inimitable style of memoir and personal reflection, Nora Gallagher explores the beauty and mystery of this most fascinating of topics. Whether exploring the history of Christian communion, taking us inside the workings of a soup kitchen, or sharing times of joy and sadness with friends, she reminds us what it means to partake of, and be part of, the body of Christ.

A volume in the eight book classic series, The Ancient Practices, with a foreword by Phyllis Tickle, General Editor.

Those who know me know I do not read too many religious books. This one however stood out to me as one that might be a good one to read. I did enjoy it; it takes a good look at the sacred meal, or the Eucharist. Anyone who is Christian or even someone who isn’t who would like to take a fresh look at the Eucharist offering should take a look at this book; I guarantee it will make you think.

Book Review: Daughter of Silk by Linda Lee Chaikin

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Pursuing the family name as the finest silk producer in Lyon, the young Huguenot Rachelle Dushane-Macquinet is thrilled to accompany her famous couturier Grandmere to Paris, there to create a silk trousseau for the Royal Princess Marguerite Valois.

The Court is magnificent; its regent, Catherine de Medici, deceptively charming … and the circumstances, darker than Rachelle could possibly imagine. At a time in history when the tortures of the Bastille and the fiery stake are an almost casual consequence in France, a scourge of recrimination is moving fast and furious against the Huguenots—and as the Queen Mother’s political intrigues weave a web of deception around her, Rachelle finds herself in imminent danger.

Hope rests in warning the handsome Marquis Fabien de Vendome of the wicked plot against his kin. But to do so, Rachelle must follow a perilous course.

Daughter of Silk is not a book I was pulled into right away, in fact I struggled with it at first, but the more I read the more I got into the book. The biggest issue I had with it personally was the amount of French integrated into it. I am one who feels if you’re writing a book in English have it be in English if you’re writing it in French have it be in French. Aside from that the book while slow to start is very good.

It is a Christian Fiction and not for everyone, but if you know the history of what happened in France while the Queen Regent “Madame le Serpente” ruled you know why it would be. This is a time of great religious persecution and peril. Protestants being slaughtered by the thousands just because of their beliefs because they were not catholic. This book brings that to light and entwines characters of evil and good, and those who are finding love in different places. Over all it is a good book that shows the ways of a dangerous court in a dangerous time very well.

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