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duchessofreadin's reviews
2461 reviews
The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton
4.0
This books keeps you riveted from the first page to the last. It was so hard to put down and walk away!!
Nell has the bottom of her world knocked out when she discovers that her family isn't really hers. She embarks on a lifelong mission of finding out who she is and where she comes from. All she has for clues is a small suitcase and very vague memories of being on a ship, and someone telling her she had to hide and not move. But of course things do not always turn out as we hope, and so the mystery passes to Nell's granddaughter Cassandra. Cassandra at first is leery of the mystery that has been left to her, and yet, intrigued at the same time. She begins to follow the trail that her grandmother had made, and makes some shocking discoveries of her own. Who was the authoress and how does she figure into the story? Where does the English manor come into play, and what tragedies are waiting behind the brambles in the garden to be discovered?
I really enjoyed this book. I grabbed it for our book club read this month, and was not disappointed with the book at all. Kate Morton has weaved a tale that leaves readers begging for more.
Nell has the bottom of her world knocked out when she discovers that her family isn't really hers. She embarks on a lifelong mission of finding out who she is and where she comes from. All she has for clues is a small suitcase and very vague memories of being on a ship, and someone telling her she had to hide and not move. But of course things do not always turn out as we hope, and so the mystery passes to Nell's granddaughter Cassandra. Cassandra at first is leery of the mystery that has been left to her, and yet, intrigued at the same time. She begins to follow the trail that her grandmother had made, and makes some shocking discoveries of her own. Who was the authoress and how does she figure into the story? Where does the English manor come into play, and what tragedies are waiting behind the brambles in the garden to be discovered?
I really enjoyed this book. I grabbed it for our book club read this month, and was not disappointed with the book at all. Kate Morton has weaved a tale that leaves readers begging for more.
Edward III: The Perfect King by Ian Mortimer
4.0
A very comprehensive view of Edward III....
For a man that started off his life amid political scandal from his father, which continued up into his teens, one would predict that Edward III would not have had such a brilliant reign, but he proved everyone wrong. Edward III took his own fate into his hands, and ousted Roger Mortimer from power, yet managed to protect his mother. Over his long reign, he managed to put England on the map in international power and bring about more of a revolution that anyone could have imagined. Within the military and political triumphs, he managed to make an entire national love him, and at the end revile him. His relationship with Alice Perrers is still one for speculation, and the amount of influence she had over the king was seen as criminal. For one who wanted to remove the stain of his fathers reign, at the end, he fell into the same hole.
I loved reading this book and the amount of information that Ian Mortimer is able to bring to the table and logically lay out, is astounding. I learned so much from this book, and can't wait to find more information!
For a man that started off his life amid political scandal from his father, which continued up into his teens, one would predict that Edward III would not have had such a brilliant reign, but he proved everyone wrong. Edward III took his own fate into his hands, and ousted Roger Mortimer from power, yet managed to protect his mother. Over his long reign, he managed to put England on the map in international power and bring about more of a revolution that anyone could have imagined. Within the military and political triumphs, he managed to make an entire national love him, and at the end revile him. His relationship with Alice Perrers is still one for speculation, and the amount of influence she had over the king was seen as criminal. For one who wanted to remove the stain of his fathers reign, at the end, he fell into the same hole.
I loved reading this book and the amount of information that Ian Mortimer is able to bring to the table and logically lay out, is astounding. I learned so much from this book, and can't wait to find more information!
Lady Jane Grey: Nine Days Queen by Alison Plowden
4.0
If you love Tudor history, than this book is for you!
Alison Plowden delves into the life of the ill-fated Jane Grey and her family. The not so subtle manipulation of a young woman who had no say in her future, and the tragic events which led to her her death are recounted here in detail.
From the beginning of her life, to her death and beyond, Plowden goes into the family history and the events which surrounded the short reign of the young woman, who had events turned out differently might have left a more favorable impression on history. Instead she has been condemned for taking a crown that was not hers, although the decision was not hers to make. The manipulation of a child king and the protector of the nation who saw more power for himself all lead to one thing - death.
A MUST READ!
Alison Plowden delves into the life of the ill-fated Jane Grey and her family. The not so subtle manipulation of a young woman who had no say in her future, and the tragic events which led to her her death are recounted here in detail.
From the beginning of her life, to her death and beyond, Plowden goes into the family history and the events which surrounded the short reign of the young woman, who had events turned out differently might have left a more favorable impression on history. Instead she has been condemned for taking a crown that was not hers, although the decision was not hers to make. The manipulation of a child king and the protector of the nation who saw more power for himself all lead to one thing - death.
A MUST READ!
The Reign of Mary Tudor by James Anthony Froude
4.0
Throughout her reign, Mary was unequipped to deal with the tasks set before her, and basically a slave to love. She was in love with a man that did not love her in return, but instead saw the potential of a windfall for himself from England.
Had Mary better advisers, decided on tolerance instead of religious fervor, and united instead of divide, she would have had a better reign, and might have kept the people on her side.
As I was reading through this book, I was struck with how she trusted a person, someone she saw a father figure, and was almost determined to rectify all wrongs she felt had been done to her during her father's reign. I felt sorry for her, but then angry with her, as she was slow to act when she could have been decisive, and vengeful when she would have been forgiving. She alone incurred the wrath of her people, not without help, but the wrongs fall to her.
Great read overall, good concise history and factual relating.
Had Mary better advisers, decided on tolerance instead of religious fervor, and united instead of divide, she would have had a better reign, and might have kept the people on her side.
As I was reading through this book, I was struck with how she trusted a person, someone she saw a father figure, and was almost determined to rectify all wrongs she felt had been done to her during her father's reign. I felt sorry for her, but then angry with her, as she was slow to act when she could have been decisive, and vengeful when she would have been forgiving. She alone incurred the wrath of her people, not without help, but the wrongs fall to her.
Great read overall, good concise history and factual relating.