Book Review: Takedown Twenty

Book Review for:  Takedown Twenty

Written by: Janet Evanovich

Published by: Bantam Books

ISBN: 978-0-345-54288-5

 

I read: the Hardback

 

4 Stars

 

Exciting, but could do without the giraffe.

 

Evanovich pens another interesting cozy mystery with “Takedown Twenty.” Morelli’s uncle, Sal Sunucch, jumps bond and Stephanie’s been tasked to rebond him. Uncle Sunny has a lot of friends, and no one want to turn him in. Stephanie is also helping Ranger to find out who’s been killing the old ladies who like to play bingo and get discounts at the local store. 

 

The cherry on the top is that there is a giraffe running wild on Stark Street that only Lula and Stephanie see. Stephanie comes close to taking down Uncle Sunny a couple of times, but breaks her finger, her nose, and gets thrown into the river. As the danger amps up, Stephanie gets cold feet, throws in the towel, and goes to work for a butcher. Can Stephanie catch Uncle Sunny and figure out who is targeting the old ladies at Bingo before her grandmother is next? 

 

Evanovich’s writing style easily draws the reader in and keeps them interested. The Uncle Sunny plot has readers engaged and curious. The giraffe subplot feels forced and only served as an unneeded distraction. 

 

The characters were entertaining as usual, and readers will find themselves among old friends. The ending sneaks up on the reader. 

 

Overall, Takedown Twenty is a fun read with old friends and new challenges. If you’re looking for a cozy read to pass the time or to catch up with friends, this one for you. 

*****

Check out my story, Young Witchcraft:

Blurb:Rachel’s secret would have Cotton Mather rolling over in his grave. She’s been raised from an early age to use magic for good, despite her temptation to cast a spell against Phil the bully who can’t stop teasing her.

Joe thinks Rachel is cool, especially when she weaves her healing magic on him, but he’s got his own problems. It’s not easy keeping Rachel safe from Phil’s constant threats.

When Phil poisons Rachel, can love and a little young witchcraft bring Rachel and Joe together or have the years of Phil’s bullying ruined their relationship for good?

Buy Young Witchcraft

Book Review: The Viscount that Loved Me Book 2 in the Bridgerton Series

Book Review for: The Viscount Who Loved Me

 

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Author: Julia Quinn

Published by: Avon Books, 2006, 2015, 

Overall rating: 4.5 Stars 

 

 

 

PLOT:  (4.5 Stars)

 

Anthony Bridgerton is a young, attractive viscount who is feeling the urge to settle down and find a wife. He’s not worried about his reputation – in fact, he’s rather proud of being a rake and a rogue. He has absolutely no intention of beginning in love with the woman he picks for his wife, so he sets his eye on the lovely Edwina Sheffield, the belle of the ton. 

 

Kate Sheffield is Edwina’s older sister and is also making her debut season in the ton. She finds Anthony’s reputation despicable and is mortified to discover he’s set his eye on Edwina. She has no intention of allowing Edwina to marry a rake and a man who doesn’t love her. 

 

When Anthony and Kate meet, the sparks fly. Both are so much alike – stubborn, full of pride, and quick-witted. As Kate runs interference for her sister, she finds herself more and more attracted to the handsome viscount. Dare Anthony fall in love with perfect woman for him? 

 

CATAYLIST: (4 Stars)

 

I was shopping at Costco when I found the book. I hadn’t read book #1 (The Duke and I) yet, but I was ready for a historical, regency romance. This cover, for me, was more in line with what I had envisioned for the story. 

 

THOUGHTS: (4.5 Stars)

 

For me, both characters were easy to like. Kate made a determined heroine, but her fear of thunderstorms is deep seated. When Anthony finds her in a vulnerable position due to her fear, he strives to help, proving he’s more gentleman than a rogue and allows Kate’s feelings for him to grow. Anthony, too, has a deep-seated belief – he’s convinced he’s not going to live to an old age, dying young as his father did. This fear drives his decisions, and yet when he meets Kate and discovers the power of love, he learns he is the master of his own destiny – but what choice should he make? The safe one or the risky one? 

 

WHAT WORKS: (4.5 Stars)

 

The witty banter. The plot moves a nice clip and I found myself rooting for Kate and Anthony. 

 

WHAT DIDN’T WORK FOR ME (WHAT WAS ‘OFF’): 

 

The ending seems a little forced and rushed. Anthony has his epiphany and rushes to find Kate. Good. BUT the scenario where Kate was in danger felt a little, well, forced. 

 

WHY 4.5 STARS:

 

I enjoyed the setting and the escapism of the novel. Both main characters were well fleshed out with their flaws and vulnerabilities which made them very relatable. 

 

WILL I WATCH THE NETFLIX SERIES:

 

Not at this time. I love a good regency romance and the Bridgerton book series could very well be that, but I appreciate more the realism of the escapism, than the reimagining of it. The TV Series itself would stand much stronger on its own if it was its own world and not the reimagined world of the ton. 

 

EXTRA COVER SIDE NOTE:

 

As I usually do with a review, I download the cover and share it with the review. Well, I discovered the book had more than one cover. I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised, as it had a different color when it was published in 2006 and 2015. 

*****

Check out my Amazon Author Page at:

Stephanie's Amazon Author Page

Book Review: Unsinkable by Debbie Reynolds #bookreview #debbiereynolds

Book Review: Unsinkable

Written by: Debbie Reynolds and Dorian Hanaaway

William Morrow Publishing/Harper Collins

ISBN: 978-0-06-221365-5

I read: the ebook

4.5 Stars

A warmhearted, engaging memoir

Debbie Reynolds tells her story in a very endearing manner with "Unsinkable." The book focuses on the latter part of her career and life. It starts with Debbie marrying her third husband, Richard Hamlett.

Debbie's kindhearted nature shines in this memoir. Her desire to create a museum to house her Hollywood memorabilia is genuine, but poor personal choices threaten to derail her. Debbie enjoys working and entertaining her fans. Throughout her challenges and disappointments, her children, Todd and Carrie, help to steady her.

The writing is easy to read and engaging. The chapters are well organized, and I enjoyed reading about the movies she made. What touched my heart was how Debbie dealt with hardship. Her third husband proves deplorable and bankrupts her. Debbie looks adversity right in the face and picks herself back up with class.  Nothing can sink Debbie's resolve to start new chapters in her life when she has to.

I was motivated to learn more about her story after hearing of her tragedic death. I discovered Debbie Reynolds was a gifted entertainer, funny, charming, and kind-hearted.  How she carried herself in the face of adversity is to be admired. I didn't want to put his book down. Even if you're not a fan of Debbie, her story is compelling and will touch your heart. She's truly "Unsinkable." I highly recommend this book.

Question for you: Have you seen a Debbie Reynolds movie?  Which one? 

Book Review Tuesday: Wishful Drinking by Carrie Fisher #bookreview #carriefisher

Book Review for: Wishful Drinking

Written by: Carrie Fisher

Simon and Schuster Publishing

ISBN: 978-1-4391-5380-2

I read: the ebook

 

4.5 Stars

 

Totally Entertaining!

 

Carrie Fisher pens an entertaining look at her life in Hollywood with “Wishful Drinking.” Filled with ups and downs, Carrie takes the reader on a journey through life heartfelt humor.

 

Fisher starts with a look at her parents and takes the reader though her journey of adolescence. She talks about the impact of Star Wars on her life, reoccurring themes in her life, her loves, her loses, drug use, and how her bipolar diagnosis has affected her life. 

 

Fisher reveals that she wrote “Wishful Drinking” to reclaim what was left of her former life. Her writing style is easy to read and sincere. The novel is filled with humor and honesty.  I felt like a welcomed friends as I read her memoir. 

 

Fisher shares pictures and tidbits of her life which is a true delight for the reader. 

 

“Wishful Drinking” is a heartfelt memoir, deserving of Carrie’s fans. I picked up the book when I heard Fisher had a cardiac episode and I’m so glad I got to her before she passed away.  This is Carrie Fisher, raw, honest, sincere, candid, and the princess of our hearts.  I highly recommend this book. 

Question for you: what is your favorite Carrie Fisher movie or book? 

Book Review: Princess Diarist by Carrie Fisher #carriefisher #bookreview

Book Review: The Princess Diarist

Written by: Carrie Fisher

Published by: Blue Rider Press

ISBN: 9780698188365

I read: the ebook

4 Stars

Honest and Bittersweet

Carrie Fisher talks about her affair with Harrison Ford while working on Stars Wars in 1976 .  Her antidotes prove candid, but the biggest surprise is that she had an affair with Harrison Ford while filming.

Carrie shares several pages taken from her diary that she kept at the time. Even back then, Carrie displays her wit with words. Her honesty shines in this memoir.

The novel is easy to read, sharp and revealing. Fisher, however, paints in broad strokes, so vivid, specific recollections are hard to come by. She captures emotions well, including confusion, uncertainty, and frustration. However, there are no insights about what it was like making the movie, working with George Lucas or any memories about her castmates.

I bought this book when I heard Fisher had a cardiac episode on a plane because I wanted to get to know her a little better, and I certainly learned a lot about the person she was while filming Star Wars.

"The Princess Diarist" is a heartfelt memoir. It strikes sad, poignant notes on the eve of Carrie's greatest success. Thank you for sharing, Carrie.