Sarai Henderson's Blog, page 45
June 21, 2024
Book Review: An Offer From A Gentleman by Julia Quinn
My book review of An Offer From a Gentleman by Julia Quinn. A captivating and heartwarming addition to the beloved Bridgerton series.
Title: An Offer From a Gentleman
By: Julia Quinn
Genre: Historical Romance
Pages: 483
Release Date: October 1st, 2021
Publisher: Avon
Rating: ★★★★★
Summary from Goodreads:
Sophie Beckett never dreamed she'd be able to sneak into Lady Bridgerton's famed masquerade ball—or that "Prince Charming" would be waiting there for her! Though the daughter of an earl, Sophie has been relegated to the role of servant by her disdainful stepmother. But now, spinning in the strong arms of the debonair and devastatingly handsome Benedict Bridgerton, she feels like royalty. Alas, she knows all enchantments must end when the clock strikes midnight.
Who was that extraordinary woman? Ever since that magical night, a radiant vision in silver has blinded Benedict to the attractions of any other—except, perhaps, this alluring and oddly familiar beauty dressed in housemaid's garb whom he feels compelled to rescue from a most disagreeable situation. He has sworn to find and wed his mystery miss, but this breathtaking maid makes him weak with wanting her. Yet, if he offers her his heart, will Benedict sacrifice his only chance for a fairy tale love?
The story follows Sophie Beckett, the illegitimate daughter of an earl who finds herself in the role of a servant under the cruel supervision of her stepmother. A chance encounter at a masquerade ball brings her face-to-face with Benedict Bridgerton, who is immediately taken by her beauty and grace. However, as fate would have it, Sophie must flee before revealing her true identity, leaving Benedict to search for the mysterious woman who captured his heart.
Julia Quinn's writing is as enchanting as ever, with well-crafted characters and sparkling dialogue that bring the story to life. Sophie is a resilient and endearing heroine, whose strength and determination make her easy to root for. Benedict, on the other hand, is a charming and honorable hero whose quest for love and acceptance is both touching and inspiring.
The chemistry between Sophie and Benedict is palpable, and their romance unfolds with a perfect blend of passion and tenderness. Quinn masterfully balances the fairy-tale elements with real emotional depth, creating a story that is both magical and relatable.
An Offer From a Gentleman is not just a romance; it's a story about finding one's place in the world and the transformative power of love. With its engaging plot, lovable characters, and Quinn's signature wit, this book is a must-read for anyone looking for a feel-good escape into the Regency era.
In conclusion, An Offer From a Gentleman is a five-star read that will leave you smiling long after you've turned the last page. Julia Quinn has once again proven why she is one of the queens of historical romance. Highly recommended.
June 19, 2024
Book Review: The Sunflower House by Adriana Allegri
My book review of The Sunflower House by Adriana Allegri. A charming and heartfelt novel that transports readers to a world of warmth, love, and the enduring strength of family bonds.
Title: The Sunflower House
By: Adriana Allegri
Genre: Historical Fiction
Pages: 336
Release Date: November 12th, 2024
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Rating: ★★★★☆
Summary from Goodreads:Family secrets come to light as a young woman fights to save herself, and others, in a Nazi-run baby factory—a real-life Handmaid's Tale—during World War II.
In a sleepy German village, Allina Strauss’s life seems idyllic: she works at her uncle’s bookshop, makes strudel with her aunt, and spends weekends with her friends and fiancé. But it's 1939, Adolf Hitler is Chancellor, and Allina’s family hides a terrifying secret—her birth mother was Jewish, making her a Mischling.
One fateful night after losing everyone she loves, Allina is forced into service as a nurse at a state-run baby factory called Hochland Home. There, she becomes both witness and participant to the horrors of Heinrich Himmler’s ruthless eugenics program.
The Sunflower House is a meticulously-researched debut historical novel that uncovers the notorious Lebensborn Program of Nazi Germany. Women of “pure” blood stayed in Lebensborn homes for the sole purpose of perpetuating the Aryan population, giving birth to thousands of babies who were adopted out to “good” Nazi families. Allina must keep her Jewish identity a secret in order to survive, but when she discovers the neglect occurring within the home, she’s determined not only to save herself, but also the children in her care.
A tale of one woman’s determination to resist and survive, The Sunflower House is also a love story. When Allina meets Karl, a high-ranking SS officer with secrets of his own, the two must decide how much they are willing to share with each other—and how much they can stand to risk as they join forces to save as many children as they can. The threads of this poignant and heartrending novel weave a tale of loss and love, friendship and betrayal, and the secrets we bury in order to save ourselves.
The Sunflower House offers a deeply immersive and haunting portrayal of the Lebensborn Program during WWII in Germany. The story masterfully navigates the treacherous social landscape of the era, where characters must maneuver carefully to avoid raising suspicions while confronting the harrowing reality of friends and loved ones turning into threats.
The narrative is both poignant and beautifully written, capturing the emotional and psychological turmoil of the characters with remarkable clarity. The author's skillful storytelling ensures that the book resonates deeply with readers, making it a compelling read from start to finish.
The authenticity and intensity of the experiences depicted in The Sunflower House speak for themselves, requiring little external praise. However, potential readers should be aware of the sensitive content and read the trigger warnings before diving into this powerful story.
Overall, I highly recommend The Sunflower House for its exceptional writing and its unflinching exploration of a dark chapter in history. This book is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity.
Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.
June 17, 2024
Weekly Menu #561 And The Book Of The Week
Hello Monday! Welcome back to my weekly menu where I share all the delicious recipes we will be making this week. I hope you all had a wonderful Father's day. Trying to get my husband to relax and enjoy himself is a job of its own. I think he had a good day, though.This weeks read is Breaking the Dark by Lisa Jewell. I was lucky enough to receive this book pre release from the publisher and I'm really excited to read it. Its the first book in the Marvel Crime series. You read that right, Marvel. The book follows Jessica Jones and if you've been watching all the alternate Marvel shows out there, you would know who Jones is. I can't wait.
Lets get to this weeks menu. Enjoy!WEEKLY MENU
Monday
Kids - Cheese Quesadillas
Tuesday
Kids - Mac and Cheese
Wednesday
Kids - Ramen
Thursday
Mexican Chopped Cheese Sandwich
Kids - Cheese Sandwiches
Friday
Kids - Nachos
Saturday
Kids - Pizza Night
Sunday
Leftovers Night
June 16, 2024
Sunday Confessions #254
Hello Sunday! Its been a great week. Lets recap.
Sunday Confessions #253~Weekly Menu #560 And The Book Of The Week~Book Review: Winter Lost by Patricia Briggs~Reading through the Star Wars Universe Part 12~Book Review: Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
Weekly Menu #561 And The Book Of The Week~Book Review: The Sunflower House by Adriana Allegri~Book Review: An Offer From A Gentleman by Julia Quinn~Sunday Confessions #255
71/100 2024 Reading Challenge~71/196 in my Star Wars Legends challenge~70/341 Gilmore Girls challenge~96/100 in my 100 books before you die challenge
Another wonderful week. Happy reading, friends.
June 14, 2024
Book Review: Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
My book review of Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros. An absolute triumph in the realm of fantasy literature.
Title: Fourth Wing
By: Rebecca Yarros
Genre: Fantasy
Pages: 517
Release Date: May 2nd, 2023
Publisher: Red Tower Books
Rating: ★★★★★
Summary from Goodreads:Enter the brutal and elite world of a war college for dragon riders...
Twenty-year-old Violet Sorrengail was supposed to enter the Scribe Quadrant, living a quiet life among books and history. Now, the commanding general—also known as her tough-as-talons mother—has ordered Violet to join the hundreds of candidates striving to become the elite of Navarre: dragon riders.
But when you’re smaller than everyone else and your body is brittle, death is only a heartbeat away...because dragons don’t bond to “fragile” humans. They incinerate them.
With fewer dragons willing to bond than cadets, most would kill Violet to better their own chances of success. The rest would kill her just for being her mother’s daughter—like Xaden Riorson, the most powerful and ruthless wingleader in the Riders Quadrant.
She’ll need every edge her wits can give her just to see the next sunrise.
Yet, with every day that passes, the war outside grows more deadly, the kingdom's protective wards are failing, and the death toll continues to rise. Even worse, Violet begins to suspect leadership is hiding a terrible secret.
Friends, enemies, lovers. Everyone at Basgiath War College has an agenda—because once you enter, there are only two ways out: graduate or die.
From the first page, Yarros captivates with her masterful world-building. The intricate details of the universe she creates are not just background settings but living, breathing elements that enhance the storyline. The world is rich with lore, and the magical elements are woven seamlessly into the fabric of the plot, creating a vivid tapestry that is both believable and enchanting.
The characters in Fourth Wing are compelling and multifaceted. The protagonist is particularly noteworthy, exhibiting a blend of strength, vulnerability, and growth that is both relatable and inspiring. Each character, whether ally or antagonist, is well-developed with distinct motivations and arcs that add depth to the narrative. The interactions and relationships between characters are authentic, driving the emotional core of the story.
Yarros' prose is another highlight of the novel. Her writing style is eloquent yet accessible, making for a reading experience that is both immersive and enjoyable. The pacing is expertly managed, with a perfect balance of action, suspense, and introspective moments. The dialogue is sharp and natural, often laced with wit and wisdom that adds to the overall charm of the book.
One of the most striking aspects of Fourth Wing is its ability to tackle complex themes with grace and subtlety. Yarros explores issues of identity, power, and resilience, weaving them into the narrative without ever feeling heavy-handed. This thematic richness adds layers of meaning to the story, making it a thought-provoking read as well as an entertaining one.
The plot is intricately crafted with twists and turns that keep the reader on the edge of their seat. Just when you think you have figured out where the story is heading, Yarros throws in a surprising twist that changes everything. This unpredictability makes Fourth Wing a page-turner, ensuring that the reader remains engaged from start to finish.
In conclusion, Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros is a masterpiece of fantasy fiction. It combines stellar world-building, complex characters, and a riveting plot to create a book that is impossible to put down. Whether you are a long-time fan of the genre or a newcomer, this novel is sure to leave a lasting impression. Highly recommended.
June 13, 2024
Reading through the Star Wars Universe Part 12
I've done it again, made progress on my Star Wars reading challenge. This is turning out to be one of my favorite reading challenges. Here are 5 more books I've read.
Patterns of ForceMichael ReavesAfter the Empire's bloody purge of the Jedi, one lone Knight still fights for those who cannot, unaware that he's about to be swept into a cataclysmic battle against the Master of Darkness himself.
Throughout the galaxy, a captured Jedi is a dead Jedi, even in Coruscant's most foul subterranean slums, where Jedi Knight Jax Pavan champions the causes of the oppressed with the help of hard-nosed reporter Den Dhur and the wisecracking droid I-5YQ. But Jax is also involved in another struggle--to unlock the secrets of his father's death and his own past.
While Jax believes that I-5YQ holds some of those answers, he never imagines that the truth could be shocking enough to catapult him to the frontlines of a plot to kill Emperor Palpatine. Worse yet, Darth Vader's relentless search for Jax is about to end . . . in triumph.
The future looming over the valiant Jedi and his staunch pals promises to be dark and brief, because there's no secret whatsoever about the harshest truth of all: Few indeed are those who tangle with Darth Vader . . . and live to tell the tale.
ThrawnTimothy ZahnOne of the most cunning and ruthless warriors in the history of the Galactic Empire, Grand Admiral Thrawn is also one of the most captivating characters in the Star Wars universe, from his introduction in bestselling author Timothy Zahn’s classic Heir to the Empire through his continuing adventures in Dark Force Rising, The Last Command, and beyond. But Thrawn’s origins and the story of his rise in the Imperial ranks have remained mysterious. Now, in Star Wars: Thrawn, Timothy Zahn chronicles the fateful events that launched the blue-skinned, red-eyed master of military strategy and lethal warfare into the highest realms of power—and infamy.
After Thrawn is rescued from exile by Imperial soldiers, his deadly ingenuity and keen tactical abilities swiftly capture the attention of Emperor Palpatine. And just as quickly, Thrawn proves to be as indispensable to the Empire as he is ambitious; as devoted as its most loyal servant, Darth Vader; and a brilliant warrior never to be underestimated. On missions to rout smugglers, snare spies, and defeat pirates, he triumphs time and again—even as his renegade methods infuriate superiors while inspiring ever greater admiration from the Empire. As one promotion follows another in his rapid ascension to greater power, he schools his trusted aide, Ensign Eli Vanto, in the arts of combat and leadership, and the secrets of claiming victory. But even though Thrawn dominates the battlefield, he has much to learn in the arena of politics, where ruthless administrator Arihnda Pryce holds the power to be a potent ally or a brutal enemy.
All these lessons will be put to the ultimate test when Thrawn rises to admiral and must pit all the knowledge, instincts, and battle forces at his command against an insurgent uprising that threatens not only innocent lives but also the Empire’s grip on the galaxy—and his own carefully laid plans for future ascendancy.
The Paradise SnareA.C. CrispinHere is the first book in the blockbuster trilogy that chronicles the never-before-told story of the young Han Solo. Set before the Star Wars movie adventures, these books chronicle the coming-of-age of the galaxy's most famous con man, smuggler, and thief.
The first book in this exciting Han Solo series begins with a recounting of Han's late teen years and shows us how he escaped an unhappy adopted home situation to carve out an adventurous new life for himself as a pilot. Han Solo, the handsome rogue, is every girl's dream man, and every boy's hero.
Features a bonus section following the novel that includes a primer on the Star Wars expanded universe, and over half a dozen excerpts from some of the most popular Star Wars books of the last thirty years!
The Hutt GambitA.C. CrispinHere is the second novel in the blockbuster new trilogy that reveals the never-before-told story of the young Han Solo. Set before the Star Wars movie adventures, these books chronicle the coming-of-age of the galaxy's most famous con man, smuggler and thief.
Solo is now a fugitive from the Imperial Navy. But he has made a valuable friend in a former Wookiee slave named Chewbacca, who has sworn Han a life debt. Han will need all the help he can get. For the Ylesian Hutts have dispatched the dreaded bounty hunter Boba Fett to track down the man who already outsmarted them once. But Han and Chewie find themselves in even bigger trouble when they agree to lend their services to the crime lords Jiliac and Jabba the Hutt. Suddenly the two smugglers are thrust into the middle of a battle between the might of the Empire and the treachery of their outlaw allies...a battle where even victory means death!
Features a bonus section following the novel that includes a primer on the Star Wars expanded universe, and over half a dozen excerpts from some of the most popular Star Wars books of the last thirty years!
Rebel DawnA.C. CrispinHere is the explosive conclusion of the blockbuster trilogy that chronicles the never-before-told story of the young Han Solo.
Set before the Star Wars movie adventures (the second trilogy), these books chronicle the coming-of-age of the galaxy's most famous con man, smuggler, and thief.
The Millennium Falcon is "the fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy." So when Han Solo wins it in a game of sabacc, he and Chewbacca become kings of the smugglers—uncatchable, unstoppable. But with the Empire clamping down, Han knows his luck can't last. Still, when an old girlfriend who is now the leader of an insurgent Rebel group offers him a shot at an incredible fortune, Han can't resist. The plan seems a sure thing. The resistance will be light and the take enormous. Han and his friends will divide it equally with the Rebels.
Too bad for Han that the planet of Ylesia is far from a pushover, that the Rebels have an agenda of their own, and that smuggler friends can often turn into enemies...quicker than lightspeed.
June 12, 2024
Book Review: Winter Lost by Patricia Briggs
My book review of Winter Lost by Patricia Briggs. It's a spellbinding adventure that will leave readers eagerly awaiting the next installment.
Title: Winter Lost
By: Patricia Briggs
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Pages: 416
Release Date: June 18th, 2024
Publisher: Ace
Rating: ★★★★☆
Summary from Goodreads:Mercy Thompson, car mechanic and shapeshifter, must stop a disaster of world-shattering proportions in this exhilarating entry in the #1 New York Times bestselling series.
In the supernatural realms, there are creatures who belong to winter. I am not one of them. But like the coyote I can become at will, I am adaptable.
My name is Mercy Thompson Hauptman, and my mate, Adam, is the werewolf who leads the Columbia Basin Pack, the pack charged with keeping the people who live and work in the Tri-Cities of Washington State safe. It’s a hard job, and it doesn’t leave much room for side quests. Which is why when I needed to travel to Montana to help my brother, I intended to go by myself.
But I’m not alone anymore.
Together, Adam and I find ourselves trapped with strangers in a lodge in the heart of the wilderness, in the teeth of a storm of legendary power, only to discover my brother’s issues are a tiny part of a problem much bigger than we could have imagined. Arcane and ancient magics are at work that could, unless we are very careful, bring about the end of the world. . . .
The story centers around strong, relatable characters. Our protagonist, Mercy Thompson, is a compelling heroine who balances vulnerability with strength, navigating a world where every decision can mean life or death. Briggs excels at character development, and Mercy's journey of self-discovery is both engaging and poignant.
One of the standout features of Winter Lost is the richly detailed world-building. Briggs weaves together elements of mythology and modernity seamlessly, creating a vivid backdrop that enhances the narrative. The winter setting adds a unique, almost haunting atmosphere, with the icy landscapes reflecting the chilling encounters Mercy faces.
The plot is well-paced, filled with twists and turns that keep readers on the edge of their seats. The interplay between suspense and action is masterful, ensuring that the story never drags. Briggs has a knack for creating tension, and the stakes feel genuinely high throughout the book.
However, there are a few minor drawbacks that prevent Winter Lost from being a perfect read. Some secondary characters could have been fleshed out more, as their motivations and backgrounds occasionally feel underdeveloped. Additionally, while the climax is thrilling, it wraps up a bit too neatly, leaving a desire for more complexity in the resolution.
Despite these minor issues, Winter Lost is a thoroughly enjoyable read. Patricia Briggs continues to be a master of the urban fantasy genre, and this book is a testament to her storytelling prowess. It's a must-read for fans of the genre and a solid addition to Briggs' impressive bibliography.
Overall, Winter Lost earns a well-deserved four stars for its engaging plot, strong character development, and immersive world-building. It's a spellbinding adventure that will leave readers eagerly awaiting the next installment.
Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.
June 10, 2024
Weekly Menu #560 And The Book Of The Week
Hello Monday! Welcome back to my weekly menu where I share all the delicious recipes we will be making this week.We have a long stretch of wonderful weather on the way, so I took the top of my 1999 Wrangler Sahara for the first time. Its so much fun. My husband put a 2 inch lift on it yesterday and it drives like a dream. Can't believe its mine. If you want to see our progress on it, check out my main Instagram account @exballerina.
Fun car things aside, I did manage to read a lot of the books on my TBR pile, even The Sunflower House which was really good. Keep an eye out for the review soon on that one. This weeks reads are starting off with Argylle by Elle Conway. I've not watched the movie yet, but I usually like to read the book first and then compare. Also working on Breaking the Dark by Lisa Jewell and Romancing Mister Bridgerton by Julia Quinn. Those are the only books I have left on my TBR. Don't worry, I will add more soon.
Lets get to this weeks menu. Enjoy!WEEKLY MENU
Monday
Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs
Kids - Chicken and rice
Tuesday
Kids - Chicken Ramen
Wednesday
Kids - English Muffin Pizzas
Thursday
Kids - Mac and Cheese
Friday
Grilled Sausage with Dill Sauce
Kids - Birddogs
Saturday
Kids - Sheet Pan Pancake
Sunday
Family Dinner
Tequila Lime Chicken Club Sandwiches
June 9, 2024
Sunday Confessions #253
Hello Sunday! This is my favorite day of the week. I get to spend time with my family and reset for the week to come.
Lets recap the week.
Sunday Confessions #252~Weekly Menu #559 And The Book Of The Week~May Wrap Up 2024~Book Review: The Book of Elsewhere by Keanu Reeves~Book Review: The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo
Weekly Menu #560 And The Book Of The Week~Book Review: Winter Lost by Patricia Briggs~Reading through the Star Wars Universe Part 12~Book Review: Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros~Sunday Confessions #254
68/100 2024 Reading Challenge~71/196 in my Star Wars Legends challenge~70/341 Gilmore Girls challenge~96/100 in my 100 books before you die challenge
Another good week. Looking forward to what's to come.
Happy reading, friends!
June 7, 2024
Book Review: The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo
My book review of The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo. Leigh Bardugo has truly outdone herself with The Familiar. It is a book that will stay with readers long after they have turned the last page, a shining example of fantasy literature at its best.
Title: The Familiar
By: Leigh Bardugo
Genre: Fantasy
Pages: 387
Release Date: April 9th, 2024
Publisher: Flatiron Books
Rating: ★★★★★
Summary from Goodreads:From the New York Times bestselling author of Ninth House, Hell Bent, and creator of the Grishaverse series comes a highly anticipated historical fantasy set during the Spanish Golden Age
In a shabby house, on a shabby street, in the new capital of Madrid, Luzia Cotado uses scraps of magic to get through her days of endless toil as a scullion. But when her scheming mistress discovers the lump of a servant cowering in the kitchen is actually hiding a talent for little miracles, she demands Luzia use those gifts to better the family's social position.
What begins as simple amusement for the bored nobility takes a perilous turn when Luzia garners the notice of Antonio Pérez, the disgraced secretary to Spain's king. Still reeling from the defeat of his armada, the king is desperate for any advantage in the war against England's heretic queen—and Pérez will stop at nothing to regain the king's favor.
Determined to seize this one chance to better her fortunes, Luzia plunges into a world of seers and alchemists, holy men and hucksters, where the line between magic, science, and fraud is never certain. But as her notoriety grows, so does the danger that her Jewish blood will doom her to the Inquisition's wrath. She will have to use every bit of her wit and will to survive—even if that means enlisting the help of Guillén Santangel, an embittered immortal familiar whose own secrets could prove deadly for them both.
What Shines: Bardugo's world-building is unparalleled. The Familiar introduces readers to a meticulously crafted universe where magic and mystery abound. The setting is vividly described, immersing readers in a world that feels both fantastical and tangibly real. Her attention to detail is evident in every page, from the intricate lore to the vibrant landscapes.
The characters in The Familiar are complex and multi-dimensional. Protagonist Luzia is a particularly standout figure, with a backstory that unfolds gradually, revealing layers of depth and nuance. Her journey is one of self-discovery, resilience, and transformation, making her a character that readers can deeply connect with and root for.
Bardugo's prose is another highlight. Her writing is lyrical and evocative, painting vivid pictures with her words. The dialogue is sharp and natural, adding authenticity to the characters' interactions and relationships. The pacing of the story is expertly managed, keeping readers engaged with a perfect balance of action, suspense, and emotional moments.
Themes and Depth: The Familiar delves into themes of identity, belonging, and the search for one's true purpose. Bardugo weaves these themes seamlessly into the narrative, offering readers not just an entertaining story, but also a thought-provoking exploration of what it means to find one's place in the world. The book's emotional depth is enhanced by its exploration of love, loss, and the power of friendship and loyalty.
Conclusion: In summary, The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo is a literary triumph. It is a testament to Bardugo's skill as a storyteller that she can create such a rich, immersive world while delivering a narrative that is both thrilling and deeply moving. This book is a must-read for fans of fantasy and anyone who appreciates masterful storytelling.
