Reviews by Gail L. (Dallas, TX)

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The Temple House Vanishing
The Temple House Vanishing
by Rachel Donohue
A Great Escape (4/16/2021)
This book tells a good story, and during most of the book I did not want to put it down. The ending is believable. However the book does drag at the end. Perhaps a bit more editing might have been useful.

This is a coming-of-age story and the characters and relationships are …more
And They Called It Camelot
And They Called It Camelot: A Novel of Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis
by Stephanie Marie Thornton
Historical Fiction or Romance Literature? (12/28/2019)
As our author reminds us in her notes, this book is a work of fiction, not history. I found it mostly enjoyable, especially the last half of the book. The first half focused too much on Jackie's relationship with the men in her life, and the book was presented like Romance …more
The Big Finish
The Big Finish
by Brooke Fossey
What is a family? (10/23/2019)
I loved reading The Big Finish. It is skillfully written and edited. The story moves quickly and is filled with humor and a moderate amount of suspense. However, the characters are beautifully developed and the story presents an unexpected amount of approachable information …more
The Last Collection
The Last Collection: A Novel of Elsa Schiaparelli and Coco Chanel
by Jeanne Mackin
Paris Goes to war (3/11/2019)
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this beautifully written book of historical fiction. Paris, immediately before the German invasion becomes one of the characters. Color and art and fashion are principle themes. The story is interesting and entertaining. The book deals with war …more
The Kennedy Debutante
The Kennedy Debutante
by Kerri Maher
Outstanding Historical Fiction (7/8/2018)
I have enjoyed reading about the Kennedy family for years, and I love well-written historical fiction. Kerri Maher has written an excellent book. She has managed to accurately capture a complicated period of history, bring the Kennedy family to life, and introduce us to a …more
The Imperial Wife
The Imperial Wife
by Irina Reyn
The Imperial Wife (6/24/2016)
This is an interesting, well-written book that might be a good choice for a book club because it presents many possibilities for discussion. Also there does not seem to be a unanimous opinion about the book.
There are two stories in the book, one Russian historical and one …more
I'll See You in Paris
I'll See You in Paris
by Michelle Gable
Enjoyable, satisfying book (1/18/2016)
I loved reading this book! The author's writing style is outstanding....both literary and approachable. The characters are well developed and likable and the story is interesting and complex. Set mostly in both 1972 and 2001, the story is historical and contemporary.

It …more
Descent
Descent
by Tim Johnston
Difficult read (11/5/2014)
The last half of the book is great! I had some difficulties with the first half. I usually enjoy reading stories told from the perspectives of different characters, but this book was a bit choppy.
Although the focus of the story is the daughter, the story is told by the men. …more
The Sisterhood
The Sisterhood
by Helen Bryan
Great story (5/12/2013)
At the heart of Helen Bryan's novel, The Sisterhood, is a great story. It held my attention on several levels: historical information, women's issues, the Catholic Church. However,the author could not seem to decide if she was writing a work of historical fiction or a …more
The Bloodletter's Daughter
The Bloodletter's Daughter: A Novel of Old Bohemia
by Linda Lafferty
Interesting but mediocre read (9/24/2012)
I would categorize this book as historical fiction/folklore set in 1600 Bohemia. I did enjoy the story, especially the details about early medicine and science. The writing was bland and immature at times but the story and characters held my attention.The book is simply not …more
A Simple Murder
A Simple Murder
by Eleanor Kuhns
A Simple Murder by Eleanor Kuhns (4/11/2012)
I was disappointed with this book for several reasons. First, the writing style is boring.
The book is written at a low reading level, appropriate for young readers, but the material is more suitable for adults.
I enjoy historical fiction, but I discovered little history in …more
In Search of the Rose Notes
In Search of the Rose Notes: A Novel
by Emily Arsenault
Disappointed (6/5/2011)
I think this book might best be appreciated by a Young Adult/High School audience. The juxtaposition of adult (present day) and young teen (childhood memories) perspectives did not work well for me. The story also will probably appeal to a young audience. Adult readers …more
Serena
Serena: A Novel
by Ron Rash
Serena - A Fabulous Read (9/16/2009)
This book has all the elements that I enjoy in a work of fiction. It is a unique, colorful, story that is believably set in the mountains surrounding Ashville, North Carolina during the Great Depression. It is filled with interesting, well-developed characters and page- …more
A Case of Exploding Mangoes
A Case of Exploding Mangoes
by Mohammed Hanif
Timely Political Satire (5/12/2008)
I really enjoyed this book. The dark humor is laugh-out-loud funny at times even though the story is about a political assination in Pakistan.
The book is a brilliant satire filled with irony.

With the world currently focused on Afghanistan and Pakistan and the political …more
Gomorrah
Gomorrah: A Personal Journey into the Violent International Empire of Naples' Organized Crime System
by Roberto Saviano, translated by Virginia Jewiss
Limited Audience (10/14/2007)
This book contains some very shocking and important facts. Unfortunately, because it is so poorly written, edited, and translated, it will have little appeal in the United States.
This book will be interesting to people who travel in Italy, value the Made In Italy brands, …more
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