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Reviews by Maggie P. (Redmond, WA)

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The Borgia Betrayal: A Poisoner Mystery Novel
by Sara Poole
The Borgia Betrayal (7/2/2011)
The Author has a way of pulling you in to want to find out what happens next. I hadn't read the first book in this series Poison, but felt I still understood all the going-ons in the book. I found the story interesting and I would recommend it to individuals or book clubs.
The Tudor Secret: The Elizabeth I Spymaster Chronicles
by C. W. Gortner
Enjoyable, but predictable (3/31/2011)
I had a difficult time getting into the story, but after the first couple chapters it was a quick read. I loved that it was written in first person prospective. I think that gave it the intrigue it needed to be a good mystery.
I would recommend this for book club because it gives several areas for debate and discussion. The author also provides nine reading group questions at the end of the book to help.
The Beauty of Humanity Movement: A Novel
by Camilla Gibb
The Beauty of Humanity (12/26/2010)
I loved the prospective of this book. It gives back ground into a world I think is unfamiliar to most people. I found myself not wanting to put it down and/or picking up just to read a couple more lines here and there.
It offers mystery, history and culture.
I feel this book would appeal to a great many readers.
Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter: A Novel
by Tom Franklin
Great story, but a bit predictable (9/19/2010)
This is a great story, but I saw what was coming so there wasn't any surprise for me. I really enjoyed the story, reading it in two days. The author has a gift for making you want to know what will happen next. I could see where the book was heading and wish there had been a bit more mystery. Despite that, it was a great book.
The Confessions of Catherine de Medici: A Novel
by C.W. Gortner
Get a behind the scenes look (5/18/2010)
I love the author's first person approach to this story. I've been exposed to material about that time period involving England, but not France before this book. I loved the information I was given about this time period in France. It makes me that much more eager to plan my trip to France next year. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in Historical Fiction. This is a nice blend of fact and fiction.
Savage Lands
by Clare Clark
Historically Interesting (12/22/2009)
I loved the authors use of adjectives to really give you a clear picture of the the surroundings and the characters feelings. I enjoyed the historical facts, but I felt let down. I had a hard time wanting to continue reading the book. By the middle and into the end of the book, I didn't have a strong connection to the characters. It is a good book for the historical information, just wish I'd felt more for the characters.
Cleopatra's Daughter
by Michelle Moran
Historical fiction at it's finest (9/9/2009)
Michelle Moran is a very clever writer. Her use in this book of a first person point of view gives the reader a more intimate feel of the story. I would recommend this book to any one. The book has just enough history to keep it interesting and not bore you with too much information. Michelle Moran did a great job writing the book and I know you'll enjoy it.
A Pearl in the Storm: How I Found My Heart in the Middle of the Ocean
by Tori Murden McClure
Definitely a pearl (4/20/2009)
Being a person that doesn't really like being in or on the water, I wasn't sure I'd enjoy this story. I was pleasantly surprised. The author is very gifted in story telling. It took me on an adventure I wouldn't have been able to take other wise. My only complaint would be that I was irritated with the authors need to keep reminding me that she is intelligent. I'm sure there are better ways to express that in writing without having to come out and say it.

It's well worth reading. I would have given it a rating of 5 if not for my one complaint.
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