Reviews by Marie D. (Waretown, NJ)

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American Princess
American Princess: A Novel of First Daughter Alice Roosevelt
by Stephanie Marie Thornton
American politicking and life choices entwined (12/10/2018)
I was very happy to receive this book to review, having always enjoyed reading about early and mid-20th Century America.

Upfront, I will confess to not particularly liking Alice Roosevelt. Even as life brought both fame and pain into her long life, I questioned her choices …more
As Bright as Heaven
As Bright as Heaven
by Susan Meissner
As Bright As Heaven, a tale of life, death — and love (11/7/2017)
Perhaps my rating of this very well written book has been tainted by its powerful account of death and dying. The process of the end of life and detailed preparation for burial was difficult to read, but offered an insight to the reality of how our physical bodies are just …more
Before the War
Before the War
by Fay Weldon
Before the War should have been a better book (12/18/2016)
This was a difficult book for me to read for a few reasons. I found the unidentified interloper, who offers descriptive commentary throughout the book, irritating rather than helpful; several unattractive characters – virtually everyone in the book - were described bed- …more
The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper
The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper
by Phaedra Patrick
A wonderful tale of love and learning (4/9/2016)
Such an enjoyable read! A real page turner – not to learn who dunnit – but to keep up with Arthur on his remarkable journey of discovery! The story is "charming," sweet, and portrays an adult view of living and loving. Without using a soap box, the author has gently spoken …more
The Swans of Fifth Avenue
The Swans of Fifth Avenue
by Melanie Benjamin
Five beautiful swans - and one vicious predator (11/9/2015)
Ms. Benjamin's portrait of Babe Paley is so touching and intimate. Babe and her two sisters, the Cushing debutantes of Boston, were born into great wealth, but they were raised to see their future worth determined only by whether or not they would marry wealthy and socially …more
A Good Family
A Good Family
by Erik Fassnacht
Oh, what tangled webs we weave.... (6/11/2015)
Many authors have taken on the subject of the dysfunctional American family -- some stories take a comic turn, others are bittersweet, all are tales of lost opportunities -- this book explores how one family, seemingly with every advantage, plunges toward self destruction …more
Lusitania
Lusitania: Triumph, Tragedy, and the End of the Edwardian Age
by Greg King, Penny Wilson
The Lusitania: A voyage to hell... (1/26/2015)
The Lusitania by Greg King and Penny Wilson

The tragic story is told in suspenseful and riveting detail. The reader, as an unbooked passenger, observes from a safe distance as the disaster plays out day by day -- while helpless to intervene!

World opinion at the time …more
Vanessa and Her Sister
Vanessa and Her Sister
by Priya Parmar
Vanessa and her Sister — a page turner of a tale! (10/30/2014)
At the outset, I feared I might be put off by the Priya Parmar's use of correspondence and conversation between Vanessa, Virginia, their siblings and assorted friends and suitors, to tell this story. As the characters took shape and substance, I soon recognized how quickly …more
The Paris Winter
The Paris Winter
by Imogen Robertson
The Paris Winter - a captivating tale of art, love, friendship, struggle and evil (7/24/2014)
Author, Imogen Robertson, skillfully tells the story of a young English woman who travels to Paris, with very little money, to study art in an era when women artists were often viewed as less than respectable! The difficulties encountered by the determined art student, Maud …more
The Race Underground
The Race Underground: Boston, New York, and the Incredible Rivalry That Built America's First Subway
by Doug Most
Incredible saga of American ingenuity! (1/29/2014)
In Doug Most's book, "The Race Underground," he has complied detailed biographical sketches of the creators of subway systems which provide the fodder for books on their own!

As a native New Yorker, I have used the subway system for years without truly thinking of how it …more
The Aviator's Wife
The Aviator's Wife
by Melanie Benjamin
A spell-binding tale by a hero's wife! (12/19/2012)
From the first page, I was hooked and prepared to take flight with Anne Lindbergh on her incredible life journey. That she took that journey with America's hero, Charles Lindbergh, a man she loved at first sight, made the story historic and thrilling. It is a tale of …more
A Simple Murder
A Simple Murder
by Eleanor Kuhns
Good, but left me wanting to know more (5/16/2012)
I was intrigued with the opportunity to learn more about the Shakers and more about life in 1796 America. While "A Simple Murder" did provide me a some insight into both, I found the pace a bit too slow moving. All the ingredients are there for a good read, but the …more
The Winter Palace
The Winter Palace: A Novel of Catherine the Great
by Eva Stachniak
Life as a royal — a life filled with intrique! (1/15/2012)
I looked forward to reading The Winter Palace especially since I have wonderful recollections of my visit to St. Petersburg in 2009. Vivid memories of the Winter Palace/Hermitage and Catherine’s “summer” palace at Oranienbaum created a sense of place as I read the book. I …more
A Bitter Truth
A Bitter Truth: A Bess Crawford Mystery
by Charles Todd
Oh, what tangled webs we weave! (8/15/2011)
The book splendidly recreates the period during World War I in England. The coming together of the protagonist, Bess Crawford, and the household of murder suspects – one wonders if it will be determined that the butler did do it - was totally random, yet it all seems to …more
A Lonely Death
A Lonely Death: An Inspector Ian Rutledge Mystery
by Charles Todd
While a Inspector Rutledge fan, I was disappointed.. (12/7/2010)
I was delighted when selected to review "A Lonely Death" since I have enjoyed other Ian Rutledge books. I've always loved mysteries, most especially English ones, and particularly stories in the aftermath of The Great War. This book suffers from too many storylines, too …more
Alice I Have Been
Alice I Have Been
by Melanie Benjamin
Alice: A strange little girl, a complicated woman (10/31/2009)
I have been stymied since reading this book trying to decide whether or not I liked it! My recollection of the Alice in Wonderland story was warm and endearing. Now, my head is filled with worry about what really did take place between Mr. Dodgson and Alice when she was 11 …more
Home
Home: A Novel
by Marilynne Robinson
Most moving books I've read in years. (12/4/2008)
Both Home and her previous book were so memorable! To read the reactions of the characters from their perspectives to the same recounting of events in their lives was so skillfully accomplished! I became a witness to their lives. I need to know what happened to Jack and his …more
An Incomplete Revenge
An Incomplete Revenge: A Maisie Dobbs Novel
by Jacqueline Winspear
A complete pleasure! (3/3/2008)
I happily anticipated reading Winspear’s latest in her Maisie Dobbs series, having read and enjoyed the previous books so very much. She recreates the pre/post World War I era in England superbly. I was not disappointed!

Winspear’s Maisie Dobbs makes her life’s journey with …more
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