Spring Edition Book Reviews

It's the Spring Season and my nose has been in multiple books that I have to share with you. In this edition of novels I have read lately, they are all Historical Fiction novels with their own unique story mixed between history. And no matter where I sat down with cup of coffee or tea and or even what city I was in, I was transported to another era of time. Let me tell you now, I love each one these three books individually and as whole set together if I inspire you read just one, I did my job right. Two of the three made me have a few outbursts of emotions without even realizing my own surroundings. I will get into that shortly but I do have to mention these novels are meant to be a slow burn kind of read. Meaning with novels like this, make you want to enjoy every word, every sentence that the author gave to each character and to step into the story yourself understand every detail about them.

But who's to say I am the expert here, I am just giving my little opinion. Let's get into these escapism novels.

The first novel that I finished back in February is by Laura Morelli called The Stolen lady.

Now the Stolen lady is a story behind the untold story of the Mona Lisa painted by Leonardo Di Vinci within the story of WW2 when works of art had to be hidden from the Germans who wanted the art or to destroy works of art. Throughout the novel you are be in-between five hundred years of history, two story lines and looking back at the novel ;I think that concept was the only understand the connections between the real Mona Lisa (Lisa Gherardini ), Bellina ( her ladies maid) and Anne Guichard ( archivist of the Louvre). Reading about each lady in their timeframe, I learned about each one of them more depth than what's just in our history books today. The feeling of losses what Lisa Gherardini had in her life. Bellina's character of taking care of Lisa deeply and yet yearning for love also the fight within her own beliefs. Then Anne's fight to help protect the works of art with everything she has and yet what's constantly on her mind is where her brother went. Which mind you when you find out where her brother was during the war. Things will come full circle. I found Anne's and Bellina's life's were the most similar in their own way. Protection over some very important secrets than what history books would never tells us at least. I loved learning about Leonardo Di Vinci's life and lifestyle while creating his famous art work pieces, architecture that we seen by millions every year to this day. I can honestly say I didn't know that much behind the story of the famous Mona Lisa and her own history of five hundred years of existing.

Upon finishing up the novel, I was captivated between the two worlds of France 1939 and Florence 1479 towards the end of the novel, I just didn't want the book to end. I only wanted more about these famous key people in history. And I also wanted to know more about the people behind the scenes that protected all the art in Anne's timeline. Can you imagine if it wasn't for the men and women whom saved all the art, how much we would have at all to admire, if they didn't save them? The only thing I would have to say for my as reader I felt there was some loose ends left unfinished in a way besides Vinci's and some of Bellina's story. I felt like Anne's story had more room for closure then what was given. Then again I just might be a lover of romanticism because I think Anne found her one and only. To also had once you discover Bellina's life after Lisa Gherardini will shock you to. And I going to stay tight lipped about all of that, you have to read to find out for more.

I did in fact give this novel a four and half stars, definitely a must read.

After I finished The Stolen lady, I started reading The Last Checkmate By Gabriella Saab in March.

Let me first tell before I get into some detail about this very special novel that it will take you on a roller-coaster of emotions from the beginning line of the novel to end. Once you learn about Maria Florkowska; a young polish daughter who was a skilled chess player and a underground resistance member in Warsaw against Germany, you want to know every detail of her life. If it wasn't for her mind and her one goal, she would have died in Auschwitz. She was beaten, burned, tortured but her goal was to win the end. Maria played her way through for her life against unbelievable evil. This particular novel, I loved how the story begins at the ending of her torment and at the beginning of her Success intertwined on the first page. You will understand how important that last moment is for her to have the last checkmate against Fritzsch. You will met the ones who became her family through her time in prison when she lost her own the day she arrived in that cruel place. I loved father Kolbe, the sweet gentle soul who was a real life person in history that no one mentions in history books. He saved so many lives to the day his ended. And that speaks to how much this novel pulls you in to each character. I came to love Irene in the end , trust me she was one character that made me question her personality here and there. But she did love Maria then what she really led on, I will tell you that. There are other key characters who played a key role in her life encampment and after her encampment.

There is one moment in the end about a certain box for Maria that threw me on the edge of emotions and once you read that part, get the whole box of tissues.

I loved how in the end this novel came in full circle for herself, for her family. That all the pain, suffering she went through worked out in the end and not only justice in her eyes but she learned more about her family that she never knew. This novel reminded me of Anne frank in her "own way" she had her writing and Maria had her chess. If you loved The Tattooist artist of Auschwitz and Queen's Gambit you would love this novel that much more.

I gave this novel a more than a five star review!

And my last and final book I would like to share is called I was Anastasia by Ariel Lawhon. Its not a historical fiction but a Fiction novel. I like to think It has a historical aspects to the novel in my opinion from the author and I encourage you all to read her authors note and acknowledgments for more information on her take of the real story of the Romanovs and her adaptation in the novel. I think this novel was written beautifully and in-depth as well, I will try my best to not give away anything because it makes you feel like you are apart of Anne's world, her friend in away. I felt so many emotions while reading to the point Anne did give the reader a "fair waring" at the beginning that the reader might end up feeling upset or mad at her. Which to be honest I did and I got so lost in the world created that the, "I told you so " got me. If you know the real story of the Romanov's legend, then you understand. I will say I was drawn to the others connect with the family, their stories and memories of their time together. I think Anne Anderson was Anastasia in so many ways the same person. I fell in love with Alexander and her mothers love for the family and keeping their family as protected as possible through every phase. I loved the idea of the daughters finding love through such tragedy that love exists in the darkest times of life. And I felt for little Alexey he went through so much is life time, besides falling ill and losing his favorite pets nearly broke is heart more. Each of Romanov's went through so much hurt, tragedy through the novel that it amazes me how much they continued to stay strong each day. And Anne was the fighter no matter much you had to control herself that family was first and any bruise was worth it. I would close with the opening quote from the novel ,"If history were taught in the form of stories, it would never be forgotten "-Rudyard Kipling (The Collected Works) An unsolved mystery of this family went on for decades and it should have a good outcome than a sad ending. I think the positive note should be that we still talk of them and remember then forget their story.

In closing these book reviews, I know a lot of you have been waiting on my next book reviews! And I am so sorry for the delay and here they are. I hope I have convinced you to read a novel or two. These novels are probably one of my favorite groups of reads in a row. When I tell you I love each one of them, I sat with these novels in my hands and in my heart. I see apart of each character in my real life and felt connected to them on so many levels. Please let me known if you decide to read one of them.

See you,

Misreaders.

Is it May or it is June?

Escapism

Hi there all, I know I have been missing in action lately, everywhere. The question where I even explain where I have been,etc. I hope everyone is doing well and Happy birthday to all you Geminis in the world. I started off this blog post with a question above because I haven't even noticed May going by and we are only a few days away from being in June meaning Summer all together. How did we go from Spring to Summer season? And we all know that we need that summer body needs to be in shape and hopefully siting on the sand and toes in the sand. See, what I did there? Fine I was day dreaming for a moment. Let me say, I have tried writing this blog post specifically about fifteen times and started the beginning of May to ! So many things happened since my last little update that in all honestly should be a novel or a movie. By that being said ,I should just get into it before you all lose interest. And if this post is long, I am kind of sorry in advance. Remember I said kind of.

I did in fact somehow ended up back at the beach for a few days at the end of April. What can I say I love the beach before summer. I might be the only one who enjoy the in-between season are the best time to go. I got to watch some airplanes fly on a beautiful day and I may or might have the urge to learn how to fly more then ever from that day. But you didn't hear that from me. But we shall see if I do end up getting a pilot's license. On this particular trip I had Matchas for the road and yes I did say Matchas, that was a good day when one of the barista missed up my order and ended up giving me a second drink for free. During this trip I started to read Love story by Karen Kingsbury which I have enjoyed so far and it reminds of an old fashion love story that you would hear from someone. And that's all I am going to say about that the novel because I will share details before the book review has even come out. Speaking of which the Spring Season Book Reviews are written, typed and scheduled but you have to get through the of this post to find out the date. Back to beach trip, on this trip I was forced to conquer my fear of cliff Hiking. I didn't want to do to which point, I did in the end with may tears later and two cliff hikes in the books. When trails got small and smaller and a straight cliff to the side isn't my ideal hike. But on the day before I watched a lady walking down the same trail in heels! That moment changed my mind a little to do that particular trail and in the same thought I questioned her thought process to get the bottom of the trail, how in the world would she get back up in those heels.

There's something about this moment

Also on the beach trip in Redondo made a stop for a bite to eat at Rocks and Brews. I had their Street Nachos and every time I have bite , I only want more. And of course I had to try their Harvest Vegetable pasta , which was also very yummy. If you find a Rocks and Brews near you , stop in for a bite. Then of course somehow a mud Pie from Blue Water Grill made it back to the hotel room. You can guess ,how I spent my next morning on the beach. Had a quick bite at Scotty's for lunch, one of my favorite places for fish and chips , plus the clam chowder is absolutely yummy! Spent the rest of the day spent Exploring new hidden gems of trails that I didn't know existed. I love days like this particularly, to just be yourself. At one point I was in a tree and yes I did climb up in a tree. Also I got bitten by something in-between the layers of clothes I had on to stay warm. Not on social media nor working are the best trips to take for yourself. I think us as a society sometimes forget how to be. I discovered The Vicente Bluffs Reserve which used to be a rifle range ages go. I recommend going to the Reserve, just for the walk near sunset. The trails are stunning and peaceful to walk on, looking out to the ocean. Plus just romantic place to be in ,just for the stroll with someone you care for. There's also a cute garden that's worth a explore around. My favorite part is seen the big lighthouse at the end of the point, I bet you back time that lighthouse can tell some stories. Before the sunset could disappear for another lingering hour, I headed to trump's golfs course but to not golf obviously but for another trail behind the estate. What I didn't know one; it was prom night for tons of seniors and I mean tons ! And this beautiful trail would be on the edge of the cliff, on the way down and of course on the way back up. Again not my favorite ideal location for a hike but I went. It was the good hike minus the edge and yes I did cry at the end but I finished it. There are a few beautiful outlook spots where it's safe to sit and watch the waves away from the cliffs. I was shocked the amount of people in all walks of life taking on the challenge. Plus it had a great perspective to watch the sunset go down in a hidden peaceful location.

California Lilac

The next morning before leaving, I did the bigger cliff hike to start the morning off from the previous day. To be honest if there wasn't coffee involved for some courage, I would stay where it was safe. Getting their early morning there was probably about fifty surfers, gearing up to surf and walking down the trail. It was a bit sketchy at first to walk down and balance, of course the wind decided to pick up during the hard part. Then the trail starts get narrow where you have to wait till person coming up pass first before you can move down. The only way I could keep ongoing was just watch my feet and pretend I was on top of the cliff. But once I made it towards the end of the trail I could understand why so many surfers come down to this spot to catch a wave or two. On that particular morning there were quite a few photographers in a spot watching the surfers catching the waves, I was a jealous of their hidden location to photograph.

Lighthouse

Now after that hike back up, I did in fact enjoyed the view a lot more than going down and the weather was perfect. I was promised the Best Pastrami of all of LA ! And before I say anything else, it's a fact the Best Pastrami of LA! Johnnies Pastrami on south Sepulveda Boulevard is a must TRY, just go and trust me on this. It started in 1952 and it's in a small restaurant but I can see why it's so popular and why they can have a line out the door seven days a week. And quite a celebrity spot if you like to go where the celebrities' go. When you go just try sandwich just how they make it, there is no need for anything else. I never eaten a sandwich that was so yummy, so fast in my life! I am a slow eater in general to enjoy the food that I am having. But once I bit into the sandwich there were no words. And after the yummy French dip, I still couldn't find the words to how I ate the giant Pastrami. Side note they don't skip on the pastrami at all. To this present moment , I can still taste the warmth of the bread, the pastrami and the yummy mustard on my tongue. If you are in LA or coming to LA; It's a must stop ! Forget about Inn and out ,head straight over to Johnnies Pastrami for a bite.

A few weeks later there was Mothers day and I would like to say to all the strong Mom's out there, you are amazing. And it's never to late to tell them when's its not a holiday, they should hear it often. On mother's day had an enjoyable meal at Raffi's Place with family. If you have never been there , I highly recommend that you give it a try! You must try the chicken Soltani or the beef Soltani and for appetizer try the Kashk O’Bademjan, eat all the purple basil (Its yummy) they give. I am telling its worthy spot to enjoy some amazing food. On the trip back , I tried Dutch Bros for the first time! I got the Golden Eagle, I do have to say it cheaper than Starbucks and it was yummy but the wait was a little long but that goes with everything now days.

To end this blog post that took too long to produce something worthy of a good read. Now there will be part two this saga of the last two months, this was suppose to go live June 3rd 2022 and let's say it didn't happen for a reason that Friday. There has been so much that happens in life when you think you have a moment to just catch up with it all, it throws you a whole book and then some. And we all go through things differently at certain seasons. And during those seasons the days blur together that next thing you know you are two months down when you thought it was just a long hard week. I guess my point to the question is is it May or is it June ? Is that when we stop just document life for the world to see , we forget to live. To be in the present with our ups and with our downs and live our novels for what they are. Our day to day lives create an unique story to us solely and take on the unexpected if anything that taught us from the last few years, days blur into months.

See you

I will leave you with this cliffhanger I will pick up in the next blog post where I was going at four am on a Saturday morning and didn't get back home till noon that same day. And the spring book reviews will be published the day after this on goes up. I hope you give it read and seen if I inspire you for your next read. Until then I hope you are enjoy the beginning days of summer and things are going well!

See you soon !

Misreaders

Can We Say Spring Has Sprung In April?

How are we in April ? Let me repeat, How ? I feel like the days have just blurred by so fast for this year already. Aprils fools' happened and if you are wondering I did do a little prank and that backfired but everything is good.

I know we are all the mist of tax season and around the comer is the deadline. Back to has spring has Sprung part, I know April Showers brings May flowers. I don't know about you but the flowers have bloomed around here and some of the greenery has already gone away. But it's nice seeing the mountains, the rolling hills having green grass then snowy peaks. Its also the end of the poppy season in California at least around here. I have been thinking about last super bloom from 2019 lately. I guess because once you experience a super bloom of not just poppies but everything in full bloom ,nothing else compares. Or maybe I am just a wildflower lover and I just want to surrounded them to the max. Have anyone of you seen a super bloom in your lifetime?

Moving on, I am finishing up my late Caramel Macchiato at two pm, which I might regret it later but it's my after doctor appointment treat and I was due for a cup of coffee. Also good news to share that has absolutely do with this blog post, I found Outlander Wine that I have been looking for since the beginning of the lock down. And yes, I have been on the hunt for it all this time. Which by the way; I don't drink at all, it's what I used to cook with occasionally. So if you want grab yourself a bottle, you can find it in Aldi under ten dollars. Any who, I thought I would share that little bit of information.

Back to the update, I did in fact finish reading: The Last Checkmate by Gabriella Saab when I was back at the beach. To say again its just amazing novel, it's a swirl wind of emotions and definitely a novel that you have to read. I am currently reading : I was Anastasia by Ariel Lawhon which is another Historical Fiction and it's absolutely breathtaking novel and started that novel at the same time I finished that last one. I almost don't want the novel to end and yes, I am dragging my feet to finish it for that reason. For example, I tried not read a full hundred of pages in one sitting in the sun. I will share it's one of those novels that makes you feel like you are the fly on the wall watching someone's life in their own words. And if you haven't noticed I haven't published the three other book reviews that I owe you all. It just seems in current life that I haven't had the time to write it up yet but I promise you that it will go up sooner than later. Currently the notes for each novel is sitting right to my keyboard. To add that every novel that I have been picked up lately has just need a hook me novel. And at the same time, I have been taking my time enjoying each authors words to the fullest. I hope you kind understand my point, like that old saying " The don't make them like they used " and I have found those novels that you can read ,over and over again. They are just timeless in shorter words.

Chess game ,anyone ?

And about my trip by the beach it was three days by the ocean , it was a relaxing little treat just to be. We all need a little stay vacation once in a while. I had a giant room with a couch, a chess set for the first night. Having the chess set was fitting at the time because I was reading The last Checkmate and of course I used that same chess set a prop as well. Then had a linder across the street at the cheesecake factory and let me tell you it was yummy one ! Had their eggroll sampler to start and they were delicious, I almost didn't want to share. My favorite ones out of the four choices were the Tex mix eggroll and the avocado eggroll. Then how would fate have it their special of that night was a white wine Salmon, potatoes and broccoli which was so yummy that I completely finished it besides the tiny bit mashed potatoes I had left. The following morning I set foot bright and early had my berry mix cinnamon Belgium waffles with my coffee on the pier. There is something about walking on a semi foggy empty pier, finding a table and watching the boats heading out of the marinas to start their day. Hearing the ocean wake up with the sun is something that everyone should experience. But its definitely one of the coldest times to go the pier so I highly recommend a jacket. Then after that I take the still hot coffee on the hunt to find the peaceful spot the beach to read and sun tan for a bit. Just doing that on the beach is probably one of my favorite thing to do by the beach, never get's old. Then that night had a early kind of the dinner to watch the sun go down. This spot is a little hidden gem that I am about to share and worthy of a stop by to! The place is called Scotty's on the strand in Hermosa beach. It's near the pier, peaceful and free parking to boost but that's not even the best part. They have the best clam chowder, the best fish and chips ever ! I am the best fish and chips expert but out of the fish and chips I had it makes my Top three instantly. If you are ever in that neck of the city ,great service and amazing food plus the view looking at the beach is great to.

White wine salmon

Yummy Fish and chips

Clam Chowder at scotty's

Then spent the rest of the day light hours with another cup coffee and a cruse around the beach. Chasing for the perfect spot to watch the sunset show and it was one of the best sunset's I have seen this year so far. Enjoyed my time near the ocean to the fullest in my opinion and I hope you all have the chance this year to do just that, at some point. To be in the present in the moment and enjoy the world around minus the craziness of reality and the gas prices to add. Lately I have been counting the moment's like this more then working so hard and spending the time with those around the balance out with solitude as well. Life seems long but it's also short in actual time frame. If there is anything I want you take away from this monthly post is to enjoy life to your version your solitude and with those in your circle to the fullest.

To end this not to long monthly blog post that seems I have typed to blog that bum feels numb here and yet it's quick little read altogether. I hope April is good for all of you, the weather is enjoyable. The garners at there are enjoying your time in your garden. And you are enjoying Easter with those you love and color those hard boiled eggs. You know my family will be playing the egg cracking game into a heavy competition but I won't get into those details. And yes the next post should be those Book reviews coming up this month, hopefully I will be all caught up by the end of April.

See you later Misreaders,

As always,

Misread.