Bookreview: The Heir and the Enchantress

 

What a great love story! 

Summary

Hazel Trethow is infatuated with a notorious rake despite her father's plan
to betroth her to the heir of wealthy barony. Her scheming to find a love
match for her dearest friend and herself turns into a scandal that could
ruin them both.

Harold Hobbs returns home from business in India with a plan to save his
family from ruin. He does not anticipate his father's plot to wed him to Miss
Trethow....

My review

What a great love story! 

The Heir and the Enchantress really is a wonderful book. I enjoyed the story

and the characters as well. It also has a nice cover! 

It was written very good, clear and it read fluently. I liked the way the author

worked out the plot and the characters. 

It was a lovely, laid back reading which I like a lot. I recommend this amazing
book to all who enjoy reading historical love stories. I give this with lot of 
pleasure a 5 * rating. 

The author

Celebrated for her complex characters, realistic conflicts and sensual love
scenes, Paullett Golden puts a spin on historical romance. Her novels, set
primarily in Georgian and Regency England with some dabbling in 
Ireland, Scotland and France. Her stories show love overcoming adversity.

Whatever our self-doubts, love will out. 

Booktasters

I received a free copy via Booktasters and the author. Thank you very much!

Author in the picture: Valerie Poore

Valerie Poore is the lovely author of many books mostly wonderful memoirs such as
Waloon Ways (about Belgium), Faring to France on a Shoe, African Ways and many
more. 

Hallo Valerie or should I say Val?  (Val please!)

First of all thank you very much for participating in this small interview for
“My Crazy Life Full with Books.”

I’ve ‘met’ you via Lally Brown on Twitter and the We love memoirs group
on Facebook, but actually I ‘knew’ your boat earlier. During a visit to Rotterdam
in 2013, I took a picture of a beautiful boat called the Vereeniging.
Apparently this was the boat of Valerie Poore, which we both discovered in
2021.

Did you always have interest in living on a boat? 

Kathleen, firstly, may I thank you very much for inviting me to your blog.
I’m so pleased to be featured here. And I think it’s lovely that you took a
photo of my barge long before we ‘met’ each other. 

As for whether I was always interested in living on a boat, the answer is no.
In all honesty, I never thought of it until I came to the Netherlands.
I used to live in South Africa, which is a very dry country with virtually
no natural surface water. It was a great surprise to me to find people
living on barges here and travelling throughout Europe and I fell totally
in love with the whole idea.

You’ve a fantastic knowledge of Geography (inter alia the rivers,
the locks of a country) Was that always one of your interests
and do you have other interests too (besides writing of course)?

I’ve always liked maps and looking up routes and places to go, so
I suppose you could say I’ve just transferred that interest to the waterways
since I’ve been here. Now I love poring over the charts and seeing which rivers
and canals go where and how many locks there are. That can keep me absorbed
for hours. As for my other interests, well, I have quite a few. I love history and
went on some archaeological digs when I was young, and of course, I love
reading which helps with the history too. Besides these, I like woodwork and
making and restoring furniture, and I also like walking, photography and dogs.
Well, all animals actually, but especially dogs. I really miss having a dog and am
looking for one now.

How do you start living on a boat? I think by selecting a proper boat.
But how do chose the boat of your dreams?

Oh Kathleen, I have no idea how you should select a boat. You could
say that mine chose me because of her name. I saw my Vereeniging and
knew she had to be my barge. Vereeniging is the name of a town on the
Vaal river in South Africa where I used to go quite often for my work.
I loved sitting on the banks there, eating my lunch and reading and I
was very fond of the town. When someone showed me photos of the barge,
Vereeniging, I knew she was meant to be mine. It helped that I loved her
design as well and knew I could convert her into a special home

How could you describe your life on board?

My life is quite simple. I have everything I need but nothing more. That
means I have a small kitchen and a bathroom as well as a living area,
a work area and bed, but that’s all there is. There’s no room for anything
extra, so I have no TV, no music system and no dining table. I have
books (of course) and a table for my computer, but all the rest of the
space is dedicated to my tools, my water tanks, the engine room and
some storage space for other boaty stuff. It teaches you not to hoard
or collect too many possessions, which I quite like.

You travelled a lot with your boat, what lock complex is the most
complicated and or beautiful?

Wow, that’s a good question, Kathleen. Locks come in so many shapes
and sizes, but that said, I think the most complex lock systems I’ve been
through have been in Belgium. If you count the big lifts as locks, there
is the incredible 73-metre barge lift a Strèpy Thieu. Then there is the
amazing Inclined Plane at Ronquières where you trundle downhill in
the lock basin, which is a huge bath on wheels. After Ronquières,
you come to the second deepest lock in Belgium at Ittre. It’s 14 metres
deep and very impressive. Ittre is also very beautiful, but then so is Strèpy.
Actually, all of Belgium is beautiful. I love it.

Is it a dream to live all the time on a boat?

Ah, Kathleen, I’ve lived that dream already. I lived full-time on 
board for eight years. Then in 2008, I bought a cottage in the country
to get away from the city noise. I started going there at weekends, but
I was still on the boat more than on land. Since the Corona crisis started,
I’ve been at the cottage more than on my barge, simply because it’s easier
to keep away from people, but I expect I’ll go back to a sort of half-and-half
life on board when things open up again. In the summer, we hope to go away
on the boat and then we’ll be living on board full time for two to three months.

You’ve lived inter alia in England, South Africa and The Netherlands.
Are there similarities between the countries for ex. People,
habits …. Or totally not?

That’s a good question. I’d actually say they are all completely different
and surprisingly so. Even though the majority of South Africans speak
English as their main language, the people are quite different from the English.
They are very spontaneous and enthusiastic by nature.

English people are polite and very friendly but tend to be more reserved
and less demonstrative. The Dutch are different again, but I found it very
easy to adapt to life in the Netherlands. I like the honesty and matter of fact
nature of Dutch people, but if I had to choose where to live, I’d move to Belgium.
I love the countryside and waterways there. I also find the people charming
and friendly and I adore Gent. It’s my favourite city in Europe.

(It's one of my favourite ones too :-) )

Where do you get your inspiration to write your books?

Ah, Kathleen, that’s an easy question for someone who likes people watching.
It’s the people, the places and the very differences I’ve talked about that give me
the inspiration. I’ve been so lucky to have had so many great experiences in
different countries. That’s all the inspiration I need.

You’ve written wonderful memoirs. But what was the most
remarkable event that happened in your life?

Now, that’s much more difficult to decide. Apart from having my
children, a single event would be impossible to come up with. I had some
incredible experiences in South Africa, which make it even harder to choose.
However, I would say that the first long trip my partner, Koos, and I did by boat in
2016 is probably the event I will treasure forever. It was just magical.
We had two more wonderful summers in 2017 and 2018 that were longer
and just as lovely, but 2016 was the first time we’d been away for more
than a couple of weeks, so it will remain the most special.

Lots of people dream of winning the lottery. What would you do
when you would win the lottery?

You know I’ve never thought about that in any real sense. I really don’t know.
I’d probably give most of it away but depending on how much it was,
I might buy a cottage somewhere warm where I could spend the cold
winter months. I really, really hate the cold, so I’d probably do that.
Or, make sure I could spend European winters back in South Africa,
because I do miss it very much. Perhaps I should buy my cottage there!

My native language is Dutch, however most of the time
I speak and write in English. Do you speak Dutch? Was it difficult to learn? 

I read and write Dutch quite well, but yes, it’s a difficult language for someone
who learned French at school and not a Germanic language.
My biggest problem is listening as Dutch people tend to speak quite fast.
When they slow down, I can understand almost everything, and then I can speak
to them just fine. But, anyone who knows me will tell you they recognise the
blank look on my face when my Dutch friends are speaking too fast.
And I still make hilarious mistakes when I’ve misunderstood something.
There are so many words that sound similar it’s far too easy to mis-hear them!

I always end with the same question. What are your plans and
wishes for 2021 both personal and for the world?

Ah, Kathleen, I’m hesitant about making plans right now, but my personal
wishes are to cast off the ropes and go cruising in my beloved Belgium and
northern France again. I do so hope we’ll be able to do that this year.
And while we’re on wishes, I’d love to be able to go to Portugal or South Africa
next winter and do some more European travelling during the spring and autumn.
That’s a big wish list, I know. As for the world? Well, it would be great it if the
Covid virus lost its grip on us all and we could return to a normal state of existence.
It would be so lovely to get it out of the conversation.
That’s a very big wish, I know, but I look back to the time before Covid and
feel very nostalgic about how carefree we were then in so many ways. We could
then talk about other things that are important, but they seem to have gone by the
wayside since last February.

Social Media

You can find Valerie (Val) Poore on social media: 

These are the links

Twitter: link

Facebook: Link

And her blog: Link

Of course you can find her on Amazon too. on this link. 

Bookreview: Treefrogs Can't Sing

I was very honoured when Lally Brown offered me huge breaking news!

The release of the cover of her newest book "Treefrogs Can't Sing" took place
in my Author in the picture blog of Lally Brown. Check this link.

The book "Treefrogs can't sing" is available on Amazon on this link.
Don't hesitate to buy this wonderful sunny memoir. 🌞 And on Amazon
it has a number 1 rating! 

Note to hubby: I really want to go to the Caribbean again as soon as it is
possible 😜

Summary

"Treefrogs Can't Sing" is a delightful light-hearted memoir of
Lally Brown's three years life in the British Virgin Islands with
a toddler and a baby. It is an exotic adventure full of fun, with a
special mix of characters. 

My Review

This is the third book I read from Lally Brown, so I had a "small" idea
of which I could expect and the book "Treefrogs Can't Sing" fulfilled my
expectations for 100%. Sometimes it even makes me laugh. 

I really enjoyed the characters - the interaction with the kids, the cat, 
other animals and the people of the island the most. 

It is written very visually, I easily could imagine the events and the
feel of the island. "Treefrogs Can't Sing" also is written fluently
in clear chapters. 

Although this book is the sequel of "High and Dry in the BVI" it is
easy to read as a stand alone. 

So if you love memoirs, just as I do, don't hesitate to buy this book. I
would recommend "Treefrogs Can't Sing" to friends, family and colleagues
and for all who would like to have some Caribbean sunshine in December.

I give with lots of pleasure a five star rating to this wonderful and sunny 
memoir. 

The Author

Lally Brown is an author/photographer addicted to small islands. She lived
in Montserrat, St. Helena, BVI, TCI (Turks and Caicos Islands) and the
Isle of Wight. She likes memoirs, true stories and red squirrels. 

Please Lally, write soon some other books! 

Lally allowed me to read and review this wonderful book. Thank you very much.

Source picture: Book Cover 

Bookreview: Lamlash Street

Lamlash Street: A Portrait of 1960's Post-War
London through One Family's story

written by J.M. Phillips

"A very nice trip to memory lane" 

Summary

Explore a world that can't be visited anymore-South East London, 1963.
On Lamlash Street, Cockney families have more life and character than money,
living among the bombed out and condemned buildings. Post WWII London
will evolve swiftly into the era of The Beatles, Twiggy, and modern, swinging London.

Experience the lively true story of a girl on her way to being a young woman,
coming-of-age at a moment in London's history unlike any other.
Jill Phillips tries to capture her first kiss while navigating a world turning
upside down and the trauma that her parents and uncle experienced during the war.

It's a time when a local factory shutting down could mean more than just job loss.
As families are torn apart, they rely on questionable yet quirky neighbors and find
inventive ways to survive-like pay cigarette machines in the house and Christmas
presents "special ordered" for a fraction of the cost.

Seen-but-not-heard by the adults in her life, Jill looks for young love and
how to define herself. Stories of Nazi aircraft on the walk home from school,
watching Doodle bugs (flying bombs) drop on London from rooftop perches,
and her uncle's many unsettling stories of war as young merchant mariner give
her a unique lens of the world and what a better future could look like for her family.

Lamlash Street: A Portrait of 1960's Post-War London Through One Family's Story
is a heartfelt and funny historical memoir. If you like non-stereotypical women
characters, working-class endurance, and a biography about rallying from abundant
loss, then you'll adore Jill Phillips' moving recollection.

Buy Lamlash Street to take an emotional and touching trip down memory lane today!

My Review

Readers of my blog(s) already know that I do like (royal) history. However London
also attracks me very much. 

It was a nice trip to the author's memory lane and the book was written very clearly.

However I missed some structure in the story. 

Nevertheless, it is a wonderful story. That's why I want to give a 4 star on 5 rating. 

The Author

J.M. Phillips is an author and retired Occupational Therapist. Motivated
by the retelling of family stories, she wrote Lamlash Street, which is about
navigating family life in London after World War II. She is a storyteller with
a passion to inspire families to connect through the telling of their past.

Growing up in the UK, J.M. emigrated to Canada after working in a London
solicitor’s office for a few years. She spent 30 years working as an
Occupational Therapist and Hospital manager before retiring.

Rather than slowing down the pace of life as she neared retirement,
J.M. refocused her efforts enjoying each day with a zest for life.
 A technology and sci-fi fan with a thrill-seeking streak, she’s been
cave swimming in Mexico and hopes to swim with dolphins.

During one of her many trips to visit her family in Bexleyheath,
she was inspired to capture their memories of a way of life that is
cherished by many. Pulling from her uncle’s World War II stories and
her memories of her young life in the 1960’s, she aims to carry on his
legacy with her books.

She spent many years working in health care. She is currently splitting
her time between the UK and Canada, maintaining close contacts with
family, and at the same time discovering more fascinating family stories.
Learn more at her website on this link. 

BookSirens

I received an advance copy for free via BookSirens. I'm leaving this review
voluntarily. Thank you very much for giving me the chance for reading this
memoir. 

Lamlash Street is published by 'Red Damask Publishing' in 2020. It is 
available on Amazon.com in Kindle version and in paperback. 

Source picture: Book cover

Author in the picture: Millie Thom

Recently, I read and reviewed three books of the series Son of Kings written by
Millie Thom. I gave them all a 5 star on 5 rating, because I liked them so much.
That's why I wanted to know more about this lovely author and lady! I asked 
if she wanted to do a small interview for the author page of this blog. Luckily
she said yes! I hope you'll enjoy the interview! The link of this blogpost will 
be posted on the author page of Mycrazylifefullwithbooks blog with the
links of Millie Thom's social media & Amazon.

The Interview

First of all, I would like to say a big Thank You to Katheen for inviting me
to do this interview. I really appreciate it and it’s good to be here.

 

Why did you want to write a series?

Even before I started writing my novels about Alfred the Great, I knew it would
take more   than a single book to tell the story of his entire life.
It wasn’t that I particularly wanted to write a series as much as the fact that
necessity called for it. At first, I hoped that two books would be enough,
but then I added my second protagonist, Eadwulf, and the story massively
expanded. I ended up with a four-book series which tells the stories of two
members of Anglo-Saxon royal families but from different kingdoms:
Alfred of Wessex and Eadwulf of Mercia.

 

How do you create the different characters in your books?

When writing historical fiction many of the characters’ names are already
there, and there is no way an author can change those names, even if they
are difficult for readers to pronounce, as with the Anglo-Saxon names.
When naming my fictional characters, I have to make sure they are also
Anglo-Saxon or Danish (Viking) names that were in use during the time
period of my series. For example, it would be idiotic to name an Anglo-Saxon
male as Charlie, Alex or Callum because they weren’t in use then.
There are several online sites which have lists of names from a number of
cultures and time periods, so are useful for all authors

There are a lot of characters in my books because of the different stories
of the two protagonists that run concurrently. I try to create characters of
different appearances, temperaments, abilities and ambitions to add variety
to the story. I have also tried to ensure my books are not male dominated,
 as many Viking themed books tend to be. I wanted to give a look at the period
from the POV of both men and women.

How was your passion for (royal) history and writing started?

I have loved history since I was a child, and in the UK at that time most
history in secondary schools tended to focus on events involving royalty.
I learned a lot about many famous British kings and queens like Henry VIII,
Elizabeth I and Queen Victoria. Only in relatively recent years has history
broadened its approach to include more about the everyday people of those
times in both British and other cultures.

As for writing, I have been a keen story writer most of my life.
I was fortunate enough to have teachers who encouraged creativity in writing
and steered me in the right direction. However, with six children to bring up
and a teaching career, I didn’t start writing novels until I’d retired.

 

Do you have any other interests?

I have always loved creating things, from making clothes
(dressmaking/sewing) to embroidery, knitting and baking. Having had six children
to feed and clothe, these are all things I’ve done a lot of over the years. Besides
writing novels, I also love writing flash fiction pieces, which are very short stories
ranging from six to a thousand words. I have one book of such stories on Amazon,
titled A Dash of Flash.

 

Which other authors or things inspire you?

I mostly read historical novels, so authors like Wilbur Smith, Bernard Cornwell
and Susannah Gregory, as well as several others, have inspired me to write my
own books. My interest in history has also meant that I have loved many of the
Classics, written by so many well-known authors, from Charles Dickens, the
Bronte sisters, Jane Austen and Lucy Maud Montgomery to Daniel Defoe and
Harper Lee and Mark Twain. The list could go on for ever, so I’ll stop here.

Visiting historic sites can also be inspirational. We visited many sites in
England and Wales, as well as Denmark, France and Andalucia before and while
I was writing the Sons of Kings series. It helps a great deal when describing events
set in those places. Such places can also give ideas for books not yet written.  

 

You work together with BookTasters. Are reviews important to you?

Reviews are immensely important to all authors, and it’s a shame
that so many readers don’t think of leaving them. Reviews help authors
to know what readers like about their books as well as pointing out what
they didn’t like, or what didn’t work for them. In other words, reviews
can help authors in the development of their writing. A review can be as
little as a sentence, which wouldn’t take long to write and would mean
so much to the author concerned.

BookTasters is an excellent site and offers free books to readers in
exchange for honest reviews. As such, it does not break Amazon’s rule
regarding authors paying for reviews. Authors simply pay for the
service provided by BookTasters, which helps to get books ‘seen’
by potential reviewers.

 

Do you have other writing plans?

I am currently writing an historical fiction novel (a one-off this time)
set in the early 17^th century. It is set in another village we once lived in,
so is another story I’ve known about for some time – and is quite different
to my King Alfred and the Vikings novels. Once I’ve finished that,
I would like to try my hand at writing a ‘whodunnit’ or murder mystery.
Of course, it would have to have an historical setting. There are several
time periods I’m interested in, but I would not choose anything later than
the 1950s or further back than the Roman period. I will probably also put
together another book of flash fiction pieces at some stage.
I already have almost fifty pieces written but I’m aiming
for eighty-five in order to match A Dash of Flash.

Thank you very much for this interview Millie Thom!!!

Millie Thom's Social Media links:

Amazon Com: link

Goodreads: link

Blog/Website: link

Twitter: link

Instagram: link

My Bookreviews:

Here are my bookreviews of Millie Thom's books:

Shadow Of The Raven on this link

Pit of Vipers on this link

Wyvern of Wessex on this link

Bookreview: Wyvern of Wessex

 

Wyvern of Wessex

written by Millie Thom

"Brings back the history to life!"

Summary

Eadwulf is back  on the Sea Eagle with Bjorn and his crew on a quest to discover 
if Eadwulf’s father, King Beorhtwulf of Mercia, is still alive after twenty years as 
a slave. Bjorn’s great dragonship carries them down to the searing 
June temperatures and strict laws in the Moorish lands of al-Andalus. 
But searching for Beorhtwulf proves more difficult than they’d expected, 
causing them more trouble than they'd bargained for…

In Wessex, King Aethelred is now dead, leaving his twenty-one-year-old brother, 
Alfred, to succeed to the throne. Though his succession was agreed by the witan, 
Alfred must now prove himself worthy of the kingship, or lose it. But Wessex is in 
turmoil, besieged by Viking Danes intent on subjugating the kingdom – and knowing 
that the new king is young and inexperienced. Alfred must use all his wiles if he is to 
outthink and outmanoeuvre Guthrum, the Dane who nearly becomes his nemesis.

Alfred’s victories and defeats take him on a journey of learning, during which he
gains experience and strength. We share his highs and his lows, and how he 
rises from the depths of despair to save his beloved kingdom from total conquest.

And at his side in his greatest time of need is his new ally and friend, 

Eadwulf of Mercia.

My Review

Wyvern of Wessex is the third book of the series Sons of Kings, written
by Millie Thom. I'm very happy I've started with the first book of the 
series and I'm more happier that there is a fourth book too 😃.

The book cover is as always very well chosen and  really cool!
It's clear it's about a King! 

Although the third book is about King Alfred of Wessex, it's great to
see how the characters are developed. 

I like the writing style, the story telling and the good amount of
dialogues too. It's very nice to read how Millie Thom brings back the
history of the old English kingdoms to live. 

The Wyvern of Wessex, just as all the books of the series the 
Sons of Kings are a must-read for royal history lovers and historical
fiction. 

To conclude, I give this with lots of pleasure a 5 star rating on 5 and

even more!  And I certainly want to read the fourth book of the
series too because I'm so curious to know the end of the stories! 

The author

Millie Thom is a former geography and history teacher with a degree in geology 

and a particular passion for the Anglo-Saxon and Viking period. Originally from 
Lancashire she is a mother of six grown up children and now lives with her husband 
in a small village in Nottinghamshire, midway between the town of Newark and the lovely 
old city of Lincoln. When not writing, Millie enjoys long walks and is a serious fossil hunter. 
She is also an avid traveller, swimmer and baker of cakes!

Booktasters

I received a free copy via Booktasters and Millie Thom. Thank you so much for
this great chance to read this fantastic history book!!

Source picture: Book Cover 

Bookreview: Pit of Vipers

 Amazing series!

Summary

In Pit of Vipers, the second book in the Sons of Kings trilogy, the lives of
Alfred of Wessex and Eadwulf of Mercia continue to unfold against the ever
increasing threat of Danish raids.

Now back in his homeland, Eadwulf sets out on his determined quest for revenge,
whilst Alfred’s leadership skills develop at the courts of his successive brothers.
Before long, those skills will be put to the test . . .

The Danish invasion of the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms in 865 is merciless and relentless.
Every year more Norse ships come to join their comrades in a quest to plunder for
wealth and gain domination over the people.

The Wessex king is now Aethelred, Alfred’s last surviving brother, and Alfred becomes
his trusted second-in-command. Whilst the Danes take kingdom after kingdom,
the brothers wait with baited breath for them to set their sights on Wessex.

By 869 their worst fear is realised.

In the meantime, Eadwulf pursues the objects of his revenge.

My Review

First of all, I really liked the more mysterious book cover.

Secondly the books of Millie Thom always start with a clear description of
the characters and a map of the Anglo Saxon Kingdom, which always are 

very easy to follow. 

"The Pit of Vipers" is very nicely written and with a good mix of dialogues

and storytelling.  It made one thing very clear: Millie Thom knows a lot
of this period! I think it wasn't an easy time to live in.

"The Pit of Vipers" really is a page turner. I wanted to know the end of this
story 👀.

Last but no least, I will recommend this fantastic book and series for all
readers who like (royal) historical fiction! With pleasure, I give 
Pit of Vipers a 5 star rating on 5. 

The Author

Millie Thom is a former geography and history teacher with a degree in
geology and a particular passion for the Anglo Saxon and Viking era.
She was born in Southport, Lancashire, in 1947, and happily admits
to being a 'boomer'.

After completing a teacher training course in Liverpool in 1968, she moved
to Yorkshire to take up her first teaching post. This was at a secondary
school in a small mining village, where most of the children -
and more than a few of the staff - spoke in a dialect riddled with 'thees',
'thous', 'hast thas' and wilt thas'. She also met her husband to be at this time,
a teacher at a rival school - the rivalry always being in the not-so-gentle sport of
rugby!

In 1970 Millie and her husband moved down to Wantage for six years.
Wantage is known a King Alfred's town, since it is the place where he was born.
In 1976 she moved up to Nottinghamshire, and still lives there with her husband,
midway between Lincoln and Newark. Their six grown up children all live close by.

Since retiring from teaching, Millie has been writing the trilogy about King Alfred
that has been screaming to be born for so many years. Book 1, 'Shadow of the Raven'
is already published on Amazon, and Book 2, 'Pit of Vipers' is presently nearing
completion.

I think Millie Thom was a fantastic teacher. I would like to have had (royal)
history lessons from her! Luckily I can read these amazing series! 

BookTasters

I had the chance to read this splendid book for free via BookTasters. So thank you
very much!!! I hope to read more books from this excellent author! 

Source picture: Book Cover

Bookreview: From a Wonky Path to an Open Road

From a wonky Path to an Open Road , 

written by Janey de Nordwall 

In 2019, BAFTA-winning film producer, Janey de Nordwall packed her bags (and her cat Kenny), fired up her 1970s VW campervan and headed off from her London home to Scotland for a journey that would change her life. In this heart-warming, fresh and joyful book, Janey captures the lucid beauty of her surroundings, remembers the pivotal moments of her eventful life and reveals her most intimate thoughts.

First of all, I want to admit that I really love travel memoirs. My favourite countries are Spain and Portugal, but I can enjoy memoirs from other countries too. 

Janey de Nordwall immediately took me away in her book "From a wonky Path to an Open Road" on her journey to the amazing Scotland.

"From a Wonky Path to an Open Road" is written very fluently with short and clear chapters, which I really like. I wanted to know the complete story so I finished the book quickly. No I'm going to re-read it slowly. 

It was besides the travel a very inspirational book  I enjoyed "From a Wonky Path to an Open Road" a lot. So it's really a must-read! 

Technical details of the Book

From a Wonky Path to an Open Road" is published in 2020 by On The Road Publishing and printed by
Book Printing UK. 

BookSirens

I received an advanced copy for free via BookSirens, and I'm leaving this review voluntarily. So thank you very much for giving me this great opportunity. 

Source picture: Bookcover

Wellington against Junot

The first French invasion of Portugal in 1807 - which was commanded by Junot, one of Napoleon's most experienced generals - was a key event in the long, brutal Peninsular War, and it was the first campaign fought in the Peninsular by Sir Arthur Wellesley, later Duke of Wellington, yet it tends to be overshadowed by more famous episodes in the six-year conflict that followed. David Buttery, in this original and perceptive new study, sets the record straight - his tightly focused narrative covers the entire campaign in vivid detail.

Readers of my blogs: https://allaboutroyalfamilies.blogspot.com/ and 

https://mycrazylifefullwithbooks.blogspot.com/  already know that I'm interested in royal history and especially about Russia, Napoleon, Empress Elisabeth of Austria (Sisi) and Queen Victoria. So, I was very happy that Kobo plus offers a series of books about General Wellington and the Portuguese invasion. This is a period during the reign of Napoleon which is less known for me. I read three books:

- Wellington against Junot

- Wellington against Soult

At the heart of David Butterys third book on the Peninsular War lies the comparison between two great commanders of enormous experience and reputation Arthur Wellesley, later Duke of Wellington, and Jean de Dieu Soult. In Soult, Wellesley met one of his most formidable opponents and they confronted each other during one of the most remarkable, and neglected, of the Peninsular campaigns. Soults invasion of Portugal is rarely studied in great depth and, likewise, the offensive Wellesley launched, which defeated and expelled the French, has also received scant coverage. As well as giving a fresh insight into the contrasting characters of the two generals, the narrative offers a gripping and detailed, reconstruction of the organization and experience of a military campaign 200 years ago.

- Wellington against Massena

Wellington's clash with Massena was one of the most remarkable contests between two commanders in the Peninsular War. These two formidable generals carried on a campaign of maneuver, battle and attrition across Spain and Portugal in 1810 and 1811 which had a decisive impact on the outcome of the war. Wellington's reputation was enhanced, Massena's was ruined.David Buttery's close analysis of this extraordinary encounter offers a penetrating insight into the personalities of these two outstanding soldiers. Using a variety of sources, in particular eyewitness accounts from both sides, he reassesses the famous confrontations at Ciudad Rodrigo, Almeida, Busaco, the lines of Torres Vedras and the final bitterly fought battle at Fuentes de Ooro.He sheds new light on this pivotal episode in the Napoleonic Wars and his account corrects the one-sided view of the campaign that has survived to the present day. In particular he reconsiders the true cost of the scorched earth policy that was employed against the French

All the books are talking about the Invasion of Portugal in the Napoleonic Wars. They are published by Pen & Sword Books Ltd. 

Wellington shouldn't be introduced to the English readers of this blog and to the history lovers. But perhaps the Generals of Napoleon Bonaparte are less famous. Nevertheless these series are clearly written and very interesting to learn about the different invasions in Portugal. It is an excellent reading to know the people and even the spirit of the age. So it's very recommendable for royal history lovers. 

Source pictures: Book covers

Bookreview: The Top 5 Most Famous Queens

Royals and especially the royal history interest me very much. I really
enjoy in taking the opportunity to read books about these fascinating
topics.

This week, I chose the book 'The Top 5 most famous queens' about
Nefertiti, Cleopatra, Elisabeth I, Catherine the Great and Victoria.

The book is edited by Charles River Editors. This is  - according to
Amazon - a digital publishing  company that creates compelling,
educational content.

It is a bit of a spoiler that the names of The Top 5 of the Most famous
queens are already released on the bookcover. However the 5 biographies
are interesting though short stories.

The Top 5 of the Most Famous Queens also is written very clear and
fluently, so it is pleasant to read.

Is the book to recommend? Well, sure it is! Especially for royal history
fans, but it wasn't specialized.

 Nevertheless, I'm happy, I read this book.



Source picture: Bookcover
I read this book via Koboplus and bol.com.