May 7, 2020

What Jayne is reading and watching Spring 2020

JayneB Reviews / B+ Reviews / Book Reviews / Recommended Reads18th-century / autobiography / documentary / English historical mystery / France / Historical / History / journalists / London / Movie / murder mystery / neurodiverse / non-fiction / Paris / Post WWII / sailing / science / tv adaptation / Vietnam / War / Military / World War II17 Comments

The Right Sort of Man: A Sparks & Bainbridge Mystery by Allison Montclair In a London slowly recovering from World War II, two very different women join forces to launch a business venture in the heart of Mayfair—The Right Sort Marriage Bureau. Miss Iris Sparks, quick-witted and impulsive, and Mrs. ... more >

April 27, 2020

REVIEW: A Corruptible Crown by Gillian Bradshaw

JayneB Reviews / Book Reviews17th-century / England / English-Civil-War / estranged family / family relationships / Historical / London / long separation / politics / printing / Stuart-England / War / Military7 Comments

The compelling sequel to the English Civil War novel London in Chains – It is 1648, and the Civil War has been resurrected by a king still determined to be an absolute ruler and a parliament unable to agree how to govern without him. Blacksmith Jamie Hudson, weary and disillusioned, ... more >

April 6, 2020

REVIEW: Yours with Love by Mary Burchell

JayneB Reviews / Book Reviews1980s / dysfunctional family / England / family relationships / London / Older Man/Younger Woman / secretary8 Comments

The scheme would be of mutual benefit When Jason Kent literally crashed into Virginia’s life, he turned her whole world upside down. In return for a large sum of money, he asked her to pose as his mistress so that his wife would divorce him. Virginia agreed because it meant ... more >

JanineB Reviews / Book Reviews / DNF Reviews#ownvoices / 18th-century / brothel / Earl / English countryside / high-school / Korean American / London / murder mystery / POC / POC author / prostitute / Reading lists / Regency Romance / YA5 Comments

Death and the Harlot by Georgina Clarke I read 39% of this book historical mystery set in mid-eighteenth century London before quitting. The period detail seems quite good and the book is pretty page-turning but unfortunately, the heroine’s motivations don’t make sense. Lizzie Hardwicke is a sex worker in a ... more >

February 28, 2020

REVIEW: London in Chains by Gillian Bradshaw

JayneB+ Reviews / Book Reviews / Recommended Reads17th-century / England / English-Civil-War / Historical / London / politics / printing / Stuart-England6 Comments

An English Civil War novel from a highly-acclaimed author – London, 1647. Lucy Wentor, a young lady who was attacked by soldiers during the civil war, and then rejected by her sweetheart, hopes to start her life afresh in the capital with her uncle and aunt. London, however, is in ... more >

February 24, 2020

REVIEW: False Value by Ben Aaronovitch

JanineB+ Reviews / Book Reviews / Recommended Readsbiracial hero / diversity / London / Magic / POC / police procedural / UF / Urban-Fantasy12 Comments

PLEASE NOTE: If you haven’t read Lies Sleeping, the previous novel in the Rivers of London series, and wish to avoid spoilers for that book, skip this review. Big events took place in Lies Sleeping that are mentioned in this review of False Value. Dear Ben Aaronovitch, I’ve enjoyed all ... more >