The Last Wife Of Henry XIII - Carolly Erickson

one sentence summary:
Catherine Parr is the last wife of Henry VIII

review:
this may not be the most historically accurate novel ever but it is historical fiction so don't go into it expecting too much fact. It is a great story full of intrigue that will draw you in and not let you go, you will walk away from this wanting to know more about Catherine Parr and her family (only to Google her and find out a large portion of the book was totally made up). The romance is steamy and the antagonists easy to hate, all in all it is a well written historical romance.

6/10

Sentry Peak - Harry Turtledove

one sentence summary
An alternate version of the American war between the states, with unicorns and serfs.

review
I am glad that all the reviews I read after I slogged my way through this collaborate that it is the worst work Turtledove has ever written. The dialogue is really good, great in fact, which shows me that Turtledove is a good writer but everything else about this novel was drudgery. I had little sympathy for the characters and found them irritating and the situations they were continually putting themselves in exasperating. I don't really recommend this to anyone.

4/10

Aftertime - Sophie Littlefield

one sentence summary

The world as we know it has ended and the remaining humans struggle to survive.

review
The romance angle of this seems like an afterthought, and, in my opinion the novel would have been a lot better without it. (my theory is that when sending it out to publishers harlequin said "sure, but add some sex" because that is what it feels like, tossed in and not thought through.) The story line is interesting Cass, a recovering alcoholic is searching for her daughter in a world torn apart by mind melted cannibals. The character of Cass is wonderfully flawed and realistic, trying to keep sane and to find her child. It is worth reading if you enjoy end of the world stories.

7/10

Notorious Nineteen - Janet Evanovich

one sentence summary:
Stephanie Plum is up to her old shenanigans, catching bad guys and accidentally getting her cars blown up.

review:
This is beach reading, or plane reading, or what ever reading you do that requires no attention at all. Written to the lowest denominator this is a highly entertaining (but not at all intellectual) read. A good smattering of romance, a great use of dialogue and characters that are unforgettable. I recommend reading this only if you are still reading this series 19 books (plus holiday/novellas) in.

6/10