The Cook of Castamar Fernando J. Múñez

     The Duke of Castamar has lost his wife to a horrible accident. It destroys his spirit. He neglects his duties and his family while he mourns. The King of Spain sends a messenger to tell the Duke, he must return to his duties. No more mourning time.

   Clara Belmonte's  father is killed during the war. Clara takes the news so hard she becomes agoraphobic. A monk secures employment for her at Castamar. Clara's mother taught her to cook and then when she died, Clara continued to cook and create recipes. What follows is a story you will fall in love with.

     I watched this movie because I couldn't find the book translated anywhere. It's beautiful and groundbreaking for the time period. I couldn't get enough of this movie. The movie is broken down into twelve one hour episodes. I knew I had to find the book translated. This is just as beautiful and wild as you can imagine. You must read the book and see the movie.

    I did find issues. If you watch the movie first and fall in love with it... don't read the book. You will be disappointed. The back stories in the book are significantly different. Relationships are different. Not just a bit different though, it changes the story. The book is more violent as well. I am so glad I found the movie first.

     I gave this one 3 cheers out of 5 because it changes the story too much.

Shmuel's Bridge: Following the Tracks to Auschwitz with My Survivor Father by Jason Sommer

  Jay is ninety eight years old and extremely accomplished. He speaks ten languages,  taught gymnastics and dance. He was awarded New York's teacher of the year and the national teacher of the year . Jay was also a Holocaust survivor. He told Jason, his son, many memories of his horrific experience. The memories were getting harder for Jay to recall and so Jason decided they needed to visit the places in his memories.

  You are going to love this book. It tells you and takes you to some of the most horrific places. It's very well written and should be in your must read pile. You will experience the Holocaust first hand in this book. Mr. Sommer's tells the story in such clear and haunting terms you'll feel like you are there. I love that Jay and his son went back to the places he spent time in. As Mr. Sommers relives those memories you get a first hand "look" at Auschwitz.

   I did find one issue. The book's title is about Jay's brother yet he isn't mentioned much at all. I feel to be true to the title, prying the information about Shmuel from family members memories.

 I gave this one 5 cheers because I enjoyed the book so much. You will as well so get your copy today.

Update

 Hello All,

  I am hanging in there and reading when I can. Somedays my eyes just won't clear and focus like they should.  

  My eye specialist says I have to have three more surgeries before all is hopefully clear. I appreciate everyone who follows me anywhere and for those who stop by here.  It's frustrating to me that I am unable to read as I once did. I feel like a turtle reading right now.  I am following doctor's orders and doing the steps they suggested.

  Thanks again for hanging in there with me. Hopefully I'll get back to reading  my way, very soon.

Hugs and Keep writing!!!

                                                                                                MELANIE

Mistletoe in the City: A Steamy New Adult Holiday Romance by Amber Daulton

      Not everyone gets to attend college and go on to a great career. There are times when life intrudes. Derek Weston's life was changed when his father had a stroke. Derek had to quit college and head home to help his parents. He took over as the maintenance guy for apartments his parents owned. He just hoped nothing else changed. Boy, is he in for a wild Christmas!

  What a wonderful story! While the story is set at Christmas, it fits any time of the year. Beautifully written and with fantastic detail, you'll want to add this one to your TBR list. The characters are well fleshed out and are people you'll recognize in your own life. I found this book to be a quick read simply because you won't want to put it down. The book is perfect for yourself or as a gift for a friend. Get it!

  I found no issues in this one.

  I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because it shows life can be beautiful with or without college.

  

BOOK BEDS

 

Scandalous: Family Ties and Spies Monica Burns

      The last thing Amalie Rockwood wants to do is get married. She tells her parents she'll be happier at their home in Scotland. Though not happy about this turn of events, her parents accept it. It takes only one night for Amalie's life to change completely. The Earl of Sommerville is furious with Amalie. He also had no plans to marry. When she turns up in his rooms at her parents home, the Earl knows marriage is inevitable. 

   This book is captivating from the first page to the last. I applaud the unique storylines in this book. I thought they were handled in a brilliant way. Rarely do you see books with this combination. I enjoyed it immensely.  The book is well written with a keen eye to details. The characters are extremely well defined. You can't go wrong with this book. Get it now and add it to your TBR pile.

   I found it a bit long. It seems in spots Ms. Burns spreads the story a bit thin.

   I gave this one 5 cheers out 5 because even with the issue I found, it's a phenomenal book.

Catching Rose Virginia Barlow

    May 1, 1872. This was to have been Rose's wedding day. The problem is the groom is a no show. Though family and friends try to console Rose, she is convinced he didn't want to marry her.  The guests are still milling around and family are making sure everyone is taken care of. Rose can't wipe the thoughts from her mind. Where could he be?

     Ms. Barlow created characters for this book that are so life-like it's easy to picture them in your mind. Then she wove a story around them with intrigue, love, and excitement. I really enjoyed this book and have to say I was pleasantly surprised. I was taken on a journey I hadn't expected. The spunk and determination of these characters is something to see. Get this book!

     About three-fourths of the way in, the book does slow down some. It relaxes the pace too much. In this same area, there is some repetitive passages.

      I gave this one 4 cheers out of 5 because of the issues listed above.