Maria La Divina by Jerome Charyn

October 8, 2025 By Leave a Comment


Maria La Divina by Jerome Charyn
Publisher: Bellevue Literary Press
Genre: Historical
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

An intimate portrait of the world’s most iconic opera singer

Maria Callas, called La Divina, is widely recognized as the greatest diva who ever lived. Jerome Charyn’s Callas springs to life as the headstrong, mercurial, and charismatic artist who captivated generations of fans, thrilling audiences with her brilliant performances and defiant personality.

Callas, an outsider from an impoverished background, was shunned by the Italian opera houses, but through sheer force of will and the power and range of her voice, she broke through the invisible wall to sing at La Scala and headline at the Metropolitan Opera, forging an unforgettable career. Adored by celebrities and statesmen, the notable and notorious alike, her every movement was shadowed by both music critics and gossip columnists—until, having lost her voice, she died alone in an opulent, mausoleum-like Paris apartment.

It’s like being there with the singer and watching her go through her life.

This book is a wealth of knowledge about the singer Maria Callas. I felt like I was right there with the singer, going through her life and seeing how she handled the hurdles in her way. I liked how the author really delved deep into the singer’s life and loves. I was saddened for how her life turned out, but also feel this is something everyone who follows music should read. If you’re a fan of the current singers, a la Taylor Swift, then this book shows where the genesis of the music and celebrity business started.

The one thing I will say is that if the reader isn’t familiar with the many names dropped in this book, it can get a bit confusing to keep them all straight. That’s not to take away from the writing. The writing is fantastic and kept me wanting to know what would happen next. There are simply a lot of people to keep straight.

If you’re looking for a book about celebrity at the turn of the century, celebrity at its start and how that celebrity can affect people, then this is the book for you. The psychological look at Maria Callas and how she handled her life was great. give this book a try.

Filed Under: Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , ,

The Gilded Heiress by Joanna Shupe

October 1, 2025 By Leave a Comment


The Gilded Heiress by Joanna Shupe
Publisher: Avon
Genre: Mystery/Suspense/Thriller, Historical
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

In 1880 a baby was stolen from the wealthiest family in America. Though no ransom was ever demanded, the Pendelton family never gave up hope . . . and their reward became the stuff of legend.

After being raised in a children’s asylum, Josie Smith ends up on the streets and quickly learns how to take care of herself. Her singing voice draws crowds on every corner, and she’ll stop at nothing to become famous and travel the world, loved and adored by all. Maybe then she won’t think about the family who gave her away as an infant.

Leo Hardy isn’t afraid to use his charm and wits to make a fast buck, especially with a mother and five siblings to support. When he stumbles upon a beautiful young woman singing on the street, Leo notices her striking resemblance to the infamous missing baby’s mother, Mrs. Thomas Pendelton. The Hardys lost everything thanks to the Pendeltons, and once Leo sees Josie, he seizes the opportunity to settle the score. All he needs to do is pull off the biggest swindle of his career.

As the two are catapulted into Knickerbocker High Society, they grow closer to their goal, as well as to each other. But secrets can only stay hidden for so long. Soon the truth unfolds, and both Josie and Leo must separate what’s real from what’s just gilding.

They’ll both get what they want, no matter who they take down in the process.

I have to admit, I’m not much for histoicals these days, but when I saw this book, I had to pick it up. I’ve not read other Joanna Shupe books, but I have to admit was captivated by the story. It reads like a gilded era Anastasia.

The writing is crisp and kept me entertained. I wanted to know what would happen next and liked the spice in the story. I liked the connection between Josie and Leo.

But there were a few quibbles with the story. It’s remarkably close to the Anastasia story. I get it, there are only so many tropes, but it read very close to the movie plot. The other thing that was a bit jarring to me was that Josie is upset that her family abandoned her, but she’s very self-righteous and didn’t seem to embody the opulence of the Gilded Age. Many people, especially those of wealth, flaunted their wealth and felt above the rest of the people. She didn’t really do that, which is good. It made me like her more, but it also felt out of place for the era.

That said, the connection between her and Leo is wonderful and I did root for them to get together. I enjoyed this book and suggest it for someone wanting a fall read. Definitely try this one out.

Filed Under: Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , ,

The Friendship Fling by Georgia Stone

July 21, 2025 By Leave a Comment


The Friendship Fling by Georgia Stone
Publisher: Harper Perennial
Genre: Romance, Contemporary
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

No one would ever call Ava Monroe a people person, which isn’t ideal for a barista in a busy London coffee shop. She’s sarcastic, blunt, and cynical, and her relationships are strictly no strings attached. With her best friend Josie soon leaving for a year, Ava knows she’ll be all alone unless she shakes up her routine. But she can’t risk bringing chance back into her carefully controlled life.

Then insufferably cheerful, country-hopping, undeniably gorgeous Finn O’Callaghan rolls into her coffee shop with a horrifying proposal —a strictly friends-only summer fling. Finn needs a local to help him complete his London bucket list, and Ava needs to reassure Josie she won’t be on her own. And it’s only for a few months.

To Ava’s surprise, their mismatched friendship of convenience becomes oddly tolerable, and as they work their way through Finn’s list and around the sun-drenched city, from rooftops and floating bars to nights at the museum, their adventures—and Finn’s company—start to feel . . . nice. Incredibly, terrifyingly, dangerously nice.

Still, rules are rules—Ava has good reasons for them—and as the days get shorter, Finn’s departure gets closer. Because that’s the thing about summer: it always ends. Right?

Sunny to cloudy…I enjoyed this book.

This book is a twist on the sunshine/grump trope in that she’s the grump. I liked that it wasn’t the usual. He’s pure happy and that was refreshing. Ava and Finn are very much opposites, but this touches on the opposites attract trope and was a fresh telling.

Georgia Stone’s writing is simple, but that’s a good thing because it allowed me to breeze through the book and get emotionally attached quickly. I rooted for these characters. I liked that there was a shelf-life to the relationship and how the characters worked through it. It was nice.

This is an easy read, it’s breezy and would be good for a hot afternoon. It’s a good beach read. If you’re looking for a slow burn romance that’s fun, then this might be the one for you. Give it a shot!

Filed Under: Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , ,

32 Days in May by Betty Corrello

July 18, 2025 By Leave a Comment


32 Days in May by Betty Corrello
Publisher: Avon
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Nadia Fabiola wants to lose herself in Evergreen—the Jersey Shore town where she grew up vacationing with her family—and never look back at her glamorous, gainfully employed former self. After a shocking lupus diagnosis turned her life upside down, she’s desperate for a sense of control over her body, her life, and her mental health. Nadia plans on keeping her life small and boring, while continuing to ignore her sister’s relentless questioning.

Nadia’s sister isn’t the only person worried about her. When her rheumatologist not-so-subtly sets her up with his infamous former-actor cousin, Marco Antoniou, Nadia is skeptical. But Marco is gorgeous—despite carrying his own baggage from a very public burnout. After a messy (but fun) first date, they decide that a May-long fling could be just what the doctor ordered: no commitment, no strings, just one month of escape.

Their undeniable chemistry starts to feel a lot like something more and while Marco pulls Nadia deeper into his life, she is dead set on keeping her diagnosis from him. But there are only so many days in May, and only so much pretending she can do. As the stress of their whirlwind romance takes its toll on Nadia’s health, she’s forced to decide if a chance at love is worth the risk of trusting someone new.

Travel from the Jersey Shore to Rome and back in this delightfully funny, beautifully honest exploration of love, intimacy, and vulnerability while living with a chronic illness.

A protagonist with a chronic illness. What a great concept.

At times, this isn’t an easy read, but it’s a good read. Why would I start with that? It’s not an easy read? The main character, Nadia, has a chronic illness. She has lupus and that’s not always fun to live with. It’s actually never fun to live with. But she isn’t letting it get her down.

I liked the author’s writing style. The author drew me right into the book and made me root for the character of Nadia. I liked the pairing of Nadia and Marco because they’re fun together. It’s just plain fun to have them together. I liked the time limit on the relationship and how the author handled that problem.

If you’re looking for a good slow burn romance for characters that aren’t the usual, then this is the one you’re looking for. Give this book a read. You won’t regret it.

Filed Under: Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , , ,

Confessions of a Grammar Queen by Eliza Knight

July 16, 2025 By Leave a Comment


Confessions of a Grammar Queen by Eliza Knight
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Genre: Historical, Romance
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

There are no female publishing CEOs in 1960’s New York. And that is exactly what savvy, ambitious Bernadette Swift plans to change.

Bernadette Swift, a young copyeditor at Lenox & Park Publishing, is determined to become the first female CEO in the publishing industry. But first she needs to take the next step up that ladder with a promotion that her boorish and sexist boss wants to thwart. Seeking a base of support, Bernadette joins a feminist women’s book club at the New York Public Library, and soon, she’s inspiring her fellow members to challenge the male gatekeepers and decades of ingrained sexism in their workplaces and pursue their personal and professional dreams.

And that is precisely what Bernadette does on a daily basis: keeps her eye on the prize―equality for women in the workplace, and a promotion―while fending off the ire of her boss and the sabotaging efforts of a jealous coworker. With the support of her book club buddies and a certain charismatic editor at Lenox & Park who has completely fallen for her, maybe, just maybe, Bernadette will prove able to claim victory for herself and the young women coming after her.

She’s not about to be left at a desk to be a secretary.

This is a new twist on the romance genre because this character, Bernadette, isn’t a shrinking violet. She’s determined to get what she wants and I loved that.

This was a quick read and fun. I’m glad I read it. I will say the chapters from the dog’s perspective, while funny, didn’t always add to the narrative. I would’ve liked to have had Bernadette’s perspective all the way through. I do like the innovation in adding the dog and seeing things from his perspective, but it would’ve been more dynamic from just Bernadette’s POV.

Still, I liked her pluckiness. She’s not about to be bullied or shrink to the background. I loved her pushiness and know this is the kind of book readers of all genre-preferences would enjoy.

If you want a book that’s a good throwback to the ’60s and a fun beach read, then this might be the book for you. Give it a try!

Filed Under: Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Low April Sun by Constance E Squires

May 16, 2025 By Leave a Comment


Low April Sun by Constance E Squires
Publisher: University of Oklahoma Press
Genre: Historical, Contemporary, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller, Action/Adventure
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

On the morning of April 19, 1995, Delaney Travis steps into the Social Security office in Oklahoma City to obtain an ID for her new job. Moments later, an explosion shatters the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building into rubble. Her boyfriend Keith and half-sister Edie are left to assume the worst—that Delaney perished in the bombing, despite lack of definitive proof. Twenty years later, now married and bonded by the tragedy, Edie and Keith’s lives are upended when they begin to receive mysterious Facebook messages from someone claiming to be Delaney.

Desperate for closure, the couple embarks on separate journeys, each aiming for an artists’ community in New Mexico that may hold answers. Alongside their quest is August, a recovering alcoholic with a haunting connection to the bombing. Raised in the separatist compound of Elohim City, August harbors secrets about Timothy McVeigh, the perpetrator of the attack, and his own possible involvement in the tragedy. When his path crosses with Edie, he must choose whether to tell anyone about his past.

As the 20-year anniversary of the bombing approaches, fracking-induced earthquakes shake the ground of Oklahoma City, mirroring the unsettled lives of its residents. In their quest for answers, Edie, Keith, and August seek to understand how the shadows of the past continue to darken the present, as the ground beneath them threatens to give way once again.

Understanding the past, so one can move into the future.

Life is always more complicated than we mere mortals want to admit. Humans are a mess of contradictions, stories, lies and half-truths. I liked how the author wove all these into this story.

Being that I was alive during the time of the Oklahoma City Bombing, this book grabbed my attention. I wanted to see how the characters handled the situation and the aftermath. I liked that the author kept the stories of the various characters complicated and the mystery threaded through the story was good, too. It showed that life, as I said above, is complicated. There were times, though, where the story was a bit slow and it took some effort to get through it. Maybe I wasn’t in the right mood for this book and wasn’t ready for something this heavy. Other readers may absolutely love it, so don’t be deterred. There is intrigue to the story that will ensnare many readers.

If you want a different take on the events of the Oklahoma City Bombing, the aftermath and the people who lived through it, then this might be the book for you. Give it a try.

Filed Under: Mystery/Suspense, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , , ,

An Irish Vet in Kentucky by Susan Carlisle

May 15, 2025 By Leave a Comment


An Irish Vet in Kentucky by Susan Carlisle
Publisher: Harlequin, Mills and Boon
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

A PULSE-RACING ENCOUNTER…

Vet Conor lost everything when his wife and unborn child died. Now, working in Kentucky with a horse entered in the famous derby is the ideal distraction. He just didn’t expect to be in such close quarters with beautiful equine trainer Christina… After her ex destroyed her professional reputation, Christina is firmly off men. Until the Irishman moves into the room next door! Soon, their chemistry can’t be reined in. But as the finish line approaches, can they move on from their heartache and bet that this time they’ll win?

You can’t deny nature!

I have to start this review by saying I love the books of Susan Carlisle. As soon as I see a new one, I can’t wait to get my hands on it. This book was no different. The writing was crisp, it kept me on my toes wanting to know what would happen to the characters and had me rooting for them all the way. All with the backdrop of the Kentucky Derby. What more could you ask for?

I dove right into this book and immediately liked the characters. Conor has been through a lot and needs a fresh start. I liked that he wasn’t shy about his job or going for what he wanted. Christina has been hurt, romantically and financially, so she’s not interested in another relationship. I liked that these two were trying so hard not to get together. That’s what made me root for them more!

If you want a fast-paced story, with characters not soon forgotten, with the backdrop of the Kentucky Derby, then pick this one up. Recommended.

Filed Under: Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , , ,

The Girl from Greenwich Street by Lauren Willig

May 14, 2025 By Leave a Comment


The Girl from Greenwich Street by Lauren Willig
Publisher: William Morrow
Genre: Historical, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

At the start of a new century, a shocking murder transfixes Manhattan, forcing bitter rivals Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr to work together to save a man from the gallows.

Just before Christmas 1799, Elma Sands slips out of her Quaker cousin’s boarding house—and doesn’t come home. Has she eloped? Run away? No one knows—until her body appears in the Manhattan Well.

Her family insists they know who killed her. Handbills circulate around the city accusing a carpenter named Levi Weeks of seducing and murdering Elma.

But privately, quietly, Levi’s wealthy brother calls in a special favor….

Aaron Burr’s legal practice can’t finance both his expensive tastes and his ambition to win the 1800 New York elections. To defend Levi Weeks is a double win: a hefty fee plus a chance to grab headlines.

Alexander Hamilton has his own political aspirations; he isn’t going to let Burr monopolize the public’s attention. If Burr is defending Levi Weeks, then Hamilton will too. As the trial and the election draw near, Burr and Hamilton race against time to save a man’s life—and destroy each other.

The truth shall set you free. Or will it?

I’ve not picked up anything by Lauren Willig, but I liked the idea of a novelization of the Levi Weeks trial. I liked the idea of Burr and Hamilton arguing before the argument. It’s clear from my reading of this book that the author put a lot of research into the book, took plenty of time and care to ensure the characters were written as accurately as possible and tried to inject intrigue into the situation. I’m glad I read it.

What stayed with me after this book concluded wasn’t so much the trial or the characters. It was the way the trial and investigation happened. The investigation was done by the prosecution. In modern eyes, it looks bad that they’re the ones doing the investigating. Then there was victim shaming. That’s not gone away, even all these years later. It must be the victim’s fault for what happened to them. Sad that hasn’t changed much. These were the ways the intrigue worked well for the book. I have to say I wasn’t a fan of Levi, Hamilton or Burr. They all came off pompous and dry. I suppose that’s how they might have been in life, but it made that part of the book drag. Still, the trial of the century quality of the book was plenty of a hook to keep reading.

If you’re looking for a book with historical intrigue, fascinating situations and a mystery, then this might be the one for you.

Filed Under: Mystery/Suspense, Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,

Frankie & Chair by Johan Ingler

May 13, 2025 By Leave a Comment


Frankie & Chair by Johan Ingler
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: YA (10-16 yrs old), Contemporary
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Nine-year-old Danny has an unusual best friend: Chair, an armchair. Together, they write The Adventures of Captain Redtail & Sir Winchester, a comic about a squirrel space pirate and his faithful companion, a robot cupboard. Content with life as it is, Danny dislikes any sort of change. He’s already had to endure the hardest change of all: the loss of his father.

But things take a turn when he starts at a new school and meets Frankie, a bold skateboarder whose friendship takes him by surprise. Frankie battles with a looming tragedy of her own, stirring emotions in Danny that he struggles to understand. And with Chair stubbornly opposing Frankie’s presence, the rising tensions set off a series of events that none of them could have imagined.

It’s a rocky journey toward new friendship and an understanding of grief, all mirrored in Danny’s comic world—a place where he explores the emotions he’s still learning to process.

How to learn to let go and grow up…we’re all trying to figure it out.

Ingler has written an interesting story that’s a cross between a YA and a fantasy. Danny has his best friend, a talking chair…Chair. They talk and he deals with his various problems. They even write a comic book together, The Adventures of Captain Redtail and Sir Winchester. It’s cute in that it reminded me a lot of Calvin and Hobbes. But Danny meets Frankie and has to figure out how to move forward. The author captures the feeling of being a kid and confused by the fact that the world never stops. It always keeps going forward.

I liked this tale of adventure and fantasy, but also the theme of growing up and letting go to move onto bigger things. It’s a cycle in life we all have to go through and it was cute to see how Danny does this. I liked how he was dragged out of his safe world and into the rest of the world.

If you want a book that’s comic, silly, cute and poignant, then this might be the one for you.

Filed Under: Reviews, YA/Middle Grade/Children's Tagged With: , , , ,

Dream Girl Drama by Tessa Bailey

May 12, 2025 By Leave a Comment


Dream Girl Drama by Tessa Bailey
Publisher: Avon
Genre: Romance, Contemporary
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

When professional hockey player Sig Gauthier’s car breaks down and his phone dies, he treks into a posh private country club to call a tow truck, where he encounters the alluring Chloe Clifford, the manic pixie dream girl who captivates him immediately with her sense of adventure and penchant for stealing champagne.

Sparks fly during a moonlight kiss and the enamored pair can’t wait to see each other again, but when Sig finally arrives to meet his dad’s new girlfriend over dinner, Chloe is confusingly also there. Turns out the girlfriend is Chloe’s mother. Oh, and they’re engaged.

Sig’s dream girl is his future stepsister.

Though the pair is now wary of being involved romantically, Chloe, a sheltered harp prodigy, yearns to escape her controlling mother. Sig promises to teach her the ins and outs of independence in Boston—but not inside his bedroom. They both know there can never be more than friendship between a famous hockey player and his high-society, soon-to-be stepsister. But keeping their relationship platonic grows harder amid the developing family drama, especially knowing they were meant for so much more…

They’ve found the one…except their one might be their future stepsibling, too. Awkward.

I’ve never read a book by Tessa Bailey, so I went into this book with a fresh perspective. It was an easy read and quick, which was nice. It was a good afternoon or two read. The characters had potential and were relatable, so I was invested in the story.

I did have a few quibbles about the story, though. Chloe is described as a manic pixie dream girl. She’s eccentric and fun and quirky. She’s nice and cute and sweet, too. At times, she seemed almost bland, though. Too good to be true, sort of thing. It was nice that she was nice, but I wasn’t as invested in rooting for her. This might not be a turn-off for other readers. Maybe I wasn’t in the right headspace to read this story. Other readers may love her quirks. I did like the scenes with Sig and his teammates as those were funny scenes. The banter was great.

If you want a book that’s fun, spicy, and something you’re not expecting, then this might be the one for you.

Filed Under: Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , , ,
Next Page »