niftyreads's reviews
161 reviews

Natasha Lester’s books never disappoint me. The research, the writing, and the characters make it an exceptional historical fiction novel that draws me in from the first page to the end. As soon as I finished reading the arc of THE DISAPPEARANCE OF ASTRID BRICARD, I immediately preordered it because I needed this story on my shelf. Plus, this is one of my favorite covers in a long time!

I’m obsessed with fashion, so reading that this book was supposed to be a blend of feminism, fashion, and history set against the real-life designers’ showdown in Versailles in the 1970s, I had to read it. It did not disappoint. Flipping between the 1940s, the 1970s, and the present day, it takes you on a ride through women in fashion and how they were (are) treated. I got attached to the women that Lester wrote about and wanted to be friends with them, and each had a captivating story that wove together to make one intriguing novel. 

PS - If you are a fan of THE THREE LIVES OF ALIX ST. PIERRE by Natasha Lester, like me, you should definitely pick this up 😉

PSS - Lester always includes amazing author’s notes. Don’t skip out on reading them!

Thanks, Forever and Netgalley, for the gifted arc!

Content Warnings: misogyny, alcoholism, familial death, grief, sexual assault, war, antisemitism, racism

Kristin Hannah's books have been recommended to me repeatedly, but what sealed the deal on me reading THE WOMEN was that Julia Whelan narrated it. I would listen to her read shopping lists and instructions, and I’m glad I experienced her narration of this book. I understand now what everyone says about Hannah’s books being emotionally heavy and an amazing ride. 

I’m a big fan of historical fiction, but this is my first Vietnam hf. I’ve read books in the era, but nothing so focused on the war. I learned new things, enjoyed the pacing, and fell in love with the characters, which this last one, for hf, is a big deal for me. In any book, I have to feel one way about the characters, but in an hf book, if I’m not emotionally attached, it becomes just a history book. 

Frankie is a character that I really enjoyed following her journey. She was human and flawed, but she made choices to make herself happy at a time when most women stayed the status quo. I rooted for her and wanted her to succeed. And I loved her friendship group. Knowing there were strong women like Frankie and her friends in Vietnam makes me proud.

Would I recommend listening to this while incapacitated in bed with the flu for days? I would make sure you have a strong stomach. But Whelan’s narration is extremely soothing and makes for a great listen. Thank goodness for audiobook timers!

Thanks, Macmillan Audio, for the gifted audiobook!

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Content Warnings: war & war injury/trauma, blood, medical trauma, child death, alcohol & drug abuse, miscarriage, misogyny, racism, infidelity, ptsd, grief

If you like gymnastics, this author knows her stuff. I was more invested in the growth of the FMC than I was in the romance, but I love gymnastics a lot. It was a good read for me and one that I can see myself revisiting for empowerment feelings. 

LOVE, NATURALLY, was a cute, clean romance that made me giggle as I listened to it. If I had been reading this with my eyes, I would have enjoyed it much less. Julie Rogers's narration was fun and fit well with the story. 

Overall, it took the lively narration for me to connect with it because it was a slow start with some frustrating/unbelievable plot points that pulled me out of the story, so I'm thankful I read it this way. It's a cute romcom. I think Sophie Sullivan did a great job building her side characters and the town, but having the FMC give up her love of city life after a week was an eye roll. I did enjoy how Presley and Beckett got to know one another. 

This was cute and an easy distraction from pain to lay and listen to, so I appreciate that from the story. It's not my favorite romcom, but it wasn't the worst. It's an easy read when you need a book that you know will end well or a good closed-door romance to recommend to those who ask. 

Thanks, Macmillan Audio, for the gifted audiobook!