Book: The Tsarina's Legacy

Author: Jennifer Laam

Genre: Fiction/Historical/Political

Summary: Then. . . Since the moment he first saw her on the night she seized the throne, Grigory "Grisha" Potemkin has loved Empress Catherine of Russia. Their love was forged first from passion and then from friendship, as they began a long and prosperous political association. Now older, they face treacherous new threats, both from outside of Russia and from within their intimate circle. Haunted by the horrors of his campaign against the Muslim Turks, Grisha hopes to construct a mosque in the heart of the empire. Unfortunately, Catherine's young new lover, the ambitious and charming Platon Zubov, stands in his way. Grisha determines that to preserve Catherine's legacy, he must save her from Zubov's dangerous influence and win back her heart.

Now. . . When she learns she is the heiress to the Romanov throne, Veronica Herrera's life swiftly turns upside down. Even as she gains a noble legacy, she loses everything she once thought important. Heartbroken and seeking purpose, Veronica agrees to accept a ceremonial position as the new tsarina and to act as an advocate to free a Russian artist sentenced to prison for displaying paintings critical of church and government. For her efforts, she is both celebrated and chastised. As her political role comes under fire, Veronica is forced to decide between the glamorous perks of European royalty and staying true to herself. -St. Martin's Griffin, 2016.

I only read two books from my March Maybe post. Both were 4 star reads. March was a very busy month as I decided to start a massive Spring Cleaning in the midst of helping my parents with some personal things.

I am elated that I have gone through clothes, books, closets, shoes, purses and kitchen ware and have purged away the clutter. Once I start something, any project, it completely takes over my life. I still have the daunting task of stove/oven cleaning and the dreaded TAXES. 

I am determined to stay focused and deliver on this goal of 6 books. They all seem right up my alley and engaging. If a book is dragging I will move on and not waste precious time lagging on it. Most times, I've realized, it is just bad timing. I wasn't in the mood to read the book at that time.

I'm about to lose my shit.

These two girls are kidnapped by a guy, they manage to escape, he finds them, saves them from a bunch of rapists and then the girls do what? They help him get to a safehouse, heal him and cook dinner.

Cress by Marissa Meyer (5 stars)

A lot of fun with a great cast of characters. Sci-fi fantasy fairytale retellings done well. It doesn't get much better.

The Demon's Lexicon series by Sarah Rees Brennan

  The Demon's Lexicon (4 stars) 

  The Demon's Covenant (5 stars) 

  The Demon's Surrender (4 stars)

GAH THIS SERIES. Lots of kissing and also angst, but oh the emotions. These two brothers couldn't rip my hearts out anymore, I swear.

Seeking Persephone by Sarah M. Eden (4 stars)

So much cuteness! Think Beauty and The Beast meets a slightly Georgette Heyer Regency romance feel.

Delilah Dirk and The Turkish Lieutenant by Tony Cliff (4 stars)

A charming graphic novel, complete with lovable characters and beautiful illustrations. The atmosphere and settings were also lovely, and not something that is generally seen in the literary world here, or at least, not wherever I'm looking.

Joan of Arc by Mark Twain (4 stars)

A well-written classic actually deserving of that title. Definitely Twain's best, out of those  that I've read.

The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis (5 stars)

Just really brilliant and full of important points to ponder.

The Whispering Skull by Jonathan Stroud (4 stars)

Not as good as the first book in the series, but still a good installment and lots of fun hanging out  with Lockwood and Co. Oh, and all the ghosts too.

The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore by William Joyce (5 stars)

One of the best children's books I've ever read, and it helps that it's a bibliomaniac's dream come true.

 Honorable Mentions:

Prisoner of Night and Fog by Anne Blankman (4 stars)

Tsarina by J. Nelle Patrick (4 stars)