The Inn at Angel Island

 

The Inn at Angel Island came out of a free library. I thought it was the first book I had read by Thomas Kinkade and Katherine Spencer but apparently I read a Christmas story by Mr. Kinkade years ago. 

Liza just wants to sell her aunt's old inn and get back to her fancy job in the city but as she drives up to the run down inn memories come flooding back. As one issue after another arises with the inn Liza considers here life and what she really wants. 

The story is slow moving with little action more like a comfort story which is what my mind and heart needed at this time. Even though it is a series the story does wrap up nicely and you get closure on the big questions that were raised during the plot of The Inn at Angel Island. 

Wild Orchid: A Retelling of the "Ballard of Mulan"

 

Wild Orchid is the first retelling of the Ballard of Mulan I have read and it was exactly what I expected it to be. 

Mulan longs to follow her heart and be who she wants to be not what society wants her to be. Lucky for her that is allowed to some extent since her father is off at war and servants are raising her. Unable to have her wild heart tamed with a female's education of sewing and keeping house Mulan convinces her best friend to teach her to read, write, archery, swordsmanship, and how to ride a horse. This serves her well when she decides to forge her own destiny. 

The story is friendly for children since it does not go into details about the brutality of war or intimate moments. The story reads smooth and quickly. No parts were confusing or really deep writing but it was entertaining. 

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

 

I do not recall where I got The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo but I figured I needed a break from mysteries for awhile.

While not sure what to expect I did not really enjoy the story after the first two marriages. Evelyn is ruthless and willing to do what it takes to get to Hollywood and get her chance at becoming a movie star. I liked that part her doing what it took no matter what to rise to the top. Once she got to the top the story took a distract turn that I felt was boring. This left me highly disappointed in around three fourths of the story it just felt repetitive and like Evelyn really gained nothing for fame from her last five marriages. 

Despite transiting between the past and present I never was confused what time period it was or if it was about Evelyn's life or Monique's life. The writing was fine the story just got boring for me and it became a chore to finish reading it around husband number four.