The beautiful cover and the title drew me in, but the story kept me turning the page! I never knew there had been a rhino being put on display and carThe beautiful cover and the title drew me in, but the story kept me turning the page! I never knew there had been a rhino being put on display and cared for through out Europe in the 1700s. The rhino part was true, but the story is fictionalized about how Ship captain Douwemout van der Meer and the faithful Zubin toured around with Clara the Rhino around to royalty and cities. The story had to be mostly fictionalized because there were no journals or documentation to follow in the research, per the author notes. The other story line was present day historians finding Douwemout van der Meer's grave in Holland. This one had some mystery and a hint of romance. Both plots were compelling with interesting and well developed characters. Douwemout van der Meer and Zubin were great together as a blended family. Clara had a fun and captivating personality. In the present day story, Andrea fled from her boyfriend and his family to study in Holland to be a part of the project to research and preserve the very old graves next to the river that threatened to overtake them. Once the research team realized they found the Captain's grave, the action and quest began in earnest. I really enjoyed both story lines. I read historical fiction to learn new parts of history and I'm so glad I learned that Clara spread joy to many so long ago. I definitely recommend this for those that like to learn obscure pieces of the past. #TheRhinoKeeper #NetGalley Thank you Net Galley for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own....more
As a fan of Molly the Maid, I couldn't wait to read this novella. Molly, Juan and the Regency Grande are getting ready for the big staff holiday partyAs a fan of Molly the Maid, I couldn't wait to read this novella. Molly, Juan and the Regency Grande are getting ready for the big staff holiday party. Secret Santa gifts are returning. Molly and Juan are enjoying their life together and she loves seeing her grandfather at work. Molly thinks she has another mystery on her hands, but does she?? Our favorite, and not so favorite, characters from the other books reappear to add depth to the tale. This uplifting holiday story will make you smile when Molly finally gets a reward for her loyalty. You can read this as a holiday stand alone, but it will mean more if you have read the other Molly books. #TheMistletoeMystery #NetGalley Thank you Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine and Net Galley for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own. Reviews to Goodreads, Book Bub, my X and Instagram accounts, my monthly reading wrap up on Facebook (historical fiction books lovers group)....more
Loading...
