From a Modern Romance to the Jazz Age: Two Book Reviews

On By Annika PerryIn Book Review, Book Reviews

These days I read a far wider variety of genres and it’s my joy to share the reviews of these two contrasting books – I hope you enjoy the eclectic mix!

“A Mother for His Twins” by Jill Weatherholt

The past and present collide to create the perfect scenario for this superb and engrossing romantic novel. Schoolteacher Joy Kelliher, who is single and has no children, one day welcomes two new students into her class, two boys who are the twin sons of her high school sweetheart Nick Capello.

Fourteen years earlier he disappeared without warning on the evening of one of their dates. An evening that led to a catastrophic experience for Joy. Nick has returned to his hometown following the death of his wife and he is not just suffering from grief. His life is lived under a veil of guilt.

As the boys are introduced into her class, it turns out that Nick will be a fellow teacher at the school and is also seeking the position of the school principal, a job Joy has coveted for many years, particularly as her father was principal at the same school.

Finally, the next morning Joy wakens to see Nick and his sons moving in next door.

Her world has suddenly and dramatically been turned upside down. Where before there was certainty and security there is now questions, regret, renewed heartbreak. However, the past attraction and closeness between Nick and Joy emerges time and again, her flustered flirtation in contrast to her professional self. Nick likewise is torn between his affection for Joy, wanting to repair a wrong, with his ambition to become school principal, a position he needs not only for his career but as a form of redemption.

Jill Weatherholt weaves with skill the links of the past and present, gently unravelling past events as they are revealed to Joy and Nick in turn. Both have secrets that they have held onto and which are difficult to share, particularly as Joy still does not trust Nick.

The narrative unfolds through the close third person of the two main protagonists, ensuring the reader feels empathy with each, knowing their secrets, inner turmoil and thoughts.

Throughout, the book explores profound themes such as forgiveness, trust, jealousy, faith, acceptance of one’s life, guilt and regret. Only when there has been reconciliation in all these areas is a life of love possible.

I was hooked from the very first page and Joy’s and Nick’s story won an instant place in my heart!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Available: Amazon US Amazon UK

Publisher: Mills & Boon Love Inspired (1 Sept. 2019)

Read more about Jill on her blog Jill Weatherholt

“Speak Flapper: Slang of the 1920s” by Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene

Who knew a dictionary could be so much fun?! ‘Speak Flapper’ is no ordinary dictionary however, rather a delightful and informative collection of slang from the 1920s.

The author was inspired to collate her specialist knowledge of words from the era following her novels set in the infamous Jazz Age. I’m so glad she took this leap of faith!

I enjoyed immensely not only reading the meaning behind the words and phrases but also the insight the book offered into life at the time. It gives a brief commentary on the social history of the era including about the people, films, inventions, relationships, alcohol, literature, clothes and crime … and so much more.

As each new letter of the alphabet is introduced Teagan reveals a snippet of history and wow, I was in awe of the creativity of the time. From automobiles to Kellogg’s Rice Krispies, from hats to phonographs, from washing machines to G-men!

I was surprised how many words were familiar to me and that I had no idea they stemmed from one hundred years ago. For instance ‘heebie-jeebies’, ‘Real McCoy’ and ‘Oops’ comes from then.

Some phrases surprised me by being similar to Cockney Rhyme, ‘Adam and Eve’ is ‘believe’ for instance. The language was wonderfully colourful and vibrant. ‘Lemon Squeezer’, ‘Caterpillar’s Kimono’, ‘Giggle Water’ give just a hint of some unusual words. When I meet a bore in future I will (mentally) refer to them as a ‘Gimlet’ … a terrific word! Some words were amusingly incongruous to their actual meaning, ‘peanut’ referring to a bomb!

Reflecting on our present-day language I wonder if it isn’t rather dull and bland in comparison to a century ago, whether a sense of daring and imagination is absent?

I can highly recommend this whimsical look at the Roaring Twenties and although I can’t yet speak fluent flapper, I’m a lot closer to it! ‘Speak Flapper’ really is the ‘cat’s pajamas’!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Available: Amazon UK Amazon US

Publisher: Independently published (5 Jan. 2020)

Read more about Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene at Teagan’s Books

I hope you’ve enjoyed reading the reviews! Have you read any of these books or are you perhaps tempted to look at one or even both of them? As always, I look forward to your comments & discussion!

321 thoughts on “From a Modern Romance to the Jazz Age: Two Book Reviews”

  2. Gosh! These both sound like wonderful reads. I think A Mother for His Twins would make a brilliant movie. And of course, I gravitate more to Speak Flapper because I’m intrigued by the jazz age. Thank you for always introducing us your readers to wonderful books. 🙂

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    2. Khaya, I love your idea of a movie of Jill’s book – it is one of those books which I visualised strongly in my mind and it is as if I’ve watched a film – I could see it working brilliantly! Now we just a film director or script writer to read your suggestion!😀

      Khaya, how wonderful that you have an interest in the jazz age and Teagan’s book would be perfectt for you. I was vaguely intrigued by the era which is how I ended up reading Teagan’s book and I’m so glad I did! A lot of fun, fascinating … reckon I need a few more goes with it to become as fluent at flapper as Teagan!

      Hope you’re having a good, my friend and have the chance to write a bit! 😀❤️

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    2. Curt, language is a wonderful source of history and at university studied linguistics … it is amazing how organic the nature of our spoken words our! Teagan’s book, although as she writes, is not a scholarly work, is a delightful collection of words and social history. I was smitten with it!

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  5. Thank you, Annika, for your detailed and wonderful reviews. I’m adding both books to my to read list. I’ve been following Jill’s blog and will be off to see Teagan’s. It’s fun to read more widely. Have a beautiful weekend!

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    2. Natalie, I’m so glad you enjoyed the reviews and are tempted to look closer at both these books! 😀 As you can tell I enjoyed both tremendously and in the reviews, I find it’s always a balance of giving enough detail to be informative (and to a certain extent entertaining) without giving too much away. Enjoy checking out Teagan’s blog … you will like it very much I’m sure. Every time I see a post by Jill it’s like receiving a letter in the post, I can’t wait to read it! 😀 Wishing you a wonderful weekend too, Natalie!🌺

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  6. Jacqui Murray's avatar Jacqui Murray

    Loved Jill’s book. She has such a way with romance. And I love that she weaves other-book characters into this one. Haven’t read Teagan’s but definitely plan to.

    Now, how are you going to answer so many comments, Annika? It’s at 192 as I am posting! Yikes!

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    1. It just hit 200, Jacqui! 😀 Yikes, indeed! I’ve never known anything like it … Jill and Teagan are commenting a lot thankfully – it’s been excitingly stressful! Thought I might actaully take a whole day free from computer this weekend – famous last words! 😀

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    2. Aw…thank you so much, Jacqui! I really appreciate your support and encouragement. I struggle with self-doubt each time I sit down to write, so your words mean a lot. I loved your post today! Enjoy the weekend.

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  7. I like how writers honor each other with reviews, the best gift one can give an author, and also how Jill honors another author, which brought me to your thriving blog, Annika!

    Just today, I received a great review on We Love Memoirs – delightful because it was unexpected.
    Yay, to writers everywhere who persist in spite of all! 😀

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    1. Marian, first congratulations on a great review for your book today … as you say they are a wonderful delight and surprise. It is incredibly uplifting to receive them and I didn’t appreciate this until I started blogging. The support and friendship within the community here on WP is wonderful and heartwarming. I have learnt a lot from my friends and the importance of reviews can never be underestimated! Along the way, I’ve also started to read with more attention, less haste, and value a book even more as a result. Jill’s book was a joy to read and I’ve enjoyed the reviewing of her book here! She’s a dear friend but more importantly for the review, a gifted writer whose books I’m eager to read!

      Happy Reading, Marian … where would we be without books?! 😀

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    2. Great to see you here, Marian! Annika’s books and blog are wonderful. Although the reviews I write to support my writer friend’s are no where near the caliber of Annika’s reviews, I think they are important to write. Congrats on your unexpected review!

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  10. Dora Hiers's avatar Tori Kayson

    Lovely reviews, Annika! A Mother for His Twins was one of my favorites, but I love all of Jill’s books. Waving to her and happy weekend to all. xoxo

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    2. Thank you so much, Dora! 😀 It’s great to meet another fan of Jill’s book … she is a wonderful writer. This is the second book of hers I’ve read and look forward to many more! Wow! I see you’re a prolific writer yourself … after tracking you down! Have you deleted your accounts under the name Tori Kayson – just want to make sure you haven’t had any other problems? Good luck with your latest release – always an exciting time! 😀🌺

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  14. Annika, I agree with your thoughts on Jill’s storytelling abilities. A Mother for His Twins is a heart-touching story. And your review of Speak Flapper definitely tempts me. Sound so fun to read the backstory of words from the 20’s. Thank you for enticing me!

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    1. Sherida, it’s lovely you’ve read A Mother for His Twins and feel the same about this heartwarming book! I’m so glad you’re tempted by Speak Flapper … an unusual but fun book! Reviews are great when they entice … welcome to my blog, Sherida and I look forward to looking around yours! 😀

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    2. Thank you so much, Sherida. Your review of A Mother for His Twins was beautiful.Both Derek and I got quite emotional when you shared it. I’m looking forward to the Speak Flapper! It sounds so funny. I appreciate your visit. Have a great weekend! ❤

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  15. Hi Annika, Thank you for your wonderful and thorough reviews. Since blogging and meeting many new writers, I also have started reading a variety of genres. These writers have enriched my life in many ways. Jill is definitely one of them. I read “A Mother for his Twins” one afternoon and evening on a camping trip last Fall. I also was immediately pulled into this engaging story and I did shed some tears at the end.

    I have ‘Speak Flapper’ on a list to read. It sounds like a fun and informative book. I am curious about the origin of some unusual phrases. I also found myself smiling reading many of the comments. I plan to stop over at Teagan’s blog.

    Annika, I find your reviews are very thorough and your summaries very helpful.

    I have only recently learned how supportive reviews are to the writer. I read and enjoy many books and I have only recently started writing reviews. I am learning a great deal from the blogging community, especially you and Jill. You both have set the bar very high. Thank you! Hugs to you and Jill!💕

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    1. Thank you so much for your sweet words, Erica. You are so kind. It’s been wonderful getting to know you through our great friend, Donna. I agree with you, Annika sets the bar quite high. She’s a gem! Thank you for popping over. Enjoy your weekend! ❤

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      1. You are right, Jill, meeting you through Donna. Donna was one of the first bloggers I met and she has been very welcoming, inclusive and kind. It is a privilege to have her as a friend and the friends I have now made along the way. As I mentioned to you in the past, Jill, you write from the heart and I can feel it. Thank you! Enjoy your weekend, too! xx

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    2. Hi Erica. You’re so kind — you’re welcome to “ankle” over to my blog sanctuary any time. In “Speak Flapper” I didn’t usually delve into phrase origin. I included a disclaimer that it is not a scholarly work. For the most part it’s definitions. Although I did elaborate on my favorite, “You’re the cat’s pajamas” — and you are! Hugs!

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    3. Erica, wow! 😀 Thank you so much for your amazing comment. First, I’m touched with your final remarks, bless you. You are a quick learner about writing reviews as I know very well from the superlative one you’ve written for ‘Oskar’s Quest’ (thank you again!)! When I started blogging I honestly had no idea about the importance of reviews and ‘studied’ a few reviewers I admired and printed out a crib sheet handily collated by a blogger. This was my blueprint for about a year! I’m so glad you like my reviews, I love reading and writing about the books … and it ensures I read with more care and attention.

      Yeah! I love that you enjoyed Jill’s book and glad I’m not the only one to shed a few tears (I worried I was too soft!😀) The overused phrases of heartbreaking and heartwarming definitely apply to her books. How wonderful to read it whilst out on a camping trip!

      Oh, I’m sure you’ll enjoy Speak Flapper and it’s a great conversation piece at dinner, I’ve had guests guessing the meaning of words and talking about the origin of many household items from the era!

      Here’s to many happy hours of entertaining and enriching reading, we are indeed blessed with so many good books! Wishing you a magical weekend, Erica … hugs xx ❤️ ps. Hope you’re all having a most amazing time with your grandson … bet he’s rightly the centre of attention!

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      2. Annika, I am in awe as to how you juggle a great deal, and sooo well! Your reviews are wonderful and almost a form of art. I enjoy reading the summaries and I feel you are fair and kind to the authors. I think Jill’s book warrants a sit down and read from beginning to end. Nowadays, an indulgence. It was a perfect coincidence how I had downloaded it on my ereader right before our unplugged camping trip. I am curious about your other books, Annika. I am playing catch up right now with the books I have. We usually go camping in the Fall. Thank you for the good wishes on our new grandson. Very cute and very little. He is slightly over six pounds right now. Hugs to you and Happy Everything! xx

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  16. Oh how great to see your review of A Mother for His Twins here, Annika! I’ve been meaning to read Jill’s book and I just put a hold on it at our library! The story sounds excellent – I can’t wait to read it. 🙂 As for Speak Flapper, I had never heard of this special dictionary – how fun! My grandparents were born in the early 1900s and I remember my grandfather telling me that my grandmother used to be a flapper! I want to get my hands on this book. It sounds like a lot of fun. Thanks for reviewing both these books, Annika. (And hi, Jill, because I know you will be stopping by, loyal blog reader and commenter that you are – can’t wait to read your book. I’m behind on your books, but willing to catch up!)

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    2. Hi Barbara. Your grandparents sound swell — a real life flapper and her goof! I’m glad you ankled over to leave a comment. Thanks for your kind words. I’ll bet that you already know your onions. You’re the cat’s meow!

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    3. Barb, the world is full of coincidences! 😀

      I hope the library soon has Jill’s book for you and I’m sure you’ll love it too – can’t wait to read your review!

      Oh, how wonderful that your grandmother was a flapper!Do you have any photos at all? It almost sounds mystical, doesn’t it? I always admire the daring and creativity of the era and it must have been an exciting time indeed. So glad you enjoyed the review, Barb and it’s always fun to ‘chat’ about books with you! xx Happy Weekend and Happy Reading! (ps. Have you worn the cosy reading socks yet?😀)

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  17. Annika, great reviews! I have read and reviewed Jill’s book, which I thoroughly enjoyed. You’ve teased me with the 1920’s dictionary! I’ll have to get a copy and learn what it was my folks were saying at that time in their lives. At Jill’s suggestion, I popped over to check out your reviews and found your site to be quite interesting. Keep up the good work!

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    1. Hi Sherrey. It’s swell that you could ankle over from Jill’s. I’m sure you were never a middlebrow to begin with, but you’ll really know your onions. Just sit down with a cup of noodle juice, or a jorum of skee and browse through the book. You’ll be speaking flapper in no time. 😉 You’re already the bee’s knees!

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    2. Hi Sherrey! I’m so happy you popped over to check out Annika’s blog. I think you’ll really enjoy it. Thank you for your kind words about my book. I appreciate you reading and taking the time to write a review.That means a lot. ❤ I can't wait to read Teagan's book! Thanks for popping over. Enjoy your weekend.

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    3. Welcome to my blog, Sherrey and thank you so much! 😀 How wonderful that you’ve read Jill’s book and I love your review of A Mother for His Twins … you captured the story and its heart beautifully.

      I’m glad you’re intrigued by Speak Flapper and have a great time reading this … you’ll be speaking like your folks in no time at all!😀

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  18. Jill’s book sounds like a wonderful read – adding it to my tbr list. I already have Teagan’s dictionary and am thoroughly enjoying dipping into it. Like you, Annika (got the right name this time:) ), I was surprised by how many expressions I use without thinking about where they come from.

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    3. Mary, I’m sure you’ll love Jill’s book and you’re right about dipping into Teagan’s book … it’s perfect for that! 😀 I am still trying to work out if some are English expressions that travelled to America?! Language is wonderfully organic in its nature and there is always so much to learn, explore!

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      1. I’m sure a lot of them probably are originally English, Annika. A non-20s point of interest… I’m originally from the “deep” Southeast, and lived in Georgia and Tennessee for the first 40+ years. I found that some of my rural southern words were also used by a client I had from New Zealand. My English pen-pal occasionally used words that were part of my “hick” way of speaking. The one that stands out in memory is “reckon.”

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        1. Oh, we use ‘rekcon’ all the time here … but more in a slang way!😀 The world really isn’t has big as we believe and I love the connection of words across continents. Makes one want to explore and learn more!

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  19. Pingback: From a Modern Romance to the Jazz Age: Two Book Reviews — Annika Perry’s Writing Blog | Jill Weatherholt

  20. Hi, Annika – Thank you for these great reviews. ‘Speak Flapper’ sounds like a book that I would absolutely love. And speaking of books that I love, ‘A Mother for His Twins’ is high on my list. Jill Weatherholt has a way of creating characters that you cannot help but fail in love with. I love that this book includes characters from her previous book ‘A Father for Bella’. I missed them!
    Thank you for sharing this.

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    3. Donna, as you’ve read one of Jill’s books before you know you’re in for a treat with A Mother for His Twins! How true, that the reader immediately falls in love with the characters and just can’t stop reading! 😀 I’m sure you’ll enjoy Speak Flapper too, it is fun to read such contrasting books! I now just need to put my Flapper language into use! 😀

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  21. Wonderful reviews, congrats to Jill and Teagan! In Jill’s, I wonder what the mantle of guilt is all about, and in Teagan’s, I’d love to read the background history on some of the cute sayings she uses.
    Both books sound great.

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    3. Thank you so much, Jacquie! 😀 You highlight the elements that really drew me into the books, in Jill’s you also realise something dreadful happened to Joy that night 14y ears earlier but have to wait to find out exactly what! Happy Reading! 📖

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    1. Ahhh … thank you so much, Carol! 😀 I love writing the reviews and I’m glad you find them fresh – that’s a compliment indeed. I also appreciate the efficiency comment and might be a reflection I’ve created a more efficient method myself. I used to take pages of notes and get in a bit of a dither, now I’m limiting myself to two sides, keywords, characters and my thoughts … then write the review as soon as I’ve finished the book. Thank you, I’m glad you like the new header – I know I should have a tag line but haven’t found one that quite fits! 😀 It’s great you’re back and always a joy to read your comments. xx

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      1. Ah! That sounds like a great method, Annika. I’m not a reviewer, but I bought a membership in the Rave Reviews Book Club, and part of that is doing reviews (of books in their author catalog) quarterly. So I’m pushing myself beyond my comfort zone. What you describe is helpful. It’s also the monkey’s eyebrows. 😉

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        2. Teagan, I’m loving the expressions in use! You’re the expert! 😀 I’m glad if this helps a bit with your reviews … and congratulations on joining the club. They do amazing work and seem such a great and supportive community!

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  24. You have wonderful books reviews, Annika. They celebrate writers and their stories and entice us to enter new worlds of possibilities.. Your support and enthusiasm for the indie community is truly remarkable.

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          1. Thanks for the visit Teagan! I confess at being a little blog crazy – I think I have about 6, each with different subject. I came to blogging for a specific reason – to find out the social media mechanism of creating tribes and communities. Plans were to continue academic Phd studies in the traditional way, but I quickly changed my mind and decided that I would conduct my personal research when I tapped into the blogging community. Rather than “studying” I decided to enter the community. Blogging is our narratives, and we blend into a wider narrative of humanity that transcends time and space. Each of my blogs have specific focuses – photography, art, podcasting, books, and nods to history. It has been an incredible journey. I’m interested in the stories – your story and mine.

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      2. I have just signed up to follow your blog and looking forward to hearing your insights. Thank you for writing and for celebrating love. We live in a complex, ever changing dynamic world that requires compassion, understanding for connection. We need writers more than ever.

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          1. Jill, I knew you worked full time for the county department (I think) but hadn’t realised you were bombarded with crime. That must be an emotionally exhausting work and no wonder you turn to writing romance novels!😀

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    3. Rebecca, bless you! ❤️ Heartfelt thanks for your wonderful comment. Reading and books are an integral part of my life and I love celebrating works of others here on my blog and I’m always happy to chat all about books! 😀 It is lovely to be able to support other writers and during my years on WP I’ve been overwhelmed with all the fantastic support, encouragement and help offered to me. A very special community and one I could never imagined existed before I joined!xx

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      1. Being a writer is living two lives at the same time, much like diarist. First you live the moment, then you write about it, which leaves a treasure for readers. Writers allow us to explore emotions, different states of being. So thank you for all you do, for all you share!! Hugs!

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        1. Wonderful and profound reflections, Rebecca … just at the moments I start to doubt this craft of writing you come with comments like this and it all makes sense again! I also like the thought the world needs writers more now than ever! Thank you.xx

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      2. Last thought before I head out into the weekend is by a wonderful Canadian author who experienced great tragedy and great joy. We need to tell our stories:

        “All that we are is story. From the moment we are born to the time we continue on our spirit journey, we are involved in the creation of the story of our time here. It is what we arrive with. It is all we leave behind. We are not the things we accumulate. We are not the things we deem important. We are story. All of us. What comes to matter then is the creation of the best possible story we can while we’re here; you, me, us, together. When we can do that and we take the time to share those stories with each other, we get bigger inside, we see each other, we recognize our kinship – we change the world, one story at a time…” Richard Wagamese

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        1. Wow! What an incredible quotation and one that has my blogging stalled in its track as I’ve taken in the words, and then learnt a little about Richard Wagamese. (Also printed this out for my wall!) I can see briefly what you mean about his experience of great tragedy and great joy. I would like to read some of his books … which one would recommend to start with?

          Hope you’re having a wonderful weekend … the fourth stormy one here but my son is home and we managed to head for a little walk in between the pelting rain. My heart is smiling! hugs xx ❤️

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  26. Great reviews, Anika. I have read quite a few of Teagan’s books and follow her blog, and I know she loves her research and is a great writer. Thanks for recommending me her new book and also for introducing me to Jill’s books as well.

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    3. Thank you, Olga and I loved this ‘dictionary’ by Teagan as you can tell and also enjoy all her writing on her blog! Next, I’m looking forward to reading her books! 😀 How wonderful that you know her work so well and I’ll check out some of your reviews … I can see Teagan is very chuffed with them!

      Jill is a gifted writer and this was the second of her books I’ve read … and can’t wait for the next one!😀

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  27. Contrasting subjects, for sure, Annika! I’m sure Jill’s is a winner, based on her previous success, and you had me wondering whether I should have read any of the Jazz Age novels. Rich pickings! 🙂 🙂

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    1. Thanks for visiting, Jo. My stories about a young flapper, Pip, are what really built my blog. Those are from my “three things” style of writing — where I have readers send random “things” and I create the entire story according to where their things take my imagination. As I did research for those, I collected the slang that is in Speak Flapper. You’re the bee’s knees!

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    3. Jo, I’m smiling at how I’ve managed to intrigue you with these reviews … both great books. Jill’s is definitely a winner and she is a gifted writer and I’m looking forward to reading more books by her. This was the first book I’ve read by Teagan and even though a ‘dictionary’ I am now eager to read her fictional work and already have one on my Kindle! The era does have a magical aura to it! Wishing you a wonderful weekend, my friend! hugs xx😀❤️

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    1. I enjoyed both hugely and love how my reading is diversifying … it’s interesting to read and share such different books here. Thank you so much for reading and your lovely comment. 😀

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  30. You do write lovely and detailed reviews, Annika. I have read a number of Teagan’s books and loved them all as well as the stories she publishes on her blog. I have yet to read a book of Jill’s but have this one on my radar.

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    1. Robbie, you’re in for a treat with Jill’s books – this was the second of hers I’ve read and always in awe how I’m hooked from the very beginning and quickly feel as if the characters are my best friends. I always enjoy Teagan’s posts and writing and this was the first of her books I’ve read … but already have another on my kindle! Thank you so much for your kind comment about my reviews, Robbie and lovely to ‘chat’ about books here. Have a great weekend … any more birthdays?😀

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      1. Hi Annika, no birthdays this weekend, but my youngest sister’s is next weekend and then my middle niece the following one. I can’t open Oskar on my kindle [the one I bought on Amazon]. That is a first but life is full of them. I will order the paperback which will take a couple of weeks to arrive.

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        1. I imagine you’re going to be busy baking your beautiful cakes for them! 😀 It’s lovely with family celebrations.

          Robbie, I’m so sorry you’re having problems with opening Oskar’s Quest on your kindle. It might be that it is needs the Kindle Fire to open on the kindle, or it should work with Kindle for Mac or Kindle for Pc. There is a list (named: available on this device) when buying it (far too small in my opinion) that pops up just below the blurb of the book on Amazon when the kindle version is selected. I do hope this helps and if not request a refund. Thank you so much for being eager to review my book and I appreciate it very much! Xx

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  32. Nice reviews Annika, I haven’t read any of those books but would like to add them to my wish list. Teagan’s book seems to be fun – a combination of history and words, so different from the ones we usually read. Thanks for sharing.

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    1. Balroop, you are right about Teagan’s book being unique and different from usual reads – and I lapped it up! 😀 I’m sure you’d enjoy both and worthy to be on a tbr list! Happy reading, my friend and wishing you a lovely weekend! xx

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    2. Thank you kindly, Balroop. I collected the 1920s slang for about 7 years, for my novels and stories set in the era. I had so much fun gathering it, that I had to find a good way to share it. Thanks for visiting. You’re the bee’s knees!

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    1. It’s such a fun era in my imagination. I don’t write romances, but there is romantic element in “A Ghost in the Kitchen, Three Ingredients 2″… along with a very different sort of wedding.
      Thanks for your encouragement. You’re the cat’s pajamas!

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    2. Betsy, life is like that … we come across things we never knew we needed! 😀

      Maybe Jill can write that 1920s romance?! 😀

      I can see Teagan’s book becoming a hit as a most useful resource for writers setting books in the era … and it’s fun to read on its own!

      Teagan, I’m now intrigued by the romantic element of your story…

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        1. Annika… I’m so clumsy. I’d be the female version of a “corn shredder.” 😉 But yes it would be fun if I could. Or the Lindy hop — what a wild looking dance from the 1920s. There’s also the Camel Walk. More hugs.

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  36. Annkia, you’ve made my week. I’m delighted you enjoyed Speak Flapper. I redid the format a few times. Added images to make it more appealing… but still wasn’t satisfied. Then I started looking up points of interest, even if they weren’t exactly slang. It means a lot to me that you liked the result. Thank you so much.
    I’m also pleased to be here with Jill, and her wonderful work. Hugs to you both. You’re the kitten’s ankles!

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    1. Teagan, it was a delight to read your book and you caught my interests first with the language side of the book, the addition of moments/events from the era was the icing on the cake! A fantastic combination and you got it just right!😀

      It’s been a great month for books and a pleasure to share the review of your and also Jill’s book! hugs xx (ps. I see you definitely are fluent in flapper!)

      Reply

  37. Pingback: From a Modern Romance to the Jazz Age: Two Book Reviews — Annika Perry’s Writing Blog – Teagan's Books

  38. Yay, Jill. What a great job on the review, Annika. The intertwining of past and present sounds wonderful. The dictionary sounds really cool, too. In my current WIP, I’ve been needing to dig through the internet for catch phrases and words used in the 1950’s and 60’s, since that’s when most of it takes place.

    Thanks for the reviews.

    Reply

    1. Hi Lori. I’m a research geek, so that’s the fun part for me. I have one novella set in the 1950s, but have not done the years of research for trivia and slang of that decade. It’s still a fun era for a setting though. Looking forward to your finished work. You’re the bee’s knees!

      Reply

    2. Lori, thank you so much and I’m glad you enjoyed the reviews. Your research sounds like a lot of fun … perhaps you’re inspired by Teagan’s book to create your own dictionary of sorts from the era! Good luck with your WIP – it sounds exciting.

      Reply
  39. Jacqui Murray's avatar Jacqui Murray

    I read one in this series and loved it. You remind me I need to read more. This one sounds great. I have to say it’s nice to have you posting more often, Annika. I love your writerly voice.

    Reply

    1. Jacqui, thank you so much for your lovely comment … I like the idea of having a ‘writerly voice’! I’ve been trying to post at least once a week but struggle to do much more timewise since I want to visit other’s blogs as well but I’m so happy you enjoy the posts!😀

      Reply

    2. Mae, thank you so much for your lovely comment! 😀 They are both wonderful books! I read Jill’s after a particularly dark and intense novel, so the romance with its light, love and still turmoil was perfect. As I’m interested in both history and language, I just had to read Teagan’s book and bought it as soon as it was released. It’s been a great February of books for me … I can’t wait to see what March brings!

      Reply

    1. Brigid, I am well aware of the double-edged sword of posting reviews – people love to read them, yet I feel for their burgeoning tbr pile! 😀 It’s fun to share and chat about books, see what is being published and if something particularly appeals to you that is great!

      Your interview post is still with me and with the sun out my garden is calling to me … might take a break and see if there is a chance to do any work out there! Happy Weekend to you! xx

      Reply

    1. Ally, I’m glad you know both Jill and Teagan … and it’s been a great month reading both these books. They are great and I love the different genres of each one – such a contrast and I thought readers here would appreciate the diversity as well.

      Wishing you a lovely weekend! 😀

      Reply

    1. Neil, that’s just what I thought when I read about ‘oops’! It’s great how we are using words from a century ago and they are equally fresh and vivid! I love unusual books like this and will look out for more!

      Have a great weekend! 😀

      Reply

  45. I think regrets make for compelling stories, so I can understand why the first book captivated you.

    Teagan’s dictionary sounds like a hoot! (Wonder if that’s flapper-esque?)

    Great reviews, Annika. Thanks for sharing them.

    Reply

    1. Staci, thank you so much and I’m glad you enjoyed the reviews. You’re right about ‘Speak Flapper’ being a hoot … and it sounds like a word form the 1920s I agree. I just checked and it’s not there, alas! I agree, regret is a great theme for a book and allows endless possible plot and character lines! Two such different books and both compelling, entertaining – enriching reads! Hope you’re keeping well and your writing is going well, Staci! I see you’re still on a blogging break. xx

      Reply

      1. I am still on a break, though I’m dipping my toe back in the water. It’s easier to start visiting other people now before I open my virtual doors again and welcome friends back in. I do plan to try to return soon, though.

        Thanks, Annika.

        Reply

    2. You slay me, Staci. 🙂 “Hoot” has been used in many, many different ways. I think it goes all the way back to the 1400 — with one meaning or another. I never ran across anything specifically related to the 1920s. Although that doesn’t mean some form of it wasn’t there. Thanks for your encouragement. You’re the cat’s meow!

      Reply

    1. Cynthia,, lovely to see you here!😀 They are both great books and I agree, both Jill & Teagan are gifted writers! I realise, I had one of Teagan’s books on my kindle and look forward to reading it soon. Hope all is well with you!😀

      Reply

        1. Teagan, it’s ‘Fiona Finch and the Pink Valentine’ – this will be my first foray into the world of steampunk! 😀 A new genre yet again and I’m nervously excited about it! I’m sure I’ll like it very much. hugs xx

          Reply

  48. Annika, you show once again your great skill in writing reviews. You bring Jill’s book to
    life with lightness and strength combined. I just feel like starting reading it promptly.
    It sounds an absolutely wonderful book.
    Tegan’s book gets the same sparkling treatment and I am laughing when I read some of the words. Also looked up some. How fun it all becomes.

    Good luck to both Jill and Tegan and thank you for a brilliant review.

    miriam

    Reply

    1. Wow! 😀 Miriam, bless you for your wonderful comment about my reviews – I’m touched to think of me giving books the “sparkling treatment”! That’s fantastic! Both these books deserve it!

      I’m happy I managed to convey the light and strength within Jil’s book … a powerful combination. Ahh … Teagan’s book had me in laughter too, also enjoyed learning so much from the era. Including about a couple of famous writers … so just perfect for me! I am sure both writers will appreciate your good luck wishes.

      Have a terrific weekend … may the sun come out at least for a while! hugs xx

      Reply

  49. What a wonderful surprise, Annika! Thank you so much for reading and taking the time to write such a lovely review of A Mother for His Twins. I’ve missed those little fellas. 🙂 I’m so happy you enjoyed it. And how great to be on the same post with Teagan. I love her! ❤

    Reply

    1. Jill, it was a delight to read and review your book – the twins had me hooked, melting my heart! The character of Joy was inspired. This was a book I did not want to finish … have you ever thought of writing a sequel? I loved the end btw, just perfect … but wanted to continue following their lives!

      As I’m writing the reviews I’m trying to match writers to a certain degree whilst offering different genres as well. Teagan is a gem … and I saw I have one of her books on my Kindle and now look forward to reading it – at least I’ll understand the ‘flapper’ language!

      Wishing you a wonderful weekend, my friend! 😀❤️

      Reply

      1. That makes me happy that you’d like to continue to follow their lives, Annika. My publisher doesn’t do sequels with this particular line, but I might write it just for you. ❤ I can't wait to read Teagan's book! Enjoy your weekend.

        Reply

  50. Jill’s book sounds wonderful. I do love a good romance with likeable characters. And that dictionary sounds very different and quite quirky. Thanks for two fabulous abs very different reviews Annika. 😊 xx

    Reply

    1. Thank you so much, Miriam! 😀 I love writing reviews and find I pay even more attention to the book in the process. Quirky is just the word to describe Teagan’s book … and I was happy to see it was so much more than ‘just’ a dictionary. The 1920s are a fascinating era and I find I now want to learn more about it. Ahh … I agree, a romance has to have likeable characters and Jill’s book has so many of them. Joy is fantastic, strong-willed and determined but yet suffered so much and on top of this thrown into such a quandary! The twins are adorable and Nick’s past haunts him. On top of this, there are several other characters in a supporting role!

      Hope you have a great weekend, my friend! Heading out on any adventures? hugs xx

      Reply

      1. Thanks again Annika. I think I’m definitely going to have to read Jill’s book. Sounds right up my alley. And yes, we’re going back to the Grampians mountains this weekend, looking forward to it, but no camping this time. It’s a special invitation back which will be lovely. Enjoy yours too my friend, whatever you’re doing. xx

        Reply

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