Audiobook Review: Once Upon a Time by Elizabeth Beller

Genre: Biography/Audiobook

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio

Pub. Date: May 21, 2024

Source: Personal Copy

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

 

 

Goodreads says, "A quarter of a century after the plane crash that claimed the lives of John F. Kennedy Jr., his wife Carolyn, and sister-in-law Lauren, the magnitude of this tragedy remains fresh. Yet, Carolyn is still an enigmatic figure, a woman whose short life in the spotlight was besieged with misogyny and cruelty.

Amidst today’s cultural reckoning about the way our media treats women, Elizabeth Beller explores the real person behind the tabloid headlines and media frenzy. When she began dating America’s prince, Carolyn was increasingly thrust into an overwhelming spotlight filled with relentless paparazzi who reacted to her reserve with a campaign of harassment and vilification.

To this day, she is still depicted as a privileged princess—icy, vapid, and drug-addicted. She has even been accused of being responsible for their untimely death, allegedly delaying take-off until she finished her pedicure. But now, she is revealed as never before.

A fiercely independent woman devoted to her adopted city and career, Carolyn relied on her impeccable eye and drive to fly up the ranks at Calvin Klein in the glossy, high-stakes fashion world of the 1990s. When Carolyn met her future husband, John was immediately drawn to her strong-willed personality, effortless charm, and high intelligence. Their relationship would change her life and catapult her to dizzying fame, but it was her vibrant life before their marriage and then hidden afterwards, that is truly fascinating.

Based on in-depth research and exclusive interviews with friends, family members, teachers, roommates, and colleagues, this comprehensive biography reveals a multi-faceted woman worthy of our attention regardless of her husband and untimely death."

 

Many people believe they know Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy based on what the tabloids highlighted, but she was so much more than that. Once Upon a Time by Elizabeth Beller explores Carolyn's childhood, formative years, career, and her relationship with John Kennedy Jr. If you want to learn more about Carolyn, her motivations, and the triumphs and struggles she experienced, this biography will help you appreciate her more deeply. It also sheds light on the challenges she faced with the media in the latter part of her life, evoking sympathy for her situation. Elizabeth Beller’s Once Upon a Time is a compelling biography of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, a misunderstood woman who was truly larger than life.
 
This debut biography starts with Carolyn's childhood, and it examines her relationship with her formidable mother, her sisters, and the often complex relationship with her father. As a teen, she was well-liked, popular, and often a little too social, which had her mother start her in a Catholic school instead of the public school in the neighborhood. Her mother remarried a successful doctor, so Carolyn's life was a bit more affluent after their marriage, and she lived in a nice house in New York. She attended Boston University, and the biography takes us through her college years, and I was surprised to find out she majored in education. This was just one of the interesting tidbits that challenged my original ideas on Carolyn.  
 
Always drawn to fashion, she ends up working at Calvin Klein and works her way up the ladder. Beller dives into some of her fashion and how that evolved through the years. At Calvin Klein, this is where she meets John F. Kennedy Jr., and then her life is forever changed. Once Upon a Time takes us through their first meeting, the dates, breakups, more dates, and eventual engagement. I adored the details surrounding their secret wedding on a private island, how she navigated the Kennedy family, and eventually how she deals with the overbearing media scrutiny. The last quarter of the book mainly focuses on how the tabloids destroyed Carolyn's sense of peace, and she couldn't deal with it in a healthy way. She was constantly portrayed horribly, and it wore her down. Readers can help but feel sympathy towards her and see her in a different light.
 
What inspired me to dive into Once Upon a Time was watching a few episodes of Love Story on FX, which is based on this book. I'm glad I made that choice because the biography filled in some gaps that the show couldn't fully explore. Was it the best written biography? No, it did feel repetitive at times and hyper-focused on Carolyn's looks, but if you're a fan of Love Story, I recommend picking up a copy of Once Upon a Time. Even though we know the sad ending, I still enjoyed learning more about Carolyn. It evoked a strong sense of 90s nostalgia, which I relished in! Also, I appreciated Carolyn as more than just a fashion icon. I hope she is remembered for her full legacy.
 
Are you a fan of Love Story? Do you want to read Once Upon a Time? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.  

 

Audiobook Review - JFK: Public, Private, Secret by J. Randy Taraborrelli

Pages: 592

Genre: Biography

Pub. Date: July 15, 2025

Publisher: St. Martin's

Source: Personal Copy

Other Books By Author: Jackie: Public, Private, Secret

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

 

Goodreads says, "In this deeply researched presidential biography, J. Randy Taraborrelli tells John F. Kennedy’s story in a provocative new way by revealing how public moments in his life were so influenced by private relationships with not only his family, but also Jackie’s.

But it’s the secret life that also surprises. As Congressman, Senator and finally President, JFK was a magnet for women. With exclusive interviews and meticulous research, Taraborrelli reveals not only the man’s many affairs but also the strength and resolve his wife showed in coping with them.

The JFK presented in Taraborrelli’s definitive biography is a complex and endlessly fascinating historical figure, despite—and maybe even because of—his many flaws.

 

 

 

JFK lived an extraordinary life, and there’s no doubt about it. J. Randy Taraborrelli, a Kennedy expert, takes readers on a journey through JFK's life, specifically examining how the relationships around him influenced his world. JFK: Public, Private, Secret by J. Randy Taraborrelli delves into his relationship with his father, his older brother, his religious mother, and Jackie, providing insight into how these interactions shaped his identity.

I have read many a JFK biography, but Taraborrelli manages to cover a lot of information I knew, and also provides some new information based on twenty-five years of his research. I liked learning more about his time in the military and his heroic efforts in the South Pacific. Taraborrelli also dives into his health issues and how that shaped his world. Also, Taraborrelli sheds a bit more light on Jackie and Jack's early marriage days and how they were on the brink of divorce. Lastly, I appreciated the depictions of Jack's family, how he was raised, Rose's behaviors, and how that all impacted Jack and turned him into the person who rose to the presidency. 
 
JFK is one of the most memorable presidents in history, and I always appreciate learning more about him, his struggles, and his family. After reading a JFK biography, I always wonder what life would be like if he weren't assassinated. It's heartbreaking all that the Kennedy family endured. However, Jack's story is one of hope. Even though he had questionable morals at times when it came to women, deep down, he cared about the American people and making a difference. Despite all his chronic issues, pain, and surgeries, he still endured, which I find inspiring.   

JFK: Public, Private, Secret as an audiobook is fantastic and will definitely be one of my favorites of the year. So, let me know if you are you a fan of JFK? Do you plan on reading JFK: Public, Private, Secret? Let me know in the comments below.  

 

Mini Reviews: Non-Fiction Audio Books

You all know I love fictional audio books and getting immersed in the world the author creates, but sometimes I need to switch it up with some non-fiction. Sometimes I find myself really engaged with an non-fiction memoir more than I expected and I get sucked in. Today I'm sharing two non-fiction audio books that I thought were really engrossing, each in their own way. 

The First Kennedys: The Humble Roots of an American Dynasty by Neal Thompson

Genre: Biography/Audio Book

Pub. Date: February 2, 2023

Publisher: Harper Audio

Source: Library

My Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

 

 

Goodreads says, "Based on genealogical breakthroughs and previously unreleased records, this is the first book to explore the inspiring story of the poor Irish refugee couple who escaped famine, created a life together in a city hostile to Irish, immigrants, and Catholics, and launched the Kennedy dynasty in America.

Their Irish ancestry was a hallmark of the Kennedys’ initial political profile, as JFK leveraged his working-class roots to connect with blue-collar voters. Today, we remember this iconic American family as the vanguard of wealth, power, and style rather than as the descendants of poor immigrants. Here at last, we meet the first American Kennedys, Patrick and Bridget, who arrived as many thousands of others did following the Great Famine—penniless and hungry. Less than a decade after their marriage in Boston, Patrick’s sudden death left Bridget to raise their children single-handedly. Her rise from housemaid to shop owner in the face of rampant poverty and discrimination kept her family intact, allowing her only son P.J. to become a successful saloon owner and businessman. P.J. went on to become the first American Kennedy elected to public office—the first of many.

Written by the grandson of an Irish immigrant couple and based on first-ever access to P.J. Kennedy’s private papers, The First Kennedys is a story of sacrifice and survival, resistance and reinvention: an American story."

 

Most people when they think of the famous Kennedy family think of Joe Kennedy, JFK, RFK, and other influential male Kennedys. However, this book peels back the layers of the Kennedy family. It brings us to Ireland in the 1800s and a woman named Bridget Murphy, JFK's great-grandmother. It starts there with the struggle in Ireland during the Great Famine and their escape to Boston. But while in Boston things weren't easy for any of the Irish immigrants. Bridget married Patrick Kennedy and had many children, but then Patrick died of consumption, like many others, in 1858. She had no choice, but to provide for her family and return to work as a servant with a family member watching her brood. She went from a servant to a hairdresser, to working at a fancy hotel, to becoming a female entrepreneur by opening her grocery store. She ended up being so successful, that she bought the building and surrounding real estate. This is unheard of in the 1800s for a female widow to not only thrive after her husband's death but to become a successful businesswoman. Thompson credits the Kennedy family's success to Bridget's, which is fascinating as most biographies don't even mention her. Bridget's son, PJ, thanks to her success and money, opened his saloon after struggling for a bit. He then became a liquor importer and involved in local politics, which led him to become a Democratic party boss. He ended up being one of the most influential men in Boston and he also paved the way for the Kennedy family. The First Kennedys: The Humble Roots of an American Dynasty by Neal Thompson is a fascinating look into the Kennedy family as well as all Irish immigrants in the 19th century.

I was completely glued to The First Kennedys: The Humble Roots of an American Dynasty and blown away by Bridget's grit and determination. What I also really appreciated was Thompson's ability to explain the Kennedy's situation in Boston as an Irish Catholic immigrant, but also relate it to all Irish immigrants during the time. Thompson really highlighted the immigrant experience and while I was aware of a few things, I found all the details about the hardships that they had to endure to be eye-opening. If you have family that also immigrated from Ireland during this time, this is a must-read as it will explain the experience. If you love books about the famed Kennedy family or about the American Dream, look no further.

Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing by Matthew Perry

Genre: Biography/Audio Book

Pub. Date: November 1, 2022

Publisher: Macmillan Audio

Source: Library

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

 

 

Goodreads says, "“Hi, my name is Matthew, although you may know me by another name. My friends call me Matty. And I should be dead.” So begins the riveting story of acclaimed actor Matthew Perry, taking us along on his journey from childhood ambition to fame to addiction and recovery in the aftermath of a life-threatening health scare. Before the frequent hospital visits and stints in rehab, there was five-year-old Matthew, who traveled from Montreal to Los Angeles, shuffling between his separated parents; fourteen-year-old Matthew, who was a nationally ranked tennis star in Canada; twenty-four-year-old Matthew, who nabbed a coveted role as a lead cast member on the talked-about pilot then called Friends Like Us. . . and so much more.

In an extraordinary story that only he could tell—and in the heartfelt, hilarious, and warmly familiar way only he could tell it—Matthew Perry lays bare the fractured family that raised him (and also left him to his own devices), the desire for recognition that drove him to fame, and the void inside him that could not be filled even by his greatest dreams coming true. But he also details the peace he’s found in sobriety and how he feels about the ubiquity of Friends, sharing stories about his castmates and other stars he met along the way. Frank, self-aware, and with his trademark humor, Perry vividly depicts his lifelong battle with addiction and what fueled it despite seemingly having it all.

Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing is an unforgettable memoir that is both intimate and eye-opening—as well as a hand extended to anyone struggling with sobriety. Unflinchingly honest, moving, and uproariously funny, this is the book fans have been waiting for."

 

Everyone knows Matthew Perry from Friends, but do people know the real Matty? I certainly did not. This memoir was eye-opening. It takes readers through Matthew's childhood, which at times was tumultuous and seems to be something he can't get over. It takes readers to his first drink of alcohol and his breakthrough in Hollywood, the women, the success, and the parties. At first, he was just partying like the rest of the celebrities, but then it became something more and he got hooked on opioids. He certainly tried for years to get clean with many stints in rehab, but he could never seem to completely break away. He had many surgeries, which broke my heart, and after each one, he was offered opioids to help with the pain, which only furthered his addiction cycle. But not all of his stories were sad, as many of the details surrounding Friends and various movie sets were honest and fun. Matthew Perry's memoir Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing is heartfelt, self-deprecating, funny, and honest. I am glad I read it and anyone who has an addict in their lives should read it, too.

 

He had such success but was so unlucky at times and my heart felt for him as he fell into his problems again and again. What was so heartbreaking is that he tried for years to break away from drugs. He spent millions on rehabs that didn't completely work. Also, I had no idea that during a few seasons of Friends, he was on the amount of drugs he was on. This was eye-opening and explained addiction to me and how people can function and hide it. I will say Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing hits differently as you listen to his voice narrate the audiobook now that he has passed away. It makes it that much more heartbreaking and haunting because by the end of the memoir, readers think he had it figured out. He was always searching for something to fill that void and it broke my heart that he never found it.

Have you read either biography? I am glad I listened to these two as they really lent themselves to the format of an audio book. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

 

Audio Book Review: Jackie: Public, Private, Secret by J. Randy Taraborrelli

Genre: Non-Fiction/Biography

Pub. Date: July 18, 2023

Publisher: Macmillan Audio

Source: Library

My Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

 

 

Goodreads says, "From the New York Times bestselling author of Jackie, Janet & Lee comes a fresh and often startling look at the life of the legendary former first lady, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Based on hundreds of interviews with friends, family, and lovers over a thirty-year period―as well as previously unreleased material from the JFK Library―Kennedy historian J. Randy Taraborrelli paints an unforgettable new portrait of a woman whose flaws and contradictions only serve to make her even more iconic. “I have three lives,” Jackie told a former lover, “public, private and secret.” In this revealing biography, readers will become intimately familiar with all three. New insights from the book  · Jackie’s cold feet before her wedding to Jack Kennedy and her secret plan to avoid moving into the White House with him. · Jackie's plan to meet with the woman with whom her husband, Aristotle Onassis, was again having an affair, Maria Callas…and why, in the end, she decided against it. · The truth about the nude photos of Jackie which scandalized her in the 1970s…and which family member had betrayed her by selling them. · Her unusual relationship with Maurice Templesman, which was never what outsiders believed it to be. · The never-before-reported, last-ditch efforts to save Jackie’s life with experimental cancer treatments, and the doctor who wouldn’t risk jail time in order to treat her.n Twenty-nine years after her death and sixty years after the assassination of President Kennedy, Jackie delivers the last word on one of the most famous women in the world."

 

 

Jackie Kennedy Onassis has been covered countless times, but this extensive biography sheds some light on topics that haven't recently been covered due to Taraborrelli's extensive research for twenty-five years. The biography isn't told chronically, but instead, it feels like interconnected vignettes that form a beautiful picture once all the pieces of the puzzle come together. Taraborrelli covers Jackie's young adult life and provides some insight into her relationship with her father, Jack Bouvier, as well as her overbearing mother, Janet Bouvier Auchincloss. It also highlights her relationship with her stepfather, Hugh Auchincloss, and their special bond. The undercurrent of competition with her sister Lee is always there and highlighted throughout the biography. What readers would expect the author to cover, such as her marriage to John F. Kennedy, her relationship with the Kennedy clan, the assassination of JFK, and her marriage to Aristotle Onassis is all there. Taraborrelli fills in the blanks by providing details of her time between the marriages, such as her projects, her lovers, and her many issues with feeling safe and secure. What Taraborrelli covers very well in Jackie: Public, Private, Secret is the time after Aristotle Onanssis's death as I think many biographies gloss over this period. The author does a deep dive into how Jackie rebuilt her life, entered the publishing world, her editorial work, and her relationship with Maurice Templesman. Sadly, the story ends with her cancer diagnosis as well as upsetting events within her family, but once again Taraborrelli sheds some light on the experimental cancer treatment that Jackie wanted but never had the chance to try it. This was new information to me and utterly heartbreaking! Any fan of Jackie or the Kennedy family should definitely check out Jackie: Public, Private, Secret as it's one of my favorite biographies of such an important icon in history.

 

Much of the details in Jackie: Public, Private, Secret I was familiar with regarding the first half of her life, but the last half is when Taraborrelli really pulls back the curtain. Readers will learn a lot of details surrounding the end of her marriage to Onassis and her rebirth as a working woman. It was truly captivating. Sadly enough, it wasn't just Jackie's cancer diagnosis that was heartbreaking towards the end of her life, but other family members suffered greatly too, such as Jackie's mom and her stepsister, Janet Jr. I didn't know the details surrounding their deaths, but it left me brokenhearted. Once Jackie got out of that abyss of sadness, her health issues took a toll. It seemed so unfair, especially the details surrounding an experimental cancer treatment that she never got to try. 

One thing is for sure, Jackie: Public, Private, Secret is going down as one of my favorite biographies of such a captivating woman. Jane Oppenheimer narrated the audio book and I was hooked from the first line. If you enjoy the Kennedy family or simply want to learn more about a woman who lived such an unbelievable life, look no further. I am so glad I started the year off with this gem! Have you read Jackie: Public, Private, Secret? Are you a fan of the Kennedy family? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

 

 

If You Like the Kennedys

 

It's no secret that I love the Kennedy family. It has been a few years since I've updated my list with some new recommendations and of course, some new books to add to the overflowing TBR list. Here are the latest books and audio books that I've enjoyed; plus, some other books that are about the famous Kennedy clan, both non-fiction and historical fiction.  

 

Non-Fiction Books About the Kennedys:

 

Jack Kennedy: Elusive Hero by Chris Matthews - I listened this this audio book and was really impressed with Matthews's insight into this former president.  While I knew a lot of the information regarding JFK's childhood and a lot of the drama surrounding his marriage, I learned a lot about his politics through this book. It was really fascinating to dive deeper into what he accomplished at the White House.

 

Bobby Kennedy: A Raging Spirit by Chris Matthews - After listening to Jack Kennedy: Elusive Hero, I decided to listen to this audio book which focuses on Bobby Kennedy. The narrator is the author, Chris Matthews, which was a nice touch. You can tell that Matthews really knows his stuff about the Kennedy family. He provided a lot of insight into Bobby's childhood and his transformation from being the wimpy Kennedy brother who goes to church with his mother to a collegiate athlete and a powerful person. 

The Nine of Us: Growing Up Kennedy by Jean Kennedy Smith  -  This was an interesting glimpse into what it was like to grow up as a Kennedy.  Jean takes readers into the life of the Kennedys, everything from how they celebrated holidays, what they talked about at dinner, to what their parents told them regarding life advice.

 

The Kennedy Wives by Amber Hunt and David Batcher - This non-fiction book focuses on the lives of each Kennedy wife and it read like a tell-all; it was definitely captivating as all of the women's lives weren't easy.

The House of Kennedy by James Patterson and Cynthia Fagen - This is one of my favorite non-ficiton books of the year. It was a bit soapy at times, so if you want more insider information and less information about politics, this will be sure to captivate. It had me thinking long about the infamous Kennedy curse long after I finished the book.

Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis: A Life by Donald Spoto  - I loved this biography about Jackie. It was my first glimpse into her sometimes sad, but always amazing life.

Fictional Books Featuring the Kennedys: 

 

 

The Kennedy Debutante by Kerri Maher - This one focuses on Kick Kennedy's interesting, but all too short life. 

 

 

And They Called it Camelot by Stephanie Marie Thornton -  This book brings Jackie to life during her time at the White House and the events afterwards. 

The Summer I Met Jack by Michelle Gable - This summer read features Jack before Jackie and other members of the Kennedy clan at Hyannisport.

 

 

Jackie & Me by Louis Bayard - It's a glimpse of Jack and Jackie's relationship as told through Lem Billings, Jack's best friend. 

 

 

Jacqueline in Paris by Ann Mah - Not many novels focus on Jackie's time living abroad in Paris during college. This was a fascinating glimpse into that time and it really showed how this shaped her.

 

 

On the TBR List:

 

Jackie and Maria by Paul Gill

The First Kennedys by Neal Thompson

Rose Kennedy: The Life and Times of a Political Matriarch by Barbara A. Perry

These Few Precious Days by Christopher Andersen

After Camelot by J. Randy Taraborrelli

Jackie, Janet & Lee by J. Randy Taraborrelli

 

So, have you read any of these books? Do you have some recommendations for me? Let me know in the comments.

 

Book Review: Jacqueline in Paris by Ann Mah

Pages: 352

Genre: Adult Historical Fiction

Pub. Date: August 27, 2022

Publisher: Mariner
Source: Publisher for review

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

 

Goodreads says, "From the bestselling author of The Lost Vintage, a rare and dazzling portrait of Jacqueline Bouvier's college year abroad in postwar Paris, an intimate and electrifying story of love and betrayal, and the coming-of-age of an American icon - before the world knew her as Jackie. In August 1949 Jacqueline Bouvier arrives in postwar Paris to begin her junior year abroad. She’s twenty years old, socially poised but financially precarious, and all too aware of her mother’s expectations that she make a brilliant match. Before relenting to family pressure, she has one year to herself far away from sleepy Vassar College and the rigid social circles of New York, a year to explore and absorb the luminous beauty of the City of Light. Jacqueline is immediately catapulted into an intoxicating new world of champagne and châteaux, art and avant-garde theater, cafés and jazz clubs. She strikes up a romance with a talented young writer who shares her love of literature and passion for culture – even though her mother would think him most unsuitable. But beneath the glitter and rush, France is a fragile place still haunted by the Occupation. Jacqueline lives in a rambling apartment with a widowed countess and her daughters, all of whom suffered as part of the French Resistance just a few years before. In the aftermath of World War II, Paris has become a nest of spies, and suspicion, deception, and betrayal lurk around every corner. Jacqueline is stunned to watch the rise of communism – anathema in America, but an active movement in France – never guessing she is witnessing the beginning of the political environment that will shape the rest of her life—and that of her future husband. Evocative, sensitive, and rich in historic detail, Jacqueline in Paris portrays the origin story of an American icon. Ann Mah brilliantly imagines the intellectual and aesthetic awakening of Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis, and illuminates how France would prove to be her one true love, and one of the greatest influences on her life."

 

It's the Fall of 1949 and we find Jacqueline Bouvier on board an ocean liner making its way to Europe. She is studying abroad for the year in France along with some other students from Smith. Her hovering mother has secured her an acceptable host family, but Jackie hopes to branch out on her own without her mother constantly peering over her shoulder picking at everything. Her mother wants her to stay in New York, but she knows she wants more for her life. While in Paris, she learns there's a lot more! There's art, their culture, their champagne, jazz clubs, young writers, politics, and more. All of these experiences influenced her life tremendously. She even meets someone, a young man named John "Jack" Marquand, who her mother would most definitely not approve of as he is a writer. Jacqueline also finds out her host mother has more to her backstory than just a regular Parisian and her host family are hiding more secrets than she knows.... even her new boyfriend, too. Jackie is quick to learn that post-war Paris is a complex place and time. All of these coming-of-age experiences shaped Jackie's life and provide so much insight into what made her the Jackie America loves and appreciates. Ann Mah's Jacqueline in Paris is a moving historical novel that at times reads like a well-researched biography; however, it is never overpowering and is an absolute delight.

It comes as no surprise that I am a huge fan of Jackie, so I knew I had to read Ann Mah's Jacqueline in Paris. Jackie was depicted wonderfully in this novel and I enjoyed her experiences in post-war Paris.  Between adapting to French life, the language, the culture, the cold winters, and even the bathrooms, it was all very eye-opening in that I could see how these experiences in Paris influenced Jackie for the rest of her life. Her slowly blossoming relationship with her host mother was wonderfully done as her host mother's story is so important. The novel also takes us through her first real relationship and even aspects of that took me by surprise as like many other characters in the novel, Jack Marquand is so much more than meets the eye. Hanging out with Jack and many of the other people in Paris got Jackie out of her comfort zone and made her question things like politics and her views on history. This, in turn, helped Jackie grow and prepared her to become First Lady.

I adored Mah's portrayal of post-war Paris. She brought it to life beautifully. I felt like I was there! The art, the days walking by the Seine, the classes, the cold winters, the cocktails, food, nightlife, the dinners....it was all a delight! Mah is a well-known author of French food books as well as a travel writer and that is very evident in Jacqueline in Paris. I don't think I have read a novel that captures a city as well as Mah captured Paris. On the other hand, Mah also depicts post-war Paris has being a complex place at times. It wasn't all stardust and champagne. There were some difficult moments as well as Paris desperately trying to get out from under the dark shadow of WWII, which definitely took its toll.

If you appreciate a good historical novel, you love Jackie and the Kennedy clan, I urge you to pick up Jacqueline in Paris this fall. It was such a charming read and a sleepy novel in the best way possible. I knew I could pick it up before bed, it wouldn't upset me, but instead leave me with beautiful thoughts of Paris and a time long forgotten. So, are you a fan of Ann Mah? Have you read Jacqueline in Paris? Let me know in the comments below.

 

Book Review: Jackie and Me by Louis Bayard

 

Pages: 352

Genre: Adult Historical Fiction

Pub. Date: June 14, 2022

Publisher: Algonquin

Source: Personal Copy

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

 

 

Goodreads says, "Master storyteller Louis Bayard delivers a surprising portrait of a young Jackie Kennedy as we've never seen her before. In 1951, former debutante Jacqueline Bouvier is hard at work as the Inquiring Camera Girl for a Washington newspaper. Her mission in life is “not to be a housewife,” but when she meets the charismatic congressman Jack Kennedy at a Georgetown party, her resolution begins to falter. Soon the two are flirting over secret phone calls, cocktails, and dinner dates, and as Jackie is drawn deeper into the Kennedy orbit, and as Jack himself grows increasingly elusive and absent, she begins to question what life at his side would mean. For answers, she turns to his best friend and confidant, Lem Billings, a closeted gay man who has made the Kennedy family his own, and who has been instructed by them to seal the deal with Jack’s new girl. But as he gets to know her, a deep and touching friendship emerges, leaving him with painfully divided alliances and a troubling dilemma: Is this the marriage she deserves? Narrated by an older Lem as he looks back at his own role in a complicated alliance, this is a courtship story full of longing and of suspense, of what-ifs and possible wrong turns. It is a surprising look at Jackie before she was that Jackie. And in best-selling author Louis Bayard’s witty and deeply empathetic telling, Jackie & Me is a page-turning story of friendship, love, sacrifice, and betrayal— and a fresh take on two iconic American figures."

 

 

Everyone knows former president Jack Kennedy and his beautiful wife, Jackie Kennedy, but do they know Lem Billings, a close friend of Jack's? Lem is Jack's lifelong best friend and because of this, he is a part of Kennedy family dinners, holidays, and insider secrets.  The story starts with Jack and Jackie right before they start dating. Jack, a playboy, has no real desire to get married, but we know his family is putting the pressure on him, especially if he has political aspirations. Jackie is the perfect political wife; she is poised, glamorous, educated, and can speak various languages. But does she know what she is in for? That's where Lem comes in. He is to befriend Jackie, clue her in as to what's ahead, and help Jack navigate their courtship.  Jackie and Me by Louis Bayard is a delightful re-imagining of Jack and Jackie's relationship as told through Lem's eyes.  The Kennedys have been done ad nauseam, but this is a fresh perspective.

I have always been mesmerized by Jackie and I think Bayard really captured her essence.  While she is still young and figuring out what she wants, I enjoyed her spunk, her resilience, and her friendship with Lem.  I also enjoyed learning more about her job working at the Washington Times. We all know what's up ahead for Jackie, but watching it unfold through Lem's eyes definitely offered a different perspective.

Lem also brings us behind the scenes at Kennedy family social functions. Bayard brought to life Jack Kennedy's larger-than-life father, his religious mother, and other important family members. I loved watching them come to life in Jackie and Me and enjoyed Jackie's interactions with them, even if certain people made her squirm. I'm looking at you, Ethel. Lem is also a complex character in that he is gay man, which was difficult given the time period. Can he truly come out of the closet if Jack, who will be a public figure, is his best friend? It's very complex and my heart went out to Lem on so many occasions.

Bayard captures the Kennedy family as well as Jack and Jackie's initial courtship very well. The book almost asks what if Jack didn't marry Jackie? What would that look like? Did Lem prepare Jackie for what it means to be a part of the Kennedy family? Being a hardcore Kennedy fan, I enjoyed all this drama and Kennedy lore. Jackie and Me is a wonderful historical read to curl up with this summer.  So, have you read Jackie and Me? Is it on your TBR list? Are you a Kennedy family fan? Let me know in the comments below.

   

Book Review: Meant to Be by Emily Giffin

 

Pages: 368

Genre: Adult Fiction

Pub. Date: May 31, 2022

Publisher: Ballantine

Source: Personal Copy

Other Books By Author:   First Comes Love, 

The Lies That Bind, and Something Borrowed

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Goodreads says, "The Kingsley family is practically American royalty, beloved for their military heroics, political service, and unmatched elegance. When Joseph S. Kingsley III is born in 1960, he inherits the weight of that legacy. Growing up with all the Kingsley looks and charisma, Joe should have no problem taking up the mantle after his father’s untimely death. But he is also a little bit reckless, and can’t seem to figure out how to channel the expectations of an entire country.  No one ever expected anything of Cate, on the other hand. She, too, grew up in a single-parent household—just her and her mom scraping by in their small apartment. As a teenager, though, Cate is discovered for her looks. Modeling may be her only ticket out of the cycle of disappointment that her mother has always inhabited. Before too long, her face is everywhere, though she is always aware that she’d be a pariah in her social circles if anyone knew her true story.  When Joe and Cate’s paths cross, their connection is instant. What remains to be seen is whether their relationship will survive the glare of the spotlight that follows Joe everywhere. And just as they find themselves in the make-or-break moment, the tragedy that seems to run in Joe’s family right alongside all that privilege will repeat itself.  In a beautifully written novel that recaptures a gilded moment in American history, Emily Giffin tells a story of a love that may or may not have the power to transcend circumstances that seem arrayed against it... and the difficulty of finding your way to the place you belong."

 

Joe Kingsley III is well known throughout America and part of the beloved Kingsley family. His father, an astronaut, died tragically, leaving him without a father and under the media's scrutiny since three years old.  Fast forward to Joe as an adult, a lawyer (despite failing the New York bar exam twice), and now he is the Manhattan assistant district attorney. He appears to have it all, but his well-to-do mother and his best friend, Berry, want him to settle down, marry well, and hopefully run for office. According to them, he can do so much more with his life! Meanwhile, there's Cate Cooper, whose upbringing is the polar opposite of Joe's. She struggled during her childhood and adolescence, thanks to her push over mother and abusive step-father, and promptly moved out once she turned eighteen.  She was able to to do this due to her successful modeling career, which has taken off. While in the Hamptons on a photo shoot, she encounters Joe Kingsley walking his dog on the beach. She, like most Americans, knows who he is, but tries to play it cool.  Joe, smitten, won't forget Cate, even though he is dating someone else. Will their paths cross in the future? Readers are already connecting the dots to the similarities between John F. Kennedy Jr. and Joe Kingsley, so now we can't help but wonder what will Joe and Cate's fate be? Emily Giffin's latest novel, Meant to Be, is an addictive story loosely inspired by JFK Jr. and fans of the Kennedy family will be appreciate this novel the most.

I was immediately drawn to the story of Joe Kingsley in Meant to Be. The similarities between Joe and JFK Jr. are very strong and I loved all the nods to the Kennedy family that Giffin included in the story. However, there's enough differences between Joe and JFK Jr. that Giffin was able to carve out a story of her own. Joe has grown up in the spotlight and sometimes feels less than. His father was larger than life and filling his shoes can be tough. This means he is under a great deal of pressure not to mention all the paparazzi that stalk him. His sophisticated mother, and worldly grandmother, want him to do some good by perhaps being a public servant. Joe isn't sure and finds himself living a different sort of life than his mother would like by dating unsuitable women. When he gets back with his college girlfriend, Margaret, his mother is pleased as she is safe choice, but the spark between them really isn't there.

That all changes when he meets Cate in Meant to Be. When they first meet, the timing isn't right, as he is with Margaret, but then later on, he is single and searches for her. Cate is no longer a model, but working for a successful fashion house despite her lack of education. What she lacks in education, she makes up for in style, drive, and her good people skills. Once Joe and Cate are reunited, sparks fly despite Cate's hesitancy. She feels she really isn't ready to be in the spotlight, but the more time she spends with Joe, the more she realizes that things are serious between them and their relationship may be worth the risks. However, what will the famous Kingsley family think of Cate and her questionable upbringing?

I loved all the Kennedy family similarities and the different allusions to various aspects of their lives. While Joe doesn't have a sister, he does have an overprotective best friend in Berry. His mother has many similarities to Jackie Kennedy and overall, as a Kennedy fan I was really excited about this. However, we all know what happens to JFK Jr. and his wife at the end. Is Giffin going to go there or will these two get their happy ending? Meant to Be begged me to consider what would life be like if JFK Jr and Carolyn Bessette were still alive? What if?

Giffin's last few novels that I read didn't delight me quite like her earlier novels, but I am happy to report she is back on track with Meant to Be. This is such a fun beach read and especially enjoyable if you are a Kennedy fan. Throw this one in your beach or pool bag this summer! 

So, are you a fan of Emily Giffin? Have you read Meant to Be or is it on your TBR list? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.