The Stolen Queen by Fiona Davis - [Book Review]

 

Book Details:

Title: The Stolen Queen

Author: Fiona Davis

Genre: historical fiction

Publisher: Dutton

Print Length: 352 pages

Source: A copy from the local library

Blurb:

*A New York Times Bestseller*

From New York Times bestselling author Fiona Davis, an utterly addictive new novel that will transport you from New York City’s most glamorous party to the labyrinth streets of Cairo and back.

Egypt, 1936: When anthropology student Charlotte Cross is offered a coveted spot on an archaeological dig in Egypt’s Valley of the Kings, she leaps at the opportunity. That is until an unbearable tragedy strikes.

New York City, 1978: Nineteen-year-old Annie Jenkins is thrilled when she lands an opportunity to work for former Vogue fashion editor Diana Vreeland, who’s in the midst of organizing the famous Met Gala, hosted at the museum and known across the city as the “party of the year.”

Meanwhile, Charlotte is now leading a quiet life as the associate curator of the Met’s celebrated Department of Egyptian Art. She’s consumed by her research on Hathorkare—a rare female pharaoh dismissed by most other Egyptologists as unimportant.

The night of the gala: One of the Egyptian art collection’s most valuable artifacts goes missing, and there are signs Hathorkare’s legendary curse might be reawakening. Annie and Charlotte team up to search for the missing antiquity, and a desperate hunch leads the unlikely duo to one place Charlotte swore she’d never return: Egypt. But if they have any hope of finding the artifact, Charlotte will need to confront the demons of her past—which may mean leading them both directly into danger.

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

Purchase Link:

Amazon

My Review:

This is my second book by Fiona Davis. The Magnolia  Palace was great. 

This story is about a stolen antique from the Met Museum in Newyork, Charlotte's research in Egypt, her personal life, and many twists and turns. 

The story is engaging at least till 75% of the book, and of course, thrilling. The amount of research the author has put into this book is really commendable. I loved reading about the tomb extraction process and the excruciating work of the people who work on those digging expeditions. 

I loved the characters of Anne, Billy, Charlotte, and Mark. I was a little disappointed with the ending, though. 

The pace of the story is fine in the first part, but it seems to drag later. The second part became boring. I didn't feel it was realistic that all circumstances coincided perfectly to reveal secrets in Charlotte's life so easily. It surprised me that people like Anne, without real skills or knowledge in archeology, could help Charlotte by just accompanying her and being smart and brave. 

I wish the story had been crisp and shorter, not dragging at the end.

My Rating: 4/5

About the Author:

FIONA DAVIS is the New York Times bestselling author of seven historical fiction novels set in iconic New York City buildings, including THE STOLEN QUEEN, THE MAGNOLIA PALACE, THE ADDRESS, and THE LIONS OF FIFTH AVENUE, which was a Good Morning America book club pick.

Her novels have been chosen as “One Book, One Community” reads and her articles have appeared in publications like The Wall Street Journal and the Oprah magazine.

She first came to New York as an actress, but fell in love with writing after getting a master's degree at Columbia Journalism School. Her books have been translated into over twenty languages and she's based in New York City.

Until next time,

A guide to hiking Bright Angel Trail - Grand Canyon National Park

Here is the post on how to plan a trip to Grand Canyon National Park. Now, let me discuss our itinerary in detail. 

Our Grand Canyon National Park Itinerary - Day 1

Here is our itinerary for Day 2:

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Ultimate Guide to Hiking the Bright Angel Trail in Grand Canyon National Park

 (Best Tips, Time, Fitness & More)

If you’re planning a trip to Grand Canyon National Park, hiking the Bright Angel Trail should be at the top of your adventure list. This iconic trail offers some of the most breathtaking views, dramatic canyon landscapes, and a true test of endurance for any outdoor enthusiast. 

Whether you’re a beginner hiker looking for a memorable day hike or a seasoned trekker dreaming of reaching the canyon floor, this guide covers everything you need to know—from the best time to hike to fitness preparation, trail distances, elevation gain, training tips, and more.

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🌄 Why Hike the Bright Angel Trail?

The Bright Angel Trail is the most popular and accessible trail from the South Rim into the depths of the Grand Canyon. Unlike many rim-to-river trails, it offers shade, seasonal water stations, rest houses, and well-maintained switchbacks—making it an ideal option for both day hikers and backpackers alike.

This trail showcases:

• Stunning canyon views framed by massive rock walls

• A gradual descent that reveals the canyon’s geology, flora, and fauna

• Rest stops with water and facilities (seasonal)

• A customizable hike where you decide how far you want to go

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📅 Best Time to Hike Bright Angel Trail

Choosing the right time to hike is crucial for a safe and enjoyable experience. The Grand Canyon’s inner canyon can be significantly hotter than the rim, especially in summer.

Best Months to Hike:

• Spring (March – May): Mild temperatures on the rim; warmer below.

• Fall (September – November): Cooler days and pleasant hiking weather.

• Winter (December – February): Quiet trails but cold rim temperatures; inner canyon can be moderate.

🔥 Avoid hiking during peak summer heat (June – August) unless you plan to start before sunrise and carry extra water—temperatures deep in the canyon can exceed 100°F (38°C).

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📏 Trail Distance, Elevation & Sections Explained

Bright Angel Trail is fully customizable depending on your fitness and goals. Here are popular turnaround points that most hikers choose:

Turnaround Point	Round-Trip Distance	Elevation Change (approx.)
First Tunnel	~0.4 miles	Minimal
1.5-Mile Resthouse	~3 miles	~1,120 ft
3-Mile Resthouse	~6 miles	~2,120 ft
Havasupai Gardens	~9 miles	~3,040 ft
Plateau Point	~12 miles	~3,080 ft
Colorado River / Phantom Ranch	~19 miles	~4,380–4,500 ft

👉 Note: Going to the Colorado River and back in one day is highly challenging and not recommended for most hikers due to extreme heat, distance, and elevation gain.

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🧗‍♂️ Fitness & Training: Are You Ready?

Hiking Bright Angel Trail isn’t just about endurance—it’s about preparing your body for elevation change, heat, and long hours on the trail.

What Fitness Level Do You Need

• Moderate to good cardiovascular fitness

• Strong leg muscles (especially quads and calves) for steep ascents and descents

• Ability to hike continuously for hours with a backpack

Recommended Training Plan (8–10 Weeks)

1. Cardio Conditioning: Start with 3–5 days/week of jogging, brisk walking, or cycling to build endurance.

2. Hill Workouts: Use stairs or steep trails to simulate canyon elevation change.

3. Weekend Long Hikes: Gradually increase distance each weekend; aim for 10–12 miles with hills.

4. Strength Training: Focus on lunges, squats, core workouts, and calf raises.

5. Practice with a Pack: Break in your hiking boots and carry a light pack to prepare your body for trail conditions.

💡 A good rule of thumb shared by experienced hikers: going down is optional, but coming back up is mandatory! Prepare especially for the climb out—it’s often harder than the descent.

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🥾 What to Expect on the Trail

Trail Conditions

Bright Angel Trail is well-maintained and marked, but expect:

• Switchbacks that test your stamina

• Shady and exposed sections

• Seasonal water stations at rest houses (water availability depends on the time of year)

Weather & Heat

Below the rim, temperatures often soar much higher than on the South Rim. Start early, avoid midday heat, and always carry plenty of water and electrolytes.

Wildlife & Scenery

You’re likely to spot mule deer, rock squirrels, and massive geological formations. The shift in vegetation and colors the deeper you go makes every step worthwhile.

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Our Bright Angel Trail Hike Experience

We started our Bright Angel Trail hike around 9:00 am on a cold winter morning in December, right after breakfast. The temperature hovered around 45°F, and the chill was very real, so we layered up with jackets, gloves, and scarves—something I’d highly recommend if you’re hiking in winter. 

Unlike the South Kaibab Trail, which offers dramatic canyon views almost immediately, the Bright Angel Trail feels more gradual and enclosed. You don’t get sweeping views throughout the hike, but there are a few scenic spots that make the descent worthwhile. 

The First Tunnel, just 0.4 miles from the trailhead, is a perfect early turnaround point for families and casual hikers, with great photo opportunities. We continued descending through a series of switchbacks and reached the 1.5-Mile Resthouse, which has a basic restroom. Since it was winter, refillable water was not available, so carrying enough was essential. We took a break there, had some snacks, and decided to head back, while my husband continued further down to the 3-Mile Resthouse.

It is a little difficult to see, but we could find the Colorado River while hiking. Many people stay / camp at Phantom Ranch for the night and hike back. That would have been a great experience. Especially in the videos I saw, the views from Plateau Point are extraordinary. Maybe someday, we will do it in the future.

 As we made our way back up, the weather started turning—light drizzle and gray skies rolled in—but we were lucky to reach Bright Angel Lodge just in time. The lodge is a wonderful place to warm up, rest, refill water bottles, and use the restrooms. 

There’s also a small ice-cream shop next door—nice for a treat, though not as memorable as the fresh, homemade ice creams we’ve had at some other national parks. 

Overall, the hike took us about 4 to 5 hours, including breaks, and felt like a rewarding winter adventure despite the changing weather.

We visited the Kold Art studio after the hike. It was beautiful.

See the play of Light and shadows on a cloudy day.

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🧳 Packing List for Bright Angel Trail

Here’s what to bring for a safe and enjoyable hike:

• 3–4 liters of water per person (more in hot weather)

• Electrolyte drinks/snacks

• Sun protection: Hat, sunscreen, UV sunglasses

• Light layers: Temperatures can vary

• Trekking poles: Especially helpful on the ascent

• First aid kit

• Trail map/guide

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🏁 Final Tips for Hikers

✅ Start at sunrise to beat the heat
✅ Refill water at rest houses (seasonal)
✅ Turn back before fatigue sets in (especially on long distances)
✅ Don’t underestimate the climb back up—pace wisely
✅ Check trail conditions at the park visitor center before you go

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🎒 Is the Bright Angel Trail Worth It?

Absolutely! Whether you choose a short 3-mile out-and-back to the 1.5-Mile Resthouse or push deeper into the canyon via Indian Garden or the river, the Bright Angel Trail is one of the best hikes in Grand Canyon National Park—packed with diverse scenery, a real sense of adventure, and an unforgettable sense of achievement.

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After the hike, we relaxed at Bright Angel lodge, had lunch, and we drove through Hermit Scenic Drive. 

Hermit Road Scenic Drive: Viewpoints You Shouldn’t Miss

The Hermit Road Scenic Drive is one of the most underrated experiences in Grand Canyon National Park, especially if you want fewer crowds and uninterrupted canyon views. Stretching about 7 miles west of Grand Canyon Village, this scenic route offers some of the most dramatic viewpoints along the South Rim.

From March 1 to November 30, private vehicles are not allowed, and visitors must use the free Hermit Road shuttle or walk/bike along the rim. During the winter months, private vehicles are permitted, making it a peaceful and scenic drive if you’re visiting in the off-season.

What makes Hermit Road special is how different it feels compared to the more popular Desert View Drive—wider canyon vistas, fewer railings, and a raw, untouched feel that truly showcases the scale of the Grand Canyon.

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Must-See Viewpoints Along Hermit Scenic Drive

Here are the Hermit Road viewpoints you should not miss, listed in order from east to west:

Trailview Overlook

This is the first stop and a great introduction to Hermit Road. You’ll get a clear view of hikers making their way down the Bright Angel Trail, offering a unique perspective of how steep and massive the canyon really is.

Maricopa Point

One of the best viewpoints for seeing the Colorado River far below, Maricopa Point offers expansive views and dramatic depth. On clear days, the layered rock formations look especially stunning in late afternoon light.

Powell Point

Named after explorer John Wesley Powell, this viewpoint is perfect for wide panoramic shots. It’s also a popular spot for sunrise and sunset, with golden light washing over the canyon walls.

Hopi Point (Do Not Miss!)

If you visit only one viewpoint on Hermit Road, make it Hopi Point. This is widely considered one of the best sunset viewpoints in the entire park. The canyon opens up dramatically here, with sweeping views that stretch endlessly in both directions.

Mohave Point

Just past Hopi Point, Mohave Point offers incredible views of the Colorado River’s sharp bend, making it a favorite for photographers. The canyon feels deeper and more rugged here.

The Abyss

True to its name, this viewpoint provides a sheer drop of nearly 3,000 feet, with no visible river below—just layers and layers of canyon walls. It’s one of the most jaw-dropping perspectives on Hermit Road.

Monument Creek Vista

This stop gives you a glimpse of Monument Creek Canyon, a side canyon that adds depth and texture to the landscape. It’s quieter than most stops and great if you want to linger.

Pima Point

Another fantastic location to spot the Colorado River, Pima Point offers a peaceful atmosphere and wide-open views. It’s especially beautiful during golden hour.

Hermits Rest

The final stop on the scenic drive, Hermits Rest, features a historic stone building designed by Mary Colter. Inside, you’ll find a small snack bar, restrooms, and a rustic fireplace. Just beyond the building is a short walk to viewpoints overlooking Hermit Creek.

We loved the Hopi Point, Hermit's Rest, Maricopa point and Powell Point. 

If you loved this guide and want more travel tips for the Grand Canyon (itineraries, logistics, scenic viewpoints, and more), just let me know—I’d be happy to help you plan your dream trip!

Happy hiking! 🥾🌞🧭

Until next time,

Grand Canyon National Park - Day 1 Itinerary

Here is the post on how to plan a trip to Grand Canyon National Park. Now, let me discuss our itinerary in detail. 

Our Grand Canyon National Park Itinerary - Day 1

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Photo by Sleepy Cat on Unsplash

Desert View Scenic Drive:

On Day 1, we drove from Page, Arizona, to Grand Canyon National Park. It takes around 2.5 to 3 hrs to reachthe  South Rim from Page. It takes roughly 2 to 2.5 hrs to reach the North rim from Page. We visited the Grand Canyon during winter, and so the north rim is closed. 

We started around 9 am and reachedthe  Grand Canyon South Entrance by 1 pm with a lunch break in the middle. This drive takes us to the East entrance through the Desert View watch tower. 

Desert View scenic drive is a 23-mile scenic drive connecting the East entrance and the Grand Canyon Village.

After turning right at Cameron, on the way to the East entrance, you will come across a sign to 'Little Colorado River Gorge Overlook'. It's also a tribal park, and there is an entry fee of $10 per vehicle. I didn't find this overlook that great as the water levels are too low. But, if you want a place to stop for restrooms, it's good. 

After you pass the national park entrance sign, there are many viewpoints to stop and enjoy. Don't miss Grand View, Yaki point and Desert View Watchtower. These are great introductions to the park. Other Viewpoints are Lipan Point, Moran Point, and Navajo Point.

I like the view from the Desert View Watchtower. It is free to climb the steps of the watch tower, but there are long queues when we reached around 1 pm. We had to skip that.

Since we had some time before sunset, we decided to hike the popular South Kaibab Trail. 

When we visited in December, the entry to the South Kaibab trail is through the orange route shuttle only. No cars are allowed. So, we parked our car at the Grand Canyon South visitor center, got into the free shuttle (Orange route) to the trailhead after packing our backpacks with water and snacks. 

South Kaibab Trail:

The South Kaibab Trail is one of the most popular trails. It is steeper and more challenging than the Bright Angel Trail and has better views of the canyon.  

These are a few major landmarks:

• Ooh Ahh Point – 1.8 miles roundtrip (790 ft elevation change)
• Cedar Ridge – 3 miles roundtrip (1,120 ft elevation change)
• Skeleton Point – 6 miles roundtrip (2,040 ft elevation change)
• The Tipoff – 9 miles roundtrip (3,280 ft elevation change)
• Phantom Ranch – 14.6 miles roundtrip (4,700 ft elevation change)

You can hike as much as you can and return. For an average hiker, Ooh ahh point is the best starting point. It takes 1 to 1.5 hrs to reach the ooh ahh point. It takes double the time to climb back.

Be aware of the following:

1. Every hiker needs 1 to 2 gallons of water

2. Hiking poles definitely help

3. Don't underestimate the hike. It takes double the time to reach back when compared to hiking down

4. Carry salty snacks, protein bars, and ensure proper hydration. 

5. Hiking down is easy, enjoyable, but hiking up is mandatory and challenging. 

We hiked with kids aged 11 and 14 yrs. We did some warmups before attempting and reached the ooh-ahh point in 1 hr itself. Climbing up took almost 1.5 hrs. The total hike is around 1.8 miles round-trip. 

The first part of the hike is called the chimney and features many switchbacks. While returning, only that part seemed challenging. We took some breaks in between. Ooh ahh viewpoint is completely worth the effort. It was very windy for us to take good photos, but we enjoyed our first hike in Grand Canyon National Park.

The views were amazing on this hike. They were better than all other hikes in the national park. So, this is a must-do if you want to see the canyon up close.

My husband continued to Cedar ridge which is 3 miles round-trip and a lot of elevation. It is important to train for this hike beforehand. Climbing elevations, training knees, trying knee strengthening exercises, wearing knee pads, using hiking poles etc defenitely will help. 

Mule crossings:

Mules also use the same trail to pick trash from Phantom Ranch and come up. We saw mules on the way while returning. They have the right of way. The trails are maintained very well, but the trails have mule shit at many places, which made the hiking experience a bit uncomfortable. 

We took the shuttle back to Grand Canyon Village and spent time exploring the visitor center exhibits. The Grand Canyon visitor center has a lot of information about different hikes and the junior ranger badge activities for kids. 

Restrooms were clean, but water filling stations were closed in December when we visited. We watched the free movie "We are Grand Canyon", a movie about the different tribes who made this canyon their home and sacred place. 

We had an early dinner at Maswik Food Court. This food court looked vintage and had a lot of food options, including vegetarian options. 

Thus, we ended day 1 hiking the South Kaibab trail and covering the Desert View scenic drive. 

See you in the next travelogue covering the Hermit Road scenic drive and Bright Angel Trail. 

Until next time,

Not Quite Dead Yet by Holly Jackson - [Book Review]

Book Details:

Title: Not Quite Dead Yet

Author: Holly Jackson

Genre: suspense thrillers, women sleuths

Publisher: Bantam

Print Length: 400 pages

Source: A copy from the local library

Blurb:

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • GOOD MORNING AMERICA BOOK CLUB PICK • A WASHINGTON POST AND NPR BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR • The author of A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder—now a hit Netflix series—returns with her first novel for adults: an “irresistible” (The Washington Post) thriller about a young woman trying to solve her own murder, “full of the writer’s signature twists and turns” (People).

The stunning hardcover of Not Quite Dead features a custom-stamped case, beautiful endpapers, and a premium dust jacket!

“This truly unique premise snowballs into a roller-coaster ride of page-turning suspense and knock-out twists!”—Freida McFadden, author of The Housemaid

In seven days, Jet Mason will be dead.

Jet is the daughter of one of the wealthiest families in Woodstock, Vermont. Twenty-seven years old and back home, she’s still waiting for her life to begin. I’ll do it later, she always says. She has time.

Until Halloween night, when she is violently attacked by an unseen intruder, suffering a catastrophic head injury. Doctors are certain that within a week, the injury will trigger a fatal aneurysm. To her parents’ dismay, Jet rejects an extremely risky operation in order to guarantee herself at least a few more days.

Jet never thought of herself as having enemies. But now, in the one week she has left, she looks at everyone in a new light: her family, her former best friend turned sister-in-law, her ex-boyfriend.

As her condition deteriorates, she reconnects with her childhood friend Billy, the only one willing to help her. With Billy at her side, she’s absolutely determined to finally finish something:

Jet is going to solve her own murder.

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

Purchase Link:

Amazon

My Review:

This book is about a young woman, 'Jet', who is dying in the next 7 days due to a serious attack on her. Jet wants to prove herself to others before she dies, so she ventures to investigate her own murder case. 

So, the story starts with her investigation, watching videotapes captured from their doorbell camera, enquiring people in the family, neighbourhood, and all others associated with her life. During this process, she reconnects with her childhood best friend, Billy, and they both investigate and uncover many secrets about their families and friends. 

The story takes multiple turns and takes unpredictable twists, but will Jet be able to find out her murderer before she dies? That's the remaining story. 

What is great?

The writing is funny and engaging. Jet is very funny and responds in an unexpected, honest way when she talks to others. 

The characterization and multiple layers of each character are definitely a plus for this novel. The twists and turns are at a different level when compared to other mystery novels. While Jet and Billy learn something new every time they talk to different people, they are unsuccessful until the end in identifying the murderer. The reader keeps on guessing the murderer without much success, either. 

What might have been better?

The twists and turns keep us engaging for sure, but some seem fabricated and not real. It felt like the author decided to make it more thrilling and added too many twists. So, from the middle of the book, I was waiting for it to end faster. I got bored at one point in time. I wish the story had been crisp and shorter.

My Rating: 4/5

About the Author:

Holly Jackson started writing stories from a young age, completing her first (poor) attempt at a novel aged fifteen. She lives in London, and aside from reading and writing, she enjoys playing video games and watching true crime documentaries so she can pretend to be a detective. A Good Girl's Guide to Murder is her first novel. You can follow Holly on Twitter and Instagram @HoJay92

Until next time,

Little Renee of Sunshine and the Everkind Tales by Gael J.B. Orr - [Book Review]

Book Details:

Title: Little Renee of Sunshine and the Everkind Tales

Author, Illustrator: Gael J.B. Orr

Genre: Children's short stories, Fairy stories, Fantasy, Fiction

Publisher: Thistle and Star Ventures

Print Length: 76 pages

Source: A review copy from the author through Booksirens

Blurb:

Step into the glowing world of Everkind, where Little Renee of Sunshine and her fairy daughters discover that even small adventures can lead to big heart lessons. This collection brings together three magical tales filled with laughter, wonder, and gentle wisdom for growing hearts.

In A Recipe for The Whisperberry Pie, Peyton and Penelope learn that patience can be just as important as sugar when enchanted berries start singing and the pie takes on a life of its own.

In The Naming Tree, both sisters face teasing words and tangled feelings. With the help of a wise, shimmering tree deep in the forest, they learn how to understand hurtful names, choose kinder thoughts, and remember who they truly are.

In A Glade of Gentle Hearts, friends Tobin and Junie wander into a glowing clearing where gentleness becomes a brave and powerful choice, showing that kindness can guide even the trickiest moments.

These Everkind Tales are stories filled with kindness, belonging, and emotional strength. They invite children to slow down, breathe, and let their hearts shine from within. Filled with whimsy, emotional courage, and magical fairy charm, this collection is perfect for bedtime or storytime. A comforting read for children ages 4 to 12 and for anyone who believes that kindness and love are quiet kinds of magic.

A lovely gift for young readers who enjoy fairy worlds, whimsical adventures, and heart-centered tales they can return to again and again.

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

Purchase Link:

Amazon

My Review:

This book has 3 stories, which are warm and filled with kindness. These are great stories to read to kids during bedtime. They teach how to process their emotions like when someone teases them/ when they get angry, how to show kindness. The stories are very sweet. 

I loved the first story, 'A Recipe for Trouble: The Whispreberry Pie' - It's funny and entertaining throughout. The second one - naming Tree felt lengthy. I think it suits kids more than 6+ yrs. The third one - The Glade of Gentle Hearts is a beautiful story which shows what kindness actually means. 

The illustrations are fantastic. I even love the designs on each page. There is a wonderful poem at the end. Also, a game to play with friends.

What is great?

It is great how these stories teach kids how to process emotions and how to show kindness. The illustrations are very well done, and they show the emotions well. The fairies look cute.

What might have been better?

Stories might have been shorter to keep kids aged below 6 yrs engaged. 

My Rating: 4/5

About the Author:

Gael J. B. Orr writes stories that explore how kindness, belonging, and emotional strength shape who we become. She began writing fairy stories for the neighborhood children, who reminded her how much truth hides inside imagination. Each story in Little Renee of Sunshine and the Everkind Tales grew from real questions about belonging, courage, and how we come to define ourselves. Her work invites both children and adults to rediscover emotional intelligence through imagination, humor, and heart...and a whole lot of pixie dust!

Until next time,