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Bonnie #1
Becoming Bonnie
From debut historical novelist Jenni L. Walsh, Becoming Bonnie is the untold story of how wholesome Bonnelyn Parker became half of the infamous Bonnie and Clyde duo!
The summer of 1927 might be the height of the Roaring Twenties, but Bonnelyn Parker is more likely to belt out a church hymn than sling drinks at an illicit juice joint. She’s a sharp girl with plans to overcome her family's poverty, provide for herself, and maybe someday marry her boyfriend, Roy Thornton. But when Roy springs a proposal on her, and financial woes jeopardize her ambitions, Bonnelyn finds salvation in an unlikely Dallas's newest speakeasy, Doc's.
Living the life of a moll at night, Bonnie remains a wholesome girl by day, engaged to Roy, attending school, and working toward a steady future. When Roy discovers her secret life, he embraces it—perhaps too much, especially when it comes to booze and gambling—she tries to make the pieces fit. Maybe she can have it the American Dream, the husband, and the intoxicating allure of jazz music. But her life—like her country—is headed for a crash.
Bonnie Parker is about to meet Clyde Barrow.
“A compelling account of a nation and a life in disarray—readers will feel for Bonnelyn as she finds herself scrabbling for survival in a world turned upside down.”—New York Times bestselling author Lauren Willig
At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
The summer of 1927 might be the height of the Roaring Twenties, but Bonnelyn Parker is more likely to belt out a church hymn than sling drinks at an illicit juice joint. She’s a sharp girl with plans to overcome her family's poverty, provide for herself, and maybe someday marry her boyfriend, Roy Thornton. But when Roy springs a proposal on her, and financial woes jeopardize her ambitions, Bonnelyn finds salvation in an unlikely Dallas's newest speakeasy, Doc's.
Living the life of a moll at night, Bonnie remains a wholesome girl by day, engaged to Roy, attending school, and working toward a steady future. When Roy discovers her secret life, he embraces it—perhaps too much, especially when it comes to booze and gambling—she tries to make the pieces fit. Maybe she can have it the American Dream, the husband, and the intoxicating allure of jazz music. But her life—like her country—is headed for a crash.
Bonnie Parker is about to meet Clyde Barrow.
“A compelling account of a nation and a life in disarray—readers will feel for Bonnelyn as she finds herself scrabbling for survival in a world turned upside down.”—New York Times bestselling author Lauren Willig
At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
304 pages, ebook
First published May 9, 2017
102 people are currently reading
4575 people want to read
About the author
Jenni L. Walsh
16 books638 followersJenni L. Walsh is the USA Today bestselling author of over a dozen books for adults and children, spending her days knee deep in words in Philadelphia’s suburbia. Beyond words, Jenni is a mama (of a soulful eleven-year-old, a soccer-loving nine-year-old, and six needy furbabies), a wife, a Philly and 'Nova sports fan.
But where did it all begin? Jenni spent her early years dabbling in various forms of writing and with her nose in a book. Her writing chops first began to develop through one-page stories. Never fail, the storyline followed the same progression: girl meets boy, girl marries boy, girl and boy have baby. That's it.
Now Jenni has moved on to stories with a bit more depth and, for the mamas, Side by Side is a historical women's fiction story of America’s most infamous crime spree of Bonnie and Clyde told in the raw and honest voice of the woman who lived it, Bonnie Parker. In Becoming Bonnie, a prequel set in the Roaring Twenties, a picture of Bonnie's earlier life, before and while she meets Clyde, is brought to life. Jenni's third historical women's fiction book A Betting Woman takes us to the California gold rush, featuring a little known woman from history, Eleanor Dumont, but who is largely remembered by the moniker Madame Moustache. In The Call of the Wrens, Jenni introduces readers to the Women's Royal Naval Service (the Wrens), who carried wartime secrets on their shoulders as motorcycle dispatch riders during both world wars. Unsinkable is Jenni's first bestselling novel, hitting the USA Today bestsellers list, and is about two resilient women, one of which is the real-life Violet Jessop who survived the Titanic and two additional maritime disasters. Jenni's next historical novel Ace, Marvel, Spy features Alice Marble, who was the world's number one women's tennis player, an editor for the Wonder Woman comics, and a spy during the Second World War. Up next from Jenni, in October 2025, is Sonora, a historical novel about performer Sonora Carver, one of the first women to dive from a forty-five foot tower on the back of a horse and who inspired the film Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken.
For the kiddos, Jenni's debut middle grade books, She Dared, features true stories from women who, at a young age, accomplished daring feats of perseverance and bravery. She is also the author of I Am Defiance, inspired by a real-life resistance group, known as the White Rose. Jenni has contributed Hettie and the London Blitz: A World War II Survival Story to the Girl's Survive series. Revolutionary War hero Sybil Ludington, who is often known as the "female Paul Revere," is brought to life in By the Light of Fireflies, Jenni's first historical novel with a touch of magical realism. Over and Out is a thrilling and fast-paced espionage and escape story that is inspired by real stories of life in East Berlin during the Cold War. Operation: Happy, set during the attack on Pearl Harbor, tells the story of a real-life survivor and includes the POV of her dog, Happy, to soften the events of one of America's most notable moments in history. In May 2025, Jenni is excited to be releasing her first contemporary novel, a mystery/adventure story called The Bug Bandits, which is inspired by a real heist and the shenanigans of Home Alone.
But where did it all begin? Jenni spent her early years dabbling in various forms of writing and with her nose in a book. Her writing chops first began to develop through one-page stories. Never fail, the storyline followed the same progression: girl meets boy, girl marries boy, girl and boy have baby. That's it.
Now Jenni has moved on to stories with a bit more depth and, for the mamas, Side by Side is a historical women's fiction story of America’s most infamous crime spree of Bonnie and Clyde told in the raw and honest voice of the woman who lived it, Bonnie Parker. In Becoming Bonnie, a prequel set in the Roaring Twenties, a picture of Bonnie's earlier life, before and while she meets Clyde, is brought to life. Jenni's third historical women's fiction book A Betting Woman takes us to the California gold rush, featuring a little known woman from history, Eleanor Dumont, but who is largely remembered by the moniker Madame Moustache. In The Call of the Wrens, Jenni introduces readers to the Women's Royal Naval Service (the Wrens), who carried wartime secrets on their shoulders as motorcycle dispatch riders during both world wars. Unsinkable is Jenni's first bestselling novel, hitting the USA Today bestsellers list, and is about two resilient women, one of which is the real-life Violet Jessop who survived the Titanic and two additional maritime disasters. Jenni's next historical novel Ace, Marvel, Spy features Alice Marble, who was the world's number one women's tennis player, an editor for the Wonder Woman comics, and a spy during the Second World War. Up next from Jenni, in October 2025, is Sonora, a historical novel about performer Sonora Carver, one of the first women to dive from a forty-five foot tower on the back of a horse and who inspired the film Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken.
For the kiddos, Jenni's debut middle grade books, She Dared, features true stories from women who, at a young age, accomplished daring feats of perseverance and bravery. She is also the author of I Am Defiance, inspired by a real-life resistance group, known as the White Rose. Jenni has contributed Hettie and the London Blitz: A World War II Survival Story to the Girl's Survive series. Revolutionary War hero Sybil Ludington, who is often known as the "female Paul Revere," is brought to life in By the Light of Fireflies, Jenni's first historical novel with a touch of magical realism. Over and Out is a thrilling and fast-paced espionage and escape story that is inspired by real stories of life in East Berlin during the Cold War. Operation: Happy, set during the attack on Pearl Harbor, tells the story of a real-life survivor and includes the POV of her dog, Happy, to soften the events of one of America's most notable moments in history. In May 2025, Jenni is excited to be releasing her first contemporary novel, a mystery/adventure story called The Bug Bandits, which is inspired by a real heist and the shenanigans of Home Alone.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 217 reviews
June 4, 2017
3.5 stars
After reading a fictional telling of Lizzie Borden I pick up this book next. Another couple of people in history that I am completely fascinated with: Bonnie and Clyde.
I may have a weird fixation with the baddies of history. Stop judging me.
This started at a young age for me..once I saw this.
This story is mostly all Bonnie's.
Not much is known of her early life so this author takes some liberties and fills in for us Bonnie and Clyde junkies what might have happened. AND she makes it believable.
The Bonnelyn Parker that is shown in this book starts off as a good girl. She gets good grades in school, goes to church every Sunday, takes care of her poor family and is loyal to her childhood sweetheart Roy.
Then her bestie Blanche talks her into going into a speakeasy one night with her....and her life changes forever.
"Saint Bonnelyn" is shocked but her family needs the money so now she is working serving up drinks and singing at the club. She ends up marrying her childhood boyfriend Roy (right before she turns 16)
and turns out he loves the club even more than she does.
Roy and Bonnie's relationship is a pretty rocky one and he ends up leaving her. (He is pretty much a turd and then I read that in real life he left her more than this book even says.)
Bonnie is shedding her good girl ways but they still are part of her...so when she meets her friend Blanche's boyfriends brother Clyde she knows that the way she feels around him and the way he looks at her can't be nuthin but trouble.
I liked this different look into Bonnie's life. It made me even more curious into her life..I just wish there was more available about her. I did find that she wore Roy's ring up until her death.
I'm actually ready for this author's next book where she goes into the life that Bonnie and Clyde shared together.
Booksource: Netgalley in exchange for review.
After reading a fictional telling of Lizzie Borden I pick up this book next. Another couple of people in history that I am completely fascinated with: Bonnie and Clyde.
I may have a weird fixation with the baddies of history. Stop judging me.
This started at a young age for me..once I saw this.
This story is mostly all Bonnie's.
Not much is known of her early life so this author takes some liberties and fills in for us Bonnie and Clyde junkies what might have happened. AND she makes it believable.
The Bonnelyn Parker that is shown in this book starts off as a good girl. She gets good grades in school, goes to church every Sunday, takes care of her poor family and is loyal to her childhood sweetheart Roy.
Then her bestie Blanche talks her into going into a speakeasy one night with her....and her life changes forever.
"Saint Bonnelyn" is shocked but her family needs the money so now she is working serving up drinks and singing at the club. She ends up marrying her childhood boyfriend Roy (right before she turns 16)
and turns out he loves the club even more than she does.
Roy and Bonnie's relationship is a pretty rocky one and he ends up leaving her. (He is pretty much a turd and then I read that in real life he left her more than this book even says.)
Bonnie is shedding her good girl ways but they still are part of her...so when she meets her friend Blanche's boyfriends brother Clyde she knows that the way she feels around him and the way he looks at her can't be nuthin but trouble.
I liked this different look into Bonnie's life. It made me even more curious into her life..I just wish there was more available about her. I did find that she wore Roy's ring up until her death.
I'm actually ready for this author's next book where she goes into the life that Bonnie and Clyde shared together.
Booksource: Netgalley in exchange for review.
May 20, 2017
3.5 Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow, notorious outlaws, subjects of films and documentaries chronicling their come sprees, their death resulting from a shootout with the cops, hard not have not heard of them. Saw the movie and in fact as I was reading this is kept picturing Bonnie as Faye Dunaway. This book though started earlier, when a sixteen years old Bonnie is a high school student, and avid churchgoers, set to marry her boyfriend Roy and very close to her family. So how does this wholesome girl become the legendary Bonnie Parker?
The author admits that not much is known about Bonnies early life, but she uses what information she found and mixes those facts with her own invention. The best parts of this story for me was the very authentic feeling atmosphere that was created. Actually felt like I was back in the early 1920s, with Bonnie as she tries to help her family, their poverty, and her hopes for a better future. Speakeasy and illegal alcohol, how she becomes mixed up in that whole scene, all felt real and right.
Enjoyed this look. It was well wriiten, though at times I became impatient with the pacing. A good look though at the early life of Bonnie and although the book stops before Bonnie and Clyde become notorious, it does show how she fell under his spell, and how they first came to the attention of the authorities. The authors note details what was true and what was invented.
ARC from Netgalley.
The author admits that not much is known about Bonnies early life, but she uses what information she found and mixes those facts with her own invention. The best parts of this story for me was the very authentic feeling atmosphere that was created. Actually felt like I was back in the early 1920s, with Bonnie as she tries to help her family, their poverty, and her hopes for a better future. Speakeasy and illegal alcohol, how she becomes mixed up in that whole scene, all felt real and right.
Enjoyed this look. It was well wriiten, though at times I became impatient with the pacing. A good look though at the early life of Bonnie and although the book stops before Bonnie and Clyde become notorious, it does show how she fell under his spell, and how they first came to the attention of the authorities. The authors note details what was true and what was invented.
ARC from Netgalley.
May 9, 2017
The lives of Bonnie and Clyde are much romanticized nearly a hundred years later. They were hooligans in love, partners in crime that stuck it to the man and who went out in a blaze of glory. Or was that really the story?
In Becoming Bonnie we see the beginning of the tale. We see the world as Bonnie knows it, of the various struggles of her family, of her marriage to a boy named Roy, how she met the first members of Barrow gang and most importantly, how she met Clyde. It's a romance, a coming of age story and a dip into the past in a most artful way.
Even though I know the story of Bonnie & Clyde, I love hearing it told in the fantastic new voice that Jenni Walsh brings to the table. I am already desperate for the sequel!
In Becoming Bonnie we see the beginning of the tale. We see the world as Bonnie knows it, of the various struggles of her family, of her marriage to a boy named Roy, how she met the first members of Barrow gang and most importantly, how she met Clyde. It's a romance, a coming of age story and a dip into the past in a most artful way.
Even though I know the story of Bonnie & Clyde, I love hearing it told in the fantastic new voice that Jenni Walsh brings to the table. I am already desperate for the sequel!
February 20, 2018
I’ve always been fascinated with mobsters, gangsters and outlaws (odd, I know) - so when I first came across this book, although fiction, I knew I wanted to read it. This was a pretty good account of the lives of Bonnelyn “Bonnie” Parker and Clyde Barrow. The story starts out early on in Bonnie’s life - before she met Clyde. The author does point out that a lot of the characters and events in the story are factual, but there are some creative fictional aspects thrown in as well. It almost reads like a YA novel, but that did not bother me since it held my attention throughout. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series since that’s when the crime spree most likely starts 😜! All in all, a pretty good book.
December 15, 2019
3.5 Stars - I need that sequel! Anyone want to be my book fairy? ;-)
Took a bit to get going for me but something kept me going and not giving up on it. Sometime after Bonnelynn/Bonnie introduced Roy to her speakeasy life it hooked me deeper and didn't let go (not a spoiler, in the blurb).
There's just this "allure" of Bonnie and Clyde that makes you curious and wanting to know more. That whole era really. Sometimes I'm amazed these guys (all of them in general) were caught at all the way things were back then.
I would advise patience with this.. it takes time setting the stage and showing what led Bonnie to where we know the path she ended up on. Learning about Roy (and a bit more from the author's note) had me wanting to drop kick the guy. I wanted to go inside that speakeasy too, to view that slice of history.
It ended at a good place, having you eager for the next part.
Would recommend:)
Took a bit to get going for me but something kept me going and not giving up on it. Sometime after Bonnelynn/Bonnie introduced Roy to her speakeasy life it hooked me deeper and didn't let go (not a spoiler, in the blurb).
There's just this "allure" of Bonnie and Clyde that makes you curious and wanting to know more. That whole era really. Sometimes I'm amazed these guys (all of them in general) were caught at all the way things were back then.
I would advise patience with this.. it takes time setting the stage and showing what led Bonnie to where we know the path she ended up on. Learning about Roy (and a bit more from the author's note) had me wanting to drop kick the guy. I wanted to go inside that speakeasy too, to view that slice of history.
It ended at a good place, having you eager for the next part.
Would recommend:)
May 22, 2017
I was sent a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
When I started this book, I was deep in a reading slump and I was having a really hard time finishing books and even finding the incentive to read. Becoming Bonnie got me out of my slump and I never wanted to put it down.
I've always liked the story of Bonnie and Clyde so this book was right up my alley. I had pretty high hopes when I started this book and I was pleasantly surprised how Becoming Bonnie not only lived up to my hopes but surpassed them as well. I loved this book so much more than I was expecting.
Bonnie's character development was awesome. The author did a great job of showing how Bonnie went from someone who would never step foot in a speakeasy to a girl who helped break her boyfriend out of jail.
I thought Jenni did a great job of merging history with fiction and creating such a fun, engaging book.
Overall, I loved this book and I can see myself rereading it in the future. I really enjoyed everything about this book and I cannot wait for the next book.
When I started this book, I was deep in a reading slump and I was having a really hard time finishing books and even finding the incentive to read. Becoming Bonnie got me out of my slump and I never wanted to put it down.
I've always liked the story of Bonnie and Clyde so this book was right up my alley. I had pretty high hopes when I started this book and I was pleasantly surprised how Becoming Bonnie not only lived up to my hopes but surpassed them as well. I loved this book so much more than I was expecting.
Bonnie's character development was awesome. The author did a great job of showing how Bonnie went from someone who would never step foot in a speakeasy to a girl who helped break her boyfriend out of jail.
I thought Jenni did a great job of merging history with fiction and creating such a fun, engaging book.
Overall, I loved this book and I can see myself rereading it in the future. I really enjoyed everything about this book and I cannot wait for the next book.
July 14, 2016
This book knocked me over.
Official comments: "A dazzling and compulsively-readable adventure of self-discovery, with a voice both singular and irresistible. I dare you not to fall in love with Bonnie, and her intoxicating, wholly immersive world."
This is historical fiction at its finest: rich, immersive, and also accessible. It's the perfect example of crossover fiction -- fast-paced like the best of YA, but still patient and nuanced like adult novels, and painted with luxurious details. Bonnie's voice was pitch-perfect, and you'll get swept up in the amazing glitz and glamour of her new bootlegging world. This is a MUST read for next year -- so add it to your shelves now!
Official comments: "A dazzling and compulsively-readable adventure of self-discovery, with a voice both singular and irresistible. I dare you not to fall in love with Bonnie, and her intoxicating, wholly immersive world."
This is historical fiction at its finest: rich, immersive, and also accessible. It's the perfect example of crossover fiction -- fast-paced like the best of YA, but still patient and nuanced like adult novels, and painted with luxurious details. Bonnie's voice was pitch-perfect, and you'll get swept up in the amazing glitz and glamour of her new bootlegging world. This is a MUST read for next year -- so add it to your shelves now!
May 22, 2018
I was a little late to the Becoming Bonnie love fest. After seeing my social media feeds filled with rave reviews I knew I had to pick it up. And I am so happy that I did!
I've long been fascinated with Bonnie and Clyde. Two young people in love and united against the world and societal norms. I always wondered what made them turn to a life of crime and thankfully, Becoming Bonnie came along and author Jenni L. Walsh gifts us with their back story.
I can't say enough good things about Becoming Bonnie! It was such a fun and fascinating read. I loved how Walsh incorporated the slang from the 1920s. You can tell that she did her research and that she had a lot of fun writing the book. And I sure had a lot of fun reading it!
If you're looking for a fascinating, suck-you-in-and-won't-let-you-go story, Becoming Bonnie is it! I will be reading the companion novel, SIDE BY SIDE (releases on June 5th from Forge Books), soon and I cannot wait to be back with Bonnie and Clyde!
Becoming Bonnie is the cat's pajamas 😻
I've long been fascinated with Bonnie and Clyde. Two young people in love and united against the world and societal norms. I always wondered what made them turn to a life of crime and thankfully, Becoming Bonnie came along and author Jenni L. Walsh gifts us with their back story.
I can't say enough good things about Becoming Bonnie! It was such a fun and fascinating read. I loved how Walsh incorporated the slang from the 1920s. You can tell that she did her research and that she had a lot of fun writing the book. And I sure had a lot of fun reading it!
If you're looking for a fascinating, suck-you-in-and-won't-let-you-go story, Becoming Bonnie is it! I will be reading the companion novel, SIDE BY SIDE (releases on June 5th from Forge Books), soon and I cannot wait to be back with Bonnie and Clyde!
Becoming Bonnie is the cat's pajamas 😻
September 12, 2016
Jenni Walsh is a fellow Debutante Ball author, and I'm so thankful I had a chance to read an advanced version of Becoming Bonnie.
Walsh has beautifully crafted a complex world of 1920's Dallas, a place where people manage to brew "giggle juice" despite prohibition and where no one could have anticipated the looming stock market collapse and consequent Great Depression.
Walsh skillfully created a main character who is nuanced, complex, and surprising. Bonnelyn Parker is not who I expected. From the very beginning of the novel, she pulled on my sympathies and I found myself cheering for all along in ways I never would have anticipated. Walsh writes with such insight into this character's psyche that I understood and supported each of her choices - even knowing they would lead to her demise.
Ultimately, this novel had me asking, "What events and factors lead a person to their fate?" The answer is in part as one of Walsh's characters attests: “We’re born whole, then life takes a little more from ya each day, each experience, each loss. It ain’t something you can get back.”
I immensely enjoyed living in the world of Bonnelyn Parker, and I can't wait for more from Jenni L. Walsh.
Also, I may have to permanently adopt the phrase "giggle juice" into my vocabulary after reading this novel.
Walsh has beautifully crafted a complex world of 1920's Dallas, a place where people manage to brew "giggle juice" despite prohibition and where no one could have anticipated the looming stock market collapse and consequent Great Depression.
Walsh skillfully created a main character who is nuanced, complex, and surprising. Bonnelyn Parker is not who I expected. From the very beginning of the novel, she pulled on my sympathies and I found myself cheering for all along in ways I never would have anticipated. Walsh writes with such insight into this character's psyche that I understood and supported each of her choices - even knowing they would lead to her demise.
Ultimately, this novel had me asking, "What events and factors lead a person to their fate?" The answer is in part as one of Walsh's characters attests: “We’re born whole, then life takes a little more from ya each day, each experience, each loss. It ain’t something you can get back.”
I immensely enjoyed living in the world of Bonnelyn Parker, and I can't wait for more from Jenni L. Walsh.
Also, I may have to permanently adopt the phrase "giggle juice" into my vocabulary after reading this novel.
October 22, 2016
As someone born and raised in Dallas, TX, I got a particular kick out of reading BECOMING BONNIE. Jenni Walsh, fellow Deb Ball writer, has written a fast-paced, exciting, and touching story of Bonnie before Clyde, showing the reader who she was as a girl and explaining how she transformed into the infamous gun slinging, bank robbing woman we all know. Such a fun 1920s read, complete with speakeasies, market crashes, and dance marathons, and filled with unusual characters from Bonnie's wild friend Blanche, to Roy (a man who goes through his own surprising transformation), to even Big Bertha, the car that totes them from one adventure to the next. Enjoy!
June 4, 2018
"Becoming Bonnie" is the story of Bonnelyn Parker, who would become one half of the famous crime duo Bonnie and Clyde. This book explores how Bonnie went from a sweet, innocent, church going girl who married early and had dreams of being a teacher and having a white picket fence with her childhood love to becoming part the Barrow Gang. At first, I was surprised that the book focuses so much on Bonnie and we really don't get to meet Clyde until we're well into the book. But as it turns out, Bonnie is a pretty interesting character in her own right and well-deserving of the focus.
I really did not know much about Bonnie outside of the whole idea of Bonnie and Clyde. I liked getting to know her as an individual. We see how she just wants to be loved and how she puts the idea of loyalty above almost anything else even before she meets Clyde. I love how Walsh gives a chance to get to know Bonnie before Clyde. I am reading this book just before "Side by Side," which goes into the story that everyone is more familiar with: Bonnie and Clyde's crime spree.
In real life, not much is known about Bonnie before she met Clyde. Walsh brings to life this unknown world where Bonnie has a loving family that is going through a really difficult time. Bonnie wants to make things better for them in any way she can even if it means not following her own heart. I really enjoyed getting to know her and to see her when she first met Clyde. This was such a good introduction to someone who has had a lot of the details of her life lost to history!
I really did not know much about Bonnie outside of the whole idea of Bonnie and Clyde. I liked getting to know her as an individual. We see how she just wants to be loved and how she puts the idea of loyalty above almost anything else even before she meets Clyde. I love how Walsh gives a chance to get to know Bonnie before Clyde. I am reading this book just before "Side by Side," which goes into the story that everyone is more familiar with: Bonnie and Clyde's crime spree.
In real life, not much is known about Bonnie before she met Clyde. Walsh brings to life this unknown world where Bonnie has a loving family that is going through a really difficult time. Bonnie wants to make things better for them in any way she can even if it means not following her own heart. I really enjoyed getting to know her and to see her when she first met Clyde. This was such a good introduction to someone who has had a lot of the details of her life lost to history!
February 8, 2018
Wow, what a disappointment. I'm not saying that I thought this book would be the next Great American Novel or something, but I thought it would at least be entertaining. Nope.
My problems with this book:
•If I had to sum up this book in one word it would be "boring." It's pitched as the origin of Bonnie and Clyde, not the actual story, so obviously I didn't think they'd be running around holding up banks quite yet. Still. Pretty much nothing interesting happens in this book. I didn't pick up this book because I wanted to read about Bonnie's mother having cancer or Bonnie getting married to her boyfriend Roy or Bonnie being conflicted about working at a speakeasy. I picked it up because I wanted a Bonnie and Clyde origin story, dammit!
•Bonnie doesn't meet Clyde until over 100 pages in, and doesn't start a relationship with him until over 200 pages in, after spending an excruciating amount of time thinking about her relationship with her boyfriend/husband, Roy. This book is only 300 pages long! That's not how pacing works! Don't pitch your book as "Bonnie meets Clyde" if the plot is actually "Bonnie breaks up with Roy"!
•Even the (very brief) action at the end wasn't interesting.
•There were some random historical inaccuracies (Bonnie getting married at an older age, Clyde having a random dead sister and less siblings) that didn't serve any purpose. The author's note mentioned this inaccuracies, which is how I know about them, but not why she included them.
•Bonnie is short for the made-up name Bonnelyn in this version. Every time I read the name Bonnelyn, it jerked me out of the story. Honestly, if the only reason the author did it was so Clyde could be the first to call her Bonnie, she should have just gone by her middle name or something.
•I didn't love the writing style. 1st person present tense is starting to get a bit old for me, and the writing was sometimes clunky.
•Bonnie herself was an unconvincing and boring narrator. I understand why the author wanted her to start out as a good girl, to make more of a contrast later on, but I don't think it really worked. Even by the end, I still didn't get the feeling that she was heading down the path to bank robber and murderer.
End verdict: there is a tiny, tiny chance that I'll read the sequel because that promises to have more action and possibly resolve my problems with this novel. But it's a tiny chance.
My problems with this book:
•If I had to sum up this book in one word it would be "boring." It's pitched as the origin of Bonnie and Clyde, not the actual story, so obviously I didn't think they'd be running around holding up banks quite yet. Still. Pretty much nothing interesting happens in this book. I didn't pick up this book because I wanted to read about Bonnie's mother having cancer or Bonnie getting married to her boyfriend Roy or Bonnie being conflicted about working at a speakeasy. I picked it up because I wanted a Bonnie and Clyde origin story, dammit!
•Bonnie doesn't meet Clyde until over 100 pages in, and doesn't start a relationship with him until over 200 pages in, after spending an excruciating amount of time thinking about her relationship with her boyfriend/husband, Roy. This book is only 300 pages long! That's not how pacing works! Don't pitch your book as "Bonnie meets Clyde" if the plot is actually "Bonnie breaks up with Roy"!
•Even the (very brief) action at the end wasn't interesting.
•There were some random historical inaccuracies (Bonnie getting married at an older age, Clyde having a random dead sister and less siblings) that didn't serve any purpose. The author's note mentioned this inaccuracies, which is how I know about them, but not why she included them.
•Bonnie is short for the made-up name Bonnelyn in this version. Every time I read the name Bonnelyn, it jerked me out of the story. Honestly, if the only reason the author did it was so Clyde could be the first to call her Bonnie, she should have just gone by her middle name or something.
•I didn't love the writing style. 1st person present tense is starting to get a bit old for me, and the writing was sometimes clunky.
•Bonnie herself was an unconvincing and boring narrator. I understand why the author wanted her to start out as a good girl, to make more of a contrast later on, but I don't think it really worked. Even by the end, I still didn't get the feeling that she was heading down the path to bank robber and murderer.
End verdict: there is a tiny, tiny chance that I'll read the sequel because that promises to have more action and possibly resolve my problems with this novel. But it's a tiny chance.
May 26, 2018
"We're born whole, then life takes a little more from ya each day, each experience, each loss. It ain't something you can get back."
A super-compelling voice made this hard to put down and brought me out of my reading slump. Bonnie is a character I loved to root for, even knowing what she's eventually going to do. I did think some character evolutions occurred in the blink of an eye and probably would have been more plausible with more lead-up time, some of Bonnie's actions and dialogue seemed a bit modern to me, and the author admits that it's almost completely fictional, but I still thoroughly enjoyed it and will be diving right into the sequel, Side by Side.
A super-compelling voice made this hard to put down and brought me out of my reading slump. Bonnie is a character I loved to root for, even knowing what she's eventually going to do. I did think some character evolutions occurred in the blink of an eye and probably would have been more plausible with more lead-up time, some of Bonnie's actions and dialogue seemed a bit modern to me, and the author admits that it's almost completely fictional, but I still thoroughly enjoyed it and will be diving right into the sequel, Side by Side.
March 21, 2018
A stunning debut that follows straight-laced Bonnelyn Parker as she becomes Bonnie—of Bonnie & Clyde. This rare glimpse into the life of a woman who is determined to prevail, at all costs, is at once endearing and heart-wrenching—and in the next breath, packs all of the punch of a devil-may-care outlaw in the making. You’ll be hooked with every hoot, holler, and strum of the guitar—and with the sheer desperation of a girl on the edge.
March 5, 2017
Everyone's heard of Bonnie and Clyde, but how many of us know anything about them other than that they were notorious criminals? BECOMING BONNIE gives us a glimpse into the life of Bonnie Parker before she became one half of that infamous duo. Pulling both from historical research and her own imagination, author Jenni L. Walsh introduces us to Bonnelyn, a poor Texan teenager with big dreams, and takes us through her family struggles, her relationship troubles, and her introduction to the glitzy underworld of the 1920s. The story is fast-paced and engaging, and I loved Bonnelyn so much that I kept flipping pages, hoping desperately for a better fate than the one we know she ends up with.
July 28, 2024
Becoming Bonnie is the first book in a duology by Jenni L. Walsh about Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow - AKA Bonnie and Clyde.
Set in the roaring 20s, we follow Bonnie on the lead up to her meeting Clyde. Although the book is fiction, it is based on a lot of facts the author has done great research on. There's an authors note at the back explaining which parts were true and which she changed or got creative with for purposes of the book.
We see Bonnie go from a wholesome, church going young girl to slipping into the underworld of speakeasys, bootlegging and involvement with gangsters as well as her marriage to Roy, the collapse of this marriage and her friendship with Blanche. I enjoyed every second of this book and devoured it as quickly as I could. I'm now starting book two: Side by Side and can't wait to find out what will happen next.
Set in the roaring 20s, we follow Bonnie on the lead up to her meeting Clyde. Although the book is fiction, it is based on a lot of facts the author has done great research on. There's an authors note at the back explaining which parts were true and which she changed or got creative with for purposes of the book.
We see Bonnie go from a wholesome, church going young girl to slipping into the underworld of speakeasys, bootlegging and involvement with gangsters as well as her marriage to Roy, the collapse of this marriage and her friendship with Blanche. I enjoyed every second of this book and devoured it as quickly as I could. I'm now starting book two: Side by Side and can't wait to find out what will happen next.
August 19, 2017
Since my teenage years, I've been fascinated with gangsters like Al Capone and John Dillinger, even going so far as to write my own stories around them way back in the day. So when I spotted this book on a list, I thought it'd be right up my alley.
Except that alley wandered into a bad neighborhood full of tough guy cliches and boozy floozies and ghastly first person narration and incredibly inaccurate historical characters.
I beat it out of there before they could fit me with cement overshoes.
I get that writers can take a little bit of creative license when writing historical fiction. But Walsh takes the legend of Bonnie Parker and screws it over so that Bonnie is some dewy-eyed goody-goody right out of a third-rate Harlequin romance. She's not bad, she's just drawn that way. Other real life people like Blanche Barrow and Buck Barrow, along with Clyde, get the same shoddy treatment. Blanche was in real life a preacher's kid who really didn't want to go into a life of crime, yet here she's turned into a drunken floozy who gets Bonnie a job in a bar that Buck Barrow owns. And in real life, Buck never owned a bar, he made his living stealing things and fencing them.
I also had issue with the narrative voice. First person is a really great POV to use if you're telling an emotional story and you want readers to feel those emotions through the character. Bonnie's narration was on the flat side and had very little emotion to it. The writing style itself was also flat and the "bad writing ahead" warning sign was right there in the opener when Bonnie is describing husband-to-be, Roy Thornton, as filling up the doorway to her room, thanks to his broad shoulders.
So this was definitely a disappointing read.
Except that alley wandered into a bad neighborhood full of tough guy cliches and boozy floozies and ghastly first person narration and incredibly inaccurate historical characters.
I beat it out of there before they could fit me with cement overshoes.
I get that writers can take a little bit of creative license when writing historical fiction. But Walsh takes the legend of Bonnie Parker and screws it over so that Bonnie is some dewy-eyed goody-goody right out of a third-rate Harlequin romance. She's not bad, she's just drawn that way. Other real life people like Blanche Barrow and Buck Barrow, along with Clyde, get the same shoddy treatment. Blanche was in real life a preacher's kid who really didn't want to go into a life of crime, yet here she's turned into a drunken floozy who gets Bonnie a job in a bar that Buck Barrow owns. And in real life, Buck never owned a bar, he made his living stealing things and fencing them.
I also had issue with the narrative voice. First person is a really great POV to use if you're telling an emotional story and you want readers to feel those emotions through the character. Bonnie's narration was on the flat side and had very little emotion to it. The writing style itself was also flat and the "bad writing ahead" warning sign was right there in the opener when Bonnie is describing husband-to-be, Roy Thornton, as filling up the doorway to her room, thanks to his broad shoulders.
So this was definitely a disappointing read.
January 19, 2017
Becoming Bonnie is the story of Bonnelyn Parker during the roaring 1920s in Dallas, before her ‘Bonnie and Clyde’ infamy. I love both the setting and premise of this book so much. With a strong voice, Walsh gives the reader a vivid sense of the time and place and portrays Bonnie as she’s rarely thought of otherwise: a girl with dreams of a better life. This is a flirtatious novel evident between the relationships of its colorful characters, but also in its interplay with the reader, as Bonnie pushes boundaries to reach for her dreams.
May 16, 2017
I've always been in love with the Bonnie and Clyde story so this was right up my alleyway (pun intended)! My fellow Deb Jenni Walsh chocked her adventurous debut full of fun facts and realism, detailing how Bonnie became Bonnie. Anyone in LOVE with the 1920's is gonna LOVE this novel! Perfect bookclub meetup to have at a speakeasy.
November 17, 2017
This book had me right from the description (and the cover too). I’ve always been interested in Bonnie and Clyde and there have been a few television shows about the duo recently, but they never really explored the backstory, just focusing on the flashy bank robbing crime spree. Bonnie is such a fascinating character and it is a fascinating time in history too (which I hadn’t really thought about combined with the characters). I’m pleased to say that Walsh met my every expectation with her debut, Becoming Bonnie, and I’m even more thrilled to hear that there will be a sequel coming out hopefully next year that takes us into the crime spree time.
Walsh creates a fantastically believable Bonnelyn in her high school years. She has grown up tight on funds, but with a relatively happy life. She anticipates marrying the man that she has grown up alongside, Roy, and has big dreams of becoming a teacher with a real income. She is a “good girl” and someone that I could identify with, despite coming from different circumstances. Beset with family problems and the economy downturn that happens with the crash of Wall Street, Bonnelyn finds herself doing things that she never would have thought about doing before – bootlegging, interested in someone other than Roy, changing her thoughts about completing school. You can truly believe that the growing uncertainly in her family situation could lead her to make some of these choices, but she is also conflicted about her choices. You feel that inner struggle. The other characters here are fully fleshed too and equally as interesting as Bonnelyn (I won’t spoil how the name Bonnie comes about as it is sweet). Her best friend Blanche is a hoot! She makes up her own words (which I do a lot) and is always up for a good time and pushing at the rules a bit, however she is a good egg and really there when she is needed. Oh and Clyde! The author just keeps stringing the reader along awaiting when he will actually show up on the page – and it was a very appreciated tactic. I think I would have been less interested in him had he been present from the start and this just built the anticipation.
While Walsh brings her characters to vivid life, her settings are even more fantastically endowed. The speakeasies were pulsating with music, big personalities, and the air of constant anticipation of a bust. The depression of Cement City was palpable and in stark contrast to the bigger setting of Dallas. Walsh excelled at world creating in a place I have never been that made me feel as if I was there.
After a few slow or stalled books that I had read recently it was extremely refreshing to pick up Becoming Bonnie. I always wanted to read one more chapter or thought of all the little times that I could find to pick up the book and read further. Bonnie ends on a positive note and leaves the reader wanting to find out what happens when the crime spree begins!
This review was previously posted on The Maiden's Court blog and a copy was received for review consideration.
Walsh creates a fantastically believable Bonnelyn in her high school years. She has grown up tight on funds, but with a relatively happy life. She anticipates marrying the man that she has grown up alongside, Roy, and has big dreams of becoming a teacher with a real income. She is a “good girl” and someone that I could identify with, despite coming from different circumstances. Beset with family problems and the economy downturn that happens with the crash of Wall Street, Bonnelyn finds herself doing things that she never would have thought about doing before – bootlegging, interested in someone other than Roy, changing her thoughts about completing school. You can truly believe that the growing uncertainly in her family situation could lead her to make some of these choices, but she is also conflicted about her choices. You feel that inner struggle. The other characters here are fully fleshed too and equally as interesting as Bonnelyn (I won’t spoil how the name Bonnie comes about as it is sweet). Her best friend Blanche is a hoot! She makes up her own words (which I do a lot) and is always up for a good time and pushing at the rules a bit, however she is a good egg and really there when she is needed. Oh and Clyde! The author just keeps stringing the reader along awaiting when he will actually show up on the page – and it was a very appreciated tactic. I think I would have been less interested in him had he been present from the start and this just built the anticipation.
While Walsh brings her characters to vivid life, her settings are even more fantastically endowed. The speakeasies were pulsating with music, big personalities, and the air of constant anticipation of a bust. The depression of Cement City was palpable and in stark contrast to the bigger setting of Dallas. Walsh excelled at world creating in a place I have never been that made me feel as if I was there.
After a few slow or stalled books that I had read recently it was extremely refreshing to pick up Becoming Bonnie. I always wanted to read one more chapter or thought of all the little times that I could find to pick up the book and read further. Bonnie ends on a positive note and leaves the reader wanting to find out what happens when the crime spree begins!
This review was previously posted on The Maiden's Court blog and a copy was received for review consideration.
April 25, 2017
Hey, I can finally post the review!
This novel about Bonnie Parker, of the infamous Bonnie and Clyde, is so well written I didn't even notice at first that it's written in present tense, which I normally don't like.
The characterization was very well done too, with the best part being the evolution of Bonnie becoming the figure we picture her as (it's certainly an appropriately titled novel). Although this is a novel about how Bonnie met and fell in love with Clyde, I wouldn't call it a romance. It's more about a young woman finding herself in a chaotic world and learning what she really wants from it and from the people in her life. Blanche's character was compelling too and I almost wish for a sequel done in Blanche's voice. Knowing in real life, Blanche is the only survivor out of their group, her voice would make a good narrative for a sequel, but I don't know if the author has plans for a sequel at all.
Additionally, although Bonnie is a teenager throughout the book and there is nothing inappropriate in it for teens to read, I wouldn't call it a young adult novel (nor is it marketed as such, though I see some people on Goodreads have tagged it). Bonnie is very young, but she's very much living her life as an adult, and it deals with adult themes, so it doesn't have a young adult feel to it.
There are a few deviations from the factual timeline in the beginning but it does come together. At first, it seemed like Clyde was being introduced way too early, but then it became clear that he and Bonnie don't really formally meet until much later and so he was more of this shadowy, mysterious, background figure. It wound up working really well and made an excellent, believable story line. Keep in mind, this is not a tale of Bonnie and Clyde's life together, it's really about Bonnie's life before Clyde and everything that led them together. They don't really meet till near the end and the novel ends well before their crime spree. You might think that would make it boring, but it really doesn't. I read the entire second half of it in one day, I felt so compelled to finish it.
Advanced review copy from publisher via NetGalley. My opinions are my own.
Historical Readings & Reviews
This novel about Bonnie Parker, of the infamous Bonnie and Clyde, is so well written I didn't even notice at first that it's written in present tense, which I normally don't like.
The characterization was very well done too, with the best part being the evolution of Bonnie becoming the figure we picture her as (it's certainly an appropriately titled novel). Although this is a novel about how Bonnie met and fell in love with Clyde, I wouldn't call it a romance. It's more about a young woman finding herself in a chaotic world and learning what she really wants from it and from the people in her life. Blanche's character was compelling too and I almost wish for a sequel done in Blanche's voice. Knowing in real life, Blanche is the only survivor out of their group, her voice would make a good narrative for a sequel, but I don't know if the author has plans for a sequel at all.
Additionally, although Bonnie is a teenager throughout the book and there is nothing inappropriate in it for teens to read, I wouldn't call it a young adult novel (nor is it marketed as such, though I see some people on Goodreads have tagged it). Bonnie is very young, but she's very much living her life as an adult, and it deals with adult themes, so it doesn't have a young adult feel to it.
There are a few deviations from the factual timeline in the beginning but it does come together. At first, it seemed like Clyde was being introduced way too early, but then it became clear that he and Bonnie don't really formally meet until much later and so he was more of this shadowy, mysterious, background figure. It wound up working really well and made an excellent, believable story line. Keep in mind, this is not a tale of Bonnie and Clyde's life together, it's really about Bonnie's life before Clyde and everything that led them together. They don't really meet till near the end and the novel ends well before their crime spree. You might think that would make it boring, but it really doesn't. I read the entire second half of it in one day, I felt so compelled to finish it.
Advanced review copy from publisher via NetGalley. My opinions are my own.
Historical Readings & Reviews
August 20, 2018
My reviews of Becoming Bonnie and Side by Side can be found at A Reader's Diary along with an exclusive author interview with Jenni L. Walsh!
Wow. Yes. Okay.
This book was amazing.
Becoming Bonnie is Jenni L Walsh's debut novel.
Imagine a time where prohibition is in full swing.
Imagine working at a speakeasy to make a little cash.
Imagine being 16 years old and getting married.
Imagine dropping out of high school and letting go of your dreams.
Imagine the crash of the century.
This is what it was like when Bonnelyn Parker met Clyde Barrow.
Bonnelyn had been through a lot. Her diner job barely paid and hardly had hours for her. Buster got let go when he broke his hand at the cement plant. Ma is sick but with what? Little Billie is too young to work. And Daddy, well Daddy died when Bonnelyn was young. Turning to her best friend Blanche, she agrees to take a bus boy position at Doc's. But before long she's singin' along, swingin' her hips, and mixin' drinks. Not long after, fiance Roy starts asking questions he didn't want the answers to. This could be the end of Bonn and Roy. Besides, she's liking the attention she gets at Doc's. Well, not all of it. But she can't seem to get Clyde out of her head. She saved him once, ONE TIME, and now his eyes are burned into her mind. Those dimples are something she craves. She wants herself a clean shaven bad boy. Which is exactly what she gets when Clyde decides to give up his ways for her.
Bonnie and Clyde, meant to be, alive and free.
Bonnelyn's world is about to get flipped upside down.
They are now Bonnie and Clyde.
I am so stoked that I got to read this masterpiece and cannot wait to pick up the next one!!!
Side by Side comes out Summer 2018!
Wow. Yes. Okay.
This book was amazing.
Becoming Bonnie is Jenni L Walsh's debut novel.
Imagine a time where prohibition is in full swing.
Imagine working at a speakeasy to make a little cash.
Imagine being 16 years old and getting married.
Imagine dropping out of high school and letting go of your dreams.
Imagine the crash of the century.
This is what it was like when Bonnelyn Parker met Clyde Barrow.
Bonnelyn had been through a lot. Her diner job barely paid and hardly had hours for her. Buster got let go when he broke his hand at the cement plant. Ma is sick but with what? Little Billie is too young to work. And Daddy, well Daddy died when Bonnelyn was young. Turning to her best friend Blanche, she agrees to take a bus boy position at Doc's. But before long she's singin' along, swingin' her hips, and mixin' drinks. Not long after, fiance Roy starts asking questions he didn't want the answers to. This could be the end of Bonn and Roy. Besides, she's liking the attention she gets at Doc's. Well, not all of it. But she can't seem to get Clyde out of her head. She saved him once, ONE TIME, and now his eyes are burned into her mind. Those dimples are something she craves. She wants herself a clean shaven bad boy. Which is exactly what she gets when Clyde decides to give up his ways for her.
Bonnie and Clyde, meant to be, alive and free.
Bonnelyn's world is about to get flipped upside down.
They are now Bonnie and Clyde.
I am so stoked that I got to read this masterpiece and cannot wait to pick up the next one!!!
Side by Side comes out Summer 2018!
July 6, 2017
Straying too far from history...
As a lover of historical fiction, I always view a new historical fiction novel as a chance to delve into a usually unknown side of history. Along with seeing the author's view of historical characters, I take reading novels like this as an opportunity to do my own research. Understanding that author's usually choose to, and even have to, take some creative license with the characters using the facts and sources that are available to them, I like to check which aspects are historically correct and which have been embellished a bit.
You can imagine my surprise when I discovered that the author here pretty much took a bunch of historical names, threw them into a blender, and pressed the pulse button repeatedly. So many of the character relationships and backstories were not just embellished, but actually invented DESPITE historically evidence directly disputing the author's interpretation. So while I appreciate an author's license to be creative and create unique, compelling characters, I am offended by the promotional attempt to present this novel as some kind of insight into how Bonnelyn Parker became part of the infamous Bonie and Clyde. Every part of the story that added to any meaningful character motivation was blatantly false and falls back on tired literary tropes, rather than attempting to flesh out the "real" Bonnie.
Overall, this wasn't a bad novel, but it is trading on a famous name when the titular character could have easily been replaced with someone fictional and very few people would have been able to even make a connection with the historical figure of Bonnelyn Parker based on, well, you know, history. I guess I prefer a few more facts in my HISTORICAL fiction.
As a lover of historical fiction, I always view a new historical fiction novel as a chance to delve into a usually unknown side of history. Along with seeing the author's view of historical characters, I take reading novels like this as an opportunity to do my own research. Understanding that author's usually choose to, and even have to, take some creative license with the characters using the facts and sources that are available to them, I like to check which aspects are historically correct and which have been embellished a bit.
You can imagine my surprise when I discovered that the author here pretty much took a bunch of historical names, threw them into a blender, and pressed the pulse button repeatedly. So many of the character relationships and backstories were not just embellished, but actually invented DESPITE historically evidence directly disputing the author's interpretation. So while I appreciate an author's license to be creative and create unique, compelling characters, I am offended by the promotional attempt to present this novel as some kind of insight into how Bonnelyn Parker became part of the infamous Bonie and Clyde. Every part of the story that added to any meaningful character motivation was blatantly false and falls back on tired literary tropes, rather than attempting to flesh out the "real" Bonnie.
Overall, this wasn't a bad novel, but it is trading on a famous name when the titular character could have easily been replaced with someone fictional and very few people would have been able to even make a connection with the historical figure of Bonnelyn Parker based on, well, you know, history. I guess I prefer a few more facts in my HISTORICAL fiction.
January 11, 2017
I love this book. Walsh does an excellent job of reimagining a tale many of us think we know well - the love story of the infamous Bonnie & Clyde duo. Sparkling with era-appropriate details (from a deliciously illegal speakeasy to 1920's downtown Dallas), Becoming Bonnie pulls you into the Roaring Twenties with gusto. Walsh humanizes Bonnelyn and convincingly details her metamorphosis from church girl to outlaw. And while the reader likely knows where Bonnelyn's unfortunate taste in men leads her, Walsh makes her journey there heart-wrenching, enthralling, and fascinating. I had a hard time putting this page-turner down. A must read for historical fiction lovers.
I received an ARC of this novel.
I received an ARC of this novel.
March 13, 2017
I love this book!! Becoming Bonnie not only makes you feel like you are part of the Roaring Twenties* with its rich descriptions of what was happening around the Great Depression and during Prohibition, but it also keeps you turning the pages to find out how innocent Bonnelyn Parker could evolve into the infamous Bonnie...as part of the Bonnie and Clyde duo! And now I'm eagerly awaiting the release of book 2 to see where this duo ends up :)
*But seriously, this book made me want to grab a fancy dress, head to a speakeasy and foxtrot!
*But seriously, this book made me want to grab a fancy dress, head to a speakeasy and foxtrot!
March 7, 2019
This story is so vividly rendered, you feel as if you might jump into the backseat of Blanche's convertible and hitch along for the ride. How *did* a churchgoing, by-the-book young girl ever plausibly become half of America's most legendary lawless couple? Jenni Walsh paints a picture that not only answers this question, but brings the characters to life along the way. A charismatic, fun and engaging debut. (Many thanks to the author and publisher for the opportunity to read and review early.)
October 11, 2019
Historical fiction imagining the early years of Bonnie Parker's life before she became one half of the infamous Bonnie and Clyde partnership. Interesting but by the author's own admission in the note at the end of the novel a lot of this is supposition and she has rearranged some of the facts somewhat. It's fiction, so that didn't overly phase me and despite being a little slow in places you certainly feel the chemistry when Bonnie and Clyde's worlds finally collide.
I expect more action in the next book when their crime spree elevates their names to infamy.
3.5 stars
I expect more action in the next book when their crime spree elevates their names to infamy.
3.5 stars
December 19, 2018
I thought this was a well done fictional account of Bonnie before Clyde, then meeting Clyde. Makes you want to read more about the two together.
October 10, 2018
Typical for me that I liked the Author’s Note at the back where she outlined which parts of Bonnie’s story were based on real events. I wanted Bonnie to stay in school and keep reading at the library, but ...Clyde walked into the picture.
February 1, 2019
A fast, fun, sexy read! I flew through the pages thanks to the non-stop action. I didn't know much about the Bonnie and Clyde story, and I didn't expect to love Bonnie so much. I enjoyed experiencing her transformation from "Saint Bonnelyn" to an experienced, passionate woman willing to risk it all.
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