Historical Fiction Obsession

I'm a Slacker & Future New Additions.

2011-10-20T23:52:00.000-04:00

I know, I'm a terrible, terrible blogger! The first year of teaching has been both amazingly fun and amazingly busy! I barely have time to get the work done for what I'm teaching that week, let alone sit down to read and write a review. I apologize to all of the author's who's books I have yet to review. I would not have taken on so many had I known how busy I would be. I still have every book though, and they are listed in order of when I received them. I plan on continuing to read and review when I can during my first year of teaching, and then come May when I am off for the summer, I will be reading like crazy! There are a couple of books that I am working on reading and reviewing currently.

Also, I've decided to use my blog as an educational tool for a couple of the students in my class who are more advanced when it comes to reading and writing and need an added challenge. The students who are more advanced will be given the opportunity to do "guest" blog posts on my blog, Historical Fiction Obsession. They will be given the choice between a couple of different novels, and will read and write a review that I will post on here occasionally. I want to keep my blog active and they are looking forward to doing something educational as well as fun, so this idea seems like the perfect solution. I will continue to post reviews when I finish a book, and it will be clearly marked int he title whether or not it is a student review or a review by myself. Who knows, maybe the student reviews will be insightful to read? Though they will be analyzing the books for elements of fiction as part of their reviews, I will only have them post the review on my blog.

I guess we'll see how this goes! Like I said, it will be clearly marked if it's a student review, but I think that they will be worth checking out, as there are only 3-4 students who will be working on writing book reviews, and they will be the advanced students. It should lead to some interesting view points!

EROMENOS by Melanie McDonald: Review: BLOG TOUR

2011-09-20T01:09:00.002-04:00

SERIOUSLY GOOD BOOKS--Historical Fiction

Blurb:

What is the nature of love? Of control? These big questions without easy answers are the heart of the book, as we watch Antinous come to his own conclusions about both.

No one knows what happened to the real Antinous. All that is known is that he drowned in the Nile and then Hadrian deified him. McDonald has given us the imaginary voice of a young man whose image has been immortalized in busts and sculptures, a young man who may very well have been as haunted as his death is mysterious.

My Review:

It was extremely refreshing to read this novel. Not only because it was about a period in history that I am not very familiar with, but also because it shows a side a history that people don’t often talk about. Historical Fiction will always be my favorite, but sometimes it does get a little repetitive, especially when you’re reading novels about the same historical figure, but by different authors. One of the main reasons Eromenos is so refreshing is because it takes the genre I love, but throws a twist into it, a very good twist!

During Greek and Roman times it was acceptable for powerful men, such as Hadrian to sleep with and love young men. I love that this book gives the reader a whole new perspective on love and relationships during this time. I think there will be some readers who are too narrow minded to enjoy Eromenos, but I am definitely not one of them. It was a short, easy read but it was also full of information about the most powerful man of his time, Hadrian, who was the ruler when Hadrian’s Wall (obviously named for him) was built in England. This was during the time when Roman’s still ruled the majority of land, including most of present day England. It is about intense love and loss, and it was a fascinating read that opened my eyes to a whole new genre of literature.

I commend the author for this book, which was exceptionally well-written, informative, and tasteful. Not to mention one of the most original love stories that I’ve had the pleasure to read. Open-minded readers who are interested in time period should definitely purchase this book. It’s rare to find a historical fiction novel that is open to expanding boundiaries, and changing what you thought you knew about the historical fiction genre. My only complaint is that it was so short. I wanted to know more about the lives of Hadrian and his lover, and I think it easily could have been longer and more detailed. Other than that I was pleased, and in my opinion the book deserves a four out of five stars.

PURCHASE BOOK HERE!!

THE SECOND DUCHESS by Elizabeth Loupas: Review

2011-09-06T23:50:00.000-04:00

Blurb:

In a city-state known for magnificence, where love affairs and conspiracies play out amidst brilliant painters, poets and musicians, the powerful and ambitious Alfonso d'Este, duke of Ferrara, takes a new bride. Half of Europe is certain he murdered his first wife, Lucrezia, the luminous child of the Medici. But no one dares accuse him, and no one has proof-least of all his second duchess, the far less beautiful but delightfully clever Barbara of Austria.

At first determined to ignore the rumors about her new husband, Barbara embraces the pleasures of the Ferrarese court. Yet wherever she turns she hears whispers of the first duchess's wayward life and mysterious death. Barbara asks questions-a dangerous mistake for a duchess of Ferrara. Suddenly, to save her own life, Barbara has no choice but to risk the duke's terrifying displeasure and discover the truth of Lucrezia's death-or she will share her fate.

My Review

The Second Duchess is one of the best historical fiction novels that I’ve read in awhile! I love pretty much any type of historical fiction, but the author, Elizabeth Loupas, added a twist to this historical fiction novel by adding the element of mystery.

Apparently the Duke of Ferrara has long been suspected of killing his first bride, the flighty Lucrezia de Medici. When his second wife, Barbara of Austria, moves to Ferrara it is immediately put into her head that the first duchess was murdered. Those who are putting these ideas in her head are those who are against the Duke of Ferrara and Barbara of Austria's marriage. Barbara is a strong willed and intelligent woman who decides to take it upon herself to find out the truth of the suspicious death of Lucrezia. At first when the Duke of Ferrara finds out, Barbara is punished, but as he grows to respect her he gives her more freedom to ask questions and find answers. The part that I really liked is that the author has Lucrezia’s “immobila” (basically her ghost) following the action and the investigation the whole time, and giving hints here and there (to the reader) of what really happened. I was unable to guess who the murderer was until the very end of the novel! I would be set on believing that one person had been the murderer, and then another clue would come about that showed that they could not have been the person who murdered Lucrezia. I also liked that Loupas didn’t make Lucrezia’s “ghost” out to be some creepy, haunting presence. Only the reader knows that she is there, and all she does is comment on certain things that happen in the investigation and in the lives of her former husband and his new duchess.

This was the first book I have read in awhile just for me, not for a review. It was nice to sit back and read and not worry about taking notes down. Although, I find that I forget quite a few parts of books when I don’t write things down! I would definitely recommend this book to historical fiction lovers. I knew nothing of Lucrezia de Medici or Barbara of Austria prior to reading this novel. I had heard of the Duke of Ferrara before, but not of this Duke of Ferrara, so it was very interesting to read about the history of a different group of people, with the author's amazing creative license of course!

It is definitely a book worth 5 out of 5 stars!

A Brief History of the Isle of Mull in Scotland--Interesting Article!

2011-09-02T19:24:00.000-04:00

A brief history of the Isle of Mull (Scotland)

The general consensus agrees that the Isle of Mull has been inhabited since after the last Ice Age ended, which would be around the year 6000 BC. Inhabitants of the Bronze Age built abundant brochs, menhirs and also a stone circle, along with pottery, knives, burial cairns and other tantalizing evidence of the period.

During the time between around 600 BC and 400 BC, the inhabitants of the Iron Age were involved in the construction of defensive forts and crannogs. 563 AD saw an important and pivotal point in the Christian period, when it is thought that Christianity was first introduced to this particular area of Great Britain when St. Columba arrived from Ireland and set up a monastery close to the south western point of Mull.

Mull was to become a part of the Lordship of the Isles during the 14th century, subsequently being taken over by the MacLean clan in 1493 following the collapse of the Lordship.

There remains a legend which states that there are the remains of a Spanish vessel somewhere in the mud of Tobermory bay – laden to the gills with gold and treasure. Needless to say, the true identity of the ship and its cargo remains a mystery and the matter of dispute, but the story is nonetheless an incredibly famous local legend.

Some believe that the ship in question is none other than the Florencia, which belonged to the defeated Spanish Armada and was known to have fled the British fleet in or around 1588, anchoring in the area to stock up on provisions. There was a dispute regarding payment and the ship was to catch fire, eventually spreading to the gunpowder reserves and causing an explosion which would sink the ship. Legend has it that the cargo hold also hid no less than £300,000 in solid gold and valuable treasures.

Others believe that the ship in question was named the San Juan de Baptista and according to records was used for carrying troops and such, rather than treasure and gold. This particular account speaks of the chief of the island at the time cutting a deal with the commander of the Spanish ship to add provisions and supplies, along with refitting the ship in exchange for their help in an ongoing feud with enemies and conspirators on the nearby islands. The tale tells that the ship was sunk during the conflict that ensued.

Whichever of the tales happens to be true, if any at all, extensive searches were carried out for the wreck and whatever it may or may not have been carrying from the 17th century right through to the end of the 20th and sadly, nothing of value or significant interest has so far been found.

At the time of the so-called Highland Clearances during both the 18th and 19th centuries, the 10,000 inhabitants of Mull were reduced to under 3,000.

During the Second World War, the entire island was to become a restricted area, with Tobermory bay becoming a naval base. The whole of the restricted area and the base within was put under the control of one Sir Gilbert Stephenson, who was known to rule from his leather furniture with such an iron fist and terrifying temper that he was donned with the nickname ‘The Terror of Tebormory’. A total of 911 ships and vessels passed through between the years of 1940 and 1945, with the base being used to train in anti submarine combat.

The Isle of Mull continues to display its rich history and boasts a number of iconic and historic buildings for the admiration of visitors, including Torosay Castle and Duart Castle which remain open to the public from the early spring until the end of the summer. There is also the remains of a small distressed castle by the name of Moy Castle which can be found on the shoreline of Lochbuie.

Visitors can also find the remains of a number of interesting chapels, including those located at Kilvickeon and Pennygown. There are also plenty of important archaeological sites, ranging from standing stones to chambered cairns. One of the most notable is that of the prehistoric stone circle located at Lochbuie and another three stone groups found close to Dervaig.

MY FIERCE HIGHLANDER by Vonda Sinclair: Review

2011-08-24T22:44:00.001-04:00

Blurb:

Gwyneth Carswell, an English lady banished by her father to the harsh Scottish Highlands, wants nothing more than to take her young son away from the violence of two fighting clans--her own distant kin, the MacIrwins, and their enemies, the MacGraths. She risks everything to rescue the fierce MacGrath warrior from the battlefield where he’s left for dead by her clan. She only knows she is inexplicably drawn to him and he wants peace as she does. When her clan learns of her betrayal, they seek vengeance. Dare she trust the enemy more than her own family?

Laird Alasdair MacGrath is driven to end two-hundred years of feuding with the MacIrwins. But by taking in and protecting Lady Gwyneth and her son, he provokes more attacks from his mortal enemy. As the danger and conflict surrounding them escalate, Alasdair and Gwyneth discover an explosive passion neither of them expected. With the arrival of a powerful man from her past, a horrible decision confronts her--give up her son or the man she loves.

My Review:

I love reading books that are set in Scotland or Ireland, so My Fierce Highlander by Vonda Sinclair immediately appealed to me, obviously because of its title! When an author takes the beautiful terrain of Scotland, adds a love story, and historical elements I’m happy. My Fierce Highlander started off a little slow for me, and for the first couple of chapters I struggled a little bit to get into the book. However, I liked her descriptions of the terrain of Scotland’s Highlands, and the characters were believable enough for me to become involved in their story, and once I was involved in the plot the book was hard to put down.

To me Gwyneth was definitely a more believable character to me than the main male character, Alasdair. She was a woman in the 1600’s who was sensual, but yet sought to hide the sensual side of herself, and felt guilty due to it, because it was not acceptable for her to express herself sexually. It’s changed quite a bit since then obviously, but as recently as 60 or so years ago it was still not really considered acceptable for woman. The only reason Alasdair is not as believable for me, is because he seems almost too perfect. His wife had died two years previously and he had yet to remarry or to even enjoy sex. Gwyneth helps to bring him “back to life” in a way. He is the Chieftain of his clan, and I guess I just found it a little unbelievable that he had not remarried in order to have heirs to follow him. In the 1600’s it seems like that was one of the main goals of men who were noble or wealthy, and it did not matter whether love came into the equation. Alasdair does gain the reader’s sympathy though, because he comes across as such a romantic hero, willing to risk his life for Gwyneth and her son. Gwyneth definitely comes across as the one with faults, and Alasdair occasionally comes across as clingy or needy when expressing his desire to wed Gwyneth. Overall I enjoyed reading the book, and it was a quick, fun read. I definitely recommend it to those that are fans of Historical Romance

Novels, because I doubt you will be disappointed.

I feel good about giving this novel 4 out of 5 stars.

BUY MY FIERCE HIGHLANDER HERE!!

RELUCTANT QUEEN by Geraldine Evans: Review

2011-08-21T14:33:00.000-04:00

Blurb:

Mary, the beautiful, younger sister of English king, Henry VIII, reluctantly agrees to marry the aged and sickly Louis XII of France for reasons of state. But before agreeing, she extracts Henry’s promise that she may please herself for her second marriage. Mary is deeply in love with the low-born Charles Brandon, her brother’s boon companion, and is determined to wed Brandon should King Louis die.

Unhappy at the French court, blonde Mary makes friends with the charming, but debauched, Francis, her aged husband’s heir and son-in-law. But Mary is dismayed when her friendly overtures are taken as encouragement for something more than friendship. Too late, Mary finds that, even at twenty, Francis is a practised seducer. He pursues her relentlessly. And with the death of her husband and Francis’s elevation to the French throne and absolute power, her situation becomes desperate. Unprotected, Mary is a captive prey to Francis’s lust for her.

Will she ever be free to go to her lost love? Because since Louis’s death, Mary has become increasingly anxious about the rumours she hears concerning her brother’s plans for her future. Did Henry intend to push her into another loveless marriage to suit himself and the State?

King Henry sends Charles Brandon to the French court on a diplomatic mission, Desperate, Mary persuades him to go through a secret marriage with her. Then they confess to Wolsey and ask him to intercede with King Henry.

Fearfully, they await King Henry’s reaction, aware that no one, not even his much-loved younger sister, defies him with impunity.

My Review:

I’m a sucker for anything to do with the Tudors, and Reluctant Queen by Geraldine Evans was no exception. There are hundreds of novels on Anne Boleyn, Elizabeth Tudor, Henry Tudor, Henry’s daughter Mary Tudor, etc., but one of the Tudors who I have read very little about is Henry’s little sister Mary Tudor. Of course she is almost always mentioned in books that I’ve read on that time period, and we know that she defied her brother, the King of England, to marry his best friend, but beyond that I knew very little about her. Her life definitely seems to have been too short, and it doesn’t seem to have been full of a great amount of happiness, but like her older sister and brother, when she wanted something she went after it even when it went against the wishes of others.

Geraldine Evans did a wonderful job of bringing Mary to life for me. I had no idea that she even had more than one child with Charles Brandon. Frances ended up becoming another semi-infamous Tudor, so she is known in history, but not much is heard of her other two children. I love how the author allows the reader to see what was possibly going on inside Mary’s head during her life. The reader is able to see the regrets that she possibly had over her marriage to Charles, as well as her mental and physical pain during the latter years of her life. It is apparent in the books that I read on Anne Boleyn, and also in this novel, that Mary did not like her and didn’t hide it very well. It was interesting to view the demise of Henry and Catherine’s marriage through his sister’s eyes in this novel.

The only complaint I have would be on how Anne Boleyn is portrayed in this novel. I cannot tell a lie, I am an Anne Boleyn supporter. Another issue I had is a factual inaccuracy. In the novel when Mary is Queen of France and Anne is one of her little lady’s in waiting there is a line which says, “Mary felt that she and Anne shared a special bond—had they not both lost their mothers around the same age? And although Anne still had a father, he was over-ambitious for his children […]” Anne’s mother did not die until around a year after Anne had been executed by Henry VIII.

Other than those two issues I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, and I learned a great deal about Mary Tudor, Dowager Queen of France and Duchess of Suffolk. During a time when women did as they were told, Mary went against the grain and chose her own destiny, which always makes for an interesting Tudor Era read!

This novel gets 4 out of 5 stars from me!

BUY RELUCTANT QUEEN HERE!

THE DEVIL'S DAUGHTER by Suzie Grant: Review

2011-08-21T00:38:00.001-04:00

Blurb:

A bounty hunter facing his past encounters a criminal on the run from her own.

Blaze Marie Austin is no longer the little girl forced to be an outlaw. Finding her chance at redemption, Blaze repays the man who’d saved her life. Only her savior’s estranged son accuses her of betrayal and ignites a passion she can’t deny.

Gade Ryder returned to Eden, Texas, after a twelve year absence to investigate a gang of rustlers on the family ranch. Has he accepted the job out of misplaced family loyalty or had the compelling mystery of the devil’s daughter convinced him to stay in the one place he didn’t want to be? Confronted by the memory of his mother’s suicide and the father he blames for her death, Gade seeks comfort from the one woman he couldn’t trust.

When the little criminal is accused of murder, Gade realizes his growing attraction for her could not only cost him his freedom, it may well cost him his life.

My Review:

I loved this book! It was a great Historical Fiction Western Romance. The vivid scenes that Suzie Grant brings to mind with her beautiful descriptions of Texas, when it was still mostly ranch land, are amazing. I loved Blaze’s character as well. She was hard on the outside, but as a reader you were able to ascertain that beneath her hard exterior she is a lost soul. I was surprised when I realized she was only 19, because she seems so much older. When you continue to read you discover the reason why she seems so much older than she really is. Her life has been a series of hurt and heartaches. Anyone she has ever loved or trusted has betrayed her, including family. She was on her own at such a young age, and had committed shocking crimes when she was barely a pre-teen, because of the people that she was forced to travel with.

The reader begins to see Blaze’s vulnerability when she interacts with Gade. He’s the only man that a woman, who has spent her entire life being forced to be so strong, could ever fall for. Blaze needs a strong man who can love her and also keep her grounded, and Gade is the man. He’s definitely the perfect man for a Western Romance novel. He’s strong and fierce, but he also has baggage that he carries with him that makes him human.

I liked that this book wasn’t all about the sex and romance, yeah there were some good sex scenes, but there was a ton of action as well. The reader is able to really get to know the two main characters, and also some of the more minor characters. It’s easy to care for Gade and his family, and when misfortune befalls them, it’s easy to grieve for them. I think the author, Suzie Grant, did an excellent job at bringing the characters and the scenery in this novel alive, and I look forward to reading more novels by her in the future.

This book definitely deserves a 4 out of 5 stars.

PURCHASE THIS NOVEL HERE!

THE GIFTED ONES by Lisa Vaughn: Review

2011-08-20T21:03:00.002-04:00

Blurb:

Lisa was conservatively raised in a Catholic family in no-where middle America, where excitement is scarce and dreams are for sleeping. Little did she know, at age thirteen, she would suddenly find herself on a totally different path. Through an unlikely chance meeting of a fellow classmate, she's surprisingly mesmerized, almost consumed, to befriend a girl who is obviously from the other side of the tracks...the cool side. Lisa does whatever she has to just to be accepted into this small club of coolness. Little did she realize, she was signing up for a lot more than social status. The two best friends find themselves innocently taking their relationship to a foreign level neither had experienced or saw coming. A rollercoaster ride littered with choices and challenges Lisa never fathomed facing, especially in no-where middle America. She will find out what she is made of as she faces the consequences and struggles that come along with going against the grain. Throughout their six year relationship, you will witness a touching story of human nature at it's best...and at it's worst. Showing just how far the human spirit can be challenged and pushed to a point where your “fight or flight” instincts naturally kick in. Struggling just to survive in a world where you are not like everyone else, but at the same time you really are.

My Review:

This book was such a refreshing read for me. I rarely read memoirs or works of non-fiction, so the poignant honesty of this novel was such a nice break from the norm. Lisa Vaughn definitely has lived a life worth writing about, and her insight into the experiences she had are so revealing. I had never looked at love the way it happened with her. The idea that you could be a straight woman, and spend years loving another woman and being with her, was never something that I would have thought possible. I guess I looked at things as black and white; either you’re gay, bi, or straight. I had never thought of the grey areas, or of possibly falling in love with the person inside, rather than limiting yourself by only allowing yourself to fall in love with the person’s sex that you prefer. The love that this story deals with goes beyond the normal “love story” that we see all the time.

I also enjoyed reading about the struggles between Lisa and her mother. I think many young women go through a struggle of wills with their mothers, especially when they are alike in so many ways. I know that I went through a phase where I thought my mother was purposefully out to get me, and to ruin my life. Now, looking back at it, I realize how similar we were, and how often our arguments turned into a battle of wills between us…almost a battle for “power” in some ways.

I would definitely recommend this memoir. It makes you think of and view love in a new way. I think that it would appeal more to female readers, but some men would certainly enjoy it as well.

This novel was definitely a 5 star read for me.

BUY THIS NOVEL HERE!

WINNER of 300 Follower GIVEAWAY!

2011-08-15T11:14:00.000-04:00

I know I am late announcing this, and for that I apologize, but this past week was nuts! It was the first week that students were back, and I barely had any time to myself because of all the planning for class and meetings! Hopefully the second week will be calmer....but I doubt it! I have three books that I will be reviewing, and I will try to get the reviews written up this week! Once everything calms down with school I'll be able to spend more time on here keeping up with my reviews!!

Jessie!

Congrats on winning a copy of Joy Stroube's novel as well as a paperback copy of DEAD IRON!

CAGED IN DARKNESS by Joy Stroube: GIVEAWAY!!

2011-07-31T01:16:00.003-04:00

Joy Stroube, author of Caged in Darkness, has offered to give away an ebook copy (format of your choice) to one of my lucky readers! This comes right in time to celebrate my blog now having over 300 followers!! As and added bonus, I will also throw in a paperback copy of DEAD IRON by Devon Monk. So, one lucky follower entering my giveaway will receive an ebook copy of Caged in Darkness as well as a paperback copy of Dead Iron! Pretty good deal in my opinion! :)

Make sure to check out my post about the author of CAGED IN DARKNESS, Joy Stroube. She was kind enough not only to do an interview for my blog, but also to write a guest post! You can also check out some quotes from her book as well as the synopsis.

CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT JOY STROUBE'S GUEST POST/INTERVIEW!

To enter the giveaway all you need to do is:

**BE A FOLLOWER OF MY BLOG & LEAVE A COMMENT WITH YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS!**

BONUS ENTRIES:

1. FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER

2. TWEET ABOUT THIS GIVEAWAY

3. BECOME MY FRIEND ON GOODREADS

4. BECOME MY FRIEND ON SHELFARI

You will get one extra entry for each bonus entry!

This giveaway will end AUGUST SEVENTH!

Also, a HUGE thank you to Jennie Webb for creating my new title background! It's wonderful & I LOVE it! :)

THE TUDOR THRONE by Brandy Purdy: Review

2011-07-29T17:51:00.003-04:00

Blurb:

In the wake of King Henry VIII's death, England's throne is left in a precarious state - as is the peculiar relationship between his two daughters. Mary, the elder, once treasured, had been declared a bastard in favour of her flame-haired half-sister, Elizabeth, born of the doomed Anne Boleyn. Yet the bond between the sisters was palpable from the start. Now reinstated, Mary eventually assumes her place as queen. But as Mary's religious zeal evolves into a reign of terror, young Elizabeth gains the people's favour. Gripped by a tormenting paranoia, Mary is soon convinced that her beloved Elizabeth is in fact her worst enemy. And the virginal Elizabeth, whose true love is her country, must defy her tyrannical sister to make way for a new era...

My Review:

[I received this novel from the author as a review copy.]

Over the past several years I have read many books dealing with the Tudors. Most of them have dealt with Anne Boleyn or Elizabeth Tudor, and a few have been about Henry VIII’s other five wives, his sisters, and his daughter Mary. THE TUDOR THRONE, however, is the first Tudor novel that I have read that gives both Mary and Elizabeth Tudor’s points of view together following their father’s death. All of the books that I have read about Elizabeth have mentioned Mary or even had Mary play a large part in the book, or included Elizabeth in a book about Mary, but never have I read a book that placed equal importance on both Mary and Elizabeth's points of view. The novel was written as a first person account of both of their lives, so the chapters alternate between Mary’s point of view and Elizabeth’s. Although I have read their stories a hundred times, from a hundred different books, it was still a terrific novel that held my interest until the end.

Switching back and forth between the sister’s perspectives enables the reader to really get to know both Mary and Elizabeth. Their fears and insecurities come to light in a way that only a first person narrative can provide. Both women were deeply affected by their father’s treatment of their mothers, and of women in general. Any future relationships with the opposite sex are indirectly tainted by their father’s treatment of women. Both Mary and Elizabeth are frightened of and desperate for love. Mary is desperate to find the love she lost from her father for so many years when she was young. She easily succumbs to Philip of Spain’s half-hearted courtship of her, and although she is the Queen of England, she allows him to rule her, as well as her country. After taking care of herself, guarding her emotions, and having no one to lean on for so long she is more than willing to put her life and love into Philip's hands, though he is no way worth it.

Elizabeth turns out much differently when it comes to love and trust. Rather than throw everything away for love and companionship as her sister did, she puts up a wall around her that is impossible to penetrate. She refuses to end up like her mother, or any of the other women that her father loved passionately, only to discard when bored, angry, or seeking an heir. Elizabeth, unlike Mary, refuses to rely on anyone, especially a man. She wants to be her own woman, and to make decisions for herself and for her country. Years of sadness and loneliness had weakened Mary’s resolve, while it had strengthened Elizabeth’s. While both women were talented and extremely intelligent, it will forever be Elizabeth who stands out in people’s minds, because of the idea of womanly strength and power that she stood for.

I would recommend this book to any reader who enjoys Tudor history. While Ms. Purdy did take creative license when it came to several parts of the book, it was still a well researched Tudor novel. I was impressed by what a quick and easy read it was. There was never a dull moment, and I was able to transport myself to Mary and Elizabeth’s Tudor England every time I opened the book. The fact that it was written in first person, from both women’s perspectives, (both before and after becoming Queen of England) added to the enjoyment and excitement of this fascinating novel of historical fiction.

I without a doubt give this book five out of five stars!

This novel is also published in the UK, but it is under the title, MARY & ELIZABETH by EMILY PURDY. It was published in the US on July 28th.

PURCHASE THE TUDOR THRONE HERE!

CAGED IN DARKNESS by Joy Stroube: Guest Post & Interview!

2011-07-28T21:32:00.000-04:00

Caged in Darkness

By J.D. Stroube

The ebook version will be available for purchase on August 1, 2011 at Amazon, B&N, Smashwords, and many other online websites. Shortly after the ebook release, a print version should be available through Amazon, as well.

Synopsis:

A witch raised in a cage of darkness...

Savannah Cross was born into a life of isolation and abuse. As a child, she witnessed her parents perform acts of malevolent evil, and now feels permanently tainted by their dark deeds.

When a coven discovers a tear stricken child, wounded on their elders lawn, they offer her a sanctuary she has never known. Savannah spends the next several years shattered, continuously looking over her shoulder, waiting for the darkness to claim her.

On her 16th birthday, Savannah’s life takes a drastic turn.She is consumed by overwhelming power that forever alters her emotionally and physically.

She must choose between two loves; the one who taught her to smile or the darkly seductive stranger who tempts her towards another path. Savannah must decide between the coven that was her haven and another one vying for her initiation. Just as Savannah begins to grasp what fate has in store for her, an evil looms over her loved ones; coming to claim an unbreakable debt.

How will she choose and survive the greatest evil she has ever witnessed... long enough to have a choice to make

The Idea Behind “Caged in Darkness”

My whole life I have been a dreamer. I would stay awake at night and daydream about other worlds and what it would be like to live in them. When I am asleep, I tend to have lucid dreams, which are complete plots to a book. I often write these dreams down, as ideas for future book. I have a dream journal designated for this purpose. Sometimes I find my ideas, while watching a show or reading a book. The idea for “Caged in Darkness” came to me, while browsing the Goodreads website for a new book. I had a strong urge to read a book about witches, but most of the books I came across did not satisfy my craving. Instead, I wrote down a plot for the kind of book I wished I could find. I then incorporated some other unique aspects to it and created a recipe for what I believe is an amazing series!

Quotes from Caged in Darkness

The day I first came to Meadow Falls is little more than a dream, though that little girl plagues me everyday. I still hear her crying out, and my skull fractures as pain is inflicted on her. She remained frozen in an eternal chamber of torture, and I did not know how to help her escape. Though, I would never escape her. She would follow me around for the rest of my life; a ghost waiting in the wings for me to acknowledge her. Her soft trailing fingers would continue to attempt a connection that I refused to allow; that I couldn’t allow if I wanted to survive. That ghostly girl was weak and insecure, while I needed to be strong and confident.

"What you are or where you came from is not important. It is who you are and the choices you make, that determine who you will become. If you can look inward and be satisfied, the opinions of others should melt away."

"All that is left to bring you pain, are the memories. If you face those, you’ll be free. You can’t spend the rest of your life hiding from yourself; always afraid that your memories will incapacitate you, and they will if you continue to bury them."

"No one has freewill until they are an adult, and by then the choices that were made for them, have already set them on a course that gives limited freedom in the choices to be made."

Interview:

1. What was the inspiration behind Caged in Darkness?

The inspiration behind Caged in Darkness began with my craving for a paranormal book that was not a vampire novel. I have always been fascinated by witches and the Wiccan religion. When I couldn’t find a book to sate my craving, I decided to write one. Caged in Darkness ended up evolving past the plot I originally imagined and took on a life of its own. When I was developing Savannah’s character, I gave her a dark past that she overcomes. As a psychology major, I have an appreciation for anyone who manages to carve their own path. I fueled Savannah’s personality with a great deal of my own.

1. What book are you currently reading?

I am currently reading many different books. The Game of Thrones is my favorite out of the ones I am reading. I began reading it because I watched the show and couldn’t wait to find out what would happen next. It’s refreshingly original and it’s nice to read a fantasy novel since I rarely do.

1. Who is you’re your favorite author?

I have many favorite authors. My favorites depend on the genre. Historical Romance, my favorites are Eloisa James, Sabrina Jeffries, Sarah Maclean, Lisa Kleypas, and Julia Quinn. Mystery my favorites are Lisa Jackson and Kay Hooper. Fantasy would be James Clemens and Jim Butcher. The genre with most of my favorite authors is probably Young Adult. I absolutely love Rick Riordan, Richelle Mead, Rachel Hawkins, Claudia Gray, Cassandra Clare, J.K. Rowling, Amelia Atwater-Rhodes, and L.J. Smith. I love reading most genres. However, my favorites are Historical Romance and Young Adult.

1. What prompted you to start your writing career?

I’ve been writing my whole life, but have always been insecure about letting people read my pieces. My friends and family told me that I was a natural and was destined to become a writer. It has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember. However, I always had a little voice telling me that they were only saying those things, because they felt obligated. My professors often compliment my essays, but those are academic. Then, about six months ago, I had to write a personal narrative for one of my classes. My professor called me and told me that my essay was phenomenal. It was vastly different hearing it from her, because I knew she didn’t feel an obligation to compliment me. I also befriended a girl from my University, who quickly became an email buddy. We would tell each other about our experiences. Every time she read my emails, she would mention that she felt pulled in by them. She continually told me I should be a writer, which was amazing since I never told her about that dream. Finally, I decided that I needed to publish my books. I am sure there will be some people who won’t enjoy my books, but hopefully the people who do enjoy them will out number the ones who don’t.

1. Why do you think people will be interested in reading your books?

I plan to release my novels quickly. As a reader, I despise waiting a year for the next book in a series and I refuse to do this with my readers. I have three series and a stand alone novel that I will be releasing. I think people will be interested in reading my books because my writing style is unique and I have an extraordinary imagination. The people who know me, often comment on how I see the world differently. I am extremely descriptive, obsessed with editing, and I try to incorporate many twists to my stories. When I read, I can usually figure out everything that will happen in a book within the first few chapters. I don’t want people to have that issue with my books. I try to ensure that my readers will be completely surprised by my books. I also make my characters personalities realistic. There are so many different people in the world and each personality is unique. My characters aren’t perfect; they have flaws. However, I think their flaws are what make them captivating.

What authors do you look up to or consider to be mentors?

The authors I most consider my mentors are James Clemens and Richelle Mead. James Clemens pulled me into his Banned and the Banished series because he constantly introduced new developments into each book. His books were so unique that I still have not found a fantasy author who lives up to him. His series has remained by favorite since I was in junior high. Richelle Mead captivates me with her writing because it is so sincere. She goes the extra step to create her characters and her plot. I admire both authors.

Did you have a lot of help and support while writing this novel?

I’ve been lucky to have an amazing support network! My family is encouraging and is with me every step I take. My friends (Lisa, Jackie, Sarah, Regina, and Kari) all help with my editing and constantly beg me for the next piece I write. They really help to boost my self esteem. My husband is phenomenal, because he doesn’t let me give up. My father has always believed in me, which makes it easier to believe in myself. Surprisingly, my cover artist “Regina Wamba” has been great for support. We became friends during the process of creating the cover for Caged in Darkness. I feel blessed to know that I have so many people to catch me if I fall.

Do you plan to continue writing novels in the future?

I am hoping to make writing novels a career. However, I also understand that many authors cannot make a living on writing alone. I write because it’s my passio,n not for money. For now, writing is something I do purely because it makes me happy. My career will be a psychologist once I am finished with the massive amount of schooling it takes to become one.

When did you first realize that you wanted to become an author?

My interest in writing originated when I was too young to write properly. My stories were scribbles back then. I remember beginning because my family told me to write a story during dinner. I think it was to get me to sit still, but it turned into one of my favorite things to do. When I gazed on my scribbles, I saw a real story and would read it to family members. As I aged, I became a better writer. My family quickly picked up on my natural ability and encouraged it.

Thanks so much to Joy Stroube, author of CAGED IN DARKNESS, for taking time to write a guest blog post for me as well as do an interview! I am looking forward to reading CAGED IN DARKNESS in the very near future!

A LADY'S CHARADE (Medieval Romance Novel) by Eliza Knight: Review

2011-07-15T15:48:00.000-04:00

I've been on a kick reading and reviewing romance novels for awhile on here, and here is yet another one! I suppose that when MY love life sucks, romance novels allow me to lose myself in them for a little while! Also, to those who have sent me ebooks or paperbacks to review, I promise I am working on it. Moving across the country took more out of me than I expected, and my motivation to read went out the door! I'm getting into the swing of things again!

Blurb:

From across a field of battle, English knight, Alexander, Lord Hardwyck, spots the object of his desire—and his conquest, Scottish traitor Lady Chloe.

Her lies could be her undoing…

Abandoned across the border and disguised for her safety, Chloe realizes the man who besieged her home in Scotland has now become her savior in England. Her life in danger, she vows to keep her identity secret, lest she suffer his wrath, for he wants her dead.

Or love could claim them both and unravel two countries in the process…

Alexander suspects Chloe is not who she says she is and has declared war on the angelic vixen who's laid claim to his heart. A fierce battle of the minds it will be, for once the truth is revealed they will both have to choose between love and duty.

My Review:

This was definitely a great romance novel! I enjoyed it from beginning to end. I love when an author brings “new” characters into historical fiction novels. So many hist. fict. books are about well known people in history (not that it’s a bad thing!!) but it’s cool to hear from the perspective on the time period through the eyes of someone new.

I was immediately drawn to Chloe. She’s a strong, intelligent woman who is able to make it through several sticky situations. The hero of the novel, Alexander, is the perfect romance novel hero. He’s strong and also has an angry, devilish streak in him that makes women want to tame him, and those are definitely MY favorite kind of romance heroes—no one wants a pushover.

The connection between Chloe and Alexander is pretty intense. How they hold out as long as they do is beyond me! The author, Eliza Knight, went into some pretty steamy detail about the love scenes between the two of them.

This novel was not just about steamy sex & knights in armor, it also has a great story line, and two characters that you really want to root for, did I mention the steamy sex scenes?

I would definitely recommend this book to any historical romance novel fans. I thoroughly enjoyed it!

I give this novel five out of five stars!

CLICK HERE TO BUY THIS NOVEL!

RAFE'S REDEMPTION by Jennifer Jakes: Review

2011-07-13T13:30:00.000-04:00

Blurb:

He rode into town to buy supplies, not a woman. For hunted recluse Rafe McBride, the raven-haired beauty on the auction block is exactly what he doesn't need. A dependent woman will be another clue his vengeful stepbrother can use to find and kill him. But Rafe's conscience won't let him leave another innocent's virginity to the riff-raff bidding. He buys her, promising to return her to St. Louis untouched. He only prays the impending blizzard holds off before her sultry beauty breaks his willpower. She wanted freedom, not a lover. Whisked to the auction block by her devious, gambling cousin, and then sold into the arms of a gorgeous stranger, outspoken artist Maggie Monroe isn't about to go meekly. Especially when the rugged mountain man looks like sin and danger rolled into one. But a blizzard and temptation thrust them together, and Maggie yearns to explore her smoldering passion for Rafe. But when the snow clears, will the danger and secrets that surround Rafe and Maggie tear them apart?

My Review:

I was hooked by the first chapter of this book. This was the first ‘erotic’ historical fiction novel that I’ve read in awhile. I used to be hooked on them! Then I slowly started reading historical fiction that still had a little sexy stuff going on, but had more of a historical base to it than an erotic.

Maggie and Rafe are the two characters in this novel. They both come from wealthy families, but through different circumstances they end up in a way disowned by their families. Maggie because of a step-brother who was no good, and Rafe because of something he had done during the Civil War. The sexual tension through the first part of the book was pretty intense! I definitely was holding my breath at times because of some of the VERY naughty language. I’m in no way a prude, so it was appealing and not at all disgusting to me. However, if you’re a sexual prude, then obviously don’t pick this book up. If you feel like getting kinda turned on, well then, this book is for you! Lol I won’t lie, when the sexual tension was finally over, and they took it to the next level, the sex scenes and the dialogue between each other AND in their heads was pretty arousing! So if you are into erotic fiction, this is most definitely a book to pick up!

It also has a really good story line, and enough adventure to keep the reader interested. It isn’t all about sex like some erotic novels. The author did an excellent job of making both Maggie and Rafe well-rounded characters, and the reader is rooting for them the whole time. It’s not just about random, gratuitous sex; it’s also about passion and love between two good people. Rafe come across as a hard guy at first, but of course Maggie is able to get through his hard exterior to see the amazing guy he really is.

There are also the antagonists in the story, because you can’t have a good adventure story without someone or several someone’s who are trying to either break up the romantic relationship or are enemies from before and are trying to settle a score. One of these people is Maggie’s step-brother, who is trying to have her killed because he wants to inherit the Monroe fortune, and the other is Simon who is Rafe’s step-brother who is trying to revenge his brother Shane. Shane was a rapist, and Rafe didn’t let him get away with it, so there are scores to be settled, and that adds to the excitement.

The story wasn’t forced at all, yes there were some cliché romance story parts, but honestly, there is no way to write a romance novel without some of the usual romance novel happenings. Jennifer Jakes definitely has a dang good imagination when it comes to describing the sex scenes, wow! I can only hope her own sex life is as amazing as the one she describes! I definitely will be purchasing more novels by her in the future, because this novel has gotten my mind back in the gutter! Lol

I would without a doubt give this novel 5 out of 5 stars. It was well written, had a great story line, well-researched, and the descriptions were great!

CLICK HERE TO BUY THIS BOOK!!

FAIR MAIDEN by Cheri Schmidt: Review SPOILER ALERT

2011-07-07T21:52:00.000-04:00

Blurb:

It's the Victorian era in England, but Tessa is from the medieval past. She awakens within a castle she has never seen before. Knowledge of her name also evades her. However, even worse than not knowing who or where she is, she cannot recall how she died or why she is dressed as a bride.

Along with Christian, the earl of the castle she haunts, Tessa tries to discover who she is and break the spell holding her in a prison of death. They never imagined the curse keeping them apart is the only thing protecting her, until it's too late.

My Review:

I had fun reading this book and getting to know the characters. I was a big fan of Tessa, and I really liked her story. She was entertaining and sweet, the only thing that started to get a little old with her was the crying. She seemed to cry over everything! Obviously she was in a crappy situation, where she spent most of the book confused and not knowing who she truly was, but it seemed like she spent the majority of the time crying. She obviously was very emotional, and if I were a doctor I would probably prescribe her with some serious Prozac!

The main plot of this novel was trying to figure out who Tessa really is. Christian, the young man who ‘found’ Tessa, is her sidekick turned love-of-her-life who helps Tessa to discover why she was sleeping for a couple of hundred years, and why she comes back in a ghost-like form. Together they are able to figure out how to change her to real flesh and blood, like a human, but they need to figure out how to break the spell in order to keep her from randomly changing back into a translucent ghost-like individual. This novel has kind of a mystery feel to it with the reader working along with Christian and Tessa to try to figure out her past, and why cannot stay in her human form.

Christian was an interesting character, and I honestly didn’t like him very much. He was a little bit ‘over-the-top’ I would say. He gets angry over everything, and he’s also extremely jealous! Christian is the Earl of Krestly Castle, so possibly he felt entitled to act like a jerk because of his status as nobility? Several times he flips at the drop of a hat, and he’s described a lot as making “menacing” faces, or screaming at somebody in the novel. I feel like he’s a little bi-polar (yes, I am diagnosing the emotional problems of these characters!) because one minute he’ll be talking to Tessa like you might talk to a little kid, calling her pet names all of the time, and clinging to her constantly, then the next minute he’s angry or jealous, and he needs to know where she is at, at all times. I understand he’s concerned for her, but acting like a clingy, over bearing woman wouldn’t score any points with me! I wrote a note to myself at one point while reading that said, “He might be a nice catch if he wasn't in serious need of anger management therapy!” And, at the end of the novel I still felt that way!

This book was directed towards readers at a younger age than me. I think that it would more appropriate for a middle school student or a student in early high school. Don’t get me wrong, I did enjoy the read and the humor was definitely for older as well as younger readers, but the relationship between Tessa and Christian was a little too juvenile for me.

As I said, I did enjoy the humor and there were several parts where I laughed out loud while reading! In one part of the book Christian and Tessa are kissing, and as he leans forward to kiss her more, she goes from her solid, human form back into her translucent, ghost like form and he falls ‘through’ her and smacks his head off the door!

There was also the ‘evil’ character, who is Prince Dominic. He was alive with Tessa a couple of hundred years ago, and she escaped marriage to him by “dying.” I don’t want to ruin the story with spoilers, but Dominic is an evil guy, and the reason Tessa has the issues with her human form and ghost form has to do with him.

This was a fun adventurous story, and it has a sweet, innocent love story that builds between Christian and Tessa throughout the book. As I said, I wasn’t a fan of Christian, because I think he is a little crazy, but altogether it was a good read that I would definitely recommend, but I think that younger readers will get much more enjoyment out of it than older readers.

I give this novel 4 out of 5 stars!

BUY THIS BOOK HERE!

WINNERS OF FAIR MAIDEN GIVEAWAY by Cheri Schmidt

2011-07-06T22:53:00.000-04:00

Sorry I didn't announce the winners yesterday, but I just reached Phoenix today! I'm soooo happy to be done driving! Yay! Tomorrow I'll be moving into my apartment, and when I have some more alone time I will post some pictures of the cross country trip!

Anyways, the WINNERS of the giveaway for the novel FAIR MAIDEN by Cheri Schmidt are:
Nikki---> Winner of the signed paperback copy.
Sophie Gonzales---> Winner of one of the ebooks.
Marcie---> Winner of the second ebook!

Congrats to the winners and THANK YOU ALL for entering the giveaway! I appreciate it so much!

OLIVIA'S JOURNEY by B.J. Lashbrooks

2011-07-05T22:51:00.000-04:00

Blurb:

It’s the Spring of 1865 and Mr. Lincoln runs the country...probably better than Olivia’s hard-fisted uncle runs his farm in Southern Indiana. Olivia would give anything to escape his abuse, but as long as he provides a shelter for her and her two younger sisters, she has no choice. But she soon has to make a daring decision when she finds a Confederate soldier bleeding alongside the river that borders her uncle’s farm. Soon Olivia and the soldier are running for their lives through Yankee country, with only Olivia’s twelve year old sister for company. But then the War is declared over and the President dead, what will that mean for the Confederate man who’d done so much to help Olivia? What will that mean for h

My Review:

I was completely captivated by the book by the first page. This novel takes place during the last week of the Civil War, which, to me is one of the most fascinating time periods in American history. I felt connected to both Olivia and Grayson from the beginning of the book. I found myself ‘cheering’ for both of them. Olivia because she’s lost so many important people in her life, is abused by the person who is supposed to be taking care of her (her uncle), and also for having to grow up so quickly and be both a mother and a father to her two younger sisters. Then there is Grayson, who has had to see the terrors of war close up as a Confederate surgeon, has no idea where his younger brother is now that they war has ended and the Confederate prisoners released, and also doesn’t know has become of his farm in Tennessee. If I can connect to the main characters within the first chapter of a novel, then I know it’s going to be a page turner for me, and it most definitely was.

The adventure in this book is not so much an on the edge of your seat, can’t wait to see what happens next; but more of an adventure where Olivia finds herself and also finds love. Of course there are a couple of scenarios where their lives are at risk, and Grayson’s life is definitely at risk for being a Confederate soldier in Union territory, but there’s so much more to their adventure.

During the train ride the trio (Olivia, Amelia, and Grayson) are making to Chicago, Olivia’s personal growth becomes very apparent. She realizes that she is almost 21 years old, and she has been living her life entirely for her sisters, and has put little thought as to what SHE wants out of life. She realizes that she has feelings for Grayson, and that it’s time for her to pursue her hopes and dreams, and to live for herself for the first time ever. She has been lost for so many years, and now, with the help of Grayson she has begun to find herself again. Books that show a character showing personal growth are my favorite type of book. I also love books that take place during an important event in history, because not only am I reading a wonderful story, but I am also learning more about a fascinating time period.

I think that I’ve talked this book up enough for everyone to realize that I give it a FIVE out of FIVE stars without a second thought. Great book, great characters, amazing writing, and an all around amazing story!

BUY THIS AMAZING BOOK HERE!!

I'm heading out West!

2011-07-02T21:23:00.001-04:00

During the next week or so I am going to extremely busy, because tomorrow bright and early we are leaving with the UHaul behind us and heading to Arizona! A few months back I accepted a job as a 7th grade English teacher in a small town West of Phoenix. My parents are helping me drive out there and get set up in my new apartment. I'm hoping to get a lot of reading done during the drive, since my dad is a control freak I probably won't be doing much driving & I'm OK with that! We're not going to drive day and night, so it's probably going to take us around four days to get out there. My sister lives in Phoenix, so we're going to stay with her for a night or two until my apartment is ready to move in to, which will be July 8th. I will be getting online when we stop and of course at hotels, but I don't know how much posting I'll be doing. I will be sure to post the winners of my giveaway on the 5th of July. I will also be taking lots of pictures of my trip out west in order to share with everyone! And, if I do end up having a lot of time to get online, then I will make sure to do some updates about the trip! I am NOT looking forward to driving across the country, but it will be nice to spend time with my parents and too see some new sights before I get settled in, in the desert! :)

Anyways, I just wanted to keep everyone up to date--if you even care! lol

I hope you all have a WONDERFUL Fourth of July! Make sure to party hard, but also to be safe! =]]

Curry And Spice - 25 Easy and Authentic Indian Chicken Recipes by Kakoli DasGupta: Review

2011-06-30T18:05:00.000-04:00

Blurb:

While much has been said and is being said about diet food, healthy cooking, low fat recipes - they can never do justice to the demands of delicacy. This book offers select 25 Chicken Recipes from all across India with cooking time, flavor, skill level, accompaniment, and an easy to follow preparation method. Also included are two super-fast recipes for the unannounced guest and recipe for home made spice mixes. Please do read the notes and cooking tips (at the end of the book) before you start.

This is the first book in a series. I will be shortly launching the Meat, Fish, Vegetable, and other Regional Specialties. I could have used glossy and fancy images but I have kept this book straight on basics. Place your Kindle, iPad or Laptop on your kitchen top, open the menu of your choice and cook on.

My Review:

Before receiving this review request I was not familiar with Authentic Indian food at all. I have only tried it maybe twice in my life, not because I don't like it, but because there are no Authentic Indian restaurants in my town or within an hour of where I live! Until reviewing this cookbook, I didn’t even know what went IN Indian food!

I don't consider myself a terrible cook, but I rarely have a reason to cook at all. I don't see the point in cooking up an amazing meal for just me. I'm sure that someday when I'm married, or living with someone else, then I'll be able to work on my cooking skills, and a book like this would definitely be useful! Not only are the recipes absolutely delicious looking, but they are also relatively easy to make! People don't generally want a cooking book where the recipes show that you need to slave over a stove for at least an hour! The author of this cookbook lists things that you will need to make the dish, and also gives easy to follow instructions for creating the meal.

The way that Kakoli DasGupta sets up the cooking instructions is very organized, and for someone like me who rarely cooks, it's important to have everything set up in order so that I don't get lost when I've barely begun!

I'm going to go ahead and copy one of the recipes into this review, because it's easier to SHOW everyone how everything is set up, rather than try to explain it!

Chicken Tikka

Cuisine - North Indian
Serves - 4 - 6
Cooking Time - 30 mins
Flavor - Moderate Spicy
Difficulty - easy
Goes well with - Nan / Chapati / Tandoori Roti
Ingredients
Boneless chicken (small one inch size cubes/pieces) - 1 kg

For MarinadeYoghurt/Curd - 1 cup
Salt - 2 tsp / as per taste
Ginger paste - 2 tbsp
Garlic paste - 2 tbsp
Lemon juice - 2 tbsp
Cumin Powder - 1/2 tsp
Garam Masala powder - 1/2 tsp
Chilly powder (Kashmiri)- 1 tsp
Black pepper powder - ½ tsp
Mustard oil/Vegetable Oil-3 tbsp

For FryingVegetable Oil- 3 tbsp

For BastingMelted Butter
Chat Masala Powder - 1/2 tsp

For GarnishingTwo Large Onion - cut in rings
One Lemon - cut in wedges
Fresh Coriander leaves - 1 tbsp Chopped

PreparationChicken Tikka can be shallow fried or grilled.
Marinate the chicken in a shallow non-metal dish - mix all the ingredients with curd
thoroughly - apply onto the chicken pieces and refrigerate overnight (minimum 4 - 6
hours.

Grilling Option

For grilling thread the chicken in skewers and then marinade in a shallow dish. Heat grill.
Place the skewered chicken on grill rack and cook 5 minutes, turning skewers and basting
occasionally with butter. Keep a glass tray below the skewers to collect the drippings.
Frying Option
Heat the oil in a non - stick pan and fry all the chicken pieces on a very low flame turning
them around. Allow the water to dry and fry till reddish brown in color.
Sprinkle the Chat Masala when done. Serve hot, garnished with onion rings, coriander
leaves and lime slices.

If I can look at a recipe for food that I am not familiar with, and I can figure it out, well then it's a good cookbook! I enjoyed looking at the different recipes that are in this book, and there are recipes here that I will definitely use in the future!

As I said,I am not familiar with cookbooks, but the way it is set up, and the amazing recipes that this book contains, makes this a 5 STAR book!

Note from the Author:

The most important ingredient of cooking is 'Love' - if you pour your heart while cooking, nothing can go wrong.

I love traveling and tasting exotic recipes. And when I come across great food I make it a point to talk with the chef. Be it in Kashmir or Coorg or Goa or Kerala I have come across amazing delicacies which I never knew existed. Traditional Indian food has a lot to offer and one can expect the most awesome recipe at the most unexpected places.

This book is a part of a series on Indian Recipes. Watch out for other issues being launched soon.

CLICK HERE TO BUY THIS COOKBOOK!

BOOK GIVEAWAY TIME & a INTERVIEW with Author Cheri Schmidt!

2011-06-28T17:34:00.002-04:00

Author Interview & Book Giveaway!
I've decided to go ahead and add some excitement to my readers day by hosting a giveaway for Cheri Schmidt, the wonderful author of the book I am currently reading, FAIR MAIDEN. I usually do my giveaways right along with my reviews, but it has been a couple of weeks since I had my last giveaway, so I'm going to switch things up and host her giveaway now, and then when I'm done with her book in the next day or two I will post MY review of the novel!

Blurb for the novel FAIR MAIDEN:

Author Interview of Cheri Schmidt:

Question: Why did you write this book?

The story was haunting my thoughts and wouldn’t stop until I put fingers to keys and wrote it.

Question: What book are you reading right now?

“City of Bones” by Cassandra Clare (I know, it’s been out for quite a while.)

Question: What genre do you write?

Teen fantasy and paranormal romance, but for some reason I’ve mixed historical elements into all of them. And it seems like I can’t resist putting fairies in each book I write either. So far they’ve made their way into all three of the books I’ve completed and will be in almost all of the ones I plan to write.

Question: What inspired you to be a writer?

The stories constantly spinning in my head did that. I’d always just thought they were there for my own personal entertainment. It took me until about the age of 37 before I realized I should be writing them down.

Question: What is your goal with the stories you write?

I want to entertain and to bring a smile to the reader’s face. I also wish to weave the story into their heart so well they can’t stop thinking about it afterward.

Question: What genres do you like to read?

Paranormal, Fantasy, and Historical Romance. Always romance...

Question: What inspired you to write this novel?

I read a few books with ghosts in them. Most of them also had time travel, but I wanted a way to resolve the plot without time travel, and Fair Maiden is what I came up with.

Question: Will there be a sequel to Fair Maiden?

Yes. I have three books planned for that series but while Christian and Tessa will be seen, they will not be the main characters in the following books. Book 2 is entitled The Trapping Club. This story will center around Emma—Christian’s little sister when she’s older and the hero will be Tristan—Dominic’s, yes the villain’s, little brother. Book 3 will be about Peter—Christian’s brother.

Cheri is being incredibly generous by offering to give away TWO Ebook copies and ONE signed paperback copy (along with matching bookmark)!I was pretty excited when she let me know that was offering THREE books total for my readers! I'm happy when an author offers anything relevant to their novel so that I can do a give away for my readers, so I really appreciate Cheri going above and beyond so that three lucky readers will have the chance to read this novel!

Ok, so here are the GIVEAWAY RULES:

MANDATORY ENTRY:

+1 In order to enter this giveaway, COMMENT on this post & make sure to leave your EMAIL address! You MUST be a follower of my blog to enter.

EXTRA/BONUS ENTRIES:

+1 Follow me on TWITTER!!

+1 TWEET this giveaway on YOUR twitter account! Make sure to leave me the link!

+1 Follow me on either SHELFARI OR GOODREADS or you can follow me on BOTH for TWO extra entries!

You can put all of the entries in one comment, or post each entry separately. It's up to you, because they all add up the same at the end! If you do all of the bonus entries, as well as the mandatory entry, then you have a total of 5 chances to win!

I will be choosing the winner on July 5th!

FEUDING HEARTS by Shari Richardson: Review

2011-06-26T02:58:00.003-04:00

Blurb:

Cecilia Phoenix dreaded marriage, especially to Lord Fitzroy, and prayed for an escape, but when her brother was brought to her fresh from his defeat on the battle field, salvation was not what she expected to find in the angry countenance of Lord Aldere Wyke. Now they must find the strength to love and trust each other before their doubt destroys them both.

My Review:

The Wyke and Phoenix families have been feuding for over 100 years, when finally the eldest of the Wyke family, Aldere, sees an opportunity to put the feud behind them once and for all by marrying the younger sister of Devynn Phoenix (whose existence had been hidden from the Wyke’s).

I’ve always been a fan of historical romance novels. I remember when I was younger calling them ‘romantical’ novels, which sounds pretty dang good I think! As with most historical romance novels, known to me as ‘romantical’, there are tons of clichés. You really can’t escape them when dealing with romance novels in general. Feuding Hearts is no different. As I said, I really do enjoy reading historical romance, so the clichés really don’t bother me. They seemed did seem even more over the top in this book, but it’s been awhile since I’ve read a historical romance novel and the last time I read one I certainly wasn’t reviewing it for an author, so that’s probably instances stood out more so for me in this one!

In historical romance novels there always seems to be a couple of the following things happening:

* A man and woman forced to marry each other against one or both of their wills then end up falling in love, but are too stubborn to admit it first to the other person.

* It seems like there is always a spurned man or woman from the past who makes an awesome antagonist and seeks revenge for the humiliation their ex lovers NEW lover is causing them.

* There is often a near death experience shortly before or shortly after they FINALLY profess their love for one another and they are hysterical at the thought of losing the person who a week ago they seemed to hate.

* Usually there is some type of major misunderstanding once they have finally realized that they are in love (often caused by the antagonist, spurned man/woman).

* And finally, for some reason it seems like in a lot of romance novels one of the main characters is stricken with fever, and ends up blabbering about things they would never say if they were not hallucinating (example: talking about how much they love the person who they had recently said they hated, telling a secret that may hurt their new love, etc.)

Ok, so do you see what I’m saying here? Well, all five of these apply to Feuding Hearts.

Cecilia is forced to marry Aldere, Keicha is a woman from Adere’s past and Braden Fitzroy wants to marry Cecilia, and they both end up being great antagonists in this story. Also, there’s a near death experience for one of the lovers that is caused by the jilted person from the past, and of course there is a huge misunderstanding between Aldere and Cecilia just when they’ve finally gotten it together and are working things out, and then, of course there are fever and the hallucinations, it’s all there!

I’m not saying any of this is bad, because it was a good book, and I was certainly never bored and I liked the ending. The only frustration I had was when Cecilia was acting weak when Aldere was being a jerk towards her. She didn’t deserve any of the crap that he gave her, but she was taking it because she loved him so much. Obviously the time period the book took place in was when women didn’t really have a choice to speak their mind, but at one point I was extremely annoyed with Aldere’s lack of trust, when Cecilia had done NOTHING to deserve the way he acted. He seemed so ready to believe the worst of her when everything she had done was in order to protect him.

There were also quite a few words that must have been missed when editing. Words that weren’t out right spelled wrong, but were just the wrong word for that sentence, or a word was repeated. A good example of the common errors would be, “The men around them now seemed very happy to see here, when before she was assumed to be a whore.”

It probably sounds like I didn’t like the book, but honestly I did. I think that in order to really appreciate it as a reader you need to like romance novels, specifically historical romance, because they usually are a little over the top and dramatic. I thought Feuding Hearts had a great story line, and was entertaining. I also liked that the narrator included both Cecilia and Aldere’s point of view. It wasn’t first person, but as 3^rd person omniscient the reader is able to see what is going on inside both of their heads. Oh, and I can't forget to mention the love scenes...now THOSE were very nice! Definitely on par with some of the best romance novels I've read! Gotta love good sex scenes! ;)

It’s not one of my favorite historical romances, but it was a good read and if you enjoy this genre of novels, then I would definitely recommend it.

I give Feuding Hearts 3.5 out of 5 stars.

About the Author:

Shari Richardson holds a master's degree in English Education and has spent much of her life teaching students the joy of reading and writing. Her love of writing began when she was in elementary school and has carried through her entire adult life. Shari lives in Pennsylvania with her two Chihuahuas.

BUY FEUDING HEARTS HERE!!

What Are You Reading? & Future Giveaways!

2011-06-25T18:20:00.002-04:00

I Thought I should throw in an update for today since I've been on a roll with posting reviews/updates almost every day! I currently have started reading three books. Excessive? Yes. It was kind of by accident though! I began reading Feuding Hearts by Shari Richardson, because I noticed in the email she sent me to request that I review her book, that she offered to provide and ebook or two for a giveaway on my blog. I figured that it was time to do another giveaway, so I emailed her to get specifics, and began reading so that I could post the review and do the giveaway at the same time. Well, I haven't heard back from her yet, so just in case the giveaway for Feuding Hearts doesn't end up happening, I began reading Fair Maiden by Cheri Schmidt, because I saw that she too was willing to provide three books (two ebooks & one paperback) for my followers, as well as do an interview to post along with my review! I contacted her, and she emailed me back shortly later confirming that she was still willing to do the interview and provide copies of her novel. While I was waiting to hear back from either author, I began a THIRD book, Tess of the d'Urbervilles. I'm not seriously reading this novel though, because I have already read it years ago, so it's one of those books I can pick up here and there and not get lost.

Anyways, after all this book rambling, I did figure out that I will hopefully be doing a giveaway for the book FAIR MAIDEN next week sometime! I will make sure to email those who have given me their email address in order to let them know when the giveaway is posted. If anyone would like to be added to the list of people that I send out emails to regarding giveaways, all you have to do is leave your email address on this post or email me your address at:

kimbers10[at]yahoo[dot]com

I hope that everyone is having a wonderful weekend! I am definitely having a RELAXING weekend, but it's been rainy for the past few days here in Pennsylvania! I'll be living in Arizona in a little over a week, so I better enjoy the rain while I can!

DIE A DRY DEATH by Greta van der Rol: Review

2011-06-24T22:38:00.000-04:00

I've been on a roll lately with getting review requests read and posted on my blog. This whole not working deal is kind of nice! I do get bored occasionally, but I have a stack of books to read, so it's not like I can't find something to do! I've come across so many amazing authors since I've started blogging about books. I wish that I would have started doing this YEARS ago! I had no idea! I finished Die a Dry Death today, and began Feuding Hearts by Shari Richardson. I'm already over half way through that book, and I do believe that the author will be providing a copy of this book for a giveaway on my blog. I will make sure to update as soon as I know more! Now, onto the review!

Blurb:

June 1629. Laden with treasure and the riches of Europe, the merchantman Batavia, flagship of the Dutch East India Company, sails on her maiden voyage from Amsterdam bound for the East Indies. But thirty miles off the coast of Terra Incognita Australis-the unknown south land-she smashes into an uncharted reef. The survivors-women and children, sailors, soldiers and merchants-are washed ashore on a pair of uninhabited, hostile islands, with little food or fresh water. Desperately seeking help, the ship's officers set out in an open boat to make a two-thousand-mile journey to the nearest trading post. While they are gone, from the struggle for survival on the islands, there emerges a tyrant whose brutal lust for power is even deadlier than the reef which wrecked the Batavia.

My Review:

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It is well written and extremely well researched. I couldn’t imagine writing a novel such as this one, which uses so many different nautical terms as well as incorporates so much history dealing with the shipping trade. van der Rol also does a great job in examining the “good” and “evil” side of man.

To Die a Dry Death is a true adventure story, full of ups and downs, good and evil, and even a couple of pretty sexy love scenes! It makes me draw comparisons between the similar situation in this book and Lord of the Flies by William Golding. A group of people are trapped together on an island and forced to find the means to survive, and eventually this brings about man’s innate savage nature. It is especially interesting considering that this story is based on a true events.

Cornelisz, the leader of the people on the island they are stranded on, Batavia’s Graveyard, is an intelligent, sophisticated man. Faced with 140 people on an island without enough water or food, he chooses to forget his civilized roots and decides that survival of the fittest is right choice for the shipwrecked people.  Cornelisz justifies his deeds by saying, “We had not enough supplies for all. Is it best that we all must suffer and die? Should we not try to ensure that some will survive? Those strongest, fittest?” When looking at it that way, you might think he is right, however the way he went about ensuring that the “fittest” would survive was not what a civilized person might consider “right.”

It seems that the men in this novel were much quicker and happier to return to their savage roots than the boys in Lord of the Flies. It took a little while for the boys to reach the point where they could kill without regret, but the men in To Die a Dry Death were soldiers and sailors for the most part, and they had already been exposed to death and savagery during their lifetime. This made it easier for them to kill, plus the idea of “mob behavior,” where it is easier for people as a group to kill or destroy, because they become anonymous within a group, and this allows them to disassociate themselves from their behavior. I think this would be a great book for a college class to read and study.  A college class could really get into a book like this, and explore its deeper meaning and even do a comparison to Lord of the Flies. I think it would make for a great movie!

The names were a little hard for me to follow at times, mostly because they are foreign to me. I really liked Captain Adriaen Jacobz at the beginning of the book, and I was a little confused when he was incarcerated, and nothing was said about his situation again until the very end. In reality, it is not known what happened to Captain Jacobz, but the author included a little bit about him in the conclusion of the book in order to add a little hope to his story. Wiebbe Hayes is another character that I really enjoyed in this book. He ended up being a hero and also became one of the characters that seemed to show the "good" side of man.  I think a lot of the characters represented either the good vs. evil aspect of humans.

Another character that would be extremely interesting to dissect is Pelsaert. At times he seems to be the 'good' guy who wants to save the people left on the island, but at other times it’s obvious that all he cares about is saving face in front of the shipping company he works for and finding the treasure and money that were shipwrecked. It’s obvious by the end of the book that he cares only for himself and the merchandise he is trying to recover; when a group of sailors (including Sardam’s Captain) are lost along with the best boat for pulling up the barrels while they are looking for merchandise, Palsaert says, “God grant the boat return soon.” 

I love that the characters are based on people who really had been on this shipwreck. Greta van der Rol did an excellent job of using creative license with the characters to really bring them alive for the reader.

I am so glad that the author asked me to read and review this novel. I learned so much, and had a hard time putting the book down at times. The names confused me a little bit, and having a Captain Jacobsz and a Captain Jacopsz REALLY confused me, but once I had a handle on the names I was good and reading was smooth. I would 100% recommend this novel to any of my readers. I am impressed with everything about this book, and the fact that it is Historical Fiction makes is pretty much near perfect for me!

This novel definitely deserves 5 out of 5 Stars!

About the Author:

Greta van der Rol was born in Amsterdam and grew up in Perth, Western Australia. These days she lives with her husband in sub-tropical Queensland not far from the beach. Die a Dry Death is one of four books she's written, with a fifth well under way. When she's not writing she enjoys cooking and photography. Die a Dry Death has been rattling around inside her head for twenty-five years. It was born of her fascination for the four Dutch ship wrecks on the Western Australian coast, of which the loss of the Batavia was the first and the best-known.

Greta van der Rol explains 17th Century name difficulties HERE!

BUY THIS BOOK HERE!!

HER DEAR AND LOVING HUSBAND by Meredith Allard: Review

2011-06-23T12:31:00.000-04:00

Blurb:

James Wentworth has a secret. He lives quietly in Salem, Massachusetts, making few ties anywhere. One night his private world is turned upside down when he meets Sarah Alexander, a dead ringer for his wife, Elizabeth. Though it has been years since Elizabeth's death, James cannot move on.

Sarah also has a secret. She is haunted by nightmares about the Salem Witch Trials, and every night she is awakened by visions of hangings, being arrested, and dying in jail. Despite the obstacles of their secrets, James and Sarah fall in love. As James comes to terms with his feelings for Sarah, he must dodge accusations from a reporter desperate to prove that James is not who, or what, he seems to be. Soon James and Sarah piece their stories together and discover a mystery that may bind them in ways they never imagined. Will James make the ultimate sacrifice to protect Sarah and prevent a new hunt from bringing hysteria to Salem again?

Her Dear and Loving Husband is Book One of the Loving Husband Trilogy. Look for Book Two, Her Loving Husband's Curse, from Copperfield Press Spring 2012.

My Review:

I liked this book for several reasons. The author was able to pull ideas from several different books about the supernatural (i.e. Twilight, TrueBlood, etc.) without coming across as unoriginal. Yes, I recognized ideas that had been used in other books; like vampires crying blood, not having a problem with silver, and witches not being able to use their spells for evil. Seriously though, it would be impossible to write a book dealing with vampires, witches, or werewolves without including some details that have been used before!

My favorite aspect of Allard’s novel is the fact that a lot of the history of Salem was brought up. It’s not just a story about a human and a vampire falling in love and making crazy love; it’s also about the injustice that happened to innocent people hundreds of years ago. Also, it touches upon the idea that modern day witch hunts are entirely possible. I’m not talking about vampires and witches, but more so about the idea that fear often breeds hysteria and this could be applied to the fear American’s have of Muslim terrorists.

Anyways, I loved how she incorporated the history of the Salem Witch Trials, because I love history and anytime I have the opportunity to read and learn more about an interesting time period I am happy. Especially when it’s in the form of Historical Fiction, because then it brings the time period to life for the reader. Allard is an excellent writer and the fact that she was able to write about witches, vampires, and werewolves without coming across as tacky or cliché is pretty dang good. I admit, I like a good vampire book once in awhile, but only if it’s creative and tells a good story. As with this book, my favorite part of books dealing with vampires or witches is their background story. I love reading about their life before they were turned, and Allard is able to give the reader a good understanding of the past and the events that lead up to the characters current situation without boring the reader with unnecessary details or boring narrative.

If you are a lover of the supernatural then I would definitely suggest this book. I tried to read the first book in Charlaine Harris’ Sookie Stackhouse novels, and became bored and was unable to finish the books about a quarter of the way in, but Allard’s book kept me intrigued throughout.

I give Her Dear & Loving Husband 4.5 out of 5 Stars.

PURCHASE BOOK HERE!!

DOORWAY OF THE TRIQUETRA by Lenore Wolfe: Review

2011-06-22T15:56:00.000-04:00

Blurb:

When an ancient medallion is passed down to her, Mira is not happy to learn she is the next Jaguar Witch, bound by the blood of the Jaguar, to cross the doorway and learn the Way of the Stone. She must find the Doorway of the Triquetra, but each move she makes only leads her to a deeper mystery, where all of her past lives are bound--to four immortal men.

My Review:

I admit that this book had me pretty lost. I liked the mystery of Mira Levine’s life, but it was almost TOO mysterious, as in by the end of Book One in the series, I still had NO idea what was happening. I understood that Book One is setting the reader up for Book Two in the series, but I don’t feel like I learned anything about the characters or the mystery surrounding them by the end of this four chapter book. It seemed too short for me, and when I finish a book, whether it be a series book, a novella, or a full fledged novel; I want to know what the heck is going on! Another problem that I had was with the grammar. Way, way too many commas were used. I’m an English teacher, so maybe not everyone would pick up on the excessive comma usage, but it actually began to distract me from what I was reading!

I liked the supernatural events that were beginning to evolve in the story, but I just feel like the book could have been so much better if it had been longer, and had gone into more detail about Mira’s story. It just needed a little more excitement and depth. I won’t say I hated it, because I don’t believe I could ever hate a book, but it just was not one of my favorites. I hope the books following in the series have some serious excitement to make up for the lack in the first book!

I give this book 3 out of 5 stars.

BUY THIS BOOK!

WINNERS of a Signed Copy of THE GHOSTS OF MELROSE by Buzz Malone!

2011-06-21T21:23:00.003-04:00

CONGRATULATIONS to TEA and JENN for winning a SIGNED copy of Buzz Malone's novel THE GHOSTS OF MELROSE!

To ALL of my other blog followers who entered this giveaway; THANK YOU so much & I appreciate you all! I will be hosting another giveaway on my blog in the near future.

If you would like to receive an email letting you know of future book giveaways on my blog, than simply send me an email letting me know that you would like to be on my giveaway mailing list! (kimbers10[at]yahoo[dot]com)

ON DARK SHORES: The Lady by JA Clement: Review

2011-06-18T12:52:00.000-04:00

Blurb:

It is ten years after the Shantar-Mardonese war. In the harbour town of Scarlock, dominated by the moneylender Copeland, the outside world seems far away; but events are in motion that will bring the world to Scarlock.

To protect her sister, the thief Nereia must take desperate measures which will catapult her into a place of nightmare and legend.

Before long, she will find herself On Dark Shores; and the choices she makes there will shape the future of the world she knows as well as the world she has yet to discover.

My Review:

I loved this book! It had all the appeal of a novel of historical fiction, but a bit of fantasy is also thrown into the mix. It’s the first in a series of three I do believe. I will most definitely be getting the next two novels to read and review. I loved the characters and their stories. The evil Copeland is a great antagonist, and the grip he has on the fictional town of Scarlock is intense. His “muscle man” Blakey grows as a character in the novel, and at the end it’s hinted that there is much more to his story than meets the eye.

I adored the main character Nereia. She is a woman who is full of strength and determination, and I cannot wait to find out more of her story. Her fight to protect her sister is admirable, and it’s obvious that their story is going to be a mainstay throughout the series. Vansel is another great character that the reader is able to learn more about as the first book goes on. He comes across as a roguish character with a good heart. However, he does seek vengeance for the murder of his father.

I believe this is going to be a great series of books, and I am definitely looking forward to the other books. I am looking forward to see where the story line with “The Mother” of the Shantari people, the book begins with her going on a dangerous journey, but then she is rarely mentioned again throughout the book.

I honestly wish the book had been a lot longer! It was a pretty quick read, and I would have loved to keep reading and learning about the characters and the different cities and lands that the story takes place in. Obviously I would recommend this book to anyone.

I definitely give this book 5 out of 5 stars!

BUY ME HERE!

GIVEAWAY!! TWO Signed copies of THE GHOSTS OF MELROSE!

2011-06-15T19:46:00.002-04:00

Author, Buzz Malone, has been gracious enough to provide TWO signed copies of his novel THE GHOSTS OF MELROSE to two of my blog followers!

If you would like to read my review of his book just click HERE!

All you need to do to enter is:

***Leave a comment with your email address!***

Extra Entries:

*Follow me on TWITTER

*TWEET the giveaway via twitter.

Giveaway will end June 21st!

THE GHOSTS OF MELROSE by Buzz Malone: Review

2011-06-15T19:40:00.001-04:00

Blurb:

Based upon true stories and set in the hills of the Southern Iowa Irish Catholic community of Melrose, this novel follws the life of Aidan Keane. Born into a family that has been cast out of the church and shunned by the community Aidan comes of age in depression era Melrose. His is a life marred my tragedy and he comes to believe that he, like his family before him, is victim of a family curse.

Through the loss of everything dear to him in this world Aidan finds that his thoughts cannot escape the memory of his one true love. His life, for all of its hopelessness and despair, seems without meaning.

In the spirit of Bridges of Madison County and the Notebook, The Ghosts of Melrose proves that time cannot heal every wound. Nothing can accomplish that sort of miracle in a life like Aidan's, nothing except for love.

My Review:

I was immediately drawn into the story of the Keane’s of Melrose. As a reader you feel such sorrow for this family that is excommunicated by a corrupt priest and turned out of their home and even their town. It’s shocking that people who had left their own country to come to America to escape religious persecution, ended up persecuting anyone who had different beliefs than they did in this country! It just goes to show that intolerance is learned, and that it takes more than one person to break the cycle of hatred and intolerance.

I wanted to cry for Aiden on his first day of school. I know kids can be cruel, but it’s shocking to think of young children being that horrible to others. I also was shocked by how the nuns treated Aiden just because of the fact that his grandfather had been excommunicated. Aiden was hated and persecuted for something that happened long before he had even been born.

The story lightens up when Aiden meets MacGregor. He’s a funny old Scot, who becomes a father figure to Aiden and his brother Doran. He adds some comedy to the book, and he has a colorful personality. He also helps to bring some happiness to Aiden’s life. Maizey also brings hope and happiness to Aiden’s life, and though she was his childhood sweetheart, his love of her gets him through many things in life.

I truly did like the story of Aiden’s life, but I had problems with the narrator of the story. I think that if it had been told through Aiden’s point of view or even through someone else who was closer in relation to the story, that it would have been a lot better. In this book you really have no idea who the narrator is. Obviously it’s told in 3^rd person, and it’s omniscient, but the narrator talks about Aiden as though he is an old friend who knows everything about Aiden’s entire life. Often throughout the book the narrator reminded me of the kindergarten teacher who said, “Ok kids, lets sit down in a circle and I’ll tell you a story.” I felt that at times the way the story was told was very bland, almost monotone. Rather than having the story unfold and develop, the narrator seemed to almost hold your hand in order to tell the reader every little thing that was going to happen. There was not much surprise in the novel, because the narrator pretty much told you what was going to happen before it happened.

It’s impossible for me to dislike this story, even though it seems like I did from the previous comments, because I really did enjoy the overall story. It’s a story about inner strength and survival. It’s very depressing through many parts, and Aiden suffers more loss than any human should have to suffer, but through his inner strength and hope he survives. I think that had it been written from a first person perspective, or maybe through the perspective of a close friend or relative, then it would have been much better.

My mother loved the story, but she agreed with me on some of the same points that I mentioned above. Neither one of us could put the book down, because we wanted to know how it ended, but at the same time we both thought that it could have been improved in several ways.

Although there were a couple things that bothered me, I give this book 3.5 out of 5 stars, because the story that is told is unforgettable.

Buy the book HERE!

The Fresh Air Fund: Great opportunity for those who love to help others!

2011-06-14T21:15:00.001-04:00

I don't normally post anything that is not directly related to my blog, but I thought this was pretty cool. I wanted to make sure to post it to give people the opportunity to take a look, and see if it is something that they would want to do. I grew up in the country, and was lucky enough to go on vacations camping with my family yearly. I couldn't imagine growing up without fresh air and lots of yard to play in! Anyways, if you're interested or you know someone who might be, visit the website and check it out!

http://freshairfundhost.org/

THE FRESH AIR FUND, an independent, not-for-profit agency, has provided free summer vacations to more than 1.7 million New York City children from low-income communities since 1877. Nearly 10,000 New York City children enjoy free Fresh Air Fund programs annually. In 2010, close to 5,000 children visited volunteer host families in suburbs and small town communities across 13 states from Virginia to Maine and Canada. 3,000 children also attended five Fresh Air camps on a 2,300-acre site in Fishkill, New York. The Fund’s year-round camping program serves an additional 2,000 young people each year.

THE KULT by Shaun Jeffrey: Review

2011-06-13T22:14:00.002-04:00

Blurb:

People are predictable. That's what makes them easy to kill.

Acting out of misguided loyalty to his friends, police officer Prosper Snow is goaded into helping them perform a copycat killing, but when the real killer comes after him, it's not only his life on the line, but his family's too. Now if he goes to his colleagues for help, he risks being arrested for murder. If he doesn't, he risks being killed.

My Review:

I received this novel as a Kindle edition from the author to read and review for my blog.

The Kult is definitely one of the better books I’ve read in awhile. It’s strange because I’ve never been into crime fiction, but lately I’ve started to appreciate it a lot more.

The Kult kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the entire book. I loved it. I can definitely see this becoming a movie, like Kiss the Girls or Silence of the Lambs. Forewarning however, to those of you who are not big on gory scenes or descriptions; this author describes the crime scenes in such amazing detail that I actually cringed! If you have a weak stomach, then you should probably pass up on this one! I am wondering how twisted the author, Shaun Jeffrey, is to be able to describe the serial killers murder scenes! It was so creative and completely original!

I can honestly say that I had pretty much figured out who the real serial killer was before it actually came out in the novel, but it wasn’t until near the end that things started to come together for me. There were so many twists in the plot that as a reader you had no idea what was going to happen next. Prosper, the main character, was well-rounded and easy to root for during the story. He wasn’t perfect, but who wants a perfect main character in a crime fiction story?

I would love to see this novel turned into a movie, and I do believe there had been some talks about it? I would recommend it to anyone.

I give The Kult 5 out of 5 stars.

Buy THE KULT here!

Paradox: The Angels are Here by Patti Roberts: Review

2011-06-11T22:02:00.001-04:00

Blurb:

A little girls world is turned upside down by a visitor, the Angel of Death. She finds herself trapped in a nightmare, consumed by her paralyzing loss and overwhelming grief. Haunting visions and the untimely deaths of others are a constant reminder that life and death are only a heartbeat away.
She eventually befriends the unusual little girl who moves in next door with captivating violet eyes and a profound knowledge of things that far exceeds her tender years.
"Masks camouflage the faces of both good and evil. Keeps hidden what is a truth and what is a lie."
Lives - bound together by blood - forge an unforgettable trail of heartbreak, loss and betrayal spanning over centuries to the present day.

My Review:

This book definitely made me think outside the box. I’ve never been a big believer in angels or devils, but I was still touched by the idea of them that the author portrayed in this book. Grace is able to see and communicate with an angel named Hope, who protects Grace. As Grace grows and tragedy happens in her life, the reader sees a huge change in her. Grace goes from a socially awkward loner, to a somewhat happy, talkative young girl with the help of another little girl, Angela. Angela is obviously different then other little girls. It doesn’t come right out and say it, but there are enough inferences to make me believe that she is an Angel. There were definitely moments in this book that brought tears to my eyes, because no little girl should have to go through what Grace went through.

There is also another story going on throughout the book, and it deals with evil. This evil race of immortals have their own Kingdom on what I do believe is a distant planet? There they plot a war to destroy their enemies.

Paradox was a pretty quick read, and it left off with a bit of a cliff hanger, because there is a second book in the series. It jumped around quite a bit, so I was lost several times. I really like the author's style of writing, but felt that the plot was very vague and hard to follow at times. I think the second book will get more into the evil side of the plot.

I give this novel 3.5 out of 5 stars. The only reason I didn't give it a higher rating is because I felt lost several times, but I definitely want to read the next book in the series, because I feel like it's really going to pick up and be a good series.

Buy Your Own Copy-Click Here!

WINNERS OF TWO GIVEAWAYS!

2011-06-09T09:28:00.001-04:00

Sorry I'm a day late announcing the winners of the giveaways for ACROSS THE DESPERATE MILES by Patrick Michael Murphy and THE CROWN IN THE HEATHER by N. Gemini Sasson; long day working at Applebees yesterday..booo!

Anyways!

The ebook winner of ACROSS THE DESPERATE MILES is ManOfLaBook, and the winner of his paperback is Rose Red.

The winners of either a paperback OR ebook copy of N. Gemini Sasson's novel THE CROWN IN THE HEATHER are Allison Macias and Cyn209.

I have emailed all winners, please make sure that you confirm either your snail mail address, or if it's an ebook, please confirm your email address so that I can get the winners names to the authors!

If you did not win, but would still like to purchase either of these books, please visit the following Links!

ACROSS THE DESPERATE MILES

THE CROWN IN THE HEATHER

Thank you to EVERYONE who entered my giveaways! I will be having another one shortly!

SLEEPING KINGS: Dark Force-Book One by John Prentice: Review

2011-06-07T21:23:00.000-04:00

Blurb:

Fans of Anthony Horowitz’s Alex Rider series, or Charlie Higson’s Young Bond books will find themselves on the edge of their seats with this YA action adventure set in the French Pyrenees.

Nik was a normal teen computer geek until her parents split up and her father dragged her off to France.

The move cost her everything; friends, family, even her obsession; an online computer game.

Then she meets a dead guy who’s protecting a secret as old as the mountains themselves, and suddenly people want her and the most gorgeous boy she’s ever met, dead too.

When she finds out who she really is, things get freaky. The race is on, and she’s got to beat the clock – a clock that’s been ticking for seven hundred years.

Time has just run out for Nicola Roscoe.

It could be...Game Over!

My Review:

SLEEPING KINGS: Dark Force-Book One is a fun and adventurous novel about a tomboy named Nik. She feels abandoned by her mother, who runs off to American to be with another man, so she stays with her father. She’s pretty timid, that is until she meets King Pedro II of Aragon and is introduced to the “Power” and her entire life changes.

I thought that this story was extremely entertaining. It’s a fun adventure story, with quite a bit of magic involved. I would definitely say it’s for teenagers, and it is considered YA Fiction, but I can also see adults enjoying it. I was a little confused by all of the snippets of information about “The Pale One” throughout the story, and how he is involved in Nik’s dreams, but as the novel advances I was able to get a better understanding of who he/it was, and how it fit into the book.

There were several comical parts, such as when the crew in the helicopter were shooting at them; Nik used the “Power” to turn the bullets into chickens and then into rolls of toilet paper.

I liked Nik’s character a lot. She grows from a wimpy tomboy with a hatred for history, to a young woman who has grown emotionally and mentally and now has a better appreciation for the world around her. I also like that there seems to be an underlying theme to the story about taking care of and appreciating nature and the earth, at least I see that a lot with Daan’s character. Daan is the boy who gets accidentally dragged along into all of Nik’s random adventures!

I would definitely recommend this book to YA fiction lovers. It is book one of a series, and I would definitely read the second book in the series, because there is enough of a cliff hanger to make you curious as to what will happen next!

I give this book 4 out of 5 stars!

http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/53131

REPLICA by Lexi Revellian: Review

2011-06-07T20:34:00.000-04:00

Blurb:

REPLICA is a fast-paced thriller/romance you will find hard to put down.

Beth Chandler, bright, attractive but unassertive, is accidentally replicated in a flawed experiment at the government research institute where she works. A second Beth comes into being, complete with all her memories. To Sir Peter Ellis, MI5 chief, the replica is an embarrassment that must be hushed up and disposed of. Overhearing him, Beth Two goes on the run. With no official existence, homeless, penniless and pursued by Sir Peter’s agents, she has to find the inner strength and aggression to survive on icy London streets.

Meanwhile the original Beth, unaware of what has happened, becomes romantically involved with Nick Cavanagh, the spec op she believes is there to protect her. In fact, he’s hunting her double. Nick refuses to face his moral doubts about Beth Two - as far as he’s concerned, it’s not his problem. As events unfold, and the situation grows more complicated, he has to decide whose side he is on.

My Review:

This was the first time I’ve ever read a book like this, once again blogging has introduced me to a book that I really liked, but that I never would have read had I not started reviewing books for authors! REPLICA has a crazy sci-fi feel to it, but without the aliens and spacemen! It was difficult to grasp the idea of replicating a human, but interesting at the same time. When the trial human replication goes wrong, craziness ensues!

I like how the book was told in both 3^rd person and 1^st person. Beth One’s story is told in 3^rd person, and Beth Two’s is told in 1^st. This way the reader is able to keep track of which Beth they are reading about. Obviously the book is called REPLICA, because the main character Beth is replicated, hence the Beth One and Beth Two. I thought it was cool how the author put more of the focus on Beth Two, and her adventure on the streets of London in order to avoid the Secret Service members who were after her in order to take her to a lab and have tests run on her. Beth Two is able to get out of some sticky situations, and even though her and Beth One are the SAME person, with the same memories, as a reader we see Beth Two grow and change more as a character, because of the obstacles that are placed before her in the story. Beth One’s life goes on as usual, so there is no real change in her character. I know talking about two Beth’s is confusing, basically you just need to read the book to get it!

I liked Nick as the main guy in the story. I definitely had the image in my mind of some tall, dark, rugged looking guy, who has a sexy but dangerous look to him. He annoyed me a little bit in the book, because of the fact that he was one of the main Secret Service men hunting for Beth Two, but overall he won me over.

I really did like this book even though it’s written for someone younger than me. I think that YA literature lovers and people who love reading in general will enjoy this book. It’s a fun fast moving, adventure story, that does have some serious aspects to it, and it’s creative and original! The only negative thing I have to say about the book is that when someone you love dies, I feel like there should be more of a reaction then was shown in this book. I can’t say anymore than that, because it’s a HUGE spoiler. I was a little disappointed at the characters reactions, but other than that I really enjoyed reading this book. It was a quick, fun read, and I would definitely recommend it.

I give this book 4 out of 5 stars!

http://www.amazon.com/Replica-ebook/dp/B004VS6XFI/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1307492695&sr=8-2

FERGYVILLE: Episode One by Katina Ferguson

2011-06-04T22:30:00.000-04:00

Blurb:

Frank and Catherine are parents worn down by three young children, and life. As they try to come up with a new, more efficient, way of managing their lives, they are met with a series of unforeseen obstacles. When Frank gets home from work, things don't seem quite right. He begins to wonder if some of the problems experienced by his family are in fact the work of malicious people from his past.

My Review:

This was a cute short story that made me laugh several times while I was reading it. The family reminds me of any typical, disorganized family in the US. In fact, it kind of reminded me of my younger brother’s family! The author comes across as very witty, and this obviously is shown in her characters.

Frank is outwardly a straight laced guy who spends his 8 hours working on a computer in a cubicle, but that doesn’t mean his mind doesn’t wander at times! I cracked up several times by some of the things that went through his mind, or the way the author described something he did. One comment that made me laugh was when he was working hard on his computer, “He forgot he was hungry, he even forgot that his size 38 pants had become too small in recent days, and were squeezing his balls the entire time he sat in the chair.” Another time I laughed out loud was when he was listening on the phone to an uptight, snooty sounding woman who was listing a ton of things she needed him to do. The whole time he was on th phone with her he was zoning out and imaging bending her over her desk, and seeing if he could make her a little less uptight! I was thinking, what a typical man! He has three kids and a wife, but that doesn’t mean he can’t daydream! The author’s tone was at times dry and sarcastic, which I always enjoy because I’m pretty much the same way. Frank, like any man, thinks about his penis too much. While on a tightly packed commuter bus, “[…] Frank put his podcast on pause because there was no way he could enjoy it crammed like a sardine protecting his family jewels from scandal.” I don’t know why, but Frank’s personality was very entertaining for me.

Catherine is your typical burnt out mom, who is trying to control everything, and in the end is unable to control anything! It’s funny because she has all these plans set up so that she can organize time to do everything she needs to do, spend time with the kids, pick up the husband, get the kids ready for bed, and then relax for a minute. Of course nothing seems to go the way it’s supposed to, so it’s complete confusion! I honestly think that their family, and everything that goes on in this short story is pretty dead on to what goes on in any family with three children under the age of 6! It definitely solidified my resolve to hold off on kids for awhile, and three kids, ha, no way!

The story ends with a cliffhanger, and I’m definitely curious as to what’s going to happen next!

I gave it 4 out of 5 stars.

http://www.amazon.com/The-New-Plan-Fergyville-ebook/dp/B004ZG7UJO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1307240652&sr=8-1

WORTH DYING FOR by N. Gemini Sasson: Review & GIVEAWAY!!!

2011-06-02T00:42:00.000-04:00

Blurb:

One day. One battle. Bannockburn, 1314.

The rise of Robert the Bruce. The vengefulness of James Douglas. And the ruin of Edward II.

Robert the Bruce has known nothing but hardship since seizing Scotland’s crown. Parted from his wife and daughter and forced to flee through the Highland wilderness, he struggles to unite a kingdom divided by centuries old blood feuds. The price, however, must be paid in lives and honor.

Falling to temptation, Robert’s only means of redemption―and to one day win his wife Elizabeth back―is to forgive those who have wronged him. One by one, Robert must win back Scotland’s clans and castles. The one man who can help him purge the land of English tyranny is the cunning young nobleman, James ‘the Black’ Douglas, who seeks vengeance on those who took both his inheritance and his father’s life.

With the death of Longshanks, Edward II ascends to the throne of England. His first act as king is to recall the banished Piers Gaveston. Too soon, Edward learns that he cannot protect the one he loves most and still preserve his own life and crown. To those who demand the ultimate sacrifice, he must relinquish all power. To have his revenge, he must do what his father never believed him capable of―defeat Robert the Bruce on the field of battle.

My Review:

After reading the first novel in The Bruce Trilogy by N. Gemini Sasson, The Crown in the Heather, I was hooked and already counting her among my favorite authors of historical fiction. I immediately bought the second novel in the trilogy, Worth Dying For, and I also bought her novel Isabeau, because after reading the first novel, I knew that Sasson was an author who will remain among my all time favorites. I only wish she had written a hundred more novels, so that I could own them all! I know I sound a little over the top, but I guess I’m the type of reader who discovers an author that I like, and then reads every single one of their novels!

Anyways, what I’m trying to say is that I loved the second book in The Bruce Trilogy just as much as I loved first one. I have so much anticipation built up for the third and final novel in the trilogy! I can’t believe that I have never read a historical fiction novel dealing with Robert the Bruce’s life. I’ve read hundreds of books dealing with royalty and also dealing with the time period that The Bruce was alive, but somehow either I missed the books, or maybe there just aren’t many historical fiction novels dealing with The Bruce. Plus, there’s also the fact that in the majority of books that I’ve read that did mention Robert the Bruce, he’s portrayed as a horrible traitor, and is given no redeeming qualities. I enjoyed getting “his” side of the story!

Sasson also brings other legendary men to life; such as the brave and ruthless Scot, James Douglas, and the cowardly, fey-like Edward II of England. I really like how the narrator switches between different men involved on both sides of the war between Scotland and England. As a reader you’re able to get a more balanced point of view, and to understand more than just one side of the story. Although it's obvious that Robert the Bruce is the hero of Sasson's novels, it's still nice to see things from his perspective as well as Edward II. I’ve always preferred to read books from multiple P.O.V.’s, because it makes the novel more rounded as a whole.

Sasson’s research and writing style are, in my opinion, flawless. I know that I sound like I’m gushing, but I really am THAT impressed with her novels. I love a good historical fiction novel that is so well researched, and written so well, that by the end of the book I feel like an expert on the content. I honestly think that a show about Robert the Bruce's life would be as popular as THE TUDORS or THE BORGIAS on SHOWTIME! If her novels were turned into a SHOWTIME series the world would fall in love with Robert the Bruce, and of course the author, N. Gemini Sasson.

Ok, so now that I’ve gushed about how absolutely fascinating THE CROWN IN THE HEATHER and WORTH DYING FOR are, how does everyone feel about the fact that N. Gemini Sasson has offered to give TWO of my readers a copy of the first book in the trilogy, which is THE CROWN IN THE HEATHER!

The winner of the giveaway will have their choice between a signed paperback copy of the first novel in the trilogy, or an ebook compatible with Kindle. If you are a fan of historical fiction, then I think it’s impossible not to love this book.

Now, onto the good stuff! The GIVEAWAY!

Mandatory Entry:

+1 In order to enter the giveaway you must be a blog follower and leave a comment including your email address.

Additional (Bonus) Entries:

+1 Follow me on TWITTER

+1 Tweet this giveaway (leave the link in comment)

Click here to read my review for THE CROWN IN THE HEATHER!

About the Author:

N. Gemini Sasson is the author of The Crown in the Heather (The Bruce Trilogy: Book I), Worth Dying For (The Bruce Trilogy: Book II) and Isabeau, A Novel of Queen Isabella and Sir Roger Mortimer. She holds a M.S. in Biology from Wright State University where she ran cross country on athletic scholarship. She has worked as an aquatic toxicologist, an environmental engineer, a teacher and a track and cross country coach. A longtime breeder of Australian Shepherds, her articles on bobtail genetics have been translated into seven languages.

http://www.amazon.com/Worth-Dying-Bruce-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B004DI7L0W/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2&s=digital-text&qid=1306945804&sr=8-5

REVENGE: A Travis Mays Novel: Review

2011-05-30T20:54:00.000-04:00

Blurb:

When a trained killer threatens ex-cop Travis Mays - and those Travis loves - he finds a skilled adversary and an unexpected fight.

Travis Mays starts a new life and a new career, teaching criminology at the university and building a cabin in the idyllic Idaho Mountains. He hires a beautiful river guide, Jessie White Eagle from the Nez Perce tribe, to steer him safely through raging whitewater, only to find that this trip changes everything—for Travis, for Jessie, and for those they hold dear. In the shadows lurks a man—calling himself Creasy—driven to make sure Travis pay for past sins.

This fast-paced thriller takes readers on a wild ride down Idaho’s whitewater rivers, along the historic Lolo Trails once tread by the Nez Perce nation, and onto the city streets of California. Tighten your helmet. This ride never stops until the last shot is fired and the final body falls.

My Review:

One of the reasons I'm happy that I finally started this book blog, and that I'm getting more and more review requests by authors I've never heard of, is because I am reading a lot of novels that I never would have looked twice at. I have never been interested in crime, mystery, or suspense novels, but by accepting review requests I've realized what I have been missing out on by not expanding my reading to a wider variety of genres before now.

I really did like REVENGE: A Travis Mays Novel. I'm not going to say it's one of the best books I've ever read, but it did keep my interest piqued, and for the most part I had no clue what was going to happen next or who the killer was throughout the novel.

Travis Mays was a well-rounded character who had a lot of depth, and who I was immediately rooting for as a reader. Creasy was obviously the bad guy from the start, who was mysterious until the last half of the book when Travis and others starting putting things together. I really enjoyed Frank White Eagle and Jessie White Eagle. I wish that Jessie would have had more depth as a character. I think that she could have been a heroine of her own in this novel, but it seemed like she fell into the typical female role in suspense/cop drama books, in that she was bull-headed, had to be included in everything, and inevitably ended up getting herself into situations where she needed to be rescued. Also, I kept wondering when there would be some kind of physical connection between Jessie and Travis. It was obvious that there was something there, but they never so much as kissed. I'm not talking about a passionate sex scene, but something to break the sexual tension up a little would have been nice!

Another thing that bothered me a little bit was the fact that these people were so accommodating of Travis. He wasn't well known at all in this small town in Idaho, but after Tommy White Eagle (Frank's son) was murdered, they put all their trust in him because of his stellar background as a cop. Even when the people found out that Travis was actually the one who had inadvertently brought all the problems to this town, and that Tommy's murder was in a way connected to him, they still stood by and rallied around him. If it had been me, I would be keeping my distance from a guy who all of a sudden had a lot of connections to his past life ending up dead! Also, a small thing that bothered me was that there were a few editing errors throughout the ebook. It probably had to do with the book not being a finished copy, and the errors weren't so pervasive that they distracted me, but there were enough that I noticed and highlighted them.

I did like the different twists that happened towards the end of the book. You would think the book was about to be over, and everything solved, and all of a sudden someone else would end up dead, and you would realize there was another criminal out there with Travis in their crosshairs! It did get a little ridiculous in the last couple of chapters, because it seemed like Travis kept putting himself in bad situations and ending up with a gun to his head. I kept thinking, "He's supposed to be a great cop??" Also, at the end when the the "bad guy" had the upper hand, they started giving the whole story about why they killed certain people, and their motive for what they were doing; it just struck me as a little cliche. It seems that in all cop dramas, the criminal has a gun pointed at the cops head, or is about to kill someone, and then they start going on about why they did what they did, and telling the person the reason they have to die.

I know it seems like I had a lot of negative things to say about this book, but it's not that I didn't like it, I think that it's just not a genre that I am very familiar with or that I necessarily am drawn to. I know people who absolutely love crime and mystery books, and while I enjoyed reading this book; books about police and murder-suspense just really aren't my "cup of tea."

All in all it was definitely a page turner. I read the book in two days because I couldn't put it down. I wanted to know who the killer was, and I wanted to the characters to solve the case! I also was shocked several times by how things turned out. If you happen to be a fan of crime/mystery/police/suspense novels, then by all means get this book, because it is for you, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys this type of suspense novel.

I would give this book 3.5 out of 5 Stars.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Mark Young is a former police officer with the Santa Rosa Police Department in California for twenty-six years; an award-winning journalist; and a Vietnam combat veteran. He served with several law enforcement task force operations, including the presidential Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force targeting major drug traffickers, and the federal Organized Crime Task Force charged with identifying and prosecuting prison gang leaders. He lives in the Pacific Northwest with his family. Visit www.MarkYoungBooks.com for more information about Mark Young and his writing. Readers may also connect with him at http://hookembookem.blogspot.com/ where mystery readers, writers and law enforcement connect.

Mailbox Monday! Lots & Lots to Read!

2011-05-30T12:38:00.000-04:00

Over the past couple of days I have received several review requests! I think it's due to the fact that I've been bored, so I've been roaming around goodreads.com and bookblogs.com and posting my information! Either way, I'm happy to receive review requests, because I never know what I'm going to get, and I love all the different genres of novels that authors send me!

Next on my list to read and review:

The Ghosts of Melrose by Buzz Malone

During the past week I have received:

Replica by Lexi Dick
The Kult by Shaun Jeffrey
Escaping Innocence by Joe Perrone
Feuding Hearts by Shari Richardson
God Complex by Trevor Hallam
On Dark Shres: The Lady by J.A. Clement
Doorway of the Triquetra by Lenore Wolfe
Amanda in Arabia by Darlene Foster
Paradox: The Angels are Here by Patti Roberts
Her Dear and Loving Husband by Meridith Allard
True Intentions by Lissa Kuehne
The Final Companion of Lady Holmeshire by Debra Brown
Magic By Moonlight by D.L. Cocchio

And there are a couple more that will be arriving by mail. I know it seems like a ton of books to read and review, but I read three and sometimes four books per week. I'm a substitute teacher and I tutor two students during their online classes at school, so I have around eight hours per day where I am doing absolutely nothing, so I read! As a sub there is really nothing for me to do but give students their work, and tell them what to do. And tutoring is easy, because it's an online course that two students who were expelled last year need to take, so basically I'm there to babysit.

I was excited to receive a couple of review requests for middle grade levels! I will be teaching 7th grade English in the next couple of months, and I'm excited to see what's out there for students to read at the 7th and 8th grade level.

Finally, I will be doing another giveaway in the next couple of days. N. Gemini Sasson has offered to provide two of her novels from The Bruce Trilogy to two of my blog followers who enter the giveaway. I have no doubt that my followers will enjoy her novels. I've read three of her novels so far, and I'm patiently waiting for the third novel in The Bruce Trilogy to be completed!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Memorial Day Weekend!

Isabeau, A Novel of Queen Isabella and Sir Roger Mortimer: Review

2011-05-29T17:29:00.000-04:00

Blurb:

The story of Queen Isabella, who sought revenge on her husband Edward II, and her lover Sir Roger Mortimer, who masterminded the invasion that accomplished it.

The marriage of Isabella of France and Edward II of England in 1308 is a union meant to secure lasting peace. For years, Isabella is a loyal wife, who repeatedly salvages her husband's kingship, even as she endures his neglect. When she finally speaks out against Edward's favorite, Lord Hugh Despenser, her income, lands and children are taken from her. In an age when women are not supposed to openly defy their husbands, Isabella vows to get her children back and have her revenge on Despenser - no matter what the cost.

Imprisoned in the Tower of London for leading a rebellion against King Edward, Mortimer escapes with Isabella's help and finds refuge in the French court. But when Isabella arrives in Paris to negotiate a peace treaty, it is a temptation the ambitious Mortimer cannot resist.

My Review:

Coming across author N. Gemini Sasson is one of the best discoveries I've made on Amazon.com. I was browsing through my recommendations on Amazon around two months ago, and I happened across her Trilogy on Robert the Bruce. I hadn't read very much about him, and the Kindle edition price was incredibly cheap ($2.99), so I bought the first book in the trilogy, THE CROWN IN THE HEATHER, read it in less than two days and became completely hooked. I finished the first two novels in the trilogy in less than a week, and then discovered that the third novel in the Bruce trilogy hasn't quite been completed yet, so I bought ISABEAU knowing that I would love it because Sasson was the author!

I was right, I adored it! Throughout history Isabel of France and Sir Roger Mortimer have been given a bad rap. She's known as a "she-wolf" who cheated on her husband and stole his crown, and Mortimer is known as a devil who wanted to usurp England's crown, and who ran the country through Isabel's son, Edward III, until he finally smartened up and got rid of Mortimer. People never get Isabel or Roger's story, because it's always so biased and one sided. Yes, I'm sure Isabel wasn't the perfect wife, but heck, King Edward II was a horrible husband and a horrible King! He only cared about his current favorites, and his concern was not for his country or his wife, but for the men he was in love with!

Sir Roger Mortimer started off as a loyal follower of the king, but he began to see the true side of the king, and realized that he wasn't worth following anymore, so Mortimer joined in a rebellion against him. Mortimer was lucky to keep his head, and escaped to France after some time spent in The Tower. After Isabel is sent to France to make peace at King Edward II's command, Isabel and Roger Mortimer reconnect and they end up falling in love. Mortimer knows what Isabel has gone through as a wife to Edward II, and he also sees what a beautiful and strong woman she is. As a team they plot to overthrow Edward II, and put the king's son Edward III on the throne. At first working together seems to bring Isabel and Mortimer closer together, but toward the end of the novel you can begin to see the cracks in the love beginning. Mortimer wants to be the man in the relationship, and make all the big decisions without Isabel's help. However, Isabel is a Princess of France and the Queen of England, and she is aware of her power, and wants to use it. Mortimer loves her as a woman, but it's hard for him to back down and listen to her as a Queen. Several times he angers her in public by not listening to her as a Queen, and trying to tell her what to do. It's obvious that Isabel is not going to continue to put up with his less than reverent treatment of her.

I enjoyed getting to know Isabel and Roger as two people in love, rather than as the two power hungry traitors they are usually described as. I also like that this book ends with hope. We obviously know what ends up happening to Roger Mortimer, and we also know that the remainder of Isabel's life isn't all smiles and butterflies, but at least at the end of this book the reader is able to imagine that things do work out for them, and that love endures. I always love a happy ending, and in historical fiction it's often hard to give reader that happy ending, because, well, there wasn't a happy ending! So, although things didn't turn out so well for the love of Isabel and Roger, at least in this fascinating novel there is hope for their future.

I give this book 5 out of 5 stars!
I can't imagine N. Gemini Sasson writing a novel that I wouldn't give five stars. Anyone who is a fan of historical fiction needs to check out her novels.

I will be reviewing N. Gemini Sasson's novel WORTH DYING FOR (the second novel in The Bruce Trilogy) within the next week. I would have reviewed that novel before ISABEAU, but I am hosting a giveaway for N. Gemini Sasson when I post the review of WORTH DYING FOR. She has been generous enough to offer to provide TWO copies of her novel THE CROWN IN THE HEATHER to two of my followers, and I already have a giveaway going on right now, so I will wait until that giveaway is close to being completed before starting another one!
Anyways, if you would like me to remind you when I host the giveaway for THE CROWN IN THE HEATHER, all you have to do is send me an email stating that you would like to be kept up to date as to when the giveaway begins, and I will send you an email!

Email: kimbers10 [at] yahoo [dot] com

If you would like to order this book please go to:
http://www.amazon.com/Isabeau-Novel-Queen-Isabella-Mortimer/dp/0982715811

ACROSS THE DESPERATE MILES by Patrick Michael Murphy: REVIEW & AUTHOR GIVEAWAY!!!

2011-05-27T03:27:00.000-04:00

BLURB:
Kera and Rand Priven must journey 2,500 miles across their country, trying desperately to find and protect their children. It is good they cannot foresee the horrors before them.

In a troubled marriage, the Privens live with their children, Andrew and Alissa, in New York City. As an up-and-coming fashion photographer, Rand is obsessed with making a name, and a lot of money—to the point of neglecting his family. Kera slips into a frustrated and lonely disillusionment; she yearns for a simpler more meaningful family life. Planning to confront and possibly divorce Rand, she sends the children to a respected summer camp. Her timing couldn't be worse.

Shocking events unfold as independent groups plotting against the United States successfully breach national security, attack military installations, and wreak havoc on public infrastructure: the system breaks down. All services stop… no lights, no flights, no food, no gas… nothing. Law enforcement and armed forces seem unable to contain this terrorism or... revolution. Lawlessness spreads, seemingly overnight.

What chance do these two average, unprepared, and conflicted people have for surviving such a hostile situation? Will the challenge pull them together or rip them further apart? Who will they meet on their journey across America? What will they learn? Will they ever see their children again?

MY REVIEW:

I consider myself to be extremely lucky lately with the great books that authors have been sending me to review for them on my blog! ACROSS THE DESPERATE MILES is no exception!
Patrick Michael Murphy was able to gain my interest in his novel within the first few pages based on his incredible writing style alone! It flows smoothly, is descriptive without being wordy, and brings the character's personalities out in a way that makes them feel like people you might chance to run into!

At first I had major problems with Randy (or Rand as he liked to call himself). He's arrogant and assuming, plus he treats his family like crap. He's so caught up in making his photography studio make it big, that he starts to behave like he's too good for those around him. His wife Kera began their relationship with the same goals in mind as her husband, but as time went on her family (two children) became more important to her than the fast paced, hostile world as a model/photographer. She decided she wanted out, and Rand really had not forgiven her for it. Things come to a head when she decides to leave him, and sends the kids away to save them from seeing any drama that may occur, while she figures out what to do with her marriage.

Then you could say, "shit hits the fan." The "terrorist" groups that are attacking America are radical militant groups who want to take government rule back into the people's hands. Kera and Rand end up crossing the country in order to get to their children during this chaotic time, and this is where the real adventure begins. Kera really begins to show her mettle after her and Rand are seperated, and Rand really begins to grow as a person.

During the cross country adventure I really began to connect with Rand. Through all of the hardships he faced while trying to get to his wife and kids, he began to really think about what was important in life. He began to get his priorities straight and to see how absent of a father and husband he had been. Both Kera and Rand go through some terrible situations, and these situations definitely made this novel a page turner! I had trouble putting the book down once I got a few chapters into it, because I didn't know from page to page whether or not they would even survive! From a group of dirty hill billy radicals attacking them, to a war happening right in the middle of the United States between the National Guard and the Radical Militant group, and on to Indians coming out of nowhere with knives; it is definitely an adventure story, and Murphy comes up with some incredibly original predicaments!

At times I thought it was a little over the top, and I started thinking; "What's next, aliens?" Now looking back I think this crazy unpredictability definitely added to my inability to put the book down. I just knew that if I didn't keep reading, I'd have to wait until later on for the next crazy, adventurous wonderfully descriptive sequence of events!
Also, I was a little annoyed with how the novel ended, only because I was rooting for it to end one way, and then it ended in a way I would have NEVER guessed. In a way I guess you can consider that a good thing, because as a reader it definitely had that "HOLY CRAP" feeling at the end!

I would definitely recommend this novel to any of my readers. It has all the elements of a great story, and some of the political situations that are focused on in this novel are pretty interesting to think about.

I would give this novel 4 out of 5 stars.

(GIVEAWAY INSTRUCTIONS BELOW INTERVIEW!)

BLOG INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR PATRICK MICHAEL

MURPHY:

1. Tell us a little bit about your novel, Across the Desperate Miles?

Across the Desperate Miles is the current-day story of Kera and Rand Priven, a young couple who must journey across America to find and protect their children. The catch is, they are not getting along, at all, and, America is in the throws of a revolution brought about by outside and inside forces. There is war and anarchy within our borders. The systems have shut down. They are completely on their own. It’s a story of transformation and survival.

2. Who might your story appeal to? I have had very positive feedback from 20somethings to 70somethings. I think it does well with contemporary fiction readers as well as action/adventure, thriller, military history, political readers, pop culture… and anyone wondering about the direction and future of the United States (and world really). The book is on Amazon and I don’t really know anything about the people who purchase it, but it seems to appeal to readers on many levels.

3. How did you get started writing?

I started writing as a teen. I then joined the Army as a cameraman and travelled the world at a peaceful time, photographing pretty much anything I wanted, and a few things I didn’t want. I did very well there and in civilian life, won a couple Emmys for my photography and writing, but two decades later I was burned out on it and wanted to turn my own writing into a career. I am not going to say it’s been easy, but I am going to say it’s been a challenge and a lot of fun.

4. Do you have a process for writing?

Let’s see. I am a fairly disciplined guy in many ways. But. There’s always that but, isn’t there? In filmmaking I learned about formulas and used them until I became sick of them. I saw the ruin of formulas and yet, it seemed, everything was being done with them, especially TV and screenplays. I began experimenting, and had some great success. I think we are all so inundated with media that new approaches are often not new at all. But for me, the idea is to not simply recreate what you or others have done. Use courage. Go out on your own and believe in yourself. So I have used time-tested approaches for writing screenplays, essays, novels, and poetry, but my process is really to consider deeply what the piece is about and let it go its own way… within reason. I take long periods off between writing projects. But when I am writing I get obsessive. At least through a draft. Across the Desperate Miles was first written in the late nineties. Before the horror of 9/11. I sent it out a few times back then and then I shelved it. When I took it out again several months ago, at the urging of Jan Takac, my new editor, I planned to read it just to let her see it. But when I opened it all this new energy came out and with Jan’s help I tightened it and rewrote two more times. So, I am not saying part of my process is to let a manuscript sit for 10 years, but this story is much better for the wait.

5. How do you stay inspired to write?

That can be difficult for many writers. But, in life, there is so much to look at and consider. It helps to also have a deep desire to communicate and be understood. If you’re feeling uninspired… travel. Look. Listen. Question. Go anywhere but your everyday places. I get bored, depressed, angry. I think we need to be ourselves, but look for the positive, and definitely use every emotion and every question that has ever come through you to help you create stories.

6. Do you have favourite authors?

Larry McMurtry, Wallace Stegner, Deepak Chopra, Peter Matthiessen, Earnest Hemmingway and a lot of others. I also enjoy newer writers but the earlier ones helped shape me as a person and maybe as a writer..

7. What would you tell budding writers thinking of making it a career?

First off, I haven’t actually made it as a career writer. I am still working on that. But I do know, years pass quickly. I have always been impatient. Perhaps that is our worst enemy, impatience. Yes, go, yes, do, but also be patient with who you are, who you are with, and what you do. Listen, watch, learn. It’s worth it. Write the pieces you have said time and again you want to write. Take it a word, sentence, paragraph and page at a time. Enjoy. This is your life. Make good stories. Remember, reader’s time and money is valuable—so make what you write worth their investment. Let the career happen.

9. What are you working on at the moment?

Publicizing Across the Desperate Miles. And a collection of essays about nature, outdoor adventures, and planet earth. This will be out on Amazon in a couple months. Then, I have another novel that needs a rewrite.

ACROSS THE DESPERATE MILES::

GIVEAWAY!

Patrick Michael Murphy, author of Across the Desperate Miles has graciously offered to provide two of my blog followers with copies of his novel. He will be providing ONE paperback copy as well as ONE ebook copy.

ALL you have to do to enter is:

+1 Mandatory Entry: Leave a comment with your name and email...(you must be a blog follower!)

For any extra entries:

+1 Follow me on TWITTER

+1 Tweet giveaway to your Twitter or post my giveaway on facebook (leave link please!)

GIVEAWAY WILL END JUNE 8th!

If you would like to purchase this novel please visit:

http://www.amazon.com/ACROSS-THE-DESPERATE-MILES-ebook/dp/B004GUSAUW/ref=dp_kinw_strp_1?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2

MY COUSIN JEREMY by Susan Speers: REVIEW

2011-05-26T18:01:00.000-04:00

BLURB:

There's madness in the Marchmont family, cousins cannot marry. Clarissa's father kept this secret and broke her young heart. Her mother's secret changes everything, but is it too late?

Clarissa and Jeremy grew up on the grand estate of Hethering, and their love claims its legacy. Torn apart by tainted blood, their passion endures across continents and ill-made marriages. Can the Great War’s fire forge the courage they need to defy society and find their way home?

"Clarissa, can you ever forgive me?" He braced his body for rejection, but I'd forgiven him as he spoke, forgiven him without the interference of my conscious mind. I didn't dare tell him that. I had to send him away. I gathered the strength to see him off, but something deep within me rebelled.

"Damn you, Jeremy." There was anger and grief and undying love in my gritted words. I loved him before, I loved him now. I would always, always love him.

MY REVIEW:

I absolutely LOVED this book! As soon as I began reading it the outside world ceased to exist for me! It is a beautiful novel about enduring love of two passionate characters who hold onto their love no matter the obstacles in their way.

Jeremy and Clarry are the type of characters that make readers fall in love with them as well as the book. They are intelligent and kid, and they also are human, faults and all.

MY COUSIN JEREMY is set mostly in the time before WWI, but the end of the novel deals with the aftermath of WWI, which includes the struggles that young veterans had coping with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder during a time when not much was known about this problem.

Clarry's love for her cousin is so pure and sweet that it's impossible not to fall in love with her. I admit that at first, the idea of cousin's being in love creeped me out, but I made myself keep in mind that cousin's marrying was not at all uncommon during this time period.

I wasn't completely endeared to Jeremy at the beginning, because I felt like he was a bit of a coward when it came to standing his ground regarding his love for Clarry. He also came across as a little arrogant, but as the novel progressed, especially after WWI, he became just as beloved to me as Clarry was.

This is a passionate love story between two amazing characters, and the sex scenes were beautifully written without a hint of vulgarity. I was amazed at how quickly I read this novel. I kept on reading, because I had to know what was going to happen next! Susan Speers has created a love story which I can honestly say is right up there with some of the greatest love story's (in my opinion) of all time. I also am grateful for the epilogue she included at the end; when I was finished reading the novel I wanted to cry, because I wanted to keep reading about their lives. The epilogue gave me closure regarding their story, and made me smile.

I am so happy that I was asked to review this novel. It ranks in my top 20 books that I have read. I can see myself picking it up to read again down the road. I loved the mixture of history and romance within Speers' novel, and I recommend it to readers of any book genre.

I give this novel 5 out of 5 stars!

THE BONUS by Georgia Lowe: REVIEW

2011-05-26T16:37:00.000-04:00

BLURB:

Georgia Lowe’s, The Bonus, is a work of historical fiction, which offers an eye-opening glimpse into the little known series of events involving the Bonus Army, a collection of World War I veterans, who came from all across the country to gather before Congress and demand the wartime service bonuses that they had been promised years before. This story of systemic neglect of veterans, hard economic times, environmental disaster and the consequences of a failed presidency, is more relevant than ever.

The Bonus recalls the story of Will Hardy, a reporter with recurring shell shock, who arrives with the Los Angeles contingent of the Bonus Army. In the grip of the Great Depression of 1932, fueled by unemployment, hunger and homelessness, 22,000 defiant veterans settle before Congress vowing to stay until 1945 if necessary, until they are given their service bonuses.

Georgia Lowe grew up around LA and Hollywood with Bonus Marcher parents in an environment where veteran issues were a part of everyday family conversation. She spent ten years researching for this book, with multiple trips to Washington and the Library of Congress. She currently lives in a small community on the Eastern slope of the California Sierra where she is hard at work on both a prequel and a sequel to The Bonus.

MY REVIEW:

I can honestly say that when I first received this book, and looked at the cover, I thought it was going to be boring. So my friends, here is another reason why you NEVER judge a book by it's cover! The cover has a couple of black and white pictures, that are real photos from the Bonus March on Washington, D.C. If I would have come across this book on a bookstore shelf, I'm sorry to say I probably would have passed it up. However, I was lucky enough to be requested to read and review The Bonus for the author, and I'm so glad that I had the chance to read what it was really about!

I was about twenty pages into this novel and I was completely hooked. Georgia Lowe was able to incorporate not only the physical suffering of soldiers who had returned from WWI, but also the mental/emotional sufferings. P.T.S.D. was not something that people knew about, and men were expected to be "men" and just "get over it." Not only did these men (and some women) see terrible things during WWI, but when they returned it was as though the government had forgotten what they had done for their country! The men were promised a bonus for fighting overseas, but it was not payable until 1945. However, it was the year of 1932, and the people of the country were now fighting The Great Depression, so they were lobbying in order to get their Bonus at present, rather than wait until 1945. Part of the argument to get the bonus early was that it would help to stimulate the economy, which would in turn alleviate the pressure of the Great Depression on some of the American people. Lowe also did an amazing job of incorporating a love story into this book without making it a romance novel.

Anyways, as the story goes, the main character Will (who is a reporter) follows a man named Royal Robertson, who is the leader of the L.A. contingent of veterans; as well as several hundred other men across the country to march on Washington and demand their bonuses. The descriptions by Lowe of what the people who marched on Washington went through was heart breaking. These men had risked their lives, and lost friends and family to WWI, but the government (namely President Hoover) would not pay them the money they had earned because American "didn't have it." The living conditions were horrifying, and the way these men and women were treated was worse than animals. The way the government handled the evacuation of thousands of men, women, and children from the Bonus Camps was shocking. Many of the men and women suffered from PTSD, as well as lacked nutrition and proper clothing. In order to evacuate the veterans and their families, President Hoover and General MacArthur set the Army upon them. They were treated like the enemy, not at all like the heroes that they truly were. They were removed through violence, and tear gas was even thrown into crowds of veterans and their families.

I read this book in two days, because I could not put it down! Anyone who is interested in the early 20th century, or in WWI will love this book. I had never even heard of the Bonus March on Washington until reading this novel. It's such a huge part of history, so it makes me wonder why I had never heard it mentioned in any of my History courses, high school or college level. Georgia Lowe did an amazing job at pulling me into this novel, and also endearing me to the characters. Will and his love Bonnie are such real people, and you don't know until the end of the novel what happens with them, but you're rooting for them the entire time. Also, Will's friends, who he meets while traveling to D.C., are men that as a reader you can't help but care about them and what happens to them.

I would 100% recommend this book. The only negative thing I have to say about this novel is that the cover is boring. The pictures on the cover are interesting, but it makes you think, as a reader, that the book is a history novel, not an amazing story of love and perseverance. I do think the cover would deter some people from buying it. As I said before, it was the perfect example of the phrase, "Don't judge a book by it's cover!"

I would definitely give this novel 4 out of 5 stars!

TREASURE ME by Christine Nolfi WINNERS!

2011-05-25T20:44:00.000-04:00

I know that I've been slacking on posting the winners, so I do apologize for that. It's been a crazy week!
The winners of TREASURE ME are:

WindyCindy and Julie S

Thank you to everyone who entered! I will be doing a review and giveaway either tomorrow or Friday for the novel ACROSS THE DESPERATE MILES by Patrick Michael Murphy. It's an amazing book, full of adventure, and I really think that that a reader of any genre of books will love it!

I will make sure to post the review and giveaway this week! Thanks to everyone for entering this giveaway! I appreciate you all!

To Be Reviewed Tuesday: Books Read, but Not Yet Reviewed

2011-05-17T09:28:00.000-04:00

I think I've been making pretty good time when it comes to READING the books I've been given to review, it's the part where I post the written review of the novel to my blog that I'm slacking on a little!
I make sure to take notes of the books I'm reviewing while I'm reading them of course; so now I need to focus on putting it all together and getting the reviews posted!

One of the reviews I plan on doing soon is for the book WORTH DYING FOR by N. Gemini Sasson. She did not ask me to do this review for her, but I was introduced to her novels, which are part of her BRUCE TRILOGY, from my amazon.com recommendations. I read the first novel in her trilogy, THE CROWN IN THE HEATHER, and I became completely hooked! After reading and reviewing the first novel I contacted her via twitter, and she has offered to provide a print copy or e-book of her novel in a future giveaway on my blog! I am beyond honored that such an amazing author would not only respond to a tweet I sent her regarding the review of her book I posted on my blog, but also offer to provide one of her novels to give to one of my blog followers!

Anyways, the current giveaway I'm doing, TREASURE ME by the amazing author Christine Nolfi, will end on the 23rd of May. Once that giveaway ends I will more than likely take a couple of days off before starting another giveaway, but as I said N. Gemini Sasson will be giving away one her her novels from her BRUCE TRILOGY. I have NO doubt that any fan of historical fiction will LOVE her any one of her novels. In fact, I think any lover of literature will have a difficult time putting any one of Sasson's books down!

Ok, enough with my rambling. This post is about the books I have read, but still need to write and post my reviews.

So....TO BE REVIEWED (but have finished reading!):

WORTH DYING FOR by N. Gemini Sasson
ACROSS THE DESPERATE MILES by Patrick Michael Murphy
THE BONUS by Georgia Lowes
MY COUSIN JEREMY by Susan Spears
CURRY AND SPICE CHICKEN RECIPES by Kakoli DasGupta (I know this is a random one, but I thought it had some pretty amazing recipes in it, and was asked by the author to do a review of it on my blog!)

Ok, so there you have it. I have several other books that authors and publicists have sent me to read and review on my blog, but I'll post the author's names and the titles in a later post!

Much love to all of my followers, and to all of those who have entered my giveaways! I'm so thankful to have found a hobby that is so fulfilling, and hopefully soon I'll have more time to get the reviews of the novels (from all of the wonderful authors) posted to my blog!

Historical Fiction Obsession

I'm a Slacker & Future New Additions.

EROMENOS by Melanie McDonald: Review: BLOG TOUR

THE SECOND DUCHESS by Elizabeth Loupas: Review

A Brief History of the Isle of Mull in Scotland--Interesting Article!

MY FIERCE HIGHLANDER by Vonda Sinclair: Review

RELUCTANT QUEEN by Geraldine Evans: Review

THE DEVIL'S DAUGHTER by Suzie Grant: Review

THE GIFTED ONES by Lisa Vaughn: Review

WINNER of 300 Follower GIVEAWAY!

CAGED IN DARKNESS by Joy Stroube: GIVEAWAY!!

THE TUDOR THRONE by Brandy Purdy: Review

CAGED IN DARKNESS by Joy Stroube: Guest Post & Interview!

A LADY'S CHARADE (Medieval Romance Novel) by Eliza Knight: Review

RAFE'S REDEMPTION by Jennifer Jakes: Review

FAIR MAIDEN by Cheri Schmidt: Review **SPOILER ALERT**

WINNERS OF FAIR MAIDEN GIVEAWAY by Cheri Schmidt

OLIVIA'S JOURNEY by B.J. Lashbrooks

I'm heading out West!

Curry And Spice - 25 Easy and Authentic Indian Chicken Recipes by Kakoli DasGupta: Review

BOOK GIVEAWAY TIME & a INTERVIEW with Author Cheri Schmidt!

FEUDING HEARTS by Shari Richardson: Review

What Are You Reading? & Future Giveaways!

DIE A DRY DEATH by Greta van der Rol: Review

HER DEAR AND LOVING HUSBAND by Meredith Allard: Review

DOORWAY OF THE TRIQUETRA by Lenore Wolfe: Review

WINNERS of a Signed Copy of THE GHOSTS OF MELROSE by Buzz Malone!

ON DARK SHORES: The Lady by JA Clement: Review

GIVEAWAY!! TWO Signed copies of THE GHOSTS OF MELROSE!

THE GHOSTS OF MELROSE by Buzz Malone: Review

The Fresh Air Fund: Great opportunity for those who love to help others!

THE KULT by Shaun Jeffrey: Review

Paradox: The Angels are Here by Patti Roberts: Review

WINNERS OF TWO GIVEAWAYS!

SLEEPING KINGS: Dark Force-Book One by John Prentice: Review

REPLICA by Lexi Revellian: Review

FERGYVILLE: Episode One by Katina Ferguson

WORTH DYING FOR by N. Gemini Sasson: Review & GIVEAWAY!!!

REVENGE: A Travis Mays Novel: Review

Mailbox Monday! Lots & Lots to Read!

Isabeau, A Novel of Queen Isabella and Sir Roger Mortimer: Review

ACROSS THE DESPERATE MILES by Patrick Michael Murphy: REVIEW & AUTHOR GIVEAWAY!!!

MY COUSIN JEREMY by Susan Speers: REVIEW

THE BONUS by Georgia Lowe: REVIEW

TREASURE ME by Christine Nolfi WINNERS!

To Be Reviewed Tuesday: Books Read, but Not Yet Reviewed

FAIR MAIDEN by Cheri Schmidt: Review SPOILER ALERT