If you have a pre-teen, you might have heard them talk about the Twilight series of books by Stephenie Meyer. I was somewhat surprised to learn from my pre-teen (just turned 11 year old) that she'd read Twilight at school, when I had mentioned that I'd seen it on TV recently on a lazy Sunday afternoon. She also admitted that she'd seen the second movie at a friend's house, so I figured I should probably check them out since there were four books in the series. I liked the movie, and was interested to see how the series played out. After all, books are always way better than the movie. I'll try not to spoil the books too much.
In Twilight, Bella and Edward's relationship is just beginning to blossom. She realizes that he's a vampire, but doesn't care. She falls in love with him, and bravely faces a vampire foe (only to be nearly killed as a result). This book sets into motion events that will eventually come to fruition in Eclipse.
Mom's take: Having seen the movie and read the book myself, I wasn't overly concerned that my daughter had read/seen the movie. In fact, we watched it together after requesting the DVD from Netflix. There was some kissing, but nothing sexual.
Bella is soon turning 18 in Twilight: New Moon and starting her senior year in high school. When her birthday party thrown by Edward's family goes horribly awry, Edward makes a decision that devastates Bella. Bella eventually finds solace for her wounded soul by deepening her friendship with Jacob. Bella's reckless behavior results in a misunderstanding, one she is compelled to correct, and leads her to Italy where Edward is planning to expose himself as a vampire and force the Volturi (kind of like a vampire police force) to take him out. Bella races to save Edward before it's too late.
Mom's take: I liked Twilight: New Moon, though it was a little dark. Bella struggles hard with depression and you can really feel her pain. There was no sexual content (Jacob and Bella are just friends), and very little violence. I would let my pre-teen read this book and we did watch the movie together. This was when my daughter told me she was firmly on Team Jacob.
Twilight: Eclipse brings us to more mature content. Bella and Edward are back together and Bella must be turned into a vampire in the near future. She's grounded for life, making seeing Edward a bit difficult, though her dad is clearly on Team Jacob, wanting her to spend time with Jacob again. The vampiress who has an ax to grind reappears and there is some violence when the battle ensues. Though Bella is deeply committed to Edward, Jacob still pulls at her heart strings as she's unwilling to cut him out of her life, though he's a shape-shifting Wolf who hunts vampires (not a good combo considering she's dating one). The truce between the Cullens and the Wolves is strengthened by the events in this novel, since they must team up to fight a common foe.
Mom's take: Eclipse is getting more mature. In one scene, Charlie asks Bella if she's being careful, something my daughter misinterpreted (thankfully) as a reference to Bella's klutzy nature. Bella also pressures Edward to have sex, though he refuses her because he wants to wait until they marry (though Bella is a bit averse to marriage). There was some heavier kissing in this movie (and a scene involving a bed with Bella trying to convince Edward to make love to her). I did allow my daughter to watch the movie, though I'd caution parents with pre-teens who might find the content too mature. I covered her eyes and ears in a few places, but most of the movie was fine for her to watch. Since books are typically enjoyed on your own, I would have reservations about letting her read this one.
Twilight: Breaking Dawn is the final book in the series, and one that I definitely feel is too mature for a pre-teen. Bella and Edward do finally marry, and she convinces him to consummate the marriage. The movie does show some bed scenes, though nothing worse than you'd probably see in a soap opera. Bella goes to the beach wrapped in a towel and drops it to enter the water, going to Edward to officially start their honeymoon love-making, so you do see a little bit of skin, but again, nothing showing breasts. A few weeks into the honeymoon, Bella realizes she's pregnant and they rush back home to Carlisle because the baby is growing far more rapidly than a normal child. The child is a threat to the Volturi and they pay a visit. The survival of the Cullen clan hinges upon their ability to convince the Volturi that the baby isn't the threat that they perceive it to be.
Mom's take: Due to the sex in this movie, I refused to let our daughter watch it or allow her to finish reading it (my husband had gotten it on library loan for her Kindle and I did not renew it for her). Aside from the consummation of marriage, the transformation of the sweet girl, Bella, into a vampire might be too much for her. The scene created when the baby is born is gruesome in the movie and not much better in the book. The book is somewhat dark in its nature, with the contrast between the previous books being stark. The movie does portray Bella's illness with the baby in graphic images (her anorexic looking limbs and her sunken facial features). Bella also drinks blood and actually enjoys the taste. So whereas you knew at the beginning that Bella would eventually become a vampire, it might be just a little jolting for a pre-teen to actually read/see it on screen.
Bear in mind that Breaking Dawn is broken down into two movies, with part one now available on DVD and part two coming to theaters this November. Part one is up through to the point where Bella is turned.
What do you think about this topic? Do you read what your kids are wanting to read first? My daughter has expressed an interest in The Hunger Games and I suppose I'll be reading that series soon too.
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Thursday, March 11, 2010
His Lady's Mistress by Elizabeth Rolls (book review)
I downloaded His Lady's Mistress by Elizabeth Rolls onto my nook as a free ebook. I am a huge fan of historical romances and settled in for a cozy read.
From start to finish, I loved this book. I have never before read any of Elizabeth Rolls' books, so I didn't know what to expect, like I would with Sabrina Jeffries or Eloisa James.
One thing that struck me about this book was the pain I felt for the main character, Verity Scott. She lost her father and then her identity when she was taken in by her family. I literally felt Verity's pain... the pain of loss, the pain of rejection, the pain of feeling not good enough... I even shed a few tears, the pain was so palpable to me.
If you love historical romances and want to be so engrossed in the story that you feel the characters' emotions - the pain and the joy - this is the book for you. I look forward to finding more books by Ms. Rolls and wholeheartedly agree that this free ebook was worth the read.
From start to finish, I loved this book. I have never before read any of Elizabeth Rolls' books, so I didn't know what to expect, like I would with Sabrina Jeffries or Eloisa James.
One thing that struck me about this book was the pain I felt for the main character, Verity Scott. She lost her father and then her identity when she was taken in by her family. I literally felt Verity's pain... the pain of loss, the pain of rejection, the pain of feeling not good enough... I even shed a few tears, the pain was so palpable to me.
If you love historical romances and want to be so engrossed in the story that you feel the characters' emotions - the pain and the joy - this is the book for you. I look forward to finding more books by Ms. Rolls and wholeheartedly agree that this free ebook was worth the read.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Midnight in Madrid book review
Barnes & Noble offered Noel Hynd's Midnight in Madrid gratis for nook, so I "bought" the free ebook to read. Midnight in Madrid is the second book in the Russian Trilogy; however, I didn't feel I had missed out on much by not having read the first book. This book can stand alone, but like all series, it is probably much better when read in succession. I did feel a little left out of the loop when it came to the main character's back history with the Russian mobster though.
The book opens with Alexandra LaDuca basking on a beach, trying to recharge her batteries after an assignment gone wrong - way wrong - resulting in the death of her fiance. Her phone rings and she is enlisted to travel to Spain to help in the search of an artifact with special significance.
Over the course of her investigation, she is almost killed. She is saved by a mysterious Chinese man, who later turns out to be pivotal to the story line. She is drawn to him, attracted even, and is wary of her developing feelings for him.
What I liked about Midnight in Madrid
I liked the way the book flowed in that the chapters were very short. They jumped all over the place at times, which kind of gave it a movie feel. The short chapters made it easy to stop and place a book mark, but yet the short chapters that jumped all over also made it harder to put down when the plot picked up and began to move faster.
The plot was plausible and the ending left you wanting to read the third book in the trilogy. More about that in a minute...
Another thing I liked about the book was the Catholic overtones. Alex is busy with her investigation, yet she still finds the time to go to church. At times, it was a bit preachy (even for me - and I'm Catholic) but it wasn't an in-your-face kind of thing. She discusses her faith freely and without apology and even admits that she's still finding her way.
SPOILER
As I mentioned, Midnight in Madrid left me interested enough to check into the next book in the trilogy, Countdown in Cairo. I read the blurb on Amazon and now I'm not sure I want to read it, considering the character I just connected with in the last book is zipped into a body bag in the third novel. What a let down! Knowing that takes away any desire I have to read the first book or the third book. Why go emotionally invest myself in the first novel to get the back story, knowing that by the third book it is curtains for Alex?
Maybe I'm just not a huge fan of people killing off my favorite characters. I remember crying for days when Magnum, PI was killed. At any rate, knowing that Alex LaDuca gets killed off was a huge deal breaker for me.
The book opens with Alexandra LaDuca basking on a beach, trying to recharge her batteries after an assignment gone wrong - way wrong - resulting in the death of her fiance. Her phone rings and she is enlisted to travel to Spain to help in the search of an artifact with special significance.
Over the course of her investigation, she is almost killed. She is saved by a mysterious Chinese man, who later turns out to be pivotal to the story line. She is drawn to him, attracted even, and is wary of her developing feelings for him.
What I liked about Midnight in Madrid
I liked the way the book flowed in that the chapters were very short. They jumped all over the place at times, which kind of gave it a movie feel. The short chapters made it easy to stop and place a book mark, but yet the short chapters that jumped all over also made it harder to put down when the plot picked up and began to move faster.
The plot was plausible and the ending left you wanting to read the third book in the trilogy. More about that in a minute...
Another thing I liked about the book was the Catholic overtones. Alex is busy with her investigation, yet she still finds the time to go to church. At times, it was a bit preachy (even for me - and I'm Catholic) but it wasn't an in-your-face kind of thing. She discusses her faith freely and without apology and even admits that she's still finding her way.
SPOILER
As I mentioned, Midnight in Madrid left me interested enough to check into the next book in the trilogy, Countdown in Cairo. I read the blurb on Amazon and now I'm not sure I want to read it, considering the character I just connected with in the last book is zipped into a body bag in the third novel. What a let down! Knowing that takes away any desire I have to read the first book or the third book. Why go emotionally invest myself in the first novel to get the back story, knowing that by the third book it is curtains for Alex?
Maybe I'm just not a huge fan of people killing off my favorite characters. I remember crying for days when Magnum, PI was killed. At any rate, knowing that Alex LaDuca gets killed off was a huge deal breaker for me.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Fired Up, by Jayne Ann Krentz (book review)
I was giddy with joy this week when my library called me to tell me that I had a book waiting for me at the library - Fired Up, by Jayne Ann Krentz. I recently had gotten a call for Grave Secret and at that time I was well behind in the queue for Fired Up so I wasn't expecting a call so soon. Now I know why I moved up the list so fast - it is because this book was impossible to put down.
Fired Up is the first of the Dreamlight Trilogy (part of the Arcane Society series) and I can't wait to read the next book. The main characters involve Chloe Harper, a talent whose family shies away from anything Arcane society related. The Harper family, shall we say, has a gift for things that tend to lead to illegal activities. Chloe Harper, however, is above board and works as a PI.
Jack Winters comes to her to ask her to locate a family heirloom, a lamp, which he is convinced will be his salvation. He just so happens to need a dreamlight talent like Chloe to work the lamp with him and their troubles really start once she locates the lamp in record time in Las Vegas.
Of course, an Arcane Society book set in the present cannot lack the Nightshade element and this book is no different. Jack and Chloe get tangled up with Nightshade, who wants the lamp for their own sinister purposes.
Fallon Jones is back this time too and it looks like he is going to get his happy ending in a future book.
Overall, I really liked this book. It had a good plot and flowed well enough to keep me interested long after I should have turned out the light and gone to sleep. I started Fired Up yesterday afternoon and finished it this afternoon, having read 3/4 of it yesterday. It was that intriguing. I read the teaser for the next book in the Dream Light trilogy and it looks equally as interesting, to be set in Victorian times.
Arcane Society fans won't be disappointed.
Fired Up is the first of the Dreamlight Trilogy (part of the Arcane Society series) and I can't wait to read the next book. The main characters involve Chloe Harper, a talent whose family shies away from anything Arcane society related. The Harper family, shall we say, has a gift for things that tend to lead to illegal activities. Chloe Harper, however, is above board and works as a PI.
Jack Winters comes to her to ask her to locate a family heirloom, a lamp, which he is convinced will be his salvation. He just so happens to need a dreamlight talent like Chloe to work the lamp with him and their troubles really start once she locates the lamp in record time in Las Vegas.
Of course, an Arcane Society book set in the present cannot lack the Nightshade element and this book is no different. Jack and Chloe get tangled up with Nightshade, who wants the lamp for their own sinister purposes.
Fallon Jones is back this time too and it looks like he is going to get his happy ending in a future book.
Overall, I really liked this book. It had a good plot and flowed well enough to keep me interested long after I should have turned out the light and gone to sleep. I started Fired Up yesterday afternoon and finished it this afternoon, having read 3/4 of it yesterday. It was that intriguing. I read the teaser for the next book in the Dream Light trilogy and it looks equally as interesting, to be set in Victorian times.
Arcane Society fans won't be disappointed.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Book Review "Grave Secret" (Harper Connolly) by Charlaine Harris
I was very excited to get a call from my library to alert me that Grave Secret by Charlaine Harris had finally come in. I had put my name on the list several months ago and was actually surprised that it came so soon considering where I was on the list (pretty far down). However, considering that I returned Grave Secret within 3 days of borrowing it, I can easily see why I got it so quick: It was that good.
Grave Secret begins with Harper and Tolliver traveling back to Texas for a job and a quick visit to see their younger sisters. Sometimes the clients don't like what Harper has to say when she reads graves and the Joyce family was no exception. The revelation that the grandfather had died of fright and his caretaker had died in child birth had rocked the family to the core and the news didn't sit well.
After the grave reading, Harper and Tolliver make their way to Dallas to see their sisters. Unfortunately, danger follows Harper around like a shadow and her brother Tolliver is shot. Harper is now tasked with trying to find out who would try to shoot at them. Add Tolliver's fresh out of prison father to the mix and it's a big mystery filled with family drama. After a second attempt on Harper's life, she begins to wonder if someone really is out to kill her and why. Is it related to a past job? The Joyces? Her sister Cameron?
Family secrets come out of the woodwood work and I'll be honest, I had half of the ending guessed about 3/4 through. Alert readers can pick up on subtle clues and have an idea of the ending. You'll smack your head and say, "Oh yeah!" once the great secrets are revealed. The ends are all tied up, quite tidily. But I'll get to that in a minute....
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SPOILER ALERT - YOU'VE BEEN WARNED! *********************
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Ok, this is the part where I rant about the ending of the book. For four books, we've been following the journey of Tolliver and Harper as they travel around the country to read graves. Their cases were interesting and the books always left us satisfied, yet wanting more. In Grave Secret, the issue of Cameron's killer was resolved. It felt like the author had wrapped up the series, never to write another in the series. I urge her to please not abandon Harper and Tolliver in favor of Sookie. I know that Sookie is immensely popular right now, but Harper is a unique, quirky character. I'd love to read more of her adventures and even have her cross paths again with Manfred. Now that would be interesting.
It just seemed like the ends were all tied up, too tightly and too neatly. When I finished the book, I felt like I'd finished watching the Series Finale of a favorite show. It was too final and I do hope that Harper and Tolliver will be back. She gave us our happy ending and now fans like myself are wondering if it wasn't the end, the big happily ever after.
Grave Secret begins with Harper and Tolliver traveling back to Texas for a job and a quick visit to see their younger sisters. Sometimes the clients don't like what Harper has to say when she reads graves and the Joyce family was no exception. The revelation that the grandfather had died of fright and his caretaker had died in child birth had rocked the family to the core and the news didn't sit well.
After the grave reading, Harper and Tolliver make their way to Dallas to see their sisters. Unfortunately, danger follows Harper around like a shadow and her brother Tolliver is shot. Harper is now tasked with trying to find out who would try to shoot at them. Add Tolliver's fresh out of prison father to the mix and it's a big mystery filled with family drama. After a second attempt on Harper's life, she begins to wonder if someone really is out to kill her and why. Is it related to a past job? The Joyces? Her sister Cameron?
Family secrets come out of the woodwood work and I'll be honest, I had half of the ending guessed about 3/4 through. Alert readers can pick up on subtle clues and have an idea of the ending. You'll smack your head and say, "Oh yeah!" once the great secrets are revealed. The ends are all tied up, quite tidily. But I'll get to that in a minute....
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****************************************************************************************
SPOILER ALERT - YOU'VE BEEN WARNED! *********************
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Ok, this is the part where I rant about the ending of the book. For four books, we've been following the journey of Tolliver and Harper as they travel around the country to read graves. Their cases were interesting and the books always left us satisfied, yet wanting more. In Grave Secret, the issue of Cameron's killer was resolved. It felt like the author had wrapped up the series, never to write another in the series. I urge her to please not abandon Harper and Tolliver in favor of Sookie. I know that Sookie is immensely popular right now, but Harper is a unique, quirky character. I'd love to read more of her adventures and even have her cross paths again with Manfred. Now that would be interesting.
It just seemed like the ends were all tied up, too tightly and too neatly. When I finished the book, I felt like I'd finished watching the Series Finale of a favorite show. It was too final and I do hope that Harper and Tolliver will be back. She gave us our happy ending and now fans like myself are wondering if it wasn't the end, the big happily ever after.
Book Review of "Homespun Bride" By Jillian Hart
Upon getting my nook, I immediately started searching BN.com for free ebooks. Jillian Hart's Homespun Bride was free to download and since I enjoy historical romances, I gave it a try.
Homespun Bride is set in Montana Territory in 1883. The main characters, Thad McCaslin and Noelle Kramer meet again after several years after he saves her and her aunt from certain death. Thad had left Noelle waiting for him to come get her so that they could get married. She waited and waited and he never showed. Broken-hearted, she eventually agrees to marry another, but had the engagement broken after she became blind following an accident.
When Thad comes back into Noelle's life, he begins to feel the stirrings of love that he thought he had pushed so far down in his heart that they'd never surface again. Instead, he is even more in love with Noelle than he was the first time he planned to marry her. Will she be able to forgive him? Can a blind woman make a good wife in the harsh territory?
I liked this book for the most part. I haven't read any of the previous McCaslin series, so I would have to say that as a stand alone book, it works. I did feel the romance dragged on a little too long, but this is a Love Inspired romance so there's a heavy helping of faith and a side dish of passion. The characters were almost too chaste, so if you are looking for something with a lot of passion, this book will disappoint.
However, for romance lovers who enjoy reading a romance story where the characters are bound by some morals and don't jump into bed within the first 20 pages of the book, then this is your book. I do enjoy the Love Inspired series quite a lot and pick them up from time to time to ground myself when I've read far too many other romance novels containing graphic sex scenes. I think it is important to remember God as much as possible and a "clean" romance is a nice change of pace.
Note: Homespun Bride is currently free to download at BN.com for your nook, at Amazon for your Kindle and Ereader.com for your Sony Reader.
Homespun Bride is set in Montana Territory in 1883. The main characters, Thad McCaslin and Noelle Kramer meet again after several years after he saves her and her aunt from certain death. Thad had left Noelle waiting for him to come get her so that they could get married. She waited and waited and he never showed. Broken-hearted, she eventually agrees to marry another, but had the engagement broken after she became blind following an accident.
When Thad comes back into Noelle's life, he begins to feel the stirrings of love that he thought he had pushed so far down in his heart that they'd never surface again. Instead, he is even more in love with Noelle than he was the first time he planned to marry her. Will she be able to forgive him? Can a blind woman make a good wife in the harsh territory?
I liked this book for the most part. I haven't read any of the previous McCaslin series, so I would have to say that as a stand alone book, it works. I did feel the romance dragged on a little too long, but this is a Love Inspired romance so there's a heavy helping of faith and a side dish of passion. The characters were almost too chaste, so if you are looking for something with a lot of passion, this book will disappoint.
However, for romance lovers who enjoy reading a romance story where the characters are bound by some morals and don't jump into bed within the first 20 pages of the book, then this is your book. I do enjoy the Love Inspired series quite a lot and pick them up from time to time to ground myself when I've read far too many other romance novels containing graphic sex scenes. I think it is important to remember God as much as possible and a "clean" romance is a nice change of pace.
Note: Homespun Bride is currently free to download at BN.com for your nook, at Amazon for your Kindle and Ereader.com for your Sony Reader.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Hoping to keep this blog up-to-date in the new year
I admit it, I've been a slacker. Not that I haven't been reading... it is just that many of the books I was reading were for a private site. I had to write a review and writing two just seemed like too much energy. However, in 2010, I do hope to be much better about blogging about what I am reading and/or what I have read.
I am hoping to blog here more as a journal of what I've read. I asked my library once if they kept track of what I borrowed so that I would know a tally of what I've read. Nope. Probably a good thing else they'd be in trouble for keeping too many stats on people for privacy reasons.
So just what have I read this year? Well, I won't count the two books I read at the tail end of last year on my new nook. (nook or Kindle? It was a tough choice.) But I will tell you that I am reading a book called Homespun Bride (hey, it was free at bn.com) and so far, so good. I really like historical romances. Our world now is so chock full of distractions, devices, etc. that it is almost refreshing to step back in time when people rode by horse, carriage or sleigh.
Stay tuned... I hope to keep this blog updated more frequently. Don't be shy - feel free to recommend a good book. If you know of any good free e-books, let me know that too!
I am hoping to blog here more as a journal of what I've read. I asked my library once if they kept track of what I borrowed so that I would know a tally of what I've read. Nope. Probably a good thing else they'd be in trouble for keeping too many stats on people for privacy reasons.
So just what have I read this year? Well, I won't count the two books I read at the tail end of last year on my new nook. (nook or Kindle? It was a tough choice.) But I will tell you that I am reading a book called Homespun Bride (hey, it was free at bn.com) and so far, so good. I really like historical romances. Our world now is so chock full of distractions, devices, etc. that it is almost refreshing to step back in time when people rode by horse, carriage or sleigh.
Stay tuned... I hope to keep this blog updated more frequently. Don't be shy - feel free to recommend a good book. If you know of any good free e-books, let me know that too!
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Arcane Society books by Jayne Ann Krentz/Amanda Quick
Recently, I have been reading some Jayne Ann Krentz and Amanda Quick books featuring the Arcane Society. A newsletter I received recently featured Sizzle & Burn and decided to read the book. I'm glad I did! That book made me want to go back to the beginning so I started requesting Arcane Society books from my local library. I recently checked out Second Sight, but didn't think it was nearly as good as Sizzle & Burn. I'm now reading The Third Circle, which is thus far turning out to be interesting.
For those who haven't been reading the Arcane Society books by Jayne Ann Krentz and Amanda Quick (one of her many pen names), then you really should. I found the paranormal aspects easily believable and the romance wasn't lacking either. My only beef with Second Sight was the over use of "one" at nearly every turn. Did people really talk like that in Victorian times? I found the use of "one" as a pronoun almost too much to bear, but overall enjoyed the book.
The Arcane Society books are set in past late Victorian times and also in the present. Present day settings reference our Victorian heroes and heroines from Amanda Quick's books. There's romance, mystery and paranormal/psychic threads to each of the novels and I do think that the series is well worth the read!
For those who haven't been reading the Arcane Society books by Jayne Ann Krentz and Amanda Quick (one of her many pen names), then you really should. I found the paranormal aspects easily believable and the romance wasn't lacking either. My only beef with Second Sight was the over use of "one" at nearly every turn. Did people really talk like that in Victorian times? I found the use of "one" as a pronoun almost too much to bear, but overall enjoyed the book.
The Arcane Society books are set in past late Victorian times and also in the present. Present day settings reference our Victorian heroes and heroines from Amanda Quick's books. There's romance, mystery and paranormal/psychic threads to each of the novels and I do think that the series is well worth the read!
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Tasha Alexander's A Fatal Waltz book review
A Fatal Waltz
Book Four of the (mis)adventures of Lady Emily Ashton picks up not long after the end of A Poisoned Season. In A Fatal Waltz, Lady Emily is a true friend to Ivy and attends a shooting party at Lord Fortescue's estate. A murder at the shooting party puts Robert, Ivy's husband, in the spotlight as the main suspect for the murder. In order to save her dear friend's husband from hanging for a crime he didn't commit, Lady Emily takes her investigation on the road - to Vienna, a city full of life, artists and intrigue. Will Lady Emily be able to solve the murder case before Robert's trial? Colin makes an appearance in Vienna to lend a bit of assistance to her inquiries, of course, but is in clear and present danger.
What I liked about A Fatal Waltz, and previous books in this series by Tasha Alexander, is the strong will of Lady Emily. Four books later, she still is in love with Greek, Colin and port (but not necessarily in that order). Considering the time period (late 1800s), she is the exception and not the rule. Somehow, she maintains her independence despite agreeing to marrying Colin. In the end, I admit, I was surprised to find out who the killer really was. Hindsight is always 20/20 and the clues were there, if the reader is intuitive enough to piece the pieces of the puzzle together.
One thing I love about Tasha Alexander is that she has written this quartet of books in just about two years. That averages out to one book every six months. For me, that is a big plus because it's not so long the storyline fades from mind. I hate it when I find an author I love only to find out they write a book once every few years. I like consistency and so far, Tasha Alexander has provided that to me and I thank her for that. I am looking forward to the next installment of Lady Emily and I know it won't be too far in the future that I will again be engrossed in another one of Tasha Alexander's delicious novels.
Book Four of the (mis)adventures of Lady Emily Ashton picks up not long after the end of A Poisoned Season. In A Fatal Waltz, Lady Emily is a true friend to Ivy and attends a shooting party at Lord Fortescue's estate. A murder at the shooting party puts Robert, Ivy's husband, in the spotlight as the main suspect for the murder. In order to save her dear friend's husband from hanging for a crime he didn't commit, Lady Emily takes her investigation on the road - to Vienna, a city full of life, artists and intrigue. Will Lady Emily be able to solve the murder case before Robert's trial? Colin makes an appearance in Vienna to lend a bit of assistance to her inquiries, of course, but is in clear and present danger.
What I liked about A Fatal Waltz, and previous books in this series by Tasha Alexander, is the strong will of Lady Emily. Four books later, she still is in love with Greek, Colin and port (but not necessarily in that order). Considering the time period (late 1800s), she is the exception and not the rule. Somehow, she maintains her independence despite agreeing to marrying Colin. In the end, I admit, I was surprised to find out who the killer really was. Hindsight is always 20/20 and the clues were there, if the reader is intuitive enough to piece the pieces of the puzzle together.
One thing I love about Tasha Alexander is that she has written this quartet of books in just about two years. That averages out to one book every six months. For me, that is a big plus because it's not so long the storyline fades from mind. I hate it when I find an author I love only to find out they write a book once every few years. I like consistency and so far, Tasha Alexander has provided that to me and I thank her for that. I am looking forward to the next installment of Lady Emily and I know it won't be too far in the future that I will again be engrossed in another one of Tasha Alexander's delicious novels.
Friday, January 2, 2009
Book Review of When the Duke Returns by Eloisa James
When the Duke Returns by Eloisa James
I must confess that I am a huge fan of Eloisa James' historical fiction books. It was probably a year ago that I first discovered her and her Pleasures trilogy. From there I went right on to the Essex Sisters quartet and then found her Desperate Duchesses delicious! With When the Duke Returns we are treated to book four of the sextet.
When the Duke Returns begins with Isadore, the Duchess of Conway, at a house party awaiting her husband. However, for Isadore, the meeting of the Duke of Conway will be the first time she has met him. Betrothed as children, the two never had a formal church wedding since they were married by proxy while he was away. Simeon, the wayward Duke, returns to England because Isadore has decided it was high time that she her husband of 11 years... and she was quite tired of being a virgin. She hatches a plan to force his hand by attending one of Lord Strange's infamous house parties, knowing that word would reach her husband and he would rush to collect her to avoid scandal.
Simeon immediately realizes that Isadore is no wall flower. No, she is quite the opposite of the docile and biddable wife that his mother had written him numerous letters about while he was off chasing the source of the Nile. Instead, Simeon returns home to saucy wife, a dilapidated family pile that stinks to high Heaven, not to mention a pile of his father's unpaid bills. Simeon, too, isn't what Isadore expected. Sure, he's drop dead gorgeous, but she finds his old-fashioned notions of being the decision maker in the household almost too much to bear. She's been on her own for 11 years and is quite used to being her own boss. Realizing they'll never mesh properly, Simeon offers Isadore a solution: an annulment.
However, Isadore wants to make the marriage work and hatches a new plan to lure him to bed since you can't annul a marriage once it has been consummated.
Weaved in between the story line of Isadore and Simeon is more of the running story line of Jemma, the Duchess of Beaumont, Elijah (her duke) and Villiers. As you may remember, Jemma was involved in a high stake game of chess between the two men, that is until Villiers was nearly mortally wounded by her own brother. In this book, we see Villiers moderately recovered and learn of a new twist in the saga. Jemma, incidentally, will be the subject of the fifth book due out later in 2009.
Overall, I was not disappointed in this book at all. The idea of two polar opposites coming together (along with the revelation that though married 11 years, they are still both virgins!) makes When the Duke Returns a very interesting and enjoyable read.
I must confess that I am a huge fan of Eloisa James' historical fiction books. It was probably a year ago that I first discovered her and her Pleasures trilogy. From there I went right on to the Essex Sisters quartet and then found her Desperate Duchesses delicious! With When the Duke Returns we are treated to book four of the sextet.
When the Duke Returns begins with Isadore, the Duchess of Conway, at a house party awaiting her husband. However, for Isadore, the meeting of the Duke of Conway will be the first time she has met him. Betrothed as children, the two never had a formal church wedding since they were married by proxy while he was away. Simeon, the wayward Duke, returns to England because Isadore has decided it was high time that she her husband of 11 years... and she was quite tired of being a virgin. She hatches a plan to force his hand by attending one of Lord Strange's infamous house parties, knowing that word would reach her husband and he would rush to collect her to avoid scandal.
Simeon immediately realizes that Isadore is no wall flower. No, she is quite the opposite of the docile and biddable wife that his mother had written him numerous letters about while he was off chasing the source of the Nile. Instead, Simeon returns home to saucy wife, a dilapidated family pile that stinks to high Heaven, not to mention a pile of his father's unpaid bills. Simeon, too, isn't what Isadore expected. Sure, he's drop dead gorgeous, but she finds his old-fashioned notions of being the decision maker in the household almost too much to bear. She's been on her own for 11 years and is quite used to being her own boss. Realizing they'll never mesh properly, Simeon offers Isadore a solution: an annulment.
However, Isadore wants to make the marriage work and hatches a new plan to lure him to bed since you can't annul a marriage once it has been consummated.
Weaved in between the story line of Isadore and Simeon is more of the running story line of Jemma, the Duchess of Beaumont, Elijah (her duke) and Villiers. As you may remember, Jemma was involved in a high stake game of chess between the two men, that is until Villiers was nearly mortally wounded by her own brother. In this book, we see Villiers moderately recovered and learn of a new twist in the saga. Jemma, incidentally, will be the subject of the fifth book due out later in 2009.
Overall, I was not disappointed in this book at all. The idea of two polar opposites coming together (along with the revelation that though married 11 years, they are still both virgins!) makes When the Duke Returns a very interesting and enjoyable read.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Tasha Alexander's A Poisoned Season book review
A Poisoned Season starts off with Lady Emily Ashton quickly becoming embroiled in the sudden rash of cat burglaries related to Marie Antoinette jewelry. When an acquaintence is murdered after she urged him to report the theft of a jewel, Lady Emily Ashton is convinced that the one charged with the crime is innocent and sets out to prove it as a favor to the man's widow. When the cat burglar burgles her own manse, it becomes personal.
Meanwhile, rumors are circulating about the virtue of Lady Emily and suddenly society is giving her the cut. Her feelings for Colin Hargreaves continue, while the cat burglar plays a game of cat and mouse with her. To quell the rumors, the Queen steps in and gives her an ultimatum she cannot refuse. Pressed for time, Emily must solve two mysteries, while dealing with her own personal drama.
A Poisoned Season has enough romance and intrigue to thrill any reader and I really felt that Lady Emily has started to grow into her own. She has just gotten to the part where she enjoys her freedom and begins to wonder if marrying would tie her down in such a fashion that she would lose all of what she has become. Lady Emily fans will not be disappointed and once finished with A Poisoned Season I look forward to the next book in the Lady Emily series, A Fatal Waltz. Santa has been given a list of must-have books this Christmas, and A Fatal Waltz is on the top of the list.
Glenn Beck's "The Christmas Sweater" book review
I received The Christmas Sweater by Glenn Beck from a family member for my birthday last month and finally got around to reading it this weekend. The book touches heavily on events that were deeply personal for Glenn Beck and I must confess to several times having my eyes tear up, as the emotion evoked in the book by Eddie, the main character, was very real.
I'd previously thumbed through Glenn Beck's Inconvenient Truth book, and The Christmas Sweater is quite different from the Glenn Beck in that book. In The Christmas Sweater we follow a few years in the life of 13 year old Eddie, who had already lost his father to cancer when he was 9. Money is tight, but like Ralphie in A Christmas Story, there is only one thing he wants: a red Huffy bike with a black banana seat. Instead, what Eddie gets is a sweater.
I think most of us can imagine back to our childhood and wanting something so badly, only to be disappointed when it wasn't under the tree. This is a major connective point, I think, that draws the reader into the story. A petulant teen, Eddie learns the hard way why you should never let the moment pass when you owe someone you love an apology.
The Christmas Sweater is a bit of A Christmas Story and A Christmas Carol all rolled into one. The road to forgiveness for Eddie is not without its potholes. But in the end, Eddie realizes that love is constant. He also learns that nothing is as important as family.
I recommend Glenn Beck's A Christmas Sweater to anyone who loves a Christmas miracle or as a gift for those who need to learn forgiveness in their life. This book has truly been one of the best books that I have read this year and I can easily see it appearing on the big screen as a holiday classic if made into a movie. This book retails for about $20.
I'd previously thumbed through Glenn Beck's Inconvenient Truth book, and The Christmas Sweater is quite different from the Glenn Beck in that book. In The Christmas Sweater we follow a few years in the life of 13 year old Eddie, who had already lost his father to cancer when he was 9. Money is tight, but like Ralphie in A Christmas Story, there is only one thing he wants: a red Huffy bike with a black banana seat. Instead, what Eddie gets is a sweater.
I think most of us can imagine back to our childhood and wanting something so badly, only to be disappointed when it wasn't under the tree. This is a major connective point, I think, that draws the reader into the story. A petulant teen, Eddie learns the hard way why you should never let the moment pass when you owe someone you love an apology.
The Christmas Sweater is a bit of A Christmas Story and A Christmas Carol all rolled into one. The road to forgiveness for Eddie is not without its potholes. But in the end, Eddie realizes that love is constant. He also learns that nothing is as important as family.
I recommend Glenn Beck's A Christmas Sweater to anyone who loves a Christmas miracle or as a gift for those who need to learn forgiveness in their life. This book has truly been one of the best books that I have read this year and I can easily see it appearing on the big screen as a holiday classic if made into a movie. This book retails for about $20.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Robyn Carr's 4th Virgin River book: A Virgin River Christmas
I recall clearly how I came to pick up my first Robyn Carr Virgin River book. I was in Borders (a rare treat since I generally rely on my library for books to read) and the cover intrigued me enough to turn it over and read the back. Mel seemed quite intriguing and the story line seemed interesting enough. However, as I came to know Mel and Jack and the subsequent Virgin River folks, I came to realize that what I liked most about the Virgin River series of books is that Robyn Carr's characters are real.
Her characters are real in that they are poor (like the rest of us) and don't have a million dollar trust fund to live the high life. Virgin River's residents are exactly how you would hope the folks would be in your own little town: friendly and genuinely concerned for your well being. The menfolk in this town may have left the Corps, but the Corps never left them. This tightly knit community takes care of its own, and the few strays that happen to stop in for a meal or a drink at Jack's bar.
In this fourth book, we are introduced to a spunky military widow desperately trying to find her deceased husband's war buddy who is traumatized by the War and his role in her husband's severe disabilities. Compelled by her desire for closure, she spends weeks trying to find him. Will they get a Christmas miracle? Will both have their hearts made whole again? I won't spoil the book, but I think you will enjoy meeting up with old friends and new ones too.
Did you miss the first three books? They are still out in paper back. I do think that each could stand on their own, yet reading the series from the beginning is so much more enriching and fulfilling to understanding the characters more fully.
Link to Robyn Carr's Website
Contest to win Virgin River Christmas
Virgin River Books: Virgin River, Shelter Mountain, Whispering Rock and Virgin River Christmas. Be on the lookout early next year for more books in this series.
Her characters are real in that they are poor (like the rest of us) and don't have a million dollar trust fund to live the high life. Virgin River's residents are exactly how you would hope the folks would be in your own little town: friendly and genuinely concerned for your well being. The menfolk in this town may have left the Corps, but the Corps never left them. This tightly knit community takes care of its own, and the few strays that happen to stop in for a meal or a drink at Jack's bar.
In this fourth book, we are introduced to a spunky military widow desperately trying to find her deceased husband's war buddy who is traumatized by the War and his role in her husband's severe disabilities. Compelled by her desire for closure, she spends weeks trying to find him. Will they get a Christmas miracle? Will both have their hearts made whole again? I won't spoil the book, but I think you will enjoy meeting up with old friends and new ones too.
Did you miss the first three books? They are still out in paper back. I do think that each could stand on their own, yet reading the series from the beginning is so much more enriching and fulfilling to understanding the characters more fully.
Link to Robyn Carr's Website
Contest to win Virgin River Christmas
Virgin River Books: Virgin River, Shelter Mountain, Whispering Rock and Virgin River Christmas. Be on the lookout early next year for more books in this series.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Faith of My Fathers by John McCain
With the election just a week away, many if not most Americans' minds are focused on the election. I know that I am voting for McCain, but couldn't resist picking up Faith of My Fathers from my local library since they'd elegantly displayed the books of both presidential candidates.
Faith of My Fathers is one of those books that you can really get into. In fact, I'd read half of it in about a week's time, and then polished off the rest on a lazy Sunday afternoon. What I liked about the book was the insight that it gave me into the mind of John McCain. I knew he'd been a prisoner of war in Vietnam and the book provided me with some details about the treatment he received. One quote in there struck a chord with me, though. He said really fell in love with America during his captivity. I can only imagine how horrible it must feel to be captured and held for 5-1/2 years, wondering if you'll ever get out alive to go home to your family. I would imagine that dreaming of American freedom is what kept these POWs going.
The book begins, however, with a few chapters on his famous Grandfather and Father. Ironically enough, all were Naval Academy grads, but none placed highly in their class at graduation. Nonetheless, they all succeeded. I have always held a great respect for our country's veterans.
Not to say that John McCain was perfect. He freely admits to arrogance and perhaps a bit too much bravado. He escaped death on the Forrestal only to be shot down later and held prisoner for 5-1/2 years. But throughout the book, you can get a glimpse into what makes him who he is. He talks about Veterans and fixing the VA system and I just know in my heart that he will do it.
Half way through the book, I logged on to Amazon and bought a copy for my dad. I hope he enjoys the book as much as I did.
Faith of My Fathers is one of those books that you can really get into. In fact, I'd read half of it in about a week's time, and then polished off the rest on a lazy Sunday afternoon. What I liked about the book was the insight that it gave me into the mind of John McCain. I knew he'd been a prisoner of war in Vietnam and the book provided me with some details about the treatment he received. One quote in there struck a chord with me, though. He said really fell in love with America during his captivity. I can only imagine how horrible it must feel to be captured and held for 5-1/2 years, wondering if you'll ever get out alive to go home to your family. I would imagine that dreaming of American freedom is what kept these POWs going.
The book begins, however, with a few chapters on his famous Grandfather and Father. Ironically enough, all were Naval Academy grads, but none placed highly in their class at graduation. Nonetheless, they all succeeded. I have always held a great respect for our country's veterans.
Not to say that John McCain was perfect. He freely admits to arrogance and perhaps a bit too much bravado. He escaped death on the Forrestal only to be shot down later and held prisoner for 5-1/2 years. But throughout the book, you can get a glimpse into what makes him who he is. He talks about Veterans and fixing the VA system and I just know in my heart that he will do it.
Half way through the book, I logged on to Amazon and bought a copy for my dad. I hope he enjoys the book as much as I did.
Long time, no see
I have been lagging behind at updating Rapacious Reader... but that doesn't mean I haven't been reading. You know how it goes.... too much to do, so little time. But I'm hoping that winter will give me a bit more time to read and blog.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
The Word of Mouth Manual: Volume II, by Dave Balter
I have finally finished reading The Word of Mouth Manual: Volume II, by Dave Balter, and offer my readers my opinion of this book.
I liked many of the anecdotes (aforementioned Tickle Me Elmo marketing story) and for the most part, enjoyed the pithy book, which was easy to read. Mr. Balter must have one heck of a sense of humor, as it was easy to see his droll humor in many parts of the book.
The most interesting part of the book for me was the chapter devoted to the revamp of the prize structure. It was nice to finally gain a grasp of what was going through their heads when they decided to chuck the old (more lucrative) system in favor of the new system, which just got rolled out about two months ago (Shaloha). Though he admitted that the so-called pests were actually still beneficial to BzzAgent in a way, it was clearly unfair to the rest of the agents who didn't sit around 24 hours a day and type up false reports just to earn points, sit on them, and then take campaigns later and nab all of the good prizes. I didn't get many prizes from BzzAgent under the old system; a juicer, a gaming pack, some cutting boards... but I did donate to charity a few times out of frustration because there was never anything for me there to redeem for that I had enough points for or that was something I would have wanted anyway.
Even though the Bzz reward program is less lucrative (Mypoints - 50 points doesn't buy anything!) I do feel that in the long-term, it will separate the wheat from the chaff. It will no longer be lucrative to file endless reports just for the sake of gaining points to grab high value items. Instead, if you do bzz more than two reports required per campaign to maintain your standing, you are obviously doing it for the love of Bzz.
The Word of Mouth Manual: Volume II, by Dave Balter would be an interesting read for those involved in marketing, business owners (small, medium or large) and of course, us Bzz Agents!
I liked many of the anecdotes (aforementioned Tickle Me Elmo marketing story) and for the most part, enjoyed the pithy book, which was easy to read. Mr. Balter must have one heck of a sense of humor, as it was easy to see his droll humor in many parts of the book.
The most interesting part of the book for me was the chapter devoted to the revamp of the prize structure. It was nice to finally gain a grasp of what was going through their heads when they decided to chuck the old (more lucrative) system in favor of the new system, which just got rolled out about two months ago (Shaloha). Though he admitted that the so-called pests were actually still beneficial to BzzAgent in a way, it was clearly unfair to the rest of the agents who didn't sit around 24 hours a day and type up false reports just to earn points, sit on them, and then take campaigns later and nab all of the good prizes. I didn't get many prizes from BzzAgent under the old system; a juicer, a gaming pack, some cutting boards... but I did donate to charity a few times out of frustration because there was never anything for me there to redeem for that I had enough points for or that was something I would have wanted anyway.
Even though the Bzz reward program is less lucrative (Mypoints - 50 points doesn't buy anything!) I do feel that in the long-term, it will separate the wheat from the chaff. It will no longer be lucrative to file endless reports just for the sake of gaining points to grab high value items. Instead, if you do bzz more than two reports required per campaign to maintain your standing, you are obviously doing it for the love of Bzz.
The Word of Mouth Manual: Volume II, by Dave Balter would be an interesting read for those involved in marketing, business owners (small, medium or large) and of course, us Bzz Agents!
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Celeste Bradley's Heiress Brides Trilogy
I make no secret of loving series. I just hate reading a really superb book that leaves me wanting more, only to find that that's it, there's no more after and you are left wondering how things turned out for some characters in the back story. Having read Celeste Bradley's Heiress Brides trilogy, I am feeling pretty satisfied right now! I did not feel as if there were any loose ends that weren't tied up.
Book 1 of the Heiress Brides Trilogy: Desperately Seeking a Duke
As I mentioned in a previous post, this book starts out with 3 cousins vying for the family fortune. The winner takes all, provided they land themselves a Duke. It looks like Phoebe Millbury has it all sewn up, or does she? Cousin Dierdre is not very happy with Phoebe's match and bookish cousin Sophie couldn't care less since she has no intentions of marrying to win the fortune. Phoebe is torn between what she perceives as duty and penance and what her heart would much rather prefer to do. Desperately Seeking a Duke treats us to a budding romance in the back story, as well as focusing on poor Phoebe's plight. Duty or true love? Calder or Rafe? The ending to Desperately Seeking a Duke was a surprise for me and quite delightful in the way everything worked out in the end!
Spoiler alert:
If you haven't finished Desperately Seeking a Duke, please do so before you read on!
Book 2 of the Heiress Brides Trilogy: The Duke Next Door
Since Phoebe has now disqualified herself from her chance at the family fortune, Dierdre steps up to the plate with a rather matter-of-fact marriage proposal to Calder, who stepped aside for his brother Rafe to marry Phoebe. Allowing Rafe to marry Phoebe may have been the right thing to do for Rafe, but perhaps not for Calder, who has already been the subject of rumors and scandal in the past. Dierdre assumes that having rank will mean a happy life, but those dreams come screeching to a halt practically immediately after her wedding. It is then that she realizes that her betrothed left a little detail out before marrying her... one that will change her life forever. To add insult to injury, he treats her like a child and she and Calder engage in a game of cat and mouse. She loves him desperately, but she won't be whole until she wins his love. It looks like Dierdre has won the family fortune since Calder, a marquis, will soon inherit a dukedom from an ailing relative. Meanwhile, Sophie starts to get cozy with Dierdre's viperish step-mother's cousin, Graham Cavendish...
Spoiler alert, again! If you haven't read the past two books, please do so before reading further!
Book 3 of the Heiress Brides Trilogy: Duke Most Wanted
With Phoebe and Dierdre married off, Sophie Blake plans to enjoy the rest of the Season in London. She is socially awkward and has become good friends with Graham Cavendish, the fourth son of a Duke. Graham thinks has no prospects at gaining a title as a fourth son until a family tragedy thrusts the mantle of duty upon him. Suddenly, Graham inherits and needs a rich wife fast to save his estate and keep his cottagers from starving to death. A wonderful transformation by LeMenteur, a famed dressmaker featured in the previous books, suddenly makes bookish and awkward Sophie the belle of the ball! Graham realizes that he needs a rich wife and though he realizes his love for Sophie, he resists the match because he wants to do right by his cottagers, be able to pay creditors, and rebuild his family's estate. The end brings a good surprise about Sophie and we are left wondering if love is enough to get this star-crossed couple through.
All in all, I really enjoyed this series. The first book took me a while to get into, but it seemed that once I hit the half way point, the storyline flowed extremely fast and wonderfully. The chapters in all of the books were very short and held just enough mystery to get you to turn to the next chapter to find out what was going to happen next. I recommend this series to anyone who loves Regency Romances.
Book 1 of the Heiress Brides Trilogy: Desperately Seeking a Duke
As I mentioned in a previous post, this book starts out with 3 cousins vying for the family fortune. The winner takes all, provided they land themselves a Duke. It looks like Phoebe Millbury has it all sewn up, or does she? Cousin Dierdre is not very happy with Phoebe's match and bookish cousin Sophie couldn't care less since she has no intentions of marrying to win the fortune. Phoebe is torn between what she perceives as duty and penance and what her heart would much rather prefer to do. Desperately Seeking a Duke treats us to a budding romance in the back story, as well as focusing on poor Phoebe's plight. Duty or true love? Calder or Rafe? The ending to Desperately Seeking a Duke was a surprise for me and quite delightful in the way everything worked out in the end!
Spoiler alert:
If you haven't finished Desperately Seeking a Duke, please do so before you read on!
Book 2 of the Heiress Brides Trilogy: The Duke Next Door
Since Phoebe has now disqualified herself from her chance at the family fortune, Dierdre steps up to the plate with a rather matter-of-fact marriage proposal to Calder, who stepped aside for his brother Rafe to marry Phoebe. Allowing Rafe to marry Phoebe may have been the right thing to do for Rafe, but perhaps not for Calder, who has already been the subject of rumors and scandal in the past. Dierdre assumes that having rank will mean a happy life, but those dreams come screeching to a halt practically immediately after her wedding. It is then that she realizes that her betrothed left a little detail out before marrying her... one that will change her life forever. To add insult to injury, he treats her like a child and she and Calder engage in a game of cat and mouse. She loves him desperately, but she won't be whole until she wins his love. It looks like Dierdre has won the family fortune since Calder, a marquis, will soon inherit a dukedom from an ailing relative. Meanwhile, Sophie starts to get cozy with Dierdre's viperish step-mother's cousin, Graham Cavendish...
Spoiler alert, again! If you haven't read the past two books, please do so before reading further!
Book 3 of the Heiress Brides Trilogy: Duke Most Wanted
With Phoebe and Dierdre married off, Sophie Blake plans to enjoy the rest of the Season in London. She is socially awkward and has become good friends with Graham Cavendish, the fourth son of a Duke. Graham thinks has no prospects at gaining a title as a fourth son until a family tragedy thrusts the mantle of duty upon him. Suddenly, Graham inherits and needs a rich wife fast to save his estate and keep his cottagers from starving to death. A wonderful transformation by LeMenteur, a famed dressmaker featured in the previous books, suddenly makes bookish and awkward Sophie the belle of the ball! Graham realizes that he needs a rich wife and though he realizes his love for Sophie, he resists the match because he wants to do right by his cottagers, be able to pay creditors, and rebuild his family's estate. The end brings a good surprise about Sophie and we are left wondering if love is enough to get this star-crossed couple through.
All in all, I really enjoyed this series. The first book took me a while to get into, but it seemed that once I hit the half way point, the storyline flowed extremely fast and wonderfully. The chapters in all of the books were very short and held just enough mystery to get you to turn to the next chapter to find out what was going to happen next. I recommend this series to anyone who loves Regency Romances.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Busy reading Regency Romances
I have been busy reading some yummy Regency Romances. First up was A Lady's Secret by Jo Beverly. Robin Fitzvitry, the Earl of Huntersdown, is traveling on the Continent when along comes Petra D'Averio, disguised as a nun, and a swearing one at that! Eager to escape her demanding traveling companion, Petra accepts a ride from Robin, which leads to danger and adventure. Petra isn't who she seems and neither is Robin. Petra just wants to get to England to present herself to her father, who does not know she even exists. At every turn, there is a stumbling block to her journey. Will she finally make it to England alive? Robin just wants to protect her, but this feisty female seems to be holding her own! Set in Georgian times, this romance was delightful to read, filled with symbolism and enchanting to read. Tied in with a previous series of the author, A Lady's Secret can stand alone by itself on its own merits!
Right now I am reading two books. One is juicy romance, the other is a book about Word of Mouth (WOM) advertising (hey, I am a BzzAgent).
I have just begun Desperately Seeking a Duke, the first installment from Celeste Bradley in the Heiress Brides series. Phoebe Millbury is just one of 3 cousins vying for the family fortune. The grandfather, disappointed because none of his daughters married below his expectations, offers a prize to the first of his granddaughters (or great granddaughters if it comes to that) to marry a Duke, or someone in line to succeed to a dukedom. I am confident this will be a sizzling read, so I have already reserved the next two books in the series from my local library.
I am currently part of the way through The Word of Mouth Manual: Volume II, by Dave Balter, who is the founder of BzzAgent, a very successful Word of Mouth (WOM) advertising company. For those you who haven't heard of BzzAgent, it is a unique marketing company that believes that word of mouth advertising is the best kind. Agents of BzzAgent receive product samples, coupons, etc. in the mail and then talk about them to friends, family, strangers... all to get buzz, er bzz, generated about a product. Many people tune out television advertising, but when a friend tells you about a cool new product, you are more apt to listen. Couple that conversation with a coupon (sometimes a free coupon) or product sample, and you have now created a positive bzz experience. Agents report back any bzz contacts and are currently rewarded with points which can be redeemed through MyPoints.
But I digress here... I have been reading The Word of Mouth Manual: Volume II, which was easily downloaded from Seth Godin's site. Seth is a marketing guru in his own right. The book, which is downloaded via .pdf file is about 100 odd pages long. It is very easy to read and so far has discussed some interesting bits about word of mouth marketing, touching on the memorable Tickle Me Elmo marketing strategy that brilliantly got many parents to buy this toy sight unseen! So far, it has proved interesting. I'll report back with a full report later. If you are interested, you can download your own copy from Seth's site (linked above). Once you've read it, do come back and post your thoughts on the book.
Right now I am reading two books. One is juicy romance, the other is a book about Word of Mouth (WOM) advertising (hey, I am a BzzAgent).
I have just begun Desperately Seeking a Duke, the first installment from Celeste Bradley in the Heiress Brides series. Phoebe Millbury is just one of 3 cousins vying for the family fortune. The grandfather, disappointed because none of his daughters married below his expectations, offers a prize to the first of his granddaughters (or great granddaughters if it comes to that) to marry a Duke, or someone in line to succeed to a dukedom. I am confident this will be a sizzling read, so I have already reserved the next two books in the series from my local library.
I am currently part of the way through The Word of Mouth Manual: Volume II, by Dave Balter, who is the founder of BzzAgent, a very successful Word of Mouth (WOM) advertising company. For those you who haven't heard of BzzAgent, it is a unique marketing company that believes that word of mouth advertising is the best kind. Agents of BzzAgent receive product samples, coupons, etc. in the mail and then talk about them to friends, family, strangers... all to get buzz, er bzz, generated about a product. Many people tune out television advertising, but when a friend tells you about a cool new product, you are more apt to listen. Couple that conversation with a coupon (sometimes a free coupon) or product sample, and you have now created a positive bzz experience. Agents report back any bzz contacts and are currently rewarded with points which can be redeemed through MyPoints.
But I digress here... I have been reading The Word of Mouth Manual: Volume II, which was easily downloaded from Seth Godin's site. Seth is a marketing guru in his own right. The book, which is downloaded via .pdf file is about 100 odd pages long. It is very easy to read and so far has discussed some interesting bits about word of mouth marketing, touching on the memorable Tickle Me Elmo marketing strategy that brilliantly got many parents to buy this toy sight unseen! So far, it has proved interesting. I'll report back with a full report later. If you are interested, you can download your own copy from Seth's site (linked above). Once you've read it, do come back and post your thoughts on the book.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Finished with Odd Hours by Dean Koontz
I polished off Odd Hours last night and now I have that feeling you get when you know you won't be seeing one of your good friends or relatives anytime soon.
In Odd Hours Oddie is back to save the world. His powers have changed in a surprising way (see link below to learn how you can get a sneak peek which will reveal this to you!) and he becomes enmeshed in a mystery that has the world as we know it in the balance.
This was one of the more violent Odd Thomas books that I have read, but really the violence is justified. You know how Odd is, he walks right into trouble courtesy of his psychic magnetism. He still mourns the loss of his soul mate, Stormy, and it doesn't seem like Oddie is getting a break saving the world for long. The time span between Odd Thomas and Odd Hours is only about 18 months. Odd has certainly not had much time off to relax!
Filled with a menagerie of odd and loveable secondary characters, Odd isn't totally alone in his quest to save us all from nuclear annihilation. The cast of supporting characters lend a lot of reality to the text and some of the dialog the passes between he and them is hard to follow, yet makes sense much later. Such is the life of Odd Thomas. Everything is a mystery that is revealed in its own time.
Boo is back and so is Frank Sinatra. One particular scene with Ole Blue Eyes was particularly spectactular and patriotic all at the same time.
If I had to rank the Odd Thomas series of books based on how well I liked the plot and overall storyline, I'd rank them in this order:
1 - Odd Thomas
2 - Forever Odd
3 - Odd Hours
4 - Brother Odd
Yes, this book was, in my humble opinion, better than Brother Odd, which I really liked too.
So, soon enough I will be packaging up Odd Hours and mailing it off to my sister for her to read. I spoke with her last weekend and told her I bought the book. She was excited to know that it would be coming her way soon.
In Odd Hours Oddie is back to save the world. His powers have changed in a surprising way (see link below to learn how you can get a sneak peek which will reveal this to you!) and he becomes enmeshed in a mystery that has the world as we know it in the balance.
This was one of the more violent Odd Thomas books that I have read, but really the violence is justified. You know how Odd is, he walks right into trouble courtesy of his psychic magnetism. He still mourns the loss of his soul mate, Stormy, and it doesn't seem like Oddie is getting a break saving the world for long. The time span between Odd Thomas and Odd Hours is only about 18 months. Odd has certainly not had much time off to relax!
Filled with a menagerie of odd and loveable secondary characters, Odd isn't totally alone in his quest to save us all from nuclear annihilation. The cast of supporting characters lend a lot of reality to the text and some of the dialog the passes between he and them is hard to follow, yet makes sense much later. Such is the life of Odd Thomas. Everything is a mystery that is revealed in its own time.
Boo is back and so is Frank Sinatra. One particular scene with Ole Blue Eyes was particularly spectactular and patriotic all at the same time.
If I had to rank the Odd Thomas series of books based on how well I liked the plot and overall storyline, I'd rank them in this order:
1 - Odd Thomas
2 - Forever Odd
3 - Odd Hours
4 - Brother Odd
Yes, this book was, in my humble opinion, better than Brother Odd, which I really liked too.
So, soon enough I will be packaging up Odd Hours and mailing it off to my sister for her to read. I spoke with her last weekend and told her I bought the book. She was excited to know that it would be coming her way soon.
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