Greatest Love on Earth by Mary Ellen Dennis

From the author's website... "Set against the exotic world of an 1875 circus and the high-society milieu of Denver, Colorado, Mary Ellen Dennis's THE GREATEST LOVE ON EARTH sweeps readers into a story of death-defying feats, dangerous rivalries, and a love that has all the thrills and romance of the greatest show on earth.
Bold, beautiful Calliope Kelley has two passions in life: her father's circus and Brian O'Connor, and she just may lose them both. For years she has singlehandedly struggled to keep the Sean Kelley Circus going. Then Brian O'Connor, the daredevil animal trainer Calliope has adored since childhood, returns to the circus, having found everything a man can want... except the right woman.
Soon their passion will explode under the Big Top. Soon a deadly enemy will begin sabotaging Calliope's beloved circus. As terror becomes the star attraction, it will take a woman's indomitable dreams and a man's enduring love to survive and triumph over the most impossible odds of all."

Well, I wasn't quite sure what to expect with this novel. Was it a mystery, was it a love story, was it the "circus" aspect going to take away from the plot? I took a chance and was, very happily, intrigued and engaged from the first line! Ms. Dennis has written a story that incorporates all three into a tight story that I read in just a few nights. It was one that I couldn't wait to get back to.... which is saying a lot right now... we are in the midst of the first weeks back to school.

I was surprised to be taken back to 19th century Denver. Many of the events, places and people of my town (albeit WAY before my time)... I know well. It made the story come alive that much more. I look forward to reading the other novel set in Colorado that Ms. Dennis has written. She does Colorado proud!

Thanks to Sourcebooks for providing a copy of The Greatest Love on Earth in exchange for this review.

To Die For by Sandra Byrd

What would you sacrifice for your best friend? Would you die for her?

Meg Wyatt has been Anne Boleyn's closest friend ever since they grew up together on neighboring manors in Kent. So when twenty-five-year-old Anne's star begins to ascend, of course she takes Meg along for the ride.
Life in the court of Henry VIII is thrilling...at first. Meg is made mistress of Anne's wardrobe, and she enjoys the spoils of this privileged orbit and uses her influence for good. She is young and beautiful and in favor; everyone at court assumes that being close to her is being close to Anne.
But favor is fickle and envy is often laced with venom. As Anne falls, so does Meg, and it becomes nearly impossible for her to discern ally from enemy. Suddenly life's unwelcome surprises rub against court's sheen to reveal the tarnished brass of false affections and the bona fide gold of those are true. Both Anne and Meg may lose everything. When your best friend is married to fearsome Henry VIII, you may soon find yourself not only friendless but headless as well.
A rich alchemy of fact and fiction, To Die For chronicles the glittering court life, the sweeping romance, and the heartbreaking fall from grace of a forsaken queen and Meg, her closest companion, who was forgotten by the ages but who is destined to live on in our hearts forever.

I have been reading a lot of Tudor fiction lately. And, while I like reading about the "major players"... it's nice to read the story of one of the many who were (as it says in the synopsis)... "forgotten by the ages". Meg's story may not be as dramatic and dangerous as Anne's but it is, most definitely, worth reading.

My favorite part about this novel was to see Anne from a different point of view. I've seen her as the victim and the villain but I've never really seen her through the eyes of her best friend. We all have a best friend... someone who's seen us at our best and at our worst and loves us no matter what. Anne had such a friend in Meg.

While Anne's fate is known and is just as sad as always, this was Meg's story. She was an ordinary girl who lived in extraordinary circumstances. Above all, though, she was a friend to another who was also living in extraordinary circumstances.

I loved that Ms. Byrd wrote Meg as a strong character... flaws and all. Although her friendship with Anne was the basis for her story, there was so much more. As with any historical figure... those remembered and those forgotten... it is so wonderful to remember that they are just like us. Meg just lives her life...even while at Henry's Court. Granted, she lives it in beautiful gowns and sumptuous surroundings (for the times, of course).

You can read more about To Die For by Sandra Byrd on her website...www.sandrabyrd.com

Thanks to Amy at Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours...http://hfvirtualbooktours.blogspot.com/2011_07_01_archive.html. Thanks as well to the publisher for providing a copy of To Die For in exchange a fair and thoughtful review.

Please check out HFVB for more blogs reviewing this beautifully written story of true friendship in desperate times and the woman who was "forgotten by the ages" but readers will remember every time they think of Anne Boleyn.

Venetia by Georgette Heyer

From Wikipedia... "Venetia Lanyon grew up in the country, away from the world with only her younger brother Aubrey, bookish and lamed, for company. Her peace and quiet is one day disturbed by the rakish Lord Damerel. At first, she sensibly keeps away from him for his very discourteous treatment of her, but when Lord Damerel finds an injured Aubrey and not only takes him into his home to recover but also treats him with great kindness, she revises her first opinion of him and they soon become the best of friends. When Venetia and Lord Damerel fall in love, however, Damerel is convinced that marriage with him would cause Venetia's social ruin. Venetia disagrees, and sets about creating her own happy ending."


Today is the 109th anniversary of Georgette Heyer's birth. She was born on August 16th, 1902.I thought it was the perfect day to review Venetia. Happy Birthday, Georgette!

I didn't begin to read romance novels until I was in college and I can pretty much say for certain that, until very recently, I had never read anything by Georgette Heyer. I have since read two... Cotillion and, now... Venetia.

It is a wonderful story whose characters, settings and, most importantly, dialogue combine to create such a well-crafted story. It took me by surprise that I read it so quickly. I was just drawn in. Venetia (as well as Cotillion) not only entertained but enlightened me. Most regency romance novels seem to focus on the "glittering" side of the era... the balls, the gowns and the societal "obligations". Venetia goes beyond that with a story that captured all that as well as an intimate story about a young woman coming to terms with her "lot" and doing what she can to rise above it.

I just loved that there was a character named Jasper. I adore that name! I will, someday, have a cat with that moniker. And, with said feline, I will be curled in chair reading one of the many novels that Georgette Heyer wrote.

I'm not the only one celebrating her birthday. Sourcebooks (who sent me a copy of Venetia in exchange for for this review) is offering many of Georgette Heyer's novel (in ebook form) for just $1.99... just click on this link... http://www.sourcebooks.com/readers/casavip/happy-birthday-ms-heyer.html

Happy Birthday, Georgette Heyer, Queen of the Regency Romance!!

A Most Unsuitable Match by Stephanie Grace Whitson

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing A Most Unsuitable Match Bethany House; Original edition (August 1, 2011) by Stephanie Grace Whitson



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A native of southern Illinois, Stephanie Grace Whitson has lived in Nebraska since 1975. She began what she calls "playing with imaginary friends" (writing fiction) when, as a result of teaching her four homeschooled children Nebraska history, she was personally encouraged and challenged by the lives of pioneer women in the West. Since her first book, Walks the Fire, was published in 1995, Stephanie's fiction titles have appeared on the ECPA bestseller list numerous times and been finalists for the Christy Award, the Inspirational Reader's Choice Award, and ForeWord Magazine's Book of the Year.



Her first nonfiction work, How to Help a Grieving Friend, was released in 2005. In addition to serving in her local church and keeping up with two married children, two college students, and a high school senior, Stephanie enjoys motorcycle trips with her family and church friends. Her passionate interests in pioneer women's history, antique quilts, and French, Italian, and Hawaiian language and culture provide endless story-telling possibilities.



ABOUT THE BOOK

An unlikely attraction occurs between two passengers on a steamboat journey up the Missouri River to Montana...



She is a self-centered young woman from a privileged family who fears the outdoors and avoids anything rustic. He is a preacher living under a sense of duty and obligation to love the unlovable people in the world. She isn't letting anything deter her from solving a family mystery that surfaced after her mother's death. He is on a mission to reach the rejects of society in the remote wilderness regions of Montana. Miss Fannie Rousseau and Reverend Samuel Beck are opposites in every way... except in how they both keep wondering if their paths will ever cross again.



If you would like to read the first chapter of A Most Unsuitable Match, go HERE.

Shadows on the Sand by Gayle Roper

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Shadows on the Sand Multnomah Books (July 19, 2011) by Gayle Roper





ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Gayle is the award winning author of more than forty books. She has been a Christy finalist three times for her novels Spring Rain, Summer Shadows, and Winter Winds. Her novel Autumn Dreams won the prestigious Romance Writers of America's RITA Award for Best Inspirational Romance. Summer Shadows was voted the Inspirational Readers Choice Contest Book of the Year (tied with fellow author Brandilyn Collins).



Gayle has won the Holt Medallion three times for The Decision, Caught in a Bind, and Autumn Dreams. The Decision won the Reviewers Choice Award, and Gayle has also won the Award of Excellence for Spring Rain and the Golden Quill for Summer Shadows and Winter Winds. Romantic Times Book Report gave Gayle the Lifetime Achievement Award.



Her Amhearst mystery series, Caught in the Middle, Caught in the Act, and Caught in a Bind, originally published by Zondervan, was reprinted in 2007 by Love Inspired Suspense with a fourth original title added, Caught Redhanded. Another original single title, See No Evil, was also released. Caught in the Middle has been optioned for film.



For her work in training Christian writers Gayle has won special recognition from Mount Hermon CWC, St. Davids CWC, Florida CWC, and Greater Philadelphia CWC. She directed St. Davids for five years and Sandy Cove CWC for six. She has taught with Christian Leaders, Authors and Speakers Services (CLASS), serving for several years as their writer in residence. She enjoys speaking at women's events across the nation and loves sharing the powerful truths of Scripture with humor and practicality.



Gayle is married to to Chuck Roper and has been "for more years than seems possible!". Gayle and Chuck live in southeastern Pennsylvania where they enjoy their family of two great sons, two lovely daughters-in-law, and the world's five most wonderful grandchildren. When she's not writing, or teaching at conferences, Gayle enjoys reading, gardening, and eating out every time she can talk Chuck into it.





ABOUT THE BOOK

Carrie Carter’s small café in Seaside, New Jersey, is populated with a motley crew of locals although Carrie only has eyes for Greg Barnes. He’s recovering from a vicious crime that three years ago took the lives of his wife and children—and from the year he tried to drink his reality away. While her heart does a happy Snoopy dance at the sight of him, he never seems to notice her, to Carrie’s chagrin.



When Carrie’s dishwasher is killed and her young waitress disappears, Greg finds himself drawn into helping Carrie solve the mysteries … and into her life. But Carrie has a painful past, too, and when the reason she once ran away shows up in town, the fragile relationship she’s built with Greg threatens to implode from the weight of the baggage they both carry. Two wounded hearts struggle to find a way to make one romance work. Failure seems guaranteed when Carrie locates her waitress but is taken hostage...



If you would like to read the first chapter of Shadows on the Sand, go HERE.

This novel was so not what I expected! I guess I thought it would be a strsight-forward mystery. It was so much more.

The characters all had complex back stories that were interwoven into a seamless story that, literally, kept me reading until way too late at might. This is, definitely, a quick read, as I had to know what would happen next. Some authors can kill a book by putting too much into it. Not here... everything just fits!

How have I never read anything by her before. It's such a delight to find a new author who you really connect with. Ms. Roper is a new-to-me author and I am thrilled that I have such an extensive backlist to read... yay!

Wednesday

It's been a while since I blogged about the randomness that is my life. So, on a lazy Wednesday night, that is what I am going to do :D

The dress code at work has changed. We are now in white tops and blue jeans. While I am truly ecstatic for the jeans, I am not as excited for the white shirts. Since I've been there for almost four years, I have an abundance of black tops (old dress code). With my coloring, I also think I look better in black (as do most women, I believe). I also think black tops with blue jeans is more "sophisticated" as opposed to white tops and jeans. And even though, we wear aprons... white shirt show a lot more dirt. That's not to say we're slovenly. We open freight boxes, we demo lotions, splashes, soaps, etc... it can get messy. At the end of my shift, I always felt better walking out of there in black. But, because I'm so happy about the jeans... I'll live with the white shirts.

I have a wonderful dilemma! I finished a great book last night and need to start a new one tonight. I have about three or four that are on my "short list". I'm still deciding which one but I'm thinking I will read M the first lines of each and see which one she chooses. Don't you just love the anticipation of beginning a new book?!?

I finally firmed up dates to visit Kansas City. My best friend lives there (and I'm from there) and we try to go every summer. So, now the dates are decided and I CANNOT wait. I've known her since high school and she is so wonderful! Her twin boys are J's age and her third son is M's age. She also has two other beautiful children and her husband looks just like Vince Gill.


I am also excited to go to Winsteads in KC. Winsteads is a landmark Kansas City diner... think Arnold's from "Happy Days". My father went there as a teenager... lol. They have the WORLD'S GREATEST onion rings!!! I love them so much that I only eat them there as no other onion rings even remotely compare. Yes, that means I only have onion rings once a year! Their chocolate milkshakes are TDF, too. But, when we're there... we go "gangbusters!! We stop at Winsteads before we even go to E's house. We'll be there five days... we'll eat there at least five times...if not more!! Horrible for my diet, I know... but, I can only do it once a year!

My friend, D, and I met for lunch the other day. Afterwards, we went to TJ Maxx. I love the handbag assortment there. I found two great bags. okay, really... it was the same bag but in two different colors. They were both leopard print but one was brown.black while the second one was black/grey. I could not decide which one I liked better and, because the price was so low... I bought BOTH!! And, I've worn each several times so I really got a great deal. In these pictures, the handles look a little long but, it is truly a handheld bag. It also has a strap so it can be carried on as a shoulder bag. I haven't used it as such but I do let the handle dangle. I like that look.

My mystery book club met last night. We discussed the new Craig Johnson mystery, Hell Is Empty. We are all huge Walt Longmire fans and we are so excited that a series based on these amazing books is coming to A&E this fall. There was even talk, last night, of having a potluck viewing party. I hope that comes to fruition... what fun! I just love the ladies in my book club! Next month, we are reading Brass Verdict by Michael Connelly. We read The Lincoln Lawyer a while back. I liked it... didn't love it. This book teams up two of Connelly's characters... "Lincoln lawyer Mickey Haller and LAPD Detective Harry Bosch team up in Michael Connelly's biggest novel ever.
Things are finally looking up for defense attorney Mickey Haller. After two years of wrong turns, Haller is ready to go back to the courtroom. When Hollywood lawyer Jerry Vincent is murdered, Haller inherits his biggest case yet: the defense of Walter Elliott, a prominent studio executive accused of murdering his wife and her lover. But as Haller prepares for the case that could launch him into the big time, he learns that Vincent's killer may be coming for him next.
Enter Harry Bosch. Determined to find Vincent's killer, he is not opposed to using Haller as bait. But as danger mounts and the stakes rise, these two loners realize their only choice is to work together.
Have you met Mickey Haller yet? If not, read The Lincoln Lawyer. Do you know his connection to Harry Bosch? If not, read The Black Ice for a reminder." If you've read it, let me know what your thoughts.

Spring For Susannah by Catherine Richmond

From the author's website... "When Susannah goes to Dakota territory as a mail-order bride she finds something she never dreamed she would—true love.
With no prospects for marriage and her parents recently deceased, Susannah Underhill agrees to go west to the Dakota territory to marry her minister’s homesteading brother, Jesse. But Susannah is painfully shy, doesn’t see herself as worthy of love from either a husband or from God, and lives in constant fear that Jesse is going to ship her back to Detroit.
In spite of her petite size and the fact that Susannah doesn’t look like she could survive on the prairie, Jesse quickly discovers that his new wife is a greater blessing than he even hoped for. The years she spent as her father’s veterinary assistant allow her to save Jesse’s ox and twin calves and to help neighboring farmers with their animals.
But Susannah’s feelings of unworthiness are deeply rooted, and she can’t believe that Jesse’s praise—or the tenderness and love he shows—could possibly last. The thawing of her heart seems almost as distant as Spring in the midst of the winter blanketing the Dakota prairie."

As an avid reader, I am frequently asked if I ever want to write. My answer is always "No". I enjoy the art of reading more then the art of writing. That said, though, I would definitely write if I could write a (debut, no less!) novel like Ms. Richmond has written with Spring for Susannah. She has taken a story that could be very trite and predictable and crafted a story that surprised me. While it is a "Christian" romance, it read more like a historical fiction novel.

Ms. Richmond has written characters that I have thought about even after I finished reading. The relationship between Susannah and Jesse was what made the story but their relationships with the secondary characters made the story fill out.

I am always struck by the amount of faith people of that time had. I cannot imagine leaving everything I know behind to live in what, at that time, was, essentially, wilderness to marry a man I did not know. Yes, this is fiction but it is based on the countless stories of women who did just that. I loved the strength that Susannah found... not only through Jake's love but through herself and her actions.

~~Thanks to the author and Amy at Litfuse for a preview copy in exchange for this review.~~

Queen By Right Review and GIVEAWAY!

From Anne Easter Smith's website... "In Cecily Neville, duchess of York and ancestor of every English monarch to the present day, Anne has found her most engrossing character yet. Cecily earned two monikers from her contemporaries: Rose of Raby for her fair-haired beauty and Proud Cis for her fierce loyalty and courage in the face of the many history-making events she experienced in her eighty years. This was a woman who could have been queen had her husband lived to win the day over Henry VI and his queen, Margaret of Anjou, in the winter of 1461.
History remembers Cecily of York standing on the steps of Ludlow Castle, facing an attacking army while holding the hands of her two young sons. Queen by Right reveals how she came to step into her destiny, beginning with her marriage to Richard, Duke of York who she meets when she is nine and he is thirteen. Raised together in her father’s household, they become a true love match, and together they face personal tragedies, pivotal events of history, and deadly political intrigue.
All of England knows that Richard has a clear claim to the throne, and when King Henry VI becomes unfit to rule, Cecily must put aside her own hopes and fears and help her husband decide what is right for their family and the kingdom. As civil war escalates between the cousins of Lancaster and York, Cecily will lose her love, her favorite brother and her dearest child. But in the end, she will watch proudly as her oldest son takes his father’s place at the head of a victorious army and is crowned at Westminster Abbey as King Edward IV."

My thoughts... I am always a little surprised at how little of the English Monarchy I know about. So, I love to read well-written fiction that not only gives me a great story but teaches a bit in the process. Anne Easter Smith has delivered with Queen By Right! Cecily Neville, Duchess of York, is someone I had only heard about as a peripheral character in other novels. She is the mother of two kings and an ancestor to the British Royal Family that captures our attention even today.

I was pleasantly surprised to read the first page and see the setting... Baynard's Castle February 8, 1461". Why is that so surprising? Well, February 8th is my birthday! So, I knew that I would have a "kinship" with Cecily... which by the way is such a great name!

Having never read a novel by Ms. Smith, I have to say that her writing style is perfect for a historical novel. She adds the perfect amount of research so that I'm not completely lost. I love dialogue in novels but found that I actually enjoyed the narrative passages more in this novel. Ms. Smith writes so eloquently and uses dialogue to enhance the story. I honestly think she could write nonfiction that is interesting and "fall asleep" boring. I also enjoyed how she used flashbacks to show Cecily's thoughts about events in her life. I honestly think she could write nonfiction that is interesting and "fall asleep" boring.

Like I said, I don't know that much about her so having the maps, the family tree and the Dramatis Personae (cast of characters) and glossary to refer to was so helpful. This is why I will never give up "real" books. It's just easier to flip to the front (or back) as opposed to trying to navigate on an ereader. Ms. Smith wrote not an interesting Author's Note but there is included a book club guide and an interview. These are really helpful tools that increased my enjoyment of this novel.

** Thanks to Anne Easter Smith, the publisher and Amy from Historical Fiction Book Tours for providing Queen By Right, in exchange for my honest and thoughtful review.


***GIVEAWAY***

Anne Easter Smith has graciously offered a copy of Queen By Right to a reader of Bags, Books & Bon Jovi.

I'm keeping this simple... just leave comment about this novel or Ms. Smith's guest post and you'll be entered to receive this book. You can also enter Tuesday when I post my review... you'll just need to comment on my review or tell me what other Queen By Right blog review you read. So... maximum... two entries!

The contest (open to US readers only) will start when this post is published and I will choose a winner at 11:59pm Tuesday June 21, 2011.

Queen By Right ~~ Anne Easter Smith~~

I am excited to be part of Anne Easter Smith's virtual book tour for her latest historical novel, Queen By Right. You can find other reviews as well as Anne Easter Smith's guest posts here... http://hfvirtualbooktours.blogspot.com/2011/05/virtual-book-tour-for-queen-by-right-by.html

Please come back tomorrow as I will be posting my review of Queen By Right.

From her website... "In Cecily Neville, duchess of York and ancestor of every English monarch to the present day, Anne has found her most engrossing character yet. Cecily earned two monikers from her contemporaries: Rose of Raby for her fair-haired beauty and Proud Cis for her fierce loyalty and courage in the face of the many history-making events she experienced in her eighty years. This was a woman who could have been queen had her husband lived to win the day over Henry VI and his queen, Margaret of Anjou, in the winter of 1461.
History remembers Cecily of York standing on the steps of Ludlow Castle, facing an attacking army while holding the hands of her two young sons. Queen by Right reveals how she came to step into her destiny, beginning with her marriage to Richard, Duke of York who she meets when she is nine and he is thirteen. Raised together in her father’s household, they become a true love match, and together they face personal tragedies, pivotal events of history, and deadly political intrigue.
All of England knows that Richard has a clear claim to the throne, and when King Henry VI becomes unfit to rule, Cecily must put aside her own hopes and fears and help her husband decide what is right for their family and the kingdom. As civil war escalates between the cousins of Lancaster and York, Cecily will lose her love, her favorite brother and her dearest child. But in the end, she will watch proudly as her oldest son takes his father’s place at the head of a victorious army and is crowned at Westminster Abbey as King Edward IV."

I would like to welcome her and thank her for giving us a little more insight into this interesting woman and the times she lived in.


Thank you Kathy, for hosting me here at Bags, Books & Bon Jovi. – Anne Easter Smith


Medieval ideas of love and marriage: A Guest Post by Anne Easter Smith

Cecily Neville and Richard, duke of York, are said to have had one of history’s few real love matches in an arranged marriage. This probably came about because they were together at Cecily’s father’s castle of Raby from an early age. Richard was orphaned when he was only four, and after being put in the care of Sir Robert Waterton for several years, his wardship was eventually purchased by Ralph Neville, earl of Westmorland. And so Richard would have met and been under the same roof as Cecily when he was twelve and she was eight. It was not long afterward that Ralph wisely betrothed his youngest daughter to the young duke. Richard Plantagenet had a strong claim to the throne (but that’s another story!), so when he married Cecily she became the highest ranking of all the Neville clan.

When Ralph died in 1426, he willed the wardship to his wife, Joan, who was then placed in the king’s household with Cecily and Richard until Richard took his place at court, probably when he was 17. In Queen By Right I have the couple married before November 1429 when we know Richard received a Papal indulgence to have a portable altar and a confessor “for the duke of York and his duchess” (so we know they were married by then).

You might ask why it was unusual for theirs to be a love match? As lovers of historical fiction, I’m sure you know that most marriages from the gentry up to the royals were those of political and economical expedience. Many contracts were arranged between families when their offspring were only a few years old. But these young people might live at opposite ends of the country from each other and never meet until the legal age for marriage arrived: 12 for girls and 14 for boys. Sometimes--in the case of King Henry VI and Margaret of Anjou--one or other had someone stand proxy for them and you might be married before you even saw your husband! Imagine dreaming about your knight in shining armor or your Guinevere and being forced to live the rest of your days with Eygor from Frankenstein or Cruella Deville. Yes, a familiar love grew between couples in many cases, but it was hardly what we know today as conjugal bliss! Romantic love was most definitely missing for these very often mismatched pairs; can you blame them for looking for it elsewhere?

And so early in the medieval period, the troubadours began to sing about love and romance, which quickly spread to literature and pretty soon, anyone born with a silver spoon in his or her mouth were caught up in what we would probably call affairs today. We now refer to this idealized version of romance as “courtly love.” We would laugh at it now as it was highly exaggerated and artificial; we would also deem it highly dangerous as it’s most exciting aspect was secrecy. When a knight or lord fancied a lady, he was supposed to let her know by sending her secret gifts, singing her songs or penning poems. The lady on the other hand was supposed to only afford her pining lover a mere nod of approval and hint at affection. The relationship was more of a mistress dominating her servant, and the men apparently went for it.

Did they go all the way? You betcha! In fact medieval intellectuals believed that romantic love had to be adulterous because everyone knew that marriage was just for begetting children, thus real love was precious and lovers should be allowed to carry on in secret. Andrew the Chaplain, a medieval clergyman, wrote: “Love rarely survives when it becomes common knowledge.” And Heloise (the lover of Abelard) is said to have stated: “The love freely given matters. The name of ‘wife’ may seem more sacred or more worthy, but sweetest to me will always be the words ‘lover, concubine or whore.’” Quite controversial for even our time, wouldn’t you say!

Back to Cecily and Richard. Compared with many of their rank in the 15th century, there is no evidence of Richard ever having a mistress--or a bastard that has surfaced in this age of genealogy fascination--and Cecily faithfully followed her husband around the country or to France or to Ireland or wherever his career took him dragging her children with her. When Richard returned from 10-months exile in Ireland and the king had tried to stop his progress from the North Wales coast to London, the first person he sent for was Cecily, who raced up to meet him at Worcester, to where he’d pushed his way down, gathering men as he went. It was one of the few times she went to him without her children. I am sure it wasn't to talk about the weather or how little George and Richard were, I think they were hungry to wrap their arms about each other.

For more information please visit Anne Easter Smith's WEBSITE and FACEBOOK PAGE.


***GIVEAWAY***

Anne Easter Smith has graciously offered a copy of Queen By Right to a reader of Bags, Books & Bon Jovi.

I'm keeping this simple... just leave comment about this novel or Ms. Smith's guest post and you'll be entered to receive this book. You can also enter Tuesday when I post my review... you'll just need to comment on my review or tell me what other Queen By Right blog review you read. So... maximum... two entries!

The contest (open to US readers only) will start when this post is published and I will choose a winner at 11:59pm Tuesday June 21, 2011.

Lady of Bolton Hall by Elizabeth Camden

This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingThe Lady of Bolton Hill Bethany House (June 1, 2011) by Elizabeth Camden


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A research librarian and associate professor, Elizabeth Camden has a master’s in history from the University of Virginia and a master’s in library science from Indiana University. She has published several articles for academic publications and is the author of four nonfiction history books. Her ongoing fascination with history and love of literature have led her to write inspirational fiction. Elizabeth lives with her husband in central Florida.

A word from Elizabeth: I am a college librarian in central Florida by day, but by night I can be found pounding out inspirational historical novels the moment the sun goes down. I love writing books about fiercely intelligent people who are confronted with profound challenges. As a rather introverted person, I have found that writing is the best way for me to share my faith and a sense of resilience with others.

As for who I am? I love old Hitchcock films, the hour before sunset, a long, sweaty run through the Florida countryside, and a glass of good wine. After spending my entire adult life on a college campus (either as a student or a librarian) I have finally been able to pursue my ultimate goal of writing professionally.


ABOUT THE BOOK

Female journalists are rare in 1879, but American-born Clara Endicott has finally made a name for herself with her provocative articles championing London's poor. When the backlash from her work forces a return home to Baltimore, Clara finds herself face-to-face with a childhood sweetheart who is no longer the impoverished factory worker she once knew. In her absence, Daniel Tremain has become a powerful industry giant and Clara finds him as enigmatic as ever. However, Daniel's success is fueled by resentment from past wounds and Clara's deeply-held beliefs about God's grace force Daniel to confront his own motives. When Clara's very life is endangered by one of Daniel's adversaries, they must face a reckoning neither of them ever could have foreseen.

When Clara Endicott and Daniel Tremain's worlds collide after twelve years apart, the spark that was once between them immediately reignites into a romance neither of them thought possible.

But time has changed them both.

Daniel is an industrial titan with powerful enemies. Clara is an idealistic journalist determined to defend underprivileged workers.

Can they withstand the cost of their convictions while their hearts, and lives, hang in the balance?

If you would like to read the first chapter ofThe Lady of Bolton Hill, go HERE.
To purchase The Lady of Bolton Hall, please click here...http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0764208942

I am definitely loving novels set in The Gilded Age. And this book, the Lady of Bolton Hall, is no exception. Setting alone, though, cannot carry a story. No worries here... this is such a well-written novel. I found the dialogue especially good and, unlike a lot of novels where dialogue is almost a "filler", Ms. Camden really took care to use it to move the story forward as well using it to define the characters.

I've been reading on some "romance" forums the debate of epilogues... do we love them or should the story end when it ends? Well. I'm definitely on the "love them" side of that debate. And the epilogue of The Lady of Bolton Hall is the cherry on a great ice cream sundae. Why that particular analogy? Because there's some Häagen-Dazs ice cream in my new freezer! Anyway, the epilogue just closes the book on such a great note. I love to how the characters have changed and are living their "happily ever after".

~~Thanks to Bonnie at CFBA and the publisher for sending me a copy of The Lady of Bolton Hall in exchange for my review.~~

Meet Me on Sunday... I Mean Monday!

From Java's blog... "Blogging is a funny thing...we tell our most intimate thoughts for all to read and yet most of the time I find myself sitting and wondering, "who is this person!?" I know them...but yet I don't know them! I want to know who the person is behind all those words so I thought of a great way for all of us to "meet" each other!
Every Sunday Never Growing Old will post four get to know you questions that you can copy and paste into your own Monday post and we can all learn a little more about each and every one of us!!
Java will add a linky so we can follow who participates and get to know them better!! Be sure to link the POST and not just your whole blog!!
I have decided to change the meme to four questions each week.

Questions:

1. What is was the last piece of candy that you ate?

Right before I started reading Java's blog, I ate a mint. My favorite, too :D

2. Do you "read" in the bathroom?
ABSOLUTELY NOT!!!!
I have never, ever understood this concept. Really... you cannot find anywhere in your entire home that's more comfortable to read? Besides taking a relaxing bubble bath or shower, the bathroom is a very utilitarian room... do what you need to do, wash your hands and get out.

3. I can't stand when someone _________?
... has not mastered the concept of "common courtesy". Saying "please" and "thank you" is truly not a difficult thing. Thank you :D

4. Do you do daily, weekly or monthly grocery shopping?
For whatever reasons, my husband has been doing the grocery shopping for about the past year. He goes, generally, about once a week with our daughter. I love not going!

Thanks for stopping by. Please leave a comment so I can check out your answers!

First Line Friday

I began First Line Friday because first lines have always intrigued me since I heard an author say that writing the first sentence is, by far, the most difficult part of writing a novel. The reasoning was that a first sentence can make the reader continue reading or cause the book to be tossed aside. So, go to your To Be Read Pile, choose as many books as you want and share the first line. Be sure to include the title and author so that if your reader also finds it intriguing, they can find the book. Also, share your thoughts about the first line. Does it draw you in? Is it...exciting...thought provoking...scary...funny? Join in, if you enjoy first lines as much as I do! Be sure to use my great First Line Friday graphic and leave me a comment so I can read your blog! I'm not the only one with a meme celebrating first lines... Becky at Page Turners at http://pageturnersbooks.blogspot.com/ hosts Book Beginnings... check her blog, too.



"Even before it all went bad, she had the feeling it was going to be a rotten day."
The Death Artist
Jonathan Santlofer

This is about as good as a first line can be! Granted, it's a novel of suspense and I know it's going to go bad but to read it in the first line...genius! I just hope the rest of this novel is as well written.

I know this is First Line Friday but I have to talk about this amazing cover! It's beautiful and kind of scary all at once. This book is set in the art world with murders that mimic famous works of art. I'm very intrigued.

I bought this book today at the Friends of the Library book sale. M and I braved the first day crowds and found some great books. As I was looking through the tables, I overheard a woman say to her friend that she would scream with joy if she found the book in hardback. So, I asked her what book. She told me The Stand by Stephen King. I told her I'd look. And, seriously... not five minutes later... I found a withdrawn library copy in a box under the table. I handed it her and, while she didn't scream with joy, she was very happy.

Sunday is $5 a bag day and we'll go back and get enough books to read over the summer... even though I think we're still reading some of the books we bought last year :D

A Heart Renewed by Karen Baney~

From the author's website... "Headstrong. Unconventional. Until life turns upside down…
Julia Colter struggles to accept life under her controlling brother’s greed. The suitors he selects would benefit him, but are far from the ideal husband for her. When her rebellion against her brother puts her life at risk, she turns to her friend for help.
Adam Larson longs to train horses and plans to head west to the Arizona Territory to see his dreams fulfilled. When his sister’s best friend shows up in the middle of the night, he agrees to help her flee. The decision changes his life, in more ways than he expected.
Can Julia forget the pain from her past and open her heart to love?"

This is the second in The Prescott Pioneers series... and as much as I loved the first novel, A Dream Unfolding,(here's my review...http://bagsbooksandbonjovi.blogspot.com/2011/04/dream-unfolding-by-karen-baney.html), I think I liked A Heart Renewed even more!

I was really drawn to Julia in the first book and was excited to read her story. Even though it was sometimes difficult to read, it made her story real. Her strength of character was evident through the book and her actions were defined by that strength as well as her commitment to her faith.

Ms. Baney uses her research to create a story that moves along at its necessary pace. By that, I mean that it just "flow". The story is not bogged down in research yet the author gives enough detail to put me, the reader, in the scene. I love this time when our country was being settled by courageous and faithful people. Their desire, like Julia's, was to make a better life. It is that desire that creates such a wonderful novel.

I've said it before but the main reason I love series is to revisit favorite characters. It takes a talented writer, IMO, to take a main character from one book and continue to write him/her in such a way to further their story. Ms. Baney has written these characters so that we know how they are doing but she doesn't allow them to overshadow the (now) main characters.

I enjoyed reading Ms. Baney's author's note at the end of the book as these always provide such great insight into the writing process. I love the little "tidbits" that fill out the story that I just enjoyed. My favorite sentence..."Look for book 3 in the Prescott Pioneers series: A Life Restored coming in late 2011." One word...YAY!!!!

~~Thanks to the author, Karen Baney, for providing a copy of A Heart Renewed, in exchange for an honest and thoughtful review,~~

The Confessions of Catherine de Medici by CW Gortner

The trade paperback edition of THE CONFESSIONS OF CATHERINE DE MEDICI is in stores today, with a beautiful new cover and bonus reader material... which is one of my favorite things when reading historical fiction.

This is a re-post of my review. I originally posted this as Mr. Gortner's novel was first released. If you haven't yet read this novel and love strong female protagonists, you are in for a treat!


From C.W. Gortner's website... "At the age of fourteen, Catherine de Medici, last legitimate descendant of the Medici blood, finds herself betrothed to the King Francois I’s son, Henri. Sent from her native Florence to France, humiliated and overshadowed by her husband’s life-long devotion to his mistress, when tragedy strikes her family Catherine rises from obscurity to become one of 16th century Europe’s most powerful women.
Patroness of Nostradamus and a seer in her own right, accused of witchcraft and murder by her foes, Catherine fights to save France and her children from savage religious conflict, unaware that her own fate looms before her—a fate that will demand the sacrifice of her ideals, reputation, and the passion of her own embattled heart. . .
From the splendors of the Loire palaces to the blood-soaked battles of the Wars of Religion and haunted halls of the Louvre, this is the story of Catherine’s dramatic life, told by the queen herself."


C. W. Gortner, half-Spanish by birth, holds an M.F.A. in writing, with an emphasis on historical studies, from the New College of California and has taught university courses on women of power in the Renaissance. He was raised in Málaga, Spain, and now lives in California.
Acclaimed for his insight into his characters, he travels extensively to research his books. He has slept in a medieval Spanish castle, danced in a Tudor great hall, and explored library archives all over Europe. His debut historical novel The Last Queen gained international praise and has been translated into eight languages to date. His new novel, The Confessions of Catherine de Medici, will be published on May 25, 2010. He is currently at work on The Princess Isabella, his third historical novel, and The Secret Lion, the first book in his Tudor thriller series,The Spymaster Chronicles. You can visit C. W. Gortner’s website at http://cwgortner.com/

My thoughts about The Confessions of Catherine deMedici...
This novel was incredible from the first line (and you know how much I love first lines!)... "I was ten years old when I discovered I might be a witch." to the last sentence... you didn't really think I'd share that, did you?!?

I love historical fiction but have, until recently, read mostly about fictional characters. I really didn't know a lot about Catherine de Medici. I didn't "google" her until after I had finished this novel. I wanted to read this book without any preconceived ideas. Because I wasn't as familiar with Catherine's story as I should be (shhh... don't tell my history professors :D), I was very grateful for the map of France and the family tree of The Valois. I referred to both and didn't get lost with names and places. It's details like this that tell me that the author put thought into everything about his novel. If there are too many characters or places and I have to constantly go back and read a page or two to figure things out, I'm more likely to stop reading. A quick glance at the map and family tree assured that this novel read effortlessly. I appreciate things like that in my books.

Mr. Gortner chose to tell Catherine's story from her point of view. This, in my humble opinion as a reader, can make or break a story. He did it, flawlessly. There was never a point in the story when I "lost" Catherine's voice and "heard" the author's. Everything was as Catherine would interpret it... the dialogue flowed, the characters (both primary and secondary) were presented as she saw them and the settings described through her eyes. To take Catherine from a young girl through her tumultuous life and have me feel empathy for a Queen who, historically, is regarded as ruthless, domineering and, even murderous, takes great skill as a writer. To do it from her own point of view without losing historical facts and perceptions seems to very easy for Mr. Gortner.

I know not all authors choose the covers of their novels but I have to say that this cover is so striking. I hope Mr. Gortner had some say with this cover and is pleased with the results. I have seen The Confessions of Catherine deMedici at the bookstore and it is truly eye-catching. I know a huge trend in historical fiction cover art is women wearing beautiful period gowns. This cover takes it a step beyond. Yes, Catherine is wearing a beautiful period gown but she is standing in a hall that is dark, almost ominous... foreshadowing, maybe?

There is a afterword in which the author shares some of his thoughts about writing this novel as well as some other historical notes. I appreciate this because, after reading the book, I can tell he was thoughtful and careful he was to tell Catherine's story.

I read this novel with a more critical eye than I normally do as I knew I would be reviewing it. I came away thinking that it was so well-written and interesting that I would not have been disappointed if I had purchased it... which I will do for Mr. Gortner's other books. I'm now quite a fan of his work. Please check out his website for information about his other works.

***Thanks to Dorothy and Cheryl at http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/ and Random House for sending me The Confessions of Catherine de Medici by C. W. Gortner to read and write an honest review on my blog.***

The Lightkeeper's Ball by Colleen Coble

From the publicist... "A Heart that Yearns for More. Colleen Coble leads her readers on a search for significance.
What do I have to offer this world? Can I really be loved for who I am on the outside and not for how others view me? Where does my true significance come from? In her third installment of the Mercy Falls series, The Lightkeeper’s Ball, award-winning author Colleen Coble will answer these questions while leading her readers down a path of betrayal, desire and ultimate fulfillment.
The Mercy Falls series centers on a small town in California and its lighthouse. Coble uses the lighthouse as a reminder that Jesus is our lighthouse always leading us home. In her latest addition to the series, the main characters must wrestle with their desire to find fulfillment in more than their work and money while being hunted by those who are holding on to resentment and unforgiveness.
Olivia Stewart’s family is one of the Four Hundred—the highest echelon of society in 1910. Living in New York with her mother, Olivia is twenty-five and unmarried, and her mother is threatening an arranged marriage if she does not pick a suitable match soon. But Olivia wants someone who will love her for more than her name.
Her sister Eleanor has headed to the Wild West of California to meet and marry Harrison Bennett. Harrison is the son of her late father’s business partner, Claude. Olivia’s father had specified in his will that the Bennett and Stewart families be joined in order for his family to receive half of the rights to the Bennetts’ diamond mine.
But when Claude Bennett arrives in New York to inform Mrs. Stewart and Olivia that Eleanor has drowned, everything changes. Now Olivia must marry Harrison, or her family will be left with no income. But Olivia is not convinced that her sister’s death was an accident. So she heads to Mercy Falls, California, under her formal title, Lady Devonworth, in order to seek the truth and to hide her identity from Harrison. But the truth she finds may not be what she expected.
Harrison Bennett is full of dreams. His father insists he run their business, and his mother tells him that he should not waste the gift God has given him. But all Harrison really wants to do is build and fly aeroplanes. And it doesn’t help any that his fiancé drowned and now the nosy Lady Devonworth keeps asking him questions about something so private and hurtful. Yet there seems to be something more than skin deep with her, and he would like to discover what it is.
Can Olivia and Harrison both find the meaning in life that they desire? In her last novel in the Mercy Falls series, Coble does not disappoint. With murder, suspense and desire, readers will enjoy peeling back the layers and discovering that this is more than your average romance novel. They will be perched on the edge of their seats trying to solve the mystery of Eleanor’s death while discovering that the true worth of an individual never comes from a name or accomplishments. True worth can only be found in Christ."


An interview with Colleen Coble, author of The Lightkeeper’s Ball
Q: Did you always dream of becoming a writer? Why did you choose the romance genre?
I wrote my first story in the first grade. It was about a horse that had twin colts. The teacher praised it and the writing seed was planted. I love illustrating God’s love through romance. I especially love the suspense I put into all my books as well. I have a strong streak of justice and it plays out in the suspense element.

Q: What inspired you to write a historical series based in the early 1900’s? What would you have enjoyed about living in that time period and what would you have found the most difficult?
I happened to read an article about the Gilded Age and it mentioned how that era was so similar to today’s. I was intrigued with that, plus I wanted to choose a time period that wouldn’t be too much of a departure from my contemporary books. In that era, there were still cars and telephones!
I would have loved the simpler lifestyle. However, I would miss my jeans! How vain.

Q: Society at the turn of the century was very preoccupied with appearances and impressing other people. How is that not so different than our society today and how can we keep from falling into that same trap?
That’s exactly right! The parallels between the two eras are astounding. I’ve been at the cancer hospital this week with a dear friend, and it was a reminder of how fragile this life is. We seek THINGS when God wants us to seek Him. We need to keep our eyes set on eternity and remember that THIS life is the real dream. When we reach heaven, we will finally start to really live.

Q: Bitterness and unforgiveness led to the death of Olivia’s sister. Why is it so important to forgive those who have wronged us?
An unforgiving spirit hurts us much more than the person we hate. It makes us ugly and crowds out the love we want to show other people. God is love, not hate. Bitterness is the very opposite of the attitude God wants us to have.

Q: This is the third book in your Mercy Falls series. Addie and Katie were the main characters in your first two books. Olivia was given a true gift in the friendship of Katie and Addie. What does it take to find trustworthy and loyal friends? Why do you think that we all desire to find friends like these?
You have to first be a friend. You have to be open and giving of yourself to have those kinds of friends. A true friend tells you the truth in love, and that’s an important component of the give and take of real friendship.

Q: What do you hope that your readers will take away from reading The Lightkeeper’s Ball?
I hope the readers who feel they have to earn love will take away the realization that their true worth is that Jesus loves them and died for them. They are valuable beyond comprehension. When we can step into the role of daughters and sons, we can realize our true potential.

My thoughts...
I love series books but I don't love when series books end. Every page I turned brought me closer to the end of a series I really enjoyed. That said, though... The Lightkeeper's Ball is a satisfying conclusion to The Mercy Falls series.

As mentioned in previous reviews, I really love The Gilded Age in novels. Not only is this book set in the time period but it also takes readers to the rugged coast of California. It is also a mystery and that adds another aspect that I love in novels. It wasn't just "thrown" in. Ms. Coble wove it seamlessly into the story that is also about love, friendship, truth and faith.

I enjoy series novels because I can "catch up" with characters from previous novels. It was satisfying to see Addie and Katie again and see what their story has become.

The Mercy Falls series was my introduction to Ms. Coble's writing. I hope her other novels are as wonderful as this series.

~~Thanks to Audra Jennings, Senior Media Specialist at The B&B Media Group as well as the author and the publisher for sending me The Lightkeeper's Ball.~~