One Book Shy of a Full Shelf

Review - The King's Agent by Donna Russo Morin

2012-03-01T00:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Release Day!

TITLE:    The King's Agent
AUTHOR:    Donna Russo Morin
INFO:    Paperback, Fiction, 418 pages
PUBLISHED:   Kensington, 2012
SOURCE:   Received from Publisher for Review and Blog Tour

FROM GOODREADS: The King’s Agent is based loosely on the life of Battista della Palla-a patriotic plunderer, a religious rogue-of the 16th century, a lifelong friend to the great Michelangelo.

As the cloistered ward of the Marquess of Mantua, Lady Aurelia is a woman with a profound duty, and a longing for adventure. In search of a relic intended for the King of France, Battista and Aurelia cross the breathtaking landscape of Renaissance Italy. Clues hide in great works of art, political forces collide, secret societies and enemies abound, and danger lurks in every challenge, those that mirror the passages of Dante's Divine Comedy. It is an adventurous quest with undercurrents of the supernatural, powers that could change the balance of supremacy throughout Europe.

MY TAKE: A fun book that I was very happy to get a chance to review. It is a historical romp set in Italy of the 1500s with a thief/hero/mystery man and a beautiful, secretive woman at the heart of the tale. This doesn't even begin to describe it though..

A lot of ingredients and flavors spice up this engaging story from the beginning. There are touches of fantasy, history and romance mixed in with a healthy helping of adventure in the vein of "Indiana Jones", "National Treasure" and "The DaVinci Code". The references to various masterpieces like Dante's "The Divine Comedy" and appearances of such august persons as Michelangelo add lovely substance to a well-written fictional tale. The real historical backdrop of Italy's changing political and religious scene sets the stage for many twists and turns that the reader won't see coming.

I enjoyed the main characters of Battista and Aurelia. The reader will become invested in their lives and their progress as they hunt down an elusive and legendary piece of artwork. They have such dissimilar lives and backgrounds and yet they connect at a deep level. The author did a great job of laying the groundwork for their paths to intersect and converge. Their journey was peppered with a lot of ups and downs and other colorful characters. I wanted to hate Federico, the marquess of Mantua, but he proves himself to be true. As do Battista's best friend Frado and their wild bunch of merry men.

Ms. Morin is very adept at describing the surroundings and details of what the characters are seeing and experiencing. It makes it very easy for the reader to be right there with Battista and Aurelia as they traipse across the country in search of the elusive prize! She also keeps you guessing with well-placed clues peppered throughout the story. I did manage to figure part of the mystery out before the big reveal, but it was well worth the journey.

A very helpful and thought-inspiring reader/discussion guide is included at the end of the book. It would be great for a book club as this book has so many elements that any reader should be able to find something that resonates with them in this story.

Out of 5 JEWELS, I give it:

The King's Agent is out TODAY and available at most retailers including:

Amazon, Kindle, The Book Depository,

Barnes & Noble, Nook

Donna Russo Morin

Donna Russo Morin was born in Providence, Rhode Island in 1958. Her writing endeavors began at age six and covered such timely topics as The Pink Pussy Cat for President and The Numbers 2 and 4 are in Love.

Traveling through adolescence on the wings of the ‘60s gave Donna a lot of grist for her writing mill. Feminism, civil rights, the Vietnam War were all a disturbing yet highly motivating muse. Donna found her voice in fiction and with the appearance of a new horror writer on the book scene, a little known author named Stephen King, she turned her pen to the gruesome and the grotesque.

After graduating from the University of Rhode Island, Donna worked in marketing and advertising for large corporations and small non-profit arts organizations. When she had her children, she knew with a certainty that she needed to show them, by example, that if you believe in yourself, anything is possible.
In addition to writing and teaching writing, Donna has worked as a model and actor since the age of seventeen, when she did her first television commercial for Sears. Since then she has appeared in more than thirty television spots and print ads, everything from changing the oil in her car (that was acting) to modeling fur coats. She also appeared in three episodes of Showtime’s THE BROTHERHOOD, as well as in Martin Scorsese’s THE DEPARTED.

Donna lives peacefully, close to the beautiful shoreline of Rhode Island that she loves so much, with her two sons, Devon and Dylan, her greatest works in progress.

Connect with Donna: website, Facebook, Twitter

I'd like to thank the author and Amy from Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours for including me in this tour.

~~~~~ Disclaimer: All opinions expressed on this blog are 100% my own. I do not receive monetary compensation for my reviews but do utilize affiliate links. I may receive books in order to facilitate a review, but this does not guarantee a good review - only a completely honest one. Each review post denotes how I obtained the book.

Review - Darwen Arkwright and the Peregrine Pact by A.J. Hartley

2011-11-11T00:00:00.000-08:00

TITLE: Darwen Arkwright and the Peregrine Pact

AUTHOR:    A.J. Hartley
INFO:    Paperback, Fiction, 431 pages
PUBLISHED:   Penguin Razorbill, 2011
SOURCE:   Received from Publisher for Review

FROM GOODREADS:   Eleven-year-old Darwen Arkwright has spent his whole life in a tiny town in England. So when he is forced to move to Atlanta, Georgia, to live with his aunt, he knows things will be different - but what he finds there is beyond even his wildest imaginings!

Darwen discovers an enchanting world through the old mirror hanging in his closet - a world that holds as many dangers as it does wonders. Scrobblers on motorbikes with nets big enough to fit a human boy. Gnashers with no eyes, but monstrous mouths full of teeth. Flittercrakes with bat-like bodies and the faces of men. Along with his new friends Rich and Alexandra, Darwen becomes entangled in an adventure and a mystery that involves the safety of his entire school. They soon realize that the creatures are after something in our world - something that only human children possess.

MY TAKE: I love being taken on new adventures. Darwen Arkwright takes us on a grand one with his new American friends. In Darwen, A.J. Wright has created a very likable and relatable hero. Darwen is truly a fish out of the water when he's dropped into a new life in America. The proper young English boy is having a hard time fitting in when he accidentally sees a strange creature in the mall and follows it into a dusty old mirror shop. Little does he know that the odd owner of the shop will soon set him on a dangerous and mysterious path to a world on the other side of a magical mirror.

This is a fast-paced and fun story that will appeal to adventurous explorers of all ages. I especially think that boys of about 9 or older will get a kick out of the various creatures and gadgets that Darwen comes across. Wannabe archaeologist Rich is a stalwart friend to Darwen as well as an interesting character on his own. Girls will enjoy the eccentric Alexandra as she becomes a surprisingly stout supporter of the awkward Darwen. I was quite engrossed in the tale and enjoyed imagining the creatures that the author described.

This story is destined to be a classic and definitely has a place on the keeper shelf. I highly recommend this story, especially if you or the kids like jumping into another world for a while. Darwen Arkwright and the Peregrine Pact would also make a great gift this holiday season. I have a couple of young readers in mind to receive a copy.

Out of 5 JEWELS, I give it:

Get your copy:

Amazon

Kindle

The Book Depository

Barnes & Noble

Nook

Veteran's Day Blog Hop Giveaway

2011-11-10T18:00:00.000-08:00

A Salute to Veterans

With this Veteran's Day Blog Hop, we are honoring the selfless service by veterans to our country. In keeping with this, we'd like to introduce Jessica Scott ~ active duty Army Captain, full time Mom and Author! We also salute her husband who is currently deployed on his final tour with the Army as a First Sergeant. Thank you both for all you do and thank you to ALL of the veterans ~ you are appreciated.
Jessica and Romance at Random's Loveswept line are promoting the first book in her new Coming Home series:

Because of You: A Loveswept Contemporary Military Romance
From the war-torn streets of Baghdad to the bittersweet comforts of the home front, two wounded hearts navigate the battlefield of coming home from war in this explosive eBook original from newcomer Jessica Scott.
Keeping his men alive is all that matters to Sergeant First Class Shane Garrison. But meeting Jen St. James the night before his latest deployment makes Shane wonder if there’s more to life than war. He leaves for Iraq remembering a single kiss with a woman he’ll never see again—until a near fatal attack lands him back at home and in her care.
Jen has survived her own brush with death and endured its scars. And yet there’s a fire in Shane that makes Jen forget all about her past. He may be her patient, but when this warrior looks her in the eyes, she feels—for the first time in a long time—like a woman. Shane is too proud to ask for help, but for Jen, caring for him is more than a duty—it’s a need. And as Jen guides Shane through the fires of healing, she finds something she never expected—her deepest desire..
Each of the following 25 blogs will be giving away a FREE ebook copy of Because of You. Be one of the first readers to enjoy this powerful love story. It is easy to enter ~ just comment below or on any of the participating blogs. Stack your odds by visiting all of the sites and entering their drawings. That's a total of 25 chances to WIN! Drawing ends 11/13/11 at midnight PST. Be sure to leave your email address with your comment.
If you don't want to wait (and why would you?) you can get your own copy:Amazon Barnes & Noble

~~~~~ Disclaimer: All opinions expressed on this blog are 100% my own. I do not receive monetary compensation for my reviews but do utilize affiliate links. I may receive books in order to facilitate a review, but this does not guarantee a good review - only a completely honest one. Each review post denotes how I obtained the book.

Review - Never Been Bit by Lydia Dare

2011-11-10T00:00:00.000-08:00

TITLE:    Never Been Bit
AUTHOR:    Lydia Dare
INFO:    Paperback, Fiction, 363 pages
PUBLISHED:   Sourcebooks, 2011
SOURCE:   Received from Publisher for Review

FROM GOODREADS:   Lydia Dare's paranormal historical romances feature the hottest theme in paranormal combined with the most popular time period in historical romance. This is the third in a trilogy of vampire Regency romances, where the glittering world of English high society is a playground for the rich, titled, and undead.

Vampire Alec McQuarrie's heart was broken long before it stopped beating. Now Alec's after-life is an endless search for pleasure. Young witch Sorcha Ferguson has come to London in search of a man, beast-or even a blood sucker-of her very own...

MY TAKE: Once again Lydia Dare has entertained me immensely. I reviewed In the Heat of the Bite earlier this year and was thrilled to get a chance to check out this book as well.

The author has continued her hot streak with Alec and Sorcha. Alec is a gentlemanly vampire who has known the fiery witch Sorcha all of her life. When she announces that she is determined to ensnare a Lycan for her husband, Alec goes into protection overdrive. The story that follows is hilarious, romantic and fun.

Ms. Dare has a knack for creating characters that make you laugh and root for their success. I love the fact that she has storylines occurring in the background the entire time. The machinations of some of the secondary characters is fascinating.

This is a fun series with stories that stand well on their own but also make great additions to the entire collection. I'm looking forward to the next Regency vampire story and to reading more about the wolfy men of her companion Lycan series.

Out of 5 JEWELS, I give it:

Available NOW from:

Amazon

Kindle

The Book Depository

Barnes & Noble

Nook

Review - The Santa Club by Kelly Moss and Jim Keserich

2011-11-09T20:06:00.000-08:00

TITLE:    The Santa Club
AUTHOR: Kelly Moss ~ Illustrated by Jim Keserich
INFO:    Hardcover, Fiction, 32 pages
PUBLISHED:   Palmary Press, 2011
SOURCE:   Received from Publisher for Review

FROM GOODREADS:   A delightful book with captivating illustrations, The Santa Club transitions your child from receiving gifts to experiencing the joy of giving. With sensitivity, faith, and love, The Santa Club tackles the serious question, "Is Santa Claus Real?" To be read with your child, this wonderful book not only answers that sometimes "dreaded" question but it also addresses the questions of why Santa comes at Christmas and who was the first Santa. The Santa Club is a wonderful parenting resource and a stunning children's book, and is sure to become an annual family favorite.

MY TAKE: Many parents dread the day when their child asks them if Santa Claus is real. This charming new book by Kelly Moss is a lovely way to ease into that discussion. The colorful illustrations by Jim Keserich will delight both kids and adults. They complement the author's explanation brilliantly and will capture the attention and imagination.

The author has created a story that I think will become a family tradition. It invites the young reader with questions to join an exclusive club ~ "The Santa Club". There is a caution that the reader can't share what they've learned with others who aren't already a member. Ms. Moss brings together elements of Santa and the joy of giving with that of Christ and the reason for Christmas. Her book is appropriate for kids to read by themselves or with an adult. It will help keep the magic alive even for older kids who have already decided they know the truth. The true spirit of giving will be reinforced.

I highly recommend The Santa Club for all. It is a very gift-worthy book in a beautiful hardcover format with the full color illustrations. There is a really neat page in the back for a new Santa Club member where the child's photo can be placed. More info can be found at TheSantaClub.com.

Out of 5 JEWELS, I give it:

Copies available in plenty of time for the holidays at:

Barnes and Noble

Amazon

The Book Depository

Review - The Frankincense Trail by Jody Kihara

2011-11-01T00:00:00.000-07:00

TITLE:    The Frankincense Trail
AUTHOR:    Jody Kihara
INFO:    Paperback, Fiction, 253 pages
PUBLISHED:   Star Magnolia Publishing, 2011
SOURCE:   Received from Author for Review and Blog Tour

FROM GOODREADS: In 200BC, frankincense was worth its weight in gold, making Arabia was the envy of the world. But wealth comes at a cost: the precious resin had to be transported along the Frankincense Road, a dangerous route through rocky mountains and barren desert.

Alia is a princess in a dwindling kingdom that lies on the Frankincense Road. Having grown up hearing tales of Bilqis, the Queen of Sheba, she dreams of finding a way to restore her kingdom’s former might. When a caravan journeying to the mysterious incense lands stops to take on travellers, she sees her chance.

She soon realises, however, that her trust in the caravan leaders has been misguided. They are not mere incense merchants, but traitors and mercenaries. Alia’s journey soon turns from dangerous to life-threatening.

The Frankincense Trail is a story that transports the reader to a time and place reminiscent of the Arabian Nights tales.

MY TAKE: Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres to read. While I tend to lean towards a lot of the English and Scottish history, this story was a very refreshing change. Arabia's past is a completely new area for me to explore and enjoy.

Jody Kihara has created two fascinating characters in Alia and Kardal. Their chemistry and interaction keeps the reader engrossed in the story. Alia's naivete was annoying at times, but I think if you keep in mind that she was a young, sheltered Princess before she ventured out into the world, it explains a lot of her behavior. I liked that Kardal was strong and commanding, yet showed a weakness towards Alia.

The story was entertaining yet educational as I learned many things about Arabian culture and history. The plot moves along quickly and had me completely hooked. The tale truly did remind me of some of the Arabian Nights adventures. I read the book in one afternoon as I couldn't put it down.

I highly recommend The Frankincense Tour for readers who enjoy YA, historical fiction, adventure and a little mystery sprinkled in for good measure.

Out of 5 JEWELS, I give it:

You can snag your own copy here:

Amazon, Kindle,
The Book Depository,
Barnes & Noble, Nook

You can read the first two chapters and check out the cool trailer.

There are a lot of fun things being planned along with this blog tour including a Twitter-view (Twitter interview):

@JodyKihara

@ladystorm33

@onebookshy

Join us!

November Tour Schedule:

1st: One Book Shy of a Full Shelf

2nd: Freda's Voice

3rd: In between Writing and Reading

4th: Fictitious Musing

5th: The Haunting of Orchid Forsythia

6th: Books, Movies, Reviews. Oh my!

7th: Sweeping Me

8th: Can't Put It Down

9th: Library of Clean Reads

10th: The Book Addicted Girl

The author is giving away 5 copies of The Frankincense Trail. Winners can choose print or digital copies.

Spooktacular Giveaway Hop Starts NOW!

2011-10-24T00:00:00.000-07:00

It's that time again for another fun and exciting giveaway hop hosted by Inspired Kathy at I Am a Reader, Not a Writer and Rhianna at The Diary of a Bookworm. This Halloween inspired blog hop will run from October 24th until midnight October 31st. At the time of this post, there are over 425 blogs participating! That means lots of chances to win some great bookish goodies. You can find the list HERE.
First I hope you will take the time to enter the drawing I am having here at One Book Shy. I will have two winners this time; one US/Canadian and one International. I am keeping it super simple as there are a lot of blogs to check out on this hop. Just fill out the simple form below with your name and email address and that's it! No flaming hoops to jump through on this one :)
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Oh, in case you're wondering what the prizes are. I will tell ya...
US/Canada winner will receive a $10 GC to Amazon.comInternational winner will receive a $10 credit to The Book Depository
Now continue on your way through this hop BUT...Just so you know, I will be having a 1000+ follower drawing in the next couple of weeks with 5 prize packages so you should plan on coming back for that! Click on the box at the top right of the page to get email updates so you'll be one of the first to know when it happens.

~~~~~ Disclaimer: All opinions expressed on this blog are 100% my own. I do not receive monetary compensation for my reviews but do utilize affiliate links. I may receive books in order to facilitate a review, but this does not guarantee a good review - only a completely honest one. Each review post denotes how I obtained the book.

Guest Post + Review - The Snowman's Revenge by Mark Smythe

2011-10-23T16:29:00.000-07:00

Please welcome Mark Smythe, author of The Snowman's Revenge to One Book Shy as he tells us how the book came about.

Why I Wrote the Book

A Joke

A religious man is on top of a roof during a great flood. A man comes by in a boat and says "get in, get in!" The religious man replies, "No, I have faith in God, he will grant me a miracle."

Later, the water is up to his waist and another boat comes by and the guy tells him to get in again. He responds that he has faith in God and God will give him a miracle. With the water about chest high, another boat comes to rescue him, but he turns down the offer again because "God will grant me a miracle."

With the water at chin high, a helicopter throws down a ladder and they tell him to get in, mumbling with the water in his mouth, he again turns down the request for help, stating that a miracle of God will save him yet.

He arrives at the gates of heaven with broken faith and says to Peter, “I thought God would grant me a miracle and I have been let down."

St. Peter chuckles and responds, "I don't know what you're complaining about, we sent you three boats and a helicopter."

Explanation

If I’m even lucky enough to be invited to the gates of heaven, I didn’t want St Peter to say to me: “Hey Mark, we sent you some pretty good ideas, like that snowman book thing. Why didn’t you do anything with that?”

So, it was something that just HAD to be done. Despite the time and all of the work and the ongoing expenditures and all of the seemingly endless efforts required, it ……. just …….. had …….. to ……… be ……… done ………., regardless.

Besides, it was great fun and thoroughly enjoyable and a great learning experience, as well.

And, when I see the smiles on little faces, like when I read it to a classroom at our local elementary school, it certainly makes it all very much worthwhile.

Mark Smythe

BIO

Mark Smythe resides in a small, rural town located in the beautiful Southern geography of Western New York State. It is a lovely and quaint agricultural community, just South of Buffalo, New York.

He and his two children, Cassandra and Alexander, live on a picturesque, turn-of-the-century farm complete with a charming old white farmhouse, quaint red barns and wooden pasture fences.

Mark is an Interior Structural Fire Fighter with a local Volunteer Fire Department, and also works in the field of Bio-Oncology Diagnostics.

TITLE:    The Snowman's Revenge
AUTHOR:    Mark Smythe, illustrations by Mike Motz
INFO:    Paperback, Fiction, 44 pages
PUBLISHED:   Mark Smythe, 2008
SOURCE:   Received from Publisher for Review

FROM GOODREADS:  If you were left out in the cold snow all by yourself, would you be mad? Of course you would! Well, this snowman is out for revenge, especially after he sees those kids in the nice warm house, eating cookies and drinking hot chocolate! So, let's see what happens in this delightful story, nicely flowing with rhymed verse, beautifully illustrated and quite humorous indeed. So lovable, it's sure to be an instant favorite and a timeless classic with "kids" of all ages.

MY TAKE: This is the perfect book for reading to the younger crowd or having them read it back to you. It is the story of a disgruntled snowman who is left out in the cold while the kids are having fun inside without him. He sees them enjoying the warm house and even warmer cocoa that Mom makes and starts to get a little upset. As he plots his revenge, nature takes its course and... you will just have to read the book for the rest.

A delightful tale that is a quick and easy read. The illustrations are bright and colorful and are a perfect match to the rhythm of the story. I think it would be a fantastic gift for the whole family this holiday season. (I do caution against reading it to the really young as the snowman is a little bit scary when he's mad.) Recommended for ages 4 and above.

Out of 5 JEWELS, I give it:

Start your gift shopping now:
Amazon, The Book Depository, Barnes & Noble

Review - The Pub Across the Pond by Mary Carter

2011-10-18T00:00:00.000-07:00

TITLE:    The Pub Across The Pond
AUTHOR:    Mary Carter
INFO:    Paperback, Fiction, 360 pages
PUBLISHED:   Kensington, 2011
SOURCE:   Received from Author for Book Tour and Review

FROM GOODREADS:   Sometimes leaving home is the only way to find where you truly belong.

Carlene Rivers is many things. Dutiful, reliable, kind. Lucky? Not so much. At thirty, she's living a stifling existence in Cleveland, Ohio. Then one day, Carlene buys a raffle ticket. The prize: a pub on the west coast of Ireland. Carlene is stunned when she wins. Everyone else is stunned when she actually goes.

As soon as she arrives in Ballybeog, Carlene is smitten, not just by the town's beguiling mix of ancient and modern but by the welcome she receives. In this small town near Galway Bay, strife is no stranger, strangers are family, and no one is ever too busy for a cup of tea or a pint. And though her new job presents challenges--from a meddling neighbor to the pub's colorful regulars--there are compensations galore. Like the freedom to sing, joke, and tell stories and, in doing so, find her own voice. And in her flirtation with Ronan McBride, the pub's charming, reckless former owner, she just may find the freedom to follow where impulse leads and trust her heart--and her luck--for the very first time.

MY TAKE: The premise of an American woman winning her own pub in Ireland and having the chance to reinvent herself in that magical country had me jumping at the chance to read this lovely book. I think many of us dream of having an opportunity like this. Getting a chance to live it vicariously in a great book is as close as most of us will come to it.

Mary Carter did not disappoint me. Her heart-warming story of a woman who is always there for everyone but herself was one that I couldn't put down. I became very invested in Carlene's tale. I enjoyed watching her grow into an independent woman who makes her own decisions and starts to finally live for herself. On the other side, Ronan is fighting his head and his guilt in losing the pub to an American woman that he can't fight or hide his attraction to. Their budding relationship draws the reader in quickly ~ along with all of the townspeople.

The Irish town of Ballybeog makes me want to move there NOW. I love how Ms. Carter brought the townspeople to life for me. I could hear their voices in my head and imagine being right there in the middle of Uncle Jimmy's with her listening to them. Character development is very much a strong suit for the author. The residents of Ballybeog are very believable; I wanted so much more when I was done with the book. I found myself laughing out loud at a few parts as well as tearing up a couple of times. Along with the romance; descriptive scenery, fascinating characters and the magic of Ireland make this a must read story.

I highly recommend The Pub Across the Pond and look forward to reading more of Mary Carter's stories. Thank you to the author and Pump Up Your Book Virtual Book Tours for including me on this tour. You can find out more about Mary Carter by visiting her website at Mary Carter Books.

Out of 5 JEWELS, I give it:

Grab yourself a copy:

Amazon, Kindle, The Book Depository, Barnes & Noble, Nook

Review - Utterly Charming by Kristine Grayson

2011-10-15T18:28:00.000-07:00

TITLE:   Utterly Charming
AUTHOR:    Kristine Grayson
INFO:    Paperback, Fiction, 308 pages
PUBLISHED:   Sourcebooks, 2011
SOURCE:   Received from Publisher for Review

FROM GOODREADS:   In the tradition of New York Times bestselling author Susan Anderson, comes a fresh and funny story of eternal love that already has the romance world buzzing.

In this thoroughly unique and irresistible romantic romp from a talented new author, a struggling Seattle lawyer, desperate to keep her fledgling law firm from going under, takes a case involving a strange but incredibly attractive man. Before she knows it, all of Nora's wishes come true, along with the realization that her client is Prince Charming...the real Prince Charming. There's just one problem: despite being a gorgeous hunk, he's a 1,000 year old magician who still has to deal with a Sleeping Beauty and one wicked stepmother before he and Nora can have a future together.

MY TAKE: Kristine Grayson has obviously been having fun taking beloved fairytales and legends and giving them settings in the present. She has done it again by providing the age-old tale of Sleeping Beauty and her Prince Charming several fun twists and new possibilities.

Earlier this year I read Wickedly Charming and fell in love with Ms. Grayson's storytelling. I liked her explanation that there are several Prince Charmings! They are all from the same family and are the heroes for many of the lovely Princesses in the tales.

So on to Utterly... Sleeping Beauty is really named Emma and has been in her glass coffin for 1,000 years - being fought over by Aethlelstan Blackstone the Wizard (aka Prince Charming) and her wicked witch stepmother Ealhswith. Their epic battles have been waged these many centuries and will finally come to an end when the lawyerly Nora takes charge of the situation.

This was a fun romp through fairytale land with many characters popping up. The Fates were a real hoot as they tried out modern Punk wear. One of my favorites had to be Sancho Panza. The magical dwarf was hysterical and frankly stole the show for me. I want much more of him! Another part that had me laughing was when Nora's mother's boyfriend Jeffrey Chawsir had to convince Sancho and Emma that he knew he wasn't that Geoffrey Chaucer since they had both known the famous author. The fact that Jeffrey also happened to be a professor of medieval studies just added to the humor.

The love story that was supposed to be Aethlelstan/PC and Emma/SB wasn't quite what the legends had made of it. When the wizard and his sidekick Sancho meet up with Nora for the first time, sparks start to fly and Blackstone finds out that he's met his match. The romance was sweet and made for a light, enjoyable read.

Out of 5 JEWELS, I give it:

You can find your copy at:

Amazon, Kindle, The Book Depository, Barnes & Noble, Nook

Review - The Goblin King by Shona Husk

2011-10-15T17:11:00.000-07:00

TITLE: The Goblin King
AUTHOR:    Shona Husk
INFO:    Paperback, Fiction, 319 pages
PUBLISHED:   Sourcebooks, 2011
SOURCE:   Received from Publisher for Review

FROM GOODREADS:   Cursed by a Druid millennia ago, Roan lives a bleak existence in the Shadowlands, desperately trying to retain his soul and not succumb to the goblin horde. When a beautiful human summons him to grant a wish, he sees a glimmer of hope. But will she ever agree to be his queen?

MY TAKE: I wasn't sure what to expect from a story that has a goblin as the romantic male lead. My mental picture of what goblins look like was rather vivid. I am glad to say that I have a new image in my mind thanks to Roan, the Goblin King.

Shona Husk has created a very un-fairytalelike fairytale romance. Her characters are original and engaging. I admit that I thought Eliza was a pain in the beginning. She couldn't stand up for herself and somehow allowed herself to be placed in a very compromising situation. Her own stupidity put her life in the hands of a man she didn't love or respect who was using and manipulating her for money. Her development and growth throughout the story was welcome and enjoyable. I don't do well at all with weak female leads.

Roan was interesting and sexy, even when he was in his goblin form. He had all of the right character traits that a woman wants in her hero: honor, loyalty, intelligence, sex appeal, etc.... I was on his side from the very beginning and rooted for him to succeed.

The Goblin King was a fun read that I enjoyed delving into. For even more of this story, I was excited to find out that Summons: A Goblin King Prequel is now available for FREE at Amazon as well as for the Nook at Barnes and Noble.

Out of 5 JEWELS, I give it:

Grab yourself a copy:

Amazon, Kindle, The Book Depository, Barnes & Noble, Nook

Guest Post - Bri Clark's Road to Publication

2011-09-28T00:01:00.000-07:00

Please welcome author Bri Clark to One Book Shy as she tours the blogosphere with her new book:

Glazier
My Road to Publication by Bri Clark

I did the whole query letter; find an agent, got 150 rejection letters thing. Two times, I had a partial ms request both times they said it was a great premise but needed more work. And guess what they were spot on. I did that for about a year. Worked on my magna opus Glazier a total of three years before it was contracted with Astraea Press and released July of 2011.

However, Glazier was not my first published work, Familial Witch was and Caffe’ Seduzione shortly after. These are two novellas that I have contracted novel length sequels for now. Eternal Witch and Mafia Seduzione.

The thing about my road to publication was I did what everyone else was doing. I followed the blogs, wrote, rewrote query letters, had a very neat excel spreadsheet of the agents I sent to. Oh yeah I’m anal organized. I even had columns for the dates when they received the query and how long it took them to respond. Then thought when I wanted to scream and yell Nay!! after yet another form rejection I could post that it took them 6 weeks and one day not the 4 they claimed. Not exactly professional…and it wasn’t working for me at all either.

Why… you ask cause it wasn’t my way…the Bri way…the Belle way. I’ve lived my whole life making my own path then sashaying down it in a pair of wedge heels.

I’m known as the Belle of Boise because I’m a sassy southern belle living in Boise ID. My whole life I’ve always achieved what I sought. So I took all the knowledge I gained over three years and on a spur of the moment whim went to the Idaho Book Extravaganza, took some workshops, met and made good friends/ mentors in Aaron Patterson, Vincent Zandri and Maryanna Young.

I told them that in the next year I’d attend IBE as a published author. Guess what--I am. By then I should have 4-5 books released. The Indie publisher route with Stone House Ink and Astraea Press is where I have found my path now. Working with these houses has been some of the best experiences in my life. Stone House Ink suits me well in that they do it their own way…forging their own path in publishing. Astraea Press provides the support system and guidance I need in the form of a large group of other female authors…and Phil. Sorry Phil you know I love you.

Would I work with an agent? Totally. Would I go the traditional route? Absolutely. Would I leave my publishers in the dust my wedges drum up? Heck no!

If there is one thing I am it’s I’m loyal to a fault, like a tick on a coon dogs back my Paw Paw always says.

Bri Clark is a real example of redemption and renewal. Growing up penniless in the South, Bri learned street smarts while caring for her brother in a broken home. She watched her mother work several jobs to care for their small family. Once her brother could fend for himself, Bri moved on to a series of bad choices including leaving school and living on her own. Rebelliousness was a strong understatement to describe those formative years. As a teenager, her wakeup call came from a fight with brass knuckles and a judge that gave her a choice of shaping up or spending time in jail. She took that opportunity and found a way to moved up from the streets. She ended up co-owning an extremely successful construction business. She lived the high life until the real estate crash when she lost everything. She moved west and found herself living with her husband and 4 kids in a 900 square foot apartment. She now fills her time, writing, blogging, leading a group of frugal shoppers and sharing her southern culture. Her unique background gives her writing a raw sensibility. She understands what it takes to overcome life’s obstacles. She often tells friends, “I can do poor. I’m good at poor. It’s prosperity that I’m not used to.” Bri and her husband Chris live in Boise. Bri is known as the Belle of Boise for her true southern accent, bold demeanor and hospitable nature.

Bri boasts several positions in the publishing industry. An author, professional reviewer, blogger, and author platform consultant she enjoys all aspects of her career from the creation of story to the branding and marketing needed to make her books successful.

Her latest book is Glazier, a romantic fantasy adventure novel with espionage, genetic powers, underground bases and a ginger beauty with memory issues that take you on a ride that begins in Vermont and comes to a head in Egypt.

Visit her at Twitter at http://twitter.com/#!/Bri_Clark or Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/#!/TBriClark.

You can find out more about Bri at http://briclarkthebelleofboise.blogspot.com/.

Glazier is available now: Amazon (hardcopy & ebook), Barnes & Noble (ebook)

Review + Giveaway - The Traitor's Wife by Kathleen Kent

2011-09-26T00:01:00.000-07:00

TITLE: The Traitor's Wife: A Novel

AUTHOR:    Kathleen Kent
INFO:    Paperback, Fiction, 296 pages
PUBLISHED:   Little, Brown and Company, 2010
SOURCE:   Received from Publisher for Review

FROM GOODREADS:  In the harsh wilderness of colonial Massachusetts, Martha Allen works as a servant in her cousin's household, taking charge and locking wills with everyone. Thomas Carrier labors for the family and is known both for his immense strength and size and mysterious past. The two begin a courtship that suits their independent natures, with Thomas slowly revealing the story of his part in the English Civil War. But in the rugged new world they inhabit, danger is ever present, whether it be from the assassins sent from London to kill the executioner of Charles I or the wolves-in many forms-who hunt for blood. A love story and a tale of courage, ~~The Wolves of Andover~~ The Traitor's Wife confirms Kathleen Kent's ability to craft powerful stories of family from colonial history.

MY TAKE: One of the things other than the subject matter that drew me to this book is the fact that the author is actually a descendant of Martha Carrier. It always fascinates me when a family member is able to write a story about someone in their lineage ~ especially when that ancestor's tale is as volatile as this one.

This book started out with the title of "The Wolves of Andover" and has been changed to it's current "The Traitor's Wife". I think this was a smart move as the first title was a bit misleading since the wolves have just a bit part in the tale. Of course the new title pretty much gives a bit of the story away, but history buffs will know how the story goes anyway.

The Traitor's Wife is actually a prequel to Ms. Kent's blockbuster The Heretic's Daughter. Both are quite enjoyable as stand alone reads so there is really no need to have read the first book before this one. I think I'd actually prefer starting with The Traitor's Wife as it tells us how Martha and Thomas came to be. Since Heretic is told from their daughter Sarah's point of view, it works well in either order.

Kathleen Kent has a lovely way with words. She makes the reader feel right at home in 17th century England as well as Salem, Massachusetts. Her characters and dialogue reflect the time period and various locations well. Her writing shows the extensive research that she undertook. I would imagine the fact that this is a fictional account of her real-life ancestors makes this attention to detail even more crucial.

Fans of historical fiction as well as those who enjoy learning about the Salem witch trials should read this story. The familial tie of the author just adds to the interest of the book.

Out of 5 JEWELS, I give it:

Available TODAY at:

Amazon, The Book Depository, Barnes & Noble

The publisher has generously offered up to three readers of One Book Shy their very own copy of The Traitor's Wife. As usual, it's easy to enter:

Must be US or Canadian resident 13 years of age or older
NO PO Boxes
Fill out the FORM below
Drawing will end at midnight PST October 3, 2011
Winners are chosen using Random.org
Winners will have 72 hours to respond to win notification
Prize will be shipped directly from the publisher.

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Review - Creatively Ever After by Alicia Arnold

2011-09-25T00:54:00.000-07:00

TITLE: Creatively Ever After: A Path to Innovation

AUTHOR: Alicia Arnold
INFO:    Paperback, Non-Fiction, 156 pages
PUBLISHED:   The Cadence Group, 2011
SOURCE:   Received from Publisher for Review

FROM GOODREADS:   Around the world corporate executives have identified creativity as a key component to success. Creativity breeds innovation. Innovation gets results. There is a call for creativity in the workplace; however, there are few solutions for building deliberate creativity skills. That is, until now. Learn how to consistently bring new thinking to your organization’s toughest challenges by using the proven Creative Problem Solving (CPS) process.

Discover simple ways to:

Create new futures
Develop breakthrough, creative solutions
Unlock your personal creativity
Generate more ideas, and better ideas, in a shorter amount of time
Solve the right organizational problems efficiently and effectively
Build creative leadership skills

MY TAKE: Alicia Arnold has found a unique way to share the top-notch technique of using creativity to move forward. By marrying Creative Problem Solving (CPS) with the tried and true nursery rhyme of "Jack and Jill", she has improvised a tool to help those of us who are stuck in a rut get out.

Her own creativity has come out in full force in this short (156 pages) book that packs quite a punch. She gives us Jack and Jill's plight as a vehicle to show us how the CPS process can be applied to just about any situation. As we work alongside Jack and Jill through the steps of identifying, gathering, clarifying, generating, developing and planning; we are creating our own process to solve our own problems. The illustrations are cute and help convey the light tone the author uses to convey some important messages.

As I was reading this book I was continually finding ways to that I might implement these steps into my own issues. There were many times when I stopped reading in order to write some notes to myself. Ms. Arnold was successful in jump starting my own creativity regarding a couple of things I'm dealing with at the moment. I was impressed that while this book was targeted for a business environment/atmosphere; I could see many instances to implement the process in our everyday dealings.

Out of 5 JEWELS, I give it:

Copies are available now at:
Amazon, The Book Depository, Barnes & Noble

Guest Post + Giveaway - Roy Peter Clark

2011-09-23T23:36:00.000-07:00

I am pleased to welcome Roy Peter Clark to One Book Shy. He is currently on tour with his new book Help! for Writers. You can read my review and thoughts here.

Roy is joining us to share his thoughts on the things writers have to deal with and overcome in the modern world.

The most difficult challenges writers face today

1. More than ever, writers have to be versatile, able to write long or short, fast or slow, reports or stories, independently or with others, online and on paper, in multiple genres and platforms for a wide variety of audiences.

2. Writers must seize control of their careers. In a bad economy, with newspapers and magazines shrinking in staff size and resources, the writer must always be planning for the next move. The key is to keep learning: reading, writing, talking about the craft.

3. The panhandler says “Can you spare some change?” I want to say, “Can you spare me the change?” Change is no longer something that happens, that injects itself into normal patterns of life and work. Change has become the normal pattern. With change, especially technological change, comes gain and loss. Writers must ask: “What new opportunities can I embrace?” But also, “How can I compensate for what’s been lost.”

4. Back in the day, our job was just to write. If the writing was good, it could attract an audience. If not, we deserved to be ignored. Now there is a new paradigm. The writer must be willing to promote the work and to develop that work into a brand. Stephen King is many things, one of them is a brand. With so many choices on the Internet, readers do turn to reliable names, sources, and brands.

5. The institutions that used to support writers are shaky. Newspapers and magazines are in decline, as are publishing companies, which seem more risk averse than ever. Old economic models seem beyond repair. The good news is that with new technologies, old borders and barriers have crumbled. At very little cost, the writer can publish his or her own work through websites, blogs, social media, and on-demand publishing.

6. While some of these new realities may seem dispiriting, more comforting is the news that good stories have not become obsolete, that curiosity and critical thinking remain in demand, that those of us who live inside the language have special creative powers that attracts others to us, including potential employers. Keep the faith. Hold the torch up high. Get your hands moving on that keyboard.

Thank you Roy, I appreciate you taking the time to stop by and answer my question.

Roy Peter Clark, a Ph.D. in medieval literature, is Vice President and Senior Scholar of the world-renowned Poynter Institute. The author or editor of 14 professional books, he is founding director of the National Writer's Workshops, regional conferences that attract 5,000 writers annually. His 50 tools, published in abbreviated form on the Poynter Website (www.poynter.org), have already gained foothold worldwide.

You can find out more about Roy and Help! for Writers at Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads and at Poynter.

Now for those of you sharp-eyed readers who noticed the word GIVEAWAY and the little GIVEAWAY logo above...we're having a GIVEAWAY! Thanks to the author and Anna at Little, Brown and Company we have a copy of Roy's book for one you lucky ducks..

Must be US or Canadian resident, at least 13 years old
No PO Boxes
Leave a comment WITH your email address on this post
Drawing ends midnight PST September 30th, 2011
Winner will have 72 hours to respond to winning notice

If you don't want to wait for your own copy:

Amazon, The Book Depository, Barnes & Noble

Review - Help! for Writers by Roy Peter Clark

2011-09-23T22:44:00.000-07:00

TITLE: Help! For Writers: 210 Solutions to the Problems Every Writer Faces

AUTHOR:    Roy Peter Clark
INFO:    Paperback,Non-Fiction, 276 pages
PUBLISHED:   Little, Brown, 2011
SOURCE:   Received from Publisher for Review

FROM GOODREADS:   The craft of writing offers countless potential problems: The story is too long; the story's too short; revising presents a huge hurdle; writer's block is rearing its ugly head.

In HELP! FOR WRITERS, Roy Peter Clark presents an "owner's manual" for writers, outlining the seven steps of the writing process, and addressing the 210 most urgent problems that writers face. In his trademark engaging and entertaining style, Clark offers ten short solutions to each problem. Out of ideas? Read posters, billboards, and graffiti. Can't bear to edit yourself? Watch the deleted scenes feature of a DVD, and ask yourself why those scenes were left on the cutting-room floor. HELP! FOR WRITERS offers 210 strategies to guide writers to success.

MY TAKE: I have always tinkered with my writing and seem to gravitate to books and classes that aid me in that pursuit. Back in October of 2010 I had the privilege of reviewing Mr. Clark's book The Glamour of Grammar. His newest offering is another book that will be residing next to that one on my bookshelf for years to come.

Roy Peter Clark's writing style is very easy for the reader to comprehend as well as enjoy. As in the previous book, he breaks the material down into bite-size chunks that the would-be writer ~ or experienced author, can easily digest. His manner and delivery are both entertaining and educational. I found myself laughing at some points and taking copious notes at others. His comments and observations sparked several ideas that I had to jot down immediately. The book is presented in logical order taking you through seven simple steps of the writing journey. The author wraps it up with a list of 25 of his favorite writing books. I found this to be yet another helpful resource from him.

In the post I wrote about my meeting with Diana Gabaldon, I noted that she told all of us that we don't have to write in a straight line from A-Z or start to finish. You can write chapter 12 before you write chapter 3. Go ahead and create the ending before the beginning... Roy Peter Clark has reinforced that permission and "ah-ha" moment with this book. In the section on "Getting Your Act Together", he shares several techniques to keep your written inventory organized. With wall boards, index cards and many, many more tricks of the trade, Mr. Clark helps the writer keep it all straight.

The book's opening line instructs the reader to consider Help! for Writers an owner's manual for their writing process. I think this is a very apt statement as I have already found myself referring back to the book more than once as I work on a project. I have a feeling that this will quickly become one of my "go-to" references when I come across a roadblock or just need a refresher.

I definitely recommend this book to writers, would-be writers and students. It will become a staple on many home library reference shelves.

Out of 5 JEWELS, I give it:

Treat yourself to a copy: Amazon, The Book Depository, Barnes & Noble

Join me a bit later as I welcome Roy Peter Clark to One Book Shy to share his thoughts on challenges facing today's writers. Plus there just might be a GIVEAWAY........

Review - Garden of Secrets by Barbara Freethy

2011-09-19T22:04:00.000-07:00

TITLE: Garden of Secrets

AUTHOR:    Barbara Freethy
INFO:    Paperback, Fiction, 368 pages
PUBLISHED:   Pocket Star Books, 2011
SOURCE:   Received from Publisher for Review

FROM GOODREADS: Dr. Charlotte Adams is torn between two men. Rev. Andrew Schilling is her past, a high-school romance that went drastically wrong. But he's back in town now and part of her present — along with newly-divorced Police Chief Joe Silviera, whom she's been powerfully attracted to for months. The question is, which man is her future — and Charlotte has to face and accept her past before she can build a life with Joe.

MY TAKE: In January, I discovered Barbara Freethy and her Angel's Bay series when I read and enjoyed my review of At Hidden Falls. I was drawn into the characters and the town immediately and wanted more.

Garden of Secrets is the fifth and final installment in Ms. Freethy's series set in the fictional town of Angel's Bay on the Central California coast. As with the other books in the series, this one can be read alone. I'm a sucker for stories in a series so I suggest reading all of them simply for the whole experience and enjoyment.

The people that populate this little town as well as the angels that are responsible for the name are what make this such a heart-warming and fun series. The author has filled her tale(s) with characters that tug at your heart and make you wish you lived there with them. I had already decided that I really liked Charlotte from the last book. She has a big heart and tries to help everyone else out while ignoring her own pain and past. Her biggest problem is trying to decide which of the gorgeous men who are pursuing her is the one she should take a chance on. I have to admit that I was rooting for Joe even back in the first book when he was still with Rachel. Charlotte's first love Andrew just never did it for me. I disliked him from the moment he showed up. I had a hard time with Charlotte forgiving him so easily and spending so much time with him.

The mystery and murder storyline was well done. The author kept me guessing until right near the end. I liked it when so many of the threads started to come together and several of the stories/issues were resolved.

I recommend this book as an enjoyable read with just the right touches of romance, intrigue and magic to appeal to everyone.

Out of 5 JEWELS, I give it:

Pre-order your copy now: Amazon, The Book Depository, Barnes & Noble

Review - Lady of the English by Elizabeth Chadwick

2011-09-18T22:50:00.000-07:00

TITLE:   Lady of the English
AUTHOR:    Elizabeth Chadwick
INFO:    Paperback, Fiction, 497 pages
PUBLISHED:   Sourcebooks, 2011
SOURCE:   Received from Publisher for Review

FROM GOODREADS:   Two very different women are linked by destiny and the struggle for the English crown. Matilda, daughter of Henry I, is determined to win back her crown from Stephen, the usurper king. Adeliza, Henry's widowed queen and Matilda's stepmother, is now married to William D'Albini, a warrior of the opposition. Both women are strong and prepared to stand firm for what they know is right. But in a world where a man's word is law, how can Adeliza obey her husband while supporting Matilda, the rightful queen? And for Matilda pride comes before a fall ...What price for a crown? What does it cost to be 'Lady of the English'?

MY TAKE: Elizabeth Chadwick is a name that is synonymous with fantastic historical fiction. Her latest masterpiece Lady of the English, is yet another justification for this well-earned reputation.

Daughter of Henry I and mother to Henry II, Empress Matilda's story is told in alternating viewpoints with that of her widowed stepmother Queen Adeliza and several male characters. This technique allows the author to show us a much more human side of the abrasive Matilda than what has previously been told. Her loving relationship with the pious peacemaker near her own age is an effective background for the tale of the strong woman who really should have become Queen of England. Instead, she paved the way for one of its more colorful Kings to finally take the reins after many years of strife and open war.

I really enjoyed learning about the Empress, as she liked to be called. I can't imagine how hard it would have been for her to be the beloved Empress of Germany, married to a man who loved and respected her and then to lose it all in a second. She came home to a place she hadn't seen since she was 8, now at the ripe old age of 23, to be used as a political pawn by her father King Henry I. To solidify his rule and further his machinations, she was married off to the Duke of Anjou who just happened to be an obnoxious boy of 14! Getting a glimpse into this early life explains a lot about Matilda's behaviour and character in later years. Her single-minded drive to claim the crown after her father's death, first for herself and then on behalf of her young son Henry, was amazing as well as disturbing.

Ms. Chadwick's style of writing pulls the reader in immediately and doesn't let you go. I was so engrossed in this story that I stayed up almost all night reading. My emotions ran the full range while I was immersed in this book. I became very invested in many of the players. The fact that Matilda and Brian were in love and couldn't act upon it was very sad. Their devotion to honor and faith were amazing. I felt sympathy and outrage at the way Matilda was treated by her father and her husband; sadness at many of the atrocities that were committed against innocents and women; but I actually did find quite a bit of humor in young Henry's antics.

One of my favorites was when he was 14 and gathered a band of misfits to unsuccessfully try to take a couple of the border castles from the English king. Neither of his parents were aware of his misguided plans. The fun really got started when he didn't have the funds to pay his outlaws or to get back home. He decided to just waltz into the King's camp and ask his cousin Stephen for the money. Stephen was highly amused by Henry's daring and after hosting him for many days sent him home to his father with many gifts and the requested money. Since Stephen is the very king that Henry and his parents are trying to wrest the English crown from, this little escapade was that much more exciting and funny.

I also have to admit that I became very attached to Adeliza. She was very diplomatic and made the perfect political wife to King Henry. She became very protective of her stepdaughter Matilda and was a loyal friend to her for decades. Her charity and goodness were well-known and she provided a calming and reasonable voice for Matilda. There is a point when she is saying goodbye to her second husband Will and doesn't know when or if she will see him again that had me bawling my eyes out. Theirs was a love match and my heart was breaking for her and him. He was also a character that I enjoyed. The author shared his thoughts with us many times regarding his struggle between his loyalty to the current King (Stephen) and his love of Adeliza, friend and champion to Empress Matilda. He has a few instances when he battles his own sense of honor in order to protect his wife and her stepdaughter.

This book is already residing on my keeper shelf and I highly recommend it. Plan on being drawn into 12th century England and staying there a while with some magnetic characters that you won't want to leave.

Out of 5 JEWELS, I give it:

Get a copy for yourself at: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, The Book Depository

Review - Midnight on Julia Street by Ciji Ware

2011-09-13T00:01:00.000-07:00

TITLE:    Midnight on Julia Street
AUTHOR:    Ciji Ware
INFO:    Paperback, Fiction, 487 pages
PUBLISHED:   Sourcebooks, 2011
SOURCE:   Received from Publisher for Review

FROM GOODREADS:   Ciji Ware's acclaimed time slip novel weaves together romance and history with the sultry and timeless flavor of two eras of New Orleans.

TV reporter Corlis McCullough's investigation of a century-old mystery involving spectacular 19th-century buildings under the threat of the wrecker's ball brings her back into the orbit of her old college nemesis King Duvallon. But now they're mature and companionable, and King shows Corlis a fascinating, hidden side of New Orleans society. Then she begins to be pulled back into the past where corruption, violence, and greed mirror the events of the current day.

MY TAKE: I enjoy contemporary novels with characters that slip back in time, whether it is physical or just in the mind. The back and forth perspectives of the modern Corlis and her namesake from the past was a very interesting tactic. I appreciated the fact that it didn't step too heavily into the paranormal, but was right in line with the mystic qualities that surround New Orleans.

I admit to knowing just about nothing about New Orleans and its past so this was a very educational as well as entertaining story for me. I learned quite a bit about The Big Easy's history from the 19th century up to today. The plot was well done with a lot of historical fact mixed in with the drama of trying to save the condemned buildings. The tension and attraction between Corlis and King was palpable with their own tumultuous personal history tied into their race against time and the bureaucracy.

Ciji Ware is a master at giving her readers historical romance mixed with various other elements. This book was a treat because it is actually a contemporary story with a heroine that can "see" into the past. It was very apparent that the author's extensive experience with that of television reporting came in handy when she gave us the spitfire Corlis.

Lovely treat for historical and contemporary fans alike.

Out of 5 JEWELS, I give it:

Available now from: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, The Book Depository

Review - The Landlord's Black-Eyed Daughter by Mary Ellen Dennis

2011-09-12T00:01:00.000-07:00

TITLE:    The Landlord's Black-Eyed Daughter
AUTHOR:    Mary Ellen Dennis
INFO:    Paperback, Fiction, 474 pages
PUBLISHED:   Sourcebooks, 2011
SOURCE:   Received from Publisher for Review

FROM GOODREADS:  A fast-paced and passionate retelling of the story of two timeless lovers who would die for each other. If only they didn't have to. This gorgeous romance by author Mary Ellen Dennis gives the poem a whole new depth and a happy ending.

"Take one highly successful Gothic romance writer who just happens to be an innkeeper's daughter; add one disillusioned, devil-may-care highwayman who robs only the rich on principle; set them down in the turbulent, hypocritical times of late 18th-century England; season with a dash of humor, a splash of the paranormal, and a dollop of danger; and let the adventures begin... A fast pace, fluid writing, and an exceptionally well-crafted plot..." - Library Journal

MY TAKE: Loreena McKennitt's haunting musical version of "The Highwayman" by poet Alfred Noyes is what drew me immediately to this book. I have always loved that poem and then Ms. McKennitt's lovely voice brought life to the words for me. It is one of my favorite CDs and gets plenty of play at our house.

So, on to the book by Mary Ellen Dennis. I had high hopes that the story would basically be a fleshed out version of the original. While the poem did provide a slight backbone for the book, it was more of a suggestion than a foundation. I do realize that trying to create an entire full fledged tale out of a poem of 1000 or so words would be tough, but I really did expect a bit more resemblance to the original.

That being said, I did enjoy the story. Elizabeth is a fun heroine. She is strong and opinionated and her being an accomplished writer drew me to her. I loved that she wrote Gothic Romance novels. The fact that her book is what finally connects her and Rand is a lovely touch.

Rand is a perfect "Robin Hood" character. He is suave and swashbuckling while still having what counts - a heart. He and his "Bess" really do make a great couple and drive the story. The supporting cast weren't especially helpful and I didn't care for most of them.

While I did say I'd have liked it to follow the poem a bit more, I really am glad that the ending for The Landlord's Black-Eyed Daughter is more upbeat than the tragic ending of the original Highwayman and his Bess.

Elements of adventure, romance, historical fiction and a bit of paranormal activity make for a fun read.

Out of 5 JEWELS, I give it:

Available now at: Amazon, The Book Depository, Barnes & Noble

The Book of Secrets

Review - The Taker by Alma Katsu

2011-09-08T20:58:00.000-07:00

TITLE:    The Taker
AUTHOR:    Alma Katsu
INFO:    Paperback, Fiction, 437 pages
PUBLISHED:   Gallery, 2011
SOURCE:   Received from Publisher for Review

FROM GOODREADS: True love can last an eternity...but immortality comes at a price..

On the midnight shift at a hospital in rural Maine, Dr. Luke Findley is expecting another quiet evening of frostbite and the occasional domestic dispute. But the minute Lanore McIlvrae—Lanny—walks into his ER, she changes his life forever. A mysterious woman with a past and plenty of dark secrets, Lanny is unlike anyone Luke has ever met. He is inexplicably drawn to her . . . despite the fact that she is a murder suspect with a police escort. And as she begins to tell her story, a story of enduring love and consummate betrayal that transcends time and mortality, Luke finds himself utterly captivated.

Her impassioned account begins at the turn of the nineteenth century in the same small town of St. Andrew, Maine, back when it was a Puritan settlement. Consumed as a child by her love for the son of the town’s founder, Lanny will do anything to be with him forever. But the price she pays is steep—an immortal bond that chains her to a terrible fate for all eternity. And now, two centuries later, the key to her healing and her salvation lies with Dr. Luke Findley.

Part historical novel, part supernatural page-turner, The Taker is an unforgettable tale about the power of unrequited love not only to elevate and sustain, but also to blind and ultimately destroy, and how each of us is responsible for finding our own path to redemption.

MY TAKE: Debut author Alma Katsu has come onto the literary scene in a big way. Her new novel The Taker is one of those books that will fit on the shelves of several different genres: historical fiction, paranormal, thriller, fantasy, romance, mystery, etc. I really am having a hard time choosing just one niche to put it in on my own bookcase.

I must admit that I didn't know exactly what to expect from this book. A lot of the really early hype likened the author's style to that of Anne Rice and a few others. While I can see why they might mention these other authors and/or stories, it might take away from the fact that this is a truly original tale. Ms. Katsu has taken elements of myth, history and fairytale to create a new masterpiece for readers to delve into and not want to return from.

The Taker is a fantastic story with multi-dimensional characters that drive an exciting and intriguing plot. It is definitely a dark story, but with the odd moments of brightness. The author has a beautiful writing style that flows effortlessly from one character to another and from the past to the present and back. I like the technique of flashing back into the past to tell the historical aspects of Lanny's life. It is an effective way to educate the reader of the events that led her to be in the present sitting in Luke's emergency room, asking for his help.

Lanore/Lanny is a courageous woman who has been through hell. Even though she has 200 years of bad choices behind her, she still holds out for love and what it promises. Adair is very seductive and I can see why he would be so hard to resist as well as easy to despise. I did actually feel bad for him when I read how he became immortal. It was a bit ugly. Lanny's unrequited love Jonathan is, quite simply: a putz. I wanted to just whack him up alongside the head on a regular basis. But then we come to Luke. While Luke has his own share of issues, he is the stability that Lanny has been searching centuries for. Maybe together they can figure this out.

The ending is not quite what I expected. It was a tad bit abrupt and I was definitely left wanting much, much more. I was quite happy when another reader told me that there is a sequel planned. Can't wait for it.

While I highly recommend this enticing new story, I do want to caution that it is an ADULT novel. The paranormal aspects are most likely going to appeal to younger readers (as will the gorgeous covers - I WANT one of those UK copies!), but there are some heavy sex scenes that include violence and multiple partners as well as actual rape. This aspect does not take away from the story by any means, it is just part of the tale and is intended for a mature audience.

Out of 5 JEWELS, I give it:

On sale now: Amazon, The Book Depository, Barnes & Noble

Review + Giveaway - Easy Canvas Prints

2011-09-08T16:18:00.000-07:00

While I haven't been doing a lot of reviews of anything but books lately, I was recently contacted by Melissa at Easy Canvas Prints regarding a review of their great photographic products. Because photography is another love of mine and since I am trying to redo my office/sewing room walls, I jumped at the chance to give them a try.

before I cropped it

I followed the simple instructions to: (1) choose one of my photos - see above ^^^^^, (2) choose a size - I chose 8x10, (3) choose border options - I like the wrap-around effect, (4) add image & color effects - I left mine in the original black and white.
Then the Easy Canvas Prints magic machinery went to work and my lovely canvas was created. Here is what I ended up with:

"Textures".

It looks really nice on the wall with my other photographs and prints. The wrap-around borders really add depth and interest to the picture. I had to use my phone to take this photo of the canvas so it's not quite as sharp as in real life.

Because Melissa and Easy Canvas Prints are so generous, one of you lucky readers will win an 8"x10" canvas of your very own photograph! Their rules are pretty simple:

Open to residents of the contiguous United States
Drawing ends Midnight PST Thursday, 9/15/11
You must leave a comment with your email address to be entered.
Extra entries are available, let me know in a comment if you do the following:

Follow Easy Canvas Prints on Facebook +1 entry
Follow Easy Canvas Prints on Twitter + 1 entry

Plus, I will give you an extra entry if you tell me what my photograph actually is...
Winner will have 48 hours to respond to winning notification

~~~~~ Disclaimer: All opinions expressed on this blog are 100% my own. I do not receive monetary compensation for my reviews but do utilize affiliate links. I may receive books or products in order to facilitate a review, but this does not guarantee a good review - only a completely honest one. Each review post denotes how I obtained the product.

Review - Into the Dark by Gena Showalter

2011-09-08T14:16:00.000-07:00

TITLE:    Into the Dark
AUTHOR:    Gena Showalter
INFO:    Paperback, Fiction, 394 pages
PUBLISHED:   Harlequin, 2010
SOURCE:   Swapped on

FROM GOODREADS:   Three otherworldly tales from the master of paranormal romance…
and a brand-new Lords of the Underworld bonus guide!

The Darkest Fire—a Lords of the Underworld prequel

Geryon is the guardian of hell, more monster than man. Kadence is the goddess of Oppression, more angel than woman. Together they will enter the flames to battle a dangerous horde of demon lords—and discover a passion unlike any other.

The Amazon's Curse—a tale of Atlantis

Zane, a fierce vampire warrior, has been enslaved by the Amazons. Nola, a lovely Amazon soldier, has been cursed with invisibility. Now, these two stubborn enemies must overcome the pasts that haunt them and embrace a love that can set them free….

The Darkest Prison—a Lords of the Underworld tale

Once, Atlas, the Titan god of Strength, was the Greek goddess Nike's slave. Now, he is her master. And soon these sworn rivals destined to destroy each other will be forced to risk everything for a chance at love….

MY TAKE: I am an avid Gena Showalter fan and am working my way through her backlist. The latest book of hers that I've finished is actually three stories in one. It's a treat that includes two Lords of the Underworld tales and one from her Atlantis series. All three are really good examples of why her different series are so wildly popular. They are full of romance, adventure and steam. While I enjoyed all three of them immensely, I would have to say that the last story "The Darkest Prison" was my favorite. The story of Nike and Atlas had me glued to the pages. I liked the bonus guide at the end that gives you a little more info on the characters from the Lords of the Underworld series.

Get a copy at: Amazon, The Book Depository, Barnes & Noble

If you haven't had a chance to try any of Ms. Showalter's books, I highly recommend that you do so right away! The books shown below are the first in each of her series, but all of the ones that I've read do quite well as stand alones too.

Heart of the Dragon (Atlantis)

Awaken Me Darkly (Alien Huntress)

The Stone Prince (Imperia)

The Darkest Fire (Lords of the Underworld)

Playing with Fire (Tales of an Extraordinary Girl)

Intertwined (Intertwined - Harlequin Teen)

Mysteria (Mysteria - Berkley Sensation)

Out of 5 JEWELS, I give it:

Review - Catriona by Jeanette Baker

2011-09-06T13:12:00.000-07:00

TITLE:    Catriona
AUTHOR:    Jeanette Baker
INFO:    Paperback, Fiction, 381 pages
PUBLISHED:   Sourcebooks, 2011
SOURCE:   Received from Publisher

FROM GOODREADS:   Kate Sutherland always felt out of place in brash and modern Southern California. But when she comes to her ancestral home in the Shetland Islands to seek a mystical guide who may shed light on her true heritage, Kate is plagued with visions of a life from five centuries past.... A fiery young woman of royal English blood, Catriona Wells is determined to save her family from the deadly political clashes of 15th-century Britain. But Cat's cunning is no match for Scottish border lord Patrick MacKendrick. When this powerful warrior betroths her against her will, Cat must decide whether she dares to love him -- and to trust him with lives that are more precious to her than her own.

Meanwhile Kate, whose dreams rapidly take on a reality of their own, is caught between a present-day attraction to a charming Scottish historian -- and risking everything in Catriona's dangerous world of passion and bloodshed.
MY TAKE: Jumping between centuries and different people's perspectives can be confusing and distracting if not written carefully. Jeanette Baker has done a masterful job of blending the stories of two women connected by blood and separated by time.

Strong characters are always a draw for me. I like women leads who use their brains instead of simpering and whimpering around waiting for a man to solve their problems for them. Both Kate and Catriona are dealing with issues of family, love and danger. Neither of them want to depend upon the men who have their hearts. Trusting someone else to make things right for them is not an easy thing for either of them to do.

The men in this story are remarkable and quite memorable. You have two hunky Scotsmen in the present who are both vying for Kate's attention ~ for two very different reasons. Niall is a Scottish historian and Hunter is the Laird of the Sutherlands. Catriona is married to Patrick MacKendrick for reasons that turn out to be much more than the politics intended.

I highly recommend Catriona to anyone who enjoys good historical fiction filled with romance and intrigue. A lovely romp through the ages with some fascinating characters.

Out of 5 JEWELS, I give it:

Get your copy at: Amazon, The Book Depository, Barnes & Noble

Review + Giveaway - Eromenos by Melanie McDonald

2011-09-05T12:54:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday we enjoyed a visit and guest post from Eromenos author Melanie McDonald. Today I am sharing my thoughts on the book and will be hosting a giveaway.

TITLE: Eromenos

AUTHOR:    Melanie McDonald
INFO:    Paperback, Fiction, 158 pages
PUBLISHED:   Seriously Good Books, 2011
SOURCE:   Received from Author for Review and Book Tour

FROM GOODREADS: Eros and Thanatos converge in the story of a glorious youth, an untimely death, and an imperial love affair that gives rise to the last pagan god of antiquity. In this coming-of-age novel set in the second century AD, Antinous of Bithynia, a Greek youth from Asia Minor, recounts his seven-year affair with Hadrian, fourteenth emperor of Rome. In a partnership more intimate than Hadrian's sanctioned political marriage to Sabina, Antinous captivates the most powerful ruler on earth both in life and after death.

This version of the affair between the emperor and his beloved ephebe vindicates the youth scorned by early Christian church fathers as a "shameless and scandalous boy" and "sordid and loathsome instrument of his master's lust." EROMENOS envisions the personal history of the young man who achieved apotheosis as a pagan god of antiquity, whose cult of worship lasted for hundreds of years—far longer than the cult of the emperor Hadrian.

In EROMENOS, the young man Antinous, whose beautiful image still may be found in works of art in museums around the world, finds a voice of his own at last.

MY TAKE: I wasn't really sure what to expect when I agreed to review this book. Hadrian is a historical figure that I had heard of before, but I wasn't familiar with his personal story or that of his beloved Antinous. The fact that this is in actuality a love story piqued my interest and made me want to find out more. Especially when I read that a grief-stricken Hadrian had immortalized Antinous and literally put him up on a pedestal next to his own.
I learned a lot about Hadrian and the times he lived in. This story is about a powerful man and the boy he loved. The young and attractive Antinous caught the great emperor's attention at a very early age. Extra opportunities and advantages were bestowed upon Antinous, including an excellent education. Hadrian enjoyed quick minds as well as youthful beauty and was grooming Antinous to be his companion or courtesan, if you please.
Told from Antinous' point of view as he looks back over his brief life, it shares the details of a close relationship that is doomed because of the society they live in, the expectations that are put upon them and the simple fact that the wheel of time turns. Melanie McDonald has given Antinous a voice to tell his story in his own way. I enjoyed seeing the Romans through his eyes and seeing how the different levels of society lived and were treated by each other. It truly is a story of love between two people that are at different stages in their lives and on two completely different Socioeconomic levels.
One of the things that really jumped out at me was the author's attention to detail. It is very obvious that she put a lot of research into the time period and what was normal for both the upper and lower classes. I was amazed when the dishes of one of the feasts were being listed and it included hummingbird! I was horrified to think of the little beauties that come to my window every day being in a dish. But then my logical side took over and I started wondering about who would have to catch the little hummers, pluck them, clean them, etc. I started feeling sorry for that person. Can you imagine having that task? Especially since the birds would barely be a mouthful for all of that effort... (Be sure to read Melanie's guest post about Food and Feasts in Ancient Rome).
I do recommend this book to those who enjoy a fresh look at an important time and person. It's a much more intimate and personal look into the story of a larger-than-life man in Rome's history. The author does a beautiful job of sharing a poignant and tragic tale that will stay with you long after you've finished reading the book. There is also a helpful section at the end of the book with questions for reader's groups or book clubs.

Out of 5 JEWELS, I give it:

To get your own copy, try: Amazon, The Book Depository, Barnes & Noble

The author is generously offering one copy of Eromenos to one lucky winner here at One Book Shy! The contest is open INTERNATIONALLY to readers 13 years of age or older. To enter just leave a comment with your email address. Tell us if you've ever heard of Antinous before now. Drawing will close at midnight PST Friday, September 9th. Winner will have 48 hours to respond to notification.

Thank you Melanie and Amy for including One Book Shy as a tour stop for Eromenos.

You can also read what others on the tour have to say about this original and entertaining story by visiting the Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours site.
Eromenos

~~~~~ Disclaimer: All opinions expressed on this blog are 100% my own. I do not receive monetary compensation for my reviews but do utilize affiliate links. I may receive books in order to facilitate a review, but this does not guarantee a good review - only a completely honest one. Each review post denotes how I obtained the book.