Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers

Why be the sheep, when you can be the wolf?

Seventeen-year-old Ismae escapes from the brutality of an arranged marriage into the sanctuary of the convent of St. Mortain, where the sisters still serve the gods of old. Here she learns that the god of Death Himself has blessed her with dangerous gifts—and a violent destiny. If she chooses to stay at the convent, she will be trained as an assassin and serve as a handmaiden to Death. To claim her new life, she must destroy the lives of others.

Ismae’s most important assignment takes her straight into the high court of Brittany—where she finds herself woefully under prepared—not only for the deadly games of intrigue and treason, but for the impossible choices she must make. For how can she deliver Death’s vengeance upon a target who, against her will, has stolen her heart?

Hardcover, 549 pages

Published April 3rd 2012 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

thank you to netgalley for provided me with a copy

****

“Whenever you are ready, or if you never are, my heart is yours, until Death do us part. Whatever that may mean when consorting with one of Death’s handmaidens.”

Book 1 in His Fair Assassin trilogy.  The cover is what drew me to this book in the first place, for this HF lover the mystical feel with the castle, those swirling clouds and a heroine that dares you to defy her.  It didn't take long for me to connect with Ismae and feel empathy for her and her lot in life, the author developed her character giving her the depth and strength that always makes for a great story.

Though fantasy isn't one of my favorite genres, when mixed with historical fiction like this it worked.  Adding a little mystery and a touch of romance sums up what this book is about.  The plot was original, though some parts were predictable but it didn't put a damper on my enjoyment of this book.   I found the concept of killer nuns a storyline I really haven't read before, it might sound weird and rather strange but in this book it works.  Though I would have liked to learn a little more about St. Mortain and what goes one there I am hoping that more knowledge might be forthcoming in the next book.

Taking place in 15th century Brittany the author weaves real historical facts with the supernatural creating a unique story.  Though it is young adult I think all ages would enjoy this one.
 

Waiting on Wednesday: Rebel Queen by Michelle Moran

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event that is hosted by Jill  at  Breaking the Spine and spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.   

 This week I am waiting for:

 Michelle Moran is a favorite of mine

Hardcover, 368 pages

Expected publication: March 3rd 2015 by Touchstone

When the British Empire sets its sights on India in the 1850s, it expects a quick and easy conquest. After all, India is not even a country, but a collection of kingdoms on the subcontinent. But when the British arrive in the Kingdom of Jhansi, expecting its queen to forfeit her crown, they are met with a surprise. Instead of surrendering, Queen Lakshmi raises two armies—one male, one female—and rides into battle like Joan of Arc. Although her soldiers are little match against superior British weaponry and training, Lakshmi fights against an empire determined to take away the land she loves.

Told from the perspective of Sita, one of the guards in Lakshmi's all-female army and the queen’s most trusted warrior, The Last Queen of India traces the astonishing tale of a fearless ruler making her way in a world dominated by men. In the tradition of her bestselling novel Nefertiti, which Diana Gabaldon, author of the Outlander series, called “a heroic story with a very human heart,” Michelle Moran once again brings a time and place rarely explored in historical fiction to rich, vibrant life.

What are you waiting for?

 

Heather Webb on Tour: Rodin’s Lover GIVEAWAY!

A mesmerizing tale of art and passion in Belle Époque France
As a woman, aspiring sculptor Camille Claudel has plenty of critics, especially her ultra-traditional mother. But when Auguste Rodin makes Camille his apprentice—and his muse—their passion inspires groundbreaking works. Yet, Camille’s success is overshadowed by her lover’s rising star, and her obsessions cross the line into madness.

Rodin’s Lover brings to life the volatile love affair between one of the era’s greatest artists and a woman entwined in a tragic dilemma she cannot escape.  [provided by the author]
 
Attention reviewers:  The author said, “A little sex, but tasteful”

[historical fiction/ women’s fiction]

Release date: January 27, 2015
at Plume/Penguin

320 pages

ISBN: 978-0142181751

Author’s website | Goodreads

*****

I am not going to beat around the bush with this review, let me just say that I loved it!  This is Heather Webb's 2nd novel and she is on a roll.

The story of Camille Claudel is a new one to me,  she is strong, knows what she wants and goes after it.  She doesn't conform to the standards of society and of course, this isn't without repercussions.  

A hearty laugh rumbled in his throat.  How she liked to make him laugh.  He didn't seem put off by her provincial speech and brash nature - a good thing, as she had no intention of changing herself for anyone.  She knew who she was.

Rejected by her family Camille encounters the roughness of Paris in this well crafted novel.  It is very evident that the author knows this time period quite well.  Not just the environment and lifestyle but all to do with the art of scrupling.  Camille's character was well developed and there was depth that brought her to life.

Auguste Rodin was also portrayed in a manner that brought his character to life.  With feeling and emotion I found myself caring for these two and the direction their lives took them, with all the struggle, headache and loneliness.

He moved the umbrella to the side and let the cold rain wash over his face.  He must seize his passions while he had the time, and allow emotion to flood his soul, feel the rain on his face.  Taste the sweet fruit of elusive love.  Such precious, short time there was.

I was a big art fan before this book, I have never heard of Rodin nor Camille and while reading this book I found it very hard not to google until I was finished.  Suffice to say that Paris is now on my bucket list as well as the different museums that house the works of these two artists.

ADVANCE PRAISE

“Dazzling!….. In Rodin’s Lover, author Heather Webb brings to life, with vivid detail, the story of brilliant and tormented sculptress Camille Claudel and the epic love affair with the legendary sculptor who worshiped her. Deeply moving and meticulously researched, this book will capture your heart, then hold it tightly long after the final page.”   –Anne Girard, author of Madame Picasso
“A rich, sensuous novel…[was] written with great empathy for the very human Rodin and his lover, this novel of the visceral world of the 19th century Paris ateliers, of clay-stained dresses and fingernails,  lithe models who vow to remain and then go, family love which stays through all difficulties and talent which endures, comes vividly to life.” --Stephanie Cowell, author of Claude & Camille: A Novel of Monet

 ***

Heather Webb is the author of historical novels BECOMING JOSEPHINE
and RODIN’S LOVER published by Plume/Penguin,
a freelance editor, and blogger.
You may also find her contributing to award-winning writing sites
including WriterUnboxed and RomanceUniversity.org.
When not writing,
Heather flexes her foodie skills
and looks for excuses to head to the other side of the world.

Visit her website and her blog. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter
Subscribe to her newsletter.

Buy the book: Plume/Penguin |  Amazon  |  B&N  |  IndieBound

***

VIRTUAL BOOK TOUR SCHEDULE

Monday, January 19
Review + Excerpt + Giveaway at Eclectictales

Tuesday, January 20
Review + Giveaway at Unshelfish

Wednesday, January 21
Review + Interview at Jorie Loves A Story
Review + Giveaway at Indiereadergirl0329

Thursday, January 22
Review + Giveaway at Musings of a Writer and Unabashed Francophile

Friday, January 23
Review + Giveaway at Writing the Renaissance

Saturday, January 24
Review + Giveaway at A Bookish Affair

Sunday, January 25
Review + Giveaway at The Sabbatical Chef

Monday, January 26
Review + Giveaway at Just One More Chapter

Wednesday, January 28
Review + Giveaway at Words And Peace

*

You can enter the giveaway here or on the book blogs participating in this tour.
Be sure to follow each participant on Twitter/Facebook,
they are listed in the entry form below.

Entry-Form

Visit each blogger on the tour:
tweeting about the giveaway everyday
of the Tour will give you 5 extra entries each time!
[just follow the directions on the entry-form]

US/Canada only giveaway: your choice of print/kindle of this book

3rd Blogaversary!! Giveaway time!

That's right JustOneMoreChapter has been up and about for 3 years now and I would like to say thank you all for your support and encouragement over the years.

What better way to celebrate then with a free book.  Yup that's right, if you live anywhere that The Book Depository delivers to then you got a chance.  On top of that I just got back from a beautiful vacation down south and picked up this lovely bookmark from St. Lucia (one of my very favorite islands, think Pirates and Jack Sparrow = St. Lucia). 

Spread the word, you can enter each day and since I am so close to reaching 200 followers, if that happens before this giveaway ends I will add a 2nd winner (I bought extra bookmarks :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Remember the Lilies by Liz Tolsma

Irene and Rand come from very different walks of life.  Will they find common ground in their fight to survive?

Irene has grown up in the jungle as a missionary with her Aunt Anita, but now she and countless others are imprisoned by Japanese soldiers at the Santo Tomas Internment Camp in the Philippines. Irene and her aunt are safe there, and she keeps busy with her duty of delivering censored messages to the camp's prisoners, but like everyone else, she prays for the war to end and for her freedom.

Rand is a wealthy, womanizing American, whose attempted escape from the internment camp has put himself and others in danger. When Rand and Irene's Aunt Anita meet one another in the hospital, Irene learns more of his story and her heart is determined to save his family.

But the danger outside the walls of the hospital worsens every day, and life in this exotic place is anything but luxurious. Can Irene find Rand's family before they disappear forever? And can a humble missionary woman and an arrogant man find common ground in the face of their biggest fears?

Paperback, 352 pages

Expected publication: February 2015 by Thomas Nelson 

ARC - negalley

*** (I liked it)

The location of Remember the Lilies is what drew me to this book,  I have been reading more these days involving World War II.  This book takes place at an Internment Camp in Manilla just after the attack on Pearl Harbor.  Also I previously read Snow on the Tulips by this author and really enjoyed it.

This book showed how the war affected those rarely written about (at least that I have noticed).  One of the things that stuck me and what I liked was the real and authentic details shown of life at this camp.  The treatment of the prisoners and all that they had to endure. The struggles they faced at the hands of the Japanese, the moral and physical hardships that seemed never ending.

Though I found parts of this story predictable that did not take away from my enjoyment.  However I did struggled a little here some of the characters.  I had a hard time connecting with both Irene and Rand.  Their interaction felt forced and just didn't feel realistic at times.  Maybe a little less dialogue and more emotion, they lacked the depth that I felt was needed.

All in all an entertaining read that will appeal to those interested in WW II and Christian fiction.

The School of Night by Colin Falconer (book tour)

“My name is William Shakespeare. No, not that Shakespeare; and no jests please, I’ve heard them all. I’m the other one, the ne’er do well cousin, the loafer, known to family and friends as the dunce, the one who could not recite Cicero or Horace, who could never be as good as his clever cuz, the one who has just come to Bishopsgate from Stratford with silly dreams in his head and a longing to make something more of himself than just a glover’s handyman.”
 
What he finds in London is Lady Elizabeth Talbot, who is willing to pass a few shillings to this blundering brawler if he will help her find her husband. Poor William does not realize the trail will lead to the truth behind the death of Shakespeare’s great rival, Christopher Marlowe – or to a lifelong love affair with a woman far above his station.

Each book tells the story of William’s adventures as England’s first gumshoe, set against turbulent Elizabethan politics; of his romantic pursuit of the impossible Elizabeth Talbot; while charting the career of his up and coming dramatist cousin, the bard of Stratford, but just Will to his family.

Publication Date: October 7, 2014
Cool Gus Publishing
Formats: eBook, Paperback
Pages: 168 
Series: The William Shakespeare Detective Agency

Genre: Historical Mystery

****

"As I made my way through the darkening streets, I reflected that I had made a great mistake in coming to this Gomorrah of a city.  It had seemed such a grand adventure when I first thought of it.  Now, I felt as if I had volunteered for the infantry in Hell."

  I've read a couple books by Colin Falconer, Isabella and East India both of which I really enjoyed, they had the historical element I love and were from time periods and locations unfamiliar to me.  When invited to be part of this tour I hestiated somewhat and my reasoning is going to sound strange but basically because of the size of the book.  My experience with anything under 200 pages is that they tend to lack the depth that I enjoy, not just in the plot but the development of the players, it's hard to get to really know them in those few pages.  However because I had experience with the author I signed up.

Before Christmas I downloaded this little gem, read the first few pages and then literally inhaled this book.  In those few pages the author was able to develop Will's character and I got to know and like him quite well.  This was a fun entertaining read, Will was a hoot, I laughed, applauded his gallantry and drive and shook my head at his antics.  The plot played out at nice pace throughout this book. I wasn't really a big fan of Elizabeth Talbot, can't explain exactly why but she just rubbed me the wrong way.


I am not sure how long the series will be, book 2 The Dark Lady has already been released (and loaded on my kindle).

Amazon US  Amazon UK  Barnes & Noble  Book Depository  IndieBound

Born in London, Colin first trialed as a professional football player in England, and was eventually brought to Australia. He went to Sydney and worked in TV and radio and freelanced for many of Australia’s leading newspapers and magazines. He has published over twenty novels and his work has so far been translated into 23 languages.

He travels regularly to research his novels and his quest for authenticity has led him to run with the bulls in Pamplona, pursue tornadoes across Oklahoma and black witches across Mexico, go cage shark diving in South Africa and get tear gassed in a riot in La Paz.
He currently lives in Barcelona.

For more information please visit Colin Falconer’s website. You can also find him on Facebook or follow on Twitter.

The School of Night Blog Tour Schedule

Saturday, January 10
Spotlight at Historical Readings and Views

Monday, January 12
Review at Flashlight Commentary

Tuesday, January 13
Spotlight at Layered Pages

Thursday, January 15
Interview at Teddy Rose Book Reviews

Friday, January 16
Spotlight at CelticLady’s Reviews

Monday, January 19
Spotlight at Susan Heim on Writing

Tuesday, January 20
Review at Book Nerd

Thursday, January 22
Review at Just One More Chapter

Friday, January 23
Spotlight at A Literary Vacation

Saturday, January 24
Spotlight at Historical Fiction Obsession

Sunday, January 25
Review at Beth’s Book Nook Blog

Monday, January 26
Review at Boom Baby Reviews

Wednesday, January 28
Review at Carpe Librum

Thursday, January 29
Interview at Mina’s Bookshelf
Interview at Books and Benches
Spotlight at The Never-Ending Book

Friday, January 30
Review at Brooke Blogs

Friday, February 6
Spotlight at Passages to the Past

The Blood of the Fifth Knight by E.M. Powell (book tour)

A triumphant sequel to Powell’s acclaimed historical thriller The Fifth Knight. A desperate king trusts a lone knight to unravel a web of murder.

England, 1176. King Henry II has imprisoned his rebellious Queen for her failed attempt to overthrow him. But with her conspirators still at large and a failed assassination attempt on his beautiful mistress, Rosamund Clifford, the King must take action to preserve his reign.
Desperate, Henry turns to the only man he trusts: a man whose skills have saved him once before. Sir Benedict Palmer answers the call, mistakenly believing that his family will remain safe while he attends to his King.

As Palmer races to secure his King’s throne, neither man senses the hand of a brilliant schemer, a mystery figure loyal to Henry’s traitorous Queen who will stop at nothing to see the King defeated.

The Blood of the Fifth Knight is an intricate medieval murder mystery and worthy sequel to E.M. Powell’s acclaimed historical thriller The Fifth Knight.

Publication Date: January 1, 2015
Thomas & Mercer
Formats: eBook, Paperback
Pages: 368p

Genre: Historical Thriller

book provided as part of this tour

****

Picking up right where The Fifth Knight ends Henry II has begun his pilgrimage to Canterbury Cathedral, his public act of penance over his guilt in the murder of Thomas Beckett.  It wasn't hard to get drawn back into this story.  Sir Benedict Palmer and his wife Theodosia's quiet lives are interrupted by order of the king.

So begins another fast paced story that kept this reader entralled.  Even though it has been 10 months since I read The Fifth Knight I was able to get right back into this story.  For those that haven't read the first book you should be okay with this one, but I highly recommend starting at the beginning.

The Blood of the Fifth Knight has all the elements that I love, mystery, suspense, a touch of romance, intrigue rounded out with the historical setting.  Drawing two story lines, Benedict's call from the King and Theodosia's situation at home in his absence, these stories collide to make a satisfying conclusion which had me on the edge of my seat. 

I really liked the way both Benedict and Theodosia are portrayed here, they are both very likeable characters, their relationship is genuine with their commitment to each other and the children real.  There was depth here especially as each faced struggles with the unknown. 

Definitely a must read for fans of this time period and those who like a really good mystery.

Review Praise for The Fifth Knight

“Powell does a masterful job. Highly recommended.” Historical Novels Review

E.M. Powell is the author of medieval thriller THE FIFTH KNIGHT which was a #1 Amazon Bestseller. Born and raised in the Republic of Ireland into the family of Michael Collins (the legendary revolutionary and founder of the Irish Free State) she now lives in the north west of England with her husband and daughter and a Facebook-friendly dog. She is a member of the Historical Novel Society, International Thriller Writers and Romance Writers of America. She is a reviewer of fiction and non-fiction for the HNS.

Find out more by visiting www.empowell.com. You can also connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads.

 

 

 

The Blood of the Fifth Knight Blog Tour Schedule

Thursday, January 1
Review at Flashlight Commentary

Friday, January 2
Spotlight at With Her Nose Stuck in a Book

Monday, January 5
Review at Beth’s Book Nook Blog

Thursday, January 8
Spotlight & Giveaway at Passages to the Past

Monday, January 12
Review & Giveaway at Broken Teepee
Character Interview at Boom Baby Reviews

Tuesday, January 13
Review at Oh, For the Hook of a Book

Wednesday, January 14
Interview at Oh, For the Hook of a Book
Spotlight at A Literary Vacation

Friday, January 16
Review at Historical Fiction Obsession

Saturday, January 17
Interview at Dianne Ascroft
Guest Post & Giveaway at Historical Fiction Obsession

Monday, January 19
Review at Ageless Pages Reviews

Tuesday, January 20
Review at Books and Benches
Spotlight & Giveaway at Teddy Rose Book Reviews Plus More

Wednesday, January 21
Review at Just One More Chapter

Monday, January 26
Spotlight at Susan Heim on Writing

Wednesday, January 28
Review at Kinx’s Book Nook

Friday, January 30
Review at Bookramblings

Saturday, January 31
Spotlight at Caroline Wilson Writes

Sunday, February 1
Review at Carole’s Ramblings

Monday, February 2
Guest Post at The Lit Bitch

Tuesday, February 3
Review at Layered Pages
Spotlight at Let them Read Books

Wednesday, February 4
Spotlight at CelticLady’s Reviews

Friday, February 6
Review at The Never-Ending Book

Searching for Grace Kelly by Michael Callahan

For a small-town girl with a big dream in 1955, there is no address more glamorous than New York’s Barbizon Hotel. Laura, a patrician beauty from Smith, arrives in its vaunted halls to work at Mademoiselle for the summer. Her hopelessly romantic roommate Dolly comes from a working-class upstate town to attend secretarial school. Vivian, a brash, redheaded British bombshell with a disregard for the hotel’s rules, rounds out the unlikely trio of friends. 

As the summer wears on, Laura struggles to find her footing in the chic but formidable world of Manhattan publishing while Dolly battles her own demons of self-doubt. Vivian longs to sing at the Stork Club instead of just shilling cigarettes there, but finds herself floundering in more ways than one. Together, the girls embark on a journey of self-discovery that will take them from the penthouse salons of Park Avenue to the Beat scene of Greenwich Village to Atlantic City’s Steel Pier — and into the arms of very different men who will alter their lives forever.

Paperback, 288 pages

Expected publication: January 27th 2015 by Mariner Books 

ebook provided via netgalley for honest review

****

I am wondering if I am the only one to request a copy of this book from netgalley believing that it was actually about Grace Kelly.  These days I usually skim over the synopis since I find they sometimes provide just a little too much of the storyline.  Was I disappointed that this book was not about Grace Kelly?  Not in the least, I enjoyed every minute in fact I finished off 80% of it in one day and that is not something that usually happens, I just couldn't help myself.  

Michael Callahan has written a story focusing on three very different young women, each with different backgrounds and all living at the Barbizon Hotel.  The synopsis tells a little of their characters, Laura, Dolly and Vivian are unique, each with a different background, a history and their own reasons for being at the Barbizon.  We don't their full stories right away but are slowly drawn in to get to know them. They were real and had the right amount of depth to make this reader care about what was going on in their lives.

Yes I will admit at times the plot might have been a little predictable but I was enchanted throughout this book.  The 1950's is not a time period that I usually read so I found the life styles, setting and social standards rather intriguing.  The rest of the players in this book, Box, Nicky, Metzger, Pete (just to name a few) rounded the story off nicely.  Definitely an era that I will be on the lookout for.

Book Alert: Death of a Dishonorable Gentleman by Tessa Arlen (book tour)

Lady Montfort has been planning her annual summer costume ball for months, and with scrupulous care. Pulling together the food, flowers and a thousand other details for one of the most significant social occasions of the year is her happily accepted responsibility. But when her husband’s degenerate nephew is found murdered, it’s more than the ball that is ruined. In fact, Lady Montfort fears that the official police enquiry, driven by petty snobbery and class prejudice, is pointing towards her son as a potential suspect.

Taking matters into her own hands, the rather over-imaginative countess enlists the help of her pragmatic housekeeper, Mrs. Jackson, to investigate the case, track down the women that vanished the night of the murder, and clear her son’s name. As the two women search for a runaway housemaid and a headstrong young woman, they unearth the hidden lives of Lady Montfort’s close friends, servants and family and discover the identity of a murderer hiding in plain sight.

In this enchanting debut sure to appeal to fans of Downton Abbey, Tessa Arlen draws readers into a world exclusively enjoyed by the rich, privileged classes and suffered by the men and women who serve them. Death of a Dishonorable Gentleman is an elegant mystery filled with intriguing characters and fascinating descriptions of Edwardian life—a superb treat for those who love British novels.

A Party for Winston, the second book in the series to be released in January 2016.

Publication Date: January 6, 2015
Minotaur Books
Formats: eBook, Hardcover

Genre: Historical Mystery

Praise for Death of a Dishonorable Gentleman

“Tessa Arlen has a worthy debut with Death of a Dishonorable Gentleman. With a deliciously gruesome murder and an unlikely pair of sleuths, this is a treat for fans of Downton Abbey who will want to devour it with a nice steaming pot of Earl Grey.” —New York Times bestselling author Deanna Raybourn

“In her debut novel, Tessa Arlen weaves an evocative tale of the passions, loyalties and ambitions that divide and unite two classes, upstairs and downstairs, in a stately home. She instantly transports the reader to Edwardian England.”—Christine Trent, author of Stolen Remains

“A dash of noblesse oblige sparkles between the upstairs/downstairs world of Lady Montfort and her housekeeper, Mrs. Jackson, as they work together to unmask the identity of a killer at large on the Montfort’s country estate. As sharp as a Nancy Mitford novel, Tessa Arlen’s sophisticated Death of a Dishonorable Gentleman deserves its place among the Great and the Good of classic mystery.”—Lyndsy Spence, founder of The Mitford Society and author of The Mitford Girls’ Guide to Life.

“Thoroughly enchanting. Arlen’s debut will appeal to fans of Downton Abbey, with its vivid descriptions, firm grip on the intricacies of the time period, and skilled portrayal of the often complicated relationship between upstairs and downstairs.” —Anna Lee Huber, author of the Lady Darby mystery series

 

Buy the Book

Amazon (Kindle)
Amazon (Paperback)
Barnes & Noble (Nook)
Barnes & Noble (Paperback)
Book Depository
Books-a-Million
IndieBound
Kobo

TESSA ARLEN, the daughter of a British diplomat, had lived in or visited her parents in Singapore, Cairo, Berlin, the Persian Gulf, Beijing, Delhi and Warsaw by the time she was sixteen. She came to the U.S. in 1980 and worked as an H.R. recruiter for the Los Angeles Olympic Organizing Committee for the 1984 Olympic Games, where she interviewed her future husband for a job.

DEATH OF A DISHONORABLE GENTLEMAN is Tessa’s first novel. She lives in Bainbridge Island, Washington.

For more information please visit Tessa Arlen’s website. Read Tessa Arlen’s blog at Redoubtable Edwardians. You can also connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads.
Subscribe to Tessa Arlen’s Newsletter.

Death of a Dishonorable Gentleman Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, January 5
Review at Reading the Past
Review at Back Porchervations
Review & Giveaway at Mina’s Bookshelf

Tuesday, January 6
Review & Giveaway at Unshelfish
Review & Giveaway at The Maiden’s Court

Wednesday, January 7
Review & Giveaway at To Read, Or Not to Read
Spotlight at The Never-Ending Book

Thursday, January 8
Review at Buried Under Books

Friday, January 9
Review at Mel’s Shelves
Guest Post on The Writing Desk
Interview at Back Porchervations

Saturday, January 10
Review at With Her Nose Stuck in a Book

Monday, January 12
Review at Flashlight Commentary

Tuesday, January 13
Review at Girl Lost in a Book
Spotlight & Giveaway at Let Them Read Books

Wednesday, January 14
Review & Giveaway at The Book Binder’s Daughter

Thursday, January 15
Spotlight & Giveaway at Passages to the Past

Friday, January 16
Spotlight at Just One More Chapter

Monday, January 19
Review at Beth’s Book Book

Tuesday, January 20
Review at The Lit Bitch
Spotlight & Giveaway at Peeking Between the Pages

Wednesday, January 21
Spotlight & Giveaway at Teddy Rose Book Reviews Plus More

Thursday, January 22
Review at Musings of a Bookish Kitty

Monday, January 26
Review at A Literary Vacation
Spotlight at CelticLady’s Reviews

Tuesday, January 27
Review & Giveaway at The True Book Addict

Wednesday, January 28
Review at A Book Geek

Thursday, January 29
Spotlight at What Is That Book About

Saturday, January 31
Review & Giveaway at The Calico Critic

Monday, February 2
Review at Book Nerd

Tuesday, February 3
Spotlight at I Heart Reading

Thursday, February 5
Review at Layered Pages

Friday, February 6
Guest Post & Giveaway at Historical Fiction Connection

Mr. Popper's Penguins by Richard and Florence Atwater

First published in 1932, Mr. Popper's Penguins is a classic tale that has enchanted young readers for generations. The ebook edition of Mr. Popper's Penguins includes never-before-seen archival material from the authors' estate and features the original award-winning story of a house painter and lover of the Arctic, who receives a penguin as a gift, turning his simple life into one of adventure and fame.

Mr. Popper, a driven businessman who is clueless when it comes to the important things in life – until he inherits six penguins. Popper’s penguins turn his New York apartment into a snowy winter wonderland – and the rest of his life upside-down.

Richard Tupper Atwater (1892-1948) lived in Chicago and worked as a journalist, often writing humorous pieces for newspapers such as the Chicago Tribune. He wrote two books for children before beginning Mr. Popper's Penguins, a 1939 Newbery Honor Book. Before he could finish the story, however, he became ill. His wife, Florence Hasseltine Atwater (1899-1979) finished the book, helping launch a story that has remained popular for generations.

More about Richard and Florence Atwater from Open Road can be found at: http://www.openroadmedia.com/authors/richard-and-florence-atwater.aspx

Kindle Edition, 139 pages

Published (first published 1938) 

thank you to netgalley for provided me with a copy

**** 

I can't believe that I have never read this book or that I never read it to my kids, depriving them of a fun adventure.

Mr. Popper is a house painter and obsessed with Adminal Drake, an Antarctic explorer.  One thing leads to another with Mr. Popper taking delivery of a penguin whom he names Captain Cook.  The story continues with another arrival this one named Greta and then of course that leads to lots of little penguins.

I found this such a delightful story, it was witty, kinda quirky, cute and this adult enjoyed reading it.  I can't see myself watching the movie because I don't want to take anything away from the imagines I have in my mind of this book (plus I really am not a big Jim Carrey fan either).

I can definitely see myself purchasing this book for the grandkids, maybe with a little stuffed penguin to go with it.

2014 Year in Review Part 2 - Audio Books

It is no secret that I love audio books, usually averaging one a week.  So in random order here are my favorites of 2014. Out of these 10 books 8 are new to me authors (love that).

Clicking on the cover will take you to Goodreads, the title will take you to my review.

Sewing Can Be Dangerous and Other Small Threads by S. R. Malley

My first venture into the world of short stories, really enjoyed this one.

a Jane Austen daydream by Scott D. Southard

Another genre that I don't normally read but think I might be a convert now.

Hello From the Gillespies by Monica McInerney

Oh, My. Goodness!  I loved this one!!!

That Night by Chevy Stevens

If you are looking for a fast paced, compelling murder mystery look no further this one fits the bill quite nicely.

Secrets of the Lighthouse by Santa Montefiore

The authors writing reminds me of Kate Morton, who is a favorite of mine.

Whistling Past the Graveyard by Susan Crandell

 "My daddy says that when you do somethin' to distract you from your worstest fears, it's like whistlin' past the graveyard.  You know, making a racket to keep the scardeness and the ghosts away.  He says that's how we by sometimes.  But it's not weak, like hidin'...it's strong.  It means you're able to go on."

 Little Mercies by Heather Gudenkauf

What an emotionally ride!

"You have to look for the little mercies, the small kindnesses and good that come from the terrible."

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith

“Dear God," she prayed, "let me be something every minute of every hour of my life.

A Rose for the Crown by Anne Easter Smith

Sometimes you just need a nice big juicy book and this one fit the bill perfectly.  Loved it!

 The Queen's Lady by Barbara Kyle

So begins The Thornleigh Series, read by the author herself and did a stellar job. 

Bodo the Apostate by Donald Michael Platt (book tour)

"… in the meantime, a credible report caused all ecclesiastics of the Catholic Church to lament and weep.” Prudentius of Troyes, Annales Bertiniani, anno 839
 
On Ascension Day May 22, 838, Bishop Bodo, chaplain, confessor, and favorite of both his kin, Emperor Louis the Pious, son of Charlemagne, and Empress Judith, caused the greatest scandal of the Carolingian Empire and the 9th century Roman Church.
Bodo, the novel, dramatizes the causes, motivations, and aftermath of Bodo’s astonishing cause célèbre that took place during an age of superstitions, a confused Roman Church, heterodoxies, lingering paganism, broken oaths, rebellions, and dissolution of the Carolingian Empire.

Publication Date: September 29, 2014
Raven’s Wing Books
Formats: eBook, Paperback

Genre: Historical Fiction

ebook provided as part of this tour

****

One of my favorite aspects of reading HF is discovering those people in history that you never (or very rarely) hear about.  Those that have done something significant but we don't hear or know much about, they are waiting quietly in the wings for someone to write their story.  That is precisely what Donald Michael Platt has done here.

This is a relatively new author to me, I've previously only read one of his books, Close to the Sun which I really enjoyed and why I wanted to be part of this tour for his latest. 

This book is set in a time period that I rarely read as well as taking place in a location that I am unfamiliar with.  Bodo is only 6 years old when this book begins.  The author paints a vivid picture of his life as he grows, through tragedy that befalls him and his sister.  No I am not going to recall everything that takes place here and spoil this book for anyone.  One of the first things that stuck me about this book is the rich details regarding traditions and life style during that era.  With power struggles and dominion by the Catholic church this story stayed true to its time.  It's a story where blood isn't thicker than water, power struggles dominate and religion plays a big role.

The author has shown his interest and respect of this time period with the about of research that was involved here.  I liked Bodo, he was true to himself and his journey was fascinating to read about. 

It's no secret that I love book covers and I think this is fits the book perfectly. 

Author of four other novels, ROCAMORA, HOUSE OF ROCAMORA, A GATHERING OF VULTURES, and CLOSE TO THE SUN, Donald Michael Platt was born and raised in San Francisco. Donald graduated from Lowell High School and received his B.A. in History from the University of California at Berkeley. After two years in the Army, Donald attended graduate school at San Jose State where he won a batch of literary awards in the annual SENATOR PHELAN LITERARY CONTEST.

Donald moved to southern California to begin his professional writing career. He sold to the TV series, MR. NOVAK, ghosted for health food guru, Dan Dale Alexander, and wrote for and with diverse producers, among them as Harry Joe Brown, Sig Schlager, Albert J. Cohen, Al Ruddy plus Paul Stader Sr, Hollywood stuntman and stunt/2nd unit director. While in Hollywood, Donald taught Creative Writing and Advanced Placement European History at Fairfax High School where he was Social Studies Department Chairman.

After living in Florianópolis, Brazil, setting of his horror novel A GATHERING OF VULTURES, pub. 2007 & 2011, he moved to Florida where he wrote as a with: VITAMIN ENRICHED, pub.1999, for Carl DeSantis, founder of Rexall Sundown Vitamins; and THE COUPLE’S DISEASE, Finding a Cure for Your Lost “Love” Life, pub. 2002, for Lawrence S. Hakim, MD, FACS, Head of Sexual Dysfunction Unit at the Cleveland Clinic.

Currently, Donald resides in Winter Haven, Florida where he is polishing a dark novel and preparing to write a sequel to CLOSE TO THE SUN.

For more information please visit Donald Michael Platt’s website. You can also connect with him on Facebook and Twitter.

Bodo, the Apostate Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, December 8
Review at Oh, For the Hook of a Book

Tuesday, December 9
Interview at Oh, For the Hook of a Book

Wednesday, December 10
Review at Back Porchervations
Spotlight at CelticLady’s Reviews

Friday, December 12
Guest Post at Back Porchervations

Monday, December 15
Spotlight at Boom Baby Reviews

Monday, December 22
Guest Post at Words and Peace

Tuesday, December 23
Review at Book Nerd

Monday, December 29
Review at Next Chapter Book Reviews

Monday, January 5
Review at Svetlana’s Reads and Views
Spotlight at The Literary Vacation

Tuesday, January 6
Review at Broken Teepee

Thursday, January 7
Review at A Bibliophile’s Reverie

Friday, January 8
Review at Just One More Chapter
Review at The Never Ending Book