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{ HOLIDAY GIVEAWAY TOUR + GUEST AUTHOR POST } Deciding to Become a Writer was a Natural Extension of Falling in Love

December 19, 2011 in Fiction, Guest Author Post, Historical, Life and Family


Announcing the Scorpio Rising Social Media Whirlwind Tour!



As part of this special promotional extravaganza sponsored by Novel Publicity, the price of the Scorpio Rising eBook edition has dropped to just 99 cents this week.


What’s more, by purchasing this fantastic book at an incredibly low price, you can enter to win many awesome prizes, including 2 Kindle Fires, Amazon gift cards up to $100 in amount, 5 autographed copies of the book, and 5 autographed copies of its recently released sequel, The Sting of The Scorpio. Be sure to enter before the end of the day on Friday, December 23rd, so you don’t miss out.

Deciding to Become a Writer was a Natural Extension of Falling in Love

People often ask me what attracted me to the life of a writer, and I have to say it was a natural extension of falling in love…with books, which I have been for as long as I can remember.


I remember my mother taking me to the public library when I was as young as four years old. That was when she introduced me to Madeline, the little schoolgirl. As teenager, I discovered Nancy Drew and Cherry Ames, and then Harlequin books. And then I really fell in love for the first time. I was in England where my friends introduced me to a book by Wilbur Smith.


I think I hadn’t read ten pages of his book–can’t remember the title anymore–when I knew this was it. I could spend the rest of my life in bed with this writer’s books.


Over the next few years, Wilbur Smith’s books made me discover Africa, where I met animals I’d never heard of, and villains the likes of which I hope to never meet. I was swept into his stories of love and passion and greed; stories from which I never wanted to walk away. I devoured book after book of his, until, of course, the inevitable happened. I caught up with every last one of his books and was facing a long void until his next book hit the stands. And I, fickle reader that I am, had an affair with a few other authors, and then it happened again. I read Dominic Dunne. And wham. I was in love again.


With Dominic Dunne’s books, I spent time with the truly rich and the truly manipulative. How can anyone forget books like The Two Mrs. Grenvilles, or An Inconvenient Woman, or A Season in Purgatory? Once I discovered them, I was hooked. Forgive me Dominic, for I betrayed you too when I discovered my next big love, Nelson De Mille.


De Mille is a master of sharp, snappy talk, and he makes all those words come out of the mouth of a sexy good cop with a bad attitude–John Corey. Now here’s the funny part. I don’t really know what John Corey looks like, except that he has scars on his chest from some bullet wounds.


I also know that John Corey is almost as fickle when it comes to love as I am when it comes to favorite authors. He seems to fall in love with a different woman in almost every one of his adventures. That is, until he met and married Kate. But who knows, so far she’s only been around for a couple of novels. For all I know she’ll be dropped off, maybe even killed in the next book, and then sexy John will be available again and I can go on dreaming.


Now here’s something you might not know about me. I’m married, and—get this—my husband doesn’t mind my little dalliances with all these authors…as long as I don’t meet them in person that is.


And why am I blabbing about all these loves of mine? Because, every time I start a new project, I hope with all my heart, that I infuse my novel with enough passion and ambition and greed that when you, dear reader, read my work, you will fall—perhaps just a little bit—in love with my characters. And I promise to love you right back, even knowing that I will never be able to write fast enough to keep your from someday leaving me for some other writer.


C’est la vie!
Monique

About the Author: Monique Domovitch began writing at the age of fifty-five. Two years later, she has two self-published novels—her Scorpio Series—and a three-book deal with Penguin, for books she has written under the name of Carol Ann Martin. Never seen without her laptop, Monique and her husband travel the world and divide the rest of their time between their homes in British Columbia and California. Monique loves to hear from readers! Visit her on her website, Twitter, Facebook, or GoodReads.

Remember, it’s all about the books!

About Scorpio Rising: Set in New York and Paris amid the glamorous and competitive worlds of art and real estate, Scorpio Rising takes the reader from the late 1940s to the 1960s through the tumultuous lives of its heroes. Alex Ivanov is the son of a Russian immigrant and part-time prostitute. He yearns to escape his sordid life and achieve fame and fortune. His dreams of becoming a world-class builder are met with countless obstacles, yet he perseveres in the hope of someday receiving the recognition he craves. Half a world away, Brigitte Dartois is an abused teenager who runs into the arms of a benefactor with an agenda all his own. When she finds out that her boss has an ulterior motive, she flees again, determined to earn her living through her art. This career brings her fame, but also the unwanted attention of her early abuser. Monique Domovitch’s debut novel, Scorpio Rising, is a compelling tale filled with finely etched characters and a superb understanding of the power of ambition. Scorpio Rising promises to resonate with all who once had a dream. Get it on Amazon or Barnes & Noble.


About The Sting of The Scorpio: In Scorpio Rising, Monique Domovitch presented a compelling tale filled with colorful characters and the manipulation of power, ambition, and greed. Now she gives us its spellbinding sequel, The Sting of the Scorpio, where Alexander Ivanov returns to New York with his new bride, Brigitte. The real estate industry is ripe with opportunity. Blessed with irresistible charm, ambition, and the single-minded obsession to succeed, Alex plots and manipulates his way to almost mystical success. Everything he touches turns to gold, but it’s never enough. When a hostile takeover bid leaves him struggling to save his beloved company, he suspects those closest to him of plotting his downfall. Brigitte, the beautiful redhead who abandoned her country and her career to become his wife, feels alone. In return, Alex has betrayed her time and again, each indiscretion cutting deeper into her soul. Brigitte’s son, David yearns to be an artist, but Alex’s plans leave no room for such frivolous goals. He grooms a reluctant David to become the heir apparent until a devastating tragedy attracts the attention of another young man. The Sting of the Scorpio is a rich tale of a man at the mercy of his own greed and a woman bound by her need for love. Get it on Amazon or Barnes & Noble.

To Win the Prizes:

  1. Purchase your copy of Scorpio Rising for just 99 cents on Amazon or Barnes & Noble
  2. Fill-out the form on Novel Publicity to enter for the prizes
  3. Visit today’s featured event; you may win an autographed copy of the book or a $50 gift card!
  4. BONUS: If you leave a comment on this blog post, you have another chance at $100!


…We can win too!

Over 100 bloggers are participating in this gigantic event, and there are plenty of prizes for us too. The blogger who receives the most votes in the traffic-breaker poll will win a $100 gift card as well. So when you visit Novel Publicity’s site to fill-out the contest entry form, don’t forget to say that I referred you, so I can get a point in the poll.

Vote for The Bookworm Society!

Please click the image to vote for The Bookworm Society! Find the voting box, then find our name, enter your email and then cast your vote! Thank you so much for supporting The Bookworm Society!

 

The Featured Events include:

Monday, Blogaganza on Novel Publicity! We’re kicking-off on the Novel Publicity Free Advice blog. We’ll ask the writer 5 fun and random questions to get everyone talking. Leave a comment or question in response to the post, and you may win an autographed copy of Scorpio Rising or its sequel, The Sting of The Scorpio. Don’t forget to enter for the other contest prizes while you’re over there!


Tuesday, Twitter sharing contest! A tweet is tiny, only 140 characters. But on Tuesday, it could win you $50. Send the following tweet across the twittersphere, and you just may win a $50 Amazon gift card. Autographed copies of Scorpio Rising and its sequel, The Sting of The Scorpio, are also up for grabs. The winner will be announced Wednesday morning. Here’s the tweet: Looking for a read that’s full of love, drama, and betrayal? Scorpio Rising has been reduced to 99 cents! http://ow.ly/7zA2s #whirlwind


Wednesday, Google+ sharing contest! Yup, there’s yet another awesome opportunity to win a $50 Amazon gift card, and this time it just takes a single click! Visit Google+ and share Emlyn Chand’s most recent post (you’ll see the Scorpio Rising book cover included with it). On Thursday morning, one lucky sharer will be $50 richer. Autographed copies of Scorpio Rising and its sequel, The Sting of The Scorpio, are also up for grabs. Three chances to win! How about that?


Thursday, Facebook sharing contest! Stop by Novel Publicity’s Facebook page and share their latest post (you’ll see the Scorpio Rising book cover included with it). It’s ridiculously easy to win! On Friday morning, one lucky sharer will be $50 richer. Autographed copies of Scorpio Rising and its sequel, The Sting of The Scorpio, are also up for grabs.


Friday, special contest on the author’s site! Win a Kindle Fire! Two are up for grabs! Visit Monique’s website to leave a comment on any of her posts and sign-up for her author newsletter. One person will win for each method, so be sure to do both.

 
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by Hallie Sawyer

Cold Sassy Tree | By Olive Ann Burns

August 17, 2011 in Drama, Fiction, Historical

Cold Sassy Tree by Olive Ann Burns is a 400-page historical fiction novel set in early 1900’s Georgia and was published in 1984.


Cold Sassy is told through the eyes of a fourteen year old boy living in a small town as he learns about love, marriage, death, and life.


Plot
Young Will Tweedy has big shoes to fill. His grandfather, E. Rucker Blakeslee, is a larger than life force in his family as well as in the town of Cold Sassy.


He creates a scandal in their small town, being a widower for only three weeks, when he elopes with the milliner from his general store. Will is torn between the betrayal he feels of his grandmother and the new found happiness he sees in his grandfather’s eyes.


His grandfather’s new bride, Miss Love Simpson (a Yankee of all things!), stirs things up in their sleepy town, giving the townsfolk enough cud to chew for years to come.


Mr. Blakeslee buys her a horse, he lets her shave his ancient beard and mangy head of hair, buys the first automobile in town, and challenges anyone who dares question him. Everyone in town suspects she is the force behind his new attitude but Will Tweedy sees things differently.


Ms. Love is a breath of fresh air and finds himself as enamored with her as his grandfather. He watches as their relationship changes from a business agreement to a deeply caring and loving union.

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Impressions
This story is told through the first person point of view and it was perfect. Ms. Burns’ attention to southern dialect was spot on and it completely immersed me in the story from the beginning.


I found this book in my local library’s used bookstore and its odd title caught my eye. I’m surprised I hadn’t heard of it before. I began to feel like the Blakeslees were my own “kin” and I found myself laughing, gasping, cheering, and crying as I read their story.


Ms. Burn’s ability to tell this story as a fourteen year old boy was amazing. The southern names she came up with as well were a hoot. His best buddies were Lee Roy, Smiley, Pink, and Dunse. There was Aunt Loma, the nosy neighbor Effie Belle, and his first love, Lightfoot McLendon.


As Will mosied through town on his adventures (and his grandfather’s), I could smell the dirt roads, feel the faded overalls with patched up knees, and see the tobacco stained sleeves.


The story deals with various themes: racism, the rivalry between North and South, and socioeconomics. It was a great view into the lives of those living in every day Georgia. I think it was fantastically written with a witty flair. I highly recommend it.


Favorite Scene
I loved the scene in which Mr. Blakeslee and Miss Love are enjoying quiet time at home on a Sunday and Mr. Blakeslee talks about the bible and church. Will enters the house and realizes the private moment he has come across. He hides behind the door and listens to his grandfather’s wisdom from the crack in the door.


Favorite Quote
“Well’m, faith ain’t no magic wand or money-back gar’ntee, either one. Hit’s jest a way a-livin’. Hit means you don’t worry th’ew the days. Hit means you go’n be holdin’ on to God in good or bad times, and you accept whatever happens. Hit means you respect life like it is-like God made it-even when it ain’t what you’d order from the wholesale house. Faith don’t mean the Lord is go’n make lions lay down with lambs jest cause you ast him to, or make fire not burn. Some folks, when they pray to git well and don’t even git better, they say God let’m down. But I say thet warn’t even what Jesus was a-talkin’ about. When Jesus said ast and you’ll git it, He was givin’ a gar’ntee a-spiritual healin’, not body healin’. He was sayin’ thet if’n you git beat down-scairt to death you cain’t do what you got to, or scairt you go’n die, or scairt folks won’t like you-why, all you got to do is put yore hand in God’s and He’ll life you up.”–E. Rucker Blakeslee


Reviewer’s Final Rating



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by Lei Baroux

Desperate Duchesses (Book 1) | By Eloisa James

July 3, 2011 in Fiction, Historical, Romance

A world that is très chic, full of raging sexiness, and dazzling personas where they play dangerous games with skyscraping stakes that may dangle a lady’s honor.


It’s a world that everyone wants to enter, a world that they live in ̶ the striking and dynamic gentlemen and the ambitious young ladies of the peerage.


This book introduces you to their crazy urbane world, written by the well praised and loved by co-romance authors itself, Eloisa James. Buckle up for the journey to the glittering world!


Plot
The daughter of the eccentric, poem enthusiast “Mad marquess”, Lady Roberta St. Giles, set out to embark a pursuit of matrimony to the most notorious Casanova and most cunning chess player in London, the Duke of Villiers.


For her, it was love at first sight… but however will she catch such a fish if she stays in their estate, along with her brash father and his lady “companion”? So off she goes to the brave new world, where it was surrounded by audacious courtesans, amorous aristocrats, viral chess games, a scorned widowed duchess, a disputing duke and duchess, glamorous balls and sophisticated clothing…


With the help of her much-removed cousin, Jemma, the Duchess of Beaumont, strategized the snaring plan with a well publicized game of chess with Villiers… and to her husband himself, the Duke of Beaumont with outrageous rules and stakes.


It was such a simple plan and it was really working out… until Damon Reeve, the Earl of Gryffyn, decided to be the surging knight to save Roberta from making the biggest mistake of her life.


Ah, ain’t it lovely to have two gorgeous and outstanding gentlemen fighting to claim you? Will love prevail over aspiration? Such a confusing dilemma, indeed.


Impressions
Everyone is gushing over James’ novels, for like forever. So I have decided to rummage my BTR bookshelves and finally decided to read my first James novel.


At first, I picked This Duchess of Mine to read but I figured that it should be appropriate to read the first novel of the series. I asked myself, did I make the right choice? I have to say… probably not. I’m not saying that James is just another overrated author; she’s actually really good and remarkable for I have read book five (This Duchess of Mine) of this series after this one. All the while saying to myself: To hell with orderliness.


My problem with this novel is that it’s just way too distracting for my taste. There are a lot of characters involved and its losing focus to the lead characters of the story.


Furthermore, I was falling in love with the secondary characters rather than the protagonists themselves. Which is the main reason I jumped to book five after this since it’s the story of the Duke and Duchess of Beaumont, and I have to tell you, there I see why everyone fell in love with James’ writing.


However, I already commended James’ writing with this novel because she had really represented a gorgeous Georgian era, the air of being one of the peers and their world, brilliant chess games, the witty banters and wicked barbs.


Her words of description are quite vivid and the show of vocabulary expertise is really amazing. Now, Roberta and Damon’s story is quite passable enough to hold my will to finish it. There is still humor to amuse me and the pleasure of knowing that their characters had changed and matured.


The novel series actually reminded me of the TV series, Desperate Housewives, only in Georgian era. It’s quite comical actually, especially with their antics in solving their problems.


Favorite Scene
I don’t have one in particular, but I would take on any interaction between the Duke and Duchess of Beaumont in the course of this novel.


Favorite Quotes
“A fit encomium for marital bliss, dancing to a tune one neither likes nor understands, with a partner who thinks you a cadaver.”


“Laughter can’t hurt someone, but cold indifference can.”

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Reviewer’s Final Rating



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by Lei Baroux

Scandalous Again (Switching Places Book 1) | By Christina Dodd

June 21, 2011 in Drama, Fiction, Historical, Romance, Suspense

A story set in Regency London about a scandalous game of deception, played by two remarkable cousins who set out to switch identities to accomplish a mission.


This novel is written by another New York Times bestselling author, who is not only famous for historical romance, but also for paranormal. The series Switching Places contains only two books and the storyline may nearly occur concurrently, but it’s best to read them accordingly. Let the outrageous charade begin!


Plot
The willful, rational and aristocratic Madeline de Lacy, Marchioness of Sheridan and future Duchess of Magnus, prides herself for holding her wits at all times, especially in catastrophic situations.


At a very young age, she lost her mother and was then forced to grow up to manage her life and estates since her beloved Papa only orchestrates disasters… which she’s also constrain to deal and solve.


After a very long absence, an absence that she deemed to think that is enough to forget the scandalous ruckus she created that rendered London gobsmacked, she returned to her homeland. And her father had welcomed her sweetly by… dumping another catastrophe to her face! It appears that her father lost her, along with their entire estate, to an American stranger in a game of chance.


Amidst the show of composure with the dreadful news, Madeline began to panic when she heard that there will be an upcoming ‘The Game of the Century’, which she highly suspects that her father will join and may lose the family heirloom. So she put up a plan to stop all these presenting dilemmas by switching identities with her companion and timid cousin, Eleanor.


By switching, she will be able to enter the event and let her cousin face the American and seek to end the outrageous engagement. A teeny hitch in her plan is her aristocratic manner, which may become quite a challenge in accomplishing her mission. And as if matters can’t get ghastlier, she ran into the person she was longing to forget… her former betrothed, Gabriel Ansell, the Earl of Campion.


Oh la, will the cat be out of the bag? Or will a hero save the damsel in distress?


Impressions
I have read a lot of Dodd’s novels, but I think this was my very second Dodd novel that I read, and since this one, I was really warming up to her. What makes this novel quite endearing to me is that it’s sort of like a battle between the sexes.


I like women who fight and stand up. The heroine is a rolling spitfire of exquisiteness. No wonder she is an aristocrat, she lives up to the title itself. And the hero? He earned the title, too, with an air of self-assured confidence and an undeniable act of chivalry.


I’m amazed how they mend their relationship back despite the cruel way it ended four years ago. Now, I find it refreshing to read that the hero had really fallen in love with the heroine at the first chance, despite Madeline’s infuriating fatal flaw. Furthermore, Gabriel totally won me over when he revealed his proof of faithfulness to her despite the long separation.


By doing this review, it also reminded me of Chuck Bass’ words to Blair Waldorf (Gossip Girl TV Series): “If two people were meant to be together, eventually they’ll find their way back.”


Favorite Scene
Chapter 32


Quotes:
“I have kept it ever since.” – Gabriel Ansell

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Reviewer’s Final Rating



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by Lei Baroux

The Magic of You (The Malory Family Book 4) | By Johanna Lindsey

June 12, 2011 in Fiction, Historical, Romance

Lindsey is another well-loved romance author by many readers. She’s critically acclaimed to be one of the best where she started with historical romance set in England, Scotland, and even in America.


This particular book is one of her Malory novels—the famous or rather notorious family in Regency London, composed of striking scoundrels and rakehell buccaneers and ladies of incomparable exquisiteness and will. This family really has a “debonair perverseness” quality about them.


Plot
A minx of a girl, Amy Malory, finally reached what she has been waiting for years: to be of marriageable age. As expected, she has become one of the prettiest in the society, with those rumored gypsy blood running through her genes resulting in exquisite beauty of coal-black hair and cobalt blue eyes.


With this, it caused some havoc in the peaceful married life of her two reformed rakes of uncles since they have to be “on their guard” for Amy’s suitors. But Amy will have none of those young bucks fawning at her since she already set her cap on a certain American captain years ago—a hot blood Yank who once nearly had her “protective” uncle hung for piracy… oh that, and the fact that he compromised his sister and publicly announced it, to boot.


The hot blood American captain in question is Warren Anderson, brother-in-law of Amy’s Uncle James. Since there’s already bad blood between the two families, Warren is quite astounded with the show of Amy’s audacious advances and innuendos, proving more and more that the Malorys are quite the incorrigible lot. But Amy is quite determined to win the heart of the cynic and brooder… and Warren is also determined to resist the oh-so-tempting minx…


Will the bad blood between them surpass the true desire of the heart or will he surrender and let love put an end to the blazing feud and start to make smoldering passion? That is the question…


Impressions
The Malory family always cracks me up! They’re a bunch of hellion rascals, even the ladies. For me, Amy’s my favorite character because she’s such an imp! Such a mischievous lady, it’s no wonder she gets along really well with her cousin, Jeremy. I believe that they’re a force to be reckoned with. For me, it’s quite hilarious and brave for Amy to turn the tables in courting. And it’s kinda sweet that she only shows her true colors with Warren… the hidden brazen hussy in her.


The presence of her two notorious uncles, James and Anthony, is another thing that I love in this novel. Those two are really fun to be with, with the dry and perverse humor they present. Furthermore, I’m quite envious with the love that this family has for each other. And ditto for the Anderson family, too. It’s good that Amy came to Warren’s life, or else he will be forever cursed with grumpiness and brooding. I love that he had changed into someone more carefree and fun loving. All thanks to Amy’s spellbinding magic. This novel is really fun to read and you can easily fall in love with the characters!


Favorite Scene
Chapter 43.


Favorite Quotes:
“He’s not doing it for you or your brother, m’dear. He’s doing it for me.” – James Malory


“Why can’t I? I’m young, I’m healthy, and my instincts are very good. And it’s not me, you dense man. You’re the one who makes me want to devour you.” – Amy Malory
Category: Historical Romance, Fiction

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Reviewer’s Final Rating



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by Manar منار

Spirits Rebellious | By Khalil Gibran

May 29, 2011 in Classic Literature, Drama, Fiction, Historical, Romance

Spirits Rebellious was written in 1908 by Khalil Gibran, a Lebanese writer best known for “The Prophet”.


The book contains four short stories: Madame Rose Hanie, The Cry of the Graves, The Bride’s Escape, and Khalil the Heretic. Each one of these stories presents a free spirited character who decides to rebel against traditions, man made laws and tyranny.


Plots
The first story introduces Rose, a beautiful young woman who married a rich man 22 years her senior. He made her a queen in his palace, covered her with jewels and silk. But she had always felt that something was missing, and it wasn’t long before she started to feel that the palace was like a prison, and the jewels like chains. It was then that she fell in love with a poor young man and found herself easily choosing between unhappy conformity and happy rebellion.


The second is an example of how misleading appearances can be, and how ravaging judging solely based on them is. Three “criminals” were sentenced to death: a young man for murder, a young woman for adultery and an old man for theft. Their corpses were left to wild animals. One by one, their faithful companions, the ones they died defending, risk their lives to pay them a tribute and lay them to rest.


The third explains a tale about the triumph of love over deception, money and schemes; also the triumph of love over death, in death… When Susan discovered that the love of her life, Salim, deserted her, she decided to get revenge by marrying the first who proposed. It wasn’t before her wedding night that she realized the extent of her action and decided to convince Salim to elope with her, come what may.


The last story follows Khalil, a young man who embarked on a journey to open the villagers eyes and show them that the village’s clergymen and prince were enslaving them, that they were getting richer using their hard work and that it was time they lived decently and conquered the fear and humiliation.


Impressions
This is the first Khalil Gibran book I read, and I don’t think it will be the last. The style of writing, the universal and timeless themes make this book a very pleasant and deep read.


Favorite Quotes
“Those people who go to back to eternity before they taste the sweetness of real life are unable to understand the meaning of a woman’s suffering. Especially when she devotes her soul to a man she loves by the will of God, and her body to another whom she caresses by the enforcement of earthly law.”


“They have exiled me now from their society and I am pleased, because humanity does not exile except the one whose noble spirit rebels against despotism and oppression. He who does not prefer exile to slavery is not free by any measure of freedom, truth and duty.”


“Life is weaker than death, and death is weaker than love.”

BUY SPIRITS REBELLIOUS



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Reviewer’s Final Rating



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Rating: 4.0/5 (1 vote cast)

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by Hallie Sawyer

The Forest Lover | By Susan Vreeland

May 27, 2011 in Fiction, Historical, Life and Family, Personal Development

The Forest Lover by Susan Vreeland is a historical fiction novel set in early 1900’s British Columbia, Canada. The story is based on the life of famous Canadian artist, Emily Carr.


She is a young woman struggling to find her way in a provincial society with it’s choking limitations. Her passion is art and after studying in San Francisco and London, she returns home to Vancouver Island to pursue her artistic dreams.


Plot
Emily is drawn to the native people of British Columbia, the Nootka; their way of life pulls at her with it’s primitive simplicity and deep attachment to all spiritual things, living or dead. The Nootka family crests and ancestral stories are told by their majestic totem poles, which she wants to immortalize in her paintings. She struggles to find the best way to give her paintings the power and feeling the subject deserves.


The frustration of not being able to accurately express the love she has for the native people and their totem poles leads her to France to learn a new style of painting, Fauvism, a movement led by Henri Matisse. Inspired and refreshed, she travels back to her native country, yet, when she returns, she finds out the poles, as well as the native people of Canada, are disappearing rather quickly.

As she travels back and forth along the Canadian coastline trying to capture the spirit of the people and the land they inhabit, her own spirit takes a beating as well as her art, as her bold ways are unwelcome in Christian society.


Emily also struggles with her past and with the stifling memories of her missionary parents. Even after their deaths, the pain she felt as a child haunts her. She was the black sheep of the family because she had a strong will and a “frivilous” passion. Her art drove a wedge between her and her family, yet the peace and sense of purpose her painting gave her was how she felt she had served God. It was her own way.


Impressions
This story went straight to my heart. The independent and brave spirit of Emily Carr was depicted brilliantly by Vreeland.


Her words and narration gave the character such life and a spark that shined brightly from pages. I felt the dampness of the forest, the sounds of the leaves rustling, and the birds chirping in their sing-song voices.


The description of Emily’s surroundings were so vivid that I have put British Columbia at the top of my list for places I want to visit. The author researched Miss Carr’s background so thoroughly that I felt I was reading an memoir.


I felt myself pulled into the story in another way, as a writer, feeling my own angst of trying to pursue a creative passion. This story had a subplot woven in regarding the native people of Canada. Their lives were being stripped of meaning as the missionaries banned their native rituals and expression of beliefs. My heart hurt for them as I learned that the native people of Canada had the same fate as the natives here in America.


Ms. Vreeland is an unbelievable storyteller and I have every intention of reading her other books. I am going to start with Girl In Hyancith Blue which was her first novel and an award-winning story that was later developed into a Hallmark movie.


Favorite Scene
An instructor Emily had in Paris, Harry Gibb, kept a couple of the last pieces she had completed while studying under him. Before he sent her to another artist to continue her studies, he made her promise to visit the Salon d’Automne before she left for home. She fulfilled that promise and as she walked through the doorway into one of the rooms, there were the paintings she had left with Gibbs hanging on the wall. The overwhelming emotion flowed from the page and I felt that amazing moment for Emily like I was standing there holding her hand.


Favorite Quote
“To go to my grave without knowing whether it was lack of talent or lack of perseverance that failed me, without feeling that I’d probed deeply, without sucking the joy of hearty work, that would be self-inflicted pain I could never forgive myself for.”

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Reviewer’s Final Rating



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by Amy Fine

Water for Elephants | By Sara Gruen

May 5, 2011 in Drama, Fiction, Historical, Mainstream, Romance

Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen is a work of fiction, historical romance, and drama set during the Great Depression when a young man must do everything he can for love and survival.


Plot
Jacob Jankowski is a college student learning his father’s trade of veterinary medicine so he can follow in his footsteps when his life is turned upside down. After receiving devastating news, Jacob hops the train and finds himself in a new world of the big top.


This world comes with new adventures, friends, enemies, and life lessons. After proving himself, Jacob takes a job in the circus’ menagerie where he falls in love with not only the animals he cares for, but the sometimes-crazy animal trainer’s wife.


Impressions
I loved this book! I found it very easy to read and get lost in the story. I liked how it was told from present-day Jacob’s view looking back on his life. This helped me understand what type of man he was. I felt like I was there will him throughout this story.


The setting of the Great Depression made the struggles and triumphs mean so much more. I found all the main characters; Jacob, August, Marlena, Walter, and even the elephant, Rosie, to be extremely poignant, especially when you remember the story is told from an elderly Jacob.


The transitions from “memories” to “current day” Jacob were very smooth and I didn’t feel distracted or lost during these changes. If you love a romance novel with hero and heroine, then you must read this book!


Favorite Scene
Other than the ending…which I can’t give away! My favorite scene was when Jacob goes to see Rosie after she has received a beating at the hands of August, and he realizes she understands and responds to Polish.


She isn’t the hard-headed “bull” everyone makes her out to be, she just doesn’t understand anyone but Greg, and now Jacob. In this scene, you can feel Rosie’s astonishment that Jacob can now speak to her.


Favorite Quotes
“When two people are meant to be together, they will be together. It’s fate.”


“I stroke her lightly, memorizing her body. I want her to melt into me, like butter on toast. I want to absorb her and walk around for the rest of my days with her encased in my skin. I lie motionless, savoring the feeling of her body against mine. I’m afraid to breathe in case I break the spell.”


“Keeping up the appearance of having all your marbles is hard work, but important.”

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Reviewer’s Final Rating



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by Manar منار

Lily of the Valley | By Honoré de Balzac

May 3, 2011 in Drama, Fiction, Historical, Romance

Lily of the valley is believed to be the most romantic and autobiographical novel ever written by the french novelist Honoré de Balzac.


Published in 1836, the story takes place in the french aristocrat society and depicts the strong platonic love between young Felix and the Countess de Mortsauf, 15 years his senior.


Plot
Felix de Vandenesse had a miserable childhood: Hated by his mother, he grew up deprived from motherly affection and eager to feel loved. At twenty years old, he feels old in spirits but has the appearance and emotional needs of a young boy.


One day, wandering in a ball, he carelessly and naively kisses an unknown woman, not suspecting the extent of his act… her image was burnt in his mind and he couldn’t rest until he finds her and gets into her life.


His efforts pays off as he finally discovers the identity of the mysterious woman and is appointed the hofmeister of her son.


The woman turns out to be the Countess de Mortsauf, the pious wife of the Count de Mortsauf and devoted mother of two frail children: Jacques and Madeleine.


Her life has been dedicated to the well-being of her children and the soothing of her husband’s dreadful temper. She forgot herself and her womanhood, and found the strength to live in her children only.


Felix’s kiss had been the turning point in her life: It awakened all the emotions she had been repressing for years and years.. She slowly found herself drawn to him and has to summon up all her faith, sens of duty and virtue to prevent herself from giving into temptation.


Her love for him is strong, platonic and at times motherly. She takes him under her care and helps him pierce into high spheres and get a successful career. Grateful, Felix promises her to be forever faithful to their impossible love.


Years passed by and Felix meets Lady Dudley, a seductive woman who initiates him to carnal pleasures. Felix finds himself torn between love and lust, and makes a choice that has devastating consequences…


Balzac is best known for his accurate descriptions of characters and places. His portrayal of the Countess de Mortsauf’s struggle between love and duty is heartbreaking…


Favorite Scenes
Beginning of the story, when Felix is mesmerized by a woman with porcelain skin, bare shoulders and beautiful gown is excellently depicted.


Another one is the painful encounter between the virtuous Countess and the sensual Lady Dudley


Favorite Quotes
“I have entered into your sorrows and I am one with your soul, I am yours without reserve and will be just what you wish me to be.”


“I consent to the compact if you will never strain the ties that bind us.”


“Monsieur de Mortsauf calls me Blanche. The one person I loved best, my adorable aunt, used to call me Henriette. I will be Henriette again for you.”

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Reviewer’s Final Rating



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by Hallie Sawyer

Prayers for Sale | By Sandra Dallas

May 1, 2011 in Drama, Fiction, Historical, Life and Family

Prayers For Sale is a historical fiction novel by Sandra Dallas, set in 1936 in Middle Swan, Colorado, a small mountain mining town. It is a tale of friendship, love, forgiveness and coming to terms with the past.


Plot
Hennie Comfort has seen many things in the seventy years of living in Middle Swan, as well as many stories to pass along before she goes “deep enough.”


She befriends a young miner’s wife, Nit Spindle, who is new to the area, remembering herself many years ago that she was once new, too. Regardless of their age difference, the two find commonalities; some they revel in, some they mourn.


Hennie’s daughter, Mae, wants her to come to Iowa to live out the rest of her days. Hennie reluctantly agrees, but before she leaves, she wants to make sure she shares her stories, her quilts, and her love of Ten Mile Range. Hennie finds a way to say goodbye to Middle Swan as she makes peace with her past.


Impressions
This story had me from the beginning as Hennie and Nit meet each other in the first paragraph. Ms. Dallas has such a great grasp of the language of the times that the story’s dialogue seemed to be happening right there in front of me. I wouldn’t be surprised if I threw in a “reckon” into my next conversation it felt so real.


I loved the way the author tells stories through her characters and they way she wove them into what was happening. Middle Swan had seen many characters come and go and it seemed that Hennie knew all of them.


Imagine sitting around the kitchen table, listening to your grandparents tell their stories…but they were all very, very interesting. That is what this book was like.


What I loved the most about this book was that the author kept surprising me, all the way to the end, which was perfect. I felt hope for Hennie and Nit, and also satisfaction with it’s conflict resolution.


Sandra does not disappoint in yet another fantastic book. I have also read The Diary of Mattie Spenser and Alice’s Tulips. I plan on reading the rest of her books until she stops writing them.


Favorite Scene
The ending was my favorite, which I can’t tell you because it would ruin it for you, but Hennie finally lets go of some bitter feelings that she had been choking on for many, many years.


Favorite Quote
“Tap’er light”
(Hennie used this phrase a lot in her goodbyes, mostly to her old friend, Tom Earley. The phrase meant “take it easy” and miners said it to each other when boring holes for the dynamite blasts. One miner would have to hold the piece of steel while the other miner pounded it into the rock. “Tap’er light” was a way of saying, “Don’t smash my hand.”)

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Reviewer’s Final Rating



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