From the shores of The Great Lakes to the slums of Bombay and a tiny
island in between, this love story takes the reader on an intimate
journey to unravel a family secret that’s lain hidden for generations. To
satisfy her wandering feet, eighteen-year-old Gillian McAllister is
sent from Ireland to Canada in the summer of 1932. She arrives with her
Irish ways intact, determined not to let the wiles of crop duster
Christian Hunter woo her into submission. Yet as the summer unfolds and
the sweet taste of love grows, Gillian’s appeal lures more than she
anticipates, shattering the life they’ve built. Fourteen years, a
Great Depression, and a World War later, Christian sets out to discover
why Gillian was ripped from his life. What he discovers on the Isle of
Man will change them both forever. Not even a thatched cottage by the
sea, a spritely Gillian, or memories sprinkled on a page can mask the
secret that has been buried for too long.
But it isn’t until a set of
poems is given to Gillian’s granddaughter that the real
mystery—Gillian’s true secret—is freed.
Paperback, 338 pages
Expected publication:
April 23rd 2015
by Light Messages Publishing
ARC - Netgalley
*****
The book with the long title, don't let that scare you off like it almost did me. The cover is what grabbed my attention and the blurb just glitched it. A weird quirk of mine is location. When I saw Bruce Peninsula, the Great Lakes and Tobermory I was sold, these are my stomping grounds.
Gillian spent the next several days trying to imagine why on earth Daddy would want her to go to Canada of all places. She needed to let the idea soak in. Honestly, she was furious with the man. India sounded so exotic -- all those spices! Canada sounded, well... wild.
With such a great setting my expectations rose somewhat. I really hate putting pressure like that on any author, beautiful setting must equal beautiful story, right?.
Did Susan Ornbratt rise to the occasion? Of course she did, The Particular Appeal of Gillian Pugsley was an absolute pleasure to read! The authors writing style made it extremely easy to get lost in this story. Told in various time periods this reader had no problem connecting with Gillian. First introduced when she is 89 years old (2003), then she takes us back to 1931 and then 1946. Gillian is such a likeable character, she is adventurous, open minded and genuine. First she is a nanny for a family from India, then off to the wilds of Canada. Her relationship with her sister and father was played out nicely, the bantering between them added much to this story. I loved the strong bond between Gillian and her granddaughter, Gilly (who is tasked with writing her story) was the finishing touch this story needed.
The plot was intriguing, kept me on my toes. There is much going on here, a beautiful love story, mystery, trauma of WW II and more. With vivid descriptive prose it wasn't hard to picture scenery and the added poems was a unique idea and enhanced this story nicely. While the story weaves back and forth in time, as well as alternating POV's it wasn't hard to get totally invested in this book.
It's such a strange phenomenon with writers, the way a story starts to breathe life, the way the characters become real, the way a writer becomes a servant to the story as much as its creator.
This is Susan Ornbratt's debut, reminiscent of Kate Morton and Susanna Kearsley, I highly recommend.
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.
“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).
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.
When your world blows apart, what will you hold onto?
TAG
is a medical slave, doomed to spend his life healing his master's
injured gladiators. But his warrior's heart yearns to fight in the
gladiator ring himself and earn enough money to win his freedom.
LUCIA
is the daughter of Tag's owner, doomed by her father's greed to marry a
much older Roman man. But she loves studying the natural world around
her home in Pompeii, and lately she's been noticing some odd occurrences
in the landscape: small lakes disappearing; a sulfurous smell in the
air. . . .
When the two childhood friends reconnect, each with
their own longings, they fall passionately in love. But as they plot
their escape from the city, a patrician fighter reveals his own plans
for them -- to Lucia's father, who imprisons Tag as punishment. Then an
earthquake shakes Pompeii, in the first sign of the chaos to come. Will
they be able to find each other again before the volcano destroys their
whole world?
Hardcover, 336 pages
Published
May 27th 2014
by Arthur A. Levine Books
from personal library
****
Ah Pompeii...the tragic story of a city buried beneath the stone and ashes Vesuvius.
Lucia betrothed to a man old enough to be her grandfather.
Tag, a young medicine man, a slave who just wants his freedom. Returning to Pompeii after spending 3 years in Rome.
Things arent the same in Pompeii anymore, the earth is doing strange things and Lucia seems to be the only on concerned about it.
This is young adult at its finest. Filled with romance, drama, mystery, curses and secrets I had a hard time putting this book down. The author knows her history of Pompeii and it shows in this book. Lucia and Tag are both likeable characters and there is depth to their stories. The plot, yea it was really good too.
The author notes are always a favorite part of a good HF read and I was not disappointed. Explaining her sources and why she wrote what she did. Definitely a great way to end my reading for 2014.
Set in 7th century England, The Oblate’s Confession tells the story
of Winwaed, a boy who – in a practice common at the time – is donated by
his father to a local monastery.
In a countryside wracked by plague and
war, the child comes to serve as a regular messenger between the
monastery and a hermit living on a nearby mountain. Missing his father,
he finds a surrogate in the hermit, an old man who teaches him
woodcraft, the practice of contemplative prayer, and, ultimately, the
true meaning of fatherhood. When the boy’s natural father visits the
monastery and asks him to pray for the death of his enemy – an enemy who
turns out to be the child’s monastic superior – the boy’s life is
thrown into turmoil. It is the struggle Winwaed undergoes to answer the
questions – Who is my father? Whom am I to obey? – that animates, and
finally necessitates, The Oblate’s Confession.
While entirely a work of fiction, the novel’s background is
historically accurate: all the kings and queens named really lived, all
the political divisions and rivalries actually existed, and each of the
plagues that visit the author’s imagined monastery did in fact ravage
that long-ago world. In the midst of a tale that touches the human in
all of us, readers will find themselves treated to a history of the
“Dark Ages” unlike anything available today outside of textbooks and
original source material.
Publication Date: December 2, 2014
Secant Publishing
Formats: eBook, Hardcover
Genre: Historical Fiction
*** (I liked it)
Taking place in the 7th century, Winwaed introduces us to life in a monastery. This isn't a fast paced, action packed book but rather one where I appreciated the pace and got to know Winwaed quite well. The authors knowledge of this time period is evident, the lifestyle and rituals of the monks I found intriguing. Describing his childhood now that he is an adult we watch him grow not just physically but spiritually -- with all the soul searching, questions and life in general during this time period.
If you are a medieval fan this book would appeal to you, though some might find the pace slow.
William Peak spent ten years researching and writing The Oblate’s
Confession, his debut novel. Based upon the work of one of the great (if
less well known) figures of Western European history, the Venerable
Bede, Peak’s book is meant to reawaken an interest in that lost and
mysterious period of time sometimes called “The Dark Ages.”
Peak received his baccalaureate degree from Washington & Lee
University and his master’s from the creative writing program at Hollins
University. He works for the Talbot County Free Library on Maryland’s
Eastern Shore. Thanks to the column he writes for The Star Democrat about life at the library (archived at http://www.tcfl.org/peak/),
Peak is regularly greeted on the streets of Easton: “Hey, library
guy!” In his free time he likes to fish and bird and write long love
letters to his wife Melissa.
For more information please visit William Peak’s website.
The #1 New York Times bestselling Beautiful Creatures series continues in this brand-new digital-exclusive story.
Catch
up with Ethan, Lena, and Link as they finally graduate from high school
and get ready to leave the small Southern town of Gatlin. But when Dark
Caster Ridley makes an appearance, the sometime bad girl can't resist
picking a fight with her sometime boyfriend, Link. Angry and rebellious
as ever, Ridley ends up alone in New York City and becomes entangled in
the dangerous underground Caster club scene, where the stakes are high
and losers pay the ultimate price.
Where's a Linkubus when you need him?
ebook, 46 pages
Published
December 17th 2013
(first published January 1st 2013)
copy provided by netgalley for honest review
***
This book is the prequel to the Dangerous Creatures series and a relatively short novella. Having read nothing by either author and not being familiar with this series I had no preconceived ideas of what I was in for. Coming in at 46 pages there wasn't time to get too deeply involved with the characters, however what I read was interesting enough.
The synopsis above pretty well sums up what takes place here. I have seen the authors names around and was curious, the writing style was easy to follow and kept me entertained. There was enough here to establish relationships, create mysterious and the paranormal elements were interesting. Definitely could see myself continuing in this series.
All her heroines find love in the end—but is there love waiting for Jane?
Jane
Austen spends her days writing and matchmaking in the small countryside
village of Steventon, until a ball at Godmersham Park propels her into a
new world where she yearns for a romance of her own. But whether her
heart will settle on a young lawyer, a clever Reverend, a wealthy
childhood friend, or a mysterious stranger is anyone's guess.
Written
in the style of Jane herself, this novel ponders the question faced by
many devoted readers over the years—did she ever find love? Weaving fact
with fiction, it re-imagines her life, using her own stories to fill in
the gaps left by history and showing that all of us—to a greater or
lesser degree—are head over heels for Jane.
Audible Audio
Published
September 24th 2014
by Madison Street Publishing
(first published December 4th 2012)
audio provided by author for honest review (thank you)
*****
I am not a big Jane Austen fan. Not that I dislike her, a number of her books are on my tbr pile and I can say that I have read Pride and Prejudice, even watched the movie. About Jane Austen herself I know nothing, was she married, kids, siblings, what was her upbringing like? I am totally in the dark about it allwhich made me all the most anxious tostart this book.
I listened to the audio version (via Audible), Louisa Gummer was the reader and I must say she did a stellar job, it was a pleasure to listen to. Coming in at almost 12 hours in length the time just flew by. I loved the Austen family not just Jane. There was depth here and I got to know so much about the lifestyle, customs and just everyday life in that time period. Jane was a very likable person, she was strong, opinionated and the author has stirred a desire in me to learn more about her.
I loved how the author used phrases from Pride & Prejudice in this book, I am sure there were some from her other books as well, which has made me want to read them even more now.
Thank you to the author for reaching out to me, I don't think I would have discovered this book on my own and would have missed out.
If you are planning a road trip this holiday season or just need to go for a walk give A Jane Austen Daydream a try, you won't be disappointed.
Publication Date: December 16, 2013
Mockingbird Lane Press
Formats: eBook, Paperback, Audio Book
Pages: 276
Genre: Historical Fiction/Short Stories
Here I have discovered another benefit of taking part in these book tours. I never read short stories, they don't really appeal to me basically because I love a long story (sometimes the longer the better). Also I've never read a book on short stories, in fact I usually shy away from them. Why I even agreed to be part of this tour I am not even sure.
On that note I will say that I LOVED this book! And have totally changed my opinion on short stories. It had everything all wrapped in one, mystery, suspense, romance, history, murder and adventure. There was the seamstress, the quilter, the Jew, the slave, the surgeon and the curse (just to name a few). Each story was well written, rich in detail with unique plots. The authors writing style kept me reading all 11 stories in a matter of days.
This was an audio read for me and the reader did a fantastic job. If you are like me and have never read a book on short stories give this one a try, you won't be disappointed.
First, a classical/pop singer/composer, she moved on to the
professional world of production art and calligraphy. Next came a long
career as an award winning quilt artist/teacher and an ESL/Reading
instructor. Her short stories have been published in descant 2008, Snowy
Egret, Transcendent Visions, The Storyteller, and Down In the Dirt.
“Unexpected Gifts”, her debut novel, is currently available on
Amazon. “Sewing Can Be Dangerous and Other Small Threads”, her
collection of short stories, Jan. 2014, both books by Mockingbird Lane
Press.
Please join T.K. Thorne as she tours with the blogosphere with HF
Virtual Book Tours for Noah’s Wife, from December 15-19, and enter to
win an autographed copy & magnetic bookmark!
Publication Date: April 17, 2011
ForeWord Reviews 2009 Historical Fiction BOOK OF THE YEAR.
A novel set in 5500 BCE can’t possibly relate to today’s issues— or can it?
Dysfunctional family relationships • Sexual abuse Kidnapping • Love triangle Religious freedom • Autism • Cultural Change
This award-winning novel touches all of these issues with wisdom and humor.
From the perspective of a young girl with what is now known as
Aspergers, Thorne weaves twists into the Biblical story, entwining myth,
history, and archeological findings with her vivid imagination.
Na’amah wishes only to be a shepherdess on her beloved hills in
ancient Turkey— a desire shattered by the hatred of her powerful brother
and the love of two men.
Her savant abilities and penchant to speak truth forces her to walk a
dangerous path in an age of change— a time of challenge to the goddess’
ancient ways, when cultures clash and the earth itself is unstable.
When foreign raiders kidnap her, Na’amah’s journey to escape and return
home becomes an attempt to save her people from the disaster only she
knows is coming.
A few interesting tidbits:
Scientists (including Robert Ballard, the explorer who found the
sunken Titanic) discovered evidence that the Black Sea was once a fresh
water lake that flooded in a cataclysmic event around 5500.
The oldest known worshiped deity was female! The role of the feminine
in the divine was entwined with early Judaism and keeps reappearing
throughout history.
One in every 88 persons has a form of autism. The choice to make
Noah’s wife an Asperger savant stemmed from personal experience in the
author’s life and gives the story a distinctive perspective.
Being raised in the church I am very familiar with the story of Noah's Ark. Nothing Biblically is mentioned at all about his wife, other than the fact that she existed. She had no name and neither do the daughter in laws.
With Noah's wife we are
told the story from her point of view. There is no reference to anything
biblical nor is it preachy at all. But this is a book that stayed
true to the time period and environment. There isn't much talk of Noah's God but there is a lot of talk about the mother goddess. Meeting Na’amah’s when she is a young girl and getting a glimpse of her home life it wasn't hard to empathize with her plight. With the synopsis above you can read the direction that this book takes. It isn't hard to see that the author has done a fair amount of research and it came across in her writing. Not just her knowledge of the time period but of Asperger's as well and getting into Na'amah's mind.
I listened to the audio version and really enjoyed it. Melissa Carey was the reader, my first time listening to her and she did a wonderful job.
TK Thorne was the first Jewish woman to become a police officer in
Birmingham, AL (USA). She retired as a captain and currently serves as
executive director of the city’s business improvement district—both
careers providing fodder for her writing. Her debut novel Noah’s Wife
won ForeWord Reviews’ “Book of the Year” for historical fiction. The New
York Post featured her book Last Chance for Justice: How Relentless
Investigators Uncovered New Evidence Convicting the Birmingham Church
Bombers on their “Books You Should Be Reading” list. A short film from
her screenplay Six Blocks Wide was a semi-finalist at “A Film for Peace
Festival” in Italy. She describes herself as a writer, humanist,
dog-mom, horse-servant, and cat-slave.
To enter to win an Autographed copy of Noah’s Wife & magnetized bookmark, please complete the giveaway form below.
Rules
– Giveaway ends at 11:59pm on December 19th. You must be 18 or older to enter.
– Giveaway is open to residents of the US only.
– Only one entry per household.
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any suspect of fraud is decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor,
and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion
– Winner have 48 hours to claim prize or new winner is chosen.
The follow-up to the #1 bestseller The Winter Palace--perfect for the readers of Hilary Mantel and Alison Weir.
Catherine the Great, the Romanov monarch reflects on her
astonishing ascension to the throne, her leadership over the world's
greatest power, and the lives sacrificed to make her the most feared
woman in the world--lives including her own... Catherine the
Great muses on her life, her relentless battle between love and power,
the country she brought into the glorious new century, and the bodies
left in her wake. By the end of her life, she had accomplished more than
virtually any other woman in history. She built and grew the Romanov
empire, amassed a vast fortune of art and land, and controlled an unruly
and conniving court. Now, in a voice both indelible and intimate, she
reflects on the decisions that gained her the world and brought her
enemies to their knees. And before her last breath, shadowed by the
bloody French Revolution, she sets up the end game for her last
political maneuver, ensuring her successor and the greater glory of
Russia.
Hardcover, 400 pages
Published
March 25th 2014
by Bantam ** - *** (a cross between 'it's okay' and 'I liked it")
I really enjoyed The Winter Palace, it was my first venture into HF Russia. I've hear of Catherine the Great but knew next to nothing about her, I liked the authors writing style and got a real feel for the country and it's people.
I met Eva Stachniak just after The Winter Palace was released. She was doing a reading ad I was able to have a nice talk with her afterwards. Her passion for this time and place in history was evident and I got real excited when I heard about the sequel.
My feelings for Empress of the Night are mixed, as you can see from my rating. I really struggled with this book, I don't think it was because my expectations were too high, the format was one that I liked. Catherine having suffered a stroke is reflecting on her life. The narrative is what I struggled with, it had a surreal feel to it and at times I had trouble following the story and really couldn't connect with anyone in this book.
There is a bright side and that is my interest in Russian history has peaked and I am on the lookout for books taking place there. Also the cover is gorgeous.
Will I give up on Eva Stachniak, not a chance, she has already shown what she can do with The Winter Palace and I have a couple of her other books in my tbr pile.
"I saw a woman hanged on my way to the Pittsburgh docks..”
Agnes Canon is tired of being a spectator in life, an invisible
daughter among seven sisters, meat for the marriage market. The rivers
of her Pennsylvania countryside flow west, and she yearns to flow with
them, explore new lands, know the independence that is the usual sphere
of men.
This is a story of a woman’s search for freedom, both social and
intellectual, and her quest to understand what freedom means. She learns
that freedom can be the scent and sound of unsettled prairies, the
glimpse of a cougar, the call of a hawk. The struggle for freedom can
test the chains of power, poverty, gender, or the legalized horror of
slavery. And to her surprise, she discovers it can be found within a
marriage, a relationship between a man and a woman who are equals in
everything that matters.
It’s also the story of Jabez Robinson, a man who has traveled across
the continent and seen the beauty of the country and the ghastliness of
war, as he watches his nation barrel toward disaster. Faced with
deep-seated social institutions and hard-headed intransigence, he finds
himself helpless to intervene. Jabez’s story is an indictment of war in
any century or country, and an admission that common sense and reasoned
negotiation continue to fail us.
As Agnes and Jabez struggle to keep their community and their lives
from crumbling about them, they must face the stark reality that whether
it’s the freedom of an African from servitude, of the South from the
North, or of a woman from the demands of social convention, the cost is
measured in chaos and blood. This eloquent work of historical fiction chronicles the building of a
marriage against the background of a civilization growing – and dying –
in the prelude to civil war.
I can't recall reading much historical fiction about the Civil War, for me this book was a real eye-opener. Deborah Lincoln is a new author to me which made me doubly excited to read this book. Agnes Canon is the great grandmother of the author, I love this type of book as it is so much more personal from the author.
The synopsis above tells a lot of the plot here but what it doesn't say is how powerful a book this is. I was captivated right from the that opening line. There is much going on in this book and the author writes in such a mesmerizing way that I was visualizing and feeling this story. This was a tumultuous time in American history and Agnes Canon's War gave a vivid glimpse of not just the physical side but the emotional side also. This isn't a 'happy ever after' type of book (it's war time remember) but rather one that will stay with you long after you are finished.
Praise for Agnes Canon’s War
“Impressively researched, it captures the brutality of the war in the
West and the complicated, divided loyalties of the people who are
caught up in it. Agnes Canon’s War will have readers anticipating the
romance and dreading the battles in equal amounts.” -Steve Wiegenstein, author of Slant of Light and This Old World
“The characters are likeable, intelligent, humorous, spunky and
passionate people whose zest for adventure is met and then some! Superb
historical fiction this reviewer highly recommends.” – Historical Novel Society
“Agnes Canon’s War is brilliantly researched and written. Deborah
Lincoln has successfully described the occurrences of the Civil War era
in the border state of Missouri and the resultant emotions upon the
inhabitants of the area. Many neighbors were bitterly opposed to one
another, and severe heartache touched everyone. Lincoln’s writing places
the reader in the midst of that turmoil. Her research is accurate and
lends to a skillfully-designed background for Agnes Canon’s story. An
example is her reference to Westport Landing. It is a little-known fact
(even to most Missourians) that this original port on the Missouri
River, located in the vicinity of today’s Grand and Main Streets,
resulted in present-day Kansas City. This heartfelt book will likely
impress even the most seasoned historians.” -William R.
Reynolds, Jr. author of Andrew Pickens: South Carolina Patriot in the
Revolutionary War and The Cherokee Struggle to Maintain Identity in the
17th and 18th Centuries
“Years ago in fiction workshop, this manuscript leaped out at me with
the most memorable opening line I’d seen in forever: “I saw a woman
hanged on my way to the Pittsburgh docks.”
On revisiting this story several years after my first beta-read of
the whole novel, I was struck by how many details and scenes I remember.
Historical fiction is not for the lazy writer. The tremendous amount of
research that skilled writers weave into the narrative are simply
amazing.
I’m afraid I’ll be guilty of plot spoilers if I mention some of my
favorite scenes or the tragic events that really happened. I will say
Jabez has a first wife, and Agnes befriends her to her dying day. That
first wife has a fascination for what today would sound like New Age
mysticism. Any reader who hates reading about war should keep going,
because all sorts of intriguing historical issues and beliefs come to
light in Agnes Canon’s world.
The prose is polished, the story spellbinding, the authenticity both inspiring and heartbreaking. Five stars!” -Carol Kean Blog, Book Reviews, Cosmic Rants
Deborah Lincoln grew up in the small town of Celina, among the
cornfields of western Ohio. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English
from Michigan State University and a master’s degree in Library Science
from the University of Michigan. She and her husband have three grown
sons and live on the Oregon coast.
Of her passion for historical fiction, she says: “I’m fascinated by
the way events—wars and cataclysms and upheavals, of course, but the
everyday changes that wash over everyday lives—bring a poignancy to a
person’s efforts to survive and prosper. I hate the idea that brave and
intelligent people have been forgotten, that the hardships they
underwent have dropped below the surface like a stone in a lake, with
not a ripple left behind to mark the spot.”
Agnes Canon’s War is the story of her great great-grandparents, two
remarkable people whose lives illustrate the joys and trials that marked
America’s tumultuous nineteenth century.
For more information on Deborah Lincoln please visit her website. You can also find her on Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads.
Giving up gluten doesn't mean you have
to give up the foods you love, and gluten-free eating is about to get
easier—and more delicious—than you ever thought possible!
From
the editor of Delight Gluten-Free magazine comes a compendium of
delectable recipes for any and every occasion. Rediscover the favorites
you've been missing and discover new ones, including:
• Sparkling Cider Apple Fritters
• Prosciutto and Pineapple Stuffed-Crust Pizza
• Honey BBQ Sloppy Joes with Apple Cabbage Slaw
• Apricot Pesto Turkey Melt Sandwich
• Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cookie Cheesecake
Featuring
allergen-free options, everyday basics and recipes fit for holiday
celebrations, The Delight Gluten-Free Cookbook will make eating fun
again, and proves that gluten-free can be full of flavor!
Paperback, 304 pages
Published
September 30th 2014
by Harlequin
I really think that I could have fun reviewing cookbooks! I have not been diagnosed with celiac or with wheat allergies but choose to go wheat free because I feel so much better. This cookbook was perfect timing.
This book was easy to follow, there are charts of what's gluten free, what's safe and unsafe. The benefits of being gluten free and so much more. I found it very educational, I learned a lot with the main thing being that with a gluten free diet I don't have to give up taste. Nor is it a lot of extra work, I can go to the local bulk store and purchase what I need.
I tried a number of recipes in this book.
Honeyoat Loaf was a favorite, even the family enjoyed it. With a touch of coconut flour it had a little taste of the tropics. The added bonus was no sugar, but made with honey, so if you have sugar issues this one works well.
Garden Fresh Minestrone Soup, a nice healthy recipe with brown rice pasta. This reminded me that I could use some of my own recipes and use gluten free pasta instead.
Quinoa, cucumber mango salad with sweet cilantro vinaigrette was a nice refreshing salad and healthy to boot.
I will continue to try different recipes as well as recommend this cookbook.
Make more than stew in your slow cooker!Year-Round Slow Cooker
gives you an eye-opening look at 100 amazing recipes you can make in
this handy device. See how the crock pot you depend on for
chilly-weather soups and stews is so much more versatile than you may
think.
25 innovative recipes for each season. Author and
cooking teacher Dina Cheney taps into the growing trend for eating fresh
and uses her know-how to make it easy for the home cook. She has
developed 25 slow-cooker recipes for each season that feature fresh,
seasonal ingredients. Along with classics like corned beef and cabbage,
you can also enjoy summer Greek-style brisket, peach and apricot bread
pudding, Asian-style short ribs, and more.
Get the most from your slow cooker. With Year-Round Slow Cooker you can simplify meal prep, prepare make-ahead dishes, and eat fresh from January to December.
Paperback, 224 pages
Published
January 22nd 2013
by Taunton Press
****
(copy provided by publisher via netgalley for review)
I've never reviewed a cook book before, this was fun.I love my crockpot but don't use it nearly as much as I would like to. It's usually hit and miss for me, I tend to throw everything in and hope for the best with a success rate that is rather low.
There is a wealth of information in this book. Divided nicely into seasons highlighting what fresh ingredients are readily available. Then with step by step directions. Now these recipes do NOT follow in my fashion, but involve prep work. Browning meat, caramelizing veggies, making sauces etc., which can take a little time. But in my books I found the results well worth it. I tried a bunch of recipes and all turned out quite nicely and were met with rave reviews from my family (3 adult males).
Summer brisket with roasted red peppers and fresh herb sauce - yes out of season for today but it was still yummy and an easy recipe. I can see myself making this one again. I usually have a problem with a runny sauce but in this case it was nice.
Braised chicken with red peppers, olives and raisins - again very pleased with the results.
Corn-vanilla pudding with triple-berry sauce - this one I had to try because of the method, cooked in a loaf pan inside crock pot. Sounded strange but was good.
Hungarian beef goulash with yams and caramelized onions - this I think was my favorite, served over egg noodles was perfect for a fall night.
Combining this cookbook with a new slow cooker would make a wonderful gift. Highly recommend!
