Audio review: The Tea Rose by Jennifer Donnelly

East London, 1888 - a city apart. A place of shadow and light where thieves, whores, and dreamers
mingle, where children play in the cobbled streets by day and a killer stalks at night, where bright hopes meet the darkest truths.

Here, by the whispering waters of the Thames, Fiona Finnegan, a worker in a tea factory, hopes to own a shop one day, together with her lifelong love, Joe Bristow, a costermonger's son. With nothing but their faith in each other to spur them on, Fiona and Joe struggle, save, and sacrifice to achieve their dreams.

But Fiona's life is shattered when the actions of a dark and brutal man take from her nearly everything-and everyone-she holds dear. Fearing her own death, she is forced to flee London for New York. There, her indomitable spirit propels her rise from a modest West Side shop-front to the top of Manhattan's tea trade. But Fiona's old ghosts do not rest quietly, and to silence them, she must venture back to the London of her childhood, where a deadly confrontation with her past becomes the key to her future.

Paperback, 557 pages 

Published December 10th 2007 

by St. Martin's Griffin (first published March 11th 2002)

audio book 28 hours 35 minutes

****1/2

I became a fan of Jennifer Donnelly after reading Revolution and continued with The Northern Lights.  Both books drew me right in and didn't let go until I finished.  The Tea Rose has been on my TBR pile for so long, but I think the print copy I bought was too intimating.  An over sized trade paperback with tiny tiny print is why I went the audio version.  Coming in over 28 hours I was a little nervous hoping it would keep my attention all the way.  Jill Tanner was the reader and she did a great job.

I really enjoyed this book, the author painted a vivid picture of London during the time of Jack the Ripper, though his role isn't predominant, it does have a part.  The first couple of hours Donnelly spends times introducing not just the family but what life was like for the lower class.  Not just the struggles just to survive but the hopes and dreams of those ambitious enough to think they can overcome so many obstacles.

Centering mostly around Fiona it wasn't hard to sympathize and feel for her.  Her heartbreak was real as were her dreams.  As tragedy forces her to take a stand for herself and little brother she bravely ventures across the ocean to begin life a new in New York.

While at times I got the feeling of predictability the author surprised me with twists and turns I didn't see coming.

There were a couple things preventing me from giving this book 5 stars, things I won't mention as they would be spoilers.  

This book has it all, murder, romance, mystery, heartbreak, love and adventure (plus more).  The first book in Jennifer Donnelly's The Tea Rose Series, definitely one I highly recommend to those that love getting lost in a doorstopper sized book.

click on cover to see my review

Review: The Blue Hour by Isabelle Simler

A lovely and tranquil celebration of nature The sun has set, the day has ended, but the night hasn't quite arrived yet. This magical twilight is known as the blue hour. Everything in nature sky, water, flowers, birds, foxes comes together in a symphony of blue to celebrate the merging of night and day.

With its soothing text and radiant artwork, this elegant picture book displays the majesty of nature and reminds readers that beauty is fleeting but also worth savoring."

Hardcover Expected publication: February 20th 2017 

by Eerdmans Books for Young Readers
****

This is a very blue book, as the sunsets the world turns blue.  There are wonderful illustrations here, bright, realistic and sure to keep the attention of readers.  With a wonderful array of unique animals and plants showing this wonderful planet.  The map at the end finished this book off nicely depicting each critter and where they live.

The Blue House is a perfect bedtime story while at the same time great for older children introducing them to different, colorful and animals they might not be familiar with.

Thanks to the publisher via Netgalley for an advanced copy.

Review/Giveaway: Daughter of a Thousand Years by Amalia Carosella

Greenland, AD 1000 

 More than her fiery hair marks Freydís as the daughter of Erik the Red; her hot temper and fierce pride are as formidable as her Viking father’s. And so, too, is her devotion to the great god Thor, which puts her at odds with those in power—including her own brother, the zealous Leif Eriksson. Determined to forge her own path, she defies her family’s fury and clings to her dream of sailing away to live on her own terms, with or without the support of her husband. 

New Hampshire, 2016 

Like her Icelandic ancestors, history professor Emma Moretti is a passionate defender of Norse mythology. But in a small town steeped in traditional values, her cultural beliefs could jeopardize both her academic career and her congressman father’s reelection. Torn between public expectation and personal identity, family and faith, she must choose which to honor and which to abandon. In a dramatic, sweeping dual narrative that spans a millennium, two women struggle against communities determined to silence them, but neither Freydís nor Emma intends to give up without a fight.

Publication Date: February 21, 2017

Lake Union Publishing

eBook & Paperback; 442 Pages

Genre: Historical Fiction/Medieval Romance

***

Amalia Carosella is an author I discovered from her Helen of Sparta series, both of which are favorites of mine.  Click on the titles to see my reviews Helen of Sparta and By Helen's Hand.

The author has written Daughter of a Thousand Years in dual time periods.  Here we have two women born a thousand years apart and yet have the same struggles.

In present day there is Emma, daughter of a congressman up for reelection.  Being raised in a Catholic home has not automatically made her what her parents want, secretly converting to follow the path of Heathen she is forced to open up when word leaks to the media.  The timing couldn't be worse and she is forced to make decisions that affect not just herself but the rest of the family.

A thousand years ago there is Freydis, daughter of Eric the Red.  Christianity has just started to spread on the island and she isn't buying it, doing whatever she can to follow her heart and worship whom she wants to.  It's a struggle, as the family converts and being a daughter she is still expected to do what the family says.  Determined to follow her own path there are many struggles, decisions and conflicts she is forced to deal with.

It sometimes seems in dual time period books that I have a favorite setting and with this one I enjoyed reading the past story line.  With the historical elements, customs and lifestyle I found this part very interesting.  The immersion of Christianity onto these people and being Christian I would have loved to read more about that.  It has perked my interest in that area and I love when a book does that.  Freydis was a woman ahead of her time, she didn't want to waiver from her beliefs and yield to society demands but to forge her own destiny even when they could end with dire consequences.  If the whole book has been about Freydis I would have been satisfied with that.

I struggled with Emma's plight, she got off to a slow start but I loved how it picked up at the end.  I didn't alway feel her conviction in her beliefs, at times she was strong and other times her actions seem too impulsive. 

All in all a nice story and one I would recommend.  Thanks to Amy from HVBFT for the invite to be part of this tour and Lake Union for an advanced copy (via Netgalley).

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound

Amalia Carosella graduated from the University of North Dakota with a bachelors degree in Classical Studies and English. An avid reader and former bookseller, she writes about old heroes and older gods. She lives with her husband in upstate New York and dreams of the day she will own goats (and maybe even a horse, too).

For more information, visit her blog at www.amaliacarosella.com. 

She also writes myth-steeped fantasy and paranormal romance under the name Amalia Dillin. Learn more about her other works at www.amaliadillin.com.

You can connect with Amalia Carosella on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, and Google+.
Sign up for her newsletter, The Amaliad, for news and updates.

Giveaway

To win a $25 Amazon Gift Card & a Thor's Hammer/Mjölnir Pewter Pendant, please enter via the Gleam form below.

Giveaway ends at 11:59pm EST on March 10th.
Giveaway is open to residents in the US only.
Only one entry per household.
Winner has 48 hours to claim prize or new winner is chosen.

Daughter of a Thousand Years

Spotlight: Berlin Calling by Kelly Durham

Happy Release Day to Kelly Durham on the release of Berlin Calling.  I was given an ARC but time just got away from me, rather than let the day go by here is a spotlight on Berlin Calling.

Germany 1938

While young and old are captivated by the country’s rapid ascent under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, naive Maggie O’Dea, an American studying abroad, finds her own fortunes turning after falling in love with a handsome soldier and landing a job with the Propaganda Ministry. Embodying the infectious spirit of nationalism sweeping the country, her powerful dispatches launch her broadcasting career as a champion of the Fatherland.

But as Germany invades one peaceful neighbor after another and the wheels of World War II are set in motion, Maggie starts opening her eyes to the grim reality of Hitler’s intentions. Torn between her successful career rooted in the allegiance to her adopted land and a growing dread over her role in a tyrant’s ruthless reign, Maggie—supported by a new love—must fight her own war of conscience. Will she survive a conflict threatening the world…and her own life?

Kindle Edition, 430 pages

 Expected publication: February 14th 2017 

by Lake Union Publishing

Review: My (not so) Perfect Life by Sophie Kinsella

Part love story, part workplace drama, this sharply observed novel is a witty critique of the false judgments we make in a social-media-obsessed world. New York Times bestselling author Sophie Kinsella has written her most timely novel yet.

 Everywhere Katie Brenner looks, someone else is living the life she longs for, particularly her boss, Demeter Farlowe. Demeter is brilliant and creative, lives with her perfect family in a posh townhouse, and wears the coolest clothes. Katie’s life, meanwhile, is a daily struggle—from her dismal rental to her oddball flatmates to the tense office politics she’s trying to negotiate. No wonder Katie takes refuge in not-quite-true Instagram posts, especially as she's desperate to make her dad proud.

 Then, just as she’s finding her feet—not to mention a possible new romance—the worst happens. Demeter fires Katie. Shattered but determined to stay positive, Katie retreats to her family’s farm in Somerset to help them set up a vacation business. London has never seemed so far away—until Demeter unexpectedly turns up as a guest. Secrets are spilled and relationships rejiggered, and as the stakes for Katie’s future get higher, she must question her own assumptions about what makes for a truly meaningful life.

 Sophie Kinsella is celebrated for her vibrant, relatable characters and her great storytelling gifts. Now she returns with all of the wit, warmth, and wisdom that are the hallmarks of her bestsellers to spin this fresh, modern story about presenting the perfect life when the reality is far from the truth.

Paperback, 400 pages 

Expected publication: February 7th 2017 

by Bantam Press
*****

Sophie Kinsella is my go to author when I need something light, witty and entertaining. Her Shopaholic books are favorites of mine in audio format, with the reader bringing so much life to the story. I don't know if I would have the same reaction if I read them but they were great in that format. When I started My (not so) Perfect Life my first thought was that it would also be great in audio and I actually debated about waiting until the release day to go that route. But I sat and read a little lot more and then a little more, eventually I was so immersed in Katie's life that I couldn't put it down.

Katie also known as Cat, has goals dreams and lives those dreams through her Instagram account. She has a career she wants and is apparently very good at it and a lifestyle she dreams about. But when things don't always go the way planned the real adventure begins.  Secrets take over, and a little revenge.  

The authors authors writing style brings this story together perfectly, her dialogue makes me smile and laugh out loud, her characters are not perfect and she does this all in a believable and realistic manner.

One of the things I really love is that this is not book was not over run with romance but it's about Katie who is trying to find her place in society.

This was a very enjoyable read and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys a fun story with twists, turns and an unexpected ending.

Thank you to the publisher for an andvanced copy (via Netgalley).

Review: Mrs. White Rabbit by Gilles Bachelet

A hilarious twist on a classic tale Alice in Wonderland is one of the great classics of children's literature, but what does anyone actually know about Wonderland?

Through the diary of the White Rabbit's extremely busy wife, readers finally get to see what happens in the background during Alice's adventures.

 Mrs. White Rabbit loves her husband and their many children, but with an invisible housecat from Cheshire and a young female visitor who frequently changes size, living in Wonderland comes with a number of challenges.

 With an abundance of wit and charm, Mrs. White Rabbit gives Lewis Carroll's famous tale a refreshingly modern twist.

ebook - 32 pages

 Expected publication: Feb. 6th 2017

 by Eerdmans Books for Young Readers

I have a grandson who loves to sit and read books with Grandma.  When I see something interesting on Netgalley I try to grab for our special time together.  The cover for this one drew my attention and reading the synopsis I figured this was another great choice.  I have never read Alice in Wonderland, but know enough that I didn't think it would matter.

I downloaded this to my iPad to get the full effect of the color illustrations.  You can see from the cover how bright and colorful they are.  That continued throughout the book making the visual part of this book very enticing, the story matched the pictures nicely.

The book is written as a Dear Diary by an unhappy wife/mother. Some of the wording wouldn't have been understood by a younger child as well as some of the mothers issues as she rants on about her unhappy life.  While there were funny moments I think this book is for an older audience and those enthusiast fans of Alice in Wonderland.  

I rated this 2 stars but because of the wonderful illustrates went to 3 stars.

Thank you to the publisher (via Netgalley) for an advanced copy.

Review: The Revenant by Michael Punke

A thrilling tale of betrayal and revenge set against the nineteenth-century American frontier, the astonishing story of real-life trapper and frontiersman Hugh Glass

The year is 1823, and the trappers of the Rocky Mountain Fur Company live a brutal frontier life. Hugh Glass is among the company’s finest men, an experienced frontiersman and an expert tracker. But when a scouting mission puts him face-to-face with a grizzly bear, he is viciously mauled and not expected to survive. Two company men are dispatched to stay behind and tend to Glass before he dies. When the men abandon him instead, Glass is driven to survive by one desire: revenge. With shocking grit and determination, Glass sets out, crawling at first, across hundreds of miles of uncharted American frontier.

Based on a true story, The Revenant is a remarkable tale of obsession, the human will stretched to its limits, and the lengths that one man will go to for retribution.

Paperback, 272 pages

Published October 6th 2015 

by Picador (first published June 20th 2002)

****

Another bookish cork of mine, I'd like to read the book before watching the movie. When the family got together to watch this one I promptly fell asleep within 10 minutes - so no rules broken, but I have have heard the movie version has taken some liberties. I still haven't seen the movie.

This isn't a huge book coming in around 270 pages, I don't think it could've been bigger otherwise it might have been too long and drawn out. One of the things I was a little apprehensive about was the all male cast. Could this work? Having never read anything with that particular situation I went in with an open mind, in fact I actually forgot all about that aspect the deeper I got into this story.

I really enjoyed this book, the author did a great job of relaying the story and it wasn't hard to visualize the settings, from the cold winter storms the frigid water and feel the fear and terror of Indian attacks. Plus one can't forget the bear attack and cringe with each swipe of those large claws. The fact that this was based on a true life event made it all the more realistic and believable.

I am not usually a fan of wild west books but lately I have discovered that there are some interesting stories out there of survival, determination and men (and women) of courage.

I read this book as part of my '2017 read off my shelf' challenge. It is scary how many books I have in my tbr pile and I hope this year to make a dent in it. One down and a vast unknown number to go.

Review: The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill by Julie Klassen

First Series from Bestselling Author Julie Klassen!

On a rise overlooking the Wiltshire countryside stands the village of Ivy Hill. Its coaching inn, The Bell, is its lifeblood--along with the coach lines that stop there daily, bringing news, mail, travelers, and much-needed trade.

Jane Bell lives on the edge of the inn property. She had been a genteel lady until she married the charming innkeeper who promised she would never have to work in his family's inn. But when he dies under mysterious circumstances, Jane finds herself The Bell's owner, and worse, she has three months to pay a large loan or lose the place.

Feeling reluctant and ill-equipped, Jane is tempted to abandon her husband's legacy and return to her former life of ease. However, she soon realizes there is more at stake than her comfort. But who can she trust to help her? Her resentful mother-in-law? Her husband's brother, who wanted the inn for himself? Or the handsome newcomer with secret plans of his own . . . ?

With pressure mounting from the bank, Jane struggles to win over naysayers and turn the place around. Can Jane bring new life to the inn, and to her heart as well?

Paperback, 445 pages 

Published December 6th 2016 

by Bethany House Publishers

****

Julia Klassen is a new author to me, having seen her books around I jumped at the chance to review this one.

The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill is the first in The Tales of Ivyhill series, coming in at 445 pages it is long enough to get to know the characters and to provide depth to the story line.

If you read the synopsis above you get a good grasp of what the story is about and the struggles Jane Bell has to go through. But this isn't a story just about Jane Bell it's also about her mother-in-law Thora.  Not only is she a widow herself, but after the death of her son she finds out the Inn is left to her daughter-in-law and the relationship there isn't all that great.  Jane's friends, Rachel and Mercy are also in the picture, with flashbacks they paint a picture of the close friendship they used to have.

This was a great character driven book told from the various points of views. Reading it from these different angles was enjoyable and I got to know each of the characters, with their different struggles and fears as well as relationships to each other.

A great start to new series, it was well written showing the small town lifestyle for the time period. There were parts I thought I had figured out but the author surprised me with the ending, with enough closure to satisfy this reader but also making me anxious for the next installment.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.".

Review/Giveaway: Sisters One, Two, Three by Nancy Star

After a tragic accident on Martha’s Vineyard, keeping secrets becomes a way of life for the Tangle family. With memories locked away, the sisters take divergent paths. Callie disappears, Mimi keeps so busy she has no time to think, and Ginger develops a lifelong aversion to risk that threatens the relationships she holds most dear.

When a whispered comment overheard by her rebellious teenage daughter forces Ginger to reveal a long-held family secret, the Tangles’ carefully constructed web of lies begins to unravel. Upon the death of Glory, the family’s colorful matriarch, and the return of long-estranged Callie, Ginger resolves to return to Martha’s Vineyard and piece together what really happened on that calamitous day when a shadow fell over four sun-kissed siblings playing at the shore. Along with Ginger’s newfound understanding come the keys to reconciliation: with her mother, with her sisters, and with her daughter.

At turns heartbreaking, humorous, and hopeful, Sisters One, Two, Three explores not only the consequences of secrets—even secrets kept out of love—but also the courage it takes to speak the truth, to forgive, and to let go.

Paperback, 342 pages 

Published January 1st 2017

by Lake Union Publishing

****

Nancy Star is a new author to and my sincere thanks to TLC Tours for the invite to be part of this blog tour and discovering a new author.

Sisters One, Two, Three is the story of the Tangle family and told in dual timeperiods,

1972 and current day.  With a diverse cast of characters, unique personalities and each one handling (or maybe avoiding) grief in their own unique way painted a vivid picture of what happens when tragedy strikes and families are left to their own devices in how best to deal with it.  When this takes place in 1972 there wasn't the social support available and if it was the importance wasn't realized. There was that 'let's not talk about it' or bring it out in the open and just pretend it never happened and carry on with life. As shown in this book that doesn't work. I think the author did a great job of portraying these characters with their grief bottled up inside. As they carried on with life each of them dealt with the situation in their own way. Ginger is a worrier and over protective which damages her relationship with her daughter and husband. Mimi keeps herself so busy that she doesn't have time to think or deal with what happened. While some might find Ginger and Mimi's behaviour annoying and obsessive I could totally see where they were coming from. Maybe it's because I've had tragedy in my life that I can sympathize with Ginger and Mimi and relate to their behaviour. 

While grief is a unique experience and there is no time limit on when or if grief will ever end, these ladies came head to head with the summer of 1972 where the memories and secrets of the past were brought to light. 

Sisters One, Two, Three is a multi layered story, and as each layer is peeled away I got to know this quirky family and was totally caught off guard to events that gave this book a fitting conclusion.

Definitely a book I will recommend and an author I will be reading more of.  Her writing style while dealing with a serious subject was realistic and the touches of humor fit in perfectly.

Nancy Star is the author of four previous novels: Carpool Diem, Up Next, Now This, and Buried Lives. Her nonfiction writing has appeared in the New York Times, Family Circle, Diversion magazine, and on the web.

Before embarking on her writing career, Nancy worked for more than a decade as a movie executive in the film business, dividing her time between New York and London. She has two grown daughters and a son-in-law and now lives in New Jersey with her husband.








I have one copy of Sisters One, Two, Three to giveaway.  For Canadian and US addresses only (sorry).  Be sure to enter below.

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Review: The Mother's Promise by Sally Hepworth

A new poignant and breathtaking novel from the author of The Things We Keep and The Secrets of Midwives.

With every book, Sally Hepworth becomes more and more known for her searing emotional portraits of families—and the things that test their bonds. In The Mother’s Promise, she delivers her most powerful novel yet: the story of a single mother who is dying, the troubled teenaged daughter who is battling her own demons, and the two women who come into their lives at the most critical moment.

 Alice and her daughter Zoe have been a family of two all their lives. Zoe has always struggled with crippling social anxiety and her mother has been her constant and fierce protector. With no family to speak of, and the identity of Zoe’s father shrouded in mystery, their team of two works—until it doesn’t. Until Alice gets sick and is given a grim prognosis.

Desperate to find stability for Zoe, Alice reaches out to two women who are practically strangers, but who are her only hope: Kate, her oncology nurse, and Sonja, a social worker. As the four of them come together, a chain of events is set into motion and all four of them must confront their sharpest fears and secrets—secrets about abandonment, abuse, estrangement, and the deepest longing for family.

Imbued with heart and humor in even the darkest moments, The Mother’s Promise is an unforgettable novel about the power of love and forgiveness.

ebook, 336 pages

 Expected publication: February 21st 2017

 by St. Martin's Press

*****

It's not often that I can finish a book within 24 hours of starting but with The Mother's Promise I couldn't put it down. Though it isn't a long book it was the story that drew me right in and I just could not stop reading until I finished.

This is the third book by Sally Hepworth , I enjoyed her first two books and jumped at the chance to request the arc from Netgalley when I saw it was available.(The Secrets of Midwives and  The Things We Keep click on titles for links to my review).  I will admit that I don't always read the synopsis for certain authors, which happened here. To be honest I might even have shied away from this book if I had known what it was about, cancer is such a scary thing and with my son finishing his last chemo treatment six months ago everything is still fresh in my mind. So needless to say I found this to be a very emotional story, one that grabbed me and would not let me go.

One of the scariest things of being a parent is when something happens to your children and you have no control over it. But what if the roles were reversed and something happened to the parent, add no family or friends for support creates a bad situation. Such is the case with Alice Stanhope when she is diagnosed with stage III ovarian cancer. Her daughter Zoe has serious anxiety issues and only 15 years old. Nurse Kate has her own issues as well as social worker Sonja.

With chapters alternating between characters it was easy to get absorbed in their lives, to care for them and feel their fears. Anxiety disorder it's something that I have never really heard of before and I think the author did a great job of portraying it and how it affects people. This book was a perfect example of being sensitive to other people because you don't know what is going on in their lives just like they don't know what is going on in yours.

The Mothers Promise is a story of love, devotion and heartbreak and one that will stay with me for a while.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press for an advanced copy (via netgalley).

Review: Knit Blankets & Throws with Mlle Sophie

18 Throws for the Modern Home

If you fell in love with Mlle. Sophie's classic designs in Stylish Knit Scarves & Hats, you will be thrilled with the clean, modern look and international flair she brings to this collection of blankets and throws for the home and family. Her designs have a timeless vibe that works well in any décor; just change the yarn color to suit your favorite palette.

The 18 fun-to-knit patterns are suitable for beginners but with just enough detail to keep the knitting interesting. Knit for your family room, nursery, bedroom, and more. A stylish throw makes any room more welcoming.

A blanket makes a great gift, too. Send off a recent grad to college with a throw in school colors. Welcome a baby with fluffy softness. Warm a home with a new elegant afghan. This is a book that you will turn to for years to come.

ebook, 64 pages

Stackpole Books

February 1, 2017

This is a great book for not just new knitters but seasoned ones also.  There are 18 patterns here and a nice variety of styles using different yarns.

With an introduction that gives knitting lessons that include diagrams on the basic knitting stitches making this a great little reference book.  While this is the ebook format I downloaded it to my iPad so I could view it in color.

Thanks to the publisher for an advanced copy (via netgalley).

Review: Missing by Kelley Armstrong

The only thing Winter Crane likes about Reeve’s End is that soon she’ll leave it. Like her best friend did. Like her sister did. Like most of the teens born in town have done. There’s nothing for them there but abandoned mines and empty futures. They’re better off taking a chance elsewhere.

The only thing Winter will miss is the woods. Her only refuge. At least it was. Until the day she found Lennon left for dead, bleeding in a tree.

But now Lennon is gone too. And he has Winter questioning what she once thought was true. What if nobody left at all? What if they’re all missing?

ebook, 384 pages 

Expected publication: April 18th 2017 

by Crown Books for Young Readers

*** 1/2

I don't think it's a secret that I have a few reading quirks, one of which is discovering Canadian authors.  Kelley Armstrong fits that bill and I jumped at the chance to review Missing, which will be released in April.  I know that her genre is supernatural and Young Adult.  Missing is marked as thriller/mystery and that seems to be a theme lately for me. 

While I am always been a fan of YA there are some aspects of it that make me cringe, it's the 'insta-love' thing.  Where the characters lock eyes and it's true love, seriously, YA should be just as realistic and believable as adult fiction.  I am happy to report, no 'insta-love' here and boy did this make the story more believable.

Missing isn't your average mystery thriller, though at times it was action-packed I found it more suspenseful, which that kept my interest and my desire to know what was going on. Then it would slow down which is when I got to know Winter better and get a general feel of her life . The mystery part played out nicely it kept me guessing with it's twists and turns, though I had a general idea of where this story was heading. 

There were a few unresolved incidents that I would have loved to know more about, but all in all a nice mystery that keep me guessing right up to the fitting conclusion.

Thanks to the publisher via netgalley for an advanced copy.

Spotlight: The French Orphan (Book One) by Michael Stolle

The year is 1640, and Louis XIII is on the French throne. However, as far as you’re concerned, this is all pretty meaningless. After all, as a teenage orphan living in a monastery school in Reims, all you have to worry about is dodging the unpleasant advances of a few unsavoury monks and looking forward to a life of penniless and celibate servitude in a religious order. After a childhood and adolescence plagued by a constant longing to know who he really is, orphan Pierre has not the slightest idea that his questions are about to be answered. But you know what they say – be careful what you wish for… Suddenly finding out who you are can bring with it not only happiness and fortune, but danger, friendship and the sort of swift education that the monastery could never have provided! The discovery of who Pierre really is affects not only Pierre and his friends, but has ramifications for the French nobility, the English crown, and most dangerous of all, the machinations of Cardinal Richelieu and his fierce ambition for the Church and for himself.

Publication Date: June 12, 2012

eBook & Paperback; 388 Pages

Genre: Historical Fiction

Amazon

The Secrets of Montrésor (Book Two) by Michael Stolle

Publication Date: November 12, 2012

eBook & Paperback; 298 Pages

Genre: Historical Fiction

The Secrets of Montrésor is the eagerly awaited sequel to The French Orphan, and continues the story of young Pierre de Beauvoir… Coming into a fortune at any age brings huge responsibility, but when you’re an inexperienced teenager, it seems that surprises are waiting for you around every corner. Pierre, former orphan and now Marquis de Beauvoir, may have claimed his inheritance, but life is never that simple. For a start, he needs to learn pretty quickly exactly who to trust and who to keep at arm’s length. For example, how do you work out (and survive….) the changing motives of the most powerful man in seventeenth-century France, Cardinal Richelieu? And then what do you do when the people you should be able to trust try to deliver you into the hands of your worst enemy? And then there’s the small matter of a sacred quest to Italy… Fortunately for Pierre he has his best friend Armand to support him as he gets to know his chateau at Montrésor, its people and… its secrets. (Armand, of course, has his own agendas to pursue, usually involving a pretty face and a willing smile.) Far from being certain, Pierre’s future has yet to be settled and Pierre will have to draw on his own innate talents as well as those of the people around him to ensure he survives, as his enemies are just waiting to seize their opportunity.

Amazon

Under the Spell of The Serenissima (Book Three) by Michael Stolle

Publication Date: December 15, 2013

eBook & Paperback; 302 Pages

Genre: Historical Fiction

The third in the French Orphan series follows the exploits of Pierre, former penniless orphan who discovers he is heir to the de Beauvoir inheritance. So far, Pierre has found friends in unexpected places, been surprised by love, learned the true meaning of friendship, discovered the extent of human cunning and depravity and dodged numerous attempts by his closest family member to despatch him to the next world. In Under the Spell of the Serenissima Pierre’s search for the third Templar ring continues, but as ever, his path is not a smooth one. Pierre and Armand, along with Jean and Edoardo, are making for Venice, unaware that others too are racing towards the beautiful city, some intending to help, others with far more sinister motives. As the various characters are drawn inexorably towards Venice, a conclusion will be played out that must decide Pierre’s fate, one way or another…

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The Queen's Maid of Honour (Book Four) by Michael Stolle

Publication Date: March 31, 2016

eBook & Paperback; 300 Pages

Genre: Historical Fiction

The year is 1643. The scheming Cardinal Mazarin is now Prime Minister of France, but on the other side of the Channel, unrest in England grows daily, as civil war is erupting. As the political situation in England deteriorates, the royal court flees London for Oxford, and King Charles is desperate to secure both funding and troops to come to his aid. Mazarin, every bit as devious as his predecessor, Richelieu, engages the services of François de Toucy to save the Queen of England, a former royal princess of France. François and his friends will set sail for England, in a quest to ensure the safety of the queen. Whilst François is walking a diplomatic tightrope across the political cauldron of the royal court, his friend Armand falls desperately in love with the Queen’s Maid of Honour, a lady as beautiful as she is cunning. Soon the friends find themselves deeply entangled in a deadly combination of cut-throat politics, disasters on the battlefield and bitter machinations at court over love and war and the struggle between Protestants and Catholics that threaten to spell only death and disaster.

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About the Author

Born and educated in Europe, Michael has always been intrigued by the historical setting and the fact that what makes us human was as true in the 17th century as it is now. He has been reading and writing about history for longer than he cares to recall...