Sunday Salon-October 17, 2010

Happy Sunday to all! I feel like I have been away for a long time and really miss the interaction with all my blogger friends. At the beginning of the school year, I find it so difficult juggling everything I want to do. Something always has to slip to the back for a while and unfortunately it is my blog. While it is my true passion, it doesn't provide that weekly paycheck. As the school year begins, my focus turns to lesson preparation. management of the media center, teacher collaboration and my classes. It's all about the kids and time with my students.

While I still read a lot, my free time is so limited. To add to the mix, one week after school began, the PTO held their semi-annual bookfair. While this is so exciting for the kids and teachers, it takes place in the media center, so my space is chaotic for two weeks. As this coincides with two nights of open house the media center is a hectic hub of energy.

Last week I participated in a family read night and had a super fun time reading to kids and parents. My friend and I read Miss Nelson is Missing, followed by You Read to Me, I'll Read to You: Very Short Scary Tales to Read Together, by Mary Hoberman. We arrived in costume to the delight and surprised of our students. I was the perky Miss Nelson, and my friend was Viola Swamp. It was such a riot and the kids were mesmerized and roared with laughter. Hopefully, I will have a pic to share of Viola and Miss Nelson.



It's hard to believe that 7 weeks of school has slipped by so quickly, but the school year always flies by.
I hope to have the time to stop by and visit everyone soon. Please forgive my absence during this back to school time.



My dogs are doing well. It is blanket time as you can see Wizard tucked in for the night. Without body fat it only takes a little chill at night to cause them to shiver in the morning. Believe it or not they will sleep covered all night. They are so silly. :)

My front yard is blanketed with a colorful leaf quilt, so for me this crisp New England day will take me outside to enjoy Autumn's charm. Hopefully, I will carve out some time to continue my current read, Obama's Wars, by Bob Woodward. I hope you have a great Sunday, whatever you have planned!


© [Wisteria Leigh] and [Bookworm's Dinner], [2010].

Lady of Hay, by Barbara Erskine

LADY OF HAY

Barbara Erskine
Sourcebooks
978-1402241185
571 pages
$16.99US,
©1986
October 2010

From Sourcebooks Press Release

“With a mesmerizing, wrenching story set both in the present day and the 12th century, Lady of Hay explores how Joanna, a journalist investigating hypnotic regression, plunges into the life of Matilda, Lady of Hay - who lived 800 years earlier. As she learns of Matilda’s unhappy marriage, her love for Richard de Clare, and the brutal treatment she receives from King John, it seems that Jo’s past and present are hopelessly entwined and that, centuries later, a story of secret passion and unspeakable treachery is about to begin again - and she has no choice but to brave both lives if she wants to shake the iron grip of history.”

My Review

Barbara Erskine is a wondrous storyteller. I recently discovered her gifted talent when I became her prisoner of print as I read LADY OF HAY. How this brilliant historical novel slipped by me twenty five years ago when it was first released I will never know. Fortunately, I didn’t miss this new release. Surrounded by a network of book loving bloggers, LADY OF HAY, came highly recommended and I was anxious to pick it up to read. I was told that despite the length of 571 pages, it was definitely a must read. Shortly after that, I was offered this book by Sourcebooks as an Advanced Reader Copy. As I also believe in divine alignment, I quickly accepted this book as a selection.

LADY OF HAY. is one of the richest historical novels I have read this year. I was consumed by the story of Joanna and her tortuous journey to unravel her past. I was captivated by the characters who surround Joanna in this life and what they meant to her when she regresses back and experiences life through Matilda. What was so hard about reading this novel was the frustration of wanting to find out what happened next, yet not wanting the story to end. I could very easily read this book again, it is a rare pleasure to experience. I am eager to select another one of her books to read. A new author to me, Barbara Erskine is now one of my favorite authors.

Disclosure: This was an Advance Reader Copy sent to me by Sourcebooks.


© [Wisteria Leigh] and [Bookworm's Dinner], [2010].

Barefoot in Baghdad, by Manal M. Omar

BAREFOOT IN BAGHDAD
A Story of Identity--My Own and What It Means to Be a Woman in Chaos
Manal M. Omar
Sourcebooks
978-1-4022-3721-1
$14.00US, $17.99CAN
272 pages
Reprint Edition August 1, 2010

From Sourcebooks Press Release

“This poignant memoir tells a riveting story of hope and despair, of freedom and longing, by Manal Omar as she worked as a Regional Coordinator for Women for Women International, a nonprofit NGO, in Iraq. Omar recounts the extraordinary metamorphosis of Iraq from a liberated country into an occupied one and speaks of her quest to help as many Iraqi women as she could survive the savages of war and occupation.

As an American aid worker of Arab descent, Manal Omar’s background gave her an all-access pass to the dramatic shift in the fortunes of Iraq’s women following the invasion in 2003. Witness to a struggle that few outsiders saw, Omar chronicles the journey of a people determined to rise from the ashes of war and recreate themselves in the face of overwhelming obstacles. This is the story of her friendships with those whose lives were crumbling before her eyes. It is a tale of love, as her relationship with one Iraqi man intensified in a country in turmoil. And it is the stories of the women of Iraq, as they grapple with what it means to be female in a homeland you no longer recognize.”

My Review

After reading Barefoot in Baghdad, I am in awe of Manal Omar, her courage and tenacious spirit of determination is remarkable. As I read this book, I thought how important a read this is for all Americans. When Manal decided to go to Iraq to help women, she was in her twenties. She admits that it wasn’t until she arrived in Baghdad that she really realized the full extent of the risks she was taking in working to establish a center to help marginalized Iraqi women. She arrived in Iraq in 2003 and witnessed a country in constant flux, fighting to emerge as something better.

Manal is Palestinian, and a Southerner from the United States, a practicing Muslim and American. It is clear she is opposed to the war in Iraq and her initial surprise when entering the country was shocking. She was stunned to see the reactions of the Iraqi’s as they saw the American military as their liberators. A shift of consciousness became evident months later as liberator turned to occupier.

Omar describes life inside Iraq, struggling to stay alive as she traveled back and forth for her job. The Green Zone was the most safe place to be, but she would not live there. Anyone traveling the roads in Iraq were facing sudden death. Without a doubt her life was in constant jeopardy. She details the horrors of the years between 2006 and 2007 that were the most brutal, most risky for all who lived their. No one escaped the emotional impact to their lives from the aftermath of assassinations, the sudden disappearances and kidnappings that were random and senseless.

Iraq is like a piece of clay in the hands of different mindsets. The people of Iraq have a vision for their future, the political and religious factions have a vision, the aid workers have a vision, and the American military have a vision. Manal Omar offers a perspective during this complex artistic process. As the form emerges through violence and conflict she sees hope. What happens to Iraq as it enters a period of sovereignty remains to be seen.

As noted by Manal Omar in the beginning of her book:

“Barefoot in Baghdad takes its title from a popular Iraqi-Turkmen proverb that says, “Walk barefoot and the thorns will hurt you.” It is often used as a warning to those who challenge societal norms.”

Omar has written an engaging reflection of her experiences within Iraq that offers the reader first hand knowledge, emotional moments and a valuable summary of the turbulent times she witnessed. She challenged societal norms with a relentless drive and deep passion that even though warned, would not stop her. An apt title for an indomitable woman of wonder.

Disclosure: This was a book I received as an Early Reviewer for Library Thing.

Watch her video interview with MSNBC.




© [Wisteria Leigh] and [Bookworm's Dinner], [2010].

TLC Blog Tour-The Lost Dogs, by Jim Gorant

THE LOST DOGS

Michael Vick's Dogs and Their Tale of Rescue and Redemption
by Jim Gorant
Gotham Books
304 Pages
9781592405503
September 16, 2010

From the Publisher

An inspiring story of survival and our powerful bond with man's best friend, in the aftermath of the nation's most notorious case of animal cruelty.

Animal lovers and sports fans were shocked when the story broke about NFL player Michael Vick's brutal dog fighting operation. But what became of the dozens of dogs who survived? As acclaimed writer Jim Gorant discovered, their story is the truly newsworthy aspect of this case. Expanding on Gorant's Sports Illustrated cover story, The Lost Dogs traces the effort to bring Vick to justice and turns the spotlight on these infamous pit bulls, which were saved from euthanasia by an outpouring of public appeals coupled with a court order that Vick pay nearly a million dollars in "restitution" to the dogs.

As an ASPCA-led team evaluated each one, they found a few hardened fighters, but many more lovable, friendly creatures desperate for compassion. In The Lost Dogs, we meet these amazing animals, a number of which are now living in loving homes, while some even work in therapy programs: Johnny Justice participates in Paws for Tales, which lets kids get comfortable with reading aloud by reading to dogs; Leo spends three hours a week with cancer patients and troubled teens. At the heart of the stories are the rescue workers who transformed the pups from victims of animal cruelty into healing caregivers themselves, unleashing priceless hope.

My Review

THE LOST DOGS is not a book I would normally read. Yet, I love animals. Please indulge a brief personal history as I explain why I would turn away from this book.

I have been involved with greyhound rescue and fostering for five years. I currently have three adopted ex-racing hounds who tug at my heart each day. Envisioning their previous life living 24/7 in a small kennel, brief interludes out for eating and exercise, then the 40 mph sprint around a track. With any luck without injury they survive the race and will race again as long as they win. But the losers face an uncertain future. With luck a few find their way into a loving home. I have fostered greyhounds as they transition from life at the track to pet life. I advocate for the hounds and participate with my dogs at Meet and Greets whenever possible. Animal cruelty and animal suffering breaks my heart. Helping the hounds future is paramount and the memories of what I know of their past I bury deep in my memory whenever possible. It hurts too much.

When I was approached by TLC Tours to read and review THE LOST DOGS, by Jim Gorant for this tour I was reluctant. I was afraid to read about this case and didn’t feel I would be able to endure a book about dog fighting. I don’t condone either dog racing or dog fighting and having read about the horrors of both, I become weak for these sweet helpless animals, their pain and suffering too unbearable to think about.

Jim Gorant chose to focus on the rescue and redemption of the fifty-one dogs that were taken from the Bad Newz Kennels owned and operated by Michael Vick. This is not a story about Michael Vick. It is about his pit bull victims. Those he had chained and trained to fight. The background for the case, the discovery and arrest are detailed with just enough to satisfy the curious. From the onset, Gorant shows his professionalism by taking the story beyond the initial abuse to focus his story on the future of these helpless dogs. He brings voice to the resilient dogs who endured savage conditions of hatred, and then experienced the love of a warm toasty blanket. You will not forget Little Red and Jonny Justice as they warm the hearts of so many. I was most touched by little Jasmine, as she takes each baby step to trust again. Her cautious spirit and sweetness will never leave my thoughts. THE LOST DOGS embraces the possibilities with the insight of those who cared.

Contest Giveaway

The publisher has offered a copy of THE LOST DOGS as part of this blog tour. Please leave a comment and your encrypted email address. One extra chance for contestants who follow me. One extra chance if you Twitter this contest. One extra chance if you blog about it. The contest will run through October 31st for US and Canada residents. Good Luck!!

© [Wisteria Leigh] and [Bookworm's Dinner], [2010].

Disclosure: A copy of THE LOST DOGS was provided by the publisher and TLC Tours.

TLC Blog Tour-Barbara Kingsolver-The Lacuna

TLC BLOG TOUR

THE LACUNA
by Barbara Kingsolver
Harper Perennial
978-0060852580
544 pages
c2009, Reprint Paperback July 2010









From Harper Perennial
Book Description

In her most accomplished novel, Barbara Kingsolver takes us on an epic journey from the Mexico City of artists Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo to the America of Pearl Harbor, FDR, and J. Edgar Hoover. The Lacuna is a poignant story of a man pulled between two nations as they invent their modern identities. Born in the United States, reared in a series of provisional households in Mexico—from a coastal island jungle to 1930s Mexico City—Harrison Shepherd finds precarious shelter but no sense of home on his thrilling odyssey. Life is whatever he learns from housekeepers who put him to work in the kitchen, errands he runs in the streets, and one fateful day, by mixing plaster for famed Mexican muralist Diego Rivera. He discovers a passion for Aztec history and meets the exotic, imperious artist Frida Kahlo, who will become his lifelong friend. When he goes to work for Lev Trotsky, an exiled political leader fighting for his life, Shepherd inadvertently casts his lot with art and revolution, newspaper headlines and howling gossip, and a risk of terrible violence. Meanwhile, to the north, the United States will soon be caught up in the internationalist goodwill of World War II. There in the land of his birth, Shepherd believes he might remake himself in America's hopeful image and claim a voice of his own. He finds support from an unlikely kindred soul, his stenographer, Mrs. Brown, who will be far more valuable to her employer than he could ever know. Through darkening years, political winds continue to toss him between north and south in a plot that turns many times on the unspeakable breach—the lacuna—between truth and public presumption. (Harper Perennial http://www.harpercollins.com/books/The-Lacuna-Barbara-Kingsolver?isbn=9780060852573&HCHP=TB_The+Lacuna)

MY REVIEW

Barbara Kingsolver is not a new author to me. After enjoying her novels Prodigal Summer and The Bean Trees, I was pleased to be a part of the TLC Blog Tour that would promote her large depth of work. The Lacuna was on my TBR list since it was first published and I was so thrilled that I would have this book to read for the tour.

This book may not be for everyone, but my mind has been on rewind since I finished the book last night. I honestly should wait another day to write this review, as my thoughts have become intrusive projectiles to ponder as time passes. I loved this book. I will caution, the beginning felt random and disjointed leaving me wondering where it was all going. Fear not, your reward for perseverance will be the treat of Kingsolver’s unique storytelling. Her writing is so much richer and deeper than the surface story and knowing this I wanted the story to follow in a linear path. It really doesn’t flow that way. It is an intense novel that will make you think. From Mexico to North Carolina and Washington, DC, historical fact and historical fiction come together in a harmonious blend to teach and entertain.

Lev Trotsky, exiled in Mexico lives life with the constant threat of death from Stalin’s assassins. His days are often spent with his friend, the larger than life muralist Diego Rivera. One of my favorite artists, Frida Kahlo adds a spicy splash of color whenever her tempestuous personality appears. I have always been a fan of the Riveras, but reading about their political activism and relationship with Trotsky gave me new perspective.

Historiographically, with 21st century eyes, the frenetic anti-communist movement that defined the 1930‘s to 1950‘s in the United States adds another negative surrealistic view of our past. It makes me wonder how future generations will view our cultural and political global community.

Kingsolver’s contemplative story lifts the haze that allows us to think our country is perfect. “What an extraordinary state of things, we are the finished product.” (p. 466) So, are we a finished entity? Written and published at a time when fear and despair erode the spirit of the country, this alluring and stimulating read will doubtless leave you with cause for reflection.© [Wisteria Leigh]



Barbara Kingsolver's Website

Barbara Kingsolver’s TLC Book Tours TOUR STOPS

Tuesday, September 7th: Literate Housewife (The Poisonwood Bible)

Wednesday, September 8th: Lit and Life (The Lacuna)

Thursday, September 9th: Bibliofreak (The Bean Trees)

Monday, September 13th: Presenting Lenore (The Lacuna)

Tuesday, September 14th: Fyrefly’s Book Blog (Animal, Vegetable, Miracle)

Wednesday, September 15th: Eleanor’s Trousers (The Bean Trees)

Friday, September 17th: My Two Blessings (The Poisonwood Bible)

Monday, September 20th: Til We Read Again (The Lacuna)

Thursday, September 23rd: Rundpinne (The Bean Trees)

Tuesday, September 28th: Raging Bibliomania (The Lacuna)

Tuesday, September 28th: The Lost Entwife (The Lacuna)

Wednesday, September 29th: Steph and Tony Investigate (The Poisonwood Bible)

Thursday, September 30th: Wordsmithonia (Animal, Vegetable, Miracle)

Friday, October 1st: In the Next Room (The Lacuna)

Monday, October 4th: Caribousmom (Prodigal Summer)

Tuesday, October 5th: Bookworm’s Dinner (The Lacuna)

Thursday, October 7th: she reads and reads (The Lacuna)

Monday, October 11th: Book Chatter (Animal, Vegetable, Miracle)

Wednesday, October 13th: Jenn’s Bookshelves (Prodigal Summer)

Disclosure:Thank you to TLC Blog Tours for the copy of The Lacuna.

© [Wisteria Leigh] and [Bookworm's Dinner], [2010].

Thoughts-Adam and Eve by Sena Jeter Naslund

Adam and Eve
Sena Jeter Naslund
Harper Luxe
978-0-06-157927
$26.99, 352 pages
October 2010

Synopsis from Harper Collins:

Hours before his untimely—and highly suspicious—death, world-renowned astrophysicist Thom Bergmann shares his discovery of extraterrestrial life with his wife, Lucy. Feeling that the warring world is not ready to learn of—or accept—proof of life elsewhere in the universe, Thom entrusts Lucy with his computer flash drive, which holds the keys to his secret work. Devastated by Thom's death, Lucy keeps the secret, but Thom's friend, anthropologist Pierre Saad, contacts Lucy with an unusual and dangerous request about another sensitive matter. Pierre needs Lucy to help him smuggle a newly discovered artifact out of Egypt: an ancient codex concerning the human authorship of the Book of Genesis. Offering a reinterpretation of the creation story, the document is sure to threaten the foundation of the Jewish, Christian, and Muslim religions . . . and there are those who will stop at nothing to suppress it. Midway through the daring journey, Lucy's small plane goes down on a slip of verdant land between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers in the Middle East. Burned in the crash landing, she is rescued by Adam, a delusional American soldier whose search for both spiritual and carnal knowledge has led to madness. Blessed with youth, beauty, and an unsettling innocence, Adam gently tends to Lucy's wounds, and in this quiet, solitary paradise, a bond between the unlikely pair grows. Ultimately, Lucy and Adam forsake their half-mythical Eden and make their way back toward civilization, where members of an ultraconservative religious cult are determined to deprive the world of the knowledge Lucy carries. Set against the searing debate between evolutionists and creationists, Adam & Eve expands the definition of a "sacred book," and suggests that true madness lies in wars and violence fueled by all religious literalism and intolerance. A thriller, a romance, an adventure, and an idyll, Adam & Eve is a tour de force by a master contemporary storyteller. - Harper Collins Website

My Review

Sena Jeter Naslund swept me away in her book Ahab's Wife. I am still recommending this book to readers all the time. I was glued to Four Spirits and Abundance was excellent. When I had the opportunity to read an advance copy of Adam & Eve, I couldn't wait to begin it. Unfortunately, my anxiety from curiosity quickly faded. Reading became a challenge and continuous agitation persisted as I kept waiting for more. The story was confusing and very random, the characters were flat and colorless. I couldn't wait for the story to end, yet as an avid fan, continued to hope it would turn around. I wouldn't give up quite sure the voice of Naslund the phenomenal storyteller would emerge. It didn't.

The synopsis above is published on the publishers website, but it doesn't begin to describe the actual story and randomness of the plot.Here's what just doesn't work. Lucy's husband is killed by a falling grand piano. How bizarre right? Left holding his flash drive, she carries it and his memory with her everywhere. She takes off in a plane, yes she conveniently is a pilot. She agrees to deliver a sealed French Horn case containing an ancient codex, an alternative story of creation. Her plane crashes, and she meets Adam, a nude and attractive man who lives in an Eden like habitat. He believes he is the Adam from the Bible. Who is this Adam? He believes Lucy to be Eve. They are both nude and when a pilot named Riley also crashes, Lucy makes orange clothes out of his parachute. I won't even continue this litany of weird and unusual that approximates more of Ripley's Believe It or Not than a Naslund novel. So disappointing to me after reading three fabulous novels of hers. My recommendation is to read The Book of Genesis again. This one was just a waste of time.

Disclosure: I received this book from William Morrow for review.


© [Wisteria Leigh] and [Bookworm's Dinner], [2010].

Wordless Wednesday-scenes from a fair

© [Wisteria Leigh] and [Bookworm's Dinner], [2010].

Sunday Salon-Plea for help for Thea the Greyhound!

This is a special Sunday Salon request today.

Thea is a 9 year old greyhound who jumped from a second story window last week and broke her two front legs. No one is sure why she jumped through the screen. It could have been the wind from a storm, but she was spooked for some reason. Her mom is an enthusiastic supporter of greyhound adoption. She was at work at the time and was notified about this catastrophic accident by someone who found her outside her apartment. The medical costs are in excess of $9,000 for the veterinary bills. If you are able to help in any way please see this link and help Thea the Greyhound. Thank you, Wisteria


http://theathegreyhound.chipin.com/mypages/view/id/c7ad643768626e06

Book Giveaway-Raising the Dead, by Dr. Chauncey W. Crandall

Book Giveaway...courtesy of Hachette Book Group! (see details below) Watch this exciting trailer.



Raising the Dead
A Doctor Encounters the Miraculous, by Chauncey W. Crandall IV

Full Description from Hatchette's Website
On October 20, 2006, a middle-aged auto mechanic, Jeff Markin, walked into the emergency room at the Palm Beach Gardens Hospital and collapsed from a massive heart attack. Forty minutes later he was declared dead. After filling out his final report, the supervising cardiologist, Dr. Chauncey Crandall, started out of the room. "Before I crossed its threshold, however, I sensed God was telling me to turn around and pray for the patient," Crandall explained.
With that prayer and Dr. Crandall's instruction to give the man what seemed one more useless shock from the defibrillator, Jeff Markin came back to life--and remains alive and well today.
But how did a Yale-educated cardiologist whose Palm Beach practice includes some of the most powerful people in American society, including several billionaires, come to believe in supernatural healing?
The answers to these questions compose a story and a spiritual journey that transformed Chauncey Crandall.

Contest:

I have 2 copies of this amazing book to giveaway to residents of the US and Canada. No PO Boxes please. All you have to do is leave a comment with your thoughts. Make sure you leave your encrypted email address so that I can notify the winners.

Should you tweet this contest, leave the link and you will get another chance. +(1)
Should you add this contest to your sidebar on your blog you will get two extra chances. +(2)
Become or already follow my blog another extra chance. +(1)

Books will be sent directly from Hachette Book Group.
Contest will end on September 30, 2010.


© [Wisteria Leigh] and [Bookworm's Dinner], [2010]

It's All About Children Thursday-Aldo Zelnick Comic Novels

This week I received in my mailbox from Independent Publishers Group two books that I immediately sat down to read. As I've said before, I usually won't stop everything, stop reading the book I'm involved in to read something that just arrived. These two books screamed "Read me, please!" So, I did. Comparisons will be made to the Diary of a Whimpy Kid series, and I can see why from the format. However, they are different and Aldo (rhymes with Waldo) Zelnick is sure to cause a stir in YA hearts.



Aldo Zelnick Comic Novel
Artsy-Fartsy
Written by Karla Oceanak
Illustrated by Kendra Spanjer
Bailiwick Press
978-1934649053
Ages 9-12
162 pages
humor, graphic novel, magic, family, friendship, mystery




Aldo Zelnick loves to draw, and his eccentric grandmother Goosy is an artist who gives him a sketchbook as a gift to start off his summer vacation.
The first book is called Artsy-Fartsy, followed by Bogus. You might imagine distasteful language, but not so. Aldo records his life, his friends, family, pets and his somewhat unusual neighbor, Mt. Mot. He's ancient.* and of course Goosey, his grandmother.




Bogus (book 2)
978-1934649066

What I love about each book is Aldo's self generated glossary of difficult words he selects, places an asterick in the text and then provides the definition in his words at the end. Each book highlights a difference letter onset. For instance, Artsy-Fartsy focuses on all the words starting with A.


For example: Definition of Artsy-Fartsy
artsy-fartsy: artistic, creative. Sometimes when people call someone artsy-faartsy, they mean he or she is trying to show off by being artistic. But Goosy told me she thinks artsy-fartsy just means being creative and having fun with it.

*ancient: 50 years old or older


The collaboration between Karla Oceanak and Kendra Spanjer is delightfully entertaining. These are so much fun to read and the illustrations are a riot, providing chuckle time. Hope you check them out. I'm sure this will be an A-Z popular hit in my media center. I can see teaching dictionary skills has just been made easier.


© [Wisteria Leigh] and [Bookworm's Dinner], [2010].

Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to [Wisteria Leigh] and [Bookworm's Dinner] with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Elizabeth Chadwick is brilliant!

FOR THE KING’S FAVOR
Elizabeth Chadwick,Sourcebooks Landmark, September 2010, $14.99,pb,544p, 978-1402244490

Synopsis the cover jacket:

When Roger Bigod arrives at King Henry II’s court to settle a bitter inheritance dispute, he becomes enchanted with Ida de Tosney, young mistress to the powerful king. A victim of Henry’s seduction and the mother of his son, Ida sees in Roger a chance to begin a new life. But Ida pays an agonizing price when she leaves the king, and as Roger’s importance grows and he gains an earldom, their marriage comes under increasing strain. Based on the true story of a royal mistress and the young lord she chose to marry.

Review:

I was simply enchanted and swept away as Chadwick captured my attention and introduced me into the world of Ida de Tosney. There is such a clear vision in your mind of Ida’s thoughts, her agony and the fear she has upon first meeting King Henry. It’s painful to witness her self loathing consume her. She shivers at times knowing the word “whore” is attached to her name. This way of life will never bring her happiness, regardless of her favored position and the lavish lifestyle at court. Her sense of what’s right and wrong are always clear to her. Her intelligence is what saves her, as she envisions a better life for herself, knowing the King will cast her aside one day for a younger woman. Ida is a proud woman who has keen survival instincts. Empathy for Ida is unavoidable. As the reader you just want to make it all better for her, become her confidant, offer advice.

One can never tire reading about King Henry II, who is a complex royal with a lustfully exciting life. Roger Bigod is a perfect knight in shining armor. His story is less familiar, creating the drama of a dysfunctional 12th century family complete with betrayal and greed. The characters live because of this writers breath. One of the best historical fiction novels I have read this year. Everyone must experience Elizabeth Chadwick’s exquisite writing. Her proficiency and talent place her among the elite in her genre.

Book Origin: Sourcebooks ARC sent for review.


© [Wisteria Leigh] and [Bookworm's Dinner], [2010].

New Austen Authors Blog

I am sharing an email I received from Danielle at Sourcebooks about a new blog that will go live on September 6, 2010. I can't wait for this blog to begin. As you can see from the email, there are 20 authors who will contribute. There will be contests and posts from all Austen lovers so I hope you will all check it out. After finishing Darcy's Voyage by Kara Louise recently, I can honestly say, the title of this new blog certainly fits. I just visited the site Austen Authors..because there's never enough Jane Austen!



Dear Wisteria,

Tomorrow, September 6, marks the official launch of AustenAuthors.com,
a labor of love started by two Sourcebooks Landmark authors, Sharon Lathan
and Abigail Reynolds. Noticing the success of group author blogs in the romance
genre, they decided to gather up some of their fellow Jane Austen Fiction
comrades and start a group blog!
After putting together some initial plans in August, Sharon and Abigail began to contact Austen authors from all publishers and the final list of 20 contributors is very impressive:
¨       Susan Adriani
¨       Marsha Altman
¨       Marilyn Brant
¨       Skylar Burris
¨       Jack Caldwell
¨       Carolyn Eberhart
¨       Monica Fairview
¨       Regina Jeffers
¨       Cindy Jones
¨       Sharon Lathan
¨       Kara Louise
¨       Kathryn Nelson
¨       Jane Odiwe
¨       C. Allyn Pierson
¨       Abigail Reynolds
¨       Mary Lydon Simonsen
¨       Heather Lynn Rigaud
¨       Victoria Connelly
¨       J. Marie Croft
¨       Lynn Shepherd
Staring on September 6, daily blogs posts will be put up, celebrations of new books going into stores will be had, and for the launch month of the blog, many giveaways and contests will be held!




© [Wisteria Leigh] and [Bookworm's Dinner], [2010].