Book Review and Copy Giveaway: Kiss of Night by Debbie Viguie

I liked this and will want the next book since this ends with mysteries still to be revealed! (Including the Q in the product blurb.)

Kiss of Night

by Debbie Viguié

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: FaithWords; 1 Original edition (October 7, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0446570869
• ISBN-13: 978-0446570862

Genre: Fantasy
My Rating:  4.25 of 5.0

Product Description:
Centuries ago, Raphael was a blasphemous knight who fought in the Crusades purely for his own mercenary benefit, and to satisfy his taste for killing. Now, condemned for his evil passions and hypocrisy, he wanders the earth a vampire, cursed with first-hand knowledge of the supernatural world he once denied existed. The powerful relic he still possesses from his days as a Crusader has been stolen by a rival vampire who has recruited an army of soulless underlings to aid him in spreading evil. At the time he learns this, Raphael has been hunting this vampire for nearly a century, and it seems the final battle is destined to take place in Prague.

For help in this quest, Raphael must enlist the aid of two humans, David and Susan, who suddenly find themselves immersed in a world they never imagined, entangled with supernatural forces they can’t control. Susan, in particular, finds herself conflicted as she struggles with her inexplicable attraction to Raphael. In the end, both Susan and Raphael will be called upon to exercise courage and faith, and in the process, the question What would happen if a vampire truly accepted God? is answered.

Review: I was very anxious to review this book and I wasn't disappointed...at least not till the end. Now I have to wait till 2012 for the next book in the series.

Susan is just a young woman who is in Prague for the funeral of her beloved grandmother who raised her.  She seeks solace and sanctuary in church before the funeral and thinks she hears whispers and gets a glimpse of a dark figure.

That night Susan gets dragged out by her cousin, Wendy, to go dancing. It seems Wendy has met a guy but Susan finds him creepy. Suddenly Wendy takes off and another dark man warns Susan that Wendy is in trouble. Susan discovers just how creepy and dark these guys are as she becomes the focal player in a battle of good vampires versus bad vampires. She is frightened by Raphael but also strangely drawn to him.

Raphael knows that Susan is to help him in the battle against the truly evil vampires. Not that all vampires weren’t evil and monsters when they were created. But some vampires have learned to seek redemption after years of seeing the consequences of their misdeeds.  Raphael is on the side of good although he hasn’t quite gotten to the point of seeking salvation. His monk/vampire friend, Paul, holds out great hope.

Another stranger, David, hears the commotion in the next hotel room and tries to rescue Wendy from what appears to be an attacking vampire.  David seems to have a natural resistance to Vampire mesmerism and is quickly caught up to be trained as a warrior for the impending fight.

I liked the protagonists and the good vampires who are interesting characters. Wendy and David are likeable and make a nice cozy couple too.  David becomes an unlikely but brave and valiant warrior.  I felt there were some flaws and unrealistic circumstances in the tale, including some simplistic writing. Still I liked the overall story which kept my attention with its intensity and mystery.  It is very fast paced and full of action. I read it in two days and was really unhappy only because it ended — at a crucial stage of events! Ack!

Thank you to Faith Words for providing this book for review.

TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for the book copy:
1. Visit the author's website and tell me something of interest you found there. This is required for entry.

2.  For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.

3.  For two entries, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.

It isn't necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.
(Four total entries possible.)

* Open to the US & Canada only.

* No PO boxes, please.

* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on October 28, 2011.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
The WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on October 29. 
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Book Review and Giveaway: Forbidden by Ted Dekker and Tosca Lee

This is an intense tale of emotional rebirth in a "dead" society.
Forbidden (The Book of Mortals) 
by Ted Dekker and Tosca Lee

• Hardcover: 384 pages
• Publisher: Center Street (September 13, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1599953544
• ISBN-13: 978-1599953540

Genre:  Fantasy
My Rating: 4.75

Product Description

New York Times bestselling author Ted Dekker teams with Tosca Lee to create this gripping thriller set in a desolate future.

Many years have passed since civilization's brush with apocalypse. The world's greatest threats have all been silenced. There is no anger, no hatred, no war. There is only perfect peace... and fear. But a terrible secret has been closely guarded for centuries: Every single soul walking the earth, though in appearance totally normal, is actually dead, long ago genetically stripped of true humanity.

Fleeing pursuit, with only moments to live, a young man named Rom stumbles into possession of a vial of blood and a piece of cryptic writing. When consumed, the blood will bring him back to life. When decoded, the message will lead him on a perilous journey that will require him to abandon everything he has ever known and awaken humanity to the transforming power of true life and love.

But the blood will also resurrect hatred, ambition, and greed.

Set in a terrifying, medieval future, where grim pageantry masks death, this tale of dark desires and staggering stakes peels back the layers of the heart for all who dare to take the ride.

Review: This is a wonderfully gripping read - truly entertaining.

This medieval-type world is full of the living dead...at least they are dead emotionally. About four hundred years ago civilization was destroyed by war. One of the scientists of that day, the  alchemists, decided the best way to control society was to eliminate all emotions except for fear. Fear could be used to control people so there would be a world of peace. They set loose an emotion killing virus and established The Order, the peaceful society with royal families, guards, artisans and slaves, all governed by rules and traditions and controlled by fear.  Anyone who has a defect or illness is sent to a Wellness Center and never returns.  Anyone who disobeys the rules is turned in by others who fear punishment and death.

Rom comes upon an elderly man running from the elite Citadel Guards. The man claims he is a Keeper and that Rom’s own father said that Rom could be trusted. The man thrusts a bundle to Rom and tells him to find The Keeper known as The Book.  Rom watches the guards slaughter the man, then he runs with the bundle. He discovers that the bundle contains a vial of blood and a message regarding ‘true life’.

Rom and three select friends go into hiding. Trying to understand what the blood is about, they each drink a portion and begin to experience the myriad of human emotions that had been lost.  They discover laughter, wonder, anguish and pain.  They begin to realize that with no emotion there is no love; without suffering there is no real pleasure; without tears there is no joy... there is no longing and no hope.  Rom and his companions find themselves “[O]ut of Order, fully human...”

A new royal Sovereign, Feyn, is about to be inaugurated.  Her older brother, Saric, is being fed a blood mixture by The Alchemists who seek power and control.  Saric is full of anger, greed, ambition and obsession.  He plots against his father, the current Sovereign, and against Feyn.

Now the ‘true life’ of mankind is in the hands of Rom's band of rebels, including a cripple boy, Jonathan. Although it seems impossible, Jonathan must become Sovereign to bring life back to people.

I caught the excitement and tension of the story from the beginning and the intensity continued to the end. The story is not necessarily religious but I really liked the Christian allegories that I perceived:  there is betrayal, a procession to royalty, a sacrifice, a promised savior, evil v. good, a need to believe by faith and circumstances working together to bring hope to a dead people.

I hope the next book in the series comes soon!
(I have not read The Circle trilogy but I will have to look into that.)

Thank you to Sarah at Center Street for this book to review. 

USA ONLY GIVEAWAY (due to postage costs - sorry)
TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for the review copy:

1. Visit Ted Dekker's website and tell me something you found interesting there.
This is required for entry.
You might want to watch the book trailer which is very good.

2.  For an additional entry visit Tosca Lee's Website and tell me something you learned there.

3.  For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.

4. For two more entries, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.

It isn't necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.
(Five total entries possible.)

* This contest is only open to residents of the US.

* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on October 21, 2011.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries and announced on October 22 with 72 hours to complete the winners form.

Book Review and Giveaway: The Quiet Gentleman by Georgette Heyer

This is a smooth, quick and engaging read.
The Quiet Gentleman by Georgette Heyer

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (June 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1402238835
• ISBN-13: 978-1402238833

Genre: Regency Historical Romance
My Rating:  4.25 of 5.0
 Product Description
    Less than a hero's welcome...

    Returning to his family seat from Waterloo, Gervase Frant, seventh Earl of St Erth, could have expected more enthusiasm for his homecoming. His quiet cousin, stepmother, and young half-brother seem openly disappointed that he survived the wars. And when he begins to fall for his half-brother's sweetheart, his chilly reception goes from unfriendly to positively murderous.

    One of Heyer's most suspenseful Regency romances, The Quiet Gentleman combines an ingenious mystery plot with her signature witty style and effervescently engaging characters.

Review: The mystery kept me wondering as I enjoyed the characters.

Gervace Frant returns from war to the mismatched castle and estate of Stanyon where he hasn’t felt welcome for years.  Now he is returning as the new Earl to take control of the estate. His younger half-brother, Martin, is the son who has been doted on and treated as if he would become the Lord of the manor. Someone is so unhappy about the new Earl that he begins to suffer accidents. At first they seem almost like careless pranks that might cause some small harm but when the Earl is shot it is clear that someone really does mean to remove him.

Martin is a hot head with a short temper. He doesn’t like his elder brother whom he barely remembers. His antagonism increases when Gervace begins to pay attention to the local beauty, Marianne, interfering with Martin’s courtship attempts. One of Gervace’s good friends from the service visits and he too shows interest in Marianne.

Other members of the household include Martin’s mother, the Dowager, who only sees perfection in Martin and views Gervace as a threat to her son’s happiness.  At least Gervace finds one friend at home in his cousin, Theo, who has been his man of business watching over his affairs.  There is also Miss Morville, a neighbor young lady who serves as a sensible, and seemingly unremarkable, temporary companion to the Dowager.

Marianne is the sweet beauty who attracts the men. The estimable Miss Morville, Drusilla, manages the household and handles all circumstances from planning a ball to taking charge when the Earl arrives with a gunshot wound.  Drusilla clearly likes the Earl and is concerned for his welfare but she has no expectation that he would be interested in her.

There are red herrings that blur the search for the person attempting to murder Gervace.  This kept me interested to see if I was guessing the villain and motive correctly. I did guess about midway into the story but the confirmation didn’t come until near the end.

The story focuses on the different society positions, the behavioral expectations and the jealousies existing among the characters.  The romance is merely light flirtations. I enjoyed the subtle satire, sarcasms and gentle humor. The writing tone, detail and characterizations fit the time period to perfection.  There is a certain propriety and elegance to be found in Heyer’s writing and characters. If you enjoy an old-fashioned romance, with no sexual content but plenty of character, you would like this story and this author.

~~~~

I received this book from Sourcebooks for review.  Don't forget that Sourcebooks is offering all Georgette Heyer ebooks at the sale price of $1.99 - this week only.  Take advantage of the sale to pick up some wonderful reads!

TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY:
1. Tell me which character you think you would like best. Female choices: the sweet beauty or the sensible companion; Male choices: the commanding Earl or the volatile younger son? This is required for entry.

2.  For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.

3. For two entries, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.

It isn't necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.
(Four total entries possible.)

* This contest is only open to residents of US and Canada.

* No P.O. Boxes Please - for shipping reasons.

* Limit one win per household.

* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on September 2, 2011.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
The WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on September 3 and will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Book Review and Giveaway: Making Waves by Tawna Fenske

This book is a treat and perfect summer read!

Making Waves by Tawna Fenske

• Mass Market Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (August 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 140225721X
• ISBN-13: 978-1402257216

Genre: Romantic Comedy
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0

Product Description
When Alex Bradshaw's unscrupulous boss kicks him to the curb after 20 faithful years as an executive with the world's largest shipping company, he sets out to reclaim his dignity and his pension. Assembling a team of fellow corporate castoffs, he sails to the Caribbean to intercept an illegal diamond shipment. None of them counted on quirky blonde stowaway Juli Flynn, who has a perplexing array of talents, a few big secrets, and an intoxicating romantic chemistry with Alex...

Review: This story hits the spot for laugh out loud, fun reading!
Juli is a an attractive, thirty something, woman who has apparently jumped around a lot in her career life.  It’s sort of okay she is in between jobs because she now has a mission to deliver her uncle’s ashes to a watery grave in the Caribbean. Juli decides to play in a newlywed game the night before her charter cruise.  It doesn’t matter that she just met the man - the prize is $1000.00 and with a quick system they can at least try.

Alex is an executive VP who has just been laid off months before being vested in his pension. He and three other laid off employees have devised a plan to intercept an illegal diamond shipment from their former boss.  They figure they’re owed the money and they’ll get some revenge.  The night before they head out on their heist he meets this crazy woman who pulls him into a newlywed game. This behavior is a bit impulsive, but what the heck...why not?

The next morning a dopey Juli stumbles onto what she thinks is her charter boat but instead is the boat Alex and his mates have engaged for pirate purposes.  They have their secret plans and don’t want a stranger joining, even if Alex says she’s “his wife.” They don’t believe Juli is innocent and in truth she has her own secrets which are revealed in surprising circumstances. The crew decide to let her ride along rather than have her blow the whistle on them before they can implement their act of piracy.  Juli’s unexpected talents come in handy and she starts to feel like she could maybe “fit in” for a change.

The other crew members have quirky personalities too.  I especially like the former football player, Cody, who has found his niche as the crew’s creative gourmet chef. Along the adventure they run into real, but unusual, pirates.

Alex is clearly attracted to Juli but he tries to resist since this isn’t a good time to start a relationship. Then they have the problem of being consistently interrupted when things do heat up!

This story starts out off beat and kooky and stays light-hearted and wacky all the way through. It's a quick read that had me grinning and chuckling. I will be hoping for more fun romance from this author.

Thank you to Sourcebooks for providing this book for reading and review and for providing two copies for Giveaway!

TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY:

1. Visit the Author's website and tell me something you found interesting.This is required for entry.

2. For two extra entries, comment on the Author Interview.

3. For another two entries, complete the Author's sentence at Interview Q10.

4.  For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.

5. For two entries, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.

It isn't necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.
(Eight total entries possible.)

THERE WILL BE TWO WINNERS!

* This contest is only open to residents of US and Canada.

* No P.O. Boxes Please - for shipping reasons.

* Limit one win per household.

* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on August 19 , 2011.
The winners will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED on AUGUST 20 and will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winner's form linked in the announcement.

Book Review and ARC Giveaway: Cover Me by Catherine Mann

If you like romantic suspense you will want to get this book!
Cover Me by Catherine Mann

• Mass Market Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca; Original edition (July 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1402244959
• ISBN-13: 978-1402244957

     Genre: Romantic Suspense
     My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0

Product Description
 It should have been a simple mission...

Pararescueman Wade Rocha fast ropes from the back of a helicopter into a blizzard to save a climber stranded on an Aleutian Island, but Sunny Foster insists she can take care of herself just fine...

But when it comes to passion, nothing is ever simple...

With the snowstorm kicking into overdrive, Sunny and Wade hunker down in a cave and barely resist the urge to keep each other warm... until they discover the frozen remains of a horrific crime... Unable to trust the local police force, Sunny and Wade investigate, while their irresistible passion for each other gets them more and more dangerously entangled...

Review:  This is very engaging. I was pulled into the story from beginning to end.
Sunny is an outdoor expert who runs a gym in a small off the grid community in a remote region of Alaska.  When the rare, occasional stranger goes through or someone wants to leave, she serves as a guide to escort them out. She never escorts anyone into the area as those who leave are not permitted to return.  Sunny is returning home from escorting a couple out when she is caught in a blizzard.

Pararescue Jumper (PJ) Wade and his team have safely rescued a party of climbers caught in the blizzard.  Now he has to find and rescue the source of the remaining life signal.  He locates Sunny but she isn’t looking to be rescued. Due to the storm they have to bed down together in a cave - strictly strangers sharing warmth for survival. Not that they don’t appreciate the fitness of each other.

Sunny only wants to get away from this handsome PJ and return home before Wade can delve into her secrets. As Sunny tries to make a break for it she falls into a crevice and locates a dead body. Unfortunately the death wasn’t an accident and Sunny recognizes the murdered woman as the one she had escorted to the Deputy Sheriff right before the storm hit.  Suddenly Wade and Sunny are being shot at by that same deputy and it is clear that something bad is going on.

Sunny is trying to keep the secrets of her family and her community. With a rising body count it appears there are more bad secrets that Sunny knows nothing about.  Sunny can’t return home until they figure out who is involved with the killings, but she still wants to warn her family. Wade needs to uncover her secrets but he also wants to protect her.  This puts them in conflict since Sunny insists that she is skilled enough to take care of herself. Meanwhile the attraction between them is intense.

This plot is filled with great action and intrigue from the rock climbing beginning to a cold sea rescue ending. The heroine is strong and sensual and the hero is fit and fine! The villain is believable with a twist in the conspirators. (I did guess those.) The romance builds quickly and the sexual encounters are done well as an add on to the action driven story. This was a great suspense read and I want to read more by this author.

The first couple of post comments reminded me that I forgot to mention that Sunny has a wonderful malamute-husky mutt, Blade, who is her constant companion and outdoor team mate. Blade plays an important role in the story too.

xxx

Thank you to Sourcebooks for this book to read and review.

TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY:
1. Visit the Author's Website and tell me something of interest you found there. This is required for entry.

2.  For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.

3. For two entries, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.

It isn't necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.
(Four total entries possible.)

* This contest is only open to residents of US and Canada.

* No P.O. Boxes Please - for shipping reasons.

* Limit one win per household.

* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on August 5, 2011.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on AUGUST 6 and will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Book Review and ARC Giveaway: In The Heat of the Bite by Lydia Dare

A tasty bite of witches and vampyres.
In the Heat of the Bite by Lydia Dare

• Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca; Original edition (July 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1402245106
• ISBN-13: 978-1402245107

Genre: Paranormal
 My Rating: 4:25 of 5.0

Product Description

Chivalry is far from undead...
Matthew Halkett, Earl of Blodswell, is one of the few men in the ton who can claim to be a knight in shining armor- because that's precisely what he was before being turned into a vampyre. When he spies a damsel in distress in the midst of a storm in Hyde Park, his natural instinct is to rush to her aid...

But not every woman needs to be rescued...
Weather-controlling witch Rhiannon Sinclair isn't caught in a storm-she's the cause of it. She's mortified to have been caught making trouble by the imposing earl, but she doesn't need any man-never has, and is sure she never will...

But when Rhiannon encounters Matthew again, her powers go awry and his supernatural abilities run amok. Between the two of them, the ton is thrown into an uproar. There's never been a more tempestuous scandal...

Review: The storms rage, lightning strikes and fangs drop in this fun read.
Matthew’s knight in shining armor character made this book for me.  You might think that is hard to imagine since he is vampyre but his chivalrous code of honor carried over even after his human death. Matthew thinks to rescue Rhiannon when he first finds her in the middle of a storm.  He is struck by her beauty, her lively spirit and her indomitable strength.  He soon learns that she doesn't just get caught in storms, she makes them.

Rhiannon seems a bit young and not always in control of her powers, but I liked her strong, independent nature. She doesn’t like vampyres so it is a bit surprising when she decides to convince Matthew to escort her around ton to give her the appearance of respectability. She doesn’t expect to fall for him in the process, especially since all her witch sister’s werewolf family seem set on keeping her away from him.

There is the fun camaraderie among the werewolf brothers and plenty of interesting side characters.  Rhiannon’s nasty aunt is sponsoring her sister but shuns Rhiannon. Rhiannon’s childhood friend, Alec, is now a young vampyre learning the rules under Matthew. I particularly liked the feisty Duchess of Hythe who takes Rhiannon under her wing.

Matthew and Rhiannon have a strange effect on each other causing their powers to go a bit haywire. There is plenty of fun conflict and fast paced action in this tale. I do think I may have missed some facts from the first book in the series. Although I knew the witches and werewolves a bit from The Taming of a Wolf, it was never clear to me what happened with Rhiannon’s prior bad experience with a dark vampyre. But that didn’t disturb my enjoyment of the banter and easy fun style of this author. I enjoyed the heart warming and surprising twist of the love that develops between Matthew and Rhiannon. If you like your paranormal romance sensual and fun this is a good series to enjoy.

xxx

Thank you to Sourcebooks for this book to read and review.

TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY:
1. Tell me: would you rather fall in love with a Vampyre or a werewolf? Or some other super natural being?   This is required for entry.

2.  For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.

3. For two entries, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.

It isn't necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.
(Four total entries possible.)

* This contest is only open to residents of US and Canada.

* No P.O. Boxes Please - for shipping reasons.

* Limit one win per household.

* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on August 5 2011.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on AUGUST 6 and will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement. 

Book Review: Dreamspell Steampunk Anthology

Four satisfying Steampunk stories worth the very fair price!

Dreamspell Steampunk Volume 1 (Dreamspell Steampunk Anthology) 

• Format: Kindle Edition
• File Size: 221 KB
• Publisher: L&L Dreamspell (May 24, 2011)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
• Language: English
• ASIN: B0052MOABG

    Genre: Steampunk
    My Rating: Overall 4.25

Product Description:
Enjoy four Steampunk stories:

Steam Time by Pauline B Jones

The man formerly known as Tobias Smith hadn’t planned to ride along with Dr. Everly and his Medicine Show. Grifters gave him a pain their elixirs couldn’t heal. But he was headed to Marfa, too. And Everly’s son turned out to be a really a fine looking damsel—one in distress when the ghost lights of Marfa bump them into an alternate reality complete with an automaton gang and airships. Could he be the good guy? Be the hero, save the day and get the girl?

The Prometheus Engine by Chris Samson

When an airship is shot down over the desolate Kashmir landscape, seven survivors of disparate backgrounds must band together to escape. As a swarm of marauders approaches, the survivors’ only hope lies in the untested Prometheus Engine.

Steambot Rampage by Heather Massey

On the eve of the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition, a no-nonsense secretary and an intrepid reporter join forces to battle a bizarre automaton on a rampage.

Angelina by Linda Houle

Valerie is fascinated with an antique ruby and diamond pendant. Where did it come from and why was it hidden in a makeshift wall safe? An old log cabin on her new husband’s ranch holds the answers and a lot more, but once Val goes through a secret door will she ever find her way back home.

Review: I have been trying to read more steampunk because I really like the feel of it with the older time settings and the different mechanical elements. This is a collection that I really enjoyed.  Each story has its own twists and surprises.

In Steam Time, Tobias Smith, "Joe", meets up with Dr. Everly and his quiet son.  It doesn’t take long for Joe to realize that the young fellow is really a girl, Analisse, trapped by her father’s life. Ani dubs him "Chance" because chance brought him into her life. They see in each other an escape into a new life... and that is more true than Ani realizes. Chance and Ani head into town together but mid-way there is a shift in the world around them. Chance has been here before and tells Ani - “we aren’t where we were.” Then Chance and Ani have to face down an evil Dr. Smith and a crew of automatons if they want a chance to be together in whatever time it might be. The characters are warm and the story complete with mystery, conflict and romance even though it is just a short story.  I particularly liked this one because Tobias Smith is a character from The Key and Girl Gone Nova which are two other stories of Pauline's that I really like. Rating: 4.5

The Prometheus Engine is non-stop action. The seven survivors of a downed airship each have unique responses as the are led by Veronica, a scientist’s daughter and inventor herself. They are racing to escape the marauder’s attack and the battle doesn’t go as I expected. I liked how the author was able to define each character in the short tale. One is a silent giant, one an old campaigner, one blatantly courageous, one reluctantly brave, another determined, one is surprisingly resourceful and one is a bragging coward. This short story made me want to read more adventure by Mr. Samson. Rating 4.5

Steambot Rampage has the definite feel of an older Superman crossed with an older James Bond. The intrepid reporter, Jack, is a sneak and a flirt, trying to spy information off of the desk of the mayor’s prim secretary.  An esteemed scientist is showcasing his iron man dubbed the ‘Soldier of the Future.’ Unfortunately the robot goes haywire and the Doctor/inventor is more intent on documenting the success than stopping the terror. Jack and Sophie have to risk injury to stop the rampaging monster. Can they save the community and each other?  Rating 4.0

Angelina is a light, fun drop through time. Valerie is fascinated by an antique ruby that was  found in the wall of her vampire husband, Andrew.  As Andrew sleeps away the day, Val sets out to explore an old cabin on the property.  There she finds a room jammed full of clocks and gadgets. She stumbles upon a hidden closet and an automated fortune teller that promises her a wish. Without consciously realizing it Val wishes that she knew the story of the ruby pendant. The next thing she knows her world is in a spin and she is a gypsy fortune teller in the same room but a time when the cabin was new.  In a surprising twist she does learn the history of the pendant but will she be able to return to her time and her beloved?  Rating 4.0

This anthology introduced me to three ‘new-to-me’ authors and I got to read another wonderful story by Pauline Baird Jones whose books are favorites of mine. If you haven't tried Steampunk genre I recommend this anthology as a good one to get a feel for it. If you are a fan of Steampunk then don't miss this fun read.

xxx

A copy of this eBook was provided for an unbiased review by Pauline Baird Jones.

Please learn more about Pauline in today’s Blogoversary Author Spotlight. You earn extra entries for commenting on this review.

Book Review: Taming Rowan by Suzanne Barrett

A very engaging romance.

Taming Rowan by Suzanne Barrett

• Paperback: 252 pages
• Publisher: Turquoise Morning Press (May 25, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1935817922
• ISBN-13: 978-1935817925

     Genre: Contemporary Romance
     My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Product Description

“A keeper! A winner! A deliciously sexy romance!" —Gloria Miller, The Literary Times Karin Williams' devastatingly handsome project officer has a boulder-sized chip on his shoulder. Rowan Marsden expected a male engineer and he's not giving Karin an inch. Working conditions are...tense. Even...worse, she must share on-site accommodations with the sexy Brit who she fears will break her heart. What's a girl to do? If Rowan had his way, he'd never work with a woman. Yet as Karin demonstrates her expertise on the job, he cannot deny his growing respect for her--or his desire. He wants the passion she offers, but not the commitment. Until a horrendous accident at the project site threatens Karin's life, and proves that even a wounded man is destined to love....

Review:  This is a story with wonderful characters, a good plot, and fine writing.  Once again Ms. Barnett has written a superbly crafted, entertaining story.

Karin is a skilled engineer who has established herself in a man’s career. She doesn’t use her feminine attributes to get ahead and only asks for respect for her competent work the same as any other professional engineer.

Rowan Marsden is an arrogant, stubborn chauvinist. He is a wounded man whose past experience with betrayal by a beautiful woman has set him against women in general. And for sure he doesn’t need a female on his remote, barren work site. He is prepared to put her on the next plane out until his boss overrides that plan.

Karen has been busy with her career and has not spent time dating, especially considering she hadn’t been drawn to any male. Now she is drawn to a man who may be sensually compelling but who has little softness for women. Needless to say the sparks and antagonism fly between these two as their sizzling attraction smolders beneath their best intentions to remain aloof and apart. There is plenty of tug of war and dancing on the edges before they finally succumb to the chemistry. The problem remains that Karin is ready for a serious relationship and Rowan is only interested in a hot, limited affair.

There is good detail in the scenery and the project work site which I found interesting and gave good plot support. The project crew are a warm group and the protagonists’ parents are unique characters as well.

The author’s writing style is clean, emotional and engaging. There is plenty of conflict and sexual tension, then engagement with fairly explicit scenes although in no way vulgar. Ms. Barrett provides a rich, strong romance to please any true contemporary romance fan.

xxx

Please  visit Suzanne's Blogoversary Spotlight!

Book Review and Giveaway: From Mason to Minister: Through the Lattice

This is a smooth and uplifting memoir with lots of gems of poetry and scripture to enjoy.

From Mason to Minister: Through the Lattice by Neil Cullan McKinlay

• Hardcover: 208 pages
• Publisher: Nordskog Publishing (April 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0982707479
• ISBN-13: 978-0982707470

Genre: Memoir, Inspirational
My Rating:  4.25 of 5.0

Product Description
An adventurous, captivating and poetic memoir of the author's courageous and spiritual journey from Scotland to Canada to Australia in his quest to "find the Truth and know the living God." Neither an apologetic nor a polemic, he corrects much misinterpretation and misunderstanding of Freemasonry. We learn how inspiration from Masonic teachings about Solomon's Temple, the arch, and keystone led him to a deep study of the revelation from the Bible of "the stone the builders rejected"; which is Christ. Readers will be uplifted, inspired, and delighted as they follow along with him in the discovery of his calling to become a minister.

Review:
I don’t read lots of memoirs but this ‘life-story’ caught my interest.  Masonry is shrouded in secrecy and not looked upon favorably by fundamental Christian organizations. I thought that reading this book might give me insight to the nature of the Masons. The book goes beyond the nature of Masonry and the real story is the author’s spiritual journey through the Mason's shortcomings.

The book starts with personal background as the author relates how he initially sought  fellowship in the Masons. As I understand from the book, the purpose of the Masons is to encourage men to be good workers and workers of good and this goal was originally founded on Biblical teachings and centered on the building of Solomon's temple. However in the 1800s a directive was made which diluted or stifled the Christian aspects in order to encompass a broader membership of men from all faiths. Although the teachings encourage a relationship with God, it would seem that members are not to push religion nor to even discuss Christ in their lives.

This dichotomy presented a puzzle that gave Mr. McKinlay the impetus to study deeper into scripture. Mr. McKinlay studied first to understand how the scriptures related to the teachings of  Masonry and later how they related to the ‘practices’ or living walk of the Masons. Each level or degree he achieved brought more disenchantment with the practices of the organizations and a more in depth study of God.

As McKinlay studied the Bible he began to see the creator God everywhere in the world around him.  For a time he felt lost, as a spaceman floating without a tether, until he recognized Christ as the only way to God the Father and thereby he found the missing “cornerstone” - the stone that was rejected - Jesus Christ.

I really enjoyed the easy flow and phrasing McKinlay uses. The early chapters at first seemed disjointed but  then I realized that there was a meandering path that moved the journey along, with some side trips in memory. The 'Ministry' section is more direct, perhaps because it is the most recent in time and the author no longer has to tread the fine line of discussing his Masonry experiences. The author does not seem to disclose any real secrets but rather presents revelations of basic tenets and their impact on him with some philosophical insights as well.  He also gives a cogent discussion of the trilogy which is a very difficult concept for many to grasp.  I view the book as a grouping of revelations,  recollections, and reflections on the spiritual awakening in the author’s life.

I admit that sometimes I fold the corners on a page (I know an awful habit) to mark a particularly poignant phrase or point. The problem I found with this book is I was apt to fold every couple of pages as comments repeatedly struck my own spirit. This is an easy read and an enjoyable, as well as informative book.

Three word description: Personal, lyrical, uplifting.

Thank you to Pump Up Your Book Tour and the author for the book to read and review.
TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY for the review copy:

1. Visit the Author's website and tell me something of interest you find there.
Please leave your e-mail!

2. Comment on the Author's Interview for TWO extra entries.

3. For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.

4. For two extra entries, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.

(Six total entries possible.)
It isn't necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.

* This contest is open to US and Canada only.
* No P.O. Boxes Please - for shipping reasons.
* This contest will close 10:00 PM (Central) on June 24, 2011.
The winners will be randomly selected from all entries.

Audible Book Review: Soulless by Gail Carriger

Historical charm, mystery and paranormal all blended beautifully in this delightful story.
Soulless: An Alexia Tarabotti Novel

• UNABRIDGED
• by Gail Carriger
• Narrated by Emily Gray

Genre: Steampunk,Paranormal Romance
My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary

Victorian romance mixes seamlessly with elegant prose and biting wit—and werewolves—in Gail Carriger’s delightful debut novel. Soulless introduces Alexia Tarabotti, a parasol-wielding Londoner getting dangerously close to spinster status. But there are more important things than finding a husband. For Alexia was born without a soul, giving her the ability to render any vampire or werewolf completely powerless.

Review: This is a great blend of paranormal, mystery and romance with lots of humor.

Alexia is a 25 year old “spinster.” She is attractive but not a real beauty having a strong nose and dark skin from her Italian father. She also has another difficulty - she is a preternatural or soulless. She has accepted her status and is more interested in science and paranormal issues than in finding a husband. But her mother and stepfather would be glad to find someone to sweep her out of their house, if not off her feet.

Alexia lives in a London society where paranormal creatures are recognized and required to register with appropriate governmental authority. Alexia tends to associate with the werewolves and vampires whom she can neutralize with her touch. Her uniqueness and identity have been kept secret because she might be considered an enemy as preternaturals used to hunt and destroy paranormal beings, especially vampires.

When a strange vampire tries to attack Alexia she defends herself with her touch and her trusty, silver tipped parasol. Unfortunately she accidentally kills the vampire. Lord Maccon, the werewolf Alpha and head of the government Bureau of Unnatural Registry (BUR),  steps in to investigate the death in an official capacity and finds himself dealing with conflicting urges to subdue or protect this hapless, but witty and intelligent, female.

Maccon tries, unsuccessfully, to keep Alexia out of the investigation. As they proceed they discover more strange, unregistered and disappearing paranormal beings. Alexia tries to maintain proper society decorum but she is always stretching the llimits as she exercises her curious and independent spirit. Alexia gets help from a very unusual, and rather flamboyant, vampire friend. Maccon is jealous only because he doesn't realize the fellow would be more interested in him than Alexia.

This book contains a wonderful blend of British wit, Regency ambiance, paranormal mystic, scientific exploration and polite but sensual romance. The narration took just a bit of time to get used to but the narrator really does a wonderful job fitting the British, Scottish and American accents, as well as the prissy, authoritative and dignified tones to the different characters. This was a delightful listen and I am ready to download the next book!

There are lots of charming quotable lines but here is one of my favorites:
“He was sure his control was around somewhere, if he could simply find it.” 
Lord Conall Maccon thinking to himself while he tries to resist seducing Alexia.

Three word description: Eccentric, humorous, warm.

Book Review and Giveaway: Mary of Carisbrooke by Margaret Campbell Barnes

This is a rich and engaging story of a young girl who tries to help a King.

Mary of Carisbrooke: The Girl Who Would Not Betray Her King 

by Margaret Campbell Barnes

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark; Reprint edition (April 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 9781402255953
• ISBN-13: 978-1402255953

Genre: Historical Fiction
My Rating: 4.25

Product Description
"Margaret Campbell Barnes has been one of the most reliable of England's historical novelists."
-Chicago Tribune
A Girl, A King, and the castle that changed them both Forever...
Charles I, king of England, thought that Carisbrooke Castle would be safe, an Isle of Wight refuge far from the madding crowd of Cromwell. But Charles ran straight into the arms of betrayal, his retreat morphing to prison and his allies few and far between.

Mary, a quiet servant girl in awe of her king and country, vaults into intrigue and danger as she helps to plot the king's escape.

A moving story of royal hopes and misfortunes, Mary of Carisbrooke is at its heart the tale of a charming girl who is as romantic and alluring as she is smart and bold. Loyal to herself and to the Crown, Mary's brush with history reveals just how quickly fate can shift the paths of power.

Review: A beautifully written tale blending sweetness and sadness.

Mary is a quiet girl of 17 with a sunny disposition and a helpful nature. Her father is the Sergeant of the Guard at Carisbrooke Castle on the Isle of Wight.  Mary helps her Aunt Druscilla who is the housekeeper of the small household. Although they have to deal with the soldiers who came recently from London, the political struggles between the Cromwellian Parliament and King Charles I mean little to Mary and the other Islanders.

Mary’s quite life changes when the King, with several faithful retainers, escapes from Hampton Court, and seeks refuge at Carisbrooke Castle. Although the King and his supporters thought he was being granted sanctuary, the Governor is a staunch “servant of Parliament” who promptly sends word to Parliament for instructions on how to handle the King’s ‘visit.’

The story portrays Mary’s dedication, gentleness, caring nature and quiet courage. She serves the King with dignity not only as a laundress but also by becoming involved with the intrigue of passing secret letters, planning and helping with escape attempts. Unfortunately, poor planning, problems and betrayal beset the escape efforts and one by one the King’s friends are removed from him.  Mary becomes a source of comfort listening to his distress and trying to encourage him.

All of the King’s men, old and young, find Mary’s innocence and steadfastness to be charming. Mary blossoms into womanhood responding to the warm friendship of Harry Firebrace, the Groom of the Bedchamber. One of the other servants of the King, Richard Osborne, who has a bit of a reputation, tries to warn Mary to protect her heart.  Meanwhile Mary is threatened by the unwanted attentions of the leering Captain Rolph who is fiercely ambitious and opposed to the King.

The author does a wonderful job setting the tone as I felt a sense of sadness and tragedy even though I did not know how the King’s story would end. The characters are developed with unique depths that make them very real, whether likeable or detestable. Some of the characters are caught in the political machinations and their ambivalence is conveyed as they are caught between official duty and private feelings.

The book started a bit slowly but I think that is part of the somber ambiance. It soon picked up and the intrigue, dangers, and personal relationships kept me engaged and wanting to know what happened to the King and to Mary. There are plenty of rich details creating a vivid picture of the Isle and Castle. These enhance the smooth flow of the story.  If you enjoy historical fiction don’t miss this tender story.

xxx

Thank you to Sourcebooks for the book to read and review.

TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY:
1. Comment on the review and/OR tell me if knowing the historical outcome effects your reading of historical fiction...Do you ever stop while reading and look up the real people?

Please leave your e-mail!

2. For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.

3. For two extra entries, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.

(Four total entries possible.)
It isn't necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.

* This contest is open US and Canada only.
* No P.O. Boxes Please - for shipping reasons.
* This contest will close 10:00 PM (Central) on June 17, 2011.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.

Book Review and ARC Giveaway: SEALed Forever by Mary Margret Daughtridge

This is a definite "grabs you" enjoyable read!

SEALed Forever by Mary Margret Daughtridge

• Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (May 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1402246196
• ISBN-13: 978-1402246197
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.2 x 1.1 inches 

     Genre: Contemporary Romance
     My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0

Product Description

He's got a living, breathing dilemma...

In the midst of running an undercover CIA mission, Navy SEAL Lt. Garth Vale finds an abandoned baby, and his superiors sure don't want to know about it. The only person who can help him is the beautiful new doctor in town, but she's got another surprise for him...

She's got a solution...at a price...

Dr. Bronwyn Whitescarver has left the frantic pace of big city ER medicine for a small town medical practice. Her bags aren't even unpacked yet when gorgeous, intense Garth Vale shows up on her doorstep in the middle of the night with a sick baby...

But his story somehow doesn't add up, and Bronwyn isn't quite sure who she's saving-the baby, or the man...

Review: Now here is a book that wrapped me in from beginning to end!
The book opens with a near death and out of body experience for SEAL officer, Garth Vale. As he is recuperating he is relegated to a very out of the way, low intensity job maintaining a small airstrip near a small southern town. He is put in a difficult situation when he finds an abandoned baby on an airplane.

Bronwyn has decided to leave the rat race of a city hospital ER practice to set up an “at home” practice in a small town.  She is determined to set down deep roots even if the house she has been loaned is a little creaky scarey.  Bronwyn is tripping over her moving boxes on a dark stormy night when rugged Garth shows up at her front door with a baby. He needs her help but isn’t able to give her all the facts considering his confidentiality status. Bronwyn is quick to help the child medically but it takes some convincing for her not to report the neglect.

I was caught by the strength and integrity in both the hero and heroine. I was also captured by the fact that Garth quickly determines that Bronwyn is the woman for him. She may not meet his “list” of qualities for a naval officer’s wife but he is sure he can woe her and find a way to make her willing to follow him to new base assignments.

Garth’s friends help to open Bronwyn’s eyes to see the possibilities of paranormal events and her friend JJ (from SEALed With a Ring) encourages her to recognize her gifts as a healer, not just a doctor. Garth is willing to accept her too, unexplained intuitions and all, and that means a lot. Still, she can’t commit her heart and life to a man who will always be going off and putting himself at risk.

I’m not quite sure what made this book so captivating but each time I picked it up I had read half an hour before I knew it and I was reluctant to put it down. Even my daughter picked it up and after reading one page said, “I want to read this one.”  The pacing is fast in short chapters, which I like. I also enjoy the SEAL or Art of War quotes at the beginning of each chapter. The story is not an action piece but rather character driven. The plot, though likeable, might be considered a bit weak as the dilemma is solved almost too easily in the end. Even so, the southern charm, the SEAL experience and the doctor expertise all blended well with a lovely, sensual romance. I highly recommend this for a quick, enjoyable read.

xxx

Thank you to Sourcebooks for the book to read and review.

TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY FOR THE ARC:

1. Visit the Author's Website and tell me something you like there.
Please leave your e-mail!

2. For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.

3. For two extra entries, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.

(Four total entries possible.)
It isn't necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.

* This contest is open US and Canada only.
* No P.O. Boxes Please - for shipping reasons.
* This contest will close 10:00 PM (Central) on June 10, 2011.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.

Book Review: Be Careful What You Wish For by Sibel Hoges

A fine combination of humor, mystery, action and romance.
Be Careful What You Wish For (Amber Fox Mystery) 

by Sibel Hodge

• Format: Kindle Edition
• File Size: 383 KB
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
• Language: English
• ASIN: B004VGWJYE

          Genre: Mystery
          My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
For fans of Janet Evanovich, Kate Johnson, and Gemma Halliday...

Armed with cool sarcasm and uncontrollable hair, feisty insurance investigator Amber Fox is back in a new mystery combining murder and mayhem with romance and chicklit…

Three deaths.
A safety deposit box robbery.
The boxing heavyweight champion of the world.

Somehow, they’re all related, and Amber has to solve a four year old crime to find out why.

As she stumbles across a trail of dead bodies and a web of lies spanning both sides of the social divide, it’s starting to get personal. Someone thinks Amber’s poking her nose in where it’s not wanted, sparking off a game of fox and mouse – only this time, Amber’s the mouse.

Amber’s forced to take refuge in the home of her ex-fiancé, Brad Beckett, and now it’s not just the case that’s hotting up. So is the bedroom…


All Levi Carter wanted to be was the boxing heavyweight champion of the world, but at what cost?

All Carl Thomas wanted was to be rich, but would his greed be his downfall?

All Brad Beckett wants is to get Amber back, but there’s a reason for the ex word.

Be careful what you wish for…you might just get it.

Review: If you like Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum I think you will really like Amber Fox - I know I do.

Amber, or Foxy as her friends call her, used to be a cop but now she is working as a hot shot Private Investigator. The difficulty is that her boss is her sexy, ex fiancé, Brad.  She is still really drawn to Brad but he disappeared right before their wedding two years before. Brad wants her back but she is scared to trust him. And she doesn’t want to hurt the handsome and nice-guy, (and fellow cop), Romeo, who has loved her for a while and was there when she needed him.

Good thing Foxy has a new case to take her mind off personal matters. Foxy starts off investigating a boxing accident but her inquiries end up with her finding dead bodies. Somehow the murders are tangled with a local bank robbery and her instincts tell her there is a mob connection to illegal betting and blackmail. Now she just needs to pull together the proof before someone else, not to mention herself, gets killed. The threats she receives, including a human bloody nose and a house full of spiders, only make her more determined.

Foxy has a great, quirky support team.  Hacker is the computer technical whizz. He is from Haiti and knows Voodoo. Then there is the new office assistant, Tia. Tia is cute with a loud and kooky fashion sense. She is also psychic and does spells.  Brad is a former SAS agent who can kill with his bare hands.

The story is told in first person by Foxy and it moves quite naturally. There is an easy British flow with a bit of sexual innuendo, some heart searching and a lot of humor. I enjoyed the characters and the twisting mystery which unfolded with the fast pace investigation. There seemed to be some repetition of the clues that I thought was not needed but it probably is realistic in the mode of an investigator looking over their facts again and again trying to piece together the puzzle. The story is well written with good sassy and natural dialogue.

This is the second in the series although it is fine as a stand alone. But, if you haven’t read this author I would recommend reading them in order as I am certain the first book gives more details on the romantic dilemma Foxy is facing as this book opens. I would be more that glad to pick up the first and other Amber Fox mysteries as well as other books by this author.

***

Thank you to the Author who provided this book for my honest review.

Happy Cinco De Mayo! Book Review and ARC Giveaway! Holy Guacomole!

This is a delicious offering and perfect to celebrate Cinco de Mayo!
Holy Guacamole by Dan Harmer and Denise Harmer

• Paperback: 284 pages
• Publisher: Lamp Post Inc. (March 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1600391834
• ISBN-13: 978-1600391835

Genre: Inspirational Comedy Adventure
My Rating: 5.0

Product Description
Nestled along San Diego's coast, the former romantic getaway of the silver screen's most notorious lovers is now the sizzling hacienda of Bonnie Miller's culinary boot camp. "If you are what you eat, make it hot, spicy and irresistible," is her motto, and this queen of Southwestern cuisine enjoys quite a savory life; success, fame, and a reputation for the finest palate west of Barcelona. That is, until a pot-rattling bang causes Trace Domingo, a washed-up sports writer, to crash into her life. His arrival turns up the heat at the culinary boot camp as Bonnie discovers in life's recipe book, it is not the spices which add the most flavor, but how truly hungry you are.

Review: This book is full of good things: food, fun, frightening adventures, fast flow and faith. What’s not to love?
The story is told by Trace Domingo, an affable former sports journalist who is excited to get a chance to learn culinary skills under the famous TV chef, Bonnie Miller.  Trace sets out with his run down jeep and shows up late. He first meets Bonnie when it appears that he attacks her on the set although he is actually trying to protect her after a shot goes through the window. What a way to make an impression - memorable if not favorable.

Bonnie is a food snob and although not quite a Diva she is a rather snippety TV chef. But there is a soft side burried under that successful star.

Bonnie is distracted because her beloved adoptive father is dying. Meanwhile she is getting notes that she believes are from her birth mom wishing to meet with her. As far as Bonnie knows her birth mother dumped her out as trash. Few people other than her family know that Bonnie was born with a deformity that she had to struggle with it all of her young life. Trace inadvertently discovers the flaw and Bonnie threatens to throw him out of the training program.  Before that happens though she uses Trace to help her escape the paparazzi and get to her family home. From there the two head off to Mexico for Bonnie’s mission which isn’t explained until later in their adventures.

Setting off during a downpour in Trace’s unreliable and leaky Jeep isn’t a good idea and leads to misadventures reminiscent of Romancing the Stone! The jeep gets stuck; unsavory bandits attack but a suave plantation owner, who recognizes Bonnie, comes to the rescue - maybe.  Uhh- an Armani clad farmer? Really??? Not!

There is a roller coaster ride of escape to get to Bonnie’s ultimate destination - a poor Mission where she was rescued as the thrown away infant.  There Bonnie looks at her life and realizes how blessed she was as a child to be rescued from the poverty and how ungrateful her behavior as a spoiled and famous person has been.

The references to faith and the heart revelations, although not precisely subtle, are soft and not preachy. They fit in naturally with the story flow, delivering warm lessons on acceptance, forgiveness, humility and unselfish caring. The story is pleasantly “peppered” with food analogies that are fun. The characters are real and the writing easy with a good flow. It is a fast and satisfying read! I hope there will be more fun adventures from this spousal team of authors.
As icing on the cake, so to speak, to top off all the good things about this book, a portion of the proceeds of the book sales go to support the ministry of Outside the Bowl (see link in giveaway item 2. below).

Thank you to Glass Road Public Relations for the book to read and review and for allowing the giveaway.

TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY FOR MY BOOK COPY:

1. Visit the authors' website and tell me something of interest you find there.
Please leave your e-mail!


2.  For two extra entries, visit Outside the Bowl and tell me something you find of interest there.

3. For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.

4. For two extra entries, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.

(Six total entries possible.)
It isn't necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.

* This contest is open US and Canada only.
* No P.O. Boxes Please - for shipping reasons.
* This contest will close 10:00 PM (Central) on May 20, 2011.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
 

Book Review and ARC Giveaway: Elizabeth and the Prince of Spain by Margaret Irwin

A beautifully written historical portrayal of the political and personal conflicts of the royal half sisters.

Elizabeth and the Prince of Spain (Elizabeth I Trilogy) by Margaret Irwin

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark (April 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 9781402229985
• ISBN-13: 978-1402229985

     Genre: Historical Fiction
     My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

First published in 1946, Elizabeth and the Prince of Spain continues the “vivid, psychologically brilliant” (Times Literary Supplement) journey begun in Young Bess and Elizabeth, Captive Princess. Philip, Prince of Spain, the unwilling bridegroom of Queen Mary, has been warned about the young Elizabeth. According to all reports, she is a heretic, a rebel, and a potential enemy—but she’s also alluring. Accused of treachery by Mary, Elizabeth finds herself teetering between Mary’s vengeance and Philip’s uneasy ardor, with her life in the balance.

Review: I found this a bit slower to read but still engaging and interesting.
This is the concluding book of the trilogy which included Young Bess (which I did not read) and Elizabeth, Captive Princess: Two Sisters, One Throne which I did read and review.

As I noted in my review of Elizabeth, Captive Princess, the writing style is unusual as if flows yet twists in a puzzling fashion that seems to fit Princess Elizabeth. The thought process presented is almost frenetic as Elizabeth tries to maintain such a fine line between her fierce independence and her need to show submissiveness to Queen Mary and Prince Philip. There is already political tension between Queen Mary and the imprisoned Elizabeth due to their respective claims to the throne and due to their religious differences. Queen Mary has brought England back to the Catholic faith as the only true religion which is supported by Rome and Prince Philip. On the other hand, Elizabeth was raised with their father's less formal ritual in the Protestant church. The tension is increased by the jealousy evoked by Prince Philip's interest and leniency towards Elizabeth. Prince Philip, aged 27, marries Queen Mary, aged 38,  as a political move to increase the power of Spain. Philip convinces Mary to show mercy and release Elizabeth from The Tower and allow her to live freely, if guardedly. 

Elizabeth is portrayed as a bright young woman who draws men, young and old, to her ethereal manner and charms the common masses with her natural exuberance. She continually chants  in word games and speaks in riddles to keep her meaning ambiguous or at least uncommitted.  The author catches this character so well that, for me, it made the reading slower as I had to pay close attention to catch the nuances and think about the implications of what Elizabeth is saying outwardly compared to what she is thinking or feeling that she is not expressing.

It appears that the author did detailed research into the important events and times of the story and into the known letters written by the participants. These then are fleshed out in fiction that gives the characters depth - and life. A large part of the story focuses on portraying the development and character of Philip before shifting back to Elizabeth. It can not be known how they truly interacted and felt, but the author pulls you into their lives in a vivid way. The book made me want to look up what factually happened to these historical characters and try to determine how close to reality the story is.

The story makes me glad that I do not live a life that must play such political games of manipulation. It was somewhat surprising that Elizabeth was allowed to live by Queen Mary. This was due in great part to Prince Philip who was inclined to subtly be with Elizabeth with the hope they might be together if Mary died.  Ultimately Elizabeth does succeed to the throne upon Mary’s death but she continues to keep Philip at bay. As the bookmakers in Europe took bets that Elizabeth’s reign would not make it past six months one gets a glimpse from the author of the matters of state, marriage proposals and considerations that Elizabeth had to  juggle. This is a remarkable historical portrayal of very interesting historical figures.

xxx

Thank you to Sourcebooks for the book to read and review.

TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY FOR THE ARC:

1. Tell me what you like about historical fiction.
Please leave your e-mail!

2. For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.

3. For two extra entries, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.

(Four total entries possible.)
It isn't necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.

* This contest is open US and Canada only.
* No P.O. Boxes Please - for shipping reasons.
* This contest will close 10:00 PM (Central) on May 13, 2011.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.