Review - Still the One by Robin Wells

"...read this story and allow the warmth to bloom in your own heart."
Still the One by Robin Wells

• Mass Market Paperback: 432 pages
• Publisher: Forever; 1 edition (May 1, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0446555983
• ISBN-13: 978-0446555982

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Rating: 4.5 of 5

Product Description
Robin Wells takes us back to Chartreuse, Louisiana, for a deeply moving story of forgiveness and second chances. After Katie Charmaine's husband is killed in Iraq, all she has left is a closet full of his clothes, a few pictures, and fond memories. She not only lost her love, but her last chance to have the children she's always wanted. Until Zack Ferguson shows up in town . . . with the daughter Katie gave up for adoption nearly seventeen years ago.  Zack Ferguson has never forgotten Katie, or the one magical night they spent together. Seeing her again brings up a tidal wave of emotions: regret over the way he left her, anger at the secret she kept, and desire he hasn't felt in years. But he's in town for Gracie. Their daughter is sixteen, angry at the world, and-worst of all-pregnant. She needs the love of her two parents now more than ever. Can these three forgive the hurts of the past and open their hearts to each other?

Review: This may have started just a little bit slowly but once I got past that I was definitely enthralled.  Two words can describe this: Just lovely.

Katie fell in love with Zack at age 17.  She got pregnant during their first love encounter; then Zack disappeared.  Kate gave her baby girl up for adoption so Grace would have a better life. Although Kate's childhood was empty of love, she grew into a beautiful woman who is gracious and loving to others. She was blessed with a wonderful marriage that was full of love on both sides but her husband died in Iraq leaving Kate alone with nothing but memories.

Zack grew up in an abusive home and has no belief in love or commitment. Although he cared for Katie that summer of teenage love, he never intended anything permanent. He didn’t mean to abandon Katie but circumstances dragged him away and he thought it would be best for her if he stayed out of her life.

Imagine Kate’s feelings when Zack moves to town with 16 year old Gracie...who is pregnant. Grace is grieving the loss of her parents and is an extremely hurting, bitter and rebellious teenager.  Kate, with her fountain of love, is thrilled to meet her daughter even if Grace refuses to acknowledge her as mother. And Kate might want to resist Zack but that old chemistry never left them.  Can Kate risk being hurt again by a man who doesn’t believe in ever-afters? Even if Kate can move beyond mourning her husband, what can become of any relationship with Zack except heart ache? Is it possible for Zack to change how he feels about commitment especially when he sees the expanse of Katie’s love?

As these three struggle to find some even ground, there is a side story for Katie’s separated in-laws. The author does a beautiful job in showing the misery of anger, bitterness and loneliness and the opportunities for peace and happiness if we are willing to embrace love.The characters have a true sense of realism. It brought to mind several emotional memories from my own life.

I loved this expression: “Love isn’t just a feeling; it’s a choice.  You have to want to be in a relationship.” There are several other wonderful expressions that are worth remembering. I recommend you read this story and allow the warmth to bloom in your own heart. (And you might need a tissue or two.)

xxx

Check out the Giveaway - five copies to lucky winners.

Review - Risk No Secrets by Cindy Gerard

If you like fast paced suspense and romance, you will like this!

Risk No Secrets (Black Ops, Inc.) by Cindy Gerard

• Mass Market Paperback: 388 pages
• Publisher: Pocket; 1 edition (May 18, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1439153612
• ISBN-13: 978-1439153611

Author website

Rating: 4.25 of 5

Product Description
A deadly international mission reunites a sexy Black Ops, Inc. hero and his sizzling former love in Cindy Gerard’s seductive new romantic thriller. A RED-HOT ATTRACTION . . .Twelve years of chasing bad guys didn’t erase beautiful Sophie Baylor from Wyatt Savage’s memory. If he had another chance, he’d never let her leave. So when she tracks him down from El Salvador and begs for help, he doesn’t ask questions—he just goes.STARTS WITH A TERRIFYING THREAT . . .Sophie is grateful her daughter survived a kidnapping attempt, but she won’t forgive herself until the girl who was mistakenly abducted is safe. Wyatt is the only man brave enough to take on the mysterious terrorists behind the crime—and the one irresistible man she wishes she had never let go. . . . AND UNLEASHES AN UNFORGETTABLE ADVENTURE.Sophie knows Central America’s steamy jungles and sticky politics better than anyone. Yet she refuses to hide in fear. Then she becomes the enemy’s number one target. Wyatt lost her once, and he won’t lose her again—even if he has to fight, kill, or die to save her.

Review:  This fast-paced book has lots of action, tension and love.

Sophie is a dedicated teacher who started a middle school in El Salvador to provide opportunities for poor children who would otherwise never have the chance for this type of education. She is understandably upset when her daughter’s best friend, Lola, is mistakenly kidnaped instead of her own daughter, Hope. When Sophie can’t reach her operative ex-husband, she seeks help from his former best friend, Wyatt.

Wyatt and Hugh had worked together for the government before going their separate ways with private black operations. Twelve years earlier when both men were in Sophie’s Spanish class she was impressed with the quiet, steady and honorable Wyatt. But before Wyatt could make his move, Sophie was swept off her feet and married Hugh.

Wyatt has never stopped comparing other women to beautiful and spirited Sophie.  Now, as he calls in a team to try to locate the missing child and also protect Hope and Sophie, he struggles to decide whether he might have another chance to win  the woman he has always loved.

There is plenty of action as the team takes out gang members and destroys buildings during its search. It's not surprising when the bad guys retaliate and come after Sophie's home. It was only surprising it took so long, although in truth all of this takes place in just a few days.

The leader of the terrorist gang is revealed early and he is a real nasty villain. There is also an unrevealed cohort and the clues lead you to believe he is a respected member of the community. I did have my suspicions who this might be but the ultimate revelation is presented in a shocking circumstance.

The love and sexual relationship between Sophie and Wyatt is very well handled. The love scenes are very sexy without being lewd or offensive. The tension and conflicts kick up a notch when Hugh comes home and walks in on Sophie and Wyatt in the master bedroom.

I thought there was one tiny flaw as another child was rescued who had been held for six months. That was not consistent with the kidnappers wanting the ransom for Lola within three days, but it didn’t have that big of an impact on the story.

The characters are well developed, the action explosive and the writing crisp to suit the fast pace.  I call this an exciting romance read.

xxx

This book was provided through the Pajama Chat Readers Club at Romance in the Backseat.

Review - The 9th Judgment by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro

Title: The 9th Judgment
Author: James Patterson and Maxine Paetro

• Audio CD
• Publisher: Hachette Audio; Abridged edition (April 26, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1607881772
• ISBN-13: 978-1607881773

Author web site.

Rating: 4.0 

Product Description
During an intimate dinner party, a cat burglar breaks into the home of A-list actor Marcus Dowling. When his wife walks in on the thief, the situation quickly teeters out of control, leaving an empty safe and a lifeless body.

The same night, a woman and her infant child are ruthlessly gunned down in an abandoned garage. The killer hasn't left a shred of evidence, except for a foreboding and cryptic message: WCF, the letters written in blood-red letters.

With two elusive criminals on the loose, Detective Lindsay Boxer calls on the Women's Murder Club to help her stop them before they continue their spree. But before they can break either case, the Lipstick Killer changes his act and demands a ransom--not for a single victim, but for all of San Francisco. Lindsay puts her own life on the line--but will it be enough to save the city from this deranged killer?

(This description applies to the Audio Cd Version.)

Review: This is an entertaining battle against a horrendous crime. There are a few controversial issues and a few loose ends but I found this abridged version to be a reasonably satisfying audio book.

The “Hello Kitty” cat burglaries are described from the view of the cat burglar herself who provides enough detail to give a sense of adrenaline and tension.  What bothers the burglar, Sara, is that she is falsely accused of murder at one of the jobs.  There is no evidence to link the crimes to her but she doesn’t want the murderer to get away with it.  The burglar is actually presented as a likeable character.  She does slip up on a later job and that part of the police hunt is left incomplete. The police have evidence but there is never an arrest or an explanation why they don’t tie the evidence to a perpetrator so that part of the story seems abandoned in this audio version.

The Lipstick Killer, on the other hand, is a despicable monster. He kills mothers and their small children in cold blood. As awful as this is I don’t feel it was exploitation but rather a story of a twisted killer.  This psycho uses Lindsay in a humiliating, not to mention life-threatening, way in trying to get a ransom delivered. The crime spree comes to a head more by accident than hard detective work.

I know some readers were offended and refused to read the book because the murders included the innocent babies.  There might be other readers who get upset by the love affair between the married Sara and her married female friend. In the audio book there is clearly a relationship but there are no explicit details.

I noted the Product Description for the book format referred to a love conflict between Detective Lindsay and her partner Rich Conklin.  Frankly, I am glad that the abridged audio does not include this as I would have really disliked it considering that Lindsay is living with her fiancé, Joe and Rich is in a relationship with Cindy, another member of the Women’s Murder Club.  So perhaps in this instance the abridged audio is safer than reading the full book or listening to the unabridged audio.

Review - The Brothers of Gwynedd, Book Two: The Dragon at Noonday

The Brothers of Gwynedd: The Legend of the First True Prince of Wales by Edith Pargeter

Book Two: The Dragon at Noonday

Paperback: Second Book 193 pages of 772 total pages
Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark; Reprint edition (May 2010)
ISBN-10: # 140223760X
ISBN-13: 978-1402237607

Rating 5.0

Product Description

A Burning Desire for One Country, One Love, and One Legacy That Will Last Forever.
Llewelyn, prince of Gwynedd, dreams of a Wales united against the English, but first he must combat enemies nearer home. Llewelyn and his brothers-Owen Goch, Rhodri, and David-vie for power among themselves and with the English king, Henry III. Despite the support of his beloved wife, Eleanor, Llewelyn finds himself trapped in a situation where the only solution could be his very downfall...
Originally published in England as four individual novels, The Brothers of Gwynedd transports you to a world of chivalry, gallant heroes, and imprisoned damsels; to star-crossed lovers and glorious battle scenes; and is Edith Pargeter's absorbing tale of tragedy, traitors, and triumph of the heart.

Review: This reading is not fast but the rich history just wraps around me!  I only wish that there was a map to identify the placement of the castles and towns.

Book two continues with Samson serving as clerk and friend to Prince Llewelyn. Although Llewelyn is able to gather loyalty of many of the lords of Wales, there is heartbreak as he loses the support and fealty of his own brothers.

A large part of this book revolves around the English rebellions and struggles to establish a Parliament to give voice to the common people. This reformation movement is led by Earl Leicester, Simon de Monfort.  Llewelyn assigns Samson to serve as clerk and courier to Lord Simon.


Samson describes Simon as an upright and saintly man with this wonderful vision of justice and right. There is a spiritual sense of blessing on one particular victory where Simon captures King Henry, Lord Edward and many others.  Simon is a good military strategist but he does not have a killer instinct.  Always his goal is conciliation, as he seeks peace to negotiate terms of the reform. Although Simon is honorable and steadfast, his position is weak in contrast to the envy, greed, lying and cheating that he has to contend with.

The description of the final battle is gripping and painful and I was struggling with the emotions of despair and grief.  Fortunately the story does not end in that sorrow but there is triumph for Wales.  Llewelyn and King Henry finally enter into agreement acknowledging Wales in its own sovereignty.

Another beautiful aspect of this story is the love that is acknowledged between Samson and Cristin.  In the first book when it is discovered that her husband lives, Samson was surprised to learn that it was his true brother, a fact that Cristin alone knew and a  relationship that is not revealed to anyone else.  Neither Samson nor Cristin will dishonor their love by physical longings but they agree that they cannot deny its existence and vow to always love and cherish, even if it must be apart.

This book ends with Llewelyn determined to reach his second goal: to marry Lord Simon’s young daughter, Eleanor.  This had been agreed to between Lord Simon and Llewelyn when they met before the battle that broke the reform. I look forward to watching this meeting and courtship in Book Three, The Hounds of Sunset.

 xxx

Also see my review of Book One, Sunrise in the West. 

This book was provided by Sourcebooks for review and participation in Summer Book Club. 
 

Review - Beyond the Map's Boundary: A Timely Sort of Adventure by Nibi Soto

http://marthasbookshelf.blogspot.com/2010/06/follow-beyond-maps-boundary-virtual.htmlTitle:  Beyond the Map's Boundary: A Timely Sort of Adventure 
Author:  Nibi Soto

• Perfect Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Thornock Int'l Productions Inc (February 1, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0615288251
• ISBN-13: 978-0615288253

Rating: 4.5

Product Description
All Mattie Bott and Trevor Karington have ever known were unusually happy, stable lives without any hint as to who they really are. Suddenly, Mattie starts seeing into the future and witnessing historical events appearing on particles of light. Unknowingly, Mattie was born into a family of Trekkers (time travelers). In order to save Mattie from dissolving into the core of time, Trevor becomes her Splitter (time link), making it possible for her to return to the present following each Divvy (time travel) to the past. With the accidental discovery of the Rings of Prather Mendell, Trevor now shares many of her powers as her partner. Together they try to foil the plan of the Interloper (an illicit time traveler from the future), who will stop at nothing to possess the secret, supernatural abilities of the time travelers and the forbidden powers of the rings.

Review: This fun, fast read pulls you in quickly and sends you along time hopping and teleporting!

The author has created a time traveling world with its own special jargon: Trekkers, Splitters, Divvys, Boosts and more. There is a “Words and Terms” in the back to help follow the new buzz terms. The action is fast paced from beginning to end and there is sweet romance and fuzzy family affection.

The story jumps into a bit of mystery and moves quickly to a crisis threatening Mattie’s parents. When Mattie’s mother disappears, Mattie suddenly has to get a crash course on being an Inheritor of the time travel gifts. Mattie runs into trouble the very first day and Trevor is pulled in to become her Splitter and help mate. It isn’t enough to figure out the clues to get Mattie back from an accidental time trip but then they have to race to get married before Mattie disappears back to the void...one body part at a time!

The Interloper seems to be one step ahead of the family as he burglarizes houses and the special Library vault trying to get the power of the Rings. The Interloper kidnaps Mattie’s dad and Mattie and Trevor have to research the Book of Ancestors and seek some unexpected allies to find a way to rescue him. There are jingles and chants to learn and codes to puzzle through.

I really liked the intricate details that were necessary to keep the travel lines and modes accurate. Each character fits well in their role, including an eccentric housekeeper aunt and a bitter librarian aunt. The writing is a clean, simple level so that young teens can enjoy it as well as adults who like a fun, quick read. The matching pictures at the beginning of each chapter help you visualize the actions described. There were inaccuracies in the legal aspect of the “eviction” but that only bothered my lawyer side a little bit. Since it is all fantasy then that sort of thing doesn’t have to be accurate as long as the fantasy world is stable, which it is.

The Interloper has an accomplice whose identity remains secret. Also, Mattie gets some help from some younger twins who are also a mystery. With these items left unexplained it appears there is a plan for a sequel. That is good - I say “bring it on”.  This is a good break from historical fiction and romance.  I bet the Audio version would be a lot of fun too.

xxx

This book was provided for review in association with the Tour (check the link for other tour stops) through Pump Up Your Book Promotions.

Review - Knight of Passion by Margaret Mallory

Title:  Knight of Passion (All the King's Men) 
Author:  Margaret Mallory

• Mass Market Paperback: 416 pages
• Publisher: Forever (June 1, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0446559865
• ISBN-13: 978-0446559867

Rating: 4.0

Product Description
HOW CAN THIS PASSIONATE KNIGHT...
Renowned beauty Lady Linnet is torn between two desires: revenge on those who destroyed her family or marriage to her childhood sweetheart Sir James Rayburn. One fateful night, she makes a misguided choice: she sacrifices Jamie's love for a chance at vengeance.

TRUST A BEAUTY WITH A PAST?
Jamie Rayburn returns to England in search of a virtuous wife-only to find the lovely Linnet as bewitching as ever. Their reckless affair ignites anew, even hotter than before, although Jamie vows to never again trust her with his heart. Then just as Linnet begins to make amends, she's tempted by one last opportunity to settle old scores. But a final retribution could cost her Jamie's love - this time forever.

Review: This story contains lots of passion with some missteps and excitement along the way.

Lady Linnet is set on revenge and will do whatever it takes to find the men who betrayed her Grandfather.  She cannot forget hiding under the bed as the men stripped their house and left her and her twin brother, Francois, out in the cold to fend for themselves.  Linnet’s plans are to marry an elderly man and become a young, wealthy widow with the means to search out the men who destroyed her family. At sixteen she seduces her childhood sweetheart, Sir James, who is perfectly willing because he is in love and plans to marry this beautiful, rebellious temptress.  Jamie is stricken to learn Linnet has used him to tarnish herself to keep her father from making an unwanted marriage for her.

Sir James turns tail and heads out to war to become a fierce warrior knight. When he returns from battle five years later  he doesn’t plan on renewing an affair with Linnet but the passion between them flares hot.  Their manipulative dance picks up again as neither is willing to invest their hearts or let the other know their true feelings.

I had a lot of trouble enjoying the beginning of this story because I was very put off by Linnet’s flirtatious manipulations and her sexual relationship with Jamie. She practically flaunts her dishonesty as she purposefully leads him to believe the worst about her behavior. Linnet actually is a smart merchant and a good friend to the Queen but she has the tendency to use her beauty and sexual nature as a tool, ignoring the fact she is developing a few enemies.

Fortunately I am glad to say that the last 100 pages of this book saved the read for me. When Linnet gets kidnapped by the villains the story rushes on at a breath catching pace while you hope for her rescue!  I also enjoyed the history that is the backdrop for the story. Linnet is a close  friend to widowed Queen Katherine whose baby is a pawn in the royal household struggles  between the Duke of Gloucester and the Bishop of Winchester. The political posturing added additional intrigue to the story.

The writing flowed well and Ms. Mallory is to be commended on creating the complex character of Linnet. Once I got beyond Linnet’s flirtatious personality I did enjoy the book and recommend it especially to readers who enjoy the historical genre.

Review and Giveaway - Three Copies of ALEX CROSS'S TRIAL

Title: ALEX CROSS'S TRIAL

Author: James Patterson, Richard Dilallo

• Paperback: 416 pages
• Publisher: Grand Central Publishing; Reprint edition (April 6, 2010)
• ISBN-10: 0446561800
• ISBN-13: 978-0446561808

Rating: 5.0

Description from Author's site:
Alex Cross tells the incredible story—passed down through the generations—of an ancestor's courageous fight for freedom.

SEPARATED BY TIME
From his grandmother, Alex Cross heard the story of his great-uncle Abraham and his struggles for survival in the era of the Ku Klux Klan. Now, Alex passes the family tale along to his own children in a book he's written—a novel called Trial.

CONNECTED BY BLOOD
A lawyer in early-1900s Washington, D.C., Ben Corbett fights against oppression and racism—and risks his family and his life in the process. When President Theodore Roosevelt asks Ben to return to his hometown to investigate rumors of the resurgence of the Ku Klux Klan there, he cannot refuse.

UNITED BY BRAVERY
In Eudora, Mississippi, Ben meets the wise Abraham Cross and his beautiful daughter, Moody. With their help, Ben discovers that lynchings have become commonplace. Ben vows to break the reign of terror—but the truth of who is really behind it may break his heart. Written in the fearless voice of Detective Alex Cross, ALEX CROSS'S TRIAL is a gripping story of murder, love, and unparalleled bravery.

REVIEW: This was an awesome story depicting Ku Klux Klan brutality, racial hatred and the atmosphere of fear that reigned in southern communities in the early 1900s. 

Do not be misled by the average rating at Amazon. Apparently a lot of Alex Cross fans were outraged that the book was not about Alex Cross but used his name in the title.  I agree that the title “Alex Cross’s” Trial was strange, but the book description indicates that it is not an Alex Cross mystery. Rather it is presented as a book written by Alex Cross.

Ben Corbitt is sent by Presidential order to investigate the truth of lynching activities in his home town of Eudora, Mississippi.  Ben is a sensitive Washington, D.C. lawyer who has bypassed legal fame and fortune to devote himself to helping the poor and oppressed. There is an interesting side story dealing with Ben’s martial trouble as his wife objects to his failure to seek monetary success instead of the path he has chosen. But duty calls and Ben heads off not realizing the terror he will face.

Abraham Cross has been directed to assist Ben and he shows Ben around the “Quarters” where the blacks live in dilapidated shacks. Then Abraham takes him to the stately homes of the wealthy whites with the nearby lynching trees that are set up for “entertainment” during the brutal punishment and murders. Abraham’s young granddaughter, Moody, is stubborn, resentful and belligerent.  These three characters exhibit extreme bravery facing a hostile community.

Ben knew he would not have a warm welcome from his estranged father.  Unfortunately, Ben  slowly discovers that he may not be able to trust any of his old childhood friends as he finds them
deceiving him and in cahoots with the very men who threaten to kill the “upstart” blacks and Ben.

Several incidents of beatings and murder go unheeded. Finally three white men are arrested and charged with murder when they are caught red handed during an attack against Abraham and his family in his own home.  I was distressed by the complete injustices during the ensuing trial and not real thrilled with the Presidential response. On the other hand, it all fit with the times and the story.

I was fascinated and horrified by this descriptive, up close and personal, account of beatings and lynchings. The story gives insight into possible fears of the white men and women that resulted in their horrible treatment of black people during this turbulent time. It opened my eyes and made me think more about the injustices suffered by the blacks and the white people who were willing to try to help them. "Gripping" is an apt description for this story.

TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY - THREE WINNERS:

1.a) Tell me if you know of another book that you would recommend that depicts these racial struggles. Or
b) Check out the video of the author on this book and comment on it.

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

3. For another entry, 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.
(Three total entries possible.)  MAKE SURE YOU LEAVE YOUR E-MAIL!

THERE WILL BE THREE WINNERS!

THANK YOU AGAIN TO HACHETTE AND VALERIE for providing the book for me to read and providing the books for Giveaway!

* This contest is only open to residents of US and Canada.
* No P.O. Boxes Please - for shipping reasons
* This contest will close Midnight (Central) on June 11, 2010. The winners will be randomly selected from all entries.

Review of Yesterday's Promise by Delia Latham

This review has been posted at You Gotta Read Reviews.
Title: Yesterday’s Promise
Author: Delia Latham
Publisher: White Rose Publishing
Buy Yesterday's Promise Here!

Rating: You GOTTA Read

Reviewed by: MarthaE

A whirlwind romance amidst the natural splendor of Yosemite National Park.

A spur-of-the-moment wedding near Bridalveil Fall.

A young bride who awakens the morning after to find her new husband gone with the mountain wind.

Songbird Hannah Johns supports the child born of that ill-fated union by singing in a dinner lounge. Her dream of someday owning the elite establishment and turning it into a venue more suited to her Christian values is shattered when an unexpected transaction places it in the hands of Brock Ellis, the handsome biker who abandoned her in their honeymoon suite.

Ensuing sparks fly high, revealing buried secrets and forgotten pasts. Seeking to find peace with her painful past, Hannah returns to Yosemite, and Brock follows hard on her heels. Back where it all began, she finds herself in danger of losing her heart yet again to the man who shattered it the first time around.

REVIEW: This story grabs your attention and doesn’t let go!

Hannah is a dedicated singer at a dinner lounge. She dreams of saving her money to buy the lounge from her beloved, “fatherly” boss, Kip, and turn it into a Christian bookstore and coffee shop. That is hard to do as she struggles to raise her three year old son as a single mother.

Her dreams are shattered when Kip tells her he is selling out because of his deteriorating health. That is tough enough to take but becomes even harder when she discovers the buyer is Brock, the man who walked out of her live three years before after their wedding night. Add insult to injury when Brock shows absolutely no recognition of Hannah.

Brock is handsome and protective, if a bit overbearing. He is completely puzzled by Hannah’s antagonism towards him but still drawn to her and her impishly sweet son with whom he strikes up a quick friendship.

Hannah keeps her secrets out of pride and Brock hides his secrets for other reasons. The repartee and dance between them is engaging and endearing. Hannah struggles to allow her Christian faith to govern her actions rather than be controlled by her anger and resentment. Can she get past her hurt and open her heart to learn the truth and give healing forgiveness? Can Brock allow himself to heal from his injuries and discover the past he has lost?

The Yellowstone scenery is described exquisitely so that you want to go visit the setting. The supporting characters have enough depth to add to the story without distracting or detracting from the main protagonists.

The story moves along quickly as you wait to see how God will work things out for these two characters. Hannah’s steadfast faith, even laced with some natural doubt and human struggles, is wonderful to read. The romance that is revealed is warm and beautiful. This is just a superb story and I have added Ms. Latham to my “must read” author list!

Author's Website 

Review The Brothers ofGwynedd by Edith Pargeter - Book One, Sunrise in the West

The Brothers of Gwynedd: The Legend of the First True Prince of Wales by Edith Pargeter
Part One: Sunrise in the West


Paperback: First Book 186 pages of 772 total pages
Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark; Reprint edition (May 2010)
ISBN-10: # 140223760X
ISBN-13: 978-1402237607

Rating 5.0

Product Description

A Burning Desire for One Country, One Love, and One Legacy That Will Last Forever.
Llewelyn, prince of Gwynedd, dreams of a Wales united against the English, but first he must combat enemies nearer home. Llewelyn and his brothers-Owen Goch, Rhodri, and David-vie for power among themselves and with the English king, Henry III. Despite the support of his beloved wife, Eleanor, Llewelyn finds himself trapped in a situation where the only solution could be his very downfall...
Originally published in England as four individual novels, The Brothers of Gwynedd transports you to a world of chivalry, gallant heroes, and imprisoned damsels; to star-crossed lovers and glorious battle scenes; and is Edith Pargeter's absorbing tale of tragedy, traitors, and triumph of the heart.

Review:  This story presents a remarkably life-like portrait of the battle for leadership and freedom in Medieval Wales.  It is the tale of the rise of the first true Prince of Wales, Lleweyln of Gwynedd. 

The tale, and fictionalized history is told as though through the journal or memoirs of Samson.  Samson, the son of a lady’s maid and nurse, grows up with the Gwynedd family in the household of Lady Senena, the mother of the four brothers who will vie for power.  Llewelyn and Samson were born the same night and raised together for six years before Samson is sent of for schooling. When Samson returns he helps take care of the younger boys, Rhodri and David, learning their natures and personalities.

Lady Senena decides to take her young sons to England to gain protection from the King and petition for release of her husband and their eldest son. Llewelyn chooses to run off to live with his Uncle David in Wales, rather than go with his family to England. Thus Llewelyn is the son who is ingrained in the Welsh culture while the other brothers have a close exposure to England.

Samson describes the determination of the boys’ strong willed mother and the developing characters and motives of each of the brothers.  Samson’s memories are fleshed out and enhanced by his mature reflections of the past and by the end of the first book you feel as if you are living the times with the characters.

The story is rich with the political intrigues of the era.  Through the insightful and intriguing memories and observations of Samson the author reveals the struggle between the English and the Welsh and also the wrangling for land and power among the Welsh clans. The brothers themselves are at odds, fighting for shares of inheritance and more importantly the power to lead Wales during this tumultuous time.

Although there are a number of characters, once you distinguish who they are, it is not difficult to follow and it is interesting to watch how the relationships and interactions among the brothers play out.  I really like Samson and his fair observations and his deep loyalty; traits which all of the brothers respect in him. There is some unrequited romance and lots of manipulation to keep your attention in the story.

I will be interested to learn what happens in the next three parts of this book.

XXX

On May 24, from 7-9 pm EST, Passages to the Past will be hosting the first Sourcebook Summer Reading Club discussion about this novel.Meet us there if you would like to join in.

Here are the postings for the other reviews of Part One.

May 17 Reviews
The Burton Review	http://www.theburtonreview.com/
The Bibliophilic Book Blog	http://www.bibliophilicbookblog.com/
Rundpinne	http://www.rundpinne.com/
A Reader's Respite	http://readersrespite.blogspot.com/
History Undressed	http://www.historyundressed.blogspot.com/
Linda Banche Blog	http://lindabanche.blogspot.com/
A Hoyden's Look at Literature	http://caramellunacy.blogspot.com/
Royal Reviews	http://theroyalreviews.blogspot.com/
May 18 Reviews
Between the Pages	http://www.betweenthelinesandmore.blogspot.com/
The Broken Teepee	http://www.brokenteepee.blogspot.com/
Books and Coffee	http://bookswithcoffee.wordpress.com/
Book Girl of Mur-y-Castell	http://books-forlife.blogspot.com/
Tanzanite's Shelf and Stuff	http://shelfandstuff.blogspot.com/
Passages to the Past	http://www.passagestothepast.com/
The Book Faery	http://tbfreviews.net/
A Girl Walks Into a Bookstore	http://agirlwalksintoabookstore.blogspot.com/
Martha's Bookshelf	http://marthasbookshelf.blogspot.com/
May 19 Reviews
Beth Fish	http://bfishreads.blogspot.com/
Deb's Book Bag	http://debsbookbag.blogspot.com/
Book Tumbling	http://booktumbling.com/
A Work in Progress	http://danitorres.typepad.com/workinprogress/
Stiletto Storytime	http://www.stilettostorytime.wordpress.com/
Queen of Happy Endings	http://alainereading.blogspot.com/
May 20 Reviews
The Literate Housewife	http://literatehousewife.com/
Reading Adventures	http://readingadventures.blogspot.com/
Books Like Breathing	http://bibliophile23.wordpress.com/
Kailana's Written World	http://myreadingbooks.blogspot.com/
Confessions of a Muse in the Fog	http://muse-in-the-fog.blogspot.com/
Wendy's Minding Spot	http://mindingspot.blogspot.com/
Mrs. Q Book Addict	http://web.me.com/quirion
The Life and Lies of a Flying Inanimate Object	http://www.haleymathiot.blogspot.com/
Starting Fresh	http://startingfresh-gaby317.blogspot.com/
May 21 Reviews
Loving Heart Mommy	http://www.lovingheartmommy.com/
Peeking Between the Pages	http://peekingbetweenthepages.blogspot.com/
Celtic Lady's Ramblings	http://celticladysreviews.blogspot.com/
Bookfoolery	http://bookfoolery.blogspot.com/
One Literature Nut	http://mjmbecky.blogspot.com/
The Book Tree	http://thebooktree.blogspot.com/
My Reading Room	http://myreadingroom-crystal.blogspot.com/
May 23 Reviews
Carla Nayland's Blog	http://www.carlanayland.org/index.shtml

Review and Giveaway - The Higest Stakes by Emery Lee

The Highest Stakes by Emery Lee
Paperback: 560 pages
Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark (April 1, 2010)
ISBN-10: 1402236425
ISBN-13: 978-1402236426
Author Website

Rating: 4.25 of 5

A tale of drama, danger, thwarted love, and retribution set in the high stakes gentleman’s world of 18th century horse racing, where fortunes could be won… and lost…

Product Description
The breathtaking origins of thoroughbred horse racing. A tale of drama, danger, thwarted love, and retribution set in the high stakes gentleman-s world of 18th century horse racing, where fortunes could be won... and lost...
She’s lonely and neglected, but she knows horses...
Charlotte Wallace is orphaned and alone until a sympathetic stable boy takes her under his wing and teaches her everything about thoroughbred racing. In the process, the two discover in each other a love destined to be thwarted at every turn...
If only he could, he’d take her away with him forever...
Robert Devington has tried everything to persuade Charlotte’s uncle to allow them to marry. Then an ill-fated friendship, a scandal in the making, and one desperate act of folly rob them of their love and his livelihood... Dead set on retribution, all Robert’s hopes are hanging on one small horse-his only chance to reclaim his land, his dignity, and his love, against all odds...

Review: This is wonderfully engaging and rich debut novel. The history of thoroughbred horse racing is woven into a star-crossed romance with a truly authentic feel.

The Product Description does a good job of summarizing the story although it doesn’t really say that Robert’s pride stands in his way quite often. Robert is bright, determined and a bit too proud sometimes. His extreme risk taking in the racing realm was a bit frustrating for me and his hot headed stubbornness definitely got him into trouble.

Charlotte is a girl after my own childhood heart when I loved being outside with the horses (farm horses, not thoroughbreds). She falls in love with a groomsman but her Uncle wants to use her as a pawn. She is strong minded and faithful but stuck in the society she was born to. Although she is willing to take a risk on Robert he isn’t willing to take one on her without proving himself first.

There are several good secondary characters that give added depth to the story.  Charlotte's Uncle is a country squire seeking to build up a renowned and prosperous stable. Robert's good friend from their war service is particularly complex and plays a surprising role in Robert's misfortune.

I enjoyed the history of how all thoroughbred horses started from three specific Arabian stallions imported to England. The details of the owners and horse racing were wonderfully presented by factual information placed smoothly in conversation and description. Those details were extremely well researched and the writing fit the setting and time period so it seemed quite authentic. You could feel the excitement of the horse races and the intense emotions of the participants - both men and noble beasts.

I would not describe this as light, but it moved at a good pace with all the action in racing and war settings. It is a very enjoyable read. Wonderful for those who like historical romance with real history and those who like horses and those who love romance that has to overcome multiple obstacles.

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Thank you to Danielle at Sourcebook for this fine book.

TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY FOR THIS VERY GENTLY READ ARC:

1. Comment on the review telling me a little something you know about horses or horseracing or have you ever been to a real horse race?  Please leave your e-mail!

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

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

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

* This contest is only open to residents of US and Canada.
* No P.O. Boxes Please - for shipping reasons.
* This contest will close Midnight (Central) on May 21, 2010. The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.