Review and Giveaway of ARC - Uncertain Magic by Laura Kinsale

Title: Uncertain Magic by Laura Kinsale

Author: Laura Kinsale
Genre: Historical Romance
Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (May 4, 2010)
ISBN-10: 1402237022
ISBN-13: 978-1402237027

Rating: 4.75 of 5.0

Back cover Blurb:

A man damned by suspicion and innuendo
Dreadful rumors swirl around the impoverished Irish lord known as "The Devil Earl." But Faelan Savigar hides a dark secret, for even he doesn't know what dreadful deeds he may be capable of...

A woman cursed by the gift of "sight"
Roderica Delamore fears no man will ever want a wife who can read his every thought and emotion, until she encounters Faelan. As the two find their way to each other against all odds, Roddy becomes determined to save Faelen from his terrifying and mysterious ailment. But will their love end up saving him...or destroying her? A breathtaking historical romance filled with poignancy, darkness, love, and an unexpected twist of Gaelic magic...

Review: This is an magical read with an enchanting heroine and a dark, brooding hero!

Roderica, “Roddy”, is a brave 19 year old who longs to live a “normal” live.  Instead, she struggles with her “curse” that allows her to hear the thoughts of others.  Her wealthy family has sheltered her, partly from fear of others learning of her “gift” and partly because it can be overwhelming for Roddy to be among crowds.  That doesn’t exactly keep Roddy from sneaking out, especially to indulge her special touch with the horses.  Roddy also shows great fortitude in adapting to new and difficult circumstances.

Faelan is called “The Devil Earl” because it is widely believed that he killed his father as a boy of 10 or 11.  He is aloof, dark and enigmatic.  Since people view him as dangerous he seems suited to play the part. Because he really does have memory lapses and doesn’t know what crimes and injuries he has caused he tends to keep everyone at arms length rather than risk possibly hurting others.

Roddy is able to convince “The Devil Earl” to strike his winning horse before it is injured. She is shocked that her gift doesn’t work with the Earl.  Even so, she is able to see natural respect and kindness, and also loneliness, underneath his public mask. She decides to marry him because she thinks she could have a “normal” life with him.  The Earl is willing to marry her because he desperately wants her extensive dowry to rebuild his deteriorated Irish estate, but he is also intrigued by this daring and entrancing creature. Roddy wants to help solve the puzzle of his memory loss but is hindered by his pushing her away out of fear of what harm he might even, or especially, unknowingly cause.

Roddy and Faelan begin to learn more about each other and slowly build respect, companionship and some trust. Unfortunately the trust issues are thwarted by imagined betrayals on both sides. Faelan believes that Roddy still has a crush on her childhood friend, Lord Geoffrey, who is a good friend of Faelan’s and a known philanderer. Roddy believes that Faelan is still seeing his mistress and she struggles with trying to accept that when she really desperately wants his love. 
Add to these difficulties, Faelan's mother, Lady Iveragh who shows up before the newly weds can leave for Ireland. She is a constant whirlwind with a mind in such turmoil that Roddy can only read brief flashes of fear and dark, troubling thoughts. Her behavior gives some insight into Faelan’s own aloof character.

The emotional struggles of the couple are intensified by the fear and turmoil provided by Irish rebellion and English brutality in 1797.  The interesting political upheaval is seamlessly woven into the story as are the paranormal, fae and magical elements. I enjoy Ms. Kinsale's very smooth writing style. This is a truly delightful and engaging romance.

XXX

Thank you to Sourcebooks for the opportunity to read this ARC and giveaway my copy.

I have an older 1987 copy of this book.  It is not in the best of shape, being a bit warped and worn. If someone wants to “claim” the older version and forego the giveaway I will send the older book to the first person who claims it. OR IF no one claims it and you are willing to accept it as a second place win, let me know in your comment that you want to be in on a runner-up drawing.  UPDATE:  Virginia - GcWhiskas claimed the older book by e-mail one minute before the first comment was made.

 TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY FOR THE ARC:

1. Comment on the review telling me if you like "fae" creatures or elements, and if so, do you have a favorite?  Alternative comment: visit the author's website and tell me something you learned 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 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 10:00 PM (Central) on June 1, 2010. The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.

Three Winners of The 8th Confession!

CONGRATULATIONS

to the winners of The 8th Confession by James Patterson

Cheryl

Gina

and

RobynL

I will send the winners the form to fill out for the Hachette information.

Giveaway - Up to Three Copies of Green Like God

Title: Green Like God: Unlocking the Divine Plan for Our Planet
Author: Jonathan Merritt

• Hardcover: 208 pages
• Publisher: FaithWords (April 6, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0446557250

    Publisher's Description

 Green Like God: Unlocking the Divine Plan for Our PlanetIn GREEN LIKE GOD, Jonathan Merritt gently and insightfully observes that the bible has a lot to say about environmental problems like unclean water, material waste, over consumption, air pollution, and global warming. In fact, Jonathan writes that "in the book of Genesis, God went green and never looked back." Relying heavily on scripture, Jonathan gives the case for green living, but not because it's trendy and hip. Rather, it's part of living rightly as a believer. It's an act of obedience to our Creator-God.

GREEN LIKE GOD is at once practical, prescriptive, and conversational in tone. The author looks at a number of trends with tips to help the reader wade into the world of creation care living. An appendix includes suggestions of things we can do. In addition, the book includes interviews with everyday Christians to tell the story of the journey to environmental stewardship among people of faith.

This is the book that Christians are longing for and need today. Written for a new generation of Christians who are struggling with how to deal with the important issue of creation-care and green living, GREEN LIKE GOD is both highly relevant and theologically sound. It will have a profound impact on how Christians live and interact with the world today.

REVIEW:  This book is gently powerful.  Mr. Merritt presents the "green" issues of caring for our planet not as a fad, a trend or as a politically correct position to endorse for a season.  Rather, the author presents the environment issues as a committed lifestyle awareness; choosing to recognize God's special creation and man's responsibility to care for it.  Mr. Merritt's arguments are consistently and well supported with Biblical references - the Creator's instruction manual.  In addition to quoting numerous and applicable Biblical passages, the author quotes poetry like this verse on page 34:

"As the English poet, John Drinkwater wrote:
When you defile the pleasant streams,
And the wild bird's abiding place,
You massacre a million dreams
And cast your spittle in God's face."

Near the end the author includes a chapter of Guidelines for a Greener Life which sets out some simple suggestions for even small lifestyle changes that can make a difference.  Then in The Big, Bad Climate Question he recommends always seeking honesty, integrity, justice (including compassion to the less fortunate who will struggle more with less resources) and prudence.

Living green is not always a favorable topic for people. Viewing it from a Biblical perspective will be less favorable for some. But if you are at all interested in environmental issues and are willing to view our earth as God's special creation, I think you will really be stirred this this book.

THANKS ONCE AGAIN TO HACHETTE AND VALERIE for the opportunity to give away this book.
This giveaway will provide one book for each 5 different people entries.  So for 5 people entered there will be one book, for 10 entered there will be two books and for 15 or more people there will be three books given away.

TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for the Book:

1. For your main entry tell me any recycling you do or make a comment on one of the three links a) -c).  Make sure you leave your e-mail address!
a) Check out the Author's Website and tell me something you found interesting there.OR
b) You can browse the book here and comment on what you see OR
c) Listen to the Blog Talk Radio Live Interview and tell me something you learned.

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.

4. For one more extra entry click on The Rainforest Site to give - it's free! Tell me that you did so I can give you that bonus entry.

It isn't necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.
(Four total entries possible.)  MAKE SURE YOU LEAVE YOUR E-MAIL!

UP TO THREE WINNERS!

* 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 28, 2010. The winners will be randomly selected from all entries.

It's Monday! What are you Reading May 10, 2010?

This meme starts at One Person's Journey Through A World of Books!

I didn't get to visit too much this week. Busy as solo at the office.
I did get a couple more reviews done - I keep plugging away.
Took time this week working on line edits of another new book.

Reading went all right.

Finished:

PB:  Eureka Point by Betty Ann Harris
This is a fast enjoyable read.
This is a book I won - it is really nice to read some of my own TBR!  I really liked the cover too!

Product Description

Looking for your knight in shining armour? Running as fast as you can, trying to avoid danger, into the arms of safety or is it? Katie Montgomery, learns that her estranged husband, Craig Montgomery, has been deceiving her and is involved with a dangerous South American drug cartel. He becomes a fugitive and leaves Katie alone and in danger. The FBI is afraid that the drug cartel thinks Katie may know all about their drug operation, and to protect her the FBI assists her in assuming a new identity. Then enters Tom, the FBI special agent assigned to protect her. He is totally smitten with her and will do anything to protect her. They fall for each other but Katie cannot allow herself to give in and show her true feelings. Unexpected twists and turns keep you on your toes as you root for Tom, who turns out to be the modern day knight in shining armor. Are you up to finding out about a Special Agent?

PB:  The Brothers of Gwynedd: The Legend of the First True Prince of Wales by Edith Pargeter.  I am reading this as part of the first Sourcebooks Summer Reading Club! There are four stories together in this book. We are reading one each month.  The first story is Sunrise in the West. Very excellent historical fiction!
My review is to be posted May 18.

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.

PB: Humpty Dumpty & Other Rhymes (Nursery Rhymes Pop-Up Book)
Read with Grandchildren:

Kindle2:  Hard to think I haven't picked up the Kindle for two weeks!  But I have some coming up soon.

Audible: --------

Currently reading:

PB:  Iron Man 2 by Alexander Irvine
Half way through this very fast action read.
Reading this for Hachette with Giveaway to be posted soon!

Product Description

"I am Iron Man." With those words, billionaire industrialist Tony Stark revealed his secret identity. Now a famous high-tech superhero, he uses his powers to protect mankind. Yet things are not going well for Tony Stark. The U.S. military demands control of the most powerful weapon on earth--the Iron Man suit. His beautiful new assistant has a strange, mysterious agenda while his best friend, Rhodey, has betrayed him. And Tony is hunted by a vengeful Russian criminal armed with a lethal technology that may be stronger than Tony's suit. But even as he fights his demons, the hero faces his greatest threat--one that no armor can defend against . . .

PB Next up: Alex Cross's Trial by James Patterson and Richard Dilallo.  Hachette book with giveaway. 

Product Description:
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.

Kindle2:  Love Come Knocking by Kathy Cakebread

Product Description

Have you ever felt unlucky in love? If you think Cupid has gone on holiday for the last few years then feel happy you're not the only one.Ben Dover is a big guy with a big heart who is desperate to find love in a image conscious society. Follow him in this hilarious tale of dating, love and a little bit of romance as he tries to find the one. Will he finally get struck by Cupids arrow? Read on to find out. The perfect book for the hopelessly romantic!

Audio CD:  Black Hills by Dan Simmons   

DH got the car fixed so I am back to listening to this one.
I started this on my drive to the airport last week. Unusual and interesting. On disc 5. Reviewing for YGR.

Description:

It is an epic tale of a Lakota Sioux named Paha Sapa ("Black Hills") whose life spans the decades of perhaps the greatest change in America's history. When Paha Sapa, a young Sioux warrior, "counts coup" on General George Armstrong Custer as Custer lies dying on the battlefield at the Little Bighorn, the legendary general's ghost enters him - and his voice will speak to him for decades to come.
Seamlessly weaving together the stories of Paha Sapa, Custer, and the American West, Dan Simmons depicts a tumultuous time in the history of both Native and white Americans. Haunted by Custer's ghost, and also by his ability to see into the memories and futures of legendary men like Sioux war-chief Crazy Horse, Paha Sapa's long life is driven by a dramatic vision he experienced as a boy in his people's sacred Black Hills.
In August of 1936, a dynamite worker on the massive Mount Rushmore project, Paha Sapa plans to silence his ghost forever and reclaim his people's legacy-on the very day FDR comes to Mount Rushmore to dedicate the Jefferson face.

Same old story:  I am still working on writing more reviews!

Upcoming books: - I don't think I will get to any of these before the end of the week so these will probably be next week books.
Kindle:
The Heart of a Warrior by Margaret West

Dragonborne by Chandra Ryan

Audio:
Another Chance, Another Time by Catherine Snodgrass.

Audible:  Storm Glass by Maria V. Snyder.  This is on hold for a bit while I listen to audio review books.

Sunday Words of Encouragment May 9, 2010

Our Pastor did a Mother's Day sermon focusing on advise that Jesus' Mother, Mary, might give. She might say:

• Better mothers don't allow difficulties to define them.  They acknowledge consequences but choose to go on with God's grace and mercy.  Like Mary being an unwed mother and facing the stigma and derision that may have caused.
• Better mothers are wise with available resources. Accept support and protection from others - spouse or friends. You don't have to be rich to give your children good gifts. The most important gift and priority is love.
• Better mothers prepare their families for eternity.  It is never too late to be praying for your children.

I thought this would be a good song for Mother's Day. 

I dedicate it to my daughter
who is being a great mom to her son and daughter. 

PRAYER WARRIOR
T.Goodman Sykes/M. Sykes/ C. Cloninger

We may see her in the grocery with her children
Or in the city nine to five each working day
She's a mother or a teacher or a woman all alone
But she's someone else entirely when she prays

She's a prayer warrior down on her knees
Wrestling with power and principalities
Standing in the gap for others
For her sisters and her brothers
Reaching heaven with her heart - prayer warrior

We don't see her lonely nights of intercession
Or that tear she shed with every whispered name
We may not see the simple things hidden in her heart
But the eyes of God are watching her with care

And we'll never wholly know the debt we owe her
For we'll never know the evil we've been spared
Many nights she's crushed through satan's strongholds
Reaching heaven with her prayers

She's a prayer warrior down on her knees
Wrestling with powers and principalities
Standing in the gap for others
For her sisters and her brothers
Reaching heaven with her heart

Oh you have touched the very heart of God
Prayer warrior - prayer warrior - prayer warrior

A verse for today:
Psalm 127:3 New International Reader's Version
Children are a gift from the Lord.
      They are a reward from him.

My mother died of cancer when I was 21. Although she was not a "religous" or "churchy" lady I thank God for the legacy of faith and prayer that she passed on to my brothers, sister and me.
Today I give thanks for mothers who pass on their faith and for those single women who may be a spiritual mother to those around her.  May God Bless you richly!