Reviews By Martha's Bookshelf

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

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

Monday, May 17, 2010

Mailbox Monday May 17, 2010

OOPs - I had this titled as May 10 since I started to draft it last week.

This Meme starts with Marcia at The Printed Page

This covers the last two weeks as I didn't get the post out last Monday!
I got in several review books and these items that I won.

Week ending May 7, 2010

This was a Blogmania Win! I won 4 Children's DVDs from A Mom After God's Own Heart. Thank you PBS and Shirley!

I won the eBook No Other by Shawna K. Williams from a contest at author Diane Craver's Blog

Thank you Shawna and Diane!

This sounds like a lovely read!

Product Description

In the aftermath of WWII all Jakob Wilheimer wants is to get over his pain, get on with life, and if at all possible, forgive those who've wronged his family -- including himself. But it's hard to do when there are constant reminders. One of them being his former schoolmate, now teacher, Meri Parker -- Miss Port Delamar Pearl, Mayor's daughter, Belle of the town -- Meri Parker.

After enduring the stigma and isolation associated with the internment camp, the awkwardness of going back to school should've been a cake walk. But Jakob didn't expect to find himself inexplicably drawn to Meri. Or to discover that the pain and loneliness of her life surpassed his own. She needed to be rescued from the wretched people seeking to control her life. And more than anything, he needed to be the one to save her.

Week ending May 14, 2010

Blogmania win: I won this lovely Latte Canvas from Susan at Blackberry Jam Cafe.

THANK YOU SO MUCH Susan!

Susan described it as:
An original 12" x 16" vintage look canvas for a Latte Lover. The canvas is gallery wrapped, and combines canvas, fabric, and ribbon with a vintage picture of a woman and her Latte in Paris.

I haven't quite decided where to hang it. In truth, I chose this and hoped to win it with the thought to give it to my sister who is a bigger coffee lover than I am! She is also more domestic so I will probably give this to her the next time I see her or for her Birthday in June. Until then I plan to enjoy looking at it in my office!

I won A Daughter's Legacy (Love Inspired) by Virginia Smith at her website.
Thank you Virginia! I am really looking forward to squeezing this into my reading schedule - I am due for a Love Inspired read!

Product Description

To receive her inheritance and make peace with her late mother, Kelli Jackson must abide by the woman's will. Even though it means working as a zookeeper for six months—with animals that terrify her. How can she possibly explain her fears—and her past—to her handsome boss, Jason Andover? The glimpses of kindness— and painful secrets—she sees in his eyes slowly have her sharing everything. But then she makes a startling discovery—one that may tear them apart forever. Unless she can return the gift of love he's given her.

It's Monday! What are you Reading May 17, 2010?

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

Again busy this week and I didn't get to visit around the blog world.
I got a good group of reviews done since I had two nights without internet.
Still working on line edits too.

Reading was good although I only got two finished.

Finished:

PB: Iron Man 2 by Alexander Irvine
Fast action read; comic book heroics but fun. I'll be curious to see the movie.
Review and Giveaway to be posted later this week.

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 . . .

Kindle2:-----------------

Audio: Another Chance, Another Time by Catherine Snodgrass. This was a good romance with well developed characters and an interesting plot.
Read for review for Romance Junkie Reviews.

He has spent an eternity trying to protect and provide for the love of his life. Each time he has failed...miserably. Now fate has given them another chance. Will Alec Edwards and Dani Morgan learn from the mistakes of their past or repeat them all over again?

Currently reading:

PB: Sworn to Protect (Call of Duty Series, Book 2) by DiAnn Mills.
I got this in this week and couldn't resist starting! This pulled me in and I am anxious to read where it goes! About 1/4 read. Reading for review for Romance Junkies.

Border Patrol Agent Danika Morales has sworn to protect the southern borders of our nation, but that oath has cost her. Two years ago, her husband, Toby, was killed trying to help the very immigrants Danika was responsible for sending back to Mexico. His murder was never solved.

But now, a recent string of attacks and arrests leads her to believe that someone in McAllen is profiting from sneaking undocumented immigrants into the country . . . and it may somehow be tied to Toby’s death.

PB: Alex Cross's Trial by James Patterson and Richard Dilallo.
I am only a couple of chapters into this. I am really liking the history aspect! This is another Hachette book for review and 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:
High Octane by Kathleen Scott. Very good action, intrigue, and tension! I am really speeding through this! Reading to review for Romance Junkie Reviews.

Product Description
Two hearts are never more than one dimension apart.
A routine fuel run through one of the planet-s dimensional portals explodes in violence when Major Geneieve Lockhart-s Jumper team is hammered with an unprovoked attack. With her ship disabled and contact to mission control limited, Genie faces her worst nightmare-losing her crew on the blood-soaked floor of a foreign desert.
Help comes from an unlicensed freelance mercenary ship, piloted by a man she never thought she-d see again. Her AWOL ex-lover, Lt. Col. Dante Bowen.
Bowen knows answering Genie-s distress call puts his undercover mission to expose a governmental conspiracy at risk. But after faking his death six years ago, he owes her something. Ending up chained in her cargo hold for transport to his own court martial wasn-t the thanks-for-the-rescue he expected.
The bridges between them may be in ashes, but their desire burns as hot as ever. Even as Genie wonders what happened to Bowen-s code of honor, her body betrays her heart at every turn. The hostile race that attacked her ship, though, is coming back to finish them off. The only way to ensure freedom-on both sides of the dimensional divide-is to put her trust in the one man who betrayed it-
Warning: Contains action-packed dimensional travel, hot military wartime sex, betrayed lovers and evil, power-hungry bastards.

Kindle2: Love Comes Knocking by Kathy Cakebrea. Reading to review for Romance Junkie.

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

The car had fuel pump problems this week after DH fixed the starter. I'll get more done this week with two trips for hearings in other counties. I have found this interesting so far. On disc 7. 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.

I am still working on writing more reviews but I seem to be making progress!

Upcoming books: - These will probably be next week books.
Kindle:
The Heart of a Warrior by Margaret West

Dragonborne by Chandra Ryan

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

Sunday, May 16, 2010

Sunday Words of Encouragement May 16, 2010

This morning we congratulated our high school and college graduates. Then we celebrated communion.
Our Pastor preached on Growing in the Knowledge of God. That knowledge, through faith and through God providing a Spirit of wisdom, is to give us HOPE for our future: an abundant life and an inheritance in eternity. The message was based upon Ephesians 1:13 -19.

I couldn't help but be reminded of this song: Open the Eyes of My Heart

Verses for Today:
Ephesians 1:18-19a (New International Version)

I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.

This morning we prayed for graduates. As they begin a new phase in their lives may they find faith and hope in the power and grace of God.

Saturday, May 15, 2010

Garden Bloom Day May 15, 2010

This meme is hosted at May Dreams Gardens.

It is really for Garden Bloggers but I like to participate because gardening is something I love to do when I am not reading. Which isn't often anymore so most of what I show is work done by my DH!

Okay - it really is spring and the pool has been beautiful. So in honor of this blog post I actually dove in this morning at 7:30 am to do my first 20 laps this year!!

The picture was taken at 8:30 am and shows sun. That wasn't there when I went in. It was about 79 degrees so not too bad. The air temperature was still near 70.

My DH installed the pool last year and built the deck the deck and railing all by himself. He is soooo handy to have around!

At the far end of the pool this is DH's new hanging tomato garden. A friend from church told him how to set up the pots and then he had to build something to hang them on. There are a couple of peppers stuck in there too.

This will be fun to watch grow!

Behind to the left you will see some of the logs he has cut from the tree that had to be felled in order to get some sun on the pool. The logs will be firewood in winter.