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Showing posts from September, 2017

Blog Tour: Last Christmas in Paris: of Novel of World War I by Heather Webb and Hazel Gaynor

Last Christmas in Paris: A Novel of World War I by Heather Webb and Hazel Gaynor Publication Date: October 3, 2017 William Morrow Paperbacks Paperback & eBook; 384 Pages Genre: Historical Fiction      New York Times bestselling author Hazel Gaynor has joined with Heather Webb to create this unforgettably romantic novel of the Great War.      August 1914. England is at war. As Evie Elliott watches her brother, Will, and his best friend, Thomas Harding, depart for the front, she believes—as everyone does—that it will be over by Christmas, when the trio plan to celebrate the holiday among the romantic cafes of Paris.      But as history tells us, it all happened so differently…      Evie and Thomas experience a very different war. Frustrated by life as a privileged young lady, Evie longs to play a greater part in the conflict—but how?—and as Thomas struggles with the unimaginable realities of war he also faces personal battles back home where War

When the Future Comes Too Soon (Malayan #2) by Selina Siak Chin Yoke: A Book Review

When the Future Comes Too Soon (Malayan #2) Author: Selina Siak Chin Yoke Genre: Historical Fiction Publisher: AmazonCrossing Release Date: July 18, 2017 Pages: 322 Source: Netgalley/Publisher in exchange for an honest review. Synopsis: In Japanese-occupied Malaya, lives are shattered and a woman discovers her inner strength in a world ravaged by war.      Following the death of their matriarch, the lives of Chye Hoon’s family are turned upside down. Now that the British have fled and the Japanese have conquered, their once-benign world changes overnight.      Amid the turmoil, Chye Hoon’s daughter-in-law, Mei Foong, must fend for her family as her husband, Weng Yu, becomes increasingly embittered. Challenged in ways she never could have imagined and forced into hiding, Mei Foong finds a deep reservoir of resilience she did not know she had and soon draws the attentions of another man.      Is Mei Foong’s resolve enough to save herself, her marriage, and her family? Only

The Woman Who Breathed Two Worlds (Malayan #1) by Selina Siak Chin Yoke: A Book Review

The Woman Who Breathed Two Worlds (Malayan #1) Author: Selina Siak Chin Yoke Genre: Historical Fiction Publisher: AmazonCrossing Release Date: 2016 Pages: 476 Source: Kindle Unlimited Synopsis: Facing challenges in an increasingly colonial world, Chye Hoon, a rebellious young girl, must learn to embrace her mixed Malayan-Chinese identity as a Nyonya—and her destiny as a cook, rather than following her first dream of attending school like her brother.      Amidst the smells of chillies and garlic frying, Chye Hoon begins to appreciate the richness of her traditions, eventually marrying Wong Peng Choon, a Chinese man. Together, they have ten children. At last, she can pass on the stories she has heard—magical tales of men from the sea—and her warrior’s courage, along with her wonderful kueh (cakes).      But the cultural shift towards the West has begun. Chye Hoon finds herself afraid of losing the heritage she so prizes as her children move more and more into the modernising

Empress of the East: How a European Slave Girl Became Queen of the Ottoman Empire by Leslie Peirce: A Book Review

Empress of the East: How a European Slave Girl Became Queen of the Ottoman Empire Author: Leslie Peirce Genre: Nonfiction, History, Biography Publisher: Basic Books Release Date: September 19, 2017 Pages: 354 Source: This book was given to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Synopsis: The extraordinary story of the Russian slave girl Roxelana, who rose from concubine to become the only queen of the Ottoman empire.      In Empress of the East , historian Leslie Peirce tells the remarkable story of a Christian slave girl, Roxelana, who was abducted by slave traders from her Ruthenian homeland and brought to the harem of Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent in Istanbul. Suleyman became besotted with her and foreswore all other concubines. Then, in an unprecedented step, he freed her and married her. The bold and canny Roxelana soon became a shrewd diplomat and philanthropist, who helped Suleyman keep pace with a changing world in which women, from Isabella of Hungary

Blog Tour: The Duchess Quest (Jordania #1) by C. K. Brooke

The Duchess Quest Jordinia Book 1 by C.K. Brooke Genre: YA Romantic Fantasy All-New, Revised 2017 Second Edition Love is destined to find her... Dainy doesn't know that she is the lost duchess of Jordinia, or that her uncle has organized a contest to seek her, offering her marriage hand as the reward! Though at odds, three clashing rivals--a noble giant, a forester, and a thief--voyage together by woodland, plains, and sea to recover the lost royal, notwithstanding assassins and spies at their tail. Soon, Dainy is swept into a comically complex romantic triangle as her suitors compete to capture her heart. Charmingly romantic and bursting with action, startling twists, and vivid characters, fans of Anastasia and The Princess Bride will adore this original yet timeless tale of swashbuckling adventure and unlikely love. ♥ A SHELF UNBOUND TOP 100 NOTABLE INDIE BOOK OF 2015! ♥ FIVE STARS FROM READERS' FAVORITE BOOK REVIEWS & AW

Rome's Christian Empress: Galla Placidia Rules at the Twilight of the Empire by Joyce E. Salisbury: A Book Review

Rome's Christian Empress: Galla Placidia Rules at the Twilight of the Empire Author:  Joyce E. Salisbury Genre: Nonfiction, History, Biography Publisher:  Johns Hopkins University Press Release Date: 2015 Pages: 249 Source: My School Library Synopsis: In Rome’s Christian Empress , Joyce E. Salisbury brings the captivating story of Rome’s Christian empress to life. The daughter of Roman emperor Theodosius I, Galla Placidia lived at the center of imperial Roman power during the first half of the fifth century. Taken hostage after the fall of Rome to the Goths, she was married to the king and, upon his death, to a Roman general. The rare woman who traveled throughout Italy, Gaul, and Spain, she eventually returned to Rome, where her young son was crowned as the emperor of the western Roman provinces. Placidia served as his regent, ruling the Roman Empire and the provinces for twenty years.      Salisbury restores this influential, too-often forgotten woman to the center stage

Scourge of Henry VIII: The Life of Marie de Guise by Melanie Clegg: A Book Review

Scourge of Henry VIII: The Life of Marie de Guise Author: Melanie Clegg Genre: Nonfiction, History, Biography Publisher: Pen and Sword History  Release Date: 2016 Pages: 224 Source: Personal Collection Synopsis: Although Mary, Queen of Scots continues to fascinate both historians and the general public alike, the story of her mother, Marie de Guise, is much less well known. A political power in her own right, she was born into the powerful and ambitious Lorraine family, spending her formative years at the dazzling and licentious court of François I. Although briefly courted by Henry VIII, she instead married his nephew, James V of Scotland, in 1538.      James' premature death four years later left their six day old daughter, Mary, as Queen and presented Marie with the formidable challenge of winning the support of the Scottish people and protecting her daughter’s threatened birthright. Content until now to remain in the background and play the part of the obedient wife, M

Margaret Tudor, Queen of Scots: The Life of King Henry VIII's Sister by Sarah-Beth Watkins: A Book Review

Margaret Tudor, Queen of Scots: The Life of King Henry VIII’s Sister Author: Sarah-Beth Watkins Genre: Nonfiction, History, Biography Publisher: Chronos Books Release Date: December 7, 2017 Pages: 168 Source: This book was given to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Synopsis: Margaret Tudor was Henry VIII's older sister and became the Queen of Scotland after her marriage to James IV in 1503. Her life was troubled and fraught with tension. She was continually caught between her country of birth and the country she ruled. After James IV's death, she made the disastrous decision to marry the Earl of Angus, threatening her regency and forcing the Scottish council to send for the Duke of Albany to rule in her stead. Over the years Margaret's allegiance swung between England and Scotland making her brother Henry VIII both her ally and her enemy at times. Although Margaret wished for peace between the two countries, these were tumultuous years and she d

Blog Tour: The Other Alcott by Elise Hooper: A Book Review

The Other Alcott by Elise Hooper Publication Date: September 5, 2017 Genres: Historical Fiction Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | HarperCollins | IndieBound Publisher: William Morrow Release Date: September 5, 2017 Pages: 432 Source: This book was given to me by IndieSage PR Book Tours in exchange for an honest review.  Synopsis:  Elise Hooper’s debut novel conjures the fascinating, untold story of May Alcott—Louisa’s youngest sister and an artist in her own right.      We all know the story of the March sisters, heroines of Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women . But while everyone cheers on Jo March, based on Louisa herself, Amy March is often the least favorite sister. Now, it’s time to learn the truth about the real “Amy”, Louisa’s sister, May.      Stylish, outgoing, creative, May Alcott grows up longing to experience the wide world beyond Concord, Massachusetts. While her sister Louisa crafts stories, May herself is a talented and ded

Agrippina: The Mother of Nero by Anthony A. Barrett: A Book Review

Agrippina: The Mother of Nero Author: Anthony A. Barrett Genre: Nonfiction, History, Biography Publisher: Routledge Release Date: 2002 Pages: 352 Source: My School Library Synopsis: In this dynamic new biography - the first on Agrippina in English - Professor Barrett uses the latest archaeological, numismatic and historical evidence to provide a close and detailed study of her life and career. He shows how Agrippina's political contribution to her time seems in fact to have been positive, and that when she is judged by her achievements she demands admiration. Revealing the true figure behind the propaganda and the political machinations of which she was capable, he assesses the impact of her marriage to the emperor Claudius, on the country and her family. Finally, he exposed her one real failing - her relationship with her son, the monster of her own making to whom, in horrific and violent circumstances, she would eventually fall victim.        My Review: Agrippina has bee

Diana: Her True Story in Her Own Words by Andrew Morton

Diana: Her True Story in Her Own Words Author: Andrew Morton Genre: Nonfiction, History, Biography,  Publisher: Simon and Schuster Release Date: 2009 Pages: 448 Source: My Personal Collection Synopsis: The sensational biography of Princess Diana, written with her cooperation and now featuring exclusive new material to commemorate the 20th anniversary of her death.      When Diana: Her True Story was first published in 1992, it forever changed the way the public viewed the British monarchy. Greeted initially with disbelief and ridicule, the #1 New York Times bestselling biography has become a unique literary classic, not just because of its explosive contents but also because of Diana’s intimate involvement in the publication. Never before had a senior royal spoken in such a raw, unfiltered way about her unhappy marriage, her relationship with the Queen, her extraordinary life inside the House of Windsor, her hopes, her fears, and her dreams. Now, twenty-five years on, biograp