Thursday, May 27, 2010

Prospect Park West by Amy Sohn review


Brooklyn’s famed Park Slope neighborhood has it all: majestic Prospect Park, acclaimed public schools, historic brownstones, and progressive values. Among bohemian breeders, claiming a stake in Park Slope is a competitive sport.

In Amy Sohn’s smart, sexy, satirical peek into the bedroom’ sand hearts of Prospect Park West, the lives of four women come together during one long, hot Brooklyn summer. Frustrated Oscar-winning actress Melora Leigh, eager to relive the pressures of raising her adopted toddler, feels the seductive pull of kleptomania; Rebecca Rose, missing her formerly robust sex life, begins a dangerous flirtation with a handsome neighborhood celebrity; Lizzie O’Donnell, a former lesbian (or “hasbia”), wonders what draws her to women despite her sexy husband and adorable baby: and Karen Bryan Shapiro consumes herself with powerful obsession-snagging the ultimate three-bedroom apartment in a well-maintained. P.S. 321-zone co-op building. As the women’s paths intertwine (and sometimes collide), each must struggle to keep her man, her sanity, …….and her playdates.

My Thoughts-

Author Amy Sohn has a knack writing about the here-and-now, her fresh approach keeps her books interesting while touching on everyday subjects. I normally stick to more of a historical genera of books I found that I did enjoy reading this. While I must say that parts of the book were quite explicit, think Desperate Housewife’s meets Sexy in the City, many readers of romance and chick-lit will find this book highly enjoyable.



This book was provided thanks to Pocket Books

Monday, May 24, 2010

Uncertain Magic by Laura Kinsale


A man damned by suspicion and innuendo

Dreadful rumors swirl around the impoverished Irish lord known as “The Devil Earl”. But Fealan 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 fear no man will ever want a wife who can read his every thought and emotion, until she encounters Fealan. As the two find their way to each other against all odds. Roddy becomes determined to save Fealan from his mysterious and terrifying aliment. But will their love end up saving him………….or destroying him?


My thoughts:

I was looking forward to reading this book I love a good Gaelic story, and I have to say that while I was not disappointed, I was not completely in love with the book either. The characters were well rounded, although both Roddy and Fealan had their moments when I thought they were a bit annoying. Like all romance books, Uncertain Magic had it’s villain, its moment of glory, and it’s turn about, but in some areas I felt that story kind of rattled on with no particular reason. Although I believe that this books saving grace was the Gaelic undertones and language.

Overall it made for a light read that romance fans will enjoy.

My thanks to Sourcebooks for providing me with this ARC

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

The Man Who Loved Pride & Prejudice by Abigail Reynolds


THE GREATEST STORY EVER TOLD COULD BE HERS………..
Marine biologist Cassie Boulton’s favorite book is Pride and Prejudice, but she has no patience when a modern-day Mr. Darcy appears in her lab. Behind the veneer of scientific accomplishment, wit, and warmth, she is determined to hide secrets from her past.

BUT ONLY IF HE’S THE MAN TO WRITE IT……………………….
Silent and aloof, Calder Westing III doesn’t seem to offer anything but a famous family name. But there is more than meets the eye, and he can’t get enough of Cassie Boulton, especially after they share a passionate night by the sea.

Calder is determined to write hi way into Cassie’s heart by retelling Pride and Prejudice with the two of them cast as Darcy and Elizabeth. But it’s up to Cassie to provide the happy ending…………


My Thoughts

I now know why it was originally published as Pemberley by the Sea. Abigail Reynolds has provide us with a modern day Darcy and Elizabeth and I have to admit I liked what I read. Cassie held the same manners as Elizabeth, very strong willed and determined yet with an unwillingness to trust. The same goes with the character of Calder, you could list all the qualities attributed to Jane Austen’s character of Darcy and not know if you were referring to Darcy or Calder. Although the modern day writer shows through in the case The Man Who Loved Pride & Prejudice, we see more freedom’s attributed to these characters as well as to the writer herself. So there are indeed scenes that would make Miss Austen blush.

My thanks to Sourcebooks for providing me with this review copy

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

The Brothers Of Gwynedd book one Sunrise in the West


Title- The Brothers of Gwynedd, The Legend of the First True Prince of Wales, a quartet
Book 1- Sunrise In the West
Author- Edith Pargeter
Publisher - Sourcebooks Casablanca
Publication Date May 1, 2010

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.
(from the publisher)

My Thoughts On Book 1- Sunrise in the West

When the book first opens we see a Wales that has been united by the Great Prince Llewelyn. Upon his death we soon discover that his work has been undone by his grandchildren, and the English King Henry III is quickly encroaching upon Wales. Unfortunately rather than coming together for the good of Wales, we see that David and Llewelyn are pitted against each other rather than joining forces. Sunrise in the West is an epic tale of brother against brother, crown and country, novel that focuses on the beginning of the war between Wales and England. Not only does it focus on the relationship of those two countries, it also focuses upon the relationship between people, which adds depth to the story.

Although I enjoyed the way the story was narrated by Samson, who was born the same day as Llewelyn and also a clerk and companion to Llewelyn. I felt that the first part of the Sunset in the West was a bit slow going, and read more as a who’s who in early Wales. Finally by chapter two the flow of the story peaked up and I found out that I could not put the book down.

Not only was the story interesting I enjoyed the fact the it focuses on the Welsh princes and people rather that the normal English based stories. I also found the wording to be rich which enhances the story greatly. The only down side I found was that even though there was a mini-glossary in the back of the book it left out the critical Welsh pronunciation key, which is much needed when reading a book containing a language that words are composed of more consonant than vowels.

Overall this is one of my favorite books and I cannot wait to read the next part The Dragoon at Noonday.

Don’t forget to join our reading group discussion

Remember! Chat 1 will be hosted by Amy on http://www.passagestothepast.com/ on Monday, May 24 from 7pm-9pm EST. Please join us when you can, and join in the conversation in the comments (and remember to frequently refresh the page to see the latest comments!). Amy and I will have some discussion questions/topics to get things started, but bring your own as well. Tell us what you loved, what you didn’t love, and your thoughts overall!

Want to read what other’s have to say about Sunrise in the West.




May 18 Reviews
Between the Pages
The Broken Teepee
Books and Coffee
Book Girl of Mur-y-CastellTanzanite's Shelf and Stuff
Passages to the Past
The Book Faery





May 19 Reviews
Beth Fish
Deb's Book BagBook Tumbling
A Work in Progress
Stiletto Storytime
Queen of Happy Endings


May 20 Reviews
The Literate Housewife
Reading Adventures
Books Like Breathing
Kailana's Written World
Confessions of a Muse in the Fog
Wendy's Minding Spot
Mrs. Q Book AddictThe Life and Lies of a Flying Inanimate Object
Starting Fresh


May 21 Reviews
Loving Heart Mommy
Peeking Between the PagesCeltic Lady's RamblingsBookfoolery
One Literature Nut
My Reading Room

May 23 Reviews
Carla Nayland's Blog

This ARC was provided as part of Sourcebooks Summer Reading Club.

Monday, May 10, 2010

Iron Man 2 by Alexander Irvine giveaway


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 . . .

Please note that I am not reviewing this book I am only hosting a giveaway




I have 5 copies to giveaway on June 2
To enter please leave your name and a valid email address
Only residents of the U.S. or Canada are eligible to win
Sorry No P.O. Boxes, please.

Admission by Jean Hanff Korelitz giveaway


Admissions. Admission. Aren't there two sides to the word? And two opposing sides...It's what we let in, but it's also what we let out."

For years, 38-year-old Portia Nathan has avoided the past, hiding behind her busy (and sometimes punishing) career as a Princeton University admissions officer and her dependable domestic life. Her reluctance to confront the truth is suddenly overwhelmed by the resurfacing of a life-altering decision, and Portia is faced with an extraordinary test. Just as thousands of the nation's brightest students await her decision regarding their academic admission, so too must Portia decide whether to make her own ultimate admission.

Admission is at once a fascinating look at the complex college admissions process and an emotional examination of what happens when the secrets of the past return and shake a woman's life to its core.

Please note that I did not sign-up to review this book. I only am hosting a giveaway.


Category: FICTION
Format: TRADE PAPERBACK
Publish Date: 4/8/2010
Price: $14.99/$17.99
ISBN: 9780446540711
Pages: 464




Video


Authors Website
http://www.jeanhanffkorelitz.com

About the author
Jean Hanff Korelitz was born and raised in New York and graduated from Dartmouth College and Clare College, Cambridge. She is the author of one book of poems, THE PROPERTIES OF BREATH, and three previous novels, A JURY OF HER PEERS, THE SABBATHDAY RIVER and THE WHITE ROSE, as well as a novel for children, INTERFERENCE POWDER. She has also published essays in the anthologies MODERN LOVE and BECAUSE I SAID SO, and in the magazines VOGUE, REAL SIMPLE, MORE, NEWSWEEK, ORGANIC STYLE, TRAVEL AND LEISURE (FAMILY) and others.


Have a Book Club? Why not use this handy reading group guide?
http://www.hachettebookgroup.com/_assets/guides/ARG_9780446540711.pdf

Review Copy & giveaway provided by Hachette Book Group
Thanks Valerie


I have 3 copies to giveaway on May 18.
To enter leave your name and a valid email address.

The Secret Speech by Tom Rob Smith review & giveaway


THE SECRET SPEECH
Soviet Union, 1956. Stalin is dead, and a violent regime is beginning to fracture-leaving behind a society where the police are the criminals, and the criminals are innocent. A secret speech composed by Stalin's successor Khrushchev is distributed to the entire nation. Its message: Stalin was a tyrant. Its promise: The Soviet Union will change.
Facing his own personal turmoil, former state security officer Leo Demidov is also struggling to change. The two young girls he and his wife Raisa adopted have yet to forgive him for his part in the death of their parents. They are not alone. Now that the truth is out, Leo, Raisa, and their family are in grave danger from someone consumed by the dark legacy of Leo's past career. Someone transformed beyond recognition into the perfect model of vengeance.
From the streets of Moscow in the throes of political upheaval, to the Siberian gulags, and to the center of the Hungarian uprising in Budapest, THE SECRET SPEECH is a breathtaking, epic novel that confirms Tom Rob Smith as one of the most exciting new authors writing today.

My Thoughts:

I had a hard time getting interested in this book. I thought it grab my attention but unfortunately it did not. The storyline itself was intriguing, as were the characters, but once again this was not my cup of tea.




About Author
Tom Rob Smith graduated from Cambridge University in 2001 and lives in London. His first novel, Child 44, was a New York Times bestseller and an international publishing sensation. Among its many honors, Child 44 won the ITW 2009 Thriller Award for Best First Novel, The Strand Magazine 2008 Critics Award for Best First Novel, the CWA Ian Fleming Steel Dagger Award, and was longlisted for the Man Booker Prize. You can visit Tom's website at www.TomRobSmith.com and follow @tomrobsmith on Twitter.

1. What is the real Secret Speech, and why did you choose that as the backdrop for this story?
“The Secret Speech” was perhaps one of the most remarkable speeches ever delivered in modern history. Its effect on a nation and indeed around the world was dramatic. It was delivered by Premier Khrushchev in 1956, three years after Stalin’s death, to the 20th Congress of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union. In the speech, Khrushchev attacks some of the brutal and savage measures Stalin used to control his population. It was the first time a public and influential attack had been made upon Stalin, an attack from the very epicenter of the Soviet government. Many of the officials listening to the speech simply couldn’t believe the words they were hearing. To many, Stalin had been positioned as a god, above reproach. More interesting to me were the feelings of the people who had been complicit in Stalin’s crimes. Khrushchev’s speech seemed to herald a new era of openness in a society where many people had committed terrible crimes they wished to hide.
It was this point that led me to use it as backdrop for a story. Self-evidently, a second book is about what follows after the first book, and this period of history is about what follows after a brutal dictator. Leo, the main character, thinks he has atoned for his crimes as a secret police officer. However, can you ever repair the harm that has been done? Can an apology really do any good when the crimes are murder on a massive scale? The only choice open to Leo is to try to make amends, no matter how impossible that task might seem. Leo’s dilemma echoes some of the emotions and conflicts embedded in the real Secret Speech. Khrushchev had risen up under Stalin, he had committed atrocities, his authority was interlinked with Stalin’s. How does he distance himself from that? He was faced with the choice of either continuing as Stalin had done, murdering millions, or trying to change the system.
2. Leo Demidov—the character at the heart of both Child 44 and The Secret Speech—goes through a remarkable transformation in the course of these stories. He begins as a patriot, defending his country. But as time goes on and he realizes his homeland isn’t what he thought it was, the conflict becomes much more personal: It’s a fight to keep his family together, to remain a moral man inside an immoral system. How did you decide to create this character? Did you always know you wanted to continue Leo’s story past one book?
I’ve always been interested in highly idealistic characters that end up being driven by their idealism to do terrible things. I’ve wondered how such a positive driving energy can become corrupted. Leo is a dreamer who finds that in pursuit of his dream, the creation of an ideal State, he has arrested many innocent people and destroyed lives, and his dream is far outweighed by the reality of his crimes.
I had no idea I would write a second book because I had no idea if the first book would be published or not. I didn’t dare dream past the end of Child 44. But as soon as it was sold, I realized there were more stories I wanted to tell with this character. There will be three books in total, so The Secret Speech is the middle of the trilogy.
3. What kind of research did you do in order to re-create the setting and period? Did you visit any of the locations you write about?
Lots of reading. There is an abbreviated reading list at the back of each novel, mentioning a few of the key books. I’ve visited Moscow, Russia, and Budapest, Hungary, both key locations for The Secret Speech. Visiting a place obviously gives you a great amount of visual information, but the books and reading are where the emotions are generated: the diaries, the memoirs, the histories. My books, I hope, are much more about the feelings of the time rather than the material details, although those are often interlinked.
4. Did you always know you wanted to be a writer?
I always loved stories, narrative – I don’t suppose I realized that meant becoming a writer until I was a teenager. From about the age of thirteen onward there wasn’t any other profession that I seriously considered.
5. You have quite a varied background writing screenplays and TV scripts, including going to Phnom Penh to be the story consultant for Cambodia’s first soap opera. How did that come about? Were there things you learned working in film and television that you found helpful when writing your novels?
I had been working in British television, writing episodes of soap operas, working in story departments. A colleague showed me the advert in a trade newspaper and I applied. I was slightly surprised to be called to interview and even more surprised to get the job – I was quite young, about twenty-four, and the producer took a chance on me. I’ve been lucky throughout my career: People have taken a chance on me even when I haven’t had much experience. I hope in most cases I haven’t let them down. Anyway, the BBC was setting up a soap in Cambodia, their first ever soap opera, with the intention of using it to communicate important health messages. I was the head of the story team, working with a small group of Khmer students.
Television and film are very structured – so are novels, but maybe working in other mediums made me think about the structure of a story. Also, it is simply impossible to write for film or television and not think about the audience, so I became much more conscious of the reader – were they sufficiently entertained, was I being indulgent, was the narrative surprising enough. These lessons can be learned without having worked in television or film. However, they certainly helped me.
6. Tom, what question would you like to have here to finish the Q & A? You pick!
My favorite question I’ve ever been asked was this: “If you were a kitchen appliance, what appliance would you be?” I’ve now learned that some questions are best left unanswered. I didn’t realize that at the time so I answered this question by claiming I’d be a tap, since it was used a lot. I don’t even know what my answer means, it’s totally ridiculous. However, you can check out more odd questions I’ve been asked on my website, www.tomrobsmith.com, where you can also get in touch, or find out more about the charities supported by the purchase of my books.


Reading Group Guide
Discussion Questions
• Zoya and Elena’s true parents were killed by an officer under Leo’s command. Do you think Leo was morally required to take care of them?
• When Leo was a member of the state security force, it was his job to arrest many of his fellow citizens. To what degree should he be held responsible for his past actions, even though he was doing his duty and following orders?
• How do you think the political atmosphere and the role of women in society affected Fraera’s transformation from a priest’s wife to a vory leader?
• Raisa seems willing to sacrifice her relationship with Leo to save Zoya. What do you think of her decision?
• As rioting gulag prisoners prepare to execute Sinyavksy, the camp commander, he pleads that he should be spared because in addition to the terrible things he has done while running the gulag, he has also tried help when he could. “Can I not try and put right the wrongs I have done?” he asks. Should the prisoners have given him a second chance?
• Zoya ends up seeking her revenge on Leo by joining Fraera’s gang, but in doing so she hurts her little sister, the only family she still has. What do you think of Zoya’s actions?
• Leo was trained to be a devoted, loyal servant of the State, but he forged an unorthodox path for himself outside of the security services, despite the clear risk. Why do you think he was able to do this, when so many others couldn’t or wouldn’t?
• At the end of the story we meet a musician who is revered as a genius, but his work was actually stolen from another composer who died in the gulags. If he were to reveal the true source of his music, he would be exposed as a fraud and arrested as a thief. Now riddled with guilt he asks Leo, “What would you have me do?” How would you answer?
• There are many “secrets” in this story—Leo choosing to not tell Raisa what he knows about Zoya and the knife, Raisa keeping her meeting with Fraera from Leo, and Khrushchev’s Speech to the 20th Congress of the Communist Party, are only a few—and the question of what the consequences for keeping those secrets might be plays out in ways large and small throughout. Do you feel there are situations in the book where characters were right to keep their secrets? What about the final scene with Leo, Zoya, and Elena? Should Zoya tell her sister the whole truth?


Thanks to Hachette Book Group I have 3 copies to giveaway
Contest ends June 1

To enter please leave your name and a valid email address.
Contest is open to residents of the US & Canada
Sorry no P.O. Boxes.
Winners have one week to respond to the email.

Stay A Little Longer by Dorothy Garlock giveaway


Rachel Watkins has her hands full. Her mother had been the town midwife, but when her daughter Alice died under her care, she refused to assist in a childbirth ever again. Since then Rachel has assumed the work. She also takes care of Alice's six-year old, Charlotte, because the child's father was lost in World War I. But Rachel's principal job is running the boardinghouse that is the family's main source of income.

One day, Charlotte befriends a stranger ill with influenza, a man who has taken refuge in an old cabin in the woods nearby. Although badly scarred by wounds suffered in the War, he is strong and slowly recovers. When he gradually takes on odd jobs around the house, Rachel accepts his help. She is drawn to him despite his disfigurement, and his voice is comforting, vaguely familiar...

I will post my review once I have finished the book

Book Details
Category: FICTION, ROMANCE
Format: TRADE PAPERBACK
Publish Date: 4/30/2010
Price: $13.99/$16.99
ISBN: 9780446540193
Pages: 384



I have 5 copies to giveaway.

Giveaway ends May 20
To enter please leave a comment with your name and a valid email address.

Put on your Crown by Queen Latifah giveaway


Modeled after Maria Shriver's Just Who Will You Be, Queen Latifah's goal with Put On Your Crown is to help young women build a strong sense of self-esteem. A US Dept. of Justice survey found that females ages 16-24 are more vulnerable to partner violence than any other group, almost triple the national average. Cases like Chris Brown's assault on pop star Rihanna showed an ugly side of adolescent life. However, Queen Latifah has always been a shining example of a woman happy with herself and unwilling to compromise to fit into the "hollywood ideal" of what a confident beautiful woman should look like.

I have 3 copies to giveaway on May 26
To enter please leave your name and a vaild email address.

What to Wear for the Rest of Your Life by Kim Johnson Gross giveaway


Every woman's closet-no matter the size-is a room of her own. In that space hang side by side the special occasions and the everyday, the triumphs and the disasters, the memories we want to keep and those we should jettison. Gross helps us to reconsider our closet identity and discover who we want to be. She shares her personal journey and the intimate, poignant and often humorous stories of the dozens of women she interviewed across the country. Along with calming fashion advice about how to choose flattering clothes that will fit any woman's shape and style, Gross's engaging stories will help every woman evolve gracefully from wife to mother, from empty-nester to globe-trotting adventurer--whatever role she chooses--while letting her style express her inner beauty.


I have 3 copies to giveaway on May 25
To enter please leave a comment and a valid email address

101 Things I Learned in Fashion School giveaway


The world of the fashionista is brought to vivid life with 101 introductory lessons on such topics as how a designer anticipates cultural trends and "sees" the fashion consumer, the workings of the fashion calendar, the ways a designer collection is conceived, the manufacture of fabric, fashion illustration, and more.

Illustrated in the distinctly unique packaged style of the bestselling101 THINGS I LEARNED IN ARCHITECTURE SCHOOL, this new book on fashion design will be a perfect book for any fashion school wannabe, a recent graduate, or even a seasoned professional.


I have 3 copies to giveaway thanks to Hachette Book Group

To enter please leave your name & valid email address.
Contest Open to residents of US & Canada only
Contest Ends May 26

The Founding book one in the Morland Dynasty series byCynthia Harrod-Eagles review


The Founding
Book One In the Morland Dynasty Series
The Founding begins in 1434
Set During the Wars Of the Roses
The Reign of Richard III

Seeking power and prestige, grim, ambitious Yorkshireman Edward Morland arranges a marriage between his meek son Robert and spirited Eleanor, young ward of the influential Beaufort family. Eleanor is appalled at being forced to marry a mere ‘sheep farmer’; she is, besides, secretly in love with Richard, Duke of York. Yet in time this apparently ill-matched union becomes both passionate and tender, the foundation of the Morland ‘dynasty’, and sustains them through bloody civil war which so often divides families, sets neighbour against neighbour, and brings tragedy close to home.

My Thoughts:

Power, wealth, prestige, were the foundations of character in the mid to late fifteenth century, and Cynthia Harrod-Eagles has captured each and every aspect of that type of life in the first novel of the Morland Dynasty series, The Founding. I am in awe of this book, for many reasons, the first being that this is the first book from the era of the War of the Roses that focuses not only on the changing of the Monarchy but on everyday life of county gentlemen. Often the stories set with this era or those around it focus only on court life, so this was a nice change from the previous books that I have read. Secondly, it portrayed the feelings and emotions that many women faced in those days with arranged marriages, you simply did not marry for love you married to heighten your status as well as your families status, and often times the women were in love with someone else as we in the case of Eleanor being deeply in love with Richard, the Duke of York. Thirdly, the author has shown readers the difference courtly life and country life, although the Morland’s were gentlemen, they maintained their wealth from sheep farming as much of the country gentry did in those days. Cynthia Harrod-Eagles has also strived to show the difference in dialect, using the Yorkish tongue in a manner that enhances the believability of the story. I also found that the character growth added depth to this story, so we see how their circumstances has impacted who they become.

The Founding, is a must read for all fans of British History. Although the story has definite ages gaps that span a broad period of time, I never felt as though any important details were left out. Also one needs to remember when reading the Morland Dynasty that this series spans from the Middle Ages to the Second World War, and captures it through the eyes of one family line


About the author
Cynthia Harrod-Eagles was born in Shepherd’s Bush in London. She was educated at Burlington School, a girls' charity school founded in 1699, and at the University of Edinburgh and University College London, where she studied English, history and philosophy.
She wrote her first novel while at university and in 1972 won the Young Writers' Award with THE WAITING GAME.
Afterwards she had a variety of jobs in the commercial world, beginning as sales manager for the Coca Cola Company in Edinburgh, and ending up as pensions officer for the BBC in London, while writing during the evenings and weekends.
The birth of the MORLAND DYNASTY series enabled her to become a full-time writer in 1979. The series was originally intended to comprise twelve volumes, but it has proved so popular that it has now been extended to thirty-four.
In 1993 she won the RNA Novel of the Year Award with EMILY, the third volume of her Kirov Saga, a trilogy set in nineteenth century Russia, and she also writes the internationally acclaimed BILL SLIDER MYSTERIES.
Cynthia Harrod-Eagles still lives in London, has a husband and three children, and apart from writing her passions are music (she plays in several amateur orchestras) horses, wine, architecture and the English countryside.



Don't Forget to look for my review of "THE DARK ROSE", the second in the Morland Dynasty series

My thanks to Sourcebooks for providing this ARC.

Thursday, May 6, 2010

An Honest Love by Kathleen Fuller review


Anna must find the courage to tell Lukas the truth. Will he find the courage to forgive her?
Anna was one betrayed by someone she loved deeply. In an attempt to never be hurt again, she and her mother relocated to Middlefield, Ohio. It was the ideal place for Anna's broken heart to mend. In Middlefield, Anna withdrew from risk, placing all her attention on managing the new gift shop she and her mom bought.
When Lukas introduces himself, Anna can't resist her attraction to him. Though she finds herself falling in love, she's hiding a piece of her past in fear that their future will be destroyed if she tells him the truth.
But love can't be built on lies and the past comes rushing back to Anna in an irreversible way. Now Lukas must decide how he will react to Anna's betrayal. As they cling to their belief in an honest love, they realize it's a path they must walk together even as it leads to unexpected places.



This is one of my favorite books of this year. Although it is the second in Karen Fuller’s “A Hearts Of Middlefield” series, it felt to me as though it was a singular title. Over all it was a powerful romance story that touches your heart.