Monday, April 28, 2014

Spring into Horror #SpringHorrorRAT


I had thought about doing one of my A Reading Life posts and including my read-a-thon starting line/reading plans in it because I have a ton of lovely books that I bought at a couple of library sales and Goodwill that I wanted to share. Sadly though, I'm too exhausted.

So, starting line post it is!

I have not done much reading today (read-a-thon started at midnight), but hoping to get some of The Eight by Katherine Neville read tonight. I need to finish it by tomorrow night. So, here's my list:
  • The Eight, Katherine Neville
  • Daughter of the Gods, Stephanie Thornton
  • The Strain, Guillermo Del Toro/Chuck Hogan (my horror title...will not read all of it, as I'm hosting a read-a-long at Castle Macabre and don't want to read ahead....if I can help it)
  • I might try to choose another scary title, or start on The Collector of Dying Breaths, M.J. Rose
Are you joining me for the read-a-thon? You still have time to sign-up (until Friday night) and you don't have to read horror...you can read a spooky mystery or thriller. If you decide to, join us HERE.

Happy Reading!

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Sunday, April 27, 2014

Dewey's 24 Hour Read-a-Thon - Wrap Up


I'm not going to do the end of event meme because I have very little to talk about. Basically, I failed...again. I didn't even finish the book I was reading, The Grip of God by Rebecca Hazell, nor did I start the other book I wanted to start, Daughter of the Gods by Stephanie Thornton. I did enjoy the mini-challenges I participated in. Particularly, the page 35 one and Stacy's TBR challenge. I may as well face it. The 24 hour read-a-thons are just not my forte. Now I shall look ahead to my Spring into Horror Read-a-Thon which starts at midnight tonight. I usually have better success at the longer read-a-thons although as busy as my life is nowadays, the outcome remains to be seen.

How did you do?

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Saturday, April 26, 2014

Dewey's 24 Hour Read-a-Thon - My First Update #Readathon


I'll go ahead and answer this mid-event survey even though I've only participated for one hour so far (details below). Official update below the survey.

Mid-Event Survey

1. What are you reading right now? The Grip of God, Rebecca Hazell
2. How many books have you read so far? 0
3. What book are you most looking forward to for the second half of the Read-a-thon? Daughter of the Gods, Stephanie Thornton
4. Did you have to make any special arrangements to free up your whole day? Not really, although the boys are with their dad this weekend so no interruptions on that end. *wink*
5. Have you had many interruptions? How did you deal with those?  Self-inflicted due to an outing with my mom today. I don't anticipate any more interruptions.
6. What surprises you most about the Read-a-thon, so far?  I'm surprised I haven't had a cheerleader visit me yet. Usually that happens right away. My good friend, Rebecca, and one of your co-hosts, did stop by last night though, after I posted my sign up/participation post. *hugs to her*
7. Do you have any suggestions for how to improve the Read-a-thon next year? nothing I can think of right now

Currently reading: The Grip of God, Rebecca Hazell

Books finished: 0

Pages read: 22

Running total of pages read: 22
Amount of time spent reading: 1 hour

Running total of time spent reading: 1 hour

Snacks: When I was out and about today (see below), I picked up some white chocolate covered pretzels and chewy Lemonhead & Friends. I also have microwave popcorn and Diet Coke, of course. Oh, and Fritos. :)

Notes: I had errands to do today, along with lunch with mom and we went to see The Quiet Ones (pretty good flick) so I only read for an hour total while we were out (she was driving).


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Dewey's 24 Hour Read-a-Thon #Readathon


Talk about making the decision to participate in the eleventh hour! I just wasn't sure if I should or not because I always do so poorly at the 24 hour read-a-thons. But I can't resist the allure, of course. And I'll only be gone today for a few hours so I just might be able to get in some reading. We shall see!

I plan to finish The Grip of God by Rebecca Hazell (I have less than 100 pages to go), start reading (and perhaps finish) Daughter of the Gods by Stephanie Thornton and will also try to finish the rest of The Eight by Katherine Neville.

No snacks on deck since I wasn't sure if I was going to sign up or not. I may try to pick a few things up when I'm out tomorrow.

Are you participating? If you haven't signed up, you can do so HERE.

Happy reading!

My intro meme, as I'm just starting:

1) What fine part of the world are you reading from today?  Nashville, Tennessee
2) Which book in your stack are you most looking forward to? Daughter of the Gods by Stephanie Thornton
3) Which snack are you most looking forward to?  chewy Lemonheads ;)
4) Tell us a little something about yourself!
Reading is my life (second to my children, of course). I have 12 blogs, host 4 reading challenges (long term and perpetual), 4 week long read-a-thons yearly (seasonally) and am the primary host/mediator of two read-a-long groups on Goodreads. Plus, mom of two pre-teen boys and I work from home mom as a virtual assistant. Whew!
5) If you participated in the last read-a-thon, what’s one thing you’ll do different today? If this is your first read-a-thon, what are you most looking forward to?
I fail at the 24 hour read-a-thons every time. I'm hoping to succeed this time by at least reading one book. Since I'm not participating for the entire 24 hours, I think that's a sane goal.

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Thursday, April 24, 2014

Cat Thursday: Metal Cats by Alexandra Crockett - Book Spotlight


Welcome to the weekly meme that celebrates the wonders and sometime hilarity of cats! Join us by posting a favorite LOL cat pic you may have come across, famous cat art or even share with us pics of your own beloved cat(s). It's all for the love of cats! Enjoy! (share your post in the Mr. Linky below)

I know this may not be of interest to everyone. We all aren't metal fans (though I am). But I saw this featured in Red Bulletin magazine and I thought it was so awesome. And if you read at the bottom of the book blurb, you'll see that a portion of the proceeds benefit a great cause. You can look through some of the book on Amazon (link at bottom of post). These guys are so tough looking. I just adore that they're cat lovers!



Skulls and Siamese. Corpse paint and Persians. Baphomet, pentagrams, blood, and tabbies!

Metal Cats combines two amazing subjects: the extreme personalities of the hardcore metal music scene and their adorable kitties. These incredibly cute and fluffy felines have been photographed with their loving owners in and around the dark abodes of musicians, fans, and promoters of metal including members of the bands Black Goat, Thrones, Isis, Lightning Swords of Death, Book of Black Earth, Skarp, Harassor, Akimbo, Aldebaran, Atriarch, Oak, Ghoul, Ludicra, Holy Grail, Xasthur, Cattle Decapitation, Murder Construct, Exhumed, Morbid Angel, Municipal Waste, Skeletonwitch, Gypsyhawk, Nausea, Phobia, and Napalm Death.

Metal isn't all dark and disturbing, violent and misanthropic. Metal Cats is proof that while the music may be brutal, the people in the scene are softies for their pets just like you and me...

A portion of the proceeds from this book and a series of benefit shows held along the West Coast will go towards one no-kill shelter in each of the four main cities visited.

Buy on Amazon 



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Wednesday, April 23, 2014

HFVBT: Linda Little's Grist - Review and {Giveaway} #GristTour


My thoughts
Grist made me cry...twice. One might be lead to believe that this is a negative thing, but in this case, it is evidence of the truly poignant nature of this book and the effect it had on me.

First, let me share the passage that brought on the tears first:

He brought me home my children in the kindest, warmest way. As I worked with my hands in flour I felt them near me, held close in sweet domesticity. I could have spoken their names aloud except for my fear of breaking the spell. But my heart relayed the messages--lay the table, Daisy, and fetch us some fresh butter from the pantry. Then a little boy's voice, Momma's made a pie. As clear as though it had been spoken, Hughie to Alex, as they filled the wood box two sticks at a time, their little arms embracing the chore. They would be six years old now and dreaming of great strength. Perhaps I would have little trousers to mend that evening--I fingered the cotton of my apron--buttons on little blue trousers with a pocket for treasures. I sprinkled a pinch of cinnamon over the sweetened apples and folded pastry over the top. Baking in the oven next to supper, the aromas blended, transporting me.

This passage illustrates the author's wonderful writing along with her skill with imagery, placing the reader in the character's shoes. This passage would effect anyone emotionally, but especially those of us who are mothers.

As I was reading, I was reminded of just how few rights women had even in the 19th century. Sure, a woman was allowed more independence than in the past, as arranged marriages were almost a thing of the past and women were more free to pursue careers as teachers, etc. However, if a woman made a choice of a husband...accepted his proposal and married him...she was stuck. If she later found out that she made a poor match, it wasn't so simple to walk out and file for divorce. Such was the case with Penelope, the stalwart and memorable main character of Grist. She finds herself in an almost unbearable situation with a husband who, though not physically abusive, is emotionally bankrupt and mentally abusive. And yet, she survives through all the heartache and loss. I so admired Penelope. Her story captivated me and had me rooting for her to find the happiness she deserved.

Grist is a fairly short novel at 232 pages, but it's an historical novel that packs a lot of punch. I can honestly say that it will be one of my top favorites read this year. I cannot recommend it highly enough. Read this book!

About the book
Publication Date: April 15, 2014
Roseway Publishing
Paperback; 234p
ISBN 13: 9781552665992

“This is the story of how you were loved,” Penelope MacLaughlin whispers to her granddaughter.

Penelope MacLaughlin marries a miller and gradually discovers he is not as she imagined. Nonetheless she remains determined to make the best of life at the lonely mill up the Gunn Brook as she struggles to build a home around her husband’s eccentricities. His increasing absence leaves Penelope to run the mill herself, providing her with a living but also destroying the people she loves most. Penelope struggles with loss and isolation, and suffers the gradual erosion of her sense of self. A series of betrayals leaves her with nothing but the mill and her determination to save her grandchildren from their disturbed father. While she can prepare her grandsons for independence, her granddaughter is too young and so receives the greater gift: the story that made them all.

Praise for Grist
“An epic story by a gifted writer. There are moments in Linda Little’s Grist that are breathtaking in both thought and lyricism.” — Donna Morrissey, author of The Deception of Livvy Higgs

“Linda Little lays bare the hard joys, grit and heartache of women’s lives in the rural Maritimes before and during the Great War. Her writing is exquisite. Gripping, gorgeously imagined and positively haunting, Grist is a tour de force—a novel not just to like but to love. I couldn’t put it down.” — Carol Bruneau, author of Glass Voices and Purple for Sky

Buy the Book
Fernwood Publishing


About the Author
Linda Little lives and writes in the north shore village of River John. Originally from the Ottawa Valley mill town of Hawkesbury, she lived in Kingston and St. John’s before moving to Nova Scotia in 1987.

Linda has two award-winning novels, Strong Hollow and Scotch River. She has published short stories in many reviews and anthologies, including The Antigonish Review, Descant, Matrix, The Journey Prize Anthology, and The Penguin Book of Short Stories by Canadian Women.

In addition to writing, Linda teaches at the Nova Scotia Agricultural College and is also involved with River John’s annual literary festival, Read by the Sea.

For more information visit Linda Little’s website.

Visit other blogs on the tour--Tour Schedule
Twitter Hashtag: #GristTour

Follow the instructions on the Rafflecopter form below to enter for a chance to win a paperback copy of Grist by Linda Little! (Open to U.S./Canada)

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A copy of this book was sent to me in exchange for an honest review. I was not monetarily compensated for providing it.

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Tuesday, April 22, 2014

PUYB: Nina Amir's The Author Training Manual - Guest Post and Review


How To Succeed as an Author: Love the Stuff You Hate

I teach aspiring authors how to succeed. Yet, there’s no proven formula for success authorship. I can only tell these eager, wanna-be authors what I know to be true about producing marketable books and promoting them. I can tell them what it takes to be a successful author. But they don’t often like what they hear.

Being an Author Isn’t Just About Writing

You see, these writers just want to write. And becoming a successful author tends to be less about writing and more about doing a lot of other things most writers hate—things like platform building, promotion, market analysis, competitive analysis, speaking, and project management. It involves a lot of business-related tasks.

A few writers manage to just write. These tend to be novelists. The majority of aspiring and published authors, however, must become good business people and do all that yucky stuff I just mentioned. Mostly, they have to pre-promote their books, which is called platform building. And they have to promote their books upon released, or else they won’t sell well.

The majority of writers don’t want to become salespeople or marketing experts. They want to become authors and have careers as writers.

Wrap Your Arms Around It

Know all of this, how do you succeed as an author? During a keynote speech I recently told a room full of writers that at a certain point in my efforts to become a published author, and a successful one at that, I told myself, “I refuse to fail.” At that moment, everything shifted for me. I accomplished more in the next four years than I had in the previous eight.

Someone in the audience asked me, “What did you do that was different?” I blundered through the answer saying, “I blogged more. I spent more time on social networks…” The truth was that I wrapped my arms around all the tasks I had previously disliked, and I learned to love them. I decided to stop resenting them and complaining about them and to just do them eagerly and willingly because they would help me reach my goal.

What I should have told that man in the audience was this: “I changed my attitude.” I learned to love the tasks I had to do to succeed—the ones I had previously hated.

Therein really lies the key to successful authorship. You must learn to love every aspect of achieving your goal. Every time you balk at doing something that gets you closer to becoming a successful author—or complain, resist, procrastinate, or simply don’t do it—you stop yourself from becoming a successful author.


My thoughts on The Author Training Manual
When I read about this book, I immediately thought to myself, "I really need to read that." I have been struggling to write and finish my own first novel for years now...with a ton of starts and stops...and self doubt. Amir states in the book that you have to have the right attitude/mindset if you're planning on pursuing a career as an author and one major component of that mindset is optimism. I feel I do have that. So, one step ahead. However, Amir outlines in this terrific book that we must be open to every aspect of the process of becoming a successful author. Not just the writing of the book itself, but the business side of the book. The book proposal for agents/publishers (yes, you even need one for fiction authorship), as well as finding out if what you are writing about is going to sell. Will people want to read what you are writing? Now this all may sound too structured or business-like for the more creative brains out there, but the concept she outlines in the book is solid.

After the introductory section of the book which introduces the concepts, you then move on to chapters that are 'steps' in the manual. After that, there are exercises to help you complete each step and a section of samples (book proposals, etc.). I haven't had a chance to work through the entire book yet, but you can bet that I will be starting now. That's is a major concept in the book..."define your success and set your goals" and "create a plan for your goals" and break those goals down into "signposts" or "landmarks" by adding a timestamp. For example: "Publish my first novel with a traditional imprint by May 31, 2016."

In my opinion, The Author Training Manual is an essential tool for any writer's toolbox. I can't wait to get to work on what Amir has outlined in this inspiring book!


About the book
Anyone can publish a book and become an “author,” but if you want to become a successful author with a profitable publishing career, you need a clear, step-by-step guide to help you develop book ideas that sell. In The Author Training Manual, expert editor and book coach Nina Amir reveals the exact process successful authors have used to create business plans and proposals for their books and teaches you how to view your ideas through the eyes of acquisition editors and literary agents.

Whether you write fiction or nonfiction, plan to traditionally publish or self-publish, The Author Training Manual provides you with the tools you need to achieve your goals and become the author publishers and readers want. Inside you’ll find concrete steps, evaluations, sample business plans, in-depth training activities, editor and agent commentaries, and much more – all designed to help you stand out, from the slush pile to the shelf.

Purchase your copy:

AMAZON

Discuss this book in our PUYB Virtual Book Club at Goodreads by clicking HERE


About the author

Nina Amir, the Inspiration to Creation Coach and author of How to Blog a Book and The Author Training Manual, transforms writers into authors. She inspires people from all walks of life to create books that positively impact readers and to develop careers as authors, achieve their goals, and fulfill their potential. Nina is a sought-after nonfiction developmental editor, proposal consultant, and author, book, blog-to-book, blog, and results coach. Some of her clients have gone on to sell 300,000+ copies of their books and to land deals with major publishing houses. She writes four blogs, has self-published 12 books and is the founder of National Nonfiction Writing Month, aka the Write Nonfiction in November Challenge.

You can find all of Nina’s blogs by visiting her main website, www.ninaamir.com.

Connect & Socialize!  
TWITTER | FACEBOOK

A copy of this book was sent to me in exchange for an honest review. I was not monetarily compensated for providing it.


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Thursday, April 17, 2014

Cat Thursday: Beauty and Destruction...the two sides of a cat


Welcome to the weekly meme that celebrates the wonders and sometime hilarity of cats! Join us by posting a favorite LOL cat pic you may have come across, famous cat art or even share with us pics of your own beloved cat(s). It's all for the love of cats! Enjoy! (share your post in the Mr. Linky below)

This week, I'm sharing the beauty of the cat with a wonderful painting and the destructive side with an hilarious video from Parole de chat. We all know these two sides of cats, don't we? :)

Charles Webster Hawthorne (1872 - 1930) Little Dora



Video: Parole de chat

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Nicole Dweck's The Debt of Tamar - Review


My thoughts
This book came highly recommended from my friend, Amy. She was not wrong. This story cannot simply be categorized as historical fiction. It is that, but it is also literary fiction at its finest.

Starting out in the 16th century and spanning time and the globe from Spain during the inquisition to the Ottoman Empire through WWII Paris and on to present day America, the book shows us how we all come from somewhere and truly have lived many lives through our ancestors. It also shows that love transcends time and that sometimes things do not turn out quite the way we would wish them to, but it's the little things that make life worth living and cherishing.

I found myself especially drawn to the characters. I felt an emotional connection and their triumphs and tragedies really struck at the heart. Sometimes a story comes along that is just right and this is that story.

I can't recommend this book highly enough. It is a remarkable debut novel and I'm really looking forward to Ms. Dweck's next book.

About the book
Publication Date: February 4, 2013
Devon House Press
Paperback; 332p
ISBN-10: 061558361X

During the second half of the 16th century, a wealthy widow by the name of Doña Antonia Nissim is arrested and charged with being a secret Jew. The punishment? Death by burning. Enter Suleiman the Magnificent, an Ottoman “Schindler,” and the most celebrated sultan in all of Turkish history. With the help of the Sultan, the widow and her children manage their escape to Istanbul. Life is seemingly idyllic for the family in their new home, that is, until the Sultan’s son meets and falls in love with Tamar, Doña Antonia’s beautiful and free-spirited granddaughter. A quiet love affair ensues until one day, the girl vanishes.

Over four centuries later, thirty-two year old Selim Osman, a playboy prince with a thriving real estate empire, is suddenly diagnosed with a life-threatening condition. Abandoning the mother of his unborn child, he vanishes from Istanbul without an explanation. In a Manhattan hospital, he meets Hannah, a talented artist and the daughter of a French Holocaust survivor. As their story intertwines with that of their ancestors, readers are taken back to Nazi-occupied Paris, and to a sea-side village in the Holy Land where a world of secrets is illuminated.

Theirs is a love that has been dormant for centuries, spanning continents, generations, oceans, and religions. Bound by a debt that has lingered through time, they must right the wrongs of the past if they’re ever to break the shackles of their future.

Buy the Book
Amazon (eBook)

Amazon (Paperback)

Barnes & Noble

iTunes


About the Author
Nicole Dweck is a writer whose work has appeared in newspapers and magazines across the country.


As a descendant of Sephardic (Spanish) refugees who escaped the Inquisition and settled on Ottoman territory, Dweck has always been interested in Sephardic history and the plight of refugees during the Spanish Inquisition. The Debt of Tamar, her debut novel, was a two-time finalist in the UK’s Cinnamon Press Novel Award Competition. It has also received an honorable award mention in the category of Mainstream/Literary Fiction from Writers Digest and was the highest rated book for two weeks running on the Harper Collin’s “Authonomy” website. It has claimed a #1 Bestseller spot in the Amazon Kindle Middle East Fiction category, a #1 Bestseller spot in Amazon Kindle Jewish Fiction category, and has been included as one of the “Hot 100″ Kindle bestsellers in the category of Historical Fiction.
 
Dweck holds a BA in Journalism and a Masters Degree in Global Studies with a focus on Middle East Affairs (NYU) . Her non-fiction articles have appeared in several magazines and newspapers including The New York Observer and Haute Living Magazine.

She lives in New York City with her husband and son.

For more information visit Nicole’s website. You can also connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads.

Thank you to the author and to Amy at Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours for letting me post my review after the tour ended.

A copy of this book was sent to me in exchange for an honest review. I was not monetarily compensated for providing it.

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Monday, April 14, 2014

Sunday, April 13, 2014

Carol M. Cram's The Towers of Tuscany - Book Blast and {Giveaway}

Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours and author Carol M. Cram are excited to announce The Towers of Tuscany Book Blast! Join us from April 7-13 as The Towers of Tuscany is featured around the blogosphere, along with a chance to win one of three copies of this amazing new novel! Called "a beautifully crafted masterpiece of historical fiction", "lush", and "page-turning" Cram's debut novel will appeal to readers who enjoy a strong female lead who, against great odds, dares to follow a dream. The Towers of Tuscany includes a Reader's Guide making it a perfect Book Club pick! In honor of the Book Blast we are giving away three copies to three lucky readers, see below to enter.

The Towers of Tuscany

Publication Date: January 23, 2014
New Arcadia Publishing
Formats: Paperback, Ebook
Genre: Historical Fiction

Set amid the twisting streets and sunlit piazzas of medieval Italy, the Towers of Tuscany tells the story of a woman who dares to follow her own path in the all-male domain of the painter’s workshop. Sofia Barducci is born into a world where a woman is only as good as the man who cares for her, but she still claims the right to make her own mistakes. Her first mistake is convincing her father to let her marry Giorgio Carelli, a wealthy saffron merchant in San Gimignano, the Tuscan city of towers. Trained in secret by her father to create the beautifully-crafted panels and altarpieces acclaimed today as masterpieces of late medieval art, Sofia’s desire for freedom from her father’s workshop leads her to betray her passion and sink into a life of loveless drudgery with a husband who comes to despise her when she does not produce a son. In an attack motivated by vendetta, Sofia’s father is crushed by his own fresco, compelling Sofia to act or risk the death of her soul. The choice she makes takes her on a journey from misery to the heights of passion—both as a painter and as a woman. Sofia escapes to Siena where, disguised as a boy, she paints again. When her work attracts the notice of a nobleman who discovers the woman under the dirty smock, Sofia is faced with a choice that nearly destroys her. The Towers of Tuscany unites a strong heroine with meticulously researched settings and compelling characters drawn from the rich tapestry of medieval Italy during one of Europe's most turbulent centuries. The stylishly written plot is packed with enough twists and turns to keep readers up long past their bedtimes.

READ AN EXCERPT.
 
The Towers of Tuscany
 

Praise for The Towers of Tuscany

“The Towers of Tuscany is a delightful escape to the Siena we all love. Carol Cram has crafted a delicious story about a strong woman torn between her secret past, her love of painting and the forbidden charms of her rich patron. Hard to resist and highly recommended!” - Anne Fortier, Author of The Lost Sisterhood and the New York Times bestseller, Juliet

 “Carol Cram's lush descriptions and intriguing characters bring this dramatic tale of medieval Tuscany to life. If you love Italian art, a feisty heroine, and a page-turning plot, you will adore this novel.” – Deborah Swift, Author of A Divided Inheritance

"The Towers of Tuscany has all the elements of a wonderful historical novel?a talented, frustrated heroine, a treacherous, feckless husband, and a promise to a dying, much loved father who orders the heroine on a dangerous mission. Carol is a first rate storyteller. The research is well done. Every chapter displays a fine knowledge of painting technique of the 14th century, and customs and mores of the age. The details of dress, fabric, food, are flawless. The clever dialogue and fast pace make the novel zing along." - Roberta Rich, Author of The Midwife of Venice and The Harem Midwife

“Sofia will set your heart racing as she attempts to find what we all, in our own ways, strive to seek: love, resolution, and artistic freedom. The legacy of this story will leave you yearning for more.” – Cathleen With, award-winning author of Having Faith in the Polar Girls’ Prison

Buy the Book

Amazon (Ebook)
Amazon (Paperback)
Barnes & Noble
Book Depository
IndieBound

About the AuthorCarol Cram

Carol M. Cram has enjoyed a great career as an educator, teaching at Capilano University in North Vancouver for over twenty years and authoring forty-plus bestselling textbooks on business communications and software applications. She holds an MA in Drama from the University of Toronto and an MBA from Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, Scotland. Carol is currently focusing as much of her attention as she can spare between walks in the woods on writing historical novels with an arts twist. She and her husband, painter Gregg Simpson, share a life on beautiful Bowen Island near Vancouver, Canada.

Author Links

Website
 Blog
Goodreads
Facebook
Twitter

Book Blast Schedule

Monday, April 7
Literary Chanteuse
Bibliophilia, Please
Cheryl's Book Nook
A Bibliotaph's Reviews
Confessions of an Avid Reader  
Tuesday, April 8
Mari Reads
Peeking Between the Pages
History From a Woman's Perspective
 Wednesday, April 9
Reviews by Molly
Susan Heim on Writing
Oh, For the Hook of a Book  
Thursday, April 10
Passages to the Past
Book Lovers Paradise
To Read or Not to Read
Curling Up With a Good Book  
Friday, April 11
Words and Peace
The Mad Reviewer
Historical Fiction Obsession  
Saturday, April 12
Book Nerd
Layered Pages
Princess of Eboli
Kelsey's Book Corner
Sunday, April 13
West Metro Mommy
The True Book Addict
Caroline Wilson Writes

Giveaway

To enter to win one of 3 copies of The Towers of Tuscany please complete the Rafflecopter giveaway form below. Giveaway is open internationally. Giveaway ends at 11:59pm on April 13th. You must be 18 or older to enter. Winners will be chosen via Rafflecopter on April 14th and notified via email. Winner has 48 hours to claim prize or new winner is chosen.

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Friday, April 11, 2014

HFVBT: Ruth Hull Chatlien's The Ambitious Madame Bonaparte - Review


My thoughts
Historical fiction has done it again! Because of reading this novel, I have once again learned about an enigmatic historical figure. How did I not know of this strong and industrious woman?!

Elizabeth Patterson decided early on, after a strange foretelling by an African slave woman, that she would marry a man from Europe, perhaps even marry into royalty. She did just that. She met and married Jerome Bonaparte. Yes, the brother of the one and only Napoleon. As can be imagined, the marriage did not go over well. Napoleon's concern was to have his family make influential marriages that would benefit him politically. What follows is a lot of turmoil and upheaval in Elizabeth's life. However, not one to take things lying down, she perseveres.

I am absolutely delighted to have discovered this new author. Ruth Hull Chatlien has written a fantastic and meticulously researched historical novel about an American historical figure--a woman-- who should be known to all. Her life and experiences living as a strong and independent woman, during a time when very few women did so, are a credit to all women. I have already been looking around online for more information about Elizabeth Patterson Bonaparte. I just can't wait to read more about her!

About the book
Publication Date: December 2, 2013
Amika Press
Paperback; 484p
ISBN: 978-1937484163

As a clever girl in stodgy, mercantile Baltimore, Betsy Patterson dreams of a marriage that will transport her to cultured Europe. When she falls in love with and marries Jerome Bonaparte, she believes her dream has come true—until Jerome’s older brother Napoleon becomes an implacable enemy.

Based on a true story, The Ambitious Madame Bonaparte is a historical novel that portrays this woman’s tumultuous life. Elizabeth Patterson Bonaparte, known to history as Betsy Bonaparte, scandalized Washington with her daring French fashions; visited Niagara Falls when it was an unsettled wilderness; survived a shipwreck and run-ins with British and French warships; dined with presidents and danced with dukes; and lived through the 1814 Battle of Baltimore. Yet through it all, Betsy never lost sight of her primary goal—to win recognition of her marriage.

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About the Author
Ruth Hull Chatlien has been a writer and editor of educational materials for twenty-five years. Her specialty is U.S. and world history. She is the author of Modern American Indian Leaders and has published several short stories and poems in literary magazines. The Ambitious Madame Bonaparte is her first published novel.

She lives in northeastern Illinois with her husband, Michael, and a very pampered dog named Smokey. When she’s not writing, she can usually be found gardening, knitting, drawing, painting, or watching football.

Connect with Ruth Hull Chatlien at her website or on Facebook.


Visit other blogs on the tour--Tour Schedule
Twitter Hashtag: #MadameBonaparteTour

A copy of this book was sent to me in exchange for an honest review. I was not monetarily compensated for providing it.

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Thursday, April 10, 2014

Cat Thursday: Authors and Cats (31)


Welcome to the weekly meme that celebrates the wonders and sometime hilarity of cats! Join us by posting a favorite LOL cat pic you may have come across, famous cat art or even share with us pics of your own beloved cat(s). It's all for the love of cats! Enjoy! (share your post in the Mr. Linky below)

The second Cat Thursday of each month is Authors and Cats Thursday. Each time I will feature an author and their cat(s).

Today is the birthday of author Anne McCaffrey who, sadly, is no longer with us. Born April 1, 1926, she was the prolific author of many fantasy/science fiction novels/series including Pern and The Talents Universe. She must have been a great cat lover because I know she wrote one book about a cat called No One Noticed the Cat (which I own). I have read a few of her books and I still own some that I have yet to read. She was a very talented author...and what a beautiful kitty she had. McCaffrey died on November 21, 2011 after suffering a stroke at her home in Ireland. RIP, dear lady.


Image credit: Random House

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Tuesday, April 8, 2014

H.H. Miller's Inscription - Book Blast and {Giveaway}

H.H. Miller's Book Blast for Inscription will be featured around the blogopshere from March 31-April 13.

Inscription_Cover

Publication: January 9, 2014
H.H Miller
Paperback; 278p
ISBN-10: 0615944418
eBook; 700kb
ASIN: B00HSBNW5Y

The year is 1851 and the Grand Guard is ravaging Mainland. Arrests. Floggings. Swift executions. Twenty-year-old Caris McKay, the beautiful heiress of Oakside Manor, is sent to live with distant relations until the danger has passed. It's no refuge, however, as Lady Granville and her scheming son plot to get their hands on Caris's inheritance with treachery and deceit.

Soon, alarming news arrives that the ruthless Captain James Maldoro has seized Oakside and imprisoned Caris's beloved uncle. And now he's after her.

Caris escapes with the help of Tom Granville, the enigmatic silver-eyed heir of Thornbridge. But when a cryptic note about a hidden fortune launches them on a perilous journey across Mainland, Caris and Tom must rely on wits, courage, and their growing love for each other if they hope to survive.

Filled with adventure, intrigue, and romance, Inscription will transport you to a historically fictional world you'll never want to leave.

READ AN EXCERPT.

Buy the Book


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Amazon (Paperback)
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About the AuthorH.H. Miller Author


H. H. Miller is the author of the novel Inscription, a historically fictional romantic adventure. In real life, she's content director at Stoke Strategy, a brand strategy firm in Seattle, Washington, where she specializes in transforming what some might call "boring" technology jargon into compelling, readable, memorable stories. Her favorite escape is Manzanita, Oregon - a place of beautiful beaches, wild storms, chilly nights around the bonfire (even in July), and time to enjoy life with her husband and three children.

For more information please visit H.H. Miller's Facebook Page.

Book Blast Schedule


Monday, March 31
A Bookish Affair
Closed the Cover
Mina's Bookshelf

Tuesday, April 1
Historical Fiction Connection

Wednesday, April 2
Book Nerd
CelticLady's Reviews

Thursday, April 3
Flashlight Commentary

Friday, April 4
The Mad Reviewer
Oh, for the Hook of a Book

Saturday, April 5
Pages of Comfort

Sunday, April 6
So Many Books, So Little Time

Monday, April 7
Confessions of an Avid Reader
History from a Woman's Perspective

Tuesday, April 8
The True Book Addict
Historical Fiction Obsession

Wednesday, April 9
Broken Teepee

Thursday, April 10
SOS Aloha
Caroline Wilson Writes

Friday, April 11
Layered Pages

Saturday, April 12
Susan Heim on Writing
Curling Up With a Good Book

Sunday, April 13
Passages to the Past

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Giveaway

To enter to win one of 2 copies of Inscription please complete the Rafflecopter giveaway form below. Giveaway is open to US and Canadian residents only.

Giveaway ends at 11:59pm on April 13th.. You must be 18 or older to enter.
Winners will be chosen via Rafflecopter on April 14th and notifiied via email.
Winners have 48 hours to claim prize or new winner is chosen.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


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Friday, April 4, 2014

HFVBT: Anne Clinard Barnhill's Queen Elizabeth's Daughter - Review #QueenElizabethsDaughterTour


My thoughts
I have touched on this recently...how I would think that someone like me would grow tired of the Tudors, as I have been reading books and watching shows and films about them faithfully for years...and how honestly I thought I was starting to feel a bit less enamored in recent days. However, this author has such a spot on voice when it comes to writing about the Tudors. Queen Elizabeth I is arguably my most favorite Tudor figure and the depiction of her in this book is exactly as I imagine she was in life. This book has gone a step further by giving us a glimpse of Elizabeth had she been a mother via her interaction with her cousin and ward, Mary Shelton. However, in her dealings with Mary, as with any sovereign who is also a parent, she can't quite get past her queenly duties and responsibilities to do what is right and expected.

It would seem that Elizabeth's ultimate aim for her 'ladies' would be to remain marriage-less, like herself. However, if they did decide to marry they must have her exclusive permission and often Elizabeth would arrange a powerful match for them. When she does so with Mary, trying to match her with Edward de Vere, Earl of Oxford, Mary balks, as she finds him to be a cruel lecher. Instead, she falls in love with a man of low circumstance (comparably) and Elizabeth refuses to allow the marriage. What happens next is the explosion of Elizabeth's wrath and the resulting plight of serious danger for the newly married couple. Again, we are reminded that times were perilous with the Tudors. Whether you lived in the time of Henry VIII, Queen Mary or Elizabeth herself, the political intrigue and dangers knew no bounds. The author brings this across beautifully in her well-researched prose.

This is not the first time I have recommended a book by Ms. Barnhill and I'm sure it certainly will not be the last. If you want to read historical fiction about the Tudors, her books are the ones you want.

Read my review of At the Mercy of the Queen

About the book
Publication Date: March 18, 2014
St. Martin’s Griffin
Paperback; 320p
ISBN-10: 0312662122

Mistress Mary Shelton is Queen Elizabeth’s favorite ward, enjoying every privilege the position affords. The queen loves Mary like a daughter, and, like any good mother, she wants her to make a powerful match. The most likely prospect: Edward de Vere, Earl of Oxford. But while Oxford seems to be everything the queen admires: clever, polished and wealthy, Mary knows him to be lecherous, cruel, and full of treachery. No matter how hard the queen tries to push her into his arms, Mary refuses.

Instead, Mary falls in love with a man who is completely unsuitable. Sir John Skydemore is a minor knight with little money, a widower with five children. Worst of all, he’s a Catholic at a time when Catholic plots against Elizabeth are rampant. The queen forbids Mary to wed the man she loves. When the young woman, who is the queen’s own flesh and blood, defies her, the couple finds their very lives in danger as Elizabeth’s wrath knows no bounds.



About the Author
Anne Clinard Barnhill has been writing or dreaming of writing for most of her life. For the past twenty years, she has published articles, book and theater reviews, poetry, and short stories. Her first book, AT HOME IN THE LAND OF OZ, recalls what it was like growing up with an autistic sister. Her work has won various awards and grants. Barnhill holds an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. Besides writing, Barnhill also enjoys teaching, conducting writing workshops, and facilitating seminars to enhance creativity. She loves spending time with her three grown sons and their families. For fun, she and her husband of thirty years, Frank, take long walks and play bridge. In rare moments, they dance.

For more information, please visit Anne Clinard Barnhill’s website. You can also find her onFacebook and Twitter.


Visit other blogs on the tour--Tour Schedule
Twitter Hashtag: #QueenElizabethsDaughterTour

A copy of this book was sent to me in exchange for an honest review. I was not monetarily compensated for providing it.

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