Search
Search results
Merissa (14025 KP) rated The Cardinal's Whores in Books
Oct 16, 2018
The Cardinal's Whores by Adrienne Blake
The Cardinal's Whores is the first book by this author I have read, and with the intriguing mix of fact and fiction she twisted into this story, she is definitely one on my watch list.
Joan Larke is a young woman, living with her brother, and hopeful for a marriage to a noble. However, when her path brings her to the attention of Thomas Wolsley, her life takes a different route. We stay with Wolsley throughout most of this book, but also see things from other's perspectives. This story touches on actual figures and events from that period of history, and then puts the author's take on things to make them fit here.
This was a very well written story, with no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading. The pacing was smooth, and the transition from one person's POV to the next was seamless. For those that like historical stories, something with a bit of steam, then I have no hesitation in recommending this one. Thoroughly enjoyable.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Joan Larke is a young woman, living with her brother, and hopeful for a marriage to a noble. However, when her path brings her to the attention of Thomas Wolsley, her life takes a different route. We stay with Wolsley throughout most of this book, but also see things from other's perspectives. This story touches on actual figures and events from that period of history, and then puts the author's take on things to make them fit here.
This was a very well written story, with no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading. The pacing was smooth, and the transition from one person's POV to the next was seamless. For those that like historical stories, something with a bit of steam, then I have no hesitation in recommending this one. Thoroughly enjoyable.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Dianne Robbins (1738 KP) rated Unmentionable: The Victorian Lady's Guide to Sex, Marriage, and Manners in Books
Oct 31, 2018 (Updated Oct 31, 2018)
Such glorious fun!
I love this author's writing style. It isn't a recitation of dry facts as some historical nonfiction books can be. She really takes you into the daily rituals associated with fashion, hygiene, sex, marriage, and manners by immersing you in the culture as a virtual time traveler visiting the Victorian era. It brushes away the romance of the time period and gets you into the nitty-gritty, down-and-dirty history but in a fun and frivolous way as she takes you into her confidence and shares the secrets of the past. It's a delightful romp written with light sarcasm that brought tears from laughter into my eyes. I highly recommend this book and this author. She has written another book on the history of child-rearing called Ungovernable: The Victorian Parent's Guide to Raising Flawless Children (Hardcover), which will be available April 16, 2019. Though I don't have children, I'm tempted to buy this book because the other was so much fun.
Oh, and if you like this book, you might also enjoy The Dirt on Clean: An Unsanitized History by Katherine Ashenburg.
Oh, and if you like this book, you might also enjoy The Dirt on Clean: An Unsanitized History by Katherine Ashenburg.
Bong Mines Entertainment (15 KP) rated For, Lost Thoughts by Ballad in Music
Jun 17, 2019
Ballad is a rising singer-songwriter from Luanda, Angola. Not too long ago, he released a groovy contemporary R&B tune, entitled, “If”, produced by Jay Muse.
“‘If’ is the first track on my ‘For, Lost Thoughts’ EP, which touches on the themes of joy, love, depression, and acceptance. Also, ‘If’ represents joy.” – Ballad
‘If’ contains a relatable storyline, ear-welcoming vocals, and lush instrumentation flavored with contemporary R&B and neo-soul elements.
The likable tune is featured on Ballad’s latest EP, entitled, “For, Lost Thoughts”. Also, you can get acquainted with the artist’s music by streaming his project via Spotify.
“This felt like therapy for me, like I needed to get out all of these emotions that life has taken me through.”
Ballad’s soulful sound is reminiscent of Maxwell and Prince, all wrapped up in one. Also, his music has amassed over 200K streams online.
His “For, Lost Thoughts” EP is his most personal project to date because it’s laced with vulnerability. Also, every word uttered from Ballad tells a story, his story.
The 5-track project highlights a transitioning period in Ballad’s life where he ultimately learned some of his biggest lessons in love. Also, it includes his “Wondering” single, which is dedicated to love lost.
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/ballad-if/
“‘If’ is the first track on my ‘For, Lost Thoughts’ EP, which touches on the themes of joy, love, depression, and acceptance. Also, ‘If’ represents joy.” – Ballad
‘If’ contains a relatable storyline, ear-welcoming vocals, and lush instrumentation flavored with contemporary R&B and neo-soul elements.
The likable tune is featured on Ballad’s latest EP, entitled, “For, Lost Thoughts”. Also, you can get acquainted with the artist’s music by streaming his project via Spotify.
“This felt like therapy for me, like I needed to get out all of these emotions that life has taken me through.”
Ballad’s soulful sound is reminiscent of Maxwell and Prince, all wrapped up in one. Also, his music has amassed over 200K streams online.
His “For, Lost Thoughts” EP is his most personal project to date because it’s laced with vulnerability. Also, every word uttered from Ballad tells a story, his story.
The 5-track project highlights a transitioning period in Ballad’s life where he ultimately learned some of his biggest lessons in love. Also, it includes his “Wondering” single, which is dedicated to love lost.
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/ballad-if/
BookwormMama14 (18 KP) rated Making Waves (Lake Manawa Summers, #1) in Books
Jan 2, 2019
Set in 1895 on the shores of Lake Manawa, Marguerite Westing has a summer she will never forget.
Her beau, Roger Gordon, is not just the boring, uninteresting man she thought he was. And her loving and caring father has a secret as well that could destroy his family. In a time when women were practically forbidden to sail...Marguerite falls in love with sailing...and the sailing instructor Trip Andrews. Her fiery spirit gets her into trouble on more than one occasion. And she has a tendency for making waves wherever she goes.
A difficult choice lays before her, will she give up all of her hopes and dreams to save her family? Or will she follow her heart and put her trust in the Lord to work things out.
This book is a very easy quick read. Has some surprises and twists. I enjoy the use of scripture, as well as the lessons of trusting the Lord. I enjoy the time period and the fact that Marguerite tends to go against the flow of what is normal and expected for women in this era.
I found Making Waves at my library. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Her beau, Roger Gordon, is not just the boring, uninteresting man she thought he was. And her loving and caring father has a secret as well that could destroy his family. In a time when women were practically forbidden to sail...Marguerite falls in love with sailing...and the sailing instructor Trip Andrews. Her fiery spirit gets her into trouble on more than one occasion. And she has a tendency for making waves wherever she goes.
A difficult choice lays before her, will she give up all of her hopes and dreams to save her family? Or will she follow her heart and put her trust in the Lord to work things out.
This book is a very easy quick read. Has some surprises and twists. I enjoy the use of scripture, as well as the lessons of trusting the Lord. I enjoy the time period and the fact that Marguerite tends to go against the flow of what is normal and expected for women in this era.
I found Making Waves at my library. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Merissa (14025 KP) rated Twisted Sisters (The Orion Circle #2) in Books
Dec 17, 2018
The second book in the Orion Circle series is just as action-packed as the first book. I will admit to the beginning taking me by surprise but I loved how it was written, with the characters of Kacie and Logan being immediately recognisable and flowing to the forefront of my mind, even though it is a while since I have read the first book in this series, Tortured Souls.
This story is layered with intricate twists and turns as Logan and Kacie have to deal with a number of different things, and the opponents they're facing are very good at finding out their secret fears. Although the timing of this book is over a short period, it never seemed rushed or hurried. Each scene was well-written and time given to each action and character, so that you understand just what is going on. With excellent teamwork by the Orion Circle as a whole (although the Pastor did annoy me at the end!), action, adventure and a touch of romance, this is one story that I didn't want to end.
Absolutely recommended and I can't wait for more!
* I received this book from the author in return for a fair and honest review. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
This story is layered with intricate twists and turns as Logan and Kacie have to deal with a number of different things, and the opponents they're facing are very good at finding out their secret fears. Although the timing of this book is over a short period, it never seemed rushed or hurried. Each scene was well-written and time given to each action and character, so that you understand just what is going on. With excellent teamwork by the Orion Circle as a whole (although the Pastor did annoy me at the end!), action, adventure and a touch of romance, this is one story that I didn't want to end.
Absolutely recommended and I can't wait for more!
* I received this book from the author in return for a fair and honest review. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
David McK (3801 KP) rated Lieutenant Hornblower in Books
Jan 28, 2019
Chronologically the second of [a:C.S. Forester|932179|C.S. Forester|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1218219226p2/932179.jpg]'s Hornblower series, this is actually the seventh by Publication date, and is a marked contrast to most of the other Hornblower novels in that, while Horatio Hornblower is indeed the main character this is not told from his point of view, but rather from that of Lieutenant William Bush, who's date of commission makes him senior to Hornblower (who is, in fact, the junior lieutenant on board the HMS Renown).
Over the course of the novel, Bush sees how Hornblower becomes integral to dealing with an insane captain, as well as to the Renowns mission to the Spanish held possession of Santa Domingo (and the capture of one of the forts there) and finally back to England to see how the fact that peace has 'broken out' has dealt with Hornblower: the latter part showing him down on his luck, with his commission to post rank refused due to this peace, and with the Admiralty requiring him to pay back the excess pay he had withdrawn over the period between his (now refused) commission and his return home.
Like all of the Hornblower books, well worth a read!
Over the course of the novel, Bush sees how Hornblower becomes integral to dealing with an insane captain, as well as to the Renowns mission to the Spanish held possession of Santa Domingo (and the capture of one of the forts there) and finally back to England to see how the fact that peace has 'broken out' has dealt with Hornblower: the latter part showing him down on his luck, with his commission to post rank refused due to this peace, and with the Admiralty requiring him to pay back the excess pay he had withdrawn over the period between his (now refused) commission and his return home.
Like all of the Hornblower books, well worth a read!
David McK (3801 KP) rated Snuff (Discworld, #39; City Watch #8) in Books
Jan 28, 2019
OK, this is a Pratchett, so the fact that it is good is pretty much a given.
I have to say, however, that I've found his latest Discworld books to be 'less good' - perhaps a sympton of his sad mental decline? - than what I would term a late-middle period Pratchett (round about 'Lords and Ladies', 'Jingo' and so on). In this one, he returns to Commander Vimes of the Ankh-Morpork City Watch - last featured in 'Thud!', who is on holiday in the country-side. Of course, as the blurb makes clear, it is inevitable that this turns into a Busmans holiday ...
The novel did have a few laugh-out-loud moments, but not as many as from one of his best. I also found it to be rather verbose at times, with only really one extended action scene. While some characters - Willikens, in particular - are more fleshed out than before, I also got the distinct feeling that other members of the City Watch were only (temporarily) present as it wouldn't be a City Watch book without them; not to add anything to the story.
While that might make it sound like I didn't enjoy the book, that's simply not true - I did, but just felt that it could have been so much more ...
I have to say, however, that I've found his latest Discworld books to be 'less good' - perhaps a sympton of his sad mental decline? - than what I would term a late-middle period Pratchett (round about 'Lords and Ladies', 'Jingo' and so on). In this one, he returns to Commander Vimes of the Ankh-Morpork City Watch - last featured in 'Thud!', who is on holiday in the country-side. Of course, as the blurb makes clear, it is inevitable that this turns into a Busmans holiday ...
The novel did have a few laugh-out-loud moments, but not as many as from one of his best. I also found it to be rather verbose at times, with only really one extended action scene. While some characters - Willikens, in particular - are more fleshed out than before, I also got the distinct feeling that other members of the City Watch were only (temporarily) present as it wouldn't be a City Watch book without them; not to add anything to the story.
While that might make it sound like I didn't enjoy the book, that's simply not true - I did, but just felt that it could have been so much more ...
David McK (3801 KP) rated Dark Lord: The Rise of Darth Vader in Books
Jan 30, 2019
Belonging to the 'old' no-longer-considered-Canon selection of Star Wars stories (now contained under the banner of Star Wars Legends), this novel is mainly set roughly a month or so after the events of 'Revenge of the Sith' when Vader is new to the suit, and to his new life as Vader (as opposed to whiny emo Anakin Skywalker).
The start of the novel, in fact, actually takes place during the events of Revenge of the Sith, through the period in which Order 66 is exacted, with the Jedi who are the main characters of this novel surviving that purge. Like any good master/learner relationship, the newly-minted Emperor gives Vader a task -to hunt down those Jedi - to further pull him into the Dark Side of the Force, and to cement his place in the New Order.
The result is a pretty fast-paced novel that also takes in key characters from the original trilogy (and some from the inferior prequels), laying the foundations for the Rebellion that is to come and explainuing just how the Wookie came to be an enslaved species (although that part of the novel reminded me a fair bit of the The Force Unleashed video games!).
The start of the novel, in fact, actually takes place during the events of Revenge of the Sith, through the period in which Order 66 is exacted, with the Jedi who are the main characters of this novel surviving that purge. Like any good master/learner relationship, the newly-minted Emperor gives Vader a task -to hunt down those Jedi - to further pull him into the Dark Side of the Force, and to cement his place in the New Order.
The result is a pretty fast-paced novel that also takes in key characters from the original trilogy (and some from the inferior prequels), laying the foundations for the Rebellion that is to come and explainuing just how the Wookie came to be an enslaved species (although that part of the novel reminded me a fair bit of the The Force Unleashed video games!).
David McK (3801 KP) rated Ratcatcher (Matthew Hawkwood, #1) in Books
Jan 30, 2019
I picked this book up for something like 99p in a Clearance sale in my local WH Smiths, and I have to say: it actually proved to be a better read than many other books that I've paid full price for.
Set during the late Regency period, this is the era of the Napoleonic Wars, Affairs of Honour (i.e. forbidden duels), Highwaymen and the Bow Street Runners. Starting with the robbery of a coach, this builds up into a plot surrounding a (historically correct) invention that agents of France hope to use against Great Britain to swing the balance of power in their favour. Matthew Hawkwood - the hero of the tale - is a former army officer from the Rifle Corps, who now works as one of the Bow Street Runners (few in number, and who have since been called London's first professional police force), who is initially charged with investigating this robbery. While I did find elements of the plot to be obvious - one reveal, in particular, I saw coming from about a mile away - there is still plenty to enjoy in the novel.
Based on this one, I may be convinced pick up a few more of the sequels ...
Set during the late Regency period, this is the era of the Napoleonic Wars, Affairs of Honour (i.e. forbidden duels), Highwaymen and the Bow Street Runners. Starting with the robbery of a coach, this builds up into a plot surrounding a (historically correct) invention that agents of France hope to use against Great Britain to swing the balance of power in their favour. Matthew Hawkwood - the hero of the tale - is a former army officer from the Rifle Corps, who now works as one of the Bow Street Runners (few in number, and who have since been called London's first professional police force), who is initially charged with investigating this robbery. While I did find elements of the plot to be obvious - one reveal, in particular, I saw coming from about a mile away - there is still plenty to enjoy in the novel.
Based on this one, I may be convinced pick up a few more of the sequels ...
I was pleased to learn recently that John Ashdown-Hill is due to be honoured by the Queen - I can't think of anyone who has contributed so much to our understanding of late medieval history or is capable or writing in such a clear and rational style.
This book deals with what is known of The Dublin King - probably what most of us might think of from our school history as 'Lambert Simnel'. There are no easy or clear answers here, but anyone with even a rudimentary understanding must wonder why a genuine Yorkist claimant (The Earl of Lincoln) would support such an obvious pretender as the 'Lambert Simnel' is always shown to be. Ashdown-Hill sifts through contemporary sources to give some thought provoking theories on what was really going on. so much is difficult to prove, which is a little frustrating, but it has been a worthwhile exercise to draw together all the known facts here. There are quite a number of references to his own other works, but then no one else has gone quite as far as he in studies of this period, so in many ways it is inevitable. He has such an accessible style that his books are definetly worth reading.
This book deals with what is known of The Dublin King - probably what most of us might think of from our school history as 'Lambert Simnel'. There are no easy or clear answers here, but anyone with even a rudimentary understanding must wonder why a genuine Yorkist claimant (The Earl of Lincoln) would support such an obvious pretender as the 'Lambert Simnel' is always shown to be. Ashdown-Hill sifts through contemporary sources to give some thought provoking theories on what was really going on. so much is difficult to prove, which is a little frustrating, but it has been a worthwhile exercise to draw together all the known facts here. There are quite a number of references to his own other works, but then no one else has gone quite as far as he in studies of this period, so in many ways it is inevitable. He has such an accessible style that his books are definetly worth reading.