Friday, April 30, 2010

The Summer Before the Storm by Gabriele Wills

Muskoka is the summer playground for the very wealthy families that want to escape the stifling heat of summer in Toronto, Ontario Canada. The year is 1914 and one such family living there in the summer is the Wyndwoods. This large family lives an easy and fun filled summer with servants to meet their every need. The matriarch of the family is Augusta Wyndwood who took over the running of the family and business when her husband died. Al she has to do is threaten disinheritance and the family members jump to attention and do as she bids.


There are too numerous characters to mention here however I will mention the main characters of this story. Victoria is the headstrong granddaughter of Augusta. She would like to have more of the freedoms that men have but Augusta would like to marry her off to a wealthy cousin, Justin who is in love with Victoria. Victoria however is in love with her other wealthy cousin, Chas.

Then there is Jack, Augusta's grandson. He shows up, when the story opens, as a waiter at the resort restaurant that the family goes to every Monday for dinner. The next day he shows up at the Wyndwood estate and is introduced by Augusta. Jacks father was disinherited by Augusta for marrying beneath himself. His family was very poor and he died fairly young, leaving his family to survive on their own. Jack hopes to ingratiate himself into the family.

The family live there usual glutinous summer on the lake, boating, swimming, playing tennis, and the other things in their idyllic lifestyle. However, things start to turn dark when WWI is threatened and many of Victoria's cousins go off to war, to eventually become part of "the lost generation."

This story travels from Muskoka, Ontario Canada to Britain, and the skies of war torn France. It includes the horrific bombing and sinking of the famous Lusitania ship of the shores of Britain. There is a little of something for everyone including, wealthy living, romance, mystery, adventure, and war.

It is evident the Gabriele Wills did her research of the period. She has beautiful writing and very interesting characters that leap out from the pages. There are a couple more minor story lines that I didn't really care for. For instance Helena, who marries Victoria's father James later in the story. She is a stereotypical conniving stepmother. This took away from the story for me. That said, I really did enjoy this book over. This book is the first of a trilogy and I hope to read the other two books.

4/5

Thanks to Gabriele Wills for sending me a copy of this book. To find out more about this book and the writing of it, head on over to my collaborative blog, Historical Tapestry, where we featured her, here. Also coming soon to Historical Tapestry is a collaborative review of this book with Kailana and myself.

Also reviewed at:
The Book Chick

If you have also reviewed this book, please leave the link in the comments so I can post it here.

Posted by Teddy Rose at 10:36 PM 5 comments  

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Thursday, April 29, 2010

Giveaway: Admission by By Jean Hanff Korelitz

Thanks to Valerie Russo of Hachette Books I am giving away up to 3 copies of this book.

Book Description:

"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.

The number of entrants to this giveaway will determine how many copies of this book I will giveaway:

1-10 entrants= 1
11-20 entrants= 2
21-30 entrants= 3

Here are the rules:

1. For one entry, leave a comment.  Please be sure to include your email address (if it isn't available in your profile), so that I can contact you if you win. If I can't find your email either in the comments or your profile, you will be disqualified!

2. For two more entries, post about this giveaway on your blog and leave link to your blog post in the comments. You will also get an entry for each person who tells me that they learned about this
giveaway from you.

3. For another 5 more entries: Become a Follower of my blog or subscribe to my blog through Google Reader or other subscription service. If you are already a subscriber or follower you still get the five extra entries! Please do not comment that you are a follower five times! I will give you the extra entries myself. I will delete any extra entries that you make as it will just confuse me when I go to pick the winners.

Sorry, the giveaway is only open US and Canadian residents only.

The winner’s mailing address: NO P.O. Boxes.

Only one entry per household/IP address.

This giveaway will end on Friday, May 14th at 11:59 P.M. E.S.T. The winners will be notified by email, so remember to include your email address in the comments, if it isn't available in your profile! Winners must respond within three days or will be disqualified.

Posted by Teddy Rose at 8:15 PM 19 comments  

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Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Giveaway: Mother's Day Romance Extravaganza

Happy Mother's Day to all of you Mothers out there!  Thanks to Anna Balasi of Hachette Books, I am giving away 3 sets of the books pictured above for Mother's Day.  That's right, 3 winners will receive all 6 of those books!

The books in list form:

MONTANA DESTINY By R.C. Ryan
RAVISHED BY A HIGHLANDER By Paula Quinn
STILL THE ONE By Robin Wells
DESIRE ME By Robyn DeHart
KNIGHT OF PASSION By Margaret Mallory
TO SURRENDER TO A ROGUE By Cara Elliott 

Here are the rules:
1. For one entry, leave a comment.  Please be sure to include your email address (if it isn't available in your profile), so that I can contact you if you win. If I can't find your email either in the comments or your profile, you will be disqualified!

2. For two more entries, post about this giveaway on your blog and leave link to your blog post in the comments. You will also get an entry for each person who tells me that they learned about this
giveaway from you.

3. For another 5 more entries: Become a Follower of my blog or subscribe to my blog through Google Reader or other subscription service. If you are already a subscriber or follower you still get the five extra entries! Please do not comment that you are a follower five times! I will give you the extra entries myself. I will delete any extra entries that you make as it will just confuse me when I go to pick the winners.

Sorry, the giveaway is only open US and Canadian residents only.

The winner’s mailing address: NO P.O. Boxes.

Only one entry per household/IP address.

This giveaway will end on Sunday, May 9th at 11:59 P.M. E.S.T. The winners will be notified by email, so remember to include your email address in the comments, if it isn't available in your profile! Winners must respond within three days or will be disqualified.

Posted by Teddy Rose at 9:45 PM 57 comments  

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National Poetry Month: The Hunt by Teddy Rose

I admit, I have never been a big poetry fan.  I use to read and write a bit when I was in High school but that is about it.  However, since it's National Poetry Month in the U.S.A, I though I would post a poem that I wrote in high school.  Please try not to laugh.  It is a cause I still beleive it today, Animal Rights.

The Hunt 

She runs and runs with fear in her eyes-
Those hound dogs coming near and near,
The mean old hunters with their cheery bright clothes.
A baby fawn hears the shot,
Hears the hunters running to get their catch.
A big puddle is found by the deer;
It has not rained for weeks.
A hunter is thirsty and takes a sip.
It's salty so he spits it out,
Not understanding why.
He doesn't know the mother's child was there.
Does he even care?

Posted by Teddy Rose at 6:09 PM 5 comments  

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

The Colony of Unrequited Dreams by Wayne Johnston

I read this book way before my blogging days but I think that it is worth a mention for the letter "J" of the Historical Fiction Alphabet Challenge.

Wayne Johnston is a Canadian author,  Here is the book description:
In 1949, Joseph Smallwood became the first premier of the newly federated Canadian province of Newfoundland. Predictably, and almost immediately, his name retreated to the footnotes of history. And yet, as Wayne Johnston makes plain in his epic and affectionate fifth novel, The Colony of Unrequited Dreams, Smallwood's life was endearingly emblematic, an instance of an extraordinary man emerging at a propitious moment. The particular charm of Johnston's book, however, lies not merely in unveiling a career that so seamlessly coincided with the burgeoning self-consciousness of Newfoundland itself, but in exposing a simple truth--namely, that history is no more than the accretion of lived lives.

Born into debilitating poverty, Smallwood is sustained by a bottomless faith in his own industry. His unabashed ambition is to "rise not from rags to riches, but from obscurity to world renown." To this end, he undertakes tasks both sublime and baffling--walking 700 miles along a Newfoundland railroad line in a self-martyring union drive; narrating a homespun radio spot; and endlessly irritating and ingratiating himself with the Newfoundland political machine. His opaque and constant incitement is an unconsummated love for his childhood friend, Sheilagh Fielding. Headstrong and dissolute, she weaves in and out of Smallwood's life like a salaried goad, alternately frustrating and illuminating his ambitions. Smallwood is harried as well by Newfoundland's subtle gravity, a sense that he can never escape the tug of his native land, since his only certainty is the island itself--that "massive assertion of land, sea's end, the outer limit of all the water in the world, a great, looming, sky-obliterating chunk of rock."

Before I read this book I knew nothing about Newfoundland's history nor politics.  I really enjoyed this book and the characters in it.  The story was excellent.  Because I thought that it was a bit too detailed in politics, it did grad in parts.  However, overall this book was a great introduction to Newfoundland and I really cared about the characters in it.

4/5

PhotobucketPhotobucket

Posted by Teddy Rose at 6:09 PM 8 comments  

Monday, April 26, 2010

Grandma Rose by Teddy Rose


This week I decided to do something a little different for short story Monday.  The following short story is one that I wrote when I went back to University in 1989.  I had just divorced my first husband of only 2 years and was starting to turn my life in a positive direction.  I only wish my Grandma Rose could have seen what I have done since she died. 

Let me introduce you to my Grandma Rose...

She was under five feet tall, but when measured from the top of her high bun hairdo, she was 5'5>' She carried her head up high, proud of her life's accomplishments, children, and grandchildren. Her name was Rose Bloom, and that is exactly what she was to me, a blooming rose.

Grandma Rose's history was grand. She lived in Russia until she was twenty-one and then had to flee for her life. Russia didn't like "dirty Jews." She made her way to New York and then settled in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Grandma never seemed bitter about the hell she had gone through though she never talked about it. She was however, brave and bold.

I always looked forward to seeing Grandma. Even as a baby I can remember feeling her warmth and love that reached out to me. I loved the variety of antiques that she decorated her house and later, her apartment with. At the entrance she had a large green umbrella stand that had red, white, and yellow dragons painted on it. Large paper flowers of white, pink, light blue, and gold were kept in it. In her living room, she had a set of lamps that my sister, Lori and I had called "Whore Lamps." The ornate ceramic bases had well defined top naked women, which made the lamps look almost animated. The velvet lampshades were off white, outlined on the tops and bottoms with wine coloured velvet ruffles. On her coffee table was a combination statue and music box with a little boy and girl kissing, which I gave her on Mother's Day one year. She had all kinds of things that her grandchildren gave her, scattered throughout her apartment. She always loved whatever her children or grandchildren gave her, just because they were items given out of love.

The jewelery that Grandma wore was just as eccentric as her home furnishings. She wore heavy clip-on earrings, which clunked against her neck when she walked or turned her head. She had a stunning necklace that consisted of a two inch diamond studded "R" backed with 16 karat gold that hung from a thick gold herring-bone chain. Because it was her favourite, she rarely took it off. She also insisted on wearing her diamond engagement ring and wedding band, even when she made pie dough. The dough got stuck in the settings of her rings and she and my mother had to use toothpicks and ammonia to get it out.

Grandma was never old. She told me that she was ever lasting twenty-one and I believed her. She was part owner of Sam Bloom Iron and Metal Company and actually worked there five days per week until she sold her part of the business and retired at the age of 86. Throughout her life she donated time, money, and effort to various charities. Whenever Grandma and I went shopping together, I was always the one who got tired out. I told her that she could win World War III single-handedly. "Grandma", I said, "If we ever have World War III, just bring the enemy shopping and they'll drop like flies."

Grandma was my best friend. When I was in high school and received my driver's license, I drove to her place almost every weekend. We usually went out to lunch or supper together and sometimes hit one of the "Dales." (Big shopping centers in Minnesota.) When I got married, Grandma was there for me, not as a spectator, but as my Matron of Honour. Even after marriage, our friendship thrived. I still went out with Grandma about every other weekend. When we went out to eat, we always argued over the bill. It was an honour to treat Grandma, but she only let me pay about twice per year. She enjoyed spoiling her youngest grandchild.

Grandma died in October of 1988 at the age of 87. I phoned her that Saturday morning to decide what time I should pick her up for lunch. My Aunt answered the phone and I knew right then that Grandma was gone. She was full of thriving life right up to that day. I lost my Grandma and my best friend. I will always miss her but have her with me in my heart, always.

Posted by Teddy Rose at 2:39 PM 4 comments  

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Mailbox Monday

Visit Marcia every Monday at The Printed Page to share what arrives in your mailbox each week.

Here's what I received in my mailbox last week:

 Thanks to the Author, Robert Parry for this book!


I got this3 DVD set from Barnes and Noble for Free.
How did I get it for free you ask?  I belong to an on-line points program.  There are many ways to get points.  Some require shopping, or participating in a survey, or some just for click onto an advertisement.  I only do the surveys and clicking, so I have never spent money.  You can redeem points for all kinds of things but I usually go for the Barnes and Noble gift cards.  Would you like me to invite you to this program?  Just send me an email at teddyr66 at yahoo dot com


Disclaimer:  I do get points if you join, after you have earned 100 points.


I won this ARC through Goodreads First Reads.











Posted by Teddy Rose at 1:12 PM 6 comments  

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Sunday, April 25, 2010

100 Mile Fitness Challenge (66 miles for me)

April 1 - June 30, 2010
 
Week 3,  (April 16-April 29):

Friday - 0

Saturday -2 (Bike)

Sunday -0

Monday -0

Tuesday -2 (Bike)

Wednesday - 0

Thursday - 2 (Yoga)

Total = 6 miles

12 miles down, 54 to go

Posted by Teddy Rose at 9:41 PM 4 comments  

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Winners: Alex Cross's Trial by James Patterson

Thanks again to Valerie Russo of Hachette Books for making this giveaway possible. 


The 3 winners are:

Bctegirl
Suzie
Marjorie (Already Won)
Jennifer

Congratulations! I emailed you, please contact me within 3 days to claim your prize.

Posted by Teddy Rose at 5:53 PM 2 comments  

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The Green Bronze Mirror by Lynne Ellison

15 year old Karen is exploring the sea side when she finds an ancient looking mirror in the sand. Now everyone knows that if you find an old mirror, do not stare into it. Of course Karen does and she is transported through time to ancient Rome. Some solders happen upon her and believe she is a runaway slave.


She is taken to a house where she is given to a slave to give her decent clothes and to wash her. Shorts and a tee shirt were very odd clothes indeed. She was taken to the market place and sold. She was a slave to Mistress Julia and was made to take care of Julia's two children. She made friends with some of the other slaves and fell for a older slave boy, Kleon.

Christianity was a new religion back then and when the fires started and destroyed home after home, the Christians were blamed and persecuted. Karen and Kleon flee together to avoid persecution. Eventually Karen confesses to Kleon that she is from the future and he helps her find her way back.

Lynne Ellison wrote this short young adult novel in 1966, when she was just a teenager. It was just re-issued in 2009 by CnPosner Books. The copy I received was a final copy, not an advance reader edition. However, page after page I found spelling errors and word omissions. Instead of fixing these, the publisher has all of the errors listed on their website and invite readers to notify them of any other errors they may have missed. Though I really enjoyed the story, I found these errors rather annoying. I know it costs money to reprint books but I feel that it is unprofessional and does not do Lynne Ellison's good story justice.

Karen told Kleon that the time that she lives in everyone in the world is Christian and how wonderful it is. There is no persecution. I guess this is also suppose to be Christian fantasy novel, because the world I live in, not everyone is Christian and there are still all kinds of people who get persecuted because of their religion. That said, I did like Karen as a character and I liked the story of her as a slave. The story took place when the Roman Empire was ruled by Nero and Ms. Ellison did bring the ancient time to life.

3/5

Thanks to CnPosner Books for this book.

Also reviewed by:


Have you reviewed this book?  Leave a link to your review in my comments and I will post it.

Posted by Teddy Rose at 12:30 AM 5 comments  

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Friday, April 23, 2010

Winner: Snubbr Historical Fiction Giveaway

Thanks again to Snubbr for making this giveaway possible.

The winner is:

Pam

Pam has won Beneath a Marble Sky by John Shors.  Pam, you are in for a treat, I loved this book!! 

Congratulations! I emailed you, please contact me within 3 days to claim your prize.

Posted by Teddy Rose at 10:44 PM 3 comments  

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Giveaway: STILL THE ONE By Robin Wells

Thanks to Anna Balasi of Hachette Books, I am giving away up to 5 copies of this book.

Book Description:

After Katie Charmaine's husband is killed in Iraq, all she has left is a closet full of his clothes, a few pictures, and fond memories. She not only lost her love, but her last chance to have the children she's always wanted. Until Zack Ferguson shows up in town . . . with the daughter Katie gave up for adoption nearly seventeen years ago.

Zack Ferguson has never forgotten Katie, or the one magical night they spent together. Seeing her again brings up a tidal wave of emotions: regret over the way he left her, anger at the secret she kept, and desire he hasn't felt in years. But he's in town for Gracie. Their daughter is sixteen, angry at the world, and-worst of all-pregnant. She needs the love of her two parents now more than ever. Can these three forgive the hurts of the past and open their hearts to each other? 

Author Bio:

Robin Wells is an accomplished romance author, having written over a dozen titles for Harlequin. She is the author of Baby, Oh Baby (Lovespell, 7/03), which won the National Readers' Choice Award. Robin Wells has won the prestigious National Golden Heart Award from the Romance Writers of America, and her novels have been translated into more than a dozen languages.
The number of entrants to this giveaway will determine how many copies of this book I will giveaway:

1-10 entrants= 1
11-20 entrants= 2
21-30 entrants= 3
31-40 Entrants=4
41 or more = 5

Here are the rules:

1. For one entry, leave a comment.  Please be sure to include your email address (if it isn't available in your profile), so that I can contact you if you win. If I can't find your email either in the comments or your profile, you will be disqualified!

2. For two more entries, post about this giveaway on your blog and leave link to your blog post in the comments. You will also get an entry for each person who tells me that they learned about this
giveaway from you.

3. For another 5 more entries: Become a Follower of my blog or subscribe to my blog through Google Reader or other subscription service. If you are already a subscriber or follower you still get the five extra entries! Please do not comment that you are a follower five times! I will give you the extra entries myself. I will delete any extra entries that you make as it will just confuse me when I go to pick the winners.

Sorry, the giveaway is only open US and Canadian residents only.

The winner’s mailing address: NO P.O. Boxes.

Only one entry per household/IP address.

This giveaway will end on Friday, May 14th at 11:59 P.M. E.S.T. The winners will be notified by email, so remember to include your email address in the comments, if it isn't available in your profile! Winners must respond within three days or will be disqualified.

Posted by Teddy Rose at 10:12 PM 40 comments  

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Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Grease Town by Ann Towell

Grease Town is a young adult historical fiction novel. The story is told through 12 year old Titus Sullivan. His parents both died and he is being raised by his Aunt Sophie. His older brother, Lemuel decides to move to Oil Springs , Ontario where their Uncle Amos lives, to try to make his fortune in the oil business. Titus wants to go along to get away from their overbearing Aunt but Lemuel says he's too young.


Titus sees Lemuel off and then sneaks into the back of his wagon. He is discovered much later when his brother stops to water the horse. He figures that he has gone too far to go all the way back so they continue to Oil Springs. However, they take along a passenger, John who promises to pay $20 for the trip. Titus knows right away that John is bad news and Lemuel figures it on soon after. They end up leaving him at their last stop. They figure that it isn't that far to walk or hitch a ride with someone else.

When Titus and Lemuel arrive at Oil Springs they get a big welcome with their Uncle Amos. He is surprised to see Titus and scolds him and makes him write a letter to his Aunt Sophie right away.

Oil Springs is a dirty town in a swamp. The well water has to be boiled before you can safely drink it and there is so much oil in the swamp water that it easily catches fire, as Titus witnesses soon after his arrival.

Titus makes friends with a black boy named Moses and they do just about everything together. However, Titus and Moses runs into John frequently. He is racist and makes trouble for them and later, the entire town.

From the book description, I thought that Titus was going to learn about the Underground Railroad from Moses but that is not the case. I expected this book to go into at least some detail about it but it does not. Also, we don't figure out that Titus himself is a white boy until later in the book. I think it was important to know this from the start. Johns, character is very predictable. The read figures out right away that John will be the villain of the story.

I enjoyed the story overall. The characters were memorable and the writing, simple but good. I just think that it could have been so much more.

3/5

I won this book from Library thing's Early Reviewers Program. Thanks to Sylvia Chan of Tundra Books.

Have you reviewed this book? Please leave a link to your review in the comments and I will link it to my review.

Posted by Teddy Rose at 10:38 PM 7 comments  

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Monday, April 19, 2010

Friendly Fire by Tessa Hadley

Quite awhile ago, someone gave me the link to the short story, Friendly Fire by Tessa Hadley.  You c an read it for free, here.  I finally got around to reading it this weekend.

Friendly Fire is about a middle-aged woman, Shelly who took a cleaning job to earn some extra money.  Her friend, Pam owned a cleaning business and needed some help to do a "scrub-off", an extra detailed clean.

There is absolutly no plot to this story but it has it's moments here and there.  For instance, we learn that Shelly has a son in the British Army, over in Afghanistan.  We also learn a little bit about Shelly's husband. 

At only 4 pages in length, this story reads quickly however, with no plot, there really wasn't enough for me to be able to enjoy this story.  I can't recommend this one.

If you would like to participate in Short Story Mondays or just find out about some great short stories, go to John of The Book Mine Set. He has a short story review every Monday and a place for you to link your short story reviews. Come join in the fun!

Posted by Teddy Rose at 10:55 PM 5 comments  

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Mailbox Monday

Visit Marcia every Monday at The Printed Page to share what arrives in your mailbox each week.

Here's what I received in my mailbox last week: 



Thanks to the Booklounge.ca and Random House Canada, I won both of these books  in a draw for participating in their Editorial Board Survey. 

Posted by Teddy Rose at 10:31 PM 11 comments  

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Saturday, April 17, 2010

Winners: Iron Man 2


Thanks to Anna Balasi of Hachette books for making this giveaway possible.

Thanks to everyone who entered and a special thanks to my followers.

The 3 Winners are:

Misusedinnocence
Darcie K.
Holden

Congratulations! I emailed you, please contact me within 3 days to claim your prize.

Posted by Teddy Rose at 9:35 PM 4 comments  

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Winners: Presumed Innocent

Thanks again to Valerie Russo of Hachette Books, for making this giveaway possible!
Thanks to everyone who entered!


The 3 Winners are:

Nfmgirl
Marjorie (Already won)
Suzie
Misusedinnocence

Congratulations! I emailed you, please contact me within 3 days to claim your prize.

Posted by Teddy Rose at 9:02 PM 2 comments  

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Friday, April 16, 2010

100 Mile Fitness Challenge (66 miles for me)

April 1 - June 30, 2010
 
Week 2:

Friday - 0

Saturday -2

Sunday -0

Monday -0

Tuesday -2

Wednesday - 0

Thursday - 2

Total = 0 miles

6 miles down,60 to go

Posted by Teddy Rose at 9:58 PM 3 comments  

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Thursday, April 15, 2010

Giveaway: Historical Fiction Book of Your Choice

I don't usually promote shopping sites, but I couldn't pass this opportunity up. Snubbr is offering one lucky reader here, the historical fiction book of their choice.

Snubbr is like Yahoo Answers for shopping advice. Suppose you're looking to buy a book for Mother's Day. Instead of spending hours searching, you just ask the experts at Snubbr.com, and they will recommend stuff for you. It's easy, free, and saves you time and stress. They recommend everything from gift ideas to consumer electronics to beauty products and of course, books.
**The rules are different for this giveaway so read carefully!!

Here are the rules:

1. a) You can win one of the five books on this link: What are the best historical fiction books?  Leave a comment with with the name of just one of the five books you would like to win.  Please be sure to include your email address (if it isn't available in your profile), so that I can contact you if you win. If I can't find your email either in the comments or your profile, you will be disqualified!

b )If  you would prefer a Historical Fiction book not on the list (under $25), you can leave the title in the comments.  However, for this option you need to go to Snubbr.com and ask a question.  Then you must leave a link to your question in the comments. Please be sure to include your email address (if it isn't available in your profile), so that I can contact you if you win. If I can't find your email either in the comments or your profile, you will be disqualified!

2. For two more entries, post about this giveaway on your blog and leave link to your blog post in the comments. You will also get an entry for each person who tells me that they learned about this
giveaway from you.

3. For another 5 more entries: Become a Follower of my blog or subscribe to my blog through Google Reader or other subscription service. If you are already a subscriber or follower you still get the five extra entries! Please do not comment that you are a follower five times! I will give you the extra entries myself. I will delete any extra entries that you make as it will just confuse me when I go to pick the winners.

Sorry, the giveaway is only open US and Canadian residents only.

The winner’s mailing address: NO P.O. Boxes.

Only one entry per household/IP address.

This giveaway will end on Thursday, April 22nd at 11:59 P.M. E.S.T. The winners will be notified by email, so remember to include your email address in the comments, if it isn't available in your profile! Winners must respond within three days or will be disqualified.

Posted by Teddy Rose at 10:42 PM 13 comments  

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Robin Maxwell's O' Juliet Love Games Announcement


In case anyone here was wondering who the winner of Robin Maxwell's O'Juliet Love Poetry Competition, she has made the big announcement.  Go HERE.

Posted by Teddy Rose at 9:28 PM 0 comments  

The Founding by Cynthia Harrod-Eagles

This wonderful book is a re-issue from Sourcebooks and came out this month. It is the first in a series of 34 books, the 34th is coming out in November by Sphere. The series is called The Morland Dynasty and is the longest historical saga series in history.


The year is 1434 and Robert Morland's father, Edward tells his son to pack for a trip. When he asked where they are going his father said that it was time for him to be married and that the arrangements have been made. Robert figures that he should give his bride a present so runs to the barn and takes the best puppy in the litter for her.

A couple days later they arrive at the fine house of the Beaufort family and he is married to Eleanor Courtney, the ward of Lord Edmund Beaufort. It is a business match to benefit both families. Edward Morland is a very wealth sheep farmer and Lord Edmund has power and prestige. However, Eleanor is hurt and disappointed, she is secretly in love with Richard, Duke of York and thought it beneath her to have to marry a mere sheep farmer.

The minute Robert set eyes on Eleanor he was in love but it took many years for Eleanor to feel the same about him.

Once they arrive back at Morland Place, Eleanor is appalled at what she sees. For a wealth family, they live more like live stock than people. The next morning, with the help of her maids, Eleanor starts to make the place more liveable. She also makes the servants more presentable and not stinking by forcing every one of them to take a bath.

Robert and Eleanor have 10 children and all the while Eleanor schemes to grow the sheep farming business into something more. She talks Robert into using her ideas one by one and they build a business empire together.

Set against the backdrop of the War of the Roses, the story starts out with King Henry VI still in power. it continues through King Edward's rein and through Richard III's short rein and ends shortly after King Henry the VII comes into power. The Morlands' see some of their male children off to war and live through some of their deaths. Robert dies at a well before Eleanor and she lives to see some of her male grandchildren and great-grandchildren go to war and die.

I first heard about the Morland series soon after I started my book blog, from other historical fiction fans. It has been on my list of books to try since then, so when I was offered an advance readers copy I jumped at the chance. I was not disappointed.

Though some would consider this book to be a doorstop at over 530 pages, it reads very fast. Sure there are a couple places where it drags slightly but not many. Cynthia Harrod Eagles weaves a story about a believable family and sees them through 3 generations and the War of the Roses. With the deft stroke of her pen (or computer) she captures the beauty and ugliness of the period.

I was offered a review copy of the second book in the series, The Dark Rose but turned it down due to other commitments. Boy do I regret that! I hope to continue the series one day soon. I highly recommend this book.

4/5

Thanks to Danielle Jackson of Sourcebooks for this book.

Also reviewed by:


Did I miss your review?  Please leave a link in the comments, so I can include it here.

Posted by Teddy Rose at 12:01 AM 8 comments  

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Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Alphabet Historical Fiction: Letter I























This wonderful work of historical fiction is based on the 1916 Irish Rebellion, known as the Easter Rising.   I read it in 2007 and I thought this challenge would be a good time to revisit it.

Were introduced to the main character Ned Holloran, a 15-year-old survivor of the sinking of the Titanic. Neither of his parents survive. He is given the choice to stay in the United States with his sister Kathleen and her new husband. He chooses to go back to Ireland, where he attends an Irish school lead by Padraic Pearse, who is a scholar, poet, and rebel for the Irish cause. Ned gains a new appreciation for Ireland and it’s culture and gets involved in the rebellion.

Llywelyn weaves the true facts and real life historical people of the rebellion with her fictional character Ned Halloran seamlessly. She introduces us to the amazing Irish history and people of the time in an informative and entertaining way.

This is the first book in an Irish Century Series. I would like to read the next one, 1921: The Great Novel of the Irish Civil War!  

4.5/5

Posted by Teddy Rose at 4:42 PM 6 comments  

Monday, April 12, 2010

Giveaway: STAY A LITTLE LONGER By Dorothy Garlock

Thanks to Anna Balasi of Hachette Books, I am giving away up to 5 copies of this book.

Book Description:

Louise 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 Louise 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 Louise'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, Louise accepts his help. She is drawn to him despite his disfigurement, and his voice is comforting, vaguely familiar... 



The number of entrants to this giveaway will determine how many copies of this book I will giveaway:

1-10 entrants= 1
11-20 entrants= 2
21-30 entrants= 3
31-40 Entrants=4
41 or more = 5

Here are the rules:

1. For one entry, leave a comment.  Please be sure to include your email address (if it isn't available in your profile), so that I can contact you if you win. If I can't find your email either in the comments or your profile, you will be disqualified!

2. For two more entries, post about this giveaway on your blog and leave link to your blog post in the comments. You will also get an entry for each person who tells me that they learned about this
giveaway from you.

3. For another 5 more entries: Become a Follower of my blog or subscribe to my blog through Google Reader or other subscription service. If you are already a subscriber or follower you still get the five extra entries! Please do not comment that you are a follower five times! I will give you the extra entries myself. I will delete any extra entries that you make as it will just confuse me when I go to pick the winners.

Sorry, the giveaway is only open US and Canadian residents only.

The winner’s mailing address: NO P.O. Boxes.

Only one entry per household/IP address.

This giveaway will end on Friday, April 30th at 11:59 P.M. E.S.T. The winners will be notified by email, so remember to include your email address in the comments, if it isn't available in your profile! Winners must respond within three days or will be disqualified.

Posted by Teddy Rose at 10:47 PM 49 comments  

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Giveaway: 101THINGS I LEARNED IN CULINARY SCHOOL By Matthew Frederick, Louis Eguaras

Thanks to Anna Balasi of Hachette Books, I am giving away up to 3 copies of this book.

Book Dsescription:

Louis Eguaras, a renowned chef at the Le Cordon Bleu Program at the California School of Culinary Arts, provides readers with a terrific overview of what is truly involved in the preparation, cooking, and presentation of meals. He also provides invaluable insights into just what is involved in making this one's chosen profession.

The book will feature a wide range of illustrated lessons, from how to properly hold a knife... to the history of food... from food preparation and presentation... to restaurant hospitality and management, and much more.

The book will be presented in the distinctive and highly-attractive packaged style of 101 THINGS I LEARNED IN ARCHITECTURE SCHOOL, and will be the perfect gift for anyone who is thinking about entering culinary school, is already enrolled, or even just the casual chef.

The number of entrants to this giveaway will determine how many copies of this book I will giveaway:

1-10 entrants= 1
11-20 entrants= 2
21-30 entrants= 3

Here are the rules:

1. For one entry, leave a comment.  Please be sure to include your email address (if it isn't available in your profile), so that I can contact you if you win. If I can't find your email either in the comments or your profile, you will be disqualified!

2. For two more entries, post about this giveaway on your blog and leave link to your blog post in the comments. You will also get an entry for each person who tells me that they learned about this
giveaway from you.

3. For another 5 more entries: Become a Follower of my blog or subscribe to my blog through Google Reader or other subscription service. If you are already a subscriber or follower you still get the five extra entries! Please do not comment that you are a follower five times! I will give you the extra entries myself. I will delete any extra entries that you make as it will just confuse me when I go to pick the winners.

Sorry, the giveaway is only open US and Canadian residents only.

The winner’s mailing address: NO P.O. Boxes.

Only one entry per household/IP address.

This giveaway will end on Friday, May 7th at 11:59 P.M. E.S.T. The winners will be notified by email, so remember to include your email address in the comments, if it isn't available in your profile! Winners must respond within three days or will be disqualified.

Posted by Teddy Rose at 10:31 PM 41 comments  

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Mailbox Monday

Visit Marcia every Monday at The Printed Page to share what arrives in your mailbox each week.

Here's what I received in my mailbox last week: 




I won this from Courtney over at Stiletto Storytime I loved Garth Stein's The art of Racing in the Rain, so I am really looking forward to reading this book!  Thanks so much Courtney!

Posted by Teddy Rose at 10:02 PM 8 comments  

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Sunday, April 11, 2010

Winners: The Stolen Crown by Susan Higginbotham

Thanks to Danielle Jackson of Sourcebooks for making this giveaway possible!

Thanks to everyone who entered I wish you all could win this book!

The 2 Winners are:
 
Pricilla
Clenna

Congratulations! I emailed you, please contact me within 3 days to claim your prize.

Posted by Teddy Rose at 4:46 PM 3 comments  

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Friday, April 9, 2010

The Concise King- Dr. Martin Luther King-Audio



Read by Martin Luther King, Jr., Coretta Scott King, et al.

edited by Clayborne Carson, Peter Holloran and Kris Shepard

I was born in the 60's and learned about Dr. Martin Luther King in grade school.  I'm sure I saw him on the news as well but I was too young to remember.  Ever since them I have not been able to get enough of King and the Civil Rights Movement.  I still astounds me to this day that the was and still is so much discrimination and hatred in this world.

The Consise King is a compilation of his most important and influential speeches.  There are two compact discs: The first one are his speeches with introductions from some other inspirational famous people,such as Rosa Parks and Senator Edward M. Kennedy.  It has the most recognized speeches such as "I Have a Dream" as well as a couple speeches I hadn't heard before. I never tire of hearing his usual speeches but it was also a treat to hear the other ones as well.  The second disc includes photographs.


King was an artist with words.  I feel like we were robbed of Martin Luther King's continuing inspiration, as I'm sure he would have been sharing.  We must keep his dream alive.  I highly recommend The Concise King!

5/5

Have you reviewed this too?  Please leave a link in the comments and I will add it here.

Thanks so much to Anna Balasi of Hachette Books for going to the extra effort of getting this for me!

Posted by Teddy Rose at 10:03 PM 3 comments  

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Thursday, April 8, 2010

100 Mile Fitness Challenge-Round 2 for Me

April 1 - June 30, 2010

I am going for 66 miles again.  That would be a half hour work out 3 times a week.  I didn't quite make it in the first round but I am determined to try again.

I don't know how this first week slipped away from me but it did.  I hope to at least do something next week.

Week 1:

Friday - 0

Saturday -0

Sunday -0

Monday -0

Tuesday -0

Wednesday - 0

Thursday - 0

Total = 0 miles

0 miles down,66 to go

Posted by Teddy Rose at 10:18 PM 5 comments  

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Monday, April 5, 2010

Giveaway: Alex Cross's Trial by James Patterson

Thanks to Valerie Russo of Hachette Books, I am giving away up to 3 copies of this book.  

Book Description:

Separated by time
From his grandmother, Alex Cross has heard the story of his great uncle Abraham and his struggles for survival in the era of the Ku Klux Klan. Now, Alex passes the family tale along to his own children in a novel he's written--a novel called Trial.

Connected by blood

As a lawyer in turn-of-the-century Washington D.C., Ben Corbett represents the toughest cases. Fighting against oppression and racism, he risks his family and his life in the process. When President Roosevelt asks Ben to return to his home town to investigate rumors of the resurgence of the Ku Klux Klan there, he cannot refuse.

United by bravery

When he arrives in Eudora, Mississippi, Ben meets the wise Abraham Cross and his beautiful granddaughter, Moody. Ben enlists their help, and the two Crosses introduce him to the hidden side of the idyllic Southern town. Lynchings have become commonplace and residents of the town's black quarter live in constant fear. Ben aims to break the reign of terror--but the truth of who is really behind it could break his heart. Written in the fearless voice of Detective Alex Cross, Alex Cross's Trial is a gripping story of murder, love, and, above all, bravery.


The number of entrants to this giveaway will determine how many copies of this book I will giveaway:
1-10 entrants= 1
11-20 entrants= 2
21-30 entrants= 3

Here are the rules:

1. For one entry, leave a comment.  Please be sure to include your email address (if it isn't available in your profile), so that I can contact you if you win. If I can't find your email either in the comments or your profile, you will be disqualified!

2. For two more entries, post about this giveaway on your blog and leave link to your blog post in the comments. You will also get an entry for each person who tells me that they learned about this
giveaway from you.

3. For another 5 more entries: Become a Follower of my blog or subscribe to my blog through Google Reader or other subscription service. If you are already a subscriber or follower you still get the five extra entries! Please do not comment that you are a follower five times! I will give you the extra entries myself. I will delete any extra entries that you make as it will just confuse me when I go to pick the winners.

Sorry, the giveaway is only open US and Canadian residents only.

The winner’s mailing address: NO P.O. Boxes.

Only one entry per household/IP address.

This giveaway will end on Friday, April 23th at 11:59 P.M. E.S.T. The winners will be notified by email, so remember to include your email address in the comments, if it isn't available in your profile! Winners must respond within three days or will be disqualified.

Posted by Teddy Rose at 1:36 PM 38 comments  

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