Saturday, February 28, 2015

Stacking the Shelves - 2.28.15

Stacking the Shelves
hosted by Tynga's Reviews (details)

Stacking The Shelves is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. This means you can include books you buy in physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks!

~*~

Bought:

Girl On Train
by Paula Hawkins
-Mystery, Thriller
Amazon | Goodreads

For Review:

Race To Tibet
by Sophie Schiller
-France, Historical
courtesy of France Book Tours
Thanks !
Amazon | Goodreads

Wishful Thinking
by Kamy Wicoff
-Chick-lit
courtesy of BookSparks
Thanks !
Amazon | Goodreads

AND binge watching....

Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Season One tv series
Amazon | imdb

=====> it is hilarious with a kind of pulp fiction and 70's vibe

~*~

* comment and TELL me what you have acquired for your shelves recently

* per usual, check out the sidebar for my current giveaways offers

Friday, February 27, 2015

Funny Girl by Nick Hornby

Funny Girl
by Nick Hornby

Find out more about this book and author:
Amazon
Goodreads
BookExcerpt
Website
Blog
Facebook

Just released: February 3, 2015
Publisher: Riverhead Hardcover
Genre: Historical 1960s, Humor
Hardback: 464 pages
Rating: 5

Set in 1960's London, Funny Girl is a lively account of the adventures of the intrepid young Sophie Straw as she navigates her transformation from provincial ingénue to television starlet amid a constellation of delightful characters. Insightful and humorous, Nick Hornby's latest does what he does best: endears us to a cast of characters who are funny if flawed, and forces us to examine ourselves in the process.

PeekAbook:



My two-bits:

Behind the scenes look at the whole span of the lives of people involved in a successful tv show of the 60s - from starting out and breaking into the world of entertainment to the end of a series and on to a spin-off show and then revival.

What makes this story so fun are the individual characters (actors, writers, producers, directors, etc.) and how they are presented and described whatever their personality type and sexuality all set in the 60's in London.

Had a touch of the Mad Men vibe.

~*~

* review copy courtesy of publisher

* added this to my Bookish Bingo challenge - square: White Cover

Thursday, February 26, 2015

The Book of Strange New Things by Michel Faber

The Book of Strange New Things
by Michel Faber

Find out more about this book and author:
Amazon
Goodreads
BookExcerpt
Website

Published: 2014
Publisher: Hogarth
Genre: SciFi, Spirituality
Hardback: 512 pages
Rating: 4.5

It begins with Peter, a devoted man of faith, as he is called to the mission of a lifetime, one that takes him galaxies away from his wife, Bea. Peter becomes immersed in the mysteries of an astonishing new environment, overseen by an enigmatic corporation known only as USIC. His work introduces him to a seemingly friendly native population struggling with a dangerous illness and hungry for Peter’s teachings—his Bible is their “book of strange new things.” But Peter is rattled when Bea’s letters from home become increasingly desperate: typhoons and earthquakes are devastating whole countries, and governments are crumbling. Bea’s faith, once the guiding light of their lives, begins to falter.

Suddenly, a separation measured by an otherworldly distance, and defined both by one newly discovered world and another in a state of collapse, is threatened by an ever-widening gulf that is much less quantifiable. While Peter is reconciling the needs of his congregation with the desires of his strange employer, Bea is struggling for survival. Their trials lay bare a profound meditation on faith, love tested beyond endurance, and our responsibility to those closest to us.


My two-bits:

There were touching moments in regards to long distance relationships whether on another city, country or planet the issues that arise are the same.

Feelings of loss, grief and hope are presented so well that are cause for pause while reading this story for both human and alien beings.

But the biggest take away for me from this book was in regards to connections - making connections and maintaining connections with others.

~*~

* added this to my Bookish Bingo challenge - square: Over 400 pages

Wednesday, February 25, 2015

Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Favorite Heroines From Books

Top Ten Tuesday
meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish -details

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created here at The Broke and the Bookish. This feature was created because we are particularly fond of lists here at The Broke and the Bookish. We'd love to share our lists with other bookish folks and would LOVE to see your top ten lists!

Note: I will do a variation of this meme with my Top 3 picks.

~*~

February 24: Top Ten Favorite Heroines From Books (Or you could pick movies/tv): We've done this topic before so you could always do heroines you love since the last time we did this topic, heroines in a particular genre, etc.

CLAIRE
Outlander
by Diana Gabaldon
Amazon | Goodreads

=====> She is tough and independent. She is modern and a mover and shaker in whatever time period she inhabits.

FLAVIA
BOOK
by Alan Bradley
Amazon | Goodreads

=====> She is spunky with a logical and inquisitive mind.

LISBETH
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
by Stieg Larsson
Amazon | Goodreads

=====> She has mad computer skills with fierce attitude and fight in her.

~*~

* Who are your top 3 heroines from books?

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

The Secret of Pembrooke Park by Julie Klassen

The Secret of Pembrooke Park
by Julie Klassen

Find out more about this book and author:
Amazon
Barnes&Noble
ChristianBook.com
Book Depository
Indie Bound
Publisher Page
Goodreads
Website
Blog
Facebook
Twitter @julie_klassen and @Bethany_House

Published: December 2014
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Genre: Christian, Historical, Jane Austen theme, Romance
Paperback: 464 pages
Rating: 4.5

In the spring of 1818, twenty-four-year-old Abigail Foster fears she is destined to become a spinster. Her family’s finances are in ruins and the one young man she truly esteems has fallen for another woman — her younger, prettier sister Louisa.

Forced to retrench after the bank failure of Austen, Gray & Vincent, the Foster family optimistically pool their resources for another London Season for her sister in hopes of an advantageous alliance. While searching for more affordable lodgings, a surprising offer is presented: the use of a country manor house in Berkshire abandoned for eighteen years. The Fosters journey to the imposing Pembrooke Park and are startled to find it entombed as it was abruptly left, the tight-lipped locals offering only rumors of a secret room, hidden treasure and a murder in its mysterious past.

Eager to restore her family fortune, Abigail, with the help of the handsome local curate William Chapman and his sister Leah, begins her search into the heavily veiled past aided by unsigned journal pages from a previous resident and her own spirited determination. As old friends and new foes come calling at Pembrooke Park, secrets come to light. Will Abigail find the treasure and love she seeks...or very real danger?


PeekAbook:



My two-bits:

I found this to be a delightful read that had both a Jane Austen and gothic vibe throughout.

Although the mystery of uncovering the "secret" runs through most of the book, it was fun to follow the main character, Abigail, go about daily living in her world. Abigail's interest in architecture and home design got me interested in floor plans and layouts of large homes and estates. Secret rooms, passages, etc are fascinating gems in a house.

And, I was treated to a masquerade ball with its dancing, etiquette and interactions in this story.

The romance of flirting and courting is genteel and proper for the time period which create some sweet moments. It was good to see that even though Abigail is in her twenties, she is still sought out as a potential partner.

--~ Blog Tour Giveaway ~--
signup to win this book

~*~

* added this to my Bookish Bingo challenge - square: 2015 Debut

* review copy and giveaway courtesy of book tour - check out the other stops here.


Monday, February 23, 2015

Blitz: Granted Wishes by Tanya Vought

Granted Wishes
by Tanya Vought
just released: February 2, 2015
Amazon | B&N | Goodreads

A decision that will change her life forever.

After the loss of her husband, Gracelynn Calhoun has struggled with her life and career. Forced to take a four week vacation or be fired from her job, she surprises everyone including herself and agrees to the vacation.

The owner of Antonetti Suites, Giovanni works hard and doesn’t have time for relationships or love. That is until he literally crashes into Gracelynn. She brings back all the feelings he thought he would never feel again.

With the odds stacked against them in every way possible, will they forge ahead together or will this be the end of the road for their newfound love? Will the whispers from above bring them together or will misunderstandings ruin what could be an amazing second chance at love?


Book Excerpt:

“Wow. You’re a vision, you know that?” He practically drools all over. She wears a pair of blue jeans and a low cut green sweater with a white scarf wrapped around her neck. Her hair is up, and she wears light make up.

She chuckles. “Like what you see?” She smirks at him, daunting him. The little vixen can come out and play when she wants and he is enjoying this side of the sexy Gracelynn.

He decides to play dirty himself. “Want to see how happy I am to see you?” He smirks back at her. “Let’s make a wager, shall we?” he asks competitively.

She grins at him. She intently twirls a strand of her hair that she left down by her face between her fingers, licks her lips and stares at him. She looks him up and down, making him even more drawn to her.

He gulps. The damn vixen knows how to play dirty.

“Well, what is the wager? Because if it is staring at each other all night, I could do that and then some.”

About the author:
Tanya Vought is a hopeless romantic. She loves reading, writing, singing and doing crafts with her children.

What started as a lifelong dream became reality. She’s overjoyed that readers will get to read her debut, Granted Wishes. She loves her characters sexy and sassy.

She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and two amazing and imaginative children.

~*~

* book blitz sponsored by Booktrope Publishing

* stay tuned: my review for this is forthcoming

Sunday, February 22, 2015

The Unofficial Mad Men Cookbook by Judy Gelman

The Unofficial Mad Men Cookbook:
Inside the Kitchens, Bars, and
Restaurants of Mad Men
by Judy Gelman, Peter Zheutlin

Find out more about this book and author:
Amazon
Goodreads
BookExcerpt
Website
Blog (includes some recipes)
i.food.tv
Facebook

Published: 2011
Publisher: Smart Pop
Genre: Cookbook, TV
Paperback: 288 pages
Rating: 5

Dine like Draper and Drink like Sterling with More Than 70 Recipes from the Kitchens, Bars, and Restaurants Seen on Mad Men

Ever wish you could mix an Old Fashioned just the way Don Draper likes it? Or prepare Oysters Rockefeller and a martini the way they did fifty years ago at one of Roger Sterling’s favorite haunts, The Grand Central Oyster Bar? Ever wonder how Joan Harris manages to prepare a perfect crown roast in her tiny apartment kitchen? Or about the connection between Jackie Kennedy’s 1962 White House tour and Betty Draper’s Valentine’s Day room service order?

The Unofficial Mad Men Cookbook serves up more than 70 recipes to satisfy a Mad Men appetite! From the tables of Manhattan’s most legendary restaurants and bars to the Drapers’ Around the World dinner, this book is your entrée to the culinary world of Man Men-era New York.

Packed with period detail, The Unofficial Mad Men Cookbook provides invaluable historical and cultural context for the food and drink featured in the show, tips on throwing a successful ’60s cocktail party, and even a guide to favored Mad Men hangouts. Every recipe inside is authentic to the time.

Whether you’re planning a Mad Men-themed dinner party, need to mix up some authentic Mad Men cocktails, or just can’t get enough of the show itself, this is your essential resource, a guide to all foods and drinks Mad Men. So hang up your coat, pour yourself a cocktail, and get ready to dine like Draper and drink like Sterling with The Unofficial Mad Men Cookbook.

Includes a color photo insert of 16 dishes, plus additional black and white photos and other images of bars, restaurants, and food advertisements from the 1960s.

RECIPES INCLUDE:

* Playboy Whiskey Sour
* Sardi’s Steak Tartar
* Connie’s Waldorf Salad
* Sal’s Spaghetti and Meatballs
* Pat Nixon’s Date Nut Bread
* Lindy’s Cherry Cheesecake


My two-bits:

I liked the history, anecdotes and trivia related to the food and cocktails of the 1960s in this book. Certain recipes included references to Mad Men episodes which made me want to re-watch some.

Black and White pictures of New York bars and restaurants and random 1960s images sprinkled throughout the book. Color pictures of a handful of recipes appear in the center of the book.

Growing up during this period and being familiar with a lot of the dishes, I found the recipes to be in my comfort food zone.

Interesting to note that most of the recipes are pulled from popular cookbooks of the time period.

Based on tv show: Mad Men

Saturday, February 21, 2015

Stacking the Shelves - 2.21.15

Stacking the Shelves
hosted by Tynga's Reviews (details)

Stacking The Shelves is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. This means you can include books you buy in physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks!

~*~

Library:

Novel Interiors:
Living in Enchanted Rooms Inspired by Literature
by Lisa Borgnes Giramonti
-Design, Non-fiction
Amazon | Goodreads

=====> got this for the eye candy, and ideas for home decorating

For those who have ever lost themselves in the stylish worlds of novels like Sense and Sensibility, The Age of Innocence, Wuthering Heights, The Picture of Dorian Gray and countless others, this design book embraces the fantasy of time and place, showing you how to bring some of those elements into your own home.

Lisa Giramonti inspires a new approach to decorating: by teaching us through the lens of worlds we may already know and love. With gorgeous photographs by World of Interiors photographer Ivan Terestchenko, aspirational quotes, and tailored reading lists, Novel Interiors reveals the essence and details of interiors mentioned in great literary works. This is a stunning, photo-driven book that shares enchanting and timeless ways to live more elegantly.



The Book of Strange New Things
by Michel Faber
-Religion, SciFi
Amazon | Goodreads

It begins with Peter, a devoted man of faith, as he is called to the mission of a lifetime, one that takes him galaxies away from his wife, Bea. Peter becomes immersed in the mysteries of an astonishing new environment, overseen by an enigmatic corporation known only as USIC. His work introduces him to a seemingly friendly native population struggling with a dangerous illness and hungry for Peter’s teachings—his Bible is their “book of strange new things.” But Peter is rattled when Bea’s letters from home become increasingly desperate: typhoons and earthquakes are devastating whole countries, and governments are crumbling. Bea’s faith, once the guiding light of their lives, begins to falter.

Suddenly, a separation measured by an otherworldly distance, and defined both by one newly discovered world and another in a state of collapse, is threatened by an ever-widening gulf that is much less quantifiable. While Peter is reconciling the needs of his congregation with the desires of his strange employer, Bea is struggling for survival. Their trials lay bare a profound meditation on faith, love tested beyond endurance, and our responsibility to those closest to us.


OTHER things on my shelf: kinda book-related

I am collecting things and preparing myself for...

The Snowpocalypse
at vvb32 reads
virtual book event
March 2015
(you will know when it hits)

BE PREPARED for days filled with snow, dystopia, survival, etc.

=====> as of 4/30/15 - this event has been cancelled.

~*~

* image source for event badge from cover of After the Snow by S.D. Crockett

* comment and TELL me what you have acquired for your shelves recently

* per usual, check out the sidebar for my current giveaways offers

Friday, February 20, 2015

The Snacking Dead by D.B. Walker

The Snacking Dead:
A Parody in a Cookbook
by D.B. Walker

Find out more about this book and author:
Amazon
Goodreads
BookExcerpt
Website

Published: 2013
Publisher: Clarkson Potter
Genre: Cookbook, TV
Hardback: 160 pages
Rating: 5

For fans of AMC's The Walking Dead, Max Brooks, and all things zombies, the clever creators of Fifty Shades of Chicken hack a new parody cookbook filled with snacks for every occasion, tips for cooking under duress, and a love story that will send ripples down your spine--all accompanied by food photography that will ignite your palate.

At the heart of this cookbook is Pam Beaumont, who must fight the dead and feed the living. The apocalypse is no picnic, but she survives on quick bites—and on her love for Daryl, a backwoods badass with a crossbow who reminds her that she has more than one appetite. From brain food to finger food, and from sticky sweets to killer cocktails, the 50 recipes in this cookbook parody are guaranteed to grab you.

The zombies have their snack plan—do you have yours?

SNACKS include:

Sweetish Fleshballs
Nachos of the Living Dead
Elbows Casserole
Crabby Prepper Puffs
Survivalist Hero
Dire Ham Biscuits
Cold-Blooded Ice Cream Sandwiches
Gratuitous Violence Jello Mold
and more.


PeekAbook:



My two-bits:

I was totally tickled reading this cook book. And yes, actually read this all the way through unlike how one usually skims through cook books to find interesting recipes to try.

Most of the snack/appetizer recipes included color pictures. Also, zombie survival tip related to food or food preparation.

But the special treat of this book is that between the recipes is a mini-zombie story that incorporates Daryl (character from the tv show, The Walking Dead).

Based on tv show: The Walking Dead


~*~

* Are you watching the show? If so, how are you liking the second half of this season?

Thursday, February 19, 2015

The Glass Magician by Charlie N. Holmberg

The Glass Magician
(The Paper Magician Trilogy #2)
by Charlie N. Holmberg

Find out more about this book and author:
Amazon
Goodreads
Website
Blog
Twitter @CNHolmberg

Published: 2014
Publisher: 47North
Genre: Fantasy, Magic, YA
Paperback: 222 pages
Rating: 4

The Paper Magician Trilogy:
The Paper Magician
The Glass Magician
The Master Magician - June 2015

Three months after returning Magician Emery Thane’s heart to his body, Ceony Twill is well on her way to becoming a Folder. Unfortunately, not all of Ceony’s thoughts have been focused on paper magic. Though she was promised romance by a fortuity box, Ceony still hasn’t broken the teacher-student barrier with Emery, despite their growing closeness.

When a magician with a penchant for revenge believes that Ceony possesses a secret, he vows to discover it…even if it tears apart the very fabric of their magical world. After a series of attacks target Ceony and catch those she holds most dear in the crossfire, Ceony knows she must find the true limits of her powers…and keep her knowledge from falling into wayward hands.

The delightful sequel to Charlie N. Holmberg’s The Paper Magician, The Glass Magician will charm readers young and old alike.


My two-bits:

I did not read book one of this series and found that it is a good idea to do so before reading this one because it jumps right into the continuation of the life of an apprentice magician and the kind of world she lives in. I was not too clear on the make-up of this magical world, but got a general sense of it later. I will have to go backwards to find out more background in book one, The Paper Magician.

In any case, this story describes the Glass Magician and what is involved in having such talent. Some of the Paper magician qualities were described as well. I would think crafters and those who enjoy origami or other paper-related hobbies would get a kick out of reading those bits.

A touch of romance and mystery are also included along with some evil bad guys. I am guessing book three will elaborate and possibly resolve some of these issues.

~*~

* review copy courtesy of Goodreads First Reads

* added this to my Bookish Bingo challenge - square: 2014 Release I Missed

Wednesday, February 18, 2015

New Uses for Old Boyfriends by Beth Kendrick

New Uses for Old Boyfriends
by Beth Kendrick

Find out more about this book and author:
Amazon
Goodreads
Website
Facebook
Twitter @BKendrickBooks

Just released: February 3, 2015
Publisher: NAL Trade
Genre: Chick-lit
Paperback: 336 pages
Rating: 4.5

Black Dog Bay Novel series:
Cure for the Common Breakup
New Uses for Old Boyfriends

After growing up in privilege and marrying into money, Lila Alders has gotten used to the good life. But when her happily-ever-after implodes, Lila must return to Black Dog Bay, the tiny seaside town where she grew up. She’s desperate for a safe haven, but everything has changed over the past ten years. Her family’s fortune is gone—and her mother is in total denial. It’s up to Lila to take care of everything...but she can barely take care of herself.

The former golden girl of Black Dog Bay struggles to reinvent herself by opening a vintage clothing boutique. But even as Lila finds new purpose for outdated dresses and tries to reunite with her ex, she realizes that sometimes it’s too late for old dreams. She’s lost everything she thought she needed but found something—someone—she desperately wants. A boy she hardly noticed has grown up into a man she can’t forget...and a second chance has never felt so much like first love.


My two-bits:

I enjoyed this second chance romance story in a small town. There is something comforting about familiar places and people in this kind of setting which makes for a cozy read during the winter months.

Plenty of fun sprinklings of the vintage clothing business. It was interesting to learn of some of the care and worth of designer wear.

There were also reminiscing of high school loves between characters which in turn made me think of the woulda coulda shoulda moments in my high school past. But then I realized that all turned out for the best after all which the main character in this story concludes as well.

The light bickering and sweet moments between the couple pairing brought a couple chuckles - always a good thing ;-)

~*~

* review copy courtesy of publisher

* added this to my Bookish Bingo challenge - square: Pretty Dress Cover

Tuesday, February 17, 2015

All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

All the Light We Cannot See
by Anthony Doerr

Find out more about this book and author:
Amazon
Goodreads
BookExcerpt
Website

Published: 2014
Publisher: Scribner
Genre: France, Germany, historical, WWII
Hardback: 544 pages
Rating: 5

From the highly acclaimed, multiple award-winning Anthony Doerr, a stunningly ambitious and beautiful novel about a blind French girl and a German boy whose paths collide in occupied France as both try to survive the devastation of World War II.

Marie Laure lives with her father in Paris within walking distance of the Museum of Natural History where he works as the master of the locks (there are thousands of locks in the museum). When she is six, she goes blind, and her father builds her a model of their neighborhood, every house, every manhole, so she can memorize it with her fingers and navigate the real streets with her feet and cane. When the Germans occupy Paris, father and daughter flee to Saint-Malo on the Brittany coast, where Marie-Laure's agoraphobic great uncle lives in a tall, narrow house by the sea wall.

In another world in Germany, an orphan boy, Werner, grows up with his younger sister, Jutta, both enchanted by a crude radio Werner finds. He becomes a master at building and fixing radios, a talent that wins him a place at an elite and brutal military academy and, ultimately, makes him a highly specialized tracker of the Resistance. Werner travels through the heart of Hitler Youth to the far-flung outskirts of Russia, and finally into Saint-Malo, where his path converges with Marie-Laure.

Doerr's gorgeous combination of soaring imagination with observation is electric. Deftly interweaving the lives of Marie-Laure and Werner, Doerr illuminates the ways, against all odds, people try to be good to one another. Ten years in the writing, All the Light We Cannot See is his most ambitious and dazzling work.


PeekAbook:



My two-bits:

Such a beautiful story although not in regards to the main subject matter - WWII. So, I will borrow a phrase I picked up in the book to best describe this tale - beautiful ugly.

It is one of those stories where certain characters have passions that are so engrossing to them that it makes you interested in it as well. And, these passions are such driving forces in their lives that directs the path and pattern of their lives.

What I found fascinating was to see how in this story things came together and cross paths and shift back and forth yet all made some kind of sense in the end.

~*~

* added this to my Bookish Bingo challenge - square: Blue Cover

Monday, February 16, 2015

Guest post: The Secret of Pembrooke Park by Julie Klassen


~*~

Award winning historical romance author Julie Klassen tours the blogosphere February 16 through March 2 to share her latest release, The Secret of Pembrooke Park. Twenty five popular book bloggers specializing in historical and Austenesque fiction will feature guest blogs, interviews, book reviews and excerpts of this acclaimed gothic Regency romance novel. A fabulous giveaway contest, including copies of all of Ms. Klassen’s eight books and other Jane Austen-themed items, is open to those who join the festivities.

Today's tour feature is a book excerpt from chapter 1 of the book.

Enjoy!

~-~-~-~-~ guest ~-~-~-~-~
by Julie Klassen
~-~-~-~-~ guest ~-~-~-~-~

Book excerpt: (from chapter 1)

March 1818

The jewel case lay open on the desk between them, the evergreen emeralds glittering against the black velvet lining. The necklace and matching bracelet had been passed down through the Foster side of the family. Her mother’s family had no precious gems to pass down. And soon neither side would.

Her father snapped the case shut, and Abigail winced as though she’d been slapped.

“Say good-bye to the family jewels,” he said. “I suppose I shall have to sell these along with the house.”

Standing before her father’s desk, Abigail gripped her hands. “No, Papa, not the jewels. There must be another way. . . .”

Nearly a year had passed since Gilbert left England, and with it Abigail’s twenty-third birthday. When she had predicted an uncertain future on the eve of his departure, she’d been more accurate than she would have guessed.

What had she been thinking? Just because she could run a large home and staff did not mean she knew anything about investments. She was the type of person who usually considered things carefully, investigated thoroughly before acting—whether it was selecting a new dressmaker or hiring a new housemaid. Abigail was the practical, behind-the-scenes daughter and had long prided herself on making sound, rational decisions. That was why her mother left much of the household management to her. Even her father had come to depend on her opinion.

Now they were facing financial ruin—and it was her fault. Little more than a year ago, she had encouraged her father to invest in Uncle Vincent’s new bank. Her mother’s brother was her only uncle, and Abigail had always been fond of him. He was charming, enthusiastic, and eternally optimistic. He and his partners, Mr. Austen and Mr. Gray, owned two country banks and had wished to open a third. Uncle Vincent had asked her father to post a large bond of guarantee, and under Abigail’s influence, he agreed.

The banks were at first successful. However, the partners made excessive, unwise loans, sometimes lending to each other. They sold one bank but struggled to keep the others afloat. The new bank had stopped business in November, and a week ago the original bank failed and the partners declared bankruptcy.

Abigail could still hardly believe it. Her uncle had been so sure the banks would thrive and had made Abigail believe it as well.

Seated at his desk, her father set aside the jewelry case and ran his finger down the accounts ledger.

Abigail awaited his verdict, palms damp, heart beating dully.

“How bad is it?” she asked, twisting her hands.

“Bad. We are not destitute, and you and Louisa still have your dowries. But the lion’s share of my capital is gone and with it the interest.”

Abigail’s stomach cramped. “Again, I am sorry, Papa. Truly,” she said. “I honestly thought Uncle Vincent and his partners would be successful.”

He ran a weary hand over his thin, handsome face. “I should not have allowed myself to be swayed by the two of you. I have seen his other ventures fail in the past. But you have always had a good head on your shoulders, Abigail. I thought I could trust your judgment. No, now, I don’t say this is entirely your fault. I blame myself as well. And Vincent, of course.”

Seeing her father so deeply disappointed and disillusioned—with her and with life—left her feeling sick with guilt and regret. Uncle Vincent blamed his partners and their risky loans. But in the end, regardless of who was to blame, the fact was that Charles Foster had agreed to act as guarantor. He was not the only person who lost money when the banks failed, but he lost the most.

Her father shook his head, a bitter twist to his lips. “I don’t know how I shall break it to Louisa that she is not to have her season after all. She and her mother have their hearts set on it.”

Abigail nodded in silent agreement. The London season was well-known hunting grounds for wealthy husbands. She hoped Louisa’s eagerness to participate meant she was not waiting for Gilbert Scott. If Louisa and Gilbert did have an understanding, Louisa had clearly kept it a secret from her mother, who was determined to give her youngest a spectacular season. At nineteen Louisa was at the peak of her beauty—or so their mother declared, insisting it was the perfect time to find her an advantageous match.

Her father leaned back in his chair with a defeated sigh. “If only there were a way to avoid selling the house, but as much as we all love it, it is too large and too expensive. The price of being fashionable, I suppose.”

Not to mention the cost of maintaining a Grosvenor Square style of living—behaving like nobility, though in reality they were only genteel, with no title or land. As a gentleman, her father had never in his life had to work. The family had lived on the interest from his inheritance. Money he had invested wisely—until now.

Once again, Gilbert’s suggestion that they not “shackle ourselves with promises” echoed through Abigail’s mind, and she straightened her shoulders in resolve. “Yes, Papa. We shall have to sell the house, but not the family jewels. Not while there is another option. . . .”

~end

Guest post created by Julie Klassen, author of The Secret of Pembrooke Park
© 2015. All rights reserved.

About the author:

Julie Klassen loves all things Jane—Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. A graduate of the University of Illinois, Julie worked in publishing for sixteen years and now writes full time.

Three of her books have won the Christy Award for Historical Romance. She has also been a finalist in the Romance Writers of America’s RITA Awards.

Julie and her husband have two sons and live in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Find out more about this book and author:
Amazon | Barnes&Noble | ChristianBook.com
Book Depository | Indie Bound | Publisher Page
Goodreads
Website
Blog
Facebook
Twitter @julie_klassen and @Bethany_House

~-~-~-~-~ guest ~-~-~-~-~
by Julie Klassen
~-~-~-~-~ guest ~-~-~-~-~

READ more about this world...

The Secret of Pembrooke Park
by Julie Klassen
-Christian, Historical, Jane Austen theme, Romance
Amazon | Goodreads

In the spring of 1818, twenty-four-year-old Abigail Foster fears she is destined to become a spinster. Her family’s finances are in ruins and the one young man she truly esteems has fallen for another woman — her younger, prettier sister Louisa.

Forced to retrench after the bank failure of Austen, Gray & Vincent, the Foster family optimistically pool their resources for another London Season for her sister in hopes of an advantageous alliance. While searching for more affordable lodgings, a surprising offer is presented: the use of a country manor house in Berkshire abandoned for eighteen years. The Fosters journey to the imposing Pembrooke Park and are startled to find it entombed as it was abruptly left, the tight-lipped locals offering only rumors of a secret room, hidden treasure and a murder in its mysterious past.

Eager to restore her family fortune, Abigail, with the help of the handsome local curate William Chapman and his sister Leah, begins her search into the heavily veiled past aided by unsigned journal pages from a previous resident and her own spirited determination. As old friends and new foes come calling at Pembrooke Park, secrets come to light. Will Abigail find the treasure and love she seeks...or very real danger?


--~ Blog Tour Giveaway ~--


Grand Giveaway Contest

Win One of Four Fabulous Prizes

In celebration of the release of The Secret of Pembrooke Park, four chances to win copies of Julie’s books and other Jane Austen-inspired items are being offered.

Three lucky winners will receive one trade paperback or eBook copy of The Secret of Pembrooke Park, and one grand prize winner will receive one copy of all eight of Julie’s novels: Lady of Milkweed Manor, The Apothecary's Daughter, The Silent Governess, The Girl in the Gatehouse, The Maid of Fairbourne Hall, The Tutor’s Daughter, The Dancing Master, and The Secret of Pembrooke Park, one DVD of Northanger Abbey (2007) and a Jane Austen Action Figure.

To enter the giveaway contest, simply leave a comment on any or all of the blog stops on The Secret of Pembrooke Park Blog Tour starting February 16, 2015 through 11:59 pm PT, March 9, 2015.

Winners will be drawn at random from all of the comments and announced on Julie Klassen’s website on March 16, 2015. Winners have until March 22, 2015 to claim their prize.

The giveaway contest is open to residents of the US, UK, and Canada. Digital books will be sent through Amazon or Barnes & Noble. Good luck to all!

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Contest has ended - winner is here

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* post is courtesy of blog tour details: February 16 – March 02, 2015

* stay tuned for review on Feb 24

Sunday, February 15, 2015

The Clockwork Scarab by Colleen Gleason

The Clockwork Scarab
(Stoker & Holmes #1)
by Colleen Gleason

Find out more about this book and author:
Amazon
Goodreads
Website
Teacher's Guide
Facebook
Twitter @colleengleason

Published: 2013
Publisher: Chronicle Books
Genre: Mystery, Romance, Steampunk, YA
Hardback: 356 pages
Rating: 5

Stoker & Holmes series:
The Clockwork Scarab
The Spiritglass Charade

Evaline Stoker and Mina Holmes never meant to get into the family business. But when you're the sister of Bram and the niece of Sherlock, vampire hunting and mystery solving are in your blood, so to speak. And when two young society girls disappear—one dead, one missing—there's no one more qualified to investigate.

Now fierce Evaline and logical Mina must resolve their rivalry, navigate the advances of not just one but three mysterious gentlemen, and solve a murder with only one clue: a strange Egyptian scarab.

The pressure is on and the stakes are high—if Stoker and Holmes don't figure out why London's finest sixteen-year-old women are in danger, they'll become the next victims.


My two-bits:

This was a fun one with Victorian fashion and etiquette along with steampunk gadgets to make this world colorful. As the title suggests, there are also Egyptian history and references.

Loved how the main characters, Miss Stoker (feisty) and Miss Holmes (geeky), team up and get to know each other in their first mystery solving adventure.

Each young lady meet romantic interests that suit them well and create just enough romance, flirting and humor that keeps us wondering and hoping they hook up.

~*~

* added this to my Bookish Bingo challenge - square: Super Powers

* part of my Steampunk Reading challenge

Saturday, February 14, 2015

Stacking the Shelves - 2.14.15

Stacking the Shelves
hosted by Tynga's Reviews (details)

Stacking The Shelves is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. This means you can include books you buy in physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks!

~*~

Bought:

From Powell's Indiespensable club package (details):
Powell's subscription club delivers the best new books, with special attention to independent publishers. Signed first editions. Inventive, original sets. Exclusive printings.... Every six weeks, another installment to read and admire.

Plus, every package is stocked with exciting surprises!

This is package #51. (sorry - this is sold out, but you can signup for the next one)

Wolf Winter
by Cecilia Ekbäck
-Mystery, Scandinavian
Powell's | Goodreads

Swedish Lapland, 1717. Maija, her husband Paavo and her daughters Frederika and Dorotea arrive from their native Finland, hoping to forget the traumas of their past and put down new roots in this harsh but beautiful land. Above them looms Blackåsen, a mountain whose foreboding presence looms over the valley and whose dark history seems to haunt the lives of those who live in its shadow.

While herding the family’s goats on the mountain, Frederika happens upon the mutilated body of one of their neighbors, Eriksson. The death is dismissed as a wolf attack, but Maija feels certain that the wounds could only have been inflicted by another man. Compelled to investigate despite her neighbors’ strange disinterest in the death and the fate of Eriksson’s widow, Maija is drawn into the dark history of tragedies and betrayals that have taken place on Blackåsen. Young Frederika finds herself pulled towards the mountain as well, feeling something none of the adults around her seem to notice.

As the seasons change, and the “wolf winter,” the harshest winter in memory, descends upon the settlers, Paavo travels to find work, and Maija finds herself struggling for her family’s survival in this land of winter-long darkness. As the snow gathers, the settlers’ secrets are increasingly laid bare. Scarce resources and the never-ending darkness force them to come together, but Maija, not knowing who to trust and who may betray her, is determined to find the answers for herself. Soon, Maija discovers the true cost of survival under the mountain, and what it will take to make it to spring.


For Review:

Granted Wishes
by Tanya Vought
-Contemporary Romance
courtesy of publisher
Thanks !
Amazon | Goodreads

A Rant of Ravens
The Birdwatcher's Mystery series - book 1
by Christine Goff
courtesy of publisher
Thanks !
Amazon | Goodreads

Library:

Jane Austen Cover to Cover: 200 Years of Classic Book Covers
by Margaret C. Sullivan
-Art, Jane Austen, Non-fiction
Amazon | Goodreads

Jane Austen’s six novels are true classics, still immensely popular some 200 years after their first publication. But although the celebrated stories never change, the covers are always different. Jane Austen Cover to Cover compiles two centuries of design, from elegant Victorian hardcovers and the famed 1894 “Peacock” edition to 1950s pulp, movie tie-in editions, graphic novels, foreign-language translations, and many, many others. Filled with beautiful artwork and insightful commentary, this fascinating and visually intriguing collection is a must for Janeites, design geeks, and book lovers of every stripe.

=====> got this for the eye candy - delicious! and the trivia bits about each cover - scrumptious as well ;-)

OTHER things on my shelf: kinda book-related

Currently binge-watching...

Cowboy Bebop
Amazon | imdb | Wikipedia

A book spin-off...

Cowboy Bebop, Vol. 1
by Yutaka Nanten
-Graphic Novel, Japan
Amazon | Goodreads

From one of the most popular anime series of all time comes a manga to match. Spinning off from the anime story line seen on Cartoon Network, the manga series hooks readers with the same combination of Sci Fi action, crazy comedy, and a twist of old-school hipster cool. This black-and-white miniseries, released in the 100% Authentic Manga format, is perfect for fans of the Cowboy Bebop anime.

~*~

* comment and TELL me what you have acquired for your shelves recently

* per usual, check out the sidebar for my current giveaways offers

Friday, February 13, 2015

The Golden Mean by Nick Bantock

The Golden Mean
(Griffin & Sabine Trilogy #3)
by Nick Bantock

Find out more about this book and author:
Amazon
Goodreads
Website
Blog
Facebook
Twitter @nickbantock

Published: 1993
Publisher: Chronicle Books
Genre: Art, Epistolary, Romance
Hardback: 48 pages
Rating: 5

Griffin & Sabine Trilogy series:
Griffin & Sabine
Sabine's Notebook
The Golden Mean

I received your Paris card. I waited but you did not returne the 23rd. I waited until the 31st, but you did not return. What happened? Where are you?
--Sabine

Sabine's Notebook ended with a disturbing disclosure--Griff and Sabine had somehow eluded each other once again. The Golden Mean beings with an even more disturbing development:

I was sure I understood. Yet you were not here when I returned and there was no sign that you ever had been here... Today comes your card saying you were in this house for three days after my return. I am bewildered...
--Griffin

It seems that each cannot exist in the presence of the other. Yet neither can continue without the presence of the other. And so, in this final volume of the Griffin & Sabine trilogy, they struggle against the mysterious forces that keep them apart. Time is running out: Sabine's crystalline visions of Griffin's artwork grow cloudy and dim, and a threatening stranger begins to appear everywhere she goes. The Golden Mean is the tale of Griffin and Sabine's journey towards one another, sometimes dreamy, sometimes desperate, sometimes nightmarish. The golden mean--the harmony of perfect balance--is what they seek in the haunting conclusion of this extraordinary correspondence.

Told in the compelling style of the first two best-selling volumes of the trilogy, The Golden Mean allows readers to open richly decorated envelopes and draw forth intricately illustrated letters, to decipher the quirky handwritten postcards with their macabre and magical artwork, to indulge, in other words, in the wonderfully illicit activity of reading someone else's mail.


My two-bits:

Finally got around to reading the last of this trilogy. It was just one of those books that I took for granted. You know, the kind of book that sits in your tbr pile with the expectation that it will be an automatic 5-star rating. So, you leave it sitting on the shelf for later. Then it turns out to be waaaay later until an opportunity arises that brings it out onto the forefront again.

In this case, it is the Winter Bingo challenge that makes this book jump to the top of my reading pile. The bingo category is Epistolary. This is a category that has limited selection compared to something like Romance.

Fortunately the bingo challenge enabled me to "hit two birds with one stone."

And, indeed the book was indeed a 5-star gem.

The relationship between the two characters concludes in a satisfying way, but first with mystery, uncertainty and a bit of suspense.

The artwork and whimsical nature of the book and how the story literally unfolds (in actual letters) created the same wonder and excitement I had when I first came across the first book in this trilogy.

~*~

* added this to my Bookish Bingo challenge - square: Epistolary

Sunday, February 8, 2015

Touch by Natalia Jaster

Touch
by Natalia Jaster

Find out more about this book and author:
Amazon
Goodreads
BookExcerpt
Website

Published: 2014
Publisher: self
Genre: Mythology, New Adult
ebook
Rating: 5

*Mature YA: sexual content and language. Intended for readers 17 and older*

The myth of Eros isn’t the truth. Her story is the truth . . .

Love is an immortal bad girl. With a strike of her arrow and a smirk on her face, she pins human hearts together against their will. It’s for their own good, of course—silly, clueless creatures that they are.

But Love has never loved. Not until the Fates parcel her off to a small, frostbitten town littered with needy souls. Not until she crosses paths with Andrew, a crippled boy whose gaze locks onto hers. Yet how can this be? Mortals don’t have the power to see deities.

The longer they’re friends, the more Love wishes she could touch Andrew. In gentle ways. In other tempting and reckless ways as well.

It’s impossible. She isn’t a true part of his world. She’s an outsider whose fingers will only ever sweep through him. A mischievous, invisible goddess who’s destined to be alone. And he’s destined for someone else. By order of the Fates, it’s Love’s duty to betray his trust. To seal his heart while ignoring the gash in her own.

Or she could become human. For there is one very tricky, very dangerous way to do so.

If only Andrew felt the same about her, it might be worth the risk.


My two-bits:

Sweet love story between a goddess and human. Because it the first time for the goddess to fall in love, a young adult love story enfolds. The couple goes through the usual ups and downs found in a teen romance along with the added element of meddling immortal gods.

The characters were likable including those with imperfections.

I liked how this mythology and its gods/goddesses were presented.

~*~

* review copy courtesy of author

* added this to my Bookish Bingo challenge - square: Based on Mythology

Saturday, February 7, 2015

Stacking the Shelves - 2.7.15

Stacking the Shelves
hosted by Tynga's Reviews (details)

Stacking The Shelves is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. This means you can include books you buy in physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks!

~*~

Bought:

Lessons in Love:
A Cambridge Fellows Mysteries, Book 1
by Charlie Cochrane
-LGBT, Historical, Mystery, Romance
Amazon | Goodreads

For Review:

The Secret of Pembrooke Park
by Julie Klassen
-Christian, Historical, Jane Austen theme
courtesy of publisher for tour
Thanks Laurel Ann!
Amazon | Goodreads

Shadow Scale
(Seraphina, #2)
by Rachel Hartman
-Dragons, Fantasy, YA
courtesy of publisher
Thanks Aisha!
Amazon | Goodreads

Unelmoija:
The Dreamshifter
(Weeia Book 1)
by Elle Boca
-Urban Fantasy
courtesy of author
Thanks !
Amazon | Goodreads

Library:

Seraphina
(Seraphina, #1)
by Rachel Hartman
-Dragons, Fantasy, YA
Amazon | Goodreads

In her New York Times bestselling and Morris Award-winning debut, Rachel Hartman introduces mathematical dragons in an alternative-medieval world to fantasy and science-fiction readers of all ages. Eragon-author Christopher Paolini calls them, "Some of the most interesting dragons I've read in fantasy."

Four decades of peace have done little to ease the mistrust between humans and dragons in the kingdom of Goredd. Folding themselves into human shape, dragons attend court as ambassadors, and lend their rational, mathematical minds to universities as scholars and teachers. As the treaty's anniversary draws near, however, tensions are high.

Seraphina Dombegh has reason to fear both sides. An unusually gifted musician, she joins the court just as a member of the royal family is murdered—in suspiciously draconian fashion. Seraphina is drawn into the investigation, partnering with the captain of the Queen's Guard, the dangerously perceptive Prince Lucian Kiggs. While they begin to uncover hints of a sinister plot to destroy the peace, Seraphina struggles to protect her own secret, the secret behind her musical gift, one so terrible that its discovery could mean her very life.


=====> Listening to the audio version. Wanted to read this before dipping into book 2, Shadow Scale which will be released March 10, 2015. So far, so good.

~*~

* comment and TELL me what you have acquired for your shelves recently

* per usual, check out the sidebar for my current giveaways offers

Friday, February 6, 2015

Let’s do it, let’s fall in love from Christine Goff

A Rant of Ravens
book 1
by Christine Goff
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Goodreads

From the author of The Birdwatcher’s Mystery Series, I have a special valentine themed guest post that incorporates birds.

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by Christine Goff
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Let’s do it, let’s fall in love

Birds have always been equated with love, from creationist mythology to medieval poetry to modern times—particularly white doves. In Greek Mythology, Aphrodite (the goddess of Love), is often pictured with doves. In Judaism, doves are symbolic of purity, tenderness and hope. Christians traditionally use the dove as symbols of peace and love. Pagans, Native Americans, military and pacifist groups, the peace movement and even the Communist Party have used doves as a symbol.

But what made birds symbolic of love? It wasn't until the 14th Century that Geoffrey Chaucer composed a poem in honor of the engagement of England's Richard II and Anne of Bohemia entitled "Parliament of Foules" that love, the mating season of birds, and St. Valentine's Day were linked. By 1928, when Cole Porter wrote his popular song lyrics for "Let's Do It," birds were well-established case studies for courtship and love.

Doves are the perfect symbol for romance because they are monogamous. Unfortunately, they don't actually exist in the wild. They are in reality, a white variety of the Ringneck Dove, a small bird—not a strong flyer—that possesses a rather underdeveloped homing instinct. When you see "white doves" released at weddings, you're really witnessing white homing pigeons, who are stronger flyers and will return to their coop.

Lovebirds are also committed to one partner. This species of small parrot is native to the forests and savannas of Sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar. If you find them in the wild in the U.S., they're usually living in Arizona and escapees from an aviary.

But the truth is, birds are great role models for love. About ninety percent of the wild bird species are monogamous and mate for life.

Birds that do it in North America include:

Albatrosses. They usually don't hook up until they're eight or nine years old, but when they do, they stick together forever—and they've been documented to reach fifty years of age. They solidify their bond first by grooming each other, then performing a sort-of jousting ritual with their beaks, tapping them together in a choreographed dance.

Bald eagles. This majestic symbol of the Unites States stays together until "death do [us] part." Known to live as long as twenty-eight years in the wild, only if one dies will the other find another mate. Their spectacular courtship rituals include locking talons, flipping, spinning and twirling through the air, spiraling toward the ground and pulling out before the crash in what's commonly called a Cartwheel Display.

Whooping cranes. This bird, which neared extinction, is making a bit of a comeback. When they migrate north to their breeding grounds, they perform elaborate dance to choose the mates they will keep for their twenty-two to twenty-four years in the wild. The tallest birds in North America, to attract their partners, they will bow their heads, flap their wings, leap and bounce. They are not afraid to make a spectacle of themselves.

So, take a lesson from the wild and the promise of spring. "Birds do it, bees do it, even educated fleas do it. Let's do it, let's fall in love."

~end

Guest post created by Christine Goff, author of The Birdwatcher’s Mystery Series
© 2015. All rights reserved.

About the author:
Christine Goff is the award-winning author of five environmental novels and a new international thriller series. The bestselling Birdwatcher's Mystery series. I was nominated for two WILLA Literary Awards, a Colorado Author's League Award, and published in the UK and Japan. Astor + Blue Editions is set release a new book in the Birdwatcher's Mystery series, A PARLIAMENT OF OWLS, in October 2015.

Find out more about this book and author:
Website
Goodreads
Twitter @christinegoff

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by Christine Goff
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READ The Birdwatcher’s Mystery Series...

A Rant of Ravens
book 1
by Christine Goff
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Goodreads

In an attempt to escape hellish matrimony, Rachel Stanhope sojourns to her Aunt Miriam’s ranch in Colorado in search of some peace and comfort. As a favor to her aunt, a bird enthusiast, Rachel agrees to host meetings of the local birdwatching society. On her first expedition, however, instead of finding a LeConte’s sparrow, she makes a much more disturbing discovery: a dead body. Identified as a reporter for Birds of a Feather magazine, this man was trying to dig up troubling information on Miriam’s deceased husband and a bird trafficking scheme…and now sweet Aunt Miriam is the prime suspect in this fowl play.

Death of a Songbird
book 2
by Christine Goff
Amazon | Goodreads

A Nest in the Ashes
book 3
by Christine Goff
Amazon | Goodreads

Death Takes a Gander
book 4
by Christine Goff
Amazon | Goodreads

A Sacrifice of Buntings
book 5
by Christine Goff
Amazon | Goodreads

FYI: The next book in this series, A Parliament of Owls, will be released October 2015!

 
Imagination Designs
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