Wednesday, September 12, 2018

Law of the Desert Born by Louis L'Amour

Law of the Desert Born
by Louis L'Amour
Charles Santino, Beau L'Amour, Katherine Nolan, Thomas Yeates

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

Published: 2013
Publisher: Bantam
Genre: Graphic Novel, Historical, Western
Hardback: 160
Rating: 5

The first graphic novel adaptation of the work of master storyteller Louis L’Amour is a dynamic tale of the Old West that explores the borderlands of loyalty and betrayal with the emotional grittiness of a noir thriller.

New Mexico, 1887, a land in the midst of the worst drought anyone can remember. Family histories and loyalties run deep, but when rancher Tom Forrester has his access to the Pecos River cut off by the son of his old partner, he convinces his foreman, Shad Marone, to pay Jud Bowman back for the discourtesy. Yet what starts as a simple act of petty revenge quickly spirals into a cycle of violence that no one can control.

Now Marone is on the run, pursued by a sheriff’s posse across a rugged desert landscape. Leading the chase is Jesus Lopez, a half-Mexican, half-Apache with a personal stake in bringing Shad to justice. Newly released from jail, trusted by no one, Lopez swears he’s the only man who can track Marone down. That may be true. But who will live and who will die and what price will be paid in suffering are open questions. Fate and the Jornada del Muerto desert possess a harsh justice that is all their own.

With a propulsive script from Beau L’Amour and Kathy Nolan, adapted by Charles Santino and illustrated in bold black-and-white by Thomas Yeates, Law of the Desert Born captures the dust and blood of Louis L’Amour’s West—a world where the difference between a hero and a villain can be as wide as the gap between an act of kindness or brutality or as narrow as a misspoken word.


PeekAbook:


My two-bits:

A little bit of everything old western style in this novella turned graphic novel. I loved the artwork with its charcoal sketch vibe.

~*~

* part of the Blog All About It Challenge: Escape (here)

Tuesday, September 11, 2018

Happy release: Summer of Scandal by Syrie James

Summer of Scandal
(Dare to Defy #2)
by Syrie James
-Historical Romance
Release date: September 11, 2018
Amazon | Goodreads

Madeleine Atherton is no typical American heiress, sent to England to marry an English lord. A brilliant college graduate who secretly dreams of becoming a published author, she wants to marry for love. After receiving a proposal from a future duke, Madeleine flees the London Season for Cornwall to seek her sister’s advice, never expecting her decision to be complicated by a charming, handsome earl she’s certain she dislikes—even though his every touch sets her blood on fire.

Charles Grayson, the Earl of Saunders, has secrets and ambitions of his own. Although under pressure from his mother and gravely ill father to marry his cousin, Charles cannot find the words to propose. But this fascinating American visitor does not figure into his plans, either.

Thrown together unexpectedly at Trevelyan Manor, Madeleine and Charles struggle to rise above their intense attraction. But as things heat up between them over a summer that becomes increasingly scandalous, Madeleine and Charles will both be forced to make a difficult choice. Can two dreamers dare to defy convention and find their own happily ever after?


Monday, September 10, 2018

Runaway Heiress by Syrie James

Runaway Heiress
by Syrie James

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

Just released: June 12, 2018
Publisher: Avon Impulse
Genre: Historical, Romance
Paperback: 400
Rating: 5

Dare to Defy series:
Runaway Heiress
Summer of Scandal
book 3 - 2019

First sentence(s):
London, England
May 8, 1888
"One first-class ticket for Liverpool, please." Alexandra Atherton managed a smile for the ticket agent behind the window.

Jane Austen sighting:
"I'm looking for Miss Austen. And I know just where to find her."
-chapter 12, page 166


When a runaway heiress runs into trouble, she may end up exactly where she belongs…

Brainy and college-educated, American heiress Alexandra Atherton will do anything to avoid marriage to the English peer her mother has chosen for her--even abandon the life of privilege she's always known. But as her escape goes horribly wrong, Alexandra must invent a new identity to gain the help of a handsome stranger.

Thomas Carlyle, the Earl of Longford, sweeps in and out of London disguised as a humble artist, earning just enough to keep his ancestral Cornwall estate afloat. When Alexandra crashes into his life, she awakens feelings and desires that he vows will stay buried. Despite himself, he needs this beautiful newcomer, for his sisters have run off another governess.

Alexandra is surprised to find she thrives in her new position at Longford's home. But as she grows closer to Thomas and his sisters, and her relationship with the emotionally guarded earl unleashes their hidden passions, the truth Alexandra's been forced to hide may end up coming between her and the only man she's ever loved.


My two-bits:

Loved this headstrong heroine, Alexandra, that exudes American independence set in this historical Jane Austen-like setting.

The hero is just as captivating with his demeanor and open mind to take on Alexandra.

~*~

* the next book in this series releases tomorrow!

Saturday, September 8, 2018

Lovely Books and Things - 9.8.18

Lovely Books and Things
My Weekly Books and Films Update

Linking up with:
Stacking the Shelves (details)
Sunday Post (details)
Mailbox Monday (details)

~*~

HAPPY THINGS:

1. Listening to KDFC classical radio station while crocheting a comfy throw blanket

2. Made my first pot roast - mmmm, more comfort food

3. Shakespeare in the Park in the Presidio (pictured below) - this year's performance is Midsummer Night's Dream


~*~

Freebie: belated birthday gift

Piercing
by Ryū Murakami
-Horror, Japan | Goodreads

Almost Transparent Blue
by Ryū Murakami
-Horror, Japan | Goodreads

69
by Ryū Murakami
-Horro, Japan | Goodreads

THESE are perfect for my next Japanese binge mode.


AND watched: in theatre

The Children Act (2017)
Director: Richard Eyre
Screenplay and based on book by: Ian McEwan
Stars: Emma Thompson, Stanley Tucci
-Drama | imdb | my rating: 5

As her marriage crumbles, a judge must decide a case involving a teenage boy who is refusing a blood transfusion on religious principle.

THOUGHTS on meaning of life as well as parent and child relationships come to mind.


AND watched: on DVD for Fall Film Challenge - six degrees from Kevin Bacon (here)

Black Mass (2015)
Director: Scott Cooper
Screenplay: Mark Mallouk, Jez Butterworth
Based on the book by: Dick Lehr, Gerard O'Neill
Stars: Johnny Depp, Benedict Cumberbatch, Dakota Johnson
-Biography, Crime, Drama | imdb | my rating: 4

The true story of Whitey Bulger, the brother of a state senator and the most infamous violent criminal in the history of South Boston, who became an FBI informant to take down a Mafia family invading his turf.

Connection: Johnny Depp - Bacon is a co-star.
Interesting historical bit about violent criminal, White Bulger. Johnny sure made him and himself unlikable.

Interstellar (2014)
Director/Writer: Christopher Nolan
Writer: Jonathan Nolan
Stars: Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain
-Adventure, Drama, Sci-Fi | imdb | my rating: 5

A team of explorers travel through a wormhole in space in an attempt to ensure humanity's survival.

Connection: John Lithgow who starred with Bacon in Footloose.
Some slow parts in this but loved how they handled time and aliens and black holes. Interesting to see Matt Damon suited up in astro gear, but totally not Martian-like.

Jurassic World (2015)
Director: Colin Trevorrow
Screenplay: Colin Trevorrow, Derek Connolly
Screenplay and story by: Rick Jaffa, Amanda Silver
Based on the characters by: Michael Crichton
Stars: Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, Ty Simpkins |
-Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi | imdb | my rating: 5

A new theme park, built on the original site of Jurassic Park, creates a genetically modified hybrid dinosaur, which escapes containment and goes on a killing spree.

Connection: Chris Pratt starred in Passengers with Jennifer Lawrence who starred with Bacon in X-Men: First Class.
I can understand the hype and love for this one. It was entertaining for a dinosaur flick.

Maudie (2016)
Director: Aisling Walsh
Writer: Sherry White
Stars: Sally Hawkins, Ethan Hawke, Kari Matchett
-Biography, Drama, Romance | imdb | my rating: 5

An arthritic Nova Scotia woman works as a housekeeper while she hones her skills as an artist and eventually becomes a beloved figure in the community.

Connection: Sallie Hawkins was in An Education with Peter Sarsgaard who starred with Bacon in Black Mass.
Lovely introduction to this folk art painter and Nova Scotia.

~*~

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

Thanks for stopping by :-)

Friday, September 7, 2018

World Reads: China

World Reads
hosted by Stephanie Jane
details | my world posts

World Reads blog series challenge is to encourage and promote the reading of global literature. On the 5th of each month Stephanie Jane highlights five books. Everyone is welcome to join in by reading one or more books from a different country each month, write a post about them and include the World Reads banner.

Going to... CHINA

My reading list:

What We Were Promised
by Lucy Tan
-Contemporary, China, Shaghai | Goodreads

China Rich Girlfriend
(Crazy Rich Asians #2)
by Kevin Kwan
-ChickLit, Romance, China, Singapore | Goodreads | my review | my rating: 5

Rich People Problems
(Crazy Rich Asians #3)
by Kevin Kwan
-ChickLit, Romance, China, Singapore | Goodreads

Ghost Month
by Ed Lin
-Mystery, China, Taipei | Goodreads | my review -tba | my rating: 4


WATCH:

Noodle
Director: Ayelet Menahemi
Writers: Shemi Zarhin, Ayelet Menahemi
Stars: Mili Avital, BaoQi Chen, Alon Aboutboul, Anat Waxman
-Drama, Comedy, Israel
imdb | my review | my rating: 5


LISTEN:

Le Velours et La Soie by Jessica Fichot

A friend mentioned this Velvet and Silk Shanghai jazz song (Chinese & French)


 
Imagination Designs
Images from: Lovelytocu