The widowed marchioness of Folkestone, Ellie Claiborne is famous for her wild parties, her art and her disregard for the rules. She manages to tread a fine line in society, scandalizing without going beyond the pale.
Ten years ago, at the behest of her father, she married the cousin of her first lover. Her husband died after only three days of marriage and her first lover inherited the title, but immediately left the country for India where he has been all this time.
He returns home on the night of the party to claim payment for the debt she owes him and to gain his revenge. But other matters complicate the issue and their lives may be in jeopardy from an entirely unrelated issue.
The third in the Muses of Mayfair series, The Marquess Who Loved Me is a well-done Regency Romance with a plot that was different to most others I have seen. The characters were complex and interesting and the social interactions and manners were happily consistent with the time period. I shall be looking for more of this author's work to read.
Monday, June 24, 2013
Her Ladyship's Curse by Lynn Viehl (Steam punk, Paranormal)
Her Ladyship's Curse is a book set in an alternate history where the United States lost the Revolutionary war and thus we are still ruled by England. Women are still treated as chattel and have very few rights and privileges. Magic works in this universe and the technology is consistent with the steam punk genre.
A young woman who is a disbeliever in magic, Charmian "Kit" Kittrege has set herself up as an investigator of sorts, though most folks hire her to remove curses, she sees her job as finding out what the real problem is and fixing it for them.
Lady Diana Walsh visits her office and asks for her help. It seems that she is being attacked at night and insulting words are being carved into her person. She can't tell her husband or family, so asks Kit to investigate and end this curse for her.
Kit agrees to help the woman, but things get complicated, not the least because of the fact that she is a commoner interacting with the aristocracy. Since she has no male to protect her, she is vulnerable to accusations that she might not otherwise face. In addition, she has attracted the attention of two very different men, one, a death mage and the other a police inspector who each add their own level of complexity to her life.
No matter, whatever the others say, Kit can not see abandoning Lady Diana to the vicious attacks.
This was a wonderful tale with complex world building and characters that jumped right off the page for me. There were aspects to the steam punk technology that were unique to any that I have previously read and very interesting. I loved the web of friendship and loyalty that Kit had, despite her being largely alone in the world and the idea of her bartering in her business transactions, thus gaining favors from people that would be useful to her later.
I am very much looking forward to seeing more of these stories! An Excellent Read!
A young woman who is a disbeliever in magic, Charmian "Kit" Kittrege has set herself up as an investigator of sorts, though most folks hire her to remove curses, she sees her job as finding out what the real problem is and fixing it for them.
Lady Diana Walsh visits her office and asks for her help. It seems that she is being attacked at night and insulting words are being carved into her person. She can't tell her husband or family, so asks Kit to investigate and end this curse for her.
Kit agrees to help the woman, but things get complicated, not the least because of the fact that she is a commoner interacting with the aristocracy. Since she has no male to protect her, she is vulnerable to accusations that she might not otherwise face. In addition, she has attracted the attention of two very different men, one, a death mage and the other a police inspector who each add their own level of complexity to her life.
No matter, whatever the others say, Kit can not see abandoning Lady Diana to the vicious attacks.
This was a wonderful tale with complex world building and characters that jumped right off the page for me. There were aspects to the steam punk technology that were unique to any that I have previously read and very interesting. I loved the web of friendship and loyalty that Kit had, despite her being largely alone in the world and the idea of her bartering in her business transactions, thus gaining favors from people that would be useful to her later.
I am very much looking forward to seeing more of these stories! An Excellent Read!
Bitter Fruits by Sarah Daltry (Urban Fantasy, Romance, Vampire)
Bitter Fruits is an Urban Fantasy Romance with Vampires.
A college student who is very interested in mythology, Nora attends an elaborate masquerade party held in a church where she meets a man to whom she is irresistibly attracted. Alec is conflicted about getting involved and tries to push her away, but she keeps pushing forward with the relationship. To make things more complicated she also finds herself attracted to his brother, Caleb.
She involves her roommate and her mythology professor in searching for answers about her mysterious suitors and finds information that could cause disaster for the whole lot of them. It is a matter of life and death and it is hanging in the balance, unless they can find a way to change things.
Not a bad story, this was as little bit shallow for me. It was basing the vampire legends upon some commonly known myths and stories from the Bible. I would have liked to see more character and plot development, but overall, enjoyed reading the story. I'd like to see more of this author's work in the future.
A college student who is very interested in mythology, Nora attends an elaborate masquerade party held in a church where she meets a man to whom she is irresistibly attracted. Alec is conflicted about getting involved and tries to push her away, but she keeps pushing forward with the relationship. To make things more complicated she also finds herself attracted to his brother, Caleb.
She involves her roommate and her mythology professor in searching for answers about her mysterious suitors and finds information that could cause disaster for the whole lot of them. It is a matter of life and death and it is hanging in the balance, unless they can find a way to change things.
Not a bad story, this was as little bit shallow for me. It was basing the vampire legends upon some commonly known myths and stories from the Bible. I would have liked to see more character and plot development, but overall, enjoyed reading the story. I'd like to see more of this author's work in the future.
Saturday, June 22, 2013
Tempting a Devil by Samantha Kane (Regency, Romance)
Lady Harriet Mercer is in a difficult situation and the only way that she can think of to protect both her young son and herself is to engage in a relationship with the most wicked rake that she can find, so that the folk of the Ton will think she is beyond the pale.
She gets more than she bargained for when she accidentally encounters her childhood friend, Roger Templeton. He has the required reputation, but his own thoughts on the matter may interfere with her plans.
This was a nicely written Regency period romance. It has some very warm romantic scenes and a good deal of suspense. The author has also provided us with some interesting characters that make you want to know more about them and what will happen in the next story.
A good read.
She gets more than she bargained for when she accidentally encounters her childhood friend, Roger Templeton. He has the required reputation, but his own thoughts on the matter may interfere with her plans.
This was a nicely written Regency period romance. It has some very warm romantic scenes and a good deal of suspense. The author has also provided us with some interesting characters that make you want to know more about them and what will happen in the next story.
A good read.
True North - The Shocking Truth about "Yours, Mine and Ours" by Tom North (Non-Fiction, Biography)
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
In 1968, a movie called Yours, Mine and Ours was released. It starred Lucille Ball and Henry Fonda and was based on the story of a widow and widower who married and combined their families and who had a total of eighteen children between them at the time of their marriage. The movie showed an idyllic, though chaotic and hectic family life and many people fell in love with the idea of it, myself included. The idea of a large family that cared for each other was enchanting, of course.
As with many things in life, the story that we saw on the screen did not reflect what happened in real life. One of the oldest of the children, Tom North has stepped forward to tell what life was really like in the combined Beardsley and North household and how it affected him and all his siblings, natural and acquired.
Parts of the story are shocking and sad, parts are simply to be expected as a result of the situations that occurred and the fact that the treatment of depression, including the postpartum variety was so much less understood at the time.
This story tells us about emotional, physical and sexual abuse and about clear child neglect that wouldn't be tolerated by today's standards. It deals with drug and alcohol use and abuse and other emotional baggage that was the result of dealing with the dysfunctional relationships.
This story also shows us a man who made it through all that and found a path for himself to heal and to grow and to continue to help and support his siblings.
I found it to be both sad and comforting and wish the best for all concerned. My thanks to the author for sharing the story.
In 1968, a movie called Yours, Mine and Ours was released. It starred Lucille Ball and Henry Fonda and was based on the story of a widow and widower who married and combined their families and who had a total of eighteen children between them at the time of their marriage. The movie showed an idyllic, though chaotic and hectic family life and many people fell in love with the idea of it, myself included. The idea of a large family that cared for each other was enchanting, of course.
As with many things in life, the story that we saw on the screen did not reflect what happened in real life. One of the oldest of the children, Tom North has stepped forward to tell what life was really like in the combined Beardsley and North household and how it affected him and all his siblings, natural and acquired.
Parts of the story are shocking and sad, parts are simply to be expected as a result of the situations that occurred and the fact that the treatment of depression, including the postpartum variety was so much less understood at the time.
This story tells us about emotional, physical and sexual abuse and about clear child neglect that wouldn't be tolerated by today's standards. It deals with drug and alcohol use and abuse and other emotional baggage that was the result of dealing with the dysfunctional relationships.
This story also shows us a man who made it through all that and found a path for himself to heal and to grow and to continue to help and support his siblings.
I found it to be both sad and comforting and wish the best for all concerned. My thanks to the author for sharing the story.
Chasing the Shadows by Keri Arthur (Nikki and Michael #3, Urban Fantasy, Vampire)
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Chasing the Shadows is the third book in the Nikki and Michael series which is Urban Fantasy in genre and involves vampires.
Women are being kidnapped and held for ransom, but even though it was paid, the bodies are beginning to turn up, murdered and horribly mutilated.
After his near death, Jake agreed to go to San Francisco to work as a Security Manager at a fancy hotel, in hopes that this rather unexciting job would allow him time to heal from the damage that had been done to him. His wife wants him to stay there more than anything else and she does not want to return to Lyndhurst, but trouble has found them again: the most recent woman kidnapped was a guest at their hotel.
Michael is already being sent to investigate the kidnappings, as the Damask Circle suspects vampire involvement and he wants to leave Nikki at home where he feels she will be safe.
When the woman is kidnapped at the hotel, Jake calls Nikki and she immediately comes to the hotel to help him try to find out what is really going on, much to the dismay of Michael who rushes to protect her.
Together, they must find out who is doing these crimes and why... and they must figure out how to make them stop.
The developing relationship between Nikki and Michael is contrasted against that of jake and his wife who have been married for many years. Nikki and Michael are still working through their conflicts caused by Nikki's dashes into danger and Michael's wish to keep her wrapped in cotton wool and his reluctance to give way to anyone's wish but his own.
The story is well-told and has an underlying reasoning that is very understandable. Even the villain had his moments, though it is always hard to be sympathetic to someone who is clearly a sociopath.
This was an entertaining read.
Chasing the Shadows is the third book in the Nikki and Michael series which is Urban Fantasy in genre and involves vampires.
Women are being kidnapped and held for ransom, but even though it was paid, the bodies are beginning to turn up, murdered and horribly mutilated.
After his near death, Jake agreed to go to San Francisco to work as a Security Manager at a fancy hotel, in hopes that this rather unexciting job would allow him time to heal from the damage that had been done to him. His wife wants him to stay there more than anything else and she does not want to return to Lyndhurst, but trouble has found them again: the most recent woman kidnapped was a guest at their hotel.
Michael is already being sent to investigate the kidnappings, as the Damask Circle suspects vampire involvement and he wants to leave Nikki at home where he feels she will be safe.
When the woman is kidnapped at the hotel, Jake calls Nikki and she immediately comes to the hotel to help him try to find out what is really going on, much to the dismay of Michael who rushes to protect her.
Together, they must find out who is doing these crimes and why... and they must figure out how to make them stop.
The developing relationship between Nikki and Michael is contrasted against that of jake and his wife who have been married for many years. Nikki and Michael are still working through their conflicts caused by Nikki's dashes into danger and Michael's wish to keep her wrapped in cotton wool and his reluctance to give way to anyone's wish but his own.
The story is well-told and has an underlying reasoning that is very understandable. Even the villain had his moments, though it is always hard to be sympathetic to someone who is clearly a sociopath.
This was an entertaining read.
Hearts in Darkness by Keri Arthur (Nikki and Michael #2, Urban Fantasy, Vampire)
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Hearts in Darkness is the second in Keri Arthur's Nikki and Michael series.
Jake and Nikki have been hired to keep tabs on a young man who seems to be in jeopardy of running away from home. While following him, she runs into vampires and they kidnap the boy and injure Jake severely.
While Michael has been doing everything he can to distance himself from Nikki in an attempt to keep her safe, he finds himself forced to go to her yet again, because the case she is working on will intersect with his business and she may suffer without his protection.
Thrust together yet again, they must find a way to work together and to deal with the disappearances that are becoming more frequent. They must also find a way to deal with each other that will be agreeable to both of them.
This second book was more polished than the first one and a smoother read. Nikki and Michael both have their issues: his desire to protect her by not protecting her and his unwillingness to compromise, for starters, and her practically pathological inability to avoid dangerous situations and her idea that compromise means 'her way.'
Aside from those quirks of character, I quite enjoyed the story and will be glad to see more of their story.
Hearts in Darkness is the second in Keri Arthur's Nikki and Michael series.
Jake and Nikki have been hired to keep tabs on a young man who seems to be in jeopardy of running away from home. While following him, she runs into vampires and they kidnap the boy and injure Jake severely.
While Michael has been doing everything he can to distance himself from Nikki in an attempt to keep her safe, he finds himself forced to go to her yet again, because the case she is working on will intersect with his business and she may suffer without his protection.
Thrust together yet again, they must find a way to work together and to deal with the disappearances that are becoming more frequent. They must also find a way to deal with each other that will be agreeable to both of them.
This second book was more polished than the first one and a smoother read. Nikki and Michael both have their issues: his desire to protect her by not protecting her and his unwillingness to compromise, for starters, and her practically pathological inability to avoid dangerous situations and her idea that compromise means 'her way.'
Aside from those quirks of character, I quite enjoyed the story and will be glad to see more of their story.
The Armies of Heaven by Jane Kindred (Fantasy, Angels, Demons)
I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The Armies of Heaven is the third book in the House of Arkhangel'sk series. I had not read the other two books previously and though I think it would have clarified some things in the story, I didn't have any problems following the plot and getting acquainted with the characters.
There is war in the heavens. Murder, manipulation and betrayal nearly obliterated the ruling family and only now is the true heir to the throne, Anazakia able to move toward the goal of removing the woman from the throne who was responsible for most of her family's deaths. She also is seeking her own daughter who was kidnapped and carried away from her by Anazakia's former nanny Helga who also desires to take the throne.
Working with the allies that she has, Anazakia's armies are woefully undermanned, but it seems that there are still more things in Heaven than are known and that may just tip the scales in one way or another.
The story of war among the angels and demons resident in heaven is detailed and well-written. The characters were all well-rounded; some were appealing, some were not, as was appropriate to their function. I found the tale to be unique in its presentation of angels and war between them and even in its portrayal of heaven itself. It also uses the realms of the angels to explain other myths that have passed down through folk in the real world, for example the fae.
There was both love and sex in the story and some involved dominance and submission. There was also graphic violence and slavery.
I found this an interesting tale that kept me engrossed for a goodly time.
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Dancingi with the Devil by Keri Arthur (Urban Fantasy, Romance, Vampire)
A copy of this book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
Dancing with the Devil by well-established author Keri Arthur is an Urban Fantasy and romance, featuring vampires.
Private investigator, Nikki James is on the trail of a young woman who has left home. The girl's father wants her back, though the girl has other ideas. Nikki is determined to bring her home, her urgency to find the girl and her reluctance to abandon her, driven by Nikki's years living on the streets and running with gangs and also by a choice that she made that she now regrets.
Sent by the Damask Circle to keep Nikki alive, Michael Kelly finds more in Lyndhurst than he had expected. Not only does he have a startling connection with her, but he also finds that he is familiar with the person behind all the trouble.
Since Nikki refuses to give up searching for the young girl, Monica, Michal must stay to protect her in whatever manner he can, even if she doesn't wish for him to do so, and especially when Nikki becomes the focus of evil intent.
This is the first book in the Nikki and Michael series. Although not as polished as her Guardian series, it is a very good read with characters that will draw you into the story. I did wish Nikki and Michael were a little less conflicted, but the story works quite well as told and I do wish to see what happens in the next installment.
A good, entertaining read.
Dancing with the Devil by well-established author Keri Arthur is an Urban Fantasy and romance, featuring vampires.
Private investigator, Nikki James is on the trail of a young woman who has left home. The girl's father wants her back, though the girl has other ideas. Nikki is determined to bring her home, her urgency to find the girl and her reluctance to abandon her, driven by Nikki's years living on the streets and running with gangs and also by a choice that she made that she now regrets.
Sent by the Damask Circle to keep Nikki alive, Michael Kelly finds more in Lyndhurst than he had expected. Not only does he have a startling connection with her, but he also finds that he is familiar with the person behind all the trouble.
Since Nikki refuses to give up searching for the young girl, Monica, Michal must stay to protect her in whatever manner he can, even if she doesn't wish for him to do so, and especially when Nikki becomes the focus of evil intent.
This is the first book in the Nikki and Michael series. Although not as polished as her Guardian series, it is a very good read with characters that will draw you into the story. I did wish Nikki and Michael were a little less conflicted, but the story works quite well as told and I do wish to see what happens in the next installment.
A good, entertaining read.
Monday, June 17, 2013
Ripped (Jack the Ripper, Time-Travel, Crime Investigation, young-adult)
I was provided a copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
In Ripped, Katie Lennox is living with her grandmother in England, after her parents are killed in car accident, while her older sister Courtney is making a life for herself as a rock singer in America.
Katie and her cousin Collin, along with his friend Toby, go to view the Jack the Ripper exhibit at Madame Tussaud's. After she takes her tour, she goes and touches the London Stone which is said to have mystical powers and then finds herself taken back to Victorian London to the time when the Ripper was stalking the streets and she feels she must find a way to stop the madman. But can she do it? Should she do it? If she does, what will the consequences be?
Ripped is a nice young-adult novel that speculates on the idea of what would happen if a young girl travels back in time and helps to stop one of the most infamous serial killers in history.
The author did a nice job of dealing with the problems that a modern day young woman would have trying to fit into Victorian society and the differences in language and social expectations were clearly drawn, though I was never clear why people seemed to refer to the Duke as Sir Gideon, everything else struck me as accurate. I quite liked the portrayal of Oscar Wilde and the painter Whistler; they were brought to life nicely.
Over all, I considered this an enjoyable and informative read. Some license was taken with historical details and, of course, the identity of the Ripper has never been determined. But as in any speculative fiction, there is no harm in supposing.
With Regards,
Kirsten
In Ripped, Katie Lennox is living with her grandmother in England, after her parents are killed in car accident, while her older sister Courtney is making a life for herself as a rock singer in America.
Katie and her cousin Collin, along with his friend Toby, go to view the Jack the Ripper exhibit at Madame Tussaud's. After she takes her tour, she goes and touches the London Stone which is said to have mystical powers and then finds herself taken back to Victorian London to the time when the Ripper was stalking the streets and she feels she must find a way to stop the madman. But can she do it? Should she do it? If she does, what will the consequences be?
Ripped is a nice young-adult novel that speculates on the idea of what would happen if a young girl travels back in time and helps to stop one of the most infamous serial killers in history.
The author did a nice job of dealing with the problems that a modern day young woman would have trying to fit into Victorian society and the differences in language and social expectations were clearly drawn, though I was never clear why people seemed to refer to the Duke as Sir Gideon, everything else struck me as accurate. I quite liked the portrayal of Oscar Wilde and the painter Whistler; they were brought to life nicely.
Over all, I considered this an enjoyable and informative read. Some license was taken with historical details and, of course, the identity of the Ripper has never been determined. But as in any speculative fiction, there is no harm in supposing.
With Regards,
Kirsten
Saturday, June 15, 2013
Along Came a Spider by Kate SeRine (Urban Fantasy, Romance)
An Advance Reader Copy of Along Came a Spider by Kate Serine was provided to me through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. It is set for release, August 1, 2013.
When Beatrice 'Trish' Muffet was drawn out of the land of Make Believe and into the Here and Now, her life changed completely. Offered a chance by Nicky Blue to run from the folks who came to collect her to help her transition, she chose to stay, rather than following the man that she knew with one special glance would be important to her forever.
Years later, she works investigating murders of folks from Tales, using her ability to read people with a gaze, she sees what they saw and experienced just before dying.
Now, a series of strange deaths have been happening and it seems that the elusive Dracula may have a hand in it. Even worse, the murders may be crossing over the line from Tale folk to every day human beings which could cause the exposure of everyone from Make Believe.
Nicky Blue who has been tracking Dracula returns in time to save her from certain death and she realizes that he is the renegade 'Spider' who has been serving vigilante justice.
He needs her help now and this is one spider that Little Miss Muffet does not fear.
Along Came a Spider is a telling of the story of two nursery rhyme characters, Little Miss Muffet and Little Boy Blue.
The author has done a wonderful job giving each of the folks a life of their own, making them well-rounded people instead of rhyme stick-figures.
The story has an undercurrent of humor, without sacrificing the dramatic parts of the plot and the romance and passion were nicely balanced and well-written.
I had not read this author's previous books, though they are in a genre that I like, simply because I had not come across them. I will most likely go back and read them now, as this one was quite engaging!
When Beatrice 'Trish' Muffet was drawn out of the land of Make Believe and into the Here and Now, her life changed completely. Offered a chance by Nicky Blue to run from the folks who came to collect her to help her transition, she chose to stay, rather than following the man that she knew with one special glance would be important to her forever.
Years later, she works investigating murders of folks from Tales, using her ability to read people with a gaze, she sees what they saw and experienced just before dying.
Now, a series of strange deaths have been happening and it seems that the elusive Dracula may have a hand in it. Even worse, the murders may be crossing over the line from Tale folk to every day human beings which could cause the exposure of everyone from Make Believe.
Nicky Blue who has been tracking Dracula returns in time to save her from certain death and she realizes that he is the renegade 'Spider' who has been serving vigilante justice.
He needs her help now and this is one spider that Little Miss Muffet does not fear.
Along Came a Spider is a telling of the story of two nursery rhyme characters, Little Miss Muffet and Little Boy Blue.
The author has done a wonderful job giving each of the folks a life of their own, making them well-rounded people instead of rhyme stick-figures.
The story has an undercurrent of humor, without sacrificing the dramatic parts of the plot and the romance and passion were nicely balanced and well-written.
I had not read this author's previous books, though they are in a genre that I like, simply because I had not come across them. I will most likely go back and read them now, as this one was quite engaging!
To Nom or not to Nom? That is the question.
To nom or not to nom? That is the question.
No, you don't need to check the web address. You have not logged in to view cute cat pictures involving invented words and cheezburgers.
The other day, I was thinking about writing in general and how some folks choose to use a nom de plume.
I can see various reason to choose to do so and some rationalizations for it, but am of a divided mind on the subject.
Some authors have chosen to publish under multiple names to allow them to publish more than one story per issue of a magazine. Yet others simply wish to conceal their real identity for one reason or another.
Early women writers wrote under men's names when their work would have not been taken seriously when the author was known to be a woman or when it was considered unbecoming for a woman to have interests other than accepted female pursuits. Examples of this would include folk like Mary Ann Evans who wrote ad George Eliot, Charlotte Bronte who wrote as Currer Bell and Karen Blixen who wrote as Isak Dinesan.
Andre Norton chose her pen name because she felt that a man's name would be more acceptable in her genre and other authors have chosen to use initials for the same reason, including J.K. Rowling and D.C. Fontana.
J.D. Robb could also be added to that list, but gets added to this subsequent thought because she is also known as Nora Roberts. One of the best reasons in my way of thinking for using a nom de plume is because you write in multiple genres. It seems a neat and tidy way of lining up your work and it would, perhaps, keep the readers happy, as they would know what sort of book they were getting, based upon the author's name.
Personally, I know I have ideas for stories in more than one genre floating in my head and I've thought about using different identities to publish them. My main problem with the idea, especially in today's world which is wound up in a complex maze of email, Facebook, Twitter and other such sites is the potential for a huge mess keeping up with separate identities. I have enough difficulty keeping track of my accounts and passwords as it is! I can't imagine trying to maintain multiples.
So for me, at least, I remain undecided on this question. I wonder what others may think?
With Regards,
Kirsten
No, you don't need to check the web address. You have not logged in to view cute cat pictures involving invented words and cheezburgers.
The other day, I was thinking about writing in general and how some folks choose to use a nom de plume.
I can see various reason to choose to do so and some rationalizations for it, but am of a divided mind on the subject.
Some authors have chosen to publish under multiple names to allow them to publish more than one story per issue of a magazine. Yet others simply wish to conceal their real identity for one reason or another.
Early women writers wrote under men's names when their work would have not been taken seriously when the author was known to be a woman or when it was considered unbecoming for a woman to have interests other than accepted female pursuits. Examples of this would include folk like Mary Ann Evans who wrote ad George Eliot, Charlotte Bronte who wrote as Currer Bell and Karen Blixen who wrote as Isak Dinesan.
Andre Norton chose her pen name because she felt that a man's name would be more acceptable in her genre and other authors have chosen to use initials for the same reason, including J.K. Rowling and D.C. Fontana.
J.D. Robb could also be added to that list, but gets added to this subsequent thought because she is also known as Nora Roberts. One of the best reasons in my way of thinking for using a nom de plume is because you write in multiple genres. It seems a neat and tidy way of lining up your work and it would, perhaps, keep the readers happy, as they would know what sort of book they were getting, based upon the author's name.
Personally, I know I have ideas for stories in more than one genre floating in my head and I've thought about using different identities to publish them. My main problem with the idea, especially in today's world which is wound up in a complex maze of email, Facebook, Twitter and other such sites is the potential for a huge mess keeping up with separate identities. I have enough difficulty keeping track of my accounts and passwords as it is! I can't imagine trying to maintain multiples.
So for me, at least, I remain undecided on this question. I wonder what others may think?
With Regards,
Kirsten
Friday, June 14, 2013
Review of Gwynneth Ever After (contemporary, romance)
My first NetGalley review was of a book called Gwynneth Ever After by author Linda Poitevin.
A copy of this book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
Gwynneth Ever After is a lovely contemporary romance novel that is set in Canada.
An ordinary single mother, Gwynneth has built her life around her three young children, working as an architect from her home, so that she can meet their needs. While attending a play that was written by a friend, she accidentally meets Gareth Connor, a famous actor who is visiting the area and finds herself drawn to him, despite herself.
This story is notable for the quiet normal life of its heroine. She works, takes care of her children and home and juggles financial and maintenance issues, just like any single mother would. Many of the scenes are centered, not around glamor, but in quiet moments with which we can identify, because we live in moments like that daily.
The author, Linda writes with a descriptive flair that makes even the normal and small moments special. We have all had those times when we're just doing what we usually do and then a tiny thing happens and we suddenly realize how important that moment is? She manages to convey that in well-chosen words, drawing a vivid picture that keeps us involved in her story.
One line in particular stood out for me: "A sudden, icy blast of wind sliced through thoughts he knew he had no business having,"
This is a well-written book and a calming, enjoyable read.
A copy of this book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
Gwynneth Ever After is a lovely contemporary romance novel that is set in Canada.
An ordinary single mother, Gwynneth has built her life around her three young children, working as an architect from her home, so that she can meet their needs. While attending a play that was written by a friend, she accidentally meets Gareth Connor, a famous actor who is visiting the area and finds herself drawn to him, despite herself.
This story is notable for the quiet normal life of its heroine. She works, takes care of her children and home and juggles financial and maintenance issues, just like any single mother would. Many of the scenes are centered, not around glamor, but in quiet moments with which we can identify, because we live in moments like that daily.
The author, Linda writes with a descriptive flair that makes even the normal and small moments special. We have all had those times when we're just doing what we usually do and then a tiny thing happens and we suddenly realize how important that moment is? She manages to convey that in well-chosen words, drawing a vivid picture that keeps us involved in her story.
One line in particular stood out for me: "A sudden, icy blast of wind sliced through thoughts he knew he had no business having,"
This is a well-written book and a calming, enjoyable read.
In the beginning...
In the beginning there were words and the words formed sentences and then paragraphs and chapters and it was alright. But then someone edited them and it was good.
I've been resisting blogging, after one vaguely half-enthused attempt some years previously. After all, I thought, who would possibly want to know what I think about the things I read, write and edit. But, it seems that some folks do want to know, so here I am. The proud owner of a blog. I have another one, I just don't... [.. insert shifty eyed glances here...] precisely know where I left it.
For those who don't know me and for the entertainment of some of you who do, I shall tell you a bit about me and the written word.
I began reading at a very young age. There is some discussion about when that actually was, as my babysitter was a little surprised when I corrected her, as she was reading me a bedtime story at the age of three, or so. I do know that I was reading a fair amount and I waded through most of the children's section of the library, moving on to the adult books in short order. Under my mother's influence, I read Dickens and others and I found Sherlock Holmes who was probably one of my first literary character loves.
In sixth grade, I was tested as reading at high college level. In seventh grade, tests showed that I read 1600 words per minute with 97% comprehension.
It was not uncommon and still is not uncommon for me to read a book or more per day. I had some issues with the library, as I tended to take out great stacks of books and was not always great about returning them on time, which was a failing of mine. I would have loved to work in the library. I still would love to work in a library!
So, I have always been a voracious reader with a wide variety of interests. Mysteries, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Romance, any other genre is fair game, as long as it is well-written with engaging characters. I even love non-fiction: history, biographies, travel, crafting and hobbies, cooking and self-improvement, just some of the subjects I read on a regular basis.
It has been said that I will read anything that is not glued down and some things that are. It is not unknown for me to resort to reading labels, if sufficiently bored and lacking other resources.
With the advent of ebooks, my life got even more interesting. Where before, I was limited by the space that I had to keep books in my home and the difficulty of moving them, I now had a small and simple alternative where I could carry hundreds of books with me wherever I went. Yes, I had to keep several memory cards with me, but that was nothing compared to the satchels full of books that I used to lug with me everywhere I went.
The gift to me of a Kindle made my life even more interesting and I started finding free books everywhere which introduced me to even more wonderful authors. Admittedly, there were some that were not so wonderful, but that's life. You pays your money and you takes your chances! And I found some true gems and gained an understanding of what it might be like to read through a publisher's slush pile.
I started posting reviews of the books that I was reading, deciding that it was important to be completely honest in my assessments, as I felt that was more service to the other readers and to the author. If no one ever gives unvarnished feedback, there is no opportunity for growth.
An interesting side effect of my reviews was that I began making contact with some of the authors and helping them with anything from line-edits to historical accuracy for period pieces. I found that I enjoyed myself immensely. So here I am: Freelance Editor, me.
I was introduced to Net Galley the other day. I had looked it over before and didn't think that I would wish to join, but an author invited me to review her new book and so I signed up. The experience has been interesting, to say the least. The author that I did the review for was charming and wonderful. I have seen other publishers that are persnickety about who read and reviews their books to the point that it offended me. It seems they only want people to review their books who have a major, established marketing machine in in place. They want someone to do their marketing for them for free, of course. So, that is how I chose the title for my blog: The Pleasure of My Good Regard. Those publishers will have to live with out it, no matter how much I like some of their authors, sadly. After all, it is regular folk like us who buy their books and tell our friends about them that make their wheels of commerce spin.
With Regards,
Kirsten
I've been resisting blogging, after one vaguely half-enthused attempt some years previously. After all, I thought, who would possibly want to know what I think about the things I read, write and edit. But, it seems that some folks do want to know, so here I am. The proud owner of a blog. I have another one, I just don't... [.. insert shifty eyed glances here...] precisely know where I left it.
For those who don't know me and for the entertainment of some of you who do, I shall tell you a bit about me and the written word.
I began reading at a very young age. There is some discussion about when that actually was, as my babysitter was a little surprised when I corrected her, as she was reading me a bedtime story at the age of three, or so. I do know that I was reading a fair amount and I waded through most of the children's section of the library, moving on to the adult books in short order. Under my mother's influence, I read Dickens and others and I found Sherlock Holmes who was probably one of my first literary character loves.
In sixth grade, I was tested as reading at high college level. In seventh grade, tests showed that I read 1600 words per minute with 97% comprehension.
It was not uncommon and still is not uncommon for me to read a book or more per day. I had some issues with the library, as I tended to take out great stacks of books and was not always great about returning them on time, which was a failing of mine. I would have loved to work in the library. I still would love to work in a library!
So, I have always been a voracious reader with a wide variety of interests. Mysteries, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Romance, any other genre is fair game, as long as it is well-written with engaging characters. I even love non-fiction: history, biographies, travel, crafting and hobbies, cooking and self-improvement, just some of the subjects I read on a regular basis.
It has been said that I will read anything that is not glued down and some things that are. It is not unknown for me to resort to reading labels, if sufficiently bored and lacking other resources.
With the advent of ebooks, my life got even more interesting. Where before, I was limited by the space that I had to keep books in my home and the difficulty of moving them, I now had a small and simple alternative where I could carry hundreds of books with me wherever I went. Yes, I had to keep several memory cards with me, but that was nothing compared to the satchels full of books that I used to lug with me everywhere I went.
The gift to me of a Kindle made my life even more interesting and I started finding free books everywhere which introduced me to even more wonderful authors. Admittedly, there were some that were not so wonderful, but that's life. You pays your money and you takes your chances! And I found some true gems and gained an understanding of what it might be like to read through a publisher's slush pile.
I started posting reviews of the books that I was reading, deciding that it was important to be completely honest in my assessments, as I felt that was more service to the other readers and to the author. If no one ever gives unvarnished feedback, there is no opportunity for growth.
An interesting side effect of my reviews was that I began making contact with some of the authors and helping them with anything from line-edits to historical accuracy for period pieces. I found that I enjoyed myself immensely. So here I am: Freelance Editor, me.
I was introduced to Net Galley the other day. I had looked it over before and didn't think that I would wish to join, but an author invited me to review her new book and so I signed up. The experience has been interesting, to say the least. The author that I did the review for was charming and wonderful. I have seen other publishers that are persnickety about who read and reviews their books to the point that it offended me. It seems they only want people to review their books who have a major, established marketing machine in in place. They want someone to do their marketing for them for free, of course. So, that is how I chose the title for my blog: The Pleasure of My Good Regard. Those publishers will have to live with out it, no matter how much I like some of their authors, sadly. After all, it is regular folk like us who buy their books and tell our friends about them that make their wheels of commerce spin.
With Regards,
Kirsten
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