To Beguile a Beast by Elizabeth Hoyt

Series: Legend of the Four Soldiers - Book Three

Genre: Historical Fiction

Pages: 349

Copyright: 2009

Rating:


Elizabeth Hoyt has been recommend to me by so many of my reader friends so when I saw the cover of her very latest Historical Romance and heard that it was a retelling of Beauty and the Beast, I knew I just had to read it!

Here's a quick plot summary from the blurb:

Reclusive Sir Alastair Munroe has hidden in his castle ever since returning from the Colonies, scarred inside and out. But when a mysterious beauty arrives at his door, the passions he's kept suppressed for years begin to awaken.

Running from past mistakes has taken legendary beauty Helen Fitzwilliam from the luxury of the ton to a crumbling Scottish castle...and a job as a housekeeper. Yet Helen is determined to start a new life and she won't let dust - or a beast of a man - scare her away.

I loved the brooding hero Alistair and how the physical scars of war made him feel as though he would never find love. So many romance heroes are physically perfect - the image of Adonis - so Alistair's self-consciousness about his physical appearance made him so intriguing and loveable (even if he is a bit of a cranky-pants). When Elizabeth Hoyt described how he came to loose his eye, I had my hand over my mouth. There is something about the emotionally tormented hero that I always connect with.

Helen is a fascinating character. She's a former mistress of a duke and has two young children by him. Before she ran away with her children to Scotland, they had always been cared for by a nanny and in her own words, they only saw each other when they were all in good moods. So not only is she venturing out into the world completely by herself, but she's learning for the first time what it truly means to be a mother. This really added an interesting dimension to the plot and although children can sometimes be distracting in romance novels, Elizabeth Hoyt wrote them incredibly well.

Personally, I didn't like Alistair's reaction to Helen's past. I know that he realised he was being hypocritical but I just don't believe he would've used such strong language towards her and that he would've been so cruel. I would've thought a man who'd virtually exiled himself from society wouldn't have cared so much about the taboo. Issues resolve themselves as the characters realise the mistakes they've made but for me this took a little bit of the enjoyment away from the ending. I guess I just wasn't ready to forgive Alistair yet!

One last thing that I really have to mention because I loved it so much was the mood the author created. For the first half of the book, it really did feel like I could be reading Beauty and the Beast. She really let the brooding Scottish landscape infiltrate the book and lend it a decidedly Gothic feel. The stormy nights and overcast days was the perfect atmosphere for passion! It's definitely a snuggle-up-in-bed-kind-on-a-rainy-day kind of book and is best described as a grown-up fairytale.

I will definitely be reading more Elizabeth Hoyt and look forward to reading her Princes Trilogy in the near future.

Did you know?

You can read a free online novella, The Ice Princess, chapter by chapter here at Elizabeth's website.

The 4th book in the Legend of the Four Soldiers series, To Desire a Devil, will be released in November 2009. You can read an excerpt here and pre-order at Amazon or Book Depository (free postage worldwide).

For more of Annie's reviews, visit Reading, Writing & Ranting.

To Seduce a Sinner by Elizabeth Hoyt

Series: Legend of the Four Soldiers - Book Two

Genre: Historical Romance

Pages: 359

Copyright: 2008

Rating:


“To Seduce A Sinner is an emotional tale of bravery, love and sexual fulfillment”

Melisande Flemming decides that it’s high time to take matters into her own hands. She has been perfectly and desperately in love with Jasper Renshaw, Viscount Vale for as long as she could remember. Lady Emeline Gordon and Melisande has been best of friends since childhood and because Emeline’s property bordered on Lord Vale’s, Melisande witnessed her heart’s desire flirting with, seducing and romancing beautiful ladies throughout the years. He whispered sweet-nothings to exquisite looking women and was rumoured to be a marvellous lover. Through the passing years, Melisande stood quietly by while she watched possessively as Lord Vale became engaged to a Miss Mary Templeton.

Jasper Renshaw, better known to his peers as Lord Vale, couldn’t believe his bad luck. Who would have thought that he’d be thrown over by this lovely little heiress for a poor, untitled curate? While dealing with a terrible hangover and the rather distressing news of his broken engagement, Lord Vale had not heard Melisande quietly entering the room. Here was Melisande, a woman proposing to him in the vestry of the church, on the morning of what was to be his wedding to Miss Templeton. He could not have been more surprised by the question posed by the rather plain-looking friend of Emeline’s, then he was by his own very honest answer to her. Why not wed the Ms. Melisande Flemming? She seemed more then willing to marry him and was quite unwavering in her request. Very well then.

To Seduce A Sinner is a enchanting book which pairs up two of the most unlikely people in one of the most endearing ways possible; through the meeting of like-minds and the incredible persistence of enduring love. I found myself so entranced by the fragile, tender side of the very handsome and masculine Lord Vale. I was truly pleased by Melisande’s resolute acceptance of her new husband’s peculiarities and his strange behaviours. The love for her husband, her faith in his goodness and Jasper’s protectiveness and love for his wife, all coalesce to create a shining story of healing, love and desire.

I very highly recommend this book!! It follows To Taste Temptation By Elizabeth Hoyt very nicely and I’m so looking forward to reading To Beguile A Beast, the third book in the Legend of the Four Soldiers Series.

Visit Elizabeth Hoyt's site.

Thanks to Bobbie from Book Reviews by Bobbie for this wonderful Guest Blogger review!

To Taste Temptation by Elizabeth Hoyt

Series: Legend of the Four Soldiers - Book One

Genre: Historical Romance

Copyright: 2008

Pages: 362

Rating:



I won To Seduce a Sinner, the second in Elizabeth Hoyt's The Legend of the Four Soldiers series, so I had to start with book one or I start to get the shakes.

Samuel Hartley has recently come to England from Boston, where he worked particularly hard to be where he is in the world today. He is not a refined Englishman, rather he is a bit rough around the edges. He wears moccasins and does not quite fit in in London society. He rents the house next door to Emeline Gordon, a socialite who he asks to take his sister, Rebecca, under her wing to help present her to society. Although, as we find out, he has other motives then just helping his sister.

Samuel fought the indians at the battle of Spinner's Falls with Reynaud, Emeline's brother who was killed during that fateful day. The unit Samuel was fighting with was besieged, many dying and Samuel ran away that day while the fighting continued to get help. He knows someone betrayed his unit, and he also feels like a coward for running away. He has made it his life's goal to find the person who crossed him and his comrades.

Sam is immediately intrigued by Emeline. He loves how prim and proper she always appears and loves to ruffle her feathers. It is quite a contrast to his brash behavior. A typical romance can not be pursued however because Sam does not have the title and English breeding needed for someone in Emeline's rank.

To complicate matters, Viscount Vale, who fought with Sam, is in London and has an understanding since childhood to marry Emeline. That alone unnerves Sam because he already feels possessive of Emmeline and Sam is suspicious Vale could be the very spy he is looking for. Only Vale and a few others are still alive to question.

The war took out so much of Sam. When he enters large crowds the smell of sweat or the site of a certain color throws him back to the nightmare of Spinner's Falls. He not only needs to find the traitor to bring him to justice and for all those that died, but he needs to find him to bring peace and conclusion to his life. Emeline quiets the fears and dissent inside of him. Sam is a very intense, brooding man. He is very serious, yet can't stop himself from teasing Emeline, knowing she will fall for the bait, and her anger does weird things to his attraction to her.

Samuel always pushing the limit. As in this exchange:

"You think I've been to see a whore." He smiled and slid lower in the carriage seat, canting his legs to the side so that he might cross them. He slipped his fingers into his waistcoat pockets, enjoying himself. "Admit it."
"I will do no such thing!"
"But that blush on your cheeks says otherwise."
"I...I-"
He tutted. " Your thoughts are very lewd. I am shocked, my lady, quite shocked."
For a moment, all she could do was sputter; then her eyes narrowed as she recovered. Sam braced himself. God, he liked sparring with this woman.


Samuel Hart is a very alpha lover - he is so possessive, and primal in his lust for Emeline. He likes to take charge in the bedroom, or any other room they happen to be in. My favorite scene in the book is when Sam and Emeline are hidden away in an alcove, (those naughty hidden alcoves), and two servants stop right outside to have a smoke. While Emeline is horrified and trying to be absolutely still and quiet, Sam starts kissing her and doing verra naughty things to her. Once the two men leave, the passion just bursts from them. Quite...a...scene.

Elizabeth Hoyt also writes fabulous supporting characters, including Melisande, Emeline's best friend and heroine of the next book in the series, To Seduce a Sinner. Melisande is very proper but has the driest sense of humor. I immediately fell in love with her and I hope her character is portrayed the same way in the next book. Emeline never really knows for sure if she is jesting or being serious.

There is also Sam's sister, Rebecca, who has her eye on the footman and becomes all flustered around him and says the words like "boobies" by accident and just about dies on the spot.

Elizabeth Hoyt writes a very fun, classic historical romance. Her characters have wit, and vibrant personalities. It was a great combination of a love story and a mystery and I can't wait to start the next one.

Visit Elizabeth Hoyt's Site.

Thanks to Mandi from Smexy Books for this wonderful Guest Blogger review!

The Vampire Diaries by L J Smith

Genre: YA Paranormal Romance

Copyright: 2009

Pages: 272

Rating:

Elena Gilbert arrives back to her hometown, Fell’s Church, after a summer long vacation. This self-proclaimed “Queen Bee” of high school doesn’t start out as the most likable of characters. She does, however, come across as very believable.

A strange boy moves to the small community about the same time someone or something is savagely attacking residents. Elena soon becomes sandwiched between two brothers who want her. The feud between these brothers comes with a dark sinister history.

The Awakening is the first in The Vampire Diaries YA Series. Be sure to have book two, THE STRUGGLE, handy. L.J. Smith leaves off with a cliffhanger ending that will have you wanting to read more.

Visit J. Kaye at her blog: J. Kaye's Book Blog

Win Dying For Mercy by Mary Jane Clark

We are very excited to bring you another competition here at Royal Reviews. We have 2 copies of Dying For Mercy by Mary Jane Clark to giveaway thanks to the wonderful Katrina at Wiredset.

On Sale 28th July 2009
Order here: Amazon

Book Description:

When death shatters the serenity of the exclusive moneyed enclave of Tuxedo Park, New York, Eliza Blake, cohost of the country's premier morning television show KEY to America, is on the scene. While attending a lavish gala at her friends' newly renovated estate, Pentimento, Eliza's host is found dead—a grotesque suicide that is the first act in a macabre and intricately conceived plan to expose the sins of the past involving some of the town's most revered citizens.

Determined to find out the truth, Eliza and her KEY News colleagues—producer Annabelle Murphy, cameraman B.J. D'Elia, and psychiatrist Margo Gonzalez—discover that Pentimento holds the key. Nestled in the park's sprawling architectural masterpieces, picturesque gardeners' cottages, and lush, rolling landscape, the glorious mansion is actually a giant "puzzle house," filled with ingenious clues hidden in its fireplaces, fountains, and frescoes that lead them from one suspicious locale to another—and, one by one, to the victims of a fiendish killer.

As Pentimento gives up its secrets, it becomes clear that no amount of wealth or privilege will keep the residents of Tuxedo Park safe. But just when Eliza unearths one final surprise, she comes face-to-face with a murderer who believes that some puzzles should never be solved.

Here's how to enter:

Just leave a comment on this post with an email address for an entry ~ no email, no entry!

+ 2 if you post about this giveaway on your blog, sidebar, tweet etc.

Competition is open to followers of this blog (if you're not a follower then click on the follow button in the right hand column.)

Competition ends Wed 12th August, winner will be announced on this blog.

Good Luck Everyone!

Siam Nights by J. F. Gump

Genre: Love Story

Copyright: 2008

Pages: 296

Rating:

SIAM NIGHTS is indeed a love story between a young Thai woman and a much older American man. It’s not a fluffy piece where they fall in love and live happily-ever-after, but a more realistic depiction of true relationships.

Mike Johnson has been working in Thailand for two years when he meets Tippawan “Math” Bongkot. He currently has a wife and kids in the states when his affair with Math begins. The book isn’t just about their relationship, but more about Math’s life.

SIAM NIGHTS came from the author experiences while working in Thailand. The characters were so real that I wondered if they were based on real people. When asked, the author said that Mike and Math weren’t based on individual people, but many different and very real people. He said that most of the people he worked with were married men with families in their home countries. It was easy to make Mike married, middle-aged, and lonely. He saw it every day while in Thailand.

The book kept me interested from beginning to end, not just with the relationship between Math and Mike, but the culture of Thailand. The love of the country and its people can be clearly seen in the pages of SIAM NIGHTS.For fans who don’t wish to see this story end, there is a squeal. THAILAND – COLD RAIN: A NOVEL OF LOVE AND PASSION was published in March 7, 2009 by Sabai Books.

Visit J. Kaye at her blog: J. Kaye's Book Blog

Only You by Deborah Grace Staley

Genre: Southern Romance

Copyright: 2009

Pages: 208

Rating:

Deborah Grace Staley captures the essence of small town living in the first book of The Angel Ridge Series. In ONLY YOU, love blooms between two people of different two different social classes. Cole Craig is the town’s fix-it man. No one bothers to look past the obvious. Josephine “Josie” Allen returns to be the director at Angel Ridge Library, but she has a debt. The McKay Foundation board funded her education. This wasn’t a problem until Josie and Cole started dating. Bad blood between the Craigs and the McKays surfaced and Josie’s job is threatened.

The story is about small town prejudices, about first love, and the obstacles a new relationship can have. The story of Josie and Cole will wrap itself around your heart like a warm, fluffy blanket. It did mine.

Visit J. Kaye at her blog: J. Kaye's Book Blog

Welcome to Romance Week

This week on Royals it's all about the Romance. We have a total of 7 reviews for you this week - 3 from J. Kaye, 1 from Guest Blogger Mandi, 1 from Guest Blogger Bobbi and 2 from myself.

To help get us all in the mood and start those warm and fuzzy feelings, We've listed our 10 All-Time Favourite Romantic Movie Quotes. You can vote all this week for your favourite using the poll on the left.

From Pride and Prejudice (2005)

Mr. Darcy: You must know... surely, you must know it was all for you. You are too generous to trifle with me. I believe you spoke with my aunt last night, and it has taught me to hope as I'd scarcely allowed myself before. If your feelings are still what they were last April, tell me so at once. My affections and wishes have not changed, but one word from you will silence me forever. If, however, your feelings have changed, I will have to tell you: you have bewitched me, body and soul, and I love, I love, I love you. I never wish to be parted from you from this day on.

From North and South (2004)
John Thornton: I spoke to you about my feelings because I love you; I had no thought for your reputation!

From Gone with the Wind (1939)
Rhett Butler: No, I don't think I will kiss you, although you need kissing, badly. That's what's wrong with you. You should be kissed and often, and by someone who knows how.

From The Wedding Date (2005)

Nick Mercer: I think I'd miss you even if we'd never met.

From The Notebook (2004)
Noah: So it's not gonna be easy. It's going to be really hard; we're gonna have to work at this everyday, but I want to do that because I want you. I want all of you, forever, everyday. You and me... everyday.

City of Angels (1998)
Seth: I would rather have had one breath of her hair, one kiss of her mouth, one touch of her hand, than eternity without it. One.

Ghost (1990)
Sam: It's amazing, Molly. The love inside, you take it with you.

When Harry Met Sally (1989)
Harry Burns: I love that you get cold when it's 71 degrees out. I love that it takes you an hour and a half to order a sandwich. I love that you get a little crinkle above your nose when you're looking at me like I'm nuts. I love that after I spend the day with you, I can still smell your perfume on my clothes. And I love that you are the last person I want to talk to before I go to sleep at night. And it's not because I'm lonely, and it's not because it's New Year's Eve. I came here tonight because when you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.

The Bridges of Madison County (1995)

Robert: When I think of why I make pictures, the reason that I can come up with just seems that I've been making my way here. It seems right now that all I've ever done in my life is making my way here to you.

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
Arwen: I would rather share one lifetime with you than face all the ages of this world alone. I choose a mortal life.

Vote for your favourite on the sidebar!

Love Period Dramas? Then you'll love the compilation below. Leave a comment if you can you name any of the movies these kiss scenes are from?

The Next 4 Weeks on Royal Reviews:

2nd August - 8th August: Western Romance Week with Princess of the Wild Wild West

9th August - 15th August: Time Travel Week with Queen of Second Chances and Diabolical Dauphine

16th August - 22nd August: Books to Movies Week with Queen of Happy Endings and Princess of the Past

23rd August - 29th August: Mr Darcy Week (featuring author Sharon Lathan) with Queen of Happy Endings

Remarkable Creatures by Tracy Chevalier

Genre: Historical Fiction

Pages: 352

Copyright: 2009

Rating:

In the year of the 150th anniversary of Origin of Species, set in a town where Jane Austen was a frequent visitor, Tracy Chevalier once again shows her uncanny sense for the topical. In the early nineteenth century, a windswept beach along the English coast brims with fossils for those with the eye! From the moment she's struck by lightning as a baby, it is clear Mary Anning is marked for greatness. When she uncovers unknown dinosaur fossils in the cliffs near her home, she sets the scientific world alight, challenging ideas about the world's creation and stimulating debate over our origins. In an arena dominated by men, however, Mary is soon reduced to a serving role, facing prejudice from the academic community, vicious gossip from neighbours, and the heartbreak of forbidden love. Even nature is a threat, throwing bitter cold, storms, and landslips at her. Luckily Mary finds an unlikely champion in prickly, intelligent Elizabeth Philpot, a middle-class spinster who is also fossil-obsessed. Their relationship strikes a delicate balance between fierce loyalty and barely suppressed envy. Despite their differences in age and background, Mary and Elizabeth discover that, in struggling for recognition, friendship is their strongest weapon. Remarkable Creatures is Tracy Chevalier's stunning new novel of how one woman's gift transcends class and gender to lead to some of the most important discoveries of the nineteenth century. Above all, it is a revealing portrait of the intricate and resilient nature of female friendship.


Remarkable Creatures, Tracy Chevalier's newest novel, tells the story of Mary Anning, a British fossil collector, from the nineteenth century, who became famous for finding the first complete ichthyosaur skeleton, and her friend Elizabeth Philpot, a middle-aged spinster who moved to Lyme Regis with her sisters and took an interest in fossil hunting. Different backgrounds but similar interests bring them together, in a friendship that no one else understands, and they both tell us their story, alternating chapters throughout the book, with truly distinctive voices.

While I'm sitting here trying to write a review and juggle my personal feelings, I can't help but smile because this book is special, it's my first ARC ever, and no matter what, I'll always remember the moment I saw it in my mailbox. But I digress... I have to confess that I knew nothing about Mary Anning, or even of her existence, so I was eager to start the book as soon as it arrived. The first thing I noticed was the author's writing, rich and flowery, at times touching on Austenesque, perfect for setting the mood of a story in a small town of the nineteenth century. Amazingly well researched, it had everything to be a great book, but to be honest I felt the author tried too hard to convey all the information, there was a lot of detail about geology and evolution, many interesting discussions about God and extinction, but the rest was more or less forgotten. The characters never really stand out, there seems to be a lack of emotion present in every scene which helps in painting a drab picture, and most conversations felt stilted and unnatural.

This book reads as a mix of historical fiction and non-fiction, never really settling on either. Maybe someone with an extended knowledge in the area will be able to enjoy the endless fossil examinations, I for one just dragged myself along the story, always waiting for it to get better, to spark to life, but honestly I don't think I'd have finished it if it wasn't my first ARC by an author I've so much enjoyed in the past. I do have to ask... Where are the vivid colours and smells of Girl with a Pearl Earring? Where are the lifelike and likeable characters of The Lady and the Unicorn? Tracy Chevalier does get points for an original idea, for presenting me to an unknown character but I expected so much more of her and so much better!

And Only to Deceive by Tasha Alexander

Genre: Historical Mystery

Pages: 336

Copyright: 2005

Rating:

For Emily, accepting the proposal of Philip, the Viscount Ashton, was an easy way to escape her overbearing mother, who was set on a grand society match. So when Emily's dashing husband died on safari soon after their wedding, she felt little grief. After all, she barely knew him. Now, nearly two years later, she discovers that Philip was a far different man from the one she had married so cavalierly. His journals reveal him to have been a gentleman scholar and antiquities collector who, to her surprise, was deeply in love with his wife. Emily becomes fascinated with this new image of her dead husband and she immerses herself in all things ancient and begins to study Greek. Emily's intellectual pursuits and her desire to learn more about Philip take her to the quiet corridors of the British Museum, one of her husband's favorite places. There, amid priceless ancient statues, she uncovers a dark, dangerous secret involving stolen artifacts from the Greco-Roman galleries. And to complicate matters, she's juggling two very prominent and wealthy suitors, one of whose intentions may go beyond the marrying kind. As she sets out to solve the crime, her search leads to more surprises about Philip and causes her to question the role in Victorian society to which she, as a woman, is relegated.


England, Victorian Era. Lady Emily Ashton, newly wed, has just lost her husband to a raging fever while he was on an African safari with a couple of friends. Having married him to escape her mother's rule, she's not as grief stricken as she should be, Philip was a stranger to her and she almost feels relief at his departure. But oddly, after a while, through his friends and acquaintances, the books he liked to read and the antiquities he collected, Emily perceives a side of her husband she didn't know existed and as shocking as it is, he seemed to actually be in love with her.

Seduced by this unknown facet of the man she married, Lady Emily starts to take interest in the same things he did and slowly falls in love with him, finally feeling the grief of his loss. But as she digs through the past she uncovers facts that were better left untouched, not everything is as it seems and maybe Philip wasn't such an honest and trustworthy man after all. Who was the real Philip and what actually happened to him in Africa?

We accompany Lady Emily in the pursuit for the truth and can't help but fall in love with her, we watch her grow as a person and especially as an independent woman who isn't afraid to stray from the norm and start studying Greek and drinking Port instead of Sherry like every other respectable lady. She makes new friends, such as Cecile du Lac, a French widow who collects husbands, Lady Margaret, an independent American who prefers books to suitors and Colin Hargreaves, her deceased husband's best friend who is our dashing hero. I felt that Emily changed and grew throughout the book and in my eyes became real and believable, as opposed to Lady Julia Grey, Deanna Raybourn's heroine, who always stays the same and doesn't seem to learn anything in Silent in the Grave.

Although there's a mystery to be solved here, its resolution is somewhat predictable, but it doesn't spoil our enjoyment of the story, our focus is always on Emily and her life, the mystery is just an added bonus. I do have one complaint regarding this book though, we don't get to see as much of Colin Hargreaves as I'd like, the author seems to tease us with his quick scenes and leaves us wanting more. Not fair! :-P

So, if you like cosy historical mysteries with a touch of humour and romance, then this is the right series for you, don't hesitate to pick up And Only to Deceive, I'm sure you won't be disappointed!

The Time of Singing by Elizabeth Chadwick

Genre: Historical Fiction

Pages: 528

Copyright: 2008

Rating:

In 1173, Roger Bigod is heir to the vast and powerful earldom of Norfolk When his treacherous father, Hugh, loses the family lands and castles in a rebellion against King Henry II, Roger finds himself in reduced circumstances and dogged by a bitter family dispute with his half brother over the remaining crumbs. Whilst trying to resolve the matter, he encounters Ida de Tosney, the King's young mistress. Seduced by Henry, Ida's gaze is now drawn to Roger in whom she sees a chance of lasting security beyond the fickle dazzle of the court. But she has to navigate a careful path between her dearest wishes and the King's reluctance to part with her. Every fulfilled wish has its price, and that price is losing the son she has borne to Henry. When King Richard comes to the throne, Roger is restored to his family's lands and becomes a great earl, and one of the richest men in England. He builds a great castle at Framlingham for himself and for Ida, but life is still riddled with uncertainty as Richard goes on crusade and the men left to govern the country quarrel their way into civil war. Ida struggles to come to terms with their new future...


England, 1173. Times are of rebellion, King Henry II's sons oppose him in his choice of successor and trying to secure their place and lands, decide to move against him, with the help of their mother, Eleanor of Aquitaine. Despite their efforts the King is victorious, and after imprisoning his wife, he deals out his sons' due punishment, completely crushing their rebellion.

Roger Bigod's relationship with his father, Hugh Bigod, 1st Earl of Norfolk, was never on good terms. They parted ways in 1173 when Roger decided to oppose his father and aid King Henry II against his own sons and wife, Eleanor of Aquitaine. Hugh Bigod ended up surrendering all his castles to King Henry II, after a terrible defeat, only managing to keep his earldom and surrounding lands, until his departure for Palestine and subsequent death in 1177. Roger's claim to his father's possessions and title was disputed by his greedy stepmother, Gundreda, and her two sons, Hugh Bigod and William Bigod. And this is where our story really begins!

Ida de Tosney was King Henry II's ward and is now his mistress, a position which many women aspire to but was somewhat forced on her. She lives with doubts about her uncertain future, what will become of her when the King chooses a new mistress? Who will want her now after she's been used? When Roger Bigod comes to court to present his case to King Henry II, he immediately catches Ida's eye, and although trying not to get involved with the King's mistress, Roger can't help but notice the lovely Ida. Seizing the opportunity to take possession of more lands and the county's third penny, the King decides not to settle the dispute and have Roger at his mercy and available to carry out his orders. Ida and Roger's relationship grows throughout the years and when it finally seems the King is ready to set them both free, the price may be too high!

The Time of Singing tells us the story of Roger Bigod, a gentle and honourable man, unlike most of his time, determined to get his father's lands back and to care for the woman he loves and their family. Although the book is supposed to center on Roger, we find ourselves spending more time in Ida's company, learning about her thoughts, her fears, her desires, waiting for Roger to return from yet another royal assignation. Most of the facts we learn about him are filtered through Ida's eyes, very rarely do we get to hear his own voice, get to know his strengths and weaknesses, for me he never quite stood out as his own character or became more than just a cardboard picture. Apart from this tiny complaint, I loved my first venture into Elizabeth Chadwick's world, the author manages to enchant us with her story weaving and it's as if we're placed right in the middle of the action. A quality not many authors share!

One of the characters who makes an appearance now and again is William Marshall, Roger Bigod's personal friend and one of the most interesting historical characters I've come across, every time he enters the scene he manages to completely obscure everyone else and has me swooning over him. Can't think of a better way to have me read The Greatest Knight as soon as possible!

If you like well researched historical fiction, a story that grabs you from the start and is never encumbered by too many details or a boring voice, something that has you rooting for the characters even if you know the outcome, you have to read Elizabeth Chadwick, she won't disappoint you when it comes to writing a great story!

My Lady of Cleves by Margaret Campbell Barnes

Genre: Historical Fiction

Copyright: 2008 (first published 1972)

Pages: 400

Rating:

My Lady of Cleves covers the life of Anne of Cleves from right before her marriage to Henry VIII until his death in 1547. The story opens with an agitated King Henry VIII, talking with his ministers about his need for a new wife after the death of his third wife, Jane Seymour in childbed. Among the candidates are the Duchess of Milan and the Cleves Princesses. The Duchess of Milan has already replied with “Only if I had two heads”! Smart girl!

Hans Holbein is sent to Cleves to paint both Anne and her sister, Amelia. Once there he becomes quite smitten with Anne and they begin a friendship. He paints a flattering picture of her because that is the way he sees her. Unfortunately, Henry does not see the same way and is almost instantly put off by Anne’s looks and hard mannerisms. Henry likes the petite type (go figure!).

We follow Anne through her short marriage to Henry, her annulment, “retirement” to Richmond Palace, Henry’s next marriage to Katherine Howard and her eventual downfall. Anne even plays a part in the infamous scene where Katherine is desperate to talk to Henry and goes screaming for him through the halls of the Palace. Anne seems to resign herself to her fate; after all she still has her head! She genuinely enjoys the life of a Princess of England; she can come and go as she pleases and has no husband or man to answer to. In seeing the freedom that Anne as a “woman” had, that had to have been a big impact on Elizabeth I, who always said she would never have a master.

My Lady of Cleves was an interesting look into a woman that survived marriage to Henry VIII. Anne is a very likeable, intelligent, straightforward woman and I think she would have made a wonderful Queen, had she been given the chance. It pulls on your heartstrings to know that she never had the children she wanted and never married. I wish the story was longer and covered the time during Mary’s rule as Queen - I would have liked to have heard Anne’s thoughts on “Bloody Mary”.

Margaret Campbell Barnes is also the author of Brief, Gaudy Hour, a novel on Anne Boleyn. For more information on Brief, Gaudy Hour click here.

Note: Anne of Cleves died at Hever Castle on July 16, 1557. She lived 10 years past Henry. Her tomb is in a “hard to find place” in Westminster Abbey.

Through A Glass Darkly by Karleen Koen

Genre: Historical Fiction

Copyright: 2003 (first published 1986)

Pages: 674

Rating:

This book had been on my TBR pile for quite some time before I plucked it off my shelf and boy, am I glad that I did! This is one of the books that when you read it, you could just kick yourself in the shin for not reading it sooner! I LOVE drama and this book did not disappoint.

Through a Glass Darkly is a novel about Barbara Alderley and is set in England and France in the early 18th century. Barbara and her siblings were raised by her grandmother, the Duchess of Tamworth. Her mother, Diana, being too selfish and caught up in her own drama to worry about the children she bore and her father has just left the family, taking the money with him.

When Barbara’s mother informs her that plans are in motion for Barbara to wed Roger Montgeoffrey, she cannot contain herself, to her mother’s surprise. Roger was an old friend of her grandfather’s that she has been secretly in love with since she was younger. What Barbara does not know is that she is part of a deal her mother has concocted.

The story goes on to follow Barbara as she moves to London and marries Roger. She quickly grows up when surrounded by the deception and cruelty of the English and French courts.

I really enjoyed this novel. The characters were well-developed and easy to like, although they had their own faults (but that’s what makes them real). Koen paints a very pretty picture through her words and you as the reader feel like you are right there with Barbara through all of her ups and downs. What was interesting to me was watching as Barbara tried to stay true to herself and her beliefs amidst the licentiousness of court. The love between Barbara and Roger was beautifully written, so much so, that you could feel it in your heart. One word of caution: have plenty of tissues ready when you are near the end.

I highly recommend this book to all historical fiction fans!

Favorite lines:

When you can no longer taste the divine nectar of life, when love no longer exists, then life is death.

Never run away from the truth because you carry it on your shoulder and someday it will put its ugly face into yours and say, “Boo”.

Forgiveness: It is never done well in little bits and dabs. Do it all at once and never look back, or do not do it at all.

Change is an easy thing to decide and a difficult thing to do. It is the day-to-day struggle of it that defeats people. Do not despair if old ways look good to you. Despair only if you fall into them too often.

The King's Daughter by Sandra Worth

Genre: Historical Fiction

Copyright: 2008

Pages: 416
Rating:

No good novel is without it's share of controversy and The King's Daughter doesn't disappoint. I had heard about a scene in the first few pages of the book that made some people raise their eyebrows, but my mind was still open...after all it is historical fiction and thus the author is given a bit more leeway (in my opinion). The story starts off a little silly with the many "woe" declarations Elizabeth's mother was so fond of. However, the novel recovers. Elizabeth the Good, as she was called by her people was a fascinating woman. Early on she realized that they only option she really had available to her was survival...to make the best out of her situation.

Raised by a horrific mother, her beloved father Edward IV dies and her brothers (and heirs to the throne) are removed from the family and placed in the Tower of London. The story of the princes in the tower has always intrigued me, but I never really thought about it from the perspective of Elizabeth - their sister. My heart ached for her, never really knowing what happened to the brothers she loved, always hanging heavy in her heart.

Another faucet of this novel that I really enjoyed was seeing little (future) King Henry VIII - boy, he was a little shit from the start huh?! Bottom line is that The King's Daughter is an entertaining read about the mother of the Tudor dynasty. I highly recommend this novel, especially to the Tudor lovers out there! Interesting note: Elizabeth of York is the only English Queen to have been a wife, daughter, sister, niece and mother to English Kings.

Royal Gossip

This week Marquise of Mischief, Diabolical Dauphine & Queen of Happy Endings have devoted an entire week to one of our favourite genres - Historical Fiction. We're featuring some great reviews on books that cover a wide variety of time periods that we think you'll enjoy!

What's Next for Royal?
Romance Week with Countess of Hearts & Princess of the Past
Western Romance Week with Princess of the Wild Wild West
Time Travel Week with Queen of Second Chances & Diabolical Dauphine

Eyes Like Stars by Lisa Mantchev

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

Pages: 352

Copyright: 2009

Rating:

Michievious, strong willed Bertie Shakespeare Smith has lived in the Theatre Illuminata for as long as she can remember. Her friends and family are the cast and crew of the stage. After one in a long run of miscreant doings, Bertie is asked to leave the Theatre. Now Bertie must prove that she belongs in the Theatre with the rest of them. But with only four days to "make an invaluable contribution", can Bertie do it?

I fell in love with this book so fast, it's magic. It was hard to put down this book, and I found myself reading it as slowly as possible so as to absorb every nuance and emotion written. It's THAT captivating. Beautifully written, Eyes Like Stars is witty and light hearted. It was delightful, candid and just so much fun to read.

It's written in third person view, which might seem distant to the reader, but that's the beauty of the story! It's just like watching a play: You're so close, yet so far away. You want so much to be a part of it, yet you're content to just sit there and watch as it goes on.

Bertie's best friends, the four faeries from A Midsummer Night's Dream, are just too adorable. They complement Bertie well, supporting her without fail in everything she does and lifting her spirits up whenever she was down. I liked both Nate and Ariel, but I have to say I prefer Ariel much more.

Ariel is totally droolworthy to me, more so after Lisa Mantchev said that he's the likeness of Daniel Henney. While I love the chemistry between him and Bertie, I think Nate is much better for Bertie. He's steadfast and reliable, the island to Bertie's ocean.

It was intersesting to see different perceptions of Shakespeare's characters. As a Theatre noob, my only Shakespeare experience is the summarised version of Hamlet. Reading Eyes Like Stars seemed like a crash course, filled with just the right amount of theatre lingo and plays such that I didn't feel a bit lost when reading it.

Lovin Friday

One is an air fairy, a Player in one of Shakespeare's plays. The other is an orphan, living in a theatre. When you add two of the most mischievous characters to ever come into creation together, you get nothing but an uncontrollable hot burst of steamin' hot air, funky dialogue and a heck load of sparkling spiciness. Let's welcome to the stage, Ariel and Bertie from Eyes Like Stars!

"I'm a caterpillar turning into a butterfly. Care to join me?"

A moment passed in which she thought he'd refuse, then-

"How could I resist such an invitation?"

"Glad to hear it," Bertie said with an unintentional sway. She righted herself even as Ariel's arms appeared around her. Her right hand sought out his left, and she wrapped her other arm around his neck.

"Just what," he asked, "do you think you're doing now?"

Bertie tossed her hair so that it flicked him in the face before falling over her shoulders in a messy blue tangle. "Dancing with you, unless I'm much mistaken."

"I think it's customary for the man to lead," he said. The only thing that moved was his left eyebrow, which slid up about an inch.

"How did I know you would say that?" Skilled fingers strummed the unseen strings of a guitar. Castenets beckoned, and Bertie wanted to snap her fingers, stomp her feet, clap her hands. "Lead on, pretty boy."

Ariel gave her a look that contained a lot of something, but he didn't say a word. Instead, he adjusted her arms with light touches of his hands, all the while keeping his upper body pressed to hers.

"This song comes from the center," he said. "So we'll move the center first."

"The center of what?" The butterflies drifted out of his hair as he leaned over her. They fluttered through Bertie's already swimming head, brushed over something dark and sleeping, and roused it from slumber.

Ariel tapped her lightly on the small of her back. "The center of you."

"My cream filling?" she suggested.

There was a moment of complete stillness and silent contemplations before Ariel smiled. "Yes, Bertie. Move your cream filling first, and your feet will follow."

Tea And Biscuits With The Cast And Crew of Theatre Illuminata

When I was invited to tea by the lovely cast and crew from Theatre Illuminata, I wasn't prepared for what was to come. Armed with a platter of colourful cupcakes, I managed to keep my composure and conduct a reasonable interview. Warning: whatever is posted here cannot be... ahhh! Attack of the glitterfetti!

Me: OMG OMG OMG! I can’t believe I’m actually interviewing you. *goes into fangirl mode* Ahem... I mean, thanks for agreeing to be interviewed! How has Lisa been treating you? ;)

Bertie: Not very well, actually. There seems to be this never-ending "let's fling more obstacles at my character" thing that I don't really appreciate. *glower*

Moth: And there is a decided LACK OF PIE.

Mustardseed: We protest!

Peaseblossom: Lisa encourages the boys' bad habits!

Cobweb: Darn tootin'. *appropriate sound effect here*

Me: Let’s talk about sweets. In particular, why cupcakes? *offers a platter of colourful cupcakes*

Moth: Why NOT cupcakes?

Mustardseed: Yeah, what do you have against cupcakes?!

Cobweb: They make good trampolines!

Peaseblossom: *licking her fingers* Cupcakes are the perfect ratio of cake to frosting.

Me: I’m hungry. Is that a stash of sweets hidden under the bed?

Bertie: No--

Peaseblossom: Oh, Bertie!

Moth: You've been holding out on us!

*much crashing as the boys dive under the bed*

Me: Tell us more about yourself! Did Lisa have to interview you? Will we get to know more about you?

Bertie: She didn't interview me, or I never would have let her put me in the high heels.

Peaseblossom: She didn't ask me questions, but I would have been ready!

Moth: And I!

Mustardseed: Dang it, I was going to say that!

Cobweb: That was totally my line, too...

Me: How’s living in Theatre Illuminata like? Is it weird?

Moth: Who told you it was weird?

Mustardseed: I think she's been spying on us!

Me: Uh oh! Looks like I've been found out. Change of topic, quick! Living there without TV or the Internet must be boring! How do you cope?!

*matching blank stares and mumbles of "Internet?" and "What the heck is that?"*

Me: What’s your favourite prank to play on The Stage Manager?

Moth: Oh! Oh! The one with the dead fish!

Bertie: Yeah. *glances at her bed* They like that one.

Me: I’m sure you’ve heard that you’ve gained a massive following from readers all over the world. What would you say to them?

Moth: *waving his hands* Get that camera out of my face!

Mustardseed: No autographs, please!

Peaseblossom: You like me! You really, really like me!

Me: What’s one of your favourite memories in Theatre Illuminata?

Moth: Bertie was a very sweet baby--

Cobweb: She had dimpled knees.

Peaseblossom: And cheeks.

Mustardseed: Both sets!

Bertie: YOU SHUT UP.

Me: Lastly, why should we read Eyes Like Stars? Other than the fact that we can get to know more about you!

Peaseblossom: Every time you read it, a fairy gets its wings!

Cupcakes and Candy with Lisa Mantchev

What do you get when you add cupcakes, candy and Lisa Mantchev together? A whole load of fat free fun, glitter and sugar high!

Me: Okay firstly, what’s your favourite colour?

LM: To wear? To paint on the walls? For both, some shade of blue. Hrm. Well, I guess that explains Bertie's hair!

Me: Describe Eyes Like Stars in 7 words, among which the words “glitter” and “cupcake” will not be used. Hee, that’ll be pretty hard!

LM: Sugar-fueled mayhem with really dramatic lighting. (Neener, neener! *L*) (MoMaM's note: Darn it! I have to admit that pretty much sums it up.)

Me: Everyone and their fairies have read the fantastic blurb. Did you do the blurb yourself?

LM: I didn't... the fabulous people at F&F put that together for me, and it really does fit the tone and style of the book, so I am very happy with it.

Me: Why are The Players called Players?

LM: When Hamlet goes to speak to the actors gathered to perform for the new King and the Queen, it's referred to as "Hamlet's speech to the Players." I liked the word especially, because I didn't want to use "actor," as that would give the wrong impression.

Me: Is Théâtre Illuminata Based on any specific place, building or theatre, or a collection of them?

LM: In my head, it's just as beautiful and grandiose as the Paris Opera House, but that isn't an art nouveau building.

Me: Let's imagine Théâtre Illuminata is a building made out of food. What would you make it out of?

LM: Gingerbread!

Me: Since the Players are "alive", would they exist in the same state (i.e. as Players) at other theatres or is it just the magic of Theatre Illuminata?

LM: That's a great question! I only ever imagined them living like that in one theater, bound to The Book (The Complete Works of the Stage.) Though the idea of multiple Ariels has its appeal. *L*

Me: Why did you choose Shakespeare’s plays? Did you do any research or did the fairies tell you all there was to know in Shakespeare’s universe?

LM: I seem to land on Shakespeare when I make big project decisions... when I needed to pick a college thesis project, I chose Shakespeare, too! With Eyes Like Stars, I picked characters with whom I felt reasonably familiar, and then, because they were acting outside their written parts, the only research I did was to look up appropriate quotes.

Me: What’s your favourite scene in any of his plays?

LM: Oh, Beatrice and Benedick's scene in Much Ado About Nothing... the one with "Against my will I am sent to bid you come in to dinner." *hee* That one STILL cracks me up. As an alternate, I pick the "I'll see thee hanged on Sunday first" scene in Taming of the Shrew.

Me: When is Eyes Like Stars set?

LM: It doesn't have a specific time period, actually. The theatre itself has art nouveau architecture, but characters are from all time periods (Shakespearean, Victorian in the case of Mrs. Edith, and modern for Bertie.)

Me: Are you planning a playlist to accompany Eyes Like Stars? Can you recommend us some songs we can listen to get us in the mood while reading it? (MoMaM's note: Not that I need anything else to get in the mood, but there’s gotta be something to fill that gap while waiting for book 2!)

LM: The only two mandatory songs are "Eyes Like Stars" by Faulter and "The Assassin's Tango" from the Mr. & Mrs. Smith soundtrack.

Me: Give us three "Good to Know" facts about you.

LM: (1) Do not bring me decaf when I ask you for regular (2) If it comes down to the manuscript or the housekeeping, the manuscript always wins. (3) But if it comes down to the manuscript or the kidlet, the writing has to wait.

Me: Tell us a sekrit (or more!) about Eyes Like Stars that no one else knows yet.

LM: Oh, that's a tricky one... I've done a lot of interviews, but I don't think I've talked about the Story Of Bertie's Corset. When I attended WorldCon in Anaheim, 2006, I was still drafting the book. I bought my very first corset--black with silver flowers--in the Dealer's Room. My friend Jenna Waterford is the one who purchased the cotton pin-striped one. When I got back from the convention and needed to dress Bertie for her business meeting, into the pin-striped corset she went!

Me: What else can we expect from Bertie and company?

LM: Mayhem and dessert. Always. (Maharani of Mayhem and Mysteries's note: Sounds perfect to me!)

Me: What would you like to say to aspiring writers who are reading this interview and wondering if they can keep creating, if they are good enough, if their voices and visions matter enough to share?

LM: Dear writers: it's not your job to decide if it's good enough, or if it matters. It's your job to create, to make it as shiny as you can, to be passionate about it, and to FINISH the project. The rest is truly out of your hands.

Me: Complete this sentence: “If fairies ruled the world ...”

LM: Everything would be very sparkly, not just the vampires.

For more about Lisa Mantchev and her Theatre Illuminata series visit http://theatre-illuminata.com/