Musing Monday 7/5

This week’s musing is going to be a bit simpler…

What are you currently reading? Would you recommend it to others? Is it part of a series (if so, which one)? What are you thinking about it? What book(s) would you compare it to, if any?

- I read quite a few books at the same time! so I’ll choose one from the bunch. The one that’s got my attention the most, in fact is Mistress of Rome by Kate Quinn. (I’m a little behind in my reading of ARC’s so I felt the need to tackle one or two of them) I’m into about the first 100 pages of it and it’s definitely got my interest. It’s been a while since I’ve read some historical fiction (I took a bit of a break from it).

Would I recommend it to others? why not. I’m sure it’ll appeal to those that are into ancient Rome novels.

Musing Monday 5/10

Do you have to carve out time in your day for reading (due to work and other obligations), or does your reading just happen naturally?

——-

YES! I always have to CARVE OUT READING TIME! (ahem. excuse the frustration) Not only do I have a very needy hombre and a very needy cat at home, I find someone (aka the hombre) always doing the social planning for me without telling me (hence I’m out often) and suddenly my book piles start piling up until I can’t even look at it without starting to cry. I solved this by turning the computer off or at least gaming for an hour and then reading…if the hombre and the kitty get TOO needy I start behaving rather moody and pissy. Then they stand back and let me read.

If I don’t have my reading time at least once a week I get really moody. I think they learnt the hard way

What’s your answer?

Sunday Salon: Review of Uneasy Lies the Head

I know I’m rather late in discovering Jean Plaidy. I heard about her since I was a kid, and my mom used to read her books (and even reread them whenever she could). It wasn’t until just now that I decided to give the famous Jean Plaidy a try. I now understand what’s so good about her books, and why mom always reread them when she had the chance. They are hard to find though, as I had to do an interlibrary loan on this one that I’ve just finished reading.

Uneasy Lies the Head is the first in the Tudor Saga (ah! how I love reading about the Tudors and it’s been a while since I’ve had my usual “Tudor fix”). It features Henry the VII (mostly) and his reign. Although not all of the story is in his point of view, he does play the central figure and towards the end, it leads upto Henry the VIII.

I have to say, I enjoyed reading this book. At first, it was a little hard for me to get into, as the plot did not grasp at my attention, and there is a slight confusion to all the names being thrown out to you as a reader. Hence why there are detailed family trees in the beginning for your reference. After getting the characters straightened out the plot gets more intriguing and the Tudor court suddenly comes to life. Albeit, not as dashing and charming as you might find in Henry the Eighth’s court, but that’s because his father was a penny pincher. The glamour isn’t there yet, but the intrigue definitely is, and so is the constant plotting to get rid of the Tudors from the English throne.

I really liked the detail and effort Plaidy had put into this novel to made it as historically accurate as possible without really compromising anything. She breathed life into each of the characters so there’s flesh and feeling to them and not just two dimensional things that don’t develop at all, or are just there to take up a page or two. Her writing style is a little different, it’s certainly more descriptive and sets the right moods and tones for the reader. The dialogue is all right and well written, and adds personality to the characters in the book. It was nice to see Katherine and Arthur again albeit for a very short period of time. She gained my sympathy towards the end of the novel for sure.

I also enjoyed how Henry the VII was so worried about these pretenders to the throne, and how he was always on the edge of his seat to defend it. Also, the outcome of the Princes of the Tower was interesting and well written here. What I didn’t really like about this story? Henry was a bit too cold, almost lifeless and void of any real human emotion. He was like a robot. Also, his wife Elizabeth was mentioned but not as much as I hoped. I actually wanted to hear more about the story of both of them and how they got along in their marriage. However on a lighter note, it was nice to see Henry the Eighth, same as usual, arrogant as ever. It’s nice to see some things that don’t change in every Tudor novel I have come across.

Overall, a must read for Tudor fans everywhere. It sets the setting for Henry the Eighth and his court and keeps you wanting more to read.

I give it an 8 out of 10.

Bliss Award!

I was recently awarded The Bliss Award by Alayne at The Crowded Leaf! (thanks!)

The object of this award is to name ten things that make you happy:

1. Reading.

2. Reading and being with the hombre because he always tries to get my attention by making me laugh.

3. Going to the library.

4. Visiting my dad and brother.

5. Blogging about books.

6. Watching the Canucks win.

7. Getting books as presents, especially if they went through the trouble of  looking through my wishlist (thanks hombre!)

8. My cat who is my big furry baby.

9. The Three C’s : Chocolate, Chips and Coke (the soda people…come on..). This is my PMS food. It helps and stops me from being a red eyed hag.

10. Finding awesome bargain books and exclaiming: HEY THIS WAS ON MY WISHLIST.

I know I’m supposed to tag 10 bloggers, help yourselves. Every guest that comes to my blog is welcome to take this. I appreciate my readers and thank you all for taking the time to stop by and read my blog. Thank you. *Warm hugs and happy purrs from my furbaby*

Sunday Salon: Review of The Courtesan

Before you decide to go and pursue this novel, I strongly recommend reading the first book of the Cheney Sisters which is The Dark Queen, as The Courtesan follows events right after it. Characters from the previous novel are also mentioned and featured. Also, things in this book also have lots of references to the other one, although some of it is enough for you to understand so you don’t really have to read it..but it’s nice to read things in order isn’t it?

The Courtesan follows Gabrielle, the middle child of the three Cheney sisters who after a traumatic event, has given up being a daughter of the earth and pursues the life of a courtesan. Her ultimate goal; to seduce the King of Navarre so she can be Queen herself. However she doesn’t realize her plans are about to be interrupted by Catherine de Medici (The Dark Queen herself) who wants to keep her position of authority as Queen. Also added into the mix, is Nicolas Remy, who is deeply in love with Gabrielle. Gabrielle also loves and cares for him but she’s still scared of being in love. Everyone else has a hidden agenda and it’s up to Gabrielle to really decide what she really wants out of her life; to be truly happy with someone she loves, or to follow her ambitions?

This book was good! Gabrielle is by far the most exciting sister to read about! I loved the intrigue in the court and how beneath everyone’s plans there’s always a hidden agenda of what they really want. This is a great mix of historical fiction mixed with paranormal and fantasy. The plot was interesting, the romance was there but I was able to tolerate it, and the ending was great and I’m really looking forward to the next book. There is also a helpful author’s note at the end of the novel to explain what’s fact and fiction – very helpful and a nice explanation done by Susan Carroll.

I really liked how each Cheney sister has her own unique personality and characteristics. Ariane the oldest, is very calm, a healer, and strong. Gabrielle is quite the opposite, she’s reckless, ambitious, outspoken, and stubborn. Miri, the youngest, has an affinity with animals, but tries to see the good in everybody. Each of them has a love interest and although I liked Ariane and Renard, Gabrielle and Remy were much more passionate and “heated”. There were more explicit scenes in this one – I suppose it makes sense as Gabrielle is a courtesan but I let that slide, her and Remy had a nice chemistry and they just seemed to be great for each other. (I actually think Martin and Miri are rather cute together, I suppose we’ll see what happens next with her in the following book).

There is a good element of plot twisting and surprises, which keeps the plot interesting and keeps you turning the pages. I have to admit, some parts were a little eye rolling; especially when one is in danger and suddenly the rescue team arrives just on time. However I enjoyed this book too much to let that bother me. I did however, manage to shed a tear or two at the last chapter. It got me feeling all warm and fuzzy.

My favorite part, would be when Remy surprises Gabrielle at the masquerade party. It had great descriptions and you can vividly picture Gabrielle’s gown, and the party sounded like something I just wanted to jump into. It was a perfect scene to develop a lot of intrigue and mystery into the plot!

Overall I recommend this book to those that love a good historical fiction, mixed with magic and passionate romance, with a very passionate couple.

I give it an 8 out of 10.

Update: Going AWOL for a bit.

Hello dear readers and fellow book bloggers.

I will be moving into my very first apartment (omg yes, I’m leaving the nest) so posts will be a little slow at the moment. Right now I have one book ready to post a review (less than 100 pages to read) and after that my reading will be slow.

To those that have contacted me about book reviews: I will get to your emails shortly but not until after I move, I don’t want to give you an old address to send the books to!

I should be back on my feet in a week or two! until then I’m going to try and read as much as I can to bombard all of you with my reviews! ahahah. Until then, see you in a week!

Sunday Salon: I’m on a roll!

I’m on a total roll. I’ve been bringing out those reviews as if I was on permanent vacation and getting paid for it (wouldn’t THAT be nice?) I’m on the verge of finishing No Wind of Blame by Georgette Heyer and I’m still trying to figure out who did it (it’s a crime mystery/whodunit deal) and I still don’t know and I have less than 100 pages to go. It makes it all the more exciting!

I also went to the thrift store today and picked up some cozy mysteries. The rainy cold weather makes it perfect to read them! sooooo I should be reading and putting those books I bought into my catalog. How’s everyone else for the Sunday Salon?

Sunday Salon: Surprising Results

I’m very surprised I managed to finish two books even with three days of OT at work and the usual distractions. However because of the OT I’ve been more tired and been falling asleep while reading at night. So, today I’m going to focus only on two books because I have plans for later tonight (which I don’t want to go to, but have to)

The two books are:

The Magicians – Lev Grossman

The Devil You Know – Mike Carey

What are you guys reading today?

Sunday Salon: Let me Read!

I’ve been stuck in a reading rut lately. Don’t know if it’s because the books haven’t captured my attention or because there’s too many good tv shows to watch and hockey season just started. So I will be trying to read the following (probably won’t even get to all of them, but will try and read at least a chapter I hope!)

Intertwined – Gena Showalter – this book is really dragging. I really should get this one done.

Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy: The Last Man in the World – Abigail Reynolds – this one is getting my attention more it’s a different side of Pride and Prejudice that I have never seen before.

The Kommedant’s Girl – Pam Jenoff – I’m into a few pages in this, and although I was starting to like this, I just haven’t had the time to pick it up. Meh.

Crossfire – Miyuki Miyabe – This one is awesome. Just barely started too. Man I hate having no time to read.

So! what’s everybody reading this weekend? (long weekend if you live in Canada like I do.)

Sunday Salon: Finishing up and starting

For the Sunday Salon today I’ll be finishing up The Last Queen by C W Gortner (which is supremely good by the way) and then after that these will be vying for my attention:

Shutter Island – Dennis Lehane

Intertwined – Gena Showalter

The Kommedant’s Girl – Pam Jenoff

The White Queen – Philippa Gregory (this one more likely is going to be read today, as I need some Philippa Gregory in my system)

what’s everybody reading today?