Belinda Kroll
The first pages drew me in with the imagery of a woman crying out, struggling to get away from some dark force. It is a prophetic dream that drew me into this delicious gothic romance, so much so that I stayed up into the wee hours of the morning. While reading in those early hours, I got a text from a friend. I was so wrapped up in this book that my phone vibrating made me scream, literally. I dropped the book, my pulse was racing, and I looked about wildly, trying to find what had scared me so much.
I hadn't expected to be so engaged with this book, so thrilled and scared. I loved every minute of it.
This book took a while for me to chew on, mostly because I was reflecting between pages and chapters. As 4w5, I've learned to learn into my creativity, but it was also helpful to set where my growth opportunities are, in and out of the writing world. I tabbed my book, and plan to copy out the 4-related bold text insights into a personal worksheet and reminder set
This was a really interesting concept and fairly easy read. I finished the book because of those things, not because I felt very connected with the protagonists, which would have been my preference. There was just a little bit if world and character building lacking for me. I didn't realize we were turn of the century alternate-magical England until a quarter of the way through the book. I feel authors shouldn't be afraid to be more up front about that sort old thing. That said, the idea was so compelling, it did make up for it a little.
An entertaining cozy mystery, cozy fantasy, and slow-burn romance all in one! It was refreshing reading about an attractive matron getting her second chance at romance while re-learning how to be just herself; not mom, not wife, not widow. I felt like I was reading a slower-burn, closed door version of Amanda Quick's historical fantasy romance mysteries. If you like CJ Archer or Deanna Raybourn, you'll be right at home! While this is a spin-off series, you don't have to read the Lady Jewel Diviner to dive into this world. In fact, I've had that book in my TBR for a while and intend to devour it now that I've fallen in love with that heroine's mother.
The interludes were well-done, slowly unfolding a sad romantic past and building the tension in the present. Indeed, this is a very slow-burn. Don't expect anything physical to happen in this book, my guess is we won't get anything until Book 2 or maybe even Book 3. The mystery had twists and turns, and were a good plot device to force the hero and heroine to work together after a long separation.The banter got better as the story moved along and emotional walls broke down between our hero and heroine.
All in all, a fun, cozy, second-chance mystery that promises a satisfying series and I hope a delightful interlude where the slow-burn catches fire.
Super easy to read, with actionable content. I sat with my Kickstarter campaign draft open as I read this book, making tweaks as I learned tidbits from each chapter. Excellent resource for Kickstarter creators, whether you're brand new or experienced.
And for our newbie friends, I know it seems like some of these hints and tips shouldn't be true, but they are. Believe Anthea and all the knowledge she's gathered from her amazing Facebook community!
Contrary to many of the reviews that I read on Amazon.com, I really liked this book precisely because the continued love-hate relationship from the previous book, Silent in the Grave, was in no way resolved, and in a way that was true to the characters. That's genius, if you ask me, because it keeps the true fans of the series panting for more. This book is funny, charming, and portrays High Victorian Society oh so well. The setting is well-written without overtaking the plot, the characters are snappy, and my favorite device is used: giving tertiary characters their own subplots that affect the whole.
Read this book for a sophomore attempt that was as good (if not better) than the first, for a lesson in creating characters that don't fit in their own society and yet seem genuine to the reader, a true puzzle of a crime, a charming and funny narrator, a passionate romance with no real sense of a happy ending (must continue to read the series!), and the only series in a long time that has an alpha romance lead that doesn't make me want to shoot him.
Originally posted at http://worderella.com/2008/03/book-silent-in-the-sanctuary/
I devoured this book. The chemistry between Emma and Nicholas was charming, scintillating, and sexy. Emma has the predicament of having to teach her students about their wifely duties. As a young widow, one might assume she knows a thing or two about this. And no doubt she would, if she were the widow she claimed to be. Enter the hero, Lord Nicholas “Bedchambers” Chambers, the lord next door with a penchant for artistry. Emma turns to him for instruction and guidance, getting that and more.
This was a great debut book. I feel as if Jane Eyre had been written today, it would have been this book. We have a spunky heroine who is determined to do right by her students, and a brooding lord who, while not having a crazy wife locked in the attic, has a few secrets of his own.
I think what I loved most about this book was that even though Nicholas could have completely taken advantage of Emma, he always gave her a choice. Now, he could have been a true gentleman and not required Emma to pose for him, but then the story wouldn't have been nearly as interesting. Talk about foreplay... the slow undressing of the heroine for months built up the tension between them like crazy.
Stick it out
Definitely a slow start, and a little too much romantic angst on the way to the real meat of the story. If you can get past the first third, it's a compelling romp to the end!
Charming, slower paced tale
Another charming book by Blackwell. It's been a while since I read the first book, so I struggled to remember some of the details obviously required to jump straight into this story. If you're a fan of the Cranwell PBS mini series inspired by Elizabeth Gaskell's book, you'll enjoy this series! There's a fair amount of scripture quoted, appropriate for the era and for the characters, especially since one of the main characters is a vicar. These books are heartfelt and move at a slower pace... Tuck in with a cup of tea and enjoy yourself.
Ever wonder what would have happened if Sherlock Holmes, the master of dispassionate problem-solving, found his equal? Yeah, me too! Especially since the BBC's most recent incarnation of Sherlock came out and boy do I have a mind crush on him.
Back to the point, Belinda. Why should you read this book? Because it's about a woman who knows she has a talent and isn't afraid to use it. It's about a man who recognizes that talent and respects her for it, even if he doesn't understand it. It's about two highly intelligent people who are working together to solve a mystery, and in the process happen to ignite a passion between them that is intellectually, emotionally, and physically satisfying. You just don't get that every day.
Quick has once again written a story that had me laughing out loud, eager to turn the page, and happy as both a fantasy/paranormal and historical fiction fan.
Originally posted at http://worderella.com/2010/11/book-the-perfect-poison/
Really enjoyed this book and how she makes it an every day thing for POC and gay characters to be fantasy/Greek heroes. I think Dread Nation was a little better, but I thoroughly enjoyed this book and hope there are more given how it ends. If you tolerated the Percy Jackson series, you might enjoy this book better.
I picked this up from my local half-price bookstore because I thought the cover was gorgeous and it was only a dollar. I can only say that I liked this book because the romance just didn't really do it for me. I think this is because the romance started out historically correct, rather than pandering to my modern romantic sensibilities. I can't help it. I want the romance (intellectual and emotional) to come before all the smexiness.
Julianne and Michael are brought together by an arranged marriage, and they start their familial duty of producing an heir for the duchy as soon as possible. Through their entanglements in bed and the pillow talk after, they realize that it just might be possible to have that long-sought-but-rarely-found sort of marriage within the aristocracy: a happy one.
What I found interesting was that both characters came from happy marriages, yet they didn't expect to have such luck themselves. I also kept looking for the reason why the book was titled “His Sinful Secret,” and while the answer wasn't what I expected, I wish there had been a little more punch to it.
I think I'm giving up on this book. The heroine isn't a “thinking woman” and I feel like this is the author's stereotype of Millennials rearing its ugly head. Too reactive, too willing to blame everything on everyone else, and I don't think I can stand the remaining 2/3 of the book since it doesn't seem like the character grows much (I jumped to the last chapter to see what I was in for).
Because it's Neil Gaiman, and everyone should read one Gaiman book at some point. This book begged to be read aloud, and I almost wish (now this is a shocker) that I had the audio version. The narration is simple yet intriguing and complex; I want to read it again just to figure out how he was able to convey so much with so little. Which is exactly why you should read this book. Long sentences and over-the-top vocabulary are gimicks easily pointed out...they hide bad plots and expose worse execution. Gaiman's simple narration is a quick read, yet, there are important themes discussed.
Originally posted at http://worderella.com/2007/07/book-stardust/
I loved the history of reading about the Chicago World's Fair; it's not a period of American history often taught, thought, or written about, which I appreciated. The author's attention to detail, while not information dumping, is a great example for any historical fiction writer attempting to educate and entertain.
The inspirational aspect wasn't heavy-handed at all. In fact, it felt very natural, especially for the time period. God was brought up when the characters felt they needed Him, or were puzzling things through while asking for guidance.
My only critique was that neither the hero nor heroine were ever truly in danger themselves. The financial worries of the hero were a guilt-trip at most, and I never felt true pressure for the heroine.
All in all, a good read, and I'll be looking for more Deanne Gist soon.
I never thought it possible, but this book supplanted Pride and Prejudice as my favorite romance, reasons being that it brings outside philosophical, political, and economic pressures into the romance. The romance is not just that there are misunderstandings and ruined reputations, but that there are actual lives at stake; entire towns that could fall if the mill workers refuse to work; people could be killed in riots; there is communal strife and an inability to communicate between the social classes.
This is an ambitious work that I am head over heels in love with because the prose is poetic, the themes are strong, and the characters sympathetic. Gaskell gives the secondary and tertiary characters all the love, compassion, and motive that is usually reserved for main characters alone. I could go into a detailed analysis of the writing tricks Gaskell uses to appeal to her audience (the sympathetic Victorian woman), such as describing the illnesses of those around Margaret, the way Margaret's eyes sometimes exhibit a childlike wonder or surprised pain, and the way Margaret shoulders the problems of those around her for that is her role as the daughter in the family (really, this is a brilliant piece of Victorian literature), but I won't.
I will tell you that if you like reading classics (my childhood was defined by classics, and I desperately miss the feeling of losing myself in that world), you must read this book. If your writing tends toward the classical style, this is a great example to take note of. There are moments when Margaret almost reminds me of Jane Eyre in her contemplations of her role as a female in the world, which makes sense because Mrs Gaskell was actually a sort of social friend of Charlotte Bronte's. In fact, Mrs Gaskell wrote the first biography of Charlotte, and helped create the rather mythological story behind the woman who wrote such great works as Jane Eyre and Villette.
P.S. The BBC made a two-part miniseries of this book in 2007, and it is excellent. Things have been changed, obviously, to fit the book into a four-hour showing, but it is a great adaptation and the reason why I read the book in the first place.
Originally posted at http://worderella.com/2008/02/book-north-and-south/
It's rare that I get to read a romantasy about a middle-aged (50s) woman. I'm about to be 40, and soooo many of Twyla's thoughts and insecurities were shockingly relatable. I adored her journey with Frank, I was annoyed at her for not seeing him and his feelings, but also got it because I've been there, so deep in your own feelings and troubles that it's hard to look up. I couldn't read this fast enough.
I love Neil Gaiman. This is the second book I've read by him (Stardust was the other). I saw the movie MirrorMask and loved it. Gaiman's tone is clever and funny; when you read his books you feel like he is sitting there telling you a story, rather than you reading a book (especially so with Stardust, where the characters are more archetypal). His descriptions are precise, accurate, and oftentimes hilarious because he doesn't give any of his characters a break.
If you like Doctor Who or Monty Python, this is a book for you. If you write fiction that takes any hint whatsoever from fairy tales, mythology, or legends, Gaiman is an excellent example to read to get a feel for what other writers are doing. (Another good example would be Marquez, but I'll save that for when I review Of Love and Other Demons.) Gaiman, to me, is what I imagine the Grimm Brothers were to their contemporaries. All three men take inspiration from life, make the most mundane or horrible facts fantastical, and demand in the nicest way possible that you get something out of the story by the end. I highly suggest reading the author note at the end to really drive this point home.
Originally posted at http://worderella.com/2008/05/book-neverwhere/
I love Lauren Willig, but I'm starting to feel as if she's getting a little... tired, perhaps? At this point, I'm more interested in the romance between Eloise and Colin, which is progressing very slowly.
An entertaining read with plenty of footnotes, reflecting the scholar heroine... But I'll admit I have to go back and read half of them because I was enjoying their growing intimacy.
And that epilogue. Friends, you're gonna enjoy that epilogue.
This book was a good ensemble cast sort of read. We follow the lives of the heroine, her children, her lodgers, and the vicar who moves from Oxford into town, and I felt as if I was reading-watching a BBC period mini-series.
A good read, not too heavy-handed with the inspirational aspect, but also nothing that super inspired me to write myself, which I was hoping for.
This was an entertaining read, but I felt like the modern sensibilities of the author went a little too far in the main characters, who were very much not of their era.
On the one hand, this book made me laugh, there were some touching moments from the heroine's perspective, the hero suffers bad injuries in the line of duty, the action scenes were well-paced, the love scenes were scintillating... all of this was compelling enough to keep me reading to find out what happened.
On the other hand, the note from the author at the beginning of the book had me looking forward to the heroine using her powers, which she does almost never. When using her powers, reactions from the hero and his friend are so nonchalant that I was shocked. They just accepted it, with very little questioning! I felt there would have been something from men who spied on behalf of the queen. Fear, worry, wondering what all she could do, wondering how much influence she had over them, over their families, over the investigation...
This was before the Salem Witch Trials, yet after the witch trials of the continent. I mean, even people today will raise an eyebrow if they hear someone say, “I'm Wiccan.” So unfortunately, I have to give this book three stars rather than four. Love conquers a lot, but in this case, it was just a little too easy.
I read this back when it was first published as a teenager, and I enjoyed it as much as I did then. Jena Gemcutter, shy and afraid of causing offense or trouble, takes a surprise journey of self-discovery and magical abilities. Perhaps because I've been marginalized myself, I appreciated that the book doesn't end with her winning everything she wants, the way she wants. Jena is left with personal battles to wage and decisions to make, even while the main plot of the story has concluded. And so refreshing that her magic doesn't include romance! This is a true coming of age story, with politics and intuition playing a heavy part.