Book Review: The Queen of Last Hopes by Susan Higginbotham

The Queen of Last Hopes by Susan Higginbotham

Publish Date: January 2010

Format: Paperback pp

Synopsis (From the Publisher):

"A man other than my husband sits on England's throne today.

What would happen if this king suddenly went mad? What would his queen do? Would she make the same mistakes I did, or would she learn from mine?

Margaret of Anjou, queen of England, cannot give up on her husband-even when he slips into insanity. And as mother to the House of Lancaster's last hope, she cannot give up on her son-even when England turns against them. This gripping tale of a queen forced to stand strong in the face of overwhelming odds is at its heart a tender tale of love.

Award-winning author Susan Higginbotham will once again ask readers to question everything they know about right and wrong, compassion and hope, duty to one's country and the desire of one's own heart."


My Review:

When it comes to the Wars of the Roses, there are always a couple questions that come to mind: are you of a Yorkist or a Lancasterian opinion? Did Richard III kill the princes in the tower? Was Richard III a corrupt and merciless man? These questions are often the focus of many historical novels set during this time period, and it is not very often that a book is written with an emphasis of how it all began. The Queen of Last Hopes begins with Margaret of Anjou preparing to leave for England, where she will become the Queen of King Henry VI. Margaret is just 15 when she sets sail for England, and she is full of hope and determination to bring peace to the English and French people. Unfortunately, she quickly learns that the her striving to enter the political world, no matter how good her intentions might be, only leads to bitterness from the English people and slander against her name. Despite these unsavory results, Margaret is no less determined in defending her crown when the House of York tries to dethrone her husband and take away her sons birthright.

Being of a Yorkist opinion myself, I was quite surprised by how well Hgginbotham made me soften to the Lancasterian cause. Told from a first person perspective, Margaret becomes more than just a strong willed and "she-wolf" character, instead she becomes a woman desperate for peace, deeply in love, and above all, a protective mother. It was this method of writing that really made me feel a strong connection to those who fought for the House of Lancaster. Higginbotham also did a wonderful job of creating a lovable character out of King Henry VI. Of course Henry was still a weak king and on the verge of madness, but he was also a loving husband and a man who knew he didn't live up to his predecessors reign, which resulted in my heart going out to his plight and creating a better opinion of the Lancasters.

The Queen of Last Hopes is written in great historical detail, and delivers an exceptional telling of one of the most controversial time periods in history. With subtle wit, heart wrenching events and life-like characters, you will finish the novel only wanting more of this talented author.

Book Review: Lily of the Nile by Stephanie Dray

Publish Date: January 4th 2010

Format: Paperback 368pp

Synopsis (From the Publisher):

"Heiress of one empire and prisoner of another, it is up to the daughter of Cleopatra to save her brothers and reclaim what is rightfully hers...

To Isis worshippers, Princess Selene and her twin brother Helios embody the divine celestial pair who will bring about a Golden Age. But when Selene's parents are vanquished by Rome, her auspicious birth becomes a curse. Trapped in an empire that reviles her heritage and suspects her faith, the young messianic princess struggles for survival in a Roman court of intrigue. She can't hide the hieroglyphics that carve themselves into her hands, nor can she stop the emperor from using her powers for his own ends. But faced with a new and ruthless Caesar who is obsessed with having a Cleopatra of his very own, Selene is determined to resurrect her mother's dreams. Can she succeed where her mother failed? And what will it cost her in a political game where the only rule is win-or die?"

My Review:

We first meet Selene as she comes to the realization that her world is about to change forever. With the suicide of her mother and father, and Egypt being conquered by Rome, Selene and her brothers have no choice but to become the "prisoners" of Octavian. Paraded through the streets of Rome during Octavian's triumph, Selene is disgusted when she must bow to Octavian and plead for their lives. Taken by surprise, Octavian shows mercy and welcomes them into his family, but little did Selene know her actions were not by chance but orchestrated by Octavian's cold and calculating mind... and it is just the beginning of his theatrical play.

As Selene lives amongst the other children of rulers who have been conquered by Rome, she tries to find a way to make the most out of her captivity, but when her beloved goddess Isis begins using her as a vessel of communication, not only is her life in danger but the whole Isiac faith. Desperate to save the lives of her remaining family and claim what is rightfully hers by birth, Selene must navigate her way through a court of intrigue and learn how to use Octavian's calculated nature for her own purpose.

As soon as I began reading Lily of the Nile, I was captivated by the intense emotions the book relayed. From the start I was empathetic to Selene, and my heart went out to her as she watched her world crumble before her. Not only did I feel a strong connection towards Selene, but I was surprised to find myself captivated by Octavian. He was such an intriguing character, extremely complex and utterly mind boggling; I did not know whether to admire his cold brilliance or shake my head at his self serving plots.

Having read Michelle Moran's take on Selene with her novel Cleopatra's Daughter (my review), I was intrigued to see how Stephanie Dray's version on Selene's early life would compare; I am thrilled to say Dray's novel held its own and was a delightful read. The whole feeling of the book was different than Moran's; while Moran weaved a brilliant novel focused on historical fact and detail, Dray brought a mesmerizing sense of magic to her novel with all the mystical beliefs of the Ancient Egyptians.

With Lily of the Nile, Stephanie Dray has created an intriguing and delightful novel that captures the readers attention and holds it until the very end, leaving the reader craving more... and more we shall have! This is the first book in the Cleopatra's Daughter Trilogy, with the second, Song of the Nile, scheduled with a tentative release date of Autumn 2011.

Be sure to take a look at Stephanie Dray's interesting guest post from when she stopped by last month: 

Cleopatra and Patriotism by Stephanie Dray

Book Review: The Gentleman Poet by Kathryn Johnson

Publish Date: September 2010

Format: Paperback 319pp

Synopsis (From the Publisher): 

"En route to the Americas in 1609, Elizabeth Persons, a young servant girl, sees her blinding headache as an ominous sign. Sure enough, a hurricane during the final leg of their journey tosses the ill-fated Sea Venture and its one hundred and fifty passengers and crew onto the dreaded shores of the Bermudas, the rumored home of evil spirits and dangerous natives. In the months that pass—time marked by grave hardship, mutiny, adventure, danger . . . and a blossoming love between Elizabeth and the wrecked ship's young cook—she despairs of their ever being rescued. But she finds hope and strength in a remarkable new friendship, forming a fast bond with the Sea Venture's historian, a poet traveling under the name of William Strachey. But Will is more than he seems. To many back home in England, he is known by a different name: Shakespeare. And he sees in their great shared travails the makings of a magical, truly transcendent work of theater."

My Review:

Elizabeth Persons and the rest of the Virginia Company aboard the Sea Venture have been blessed with a calm sea and easy voyage. But Elizabeth knows their luck is about to change when she is plagued by one of her excruciating headaches; a headache that always means foul weather is approaching. As the storm wreaks havoc upon the ship, Elizabeth's headache subsides and she soon believes the worst is past; but little does she know what other tribulations her headache foretold.

Although the crew and passengers fear the cursed Bermuda Islands upon which they have landed, Elizabeth believes she has found a special paradise. Unfortunately, her paradise is soon shattered by a series of events which destroy the last bit of normalcy she knows. With mutinous sailors, hidden identities and a tempest of various forms, no one is safe in their existence... especially a woman with a deadly secret.

The Gentleman Poet grabs your attention right from the beginning; the foreboding of the coming tempest builds with every page, and when it strikes, the reader can almost feel the turbulent sea roaring with fury. As the storm subsides, we are introduced to an array of characters ranging from the haughty and pious to the obnoxious with devilish ways. Although the personalities of the characters are broad, they are also very one dimensional, which hinders the readers ability to sympathize with the castaways plight. While the beginning of the novel was engaging, the rest of the book slowed down to a leisurely pace that was borderline too slow.

When I first began this novel, I was excited to discover what adventures the author created as possible inspiration for Shakespeare's The Tempest. Unfortunately, I was disappointed to find that the novel barely had William Shakespeare as a strong figure and the actual connection to the play was minimal. This lack of connection was probably my main issue with the novel since all of the other issues were balanced out by the good qualities. Overall this was an easy read and one I would say is well suited for a relaxing spring day.

Book Review: India Black by Carol K. Carr

Publish Date: January 4th 2011

Format: Paperback 304pp

Synopsis (From the Publisher):

"When Sir Archibald Latham of the War Office dies from a heart attack while visiting her brothel, Madam India Black is unexpectedly thrust into a deadly game between Russian and British agents who are seeking the military secrets Latham carried.

Blackmailed into recovering the missing documents by the British spy known as French, India finds herself dodging Russian agents-and the attraction she starts to feel for the handsome conspirator."

My Review:

India Black, the madam of Lotus House and shrewd business woman, knows how to keep her tarts in line and her customers well cared for. For India it is just another Sunday; an afternoon of bookkeeping and preparing the establishment for another nights business... that is until one of her regular customers mysteriously dies while with one of her employees. Knowing that the reputation of Lotus House will suffer greatly if it becomes known that a death has occurred on the premise, India quickly devises a way to dispose of the body. But when a stranger catches India in the midst the disposal, and offers to help without requesting anything in return, she is immediately wary, for she has learned nothing comes without a price. 

Despite India's best efforts to return to the normal duties of Lotus House, she finds that it is impossible to do so when spies, assassins, and the British government all want something from you. Thrown into a deadly game of espionage, India must team up with the spy known as French in attempt to thwart the ruthless foreign agents mission and save England from an inconceivable fate.

When I first began reading India Black, I was disappointed with the novels pace and plot depth. The first hundred and fifty pages were thick with conversations that did not amount to much, and I found myself wanting to look ahead in order to see when something intriguing might happen. While the plot remained thin, the pace began to pick up speed half-way through the novel. I was extremely pleased when the last hundred pages flew by; the intensity building every time I turned the page. It was during this time that India and French began working together, which complimented the novels newfound pace quite well. Their partnership was a delight and I often found myself smiling at their banter and blunders.

Despite the slow beginning and thin plot, India Black was an enjoyable read. The author has shown a talent for creating suspenseful scenarios that grow with great intensity. If she can capture the readers attention with this talent right from the beginning, fans of India Black will be in for some excellent reading adventures. 

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Intrigued by India Black? Check out my interview with the author, Carol K. Carr: India Black, author interview.

Book Review: The Lady's Slipper by Deborah Swift

Publish Date: November 2010

Format: Paperback 464pp

Synopsis: (From the Publisher)

"1660. King Charles II has returned from exile, but memories of the English Civil War still rankle. There are old scores to settle, and religious differences threaten to overturn a fragile peace. When Alice Ibbetson discovers a rare orchid, the Lady’s Slipper, growing in a wood belonging to Richard Wheeler, she is captivated by its beauty— though Wheeler, a Quaker, is determined to keep the flower where God intended it to grow. Knowing that the orchid is the last of its kind, she steals the flower, little dreaming that her seemingly simple act will set off a chain of events that will lead to murder and exile, and change her life forever…"

My Review:

Alice Ibbetson has known much sorrow in her life: from the tragic loss of her family home during the war, quickly followed by her parents death and then the loss of her beloved sister soon after. With all of this tragedy, Alice thought she had endured every hardship possible; that is until her bleak life is thrown into great chaos by one small act of deception.

 Fearing retribution, Alice desperately attempts to conceal her secret from all, but when her lies begin to bring danger to those around her, she realizes that nothing can be kept secret forever or come without a price. As the lives of three people are intertwined through her wrong deed, Alice must learn how to save them all before her lies destroy them.

With her debut novel, The Lady's Slipper, Deborah Swift has definitely proven her talent in writing historical fiction! From beginning to end the story flowed with perfect rhythm and intrigue. While the plot was not fast paced, it never once left me wanting to hurry on to the next chapter. The characters were vastly deferent and confident opinions could be made of them all. My favorite part of this novel was how easily the author could make you feel as if you were really walking through the woods as Alice went on her secretive missions. At these times, the tone changed to a sense of trepidation mixed with thrill, you could almost feel the silence surrounding you deep within the woods. The only part of this novel that I felt a bit lacking was the romantic relationship between Wheeler and Alice. While I knew their differences must be settled in the end and the two truly cared for each other, I wish there had been a bit more build up to the realization of their feelings instead of it being so rushed at the end. Besides this little quibble, I am completely thrilled with this new author and I can't wait to see what delights she will write for us in the future!

FTC: I received this book from the publisher. As always, these are my own honest opinions. 

Book Review: Dark Road to Darjeeling by Deanna Raybourn

Publish Date: October 2010

Format: Paperback 388pp

Synopsis (From the Publisher):

"After eight idyllic months in the Mediterranean, Lady Julia Grey and her detective husband are ready to put their investigative talents to work once more. At the urging of Julia's eccentric family, they hurry to India to aid an old friend, the newly widowed Jane Cavendish. Living on the Cavendish tea plantation with the remnants of her husband's family, Jane is consumed with the impending birth of her child—and with discovering the truth about her husband's death. Was he murdered for his estate? And if he was, could Jane and her unborn child be next?

Amid the lush foothills of the Himalayas, dark deeds are buried and malicious thoughts flourish. The Brisbanes uncover secrets and scandal, illicit affairs and twisted legacies. In this remote and exotic place, exploration is perilous and discovery, deadly. The danger is palpable and, if they are not careful, Julia and Nicholas will not live to celebrate their first anniversary."

My Review:

Towards the end of an extended honeymoon, Lady Julia and her husband Brisbaine have the unexpected displeasure of being tracked down by two of Julia's siblings. Persuaded by her sister Portia, Julia and Brisbaine embark upon a journey to the Himalayas in hopes of supporting the newly widowed and family friend, Jane Cavendish. Although Portia's described motive's might seem earnest, Julia soon derives the true purpose of their journey: to investigate the possible murder of Jane's husband and therefore possibly saving Jane from the same untimely end. 

Julia, always having been one prone to seek out adventure and prove her detective potential to Brisbaine, sets out against Brisbaine's wishes in order to solve this mystery. Confident in her skills, Julia has no hesitation in pursuing the murderer, but just as she begins to piece together the mystery it all begins to unravel at an alarming rate. Julia must decipher the chaos that surrounds her quickly, for in a place where secrets are dark and the villains enchanting, she just might easily be the next victim. 

I have always enjoyed the Julia Grey series, and this one is no exception! The story starts out at a moderate pace and gradually gains momentum as the story unfolds, allowing the reader enough time to process the clues and solve the mystery. Of course, as soon as you begin to unravel the mystery, the plot takes off at an unbelievable rate with the plot twisting and turning, much to the readers delight. I read the last half of this book in one sitting, and was shocked by some of the plot twist revelations. If you are looking for a Victorian Era mystery that will have you engaged and guessing the whole time, I highly recommend this book. I am definitely looking forward to Deanna Raybourn's next installment in this series!

FTC: I received this book from the publisher. As always, these are my own honest opinions. 

Book Review: Child of the Northern Spring by Persia Woolley

Publish Date: November 2010

Format: Paperback 567 pp

Synopsis (From the Publisher)

"Among the first to look at the story of Camelot through Guinevere’s eyes, Woolley sets the traditional tale in the time of its origin, after Britain has shattered into warring fiefdoms. Hampered by neither fantasy nor medieval romance, this young Guinevere is a feisty Celtic tomboy who sees no reason why she must learn to speak Latin, wear dresses, and go south to marry that king. But legends being what they are, the story of Arthur’s rise to power soon intrigues her, and when they finally meet, Guinevere and Arthur form a partnership that has lasted for 1500 years.

This is Arthurian epic at its best—filled with romance, adventure, authentic Dark Ages detail, and wonderfully human people."

My Review:

Child of the Northern Spring brings to life one of the most mystical times in history through Guinevere, the young and intelligent Celtic princess. From the very first page it is obvious that you are in for a captivating retelling of the mysterious Arthurian Legend.

The first half of the book follows Guinevere as she is escorted to the southern country, where she will be united with Arthur and become High Queen. During this time there are many flashbacks which help the reader understand Guinevere's childhood and how Arthur came to win the hearts of the people. While reading of how Arthur came to power was intriguing, it was completely dull while reading of Guinevere's childhood. The parts about her childhood did not seem to hold a great deal of importance and were quickly glossed over. Thankfully, when Guinevere arrived in the southern countries, the plot seemed to take on a livelier pace. The bond between Guinevere and Arthur was wonderful to see and kept the flow of events exciting.

This was my first venture into Arthurian Legend, and I can definitely say I am most enthralled with it! I know what is to come and so I must prepare myself for the sadness, but I am really looking forward to becoming lost in the Dark Ages with all its mystical and dastardly intrigue.

Despite the slow pace of the first half, I was captivated by the second half and I was extremely happy with how Woolley decided to conclude this first book in the trilogy. It might not have been a thrilling adventure, but it is perfect for those who are just starting out with Arthurian Legend.

FTC: I received this book from the publisher. As always, these are my own honest opinions. 

Book Review: The Mischief of the Mistletoe by Lauren Willig

Publish Date: October 28th 2010

Format: Hardcover 352pp

Synopsis: (From the Publisher)

" 'Tis the season to get Pink! Lauren Willig's beloved Pink Carnation series gets into the holiday spirit with this irresistible Regency Christmas caper.

Arabella Dempsey's dear friend Jane Austen warned her against teaching. But Miss Climpson's Select Seminary for Young Ladies seems the perfect place for Arabella to claim her independence while keeping an eye on her younger sisters nearby. Just before Christmas, she accepts a position at the quiet girls' school in Bath, expecting to face nothing more exciting than conducting the annual Christmas recital. She hardly imagines coming face to face with French aristocrats and international spies...

Reginald "Turnip"Fitzhugh-often mistaken for the elusive spy known as the Pink Carnation- has blundered into danger before. But when he blunders into Miss Arabella Dempsey, it never occurs to him that she might be trouble. When Turnip and Arabella stumble upon a beautifully wrapped Christmas pudding with a cryptic message written in French, "Meet me at Farley Castle," the unlikely vehicle for intrigue launches the pair on a Yuletide adventure that ranges from the Austens'modest drawing room to the awe-inspiring estate of the Dukes of Dovedale, where the Dowager Duchess is hosting the most anticipated event of the year: an elaborate twelve-day Christmas celebration. Will they find poinsettias or peril, dancing or danger? Is it possible that the fate of the British Empire rests in Arabella's and Turnip's hands, in the form of a festive Christmas pudding?"

My Review:

Just in time for some holiday cheer, Lauren Willig has given us a gift full of wit and suspense with her newest novel, The Mischief of the Mistletoe.

We first meet Arabella Dempsy as she secures a position, much to the dismay of her friend Jane Austen, at Miss Climpson's Select Seminary for Young Ladies. Being thoroughly warned of the hazards of teaching energetic young females, Arabella is prepared for whatever may come her way... that is until common school-girl pranks take on a sinister dimension.

Aided by the blundering yet dashing "Turnip" Fitzhugh, Arabella sets out on a mission to find out just who is tormenting her so. But when Arabella refuses to agree that the events are the dangerous work of spies, she risks alienating herself from the one person who can save her.

Filled with dastardly Christmas puddings, nefarious shepherds and a 12 days of Christmas extravaganza for every possible hazard, The Mischief of the Mistletoe is sure to have you laughing all the way and enjoying Christmas puddings with a whole new flavor!


Lauren Willig has created another spectacular read with The Mischief of the Mistletoe! As soon as I read the first few pages, I knew I was in for a great read; which was confirmed by the instant smile on my face whenever I picked the book up. The main characters were well detailed and the chaotic scenes easily consumed you, as if you were really there. If you want a book that has a little bit of everything, this is the one for you! There was the perfect mixture of hilarious phrases, random objects with special purposes, romance and intrigue. I can not speak highly enough of this book and I would definitely recommend it to anyone.


FTC: I received this book from the publisher. As always, these are my own honest opinions. 

Book Review: Elizabeth, Captive Princess by Margaret Irwin

Publish Date: October 2010

Format: Paperback 352pp

Synopsis: (From the Publisher)

"In July 1553, sibling rivalry looms perilous, even life-threatening, between the daughters of King Henry VIII. Their brother King Edward is dead, his successor Lady Jane Grey has been beheaded, and Queen Mary Tudor has just won possession of the throne. But her younger half sister—the beautiful and vivacious Princess Elizabeth—holds the hearts of the people. Despite Mary’s health fading fast and her power beginning to crumble, she won’t give up the throne, determined to rule to the absolute end as her father did before her. In these treacherous times, when all about her there is secrecy and deception, Elizabeth must rely on her faith and courage if she is to survive her ordeal and rise to fulfill her destiny. With grace and elegance, Margaret Irwin continues the story begun in Young Bess, giving readers an intimate peek into the world of that most enigmatic of Britain’s monarchs."

My Review:

Elizabeth I is widely known as the greatest monarch England has ever had, but though her reign was that of a golden age, her rise to power was not with out turmoil. In Elizabeth, Captive Princess we follow the story of Mary Tudor's early years as sovereign; beginning with Lady Jane Grey's short and fateful reign and continuing until the arrival of Prince Phillip of Spain. Told from the joint perspective of Elizabeth and Mary, a battle of wits and cunning tactics ensues, capturing the readers attention with political intrigue page after page.

Having not read the first book in this trilogy, (Young Bess) I was curious how well I would pick up the plot line for this novel... I am happy to say I had no trouble at all. Elizabeth, Captive Princess grabbed my attention from the start. The conflict between Elizabeth and Mary was so vivid, almost as if you were in the same room watching their story unfurl. While the moments of intense drama between these two sisters was superb, I found the times when the focus switched to the leaders of rebellions to be lacking. Of course it was necessary to include the plotting of such rebellions, but it seemed to be missing suspense and I found myself wanting to hurry through those chapters. The last quarter of this book set the stage perfectly for the next and final installment of the trilogy, Elizabeth and the Prince of Spain. Overall this was a good read, and while it did not have a wow factor, it definitely held its own in a most captivating way.


FTC: I received this book from the publisher. As always, these are my own honest opinions.

Book Review: Mastering Color Knitting by Melissa Leapman

Mastering Color Knitting: Simple Instructions for Stranded, Intarsia, and Double Knitting by Melissa Leapman (available 11/09, Potter Craft)

Previously I've purchased all the books I've reviewed on my blog but I specifically asked for a review copy of this one. I'm thrilled there are more books available to help knitters learn the joy of knitting with more than one color.
 

One thing I keep learning from Ravelry's Stranded forum is that color knitters have about a million different ways to arrive at the same end result. I've linked before to Ixtab's unique method of knitting 2 or 3 strands inside out with the yarns tensioned around her neck. One of the Stranded forum's moderators, an advanced traditional Fair Isle knitter, prefers to (gasp!) knot her yarn ends. And I've heard from dozens of knitters who insist the traditional yarn dominance rules do not apply to them. (I talked about this previously HERE.)

If you are new to color knitting learning all the different methods can be overwhelming and most knitters will prefer to just learn one way to do things at first to get their feet wet. The section on stranding in Mastering Color Knitting is geared for beginners with simple instructions and includes many graphs and diagrams that are clear and easy to read.

The methods Melissa Leapman teaches in the book and in her knitting workshops involve weaving all floats over 1" long, securing her yarn ends as she knits, and avoiding using three colors per row. Personally I try to avoid weaving floats, I secure my yarn ends during finishing using reverse duplicate stitch, and I occasionally use 3 and 4 color rows (they're usually in Dale of Norway designs) but her advice is very helpful for beginners. The book has a nice reassuring tone for those who find color knitting daunting. She shows several different ways to hold the yarns and talks a lot about reading charts. She even includes a two-page section on designing stranded patterns.

Hat Pattern from the Stranded Section

My personal favorite parts of the book are her discussions on intarsia in the round (she offers three methods) and the section on various types of steeks. Mastering Color Knitting includes 12 projects along with the technique info.

Beautiful Intarsia Coat

I think this book shines in the third section on reversible two-color double knitting as frankly I haven't seen that many other books in print that discuss this fun technique other than the M'Lou Baber book which focuses on jackets and coats.

 

Double Knit Two-Color Hat

I especially recommend this book for beginners in any of the techniques as she does manage to keep the instructions simple as stated in the title. I was originally going to give the book away to a knitting student but I am keeping it so I can try some more two-color double knitting.

While I'm at it, I thought I'd list some other color knitting books I recommend.

Color by Kristin by Kristin Nicholas - I never reviewed this one but it is one of my faves. I think of her designs as exuberant and her passion for the subject is incredible. Plus she shows a new-to-me way of dealing with floats!

Elizabeth Lovick's Fair Isle Workbook - I love how she frequently emphasizes that there are no right or wrong ways to do Fair Isle knitting. Plus it is the only technique book I've ever seen that shows how to fix mistakes in stranding!. My review of this excellent ebook is HERE.

Alice Starmore's Fair Isle Knitting - I don't even do traditional Fair Isle knitting but I think this book is spectacular, especially the section where she takes nature photos and interprets them with her knitting. It has recently been reprinted so you have no excuse not to buy it.

Intarsia: A Workshop for Hand and Machine Knitting by Sherry and Keely Stuever - Rich in technique (and diagrams and photos), this self-published book (available at Elann I think) is a must-have if you're doing intarsia. Their method of dealing with the yarn ends to achieve beautiful stitches on the end of each block of color is pure genius. (I showed this method in the intarsia sock  photo on my blog post HERE.)

Sheila McGregor's Traditional Fair Isle Knitting and Traditional Scandinavian Knitting. These two Dover reprints have hands-down my favorite color design charts, all helpfully divided by stitch count/multiples.

Book Review: Emma and the Vampires by Wayne Josephson

 Publish Date: August 2010

Format: Paperback 304pp

Synopsis (From the Publisher):

"In this hilarious retelling of Jane Austen’s Emma, screenwriter Wayne Josephson casts Mr. Knightley as one of the most handsome and noble of the gentlemen village vampires. Blithely unaware of their presence, Emma, who imagines she has a special gift for matchmaking, attempts to arrange the affairs of her social circle with delightfully disastrous results. But when her dear friend Harriet Smith declares her love for Mr. Knightley, Emma realizes she’s the one who wants to stay up all night with him. Fortunately, Mr. Knightley has been hiding a secret deep within his unbeating heart—his (literal) undying love for her… A brilliant mash-up of Jane Austen and the undead."

My Review: 

This was my first venture into the supernatural world of Austen retelling. Unfortunately, I found my first experience to be lacking. When first starting the book, I was a bit confused whether or not the towns people actually knew they lived among vampires. It soon became clear that they had no clue their dearest friends were vampires; which then lead the reader to wonder how could they not figure it out since they were easily able recognize "wild" vampires that scoured the countryside. Another issue with the book was how well the original story and the vampire attacks flowed together. These transitions seemed a bit choppy and forced at times and were often too short for real intensity. What saved this book from only receiving one crown from me was the character of Emma. Her delightful and witty personality was a perfect match for the vampire situation. Her easy dismissal of dire circumstances was quite amusing and I found myself laughing often at her random remarks on the situation. Overall it was an easy and comical read but one that did not live up to its potential. 

FTC: I received this book from the publisher. As always, these are my own honest opinions.

Book Review: The Secret Eleanor by Cecelia Holland

Publish Date: August 2010

Format: Paperback 368pp

Synopsis: (From the Publisher)

"Eleanor of Aquitaine seized hold of life in the 12th century in a way any modern woman would envy! 

1151: As Duchess of Aquitaine, Eleanor grew up knowing what it was to be regarded for herself and not for her husband's title. Now, as wife to Louis VII and Queen of France, she has found herself unsatisfied with reflected glory-and feeling constantly under threat, even though she outranks every woman in Paris. 

Then, standing beside her much older husband in the course of a court ceremony, Eleanor locks eyes with a man-hardly more than a boy, really- across the throne room, and knows that her world has changed irrevocably... 

He is Henry D'Anjou, eldest son of the Duke of Anjou, and he is in line, somewhat tenuously, for the British throne. She meets him in secret. She has a gift for secrecy, for she is watched like a prisoner by spies even among her own women. She is determined that Louis must set her free. Employing deception and disguise, seduction and manipulation, Eleanor is determined to find her way to power-and make her mark on history."

My Review:

Eleanor of Aquitaine is most well known for her marriage to Henry II and for being the devout mother of Richard I, but in The Secret Eleanor, Cecelia Holland focuses on Eleanor's early adulthood and her marriage to King Louis VII of France.

From the Beginning of the book, Eleanor's ambition and thirst for power is quite apparent. While holding court in Paris, Eleanor meets Henry II and is quickly besotted with him. Already dissatisfied with her marriage to Louis VII, Eleanor decides at once that, with Henry II at her side, nothing can hold her back from the power she desires. She immediately embarks upon a course of action that is sure to set her free of her current situation. Eleanor is strong and ruthless when it comes to reaching her goals, yet not even she can accomplish this feat alone; She will need the help of her sister Petra and the loyalty of those whom love her. But when the stakes are so high, can one completely trust anyone? In a story of love, ambition, power and betrayal, The Secret Eleanor will have you questioning who is right in their actions and what price is too high for power and loyalty to those you love.

Having read only one other book on Eleanor of Aquitaine, I was eager to learn more about this fascinating woman through Cecelia Holland's The Secret Eleanor. Unfortunately, I found this description of Eleanor to be lacking in depth and it was quite hard to derive any pleasing qualities from her demeanor. In the first few chapters she meets Henry II and has an intimate, and might I add cleverly descriptive, rendezvous with him; which lead me to ask: "Why? Where did that come from?". There were many times during the course of the novel I found myself pondering how their love came about. If only there would have been a bit more history between them it would have improved the plot greatly.

Although my issues with Eleanor were great, they became less prevalent as the book went on. This was mainly do to the sift in focus from Eleanor to her sister Petra, who's motives were not without reason. It was through her that everything was put into perspective and the story began to draw me in.

After the switch in focus, the plot quickly becomes more in depth and it twisted with great surprise. By the end of the book, I found myself wanting it to continue! I was not ready to leave Eleanor and Petra; it seemed their story had just begun. All things considered, this was a good read; though one that could have been better, especially in the beginning. I have another book by Cecelia Holland awaiting me on my bookshelf; I shall indeed be reading it.


FTC: I received this book from the publisher. As always, these are my own honest opinions.

Book Review: For the King's Favor by Elizabeth Chadwick

Publish Date: September 2010

Format: Paperback 544pp

Synopsis: (From the Publisher)

"A Bittersweet Tale of Love, Loss, and the Power of Royalty.

When Roger Bigod arrives at King Henry II's court to settle a bitter inheritance dispute, he becomes enchanted with Ida de Tosney, young mistress to the powerful king. A victim of Henry's seduction and the mother of his son, Ida sees in Roger a chance to begin a new life. But Ida pays an agonizing price when she leaves the king, and as Roger's importance grows and he gains an earldom, their marriage comes under increasing strain. Based on the true story of a royal mistress and the young lord she chose to marry, For the King's Favor is Elizabeth Chadwick at her best."

My Review:

In Elizabeth Chadwick's latest novel, For the King's Favor, we find a captivating story of honor, duty and love....

Rodger Bigod, the unwanted son of a traitorous Earl, finds himself with a weighty decision: be loyal to his father or his king. Choosing the path he deems most honorable, Rodger devotes his life to the service of King Henry II. Although Rodger swears his allegiance and proves his merit in battle, he quickly learns it will take more than that to claim his inheritance and erase the shame his father brought on the Bigod name.

During his stay at court, Rodger is besotted with the young and beautiful Ida de Tosney, none other than the King's beloved mistress. Despite Ida's life of luxury and honor as the King's mistress, she longs for a peaceful and respectable life away from court. As she grows more confidant in her power of having the king's favor, she devises a plan that will possibly lead her to the life she has always dreamed of.

With a sudden twist of fate, Rodger and Ida find themselves able to make a new life for themselves. Undaunted by the knowledge of the trials that lie before them, they embark on life's journey together with high hopes and strong determination to finally claim everything that was so unjustly taken from them. Alas, the trials are more perilous than anticipated and their happy world is soon torn asunder. With uncertainty and turmoil at every turn, they begin to fear their hard hard work is for naught, because when a king is the lord of everything, what price can one pay to earn the favor of a king?


Elizabeth Chadwick has once again weaved a work of art with her vivid descriptions and ability to tell a most captivating tale. From the ripples cast in a pond at dusk to the warmth felt from a sun warmed stone, this story comes alive from the moment you read the first page! All of the characters were well rounded and had very distinct personalities. As usual, with Chadwick's writing style, the villains were ugly and intense emotion was felt for the main characters. The one thing that held this book back from receiving 5 crowns was the intensity of the plot. After reaching the halfway point of the book, I was still waiting for that crazy moment where everything falls to pieces and the plot twists and jerks you around; and I still found myself looking for that up until the end. That being said, the plot was indeed well thought out and was never dull. Overall this is yet another must read for any Chadwick fan or lover of historical fiction. I will definitely be reading anything I can find by this extremely talented author!



FTC: I received this book from the publisher. As always, these are my own honest opinions.

Book Review: The Dark Rose by Cynthia Harrod-Eagles

Publish Date: July 2010

Format: Paperback 592 pp

Synopsis (From the Publisher):

"The second book in the epic bestselling Morland Dynasty series which spans from the Wars of the Roses to Queen Victoria's long reign into the courts of kings and the salons of the Regency, onto the battlefields of Culloden and the Crimea, and beyond.

In The Dark Rose, the turbulence of Henry VIII's reign brings passion and pain to the Morlands as they achieve ever greater wealth and prestige. Paul, great-grandson of Eleanor Morland, has inherited the Morland estates, and his own Amyas is set to be his heir. But Paul fathers a beloved illigitimate son, and bitter jealousy causes a destructive rift between the two half-brothers which will lead to death. Through birth and death, love and hatred, triumph and heartbreak, the Morlands continue proudly to claim their place amongst England's aristocracy."

My Review: 

From the beginning of The Dark Rose, it is quite clear that intense jealousy and hatred runs deep within the Morland family, and through the generations, revenge has played a significant roll in the molding of this dynamic dynasty. Following closely the lives of Paul and Nanette Morland, we are given a close retelling of the turmoil during Henry VIII's reign, both within the court and at the Morland estate. 

Having bypassed the first novel in this series, I was curious at to whether or not I would be missing some important background information about the Morlands. Thankfully, after reading the first few chapters, I found myself quite at ease with the family history and could feel the plights of the current generation with great understanding.

This novel was a bit up and down with its intensity. Most of the book was a steady flow of events that did not seem to have much purpose, but there were a few moments of great drama and shock which kept the book interesting. Knowing Tudor history quite well, I was surprised that Nanette's life at court seemed to be rather dull. If the chaotic times of King Henry VIII's reign would have been used a bit more, I think it would have helped make the novel move at a faster pace and increased the plots intrigue.

Overall, this lengthy book captured my attention just enough to entice me to pursue the series further. I would suggest this book to someone who may not know a lot about Tudor England and want's a preview of the turbulent reign of King Henry VIII.

FTC: I received this book from the publisher. As always, these are my own honest opinions.

Another Colorwork Book Review

Elizabeth Lovick's A Fair Isle Workbook is available in ebook form. I bought my copy HERE on Etsy for $20. (Also, for $32 you can buy her Knitting Fair Isle CD-rom which includes the Fair Isle Workbook and her pattern for the Upper Leogh jacket.)

I absolutely love this book; it is like going on a tour of the world of Fair Isle knitting with frequent stops to meet some of the famous commercial and hobby knitters of the area. The ebook is 124 pages jam-packed with 350 great color photos. Elizabeth runs the Northern Lace web site where she sells her patterns, ebooks, and hand-dyed yarn from sheep on Orkney Island. She can be found as northernlace on Ravelry and she also hosts spinning, dying and knitting workshops from her home and studio on the island of South Ronaldsy . Elizabeth is certainly working overtime to teach us about the fiber traditions of her part of the world.

Although the term Fair Isle is used now to mean pretty much anything and everything (I once saw a print ad that used the term for a one-color per row striped sweater), traditional Fair Isle is a specific type of stranded color knitting. Usually Shetland wool yarn is used although Elizabeth tells us that the earliest known sample of Fair Isle knitting was actually done in silk. Silk!!!! Now I won't rest until I try using silk for colorwork. In her list of web and print references, she reviews most of the known resources and states her For and Against opinions of most books on the subject. I found a couple of things she had to say in her reviews of the books very interesting indeed. Also interesting is that she maintains steeks were NOT used by any of the Shetland knitters she interviewed and that the knitters stated that their mothers and grandmothers never used them either. So steeks are used now in Fair Isle sweaters but she doesn't think they are traditional.

The book includes a wealth of technique information, including a great section on fixing mistakes, a section on choosing colors, and probably the best history of Fair Isle knitting I've ever read (and I own most of the Fair Isle books in her bibliography). She distinguishes between "Shetland Fair Isle" (larger patterns and influences from Norwegian star designs) and "Fair Isle Fair Isle"(smaller patterns usually of the XOXO variety) and "Orkney Fair Isle" (a
combo of both). The section on commercial Fair Isle knitting today shows several knitters with the items they knit and sell. The book includes a 144 st Master Class that can be used for various hand-knit items,  a pattern for small Fair Isle bags knit in fingering weight yarn, and a pattern for a Fair Isle Ha'af Cap and Beanie.

Throughout the book she repeats the mantra, "Do what you are comfortable with. Take notice of what others do only when it suits you. There are no knitting police." If you are at all interested in real Fair Isle and the traditions, check out this book. And if you are lucky enough to be planning a fiber trip to the area, definitely purchase it.

Colorwork Book Review

NORWEGIAN PATTERNS FOR KNITTING: Classic Sweaters, Hats, Vests, and Mittens, by Mette N. Handberg

(NOTE: I'm loading larger photos into Blogger now so if you would like to see larger versions of any of these photos, just click on the photo. )

If you are familiar with Dale of Norway's stranded knitting patterns, you are probably familiar with Mette N. Handberg's work. She designed the famous Dale polar bear sweater and also the foxes sweater. She is truly a colorwork goddess. To see some of her previous designs on Ravelry, go HERE. I knit a lovely Dale cardigan designed by her.

The book includes sweaters and vests for men and women plus some hats and mittens and wristwarmers. Each pattern is rated for difficulty. The back cover say there are techniques from Bergen, Trondheim, West Norway and Selbu. The author is a native of West Norway and the hat and wrist warmers shown above use embellishment techniques common in that area.

There is a short section on techniques where she discusses sweater construction and a separate section on correcting small problems and mistakes. There might be a bit of a language barrier here as I'm not always sure what she means. For instance, in the "patterns don't match at the sides" entry she says "The yarn is twisted and the piece biases as you knit. It is not good enough to lay the garment flat, machine-stitch, and cut. Make sure the side stitches match precisely." I guess she is talking about the stitches not matching up in a steeked cardigan front??

This moose sweater is my favorite pattern in the book.

She occasionally uses some low-contrast yarns in the book which I haven't encountered that much in Nordic designs - check out this sweater. I didn't even realize it was stranded all over on first glance. I do love all the red she uses in this book.

I'm so happy I bought this book. I wish there were more stranded designs (there are also some simple stockinette and textured designs) but the ones that are included are really beautiful. I have to make the pop-up glove/mittens seen below.

ETA: An eagle-eyed knitter on Ravelry's Dale of Norway group noticed that four of the charts in this book extend over the center page fold. There might be issues with  photocopying or enlarging or even reading the charts accurately without harming the book's spine.

Book Review: The Brothers of Gwynedd by Edith Pargeter (Book One ~ Sunrise in the West)

Synopsis: (From the Publisher)
A Burning Desire for One Country, One Love, and One Legacy That Will Last Forever.

Llewelyn, prince of Gwynedd, dreams of a Wales united against the English, but first he must combat enemies nearer home. Llewelyn and his brothers—Owen Goch, Rhodri, and David—vie for power among themselves and with the English king, Henry III. Despite the support of his beloved wife, Eleanor, Llewelyn finds himself trapped in a situation where the only solution could be his very downfall...

Originally published in England as four individual novels, The Brothers of Gwyneddtransports you to a world of chivalry, gallant heroes, and imprisoned damsels; to star-crossed lovers and glorious battle scenes; and is Edith Pargeter’s absorbing tale of tragedy, traitors, and triumph of the heart.

My Review:

I am pleased to be apart of this "Summer Reading Group" that been so thoughtfully put together by Sourcebooks. Our feature book for this group is, The Brothers of Gwynedd, A Quartet by Edith Pargeter. Since the book was originally published as four separate books, we will be reviewing one book a month throughout the summer!

Book One, Sunrise in the West, focused on setting the stage for what looks to be a tale of turmoil, passion and treachery. Told from the perspective of Samson, a man with strong connections to the Gwynedd brothers, we learn who is who and the ambitions of those in power. 

At a very young age, it seems Samson is connected to Llewelyn, son of the great prince, in a vast amount of ways. These two friends are torn apart during their youths and sent their separate ways, only to find one another again by random twists of fate. Now as a grown man, Samson gives his loyalty to Llewelyn and follows him through every battle and hardship. 

As the Gwynedd brothers are set against each other, driven by greed and ambition, Wales is constantly at war with itself. After years of upheaval and uncertainty, Llewelyn accepts his brothers vow of fealty, but can a brother so easily turned be trusted completely? With England now a cretin threat to the Welsh dominance, sides must be chosen and a rightful leader crowned. Can these brothers of Gwynedd come together for the good of their country or will their actions bring everyone a grim demise...

I am very glad that The Brothers of Gwynedd is broken down into four separate books; it will definitely allow for an easier reading experience. The first 40 pages mostly focused on describing the relationships between everyone, which made for a slow and at times confusing beginning; the authors writing style probably did not help this. Once the story began to focus more on the brothers of Gwynedd, I found myself much more engaged with the story. With this first book only being 186 pages, it provided plenty of treachery and intricate plots. I think this book definitely set the stage for the next one, and I am looking forward to reading what happens next with these dramatic Welsh brothers. 

A Little Extra:

Here are the links to everyone else participating in the Summer Reading Group! 

May 17th Reviews
The Burton Review http://www.theburtonreview.com/
The Bibliophilic Book Blog http://www.bibliophilicbookblog.com/
Rundpinne http://www.rundpinne.com/
A Reader's Respite http://readersrespite.blogspot.com/
History Undressed http://www.historyundressed.blogspot.com/
Linda Banche Blog http://lindabanche.blogspot.com/
A Hoyden's Look at Literature http://caramellunacy.blogspot.com/
Renee's Reads http://theroyalreviews.blogspot.com/
May 18 Reviews
Between the Pages http://www.betweenthelinesandmore.blogspot.com/
The Broken Teepee http://www.brokenteepee.blogspot.com/
Books and Coffee http://bookswithcoffee.wordpress.com/
Book Girl of Mur-y-Castell http://books-forlife.blogspot.com/
Tanzanite's Shelf and Stuff http://shelfandstuff.blogspot.com/
Passages to the Past http://www.passagestothepast.com/
The Book Faery http://tbfreviews.net/
A Girl Walks Into a Bookstore http://agirlwalksintoabookstore.blogspot.com/
Martha's Bookshelf http://marthasbookshelf.blogspot.com/
May 19 Reviews
Beth Fish http://bfishreads.blogspot.com/
Deb's Book Bag http://debsbookbag.blogspot.com/
Book Tumbling http://booktumbling.com/
A Work in Progress http://danitorres.typepad.com/workinprogress/
Stiletto Storytime http://www.stilettostorytime.wordpress.com/
Queen of Happy Endings http://alainereading.blogspot.com/
May 20 Reviews
The Literate Housewife http://literatehousewife.com/
Reading Adventures http://readingadventures.blogspot.com/
Books Like Breathing http://bibliophile23.wordpress.com/

Kailana's Written World http://myreadingbooks.blogspot.com/
Confessions and Ramblings of a Muse in the Fog http://muse-in-the-fog.blogspot.com/
Wendy's Minding Spot http://mindingspot.blogspot.com/
Mrs. Q Book Addict http://web.me.com/quirion
The Life and Lies of a Flying Inanimate Object http://www.haleymathiot.blogspot.com/
Starting Fresh http://startingfresh-gaby317.blogspot.com/
May 21 Reviews
Loving Heart Mommy http://www.lovingheartmommy.com/
Peeking Between the Pages http://peekingbetweenthepages.blogspot.com/
Celtic Lady's Ramblings http://celticladysreviews.blogspot.com/
Bookfoolery http://bookfoolery.blogspot.com/
One Literature Nut http://mjmbecky.blogspot.com/
The Book Tree http://thebooktree.blogspot.com/
My Reading Room http://myreadingroom-crystal.blogspot.com/
May 23 Reviews
Carla Nayland's Blog http://www.carlanayland.org/index.shtm/