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: 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: 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: The Highest Stakes by Emery Lee

Synopsis: (From the Publisher)

The breathtaking origins of thoroughbred horse racing
A tale of drama, danger, thwarted love, and retribution set in the high stakes gentleman's world of 18th century horse racing, where fortunes could be won... and lost...
She's lonely and neglected, but she knows horses...
Charlotte Wallace is orphaned and alone until a sympathetic stable boy takes her under his wing and teaches her everything about thoroughbred racing. In the process, the two discover in each other a love destined to be thwarted at every turn...
If only he could, he'd take her away with him forever...
Robert Devington has tried everything to persuade Charlotte's uncle to allow them to marry. Then an ill-fated friendship, a scandal in the making, and one desperate act of folly rob them of their love and his livelihood... Dead set on retribution, all Robert's hopes are hanging on one small horse-his only chance to reclaim his land, his dignity, and his love, against all odds...

My Review:

Robert Devington, a groom in Sir Garfield service, has a passion for racing horses and an even grater passion for Sir Garfield's niece, Charlotte Wallace. Robert constantly petitions Sir Garfield for Charlotte's hand in marriage but to no avail. No matter how hard Robert tries to make himself worthy, he is always viewed as a lowly stable boy of no consequence. As a young man with no prospects, he must find his own way in life in order to gain favor with Sir Garfield and convince him that he is the best man for Charlotte...

After forging his way in life, Robert returns home decorated as a hero of war and Captain of the Horse Guard. With a hopeful heart, he seeks out Sir Garfield in another attempt for Charlotte. Unfortunately, Roberts hopes are dashed when he learns that Sir Garfield has his own selfish plans for Charlotte's future...

Charlotte and Robert are desperately in love and are determined to find a way to be together. Forgoing all consequences they embark on a plan, that if successful, will give them the future they dream of. Just when they can finally see the finish line to their problems, disaster strikes. With an unthinkable betrayal, self-fish actions and threats of death, Robert and Charlotte's path to happiness is more treacherous then ever...

With The Highest Stakes, Emery Lee has given the reader a highly detailed and researched plot. While reading this novel, there was never a time when I knew what was going to happen next. Unexpected twists kept you guessing until the very last page. There are just a couple small issues I had with the book, the first being the times when writing became a little dry with the abundant equestrian detail. The detail of the horse racing was great, it was just the history and lineage of horses that became a little overdone. That being said, any of the dry moments were quickly forgotten when the intricate plot became intense. Also, I felt the end was a little abrupt. I did love the outcome, but after such a long and intense journey to reach happiness, the ending was pale in comparison. Overall, this is an enjoyable and intriguing read that will keep the readers attention through it's 500+ pages. 

A Little Extra:

 Be sure to read the enlightening guest post by Emery Lee: 

The Sport of Kings from Genesis to Zenith.

Book Review: The Secret of the Glass by Donna Russo Morin

Synopsis: (From the Publisher)

The Murano glassmakers of Venice are celebrated and revered. But now three are dead, killed for attempting to leave the city that both prized their work and kept them prisoner. For in this, the 17th century, the secret of their craft must, by law, never leave Venetian shores. Yet there is someone who keeps the secret while defying tradition. She is Sophia Fiolario, and she, too, is a glassmaker. Her crime is being a woman...

Sophia is well aware that her family would be crushed by scandal if the truth of her knowledge and skill with glass were revealed. But there has never been any threat...until now. A wealthy nobleman with strong connections to the powerful Doge has requested her hand in marriage, and her refusal could draw dangerous attention. Yet having to accept and cease her art would devastate her. If there is an escape, Sophia intends to find it.

Now, between creating precious glass parts for one of Professor Galileo Galilei's astonishing inventions and attending lavish parties at the Doge's Palace, Sophia is crossing paths with very influential people—including one who could change her life forever. But in Venice, every secret has its price. And Sophia must decide how much she is willing to pay.

My Review:

Sophia Fiolario is the eldest daughter of the most prominent glass making family in Murano and since she is the eldest, it is her duty to be married off while her sisters join a convent. Although this is the custom, Sophia has other ideas in mind for her future and declines a number of marriage proposals. Sophia loves the life she leads with her family and enjoys pursuing her passion for creating some of the most beautiful glass Murano produces. Of course no one, except her father, knows that Sophia is the true master behind the beautiful glass that is produced from their family factory. If anyone were to discover the truth about Sophia there would be devastating consequences; the secret of the glass is a very dangerous secret for a woman to posses...

The perfect life Sophia has long been accustomed to with her family is suddenly threated by chaos and tragedy. Sophia soon finds herself engaged to the nobleman, Pasquale da Fuligna, who obviously has no desire  in even attempting to be cordial to his finance'. She soon learns what his motives are in marrying her and what fate awaits her once they do marry. Sophia is determined to find a way out of the desperate situation she finds herself in and is convinced that Pasquale holds a dark secret that could set her free. As Sophia tries tries to discover Pasquale's secret, she realizes that her own dangerous secret is on the brink of being discovered...

Even though Sophia's world becomes as fragile as the glass she creates, she will stop at nothing to save her family from ruin, embrace a love that knows no bounds and above all protect the secret of the glass...

The Secret of the Glass was a book full of exquisite detail. From describing how the glass was made to the beautiful gondola rides on the river, Venice came alive with the authors writing skills. The beginning was a bit slow but after a quarter of the way through, the plot gained momentum and you never knew where it was going to take you next. An unexpected twist at the end was also a wonderful delight. There were just a couple qualms I had with this book. First, the amount of Italian words was overdone. The bulk of this was found in the beginning, causing it to be a bit choppy which is probably why it seemed like a slow start. Another issue is how the book ended; everything seemed to come to an abrupt halt. It lacked a sense of closure, especially for Sophia and Teodoro, whos love story was so beautifully written. Of course I was quite happy with how their story turned out; I just would have liked to have a bit more written instead of left to the imagination. Overall this was an enjoyable and fast read and I am definitely looking forward to the Donna Russo Morin's next novel which has a current release date of March 2011.

A little extra:

If you have not checked it out yet, HFBRT just finished up a great event for The Secret of the Glass. They had some wonderful creative posts, reviews, and interviews with the author Donna Russo Morin! You can find links to everything the event entailed at their website: Historical Fiction Bloggers Round Table.

To learn more about Donna Russo Morin and her novels, visit her website at: donnarussomorin.com

Book Review: Darcy's Story by Janet Aylmer

Synopsis: (From the Publisher)

When Elizabeth Bennet first met Mr. Darcy, she found him proud, distant, and rude—despite the other ladies' admiration of his estate in Derbyshire and ten thousand pounds a year. But what was Mr. Darcy thinking?
Jane Austen's classic Pride and Prejudice has long stood among the most beloved novels of all time. The story of Elizabeth Bennet's blossoming romance with "haughty, reserved, and fastidious" Fitzwilliam Darcy has enchanted readers for nearly two centuries. Yet, Mr. Darcy has always remained an intriguing enigma—his thoughts, feelings, and motivations hidden behind a cold, impenetrable exterior . . . until now.
With the utmost respect for Austen's original masterwork, author Janet Aylmer loving retells Pride and Prejudice from a bold new perspective: seeing events as they transpire through the eyes of Darcy himself. One of world's great love stories takes on breathtaking new life, and one of fiction's greatest romantic heroes becomes even more sympathetic, compelling, attractive, and accessible, all through the imagination and artistry of a truly gifted storyteller.

My Review:
  
Mr. Darcy, a man who is believed to be arrogant and reserved at first appearance, becomes a complex and passionate being as he tells his side of the story.

The story begins just before the unfortunate event of Georgiana being deceived by the horrible Mr. Wickham. Holding true to the events of Miss Austen's breathtaking romance, we follow Darcy through the story seeing things from a new perspective. For instance, every time Miss Caroline Bingley is condescending toward Miss Elizabeth Bennett, Darcy is quite annoyed and toward the end wishes not to be in her company any longer. Though he does not vocalize this opinion, we have the benefit of knowing his thoughts since the story is about him. Darcy's character becomes more complex as the story unfolds, his struggle with himself and his character gives the reader a chance to develop a new feeling for Darcy.

This book was an easy and enjoyable read. I was surprised how closely this book followed Pride and Prejudice. There were may times, during conversations between Darcy and Elizabeth, that the wording was almost the same as the original. Since it followed the story so closely it was easy to like the book, and seeing a more personal side of Darcy was nice too. After reading it though, I think I should go read Pride and Prejudice again, it's been a long time since I have and I feel like I have just missed out on half the story!