Thank you for visiting Layered Pages! I’m currently on holiday. I will be back soon with more exciting content and regular scheduled posts! -Stephanie
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Monthly Archives: February 2020
Cover Crush: The Arctic Fury by Greer Macallister
My thoughts on the cover and my overall impression about my first glimpse of the story description:
I haven’t read a review copy of this book but one can tell the cover is fitting for the story. Shall we begin? I spotted the cover release on twitter, made a mad dash to the author’s website, went over to goodreads to add the book to my to-read list, then headed on over-quickly-to NetGalley to see if they picked it up. Much to my dismay, there are not review copies available on that site. Sigh. One can only hope at this point…
The Cover:
Oh let me count the ways…the graphics aren’t extraordinary BUT the arctic scene, a 19th Century women in the depths of arctic land, the hues of the layout, the manner of the Lady’s dress, and the title jumping out right at you? Yes, please!
The Premise:
A 19th century female leading a party of women into the wild? Not only that but who these women are and their skills makes it all the more interesting!
A year after the expedition Virginia Reeve is on trial and murder is involved? Okay, I must know what happens! I must read about these women. There are alternating timelines to this story and those tend to be my favorite style of writing. Will the author hold her reader’s attention with this story? I aim to find out! -Stephanie
The Arctic FuryIn early 1853, experienced California Trail guide Virginia Reeve is summoned to Boston by a mysterious benefactor who offers her a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: lead a party of 12 women into the wild, hazardous Arctic to search for the lost Franklin Expedition. It’s an extraordinary request, but the party is made up of extraordinary women: mountaineers and battlefield nurses, interpreters and journalists, other adventurers. Each brings her own strengths and skills to the expedition–and her own unsettling secrets.
A year and a half later, back in Boston, Virginia is on trial for her life, accompanied by only five survivors. Represented by an incompetent attorney, persecuted by the rich parents of her supposed victim, and desperate to keep her own secrets, Virginia believes her trial is unwinnable. Told in alternating timelines that follow both the sensational murder trial in Boston and the dangerous, deadly progress of the women’s expedition into the frozen North, this heart-pounding story will hold readers rapt as a chorus of voices answer the trial’s all-consuming question: what happened out there on the ice?
Last week’s Cover Crush
Cover Crush is a weekly series that originated by Erin at Historical Fiction Reader
Other book bloggers who participated in the great cover crushes series.
Magdalena at A Bookaholic Swede
Colleen at A Literary Vacation
Heather at The Maiden’s Court
Holly at 2 Kids and Tired
(All book reviews, interviews, guest posts, art work and promotions are originals. In order to use any text or pictures from Layered Pages, please ask for permission from Stephanie.)
Be Still My Heart: The Jane Austen Society by Natalie Jenner
Early on in the month I was approved of an (ARC) The Jane Austen Society
by Natalie Jenner from St. Martin Press through NetGalley. My first thoughts were, “How glorious the title was, the premise, Jane Austen, the cover, debut novel, new author I haven’t read, memorable characters, new beginnings, and strong literature. Maybe not all in that order but Jane Austen fans get me. I began my journey back into Jane Austen’s world last night and much to my surprise, even at the early stages of the story, I’m completely and madly in love with the what I’ve read, and a few characters thus far. How can this unknown writer- to me- capture my heart so quickly? These days, it is extremely hard to hold my interest in stories.
I can tell that Jenner knows her stuff, as my Grandmother would to say. It’s as if Jenner knows Jane Austen’s mind and heart. As if she has had an engrossing conversation with Austen about her characters motives and emotions. I felt a kinship to the story and two of the characters in the first scene.
Now my evenings can’t come fast enough to lose myself in the world of Jane Austen and the people who live in the town of Austen’s final home and connection the Great House and over a hundred years later after her death. May this story continue to capture my undivided attention. Right now, I have no doubt. -Stephanie
The Jane Austen Society
by Natalie Jenner
St. Martin’s Press
General Fiction (Adult), Historical Fiction
Pub Date 26 May 2020
Description
One hundred and fifty years ago, Chawton was the final home of Jane Austen, one of England’s finest novelists. Now it’s home to a few distant relatives and their diminishing estate. With the last bit of Austen’s legacy threatened, a group of disparate individuals come together to preserve both Jane Austen’s home and her legacy. These people—a laborer, a young widow, the local doctor, and a movie star, among others—could not be more different and yet they are united in their love for the works and words of Austen. As each of them endures their own quiet struggle with loss and trauma, some from the recent war, others from more distant tragedies, they rally together to create the Jane Austen Society.
A powerful and moving novel that explores the tragedies and triumphs of life, both large and small, and the universal humanity in us all, The Jane Austen Society is destined to resonate with readers for years to come.
Button Personification
Pam at The Paper Outpost put her Facebook group members to task on a weekly challenge of Button Beautification!! The challenge is to take your buttons and paper, paint, stamp or whatever you come up with on the buttons. If you’re a crafter, chances are you have hundreds if not thousands of buttons on hand to play with. Watch out because this fun craft is highly addictive!
If you are not familiar with Pam, check out her YouTube channel HERE. Not only will you want to binge watch her videos but you will be charmed by her witty and free spirit personality in crafting and overall cool attitude.
Here is the first set of buttons I made the other day ago. I have made a few more but they are going to be making a featured appearance later on.
You can also find Pam at:
Etsy /Twitter/Instagram/Pinterest
Today I leave you with inspiration from one of my favorite American President quotes! -Stephanie
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(Images may be subjected to copyright. All book reviews, interviews, guest posts, art work and promotions are originals. In order to use any text or pictures from Layered Pages, please ask for permission from Stephanie.)
Journaling Life: Finding Your Inspiration
A special dedication to fellow blogger Lisl. A friend whose mutual love and passion for journaling, the classics, vintage, and the deep understanding for upcycling and the simple things in life.
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“Jo’s eyes sparkled, for it’s always pleasant to be believed in, and a friend’s praise is always sweeter than a dozen newspaper puffs.”-Louisa May Alcott
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Recently I sent Lisl a package of mixed media goodness to help her grow her stash for her journey in making lasting memories. It wasn’t long ago that we discovered we both had a love for journaling. A connection that we weren’t aware of having known each other for years! To both of our delight, we found our kindred spirit hearts and so began our joy in sharing each other’s journey.
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“Have regular hours for work and play; make each day both useful and pleasant, and prove that you understand the worth of time by employing it well. Then youth will bring few regrets, and life will become a beautiful success.”- Louisa May Alcott
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Lisl asked me if I had ever watched Little Women or had seen the movie. I had on both scores and matter of fact, I read the book as a child and had seen the original adaptation several times growing up. If I remember correctly, it was more a favorite of my sisters’ than mine but nonetheless, I have fond thoughts of the story. My daughter has recently discovered Little Women by seeing the new movie and loves the story!
This past weekend, I was talking to Lisl about my dismay in people dismantling vintage books to make their junk journals. Her personal sentiments are the same as mine and she told me about a scene in the new Little Women movie where Jo’s book is being printed and it shows the old process of book making. That scene in itself explains so much of why I can’t bring myself to dismantle a perfectly intact vintage book. I hope you take the time to watch the scene HERE.
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“Jo had learned that hearts, like flowers, cannot be rudely handled, but must open naturally.”- Louisa May Alcott
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I hope you please take the time to read Lisl’s beautiful and heartfelt piece about Journaling Life: Little Women Edition.
We hope our love for the old arts and the simpler things in life extends to you, our dear readers. Many Blessing to you and yours. -Stephanie
Weekend Review
Good morning, everyone! I hope you all had a beautiful weekend! I made a video last night on how to get started on junk journals and using materials to create pages you probably already have around your home. The link to the video is here and I caution you, it is unedited. Ha! I’m still learning filming and I am using my old phone to do so.
Also, I woke up this morning, fixed a cup of coffee and did a little morning video with no make-up, hair not done up and its complete realism. You can check that out here
I wanted to share a few weekend highlights with y’all besides the videos. I made a few master boards, altered play cards for journal tags, chilled out with Hal Girl while watching Netflix, and I picked up a couple of important things at the dollar three that every mixed media artist should have close by. In the near future I will be doing a blog post on items you can buy at the Dollar Tree to use for all your mixed media projects. Many of you will be surprised how much you can use from that store! -Stephanie
I leave you with my favorite a poem by Robert Frost.
The Road Not Taken
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
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(Images may be subjected to copyright. All book reviews, interviews, guest posts, art work and promotions are originals. In order to use any text or pictures from Layered Pages, please ask for permission from Stephanie.)
Saturday Sunday: Recording Family History
Last night I started a new junk journal and worked on two pages dedicated to my Father’s Castilian Aunt Nita. She was a dancer and she passed away many years ago. I took the original photo and scanned it to photo shop and printed the photo from there. The Original photo will go into a separate family album. I have always been drawn to this photo and her pose. I wish I had known her because as my father and I were discussing her, I could tell by his voice that she was an extraordinary woman.
I made a brief video on a painting technique I did on the pages. I hope you check it out. I posted it on my Layered Pages Facebook Page HERE. When I get a tripod for my phone, I will be able to film step by step the techniques I use. When painting on book pages, you need to glue at least three pages together to add the thickness for the paint and other mediums you apply. There are several layers involved and your pages need to be strong. This journal has three signatures and I will have ten or twelve pages per signature. That is all you really want to have because of the thickness that your pages will be once completed. When you tear out pages be sure to reuse them in your journal. Any left overs will be great to up-cycle for other projects. There are a couple other art projects I worked on this week that I was going to show more of today and discuss how I made them and the end result of the work, but I think I will blog about that next week. If you have any questions on how to start a junk journal, please don’t hesitate to ask me. There are so many ways and I would be delighted to help you find what works best for you. You don’t need any fancy materials to do so. You’ll be amazed what you can use around your home to make all sorts of mixed media projects and journals. I hope you all have a blessed weekend and see you on Monday. -Stephanie
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(Images may be subjected to copyright. All book reviews, interviews, guest posts, art work and promotions are originals. In order to use any text or pictures from Layered Pages, please ask for permission from Stephanie.)
A History Glance Of The First Valentine’s
In America before the mid 1800’s Valentine’s Cards were handmade including real lace, ribbons and what-not. If you do a little research, you’ll find all sorts of stunning handmade vintage cards online. Maybe you even have one passed down to you.
Then the whole mass production of card making by machines came about towards the end of the 19th century and they arrive in abundance to retail stores making Valentine’s Day- most likely- the biggest card selling day of the year.
Lets back track a little to an earlier time in history. Valentine’s Day goes way back to even the Roman times, but who knows, maybe even earlier.
Did you know that British Library in London houses the oldest known to us humans, surviving Valentines? From what I learned it is a poem composed in French in 1415 by Charles Duke of Orleans to his wife, which he sent while imprisoned in the Tower of London. Wow, now that is some Valentine’s card! Can you imagine? Then again, it is said that Saint Valentine himself actually sent the first valentine so who really knows. The important thing to remember is that the tradition of expressing one’s special greetings and love is a really old affair.
Let’s get back to card making, shall we? This year I decided I wanted to make a few Valentine Cards with the focus of personalizing each one and blending my style with what I know each persons’ interest. What fun that was and I want to encourage people to consider making your Valentine’s to love ones and friends. They are much more appreciated and from the heart. They also carry on the traditions of the old arts and give you a sense of calmness and a moment of slowing down in this fast-paced world we live in. Happy Valentine’s Day! -Stephanie
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“No copyright on images infringement is intended” Used for blogging about history purpose only.
(Images may be subjected to copyright. All book reviews, interviews, guest posts, art work and promotions are originals. In order to use any text or pictures from Layered Pages, please ask for permission from Stephanie.)
Cover Crush: Veiled in Smoke (The Windy City Saga #1) by Jocelyn Green
My thoughts on the cover and my overall impression about my first glimpse of the story description:
The Cover first caught my attention and as I read the book description, I became even more interested in the over all presentation of the book. This story is written in the era I’m highly interested in our American History. Of course, when there is a bookshop mentioned, there is no question that I want to read the story ASAP!
The cover really speaks for itself and clearly shows that there is a fire sweeping a city with the imagery of smoke. Not only that but the title speaks volumes on that score. The ladies dress is absolutely stunning and her facing the smoke filled city is quite atmosphereic! I’m rating this book cover five stars! -Stephanie
Veiled in Smoke
(The Windy City Saga #1)
by Jocelyn Green
Paperback, 416 pages
Published February 4th 2020 by Bethany House Publishers
Meg and Sylvie Townsend manage the family bookshop and care for their father, Stephen, a veteran still suffering in mind and spirit from his time as a POW during the Civil War. But when the Great Fire sweeps through Chicago’s business district, they lose much more than just their store.
The sisters become separated from their father, and after Meg burns her hands in an attempt to save a family heirloom, they make a harrowing escape from the flames with the help of Chicago Tribune reporter Nate Pierce. Once the smoke clears away, they reunite with Stephen, only to learn soon after that their family friend not only died during the fire–he was murdered. Even more shocking, Stephen is charged with the crime and committed to the Cook County Insane Asylum.
Though homeless, injured, and suddenly unemployed, Meg must not only gather the pieces of her shattered life, but prove her father’s innocence before the asylum truly drives him mad.
Available for request on NetGalley
Last week’s Cover Crush
Cover Crush is a weekly series that originated by Erin at Historical Fiction Reader
Other book bloggers who participated in the great cover crushes series.
Magdalena at A Bookaholic Swede
Colleen at A Literary Vacation
Heather at The Maiden’s Court
Holly at 2 Kids and Tired
(All book reviews, interviews, guest posts, art work and promotions are originals. In order to use any text or pictures from Layered Pages, please ask for permission from Stephanie.)
Advance Readers Copy Approved!
I’m seeing quite a few of particular hues in book covers this year. I love it and St. Martin Press and NetGalley approved me for an ARC (Advance Reader Copy) of The Jane Austen Society!! I am thrilled to no need! I will be starting with this one right after I finish Finding Dora Maar.
I’ve also acquired an ARC of The Indigo Ghosts by Alys Clare by NetGalley and Severn House Publishers. The premise sounds fantastic! Check it out below and let me know what you think. I adore both covers!
I have been in a reading/reviewing slump for a while and these new ARC’s will really help, I think. I am so thankful for the publishers’ for not giving up on me! I hope you all are having a wonderful week and happy reading! -Stephanie
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The Jane Austen Society
by Natalie Jenner
St. Martin’s Press
General Fiction (Adult), Historical Fiction
Pub Date 26 May 2020
Description
“Fans of The Chilbury Ladies’ Choir and The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society will adore The Jane Austen Society… A charming and memorable debut, which reminds us of the universal language of literature and the power of books to unite and heal.” —Pam Jenoff, New York Times bestselling author of The Lost Girls of Paris
Just after the Second World War, in the small English village of Chawton, an unusual but like-minded group of people band together to attempt something remarkable.
One hundred and fifty years ago, Chawton was the final home of Jane Austen, one of England’s finest novelists. Now it’s home to a few distant relatives and their diminishing estate. With the last bit of Austen’s legacy threatened, a group of disparate individuals come together to preserve both Jane Austen’s home and her legacy. These people—a laborer, a young widow, the local doctor, and a movie star, among others—could not be more different and yet they are united in their love for the works and words of Austen. As each of them endures their own quiet struggle with loss and trauma, some from the recent war, others from more distant tragedies, they rally together to create the Jane Austen Society.
A powerful and moving novel that explores the tragedies and triumphs of life, both large and small, and the universal humanity in us all, The Jane Austen Society is destined to resonate with readers for years to come.
The Indigo Ghosts
by Alys Clare
Severn House Publishers
Historical Fiction, Mystery & Thrillers
Pub Date 02 Jun 2020
Description
In this gripping forensic mystery set in Stuart England, Gabriel Taverner uncovers a series of shocking secrets when he’s summoned by his former naval captain to investigate strange goings-on aboard his ship.
October, 1604. Former ship’s surgeon turned country physician Gabriel Taverner is surprised to receive an urgent summons from his old naval captain. Now docked in Plymouth harbour, having recently returned from the Caribbean, Captain Colt believes his ship is haunted by an evil spirit, and has asked Gabriel to investigate.
Dismissive of the crew’s wild talk of mysterious blue-skinned ghosts, Gabriel is convinced there must be a rational explanation behind the mass hallucinations. But matters take a disturbing turn when he and the captain discover a body hidden behind one of the bulkheads. Calling on the help of his old friend, Coroner Theophilus Davey, piece by piece Gabriel uncovers a terrifying tale of treachery, dark magic, unimaginable cruelty – and cold-blooded murder.
Layered Pages 