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Book Review: In the Shadows of the Mosquito Constellation by Jennifer Ellis

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In the shadows

In a world torn apart by economic collapse, Natalie and her husband Richard establish an island of relative safety on a communal farm. Death—by starvation, raiders, and sickness—stalks them daily, and their survival hinges on working together for the common good. But in a lawless land with no shortage of suffering, good is a malleable concept.

As the constant grind of survival and the frictions of farm politics expose the rifts in Natalie and Richard’s marriage, Natalie finds herself seeking refuge in the company of Richard’s twin, Daniel, a solitary man with little interest in politics.

In the face of ongoing external threats and simmering internal divisions, Natalie, Richard, and Daniel must each map the boundaries of their own loyalties and morality. In the Shadows of the Mosquito Constellation is a story of adventure, politics, and love in a brave new world where the rules have both changed, and stayed the same.

My thoughts:

I generally do not read apocalyptic stories. In the Shadows of the Mosquito Constellation captured my attention immediately. I’m pretty sure it was the cover art and then as I read the book description, I was fascinated with the concept of establishing life on a communal farm.

What makes this book believable is the economic collapse that happens in this story. It is all to real that food, gas and water could be sparse and lawlessness of nations could take place.

The story starts a bit slow but you could feel the tension growing. The shifting conflicts between the scenes was overwhelming at times but gave a clear picture of the hardships the people endured and their struggle for survival. Their inner strengths and even the smallest choices they made could have the biggest impact on their lives and everyone around them.

Natalie and Richard’s relationship was interesting to read about. They are married and opened their farm to establish a safe haven-if you will.

Richard is a politician, a typical one at that. Before the doom he would scoff at Natalie’s predictions and felt she worries too much. Well, when her predictions become reality, he takes the opportunity to take advantage of the situation and for the most part, for his own power and gain. He drips in total narcissism.

Natalie is pragmatic and has an admirable inner strength and Richard knows this and needs these qualities for a partner. I really liked the characterization of these two the most. Though at times I wanted to throttle both of them. For different reasons-of course. I think you will be interested in how their relationship turns out.

The author did a splendid job on in the exploration of humanity under these dire and abnormal conflicts. She shows us consequences and reactions the characters make in an extreme environment. Nicely done and I look forward to more stories by this author.

I have rated this book four stars.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Stephanie M. Hopkins

Book Review: The Serpent Sword by Matthew Harffy

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The Serpent Sword Cover

BRITAIN 633 A.D. Certain that his brother’s death is murder, young farmhand Beobrand embarks on a quest for revenge in war-torn Northumbria. When he witnesses barbaric acts at the hands of warriors he considers his friends, Beobrand questions his chosen path and vows to bring the men to justice. Relentless in pursuit of his enemies, Beobrand faces challenges that change him irrevocably. Just as a great sword is forged by beating together rods of iron, so his adversities transform him from a farm boy to a man who stands strong in the clamour and gore of the shieldwall. As he closes in on his kin’s slayer and the bodies begin to pile up, can Beobrand mete out the vengeance he craves without sacrificing his own honour … or even his soul? 

My thoughts:

Seventh Century Britain has been a deep fascination for me of late and there are few authors who write about this period-in my opinion-that really draws me in. Three comes to mind and Matthew Harffy is one of them. The setting in this story is Northumbria and it is made up of two Kingdoms, Berninia and Deira. I really like those names for some reason. To give you a picture of how small these Kingdoms were, Deira was probably smaller than the county I live in the USA. Civilization at this time was so untamed, wild and dangerous. Savagery was not uncommon. While reading through this book, I couldn’t help but keep thinking that just to survive in a single day in the Dark Ages was a challenge to put it mildly.

In this story, you will find Beobrand’s challenges greater still. What he came against is-what’s the word I’m looking for-brutality more times than not it seemed like. His will to survive and find his brothers killers were extremely courageous and admirable. Especially during those times. You saw him become stronger not only in his resolve to bring justice for his brother but he had to grow up quickly. He really didn’t have a choice. He was a man of conscious and that is often put to the test in this story. One example is when he witnessed violence towards women. Those scenes were hard to read but I felt in this story it was relevant and I was able to get through it. Maybe I was little scathed…

There was a battle in the story that was a significant time in Britain and I really enjoyed reading about it. Matthew has a knack for writing historical events with such imagery and clarity. One can only think he portrayed this as if he was actually there. A sign of a good historical fiction writer is to take the reader to the setting, period and have them believe they’re actually witnessing it for themselves.

This story is a great achievement for a debut and it was well worth investing my time reading. Harffy pursues his writing endeavors with zeal, passion and creativity. So much so, you will be swept away to the Dark Ages. A powerful story, rich with history, conflict, politics, religions of that time, intense situations, danger, powerful characters and historical figures. If you are interested in the Dark Ages or looking for a first read in this period, this book is for you.

Stephanie M. Hopkins

Book Review: Murder in the Queen’s Wardrobe by Kathy Lynn Emerson

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Murder in the Queen Wardrobe

A female spymaster will face mortal danger to protect her husband and her queen. . .

London, 1582: Mistress Rosamond Jaffrey, a talented and well-educated woman of independent means, is recruited by Queen Elizabeth I’s spymaster, Sir Francis Walsingham, to be lady-in-waiting to Lady Mary, a cousin of the queen. With her talent in languages and knowledge of ciphers and codes, she will be integral to the spymaster as an intelligence gatherer, being able to get close to Lady Mary just at the time when she is being courted by Russia’s Ivan the Terrible. However, there are some nobles at court who will do anything they can to thwart such an alliance; and Rosamond soon realises the extent of the danger, when a prominent official is murdered and then an attempt is made on both her and Lady Mary’s lives. In her quest to protect her ward – and her estranged husband – Rosamond must put herself in mortal peril.

**********

Hands down one of the best Historical Mystery Thrillers I have read this year by far. Where do I begin? This story captured my attention from the first page and that is a rare thing indeed. Emerson’s main character, Mistress Rosemond Jaffrey is and extremely educated, independent and strong women of her time. At first I wasn’t sure how her role as lady-in-waiting was going to work in this story but it was brilliantly played. All of the central characters in this story was written strong and even the behind the scene characters play an important role. Often times I read stories where there are characters that don’t add to the story one bit and this is not the case in this one. I don’t often say this because it’s a cliché but I was at the edge of my seat reading this story pretty much the whole time and I got annoyed when people would interrupt me from reading….*laughing*

One of the other things I find extremely important in a story is to leave the reader guessing who done it. Most times I guess the murderer right off the bat and that annoys me to no end. It wasn’t like that for this book. And the title and premise for this story is excellent!

When I read a book I want strong characters, dialogue, plot, setting, and intelligent writing. I found all this in Murder in The Queens Wardrobe. I am patiently waiting for more stories like this from Emerson and I want to read more adventure with Mistress Rosemond Jaffrey. She is my new favorite female character.

Who am I kidding….I hope that the author comes out with another story and soon! Highly recommend!

Stephanie M. Hopkins

Book Review: The Winter Guest by Pam Jenoff

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The Winter Guest by Pam Jenoff

Harlequin MIRA

Pub Date   Aug 26 2014

My thoughts:

Two eighteen year old twin sisters-Helena and Ruth-are living in the mist of war and the Nazi occupation in Poland. Their father dead and their mother in the hospital, they struggle to take care of their younger siblings. Food is sparse and they are in fear of the constant threat of the Nazi’s arresting them or worse. Helena and Ruth couldn’t be more different in personalities. Helena has a daring, and courageous spirit-ventures out to the local village almost every day, to buy food. (A village where children grew up and married and the sons worked the same jobs their fathers did….no one left until the war…. For the daughters, marriage was the best option.) Every time she ventures out it becomes more and more dangerous and she can trust no one….

One day Helena discovers an American Soldier stranded and helps him. He is wounded, needs food and in the constant threat of the Nazis discovering him, she continues to help him. And even more dangerous is that he is a Jew. As she helps him, their relationship grows and her resolve to not abandon him even though she is keeping him a secret from her sister makes their situation more dangerous as Helena and the soldier make plans to flee, taking her family with them.

Ruth taking the role of care-giver to her younger siblings in her mother’s place, clothes them, makes sure they are clean and feeds them with what little they have, all the while longing for a husband and a home of her own (She was the sister that expected to marry). As Ruth discovers Helena’s secret of helping the soldier and sees how her sister feels for this soldier, Ruth becomes jealous and makes an unwise choice and betrays Helena that could put all their lives in danger. The choices that the two sisters make forever changes their lives and changes the course of their families’ future. Without giving too much detail away, I couldn’t help thinking throughout the story if that only Ruth would have realized the importance of her role to her siblings and their survival….would the outcome have been different then it was.

This story touches on several themes that really made an emotional impact. Betrayal and the effects of that, the importance of family, survival, the realities of war, persecution, and love. The author gives vivid and realistic details throughout the story and her flow of speech has you hanging on to every word. This book is one you won’t want to put down and when you are finished reading, you will remember for a long time after.

Stephanie Moore Hopkins

Review: Maggie’s Wars by Phil Pisani

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02_Maggie's WarsPublication Date: November 6, 2013

American Book Incorporated Formats: eBook, Paperback

Genre: Historical Fiction

Combatting wars on two fronts – one of fame and the other love – Maggie Hogan never wavers as a rare woman reporter on the battlefields of World War II, the Nuremburg Trials and the beginnings of the cold war. But she makes the mistake of falling for an officer, complicating her ambitions. Learn of what one woman feels she must do in order to make it in a man’s world, no matter what. Maggie’s Wars is a story about the ultimate battle between love and prestige, and how you can’t win them both.

Review:

I’m going to have to admit when I first started reading this story, I wasn’t sure if it was the right fit for me. I had trouble with Maggie’s personality and was wondering if the author was going to show a softer side to her-she is a bit rough around the edges, so to speak. So for a few days I put the book aside and then picked it up again with a different outlook. Sure enough I did, as I read on. Maggie comes up against a tough crowd. It is a man’s world and she does some not so-ahem-appropriate things-in my opinion- to get what she wants.

As she goes across the sea to the battlefields of World War II to report what was going on over there….my opinion of her changes somewhat. She is outraged of the atrocities she is seeing around her, even by Americans themselves. She is learning the price of war and it is ugly. She is also comes up prejudices against her sex. She goes through a lot of prove her worth as a woman and a reporter.

I found this story to be unique and filled with vivid description of the war and the human conditions of that era. The author certainly has my attention now.

Stephanie Moore Hopkins

Praise for Maggie’s Wars

“Maggie’s Wars is a highly charged story, with power politics on a grand scale…the frighteningly realistic descriptions and technical know-how is right on the mark and Phil Pisani’s skill at painting a vivid scene in the mind’s eye of the reader is excellent and packs a wallop.” -William H. LaBarge, author of Sweetwater Gunslinger 201, Hornet’s Nest, Road to Gold and Desert Voices

Buy the Book

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About the Author

Phil Pisani grew up on the north side of the railroad tracks in an upstate New York blue-collar industrial town in a rough neighborhood filled with the most colorful characters in the world. Factory and tannery workers mingled with bar and restaurant owners, gamblers and gangsters, good people and bad people, brash rogues and weak loudmouths, all spawned by the early immigrant movement to America. Italians, Russians, Slovacks, Irish, and Germans formed a rough and tough section of town where few from the south side dared to venture. He learned to fight at a very young age, both in the ring and on the streets. Fights became badges of honor. He also was a voracious reader. His mother worked in the village’s library. After school, or fights or sandlot football games he would curl away into the adult reading section. Enjoying the polished blonde oak bookshelves, tables and chairs, he would choose a book from the stacks and delve into its smells and contents. Reading soothed him.

He studied history and humanities in Pisa, Italy, and Oswego State in New York and later earned a MA in Political Science from Binghamton University.

He worked as a labor investigator for NY and rose in the ranks through the years but never stopped writing or reading. He currently lives in Albany NY, with his wife Joanne.

For more information please visit Phil Pisani’s website. You can also connect with him on Facebook and Twitter.

Maggie’s Wars Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, August 18 Review at JulzReads

Tuesday, August 19 Review & Interview at Oh, For the Hook of a Book Interview at The Maiden’s Court

Wednesday, August 20 Review at Book Nerd Review at Layered Pages Spotlight at Flashlight Commentary

Thursday, August 21 Review at Man of la Book Spotlight & Giveaway at So Many Precious Books, So Little Time

Friday, August 22 Review at Jorie Loves a Story Review & Giveaway at Historical Tapestry Interview at Closed the Cover

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Book Review: The Queen’s Rival by Diane Haeger

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The Queen's RivalThe Queen’s Rival is a story of a young girl name Elizabeth “Bessie” Blount whose father was injured in one of Henry VIII’s war with a neighboring country. Her mother, a lady in Katherine of Argon’s household comes home to take care of her husband and Bessie, dreaming of court life, takes her place. She is a beautiful and intelligent girl who captures many at Henry VII’s court and eventually Henry himself. Bessie becomes his mistress and rival to the Queen. As the story is told Katherine of Argon-Henry’s wife-is having one miss-carriage after another and Henry grows restless and the queen begins to worry about her position. Henry wants a son, an heir to the throne and to continue the Tudor line.

We all know that Henry had many mistresses and lovers and as Bessie’s light fades in his eyes she turns to the one person she can trust the most at court-a ward of Cardinal Wolsey. But there is much more to this story than meets the eye. I have not read a rendition of Henry’s court quite like this one. Nor of a side to him that we see in stories…..I found this refreshing and with this story, I wondered if there was possibly a softer side of Henry than portrayed today. Not excusing his treatments of his wives, of course, or with women of his court in general. In this story I even thought about what his relationship was really like with his brother Arthur and if Henry truly mourned Arthurs death-even years later after it happen. Also, his friendships with the men at court was really intriguing to follow in this story. Especially with his friendship with Charles Brandon.

This is a beautiful and truly a unique story and I look forward to reading more of Haeger’s books. The over- all layout impressed me and the story flowed really well and captured my interest right from the start to the very end. Two thumbs up for this Tudor story!

Stephanie Hopkins

Book Review: Murder by Misrule by Ann Castle

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02_Murder by Misrule CoverFrancis Bacon is charged with investigating the murder of a fellow barrister at Gray’s Inn. He recruits his unwanted protégé Thomas Clarady to do the tiresome legwork. The son of a privateer, Clarady will do anything to climb the Elizabethan social ladder. Bacon’s powerful uncle Lord Burghley suspects Catholic conspirators of the crime, but other motives quickly emerge. Rival barristers contend for the murdered man’s legal honors and wealthy clients. Highly-placed courtiers are implicated as the investigation reaches from Whitehall to the London streets. Bacon does the thinking; Clarady does the fencing. Everyone has something up his pinked and padded sleeve. Even the brilliant Francis Bacon is at a loss — and in danger — until he sees through the disguises of the season of Misrule.

The Francis Bacon Mystery Series

This series of historical mysteries features the philosopher-statesman Francis Bacon as a sleuth and spymaster. Since Francis prefers the comfort of his own chambers, like his spiritual descendent Nero Wolfe, he sends his pupil, the handsome young Thomas Clarady, out to gather information. Tom loves the work, not least because he meets so many interesting people, like Lord Burghley, Sir Walter Raleigh, and Christopher Marlowe. Murder by Misrule is the first book in the series.

My review:

I’m always up for an elaborate crime thriller and an historical one to boot. Funny thing is, as I was waiting for this book in the mail, I kept on thinking this was going to be a Victorian one! *laughing* I’ve been on a Victorian era kick lately and I guess that is why….and wow was I surprised when I started reading the story!

The premise intrigued me and the colorful cast of characters amused me. They all played an integrate part in the story, even the minor roles. It was entertaining seeing how they interacted together solving the crime and I really developed a fondness for Tom Clarady.

There were a lot of great scenes that grabbed my attention and a few in between that didn’t so much, I would have liked the momentum of the story to have been a little stronger. That is what I want in a mystery thriller.

I really enjoyed the historical aspects of the story and learned a lot about Gray’s Inn….and Frances Bacon in how he must have been. And there is more to the story than meets the eye and leaves the readers imagination to explore that.

Praise for Murder by Misrule

“Though the plot keeps the pages turning, the characters, major and minor, and the well-wrought historical details will make readers want to linger in the 16th century. A laugh-out-loud mystery that will delight fans of the genre.” – Kirkus Starred Review

“Murder by Misrule is a delightful debut with characters that leap off the page, especially the brilliant if unwilling detective Francis Bacon and his street smart man Tom Clarady. Elizabeth Tudor rules, but Anna Castle triumphs.” – Karen Harper, author of Mistress Shakespeare

“Well-researched… Murder by Misrule is also enormously entertaining; a mystery shot through with a series of misadventures, misunderstandings, and mendacity worthy of a Shakespearean comedy.” – M. Louisa Locke, author of Bloody Lessons

“Historical mystery readers take note: Murder by Misrule is a wonderful example of Elizabethan times brought to life.” — D. Donovan, eBook Reviewer, Midwest Book Review.

Buy the Book

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About the Author

03_Anna Castle

Anna Castle has been a waitress, software engineer, documentary linguist, college professor, and digital archivist. Historical fiction combines her lifelong love of stories and learning. She physically resides in Austin, Texas, and mentally counts herself a queen of infinite space.

For more information please visit Anna Castle’s website and blog. You can also follow her on Facebook and Twitter.

Virtual Book Tour Schedule

Monday, June 2 Review at Flashlight Commentary Book Blast at Mari Reads

Tuesday, June 3 Interview at Flashlight Commentary Guest Post at Historical Fiction Connection

Wednesday, June 4 Book Blast at The Musings of ALMYBNENR

Thursday, June 5 Book Blast at Our Wolves Den

Friday, June 6 Review at Book Nerd Book Blast at The Mad Reviewer Book Blast at A Dream Within a Dream

Saturday, June 7 Book Blast at Kelsey’s Book Corner

Sunday, June 8 Review at Carole’s Ramblings

Monday, June 9 Review at Ageless Pages Reviews

Tuesday, June 10 Book Blast at West Metro Mommy

Wednesday, June 11 Review at Oh, For the Hook of a Book Book Blast at Literary Chanteuse

Thursday, June 12 Review at Curling Up By the Fire

Friday, June 13 Book Blast at Cheryl’s Book Nook

Monday, June 16 Book Blast at Closed the Cover Book Blast at To Read or Not to Read

Tuesday, June 17 Review & Giveaway at 100 Pages a Day Book Blast at A Book Geek

Wednesday, June 18 Book Blast at CelticLady’s Reviews

Thursday, June 19 Review at Bibliotica Book Blast at Historical Fiction Obsession

Friday, June 20 Review at A Bibliotaph’s Reviews Interview at All Things Girl

Saturday, June 21 Book Blast at Griperang’s Bookmarks

Monday, June 23 Review, Guest Post, and Giveaway at A Bookish Affair Interview at Jorie Loves a Story Book Blast at So Many Books, So Little Time

Tuesday, June 24 Review at Jorie Loves a Story

Wednesday, June 25 Book Blast at Susan Heim on Writing

Thursday, June 26 Review at A Bookish Girl Review at Layered Pages Review at Kinx’s Book Nook

Friday, June 27 Book Blast at Caroline Wilson Writes

Monday, June 30 Book Blast at Historical Tapestry

Tuesday, July 1 Interview at Starting Fresh

Wednesday, July 2 Review at Kincavel Korner

Thursday, July 3 Review & Giveaway at The True Book Addict Guest Post & Giveaway at Bibliophilia, Please

Friday, July 4 Review at Svetlana’s Reads and Views

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Book Review: Sinners and the Sea by Rebecca Kanner

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02_Sinners and the SeaPublication Date: April 2, 2013 Howard Books Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audio CD

The young heroine in Sinners and the Sea is destined for greatness. Known only as “wife” in the Bible and cursed with a birthmark that many think is the brand of a demon, this unnamed woman lives anew through Rebecca Kanner. The author gives this virtuous woman the perfect voice to make one of the Old Testament’s stories come alive like never before.

Desperate to keep her safe, the woman’s father gives her to the righteous Noah, who weds her and takes her to the town of Sorum, a haven for outcasts. Alone in her new life, Noah’s wife gives him three sons. But living in this wicked and perverse town with an aloof husband who speaks more to God than to her takes its toll. She tries to make friends with the violent and dissolute people of Sorum while raising a brood that, despite its pious upbringing, develops some sinful tendencies of its own. While Noah carries out the Lord’s commands, she tries to hide her mark and her shame as she weathers the scorn and taunts of the townspeople.

But these trials are nothing compared to what awaits her after God tells her husband that a flood is coming—and that Noah and his family must build an ark so that they alone can repopulate the world. As the floodwaters draw near, she grows in courage and honor, and when the water finally recedes, she emerges whole, displaying once and for all the indomitable strength of women. Drawing on the biblical narrative and Jewish mythology, Sinners and the Sea is a beauti­fully written account of the antediluvian world told in cinematic detail.

My review:

I have to admit I grew up with the story of Noah but never really thought about his wife or what they might have really gone through while in the ark during the great flood. In the story of Noah, God sees great evil in the world and decides to wipe out mankind. However he found righteousness in a man named Noah. God wanted Noah to build an ark for him, his family and two of all living creatures so they could replenish this earth after the flood. And from the story in the Bible, we know Noah obeyed God’s commands given to him.

Noah had three sons named Shem, Ham and Japheth. And the Lord told Noah and his sons, “Be Fruitful and increase in number and fill the Earth.” (Genesis 9:1)

Sinners of the Sea is told in Noah’s Wife’s point of view. She shows a side of Noah that we might not often think of. We see him as he might have been with feelings, faults and so on… He wasn’t perfect but he did obey God and wanted to do right. But if you think about it, maybe those faults (that an ordinary person would think) that are portrayed in this story is due to his sole focus on God. And I think in many ways he could have been tormented by what he knew would happen to the people of the earth and this story shows that….

When Amy Bruno approached me about participating in the book tour, I have to be honest and say that the book cover is what first caught my eye and then as I read what the book was about and the fact it was fiction, I was more intrigued. I wanted to see how the author portrays Noah. And she portrays him a man of God and I was happy she did…..

I also admire the author’s character development and I believe she really captured the true culture and human conditions of the period. Many will read the book and feel the pace is a bit slower than they are used too but will find it intriguing all the same.

There were a couple of scenes towards the end that bothered me a little but I got through it okay. I’m not one for mythology added to bible stories, fiction or not. But I’m sure many will find it interesting…

I recommend that every adult read this book. I believe you will come away with something and that is for you to find out what it is on your own journey through this story.

Watch book trailer

Praise for Sinner and the Sea

“Rebecca Kanner has created an autobiography of Noah’s wife, and an imaginative one it is.” – American Jewish World

“[Kanner] gives an intelligent voice to Noah’s wife.” – Jewish Book Council

“First-time novelist Kanner has written an utterly absorbing novel, one that flows seamlessly.” – Historical Novel Society

“A fascinating look into a feral civilization of turmoil and hardship.” – Historical Novel Review

“A stirring, fascinating story written beautifully.” – Historical Fiction Connection

“Kanner beautifully evokes life on the claustrophobic, smelly vessel. Riveting… It will certainly spark hours of book club discussions.” – St. Paul Pioneer Press

Buy the Book

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About the Author

03_Rachel Kanner

Sinners and the Sea is Rebecca Kanner’s debut novel. Rebecca is a Twin Cities native and holds a Master of Fine Arts in Fiction Writing from Washington University in St. Louis. Her writing has won an Associated Writing Programs Award, a Loft mentorship Award and a 2012/2013 Minnesota State Arts Board Grant. Her personal essay, “Safety,” is listed as a Notable Essay in Best American Essays 2011. Her stories have been published in numerous journals including The Kenyon Review and The Cincinnati Review.

Along with other authors including Anita Diamant, Michael Cunningham, Joyce Carol Oates, Russell Banks and Ron Hansen, Rebecca will be featured in the upcoming title Truthful Fictions: Conversations with American Biographical Novelists.

You can learn more about Rebecca, and find links to selected stories and essays, at www.rebeccakanner.com. You can also find her on Facebook and Twitter.

Virtual Book Tour Schedule

Monday, April 14 Review & Giveaway at West Metro Mommy

Tuesday, April 15 Review at Cheryl’s Book Nook

Thursday, April 17 Review at A Bookish Girl

Friday, April 18 Review at Reading the Ages

Monday, April 21 Review at Booktalk & More Review at Judith Starkston

Wednesday, April 23 Review at Oh, for the Hook of a Book

Friday, April 25 Spotlight & Giveaway at Caroline Wilson Writes

Monday, April 28 Review at JulzReads

Tuesday, April 29 Review at The Most Happy Reader

Wednesday, April 30 Review & Giveaway at Book Lovers Paradise

Friday, May 2 Review at History from a Woman’s Perspective

Monday, May 5 Review & Giveaway at A Bookish Affair

Tuesday, May 6 Review at Book Nerd

Wednesday, May 7 Review at Ink Sugar Blog

Friday, May 9 Review at Our Wolves Den

Monday, May 12 Review at The Calico Critic

Tuesday, May 13 Review at From L.A. to LA

Wednesday, May 14 Review at Sharon’s Garden of Book Reviews

Thursday, May 15 Spotlight at The Tower of Babel

Friday, May 16 Review at Layered Pages

Monday, May 19 Review at A Bibliotaph’s Reviews

Wednesday, May 21 Review at My Reader’s Block

Friday, May 23 Review at Seaside Book Corner

Tuesday, May 27 Review at Svetlana’s Reads and Views

Thursday, May 29 Review at bookworm2bookworm’s Blog

Giveaway Link

To enter to win one of 2 copies of Sinners and the Sea or a $25 Amazon Gift Card, please complete the Rafflecopter giveaway form by clicking on the link above. Giveaway is open to US residents only.

Giveaway ends at 11:59pm on May 29th. You must be 18 or older to enter. Winners will be chosen via Rafflecopter on May 30th and notified via email. Winners have 48 hours to claim prize or new winner is chosen.

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Book Review: The Secret History by Stephanie Thornton

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the secret history book cover

Publication Date: July 2, 2013
NAL Trade
Paperback; 448p
ISBN-10: 045141778X

Where Theodora went, trouble followed…

In sixth century Constantinople, one woman, Theodora, defied every convention and all the odds, and rose from being a common theater tart to become empress of a great kingdom, the most powerful woman the Roman Empire would ever know. But the woman whose image was later immortalized in glittering mosaic was, in fact, a scrappy, clever, conniving, flesh-and-blood woman full of sensuality and spirit whose real story is as surprising as any ever told…

When her father dies suddenly, Theodora and her sisters face starvation on the streets. Determined to survive, Theodora makes a living any way she can—first on her back with every man who will have her, then on the stage of the city’s infamous amphitheater in a scandalous dramatization of her own invention. When her daring performance grants her a back-door entry into the halls of power, she seizes the chance to win a wealthy protector—only to face heartbreak and betrayal.

Ever resilient, Theodora rises above such trials and by a twist of fate, meets her most passionate admirer yet: the Emperor’s nephew. She will thrive as his confidant and courtesan, but many challenges lie ahead. For one day, this man will hand her a crown. And all the empire will wonder—is she bold enough, shrewd enough, and strong enough to keep it.

Where to begin in this review was the question when I first begun to write this. There are so many highlights to this story and what can be discussed on different viewpoints. Here is only a glimpse of my thoughts and feelings. Theodora is my new favorite heroine who will capture your attention from the beginning and leave you with wanting the story of her life to continue. She is an incredible and courageous women who inspired one not to give up on what life might throw at you and she is the model of a strong, vibrant woman. I’m looking forward to more of Thornton’s stories to come. I hope you enjoy my review below and I’m sure this story will give you newfound appreciation for the wonderful stories writers bring to their readers.

My review:

Historical Fiction is the echo of the past. Where the writer draws you in its fold and as you explore the timeless treasures it has to offer, you want to hold on tight to the- what if’s and the voices that resound through the pages. Thornton gives you that and much more…Every word, every emotion and thought awakens new senses and transcends you back to sixth-century Constaninpole.

She writes a wonderful backdrop of how the city must have looked and the daily life of its people. You can imagine how the different scents of spices must have smelled like at the markets, hear the street merchants as they sell their wares, the cries of babies wanting to feed and the beggar’s unrelenting voices as they beg for food and coin. Not only that- her story is rich with wonderful historical detail and beautiful characters. The love of Theodora and Justinian is one I will never forget. They are forever in my heart.

From what I gather -this is Thornton’s first published novel. She is a history teacher who has been drawn-to put it lightly- with infamous women from ancient history since she was a young girl. It definitely shows throughout this novel! An exceptional story that has left me with what can only be describe as adoration and inspired anew.

Stephanie

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Review: Shadow on the Crown by Patricia Bracewell

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Patricia Bracewell brings her readers a beautifully crafted story of Emma of Normandy. The year is 1002 and as the sister of the Duke of Normandy, Lady Emma, must do what is decided for her. As a political pawn she is sent to England to marry, King Æthelred and becomes his Queen. The life she does not want but a path she must take nonetheless. She makes the best of her situation for her husband finds her a nuisance and court life is daunting and dangerous. As time goes by she makes new friends who discovers her generosity and compassion for others. However, there are enemies who will stop at nothing to see her fall and Emma struggles with a growing love to a man she cannot have.

Bracewell’s engaging debut novel sets the standard for what good, quality literature should be and I thoroughly enjoyed her rendition of this period of English history. She not only gives you a wonderful blend of history and fiction but captures the human condition, the culture, and the struggles of England’s royal court life. She gives each character a distinct voice-which I find refreshing. She writes about one of my favorite female heroines in history, Emma. A women-though flawed- of strength, compassion and generosity. I’m looking forward to more of Bracewell’s stories! 

I rated this story five stars!

Stephanie
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