On My Bookshelf (39)

This meme for originally inspired by 'In My Mailbox' created by The Story Siren
Other versions are:
Letterbox Love created by Narratively Speaking
Stacking the Shelves created by Tynga's reviews
Showcase Sunday created by Books, Biscuits and Tea

I haven't done one of these since March! I thought I would ease myself back into blogging with a meme because I love showing off the books I've acquired, seeing what others have got, sharing our recommendations - I really missed it actually in my break.
Essentially, these books were brought this week. The day after my last exam, which was a total disaster (tears happened is all I shall say on the matter), I decided that my first day of freedom would be spent doing some retail shopping most importantly in Waterstones with my staff card. So that is what I did, running around the shop looking for the books I have been waiting for read for a long time and shoving them into my basket before a second thought.

- Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell - First off, THAT name has got to be the best name ever to have. It's so pretty and original! I bought this book because of SO many of the glowing reviews I've seen for it topped with the short review I read by Iffath from painting with words on Goodreads summed up the need to buy this book. 

- Theodore Boone: The Activist by John Grisham - Right, okay, this is one of those books I need to justify sometimes. Basically, this series are discovered by my best friend, Georgia. She was like 'Ah they're so great and Theo is such a good protagonist' and considering this is about Theo wanting to be a lawyer and she herself is aspiring to be a lawyer, I didn't think I would like this. Until, I looked at my blog archive and I realised I'D READ THE BOOK AND LOVED IT. And ever since then, I think we have become the only two fans of this series. I don't know anyone else that likes them...

So this is the new book in the series. And my excitement to read it is indescribable. 

- The Moon and More by Sarah Dessen - Sarah Dessen is one of those authors where whatever she writes, however bad the reviews may be for it, I WILL buy it and KNOW I will enjoy it. This is her new book and I had to stop myself from both squealing and rushing up to grab a copy, mostly because there was a guy nearby who I vaguely knew. I did the whole 'Look at phone, look at book, oh yeah this is for my...sister?' - then runs away in happiness

- Dusk by Eve Edwards - I've read her series set in Tudor times which I can thoroughly recommend! It wasn't until a few weeks ago when I found out that she was releasing another book through Clover at Fluttering Butterflies and then Lucy at Queen of Contemporary reminded me the other day. So when I saw this, the book entered my growing basket without thinking - I know I will enjoy this new series.

AND THOSE ARE MY NEW SHINY BOOKS. 

Have any of you read them and if so what did you think? Leave your links to your own memes for me to check out this week! 

Reviews by these authors:

What Happened to Goodbye - Sarah Dessen

The Other Countess - Eve Edwards

Theodore Boone - John Grisham

The Rogue's Princess - Eve Edwards (#3)

*There may be some SPOILERS for those who haven't read the first two books The Other Countess and The Queen's Lady*


When I found out in about April 2011 that there was going to be a third book in this series now named The Lacey Chronicles, I knew I had to get it and read it as soon as possible. So I pre-ordered it as it was half price and it was delivered over at the end of August, a couple of days before the release day. I was rather happy really. Due to commitments to other things, this is the first chance I've had to read this book and BOY, IT WAS WORTH THE WAIT. Warning: I will be gushing on how much I love this book.

Synopsis: A chance encounter finds Kit, actor and illegitimate brother to the Lacey brothers, falling hopelessly in love with the charms of a rich merchants daughter, Mercy. Who is also a Puritan. The match is doomed. A vagabond marrying a merchant's daughter - and a Puritan - it cannot be. As Mercy starts to call equally for Kit as well, she knows that she might have to renounce her family name and leave home. Will she choose duty over her heart? Suddenly, Kit is caught is a dangerous web, one which could be fatal.

Review: For avid readers of the Lacy Chronicles, we know that we were introduced to Kit in Book 2 of this series, The Queen's Lady, as a close friend of Milly Porter, who is consequently good friends with Lady Jane (now James Lacey, the middle brother's, wife - she was focused on in Book 2) Milly Porter goes on to marry Diego, a servant of the Lacey family. The brothers found out that Kit was their illegitimate brother and let him into the family as if his illegitimacy was non-existent.
This book focuses on this mysterious Kit that we have been only recently introduced to and his search for love, like his previous two brothers. From reading this, I can tell that some will not enjoy it as the format is rather similar to the previous two books although with different people and the central theme of the theatre, but I personally like this consistency. I know that I am going to probably enjoy it and this type of 'historical romance' books have become my favourite.

Saying this, when I first started the book, I was doubtful if I would enjoy it completely. I was actually rather worried when I started the book, as for me the beginning was...well, average, as I think I wrote about the intro in The Queen's Lady. The lengthy passage on Mercy thinking herself sinful started to annoy me. The long description of Kit's debut and then, being 'purified' was, although a little bit more interesting, not anything up to the standards Eve Edwards has placed herself. Now, before any readers that LOVE these series, as do I, start throwing insults at me for saying this - wait.
Then, we hit the moment when they meet and suddenly, I was falling in love with Edwards' writing all over again, like I have twice before. I could feel the excitement in the room they were in, the emotions of Kit and Mercy - everything. Every time I read Eve Edwards' books, I fall into this historical paradise which I hardly want to leave in a hurry.

Here, again, we have old and new characters. Will, James and especially Tobias all feature in this book and help Kit along the path to try and marry Mercy; Ladies Ellie and Jane are also in it briefly. Milly and Diego are also featured briefly. For new characters, we are introduced to Mercy's family - her strict, uptight father, John; her siblings, Faith and Edwin - both more Puritan and well behaved than the younger Mercy; her jolly aunt, Rose and the hilarious character of her Grandmother Isham - who for me made the comedy in this book. They all have a part to play in getting Mercy and Kit together. All of these are interesting characters that you will enjoy. Kit and Mercy play engaging protagonists, although Kit's humour favoured me more.

The great thing about these books are they are always so detailed historical wise. I learnt so much about the world of theatre (useful as I'm reading Othello in English Literature) and being a Puritan (by the way, apparently Rebecca is a Puritan name...). The language, although not quite so '1600's' as Shakespeare is, the language uses odd sentences and words that wouldn't be used nowadays but makes it so it is still easy to understand. The bit which I smiled at the most was the casual references to big events and characters that we all know about in modern day. Kit is in the same theatre company as William Shakespeare himself who is bursting at the chance to write - 'The company was still a little in shock that something so good could come from rural Stratford' (Page 252). And a mention of 'the what-his-name Marlowe' which really shows you what people those days must have thought of these normal seeming guys. Who knew they would be remembered four centuries later?

This book really shone out for me and I enjoyed it immensely. The characters of Mercy and Kit are incredibly entertaining and it's lovely to see their relationship flower and personalities deepen into characters that I would love to meet. The romance once again is there in force but not too sensual to offend anyone, you can tell deeply that they do truly love each other. The book is one of the best of 2011 so far and coming home every day this book from college, I just wanted to snuggle up and go back to the wonderful world of the Lacey's, Let's hope, there are some more coming soon. Keep up the good work, Edwards.
Verdict: The beginning is a tad rocky, but the book as a whole makes up for it.

I give it a 5 out of 5

Review of The Other Countess
Review of The Queen's Lady

Author's Website: http://eve-edwards.co.uk/
Pages: 256 (also includes first chapters of The Other Countess and The Queen's Lady)
Publisher: Razorbill, Penguin
Challenges: Historical Fiction, BBC

A-Z Authors - D, E, F, G, H

I found out about this through Phanee from funny wool and is hosted by Heather at Proud Book Nerd. I thought it looked quite fun so this month, I shall be doing a post every day (except Sundays) where I shall tell you about amazing authors that have surnames beginning with that letter. I hope you enjoy and tell me if you know any more with that letter and I'll add it to the post! Thanks.

NOTE: As I am doing my exams at the moment, I may miss days so shall combine letter together, I'll say if I do in the title - Thanks.

Here we go....

SORRY FOR MY LACK OF DOING THIS IN THE PAST WEEK. I have been so busy with revision, exams, being out, getting food etc but here it is now!

D

Sarah Dessen

She is amazing. I am not kidding. She is the best or at least one of the best writers I have ever read and has remained a favourite for about 3/4 years. I am yet to see/meet someone who doesn't like her novels. There are ones less good than others but they are all better than some other novels that are out there. She is always consistent and although critised for having the same plot every time, they all seem different. You know what to expect from Sarah Dessen in the plot but they are always so original in characters, settings, other events. The characters are such unique people that you kinda wish were real and that you learn to love a lot.

Her Books: The Truth About Forever, Just Listen, Along for the Ride, What Happened to Goodbye, This Summer, Someone Like You, Last Chance (or Keeping the Moon), Dreamland, Lock and Key, This Lullaby.

Paul Dowswell

I have only read one book by this guy but Auslander was amazing. It has a boy as the voice and normally, I find they aren't as good with a guy voice but this was fantastic and really helped me with my History GCSE - it put it all into perspective for me and helped me understand it all while doing my favourite thing of reading. He is such a good author that not many people give credit or know about at all. 

Other Books: True Stories of WWII, Adventures of a Young Sailor, The First World War, Escape.

E

Eve Edwards

Wow. I love this woman. Sometimes books are just Historical or just Romance and sometimes having both of those together is hard to pull off without being too much of the other. However, The Other Countess series have been amazing. So interesting with this perfect fascinating mixture of genres with the most funny, enjoyable characters. I just love her books and make me love History so much more. She is a writer a lot of people should pick up. 

Her Books: The Other Countess series - The Other Countess, The Queen's Lady, The Rouge Princess

F

Gayle Forman

I have only so far read her first book in the If I Stay duo. I have the other but not yet read it. I thought the book was going to be boring. But I found it wasn't. It wasn't perfect for me but I really liked it and the way it was written and how different it was to other novels out there that are similar to this one. I really liked her overall and I REALLY NEED TO READ THE NEXT ONE.

Her Books: If I Stay, Where She Went, Sisters in Sanity

G

Anna Godbersen

She is again in my category of best Historical Romance authors. I love the fun, happy side to her books and then also, the serious side to them that changes suddenly and makes you think. They are a real type of YA book but not too heavy, yet not too silly and ridiculous. These are good books and I love the different characters that after The Luxe series with 4 books, you start to think as of family a little and really get to know them inside and out. All of hers are set in New York at different periods of time which is so interesting to compare from the historical side. She successfully has fun/serious books with a nice balance. 

Her Books: The Luxe Series - The Luxe, Rumours, Envy, Splendour, Bright Young Things

H

Mary Hooper

Not many people have heard of Mary Hooper and that may be because she's an English writer and more known over here but I love her writing. She also writes historical and you can tell from reading that there is so much detail put into it. She covers many periods of history with some characters that reflect what people were like then and now. There are bits of romance but I like them with and without. I don't know what it is about this one but I just love her writing - but I can't say why. She is also the one that got me into Historical fiction and when I met her at a book signing last year, she was so friendly and it was like I known her years!

Her books: The Remarkable Life and Times of Eliza Rose, Fallen Grace, Newes from the Dead, At the Sign of the Sugar Plum, At the House of the Magician, Megan, Amy, Holly

Cora Harrison

I fell in love with her writing when I read the first chapter. It wasn't the typical Regency language but I liked that. Made it easier and more enjoyable to read. I loved all her characters, the cover, the romance, the playful look on life and the way she can make a unique character seem like someone you know or a simple situation, one you can relate to. I love how she made Jane Austen a real and lively person, someone my age that I could learn more about and make her feel like a friend. 

I really do love her books. I think it's her first bit for YA looking on Goodreads but she should keep it up!

Her Books: I was Jane Austen's Best Friend, Jane Austen Stole My Boyfriend, My Lady Judge, The Montgomery Murder

The Queen's Lady - Eve Edwards

My Review of the First book in the series, The Other Countess.


This is the last of my Pre-Order rampage on the Waterstone's website. Okay, so I am obsessive over the types of books I read and am afraid to buy actual books with my own money in case I don't like them or I read them once.
Anyway. This is the sequel to Eve Edward's amazing first novel in the series, The Other Countess, about the Lacey family set in the 16th Century under the rule of Elizabeth I. The Other Countess was amazing and is one of my favourite books. Eve Edwards is still relatively unknown apart from book bloggers but she deserves the credit and praise she receives from her books, I think.


Synopsis: Picking up two years after the last book, Lady Jane Rievaulx (mentioned in last book) begins service to the Queen at Richmond Palace. Soon, she is thrilled at the court’s newest arrival. Master James Lacey who she last saw eighteen months ago. Despite her previous courtship with his older brother, James is the man she truly loves. And for his part, he cannot deny his fascination with her. However, James is setting sail on a treacherous journey to the Americas, seeking absolution for what he sees as past sins that he witnessed in the Low Countries during their eighteen month separation. But when Lady Jane is forced into a terrible situation by her own father and brother, there is only one man to save her with the help of their friends.


Review:
To start off with, this book is great. Edwards has captured what life was like in the 1500's under Elizabeth I's reign and what life was like at Court. She shows the rules that had to be followed in introduction and marriage and really, like her last novel, gives an insight to Jane and James' world. She got it spot on again.
    There are references to Ellie and Will from the last book, especially latterly, and other characters pop up throughout. There are also new characters added such as Milly, Kit and the Patons as well as old favourites such as Diego and Tobias.
The story is told from both Jane, James, Diego and Milly's point of view making it much more interesting to read and different. My only few criticisms about this book is that to start off with, it got boring. I'm sorry Eve Edwards because I love your stuff so much but the beginning wasn't as fast paced and well written as The Other Countess and I found James really boring to start off with. However, it got increasingly more interesting and engaging as the story picked up.
My only other one is that, well I'm no expert at Elizabethan language, but there were points where I thought, 'That sounds a bit too modern' in the lauguage and mostly when people were speaking. It's a very small one but I noticed it more than a couple of times.

One aspect that was different to any other book I've read of this period is that Edwards introduced other aspects that happened during that era. For example, the art of fencing and the trips to the Americas and what men found there. I'm yet to read a book, apart from this one, that even mentions that during the story. It was very enjoyable to read something with a little difference.
The romance in this one is less early on than in The Other Countess but I liked it that way. They hadn't seen each other for over a year so they wouldn't fly into each other's arms.

Overall, I loved this book. This isn't as polished as The Other Countess but it has things that are both similar and better to that book. You also get a summary of everything happened since and ties the loose ends that anyone may have had at the end of the Will and Ellie's story such as Nell and Turville.
I would read The Other Countess first so you know exactly what is happening but you could read this without it. I would recommend this to anyone who loves historical romance and a bit of scandel. This really is a worth while series and book with some amazing characters.
I'm looking forward to the next and I think last book in the series, The Rogue's Princess, coming out July 2011.

I give this a 4.5 out of 5

Author's Website: http://eve-edwards.co.uk/aa66205a4f/

Related Posts:
Book #1: The Other Countess
Book #3: The Rogue's Princess

The Other Countess - Eve Edwards

So, anyone that follows this blog or has read the About Me section (I don't know how many people actually read that but you know), anyway, get to the point Rebecca, anyone who follows this blog will know I LOVE (yes the caps was necessary) historical and romance genres, and put together makes me want to pick it up and eat it desperately. So you can imagine me excitement when I saw this gorgeous book and at 3 for 2 in Waterstones, I HAD to.

First Sentence: The first time Ellie met William Lacey, she thought him terrifying.

It's 1582 and eighteen-year-old Will Lacey's family is in trouble. After years of wasteful spending, his late father has run Lacey Hall to near ruin. Tasked with marrying his family back into fortune, the new Earl of Dorset is all set for a season at court to woo not just the Queen but potential brides with his jousting skills. But when Ellie – a strong-willed girl with nothing to her name but a worthless Spanish title – catches Will's eye, he faces a bigger battle than he could ever have anticipated.
(from Goodreads.com)

I think from my introduction and my 'I LOVE THIS BOOK SO FAR' that used to live undearneath the 'Currently Reading' bit that I enjoyed this book a lot. I read it within about a week which is pretty good for me. I'm a bit of a romantic at heart. I love being given flowers and chocolates, though it never happens much and I just love a classic love tale or love match. It DOES make me feel a little tearful.
The difference about this book is that the love-ness starts early on. They meet each other and fall in love on Page 15 but unlike other novels, doesn't realise who she is until a couple of chapters later, which I really liked. On the plane coming back from my holiday, I was sitting there, slightly excited because I knew who she was in relation to the story and I couldn't wait to find out when he did. Sad, I know...
I love Elizabethan times, let's face it, who in the blogosphere doesn't? Though I maybe a bit bias with my slight obsession for all matters history. Edwards got it spot on and I felt like I was being transported there and wished I was Ellie. She even added some of the language at that time. Okay, sorry Shakespeare by whenever I read your plays, it just goes straight over my head but in this book, I understood what they were saying.
I would recommend this book to anyone. It is one of my favourite books now and I'm so glad I bought it. I would read it if you don't mind a bit of romance that leaves you smiling happily like a lovesick idiot. (*cough* me *cough*) Or likes history.

Author's Website: http://eve-edwards.com/

Related Posts:
Book #2: The Queen's Lady
Book #3: The Rogue's Princess

On My Bookshelf (1)

So this is my version of 'In My Mailbox' because honestly, I'm not known well enough to have publishers and authors to send me books - and I'm still working out how that can happen. So here is my lovely selection of books that I have required in the last week: 

Outside Beauty - Cynthia Kadohata (Library)

When her mother is involved in a terrible car crash, Shelby's world is torn apart. She and her three sisters are separated and sent to live with their fathers. The girls struggle to adjust to life without each other but Maddie, the youngest, is so terrifed of her father that she withdraws into herself and from her sisters. Shelby realises that something must be done - something drastic - to reclaim her family. 

The Summer I Turned Pretty - Jenny Han (Waterstones)

Every year, Isabel spends a perfect summer at her family friends' house. There's the swimming pool at night, the private stretch of beach - and the two boys. Conrad: unavailable, aloof and who she's been in love with forever. Jeremiah: friendly, relaxed, the only one whose ever really paid her any attention. But this year, something's different. They seem to have noticed her for the first time. It's going to be an amazing summer and one she'll never forget.  (Part of a series)

(Oh my god. I want to read this book. Even though it's a summer read and it's practically the end of summer. Who cares? I'll read it in the winter and pretend it's summer!)

The Other Countess - Eve Edwards (Waterstones)

England 1582. Lady Eleanor Rodriguez of San Jime is in possession of a worthless title and a feisty spirit that captivates the elite of the Queen's court and none more so than the handsome Earl of Dorset. William Lacey has inherited his father's title and his financial ruin. Now the earl must seek a wealthy heiress and restore his family's fortune. Will's head has been turned to Eleanor but their union can never be. Will is destined to marry a lady worthy of his status but who will it be? 

(Yep. Another historical romance. Oh I love it so much....)

The Sky Is Everywhere - Jandy Nelson (WH Smiths)

What kind of girl wants to kiss every boy at a funeral, wants to maul a guy in a tree after making out with her (dead) sister's boyfriend the previous night. Speaking of which, what kind of girl makes out with her sister's boyfriend at all? 

(Yes. It is in my hands. It is sitting next to me in pride and joy on my desk. I am so happy, it's unbelieveable. And I even got my friend, Joey to buy it when I got it. See this book brings happiness!)

Bog Child - Siobhan Dowd (Library)

Fergus finds something which makes his heart stop. Curled up deep in the bog is the body of a child. And it looks like she's been murdered. As Fergus tries to make sense of the mad world around him, a little voice comes to him in his dreams and the mystery of the bog child unfurls. 

(I've decided not to read this one because for 1. It sounds downright depressing and 2. Apparently it's not too amazing. But I took the picture already so...I had to include it or it would feel lonely.)

Auslander - Paul Downswell (Library)

When Peter's parents are killed, he is sent to an orphanage. But Peter is of German Blood. With his blond hair and blue eyes, he is a perfect Hitler Youth specimen, Someone important will want to adopt Peter. They do. Professor Kaltenbach and his wife are thrilled to welcome such a fine Aryan to their households. But Peter is not quite the specimen they think. He is forming his own ideas. Peter doesn't want to be a Nazi, so he takes a risk. They most dangerous risk he could possible take in Berlin in 1943. 

(I do History and we do about Nazi Germany and that so I am looking forward to this. Not my normal type of book. But who cares, sounds good!)

And to The Hunger Games: Mockingjay...while I was out, my friend brought it and thought we'd add it to the pile. I've heard to much praise for this series that she's making me read it when I'm done with my library books. So, yeah that could be fun. From her description, it sounds pretty good. So I'm all set bookwise. :)

Joey with her 'Hunger Game' book and 'The Sky is Everywhere' :)