Smuggler's Kiss - Marie-Louise Jensen

Marie-Louise Jensen has been a favourite historical author of mine for a few years after I was blown away by The Lady in the Tower and The Girl in the Mask. She's also lovely on Twitter (although that does not interrupt my opinion of this book). A friend of mine in the blogging world read this and told me I needed to read it. I find good historical fiction can be quite hard to come by now (I guess I'm more critical) but I know I'll always find a brilliant, absorbing historical novel in Jensen.

Synopsis: Isabelle is rescued from drowning in the sea by a group of men who she finds out are smugglers. To Isabelle - a lady from a wealthy family - smugglers are dangerous and deadly. However, without escape on the ship, she soon finds excitement in deceiving the king's men and her loyalties changing as she becomes friends with the smugglers, especially one in particular. Isabelle doesn't want to return to her old life but she has to keep the truth from the smugglers in order to stay aboard.

Review: I'm a great lover of historical fiction especially if the author is British and even more when it's this writer. I find historical fiction can either be the kind that draws you in, keeps you wondering and then spits you out at the end - much like Queen's Gambit by Elizabeth Fremantle (review) was. Or they can be the fun kind that is just a lovely, relaxing read. Which is where this book falls.

Isabelle is a character which it is incredibly hard to like on the first page and I think that's why it took me a while to get into the story. She's so spoilt and selfish and SO WHINY. I was thinking at the beginning that I wouldn't like this book is she was going to be like this THE WHOLE WAY THROUGH but gladly, the book also shows her journey into learning about what it is like to live in poverty. This made her so much more likeable as the novel continues until the conclusion where I felt so much for Isabelle's situation. It's great to see this feisty and strong side to her personality flourish throughout as she adjusts.

One thing I really liked about this book was that the romance didn't dominate. I'm one that admits that I love a to dabble in a bit of historical romance but sometimes it can be too much, sometimes too unrealistic. This book is about the romance that evolves but it's also about status, class and the friendships and rivalries that form out of them. It's clear early on that she has a soft spot for Will, a younger smuggler who is a little different from the rest and keeps disappearing for a day or so. It was the mysteries behind Will and Isabelle's past that kept me reading, wanting to know the events that happened to lead both these characters to the smuggler's ship. 

I did really enjoy reading this book, it's not the best from Marie-Louise Jensen but still shows how great an author she is in the YA historical genre. It is full of details from the period as well as moments of high tension mixed with a few moments to make you smile.

I give it a 4 out of 5

Author's Website: http://marie-louisejensen.co.uk/wordpress/
Pages: 304
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Challenges: Historical Fiction, BBC

Related Reviews:
The Lady in the Tower - Marie-Louise Jensen
The Disgrace of Kitty Grey - Mary Hooper
Vice & Virtue - Veronica Bennett

The Disgrace of Kitty Grey - Mary Hooper

I will hold my hands up and say that Mary Hooper is one of the best historical fiction novelists for children/teenagers. Actually, Mary Hooper is the author that got me into the genre - and Young Adult books in general - after I read her book The Remarkable Life and Times of Eliza Rose set during the 1700's. I guess, it opened my eyes to the best books of that genre. Furthermore, I actually met Mary Hooper a couple of years ago (that was a surreal moment with her sitting next to Patrick Ness), where I handed her my dog-earred copy of Eliza Rose, smiling broadly and then having a long conversation with her about how much I loved her books. I think she also asked some advice on something in one of her books if I remember correctly.
Anyway, I was so happy to hear that Mary Hooper would be releasing another book this year and even more happy when I discovered it available on Netgalley.

Synopsis: 15 year-old Kitty Grey lives happily in the countryside working as a dairy maid in the dairy of a rich, grand family. She is treated well and loves her job. There's also her sweetheart, Will, the river man, who she sees regularly. The only worry on her mind is whether, and when, he will ask her to marry him.
Suddenly, one day, Will disappears leaving his young orphaned sister, Betsy, with Kitty. Kitty is distraught, was he leading her on? Has he gone to London to find his fortune?
When Kitty is given the chance to go to London to get a copy of the new Pride and Prejudice, she goes with the chance of finding Will. But London is very different from the countryside and soon, Kitty is left penniless, alone with a three year-old who everyone thinks is her own, in a town she doesn't understand or belong within. And so charts her fall from grace.

Review: I entered this novel with high expectations to say the least. Mary Hooper is a favourite author of mine and I was worried that the things I loved in her books when I was younger would be different now I'm older. But I didn't have to worry as I was faced with a beautiful, rich and detailed historical novel from Hooper which stayed with me once again after the last page.

This is an interesting subject and something that isn't particularly shown in many historical novels. While we're always shown the glittering, glamourous worlds of the rich in the 1800's, Hooper changes that and displays the simple things that disgrace an innocent person because of the unfair judicial system, something reflected perhaps in present day. The blurb for the book gave the impression to me that I would find out about that glittering world that we associate with Jane Austen of balls, muslin dresses, Mr Darcy (or just Colin Firth) and manners. But that is completely turned on its heard in this book and the contrast between the two classes becomes all that much clearer as the novel progresses.

Kitty is an interesting character. It is very clear from the beginning that she is quite naive as she's always lived in the idealic countryside in the same comfortable house in the same job which she loves. Her headstrong side of her character only comes evident at the start of her disgrace and she continues to be a good narrator. The disgrace made me incredibly sympathetic for her especially as things get worse and worse. I found Betsy on the other hand one of the most annoying characters I've read and it seemed to me that her role in the narrative at the beginning was unnecessary. She was just a little bit too whiny for my liking!

The writing was excellent as always and Hooper successfully illustrates each stage of the disgrace. It's wonderfully detailed historically and you get a real idea of the ideal setting of the countryside compared to the hustle and chaotic feeling of London. This was such an easy read for me, the perfect book to spend an afternoon or evening reading. However, the book is pretty depressing following how Kitty becomes less and less civilised and further away from her innocence, it's not a book to make you feel better about yourself! The beginning and end were good, and rather engaging, it was just the middle section which dragged a little because of how sad and depressing it was really. The ending is perfect for the book, although it does end a little abruptly for my liking.

Overall, this was another great novel from Mary Hooper, a master at historical fiction. This wasn't my favourite ever book of hers but it certainly reminded me why I love her books so much. THE DISGRACE OF KITTY GREY is great, an alternate read to other books set in this time. Can't wait for what Hooper will throw at us next! If you haven't read anything by her, you've been missing out! I highly recommend any of her books.

I give it a 4 out of 5

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to review this book. 

Author's Website: http://www.maryhooper.co.uk/
Pages: 288
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Challenges: Historical Fiction, BBC

Related Reviews: 
Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen
I was Jane Austen's Best Friend - Cora Harrison
Debutantes - Cora Harrison
Fallen Grace - Mary Hooper

Queen's Gambit - Elizabeth Fremantle

When I saw QUEEN'S GAMBIT on Netgalley, I knew it was a book that I needed to read. I've always been a fan of historical fiction, favourites being Mary Hooper, Marie-Louise Jensen, Eve Edwards - to name a few. It's hard to find good historical fiction I find now that aren't a gazillion pages long like Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel but are still historically accurate. When I settled down with this on holiday, I wanted an absorbing, detailed historical read that I would enjoy completely from beginning to end. I think I got what I wanted...

Synopsis: Katherine Parr, recently widowed for a second time, reluctantly is called to court to attend on Lady Mary Tudor, Henry VIII's daughter. After being married to two men, one very young and one much older than herself, Katherine's love for Thomas Seymour makes her hope she can finally marry for herself. However, under the ageing King and the power hierarchy infused with rumours and affairs at court, Katherine soon finds another man vowing for her hand in marriage.

Review: I would like to say I'm quite knowledgeable in Tudor history (although perhaps disputable) as it's the period I love the most and I'm currently studying Tudor England for my History exam in June - which happens to cover Henry VIII's last few years as King.
Katherine Parr is a wife many tend to forget about. She's the only one to survive (just), doesn't have a huge incest scandal around her like Anne Boleyn and didn't produce an heir like Jane Seymour and Catherine of Argon did. Quoting Katy Perry, I guess she's 'the one that got away'. However, really she has the most interesting story - widowed three times and then marrying someone rather younger than herself after being the Queen of England. Lots has been written about the other wives (perhaps not Anne of Cleves...) so I was quite interested to see how Fremantle would bring Katherine Parr to life.

In some ways, knowing the history very well for my exam, the novel became quite predictable and I wasn't surprised by the ending. So I think this book would be more enjoyable for those that don't know about her life after Henry VIII, how she died, what happened in her 4th marriage. It was still great to see the events come to life in an imaginative and interesting way that made the history I knew so much more realistic in my mind. As a reader, you are thrown into the dangerous, power-hungry world of the Tudors and shown the passions and calculated manoeurves of the courtiers and nobility that I think really defined the Tudor period. The relation to chess that Elizabeth Fremantle displays in the title is quite accurate to display the secretive, false world of court under Henry VIII and I think that was displayed beautifully.

Catherine is a character that I couldn't help but like. She's very practical yet has this vulnerable moments of emotions. I thought I wouldn't relate or sympathise with her as she is much older than I am currently, but I think because of the character that comes across the page, someone who understands and knows how to act in the world around them, made me feel a lot for her. Catherine is the main narrator, but there is also the addition of Huicke, her doctor and close friend, and Dot, her servant. It was interesting to have the narrative from all these different point of views especially as it is written in third person and although I was confused a few times at who was narrating, it becomes quite nice to have the change of point of view. It made the novel have a more realistic feel as you saw the events from three entirely different perspectives. Huicke and Dot were likable also, but I couldn't help thinking their characters are very similar to how Catherine Parr herself is portrayed.

The lovely aspect of this novel was the challenging views of some of the famous figures history has come to love or hate. While Elizabeth and Henry to some extent are shown largely positively throughout much of history, they are shown quite negatively in QUEEN'S GAMBIT with Henry are merely an old, temperamental man and Elizabeth as a young, selfish girl. Although it didn't entirely change my perspective of these figures, it was interesting and rather imaginative to see these characters in these different lights. Another person seen in a different light was Thomas Seymour. Wow, he is SLIMY. I didn't mind him too much in my history lessons but wow, you learn to hate him in this book. But that's all I'll say otherwise I'll ruin it (if you want more, Google him!)

Now to the narrative and actual writing. Looking back, the writing was...okay. I found it not very absorbing at times, it became quite repetitive but I did want to know what would happen next to Catherine on every page and I think it was that that kept me reading to the end. There was some sub-plots which seemed a little unnecessary for me but I still enjoyed reading this novel. Although I didn't have too much trouble keeping up with the names of the vast cast of characters, I can imagine that it would be hard for someone who has little knowledge of this period past the rhyme of Henry's six wives.

I have to say that my favourite part of this book was the way Elizabeth Fremantle really brings the history to life. This was an enjoyable book and I especially loved the portrayal of court, the underground, hidden dealings and spreading rumours that could cost a life. Although I don't think this book was perfect, it was a lovely read on holiday if you want something a little bit more serious but still an easy read. This is marketed I believe as an Adult Fiction book but in all honesty, it could be for anyone that wants to find more out about the Tudors. I will be looking forward to Fremantle's next book all about Lady Jane Grey, a figure I can't help but admiring and feeling some sympathy for.
I've loved the Tudor period for a long time now and I don't think that love will be leaving me very soon. This was a delightful read.

I give it a 4 out of 5

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for letting me have the chance to review this book.

Author's Website: http://www.elizabethfremantle.com/index.html
Pages: 452
Publisher: Penguin
Challenges: Historical Fiction, BBC

More Great Books set in the Tudor period: 
VIII - H.M.Castor
The Other Countess - Eve Edwards
The Lady in the Tower - Marie-Louise Jensen

Eleven Eleven - Paul Dowswell

Paul Dowswell is an author that isn't too well-known. But this is actually the second book I have read by him, the first being the simply brilliant Auslander (review) focusing on life in Nazi Germany during World War II.
ELEVEN ELEVEN is Dowswell's new offering to the YA historical fiction world centred around the last day of World War I - something that intrigued me enough to pick up this book as I don't think I've ever seen a book on this subject before.
I'd seen this at work and had wondered whether to buy it, never quite sure. So when I saw it in my local library, I was thrilled to have a chance to read it. This isn't an author you see frequently around the blogosphere so I went into this book blind, hoping for another amazing and shocking story like Auslander. I was hardly disappointed.

Synopsis: In the final 24 hours of World War I on the 11th November 1918, a German storm trooper, American airman and British Tommy are all on a battlefield in France fighting for their countries, oblivious that at 11am, fighting will cease. After a series of events, the three young boys find themselves depending on one another for survival as 11am strikes. A friendship forms and soon their place of birth doesn't matter. But who will survive the 11th November and who will live?

Review: This isn't a book I would normally go for. I like books with romance or an element of dystopian so combined with the intrigue about the topic, I was mostly starting this book because of absolutely loving Dowswell's other book, Auslander.

Some historical war fiction books normally focus on at least one of two things: it is set nearly always in World War II or set only in one country from one country's point of view which normally leaves Germany not looking that fantastic. Eleven, Eleven subverts the latter drastically with having protagonists from different countries and doing different jobs to help the war giving the novel a more rounded perspective of the day. There is Will, a British soldier who has been in France for months after being persuaded my his sweetheart's father to go to war (a farce to get him away from his daughter in the hope that Will would get killed). Eddie, an American pilot that has killed four Germans and needs his fifth to arrive home a war hero. And finally Axel, a young German foot soldier on his first day of fighting (and the last day at war). The protagonists neither had a great impact on me or annoy me but I left the story caring about what would happen to them, especially after a final revelation literally on the last line. I just liked that this was a book that was completely different to any other YA historical war fiction that I've had the fortune to read.

So I liked the protagonists, they were down to earth, realistic and more to the point, likeable, I felt for them. The development and pacing of the story however, was a little disappointing. From my recollection of Auslander, the story was constantly moving with event after event which is how you would expect in these type of books. However, in Eleven Eleven, I was not immediately grabbed and wanting desperately to find out what would happen. No, it took a while for me to get into the story and for the story really to start developing. And then when the story really got going, it was a few chapters from the end. The part where the three boys come together is rather short especially as that is essentially a pivotal moment to the narrative. They are together for a couple of chapters, help each other and then separate. As I saw suggested on one review on Goodreads, for me, the book could have been longer with more impact and drama from the moment that Will, Axel and Eddie meet.

I have to award Dowswell however for the writing. Sometimes book can make you feel smile, laugh, be uncomfortable and sad within a few pages and this is one of those said books. It is what I love about good literature where the author can manipulate your feelings within just a chapter. Dowswell makes you feel both hopeful for the characters until suddenly there's this destruction and death and it makes that hope seem completely impossibly unreachable. This mixture was just so heartbreaking to read about that shows the true stark reality of World War I. By the end, despite the pace, I was so intrigued to see who would be alive - would Eddie, Will AND Axel make it? Would their family die? You'll have to read it to find out!

World War I is a time that little of us I think know much about apart from the basic portrayals from dramas and comedies like Blackadder Goes Forth and first person accounts or biographies. It is a topic I think a lot of writers avoid because of the devastation of this war, the politics and the fact that World War II happened a shorter amount of time ago. Dowswell gives a realistic and brutal portrayal of the time aimed directly at young people that really resonates. This is an incredibly short read, but boy, does it pack a huge punch at the end. Brilliant.

I give it a 4 out of 5

Author's Website: www.pauldowswell.co.uk/
Pages: 224
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Challenges: Historical Fiction, BBC

Related Books: 
Auslander - Paul Dowswell
The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas - John Boyne
Chocolate Cake With Hitler - Emma Craigie
Once - Morris Gleitzman

The Girl in the Mask - Marie-Louise Jensen

I've been a fan of Marie-Louise Jensen for a while now since I bought her previous historical fiction novel, The Lady in the Tower (review), on a whim to gain a 3 for 2 at Waterstones. I read it a few years ago and loved it!
I re-read it earlier in the year which just reminded me of how much I love her writing - I loved the romance, the mystery and just she writes very good historical fiction.
So when I heard about this being released at the beginning of the year, I was definite about getting this once it was published. Which I did. And then left it for months until I read it.
I read this a few weeks ago so I'm writing this review from memory therefore some details may be wrong (let me know!) or a bit vague. Sorry!

Synopsis: Sophia is used to living in her large house along with her cousin while her father, part of the gentry, travels in the West Indies. However, on his return, he becomes determined to get Sophia married off as soon as possible. The family, with Sophia's recently widowed aunt, travel to Bath for the summer season to make a new life. By day Sophia is trapped in the patriarchal society where young ladies must behave in a certain way at the various social masquerades, balls and afternoons. However, after befriending a girl of lower class to Sophia, she swaps ball gowns for breeches and turns to highway robbery in order to gain money for a sense of freedom. When one gentleman begins to take a rather keen interest in Sophia's life, Sophia realises she needs to be careful in order to protect her secret life and herself.

Review: The way the synopsis was written made me assumed this book was a little like Sovay by Celia Rees of a young lady in 1700's society who was the epitome of a young lady by day and then pretending to be a man at night and robbing coaches in an act of rebellion. As a warning, I found that this was kind of wrong for this novel, I think it was better the way it was done but the blurb does give another impression in my opinion.

At the start of this novel, I was a little unsure of what I would think by the end. I'm not sure why, the beginning definitely puts you in the middle of Sophia's life and right at the beginning of the main storyline. I liked the book overall, it's very readable if you wanted a dose of historical fiction in your life or something dramatic and with lots of mystery - that part was done really well. Some of the characters are, well, not who they say they are and when it 'all comes out' at the end, there are so many surprises which definitely is something to read until the end for.
The ending itself didn't seem satisfying. I liked the big ending and then the kind of after-story but I didn't feel any closure at the end which I would have liked, but I'm glad it all worked out in the end for Sophia.

Sophia herself I wasn't too fond of at the beginning. I found her rather whiny, which did come back at times throughout. However, it was great to see a strong, semi-independent female character in a historical fiction novel which does happen always. Sophia has a lot of things going on and a lot of horrible people trying to manipulate around her which made me feel rather sorry for her. Her relationship with both Jenny and Mr Charleton (ah him!) were very different but do give her some freedom and I think without this other side to Sophia, I would really not have liked her.
On the subject of characters, there are a huge array here - some that are real, others fictitious but all were very unique and brought something entertaining and interesting to the story. One of my favourites was Mr Charleton for his humour mostly which had me a few times laughing out loud - he's just so gentlemanly and witty. Jenny also brought some humour to the novel with her difference to Sophia in class. The creep of the book goes to Sophia's father who I wanted to slap. Hard. So creepy, so annoying and urgh, some of his actions were so unnecessary. No wonder Sophia is scared of him!

Although I do wish, being a lover of historical romance, that the ending and the romance itself in this book had more to it, I did Jensen's writing in this novel again. The romance could have been more enhanced but then the focus of this novel is not the romance and I'm not sure it would have fit. The ending is very ambiguous in some ways but I liked the idea that everyone has their own idea what happens after the pages are closed. There is more to this book than meets the eye and from reading the first chapter. Yes, there is all the issues of society and her family for Sophia. However, this is essentially a novel of mystery, suspense, rebellions and spies. Marie-Louise Jensen covers a period of history that I doubt has been covered in fiction before of the Jacobite risings in England when the Stuart (the family after the Tudors) heir after Charles I died was deposed and claimed by his daughter, Mary to rule equally with her Dutch husband, William. Which a lot of English didn't like hence the references to rebellions throughout the novel. I've never studied this period of history but after finishing this novel, I have to admit I was quite intrigued to find out more.

Overall, this novel is very good for those that enjoy historical fiction. For me, it was nothing like The Lady in the Tower, one of my favourite books, but I still enjoyed this book nonetheless for the mystery, drama and the writing. I totally felt like I could imagine Bath as it is described (quite unfavourably interestingly) and I liked reading about Sophia's double life. This is a good novel despite some of the mediocre reviews and was a lovely, enjoyable read while I was  little ill.

I give it a 4 out of 5

Author's Website: http://www.marie-louisejensen.com/
Pages: 311
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Challenges: BBC, Historical Fiction

Jane Austen Stole My Boyfriend - Cora Harrison (#2)

Although this is the second book by Cora Harrison based on the diary of Jenny Cooper, a close cousin to Jane Austen, I think it could be read independently without the first novel, I was Jane Austen's Best Friend (see my review).
I bought and read the first book on a bit of a whim - wanting an easy read. Nothing too tough. But actually really enjoyed it! So I got the second book...and have only just got around to reading it.
Since acquiring this novel, I have also read the first book in Cora Harrison's new series named Debutantes (my review), which I would also recommend!
Cora Harrison has to be one of my favourite historical fiction writers as well as Anna Godbersen and Mary Hooper among MANY so I was quite pleased to be starting this book and finally finding out the ending to Jenny's story.

Synopsis: The effects of Jenny Cooper met, fell in love and was then proposed to by the lovely Captain Thomas Williams are both joyful and threatening to their future happiness with a number of obstacles between their love becoming official in marriage. Meanwhile, Jane Austen - Jenny's cousin and closest friend - has her own ideas to find romance. Jane's wild imagination is looking for a dashing, handsome and brave young man - but the males of Steventon don't particular match that fantasy. Soon, Jenny and Jane go to Bath to visit their aunt and uncle and are shown a world of romance, dancing and elegance as well as a few scandals along the way. Soon Jane has a number of admirers wanting her attention and is at risk of being the talk of the town for the wrong reasons...

Review: I have to admit that I constantly cringe whenever I type/write/say the title of this book - it's jokey, yes, but if I had not sampled Cora Harrison's novels before, this would not be a to-read for me.
This is the perfect book for those that are big Jane Austen fans like myself. Although I've only read Pride and Prejudice, I love the plot, the manners and the elegance of her time and also just Jane Austen herself too. This is also the perfect read for those fans to sit on a rainy afternoon in bed with chocolate and coffee and just enjoy the afternoon. Because of the simplicity of this novel, I loved reading it late at night or very early in the morning - it was easy to engross yourself in and to understand.

The story is told from Jenny's point of view. As Harrison says in the Author's Note at the back (which is so interesting to have a read of what is true or not), Jenny's real name was Jane but changed for the purposes of having another Jane in the story. I've always loved Jenny - she's very lovely, gentle and kind yet quite strong-headed and understands what is happening around her. Unlike sometimes young girls of the time are portrayed, neither Jane nor Jenny I found extremely silly and I felt very attached to their future happiness throughout the novel. Jenny at the beginning of the book is engaged to a naval officer  Thomas - another rather lovely character. However, they are refused permission by her brother due to his wife's jealousy for the match. Thomas is vacant for the majority of the book as he goes on a trip with his crew. I loved seeing the genuine sadness from Jenny at his leaving - it just made it lovely to read.

What I absolutely loved about this book (and the series) is the references to Jane Austen's literature. There are quotes that Jane gives to Jenny to put in her diary that after a quick Google, I realised are from Jane Austen novels. The characters and plot have a certain Jane Austen-esque to them. Jane Austen reminded me so much of Elizabeth Bennet and Thomas as Mr Darcy which for a big Jane Austen fan like myself, it's lovely to see the thought put into the novel through this references.

The plot of the book is never boring, with a number of sub-plots happening that keep you as a reader guessing until the very end. I enjoyed the structure of the novel as a diary written by Jenny that really allowed me to get to know her character once again and sympathise with her. The writing is very informal and not at all like the Regency language we associate with Jane Austen, but I liked this aspect of it - it makes this an easier more enjoyable read.
I loved the simplicity of this novel, the modern language, the understandable plot and the lovely unique characters. This novel may should very modern but the key aspects of the 1700s are still present - the etiquette  the clothes, the manners, the dancing - all written clearly and in a way that made it so easy to imagine.

Despite the isolated moments where I had to cringe (starting with the title), I think this novel is best for those that want an easy read for whatever reason that may be. This was perfect to read late at night and very early in the morning when I didn't want to read anything too heavy. I loved the characters, the plot and the writing that made this an overall great read that has cemented Cora Harrison as one of my favourite authors.

I give it a 4.5 out of 5

Author's Website: http://www.coraharrison.com/
Pages: 346
Publisher: Macmillan
Challenges: BBC, Historical Fiction

Cora Harrison's other books:
I was Jane Austen's Best Friend
Debutantes

If you like this, you'll also like....
Cassandra's Sister by Veronica Bennett
Me and Mr Darcy by Alexandra Potter
Love, Lies and Lizzie by Rosie Rushton

The Night Circus - Erin Morgenstern

I have to admit, I never really intended to read this book.
My friend got given this book as a present and after reading it and loving it, gave the book to me after I must admit - it sounded pretty interesting.
However, once she gave me the book, it sat on top of my bookcase for months. And I'm serious about months.
The other day, it got too long. I needed to either give it back or just read it and hope for the best.
I opened this book, not expecting much. But I was pleasantly surprised!

What interested me about this was the whole circus thing. It made the circus sound beautiful and lovely, which most of the time - it is not. I hate the circus when it comes to town, I've never gone. And that's probably why I didn't want to read this book.
But this book offered an alternative perspective. A romantic perspective that made the circus an all together magical, astonishing and secretive place that really opened my eyes.

Synopsis: The circus arrives without warning. No announcements precede it. It is simply there, when yesterday it was not. The black and white striped tents appear and give you breathtaking, enchanting experiences, that seem almost unreal. This is 'Le Cirque des Reves' - the Circus of Dreams. A sign hangs outside of main gated entrance - Opens at Nightfall, Closes at Dawn.
However, behind the glittering and magical façade of the circus, there is a dangerous competition - a duel between two young magicians  Celia and Marco set up by their guardians. Both have been trained from childhood to win. The circus holds the stage for this battle of imagination and skill. Soon, the pair fall in love. A kind of love that makes the candles flicker or the room grow warm whenever they are together. With such a dangerous and powerful link between the two of them, the fates of everyone, their friends and fellow circus performers, lay in their hands. The game must play out. Only one can win.

Review:
Like I said, this book wasn't a planned read for me. At all. I hate the circus and there are so many other books I wanted to read. Yet, somehow I felt bad giving this back to my friend unread - and I'm the one that's a book blogger.
Essentially, this novel is evolved around this circus, where you're never quite sure if the performances are real or staged. Oh and everything is either black, white or grey. The novel follows the creation of the circus and also the running of it, all experiences from a variety of different characters. From early on, it is clear that Marco and Celia are competing in a game against one another - basically to show who is the best magician  formed between Celia's father and Marco's mysterious guardian.

I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Immensely in fact. Erin Morgenstern writes with preciseness and intricate detail that lets your imagination go wild, I could certainly picture the Circus by the end. Her own imagination has made something extraordinary and totally original. The different tents holding enchanting and interesting things, the Midnight Dinners (so want to go to one!), the characters. The imaginative descriptions make this book for me.
There are a whole cast of characters, and that's just the main ones. I can see that some people may get confused with that amount of characters, but I liked the variation. Sometimes it's refreshing to have the narrative based on more than two characters. Marco and Celia are the main two characters - but they're not the only ones that you remember fondly when closing the book.

The romance is also done perfectly. There are moments between Marco and Celia that leave you excited - I felt like I was with them, sharing that moment. The fact, as a reader, you know that they are against each other, there are heartbreaking moments and in a way, it makes their love and the romance within the book more and more real. Especially when you're debating whether the magic they are doing is real at the same time.

I'm not sure I can convey how much I loved this book, hence the rather short review. I don't review adult books that often but I felt this book needs to be highlighted much more than it is.
This is simply magical (no pun intended) written in a beautiful, vivid way that left me wanted so much more. Although I think many may have some trouble getting into the story, the pace is slow, I think any reader would be rewarded when they get to the thick of the narrative. The details, up to the costume, made the book so easy to imagine, the characters becoming personal to you and the circus becoming a place of dreams, magic and romance. The ending was perfect, utterly perfect.
This was just amazing. One of the best books I have ever had the pleasure to read. And completely changed my view of the circus. Just amazing.

I give it a 5 out of 5

Author's Website: http://erinmorgenstern.com/
Pages: 387
Publisher: Doubleday
Challenges: Historical Fiction (set in the late 1800's/early 1900's)

After - Morris Gleitzman (#4)

**This is the fourth book in the Once series by Morris Gleitzman featuring Once (review), Then (review) and Now (review). However, Gleitzman says, and I agree, that they don't need to read in order to understand the story**

When I finished Now, I thought I was done with Felix's story. I moved on as did Felix and I was safe in the knowledge that Felix turned out just fine and didn't die during the Holocaust. 

I think so did Morris Gleitzman, as he says in his Author's Note. 

When I discovered that After was being released, I had a mixture of anticipation and dread. Here was an amazing trilogy that I loved, although ended not so well, and now an extra book, an after thought, was being added on the end. This book wouldn't be good. Nah ah. Yet I still wanted to read it. 

So when an anonymous commenter asked if I could get a copy of this, read it and post a review, I thought it was time to enter Felix's crazy and dangerous world one last time.

Synopsis: Set in 1945 between Then and Now, Felix faces some of his greatest and challenging adventures of the Second World War. The Nazis have taken his parents, have killed Zelda and those he loved, and now, they have ruined his 13th birthday. Felix struggles to find hope when he loses mostly everything in the last most dangerous agonising stages of war. Soon, he meets Yuli, a young woman helping Felix find his way, hoping that neither of them disappear before the end of the war. 

Review: After is simply beautiful. Through Felix's innocent naive narration, we discover a world where everything is not quite what it seems and danger is lurking at every corner, all read with a poignant under layer where you, as a reader, know that some of the events are utterly true.

This is certainly not a comfortable read. Any reader cannot help feeling this sinking feeling as the book progresses, the Holocaust comes alive through the eyes of thirteen year-old Felix. For those that are loyal readers of the Once series, we were first introduced to him at aged 6, running away from a Catholic orphanage his parents left him in (so he would not be taken to a concentration camp). What I have loved about this series is seeing Felix get older, I mean it's hardly a desirable childhood. 

In my review for Now, I wrote that I didn't think Felix would be the type of person to fight violently against the Nazis. But in this book, that completely changed. This portrayal of Felix shows his grown-up side and I left reading this book with a smile on my face because it's now a teenager!

Gleitzman's writing is neither too intellectual or patronising. It has the right balance of being childlike but not annoyingly so. I would say this is an easy read, due to the length, but as I hope I've displayed so far, it isn't. Felix's childlike narrative and naivety makes this book all together more emotional and shocking while describing some of the horrors that happened during WWII.

There is nothing more I can really say about this book that hasn't already been said in my previous reviews for the Once series. These books DO NOT need to be read in order, although of course, some things in After may reveal events from Once and Then.

This story has captured mine, and many other reader's, imagination of the young Jewish boy from Poland - Felix. This novel manages a perfect mix of shock, horror and danger with the lovely childlike narration from Felix. It's fair to say his chats with Dom (a horse) in this book definitely made it less intense to death/killing scenes a few pages previously.

Any reader will close this book with Felix in their mind for a while longer. This series is one of the most harrowing books I have ever had the pleasure to read and I think all the credit for that goes to the fantastic and desperately suffering character of Felix. I'm so glad Felix was alright in the end. And that the series ended superbly this way.

I give it a 5 out of 5

Author's Website: http://www.morrisgleitzman.com/
Pages: 209
Publisher: Puffin
Challenges: Historical Fiction

Other Books in the series:
Once #1
Then #2
Now #3

Related Books (set during Second World War):

The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas - John Boyne
Chocolate Cake with Hitler - Emma Craigie
Annexed - Sharon Dogar
Auslander - Paul Dowswell
A Song for Summer - Eva Ibbotson
The Morning Gift - Eva Ibbotson

Debutantes - Cora Harrison (#1)

I discovered Cora Harrison a couple of years ago when I picked up I was Jane Austen's Best Friend (review) after choosing it as 'the other book' in one of the classic Waterstone's 3 for 2 and found myself pleasantly surprised by the depth of knowledge on Jane Austen, the subtle parodies and hints of Austen's own novels and just the lovely simplistic writing that made it perfect for a summer read on holiday.
I also bought the sequel, Jane Austen Stole My Boyfriend (huge cringe at the title) which I am yet to read.

I had no idea that Cora Harrison, one of my favourite historical fiction writers, was releasing a new book until I saw this pop up on one of the blogs that I follow in their In My Mailbox etc.
Knowing this, I was so surprised to wander into my library, glance at the 'Teen' section and see this one a stand facing me. I picked this up without a hesitation to say the least.

Synopsis: The date is 1923 and London is the centre of jazz, parties, fashion and dance. Not that sisters Violet, Daisy, Poppy and Rose Derrington know as they find themselves stuck in crumbling house in the country in hand-me-down dresses without any heritage or money - they are desperate to be apart of this sparkling world for different reasons to pursue their dreams: Daisy wants to be a film director, Poppy aspires to be a jazz musician, Rose an author while their eldest sister, Violet, dreams of  being a Debutante and be presented at Buckingham Palace and meet the bachelor Prince George...
However, Daisy finds many of the hidden secrets of their estate which could ruin their future plans or everything together.

Review: The thing that gripped me from when I first heard about this novel is the fact it's set in the 1920's but not the conventional 1920's America - oh no - London, England. I get the sense from reading various books set in the 1920's and nearly ALWAYS in America, that people tend to forget that the jazz, sparkle and glitz associated with the 1920's didn't only happen in America. So America had speakeasies, Prohibition, gang culture. London was the fashion capital. It had the young men of the Royal Family. The BBC. Dancing. Technology. And Debutantes.
For those that are unfamiliar what a Debutante actually is, simply, a Debutante is a young lady normally from an aristocratic family that 'comes out' once they turn 18 in the hope of finding a husband. We have to remember the 'teenager' wasn't invented until the 1950's so once you turned 18, that's it - you're an adult. A debutante would host a coming-out ball where they would invite lots of other single aristocratic young people and then also be presented to the King and Queen at Buckingham Palace by a relative/friend who was previously a debutante themselves. Simply, it was the chance to have a social life for a few months before going back to your country estate in Kent.
So why am I not getting my gear on soon for my own coming out ball (not that I'm a Lady or anything)? Well, the notion of the debutante was abolished in the 1950's when our current Queen came to the throne.

Anyway. The book.
As I said, I liked the original setting of 1920's London - a place which many people know not that much about. There is a clear sense that Harrison has done her homework in regards to researching the atmosphere, etiquette and fashions of the day for a new debutante. Not only do you read about the world of being a debutante or indeed just living in the 1920's but also you experience the atmosphere of the time. This seemed like a true portrayal of the time. The elegance of the cover also transpires to the narrative.

I think the characters are what make this book. The four sisters that the plot is centred around are so different to one another which makes sure as a reader, there is at least one you could connect with. For me, it was Daisy. The four girls represent certain aspects of the time in my opinion - the jazz culture, the film industry of Hollywood, the rise in journalism from the creation of the BBC and then, the traditional aspects that stayed back of the society such as Violet's ambition to be the perfect debutante.
I begun this novel expecting a third person narrative looking at all the four sisters, perhaps in alternative chapters, or at least centred and narrated by Violet suggested from the title of the book. However, I was surprised to find the third person narrative focussed on Daisy. I liked this aspect in a way as this wasn't bias as it would be from the point of view of Violet and also, you get to learn more of the film industry from Daisy's knowledge of films and Hollywood. It made it really interesting to see how they made these films and how they critiqued them!
My problem with the narrative was it was quite confusing at times. All the sisters are of course 'she' so at times it was confusing to see which 'she' the 'she' was referring to especially if one of the other sisters had been speaking. It made it seem like they were doing the action when really it was Daisy. My other problem was the emphasis on Daisy. Because of this, the sisters are times were swept aside to focus on Daisy or Violet. The times Rose made an appearance, she was charming and brought humour to the book. Violet was portrayed as selfish and stuck-up to make you instantly love Daisy. Violet is an interesting, mixed emotions character and I felt that could have been played on more. I also felt Poppy's romance and problems would have been played on more too.

The vivid descriptions that run through continually make this a pleasure to read and I could imagine the scenes perfectly in my head, especially Justin - their friend. The dresses, the rooms and the actions are presented in a way to make them incredibly clear. I can easily see this made into a movie.

It's fair to say that the mystery of Elaine also tops this novel. There are clever hints and messages run through the book, some of which the reader would notice, others not. The ending I did predict but the surprises leading up to it I did not. This is a book that will both surprise you and give you a chance at being your own Sherlock Holmes.

Overall, it's clear that I enjoyed this novel because of it's sparkling, remarkable detail of the Derrington sisters world of 1920's London, a setting not used much in historical fiction. The characters are all so unique and different to one another and give you a sense of a large family group such as theirs (I'm an only child so I wouldn't know). The mystery, secrets and deception that underlay this novel has been executed superbly that leave you with at least some surprises at the ending. This is a novel for any fans of Downton Abbey - Violet seemed awfully like Mary at times and Justin as Matthew. This also seemed to me as a younger version of The Luxe series by Anna Godbersen.
This is supposed to be a series but the ending last lines give an air of finality to me so it will be interesting to see what the next novel's plot with centre around.

Fans of Downton Abbey or The Luxe, get this. This is the perfect summer read.

I give it a 4 out of 5

Author's Website: http://www.coraharrison.com/
Pages: 320
Publisher: Pan Macmillian
Challenges: BBC, Historical Fiction

Related Posts:
The Luxe: Splendor - Anna Godbersen
Bright Young Things - Anna Godbersen
I was Jane Austen's Best Friend - Cora Harrison

Strings Attached - Judy Blundell

A couple of years ago, I read Judy Blundell's debut What I Saw and How I Lied (review). Although I didn't LOVE the book, I thought it was good - it gave a good impression of the time of which it was set, 1947, and there was so much mystery, I felt I HAD to read on to find out what would happen in the end.

I heard about Strings Attached around the blogosphere as What I Saw and How I Lied was one of those books which everyone was talking about or reviewing. It seemed interesting so I reserved it at my library quite a while ago, but I only received it at my local library recently.

Synopsis: 1950 America. Having fled her family in Providence, Rhode Island and cut her relationship off with the hot-headed Billy, whose enlisted in the army, Kit arrives in New York City with nothing. She becomes a chorus girl in a low-budget Broadway show but nothing lasts long in this city. Suddenly, Nate Benedict, Billy's lawyer father, appears in her life - offering her an apartment, a job and an introduction to a new, better life. But this is New York, where nothing in life comes for free which Kits learns the hard way.

Review: I think there is an unanimous decision from everyone that has read this book that Nate Benedict is a total, utter creep. Exactly the type you would not like to meet in a deserted, dark back alley somewhere. He is a slimy character that has an interesting first impression that doesn't last long.

I started this book a little apprehensive. I enjoyed What I Saw and How I Lied for the mystery, intrigue, history and romance but it didn't leave an ever-lasting impression on me like other books have done so in the past. In fact, I felt a little underwhelmed at the time. I read it because I wanted to find out what happened in the end but not because I was sucked in like in other books. The same really happened for this book, but I think I was much more sucked in this time round. 

Kit is an interesting character. She comes from a poor background growing up with only her father, aunt Delia and her two twins (she's one of a triplet). After a serious argument following her brother and Billy joining the US army, Kit decides to leave and pursue her own dreams of becoming a star on Broadway. She goes get a part in a minor musical as a chorus girl by herself but it's a job where it is clear she cannot live on forever. Enter stage right, Nate Benedict who turns up one night after a show, taking her to a suitable apartment before inviting her to accompany it. Without realising, this man gives Kit a place to live and a great job working as a dancer at a popular club as well as even new fashionable clothes. It is clear Kit owes him and when something bad happens and someone from their past turns up in New York, Kit realises that she shouldn't have accepted the easy way.

At times I loved Kit, especially her voice when describing her experiences in New York. Blundell really creates an atmosphere that lets the reader experience the glamour and paranoia of 1950's America with the threat of a nuclear bomb from the USSR (Russia). These different atmosphere's really contrast with each other to show the positive and negative sides to America at this time. There is the lovely descriptions of Kit's feelings when she is dancing or of a theatre or when she goes ice-skating at the Rockefeller Centre (oh yeah). But then, she is made to go into an air-raid shelter as New York prepares for if a bomb did hit. And then, there is the perhaps less legal activities of Nate. It's funny because when I think of the 1950's America, I think of suburbia and James Dean and the creation of teenagers. But the atmosphere that Blundell brings feels like America in the 1920's/30's with gangs, Communism, violence and the glamour of New York City.

Kit is a good protagonist but I never felt fully connected to her. She seems very selfish and once again some of the choices she makes seem unrealistic. Apart from those moments, she was a great voice to have for the narrative. She did seem older than seventeen (my own age) but I admire her for what she does. She leaves home for a huge, unfriendly city at 17! I couldn't do that yet.

The writing was average for me, it mostly helped create a great atmosphere for me. The chapters are in the past and present which is stated at the beginning of the chapter. This was good to start with and it was quite balanced. However, I found nearer the end when more things needed to be revealed for the final ending that there would be multiple and uneven chapters in  the past which meant when it returned to the present, it was a tad confusing at times.
The alternative time settings added a little suspense and were a great way to find out about Kit's life before 1950. This, I found, created the mystery for me in the story and ultimately, I was so surprised by the ending. It's very sudden and to be honest, I think it could have been built up more.

I did enjoy Strings Attached, certainly more than What I Saw and How I Lied. However, this, for me at least, wasn't perfect at all. Despite that, I think I enjoyed it more than I realised. Kit was a great lead, even if I didn't feel for her at times, and there are some awesome secondary characters such as Hank and Nate succeeded in creeping me out. Blundell creates a world of suspense and intrigue where everyone is hiding something, even Kit. I loved the romance of the story and of the world and of course, the atmosphere of 1950's America. So what did I learn from this novel?  In this world nothing in life certainly in never free - there is always some debt to be paid. This is well worth a read if you love historical fiction.

I give it a 3.5 out of 5

Author's Website: http://www.judyblundell.com/
Pages: 313
Publisher: Scholastic
Challenges: Historical Fiction

Related Posts:
Review: What I Saw and How I Lied

Shadow Web - N.M.Browne

I've read this book about 3/4 times now. Everytime I read it, I notice something different, it just shows how well crafted this book is. It's a book I read every year, I cannot get bored of this book because of the way I see something different, and I love reading about Jess and Johnny,

Synopsis: After searching herself on the internet during a break from a history essay, sixteen-year-old Jess Allendon from Shene, London finds another Jessica Allendon, from Shene, that is sixteen-years-old. She agrees to meet up with her at Waterloo. One minute she is approaching her doppelgänger, the next she is being shooed away from the 'first-class entrance' because of her skimpy clothes. Suddenly, she is trapped in a London which looks as if it's from an era long past, but the year is 2008. And the other Jessica has been playing a very dangerous game in his secretive and dangerous version of London that's landed Jess is a dangerous web that she needs to sort out. Fast.


Review: This book for me, has everything. There is action, feelings, romance, secrets, adventure, twists and turns and if it was a movie, I'd be on the edge of my seat. I love the character of Jess and the book follows her growing up and becoming mature and appreciate her own world which is better that Jessica's. She comes to the world completely disoriginated as you would expect and has to learn quickly about Jessica's life, work and past in order to do the right thing and for people not to notice she is different. There are lots of things that Jess does that the reader and herself in HER London would never think twice about but in Jessica's London, this is different and soon, Jess is in trouble.

The world itself is so interesting and it has puzzled me MANY times about what this parallel world is. From reading N.M.Browne's view on writing the book (you can see this on her website), the world shown is one where there have been no World Wars. That's right, I'm sure most people think while studying World War I or World War II 'I wonder what would have happened if they had never have happened?', 'I wonder what would have happened if England had lost?' Well, here's your answer. The world heavily features German aspects making it obvious of the world that has been created. When Jess walks into the house that there is a painting by 'A Hitler', which Jess remarks 'What an unfortunate name'. But there is no mention of Hitler or of wars that we would understand because here, they didn't happen or if they did, they were less significant than in Jess's real London. Women under 30 don't have the vote, there are various important links with Germany through the royal family and a traditional greeting is 'Guten Tag' (this is a formal greeting in Germany meaning 'good day'). It's funny and really makes you think about this alternative life that may or may not be happening right now.

Jess could be seen as a little bit annoying. At times in the past I have admittingly thought 'MAN UP'. It is true that Jess seems nothing like a heroine of the novel as she turns out to be and she has more to contend with than her doppelgänger.
I really like Johnny. When he comes out of his shell a little bit more, he seems very passionate, down-to-earth and cares about Jessica's well being despite not really liking her. I've read in some reviews that people think he seems much older than 17. I have to agree - he does seem like he is in his early 20s rather than the same age than me. But this fits with both his personality in this and the world that Jess is in.

Overall, this book is one that I love now and will keep on loving every time I read it. It has everything for me at least. Read it, if you haven't read it before, I'm pretty sure any teenager can relate to the woes and situation of Jess a little bit, even if she is in a different world. You won't regret it. Just don't google your name!

I give it a 5 out of 5

Author's Website: http://nmbrowne.com/
Pages: 312
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Challenges: BBC

The Lady In The Tower - Marie-Louise Jensen

This was one of those books I just chose because, well, I chose it. And it looked alright. And I liked the cover. Mostly, it was the cover. Oh, and it was on offer.
So this wasn't a book I had been pining for a long time, it was just one of those moments I decided to buy it.
This is a historical fiction novel and after reading it last year, I soon discovered that buying instinct was a good idea. I decided to re-read it now as I was a blogging and reading slump while my exams are on.
It was as good as the first time round...

Synopsis: The isolated part of the castle is the place where Eleanor's mother has been imprisoned for four years after being accused as a witch - this is the Lady Tower, as called by the servants at Fairleigh Castle. While her father goes away frequently on business with Thomas Cromwell or the king, Henry VIII, Eleanor roams around the castle like a servant, riding on her favourite horse, Arianna or practising jousting with her little brother meanwhile, secretly writing notes to her mother.
However, when court come to Fairleigh, by chance, Eleanor hears of a plot to murder her mother and it becomes Eleanor's mission to free her before it is too late. Everyone it seems she can trust, may betray her, so she must be careful. However, she soon realises that she is not only saving her mother, but also herself from marriage to one of her father's men.


Review:
If you are looking for a historical fiction book with lots of gore and fighting, I would click away right now, but WAIT, click here instead because this would be much better suited for your tastes.
This book is historical fiction with a lovely bit of romance thrown in for good measure.

When I first picked up this book, I had my doubts. I love historical fiction but mostly when they have some gentlemanly romance. From reading the blurb on the book, there is no hint of this romance and I think that's what raised my sceptical. I mean, the whole book being about Eleanor running away with her mother, it didn't sound that inviting for me.
However, I was wrong. The book is centred around a couple of months in fifteen-year-old Eleanor's life. After her father arrives back to Fairleigh Castle with the king and her entourage, Eleanor frequently meets this gentleman who goes against the 'codes' for gentlemen and when Eleanor is disguised as a servant, he tries to kiss her. This man, she soon finds out, is her soon-to-be husband, Lord Stanton. And she hates him immensely. And he is not too fond of her either. Great start!
The romance is pretty gradual, more gradual for Eleanor as around the halfway mark, there is a sense that Stanton does not hate Eleanor as he IS kinder. Although, it is slightly infuriating, this suits Eleanor's character and I liked this 'will they? won't they?' feel.

The characters themselves are interesting. The only one I had a real problem with on both readings was Eleanor's mother, Lady Hungerford. I found her very petty and I understood Eleanor's annoyance with her.
Eleanor herself was a delight to have as a narrator especially with her boldness to defy some of the Tudor conventions for women such as jousting and riding astride (with one leg on either side of horse). I like this rebellous side to her as well caring side we see latterly. She was a perfect heroine for me.
Although you are persuaded to hate Stanton, I found myself enjoying his jokes (some of which I had to giggle at) and his encounters with Eleanor do largely make the book for me. The similarities from Eleanor's father to the conventional views of Henry VIII were what caught me for his character - he is a character that you love to hate - or just hate really.

Another aspect of my enjoyment for this book was the time period it is set in. As some may know, I am studying this time period for my exams so reading this book put this all into perspective for me. It is 1540 - the year where Cromwell was given a Lordship - but executed by the end of the year for treason and heresy. Cromwell was in charge of turning England from Catholic to Protestant as he was evangelical himself. However, after the marriage to Jane Seymour, around this time, Henry wanted a more Catholic approach to the Church, although he was still the Head. However, Cromwell didn't want this and tried to defy the Act of the Six Articles which enforced this approach Henry wanted. Officially, Cromwell was charged for treason and heresy as in Calais (which was part of English rule then) was completely Protestant and this was all down to Cromwell not enforcing the Act of Six Articles.

However, it's mostly thought that Cromwell was charged as he wreaked the marriage of Henry to Anne of Cleves. It's funny to think that someone like Eleanor might actually have really caused this and the treason charge was a part of plotting against him.
This period of history is interesting and it is quite nice to see a historical novel based around this time - it helped put my history course into perspective with what happened that year. It is good to see not another book set in the Elizabethan times.


I really enjoyed this book despite my reservations and I could read this again and again. This is one for historical fiction fans but I would recommend this to most people, especially those perhaps studying this period in time. Or just like Henry VIII.
This was also based on A REAL STORY and a REAL PLACE, which you can visit now.

I give it 4.5 out of 5

Author's Website: http://www.marie-louisejensen.com/
Pages: 317
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Challenges: Historical Fiction, BBC

Beautiful Days - Anna Godbersen (#2)

*There may be some spoilers in this review for those who have not read the first in this series, Bright Young Things. To see the review for that, click here*

I read Bright Young Things, the first in the series with the same name, early last year and pretty much loved it. Anna Godbersen has been a favourite author of mine for a while now since I fell in love with the covers of her previous series The Luxe set in 1900's New York before I set up the blog. 

That series was so good and I was a little disappointed by the first book in Bright Young Things. However, I was still hooked and couldn't wait to get this book when it came out in September. I did get it - but like a lot of books I didn't read it until now.

Synopsis: It's been a month since Letty and Cordelia arrived in New York and they have already fit in. Both living at Dogwood, Cordelia's late father's huge estate on Long Island, they spend their days relaxing with their friend Astrid and the nights out in the sparkle and high-class society of 1920's Manhattan. 

However, Letty wants more than being just a socialite. She wants to finally achieve her dream of being on Broadway - whatever the cost. 

Cordelia, meanwhile, is still getting over the events of the last month where she was deceived by the gorgeous Thom Hale resulting in her father being killed. She wants to honour her father - while achieving revenge.

Astrid is finally engaged to Cordelia's half-brother, Charlie - but caught in a shimmering world of speakeasies, jewels and endless parties. But Charlie is a gangster playing dangerous game and soon Astrid, Letty and Cordelia are caught up in the dangerous web of the gangster's world. 

Review: So after having a slight disappointment after Bright Young Things and starting this over a year after reading the previous book, I was a little unsure whether I would enjoy it as much as I wanted to - I mean, I could only briefly remember what happened in BYT and with Anna Godbersen still having to live up to The Luxe series in my mind, the outcome was a bit shady.

However, I was pleasantly surprised. This, I felt, was MUCH better than it's predecessor and I got more into the narrative and finding out more about the time and the character's themselves.

Sometimes when other historical fiction writers write these period novels, you only have a favour for the time and you read along with an understanding of what life at this time was like. However, whenever I read Anna Godbersen's books, I am literally taken to the era and it is like the reader is this invisible friend of Letty, Cordelia and Astrid's walking along side them experiencing what they are. I know a lot of about the 1920's America because I was examined on that decade of Prohibition, speak-easies and entertainment for my History GCSE last year. Equally, I picked this book up now as I'm studying The Great Gatsby in English Literature at the moment for my exam next month - so I have some knowledge of the time - who doesn't, with movies like Bugsy Malone? Now only did I understand and enjoy reading of the time period I know about, but I got to experience with the characters - therefore, I know why everyone goes to Gatsby's parties in a sense!

Considering this, I have a feeling some people would feel the characters are annoying or too frivolous, but knowing the time, this is exactly right and suits the decade the book is set in. If you want some more frivolous, I direct you to Daisy in The Great Gatsby...

In the last book, I didn't like Letty at all, but fell in love with the characters of Cordelia and Astrid. Letty, this time, was much better and felt sorry for her for the majority of the book, especially in the middle. There is a moment when she is with Grady (oh yes, he's back...) where I was deeply cringing for her - I must admit, some of the events in the book I wanted to jump in and shout at them 'Just tell them!' - but you know, I couldn't. Nonetheless, I did enjoy reading of all the characters.
Actually, to be honest, I felt sorry for all the girls at points.

Charlie is back also and in charge of the family bootlegging business now his father is dead. I have read a lot of reviews where people really disliked him and to be honest, he doesn't get any better. There are moments where I disliked him but latterly, he is much more likeable because of events - although still forceful and demanding.
There are a small cast of new characters as well as recurring minor ones - all of which were delightful additions to read about alongside the three main girls.

The best thing about this book is the writing which Godbersen I think altered slightly to suit the era after The Luxe. It is very visual and lyrical in parts that helps capture the society and attitude of the time, transporting you to that period of time. This is a book I had no problems with.

Overall, this is an amazing next chapter from the last book and the strongest so far. It is rich in suspense, romance, glamour, tension and moments where I just wanted to jump in and join the parties. Letty, Cordelia and Astrid have all formed into characters which I love to read about and although, the majority of the time, you are merely following their lives - it makes it an interesting and sparkling read. I would read BYT before starting this one, but if you have read BYT, although can't remember some of the plot, don't worry because this book gives a brief summary of what happened in places near the beginning. I had no problem remembering what had happened previously.
This is a delightful book which I thoroughly enjoyed and am SO looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
Verdict: If you weren't a fan of BYT, still try this one, it's MUCH better.

I give it a 5 out of 5

Author's Website: http://www.bytseries.com/
Pages: 368
Publisher: HarperCollins
Challenges: Historical Fiction

The next book in the series, THE LUCKY ONES, comes out later this year.

Click here for my review on Bright Young Things - the first book

Vice & Virtue - Veronica Bennett

I first saw this book on a Goodreads newsletter and was drawn to the cover straight away, mostly because of the unusual title and tagline.
I have heard of Veronica Bennett before having read her book Cassandra's Sister many times from the library before.
So by finding out that she had released another book, I was intrigued. And again, so when I noticed a copy in my local library (they are real fans of Veronica Bennett aren't they?!), I snapped it up and ran over to join my friend.
I must admit, I was a little worried about this book. Example A: the cover - it was too pink for me and Example B: although I liked the story, Cassandra's Sister, it is far from being my favourite and the last time I read it, I didn't enjoy it THAT much.
So when starting this book, my expectations were hardly high - which is probably a good thing.

Synopsis: The year is 1700, London. A city so crowded and unregulated, it is easy to slip away and become someone else. Much like Aurora finds herself having to do. After the death of her father and being the oldest child, she has to marry for wealth. So when Edward Francis comes and proclaims his love for her with a great fortune - although in poor health - she cannot refuse. But that night, she finds out his secret to marrying her. Here she enters a world of deceit, lies, etiquette and murder.

Review: I'm not quite sure about this book. I cannot say I absolutely loved this book, because I didn't. But then I didn't completely detest this book either.

The concept is interesting. Aurora comes from a rather lower class family, who has only really made their money from her mother's business. She is the eldest daughter of 3 girls, so she needs to marry well in order to help her mother and younger sisters. However, Aurora is clever, witty and knows what is morally right so she isn't JUST going to marry anyone. Until really Edward comes along and she feels she is forced into marrying him because of a deathly illness. Great plan, right? She marries a man who, although she does not know him, is in love with her from afar and marrying him will please him, and then when he does die, she will have her own fortune and estate which she can live on for the rest of her life - sounds a good idea, even if she doesn't love him, right?
Well. I won't spoil it but basically, Edward marries Aurora, not only because he really does love her, but because he wants her to become someone else, 'Miss Drayton', get into the upper class society and become friendly with a certain family in order to find the truth out for him about his father's last deed. So, not such a great idea now.

I think it is the concept that drew me in, as well as knowing of this author before. The story itself is well thought out and becomes almost like a mystery that you desperately want to find out the truth of. However, once this novel gets started, it really starts to take shape. The beginning I found was lacking something, although I was intrigued, like Aurora, from the first sentence, I wasn't totally interested or wanting to know the whole story straight away.  It isn't really until Edward reveals his secret that I was like 'Whoa - where is this going?'. The story does go on to be better than the beginning and the ending really rounds the book off well.

The characters themselves are delightful and add to the treachery and deceit that fills this novel. Every single character in this novel has a secret or something in them that they mostly hide until the very end. For Aurora, this is her marriage to Edward - as an example. The characters of Celia and Joe were well...you, as a reader, kind of start wanting them to be your friends because they seem so perfect (although Celia is way too whiny and demanding at points). Joe, well, if you wanted a guy that every girl swooned over although he is a bad boy, this is your man. The way Bennett describes him is so vivid.
Aurora herself was a lovely voice to listen to. She was clever and not silly like Celia but she was also girly and as a female myself, I enjoyed her descriptions of the luxury and clothing. Edward, at the beginning, I was positioned not to like him that much but by the end, I got used to his nature.

Although, ultimately, this is a historical book, there is also hints of mystery and romance. The mystery is not THAT great really. Although I wanted to find out the truth, I wasn't put on edge constantly (although the culprit at the end is rather surprising, I must say, the person is found out halfway through so it's not very mystery near the end). The romance was underplayed and displayed nearer the end of the book, but because of the situation for it, it was done perfectly and subtly.

Now we come to why I'm not sure if I enjoyed it. I liked the characters, the concept, the romance and mystery but I didn't totally love this book. Why? Well, like I found Cassandra's Sister, this was just flat. I felt  no strong emotions, I did not have an attachment for Aurora nor did I feel on edge in the mystery or romance. I just didn't feel anything at all.
This book is good for the different aspects that make up most novels but ultimately, when it comes to the book as a whole, it is just flat. I would recommend this book to anyone will an interest in mystery/romance/history. You will enjoy it but it won't be your favourite.
Verdict: Good book but not one to be remembered.

I give it a 4 out of 5

Author's Website: http://www.veronica-bennett.com/
Pages: 224
Publisher: Walker
Challenges: BBC, Historical Fiction

VIII - H.M.Castor

Henry VIII is someone I think no-one could live without knowing, especially here in the UK. I am actually studying him in History right now. As my teacher asked what do we know about Henry, we replied in an unplanned unison : 'He had six wives' and then burst into laughter.

But yes. Henry did have six wives. And yes, two were beheaded, two were divorced, one died and one survived, as the song goes. He fathered three children - Edward, Mary and of course, Elizabeth I - another monarch that no-one could live without knowing of.

So this was why I was interested in this book. After reading the back cover, the writer pronounced that this was her interpretation of Henry. It is true, a man whose father had fought in civil war and the fact, Henry was technically not supposed to be king (he was Henry VII's second son, his brother Arthur died before succession) - how did he grow up to be this ruthless, beheading, wife and son wanting man?
That is essentially was H.M.Castor explored.

Synopsis: The story follows Hal, a young, handsome, gifted youth who after overhearing some prophecies, believes he has been chosen by God to be King. Soon events unfold that lead to this becoming true. But he is haunted by the facts of his family's bloody past and once, he rises to power, he will do anything to make them go away and to secure his throne like those before had not - even if it means cruelty of murder. This is H.M.Castor's version of Henry VIII - Destined for greatness, tormented by demons.

Review: Wow. Just, erm, wow.
The last couple of days I have been incredibly ill, like 'I am not moving from this bed' ill. So one of the only forms of entertainment was reading and boy, when you have a gripping novel like this, it is easy to spend 3 hours reading continuously.

Like I said above, I know a LOT about Henry VIII, like probably the rest of the country, and more recently, the period of history leading up to his reign. Before his reign, as it is referenced to, there was the War of the Roses, a civil war in England that was basically caused by 'over-mighty nobles' or plainer, some nobles who had a lot of power and influence getting annoyed at the king and trying to overthrow him. This was an unsettling time for England with the chop and change of about 3 different kings. It only ended when Henry VIII's father, Henry Tudor defeated Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth and went on to secure the dynasty and prevent another civil war in the future.

Having just learn all that in History for my exam last week, it was so refreshing to read it in this book, knowing exactly who and what their referring to. I think it just showed that this lady really did her researching and this book is throughout wonderfully detailed, but simple to understand the events of the time.

One thing I, of course, do not know about Henry VIII is his personality. We can guess from the palaces and paintings that he was extravagant, ruthless and, well, fat. But H.M.Castor has cleverly shown us her Henry, a man who HAS to be these things in order to achieve what he wants desperately: Empire and Sons. She hasn't tried to copy others or do the most accepted view of him. She hasn't tried to be clever and complicated about his character. She simply charts how he came to power and how this affected his behaviour. I liked this simplicity and I was never perplexed by his actions and the narrative she includes. With Henry being renamed Hal, she shows that this is could be anyone, that he is not the conventional Henry VIII but one of the potential characters he could have been - if that makes sense.

The writing is both descriptive and imaginative. There are times when she becomes a true writer and writes some beautiful things. At times, I could vividly imagine the narrative with the elaborate dresses and rooms, his behaviour and felt his desire for an Empire and Sons. At other times, Castor sums up the events or the thoughts at the time in a sentence rather than a paragraph as other writers do.
There is seriously nothing I can fault about this book. I found the battle scenes a tad boring but that is just me, and they do not drag on and on for chapters, like many other Historical Fiction books do.

Hal as a protagonist was interesting and was so engaging to see the change in him from being a boy to being a fully grown male king and of course the turn to ruthlessness. The contrast between the man we leave at the end of the book from the beginning is quite significant so there is a definite character change in this book. Although the story is centred around Hal, we also get a favour for his relationship and the personalities of his close family, including his wives. We see Anne Boleyn as this manipulative woman, Catherine of Aragon - a lady I started to really like and the struggle of Hal deciding whether to put his future son or his love first. The kindness and innocence of Jane Seymour, Hal's famous disgust to Anne of Cleves, the deceit and two faced Katherine Howard and the perfect, careful, caring wife of Katherine Parr - the wife I am so glad lived on after reading.

In short, this book is brilliant, jam-packed of historical detail, research and true events. Castor has shown Hal well, made him a unique character in the shoes of Henry VIII's. This book has a wonderful pace and tone where, as a reader, I felt a mixture of emotions for the characters - hatred, fear, happiness - everything. Although Hal is Henry, I felt like I was becoming him too when I read this. The ending is by far perfect for me and I anticipate anything else by this marvellous writer.
I would recommend this to anyone with an interest in Tudors or history iin general - no, I would recommend this to anyone. An example of the detail involved? After finishing this book and going back to college, I was the only one to get full marks in test on Henry VIII, thanks to this book.
Verdict: Just read it, I bet you enjoy it.

I give it a 5 out of 5

Author's Website: http://www.hmcastor.com/
Pages: 391
Publisher: Templar
Challenges: BBC, Historical Fiction