Review ~ Roses Have Thorns by Sandra Byrd

Roses Have Thorns

by

Sandra Byrd

Roses Have Thorns is the third book in the lady in waiting series of historical novels which are set during the turbulent Tudor era. This novel focuses on the relationship between Elizabeth I and her court. When seventeen year old Elin von Snakenborg arrives in England from Sweden, she is unsure of her place in the world, when she courted by the Duke of Northampton, she decides to settle in England and become a lady in waiting at the queen’s court. Her relationship with the Duke of Northampton elevates her into the higher echelons of English nobility, and also involves her in Tudor intrigue at the highest level.

This is a fine depiction of the glittering network of intrigue which surrounds Elizabeth, and those courtiers who flutter like moths to a flame. There is enough historical accuracy to maintain the integrity of the story, and as always Sandra Byrd infuses her characters with such charm and charisma that the book is very easy to read and enjoy. It is not necessary to have read all the books in chronological order as they work very well as standalone reads; however it is fascinating to see how the Tudor court has evolved over time.

I've now read all the books in this series and have enjoyed them all; however Roses have Thorns is my favourite.

My thanks to NetGalley and Howard books for my digital review copy of this book.

The author Sandra Byrd is currently offering a great giveaway opportunity. 

Friday recommends...

Harper Collins
23 May 2013

The Shock of the Fall 

by

Nathan Filer

"I'm going to tell you why we came back from the caravan holiday without Simon and how I spent the next ten years living with him"

Perceptively written from the outset, The Shock of the Fall reveals a challenging journey through the minefield of mental illness, and encapsulates a story which begins with overwhelming tragedy. The heartbreak of the story is revealed slowly, and written in Matthew’s own indomitable style, we learn about his life, the burden of guilt and grief which he carries like a yoke, and the way in which both he and his parents tried to rationalise the responsibility of survival. The unpredictability of the narrative is endearing and the use of font changes and illustrations reveal how the thought processes evolve from those of a confused child, to those of a troubled, and sometimes irascible young man.

There is no doubt that this is a skilful debut novel. Nathan Filer has used his own experiences as a mental health professional to write a tragic, tender and beautifully depicted story, which illuminates love, loss and overwhelming grief in a powerful, yet poignant way.

My thanks to Anne at Random Things Online Book Group -  part of  readinggroups.org

and Harper Collins for my review copy

Wishlist Wednesday..

I am delighted to be part of wishlist Wednesday which is hosted by Dani at pen to paper

The idea is to post about one book each week that has been on your wishlist for some time, or maybe just added.

So what do you need to do to join in?

Follow Pen to Paper as host of the meme.

Pick a book from your wishlist that you are dying to get to put on your shelves.

Do a post telling your readers about the book and why it's on your wishlist.

Add your blog to the linky at the bottom of her post.

Put a link back to pen to paper (http://vogue-pentopaper.blogspot.com) somewhere in your post.

My Wishlist Wednesday book 


The Summer Queen 

by

Elizabeth Chadwick

Book blurb from Goodreads



Eleanor of Aquitaine is a 12th century icon who has fascinated readers for 800 years. But the real Eleanor remains elusive.

This stunning novel introduces an Eleanor that all other writers have missed. Based on the most up-to-date research, it is the first novel to show Eleanor beginning her married life at 13. Barely out of childhood, this gives an entirely new slant to how Eleanor is treated bv those around her. She was often the victim and her first marriage was horribly abusive.


Overflowing with scandal, passion, triumph and tragedy, Eleanor's legendary story begins when her beloved father dies in the summer of 1137, and she is made to marry the young prince Louis of France. A week after the marriage she becomes a queen and her life will change beyond recognition.


Due to be published by in June 2013.


I have been an avid reader of Elizabeth Chadwick's books since the 1990s and her latest books are always firmly placed on my wishlist well in advance of their publication.

Guest Author ~ Tracey Sinclair

I am delighted to welcome back

Tracey Sinclair

Photo by kind permission of the author

Author

of 

Wolf Night

After narrowly averting a supernatural war in London, Cassandra Bick just wants life to get back to normal. Or as normal as life can be when you run a dating agency for vampires, your best friend is a witch and the oldest, strongest and sexiest vampire in town is taking a very personal interest in your business. But when a vicious new supernatural enemy threatens her friends, Cass finds herself once again fighting for the fate of her city – and having to face some demons of her own.

Snarky, sexy and fast paced, Wolf Night will leave you breathless.

Wolf Night is Book 2 in the Dark Dates series, the Chronicles of Cassandra Bick.

**

I am delighted that Tracey could visit us again and she has very kindly answered a few questions about 

Wolf Night

Wolf Night is the second of the Cassandra Bick chronicles – did you feel more of an obligation to make this book even better than the first?

Yes, definitely! I was really lucky that the overwhelming majority of the reviews I got for Dark Dates were great, and feedback was really positive, but that did make me worry that I would somehow let people down if the second one wasn't better. And by then I had fallen in love with the characters so I felt I had a responsibility to them, too, to tell the story well. Luckily so far most people have liked it!



Wolf Night appears darker in content and yet there is still lots of humour – is it easier write funny dialogue or scary scenes? 

It is darker, I think – it deals a lot more with bigotry and intolerance and I think that naturally makes it darker in tone, and I wanted to up the stakes somewhat after the first book, to add a sense of real danger and threat. But I don’t think one type of scene is easier than the other to write – it’s just a question of going where the story takes you, so I find things just flow in the direction they need to, and the action sets the tone. I do have a habit, though, of going back over scary or darker scenes with an eye for the pretentious and the ridiculous to puncture that, and lighten it up with some humour, to try and balance it out. One of the most enjoyable things about the book is that the characters – especially Cass – have such a snarky outlook, it’s great fun to write.



If Wolf Night was optioned as a movie, who would you like to see in the leading roles? 

Ooh, tough one! Although she’s very American, I love Kat Dennings from Thor and Two Broke Girls – she has the kind of snarkiness I like. When it comes to the male leads I always just think about men I find attractive – actors like Charlie Hunnam, Timothy Olyphant, Jensen Ackles – but that’s probably because I like to think as writer I’d get a visit to the set and would be able to drool over them… 

And finally are you Team Laclos, or Team Cain?

I started out totally Team Cain – I basically wrote him as my ideal man – but the more I see of Laclos, the more I like him. He has a real sense of humour about himself, he’s funny and, of course, his utter debauchery appeals to my naughtier side. So I think, like Cass, I would struggle to choose! 

Blog: http://bodyofageekgoddess.blogspot.co.uk

Darkdates.org

BIO: Tracey Sinclair works as freelance copywriter, editor and legal directories consultant. A diverse and slightly wandering career has included writing factsheets for small businesses, creating web content for law firms, subtitling film and TV and editing one of the UK’s largest legal directories. A keen blogger, she regularly writes for online theatre site Exeunt and science fiction site Unleash the Fanboy and her blog Body of a Geek Goddess was shortlisted in the Cosmopolitan Blogger Awards 2011. Her work has been published in a number of magazines and anthologies and her short play Bystanders was premiered in 2011 as part of the CP Players New Writing Season at Baron’s Court Theatre, London. She has published two small press books (Doll and No Love is This, both Kennedy & Boyd) before publishing the Dark Dates series.

Buy links:

UK:

http://amzn.to/WQYiwY

Thanks for visiting us again Tracey - we look forward to reading more of Cassandra Bick's urban adventures in future chronicles.

My review

Having been introduced to Cassandra Bick in Dark Dates, I couldn't wait to meet up with her again in the second of her adventures. I found Wolf Night to be an altogether darker story with some truly nasty characters, who from the outset seek to cause as much damage as they can. Yet, throughout the darkness of the story, there is a wonderful thread of humour, which is a delight to read and adds some necessary contrast.

Those who are familiar with Dark Dates will rejoice that their favourite characters have returned stronger than ever. There is just as much passion on the pages as before, but this time round the characters are well established, their supernatural skills are well honed, and whilst Cassandra, Medea and Katie remain the heart and soul of the story; it is in the interaction between the supernatural alpha males, Laclos and Cain, where the story really starts to zing off the scale, as love, hate, jealousy, and overwhelming lust, all spiral out of control.

I am sure that the author is onto a real winner with this series. The urban fantasy world in which these characters roam has the potential to run and run and run.....

5*****

Review ~ The Bleeding Land by Giles Kristian

 Published April 26th 2012 by Bantam Press

Transworld

The Bleeding Land

by

Giles Kristian

1642 – A family torn apart – A war that will change England forever.

In The Bleeding Land, Giles Kristian has brought to vivid life the bloody effects of a war against its own people. The English Civil war was a battle of men against men; brother fighting against brother, and father pitched against son. Both sides thought that God was with them, but when the canons roared and the muskets fired, the only side that mattered under God, was the winning side.

Sir Francis Rivers knows that the King, Charles I, needs all the men he can muster, and as he and his eldest son, Edmund take up arms with the King, they both realise that their allegiance to the crown, will demand a high price. The violent and irascible younger son, Thomas, fleeing his own personal tragedy, takes up arms on the opposite side, where his need for bitter revenge sees brother pitched against brother, as King and Parliament fight for power.

The Bleeding Land is a skilful and graphically depicted account of the English civil war. In the gore and mire of the battlefield, the massacred English fell, and lay as if the very earth was bleeding. The author’s brutal depiction of a family tainted by treachery, allows a realistic glimpse into the doctrine and dogma that led to a nation being divided by the very principles which once governed its belief.

And in the loathing of its surrender, the anguished cry of those who were left behind, mourned the loss of a proud nation.

I was gripped by this story from start to finish, and when the last page was turned I was overwhelmed by what I had read. Very few authors can conjure time and place so perfectly, but without doubt The Bleeding Land makes you feel like you actually travelled back in time to a dark and dirty place, where the stink of battle and the wild cry of horses mingle with the sound of human despair.

5*****

My thanks to NetGalley and Bantam Press / Transworld

 for a digital copy of this book

Book Two ~ Brothers Fury is due to be published by Bantam on May 23rd 2013

It is already on my wishlist.

Guest Author ~ Maureen Driscoll

I am delighted the welcome the author

Maureen Driscoll

 Hi Maureen ~ welcome to Jaffareadstoo

First of all, thank you for having me here. I really appreciate it.  

Please pass that on to Jaffa. 

What inspired you to become an author?

My big dream was to be an actress, but my mother very wisely told me I could study whatever I wanted in college, as long as I could support myself afterward. I chose journalism, then took a job as a staffer in Congress right after graduation. I worked as a press aide for most of a decade, then when I went through a very painful divorce in 1996 I moved to Los Angeles, determined to pursue a career as a Hollywood writer. I've had my share of ups and downs. My biggest job to date was as a writer for Jimmy Kimmel’s late night show. My low point was right when the recession hit and I couldn't find any sort of job. And, oddly enough, I'm finally pursuing an acting career. I turned 50 in March and decided acting would be a better mid-life crisis that buying a sports car. So far, I've had one audition for a show called REVENGE. I don’t know if it airs in the UK, but it’s like a night time soap opera. It was for the role of a doctor and I didn't get it.



What makes you want to write romantic historical fiction?

Other than Gone With the Wind and Pride and Prejudice (my very favorite book), I’d never read a romance novel until the recession hit in 2008. I lost my job and suddenly found myself with lots of free time. I picked up a Catherine Coulter Regency romance and fell in love. I read voraciously for two years. And I picked Regency because that’s what my mom reads. My favorite authors are Sabrina Jeffries, Lisa Kleypas and Karen Hawkins.

I like writing it because there’s something very romantic about that time period. I find it difficult to read earlier eras because the lack of sanitation really, really bothers me. I can’t stop thinking about it. And while things were far from clean in the Regency era, it was getting there. As for modern, I don’t think it’s all that romantic, though I think I may try my hand at it next.



What comes first, the plot or the people?

I'm finishing up the sixth book about the Kellington family, based around the Duke of Lynwood, his three brothers, one sister and a family friend. The people definitely came first. They’re all named for Kings and one Queen of England. When I started, I thought that would enter into the plots, especially in Arthur’s book. Ironically, that one was the most difficult to write since there’s no definitive tale of King Arthur. And, after all, the guy basically gets cheated on. I was very depressed when I figured that one out. Hal’s book was a combination of the debauchery of Henry the VIII and the courage of Henry V.



Can you tell us what you are writing next?

I’m finishing the series with their friend, Joseph Stapleton’s, book. He’s an Inspector with Bow Street whom we met in the first book. His book is turning into kind of a gothic romance as he travels to a castle with an acquaintance of the duke’s to keep her safe from harm. After this series is done, I think I’m going to try some modern stories, but I’m not quite sure.



Do you have a special place to do your writing?

Just a couple months ago, I finally got wireless Internet, which has freed me up to write wherever I want in my apartment. Being online comes in handy when I have questions about things. But despite all the freedom, I'm always at my dining room table. I cannot write in coffee shops, though it certainly did wonders for J K Rowling.



What books are on your bedside table?

I’m currently reading Dangerous Angel by Sabrina Jeffries when she was writing under the Deborah Martin pen name. I love her writing. If you haven’t read her, please do. Everything she does is great.

I also have been re-reading Candace Camp’s Willowmere series. I’m obsessed with it. Her characters and stories are superb. It’s probably about time for me to re-read Mary Balogh’s Bedwyn series. I LOVE those books. Each is so different than the others. And that’s hard to do. I have some wonderfully nice readers who've had suggestions for more Kellington books. There are one or two more I may do, but I really don’t want to wear out my welcome with them. I think we've all read series where plots begin to repeat themselves and things get awfully familiar. I don’t want to do that and will (hopefully) quit while I'm ahead.

The Kellington Series

by

Maureen Driscoll

Kellington 1

Kellington 2

Kellington 3

Kellington 4

Kellington 5

Maureen - thanks so much for taking the time to visit us - Jaffa and I wish you much success with your writing !

My Review of Never A Mistress, No Longer A Maid is here

Friday recommends..

Polygon An Imprint of Birlinn Limited (6 Jun 2013)

After Flodden 

by 

Rosemary Goring

Eighty miles south of Edinburgh in the devastated village of Flodden, the aftermath of battle can be seen in the ruins of despair. Patrick Paniter, the deceased king’s secretary is a troubled man, hounded by nightmares and memories he would rather forget. Louise Brenier is a feisty young heroine, whose family has been profoundly affected by the consequences of Flodden. Her search for her brother, Benoit, missing since the battle, will lead Louise into the very depths of political danger and will force her to re-evaluate everything she has ever known about love and loss.

After Flodden is an epic adventure on a grand scale, and by combining fact with fiction, the author has skilfully merged the thrill of conspiracy, with a touch of romance. Rich in atmosphere, and alive with intrigue, the unfurling narrative sweeps effortlessly through three months during 1513, with vivid flashbacks to the Scottish preparations for battle, and describes in detail the traumatic consequences of a country in conflict. The utter desolation of the Scottish borderland and the warring factions of clan against clan are fearsomely described within a story of duplicitous deception. By accurately blending factual historical figures within a strong fictitious cast, the authenticity of the story is maintained, and the sights, sounds and smells of sixteenth century Scotland are impressively recreated.

I am reassured that the author is already planning to continue the story, as there is no doubt that the political consequences of the Scottish defeat at Flodden had a lasting legacy.

Huge thanks to newbooks for the opportunity to read this book in advance of its UK publication.