Book Beginnings on Fridays...

Hosted by Gilion at Rose City Reader

Book Beginnings on Fridays as stated by the host was started:

 "to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires."

You can share on Google + and social media , please post using the hash tag #BookBeginnings

and there's also a Mr Linky on the host's blog.

Book Beginning : The Red Queen by Philippa Gregory

Spring 1453

The light of the open sky is brilliant after the darkness of the inner rooms.I blink and hear the roar of many voices. But this is not my army calling for me, this whisper growing to a rumble is not their roar of attack,the drumming of their swords on shields.   The rippling noise of linen in the wind is not my embroidered angels and lilies against the sky, but cursed English standards in the triumphant May breeze. This is a different sort of roar from our bellowed hymns, this is a howl of people hungry for death: my death.

**

.....We don't know who this narrator is but there is a sense of desolation, of doom and impending danger. I am intrigued to see what is going to happen to this as yet invisible person, and want to read on to find out what is happening and where the roar of many voices is coming from, and why are they hungry for this person's death.....

**

A bit of book blurb

The second book in Philippa Gregory's stunning series,  The Cousins War, brings to life the story of Margaret Beaufort, a shadowy and mysterious character in the first book of the series - The White Queen - but who now takes centre stage in the bitter struggle of The War of the Roses. The Red Queen tells the story of the child-bride of Edmund Tudor, who, although widowed in her early teens, uses her determination of character and wily plotting to infiltrate the house of York under the guise of loyal friend and servant, undermine the support for Richard III and ultimately ensure that her only son, Henry Tudor, triumphs as King of England. Through collaboration with the dowager Queen Elizabeth Woodville, Margaret agrees a betrothal between Henry and Elizabeth's daughter, thereby uniting the families and resolving the Cousins War once and for all by founding of the Tudor dynasty.

If you like authentic historical fiction then I am sure you will be interested in the books in this series:

The White Queen

The Red Queen
The Lady of the Rivers

The Kingmaker's Daughter

The White Princess

The Women of the the Cousin's War (NF)

Let me know what you think of this Book Beginning....

More about the author Philippa Gregory

In light of the popularity of the TV series currently on BBC - the books have now been reissued with fabulous tie -in covers.

Carol E Wyer ~ Just Add Spice Blog Tour Blitz

Today Carol E Wyer is touring

with her latest novel

Just Add Spice 

to celebrate her book

Safkhet Publishing
25 July 2013


A Bit of Blurb

Escape from reality comes in patent-leather Prada kneeboots

Dawn Ellis needs to escape from her painfully dull existence. Her unemployed husband spends all day complaining about life, moping around, or fixing lawnmowers on her kitchen table. The local writing class proves to be an adequate distraction with its eccentric collection of wannabe authors and, of course, the enigmatic Jason, who soon shows a romantic interest in her.

Dawn pours her inner frustrations into her first novel about the extraordinary exploits of Cinnamon Knight, an avenging angel -- a woman who doesn't believe in following the rules. Cinnamon is ruthless and wanton, inflicting suffering on any man who warrants it. Little does Dawn realise that soon the line between reality and fiction will blur. Her own life will be transformed, and those close to her will pay the price.


Tour Stops with extracts and interviews can be found here


Melanie at http://mebookshelfandi.co.uk/


Josie at http://jaffareadstoo.blogspot.co.uk/


Kate at http://www.bookswithbunny.blogspot.co.uk/


Shaz at http://shazsbookboudoir.blogspot.co.uk/


Heidi at http://cosmochicklitan.wordpress.com/


Lisa at http://bookalicious-traveladdict.blogspot.co.uk/


Donna at http://donnasroomforreading.blogspot.co.uk/


Kim at http://kimthebookworm.blogspot.co.uk/


Sharon at http://jerasjamboree.com/


JB at http://brookcottagebooks.blogspot.co.uk/


Sheryl at http://sheryls-ramblings.blogspot.co.uk/


Chris at http://chrisjamesauthor.com/category/blog/


Carol at http://dizzycslittlebookblog.blogspot.co.uk/


Rick at http://rickrainbow001.wordpress.com/


***

Carol shares with us her thoughts on the cover design for Just Add Spice

Writing the novel has always been the easy part for me. Titles are harder to come up with and covers are almost impossible for me to envisage. When I completed Just Add Spice, I was stuck for ideas for a cover. Since all my books have a silhouette on them of a woman I wanted to continue that theme so I eventually proposed the idea of a frumpy woman staring into a mirror in which she can see a fabulous wild and sexy silhouette of herself. If you read the book, you’ll know why I wanted to do that.

Safkhet Publishing were brilliant and set about drawing silhouettes for me to approve. They rustled up a spiffing version of what I had asked for. They liked it. I liked it. I was so excited that I made the mistake of showing Hubby it.

“Why is that woman in the picture waving a snake at the fat one?”

“It isn’t a picture. It’s a mirror. And...that isn’t a snake. It’s a whip. She’s a devilish woman, the opposite of the one looking at her. The one looking into the mirror wants to be more like her,” I patiently explained.

Hubby harrumphed. “Don’t like it,” he said sounding like a character from TV series Little Britain. “It doesn’t tell me anything about the book. Lose the snake,” he huffed and marched off.

I thought about it. Well, if he didn’t like it, maybe other men wouldn’t like it and wouldn’t buy it for their wives, so I emailed Safkhet Publishing. They were patient. They redid the cover. They got rid of the whip. They sent it off to a focus group who agreed it was obvious that the picture was a mirror, but to make sure people thought it was a mirror it was angled.

The final cover returned. It was a fabulous purple with black writing and a second one purple with white writing. Safkhet wanted to know which version I preferred. I was looking at them when Hubby loomed up behind me. “Don’t like those,” he said flatly. “Definitely don’t like those.” He glowered at the options, scrutinising each and scowling. “They aren’t very good.”

My hackles rose. How dare he make comment! What did he know about it, anyway? He hadn’t even read the book. The atmosphere became very hot as steam poured out of my ears. I stared at him. He glared back. “Well, I’m sure you can’t do any better!” I snapped.

I was wrong. He could do better. He did it almost immediately. This is his vision of what he believed the cover should look like. I have to admit, but don’t tell him I told you so...I love it.

Safkhet Publishing were extremely gracious and supportive. They didn’t get cross with me even though we changed the cover at the eleventh hour. They listened to Hubby’s suggestions and produced this. They couldn’t have been better. I owe them my sincerest thanks.

Next time, I’m going to ask Hubby to design the cover and leave him to it while I type. He really does add spice to my life (sometimes akin to hot chilli). Do you need some in yours?

***

There are some fabulous prizes on offer to celebrate Just Add Spice....
Here is the Competition entry form

Rafflecopter Entry

Just add Spice by Carol E Wyer

Published by Safkhet Publishing (25th July2103)

Smashwords : https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/340188

US: http://www.amazon.com/Just-Add-Spice-ebook/dp/B00E4L8U7Q/

UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Just-Add-Spice-ebook/dp/B00E4L8U7Q/

DE: http://www.amazon.de/Just-Add-Spice-ebook/dp/B00E4L8U7Q/

**

My 5***** Review

In Just add Spice, the author has written an entirely believable story. You can very easily imagine that Dawn Ellis is someone you know - she could be that woman you see at the bus stop, or the one who queues in the sandwich shop just ahead of you at lunchtime, but what the story reiterates is that we are never quite sure about what goes on in the lives of those around us. With an uninteresting marriage and the prospect of dull reality, Dawn could have sunk so easily into the humdrum of middle age, but her interest in creative writing and the spicy life of her alter ego, Cinnamon allows Dawn to give full reign to her imagination.

I really enjoyed this warm and witty story, the author has captured both the reality of an uninspiring life and the way in which any life can be transformed by just adding a little bit of spice.

This is a fabulous summer read - just perfect for a long lazy day in the garden

**

Review ~ Wars of the Roses : Stormbird by Conn Iggulden

Michael Joseph
10 October 2013

Stormbird is the first in a new series of books by author Conn Iggulden, who has used his expertise to bring together the story of the Wars of the Roses. In the early part of the 15th Century, England is inexpertly ruled by King Henry VI, who is a weak and docile king. It is left to the machinations of the political elite who linger in shadows, and who plot and scheme in dark corners of foreign palaces, who must endeavour to keep England strong and secure.

Initially, the story gets off to a promising start, the prologue which begins on the death bed of Edward III promises much in the way of plot and malice, and as the story continues there are moments of sheer brilliance, especially in the depiction of the King’s marriage to Margaret of Anjou, and the political skulduggery which surrounds Richard of York’s quest for power. The writing is as ever impeccable; the author has the ability to recreate the very bones of history and his flawless interpretation of events makes for an thrilling and occasionally graphic depiction of an exciting and often volatile time in English history.

Overall, this is a promising start to a new series. I am sure that Iggulden’s legions of fans will find much to enjoy, and with the recent interest in the Wars of the Roses, I am sure that this series will go from strength to strength.

My thanks to Michael Joseph and Real Readers for my review copies of this book 

About the author

Conn Iggulden is one of the most successful authors of historical fiction writing today. Stormbird is the first book in his brilliant series set during the Wars of the Roses, an extraordinary period of British history.His previous two series, on Julius Caesar and the Mongol Khans of central Asia, describe the founding of the greatest empires of their day and were number one bestsellers. coon Iggulden lives in Hertfordhsire with his wife and children.

For more information please go to the authors website 

Review ~ The Silent Tide by Rachel Hore

Simon and Schuster

6 June 2013

ISBN

9781849832915

When Emily Gordon, editor at a London publishing house, commissions an account of great English novelist Hugh Morton, she finds herself steering a tricky path between Morton's formidable widow, Jacqueline, who's determined to protect his secrets,

and the biographer, charming and ambitious Joel Richards. But someone is sending Emily mysterious missives about Hugh Morton's past and she discovers a buried story that simply has to be told...

One winter's day in 1948, nineteen year old Isabel Barber arrives at her Aunt Penelope's house in Earl's Court having run away from home to follow her star. A chance meeting with an East European refugee poet leads to a job with his publisher, McKinnon & Holt, and a fascinating career beckons. But when she develops a close editorial relationship with charismatic young debut novelist Hugh Morton and the professional becomes passionately personal, not only are all her plans put to flight, but she finds herself in a struggle for her very survival.

Rachel Hore has a wonderful ability to convey a good story, and the way in which she controls both the past and present makes for fascinating reading. I started the book on Friday, in fact, it was the story I featured for my Friday Book Beginning, and the compelling opening paragraph made this an enticing read.

The use of separate chapters that tell both Emily and Isabel's story is nicely done and both leading females come across as strong characters. I enjoyed getting to know them and found that the parallel between their lives was a convincing portrayal of the era in which they lived.

The ancillary characters that make up the rest of the story are finely drawn; they could be people you know. Some are deeply flawed, whilst others add a livelier documentary to the story. I especially enjoyed reading about the publishing industry, and as the story unfolds we are given a tantalising look into the world of books and the capriciousness of authors and the unpredictability of their publishers.

The gradual layering of the story comes together in a really spellbinding climax. I was hooked from beginning to end in this story of secrets, love and family.

I have no hesitation in recommending this book; it would make a perfect Summer Read.

Review ~ Just One Day by Sharla Lovelace

Beyond the Page Publishing

Andie Fremont has just one day to make up her mind to either accept her boyfriend’s proposal of marriage or to ditch him. Driving aimlessly she comes across an out of town diner and stops for the calorific breakfast of her dreams. A chance meeting in the diner with an old flame from twenty years ago, and the added inclusion of a storm of epic proportions mean that Andie has some tough life decisions to make.


The story is nicely written and even though the romantic scenario is a touch predictable, overall, this is a pleasant and uncomplicated romantic read. Sometimes with a novella you don’t really get great depth of characterisation and yet the author has managed to pack quite a story into just a few words. I enjoyed it, and read it over the space of a couple of hours and sometimes that’s all you need.

Thanks to NetGalley and Beyond the Page Publishing for this ecopy to review.

Book Beginnings on Fridays...

Hosted by Gilion at Rose City Reader

Book Beginnings on Fridays as stated by the host was started:

 "to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires."

You can share on Google + and social media , please post using the hash tag #BookBeginnings

and there's also a Mr Linky on the host's blog.

Book Beginning : The Silent Tide by Rachel Hore

Prologue

Isabel

East Suffolk Coast, 31 January 1953

She couldn't say at first what woke her.

It was dark, very dark - and cold, a penetrating icy cold. Even under the bedclothes she shivered. Something was different; all her senses told her this. Outside, the wind was up, scuffling about under the eaves of her wooden beach house, shaking the glass in the window  setting off strange creaks and sighs around her,  as though the house was shifting in its sleep. There was an odd smell, too, of something dank and salty,  and  trickling sound like rain in the gutters. She threw back the blankets and swung her feet to the floor - only to snatch them back as they met several inches of water.

**

I am intrigued by this opening sentence, with just a few words I am drawn into the story and want to discover just what is happening. I want to know more about the wooden beach house, and why there is water seeping inside. Who is Isabel and what is she doing at the beach house in the penetrating cold and wet.....

Rachel Hore is one of my favourite dual time narrators - she commands your attention from the beginning and creates a seamless transition between past and present. I'm looking forward to reading this book - it's her latest, published by Simon and Schuster in June 2013.

A bit of book blurb thanks to Amazon.co.uk

When Emily Gordon, editor at a London publishing house, commissions an account of great English novelist Hugh Morton, she finds herself steering a tricky path between Morton's formidable widow, Jacqueline, who's determined to protect his secrets, and the biographer, charming and ambitious Joel Richards. But someone is sending Emily mysterious missives about Hugh Morton's past and she discovers a buried story that simply has to be told… One winter's day in 1948, nineteen year old Isabel Barber arrives at her Aunt Penelope's house in Earl's Court having run away from home to follow her star. A chance meeting with an East European refugee poet leads to a job with his publisher, McKinnon & Holt, and a fascinating career beckons. But when she develops a close editorial relationship with charismatic young debut novelist Hugh Morton and the professional becomes passionately personal, not only are all her plans put to flight, but she finds herself in a struggle for her very survival. Rachel Hore's intriguing and suspenseful new novel magnificently evokes the milieux of London publishing past and present and connects the very different worlds of two young women, Emily and Isabel, who through their individual quests for truth, love and happiness become inextricably linked.

**

Do let me know what you think , does the story sound appealing to you?

You can read my review of  The Secret Tide here

The Silver Chain by Primula Bond

Harper Collins UK AVON
Mischief Books

Serena Folkes is a photographer, and is so intent on capturing a night time shoot with her camera, that she isn't aware of the mysterious stranger who stands in the shadows watching her. This chance meeting with the enigmatic Gustav Levi, will ultimately propel Serena into an altogether different and more adult themed world. Gustav is more than twice Serena’s age, sophisticated, experienced and fabulously rich, and whilst Serena isn't an inexperienced ingénue, she does come across as someone who needs nurturing. Gustav promises to launch Serena’s photographic career in exchange for an agreement that Serena will be his exclusive property ,and as they become bound together by a silver chain, Serena is about to discover that there is more to this enigmatic stranger than first appears.

I'm not a usually reader of erotic fiction, so it’s difficult to judge whether this book is good by the standards of the genre. All I can say is that overall, the book kept my interest, and whilst I tended to skip over some of the more explicit scenes, not from any moral objection, but more because I found them rather tedious. I grew to like both Gustav and Serena, they are incredibly flawed, and yet the author does a great job of showing both their vulnerability and their strengths.

The ending of the book lends itself into the continuation of the story in The Golden Locket.

No doubt this story will appeal to readers of the Fifty Shades trilogy and The Crossfire series by Sylvia Day

My thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK, Avon for my copy of this book.