The French Lieutenant's Woman

Author: John Fowles

Paperback: 480 pages

Publisher: Back Bay Books;

1st Back Bay pbk. ed edition

(September 1, 1998)

Language: English
ISBN-10: 9780316291163

Book Description:

Perhaps the most loved of Fowles's internationally bestselling works, The French Lieutenant's Woman is a seductive story that effectively invents anew the Victorian novel. The novel inspired the hugely successful 1981 film starring Meryl Streep and Jeremy Irons and is today universally regarded as a modern classic.

My thoughts:

Academics may enjoy dissecting TFLW, but for the casual reader it may well be a  disappointment.

The Truth About Mr. Darcy

Author: Susan Adriani
Paperback: 448 pages
Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark (May 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1402246137

Book Description:

In this hot tale, Mr. Darcy confesses the truth about George Wickham right from the start, warning Elizabeth and the rest of Meryton about Wickham's despicable character. Will his honesty change the way Elizabeth feels about him and his previous poor behavior? Will he still have to transform himself to win her love? And what will happen when scandal erupts?

My thoughts:

My first thoughts, "another book about Mr. Darcy...oh my!!!" But I soon found it to be a lovely story of intense sexual attraction; love; romance; truth; and the ever deceitful George Wickham. Well-told and a  bit steamy.

(Thank you to Sourcebooks for my review copy.)

Mr. Darcy And The Secret of Becoming A Gentleman

Author: Maria Hamilton
Paperback: 464 pages

Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark (May 1, 2011)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1402244185

Book Description:

When Elizabeth Bennet refuses his hand, Darcy is devastated and makes it his mission to change. By every civility in his power, Darcy slowly tries to win her affections, but Elizabeth is not easily swayed. Darcy vows to unlock the secrets that will make her his. He curses himself for his social awkwardness and appearance of pride, and sets out to right the wrongs he's done her family.

Elizabeth's family and friends misunderstand his intentions, and being in Elizabeth's presence proves to be both excruciating for the shy Darcy-and a dream come true. For the first time in his life, he must please a woman worth having, and the transformation leads him to a depth of understanding and love that he never could have imagined.

My thoughts:

This is another fun and interesting take on one of Jane Austen's leading characters, the famous Mr. Darcy. Ms. Hamilton has done a fantastic job at making his spirit, once again, come alive for all of his adoring fans. It gave me all the entertainment I was looking for.

Can Mr. Darcy be all that Elizabeth is looking for in a mate? Will he have the courage to overcome his ego? These questions are answered in this well-written, romantic page-turner.

(Thank you to SourceBooks for my review copy.)

Garden Poetry Book Giveaway

Spring is here and it's time for a giveaway! "Everything Victorian and More" together with "The Serenity Gate" is giving away one brand new copy of "The Bouquet" by A Lady. If you love gardens and gardening you will love this beautiful book of poetry, featuring the hidden language of flowers. Our giveaway will take place on June 1st, so be sure to enter. It's easy! Enter now!!

Easy rules:
1. Must be a follower of The Serenity Room and/or Everything Victorian and More
2. Must leave a comment telling us about your favorite flower and leaving your email address

Book Description:A beautiful collection of 117 flower meanings, each accompanied by poems, that will inspire you in your garden. The crocus, lily, rose, jasmine, geranium, daisy, and many more are included in this beautiful book. It would be a wonderful addition to your library or an excellent gift. If you enjoy flowers and gardening, you will delight in the language of flowers revealed in, The Bouquet. This is an all new edition of the book published in 1844. It is not a photocopy or OCR. It has been meticulously edited and reformatted to meet modern standards.

Don't forget to enter. Good luck to all.

THE BOUQUET

Author: A Lady
Paperback: 132 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace (May 1, 2011)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1461094577

Book Description:
A beautiful collection of 117 flower meanings, each accompanied by poems, that will inspire you in your garden. The crocus, lily, rose, jasmine, geranium, daisy, and many more are included in this beautiful book. It would be a wonderful addition to your library or an excellent gift. If you enjoy flowers and gardening, you will delight in the language of flowers revealed in, The Bouquet. This is an all new edition of the book published in 1844. It is not a photocopy or OCR. It has been meticulously edited and reformatted to meet modern standards.

My Thoughts:
I received my book today and I'm thrilled with all the beautiful poetry relating to flowers! Did you know that once there were secret meanings connected to various flowers and that family, friends, and lovers understood those meanings? I've read many times about the Gilly Flower in Victorian literature, but didn't know it means "bonds of affection." To understand those non-verbal expressions is one thing that makes this book so beautifully intriguing.  It not only unlocks those secrets, but also acquaints us with the poetry surrounding it.  Reading "historical romance" will never be the same with this helpful book on my nightstand.

With the onset of Spring and Mother's Day, what perfect timing for the entrance of this new edition of the first copy published in 1844. THE BOUQUET would make the perfect Mother's Day gift or addition to any gardener's library. And again, don't forget how helpful it is to understanding the floral aspects of Victorian literature. What a treat! 5 stars*****

Courting Miss Amsel

Author: Kim Vogel Sawyer

Paperback: 346 pages

Publisher: Bethany House (January 1, 2011)

Language: English
ISBN-10: 0764207849

Book Description:

Edythe Amsel is delighted with her first teaching assignment: a one-room schoolhouse in Walnut Hill, Nebraska. Independent, headstrong, and a strong believer in a well-rounded education, Edythe is ready to open the world to the students in this tiny community. But is Walnut Hill ready for her?

Joel Townsend is thrilled to learn the town council hired a female teacher to replace the ruthless man who terrorized his nephews for the past two years. Having raised the boys on his own since their parents' untimely deaths, Joel believes they will benefit from a woman's influence. But he sure didn't bargain on a woman like Miss Amsel. Within the first week, she has the entire town up in arms over her outlandish teaching methods, which include collecting leaves, catching bugs, making snow angels, and stringing ropes in strange patterns all over the schoolyard. Joel can't help but notice that she's also mighty pretty with her rosy lips, fashionable clothes, and fancy way of speaking.

When Edythe decides to take her pupils to hear Miss Susan Anthony speak on the women's suffrage amendment, the town's outcry reaches new heights. Even Joel isn't sure he can support her newfangled ideas any longer. And if he can't trust her to know how to teach the boys, how can he trust her with his heart?

My thoughts:

A strong-willed teacher and a one room school in a small town make this an excellent story background. It is told with clarity and skill; a warm, happy read. This author is new to me, but will certainly go on my favorite author list.  A pleasantly delightful, inspirational, and romantic adventure.

(Thank you to Bethany House for my review copy.)