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.)

Mary of Carisbrooke

Author: Margaret Campbell Barnes

Paperback: 352 pages

Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark; Reprint edition (April 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 9781402255953

Book Description:

The moving, tragic story of Charles I, the last absolute monarch of England, during his imprisonment in Carisbrooke Castle on the Isle of Wight. Richly drawn and inspired by the New York Times bestselling author's own experience living on the Isle of Wight, this dramatic retelling brings to life the cavalier king whom Cromwell deposed. But even more fascinating than the account of royal hopes and misfortunes is the tale of a charming servant girl who is as romantic and tender in love as she is bold and resourceful in plotting the king's escape.

About the Author

New York Times bestseller Margaret Campbell Barnes, now deceased, wrote several historical novels, including Brief Gaudy Hour, My Lady of Cleves, King's Fool, The Tudor Rose, Within the Hollow Crown, With All My Heart, Isabel the Fair, The King's Bed, Lady on the Coin, and Mary of Carisbrooke. Her novels have sold more than 2 million copies worldwide.

My thoughts:

Here is another exciting historical romance by Margaret Campbell Barnes. It is the story of intrigue and danger; loyality and power. It flows nicely and is as rich in detail as any I have previously read. Skillfully told by one of England's most loved novelist, the author demonstrates her vast knowledge of the Middle Ages. This is one you will definitely want to add to your bookshelf.


(Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark for my review copy.)

Dragonwyck by Anya Seton

Author: Anya Seton
Paperback: 352 pages

Publisher: Chicago Review Press

(September 28, 2005)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 9781556525810

Book Description:

First published in 1944, Dragonwyck was a national bestseller that was made into a major motion picture starring Gene Tierney and Vincent Price in 1946. A classic gothic romance, the story features an 18-year-old Miranda Wells who falls under the spell of a mysterious old mansion and its equally fascinating master. Tired of churning butter, weeding the garden patch, and receiving the dull young farmers who seek her hand in marriage, Miranda is excited by an invitation from the upstate New York estate of her distant relative, the intriguing Nicholas Van Ryn. Her passion is kindled by the icy fire of Nicholas, the last of the Van Ryns, and the luxury of Dragonwyck, and a way of life of which she has only dreamed. Dressed in satin and lace, she becomes part of Dragonwyck, with its Gothic towers, flowering gardens, acres of tenant farms, and dark, terrible secrets. This compelling novel paints a marvelous portrait of a country torn between freedom and feudal traditions; a country divided between the very wealthy and the very poor. Poor tenant farmers at Dragonwyck, the European royalty who visit, and American icons such as Edgar Allan Poe, Herman Melville, and the Astors are vividly brought to life. This is a heart-stopping story of a remarkable woman, her breathtaking passions, and the mystery and terror that await her in the magnificent hallways of Dragonwyck.

My Thoughts:
Although Dragonwyck was first published in 1944, it reads like a novel by one of the great victorian writers. In fact, it very much reminds me of Jane Eyre on a slightly smaller scale.

Dragonwyck is a Cinderella story with a dark background and gothic touch. Our beautiful Miranda arrives at Dragonwyck with storybook dreams, but finds in her hero a sinister mystery that only she can solve.

I am completely new to the writings of Anya Seton (where have I been?) and so taken with her that I have now ordered all of her works. I love a good gothic tale complete with the dark old homes and beautiful manners of the past; Dragonwyck completely mesmerized me and held my attention from the beginning. It is fast-paced, heart-stopping, and beautifully written. If you like entering a Cinderella world, you will love this book. 5+ stars*****

The Queen of Last Hopes

Author: Susan Higginbotham
Paperback: 368 pages
Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark
(January 1, 2011)  

ISBN-10: 1402242816

Book Description:

A man other than my husband sits on England's throne today.

What would happen if this king suddenly went mad? What would his queen do? Would she make the same mistakes I did, or would she learn from mine?

Margaret of Anjou, queen of England, cannot give up on her husband--even when he slips into insanity. And as mother to the House of Lancaster's last hope, she cannot give up on her son--even when England turns against them. This gripping tale of a queen forced to stand strong in the face of overwhelming odds is at its heart a tender tale of love.

Award-winning author Susan Higginbotham will once again ask readers to question everything they know about right and wrong, compassion and hope, duty to one's country and the desire of one's own heart.

My Review:

When fiction and the ancient past come together in a clash of heat and emotion, we get an amazing historical novel. The Queen of Last Hopes is the story of a queen who is ask to find inner strength and greatness. It is the story of one woman's determination to prevail against the odds and to remain strong for the sake of her family and country.

Readers who love history, will find here a well-written tale by a gifted author.

(Thank you to SourceBooks for my review copy.)

DARCY AND FITZWILLIAM / Review

Author: Karen V. Wasylowski

Paperback: 496 pages
Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark

(February 1, 2011)
ISBN-10: 1402245947

Book Description:

A gentleman in love cannot survive without his best friend...Fitzwilliam Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam couldn't be more different, and that goes for the way each one woos and pursues the woman of his dreams. Darcy is quiet and reserved, careful and dutiful, and his qualms and hesitations are going to torpedo his courtship of Elizabeth. His affable and vivacious cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam is a military hero whose devil-may-care personality hides the torments within, until he finds himself in a passionate, whirlwind affair with a beautiful widow who won't hear of his honorable intentions.

Cousins, best friends, and sparring partners, Darcy and Fitzwilliam have always been there for each other. So it's no surprise when the only one who can help Darcy fix his botched marriage proposals is Fitzwilliam, and the only one who can pull Fitzwilliam out of an increasingly dangerous entanglement is Darcy...

About the author:

Karen Wasylowski is a retired CPA. She and her husband spend their free time volunteering with charitable organizations that assist the poor. They also are actively involved with Project Light of Manatee, providing literacy instruction to immigrants and to members of the community. Karen and her husband live in Bradenton, Florida.

My Review:

This one is not exactly a love story. It centers around the lives of Darcy and Col. Fitzwilliam. Delightful and at times hilarious; well-written and worth the reading. 4 stars****

(Thank you to Sourcebooks for my review copy.)

Mr. Darcy's Secret / Review

Author: Jane Odiwe

Paperback: 368 pages
Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark

(February 1, 2011)
ISBN-10: 1402245270

Book Description:

One dark secret can completely ruin a bright future...
After capturing the heart of the most eligible bachelor in England, Elizabeth Bennet believes her happiness is complete-until the day she unearths a stash of anonymous, passionate love letters that may be Darcy's, and she realizes just how little she knows about the guarded, mysterious man she married...

About the author:

Jane Odiwe is an artist and author. She is an avid fan of all things Austen and is the author and illustrator of Effusions of Fancy, annotated sketches from the life of Jane Austen, as well as Lydia Bennet's Story and Willoughby's Return. She lives with her husband and three children in North London.

My Review:

Mr. Darcy's Secret is a colorful historical romance set in Regency England. The attention to detail is representative of Ms. Odiwe's skills as a writer of Jane Austen fiction. If you enjoy Austen sequels, you are certain to like this one. Well-written with good character development and an exciting plot. 5 stars*****

(Thank you to Sourcebooks for my review copy.)

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First Family / Review

Author: Joseph J. Ellis

Hardcover: 320 pages
Publisher: Knopf

(October 26, 2010)
ISBN-10: 0307269620

Book Description:

The Pulitzer Prize–winning, best-selling author of Founding Brothers and His Excellency brings America’s preeminent first couple to life in a moving and illuminating narrative that sweeps through the American Revolution and the republic’s tenuous early years.

In Ellis’s rich and striking new history, John and Abigail’s relationship unfolds in the context of America’s birth as a nation.

My review:

I fell in love with John and Abigail many years ago after reading Those Who Love. I was delighted when I found this new book by Joseph J. Ellis and was not disappointed while reading it.

The author examines the lives of the Adams family mostly through letters from friends and relatives and adds a depth to their relationship that wasn't covered in other works I have read. His version of their life is very readable, covers joys, mistakes, and sorrows...elements that may have been missed in the past. If you enjoy reading history with a touch of romance, you will like this one. It is one of the best books I've read this year. Highly recommended.

(Many thanks to the author for my review copy!!)

Bespelling Jane Austen / Review

Author: Mary Balogh, Colleen Gleason,

Susan Krinard, Janet Mullany

Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: HQN Books;

Original edition (September 28, 2010)
ISBN-10: 0373775016

Book Description:

But even if the whole world was against them, it would not matter. They were together—again. And this time they would remain together. Until death do them part and, of course, long after that.

What if Austen had believed in reincarnation and vampires? Join four bestselling romance authors as they channel the wit and wisdom of Jane Austen.

Almost Persuaded
In this Regency tale of Robert and Jane, New York Times bestselling author Mary Balogh brings together former lovers who have seen beyond the veil of forgetfulness to their past mistakes, and are determined to be together in this life, and forever.
Northanger Castle
Caroline's obsession with Gothic novels winds up being good training for a lifetime of destroying the undead with her newfound beau, in this Regency by Colleen Gleason.
Blood and Prejudice
Set in the business world of contemporary New York City, Liz Bennett joins Mr. Darcy in his hunt for a vampire cure in New York Times bestselling author Susan Krinard's version of the classic story.
Little to Hex Her
Present-day Washington, D.C., is full of curious creatures in Janet Mullany's story, wherein Emma is a witch with a wizard boyfriend and a paranormal dating service to run.

My Review:

I'm not going to give a long review of the book, since it has already been done above.

To be honest, I had a few reservations about this book in the beginning, but I can say now I enjoyed all four novellas in this unique collection. Each author brought an interesting paranormal tale to the mix. I especially liked Almost Persuaded.

The stories are not long, so Austen fans can complete one in an evening, put the book down, and start again as time permits. 4 stars****

(Thank you to the authors for my review copy.)