Wednesday, May 27, 2020

Shelf Control - May 27



Shelf Control is a weekly celebration of the unread books on our shelves sponsored by Lisa at Bookshelf Fantasies. Pick a book you own but haven’t read, write a post about it (suggestions: include what it’s about, why you want to read it, and when you got it), and link up!

Want to join in? Shelf Control posts go up every Wednesday. Here's how to jump on board:
  • Write a blog post about a book that you own that you haven’t read yet.
  • Add your link in the comments!
  • Link back to Bookshelf Fantasies in your own post.
  • Check out other posts, and…
Today I am featuring the book I just pulled out of my TBR pile.





BLURB: With her relationship with writer Jack Treholm as shaky as the foundation of her family home, Melanie’s juggling a number of problems. Like restoring her Tradd Street house...and resisting her mother’s pressure to ‘go public’ with her talent—a sixth sense that unites them to the lost souls of the dead. But Melanie never anticipated her new problem.

Her name is Nola, Jack’s estranged young daughter who appears on their doorstep, damaged, lonely and defiantly immune to her father’s attempts to reconnect. Melanie understands the emotional chasm all too well. As a special, bonding gift Jack’s mother buys Nola an antique dollhouse—a precious tableaux of a perfect Victorian family. Melanie hopes the gift will help thaw Nola’s reserve and draw her into the family she’s never known.

At first, Nola is charmed, and Melanie is delighted—until night falls, and the most unnerving shadows are cast within its miniature rooms. By the time Melanie senses a malevolent presence she fears it may already be too late. A new family has accepted her unwitting invitation to move in—with their own secrets, their own personal demons, and a past that’s drawing Nola into their own inescapable darkness...

DATE BOUGHT: 8/22/12

WHY I BOUGHT IT: I fell in love with this series from the very first book. At the time of my purchase, I had read several of Karen White's novels, including the first two Tradd Street books. Life got hectic and I didn't keep going with the series, but I've been eager to get back to it.

The first book is steeped in Charleston's history and Civil War legends. That attracted me, but the entire story and its characters won me over. I enjoy the paranormal aspects of the series as well. I can't wait to dig into this one.

What was your shelf find this week?

Book Review: The Liberty Bride by MaryLu Tyndall

The Daughters of the Mayflower series continues with the sixth installment, The Liberty Bride by MaryLu Tyndall.

Emeline Baratt has cared for others as long as she can remember. Learning from her physician uncle in Maryland, she is sent to England to spend time with her great aunt . . . and hopefully get away from her father's watchful eye and ideas of how a proper lady should act.

With America and England at war, Emeline finds herself trapped behind enemy lines with no means of support after her aunt's death. At her request to come home, her father sends his privateers to fetch her.

When the HMS Marauder overtakes the American ship, Emeline meets First Lieutenant Owen Masters. As Owen watches her take care of the British and American wounded aboard, he wonders where her loyalties lie, despite her declaration of loyalty to England.

Having won the trust of the captain, Emeline and Owen are sent on a land mission to spy for the British. Here they must choose between love for each other and love for country.

The Liberty Bride by MaryLu Tyndall proves, once again, why this series tugs at the heartstrings and offers the excitement of danger in a new and developing country. Always with strong female characters defying the social norms of their times, their faith-filled journeys inspire and delight readers. Though different authors contribute to this series, their commitment to telling these stories in a unified way means readers don't miss a beat; readers aren't stuck scratching their heads wondering how one plot and set of characters flows into the rest of the series.

The Lytton Family Tree is displayed in front so readers can follow the family throughout the years, just like they followed the Kent Family in The Kent Family Chronicles by John Jakes. Now, with 12 books in the series (I have some catching up to do), readers of historical fiction, historical romance, and family sagas can enjoy one book after another up through the year 1889, when the most recently released book is set.

Though The Liberty Bride, like the others in the series, is a total stand alone, the reading experience is so much more satisfying when following the Lytton Family from the beginning. Tyndall's addition to the series is fabulous. I'm so glad I read it.

Highly recommended!

Series: Daughters of the Mayflower (Book 6)
Paperback: 256 pages
Publisher: Barbour Books; Gld edition (December 1, 2018)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1683226178
ISBN-13: 978-1683226178

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Tuesday, May 26, 2020

Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Memorable Opening Lines



Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.

Happy Tuesday! Welcome back. For this week's Top Ten Tuesday on the topic of opening lines, I traveled back to books I read long ago or ones I think my younger self would enjoy.

Top Ten Memorable Opening Lines



"Where's Papa going with that ax?" said Fern to her mother as they were setting the table for breakfast.


All children, except one, grow up.



Mr. and Mrs. Dursley, of number four Privet Drive, were proud to say they were perfectly normal, thank you very much.


Once upon a time, sixty years ago, a little girl lived in the Big Woods of Wisconsin, in a little gray house made of logs.


"Christmas won't be Christmas without any presents," grumbled Jo, lying on the rug.


Marley was dead, to begin with.  



The Herdmans were absolutely the worst kids in the history of the world.



There was a boy called Eustace Clarence Scrubb, and he almost deserved it.


"Harvest is ended and summer is gone," quoted Anne Shirley, gazing across the shorn fields dreamily.  



When he was nearly thirteen, my brother Jem got his arm badly broken at the elbow.


I have read all but three of these books. Can you guess any that I haven't read?

Monday, May 25, 2020

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? - May 25



It's Monday! What Are You Reading? is a place to meet up and share what you have been, are and about to be reading over the week. It's a great post to organize yourself. It's an opportunity to visit and comment, and er... add to that ever growing TBR pile! So welcome in everyone. This meme started with J Kaye's Blog and then was taken up by Sheila from Book Journey. Sheila then passed it on to Kathryn at the Book Date.

Happy Memorial Day, everyone. I hope you have some plans for rest and relaxation. This Memorial Day is special for us because so many local remembrances are also including the 89 veterans lost at the Soldiers' Home in Holyoke--including my father-in-law. It is also our son's birthday, so we are having him over for supper.



In my reading world, I'm on the final few chapters of this one.




I need to sneak this one in next.



Then this one.



That's it for me. I'm doing my best not to request new books for review. That only makes catching up harder. 

How do you stay on top of your TBR pile? Are you caught up on book reviews or are you a bit behind? 

Wednesday, May 20, 2020

Shelf Control - May 20

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Shelf Control is a weekly celebration of the unread books on our shelves sponsored by Lisa at Bookshelf Fantasies. Pick a book you own but haven’t read, write a post about it (suggestions: include what it’s about, why you want to read it, and when you got it), and link up!

Want to join in? Shelf Control posts go up every Wednesday. Here's how to jump on board:
  • Write a blog post about a book that you own that you haven’t read yet.
  • Add your link in the comments!
  • Link back to Bookshelf Fantasies in your own post.
  • Check out other posts, and…
This week I am featuring another Kindle freebie I had bought long ago.





BLURB:  Broken promises, enduring love...

A dusty stack of unopened love letters forces Bo and Mona Beth Miller to revisit a part of their past they’d rather leave buried–especially in the face of death. Only as they retrace history will they learn the truth about the shattered promise that threatens to come between them. But can their relationship endure the deception and sabotage they unearth, or will the experience compel them to trust more fully in the promises that never fail?

DATE BOUGHT: 12/27/2014

WHY I BOUGHT IT: I've read some of Bryant's work in the past and enjoyed it, so I picked up this Kindle freebie when it was available. I also like stories of revisiting the past and how it can complicate the present. 

You can find my First Chapter Review of this book here.

Tuesday, May 19, 2020

Top Ten Tuesday: Ten Reasons Why I Love The Thorn Birds



Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.

This week's topic is just what I needed. I've been re-watching clips from The Thorn Birds mini-series for a couple weeks--a nice distraction when my mind is wandering. I think once Massachusetts gets closer to normal it will help. Our offices are due to open next week with some strict restrictions.

But, I digress...

I pulled out my old copy of The Thorn Birds--the one that belonged to my mother. The front cover is long gone because a) this is a first edition copy, so it's over 40 years old, and b) I've read it multiple times. I bought a new copy with Richard Chamberlain and Rachel Ward on the front cover, but for the life of me I can't find it.

Considering it has been decades since I read the story, this list will combine reasons I love The Thorn Birds book and mini-series.

The Scenery

I am a simple little girl from New England. Especially when the mini-series came out in 1983, I had no idea what New Zealand, Australia, or Rome looked like.  Between the book and the mini-series, a corner of New Zealand filled with thick, wavy red-headed Clearys came to life. As they made their way to school with young Meggie, the Cleary boys walked the wheel-rutted Wahine road where white calla lilies and orange nasturtiums flowered the high grass and wooden fences bordered properties.

As Father Ralph drives the road from the presbytery in Gillanbone to Mary Carson's Drogheda homestead, clouds of dust trail behind him and he must avoid flocks of sheep roaming the pastures. He steps out of the car and opens twenty-seven gates leading to Drogheda, his patience waning with each gate, and the impressive sheep station looming in the distance. The brown landscape is dotted with sparse trees, Close to the house the roses in a variety of colors bloom. Contrast that against the opulence of the Vatican with its stunning artwork, plush furniture, mosaics on the floor, and elegant chandeliers. Only Drogheda comes close in comparison in this story, but even Mary Carson's wealth can't compete with that of the Catholic Church.




The Music (mini-series)

Henry Mancini--one of my father-in-law's favorites--is the genius behind the musical arrangements for The Thorn Birds mini-series. From the theme song to Meggie Grows Up, from Paddy and Fiona to Ralph and Meggie, and from Forbidden Love to Goodbye, Dane and beyond, it is no wonder the music won Grammy Awards in 1983 and again in 1988. Even now, I can hear the music and know that it goes to the movie.

Paddy (spoilers in white)

We quickly learn that the Cleary patriarch does not fear hard work. While his wealthy sister doesn't save him from it, he never expected her to when he came to Drogheda. Hat in his hand, head bowed, he expresses his gratitude for what Mary has done for him and his family. He also knows that one day, his beloved wife Fiona (Fee) will take her rightful place in society. In the book and the mini-series, we learn more about his tense relationship with Frank, their oldest son. We are also saddened to know he will never hear Fee tell him what was truly in her heart.

Stuart or Stu (spoilers in white)

Easily overlooked, this quiet, sensitive young Cleary is closest to Meggie, the only Cleary daughter. They pal around together as the younger two siblings. After Frank goes away, Stu and Meggie grow even closer. It is he who shares her secret that she is in love with Father Ralph, but he is also the one who encourages her to move on because he can't ever stop being a priest ... even for her.

Strong Female Characters (spoilers in white)

With Mary Carson, Fiona (Fee) Cleary, Meggie, and Justine there is no end to the strong female characters. Amazingly, all want nothing to do with the church for one reason or another. 

My favorite scene is when Justine is in Rome with Dane. Excited to show her his world, Justine is stuck meeting people at the Vatican. When she sits down to tea with Cardinal Ralph and Cardinal Vittorio Contini-Verchese, the latter notices how uncomfortable she is there and she makes a comment that except for the Virgin Mary women are relegated to the cheap seats in the upper balcony. Without missing a beat, Vittorio responds, "but you are forgetting that we call the upper balcony 'Il Paradiso.' Paradise." 

As they are saying goodbye, Ralph walks Justine out. He says the Cleary women always pit themselves against God and the church. Justine says they have Dane to pray for their redemption. He mentions how protective she is of Dane and that she seems to fear for her brother among the "red-robed vultures." She says it is pretty fast company for "a boy whose only ambition is to give his soul to God." Touche! 



The Complexities of Ralph de Bricassart (spoilers in white)

I'm always fascinated by what motivates characters. Ralph is motivated by one thing--ambition. His ambition leads him to make choices--or not make choices--that torture him until the very end.

Instantly taken with young Meggie Cleary when she arrives at the Gilly Station, she becomes his special project. He can love her because she is a child. Problem is she grows up. Not only does she grow up, but he has fallen in love with her and knows she loves him. Since he considers himself above mortal men, he simply can't give into his yearnings for Meggie. Besides, he wants to be pope one day, so he must deny his feelings. 

For decades, Ralph fights his desire for Meggie while he rises through the hierarchy of the Catholic church. Trying to forget him, Meggie starts a life of her own. Destiny, however, will bring these two together again. 

Anne & Luddie Mueller (spoilers in white)

Having been blessed with in-laws who treated me more like a daughter than a daughter-in-law, I've always been drawn to the caring couple living at Himmelhoch.

After Meggie marries Luke O'Neil, they move to Queensland. Unable to buy a station of his own, Luke sets up a place for Meggie to stay while he works. This childless couple takes to her instantly and treats her more like a daughter than a servant. They love Meggie; perhaps more than her own parents ever will.

Fee as a Grandmother (spoilers in white)

As a mother, Fee left a bit to be desired. She gave all her love to Frank and ignored her only daughter. One would think Paddy's death would soften her, but it made her harder, more stubborn. It isn't until Justine and Dane grow up on Drogheda that we get a sense of the loving side of Fee. It is her love of Dane that brings her to tears when they learn he has drowned (the first tears she has shed since Paddy died), and it is her love of Justine that brings her to beg for Meggie's forgiveness and pleads with her to help her daughter before it's too late.

Love Triumphs (spoilers in white)

Richard Chamberlain, who played Ralph de Bricassart, said in an interview that The Thorn Birds was the biggest tragedy-driven soap opera. It's true: bad stuff happened to these people all the time. Not just Meggie and Ralph. The author truly put most of these characters through the ringer. The reason it remains so popular, however, is that Meggie and Ralph's love for each other triumphs despite all of it. Ralph comments on it more than once in the mini-series, that despite all she has lost, Meggie never loses her ability to love. After losing Frank, her father, Stu, and Dane, Meggie still loves. She loves "with a singleness of mind and heart." Ralph even tells Vittorio he wishes he could love like that.

It doesn't seem possible Justine could ever find love either. It's not like she has a great example considering her parents are no longer together, and her mother has always mistreated her for being Luke's daughter. Yet, Rain is determined to be with her. Justine refuses to believe it could ever work out, and uses Dane's death as an excuse to pull away from him. In the end, Rainer begs Meggie's help so that Justine doesn't waste her life on Drogheda trying to make it up to Meggie for living while Dane died. 

How the Book was Adapted to a Mini-series (spoilers in white)

Many times the book is better than the movie or mini-series it is based on. In the case of The Thorn Birds, both are equally good. I do, however, prefer the mini-series in many ways to the book.

Having seen the mini-series before reading the book, I simply can't imagine a twenty-eight-year-old Father Ralph with dark curly hair versus Richard Chamberlain's features, but many of the changes made sense.

One thing I didn't remember from the book is that Ralph actually dies before Vittorio, and the latter admits he always figured Dane was his son; whereas in the mini-series Vittorio dies before Ralph. The words Ralph utters to Meggie right before he dies, actually belong to Meggie in the book. Since it truly was Ralph and Meggie's love story that propelled the plot forward once the Cleary family came to Drogheda, it is fitting that the last scene in the mini-series is of Justine's plane flying overhead off to her future with Rain while Meggie rests her head in Ralph's lap after her has died. 


While there is so much more I could say about The Thorn Birds, I don't want to make this post into a novel in and of itself. I hope you'll decide to read it if you haven't.


Monday, May 18, 2020

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? - May 18



It's Monday! What Are You Reading? is a place to meet up and share what you have been, are and about to be reading over the week. It's a great post to organize yourself. It's an opportunity to visit and comment, and er... add to that ever growing TBR pile! So welcome in everyone. This meme started with J Kaye's Blog and then was taken up by Sheila from Book Journey. Sheila then passed it on to Kathryn at the Book Date.

Welcome back to Monday. I had an emotionally draining and long week, so not much reading got done. I did, however, watch clips of The Thorn Birds on YouTube more than once. This should be an easier week, so hope to polish off the book I started and keep moving forward.


My review of this book appears at my children's book blog




I am still reading this one.


This is next. 



Not sure what comes next after that. I have a few that have overdue reviews, but it depends on my frame of mind once I get to this point. 

Do you reach for certain books depending upon your mood? What is your comfort genre--the one you use to get away from it all?

Wednesday, May 13, 2020

Shelf Control - May 13



Shelf Control is a weekly celebration of the unread books on our shelves sponsored by Lisa at Bookshelf Fantasies. Pick a book you own but haven’t read, write a post about it (suggestions: include what it’s about, why you want to read it, and when you got it), and link up!

Want to join in? Shelf Control posts go up every Wednesday. Here's how to jump on board:
  • Write a blog post about a book that you own that you haven’t read yet.
  • Add your link in the comments!
  • Link back to Bookshelf Fantasies in your own post.
  • Check out other posts, and…
This week I am featuring another Kindle freebie I had bought long ago.





BLURB:  Judge Willa Carson is bullet proof – except when wild justice rules from the grip of a gun.

When a famous plastic surgeon’s decomposed body surfaces in Tampa Bay with a bullet in its head, Federal Judge Willa Carson’s “little sister” is caught in a high-stakes game of greedy lawyers, blackmail and deceit. Carly Austin knew the victim too well. Does she know too much about the killer, too? Before Willa discovers the answer, Carly disappears. Can Willa save Carly from herself and the murderous conspiracy? Or have they killed Carly, too?

Free-spirited Judge Wilhelmina Carson is quick, witty and stubborn. She finds nothing is what it seems in a world where attractive women with enough money are made, not born, and beauty can cost your life. Judge Willa debuts in this fast-paced mystery filled with great characters, humor and suspense.

DATE BOUGHT: 12/31/11

WHY I BOUGHT IT: I like strong female characters, and it looks like Judge Willa fits the bill. I'm also totally into murder mysteries. This book was originally titled Carly's Conspiracy. Here is the updated cover:



I'm a fan of the original cover. What do you think--first cover or second one? Have you read this book? If so, what did you think of it?

Tuesday, May 12, 2020

Top Ten Tuesday: The Last Ten Books I Abandoned



Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.

Why does a reader abandon a book? Here are a few reasons I can think of:
  1. She doesn't connect with the characters
  2. She dislikes a character or characters
  3. The plot doesn't engage her
  4. Her tastes have changed
  5. Her life has changed
Many of us have found their lives changed in one way or another as a result of the pandemic. After working solidly for the last six years, I discovered how much I really love being home and making my own schedule. The one thing I surprisingly struggled with is wanting to read. For a few weeks, I didn't pick up a book. I guess the chaos around me felt too distracting. 

Here is a list of the last ten books I abandoned for one reason or another. 


The Last Ten Books I Abandoned


The author asked me to review it when it came out. Sounds just like a book I would love to read, but by the time I got to picking it up, I had lost interest. I tried the first chapter a few times, but had to let it go.


I am not a huge fantasy lover. I enjoyed the first book of this series, but kept pushing this one aside. I finally gave it away. 


I added this one to my Goodreads list because I loved Griep's The Captured Bride. After reviewing the description a few times, I decided to pass on it. Pretty cover, though.


I have had this book on my Kindle for years. Now, it's just too close to what we are dealing with as a result of the pandemic. A virus came. People died. The world as the main character knew it is gone. Just can't even think about it right now.



I'm not sure why I downloaded this one. Maybe because my daughter is fascinated with Greek mythology.


I must have started this book three times before I finally gave up. The Rose in this book seemed too much to me like the one from The Ghost in the Little House. 


I haven't totally abandoned this one, but I have picked it up a few times and just not wanted to continue. I feel like reading more for enjoyment than lesson learning lately.


I am guessing this was a Kindle freebie. I'm not even sure why I thought I would ever be interested in reading it. Just not my cup of tea. 


I picked this up because one of my favorite authors co-wrote it. I've read a page or two, but it hasn't captured me yet. It's not a time period I read a lot of, so that might be part of the problem.



We talked a little about this one the other week. I requested it when it first came out, but never got around to reading it. Now, it doesn't interest me and I plan to give it away. 

What are some books you abandoned? Do you feel guilty about it if an author sent you the book to review? What do you do with books you don't read? 

Monday, May 11, 2020

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? - May 11



It's Monday! What Are You Reading? is a place to meet up and share what you have been, are and about to be reading over the week. It's a great post to organize yourself. It's an opportunity to visit and comment, and er... add to that ever growing TBR pile! So welcome in everyone. This meme started with J Kaye's Blog and then was taken up by Sheila from Book Journey. Sheila then passed it on to Kathryn at the Book Date.

Happy Monday! I hope all you moms out there had a lovely Mother's Day. We spent it with the kids, so that was nice. After a cold, windy Saturday we had a warmer day on Sunday. I didn't get as much done last week as I would have liked, but I'm getting back into the swing of things.

In my reading world, I reviewed these books at The Children's and Teens' Book Connection. the author is running a giveaway.







I finished this one. It wasn't what I expected, but the cover sure is pretty.



I also read this one, and my review will appear on my children's book blog on Wednesday. 




I am still reading this one.


I really want to read this one next. I'm in a Little House mood lately. 


I would also like to re-read this novel. I loved this book the first time I read it. I've read it at least three times since the mini-series came out in 1983. Did you ever read it? Have you ever seen the mini-series?




That is it from my neck of the woods. Hope you have a nice week.

Book Review: Child of the Earth by Susan Crow

If you enjoy books that share tales of everyday life and an appreciation of nature, then Child of the Earth by Susan Crow might be for you.

The follow up to Crow's memoir about growing up in rural Lincolnshire, Child of the Earth shares memories from her childhood, raising a family, and retirement. Stories of Christmas, Jack Frost, feathered friends, flowers, and more of nature fill the pages. Tidbits of history and poetry along with reflections about the world and its resources abound, with beautiful full color photos along the way.

When I first saw the cover, I thought this was a children's book, so I probably should have paid better attention. For me, Child of the Earth was like a long ramble in the woods, it went here and there without much cohesiveness except the knowledge there was a beginning to the journey so there must be an end. The conclusion encourages our generation to connect with the natural world at least as much as our ancestors did and not to be careless of nature's resources.

While Child of the Earth was not what I expected, I enjoyed some of the stories. I truly think it's hard to get people invested in your life unless you've done something remarkable or unless they connect to your story in a personal way. The author's memoir, Child of the Isle, was a bestseller, so she definitely has an audience. Perhaps you will connect with this book better than I.

Excerpt

Growing against the friendly grey stone wall of our garden is a perfect Mothers’ Day gift of 2013. Dog roses. They are new but already showing great promise. The rose, in all its forms, has always pleased me – except, perhaps, for the poor blue rose which no one has been able to perfect. No matter how intricate a breeding programme is set up, it is a sad reflection on human intervention in the natural world. Not as sad as hunting animals to extinction but, even so, it makes one ponder.

Susan grew up in the Isle of Axholme, which inspired the Crowvus best-seller, Child of the Isle. She has a deep love of nature which is apparent in all her writing from the poems she has had published in various anthologies, to her 2020 release, Child of the Earth.

Susan released Rosie Jane and the Swodgerump as part of the John O’Groats Book Festival. This story was written and inspired by raising her six children in Orkney. After moving to England for a while, Susan finally returned to North Scotland in 2009, and continues to write her monthly blogs, What’s It Like Up There?

Her latest book, Child of the Earth, is a nature companion, drawn from her own experiences throughout her life. It provides a colourful telling of Susan’s encounters with nature, told with a style which makes it accessible to all readers.

Author Links:
Website: https://www.susancrowauthor.com/
Publisher: https://www.crowvus.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/stempertoncrow
Blog: https://susancrowauthor.blogspot.com/
Child of the Earth Amazon Page: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B086P6PM5W/
Amazon United States: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B086P6PM5W/
Child of the Earth Crowvus Shop: https://www.crowvus.com/shop


GIVEAWAY


Susan Crow will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway