Wickham's Diary

Wickham’s Diary

Amanda Grange

5 Stars

195 pages

A few years ago I enjoyed a book by author Amanda Grange, Mr. Darcy’s Dairy.  So when I heard about the release of her newest book, Wickham’s Diary, I thought it would be such a fun book to read!  I was not disappointed.

Obviously the book is just what it is called – an account of Wickham’s life, written in journal style.  Since we know very little of Wickham and his background from Austen, I would be willing to believe this was such a fun story to dream up!  I completely enjoyed this book; it had a light, fun storyline, perfect for the beach vacation that I took it on.  Totally entertaining and insightful to Wickham’s past, readers learn more about his family, his upbringing and his relationship with Darcy.

Let me begin with a few words on Wickham’s mother, what a selfish character!  She was so annoying and with a mother like that, Wickham hardly stood a chance to grow up to be a decent man.  On the other hand, while his father wasn’t focused on much, I believe if he would have taken after his father, Wickham might have turned out pretty responsible.

This short (under 200 pages) book was charming.  I almost found myself feeling sorry for Wickham a time or two, but by the end of the book, he was the true villain that Austen created.  Grange did a fantastic job creating this journal; I would love to see her write more “diary” books from other Austen character.

What Would Mr. Darcy Do?

What Would Mr. Darcy Do?

Abigail Reynolds

5 stars

227 pages

A guru at Pride and Prejudice variations, Abigail Reynolds presents Austen fans with a fun version of what might have been.  We enter the story when Elizabeth and Darcy are meeting at Lambton, but what happens next is the magic.  Reynolds creates a whole story about what would happen if Elizabeth and Darcy had made different choices that day, what if they would have been able to speak their mind or express how they truly felt?

This romance offers such a fun twist on the original Pride and Prejudice.  I particularly enjoyed Reynolds attention to details in the book.  For example, one that I enjoyed following throughout the story was that of the handkerchiefs.  When Elizabeth was busy stitching Forget-me-nots and Sweet Williams I couldn’t help but smile.

Another highlight of the book for me was the development of Georgiana’s character.  I believe the friendship between Georgiana and Elizabeth really benefited the story.  I loved the chapter containing Georgiana’s visit to Longbourn and how Mary and Kitty’s characters were enhanced by her friendship in this chapter as well.

I would like to warn that there are pretty graphic kissing scenes in this book.  While they are that – just kissing, they are pretty sensual.  If you are sensitive to this type of literature I still suggest reading the book, it truly is a fun story, but you might want to skip a few passages.

All-in-all I was pleasantly surprised with this fun book.  I look forward to finding and reading more books by Reynolds.  It’s a fun, quick read that I believe any Jane Austen fan would enjoy!

The Trouble with Mr. Darcy

The Trouble with Mr. Darcy
Sharon Lathan
5 Stars
339 pages

This is the first book I've read by Sharon Lathan, and it is the fifth book in her Darcy Saga series and I'm puzzled as to why I haven't picked or read any other previous four books in this series.  I was happy with the fact that I found this book a very good "stand alone book" even though it is part of a series.  There were only a few moments in the story that I thought that the previous books would have been helpful, but not enough that I would say you have to read the first book in the series to understand it at all.


There are a couple different stories that develop in this book.  One, Darcy and Elizabeth experience some struggles with depression and their relationship after the birth of their second son, Michael.  I think that this might sound strange, but I actually enjoyed this part of the book.  I was relieved that someone wrote about these struggles, I know that women had to have struggled with postpartum and depression during this time period, but it seems like no one wants to discuss it in their books.  Sharon Lathan did a wonderful job at addressing the issue, but found a way for the romance to continue and have Darcy's and Elizabeth's relationship remain intact.

In the second part of the book Darcy and Elizabeth are faced with even worse trials as Wickham and returns for a family wedding.  Not only does he bring his bad attitude but even worse villains arrive with him.  Without giving too many spoilers away, Darcy is then faced with some horrific circumstances where he chances to lose what is more important to him!  After a fast pasted ending I was pleasantly surprised with the book.

Sharon Lathan is talented at creating whole new lives for characters that we loved in Pride and Prejudice.  There is a lot of romance and I have to warn you if you are not a fan of romance, kissing or love scenes you might want to skip a few paragraphs throughout the book.  Darcy and Elizabeth are in love in a loving marriage and Lathan doesn't shy away from that fact at all.  There are definitely parts in the book that are pretty hot, without going over the top or becoming too inappropriate.

I enjoyed it and look forward to now going "back in time" and reading the first four books in this series.

Winners!

Happy Friday Everyone (all 5 of you who read my blog haha!)  The sun is shining and after a trip to the library and playing at the park I had my very serious helper sit down to help me with the drawing.  Really, I wish I could just send all of you a copy, wouldn't that be fun?

And the winner of the autographed copy of Heart of Lies goes too....

Kim!  Don't ask about the face, or be offended.  I think he thought his own name was going to be on every paper.


And the copy of Heart of Stone...

Aupreille!

How exciting.  I will need you guys to email me your address, just in case I don't have it.  I hope you both enjoy, they are fun books!

~~
I have three "Jane Austen Fiction" books that are being released next month that I am going to post about next week.  Hopefully I will have some more giveaways too...so check back!

Autographed Giveaway!

One of my goals for this year was to give my neglected book blog some much overdue attention. Last year was pretty rough for this little blog.  I know this year will end up better.  I've been getting some great books from different publishers for review and I am so excited about the books, and love some of the authors!

To finally get things started on what I hope will become a more regular (weekly or bi-weekly) posting, I have an AUTOGRAPHED! copy of Heart of Lies to give away to a lucky reader!

I thought this book was great! If you love historical romance or historical fiction you will enjoy this book and this series, especially if you are familiar with Anita Stansfield's writing, I think you will like this author!  You can read my review here.

And - just for fun, I'll give away another lucky reader a copy of the first book in the series, Heart of Stone.


So - two winners!  

All you have to do is this:  Leave me a comment on this blog with your favorite historical fiction time period.  I bounce back and forth between times, but I think if I had to pick one it would be Regency (Jane Austen)...does that surprise anyone?

Good luck!  It should be a fun week, the winners will be chosen Friday at noon!

Mockingjay

Mockingjay

Suzanne Collins

3 Stars

390 Pages

Just like everyone else, I was super excited to read this book.  As it so happens I was pregnant and due about the same time that this book was to released.  I told my husband that if I did in fact go into labor on the day it was released that he was supposed to go buy me the book, ASAP after having the baby.  Well, we did have the baby, and he did try to find me the book, but instead of bringing our family a hot dinner one night, a very good friend brought me a new copy of the book instead.  Can I say awesome?!  (My friend for brining me a book instead of dinner, not the book, by the way!)

So – there was so much hype surrounding this book –and with good reason too, I loved the first two books in the series.  They were great, so I was really looking forward to how Collins was going to sum this all up.  However, I am sad to say that I was a little disappointed with the ending.

The story involves Katniss Everdeen, along with her family those of District 12 find themselves in battle with President Snow and the capital for an all-out war.  There is plenty of action in this book, but somehow there is also a lot of nothing going on as well.  Katniss is not the same Katniss from the first book.  Her attitude really bothers me and I wish she would just be normal again.  I suppose I wouldn’t be normal either if this had been my life?

I think the thing that bugged me the most about this book was the ending.  I had to read it and re-read it a few times.  Really – she just caught fire, blacked out and woke up and it was done?  I feel totally robbed by this ending!  I know that Collins is trying to make a point here and make a statement – but this is a young adult book and I think that it crossed the line a few times.  I was really sad that Finnick, after finally finding happiness, was killed at the end.  I was also very disappointed that Katniss never really choice between Peeta and Gale.

Not really sure what else to say about the book.  I enjoyed The Hunger Games.  I recommend that.  I think Catching Fire was so-so, I recommend it, but not whole heartedly, but I don’t recommend Mockingjay, and that makes me sad.

The Lost Hero

The Lost Hero

Rick Riordan

5 Stars

553 pages

I was very excited to read this book – a book with the old kids from Camp Half-Blood, but also a new set of kids for new adventures? Yes, please!

Jason, the hero in this series, wakes up to find out that he has no idea who he is, where he is at, or how he got there!  The story unfolds from there as Jason and his girl friend, Piper and his best friend Leo join forces in a way they never imagined to fight forces they never thought could be real.

Like, I said before, I was super excited to read a book that revisits Camp Half-Blood.  I thoroughly enjoyed the Percy Jackson series.  I found Jason an easy character to love, just like Percy.  I love Leo and his quirts and find Piper very likable.  While the book is lengthy, it doesn’t seem like it and I read it in a very short amount of time.  The action and adventure level seemed just right - as did the down time too.

I think this young-adult novel is perfect for any teenager, or even adult who enjoys magic/mystical creature books.

I am looking forward to the rest of the series and learning more about these “Roman” Gods and after the ending in this book I am waiting on the edge of my chair for book two!

The Red Pyramid

The Red Pyramid

Rick Riordan

4 Stars

516 pages

The Red Pyramid is the first book in Riordan’s new Kane series. After finishing the Percy Jackson books I was really excited to find out that he has this new series as well.  The book centers around the two Kane teenage siblings; Cater, who grew up traveling with his father, and Sadie who grew up in London with her grandparents.  Pushed together by a series of tragic events, Sadie and Carter find themselves in a world-wind adventure.

The book is very fast paced, I felt like I couldn’t catch my own breath before something else was happening or someone else was trying to deceive the Kane siblings.  I wish that we could have had at least one chapter or two of “background” before they all took off on the adventure.  There is a lot of action, which is great, but in this case it almost made me feel rushed.  I would have liked it if the kids could have had a few more breaks so we could all catch our breath.

Unlike Percy Jackson, The Red Pyramid follows the Egyptian Gods.  I think if you enjoy Percy Jackson, Harry Potter, Fable Haven – or any young adult mystical/magic reading then you will overall enjoy this series.  I don’t believe it will be my favorite out of this category, but certainly not my least.  I am looking forward to where book two takes us!

Heart of Lies

Heart of Lies

Irish Angel Series, Book Two

Jill Marie Landis

285 pages

4 stars

Raised on the streets of New Orleans by Dexter Grande, Maddie was taught to beg, steal and cheat her way through life.  As Dexter’s gang dissolves, Maddie moves to the bayou with her twin “brothers”.  The story develops as the twins appear at the doorstep one night with an eight year old girl they have kidnapped and need Maddie to hold hostage.  Against her better judgment Maddie agrees, but trouble soon follows as Pinkerton agent Tom Abbot becomes part of the case.  Tom, who is also working for Laura Foster McCormick, from book one in this series, Heart of Stone.  Maddie begins to question who she is, who her family really is and if she can really trust Tom.

I was excited to hear about the second book in this series being released.  I really enjoyed the first book and couldn’t wait to read more about the sisters from New Orleans.  I think the romance isn’t over the top, but nice, old fashion and clean.  It's refreshing to find books like this, ones I don't have to worry about while reading.

If I had to pick one thing that I didn’t like it would be Dexter’s character.  Landis did a fantastic job making him into a creep and I really shuttered every time he graced the pages.  I was so disturbed at the thought of Maddie taking part of the changing of the kids.  I am glad she was able to find Tom and eventually Laura.  I hope that in the next few book that it will touch on that she has been able to find peace in her life.

The novels and the writing really make me think that if you love Anita Stansfield books, you will enjoy these series.

I'm looking forward to book three. Hopefully it doesn't take a full year to come out!

Everything Meals on a Budget Cookbook

The Everything Meals on a Budget Cookbook

5 Stars

Linda Larsen

293 pages

This book was another great find I picked up one week at our local library. It had helpful ideas and 300 great recipes

I enjoyed this book and look forward to finding one to make my own copy. Like I've said about other budget cookbooks, if you are looking for ways to lower your families grocery budget you can't go wrong with these few books that I've found. Excellent!