Review - Royal Mistress by Anne Easter Smith

Title: Royal Mistress

Author: Anne Easter Smith

Series: Stand Alone

Pages:  489

Published: May 7th 2013 by Touchstone

ISBN: 9781451648621

Source: Publisher via Netgalley

 

Description: Jane Lambert, the quick-witted and alluring daughter of a silk merchant, is twenty-two and still unmarried. When Jane’s father finally finds her a match, she’s married off to the dull, older silk merchant William Shore—but her heart belongs to another. Marriage doesn’t stop Jane Shore from flirtation, however, and when the king’s chamberlain and friend, Will Hastings, comes to her husband’s shop, Will knows his King will find her irresistible.  Edward IV has everything: power, majestic bearing, superior military leadership, a sensual nature, and charisma. And with Jane as his mistress, he also finds true happiness. But when his hedonistic tendencies get in the way of being the strong leader England needs, his life, as well as that of Jane Shore and Will Hastings, hang in the balance. 

I Give This ....

I've read my fair share of historical fiction.  However, I have never read something for the view point of a mistress.  I'm not naive, I know they were abundant through out history.  But, I've always found it intriguing to think what would lead a normal women to be ok with her position as the kings mistress.   So there was never any doubt that I would want to read this book.  

Jane was not who I pictured in my head.  Sure, she's a little bit more hot headed and opinionated that most women in her time period.   But, I really liked that about her.  I'm sure it caused nothing but trouble for her father though.  I understood the necessity behind her marriage to William Shore.  I also greatly understood her unhappiness in the situation.  This is an excellent situation for "what if".  What if Jane would have become pregnant and able to have the family she so desperately craved?  Would it have been enough to fulfill her need to be loved?  The fact that she caught the eye of the king was a key factor in her being granted the divorce.  Without a higher power, I sincerely doubt that would have happened.  

When it came to being the king's mistress, I was surprise how Jane reacted.   At first I believed it was for her own gains.  But, it wasn't the ones that I thought.  I really thought it would be about money and position.  But, Jane really wanted freedom and to be loved.  Neither thing she had living under her father's roof or while she was married to William Shore.  The King freely offered those things.  Of course he had his own stipulations, but they were ones Jane accepted.  I do think it made her uncomfortable at times to be the other woman.  But, the longer she held his interest, the more she was able to accept who she was.  

A running theme is this book is the immorality of the court.  Obviously adultery was running rampant, but it was so common back then.  Especially when it came to the nobility.   I found it so odd that the King's brother was so viciously against it especially when he also once had a mistress.  I really felt that he had a lot of misplaced anger directed at Jane.  When the King dies, Richard really feels that Jane is the root of all the problems.  

At this point is when I felt Jane needed to realize the position she was in.  I know she was probably terrified knowing she no longer had the protection of the king.  And she was in no way nobility.  She's quick to accept Will Hastings, but Richard is always one step ahead of her.    Richard takes the thrown by proving the King's heir is illegitimate.  Richard's brutality really comes through at this point.  Will is executed on grounds of treason without a trial.  Jane is sentenced to a very public penance.  And we get a very brief look into the mystery of the two princes in the tower.  

Looking back over it all, there's a lot that happens in this book.  It never felt like to much though.  It may have been a long read, but I enjoyed the entire thing.  It's a time period that I'm not as familiar with and so I loved learning more about it.   I'd like to read more about King Edward, King Richard, and the two princes.   I highly recommend it!

Blog Tour - Review Just Like My My Papa by Toni Buzzeo with Guest Post

Title: Just Like My Papa

Author: Toni Buzzeo

Illustrator: Mike Wohnoutka

Pages: 32

Published:  April 2nd 2013 by Disney-Hyperion 

ISBN: 9781423142638

Source: Sent for honest review 

 

Description: Kito wants to be just like his papa, the protector of the pride. Throughout a day and night on the savanna, the cub imitates the way his father roars, swings his tail, shakes his head, and pounces. Kito may be too little to catch a wildebeest, but he is brave enough to succeed in his own hunt. Someday he will be King, just like Papa.

I Give This ...

 Interesting that this book is published by Disney-Hyperion because its so reminiscent of The Lion King that its impossible not to draw comparisons.  All the story was missing was Scar.

In all reality though, this was a nice little picture book.  The illustrations were fantastic and one of my favorite things.  I felt like they really captured the image of the story.   The story felt oddly nonfiction with less of a flow than some children's stories have.  I've noticed that pictures book tend to be very heavy in rhyme and this one just doesn't have that.  It trips me up a little when I read it out loud.  But, I like that it might teach something as well.

 

My little reader really enjoyed the story.  I wish school was in session to see how my preschoolers would like to it.  It's always a good judge of a book to see how the respond in circle time.  But, it will have to wait until fall.  That is if I can convince my little one to give it up!

Toni was kind enough to write up this guest post on reading out load.  As a preschooler teacher this is something I do daily, so I deeply appreciate a book that is engaging that they want to hear again and again!

Yesterday, at a book signing at the fabulous Bestsellers Café in Medford, Massachusetts, I had the pleasure of reading to eight-month-old Janie. As I did, I was reminded of the power of illustrations, of voice, of cadence, of the absolute musicality and wonder of books that appeal to little ones from birth through the preschool years.

Janie’s eyes and attention moved from my face to Mike Wohnoutka’s bright illustrations, to her mom’s face for her response, and back through the circle again and again. Oh, she loved the looking and the listening! Of course, at eight months old, Janie didn’t hang in for the entire book. I knew when the larger world had become too tempting to resist and we stopped, but wow! Five double-page spreads engaged her and kept her sweet attention. 

So what does it take to capture the wandering attention of someone eight months old, or two years old, or four-going-on-five years old? It’s as simple and as complicated as you might expect. 

First, a fabulous young picture book should be the perfect combination of simple, yet fetching art and lively, memorable text. One of the things I especially love about Mike Wohnoutka’s art for Just Like My Papa and Stay Close to Mama is his careful attention to accuracy in portraying the natural East African savanna environment of the two stories without sacrificing the friendliness of the animal characters. Because I’ve been to Kenya twice, I’ve been able to provide lots of feedback and photo references at the sketch stage, helping Mike to ensure that our little readers/listeners will get a true picture of animals they’ve likely never seen in their natural habitat. Mike’s art is wonderfully warm and engaging. As to the memorable text, my years working as a public children’s librarian and then school librarian keep me true to the need for lively text. 

Second, a successful young picture book must be MEANT to be read aloud—full of delicious words and phrases that will roll off the tongue and beg to be repeated by the young listener. Repetition, alliteration, rhyme, and animal sounds all contribute. For example, Just Like My Papa opens with the roar of Papa Lion and the first appearance of two repeated refrains: 

ROAAAAAR!

A warning echoes across the plain.

Yellow moon peeks over the horizon.

Kito peeks too.

His Papa paces and roars again:

My pride is here. Stay away!

 I am the protector and King.

The savanna falls silent.

grooooowl!

Kito adds his warning:

I am here too. 

Just like my Papa, the King.

Finally, and best of all, if the book speaks to the littlest reader’s experience, it will be a favorite book. That is precisely what I aim for in my young picture books. In Just Like My Papa, I chose every young child’s longing to be just like his father (or mother). What young child hasn’t emulated a parent in an effort to be just like him (or her)? Young readers/listeners respond emotionally to the story because they know just how little Kito feels! 

While I do also write for slightly older picture book readers, I continue to find tremendous joy and satisfaction in creating the perfect story for little ones with their wide sparkling eyes and zest for fetching characters and stories. 

Toni Buzzeo is a former school librarian, so she comes by her love of books and kids quite naturally. In fact, it was while teaching at Longfellow School in Portland, Maine that she began to write for children, right after her first trip to Kenya in 1995. She has published nineteen picture books thus far, with two more under contract, including My Grandma Always Remembers. Toni’s book One Cool Friend, illustrated by the distinguished illustrator David Small, won a 2013 Caldecott Honor. Many of her other books have garnered award attention as well. Toni and her husband live in Buxton, Maine from May through December, where she writes in a lovely writing cottage above the brook. But just after the winter holidays each year, she high-tails it down to sunny Sarasota, Florida where she can listen to the birds singing outside her office window during the day and zip over to walk the beach at sunset. 

Find Toni online at www.tonibuzzeo.com and watch the video of that sweet writing cottage being built! 

 *Be sure and visit the last stop on the tour
Once Upon a Story - http://www.novalibrarymom.com/*

Review - Surrender (Haunting Emma #3) by Lee Nichols

Title: Surrender

Author: Lee Nichols

Series: 3rd (Deception, Haunting)

Pages: 258

Published: December 6th 2011 by Bloomsbury USA Childrens 

ISBN: 9781599904238

Source: Purchased

Description: After a devastating battle at headquarters in New York, the ghostkeeping world is in shambles. When Emma and Bennett return home, they are determined to defeat the wraithmaster, Neos, forever. But it's not going to be easy. Bennett's parents kick him out when they realize he is still using drugs to enhance his powers. Emma is convinced her aunt has come back from the dead to warn her of a new threat. And worst of all, Neos is using wraiths to possess the students at Thatcher Academy. If the ghosts manage to take over the entire school, even Emma won't be strong enough to stop them. But if either she or Bennett sacrifice his or her powers, they might be able to save the ghostkeeping world once and for all-and break the "ghostkeepers lose their powers when they fall in love" curse. The question is: who will be the one to surrender all power?  

I Give This ...

I think this will be short and sweet.  It's been way to long since I've read it (the one downfall of a blog hiatus).  I'll give it my best shot though!

Bennett was the most interesting character for me.  I could not figure out the purpose behind his drug use even if it enhanced his powers.  It just didn't seem to fit the character I knew.  However, when we finally learn what his true intentions were and how the powerful drug use aided in that, I understood the bigger picture.   Nothing he did was for himself, but entirely for Emma and to help her defeat Neos.

Emma was really no nonsense this time around.  She was actually quite discouraged anytime the group was idle.  She wanted the war with Neos to be over with.  I was impressed with how well she kept her head on her shoulders.  She may have wanted Neos dead and wanted to be the one to do, but she never acted irrationally. 

I was afraid with as much of the book that passed by before our final battle took place, that the end would be short.  That really irritates me when the ending is rushed.   But, I really felt that the author did the ending justice.  I was satisfied with the chain events and how the series came to a close!

  

Review - Chantress (Chantress Trilogy #1) by Amy Butler Greenfield

Title:Chantress

Author: Amy Butler Greenfield

Series: 1st

Pages: 336

Published: May 7th 2013 by Margaret K. McElderry Books 

ISBN: 9781442457034

Source: Publisher via Edelweiss

Description: Lucy’s Chantress magic will make her the most powerful—and most hunted—girl in England. “Sing, and the darkness will find you.” This warning has haunted fifteen-year-old Lucy ever since she was eight and shipwrecked on a lonely island. Lucy’s guardian, Norrie, has lots of rules, but the most important is that Lucy must never sing. Not ever. Now it is 1667, Lucy is fifteen, and on All Hallows’ Eve, Lucy hears a tantalizing melody on the wind. She can’t help but sing—and she is swept into darkness.  When she awakes in England, Lucy hears powerful men discussing Chantresses—women who can sing magic into the world. They are hunting her, but she escapes and finds sanctuary with the Invisible College, an organization plotting to overthrow the nefarious Lord Protector. The only person powerful enough to bring about his downfall is a Chantress. And Lucy is the last one in England. Lucy struggles to master the song-spells and harness her power, but the Lord Protector is moving quickly. And her feelings for Nat, an Invisible College apprentice and scientist who deeply distrusts her magic, only add to her confusion... Time is running out, and the fate of England hangs in the balance in this entrancing novel that is atmospheric and lyrical, dangerous and romantic.   

I Give This ...

The cover called me on this one.  Once I read the description and realized it had that blend of historical fiction and fantasy/paranormal, I was sold.  It was a little slow in places, but overall it was an enjoyable read.

It must be frustrating to be Lucy.  The past 7 years have been spent on a deserted island with no real explanation as to what is going on.   Her mother is gone and she's not allowed to sing.  At first this little fact really through me.  I could not figure out what it was about signing that was so bad.  I really thought it was some type of sinful thing and so it was forbidden.  Turns out, when Lucy sings, she harnesses energy for the world around her and can do magic.  She's the only one left with this ability.  It doesn't take long for people to track her down and want to use her powers to take down the person in control of the country.  He's hunted down every last one of her kind and had them killed.   Accept for one...she's just been stripped of all her magic.

This one person is actually her godmother, and she seems completely uncaring.   She feels she's the best person to help Lucy realize her full potential.  The only problem is her lessons must be done were the watchful eyes of the Lord Protector can't find her.  So she's taken deep unground with a women who does nothing but criticize everything she does.   She can't hold the right tune, she sings without the right emotions, not long enough, too short.  I found her constant belittling rather annoying.  I often thought she was insanely jealous of Lucy because she still possessed the talent.

My high points were the magic itself and Lucy's relationship with Nat.  The magic really was interesting.  It had factors to it that made it more complex.  There was ordinary magic and wild magic and the consequences were completely different.   But, I felt that wild magic was poorly understood and therefore deemed to risky to undertake.   I think I liked the romantic relationship with Nat because I wasn't ever sure it was actually going to happen.  Nat seemed to uneasy when it came to Lucy's magic that I wasn't sure it would be something he could look past.  Especially knowing it was something she could never leave behind.

The story dragged out in the middle.  I felt we spend a lot of time underground while she was training, although during this time we learn a lot of history about the Chantress and the country itself.  I also felt the ending was abrupt.  It felt to easy.  It also make me wonder were the story can go next.   I'm sure I'll read the next one though because I want to know what is in store for Lucy.  Plus, I like to combination of historical fiction and fantasy/paranormal. 

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list. Click on the picture to be taken to Sheila at One Person's Journey Through A World of Books!

 

 School got out and I had every intention of getting back to the blog.  But, as you can see from past posts that didn't happen.  I enjoyed my little blog vacation, but I kind of feel its been that way for awhile.  I don't seem to have as much time to read (this make me sad).  When I sit at my computer to write my reviews, its not really what I want to do.  I think its because I'm discouraged because I'm behind, so I just don't do it.  My goal is to get caught up over the next couple weeks.  That way when school starts again, I can maybe stay on top of it!

Read Last Week: 

• The Boleyn King by Laura Anderson
• Gameboard of the Gods by Richelle Meads  

 

Currently Reading:  

 

• Linked by Imogen Howson  

 

Up This Week:  

 

• Just Like My Papa by Toni Buzzeo
• Spartan Frost by Jennifer Estep  
• The Pleasure Palace by Kate Emerson  

In My Mailbox!

For Review:

• Spartan Frost by Jennifer Estep 
• Crown of Midnight by Sarah Mass 
• Royal Inheritance by Kate Emerson 
• One Tiny Lie by K.A. Tucker

Purchased:    

• Adaption by Malinda Lo

Stacking The Shelves is all about the books we are adding to our shelves each week, sharing with you our excitement for our newest titles and maybe have you discover a new book in the process!  It's hosted by Tynga's Reviews!

 

 

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi from The Story Siren and she was inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie!

Review - The Elite (The Selection #2) by Kiera Cass

Title: The Elite

Author: Kiera Cass

Series: 2nd (The Selection)

Pages: 323

Published:  April 23rd 2013 by Harper Teen

ISBN: 9780062059963

Source: Exchanged ARC

Description: Thirty-five girls came to the palace to compete in the Selection. All but six have been sent home. And only one will get to marry Prince Maxon and be crowned princess of Illea.  America still isn’t sure where her heart lies. When she’s with Maxon, she’s swept up in their new and breathless romance, and can’t dream of being with anyone else. But whenever she sees Aspen standing guard around the palace, and is overcome with memories of the life they planned to share. With the group narrowed down to the Elite, the other girls are even more determined to win Maxon over—and time is running out for America to decide.  Just when America is sure she’s made her choice, a devastating loss makes her question everything again. And while she’s struggling to imagine her future, the violent rebels that are determined to overthrow the monarchy are growing stronger and their plans could destroy her chance at any kind of happy ending. I Give This ...

I've never been a big fan of the reality shows The Bachelor or The Bachelorette.  But who doesn't love the idea of the chance to become a princess and find true love all in the same process.  I was captured by the idea in the first book and knew that I would be reading this one.  In many ways it did not disappoint.

I truly think the only fault I found with this book was with America herself.  I understand that she has feelings for both Maxon and Aspen, (although for me there is only one clear cut winner).  I also understand that she really needs to work out the possibility of being a princess and one day becoming the Queen.  But, what I disliked was how she didn't hold herself to the same standards that she seemed to hold to Maxon.  She really seemed to want him to be this perfect prince all wrapped up with no faults.  She would get insanely jealous when she learned about his time spent with the other girls, forgetting that she was going behind his back as well.  She never would let him explain his actions, preferring to jump to conclusions.  

Poor Maxon, he's basically given his heart to America and she's so hesitant to give hers in return.  I don't blame him for finding condolence in somebody else.  I'm glad he went to bat for America in the end, because I'm not sure I would have.  I think he sees in her the Queen he needs for the idea he has for when he takes the throne.  However, she needs to realize that change does not happen over night.

I think all these misgivings were sorted out in the end.  It seems America may have made a decision on where her heart lies.  Maxon may have as well, but there is major roadblock in the way...the King himself.   I'm curious how much say he will have in the selection in the end.  America may have made the most powerful enemy of all.