Books and Needlepoint

Friday, April 3, 2009

Friday Finds 4-3-2009

Shared by Kristi

Here are my finds for this week - only three as I am still a little under the weather. Thank you to everyone for both the birthday wishes and the get well wishes!

Bedlam South by Mark Grisham and David Donaldson

I just found this one yesterday from At Home With Books.

From the back cover:

Set in the heart of the Confederacy, Bedlam South is the story of ordinary people who fought and suffered, and loved and lost during the Civil War. The novel begins and ends in an insane asylum outside Richmond, Virginia, as it interweaves the fates of its characters in a panoramic view of the Civil War. The asylum's chaos and internal strife echo the military and personal battles taking place over four years.

The story begins in 1862, when Dr. Joseph Bryarly leaves England to head Richmond's Wingate Asylum, run by the sadistic and scarred Captain Samuel Percy. Bryarly launches his own war battling the Captain on behalf of the inmates, while also battling his own demons. On the frontlines near Fredericksburg, seventeen-year-old Zeke Gibson joins his brother, Corporal Billy Gibson. In the midst of heavy fighting, they are separated. Each embarks on a path that will take him deep into lunacy and a struggle for survival as the war progresses and their fates become intertwined with Dr. Bryarly's.

Coventry by Helen Humphreys

I found this at Fresh Ink Books.

Humphreys's lethargic latest depicts the intertwining lives of two British women during the world wars. Harriet and Maeve meet on the streets of Coventry, England, in 1914. Both are of troubled mind: Harriet's husband has just left for the battlegrounds of France, and Maeve can't shake a deep sense of loneliness. The women share laughs on a bus ride, but afterwards their lives continue on different paths. Harriet's husband, Owen, goes missing (and is presumed killed) in action, and Harriet spends the next two decades mourning his loss. Maeve becomes pregnant out of wedlock and works a string of odd jobs to raise her son, Jeremy. In the chaos of the German bombing of Coventry in 1940, Harriet befriends Jeremy, who, at 22, stirs intense memories of Owen. Together, they search the town for Jeremy's mother and forge an intense bond. Humphreys's characters are given to poetic tendencies that occasionally yield interesting insights on the nature of loss and change, though the cast tends toward the indistinct and the narrative feels too in service of the historical record. (Feb.) Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Etta by Gerald Kolpan

I found this one at Booking Mama.

Beautiful, elusive, and refined, Etta Place captivated the nation at the turn of the last century as she dodged the law with the Wild Bunch, led by Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Her true identity and fate have remained a mystery that has tantalized historians for decades. Now, for the first time, Gerald Kolpan envisions this remarkable woman’s life in a stunning debut novel.

Kolpan imagines that Etta Place was born Lorinda Jameson, the daughter of a prominent financier, who becomes known as the loveliest of the city’s debutantes when she makes her entrance into Philadelphia society. Though her position in life is already assured, her true calling is on horseback. She can ride as well as any man and handle a rifle even better. But when a tragedy leads to a dramatic reversal of fortune, Lorinda is left orphaned, penniless, homeless, and pursued by the ruthless Black Hand mafia.

Rechristened “Etta Place” to ensure her safety, the young woman travels to the farthest reaches of civilization, working as a “Harvey Girl” waitress in Grand Junction, Colorado. There, fate intervenes once more and she again finds herself on the run from the ruthless Pinkerton Detective Agency. But this time she has company. She soon finds herself at the legendary hideout at Hole-in-the-Wall, Wyoming, where she meets the charismatic Butch Cassidy and the handsome, troubled Harry Longbaugh, a.k.a. the Sundance Kid. Through a series of holdups and heists, Etta and Harry begin an epic and ultimately tragic romance, which will be the greatest of Etta’s life. Then, when Etta meets the young and idealistic Eleanor Roosevelt, her life is changed forever.

Blending a compelling love story, high adventure, and thrilling historical drama, Etta is an electrifying novel. With a sweeping 1900s setting, colorful storytelling, and larger-than-life characters, Etta is a debut that is both captivating and unforgettable. (description from Amazon)

What great books did you find this week?? Stop over at Should Be Reading and share yours!

Thursday, April 2, 2009

Lady Anne and the Howl in the Dark by Donna Lea Simpson (Book Review)

Shared by Kristi

Title: Lady Anne and the Howl in the Dark
Author: Donna Lea Simpson
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Available: Apr 1, 2009
Genre: Romance/Mystery
Why read: Sourcebooks ARC - thanks Danielle!

Lady Anne is not the typical "lady" of the late 1700's. She tried to be the hair-brained, I-need-a-husband lass, but when her fiance dies, it is a blessing for her. Having been left a considerable amount of money by her paternal grandmother, she decides she would rather be single and not have to hide her intelligence and quick wit. Not being a beauty, she doesn't have to worry about fending off any would-be suitors.

When Lydia, a dear friend and her deceased fiance's sister, writes her and begs her to come, Lady Anne immediately responds. Lydia hinted at there being mysterious things going on at Darkefell Castle and the possibilities of a werewolf. Unfortunately Lydia fails to tell the rest of the household of Lady Anne's imminent arrival.

Since there is no carriage to take Lady Anne from the post house to the castle, and it is nearing dusk, she sets out on foot. As darkness descends, she hears a howl and a woman's screams. Trying to find the woman in the dark seems futile, until, as luck would have it, she stumbles over her body - but it is too late. She continues to make her way to the castle and arrives, unannounced, covered in blood with questions already arising.

The Marquess of Darkefell is a brooding handsome man who finds Lady Anne to be very bothersome. She insists on prying into his family's secrets - secrets he wishes to remain hidden. At the same time, her seemingly unflappable resolve and calm around him has him mystified. He has never met a woman who has been immune to his charms. He is also entertained by her quick wit and intelligence.

I highly recommend this book. Donna Lea Simpson's writing style is very engaging and draws you in immediately. She gives great descriptions of both countryside and characters.

She had dressed her bonnet with some of the purple tulips from her crushed bouquet, and as they nodded above her shadowed face, she looked both absurd and oddly adorable. He glanced at the path then back at her. It was true her nose was a little too long and her chin too pointed. There was a faint equine suggestion about the nose and generous mouth. Her color was good, though, and her dark hair glossy; she glowed with health and vivacity. (from Lady Anne and the Howl in the Dark, p 207, uncorrected copy)

"But cultivated gardens have their place, my lord," she said, ambling toward the eddy, a swirling, shadowed pool at the base of the waterfall. She stood on a humped hillock of moss and stared, admiring the sparkle of sunlight on the drops that scattered as a rivulet hit a rock. Mist billowed from the force of the falls and bedewed her cheeks. (from Lady Anne and the Howl in the Dark, p 215, uncorrected copy)

You can almost feel the tension that Lord Darkefell feels when he is around Lady Anne - and her optimism in the face of crises abounds. I really enjoyed Lady Anne and am glad that I will get to read more of her in the future. Donna Lea Simpson has two more books coming out with Lady Anne - Lady Anne and the Ghost's Revenge and Lady Anne and the Gypsy Curse.

Be sure and read these other reviews for this book:

Medieval Bookworm
Peeking Between the Pages
Marta's Meanderings
The Tome Traveler's Blog
Cheryl's Book Nook

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Sick

Shared by Kristi

My daughter was sick on Saturday. My son got sick on Monday. - and yep, it caught me today. I will be back when I am feeling better...

How Not To Look Old - Giveaway!

Shared by Kristi

In honor of my birthday yesterday, Hachette is allowing me to giveaway 3 copies of How Not To Look Old! (Ok ok – April Fools – they are not letting me do it because of my birthday – but just because they are great!)

Here is a little about the book: Charla Krupp knows that aging sucks! So she's here to help. It's every woman's dream: looking hip, sexy, fresh, and pretty--whether you're in your 30's, 40's, 50's, or 60's. Now it's every woman's necessity: looking younger will help you hold onto your job and your partner--particularly when everyone around you seems half your age. It's about making the ultimate "to-do" list of LITTLE beauty and fashion changes that pay off BIG TIME.

Charla Krupp, beauty editor and expert, known for her real woman's approach to looking fabulous, offers brutally frank and foolproof advice on how not to look old.

Read an excerpt.

Now for the rules!

Must be a resident of U.S. or Canada.
No P.O. boxes.
Giveaway will run until Friday, April 24th at midnight.
I will be giving away 3 copies if I get at least 30 people entered. For each 15 after that there will be an extra book - up to 5 books total.

How do you enter? (ALL ENTRIES MUST LEAVE EMAIL ADDRESS!)

Leave a comment telling me your age - (No that is an April Fool's joke again - just leave me a comment.)
For 2 additional entries - blog or twitter and leave a link back here.
For 2 more entries - sign up as a follower over on the left, where I can see your little picture!
If you already follow - either by RSS feed, email, etc - let me know and you will get your extra entries also.
Maximum of 5 entries possible.

Jantsen's Gift - WINNERS!

Shared by Kristi

Congratulations go out to Martha E, Valorie, MJ, Olympian Lady and Sharon!

You have each won a copy of Jantsen's Gift. You have all been emailed. Please send me your mailing address within 72 hours or I will need to pick new winners!

Please spread the word - I will be hosting 3 more giveaways from Hachette and 3 giveaways from Multnomah later this week!

Wondrous Words 4-1-2009

Shared by Kristi

Wondrous Words Wednesday is a weekly meme where we share new (to us) words that we’ve encountered in our reading. To join in the fun, post your words on your blog and then leave a message over at Bermudaonion's Blog!

My words this week are from Lady Anne and the Howl in the Dark by Donna Lea Simpson.

1. Stygian - Used like this: Stunted trees near the post-house huddled in stygian shadows, and shutters blotted out any light from the interior fire and lamps.

Definition: Gloomy and dark. Infernal; hellish.

2. palanquin - Used like this: King Irusan, sensed an admirer and so allows me to serve as his palanquin.

Definition: A covered litter carried on poles on the shoulders of four or more bearers, formerly used in eastern Asia.

3. bruited - Used like this: There were ladies in society who kept a list of all eligible men, and he was on it, though never the first, for his abhorrence of marriage was well known and bruited about town as an example of his eccentricity.

Definition: To spread news of; repeat.

4. amour propre - Used like this: A woman of humble appearance needed all the help a talented hairdresser could summon so her image at that moment was shocking to Anne's modest amour propre.

Definition: self-esteem

5. crenellated - Used like this: "There," he said, pointing to the dark tower, a dry-moated, crenellated castle keep, "is the original section, the keep."

Definition: Having battlements.

6. phaeton - Used like this: Anne glanced toward the castle and noted a phaeton with a standing horse; she hadn't noticed it as her attention was turned toward the ruined section.

Definition: A light, four-wheeled open carriage, usually drawn by a pair of horses.

7. nacre - Used like this: Dew clung to her skin, giving it the sheen of nacre, and her pink tongue, darting out to wet her trembling lips, was a silly little enticement.

Definition: mother-of-pearl

8. sallies - Used like this: You make humorous comments, and I laugh at your sallies, Lady Anne.

Definition: A sudden quick witticism; a quip.

9. dudgeon - Used like this: He departed in high dudgeon.

Definition: A sullen, angry, or indignant humor.

10. pounce pot - Used like this: It had inside a multitude of drawers holding ink bottles, quills, sealing wax, seals, paper, a pounce pot, sand to fill it with, and a pen knife.

Definition: Pounce pots provided a means of drying ink once it had been written on a page. They were small containers with perforated tops (like pepper pots) that contained a powdery material that was sprinkled on the just written text to dry any excess moisture.

I could go on and on this week - I have learned many new words from this book!

Waiting on Wednesday: Once Upon a Fastball

Shared by Kristi

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

Once Upon a Fastball by Bob Mitchell

Publisher: Kensington Publishing

Available: April 28, 2009

Description: Your legacy is in the Attic.

The words leap from the cryptic poem left for Harvard professor Seth Stein by his Papa Sol, the doting grandfather who vanished without a trace two years earlier. It was Papa Sol who instilled an unquenchable passion for baseball in Seth’s soul; it was Sol who also ignited Seth’s obsession with history, spinning fabulous tales of times and people long gone.

Seth is still searching for answers to Papa Sol’s disappearance when the poem leads him to a scuffed, yellowed baseball resting in a box handmade by his grandfather. A single touch of the rough leather thrusts Seth through the swirling vortex of history onto the streets of 1950s Brooklyn, and then to the greatest baseball game ever played, the Bobby Thomson “Shot Heard ’Round the World” play-off classic. In this surreal, sepia-toned site of past glory, Seth begins a wondrous, life-changing odyssey to find the answers he so desperately seeks.

Suspenseful, thought-provoking, funny, and poignant, this beautifully crafted novel is a joyous tribute to our inspiring and timeless national pastime, and a rare treasure for all those who love baseball.

What are you waiting for? Waiting on Wednesdays is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Well-Seasoned Reader Challenge Wrap-Up

Shared by Kristi

Today is the final day of the Well-Seasoned Reader Challenge. It was required that you read 3 books. The books had to have a food name in the title OR be about cooking/eating OR have a place name in the title OR be about one (or more) person's travel experience OR be about a specific culture OR be by an author whose ethnicity is other than your own. They also needed to be middle-grade on up.

I was able to do four books:

Lessons From San Quentin - Bill Dallas (Place name in title)
The Spring of Candy Apples - Debbie Viguie (Food in title)
Trail of Crumbs - Kim Sunee (about food/eating, food in title, and author different ethnicity than mine)
The Fruit of My Lipstick - Shelley Adina (Food in title)

This was a fun challenge and I am glad that I participated. Thank you Book Nut for hosting!

Where Are You? 3-31-2009

Shared by Kristi

I have gone to visit my friend at Darkefell Castle. She has written to me to tell me there are strange things going on - and has hinted at there being a werewolf! It is strange alright - the evening I arrived, there was no carriage to transport me to the castle! I had to walk, in the dark, and managed to stumble over a dead body! (Lady Anne and the Howl in the Dark by Donna Lea Simpson)

Where is your reading taking you? Stop over at Adventure in Reading and share!

Teaser Tuesday 3-31-2009

Shared by Kristi

TEASER TUESDAYS asks you to:
Grab your current read.
Let the book fall open to a random page.
Share with us two (2) “teaser” sentences from that page, somewhere between lines 7 and 12.
You also need to share the title of the book that you’re getting your “teaser” from … that way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the teaser you’ve given!
Please avoid spoilers!

But only if you see one close up, out of the water, do you get any real sense of how enormous it is, for then all that is normally concealed, the gigantic bulk of the ship that is under the waterline, becomes visible. It went up, and up and up, until I thought its very top was lost in the clouds. (Stone's Fall by Iain Pears - uncorrected proof, p 235)

I have a giveaway ending today! Jantsen's Gift Sign up is easy! I am also giving away 10 Things I Hate About Christianity - it is ending when I get 10 entries, and Do-Over is ending 4/20.