Lucy (MsLucy) - Montreal, QC, Canada (319 books)

Lucy rated a book 5 of 5 stars

Blood Between Queens (Thornleigh, #5)
by Barbara Kyle (Goodreads Author)

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This book is deep, intricate and gripping to the very end. Even the title, I realized, has a much deeper meaning than the rivalry and succession to the thrown that encompassed Mary and Elizabeth…’Blood’ also refers to the tainted- traitor kind that J...more
This book is deep, intricate and gripping to the very end. Even the title, I realized, has a much deeper meaning than the rivalry and succession to the thrown that encompassed Mary and Elizabeth…’Blood’ also refers to the tainted- traitor kind that Justine Grenville carried through her veins.

In Protestant England where Elizabeth ruled, Catholics still plotted behind the scenes to bring their true faith back. Timing had it that Mary Queen of Scotts, who was no longer wanted by her people as she was believed to have murdered her husband, escaped to find refuge in her cousin, Queen Elizabeth’s, country.

Catholic nobles then subterfuge a plan to overthrow Elizabeth and bring in Mary; believed to be the rightful heir. Not so fast though- Mary needed to be proven innocent of her crime. Her image though was tarnished by the perception the people had of her: a pregnant harlot who planned the murder of her husband and married the killer shortly after… But Mary must see Elizabeth and speak to her- she knows that Elizabeth, as another God-appointed sovereign, would understand her situation and help restore her title…

Amidst all this is the young Justine Grenville, whose father was the traitor believed to have perished in fire, while battling with the Thornleigh’s, great friends of Queen Elizabeth. Left as an orphan after the devastating fire that burned her family away, she was found and adopted by her family’s enemy, Lord Thornleigh himself. Brought up in love and kindness along with the finest aristocracy, Justine renounced her roots and felt like a Thornleigh herself. But- The fact that she was really a Grenville, was hers and the Thornleigh’s greatest secret. No one else knew of her traitor’s blood.

All could have been fine, except that Justine falls madly in love and is reciprocated by Will Croft, a lawyer in Elizabeth’s court and- Thornleigh’s nephew. What a great match you say? Not really-Will saw his father brutally killed by the Grenvilles and Will has no idea of Justine’s roots.

It gets even better when Justine is brought to Mary as a lady-in-waiting where in fact her true mission was to act as spy for Queen Elizabeth. What actually happens is that Justine is endeared by Mary, and believes that she is not this evil manipulating criminal that England is accusing her of being. Justine plans on avenging Mary. Her plan has her betraying the Thornleighs, Will and ultimately, Queen Elizabeth…treason.

There is so much more to the story that helps build the momentum. For instance, what really happened to Justine’s father- that one, is Justine’s other secret. Also, Justine is investigating the murder of her good friend Alice- oh! the shock of that discovery. But I won’t spoil it for you- this book is FANTASTIC!

Brilliantly written, BLOOD BETWEEN QUEENS is a riveting tale of history, suspense and love. As well, I discovered a different side of both queens and was delightfully surprised to find myself holding another possible perception of either. And by weaving Justine’s family feud into this real slice of history, Barbara Kyle has helped recreate a time that will be forever highlighted in my mind.

BLOOD BETWEEN QUEENS contains everything I dream of reading in a great historical novel. I absolutely ADORED this book.

To read more about this book, Barbara Kyle and to enter Giveaways, please visit:
HISTORICAL FICTION VIRTUAL BOOK TOURS(less)

Lucy made a comment on her review of Goddess of the Green Room (Georgian Saga, #10)

"Great:)"

Lucy made a comment on Lucy responded "yes" to event Group Read: Katherine by Anya Seton

"Yeah.. Thought so that it might be a bit too late:( keep me posted for next one. I never posted my Review of the Philippa Carr one either..oof such li...more "

Lucy said "yes" to attending Group Read: Katherine by Anya Seton

date: July 12, 2013 12:15AM
location: Online at our group, The United States
description: Anyone is welcome to our group read of Katherine by Anya Seton. This is an online read along where participants can comment on the progress posts within the group. Start date will be July 12, 2013 and then read & comment at your own pace.
Hope to see you there!

**** Updating to add the link to the discussion Folder for the group read**** http://www.goodreads.com/topic/group_...
Lucy said: I'll be receiving the book within the next two weeks thru Book Depository:))

Lucy rated a book 3 of 5 stars

The Cross and the Dragon
by Kim Rendfeld (Goodreads Author)

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MY REVIEW:

The Cross and the Dragon by Kim Rendfeld flourished from The Song of Roland (11th c.) This beautiful poem and remarkably, the oldest piece of literature in France, was based on a hero during the battle of Roncevaux Pass in 778. History buf...more

Lucy rated a book 5 of 5 stars

The Chalice
by Nancy Bilyeau (Goodreads Author)

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Just when I thought it would be a long while before I'd read another Tudor period novel- here comes Bilyeau's THE CHALICE to remind me that when the writing is exceptional, excitement brings about novelty.

Joanna Stattford, a Catholic novice is strip...more
Just when I thought it would be a long while before I'd read another Tudor period novel- here comes Bilyeau's THE CHALICE to remind me that when the writing is exceptional, excitement brings about novelty.

Joanna Stattford, a Catholic novice is stripped of her title and her right to practice her faith under Henry VIII's new religious regime which eliminated and banned Catholic monasteries and places of worship. Forced back into her life as a noble by birth and placed in the service of Katherine of Aragon, Joanna also befriends Lady Mary. The setup is perfect for plans to use Joanna as pawn to rid the abominable king and bring back the original Faith.

This is a riveting mystery that weaves in impeccable history at a time when conspiracies, plots and betrayals were the norm - no place in King Henry's court was safe. Joanna must complete the seeings of three psychics to achieve what is in the plans for her to help save Christendom. Joanna lives a life of suspense where clairvoyants, spies, politics and religion fill her days. These are dangerous times...Deeply implicated, how far will Joanna play along to save her loved ones?

Besides the mystery, Joanna must also make a choice in love...there are two men in her life (as if she hadn't enough to deal with already!). Love, friends, enemies-THE CHALICE has it all. Who would have thought a nun's life could get this complicated...and dramatic? I enjoyed this book immensely! And although I didn't always agree with Joanna's choices, she did stay true to herself; which made the character and situations all that more plausible.

A definite page-turner that you will not be able to put down until the very last page...and then you'll be craving Bilyeau's next book for sure. This is by far one of the best Tudor fictions I've read in awhile.

Excellent!

(THE CHALICE is the sequel to THE CROWN. But if you haven't read the first one, no worries- THE CHALICE is a perfect standalone read as Bilyeau familiarizes us with the prequel without drowning us with an overload of back and forth info).(less)

Lucy made a comment on Fairchild — GIVEAWAY: Fairchild by Jaima Fixsen

"If you'd love to read a regency novel with a feel of Austen, Bronte and Heyer- FAIRCHILD by Jaima Fixsen is right for you:)
The Author is giving away t...more "

Lucy rated a book 3 of 5 stars

Fairchild
by Jaima Fixsen (Goodreads Author)

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Here’s a lovely historical romance that will capture the attention of any Austen fan. I enjoyed reading about Miss Sophy Prescott whose life would change drastically in one single tragic moment. Born ‘tainted’, as she described herself, Sophy was lit...more

Lucy made a comment on The Last Romanov — GIVEAWAY: The Last Romanov

"I gave it 3 stars as well... The magical thing didn't work for me- but I still enjoyed reading the history of the family- and like you I found I enjoy...more "

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Lucy rated a book 5 of 5 stars Blood Between Queens (Thornleigh, #5) by Barbara Kyle (Goodreads Author)	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
This book is deep, intricate and gripping to the very end. Even the title, I realized, has a much deeper meaning than the rivalry and succession to the thrown that encompassed Mary and Elizabeth…’Blood’ also refers to the tainted- traitor kind that J...more
17 de May 19:29 · see review
Lucy made a comment on her review of Goddess of the Green Room (Georgian Saga, #10) "Great:)"
15 de May 13:18 · see review
Lucy made a comment on Lucy responded "yes" to event Group Read: Katherine by Anya Seton "Yeah.. Thought so that it might be a bit too late:( keep me posted for next one. I never posted my Review of the Philippa Carr one either..oof such li...more "
13 de May 09:49 · see event
Lucy said "yes" to attending Group Read: Katherine by Anya Seton date: July 12, 2013 12:15AM location: Online at our group, The United States description: Anyone is welcome to our group read of Katherine by Anya Seton. This is an online read along where participants can comment on the progress posts within the group. Start date will be July 12, 2013 and then read & comment at your own pace. Hope to see you there! ** Updating to add the link to the discussion Folder for the group read** http://www.goodreads.com/topic/group_... Lucy said: I'll be receiving the book within the next two weeks thru Book Depository:))
13 de May 09:38 · like
Lucy rated a book 3 of 5 stars The Cross and the Dragon by Kim Rendfeld (Goodreads Author)	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
MY REVIEW: The Cross and the Dragon by Kim Rendfeld flourished from The Song of Roland (11th c.) This beautiful poem and remarkably, the oldest piece of literature in France, was based on a hero during the battle of Roncevaux Pass in 778. History buf...more
3 de May 10:00 · see review
Lucy rated a book 5 of 5 stars The Chalice by Nancy Bilyeau (Goodreads Author)	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
Just when I thought it would be a long while before I'd read another Tudor period novel- here comes Bilyeau's THE CHALICE to remind me that when the writing is exceptional, excitement brings about novelty. Joanna Stattford, a Catholic novice is strip...more
26 de Abr 19:47 · see review
Lucy made a comment on Fairchild — GIVEAWAY: Fairchild by Jaima Fixsen "If you'd love to read a regency novel with a feel of Austen, Bronte and Heyer- FAIRCHILD by Jaima Fixsen is right for you:) The Author is giving away t...more "
21 de Abr 17:59
Lucy rated a book 3 of 5 stars Fairchild by Jaima Fixsen (Goodreads Author)	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
Here’s a lovely historical romance that will capture the attention of any Austen fan. I enjoyed reading about Miss Sophy Prescott whose life would change drastically in one single tragic moment. Born ‘tainted’, as she described herself, Sophy was lit...more
21 de Abr 17:20 · see review
Lucy made a comment on The Last Romanov — GIVEAWAY: The Last Romanov "I gave it 3 stars as well... The magical thing didn't work for me- but I still enjoyed reading the history of the family- and like you I found I enjoy...more "
12 de Abr 20:01

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