Tara Chevrestt's Blog, page 21
May 21, 2015
Tiffany Girl by Deeanne Gist
I was really looking forward to this title. I am a huge fan of Gist. But I'm sorry to say I found it rather lacking, especially compared to It Happened at the Fair and Fair Play.One, it actually sort of bored me. So the heroine declares herself a New Woman and wants to work. That's cool. Awesome. Go for it, girl. But...and this will seem an odd complaint...she's so average. I don't want to read about superheroines, like Agent Carter, fighting a man atop a moving vehicle without breaking a nail. That's ridiculous and unbelievable. But neither do I care to spend four days immersing myself in the life of a dull, average person, and except for some of the situations the heroine finds herself in--the public transportation problem, the way men treat the working women, the art gallery fiasco--there was nothing interesting about her. She isn't even good at things she does. Rather than the go-getter heroine I was expecting, this girl is first and only Tiffany girl let go, for crying out loud.
Even worse, most of the story focused on the hero, who was really very unlikable.
And the ending was unsatisfactory in this story, as irritating really as the column heroine, Marylee...I'm not going to go into detail.However, there was nothing Christian about this story, for those of you who tend to stay away from the "preachy" books, no worries here. It's just a clean read.
I did appreciate some of the things brought up within the pages though, such as, "Marylee will not be sitting around doing nothing. She'll be scrubbing, mopping, polishing, cooking, toting, and raising and the children. I daresay her photography would be much less demanding and a great deal more enjoyable."
And yet, after all her bluster about being a New Woman...eh.
I received this via Netgalley.
May 20, 2015
How to Conjure Dragons: How Writing Helped Me Live in the Real World (A Guest Post from @ElaineRosemaryD )
I have a friend who doesn’t believe there’s any such thing as an introvert. Obviously she isn’t one. She probably doesn’t believe in dragons either, but that’s okay. She’s a good friend. She’s very…practical. Me, I know introverts exist. I am one.
I’ve heard people describe themselves as a swashbuckling introvert, which I must admit appeals to me no end. I had a long chat with a cousin recently, all about our grandparents. I think we were both a little stunned afterwards. She told me stuff about them I never knew; my grandmother was tough and my grandfather was as soft as marshmallow. I would have taken an oath it was the other way around. And here’s the bizarre thing, I’d lived with the old folks for a year as a child. It was one of the best years of my life…and yet I seemed to have been oblivious.
Looking back, and not even that far, I’ve come to realise that being oblivious seems to sum up most of my life. Certainly my childhood. I can recall books I’d read, dreams I’d had – always in technicolour detail and always involving me being a heroine of some description, which explains the allure of ‘swashbuckling ‘. I remember those times when I either had no clue what was going on, usually maths class, or was desperately hoping the floor would open up and swallow me, and I’d retreat gratefully into a familiar daydream. I can recall in vivid detail the way the fibres twisted in the lounge carpet of our family home, looks on people’s faces, moments in time that are so vivid even now I can smell them. I remember the mangoes my brother and I were eating in the empty bath so we wouldn’t leave sticky puddles on the parquet flooring or fingerprints on the highly polished furniture in my grandparent’s apartment. No one else remembers that apartment, let alone the mangoes. Wanting to be ‘normal’ and fit in, but having no idea how to achieve that, was an ache that has lasted for most of my life. There were those sparks in time that hinted at my future. Moments when I could have danced on the roof with delight. Moments that somehow, even as they happened, were slapped down by those who should have been blowing on the ember. Is it any wonder I retreated more and more into life inside my skull?
Then, one day, I did a writing course. We had various exercises to do and I tried out bits of one of my favourite daydreams. For years I’d had one particular scene replay over and over in my mind. Now, as I wrote, I discovered how easy it was to slip into the world I was creating in ink. And I loved it. Here, I was at home. Here, I could be anyone I wanted and it was not only alright, but good. So good in fact the lecturer pulled me aside one day and told me to write the book. The ink mattered. Somehow, the daydream had become legitimate and it was the ink that did it.
Four months later, I sent my first manuscript to an editor. She was impressed and loved my story. I felt as if I’d come home. And perhaps I had. All those slivers of overwhelming internal agony, all the memories no one else in the family had, all the flights of imagination which garnered nothing but odd looks from those I thought understood but clearly didn’t, all those frozen moments of humiliation, all that hiding away – was now the rich ink into which I could dip my pen. I also discovered that writing those moments into my stories seem to drain them out of my soul, out of my heart and out through my fingers. I could almost feel them leaving my skin. The ink trapped them onto the page and they no longer had any power over me. I finally controlled them. And once they were down, I discovered real life had somehow become more navigable. It now had purpose. All those experiences, daydreams, the roiling imagination, they were–they are–important because although I’m still an introvert; I’ll probably always be one, now I am something else, something that finally makes sense.
Now, I am a writer. And I can conjure dragons any time I want.
Pic source: http://blaine.org/sevenimpossiblethings/?p=1821
***
Spring, 1867
The western frontier of British Columbia hardly seems a likely place for romance. Filthy, terrified and confused, Hope Booker is waiting to be sold off the ‘bride’ ship. Luke Harcourt happens upon the sale. It’s not love at first sight, but he feels compelled to save her from a life of slavery and prostitution. To allay her fears of being raped by him, Luke promises never to touch her. Being a man of his word, this is a pledge he quickly finds almost impossible to keep.
Battling their growing attraction to each other, they must learn to live together in the forests of the wild and almost unexplored mountains. They face white water, Indians, wolves, as well as a dangerous man from Hope’s past.
No longer able to deny their feelings, their ‘happy-ever-after’ is shattered when a corrupt land baron forces Luke’s hand. Enraged at the man’s actions, Luke rides into town—and disappears.
Alone and pregnant, Hope faces the prospect of the worst winter in ten years. The trauma of fighting off a hungry grizzly brings on labor, but the baby is stuck. Luke meanwhile wakes up on a ship bound for South America, captained by a revengeful sadist who plans to murder him. Luke’s chances of survival are slim. Can he stay alive and make it back to Hope in time?
***
Author Bio
I was born in Zambia, grew up in Zimbabwe and am currently living in South Africa. I say currently because I did my first round-the-world trip when I was four years old. So who knows where I'll end up! I trained as a designer and worked in that field for a number of years, even running my own company. A long stint in advertising followed. In the last few years I've been toiling away in the TV industry, winning an odd international award. Writing was an aspect of each part of my career. But I realised this wasn't enough. I love "telling stories". I'm passionate about it, so in November 2011 I decided to "wrestle the Rottweiler" and put those stories on paper. I feel most alive when I'm writing and delight in letting my imagination run riot.
My author website link is: www.elainedodge.weebly.com
My Author FB page is: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Elaine-Dodge/422105531221691?fref=ts
I’ve heard people describe themselves as a swashbuckling introvert, which I must admit appeals to me no end. I had a long chat with a cousin recently, all about our grandparents. I think we were both a little stunned afterwards. She told me stuff about them I never knew; my grandmother was tough and my grandfather was as soft as marshmallow. I would have taken an oath it was the other way around. And here’s the bizarre thing, I’d lived with the old folks for a year as a child. It was one of the best years of my life…and yet I seemed to have been oblivious.
Looking back, and not even that far, I’ve come to realise that being oblivious seems to sum up most of my life. Certainly my childhood. I can recall books I’d read, dreams I’d had – always in technicolour detail and always involving me being a heroine of some description, which explains the allure of ‘swashbuckling ‘. I remember those times when I either had no clue what was going on, usually maths class, or was desperately hoping the floor would open up and swallow me, and I’d retreat gratefully into a familiar daydream. I can recall in vivid detail the way the fibres twisted in the lounge carpet of our family home, looks on people’s faces, moments in time that are so vivid even now I can smell them. I remember the mangoes my brother and I were eating in the empty bath so we wouldn’t leave sticky puddles on the parquet flooring or fingerprints on the highly polished furniture in my grandparent’s apartment. No one else remembers that apartment, let alone the mangoes. Wanting to be ‘normal’ and fit in, but having no idea how to achieve that, was an ache that has lasted for most of my life. There were those sparks in time that hinted at my future. Moments when I could have danced on the roof with delight. Moments that somehow, even as they happened, were slapped down by those who should have been blowing on the ember. Is it any wonder I retreated more and more into life inside my skull?
Then, one day, I did a writing course. We had various exercises to do and I tried out bits of one of my favourite daydreams. For years I’d had one particular scene replay over and over in my mind. Now, as I wrote, I discovered how easy it was to slip into the world I was creating in ink. And I loved it. Here, I was at home. Here, I could be anyone I wanted and it was not only alright, but good. So good in fact the lecturer pulled me aside one day and told me to write the book. The ink mattered. Somehow, the daydream had become legitimate and it was the ink that did it.
Four months later, I sent my first manuscript to an editor. She was impressed and loved my story. I felt as if I’d come home. And perhaps I had. All those slivers of overwhelming internal agony, all the memories no one else in the family had, all the flights of imagination which garnered nothing but odd looks from those I thought understood but clearly didn’t, all those frozen moments of humiliation, all that hiding away – was now the rich ink into which I could dip my pen. I also discovered that writing those moments into my stories seem to drain them out of my soul, out of my heart and out through my fingers. I could almost feel them leaving my skin. The ink trapped them onto the page and they no longer had any power over me. I finally controlled them. And once they were down, I discovered real life had somehow become more navigable. It now had purpose. All those experiences, daydreams, the roiling imagination, they were–they are–important because although I’m still an introvert; I’ll probably always be one, now I am something else, something that finally makes sense.
Now, I am a writer. And I can conjure dragons any time I want.
Pic source: http://blaine.org/sevenimpossiblethings/?p=1821
***
Spring, 1867The western frontier of British Columbia hardly seems a likely place for romance. Filthy, terrified and confused, Hope Booker is waiting to be sold off the ‘bride’ ship. Luke Harcourt happens upon the sale. It’s not love at first sight, but he feels compelled to save her from a life of slavery and prostitution. To allay her fears of being raped by him, Luke promises never to touch her. Being a man of his word, this is a pledge he quickly finds almost impossible to keep.
Battling their growing attraction to each other, they must learn to live together in the forests of the wild and almost unexplored mountains. They face white water, Indians, wolves, as well as a dangerous man from Hope’s past.
No longer able to deny their feelings, their ‘happy-ever-after’ is shattered when a corrupt land baron forces Luke’s hand. Enraged at the man’s actions, Luke rides into town—and disappears.
Alone and pregnant, Hope faces the prospect of the worst winter in ten years. The trauma of fighting off a hungry grizzly brings on labor, but the baby is stuck. Luke meanwhile wakes up on a ship bound for South America, captained by a revengeful sadist who plans to murder him. Luke’s chances of survival are slim. Can he stay alive and make it back to Hope in time?
***
Author BioI was born in Zambia, grew up in Zimbabwe and am currently living in South Africa. I say currently because I did my first round-the-world trip when I was four years old. So who knows where I'll end up! I trained as a designer and worked in that field for a number of years, even running my own company. A long stint in advertising followed. In the last few years I've been toiling away in the TV industry, winning an odd international award. Writing was an aspect of each part of my career. But I realised this wasn't enough. I love "telling stories". I'm passionate about it, so in November 2011 I decided to "wrestle the Rottweiler" and put those stories on paper. I feel most alive when I'm writing and delight in letting my imagination run riot.
My author website link is: www.elainedodge.weebly.com
My Author FB page is: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Elaine-Dodge/422105531221691?fref=ts
May 19, 2015
Ten Questions from Tara: Interview with @DianeStingley #giveaway
Welcome. You’re here to promote The Case of the Invisible Dog, a cozy mystery. Tell me, please, what was the inspiration behind this story (or series)? How did it come to you? Readers, here's a blurb:In the start of a charmingly imaginative cozy series sure to delight fans of Carolyn Hart and Diane Mott Davidson, Diane Stingley introduces a blundering detective who believes herself to be the great-great-granddaughter of the legendary Sherlock Holmes.
After failing to launch her career as a Hollywood actress, Tammy Norman returns home to North Carolina, desperate for a regular paycheck and a new lease on life. So she accepts a position assisting Shirley Homes, an exceptionally odd personage who styles herself after her celebrated “ancestor”–right down to the ridiculous hat. Tammy isn’t sure how long she can go on indulging the delusional Shirley (who honestly believes Sherlock Holmes was a real person!), but with the prospect of unemployment looming, she decides to give it a shot.
Tammy’s impression of her eccentric boss does not improve when their first case involves midnight romps through strangers’ yards in pursuit of a phantom dog—that only their client can hear. But when the case takes a sudden and sinister turn, Tammy has to admit that Shirley Homes might actually be on to something. . . .
When I was growing up in southern California, a local television station featured the old Basil Rathbone Sherlock Holmes movies every Sunday afternoon for a while. That became my family’s “after church” ritual for the run of the series and was my first introduction to Sherlock. When I read the stories later on I loved the atmosphere that Conan Doyle created, and I still love reading those stories on a rainy afternoon. I also love how the mystery genre has evolved over the years, with great, quirky heroines featuring such a wide range of personalities, and decided that I wanted to challenge myself to see what I might be able to create. I didn’t initially set out to make my series with any sort of Sherlock Holmes tie-in. I wanted a unique character and began toying with the idea of creating a modern female detective with some Sherlock Holmes character traits. But as soon as I gave her a name—Shirley Homes—she quickly took on a life of her own. Her relationship with her assistant, Tammy Norman, was evident from the first second I put them on a page together. (Let’s just say that Tammy does not share Dr. Watson’s worshipful attitude towards Shirley that he had towards Sherlock). Within a few days their characters and relationship were as familiar to me as if I’d known them for years. I get to have fun with the Sherlock Holmes mystique and tradition, but behind the spoof is a great deal of genuine heartfelt affection.
We focus a lot on heroines here on Book Babe. Tell me what makes your heroine(s) strong.
In my series, it is Tammy Norman, Shirley’s assistant, who is the lead character. Shirley’s unshakeable belief that she is the great-great-granddaughter of Sherlock Holmes is, unfortunately, not matched by his celebrated intelligence or deductive skills. Tammy narrates the book, as Dr. Watson did, but she is also the one who actually solves the case. Not that this bothers Shirley who remains remains blissfully unaware of her personal shortcomings, absolutely convinced that she is a private detecting genius, and has no problem rewriting history as it happens in order to make sure that she receives all the credit.
Tammy has suffered a series of devastating setbacks in her professional and personal life. She moved to Los Angeles to become an actress, and has now returned home to Springville to try and put her life back together after losing both her career and the man she thought was her soul mate. Tammy has great doubts about her future and finding a place for herself. Acting was her lifelong dream, and without it she isn’t sure if she will ever find a place to belong. Some days it is a struggle for her simply to keep going. But in spite of her doubts, she keeps hanging in there, never losing her sense of humor or her ability to laugh at herself. And when Shirley puts them in awkward and/or dangerous situations (which happens quite frequently), it is Tammy who has to figure out how to get them back out. As the case progresses, she becomes more and more intrigued with the Mystery of the Invisible Dog, and discovers she has a natural ability to sort through clues and solve puzzles. Still not quite steady on her feet, she keeps walking, one step at a time, until the case is solved. Having to keep going when she isn’t sure where she even wants to be takes a lot of strength on Tammy’s part, although she still doesn’t give herself enough credit.
As for Shirley, she is like a force of nature: unstoppable. And she has absolutely no concern about what other people think of her (their opinion is seldom positive). Nothing and no one can change her mind. On the surface she may appear to be the stronger character of the two, but as the series progresses that may start to change . . .
Do you see any of yourself in your heroine?
I do. I had started this series and was just getting into it when a chain of events made it impossible for me to have any free time to write. My mom also became seriously ill around then, and after she died, I was so drained from the challenges of the previous years that I didn’t think I had the heart or the energy to go back to writing. I went through a whole process of making peace with that when a friend I hadn’t spoken to in years called me out of the blue, and after a lengthy “catching-up-on-things” conversation, called me back a couple of days later and offered me an opportunity to stay at his home so that I could finish the book. It was completely unexpected, so I understand what Tammy is going through, trying to figure out what to do with her life now that her dream appears to be out of reach.
Was there any particular part of this story that was the hardest for you to write? Tell me why.
This book was really fun to write. The only scene that was difficult turned out to be the golf club scene. My agent is an avid golfer and we went through many, many revisions before he was able to give it his final approval!
What kind of research did you do when you penned this novel? Did anything surprising come up in your search?
I didn’t really do a lot of research for the novel. I was just inspired by my love of the Sherlock Holmes stories, and let Shirley and Tammy lead me along for the ride.
What would you like readers to gain from reading your book? Is there a strong moral? Do you hope they will laugh, learn something about a particular subject/person, ponder a point?
I definitely hope they laugh. And I hope that they will sympathize with Tammy’s struggles and gain some insight into how hard it can feel when you have to rebuild your life. Her conversations with Phil McGuire, her therapist, are mined for humor, but underneath is the pain of the depression she is battling.
I would also like to think that some readers who have only heard about Sherlock Holmes but never read any of the original stories might be intrigued enough after reading The Case of the Invisible Dog to check them out.
Your book takes place in Springville, North Carolina. If I were a tourist, what would you recommend I see in this town/country?
My novel is set in the fictional town of Springville, North Carolina. North Carolina is a beautiful state—I personally love the mountains in the western part of the state. The small towns that I based Springville on don’t really have tourist attractions. What I would recommend, instead, is to come for a day or two and walk around. Eat at the local restaurants, shop in the local outlets, visit the library, the park, etc., talk to the people, and get a feel for that town’s unique flavor.
Moving on to personal things...if you could time travel to absolute any time and place in history, where and when would you go and what is it that draws you to this time period? What would you do whilst there?
I think I would like to go to New York City in the early 1960’s. There was so much great music and energy and ideas coming out of there at that time. I think the world was a lot younger then, and I get the sense that people thought anything was possible. I would love to hear some of those voices live and in person—like seeing Dylan playing at a coffee house before he made it big.
There are so many books out there nowadays... What makes your book stand out from them?
I think having the Sherlock Holmes character told from a female point of view is a fresh approach. Readers have the fun of following a Holmesian mystery in the style of Conan Doyle, which has attracted readers from his first appearance, but updated to reflect all that has changed since Conan Doyle first put pen to paper. I particularly liked tweaking Sherlock’s misogyny and arrogance, and turning them upside down.
I’m a dog mom, so I always ask this. Do you have pets? If so, tell me about them and do provide pictures.
Sadly, I don’t currently have any pets. I hope to change that as my circumstances change, and want to adopt at least one rescue dog and cat. My dream would be to buy some land and fill it up with rescue animals!
Stephen and Barbara Kozma graciously offered to let me stay at their beautiful home near the Gulf of Mexico in Southwestern Florida while I finished The Case of the Invisible Dog. Along with the sunshine, tropical breezes, and dips in the pool, I also enjoyed the company of their two delightful cats, who quickly became my writing buddies: Catsonova on the left and Diablo on the right. Their mom and dad didn’t break the news that my book was about an invisible dog until I returned to North Carolina. Neither of them took the news well, and a solemn promise has been made that book four in the series will feature a feline in the title (unfortunately book two and three in the series have already been named, an explanation both cats greeted with absolute disdain before resuming their naps).
As I mentioned earlier, a friend graciously offered me his home to stay in while I wrote the book. He and his wife were the parents of two delightful cats, who quickly became my writing buddies. I’ve included their photos and a little bit about them below. Since I have returned to North Carolina, I have been adopted by my neighbor’s two dogs next door—Bella and Scrappy. We take periodic breaks together on our back porches, and if I’m ever stuck in my writing, a few minutes in their company clears out the cobwebs in my mind!
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May 18, 2015
Strong Women of the 17th Century in A Pledge of Better Times: Guest Post from @MargaretAuthor
Publication Date: April 14, 2015Gallica PressFormats: eBook, PaperbackISBN: 978-0-9907420-4-3Pages: 400
Genre: Historical Fiction
A sweeping tale of ambition, treachery, and passion...
For generations Lady Diana de Vere’s family loyally served England’s crown. But after King Charles II’s untimely death, her father firmly opposes James II’s tyranny. Charles Beauclerk, Duke of St. Albans—the late king’s bastard son by actress Nell Gwyn—also rebels against his newly crowned uncle's manipulation. Secretly pledging to wed Diana, he departs for the Continent to become a soldier.Political and religious turmoil bring about revolution and yet another coronation before Charles returns to claim his promised bride. As companion to Queen Mary II, Diana has followed her de Vere forbears into royal service. She expects Charles to abandon his military career after marriage, but he proves unwilling to join the ranks of the courtiers he despises and mistrusts.
In palace corridors and within their own household the young duke and duchess confront betrayals, scandals, and tragedies that threaten to divide them. And neither the privileges of birth nor proximity to the throne can ensure their security, their advancement—or their happiness.
Guest Post
A Pledge of Better Times contains a diverse array of women, prominent and not, who lived and loved during the final decades of the 17th century and the opening years of the 18th century.
The primary female character is Lady Diana de Vere, daughter of the 20thEarl of Oxford. An obscure figure, her education and upbringing are a mystery. She would have learned what was necessary for young ladies destined for court life: needlework, dancing, singing, playing an instrument, French language. Her eventual marriage to the First Duke of St. Albans, illegitimate son of King Charles II and actress Nell Gwyn, made her the mistress of a grand house near Windsor Castle and the various London residences they occupied. Later in life she rose to become Mistress of the Stole and First Lady of the Bedchamber to the Princess of Wales, and presumably in real life she demonstrated the skills essential to carry out these prestigious appointments.
The real Diana and my fictional Diana are more both virtuous than her mother. Diana “Di” Kirke was She was very much a court lady of the Restoration era—her morals, or lack of them, reflect that. Bred at court, Di was notoriously naughty, sleeping with several court gentlemen before becoming Lord Oxford’s mistress. Her pregnancy resulted in their marriage, and after bearing him several children she had other affairs. Perhaps Di served as a cautionary example to her daughter Diana, who came of age during Mary II’s reign and was probably influenced by the devout and virtuous queen she served. But Di, as well as Diana’s maidservant Catty, also serve as models of strength and independence.The two Queens depicted, sisters Mary and Anne, were brought up together as Protestant princesses. Their education consisted of church teachings, music, dancing, and fashionable foreign languages. Prone to enthusiastic affections—what today we call “crushes”—they wrote effusive letters to their friends, aping the language of male-female courtship. And though they were heiresses presumptive to their uncle King Charles II, neither was tutored in state craft before or after their own father ascended the throne as James II.
Charles arranged Mary’s marriage to her first cousin, Prince William of Orange, and she wept for days after learning of her engagement. After her bridegroom took her to Holland, her misery abated. She not only fell in love with her husband, she appreciated the simpler Dutch style of living. Her contentment was ruptured by William’s invasion of England in what became known as the Glorious Revolution, which toppled her Catholic father from the throne. Although Mary’s claim to the crown was higher, monarchical power was vested in William. Parliament preferred having a king, even if he was a Dutchman, and Mary believed that to outrank him—and rule over him—would be contrary to the laws of God. A reluctant Queen, she felt burdened by the responsibilities of governing whenever William waged war on the Continent against his great enemy Louis XIV. But however much she disliked ruling in his stead, she demonstrated good sense and a skill for handling her very troublesome councilors and advisors.
Unlike her friend Mary, my fictional Diana revels in being in control, and she is quick to exert herself in opposition to her husband when she disagrees with him. Her challenges strengthen her, and she is a survivor. Although I depict her as a woman of her time, in some respects she is the one the modern reader will probably identify with the most.
Another strong female in the novel is Sarah Churchill, who rose from lowly court maiden to the most powerful woman in England after Queen Anne. She caused many a quarrel between the royal sisters Mary and Anne and was responsible for the complete breakdown in their relationship. My portrait of Sarah is unflattering, but perhaps not as much as the ones drawn by her own contemporaries! Her vigorous personality and her influence over Anne served her well for most of her life, but as her own worst enemy she had only herself to blame for her ultimate downfall.
My research for A Pledge of Better Times offered more enlightenment about women of the time—royals, aristocrats, servants—than I could possibly fit into a novel. But within the period covered by the novel, the seeds of change were just beginning to sprout—although it would be decades, even centuries, before they bore fruit!
Praise for A Pledge of Better Times“Meticulously researched and offering an impressive cast of real life characters brought to vibrant life, A Pledge of Better Times expertly captures the drama, passions, politics and religious turmoil of England at the turn of the 18th century. Margaret Porter crafts her story with exquisite detail, transporting the reader into a world full of intrigue, scandal, and breathtaking danger . . . a masterful writer.” - Award-winning author M. Reed McCall
“With elegant prose and vivid detail, A Pledge of Better Times sweeps you into late Stuart England, transforming the lesser known adversities and triumphs of Lady Diana de Vere and Charles Beauclerk into a beautiful love story you won’t forget.” - Marci Jefferson, author of Enchantress of Paris and Girl on the Golden Coin
“A portrait of Diana de Vere as rich as the portraits that grace British museums and palaces.” - Christy K Robinson, author of Mary Dyer Illuminated
“The sparkling, dangerous, enticing post-Restoration period comes to vivid life! Porter gives us a wonderful, complicated heroine in Diana, drawing us deep into her world . . . . I couldn’t stop reading!” - Amanda Carmack, author of Murder in the Queen’s Garden: An Elizabethan Mystery
<br />
Official Book Trailer
About the Author
Margaret Porter is an award-winning, bestselling novelist whose lifelong study of British history inspires her fiction and her travels. A former stage actress, she has also worked in film, television, and radio.For more information please visit Margaret Porter's website. You can also find her on Facebook here and here, and on Twitter.
A Pledge of Better Times Blog Tour ScheduleMonday, May 4
Review at Just One More Chapter
Review & Giveaway at Broken Teepee
Spotlight & Giveaway at Mina's Bookshelf
Tuesday, May 5
Review at 100 Pages a Day - Stephanie's Book Reviews
Wednesday, May 6
Guest Post & Giveaway at Let Them Read Books
Thursday, May 7
Review at Book Drunkard
Friday, May 8
Review at Books and Benches
Sunday, May 10
Review & Guest Post at With Her Nose Stuck in a Book
Monday, May 11
Review at Reading the Past
Tuesday, May 12
Review at Flashlight Commentary
Wednesday, May 13
Guest Post at Book Babe
Thursday, May 14
Review at Unshelfish
Review at Impressions in Ink
Review at Caroline Wilson Writes
Friday, May 15
Review & Giveaway at A Literary Vacation
Review & Giveaway at Historical Fiction Obsession
Strong Women of the 17th Century in A Pledge to Better Times: Guest Post from @MargaretAuthor
Publication Date: April 14, 2015Gallica PressFormats: eBook, PaperbackISBN: 978-0-9907420-4-3Pages: 400
Genre: Historical Fiction
A sweeping tale of ambition, treachery, and passion...
For generations Lady Diana de Vere’s family loyally served England’s crown. But after King Charles II’s untimely death, her father firmly opposes James II’s tyranny. Charles Beauclerk, Duke of St. Albans—the late king’s bastard son by actress Nell Gwyn—also rebels against his newly crowned uncle's manipulation. Secretly pledging to wed Diana, he departs for the Continent to become a soldier.Political and religious turmoil bring about revolution and yet another coronation before Charles returns to claim his promised bride. As companion to Queen Mary II, Diana has followed her de Vere forbears into royal service. She expects Charles to abandon his military career after marriage, but he proves unwilling to join the ranks of the courtiers he despises and mistrusts.
In palace corridors and within their own household the young duke and duchess confront betrayals, scandals, and tragedies that threaten to divide them. And neither the privileges of birth nor proximity to the throne can ensure their security, their advancement—or their happiness.
Guest Post
A Pledge of Better Times contains a diverse array of women, prominent and not, who lived and loved during the final decades of the 17th century and the opening years of the 18th century.
The primary female character is Lady Diana de Vere, daughter of the 20thEarl of Oxford. An obscure figure, her education and upbringing are a mystery. She would have learned what was necessary for young ladies destined for court life: needlework, dancing, singing, playing an instrument, French language. Her eventual marriage to the First Duke of St. Albans, illegitimate son of King Charles II and actress Nell Gwyn, made her the mistress of a grand house near Windsor Castle and the various London residences they occupied. Later in life she rose to become Mistress of the Stole and First Lady of the Bedchamber to the Princess of Wales, and presumably in real life she demonstrated the skills essential to carry out these prestigious appointments.
The real Diana and my fictional Diana are more both virtuous than her mother. Diana “Di” Kirke was She was very much a court lady of the Restoration era—her morals, or lack of them, reflect that. Bred at court, Di was notoriously naughty, sleeping with several court gentlemen before becoming Lord Oxford’s mistress. Her pregnancy resulted in their marriage, and after bearing him several children she had other affairs. Perhaps Di served as a cautionary example to her daughter Diana, who came of age during Mary II’s reign and was probably influenced by the devout and virtuous queen she served. But Di, as well as Diana’s maidservant Catty, also serve as models of strength and independence.The two Queens depicted, sisters Mary and Anne, were brought up together as Protestant princesses. Their education consisted of church teachings, music, dancing, and fashionable foreign languages. Prone to enthusiastic affections—what today we call “crushes”—they wrote effusive letters to their friends, aping the language of male-female courtship. And though they were heiresses presumptive to their uncle King Charles II, neither was tutored in state craft before or after their own father ascended the throne as James II.
Charles arranged Mary’s marriage to her first cousin, Prince William of Orange, and she wept for days after learning of her engagement. After her bridegroom took her to Holland, her misery abated. She not only fell in love with her husband, she appreciated the simpler Dutch style of living. Her contentment was ruptured by William’s invasion of England in what became known as the Glorious Revolution, which toppled her Catholic father from the throne. Although Mary’s claim to the crown was higher, monarchical power was vested in William. Parliament preferred having a king, even if he was a Dutchman, and Mary believed that to outrank him—and rule over him—would be contrary to the laws of God. A reluctant Queen, she felt burdened by the responsibilities of governing whenever William waged war on the Continent against his great enemy Louis XIV. But however much she disliked ruling in his stead, she demonstrated good sense and a skill for handling her very troublesome councilors and advisors.
Unlike her friend Mary, my fictional Diana revels in being in control, and she is quick to exert herself in opposition to her husband when she disagrees with him. Her challenges strengthen her, and she is a survivor. Although I depict her as a woman of her time, in some respects she is the one the modern reader will probably identify with the most.
Another strong female in the novel is Sarah Churchill, who rose from lowly court maiden to the most powerful woman in England after Queen Anne. She caused many a quarrel between the royal sisters Mary and Anne and was responsible for the complete breakdown in their relationship. My portrait of Sarah is unflattering, but perhaps not as much as the ones drawn by her own contemporaries! Her vigorous personality and her influence over Anne served her well for most of her life, but as her own worst enemy she had only herself to blame for her ultimate downfall.
My research for A Pledge of Better Times offered more enlightenment about women of the time—royals, aristocrats, servants—than I could possibly fit into a novel. But within the period covered by the novel, the seeds of change were just beginning to sprout—although it would be decades, even centuries, before they bore fruit!
Praise for A Pledge of Better Times“Meticulously researched and offering an impressive cast of real life characters brought to vibrant life, A Pledge of Better Times expertly captures the drama, passions, politics and religious turmoil of England at the turn of the 18th century. Margaret Porter crafts her story with exquisite detail, transporting the reader into a world full of intrigue, scandal, and breathtaking danger . . . a masterful writer.” - Award-winning author M. Reed McCall
“With elegant prose and vivid detail, A Pledge of Better Times sweeps you into late Stuart England, transforming the lesser known adversities and triumphs of Lady Diana de Vere and Charles Beauclerk into a beautiful love story you won’t forget.” - Marci Jefferson, author of Enchantress of Paris and Girl on the Golden Coin
“A portrait of Diana de Vere as rich as the portraits that grace British museums and palaces.” - Christy K Robinson, author of Mary Dyer Illuminated
“The sparkling, dangerous, enticing post-Restoration period comes to vivid life! Porter gives us a wonderful, complicated heroine in Diana, drawing us deep into her world . . . . I couldn’t stop reading!” - Amanda Carmack, author of Murder in the Queen’s Garden: An Elizabethan Mystery
Official Book Trailer
About the Author
Margaret Porter is an award-winning, bestselling novelist whose lifelong study of British history inspires her fiction and her travels. A former stage actress, she has also worked in film, television, and radio.For more information please visit Margaret Porter's website. You can also find her on Facebook here and here, and on Twitter.
A Pledge of Better Times Blog Tour ScheduleMonday, May 4
Review at Just One More Chapter
Review & Giveaway at Broken Teepee
Spotlight & Giveaway at Mina's Bookshelf
Tuesday, May 5
Review at 100 Pages a Day - Stephanie's Book Reviews
Wednesday, May 6
Guest Post & Giveaway at Let Them Read Books
Thursday, May 7
Review at Book Drunkard
Friday, May 8
Review at Books and Benches
Sunday, May 10
Review & Guest Post at With Her Nose Stuck in a Book
Monday, May 11
Review at Reading the Past
Tuesday, May 12
Review at Flashlight Commentary
Wednesday, May 13
Guest Post at Book Babe
Thursday, May 14
Review at Unshelfish
Review at Impressions in Ink
Review at Caroline Wilson Writes
Friday, May 15
Review & Giveaway at A Literary Vacation
Review & Giveaway at Historical Fiction Obsession
May 16, 2015
The Reading Radar 5/16/2015 @CindaGault @FiCatchesBabies @bellabooks
What's the Reading Radar? It's just a list of books that caught my interest in the last week, why they caught my interest, and HOW. Having been an author myself once upon a time, I was always curious about how to reach readers. I type this up every week to share with readers books they may be interested as well and to let the authors know how they're being "discovered".
Discovered on the Goodreads Giveaways (never win these anymore but keep looking because it's a great way to discover upcoming reads): This Godforsaken Place by Cinda Gault. Any woman with a gun interests me, and even more intriguing to me is the Canadian wilderness setting. (Yes, I've become a When Calls the Heart fan.)
The year is 1885 and Abigail Peacock is resisting what seems to be an inevitable future—a sensible career as a teacher and marriage to the earnestly attentive local storeowner.
But then she buys a rifle, and everything changes.
This Godforsaken Place is the absorbing tale of one tenacious woman’s journey set against the dramatic backdrop of the Canadian Wilderness and American Wild West. Told by four narrators—including Annie Oakley and Gabriel Dumont—Abigail’s story brings the high stakes of the New World into startling focus.
***
Spotted on Netgalley and has nabbed my attention with the words flight nurse and doctor. Love those tales. (And frankly, the number one way to get me to look twice at a book is put a plane on the cover--not matter how big or small.) The Homestead Girls by Fiona McArthur.
After her teenage daughter Mia falls in with the wrong crowd, Dr Billy Green decides it's time to leave the city and return home to far western NSW. So when an opportunity to pursue her childhood dream of joining the Flying Doctor Service comes along, she jumps at the chance. Flight nurse Daphne Prince – who is thrilled to have another woman join the otherwise male crew – and handsome new boss, Morgan Blake, instantly make her feel welcome.
Just out of town, drought-stricken grazier Soretta Byrnes has been struggling to make ends meet and in desperation has opened her station house to boarders. Tempted by its faded splendour and beautiful outback setting, Billy, Mia and Daphne decide to move in and the four of them are soon joined by eccentric 80-year-old Lorna Lamerton.
The unlikely housemates are cautious at first, but soon they are offering each other frank advice and staunch support as they tackle medical emergencies, romantic adventures and the challenges of growing up and getting older. But when one of their lives is threatened, the strong friendship they have forged will face the ultimate test . . .
***
And I don't normally do erotica, but I've been in a weird mood lately and this one caught my eye: Hotel of Seduction by Marina Anderson on Netgalley. It made me think of Madonna's Justify My Love video, something I've always fantasized about and I'm eager to read this sexy hotel idea. And hey, I did enjoy the Beauty trilogy, and the SECRET books.
Are you ready for a weekend away at the Hotel of Seduction?
Grace has won the man of her dreams - and her fantasies. Brooding, sensual, wealthy and handsome, their days and nights are filled with pleasure. But can this enigmatic man truly love her?
Together they have set up a secret, exclusive hotel for adventurous couples, designed to open their guests' eyes to the darker, deeper side of desire. But one of the visitors has an agenda, and David is becoming distracted by a new arrival.
As they explore the delights on offer, Grace realises this is a test: if she fails, she will lose David to his next passing fancy. If she succeeds, she will secure his love for ever, and he will finally invite her into his world . . .
Take some time away and allow yourself to be seduced by The Hotel of Seduction.
***
Twitter works again. Bella Books followed me, bringing them to my attention. I browsed the titles offered on their website and found one I'd love to read: In the Company of Women by Kate Christie.
Fort Bliss—it’s anything but. Caroline “CJ” Jamieson gave up studying history and joined the Women’s Army Corps to live it instead. Along with her new WAC friends, she is ready to do her part to help boys like her brothers, fighting in the European and Pacific theaters, make it home sooner.
The Army, however, has derailed her plans. Instead of the California post she anticipated, west Texas cacti and an artillery training base are the unexpected sights on her new horizons. Not one to question orders, she’s not sure how her skills in airplane engine maintenance will be of use in this desolate region.
But when CJ meets fellow WAC enlistee Brady Buchanan, Fort Bliss might live up to its name.
Discovered on the Goodreads Giveaways (never win these anymore but keep looking because it's a great way to discover upcoming reads): This Godforsaken Place by Cinda Gault. Any woman with a gun interests me, and even more intriguing to me is the Canadian wilderness setting. (Yes, I've become a When Calls the Heart fan.)The year is 1885 and Abigail Peacock is resisting what seems to be an inevitable future—a sensible career as a teacher and marriage to the earnestly attentive local storeowner.
But then she buys a rifle, and everything changes.
This Godforsaken Place is the absorbing tale of one tenacious woman’s journey set against the dramatic backdrop of the Canadian Wilderness and American Wild West. Told by four narrators—including Annie Oakley and Gabriel Dumont—Abigail’s story brings the high stakes of the New World into startling focus.
***
Spotted on Netgalley and has nabbed my attention with the words flight nurse and doctor. Love those tales. (And frankly, the number one way to get me to look twice at a book is put a plane on the cover--not matter how big or small.) The Homestead Girls by Fiona McArthur.After her teenage daughter Mia falls in with the wrong crowd, Dr Billy Green decides it's time to leave the city and return home to far western NSW. So when an opportunity to pursue her childhood dream of joining the Flying Doctor Service comes along, she jumps at the chance. Flight nurse Daphne Prince – who is thrilled to have another woman join the otherwise male crew – and handsome new boss, Morgan Blake, instantly make her feel welcome.
Just out of town, drought-stricken grazier Soretta Byrnes has been struggling to make ends meet and in desperation has opened her station house to boarders. Tempted by its faded splendour and beautiful outback setting, Billy, Mia and Daphne decide to move in and the four of them are soon joined by eccentric 80-year-old Lorna Lamerton.
The unlikely housemates are cautious at first, but soon they are offering each other frank advice and staunch support as they tackle medical emergencies, romantic adventures and the challenges of growing up and getting older. But when one of their lives is threatened, the strong friendship they have forged will face the ultimate test . . .
***
And I don't normally do erotica, but I've been in a weird mood lately and this one caught my eye: Hotel of Seduction by Marina Anderson on Netgalley. It made me think of Madonna's Justify My Love video, something I've always fantasized about and I'm eager to read this sexy hotel idea. And hey, I did enjoy the Beauty trilogy, and the SECRET books.
Are you ready for a weekend away at the Hotel of Seduction?Grace has won the man of her dreams - and her fantasies. Brooding, sensual, wealthy and handsome, their days and nights are filled with pleasure. But can this enigmatic man truly love her?
Together they have set up a secret, exclusive hotel for adventurous couples, designed to open their guests' eyes to the darker, deeper side of desire. But one of the visitors has an agenda, and David is becoming distracted by a new arrival.
As they explore the delights on offer, Grace realises this is a test: if she fails, she will lose David to his next passing fancy. If she succeeds, she will secure his love for ever, and he will finally invite her into his world . . .
Take some time away and allow yourself to be seduced by The Hotel of Seduction.
***
Twitter works again. Bella Books followed me, bringing them to my attention. I browsed the titles offered on their website and found one I'd love to read: In the Company of Women by Kate Christie.
Fort Bliss—it’s anything but. Caroline “CJ” Jamieson gave up studying history and joined the Women’s Army Corps to live it instead. Along with her new WAC friends, she is ready to do her part to help boys like her brothers, fighting in the European and Pacific theaters, make it home sooner.The Army, however, has derailed her plans. Instead of the California post she anticipated, west Texas cacti and an artillery training base are the unexpected sights on her new horizons. Not one to question orders, she’s not sure how her skills in airplane engine maintenance will be of use in this desolate region.
But when CJ meets fellow WAC enlistee Brady Buchanan, Fort Bliss might live up to its name.
May 15, 2015
Love & Miss Communication: Can You Give Up the Internet?
About Love and Miss Communication• Paperback: 400 pages• Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks (May 12, 2015)
This unforgettable debut novel asks us to look up from our screens and out at the world . . . and to imagine what life would be like with no searches, no status updates, no texts, no Tweets, no pins, and no postsEvie Rosen has had enough. She's tired of the partners at her law firm e-mailing her at all hours of the night. The thought of another online date makes her break out in a cold sweat. She's over the clever hashtags and the endless selfies. So when her career hits a surprising roadblock and her heart is crushed by Facebook, Evie decides it's time to put down her smartphone for good. (Beats stowing it in her underwear—she's done that too!)And that's when she discovers a fresh start for real conversations, fewer distractions, and living in the moment, even if the moments are heartbreakingly difficult. Babies are born; marriages teeter; friendships are tested. Evie may find love and a new direction when she least expects it, but she also learns that just because you unplug your phone doesn't mean you can also unplug from life.
Purchase LinksAmazon | IndieBound | Barnes & NobleMy Review:I have often thought about what a waste of time the social networking sites are, cesspools of one-up-manship, jealousy, bragging, and fakeness. I mean, seriously, we don't post pictures of ourselves looking like crap and just how often do we say how we really feel? And when we do, nobody can handle it and it becomes an online fight. And yes, I gave up Facebook. I'd like to see others try it. OMG. What did we do before we could sit here all day and "like" 50 selfies a day?
So I appreciated this story line. A woman realizes she has an email addiction, loses her job and her blackberry and decides to change her life. She begins to ask herself important questions we should all consider. "How does looking at photos of my ex on Facebook help me? Do I really need to Google everyone I meet? Am I being real when I post here? Am I interacting with the real world anymore?"
Being Internet free changes her life, her career, her love life. She also realizes things about herself she didn't want to admit before and learns to move on from the past.
I think this story has terrific food for thought. It's well written and engaging most of the time, though I felt it was a bit too long for what it contacted and my interest was lagging by the end of the story. There were also side stories that I didn't care and in my eyes didn't add to the main story, like the young college kid in the office.
But I think everyone everywhere could walk away having learned something from this.
About Elyssa Friedland
Elyssa Friedland attended Yale University, where she served as managing editor of the Yale Daily News. She is a graduate of Columbia Law School and subsequently worked as an associate at a major firm. Prior to law school, Elyssa wrote for several publications, including Modern Bride, New York magazine, Columbia Journalism Review, CBS MarketWatch.com, Yale Alumni Magazine, and Your Prom. She grew up in New Jersey and currently lives in New York City with her husband and three young children.Find out more about Elyssa at her website, and connect with her on Twitter and Facebook.
May 14, 2015
The Saffron Crocus: A YA Mystery in 17th Century Venice
Publication Date: December 13, 2014Black Opal BookseBook; 306p
Genre: Young Adult/Historical Mystery/Romance
Winner of the 2014 Rosemary Award for Best Historical for Young Adults.
Venice, 1643. Isabella, fifteen, longs to sing in Monteverdi’s Choir, but only boys (and castrati) can do that. Her singing teacher, Margherita, introduces her to a new wonder: opera! Then Isabella finds Margherita murdered. Now people keep trying to kill Margherita’s handsome rogue of a son, Rafaele.Was Margherita killed so someone could steal her saffron business? Or was it a disgruntled lover, as Margherita—unbeknownst to Isabella—was one of Venice’s wealthiest courtesans?
Or will Isabella and Rafaele find the answer deep in Margherita's past, buried in the Jewish Ghetto?
Isabella has to solve the mystery of the Saffron Crocus before Rafaele hangs for a murder he didn’t commit, though she fears the truth will drive her and the man she loves irrevocably apart.
ReviewI have to confess that I love books set in Venice. It's such a unique city with fascinating traditions and it played such a pivotal role in European history. The first book that I read which took place in Venice is one of Anne Rice's best novels, Cry To Heaven. Since The Saffron Crocus shares some of the same elements as that wonderful Rice novel, I felt as if I would be revisiting its world. I received The Saffron Crocus free via this blog tour in return for an honest review.
This was a fast read that was mostly enjoyable. I especially liked the heroine's voice teacher and mentor, Margherita. I was fascinated to learn from McMahan's historical note that she was based on a historical personage. Further research led me to discover that she was one of the first women to become an opera singer.
I would have liked to have seen more Ladino during the scenes in the Jewish ghetto. Ladino is a creole of Spanish and Hebrew spoken by the Jews of Spain, Portugal and Italy. I'd heard of it before, but had never seen any example of Ladino before I read this book.
I lost my appetite for The Saffron Crocus as a result of a very predictable plot event that also had me wondering whether several of the characters were truly TSTL (Too Stupid To Live) because they should also have seen what was coming. Oh, but the result was super-dramatic. Look, I love dramatic plotlines, but not a crisis that was manufactured because the characters blundered into it without thinking. After that, the resolution seemed contrived. I wished that I could have pushed a re-set button, so I could go back to the point where the novel was fun and I still respected the protagonists.
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Buy the eBookBlack Opal Books
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About the AuthorAlison McMahan chased footage for her documentaries through jungles in Honduras and Cambodia, favelas in Brazil and racetracks in the U.S. She brings the same sense of adventure to her award-winning books of historical mystery and romantic adventure for teens and adults. Her latest publication is The Saffron Crocus, a historical mystery for young. Murder, Mystery & Music in 17th Century Venice.She loves hearing from readers!
Author LinksWebpage for The Saffron Crocus
AlisonMcMahanAuthor.com
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The Saffron Crocus Blog Tour & Book Blast ScheduleMonday, April 13
Book Blast at Genre Queen
Thursday, April 16
Guest Post & Giveaway at Let Them Read Books
Friday, April 17
Interview at Mythical Books
Monday, April 20
Review at Flashlight Commentary
Tuesday, April 21
Review at History From a Woman's Perspective
Wednesday, April 22
Guest Post at History From a Woman's Perspective
Tuesday, April 28
Book Blast at A Literary Vacation
Wednesday, April 29
Guest Post & Giveaway at So Many Precious Books, So Little Time
Tuesday, May 5
Review at Book Nerd
Wednesday, May 6
Review at Just One More Chapter
Thursday, May 7
Review at 100 Pages a Day
Friday, May 8
Guest Post at Just One More Chapter
Saturday, May 9
Book Blast at Romantic Historical Lovers
Tuesday, May 12
Review at The True Book Addict
Wednesday, May 13
Guest Post & Giveaway at Historical Fiction Connection
Thursday, May 14
Review at Book Babe
Guest Post at What Is That Book About
Monday, May 25
Review at Beth's Book Nook Blog
Wednesday, May 27
Book Blast at CelticLady's Reviews
Thursday, May 28
Review at The Lit Bitch
Review at Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers
Monday, June 1
Review at Broken Teepee
Tuesday, June 2
Guest Post at The Maiden's Court
Friday, June 5
Spotlight & Giveaway at Jorie Loves a Story
May 13, 2015
Into The Unknown by @PeelLorna
Into the Unknown is a romance from World War 2. It was definitely something different from my usual read. The author did a great job bringing us back to that time and giving us a new perspective on living during this time.I enjoyed the story and was intrigued from the beginning with Kate as well as Charlie. Kate was relate-able and I found her to be a like-able heroine. She wasn't going to put up with nonsense. Charlie on the other hand, he took a little to adjust to, but still a hero the reader is going to fall for and cheer on.
There is a lot of chemistry between Kate and Charlie as they both fight what is in front of them. Kate doesn't want to fall for a man with the job he has, and Charlie doesn't want to be a one woman kind of man.
This is a romance with some heated scenes. I found the writing to flow well and the author was able to draw me into the story and transport me to another time. If you like historical romance, even from the early 1900's, I'd recommend this book. It was a well written romance that will keep your attention.
Lacey's Rating
About The BookLondon on 3 September 1939 is in upheaval. War is inevitable. Into this turmoil steps Kate Sheridan, newly arrived from Ireland to live with her aunt and uncle, and look for work. When she meets Flight Lieutenant Charlie Butler sparks fly, but he is a notorious womaniser. Should she ignore all the warnings and get involved with a ladies man whose life will be in daily danger?
Charlie Butler has no intention of getting involved with a woman. But when he meets Kate his resolve is shattered. Should he allow his heart to rule his head and fall for a nineteen-year-old Irish girl while there is a war to fight?
Private conflicts and personal doubts are soon overshadowed. Will the horrors of total war bring Kate and Charlie together or tear them apart?
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May 12, 2015
Surrender Your "Getting Treated Like a Lady" Card in Hover by @Anne_A_Wilson
I never gave much thought to helicopter flying on an aircraft carrier. When I think aircraft carrier and Navy, I think F-14s, F-35s. I think of tailhooks and arresting wires. But now I'll def give some thought to the helos. Having read this book, I gotta admit they're pretty bad ass. (This is coming from an F-16 mechanic so that's a compliment. We tend to be loyal to our birds.)There's some incredible flying and emergency scenarios in this story. There's heart-pounding moments and lots of educational bits about the Navy and life on an at-sea deployment, from how the men behave on ship and leave, to the different attitudes toward women, to having/initiation, to small spaces. And I learned a lot about helicopters.
And I love how strong this woman is, and yet at times, I thought her weak..hold on... By the time I finished the story, I realized she wasn't weak; she was human. I appreciate that a strong heroine is presented to us in a realistic way. She's not perfect, not fearless. We're not talking about a comic book hero, but a woman with thoughts, feelings, desires, insecurities. And she overcomes them, from her fear of water to her fear of love.
And through her we see the constant battle a woman in a man's world--namely a Navy carrier in the middle of the ocean with only one other woman aboard--goes through. It's a constant tightrope--don't say the wrong thing, don't use the wrong tone, don't wear the wrong clothes...I thought the heart-pounding situation was a tad implausible and the build-up to answers took too long, like why she was on every flight rotation and who the Aussie guy was. It took took long for her and us, the readers, to get answers, in my opinion. That's my only quibble.
But the romance, the writing describing Sara's thoughts and feelings toward Eric....superb. I was right there with her, feeling it, experiencing it, and that doesn't happen often for me in the more romancey scenes. I also found myself growing invested in some of the side characters. By the end of the story, I cared about them too and wanted them to get home to their wives and babies.
A solid read. I received this via Amazon Vine. Quotes may not be exact in the final copy.
