Lady Beware
By Jo Beverley
Historical romance
ISBN 978-0-451-22149-0
Signet, $ 7.99, PG-13
5 hearts
Reviewed by Mary Benn for the Romance Reader
Jo Beverley carries off a remarkable achievement in Lady Beware, the latest and
possibly last in her Company of Rogue novels. In a world where the loud, the
graphic and the sensational sell, she cultivates a silent and subtle build-up
but rocks her readers to their core. Her craft deserves close attention, but it
is the unusual combination of familial comfort and risqué pleasure that makes
this book a winner.
Horatio Cave, Lord Darien attended Eton at the same time as the Rogues, but he
was not admitted into their exulted company. His violent and scandalous family
history, which includes murder, madness and Italian opera singers, had already
branded him. His belligerent behavior didn't help. Even good-natured Dare (the
opium-addicted hero of To Rescue a Rogue) took issue and warned, "Cave Canem."
Well versed in Latin, the Eton schoolboys immediately recognized the pun (the
inscription cave canem, or "Beware the Dog", was carved on the doors of Roman
homes). The name stuck, and Cave has never forgiven Dare or the Rogues for it.
In the meantime, Cave has made a very different name for himself as a hero of
the Napoleonic wars. His bravery isn't enough to whitewash his family name. So
when Dare's honor in the battlefield is questioned, he sees it as an
opportunity to redeem himself. He coerces Dare's sister Thea Debenham into
accepting a bargain: if she acts as his betrothed, thereby gaining him the
social respect he craves, he will clear her brother's reputation.
It is easy to see what this set up could have become: a predictable story about
a false engagement that eventually becomes a real one. That is not the path
Thea and Cave take. He immediately does his part but allows Thea to withdraw
from hers. Her mother, on the other hand, is determined to pay off the family
debt . More naturally cautious, Thea remains wary of this dark, dangerous
stranger, but she is also intrigued — and secretly thrilled.
Beverley brings her characters to life by examining them in their social
universe. A former soldier, Cave is very much a man's man, and it is mostly
through his interaction with other men that we discover his loyalty and
decency. He deploys all the authority which goes with his rank, but never
abuses it: there is no condescension or false camaraderie in his concern for
his former soldiers. Similarly, Thea's unspoken anxieties and elegant poise are
seen most clearly in her family relationships and her female friendships.
Beverley ensures her characters are multifaceted and doesn't overlook the
erotic dimension of Thea and Cave's relationship. She pens several daring
encounters, but overall subtlety is the key to her art. In one scene, Cave
strokes Thea's gloved finger with his. There is more sensual tension in that
caress than in some of the most explicit descriptions I have recently read.
Throughout the novel, Beverley sets her own leisurely pace and draws her
enraptured readers towards a firework finale. Ominous hints maintain the
novel's tension and the reader's curiosity. The bad things come as no surprise
but still hold us at a fever pitch.
No doubt about it: Lady Beware is yet another jewel in Beverley's heavily-
decorated crown.
-----
Jo Beverley "Arguably today's most skillful writer of historical
romance..." Publishers Weekly
5 time winner of the prestigious RITA award.
"Romance at its best." Romantic Times.
This blog, #TheNewBookReview, is "new" because it eschews #bookbigotry. It lets readers, reviewers, authors, and publishers expand the exposure of their favorite reviews, FREE. Info for submissions is in the "Send Me Your Fav Book Review" circle icon in the right column below. Find resources to help your career using the mini search engine below. #TheNewBookReview is a multi-award-winning blog including a MastersInEnglish.org recommendation.
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Jamieson Wolf Pens Witchy Tale--Just in Time for Fall Gifting
The Ghost Mirror
By Jamieson Wolf
eTreasures Publishing
www.etreasurespublishing.com
Copyright 2007
Ebook/Paperback
YA/Dark Fantasy
Available on Amazon
Reviewed by Mayra Calvani, The Dark Phantom Review
Thirteen-year old Mave is no ordinary girl. For one thing, she happens to be a black-eyed, redheaded powerful witch, so much so that even her own parents fear her. Not understanding her powers, her mom and dad have chosen to ignore and neglect her to the point of emotional cruelty.
The only person in the world who seems to love and understand Mave is her grandmother, and when she takes Mave to live with her in her big mansion, the young girl couldn’t be happier. Soon, however, Mave discovers a strange and mysterious old mirror in the attic. Grandmother warns her to stay away from it, but sometimes curiosity can be more powerful than reason. Mave touches the mirror, with dangerous consequences. She’s transported into a dark and magical world and faced with a grand mission: she’s to destroy the evil Lavender Man… or die.
Talented author Jamieson Wolf has penned a dark, sometimes macabre, beautifully written novel for young adults and adults alike. His lyrical prose flows like the magic in his story and has an old-fashioned tone to it which perfectly complements the plot. Some of the vivid images in the book are quite haunting, like the Tree Lady of the forest and the Lavender Man sucking the spirit from his victims. Above all, the beauty of the language stands out, as well as the author’s obvious love for storytelling. I was drawn from start to finish into Wolf’s darkly magical world and look forward to reading the sequel soon.
By Jamieson Wolf
eTreasures Publishing
www.etreasurespublishing.com
Copyright 2007
Ebook/Paperback
YA/Dark Fantasy
Available on Amazon
Reviewed by Mayra Calvani, The Dark Phantom Review
Thirteen-year old Mave is no ordinary girl. For one thing, she happens to be a black-eyed, redheaded powerful witch, so much so that even her own parents fear her. Not understanding her powers, her mom and dad have chosen to ignore and neglect her to the point of emotional cruelty.
The only person in the world who seems to love and understand Mave is her grandmother, and when she takes Mave to live with her in her big mansion, the young girl couldn’t be happier. Soon, however, Mave discovers a strange and mysterious old mirror in the attic. Grandmother warns her to stay away from it, but sometimes curiosity can be more powerful than reason. Mave touches the mirror, with dangerous consequences. She’s transported into a dark and magical world and faced with a grand mission: she’s to destroy the evil Lavender Man… or die.
Talented author Jamieson Wolf has penned a dark, sometimes macabre, beautifully written novel for young adults and adults alike. His lyrical prose flows like the magic in his story and has an old-fashioned tone to it which perfectly complements the plot. Some of the vivid images in the book are quite haunting, like the Tree Lady of the forest and the Lavender Man sucking the spirit from his victims. Above all, the beauty of the language stands out, as well as the author’s obvious love for storytelling. I was drawn from start to finish into Wolf’s darkly magical world and look forward to reading the sequel soon.
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
A Romantic E-Ticket Adventure from Carrie Lynn Lyons
Dream Pictures
Carrie Lynn Lyons
Mundania Press LLC
www.mundania.com
ISBN-10 : 1-59426-234-9
Reviewed by: Suzette Jamison
Carrie Lynn Lyons blends a unique cast of characters with a story that touches heart and soul, and takes readers on an E-ticket adventure filled with goose bump chills of something other in “Dream Pictures,” book one of the Carnival Soul Trilogy.
An isolated road, a stormy night, and a grizzly murder, all pretty cliché. But the two men who interrupt the killers and sweep young Jamie Weston and the reader into their world aren’t cliché, aren’t ordinary, and are not about to let the killers get to their last victim.
Visitors to Cavanaugh’s Carnival and its oddities show come to see its starring attractions, Cavanaugh’s Midget Hunchback and Cavanaugh’s Frankenstein. Even most in the Show see only the personas they project. Solomon and Leon Cavanaugh, the owners of Cavanaugh’s Carnivals, four of the largest traveling shows in the United States, are more, much more, and they do anything to protect the child that came so willing into their arms, including opening the closed world of the carny to outsiders.
Devastated by the death of his best friend, Paul Randolph, will use all the resources at his command as the new CEO of the multi-billion dollar Weston Corporation to find the killer and his goddaughter. When he becomes a target, too, he finds himself under the protection of Jaime’s unusual rescuers.
The foreward in this book, written by John Robinson of Sideshow World, says, “It ‘s alive on the inside,” and so it is. Well written, fast paced, alive with character, adventure, thrills and chills and heart and soul, Carrie Lynn Lyons “Dream Pictures” sweeps you away for a few hours with the carnival, the characters, and their story.
-----
Carrie Lynn Lyons grew up is Southern Utah as Charlene Ruesch, married, traveled around courtesy of the Airforce and landed in Nevada, where she is employed in the health care industry and busy with her grandchildren and writing.
Carrie Lynn Lyons
Mundania Press LLC
www.mundania.com
ISBN-10 : 1-59426-234-9
Reviewed by: Suzette Jamison
Carrie Lynn Lyons blends a unique cast of characters with a story that touches heart and soul, and takes readers on an E-ticket adventure filled with goose bump chills of something other in “Dream Pictures,” book one of the Carnival Soul Trilogy.
An isolated road, a stormy night, and a grizzly murder, all pretty cliché. But the two men who interrupt the killers and sweep young Jamie Weston and the reader into their world aren’t cliché, aren’t ordinary, and are not about to let the killers get to their last victim.
Visitors to Cavanaugh’s Carnival and its oddities show come to see its starring attractions, Cavanaugh’s Midget Hunchback and Cavanaugh’s Frankenstein. Even most in the Show see only the personas they project. Solomon and Leon Cavanaugh, the owners of Cavanaugh’s Carnivals, four of the largest traveling shows in the United States, are more, much more, and they do anything to protect the child that came so willing into their arms, including opening the closed world of the carny to outsiders.
Devastated by the death of his best friend, Paul Randolph, will use all the resources at his command as the new CEO of the multi-billion dollar Weston Corporation to find the killer and his goddaughter. When he becomes a target, too, he finds himself under the protection of Jaime’s unusual rescuers.
The foreward in this book, written by John Robinson of Sideshow World, says, “It ‘s alive on the inside,” and so it is. Well written, fast paced, alive with character, adventure, thrills and chills and heart and soul, Carrie Lynn Lyons “Dream Pictures” sweeps you away for a few hours with the carnival, the characters, and their story.
-----
Carrie Lynn Lyons grew up is Southern Utah as Charlene Ruesch, married, traveled around courtesy of the Airforce and landed in Nevada, where she is employed in the health care industry and busy with her grandchildren and writing.
Monday, August 6, 2007
Have You Ever Heard the Name Goody Two Shoes?
The Inspiring Story of Little Goody Two Shoes
By Michael Levy
Publisher: Point of Life Inc.
ISBN Numbers 978-0-9668069-9-1
Number of Pages 139
Paperback 6x 9
Price $12.95
Distributors: Ingram's, Baker and Taylor
Book review by author Michael Levy ... Published by Point of Life Inc.
An English Classic Book Renewed for Children of All Ages ---
Many people have heard the name Goody Two Shoes, but very few people on earth have read the book ... It was as famous as the works of William Shakespeare and Harry Potter in a bygone age and forgotten for the past 60 years until now!
The story of Little Goody Two Shoes, was one of the most famous, popular and influential children's/adults books of the eighteenth century. It was first published in 1765 and had an unparalleled status for over two hundred years. At long last, Point of Life publishing house has renewed, refreshed, revitalized and recreated the literature masterpiece.
By the inspirational pen of Michael Levy, the creative publication has been gracefully transformed, while at the same time keeping to the original text and meaning as much as possible. It is an updated, encouraging book that is required inspiring reading for all children and adults.
From humble beginnings the little orphan girl teaches children and adults to learn to read and write with wisdom. The inspirational tale follows Little Goody Two Shoes on many adventures that challenge her sanity and survival. In the second part of the story, as an adult Miss Margery, becomes headmistress of the ABC College of education. She also teaches adults how to stop quarreling and live a peaceful, wholesome life... She invents a three cornered "Pals Hat" (Peace and Love - Smile) that has thought provoking words written on each side.
The hat helps people become aware of the differences in their opinions ... It conveys messages to them that allows time to stop and think about how they can meet each other in the middle of their opinions, so that together they can embrace peace and harmony.
The new edition has been restored and revitalized to its rightful place as one of the best children's books of all time and is sure to become a best seller for the next two hundred years and beyond.
------
Michael Levy is the author of eight inspirational books. Michael's poetry and essays now grace many web sites, newspapers, journals and magazines throughout the world. He is a prominent speaker on health maintenance, stress eradication, wealth development, authentic happiness and inspirational poetry.
Quote "Beginners luck can last a lifetime once we understand how lucky we are to be born" _Michael Levy
By Michael Levy
Publisher: Point of Life Inc.
ISBN Numbers 978-0-9668069-9-1
Number of Pages 139
Paperback 6x 9
Price $12.95
Distributors: Ingram's, Baker and Taylor
Book review by author Michael Levy ... Published by Point of Life Inc.
An English Classic Book Renewed for Children of All Ages ---
Many people have heard the name Goody Two Shoes, but very few people on earth have read the book ... It was as famous as the works of William Shakespeare and Harry Potter in a bygone age and forgotten for the past 60 years until now!
The story of Little Goody Two Shoes, was one of the most famous, popular and influential children's/adults books of the eighteenth century. It was first published in 1765 and had an unparalleled status for over two hundred years. At long last, Point of Life publishing house has renewed, refreshed, revitalized and recreated the literature masterpiece.
By the inspirational pen of Michael Levy, the creative publication has been gracefully transformed, while at the same time keeping to the original text and meaning as much as possible. It is an updated, encouraging book that is required inspiring reading for all children and adults.
From humble beginnings the little orphan girl teaches children and adults to learn to read and write with wisdom. The inspirational tale follows Little Goody Two Shoes on many adventures that challenge her sanity and survival. In the second part of the story, as an adult Miss Margery, becomes headmistress of the ABC College of education. She also teaches adults how to stop quarreling and live a peaceful, wholesome life... She invents a three cornered "Pals Hat" (Peace and Love - Smile) that has thought provoking words written on each side.
The hat helps people become aware of the differences in their opinions ... It conveys messages to them that allows time to stop and think about how they can meet each other in the middle of their opinions, so that together they can embrace peace and harmony.
The new edition has been restored and revitalized to its rightful place as one of the best children's books of all time and is sure to become a best seller for the next two hundred years and beyond.
------
Michael Levy is the author of eight inspirational books. Michael's poetry and essays now grace many web sites, newspapers, journals and magazines throughout the world. He is a prominent speaker on health maintenance, stress eradication, wealth development, authentic happiness and inspirational poetry.
Quote "Beginners luck can last a lifetime once we understand how lucky we are to be born" _Michael Levy
Saturday, August 4, 2007
From-the-Heart Mini Review from Brand New Author
Title: The Frugal Book Promoter
Subtitle: How To Do What Your Publisher Won't
Published as a trade paperback and e-book by Star Publish
Reviewed by Alexa Wolf
I read THE FRUGAL BOOK PROMOTER from cover to cover, marked everything till I couldn't find anything, started over, carry the book everywhere, reread it constantly. No matter what page I turn to, I learn something new... again. This book is invaluable to any writer (except maybe C. J. Rowling, who probably doesn't need it).
Subtitle: How To Do What Your Publisher Won't
Published as a trade paperback and e-book by Star Publish
Reviewed by Alexa Wolf
I read THE FRUGAL BOOK PROMOTER from cover to cover, marked everything till I couldn't find anything, started over, carry the book everywhere, reread it constantly. No matter what page I turn to, I learn something new... again. This book is invaluable to any writer (except maybe C. J. Rowling, who probably doesn't need it).
A Fantasy That "Rackets" Along by Jon Baxley
title: THE BLACKGLOOM BOUNTY
author: Jon F. Baxley
publisher: Five Star (an imprint of Thomson Gale)
Hardcover, Fantasy
445 pages including maps and annotations
E-book publisher: Twilight Times
ISBN: 978-1594144516
Reviewed by Julia Hayden for Blogger News :Julia Hayden, aka Sgt. Mom, Blogger
The Blackgloom Bounty is one of those rambling, picaresque fantasies which makes occasional hectic detours into a universe strongly resembling the 10th Century border region of present-day Northern England and Southern Scotland. The story rackets along at a tremendous pace; rather like an amusement park ride or a fiendishly complicated Dungeons and Dragons game. At the end of it, you are dumped out with a spinning head and a perhaps not-quite accurate memory of everything that went on, but in no doubt that you and everyone else had a tremendously amusing ride.
The reader remembers that there was an enormous cast of characters, rushing about, and it was all something to do with curses, stolen inheritances, a stalwart young heir hidden away, a feisty wench, brave warriors, secret tombs, ghosts, wicked noblemen, spells and shape-changing, magic stones and a treasure of wonderful wealth, a sea-monster… and then, and then and then… the review would be about as long as the book itself, if I attempted to do even a short recapitulation. And it wouldn’t be anywhere near as amusing. Just think of “The Blackgloom Bounty” as the fantasy-novel equivalent of the stateroom scene in the old Marx Brothers movie “A Night at the Opera”.
When young Daynin and his grandfather find a curiously carved stone while plowing their field, they have little idea that it is the legendary Scythian Stone… but a wandering magician named Kruzurk Makshare does… and with a few brisk preliminaries, Daynin is off and running on the adventure of his life, to find and liberate an enormous treasure, and then to keep hold of it. The author has concocted an intricate yarn, briskly paced, and in a writing style which is always workmanlike and quite frequently sparkles. He also has an ear for conversation, which also serves the story well. This is the first volume of a projected series, and a worthwhile read for any devotee of the fantasy-adventure genre.
And there is a bit with a dog, too.
“The Blackgloom Bounty” is available through Amazon.com at:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1594144516.
------
Sgt. Mom is a free-lance writer to blogs at The Daily Brief. More about her own books is at www.celiahayes.com.
author: Jon F. Baxley
publisher: Five Star (an imprint of Thomson Gale)
Hardcover, Fantasy
445 pages including maps and annotations
E-book publisher: Twilight Times
ISBN: 978-1594144516
Reviewed by Julia Hayden for Blogger News :Julia Hayden, aka Sgt. Mom, Blogger
The Blackgloom Bounty is one of those rambling, picaresque fantasies which makes occasional hectic detours into a universe strongly resembling the 10th Century border region of present-day Northern England and Southern Scotland. The story rackets along at a tremendous pace; rather like an amusement park ride or a fiendishly complicated Dungeons and Dragons game. At the end of it, you are dumped out with a spinning head and a perhaps not-quite accurate memory of everything that went on, but in no doubt that you and everyone else had a tremendously amusing ride.
The reader remembers that there was an enormous cast of characters, rushing about, and it was all something to do with curses, stolen inheritances, a stalwart young heir hidden away, a feisty wench, brave warriors, secret tombs, ghosts, wicked noblemen, spells and shape-changing, magic stones and a treasure of wonderful wealth, a sea-monster… and then, and then and then… the review would be about as long as the book itself, if I attempted to do even a short recapitulation. And it wouldn’t be anywhere near as amusing. Just think of “The Blackgloom Bounty” as the fantasy-novel equivalent of the stateroom scene in the old Marx Brothers movie “A Night at the Opera”.
When young Daynin and his grandfather find a curiously carved stone while plowing their field, they have little idea that it is the legendary Scythian Stone… but a wandering magician named Kruzurk Makshare does… and with a few brisk preliminaries, Daynin is off and running on the adventure of his life, to find and liberate an enormous treasure, and then to keep hold of it. The author has concocted an intricate yarn, briskly paced, and in a writing style which is always workmanlike and quite frequently sparkles. He also has an ear for conversation, which also serves the story well. This is the first volume of a projected series, and a worthwhile read for any devotee of the fantasy-adventure genre.
And there is a bit with a dog, too.
“The Blackgloom Bounty” is available through Amazon.com at:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1594144516.
------
Sgt. Mom is a free-lance writer to blogs at The Daily Brief. More about her own books is at www.celiahayes.com.
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Every Little Girl's Dream, "Meghan Rose On Stage"
Meghan Rose On Stage!
By Lori Z. Scott
ISBN: 9780784721032. 2007
Fiction: Juvenile, Humorous, Friendship, Christian life, Talent Show
Contact Reviewer: J. M. Sample jmsample@aol.com
Publisher: Standard Publishing; $4.99
Publisher site: www.standardpub.com
Reviewed by Jewel Sample for Amazon.com
I read "Meghan Rose on Stage" to my granddaughters who are five and seven years old. My granddaughter's were so enthralled with the story we had to read the whole book in one sitting. When we would come to the "really, really cool" (as my seven year old granddaughter phrased it) illustrations by Stacy Curtis, they would peer over the pages inspecting each character and chat about what was going on.
The book was definitely a hit and they could hardly wait to make a red volcano that Scott suggests along with other activities in the back of the book. I improvised by using a empty plastic 16 ounce pop bottle. We took the creative play experience outside and I was so glad we did because the volcano did erupt. The children squealed and howled as they watched their project in action.
Another thing that made this book so special was the "Chatter Matters" discussion questions in the back of the book. One granddaughter chatted about how cool it was to know Meghan prayed when she did not know what to do next. The other granddaughter discussed that it does not matter who you are anyone can share their talent! Sharing with others makes everyone happy.
Now they have a "really cool" memory about a girl named Meghan Rose, while on one of Grandma's play dates and a new phrase definition, "bouncy kangaroo," which they practiced all over my living room. A great adventure story with "bam" (as my five year phrased it) for elementary age children and of course, this Grandma enjoyed this fun read too.
-----
Reviewer Jewel Sample blogs at http://jewelsamples.blogspot.com
By Lori Z. Scott
ISBN: 9780784721032. 2007
Fiction: Juvenile, Humorous, Friendship, Christian life, Talent Show
Contact Reviewer: J. M. Sample jmsample@aol.com
Publisher: Standard Publishing; $4.99
Publisher site: www.standardpub.com
Reviewed by Jewel Sample for Amazon.com
I read "Meghan Rose on Stage" to my granddaughters who are five and seven years old. My granddaughter's were so enthralled with the story we had to read the whole book in one sitting. When we would come to the "really, really cool" (as my seven year old granddaughter phrased it) illustrations by Stacy Curtis, they would peer over the pages inspecting each character and chat about what was going on.
The book was definitely a hit and they could hardly wait to make a red volcano that Scott suggests along with other activities in the back of the book. I improvised by using a empty plastic 16 ounce pop bottle. We took the creative play experience outside and I was so glad we did because the volcano did erupt. The children squealed and howled as they watched their project in action.
Another thing that made this book so special was the "Chatter Matters" discussion questions in the back of the book. One granddaughter chatted about how cool it was to know Meghan prayed when she did not know what to do next. The other granddaughter discussed that it does not matter who you are anyone can share their talent! Sharing with others makes everyone happy.
Now they have a "really cool" memory about a girl named Meghan Rose, while on one of Grandma's play dates and a new phrase definition, "bouncy kangaroo," which they practiced all over my living room. A great adventure story with "bam" (as my five year phrased it) for elementary age children and of course, this Grandma enjoyed this fun read too.
-----
Reviewer Jewel Sample blogs at http://jewelsamples.blogspot.com
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