To Catch a Falling Star by Anna Belfrage

To Catch a Falling Star by Anna Belfrage 420 pages, eBook and Paperback Published March 2015, SilverWood Books Genre: Historical Fiction/ Time-Slip

Source: Received from publisher for review
My Review
I will admit first that it took me awhile to realize why I was so confused at the beginning of this book. The time continuity didn't seem possible and had me wondering what exactly was going on. I was totally lost. 
Well, turns out To Catch a Falling Star is Book 8 in The Graham Saga and if you have read the previous seven books, you will know exactly what is going on and how all these people are related. I mean, when a present day person goes back in time and says his mother chopped off the leg of the priest that finds him in a courtyard in Seville in the year 1688- that just didn't seem possible. Right?
Anyway, once I realized that there were other books before this one I did a little research and was quickly back on track to enjoying this time-hopping historical drama. The books follow time traveller, Alexandra Lind and in this installment, she and her husband make the journey from America to Scotland, Matthew Graham's homeland. Their return isn't exactly what he hoped it would be. 
Their journey, the changes in Scotland, and their need to return home makes for a very entertaining conclusion to this series.   So much going on in this one and I enjoyed it all. It is an interesting time period and locations to portray. I also really like books that deal with time travel. Seeing how a modern day person adapts to life in the past is interesting to me. I think I now need to start from the beginning. It was probably not a good idea to start with the last book, but that's how it goes sometimes. At least I know I am really going to like figuring out how this all started.
Here is the list of the previous books in the series. 
The Graham Saga books (1-7)
A Rip in the Veil Like Chaff in the Wind The Prodigal Son A Newfound Land Serpents in the Garden Revenge and Retribution Whither Thou Goest
About the Author

I was raised abroad, on a pungent mix of Latin American culture, English history and Swedish traditions. As a result I'm multilingual and most of my reading is historical; both non-fiction and fiction.
I was always going to be a writer or a historian, preferably both. Instead I ended up with a degree in Business and Finance, with very little time to spare for my most favourite pursuit. Still, one does as one must, and in between juggling a challenging career I raised my four children on a potent combination of invented stories, historical debates and masses of good food and homemade cakes. They seem to thrive. Nowadays I spend most of my spare time at my writing desk. The children are half grown, the house is at times eerily silent and I slip away into my imaginary world, with my imaginary characters. Every now and then the one and only man in my life pops his head in to ensure I'm still there. I like that, just as I like how he makes me laugh so often. I'll probably live to well over a hundred.
I was always going to be a writer. Now I am. I have achieved my dream.
For more information, please visit Anna Belfrage's website and blog. You can also find her on Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads.
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The Witch of Painted Sorrows by M.J. Rose

Publication Date: March 17, 2015 Atria Books Formats: Hardcover, Ebook Pages: 384
Genre: Historical Mystery

  My Review
I am a big fan of MJ Rose's books and especially of those which follow Jaq L'Etoile, but also of her other books. I was very excited to get the chance to read this book, part of a new intriguing sounding series- Daughters of La Lune. As usual, I was sucked into the story from the very first page. 
Sandrine runs from her husband in New York to Paris and her grandmother, a famous and well respected courtesan. Her home, which she visited at the age of fifteen holds a special place in her heart and she is eager to return to it. However, Maison de la Lune is closed up and her grandmother fears that if Sandrine enters it will change her forever.
This book is full of intrigue, mystery and magic. The Witch of Painted Sorrows is set at the beginning of the Belle Epoque, when many of Paris's inhabitants were interested in the macabre and supernatural forces. Paris at this time is a wonderful backdrop to the story of Sandrine and la Lune.  
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Praise for the novels of M.J. Rose

The Witch of Painted Sorrows

"Rose's new series offers her specialty, a unique and captivating supernatural angle, set in an intriguing belle époque Paris: a perfect match for the author's lush descriptions, intricate plot and mesmerizing storytelling. A cliffhanger ending will leave readers hungry for the next volume. Sensual, evocative, mysterious and haunting." (Kirkus Reviews)
"A haunting tale of possession."(Publishers Weekly)

The Collector of Dying Breaths

"Breathtaking...combines fascinating history, torrid romance and a compelling mystery into a marvelous package that will entice fans of Anne Rice and Diana Gabaldon.î (Associated Press)
"A page-turning, alluring concoction of fiction infused with fantastical yet actual history. Readers will be charmed by her well-drawn and memorable characters, and they will be mesmerized by her enchanting narrative, which takes them on a mystical and magical journey." (Library Journal (starred))
"A terrific piece of entertainment." (CT Post)
"Wondrously original... elegantly written. Rose manages to utterly suspend our disbelief in a book that leaves us, appropriately enough, breathless." (Providence Journal)
"Mysterious, magical, and mythicalÖwhat a joy to read!" (Sara Gruen, New York Times bestselling author of Water for Elephants)

Seduction

"Atmospherically romantic and perfectly toned. Classy and elegant literary seduction of the highest measure. As wondrously crafted as it is original." (Providence Journal)
"Readers will be enchanted by M.J. Rose's supernaturally charged novel Seduction, inspired by Victor Hugo's self-imposed exile on the British island of Jersey in the 1850s." (USA Today)
ìHas just about everything a thriller fan could wish for.î (Philadelphia Inquirer)
ìFull of well-researched history, the paranormal, and modern intrigue, this atmospheric tale of suspense is fully engrossing to those willing to suspend their disbelief.î (Library Journal (starred review))

The Book of Lost Fragrances

"A compelling page turner...Once you catch a whiff, you will be enchanted." (Associated Press)
"M.J. Rose is a bold, unflinching writer and her resolute honesty puts her in a class by herself." (Laura Lippman)
"The Book of Lost Fragrances resonates with spirit, blending myth with reality, tragedy with triumph, pain with joy. You'll find yourself questioning everything you believe--and wanting more." (Steve Berry)
ìProvocativeÖa sweeping sense of romance [and] history.î (Cleveland Plain-Dealer)

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About the Author

New York Times Bestseller, M.J. Rose grew up in New York City mostly in the labyrinthine galleries of the Metropolitan Museum, the dark tunnels and lush gardens of Central Park and reading her mother's favorite books before she was allowed. She believes mystery and magic are all around us but we are too often too busy to notice... books that exaggerate mystery and magic draw attention to it and remind us to look for it and revel in it. 

Please visit her blog, Museum of Mysteries at http://www.mjrose.com/blog/

Her photo was taken by Judith Pushett utilizing an old relic: a turn-of-the-century 11 x 14 inch wood camera.

Rose lives in CT with her husband the musician and composer, Doug Scofield, and their very spoiled and often photographed dog, Winka.

Her most recent novel THE COLLECTOR OF DYING BREATHS (Atria/S&S) was chosen as an Indie Next Pick and her next novel, THE WITCH OF PAINTED SORROWS will be released March 2015.

Rose's work has appeared in many magazines including Oprah Magazine and she has been featured in the New York Times, Newsweek, WSJ, Time, USA Today and on the Today Show, and NPR radio. Rose graduated from Syracuse University, spent the '80s in advertising, has a commercial in the Museum of Modern Art in NYC and since 2005 has run the first marketing company for authors - Authorbuzz.com

The television series PAST LIFE, was based on Rose's novels in the Reincarnationist series. She is one of the founding board members of International Thriller Writers and currently serves, with Lee Child, as the organization's co-president..

Connect with M.J. Rose on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Goodreads.

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Tudor Vendetta by C.W. Gortner

Tudor Vendetta by C.W. Gortner

Publication Date: October 21, 2014

St. Martin’s Press

Formats: eBook, Paperback

Genre: Historical Mystery

Series: Elizabeth I Spymaster Trilogy

Source: Sent by publisher for review

About the Book 

Winter, 1558: Elizabeth I has ascended the throne but the first days of her reign are already fraught with turmoil, the kingdom weakened by strife and her ability to rule uncertain.

Summoned from exile abroad at the new queen’s behest, Brendan Prescott arrives in London to face his shattered past. He soon finds himself pitted in deadly rivalry with his life-long foe, Robert Dudley, but when a poison attempt overshadows the queen’s coronation, Elizabeth privately dispatches Brendan on a far more dangerous assignation: to find her favored lady-in-waiting, Lady Parry, who has vanished in Yorkshire.

Upon his arrival at the crumbling sea-side manor that may hold the key to Lady Parry’s disappearance, he encounters a strange, impoverished family beset by grief, as well as mounting evidence that they hide a secret from him. The mystery surrounding Lady Parry deepens as Brendan begins to realize there is far more going on at the manor than meets the eye, but the closer he gets to the heart of the mystery, the more he becomes the quarry of an elusive stranger with a vendetta— one that could expose both his own buried identity and a long-hidden revelation that will bring about Elizabeth’s doom.

From the intrigue-laden passages of Whitehall to a foreboding Catholic manor and the prisons of the Tower, Brendan must risk everything to unravel a vendetta that strikes at the very core of his world, including his loyalty to his queen.

The Tudor Vendetta is the third book in Gortner’s Elizabeth I Spymaster Trilogy.

My Review

I love stories set in Tudor times. These are my favorite type of historical fiction books, so I was definitely excited when I got the chance to read The Tudor Vendetta. 

The beginning of Queen Elizabeth's reign is filled with multiple threats and assassination attempts which makes everyone involved with getting and keeping her on the throne always on guard, Brendan Prescott included. Summoned to court, he is quickly put to work by his queen, to find out what has become of Lady Parry.

Mystery, suspense, quick and exciting read. I have to get the other books in this series! By the way, there was absolutely no problem getting into this third book in the series. It could easily be read as a standalone. I never felt lost or confused with the story. 

Praise for The Tudor Vendetta

“Fast paced and exciting, with a most engaging hero . . . So vivid, you feel are there!” – Diana Gabaldon, bestselling author of the Outlander series

“C.W. Gortner has done it again! Full of breathtaking action, dark twists and unexpected revelations, this is an unputdownable read.” – Michelle Moran, bestselling author of Madame Tussaud

“Suspense, intrigue, betrayal and deadly rivalry: What more can you ask for? A swashbuckling, perilous adventure.” – M.J. Rose, bestselling author of The Reincarnationist

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About the Author

C.W. GORTNER holds an MFA in Writing with an emphasis in Renaissance Studies from the New College of California, as well as an AA from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in San Francisco.

After an eleven year-long career in fashion, during which he worked as a vintage retail buyer, freelance publicist, and fashion show coordinator, C.W. devoted the next twelve years to the public health sector. In 2012, he became a full-time writer following the international success of his novels.

In his extensive travels to research his books, he has danced a galliard at Hampton Court, learned about organic gardening at Chenoceaux, and spent a chilly night in a ruined Spanish castle. His books have garnered widespread acclaim and been translated into twenty-one languages to date, with over 400,000 copies sold. A sought-after public speaker. C.W. has given keynote addresses at writer conferences in the US and abroad. He is also a dedicated advocate for animal rights, in particular companion animal rescue to reduce shelter overcrowding.

C.W. recently completed his fourth novel for Ballantine Books, about Lucrezia Borgia; the third novel in his Tudor Spymaster series for St Martin’s Press; and a new novel about the dramatic, glamorous life of Coco Chanel, scheduled for lead title publication by William Morrow, Harper Collins, in the spring of 2015.

Half-Spanish by birth and raised in southern Spain, C.W. now lives in Northern California with his partner and two very spoiled rescue cats.

For more information please visit C.W. Gortner’s website and blog. You can also connect with him on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Pinterest, and YouTube.

Happy Reading! _________________________________________

Enchantress by Maggie Anton

Enchantress by Maggie Anton Publication Date: September 2, 2014
Plume Books
Formats: eBook, Paperback
Pages: 400
Series: Rav Hisda’s Daughter
Genre: Historical Fiction/Historical Fantasy

Source: Sent by publisher for review
About the Book

Fantastic tales of demons and the Evil Eye, magical incantations, and powerful attractions abound in Enchantress, a novel that weaves together Talmudic lore, ancient Jewish magic, and a timeless love story set in fourth-century Babylonia.

One of the most powerful practitioners of these mysterious arts is Rav Hisda’s daughter, whose innate awareness allows her to possess the skills men lack. With her husband, Rava–whose arcane knowledge of the secret Torah enables him to create a “man” out of earth and to resurrect another rabbi from death–the two brave an evil sorceress, Ashmedai the Demon King, and even the Angel of Death in their quest to safeguard their people, even while putting their romance at risk.

The author of the acclaimed Rashi’s Daughters series and the award-winning Rav Hisda’s Daughter: Apprentice has conjured literary magic in the land where “abracadabra” originated. Based on five years of research and populated with characters from the Talmud, Enchantress brings a pivotal era of Jewish and Christian history to life from the perspective of a courageous and passionate woman.

My Review

I have absolutely loved reading this book. It was totally unexpected considering my lack of knowledge of the time period and Jewish history. Rav Hisda's daughter is so interesting and such a strong character even in a very male dominated time period.  The book is filled with magic, demons and a golem. There are also some tales thrown in, mishnahs, pertaining to Jewish law. It is a great mix of fiction, Jewish history and mysticism.
This is the second book in the series, but I never felt lost despite not having read the first book. Information is doled out in increments throughout the book to explain things that occurred in the previous book. It is a long book, but I never felt that is was too long. I also spent a lot of time looking up yiddish terms and names I was not familiar with. This may not be for some but I enjoyed it. I felt like I learned something. I always like that. 

Praise for Apprentice (Rav Hisda’s Daughter: Book I)

“A lushly detailed look into a fascinatingly unknown time and culture—a tale of Talmud, sorcery, and a most engaging heroine!” —Diana Gabaldon, author of the bestselling Outlander series

Anton, the author of the acclaimed “Rashi’s Daughters” trilogy, has penned her best book to date. Using her extensive knowledge of the Talmud and other historical Jewish writings, she immersed herself in the tractates to uncover a marvelous heroine for this historical novel… Complex discussions of Jewish law and tradition as well as detailed description of the culture and customs of the times enhance truly wonderful storytelling. VERDICT This absorbing novel should be on everyone’s historical fiction reading list.” —Library Journal (starred review)

“Fascinating reading await those who dive into the vividly depicted world of Babylonian Jewry … Anton succeeds brilliantly in drawing us into the formative period leading up to the Talmud … what we have is the work of a master craftswoman set upon repairing a major gap in Jewish literature —Philadelphia Jewish Voice

“Rav Hisda’s Daughter provides a wealth of historical detail about Jewish life in Babylon and Israel in the 3rd century CE. It depicts the daily life and coming of age of a prominent rabbi’s daughter rather than propelling its reader through a traditional arc of action with a crisis and resolution. Its interest lies in its portrayal of the sorcery, incantations, and women’s customs in this exotic, faraway period of time and place, sometimes against the backdrop of war.” —Historical Novel Society

Praise for the Rashi’s Daughters Trilogy

“Anton delivers a tour de force . . . [Readers] will fly through the pages and come away wishing for more.” –Library Journal (starred review)

“A compelling combination of drama, suspense, and romance.” –Lilith magazine

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About the Author

Maggie Anton was born Margaret Antonofsky in Los Angeles, California. Raised in a secular, socialist household, she reached adulthood with little knowledge of her Jewish religion. All that changed when David Parkhurst, who was to become her husband, entered her life, and they both discovered Judaism as adults. That was the start of a lifetime of Jewish education, synagogue involvement, and ritual observance. In 2006, Anton retired from being a clinical chemist in Kaiser Permanente’s Biochemical Genetics Laboratory to become a fulltime writer.

In the early 1990′s, Anton learned about a women’s Talmud class taught by Rachel Adler, now a professor at Hebrew Union College in Los Angeles. She became intrigued with the idea that Rashi, one of the greatest Jewish scholars ever, had no sons, only three daughters. Slowly but surely, she began to research the family and the time in which they lived. Much was written about Rashi, but almost nothing of the daughters, except their names and the names of their husbands. Legend has it that Rashi’s daughters were learned in a time when women were traditionally forbidden to study the sacred texts. These forgotten women seemed ripe for rediscovery, and the idea of a trilogy of historical novels about them was born.

After the success of “Rashi’s Daughters” Anton started researching the lives of women in 4th-century Babylonia, where the Talmud was being created. Surprised by the prevalence of sorcery among rabbinic families, she wrote “Rav Hisda’s Daughter: Bk 1 – Apprentice,” which was a 2012 National Jewish Book Award Fiction finalist and a Library Journal pick for Best Historical Fiction.

For more information please visit Maggie Anton’s website and blog. You can also connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads.

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Book Blast: The Typewriter Girl by Alison Atlee

About The Book

The Typewriter Girl by Alison Atlee

Audible AudioBook Edition
Audible.com Release Date: April 4, 2014
Listening Length: 12 hours and 39 minutes
Publisher: Audible Studios
Language: English
ASIN: B00JH0L9HW



A Publishers Weekly Best Books of the Year pick: The Typewriter Girl is a “spectacular debut, set in a perfectly realized Victorian England.”

When Betsey Dobson disembarks from the London train in the seaside resort of Idensea, all she owns is a small valise and a canary in a cage. After an attempt to forge a letter of reference she knew would be denied her, Betsey has been fired from the typing pool of her previous employer. Her vigorous protest left one man wounded, another jilted, and her character permanently besmirched.
Now, without money or a reference for a new job, the future looks even bleaker than the debacle she left behind her.

But her life is about to change … because a young Welshman on the railroad quay, waiting for another woman, is the one finally willing to believe in her.

Mr. Jones is inept in matters of love, but a genius at things mechanical. In Idensea, he has constructed a glittering pier that astounds the wealthy tourists. And in Betsey, he recognizes the ideal tour manager for the Idensea Pier & Pleasure Building Company.

After a lifetime of guarding her secrets and breaking the rules, Betsey becomes a force to be reckoned with. Together, she and Mr. Jones must find a way for her to succeed in a society that would reject her, and figure the price of surrendering to the tides of love.

Praise for The Typewriter Girl

“Atlee’s out¬standing debut unflinchingly explores … the unforgiving man’s world of Victorian England.” –PUBLISHERS WEEKLY (starred review)

“Easily one of the most romantic books I’ll read all year … John and Betsey are compelling and worth rooting for.” –DEAR AUTHOR (a Recommended Read)

“Sweeps readers to a satisfying conclusion.” –LIBRARY JOURNAL

About the Author

Alison Atlee spent her childhood re-enacting Little Women and trying to fashion nineteenth century wardrobes for her Barbie dolls. Happily, these activities turned out to be good preparation for writing historical novels. She now lives in Kentucky.

For more information please visit Alison Atlee’s website. You can also connect with her on Facebook,Twitter, Google+, Goodreads andPinterest.


The Typewriter Girl Swag Giveaway

One copy of The Typewriter Girl (Audio Book or Print)

Set of earbuds in a cute typewriter print pouch

A Typewriter Girl Happily-Ever-After t-shirt (features last lines from famous novels)

A vintage style postcard "from" Idensea, the setting of The Typewriter Girl

A "dream wildly" ribbon bookmark with typewriter key charms

To enter, please complete the Rafflecopter giveaway form below. Giveaway is open to residents in the US, Canada, and the UK.

Giveaway ends at 11:59pm on August 29th. You must be 18 or older to enter.

Winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter on August 30th and notified via email.

Winner has 48 hours to claim prize or new winner is chosen.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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 FTC Disclosure: Clicking on book title and/or image links will lead you to my Amazon Affiliate page.

Review: The Bone Church by Victoria Dougherty

The Bone Church by Victoria Dougherty

Publication Date: April 15, 2014

Pier’s Court Press

Formats: eBook, Paperback

Genre: Historical Fiction/Thriller/Suspense

Source: sent by publisher in exchange for review, NetGalley
About the Book

In the surreal and paranoid underworld of wartime Prague, fugitive lovers Felix Andel and Magdalena Ruza make some dubious alliances – with a mysterious Roman Catholic cardinal, a reckless sculptor intent on making a big political statement, and a gypsy with a risky sex life. As one by one their chances for fleeing the country collapse, the two join a plot to assassinate Hitler’s nefarious Minister of Public Enlightenment and Propaganda, Josef Goebbels. 

But the assassination attempt goes wildly wrong, propelling the lovers in separate directions. Felix’s destiny is sealed at the Bone Church, a mystical pilgrimage site on the outskirts of Prague, while Magdalena is thrust even deeper into the bowels of a city that betrayed her and a homeland soon to be swallowed by the Soviets. 

As they emerge from the shadowy fog of World War II, and stagger into the foul haze of the Cold War, Felix and Magdalena must confront the past, and a dangerous, uncertain future.

My Review I really enjoyed following Felix and Magedelena on their journey to freedom and safety. I was definitely rooting for them. It just seems so hopeless, but their love for each other is strong as is their determination to survive. The characters they meet are all very interesting and untrustworthy but they still must put themselves in their hands.
A great historical drama, set in a country that I had not read before during this time period. I liked this new setting for a WWII drama. Different than what I have read before. It is a favorite time period for me in my reading so I definitely got immersed in the story and setting. 
Can't wait to read more by Dougherty. 

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About the Author

Victoria Dougherty writes fiction, drama, and essays that often revolve around spies, killers, curses and destinies. Her work has been published or profiled in The New York Times, USA Today, International Herald Tribune and elsewhere. Earlier in her career, while living in Prague, she co-founded Black Box Theater, translating, producing and acting in several Czech plays. She lives with her husband and children in Charlottesville, Virginia.

For more information, please visit Victoria Dougherty’s WEBSITE. 

You can also find her on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, and Pinterest.

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 FTC Disclosure: Clicking on book title and/or image links will lead you to my Amazon Affiliate page.