Weekly Reminders!

Here are a few reminders for the week!

1.) You have four days left on the Top 5 Commenters Giveaway!

2.) The Strange Neighbors Giveaway ends July 5th.

3.) The Making of a Duchess Giveaway ends July 7th. (Please sign up for this one... I have 2 copies to give away and so far no takers! It's a great historical fiction novel!)

4.) Today is the end of the Video Series based on the novel, The Pearls of the Stone Man. (Look for the review and giveaway of 3 copies in the next week or so!)

5.) Comment! Comment! Comment!

Top 5 Giveaway! Report

Here is your weekly progress report on the top five commenter s! LOL... I think I'm going to have to start commenting on my own reviews! Comment, comment, comment....

These are in no particular order, a few of you are neck in neck! Keep'em coming!

There's only about 4 days left in the month, then I'll draw a name from the top five to be the winner for June!

1.) Mystica

2.) fredamans

3.) Shelia (Book Journey)

4.) Shy

5.) MissKallie2000

Video Series: The Pearls of the Stone Man Pt. 5

Today, I want to introduce you to a novel by, Edward Mooney Jr., called The Pearls of the Stone Man. I'm going to do this one a little bit differently. There are five video's based on the novel and the town it is written about, Pine Mountain, California. I will be posting one video every Saturday. When we have completed the video series, I will post my review of the novel and have a giveaway for three copies of the book provided by the publisher.

Here is a summary of the book, courtesy of Flipkart.com :

A Promise made.
A Love that will Last Forever.

If you've ever loved someone to the depth of your being, someone who for one reason or other needed to move on, you know the power of a parting wish. The story of Joseph and Anne, his wife of fifty-three years, is the story of just such a wish-one that only true love could try to achieve. And for Joseph the strength to build the stone wall-a special reminder from Anne's childhood-will take him places he never expected and that you will never forget.

The Pearls of the Stone Man takes us beyond generations and our own stone walls to the very humanity that unites us all-and shows us the incredible power of one couple's love to last beyond parting and forever change the lives of those they touched.

"Mooney writes such a compelling story that it must be read word for word all the way to the end."
-Antelope Valley Press

"It's a very gentle tale, but it has an extraordinary power."
-S. Rubin, Fast Carrier Pictures

What Readers are Saying:

"This is by far one of the best books that I have ever read."

"Mooney is a masterful storyteller."

"Mooney creates a beautiful portrait of a relationship. 5 stars."

"A simple and profound message."

"After you start reading this book, just try to put it down "

This week we are up to part 5 of our video series, based on the novel The Pearls of the Stone Man. It's called, The Village. This is the final installment in the video series... Look for the review and giveaway of three copies of, The Pearls of the Stone Man, coming in a next week or so!

Review: The Making of a Duchess

My Synopsis:

The Making of a Duchess (Sons of the Revolution series - Book 1) by Shana Galen

(For review from Sourcebooks)

Sarah Smith feels totally out of her element when she is asked to take on a secret mission as a spy. She goes from being a governess to being the daughter of a French aristocrat in order to find proof that, Julien Harcourt, duc de Valere is a traitor selling English secrets to France. Being an orphan, Sarah is unprepared when Julien asks her to marry him and become a part of his family. She quickly turns down his proposal and continues to try to find the proof she needs as her contacts within the Foreign Office become more and more impatient and dangerous.

Julien Harcourt, is a French aristocrat who was forced to leave his home during the Revolution, leaving behind his two brothers, Armand and Bastien. Julien has spent years going back and forth to France at peril to his own life, trying to find his brothers. Now he has information from a former servant that is his best lead. When the beautiful, Serafina enters his life, he feels he must do his duty and marry her to continue his family name and reek vengeance on those who tried to kill him. But, Julien is unprepared for his feelings for Serafina. Will Sarah find the proof she needs and Julien in? Will Julien find his brother Armand? Can the both see past the lies and find love? What is the secret that Sarah will find out about herself?

My Thoughts:

I am a great fan of historical fiction and this book really hit the spot. You have both the English Regency period and the French Revolution as the backdrop to this story. Shana Galen has done a wonderful job of portraying what French aristocrats may have gone through as they faced the demise of their way of life. How they were forced to flee for their lives and take up residence in other countries. This was a very interesting time period and I liked way Galen was able to give the reader that sense of urgency as Julien and his mother fled that night.

Julien was great character. He was honorable and honest and had all the qualities women look for. I enjoyed the banter between Julien and Serafina, showing a sense of humor in his character. I also liked the fact that he was loyal to his family. In this day and age that is so hard to find in families. Sarah's character was very endearing. An orphan that has made something of herself and become a governess. Then when pressed into service for her country to she takes on a mission that puts her own life in danger. I also liked that she was able to see the good in Julien and realize that there was no way he could be a traitor.

I really liked this book and I think you will too. I am giving away 2 copies of, The Making of a Duchess be sure to see the giveaway post!!! My interview with Shana was a pleasure as well.

I give this one 5 out of 5 apples from my book bag!

Shana Galen Interview & Giveaway

I was recently privileged to be able to do an interview with Shana Galen, author of The Making of a Duchess, Book 1 in her new Son's of the Revolution series. The details for the giveaway are at the end of the post.

DEB: Shana, can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

SHANA: Yes, and thanks for having me! I’m a former middle and high school English teacher. I mainly taught in Houston’s inner city, so I have combat experience. But I lasted eleven years in the job and stuck with the inner city kids because I felt that was where I was needed most. I’ve taught sixth, seventh, eighth, and tenth grades.

Now I write full time and stay home with my 9-month old daughter. When I have time, I like to read, run, and listen to music. Oh, and I like to sleep. I never seem to get enough sleep (can’t think why!). The Making of a Duchess is my sixth Regency historical romance.

DEB: Tell a little bit about your new historical series, The Sons of the Revolution and the first book, The Making of a Duchess.

SHANA: The Sons of the Revolution is a three-book series about brothers separated as children by the French Revolution. Their father, the duc de Valère, is sent to the guillotine, but Julien and his mother escape to England. Julien doesn’t know what became of his younger twin brothers, Armand and Sébastien. Julien doesn’t believe they perished when peasants attacked the family chateau, and he makes it his mission in life to find his brothers.

That’s where The Making of a Duchess begins. Julien has been searching for his brother Armand for several years, and his frequent trips to England’s enemy make him suspect. The Foreign Office decides to send a spy in to determine if the duc is a spy for the French. But the spy they planned to send is injured, and they’re forced to send someone not at all prepared for the task—Sarah Smith, a governess.

DEB: What was your inspiration for these books? Have you always been interested in this time period?

SHANA: My inspiration was Charles Dickens’s A Tale of Two Cities. I remember reading it in ninth grade and falling in love with the time period and the romantic Sydney Carton, in particular. Then when I taught tenth grade A Tale of Two Cities was a huge part of the curriculum. Teaching the book just made me adore it all the more, not to mention truly realize Dickens’s literary genius. I always wanted to write a book set in part during the French Revolution. I still love the glamour and romance of the Regency period, so with this book, I had the best of both worlds.

DEB: What type of research did you do for this novel?

SHANA: I researched crime and punishment quite a bit. The punishment for treason, of which Julien is accused, was hanging, drawing, and quartering. It’s the same punishment Charles Darnay faces in A Tale of Two Cities, so I had researched it when I was teaching the book and revisited those notes again. I always have to look up details about the Regency period, but I’m pretty familiar with the period after ten years of books set there. I wasn’t at all familiar with French nobility and had to research titles and rules of inheritance.

DEB: What is your normal writing day like? Do you have to have certain things in place for you write comfortably?

SHANA: I have a nanny who comes twice a week for four hours, and I go to Starbucks down the street and write ten pages or more on those days. The rest of the week, I write when my daughter naps. I aim for two pages a day and am ecstatic if I can accomplish more. My writing time is so limited I can’t afford to worry about comfort. All I need is my manuscript and a computer, but if I need to, I’ll write longhand.

DEB: What has your experience as published author been like for you? How did you feel when your first novel was published?

SHANA: The publishing world is a rollercoaster—one day you’re up, the next you’re down. There’s a lot of frenzy to get copyedits or revisions done quickly, and then a lot of time when you’re waiting and waiting for your editor to read what you’ve turned in. There’s no control. I’ve learned I can only control what I do and my reactions, so I try not to worry about what’s going on at the publishing houses. I just keep working and writing what I love and hope someone wants to read it.

My first novel was actually two. I had two novels come out the same month, When Dashing Met Danger and a chick lit written as Shane Bolks, The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly Men I’ve Dated. It was a really exciting time. I used to go to the bookstore just to see my books on the shelf, and I admit, I still do that. What can I say? It was a dream come true, and I get to realize my dream every day when I sit down at my computer. I feel very fortunate.

DEB: Do you have any advice for new writers?

SHANA: Don’t give up. I wanted to give up many times but decided to stick it out a little longer and that’s when something good would happen. The people who make it and stay in the business are those with the most persistence and dedication.

DEB: When you are not writing what types of books do you like to read? Do you have a favorite author?

SHANA: I like to read romance, especially historical but I also like contemporary. My favorite author is Susan Elizabeth Phillips. I also like Nora Roberts, Janet Evanovich, Julie Garwood, Marsha Canham, and Anne Rice.

DEB: What are you working on right now?

SHANA: I just finished The Making of a Rogue, which will be out in Spring 2011, and I’m working on a proposal for a new historical novel.

DEB: Tell us one thing people may not know about you?

SHANA: I’m a vegetarian. I don’t eat anything with a face.

GIVEAWAY DETAILS

Sourcebooks is giving my opportunity to give away 2 copies of, The Making of a Duchess. The rules are pretty simple.

1.) There will be 2 winners, U.S. & Canadian addresses, the books will be sent out by the publisher.

2.) You must be a follower of this blog.

3.) You must leave a comment on this post with your e-mail address, so I can contact you.

4.) The deadline for this giveaway is Midnight, EST, July 7.

EXTRA ENTRIES:

+5 for following me on twitter @justpeachy36

+5 for old followers

+3 for new followers

+5 for adding this giveaway to your sidebar

+5 for entering any other giveaway I am having

+10 for getting the word out on this giveaway via, twitter, facebook or a post on your blog.

Thank-You for participating!

Review: The Brothers of Gwynedd, Pt. 2

My Synopsis:

The Brothers of Gwynedd, Pt. 2: The Dragon at Noonday by Edith Pargeter

(For review from Sourcebooks)

Originally published in 1975, "The Dragon at Noonday" is the second book in The Brothers of Gwynedd Quartet by Edith Pargeter. It continues the story of Llewellyn, the first prince of a united Wales and his his family. "The Dragon at Noonday" picks up a few days after the first book, "Sunrise in the West" ends. The story begins in 1258 shortly after Llewellyn is crowned Prince of Wales by nearly all of his countrymen and continues through 1267 when England formally recognizes Llewellyn as the true Prince of Wales.

The book also details the struggle between King Henry III and a group of barons intent on reforming England, led by Simon de Montfort, Earl of Leicester. King Henry struggles to procure Sicily for his son, Edward, who would become Edward I. Because of this, he is willing to grant Wales a truce, which can be renewed, though not a true peace agreement. During this time Llewellyn is faced with his first traitor, who he must punish and use as a example to others who have sworn allegiance to him. With the help of his brother David he makes his stand.

David and Llewellyn's relationship has always been fraught with turmoil and it is really brought to a head when their mother Lady Senena dies. David eventually returns to England to fight alongside his childhood friend Edward, King Henry's son. England is plunged into a bitter civil war between King Henry and the supporters of Simon de Montfort. They are finally driven to a bloody battle at Evesham where yet again Llewellyn who supports Montfort and David who supports Edward and King Henry are on opposite sides.

Though many of the characters are based on real historical figures, Samson, Llewellyn's trusty clerk and good friend who narrates the story is fictional. Throughout the great history of Wales that is being told, Samson has his own story. In "Sunrise in the West", Samson met and fell in love with Cristin but is devastated when he finds her missing husband, Godred who is believed dead. Now in "The Dragon at Noonday" Samson's story continues, as his love for Cristin becomes stronger.

My Thoughts:

The Brothers of Gwynedd Quartet, altogether is close to 800 pages. Each section or book within it is around 200 pages making it easier to read and enjoy. I am a former history major and really enjoyed this book. It is very well researched and gives us a glimpse into what it was like during the 13th century. How politic's shaped the future of even the common man.

"The Dragon at Noonday", second book in the Quartet focuses on relationships. The relationship of King Henry III with is own people in England who desperately want reform. The relationship between Llewellyn, the first Prince of Wales and his brother David. The relationship between Samson, Cristin and Godred. It is a very character driven book, as we get to see how historical figures may have felt and reacted to everything that was happening around them.

I particularly enjoy the story within a story about Samson. The historical parts of the book can get a bit heavy. It is certainly not a light read, however the story of Samson seems to give the reader a bit of a break. They able to see how a commoner may have dealt with all the political turmoil as well as the turmoil in his own life. Llewellyn continues to be a character filled with honor and bound to his principles. David is a character that seems to be tortured and pulled into many directions. King Henry appears weak and unable to control his own country in this story and Edward seems very self serving and willing to do anything it takes to get what he wants.

The Brothers of Gwynedd is available now from your favorite bookseller!

This one definitely gets 5 out of 5 apples from my book bag!

Review: Strange Neighbors

My Synopsis:

Strange Neighbors (Strange Neighbors series - Book 1) by Ashlyn Chase

(For review from Sourcebooks)

Merry MacKenzie is finally out on her own, with her first apartment in the city. She's ready to live her life and find her future, but she doesn't expect it happen overnight. When Merry moves into an apartment building filled with unusual people, she meets the landlord, baseball pitcher, Jason Falco. Merry finds Jason attractive and they quickly begin to spend more time together, but she isn't sure she can give him her heart, he may just be a playboy.

With a vampire in the basement, a couple of witches up stairs, a very nosy manager, a ghost and a bunch of shapeshifter's in the building, Merry soon learns what it means to have strange neighbors. When she begins to understand that even Jason, is more than just a man, will she be able to see past the paranormal and find love? Will the ghost make peace with his past? Is Sly really Merry's birth father? How did all of these strange people end up together in one place?

My Thoughts:

Ashlyn Chase has done a wonderful job with this paranormal romance. She uses humor and the abnormal or strange to really showcase her talent as a writer. Strange Neighbors is filled with great characters, with interesting back stories. As the reader begins to learn about each character and find out what kind of paranormal abilities they have, it becomes less impossible to believe in the story and what's going on. These characters become more real. I have become a big fan of paranormal reading and this book really hits the spot in the genre. It's very well written and executed.

Merry, seems to be your typical girl next door character, but underneath that she has a very open mind and easily accepts her 'strange' neighbors and their quirks. She holds back with her heart where Jason is concerned more out of a sense of loyalty to her friend and to her idea of what her life was supposed to be like, but when she digs deeper and figures out what she really wants out of life she goes for it. Jason is the playboy, but he's ready to settle down. Now that he's sown his wild oats he sees what he wants and he goes for it as well. He seems to be strong character, but a great vulnerability where Merry is concerned, both great characters.

This book does have some adult language and sexual situations, so I wouldn't let my daughters read it just yet LOL...

I really enjoyed this book and I know you will too!

Strange Neighbors is available now from your favorite bookseller and I am having a giveaway for two copies as well. Just check the current giveaway on my sidebar for a link to the giveaway post.

I give this one 4 out of 5 apples from my book bag!