Book Review: THE PENDANT, by Mirella Patzer

  The Pendant, by Mirella Patzer

 With the summer heat already upon us here, I thought I’d take a break from my usual historical  reads to something slightly different while still set within the delicious past.   I indulged in an historical romance where the setting and period brought me back in history without the worries of historical accuracy of real events or people.  I didn’t want to be bogged down in any way- except for pure pleasure reading.  And- if the story could be one set in Italy- then what could be more perfect for me?

In Mirella Patzer’s, The Pendant, I got all that and more!  Set in medieval Genoa, this is the story of Countess Morena, (last living heir of Umberto Monterossa) and her abducting(in a good way, believe it or not) beau, Amoro, Duke of Genoa. Sure this is a story of a grand romance, but within it all, there is a quest for a treasure, a mysterious pendant, a rival-brute, abductions, marriage by force, a conniving temptress, atrocious situations (most of which involve torture), murder, heart wrenching moments, and yes, lots of love (involving hot passion...).

Not only is Patzer’swriting style exquisite, the plot to this story is fantastic!  Patzer knows how to weave a tale that will keep you guessing.  Of course, when romance is involved, one usually knows where the story is headed- but in this case, due to the high level of adrenaline and excitement, I was often caught off-guard, and entertained from beginning to end.  I must admit, that even some of the more gruesome situations kept me hooked so that I could find relief in the transition of the outcome revealed.  This was a true surprise for me, because honestly, I’m really not one to stomach graphics of any kind- and there’s a bit more sex than I was prepared for - YET; all that is quite secondary in relation to how fascinating the storyline really is.

Countess Morena is not your regular frail, romance beauty; and Duke Amoro is not your typical tall-dark- handsome- win’em all kind of royal.  The trials and tribulations at the hands of the horrid Ernesto,  saw our main characters live through defeat, humiliation and more, in the name of love and loyalty.  There’s so much detail in this story that I believe touches relevant issues that also apply in the lives of today’s women, in terms of gender equality, morals and virtue, choices and more...In other words there’s alot to ponder here.  In its intensity, The Pendant locks a whole realm of substance and content within heartfelt romance.

Deeper than I thought- I really enjoyed this.

Letter M is for: Mistress of The Sun (ABC in History...)

Today, I have another review for The ABC in History Challenge hosted by Marg at Historical Tapestry. 

Have I mentioned how much I love this challenge?  Well the reason I like it so much is because first of all it's easy to play along; all I have to do is look up one of my past reviews or books I'm presently reading, and then just write a post about it.  But the next best thing is that I get to go back and relish these books.  By reading over my review and going back to browse the book, I get right bak into it flipping pages to my favourite parts...like going down memory lane if you will;)  I've been so busy lately that I've sort of passed on posting a couple of letters- but couldn't be kept away forever so I'm back today for:

LETTER:   M

And the book I chose today is one I really loved by favourite author Sandra Gulland.  

Mistress of The Sun, by Sandra Gulland

Gulland writes a splendid story about Louise de Lavallière and Louis XIV (my favourite French king!)- romance, superstition, intrigue, deception, loyalty and faith- plus so much more in this one.  Louise's tender love and total devotion to the Sun King wrenched my heart. The whole essence of this book is magical and their love too wonderful to be true...This is a book that always stands out for me when I think about any part of Louis's life and the books written about him.  Loved it. 

You can read my review of this sublime read here.

Book Review: No Will But His...

 No Will But His, Sarah A. Hoyt

Just when I thought I’d read it all and had my fill on Kathryn Howard, comes a book to rekindle my heart. No Will But His, the title of this sublime read, was also Kathryn’s chosen motto... it couldn’t have been more perfect. Kathryn definitely had no say, from beginning to end- and that’s not only where Henry was concerned; Kathryn indulged everyone.

Caring too much about others while forsaking herself along the way, Kathryn dared not hurt or disappoint. Hoyt captures this essence completely, and I for one, am thankful for this most accurate and genuine portrayal of this sadly and misused, puppet queen.

Too many books have capitalized on making the young queen appear overly sexed, flighty, non-caring and downright stupid (these are probably the same people who’ve wrongly slotted Ann Boleyn as well). If you’re a Tudor buff, you know what I mean. Hoyt went the extra mile to really bring out Kathryn’s caring nature and almost self-sacrificial way to be.

What generally comes off as not too deep and rather silly, is in this book revealed as something that goes way deeper. There was much thought and reason brewing in that pretty head, and for the most of it, the conclusions sought were brought forth by the heart- and her fear.

True, Kathryn’s choices ultimately contributed to her tragedy, but when you consider the options...Giving Henry an heir would have solved everything- or so she thought.

The unravelling of her life through a fabrication of gossip would ultimately destroy her reputation and undo her totally. Her word, as much as her tragic death, meant nothing to no one.

For those who would love to get a feel for what Kathryn’s life was like prior to Henry, this book indulges the reader mostly in this part of her life. It’s only in the latter part of the book that Henry shows up for a brief time (very short marriage indeed...)

To understand how transparently genuine, innocent and harmless, this young queen really was, all you need to do is read the part when she meets Anne of Cleves...Her acceptance of the former queen is sublimely humble and quite touching- I loved that part.

Calling all Tudor buffs: You’ll enjoy No Will But His- for sure!

I will be entering this book as my first Challenge read for Marie’s Tudor Mania Challenge over at The Burton Review.

Book Review: THE QUEEN'S PAWN...

 The Queen’s Pawn, by Christy English

What an incredibly different and refreshing take on the grand Queen Eleanor! This was the first time that I read anything in such detail about Eleanor that revolved around her life and that of Alais, the French Princess (daughter of King Louis- Eleanor’s first husband). Written in interchanging points of views, Eleanor’s and Alais’ personalities came through as though I were hearing their actual voice.

Not only do the style and language flow beautifully, the writing morphs reflective of Eleanor’s courts of love– this in itself is truly creative on English’s part.  There’s almost a poetic flow to the thoughts and words making the dialogs truly reflective of the times. Sensuous and descriptive, the language helped set the mood for this exquisite read.

As for the ladies themselves...this is one book that gets you right into their psyche.  I was amazed to read about Eleanor in this new light. Don’t get me wrong, Eleanor’s strength and scheming mind is present throughout and never diminished-what was different for me was to read about her genuine love for Alais; a daughter she loved as her own. Alais reciprocated this love in her own hungry way-Eleanor was her life- the mother she never had.

This was definitely Eleanor in a new role for that major historical period. Christy English focused mostly on what was happening ‘behind the scenes’- the reasons as to why the major historical figures might have reacted the way they did if circumstances had presented themselves in this way. By slightly altering the dates and consequently the meetings and relationship occurrences, English re-created an intense story of love, loyalty, and innocence versus revenge, to finally meet truce for an everlasting bond. 

There's also something to say abut the liaisons between the ladies and the main gents in this story; King Henry and Richard (Eleanor's favorite son). I loved reading about innocent love transformed into an about-face passion that caught me completely off guard.  To what extent would Alais give of herself to love?  To what extent would Eleanor go to insure the love remains hers (with all angles covered)?  Intricate indeed and sublimely well plotted- Bravo Christy English!

Ultimately, The Queen’s Pawn succeeded in reinforcing my admiration for Eleanor and elevating her to an even higher status (something I thought had reached its peak awhile ago).  As for Alais, here was a young woman that could stand her own; having learned the ropes from the very best- Eleanor.  But although I learned so much more about Alais, and recognized her hardship and almost sacrificial youth with something more to offer, her strengths could never come close to Aquitaine’s Queen. Eleanor is regal throughout this book.  She is unforgettable, unattainable and unmistakably supreme.

 Loved it!

Victoria GIVEAWAY Winner!!

The Winner of the two lovely books in honor of that wonderful Queen Victoria!

  is....

Jessica Marie of Books Love Jessica Marie!!

Please email me your contact info: enchantedbyjosephine@blogspot.com

Happy Birthday Queen Victoria-Book Review + Giveaway!!

For this last day of Queen Victoria Long Weekend Binge, I have a fun Book Review for you:)  Have you read: What the Victorians Didn`t Do for Us...A Collection of Their Useless Advice

This book is a blast! It`s a quick, fun read that describes some of the strangest things the Victorians thought up, or implemented to get by their everyday lives.  
They used charcola as a teeth whitener and when their teeth got really bad they bought tetth from those who sold theirs to get by.  Victorian wome wore as many as twelve items at a time.  The corsets women wore were so restrictive that they swooned quite often- so rather than stay home for being so delicate, they simply had a rib removed!

There are so many strange things in this book varying from areas of domestic functions, foreign affairs, social graces, curious cures- just to m=name a few.  I loved this little book (a mere 126 pages) for its most interesting look at the ways of the Victorians- so much info!  And after reading this, even though I love Victoria, I have to agree that not all that`s often good necessarily stems from the Victorian times!

And now, for my GIVEAWAY!!! This is my way of saying THANK YOU for dropping by and helping to add to the fun of this great long weekend:)

All in all there were some remarkably charming Victorians- and here I have for you a book about a very gracious one who wrote a splendid journal of her days:

A VICTORIAN LADY`S ALBUM- Kate Shannon`s Halifax & Boston Diary of 1892, by Della Stanley

 This is such a precious book!  It`s filled with letters, photographs with handwritten mementos, theatre stubs-In a few words: it breathes with Victorian life.  If you are interested in reading this type of beautiful memoir- this is the book for you!

I`m also throwing in a 1977 copy of The Victoria and Albert Museum Souvenir Guide,

so that you can enjoy the history and gorgeous art collection (gold, statues, paintings, artifacts, icons, even dolls! and much more).

So- For all you Victorian Buffs- Here`s how to ENTER:

First and Foremost: You must be a FOLLOWER of this Blog

AND- This is open to CANADA and USA only

2 extra Chances every time you FB or TWEET about this
5 EXTRA Chances for posting this on your Sidebar

Winner Announced JUNE 1st

GOOD LUCK!!!

Thank you so much for participating!

Victoria Day Weekend in Art...

I`ve got a huge Victoria Day Weekend fest happening over at my history blog, with posts, reviews and giveaway.  So, in honor of this Royal Queen`s birthday on the 24th, I decided to draw her!