France Book Tours: BECOMING JOSEPHINE!! Review + GIVEAWAY!!

 

I am crazy about this book!

 MY REVIEW

You cannot imagine how excited I was to read this book- and when I finally received it...I could not put it down.  Let me begin by saying that it doesn't matter how many books you've already read on Josephine, BECOMING JOSEPHINE, will bring something new and of interest to you.

Written in the first person, BECOMING JOSEPHINE, offers an emotional story of Josephine's life, delivered with clarity, brevity, to the point and so much insight- this book will show you yet another side of our beloved 18th c. icon- I loved it!

I have to say that right from the beginning, Josephine is presented as not being the prettiest of the three sisters, and somewhat of a mischievous and curious young girl- making her so very real and not unlike a typical dreamy young teen.  Seeing her off to Paris to marry her first husband and all that he put her through...well that's just the beginning...we all know where the juiciest parts of the story really happen...

All this to say, that no matter if you already know this story- BECOMING JOSEPHINE is a newer and refreshing take that will please not only seasoned readers who already know so much about her, but also a younger adult audience as well.  Webb manages to bring us a Josephine that is understandable and relatable.  The Josephine in BECOMING JOSEPHINE is real and not the passive, flighty dame that history often makes her out to be. In this book, you read about a business savvy Josephine who was actually very instrumental in designing her own destiny (Tarot cards aside!).


A quick yet thorough read, BECOMING JOSEPHINE brings you accurate history delivered in an entertaining and fulfilling read- sure to please both historical fictionistas and new Jojo readers alike. 

You will love this book- a 2014 MUST!

 

GIVEAWAY!

 

Please enter your comment and email to participate in order to win this book! 

Author Heather WEBB

on Tour

January 2-11, 2014

with her historical novel:

Becoming Josephine

 Release date: Dec 31, 2013
from Plume/Penguin

    320 pages

Author’s Website | Goodreads

***

SYNOPSIS

Rose Tascher sails from her Martinique plantation to Paris to trade her Creole black magic culture for love and adventure. She arrives exultant to follow her dreams of attending Court with Alexandre, her elegant aristocrat and soldier husband. But Alexandre dashes her hopes and abandons her amid the tumult of the French Revolution. Through her savoir faire, Rose secures her footing in high society, reveling in handsome men and glitzy balls—until the heads of her friends begin to roll.
After narrowly escaping death in the blood-drenched cells of Les Carmes prison, she reinvents herself as Josephine, a socialite of status and power. Yet her youth is fading, and Josephine must choose between a precarious independence and the love of an awkward suitor. Little does she know, he would become the most powerful man of his century- Napoleon Bonaparte.
BECOMING JOSEPHINE is a novel of one woman’s journey to find eternal love and stability, and ultimately to find herself.
(SEX & VIOLENCE: There is a little of each, though I didn’t go into great detail in either category) [provided by the author]

***

ADVANCE PRAISE
[AS FEATURED ON THE AUTHOR'S WEBSITE]

“Webb adds new frisson to the often fictionalized travails of an unlikely empress…Although the book covers the same ground as many other treatments of Josephine’s life and times, Webb’s portrayal of the range of Josephine’s experience—narrow escapes from bloodshed and disease, dinner-table diplomacy, and her helpless love for Napoleon, her children and a small dog—is exceptionally concise and colorful. A worthy fictional primer on Empress Josephine.” KIRKUS

 

Perfectly balancing history and story, character and setting, detail and pathos, Becoming Josephine marks a debut as bewitching as its protagonist.” –Erika Robuck, author of Hemingway’s Girl
“With vivid characters and rich historical detail, Heather Webb has portrayed in Josephine a true heroine of great heart, admirable strength, and inspiring courage whose quest is that of women everywhere: to find, and claim, oneself.”  –Sherry Jones, bestselling author of The Jewel of the Medina
“Josephine’s warmth and complexity comes to vibrant life in this fascinating novel rich with vivid historical detail.”—Teresa Grant, Author of THE PARIS AFFAIR
“Vivid and passionate, Becoming Josephine captures the fiery spirit of the woman who stole Napoleon’s heart and enchanted an empire. –Susan Spann, author of The Shinobi Mysteries
“A fast-paced, riveting journey, Becoming Josephine captures the volatile mood of one of the most intense periods of history—libertine France, Caribbean slave revolts, the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars—from the point of a view of one of its key witnesses, Josephine Bonaparte.” –Dana Gynther, author of Crossing on the Paris
“Spellbinding . . . Heather Webb’s novel takes us behind the mask of the Josephine we thought we knew.” –Christy English, author of How to Tame a Willful Wife and To Be Queen
“Enchanting prose takes the reader on an unforgettable journey . . . Captivating young Rose springs from the lush beauty of her family’s sugar plantation in Martinique to shine in the eighteenth century elegance of Parisian salon society. When France is torn by revolution, not even the blood-bathed terror of imprisonment can break her spirit.” –Marci Jefferson, author of Girl on the Gold Coin, Thomas Dunne Books, 2014

***

VIRTUAL BOOK TOUR SCHEDULE

Thursday, Jan 2
Review + Giveaway at I Am, Indeed

Friday, Jan 3
Review + Giveaway at Queen of All She Reads
Review at Jorie Loves A Story

Saturday, Jan 4
Review + Giveaway at The Most Happy Reader

Sunday, Jan 5
Review + Giveaway at Flashlight Commentary
Review at Books A To Z

Monday, Jan 6
Review + Giveaway at Caffeinatedlife.net

Wednesday, Jan 8
Review + Giveaway at Words And Peace

Thursday, Jan 9
Review + Giveaway at Enchanted by Josephine

Friday, Jan 10
Interview at Enchanted by Josephine
Review at Ciska’s Book Chest

Saturday, Jan 11
Special Spotlight at Enchanted by Josephine

WINNER of: TAKING ROOT IN PROVENCE!!

The WINNER of this AWESOME book,

is...

Raquel Muniz!!!!

CONGRATS!!

REVIEW + 3 HARDBOOK GIVEAWAY: THE CONVERSATION!!!!

  

 THE CONVERSATION

SYNOPSIS

After pulling the French people back from the abyss of chaos and misrule, Napoleon Bonaparte is on the brink of declaring himself emperor. “An empire is a Republic that has been enthroned,” he says. And so history is made.

As Napoleon stands at the precipice of his new empire, Jean d’Ormesson’s novel The Conversation: The Night Napoleon Changed the World captures a fictional conversation in which the thirty-year-old, struggling between revolutionary ideals and his overwhelming thirst for power, declares his secret intention to ascend the throne.
 Second Consul Jean-Jacques Cambacérès, a brilliant law scholar and close ally, bears witness to the birth of this self-created legend: a man who left his mark upon time not through birth, but with ambition, and whose hubris is still invoked as a cautionary tale. Their imagined conversation brilliantly captures the tenuous moment when one man’s dream becomes reality. History, of course, records Napoleon’s dizzying triumphs and subsequent fall.

MY REVIEW 

 I read this Napoleon novel as part of France Book Tours (they always offer me the most original treasures!).  I loved it from the get-go and at a little over 100 pages, it was a breeze to read.  And- As the saying goes with wonderful things coming in small packages- this one truly is a jewel!

If you are a Napoleon lover, you will find that this glimpse into a slice of Bonaparte's life through a conversation with Cambaceres, the Second Consul (and the man who helped Napoleon write the Napoleonic Code), truly fantastic! This conversation, although relatively brief, is chock-full with the recounting of Bonaparte's life in a nutshell.  His conquests are relived, re-thought and contemplated upon.  But it's not all about battles and conquests...the man actually shares feelings and thoughts regarding family, Josephine and more.  

Napoleon and Cambaceres, who besides their common goals regarding work (the ruling of France!), discussing, reminiscing and encouraging each other ( praising, chastising and recommending as well!) speak candidly as two ordinary men would.  THE CONVERSATION, brings a sense of humanity to Bonaparte through an exchange that could absolutely have taken place.  It brings us to a deeper level within the man, where other books have rather concentrated on his mind.

It's not all filled with serious stuff and in  particular, because it is a conversation, so much more is brought to the reader- and that is what is most entertaining.  At one point Napoleon talks about 'the Shawl' episode in his life (pertaining to his sister and Josephine)- a gossipy banality- but a reality in Napoleon's life that actually caused family drama.  Napoleon shares how distressed such family conflicts affect him. I enjoyed reading these tid-bits that helped bring this larger- than- life persona to a credible and feeling 'regular guy' (if that's even possible with Napoleon!).

Transported right into the room, beside these two men, I felt almost privileged in taking part of this great conversation.  History buffs, you need this one on your shelf!

About the Author
Jean d’Ormesson is the author of more than fifteen books, has a PhD in philosophy, graduated from the École Normale, and is a distinguished member of the Académie Française. He lives in Paris.
About the Translator

Timothy Bent has translated a number of books from French, including Brassaï’s Henry Miller: The Paris Years, Emmanuel Carrère’s I Am Alive and You Are Dead: A Journey into the Mind of Philip K. Dick, and Stéphane Audeguy’s novel, The Theory of Clouds. A former editor at Arcade Publishing, St. Martin’s Press, and Harcourt, he is currently Executive Editor, Trade, at Oxford University Press in New York, where he focuses upon history, biography, and current events.

Release date: November 6, 2013

Page number: 128
Publisher link: http://www.arcadepub.com/book/?GCOI=55970104236100& 
ISBN: 978-1-61145-905-0
Also available as Ebook


Purchasing information:
o   Available online and wherever books are sold.
o   http://www.amazon.com/Conversation-Jean-dOrmesson/dp/1611459052/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1382112990&sr=1-1&keywords=the+conversation+arcade
o   http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-conversation-jean-dormesson/1114836020?ean=9781611459050
o   http://www.indiebound.org/book/9781611459050

VIRTUAL BOOK TOUR SCHEDULE

Monday, December 2
Review + Giveaway at Enchanted By Josephine

Tuesday, December 3
Review + Giveaway at I Am, Indeed

Wednesday, December 4
Review + Excerpt + Giveaway at
Musings of a Writer and Unabashed Francophile

Thursday, December 5
Review + Giveaway at Words And Peace

Friday, December 6
Review + Giveaway at Making My Mark

GIVEAWAY!!! 3 HARDBOOK COVERS!!! (US only)

Please leave your comment as well as the email address as to where I can contact you.

GOOD LUCK!!!

 

Taking Root in Provence- INTERNATIONAL Paper Back GIVEAWAY!!!

As part of France Book Tours,

 I had the immense pleasure of reading and reviewing 

Taking Root in Provence, 

by Anne- Marie Simons.

 

What would it be like for you and your loved one to pick up and relocate to another country? How about Provence?!

Anne-Marie Simons and husband, Oscar, did just that a few years ago when they moved from their home in the US, and have never looked back since.  Do you blame them? Aix-en-Provence, according to Anne-Marie's book, Taking Root in Provence, is one festive day after another.  There are saints' days, Corridas, season and harvest days- it's one holiday after another. Even on regular days it would seem the people of Provence are celebrating something!

Being surrounded by friends, family and outrageously delicious food has to count for something..Taking Root in Provence fills you with the need to buy airfare and go!  There is a sense of people taking the time to savour life, not just while eating and celebrating- it's the day-to-day in Provence that adds colour and dimension to people's lives.  Even a trip to the butcher can entail conversation that has one walking out with more than just fresh meat.

Extremely entertaining and well-written, Taking Root in Provence, whisked me away to open-air eating with a nice glass of wine one day- to a Corrida the next (historically, Provence has a strong Spanish influence and even their own dialect).  I loved reading about Simons' customary- after- lunch hikes (the French love hiking- no wonder they're so fit!). And in between lunch and hiking? Lying under a tree and taking a little 'sieste' is de rigueur.

Do you need to get away, even if just mentally? Taking Root in Provence is an absolute- must- read!  With all this packed info on Provence, you can absolutely use it as a guide...but honestly, you will devour this gem for the essence and sheer pleasure it brings. Taking Root in Provencee immerses you into France, and begs you to embrace Provence's ways...who can refuse to taste a bit of this dreamy life?  Speaking of taste, at the back of the book, Oscar shares some delectable recipes.

Join Anne-Marie Simons in her new dreamy life in Provence...You won't want this book to end!

Excellent!!

INTERNATIONAL GIVEAWAY!!!

Leave your comment and email address to enter

To read more on this delicious book,
The Tour is announced here:
http://francebooktours.com/2013/06/05/anne-marie-simons-on-upcoming-tour-taking-root-in-provence/

Synopsis:

Two expatriates left Washington DC in search of the ideal place to retire where climate, culture, accessibility and natural beauty all had a role to play. Curious about the vaunted quality of life in the south of France, they traveled the length and width of Provence where, preferring the city to the countryside, they decided to settle in the ancient town of Aix-en-Provence. That was in 1998 and Taking Root in Provence is the story of their slow integration into the French mainstream — both easier and more difficult than expected but ultimately successful.

In a series of vignettes Anne-Marie Simons gives us a warts-and-all picture of life among the French and with warmth and humor shares her lessons learned. Contrary to most publications about Provence, this book focuses on life in the city rather than the quiet countryside, and promises to be both informative and revealing to those who want to spend more than a passing holiday here. [from the author's website]

ISBN 978-0-9802175-7-5

212 pages

Release Date: March 1, 2011 by Distinction Press

 Author Information:

Anne-Marie Simons has worked as a translator, teacher, journalist, sportswriter (covering Formula 1 races), and director of corporate communications.

Her Argentine husband, Oscar, left a career in international development banking to become an expert on Provençal cooking and other local pleasures. [from the publisher’s website]

 Author Links:

Website

Blog

takingrootinprovence@gmail.com  anne-marie.rozic@live.fr

Facebook

 Book Links:

Goodreads

Buy directly from the publisher

Buy on Amazon

Kindle edition

See Elizabeth Chadwick's Guest Post and Giveway...

There is a Giveaway of THE OUTLAW KNIGHT, and a Guestpost by Author Elizabeth Chadwick, over at HF Book Muse- News- Check it out:)

HUGE ANNOUNCEMENT for Authors, Readers and Reviewers!!!

My Beloved Enchanted by Josephine site will go back to its original purpose: My writing and researching of all that is historical- with Josephine as my muse.

With time, it seems that Enchanted By Josephine, slowly got eaten up SOLELY by Book Reviews and Giveaways - so I thought I had better create a new place for all my Book Loving Stuff (which includes my reviews, interviews and Giveaways), and let Enchanted by Josephine thrive with my writing and research focused mainly on historical women, as originally planned.

So now where will all my bookish musings get posted??

HF BOOK MUSE- NEWS!!!

I wanted to create a place where historical fiction book lovers could come read all that's bookish...And more-so, I wanted it to be a place where we can learn even more about who's behind the book:  

The Author, the Reader, the Reviewer.

HF Book Muse- News will not only focus on all book-related news (upcoming releases, new events, books-into-movies, Giveaways...and of course Reviews!).  In addition, a large part of this site will be dedicated to Author news, Reader and Reviewer news, Interviews (Lists, lists, lists!)- plus interesting insights and posts for all who love history and historical fiction. 

With time I've discovered my passion for learning more about the people behind the books (all of us HF lovers!) and I particularly love interviews and guest posts. These are wonderful channels for authors and readers to get better acquainted- so there will be a strong tendency towards these:) I'm open to suggestions and would love for you to contact me if you're interested!

To read more and for more info please hop on over to my new site to read more: HF BOOK MUSE- NEWS

AS FOR THIS SITE- Please keep following for my historical research articles and fun tid-bits- I'll still be writing here!

BUT- I don't want to lose you all, so if you want to keep reading my interviews, book reviews and enter my Giveaways, please go to HF BOOK MUSE- NEWS-  I'd really appreciate that:))

To celebrate there will be a Smashing Opening Giveaway soon...so I hope you'll be there!

France Book Tours- Review and GIVEAWAY of THE MANY LIVES OF MISS K.!!

Today as part of France Book Tours

Read my Review of THE MANY LIVES OF MISS K.

By Jean-Noel Liaut

And then enter the Giveaway!

My Review:

Miss K. stands for legendary icon and more, Catharina “Toto” Koopman.  Born in Indonesia in 1908- her father was Dutch and her mother was half Indonesian with Chinese ancestry.  And although at the time this was cause for much prejudice and segregation, Toto did not seem affected by this at all. In fact, she became to be the first- and very acclaimed bi-racial celebrity model.  Under the tutelage of Coco Chanel, Toto became famous in her own right, spearing ahead to become more than just a glamourous model.

Not only was Toto gorgeous and exotic, she was also very strong-minded with exceptional optimism even at the harshest of times in her life.  Her beauty and wits- not to mention her flaunting independence- made Toto notorious as a woman who made her mark in 20^th century Europe.  She spoke several languages, was well-versed in the arts (a muse for one of the most important galleries from the 40’s to the 70’s that launched famous artists), was a fashion enigma, a spy for the resistance during World War II – and she survived the Holocaust!

This adventuress woman, whose quest for independence had no limits, lived an outrageously unconventional life- even her romances had no sexual boundaries or gender preference. Toto really was unique and outstanding in all that she lived- almost to the point of it sounding surreal were it not for the true historical accounting for it all.

The Many Lives of Miss K., by Jean-Noel Liaut is a fascinating read.  There is nothing missing in terms of accuracy and delicious recounting of the history itself.  And although at times it reads quite factually, the book is chock-full of very personal, insightful, brow-raising, shocking, and extremely interesting information, that I just could not put this down.  

The Many Lives of Miss K.:  A definite page-turner that unfolds the life of a spectacular individual whose life could not be more incredible if it were fiction!

Check out the tour at FRANCE BOOK TOURS, to read more reviews and enter the other Giveaways: 

Scheduled HERE.

And now... It's GIVEAWAY Time!

To Enter:

Please leave your comment with your email address

For EXTRA Chances:  Spread the message on FB, Twitter, Pinterest, Linkedi...etc- Come back and leave the links

Open to Canada and US-  GOOD LUCK!!!