Review - The Brave by Nicholas Evans (audiobook)

By the author of The Horse Whisperer

TITLE:   The Brave: A Novel
AUTHOR/EDITOR:    Nicholas Evans
INFO:    Paperback Audiobook, Fiction, 9 cds
PUBLISHED:   Hachette Audio, 2010
ISBN#:   978-1-60788-929-7
HOW'D I GET IT:   Received from Hachette for Review

FROM GOODREADS:  Tommy Bedford was just eight years old when he learned that his "older sister" was actually his mother. That shock was soon supplanted by glee when his youthful, glamorous mom became the amour of the TV cowboy most idolized. One sudden thrust of tragedy ended that idyllic moment, sending mother and son into frantic escape. Fast forward forty years later: Tommy has become Tom, a writer and documentary filmmaker, divorced and estranged from his only son. When that soldier son is arrested and charged in a military court for committing an atrocity in Iraq, Bedford must finally confront not only his own son, but his own hidden past.


MY TAKE:  When I heard about this book from the author of "The Horse Whisperer", I knew it was one I had to have.  "The Horse Whisperer" stuck with me for years so I had high hopes that this would be just as memorable.  I wasn't disappointed.

Nicholas Evans has once again created characters who drive a very well imagined plot.  The background and scenery are excellent, but it is the people who grab you and keep you involved in their lives.  Tommy and Diane are both fairly intense and their interaction really pulls the reader's heartstrings.  I loved Cal.  He is written very much like some of the real horseman in my life and made me think of them at times.

I enjoyed the fact that this story was based in both Tommy's youth and his later years.  The author did a great job of blending the time periods as well as showing the aftermath and effects of Tommy's childhood on his grown-up life and relationships.  It especially explained a lot about his difficult relationship with his son Daniel.

The narration was very good on this audiobook.  Actor Michael Emerson (of Lost fame) is outstanding in bringing this book to life.  This is so critical to me as a single voice can make or break an audiobook for me.  I got lost in the story while driving due to his excellent tones and characterisations.

I highly recommend this audiobook, especially to those who loved "The Horse Whisperer" as much as I did.  This is bound to become a new favorite.
   
MY RATING:    4/5

WHERE TO BUY IT:    Amazon,  The Book Depository

 

~~~~~ Disclaimer:  All opinions expressed on this blog are 100% my own.  I do not receive monetary compensation for my reviews but do utilize affiliate links.  I may receive books in  order to facilitate a review, but this does not guarantee a good review - only a completely honest one.  Each review post denotes how I obtained the book.

Review - The Scent of Jasmine by Jude Deveraux

Would you risk your life—on the love of a lifetime?

TITLE:    The Scent of Jasmine
AUTHOR/EDITOR:   Jude Deveraux
INFO:    Paperback, Fiction, 412 pages
PUBLISHED:   Pocket Books, 2011
ISBN#:   978-0-7434-7902-8
HOW'D I GET IT:   Received from Pocket for Review

FROM GOODREADS:  Charleston, 1799: A daughter of Southern gentility and a gifted painter, Catherine Edilean Harcourt has no lack of suitors at home in Virginia, waiting to fulfill her dream of marriage and family. But Cay’s adventurous spirit, fostered by growing up with her three brothers, is piqued while visiting her godfather in South Carolina. Bedridden with a broken leg, he asks Cay to fill in for him on an urgent task: on her way to a fancy dress ball, she must deliver a packed horse to an old friend’s son—who also happens to be an escaped convict charged with murdering his wife! Cay agrees to the plan, which doesn’t go at all as planned .

. . whereupon she finds herself fleeing Alexander McDowell’s captors, riding blind into the night with the fugitive Scotsman. Though she should fear him, Cay finds herself overwhelmingly attracted to Alex, and drawn into his tale of misguided justice and his innocence as they seek refuge in the steamy Florida everglades. Will trusting him be the worst mistake of her life? Or will falling in love be the salvation both of them have been looking for?

MY TAKE:    A thoroughly enjoyable read.  Jude Deveraux has another best-seller on her hands.  This fourth installment in the Edilean Series is definitely a gem.

The characters are the shining stars of this fast-paced romp set in 1799 Charleston.  The setting and plot are well done, but the driving force is unarguably the people.  We meet the spirited Catherine aka Cay who is not quite ready to settle on just any man.  She wants it all - love, fun and adventure.  Alex is just the man to provide the adventure part, but can he come through on the love?  And keep Cay in check as well as safe?

The author is a long-time master/mistress of blending love and intrigue and this novel is no exception.  We are taken along on the ride with these two engaging fugitives as they try to prove Alex's innocence while staying alive. 

This book is definitely a stand-alone story, but is also an integral part of the Edilean Series.  The next installment "Scarlet Nights" will also be out soon.
   
MY RATING:    4/5

WHERE TO BUY IT:    Amazon, Powell's Books, The Book Depository, IndieBound

 

~~~~~ Disclaimer:  All opinions expressed on this blog are 100% my own.  I do not receive monetary compensation for my reviews but do utilize affiliate links.  I may receive books in  order to facilitate a review, but this does not guarantee a good review - only a completely honest one.  Each review post denotes how I obtained the book.

Review - Earl of Darkness by Alix Rickloff

Every touch, every look holds danger as its promise....

TITLE:    Earl of Darkness (Heirs of Kilronan)

AUTHOR/EDITOR:    Alix Rickloff

INFO:    Paperback, Fiction, 341 pages

PUBLISHED:   Pocket, January 2011

ISBN#:   978-1-4391-7036-6

HOW'D I GET IT:   Received from Pocket for Review

FROM GOODREADS:  The magic she tries to hide . . .


Born a lady, but reduced to surviving in the slums of Dublin, Catriona O’Connell has been hired to steal a mysterious book from Aidan Douglas, Earl of Kilronan. But Cat is secretly Other, an age-old mixture of Fey and human—something Aidan recognizes immediately when he surprises the lovely young burglar in his library, about to steal a magical diary.

. . . is the magic he desperately wants.


From the moment Aidan sees her, Cat’s spirited beauty enchants him, but her uncanny abilities are what he truly needs, for Cat can understand the mystical language in the diary he inherited from his murdered father. So Aidan makes an offer: translate the book or be thrown in prison as a thief. And as Cat slowly deciphers each page, she and Aidan are drawn together by passion . . . and into the violence of the Other world that is the Kilronan legacy. Can they defeat those who seek the book, or are their lives in even greater danger than their hearts?

MY TAKE:  This is the 1st in the new Heirs of Kilronan series from Alix Rickloff.  I am thrilled to have been one of the early readers of this fantastic new book.

The author has created a mystical realm full of magic, love and intrigue.  The lovely Cat is down on her luck when she takes a job to steal a diary from the dark and mysterious Earl of Kilronan, Aidan Douglas.  

The characters are very richly written and draw you quickly into their story and their lives.  You find yourself becoming the champion of one and then the other throughout the story.  I immediately liked both of them which is unusual for me as I tend to favor one side when I read romances.  The skillful blending of mystery, love story and paranormal mythology left me anxiously awaiting the next installment in the series:  "Lady of Shadows". 
     

MY RATING:    4.5/5

WHERE TO BUY IT:    Amazon, The Book Depository, The Book Depository, Powell's Books

 

~~~~~ Disclaimer:  All opinions expressed on this blog are 100% my own.  I do not receive monetary compensation for my reviews but do utilize affiliate links.  I may receive books in  order to facilitate a review, but this does not guarantee a good review - only a completely honest one.  Each review post denotes how I obtained the book.

Books & Chocolates February SWAP

I really had a good time being in two book swaps this Christmas season.  The Secret Santa swap was hosted by The Neverending Shelf and I also took part in the Book Blogger Holiday Swap.  I enjoyed finding goodies to send to my swap buddies and I received lovely surprises in the mail myself.   

So I decided that I'd like to do this again in the near future.  Twelve months is too long to wait to do it again.  Valentine's Day seems like it would be a perfect time to share two favorite hobbies/pastimes/addictions with each other.  Books and Chocolate!

If you're interested in more info, I've created a special page with all of the details, a button for your blog and a form for signing up.  It can be accessed HERE.  The sign-ups will close on January 20th so we can all have time to find goodies for and get them shipped to our partners. 

Let me know what you think and if I haven't covered all the bases or set this up right, please contact me so I can get it fixed or answered immediately.  I'm trying to make this go as smoothly as possible.

 

~~~~~ Disclaimer:  All opinions expressed on this blog are 100% my own.  I do not receive monetary compensation for my reviews but do utilize affiliate links.  I may receive books in  order to facilitate a review, but this does not guarantee a good review - only a completely honest one.  Each review post denotes how I obtained the book.

More Lucky Ducks aka Winners

Both of these drawings ended on Christmas Eve and I am finally getting around to posting the lucky winners.  Don't forget to enter the Steamy Reads for Snowy Nights giveaway that ends New Year's Eve.  THREE winners will each win FOUR BOOKS!

Duchess of Sin (Daughters of Erin)

#11 Raven99

#3 PoKoCat

#8 Jessica

In case you weren't one of the lucky winners, you can purchase a copy HERE

Tempted by Fate (The Guardians of Destiny)

#3 elaing8

#10 Khyla

#7 jkrowyn

In case your lucky # didn't get drawn this time, buy a copy HERE.

Congratulations to the winners and a big Thank You to Hachette Books for these great giveaways.

 

~~~~~ Disclaimer:  All opinions expressed on this blog are 100% my own.  I do not receive monetary compensation for my reviews but do utilize affiliate links.  I may receive books in  order to facilitate a review, but this does not guarantee a good review - only a completely honest one.  Each review post denotes how I obtained the book.

Merry Christmas

I just wanted to say a quick Merry Christmas to everyone and I hope your holidays have been full of family, love and good cheer.

 

~~~~~ Disclaimer:  All opinions expressed on this blog are 100% my own.  I do not receive monetary compensation for my reviews but do utilize affiliate links.  I may receive books in  order to facilitate a review, but this does not guarantee a good review - only a completely honest one.  Each review post denotes how I obtained the book.

Midwinter's Eve Giveaway Hop Winner!

Congratulations

to our winner of the Midwinter's Eve Giveaway Hop: 

#66 is none other than nfmgirl 

She wins the $10.00 worth of books from

Congrats!  I hope everyone had as much fun as I did hopping around all of the great blogs that participated. 

A big Thank YOU to

Inspired Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer

for hosting this great hop.

 

~~~~~ Disclaimer:  All opinions expressed on this blog are 100% my own.  I do not receive monetary compensation for my reviews but do utilize affiliate links.  I may receive books in  order to facilitate a review, but this does not guarantee a good review - only a completely honest one.  Each review post denotes how I obtained the book.

Review - The Shattering: Prelude to Cataclysm (World of Warcraft) by Christie Golden

TITLE:    World of Warcraft: The Shattering: Prelude to Cataclysm
AUTHOR/EDITOR:     Christie Golden
INFO:    Hardcover, Fiction, 328
PUBLISHED:   Gallery, 2010
ISBN#:   978-1-4165-5074-7
HOW'D I GET IT:   Received from Gallery for Review

FROM BACK COVER:  ***Thrall, wise shaman and the warchief of the Horde, has sensed a disturbing change . . . Long ago, Azeroth’s destructive native elementals raged across the world until the benevolent titans imprisoned them within the Elemental Plane. Despite the titans’ intervention, many elementals have ended up back on Azeroth. Over the ages, shaman like Thrall have communed with these spirits and, through patience and dedication, learned to soothe roaring infernos, bring rain to sun-scorched lands, and otherwise temper the elementals’ ruinous influence on the world of Azeroth.

Now Thrall has discovered that the elementals no longer heed the shaman’s call. The link shared with these spirits has grown thin and frayed, as if Azeroth itself were under great duress. While Thrall seeks answers to what ails the confused elements, he also wrestles with the orcs’ precarious future as his people face dwindling supplies and growing hostility with their night elf neighbors.

Meanwhile, King Varian Wrynn of Stormwind is considering violent action in response to mounting tensions between the Alliance and the Horde, a hard-line approach that threatens to alienate those closest to him, including his son, Anduin. The conflicted young prince has set out to find his own path, but in doing so, he risks becoming entangled in political instability that is setting the world on edge.

The fate of Azeroth’s great races is shrouded in a fog of uncertainty, and the erratic behavior of the elemental spirits, troubling though it is, may only be the first ominous warning sign of the cataclysm to come.  

MY TAKE:   As a former WOW (World of Warcraft) player, I was really looking forward to reading this book.  I hadn't read any of the books written about this fantastical game world and I wasn't disappointed.  Author Christie Golden captures the feel and spirit of the game while also telling a fast-moving and colorful story.  I don't think a person has to be a fan of the game to enjoy the book, although there are several references that a non-gamer might not understand.  

The characters, while not Golden's own creations, are well written and engaging.  I used to play on the side of the Alliance which is the "enemy" of the Horde leaders who are the center of this story.  I learned a lot about the members of the races that make up the Horde itself.   The reader is drawn into their world and traveling along with them around Azeroth.  This book definitely made me want to go back to playing the game ~ alas, we don't have fast enough Internet out here in the boonies... 

I recommend this book to fans of adventure and fantasy, especially those readers who are WOW players.  It's an engrossing read no matter which way you approach it.  I think it would also make a great gift for gamers!

MY RATING:    3.5/5

WHERE TO BUY IT:    Amazon, The Book Depository, IndieBound, Powell's Books

 

~~~~~ Disclaimer:  All opinions expressed on this blog are 100% my own.  I do not receive monetary compensation for my reviews but do utilize affiliate links.  I may receive books in  order to facilitate a review, but this does not guarantee a good review - only a completely honest one.  Each review post denotes how I obtained the book.

Review + Guest Post: The Secret History of Elizabeth Tudor, Vampire Slayer by Lucy Weston

as told by Lucy Weston, the immortal vampire from Bram Stoker's "Dracula"

TITLE:    The Secret History of Elizabeth Tudor, Vampire Slayer
AUTHOR/EDITOR:    Lucy Weston
INFO:    Paperback, Fiction, 303 pages
PUBLISHED:   Gallery, 2010
ISBN#:   978-1-4391-9033-3
HOW'D I GET IT:   Received from Gallery Books for Review

FROM GOODREADS:  Sovereign Power. Eternal Pleasure.  Revealed at last in this new vampire saga for the ages: the true, untold story of the “Virgin Queen” and her secret war against the Vampire King of England. . . .


On the eve of her coronation, Elizabeth Tudor is summoned to the tomb of her mother, Anne Boleyn, to learn the truth about her bloodline—and her destiny as a Slayer. Born to battle the bloodsucking fiends who ravage the night, and sworn to defend her beloved realm against all enemies, Elizabeth soon finds herself stalked by the most dangerous and seductive vampire of all.


He is Mordred, bastard son of King Arthur, who sold his soul to destroy his father. After centuries in hiding, he has arisen determined to claim the young Elizabeth as his Queen. Luring her into his world of eternal night, Mordred tempts Elizabeth with the promise of everlasting youth and beauty, and vows to protect her from all enemies. Together, they will rule over a golden age for vampires in which humans will exist only to be fed upon. Horrified by his intentions, Elizabeth embraces her powers as a Slayer even as she realizes that the greatest danger comes from her own secret desire to yield to Mordred . . . to bare her throat in ecstasy and allow the vampire king to drink deeply of her royal blood.


As told by Lucy Weston, the vampire prey immortalized in Bram Stoker’s Dracula, this spellbinding account will capture your heart and soul—forever.

I am so thrilled to have the author Ms. Lucy Weston here today to share her thoughts.  Welcome to One Book Shy!  Please tell us about yourself and your book:

Books have always been my great weakness. Since I was a girl in England so many years ago, I have collected and cherished them. Being transformed into a vampire by no less than the most powerful and seductive being the world has ever known changed my life beyond all recognition. But it in no way changed my love of books.



Imagine then my excitement when the secret journals of Queen Elizabeth I of England, that I had sought for so long, at last came into my possession. I had heard rumors about the existence of the journals for years, and had long imagined what they might contain. But I was not prepared for the Queen’s remarkable forthrightness in accounting the events of her life.


Awakened as a vampire slayer on the eve of her coronation, Elizabeth at first has great difficulty accepting her destiny. But when she meets Mordred--and realizes that the king of the vampires tempts her to betray her very soul--she embraces her new-found powers. The battle between them is one for the ages, most especially because it does not play out as either of them could ever have imagined.


As enemies close in around her and the fate of her realm hangs in the balance, the young queen faces a choice that will change both her life and the course of history forever.


My own choice to bring “The Secret History of Elizabeth Tudor, Vampire Slayer” to the public notice has also brought about great changes in my life. From the moment I was transformed into a vampire more than a century ago, I have sought vengeance for what was done to me. But now, heeding the voice of a queen wise beyond her years, I can only hope that the revelation of the true role vampires have played in human affairs will lead to a new, better accord between humans and vampires alike.

Lucy thank you so much for taking the time to come by and do a guest post.  We appreciate the insight.

MY TAKE:    I was especially interested to read this book as it combines two of my favorite genres:  historical fiction and paranormal fiction.  The author, only known to us as Lucy Weston - yes, the same Lucy from Dracula, has done a great job of meshing the two.

There are many familiar characters from actual history:  Elizabeth, her nurse Kat, Lord Dudley, Walsingham, and more.  The author then includes famous names from mythical history and legend such as King Arthur, Mordred and Morgaine among others.  She weaves them all together seamlessly into a great tale of adventure and mystery.

On the night before her coronation, Elizabeth Tudor finds out that she is THE vampire slayer the world has been waiting on for centuries.  Her destiny was foretold and kept a secret by her mother Anne Boleyn and those she trusted to keep Elizabeth safe.  Safe that is, until the time when her powers would come to her. 

This is a very engaging book that draws you into the adventure right away.  There is much intrigue and behind the scenes drama that will keep you riveted.  

Elizabeth is a strong character who has been waiting and in training for the English crown her entire life.  She is surrounded by people who are always fawning over her and she can't determine if they are with her out of loyalty or because they're trying to further their positions in life.  Her trust is only given to a very few and she still questions even their motives at times.

Mordred, King of the Vampires/bastard son and murderer of legendary King Arthur, makes his intentions known to Elizabeth early.  He wants to turn her into a vampire, marry her and then rule the world together.

This is a fun twist to the normal Tudor legacy or even vampire legend story.  A lot of the same elements are there, but they're slanted just a bit differently than we're used to.  I enjoyed this book and recommend it to those interested in historical fiction/fantasy and the paranormal.

Follow Lucy on Twitter http://twitter.com/Lucy_Weston
and at
her website http://www.lucywestonvampire.com/lucyweston/


MY RATING:    4/5

WHERE TO BUY IT:   Amazon,  The Book Depository, IndieBound. Powell's Books

 

~~~~~ Disclaimer:  All opinions expressed on this blog are 100% my own.  I do not receive monetary compensation for my reviews but do utilize affiliate links.  I may receive books in  order to facilitate a review, but this does not guarantee a good review - only a completely honest one.  Each review post denotes how I obtained the book.

Midwinter's Eve Giveaway Hop - International!

Celebrate the longest night of the year with us and win some bookish prizes!

hosted by:  I Am A Reader, Not A Writer

Join us as we journey to various blogs offering book-related prizes of their own on this 2010 Midwinter's Eve!  Be sure to enter our drawing before taking off on your adventure.

Up For Grabs:  $10.00 gift code to The Book Depository

This contest will be open to FOLLOWERS of One Book Shy who live in a country that The Book Depository ships to.  If you aren't already a follower, it's easy to sign up on the right hand side!  Just leave a comment below WITH YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS and you're entered!  There are no other requirements or hoops to jump through. The contest ends at midnight on 12/22/10 - yes, it's only a 2 day hop ~ so get with it people and Good Luck!

When you've entered our drawing, click HERE to continue on your blog hop to find more great blogs and fantastic prizes. 

 

~~~~~ Disclaimer:  All opinions expressed on this blog are 100% my own.  I do not receive monetary compensation for my reviews but do utilize affiliate links.  I may receive books in  order to facilitate a review, but this does not guarantee a good review - only a completely honest one.  Each review post denotes how I obtained the book.

Review - Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk by David Sedaris

TITLE:    SQUIRREL SEEKS CHIPMUNK
AUTHOR/EDITOR:    David Sedaris
INFO:    Audiobook, Fiction/Humor, 3 cds
PUBLISHED:   Hachette Audio, 2010
ISBN#:   978-1-60024-499-5
HOW'D I GET IT:   Received from Hachette for Review

FROM GOODREADS:  This collection of sharply observed animal-themed tales is a delight, told with David Sedaris's trademark blend of hilarity and goodnaturedness. Though the characters may not be human, the situations in these stories bear an uncanny resemblance to the insanity of our own everyday interactions. In 'The Toad, the Turtle, and the Duck', three strangers commiserate about animal bureaucracy while waiting in a complaint line. In 'Hello Kitty', a cynical feline struggles to sit through his prison-mandated AA meetings. In 'The Squirrel and the Chipmunk', a pair of star-crossed lovers is separated by prejudiced family members.

MY TAKE:    The hubby and I listened to this in the car on our trip last month.  I was really looking forward to hearing it as I've enjoyed Sedaris's previous books.  I'm sorry to say that I just really couldn't get into it as a whole.  There were a few funny spots, but I think the whole piece was a miss.  Hubby wasn't too thrilled with it either.  For one thing, the woman's voice on this audiobook was rather annoying.  The men's voices were a little easier to listen to.  Reading the print version may be better as some of the stories did have merit.

While I understand and even applaud putting our human issues and foibles onto the creature world, it was still rather creepy at times.  I kept having ugly mental pictures, especially when the woman was narrating.  It took a lot away from the humor that I know David Sedaris possesses and usually shares.

I would recommend Sedaris fans buy the book instead of the audio version.
   
MY RATING:    2.25/5

WHERE TO BUY IT:    Amazon, The Book Depository, IndieBound

~~~~~ Disclaimer:  All opinions expressed on this blog are 100% my own.  I do not receive monetary compensation for my reviews but do utilize affiliate links.  I may receive books in  order to facilitate a review, but this does not guarantee a good review - only a completely honest one.  Each review post denotes how I obtained the book.

Weekly Wrap 121910

This feature is inspired by The Story Siren's "In My Mailbox" posts.  Let me show you the books that I've come across in one way or another for the past week.  This is actually two weeks worth of arrivals and yes, I failed in my book buying ban.  I had TWO COUPONS! :)

A Stitch Before Dying

 

My Fair Succubi

The Secret History of Elizabeth Tudor, Vampire Slayer

Earl of Darkness

The Scent of Jasmine

~~~~~

When I Fall in Love

Thank You to http://tifferzbookreview.blogspot.com/

~~~~~

A Sundial in a Grave: 1610 : A Novel

Blood Memories

The Secret Life of Josephine: Napoleon's Bird of Paradise

Mistress Shakespeare

~~~~~

Look what my Secret Santa sent me:

 

These two fabulous books came with some great swag from the lovely

Leilani @ Leilani Loves Books      Thank you Leilani!!

~~~~~

 

~~~~~ Disclaimer:  All opinions expressed on this blog are 100% my own.  I do not receive monetary compensation for my reviews but do utilize affiliate links.  I may receive books in  order to facilitate a review, but this does not guarantee a good review - only a completely honest one.  Each review post denotes how I obtained the book.