Naked: A Novel of Lady Godiva book tour

Naked: A Novel of Lady Godiva by Eliza Redgold

Publication Date: July 14, 2015 Publisher: St. Martin's Press Formats: Ebook, Paperback Pages: 320 Genre: Historical Fiction

   

   We know her name. We know of her naked ride. We don't know her true story. We all know the legend of Lady Godiva, who famously rode naked through the streets of Coventry, covered only by her long, flowing hair. So the story goes, she begged her husband Lord Leofric of Mercia to lift a high tax on her people, who would starve if forced to pay. Lord Leofric demanded a forfeit: that Godiva ride naked on horseback through the town. There are various endings to Godiva's ride, that all the people of Coventry closed their doors and refused to look upon their liege lady (except for 'peeping Tom') and that her husband, in remorse, lifted the tax. Naked is an original version of Godiva's tale with a twist that may be closer to the truth: by the end of his life Leofric had fallen deeply in love with Lady Godiva. A tale of legendary courage and extraordinary passion, Naked brings an epic story new voice.

PRAISE

"Redgold's variation on this enticing legend is often lyrical and offers a satisfying blend of history, lore, and romance." (Booklist)

 "Breathes new life into the story of the woman who would stop at nothing to protect her land and people." (Romantic Times)

 "NAKED delivers far more than the famous ride of Lady Godiva. It's a beautifully woven story of love, loyalty, and the determination of a young woman trying to protect her people and their way of life, no matter the price. Godiva is a wonderfully strong woman in an age of dangerous men, and in NAKED, she certainly meets her match!" (Amalia Carosella, author of HELEN OF SPARTA)

 "A wonderful, romantic retelling of the Lady Godiva legend. There is the colorful Anglo-Saxon backdrop, warriors, battles, peacemaking, desire, revenge and love - everything a fan of medieval romance could desire - plus a strong-willed heroin. Written with a lyrical lilt to her prose, Redgold adds realism to the myth and love to the lusty tale, allowing readers a glimpse into what might have been." (RT Book Reviews)

my thoughts:

Lady Godiva. The name evokes an image of a young naked woman riding horseback through the Coventry countryside. Remember the reason for the ride? Neither did I. 

When I was offered the opportunity to read and review this book, I jumped at the chance. Godiva is a strong woman but I new nothing about her, except her famous ride.

The ride was ordered by her husband after her request to lower the taxes of her people. There is far more to the story of Godiva and Leofric. 

Eliza Redgold has managed to create a compelling and charming story of Godiva, her people and Leofric of Mercia. The characters are fantastic. You will adore Godiva for her strength, courage, determination and loyalty to the people of Coventry. Leofric is a challenge. As a reader, I wasn't quite certain how I felt about him. Think about it, this guy dares his wife to ride naked through the countryside for all to see? Well, there is much more to the story, as you will uncover while reading this tale. 

This is a wonderful combination of romance, history and good story telling. These characters are more than just words on a page. As a reader, I felt close to Godiva. Don't pass on this book! 5/5 stars for Eliza Redgold's fabulous novel.

5/5 teacups + the teapot!!

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | BOOKS-A-MILLION | ITUNES | INDIEBOUND | KOBO

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ELIZA REDGOLD is based upon the old, Gaelic meaning of her name, Dr Elizabeth Reid Boyd. English folklore has it that if you help a fairy, you will be rewarded with red gold. She has presented academic papers on women and romance and is a contributor to the forthcoming Encyclopedia of Romance Fiction. As a non-fiction author she is co-author of Body Talk: a Power Guide for Girls and Stay-at-Home Mothers: Dialogues and Debates. She was born in Irvine, Scotland on Marymass Day and currently lives in Australia. For more information visit Eliza Redgold's website. You can also find her on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Pinterest, and Google+.

BLOG TOUR SCHEDULE

Monday, August 10 Review at Bibliophilia, Please Tuesday, August 11 Spotlight at Passages to the Past Wednesday, August 12 Guest Post at The Maiden's Court Spotlight at A Book Geek Thursday, August 13 Spotlight at Just One More Chapter Friday, August 14 Review at 100 Pages a Day Saturday, August 15 Guest Post at Mina's Bookshelf Monday, August 17 Review at A Bookish Affair Tuesday, August 18 Review at Book Nerd Guest Post at A Literary Vacation Wednesday, August 19 Review at Unshelfish Review at Svetlana's Reads and Views Thursday, August 20 Spotlight at Historical Fiction Connection Guest Post at A Bookish Affair Friday, August 21 Review at History From a Woman's Perspective Review at Let Them Read Books Monday, August 24 Review at I'm Shelf-ish Review at Please Pass the Books Guest Post at Bibliotica Tuesday, August 25 Review at A Fold in the Spine Review & Interview at History Undressed Guest Post at Curling Up By the Fire Wednesday, August 26 Review at Bookish Spotlight at The True Book Addict Thursday, August 27 Review at With Her Nose Stuck in a Book Review & Guest Post at Romantic Historical Reviews Guest Post at The Lit Bitch Friday, August 28 Review at A Book Drunkard Review at Book Lovers Paradise

GIVEAWAY

To enter to win a copy of Naked: A Novel of Lady Godiva or a $50 Amazon Gift Card, please enter via the GLEAM form below. Three winners will be chosen. Rules ñ Giveaway ends at 11:59pm EST on August 28th. You must be 18 or older to enter. ñ Giveaway is open to US residents only. ñ Only one entry per household. ñ All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspect of fraud is decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion ñ Winner has 48 hours to claim prize or new winner is chosen. Naked: A Novel of Lady Godiva Blog Tour