Jane Seymour, The Haunted Queen

I recently finished my NetGalley copy of Alison Weir's fabulous new novel JANE SEYMOUR: THE HAUNTED QUEEN.  Wow, what a fantastic story.  I've always thought of Jane Seymour as a mousy, quiet woman.  A woman who was the antithesis of Anne Boleyn.  The calm after the storm.  Well, this book throws all my preconceived ideas out the window.  I have no doubt she was the calm after the storm that was Anne Boleyn, but she was no shrinking violet, either.  The Jane Seymour portrayed by Alison Weir (one of THE BEST historical novelist I've ever read), is a calm, but highly intelligent young woman.  One who happened to catch the eye of Henry.  The only woman who was able to give him the son and heir he required and craved.  She was full of life and joy, but the title tells it all.  She was haunted.  There is an element of the supernatural in this book.  She is haunted by a dark figure; she feels partly responsible for the death of Anne and believes the dark figure might be Anne herself.  We can't possibly know if Anne haunted Jane, but I personally believe Anne Boleyn to be enough of a scheming witch to be just the kind of person who would haunt her replacement.

This was a fantastic book to read.  I am enjoying Alison Weir's series, and look forward to the next book.  I anxiously await Anna of Kleve's story.  While I loved reading about Jane Seymour, Anne Boleyn and Katherine of Aragon, it's Anna of Kleve I can't wait to learn about!  

5 + teacups

If you like Tudor history, you will love this story.  I highly encourage you to pick up a copy of Jane's story.  Don't forget Alison Weir's previous two books in the Six Tudor Queens series:

ENEMIES OF VERSAILLES BY SALLY CHRISTIE

The Enemies of Versailles by Sally Christie

Publication Date: March 21, 2017
 Atria Books eBook & Paperback; 416 Pages
 Genre: Historical Fiction Series:

 The Mistresses of Versailles, Book Three
 

   In the final installment of Sally Christie’s “tantalizing” (New York Daily News) Mistresses of Versailles trilogy, Jeanne Becu, a woman of astounding beauty but humble birth, works her way from the grimy back streets of Paris to the palace of Versailles, where the aging King Louis XV has become a jaded and bitter old philanderer. Jeanne bursts into his life and, as the Comtesse du Barry, quickly becomes his official mistress. “That beastly bourgeois Pompadour was one thing; a common prostitute is quite another kettle of fish.” After decades of suffering the King's endless stream of Royal Favorites, the princesses of the Court have reached a breaking point. Horrified that he would bring the lowborn Comtesse du Barry into the hallowed halls of Versailles, Louis XV’s daughters, led by the indomitable Madame Adelaide, vow eternal enmity and enlist the young dauphiness Marie Antoinette in their fight against the new mistress. But as tensions rise and the French Revolution draws closer, a prostitute in the palace soon becomes the least of the nobility’s concerns. Told in Christie’s witty and engaging style, the final book in The Mistresses of Versailles trilogy will delight and entrance fans as it once again brings to life the sumptuous and cruel world of eighteenth century Versailles, and France as it approaches irrevocable change.

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound | Kobo

Praise for The Sisters of Versailles

“Such an extraordinary tale makes for compelling reading and, as the lead book in a planned trilogy, will draw in readers who are interested in royal lives before the French Revolution….historical fiction fans, unfamiliar with the history of the Nesle sisters, will be intrigued.” (Library Journal)

 "Sally Christie's The Sisters of Versailles is an intriguing romp through Louis XV's France. Filled with lush backdrops, rich detail, and colorful characters, fans of historical fiction will enjoy this glimpse into the lost golden era of the French monarchy." (Allison Pataki, author of THE ACCIDENTAL EMPRESS )

 “A stunning breadth of period detail, offered in a fresh, contemporary voice.” (Juliet Grey, author of the acclaimed Marie Antoinette trilogy )

 “Tantalizing descriptions and cliff-hangers will leave the reader rapidly turning the pages in anticipation… A wickedly delightful read.” (New York Daily News)

MY THOUGHTS;

Quite possibly, the very best of the three books.  I had little knowledge of the Nesle sisters, learned a bit about Pompadour, but truly enjoyed the book about Madame du Barry. While all three books were very well written, Madame du Barry's story struck a chord in me.  I loved and hated her at the same time.  The author told the tale from the point of view of both Du Barry and of the kings daughter Adelaide.  The daughters of France were not happy about their father's life choices, and Adelaide was totally vicious in her dealings with the young Jeanne Becu.  I felt ashamed at the way the poor woman was treated and yet, still was able to feel sorrow towards the daughters who so wanted their father's love.   We witness history happening through the eyes of these young women.  Honestly, the guillotine was just a weapon from the past, one I'd read about and gave very little thought about....However, when the french reign of terror happens, it is all too real.  I think I actually HEARD Jeanne cry out as she was being led to her death.  I think she truly loved her Louis, I'm certain she also loved the things he gave her, but for a time, he was HER king, her friend, her lover.  

I think I felt the closest to the characters of this book.  We go through to the French Revolution. We meet Marie Antoinette and we conclude the story of the French monarchy.  Adelaide dies much later than the other characters in the story, and we are able to stay with her until the very end. 

If you enjoy french history, or just want a great story, read all three of these wonderful books by Sally Christie.  

5 + teacups

  About the author

Sally Christie is the author of The Sisters of Versailles and The Rivals of Versailles. She was born in England and grew up around the world, attending eight schools in three different languages. She spent most of her career working in international development and currently lives in Toronto. Visit SallyChristieAuthor.com to find out more about Sally and the Mistresses of Versailles trilogy. You can also find her on Facebook, Goodreads, and Amazon.

Blog Tour Schedule

Wednesday, March 15 Review at Historical Fiction Obsession Interview at T's Stuff Thursday, March 16 Review at Leeanna.me Review at The Lit Bitch Friday, March 17 Review at To Read, Or Not to Read Review at History From a Woman's Perspective Spotlight at What Is That Book About Saturday, March 18 Review at Jorie Loves a Story Spotlight at Books, Dreams, Life Sunday, March 19 Spotlight at Passages to the Past Monday, March 20 Review at A Chick Who Reads Tuesday, March 21 Review at Book Lovers Paradise Wednesday, March 22 Review at First Impressions Reviews Review at Oh, for the Hook of a Book! Thursday, March 23 Review at Broken Teepee Friday, March 24 Review at Ageless Pages Reviews Sunday, March 26 Review at The Gadoury Dreamer Review & Interview at Clarissa Reads It All Monday, March 27 Review at The Reading Queen Tuesday, March 28 Review at Book Nerd Review at Luxury Reading Review at Svetlana's Reads and Views Wednesday, March 29 Review at Impressions in Ink Review at A Bookaholic Swede Thursday, March 30 Review at Curling up by the Fire Friday, March 31 Review at Bookramblings Review at CelticLady's Reviews

Giveaway

Five copies of The Enemies of Versailles are up for grabs during the blog tour! To enter, please see the Gleam form below. Rules – Giveaway ends at 11:59pm EST on March 31st. You must be 18 or older to enter. – Giveaway is open to residents in the US only. – Only one entry per household. – 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. – Winner has 48 hours to claim prize or new winner is chosen. Enemies of Versailles

ROMA AMOR: A NOVEL OF CALIGULA's ROME by Sherry Christie

Roma Amor: A Novel of Caligula's Rome by Sherry Christie

Publication Date: April 15, 2016 Bexley House Books Paperback; 496 Pages Genre: Historical Fiction

 

   READ EXCERPT.

 Marcus Carinna hears a voice whisper, "Your turn," as he rides past his family tomb. An unseen presence also startles the Germanic priestess Aurima, whom he is bringing to Rome. But hardheaded Romans scoff at ghosts, and Marcus can't believe it's a warning from his brother, who killed himself three years earlier. 37 AD: To great acclaim, 25-year-old Caligula Caesar has become Rome's new master. No one is more pleased than Senator Titus Carinna, who helped him succeed to the throne. It's a shame the Senator's older son--Caligula's closest friend--committed suicide after being charged with treason. But that still leaves Marcus, his second son. Headstrong and hot-tempered, Marcus would rather prove his courage by leading legions against Rome's enemies than take his brother's place. Yet when his father orders him to befriend Caligula, he has no choice. Caught in a web of deceit, conspiracy, and betrayal, he will uncover a secret that threatens his family, the woman he desires, even his life... and may bring chaos to the young Roman Empire.

"The first installment in a page-turning saga that revisits the heroes and villains of the grandest city of the ancient world.... Comes alive with the long gone characters who were its lifeblood" -Kirkus Reviews

''Combines current political concerns, the wide lens of the serious historical novel, and emotional maturity and realism with an utterly splendid grasp of what it must have been like to live in Rome under Caligula's reign.'' -Sarah Smith, Agatha Award winner and New York Times Notable author

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound

my thoughts:

This first installment takes us to the hills of Rome, to an ancient time and introduces us to people who quickly become like family.  Marcus is an amazing character. He is passionate, intelligent and fascinating.  Even Caligula, a character maligned by history, is larger than life in this book. 

It's a slow read, it must be to absorb all the details.  Take your time reading to enjoy, sit back and be transported to Ancient Rome.  Strangely enough, I see many parallels between ancient Rome and modern day America,hmm...can we learn from history?

I look forward to the next installment in this series.  Sherry Christie has created a story that captivates and enthralls.

After earning a Phi Beta Kappa creative award in college for an early draft about a nobly born charioteer, Sherry Christie spent many years of research and revision developing ROMA AMOR into the story about fathers and sons that it wanted to be. It's a joy to immerse myself in the lives of first-century Romans--and a distinct change from my day job as a . In addition to writing, Sherry is a professional copywriter. She lives on the coast of Maine with a native-born Viking and two cats. For more information, please visit Sherry Christie's website. You can also connect with her on Twitter, and Goodreads.

Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, October 24 Kick Off at Passages to the Past Tuesday, October 25 Review at Historical Fiction Obsession Guest Post at Let Them Read Books Wednesday, October 26 Review at Kinx's Book Nook Friday, October 28 Guest Post at What Is That Book About Monday, October 31 Spotlight at Just One More Chapter Tuesday, November 1 Review at Bookfever Wednesday, November 2 Review at Book Lovers Paradise Friday, November 4 Review at Svetlana's Reads and Views Monday, November 7 Interview at Jorie Loves a Story Wednesday, November 9 Review at Bookramblings Review at The Book Junkie Reads Interview at A Literary Vacation Thursday, November 10 Interview at The Book Junkie Reads Friday, November 11 Review at Beth's Book Nook Review at Jorie Loves a Story Guest Post at The True Book Addict

Giveaway

To win a paperback copy of Roma Amor: A Novel of Caligula's Rome by Sherry Christie, please enter via the Gleam form below. 2 copies are up for grabs! Rules – Giveaway ends at 11:59pm EST on November 11th. You must be 18 or older to enter. – Giveaway is open to US residents only. – Only one entry per household. – 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. – Winner has 48 hours to claim prize or new winner is chosen. Roma Amor

Cover Reveal--THE COMPETITION: DAVINCI'S DISCIPLES BOOK TWO!!

COVER REVEAL!

THE COMPETITION: Da Vinci’s Disciples Book Two!

Ready (willing and eager) to see the cover of the much-anticipated second book in the Da Vinci’s Disciples trilogy? Well, we hope so, because here it is (be sure to read to the end of the post for an extra special bonus!). But before we get to the gorgeous cover, here’s what the author has to say about the next book in this thrilling trilogy and its cover: “I knew I wanted the second book in this trilogy to be a little more personal, get into the lives of these courageous women, and da Vinci himself, a bit more deeply. Oh, they are still daring to go where women had never gone before in the Renaissance, and they put everything on the line for the love of their art—their marriages, their family relationships, even their lives—to do it, to bring their work out into the open, no matter the consequence. Another form of art is explored through their eyes, through their hands. But in THE COMPETITION, I’ve pulled back more of the layers of their lives and the secrets they may hold. Love bursts to fulfillment, desire is ignited, disastrous illnesses change lives, and familial condemnations are shattered. All set amidst the glory that is Florence during the Renaissance. These women are bold; there can be no doubt. But they are elegant women and this cover, like the first, captures that elegance to perfection. It is the seamless companion to the first, and they look dazzling together.” Ready to see the cover? Not just yet. Here’s the official description first: A commission to paint a fresco in the church of Santo Spirito is about to be announced and Florence’s countless artists each seek the fame and glory this lucrative contract will provide. Viviana, a noblewoman freed from a terrible marriage, and now able to pursue her artistic passions, sees a potential life-altering opportunity for herself and her fellow artists. The women first speak to Lorenzo de’ Medici himself, and finally, they submit a bid for the right to paint it. And they win. The very public commission belongs to them. But with the victory comes a powerful cost. The church will not stand for women painting, especially not in a house of worship. The city is not ready to consider women in positions of power, and in Florence, artists wield tremendous power. Even the women themselves are hesitant; the attention they will bring up) on themselves will disrupt their families, and even put them in physical danger. All the while, Viviana grows closer to Sansone, her soldier lover, who is bringing to her a joy that she never knew with her deceased husband. And fellow-artist Isabetta has a flame reignited, sparked by Lorenzo himself. Power and passion collide in this sumptuous historical novel of shattering limitations, one brushstroke at a time.

  THE COMPETITION: Da Vinci’s Disciples Book Two goes on sale April 25, 2017. Pre-order a copy here. Add it to your Goodreads shelf! Now, are you ready to see the cover? Really? Are you sure? Here it is!





Do you love it?! Haven’t read the first book yet? Now’s your chance at a special reduced price. For the next SEVEN days (beginning November 2 until November 9!), the Kindle version of PORTRAIT OF A CONSPIRACY IS ONLY $.99…that’s a $7 savings! Get your copy now! Read the first critically acclaimed book, fall in love with these daring women, and get ready to fight beside them for the right to be who they truly want to be in THE COMPETITION. “Russo Morin’s elegant command of language and composition left me breathless, but the story itself, with its flawless depiction of power, corruption, defiance, intrigue, and retribution makes Portrait of a Conspiracy an absolute must read.” Flashlight Commentary “...a page-turner unlike any historical novel, weaving passion, adventure, artistic rebirth, and consequences of ambition...a masterful writer at the peak of her craft.”—C. W. Gortner, author of THE CONFESSIONS OF CATHERINE DE’ MEDICI “This riveting book is filled with art, assassinations, retribution, and a sisterhood of fascinating women who inspire as well as entertain.”—Stephanie Dray, NYT Bestselling author of AMERICA’S FIRST DAUGHTER “In PORTRAIT OF A CONSPIRACY, Russo Morin's prose is as sharp as a Medici dagger...Thwarting danger, finding love, and creating masterpieces, [these women] remind us just how powerful the bonds of womanhood can be.”—Marci Jefferson, author of THE ENCHANTRESS OF PARIS “A 15th-century Florence of exquisite art, sensual passion and sudden, remorseless violence comes vividly to life in Donna Russo Morin's new novel.”—Nancy Bilyeau, author of THE CROWN “In PORTRAIT OF A CONSPIRACY, Russo Morin's rich detailing transports the reader to the heart of Renaissance Italy from the first page.”—Heather Webb, author of BECOMING JOSEPHINE “Illicit plots, mysterious paintings, and a young Leonardo da Vinci all have their part to play in this delicious, heart-pounding tale.”—Kate Quinn, author of THE EMPRESS OF ROME SAGA

About the Author

Donna Russo Morin is the award winning of author of historical fiction. A graduate of the University of Rhode Island, she lives near the shore with her two sons, Devon and Dylan, her greatest works in progress. Donna enjoys meeting with book groups in person and via Skype chat. Visit her website at www.donnarussomorin.com; friend her on Facebook and follow her on Twitter @DonnaRussoMorin.

Cover Reveal Hosts

Book Lovers Paradise Book Nerd Books, Dreams, Life Broken Teepee CelticLady's Reviews Curling up by the Fire Let Them Read Books Passages to the Past So Many Books, So Little Time The Book Junkie Reads The Maiden's Court The Reading Queen Unabridged Chick

Cover Reveal hosted by...

A Song of War: A Novel of Troy

by Christian Cameron, Libbie Hawker, Kate Quinn, Vicky Alvear Shecter, Stephanie Thornton, SJA Turney, and Russell Whitfield Foreward by Glyn Iliffe Publication Date: October 18, 2016 Knight Media, LLC eBook & Paperback; 483 Pages Genre: Historical Fiction/Ancient History/Anthology


   


 Troy: city of gold, gatekeeper of the east, haven of the god-born and the lucky, a city destined to last a thousand years. But the Fates have other plans—the Fates, and a woman named Helen. In the shadow of Troy's gates, all must be reborn in the greatest war of the ancient world: slaves and queens, heroes and cowards, seers and kings . . . and these are their stories. A young princess and an embittered prince join forces to prevent a fatal elopement. A tormented seeress challenges the gods themselves to save her city from the impending disaster. A tragedy-haunted king battles private demons and envious rivals as the siege grinds on. A captured slave girl seizes the reins of her future as two mighty heroes meet in an epic duel. A grizzled archer and a desperate Amazon risk their lives to avenge their dead. A trickster conceives the greatest trick of all. A goddess' son battles to save the spirit of Troy even as the walls are breached in fire and blood. Seven authors bring to life the epic tale of the Trojan War: its heroes, its villains, its survivors, its dead. Who will lie forgotten in the embers, and who will rise to shape the bloody dawn of a new age?

Amazon | Amazon UK | Kobo

my thoughts:

Another winner for the fabulous H team.  I LOVE anything to do with the Trojan War, and the story of the despicable Helen, (I usually dislike her character, no matter who tells the story). This telling allows greater access to the minds of each character.  We get the best from each writer.   Each of the seven 'songs' or chapters is told from the unique viewpoint of a character. 

My personal favorites are the story of Cassandra, Priam's sad, mad daughter, and the story of Agamemnon. I almost feel sorry for him, a character I've come to loathe from other versions of the story.  Hector is still, in my opinion, the most noble character of all, but Aeneas is a close second.  I am not going to single out any particular author, just bear in mind that each chapter is a fascinating look into the mind of both the Trojans and the Acheans (greeks) At the end of the novel, each author explains how they created their individual character.   If you have any preconceived notions or ideas, leave them behind when you begin this novel. It's a fun read.  If you like good writing, a good story and the Trojan war, this one's a must read!

About the Authors

CHRISTIAN CAMERON was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1962. He grew up in Rockport, Massachusetts, Iowa City, Iowa,Christian Cameron and Rochester, New York, where he attended McQuaid Jesuit High School and later graduated from the University of Rochester with a degree in history. After the longest undergraduate degree on record (1980-87), he joined the United States Navy, where he served as an intelligence officer and as a backseater in S-3 Vikings in the First Gulf War, in Somalia, and elsewhere. After a dozen years of service, he became a full time writer in 2000. He lives in Toronto (that’s Ontario, in Canada) with his wife Sarah and their daughter Beatrice, currently age four. And a half.

  LIBBIE HAWKER was born in Rexburg, Idaho and divided her childhood between Eastern Idaho's rural environs and the greater Seattle area. She presently lives in Seattle, but has also been a resident of Salt Lake City, Utah; Bellingham, Washington; and Tacoma, Washington. She loves to write about character and place, and is inspired by the bleak natural beauty of the Rocky Mountain region and by the fascinating history of the Puget Sound. After three years of trying to break into the publishing industry with her various books under two different pen names, Libbie finally turned her back on the mainstream publishing industry and embraced independent publishing. She now writes her self-published fiction full-time, and enjoys the fact that the writing career she always dreamed of having is fully under her own control.

  KATE QUINN is a native of southern California. She attended Boston University, where she earned a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Classical Voice. A lifelong history buff, she has written four novels in the Empress of Rome Saga, and two books in the Italian Renaissance detailing the early years of the infamous Borgia clan. All have been translated into multiple languages. Kate has succumbed to the blogging bug, and keeps a blog filled with trivia, pet peeves, and interesting facts about historical fiction. She and her husband now live in Maryland with two black dogs named Caesar and Calpurnia, and her interests include opera, action movies, cooking, and the Boston Red Sox.

  VICKY ALVEAR SHECTER is the author of the young adult novel, Cleopatra's Moon (Arthur A. Levine Books/Scholastic, 2011), based on the life of Cleopatra's only daughter. She is also the author of two award-winning biographies for kids on Alexander the Great and Cleopatra. She is a docent at the Michael C. Carlos Museum of Antiquities at Emory University in Atlanta. The LA Times calls Cleopatra's Moon, "magical" and "impressive." Publisher's Weekly said it was "fascinating" and "highly memorable." The Wall Street Journal called it "absorbing."

  STEPHANIE THORNTON is a writer and history teacher who has been obsessed with infamous women from ancient history since she was twelve. She lives with her husband and daughter in Alaska, where she is at work on her next novel. Her novels, The Secret History: A Novel of Empress Theodora, Daughter of the Gods: A Novel of Ancient Egypt, The Tiger Queens: The Women of Genghis Khan, and The Conqueror's Wife: A Novel of Alexander the Great, tell the stories of history's forgotten women.

  SJA TURNEY lives with his wife, son and daughter, and two (close approximations of) dogs in rural North Yorkshire. Marius' Mules was his first full length novel. Being a fan of Roman history, SJA decided to combine his love of writing and love of the classical world. Marius' Mules was followed two years later by Interregnum - an attempt to create a new fantasy story still with a heavy flavour of Rome. These have been followed by numerous sequels, with three books in the fantasy 'Tales of the Empire' series and five in the bestselling 'Marius' Mules' one. 2013 has seen the first book in a 15th century trilogy - 'The Thief's Tale' - and will also witness several side projects seeing the light of day.

  RUSSELL WHITFIELD was born in Shepherds Bush in 1971. An only child, he was raised in Hounslow, West London, but has since escaped to Ham in Surrey. Gladiatrix was Russ's first novel, published in 2008 by Myrmidon Books. The sequel, Roma Victrix, continues the adventures Lysandra, the Spartan gladiatrix, and a third book, Imperatrix, sees Lysandra stepping out of the arena and onto the field of battle.

Blog Tour Schedule

  Saturday, October 15 Review at Just One More Chapter Review at Flashlight Commentary
  Sunday, October 16 Review at Ageless Pages Reviews
  Monday, October 17 Review at Leeanna.me
  Tuesday, October 18 Review at A Book Drunkard
  Wednesday, October 19 Excerpt at A Literary Vacation
  Thursday, October 20 Review at Peeking Between the Pages
  Friday, October 21 Review & Excerpt at The Silver Dagger Scriptorium
  Saturday, October 22 Review at 100 Pages a Day
  Monday, October 24 Review at Unabridged Chick
  Tuesday, October 25 Interview at Unabridged Chick
  Wednesday, October 26 Review at The Maiden's Court
  Friday, October 28 Review at History From a Woman's Perspective
  Monday, October 31 Review & Excerpt at Book Lovers Paradise
  Tuesday, November 1 Review at Oh, for the Hook of a Book!
  Wednesday, November 2 Interview at Oh, for the Hook of a Book!
  Thursday, November 3 Review at Jorie Loves a Story
  Monday, November 7 Review at A Bookish Affair
  Tuesday, November 8 Interview at Let Them Read Books
  Wednesday, November 9 Review at Historical Readings & Reviews
  Friday, November 11 Review at Broken Teepee Spotlight at The Book Tree
  Saturday, November 12 Excerpt at The Reading Queen Review at The True Book Addict

Giveaway

To win a paperback copy of A Song of War: A Novel of Troy by the H Team, please enter via the Gleam form below. Rules – Giveaway ends at 11:59pm EST on November 12th. You must be 18 or older to enter. – Giveaway is open to US & Canada residents only. – Only one entry per household. – 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. – Winner has 48 hours to claim prize or new winner is chosen. A Song of War