Daughter of Destiny GUINEVERE'S TALE...BOOK ONE

                                      

Daughter of Destiny (Guinevere's Tale, Book One) By Nicole Evelina

Publication Date: January 1, 2016 Lawson Gartner Publishing eBook & Paperback; 326 Pages Genre:

Historical Fantasy

 

  Before queenship and Camelot, Guinevere was a priestess of Avalon. She loved another before Arthur, a warrior who would one day betray her. In the war-torn world of late fifth century Britain, young Guinevere faces a choice: stay with her family to defend her home at Northgallis from the Irish, or go to Avalon to seek help for the horrific visions that haunt her. The Sight calls her to Avalon, where she meets Morgan, a woman of questionable parentage who is destined to become her rival. As Guinevere matures to womanhood, she gains the powers of a priestess, and falls in love with a man who will be both her deepest love and her greatest mistake. Just when Guinevere is able to envision a future in Avalon, tragedy forces her back home, into a world she barely recognizes, one in which her pagan faith, outspokenness, and proficiency in the magical and military arts are liabilities. When a chance reunion with her lover leads to disaster, she is cast out of Northgallis and into an uncertain future. As a new High King comes to power, Guinevere must navigate a world of political intrigue where unmarried women are valuable commodities and seemingly innocent actions can have life-altering consequences. You may think you know the story of Guinevere, but you've never heard it like this: in her own words. Listen and you will hear the true story of Camelot and its queen. Fans of Arthurian legend and the Mists of Avalon will love Daughter of Destiny, the first book in a historical fantasy trilogy that gives Guinevere back her voice and traces her life from an uncertain eleven year old girl to a wise queen in her fifth decade of life.

Amazon (Kindle) | Amazon (Paperback) | Barnes & Noble

Praise

"A gripping read that brings a wonderfully depicted Guinevere tumbling out of the shadows of myth." - Anna Belfrage, author of The Graham Saga

 "Nicole Evelina shows a deep and passionate love for the Arthurian world, and her re-weaving of the story of Guinevere and Arthur makes for enjoyable reading. With more volumes to come, if you like stories of Camelot, ancient priesthoods, magical Avalonian dreams and embattled romance, this is for you." - John Matthews, author of 'Arthur of Albion' and 'The Camelot Oracle'.

 "Colorful and exciting...love all the characters. You will have a ball with this book." - Serena Scott Thomas, actress and audio book narrator


my thoughts:
The King Arthur story is one most recognizable, from Disney movies to tales of a sword, from wizards to a certain lady of the lake. This is the story of Guinevere, prior to Arthur. Yes, he makes an appearance but not until late in the book. This is the first in a series. We meet Guinevere as a very young child, she is just arriving at Avalon on her way to becoming an Avalonian Priestess. 

This is a well written, fascinating book. Guinevere is young, innocent and full of life. Morgan, her arch nemesis, is also at Avalon. The perfect antithesis to Guinevere. We all know what will happen, however, reading this book makes the trip enjoyable.

About the Author

                          

Nicole Evelina is St. Louis-born historical fiction and romantic comedy writer. Her first four books are coming out in 2016: 1. Daughter of Destiny (January 1 ñ This is the first book of an Arthurian legend trilogy that tells Guinevere's life story from her point of view) 2. Camelotís Queen (March 23 ñ The second book in the trilogy) 3. Been Searching for You (May 23 ñ a contemporary romantic comedy that won in the single title romance category of the 2015 Great Expectations Contest (sponsored by North Texas RWA) and the 2015 Gold Rose Contest (sponsored by Portland RWA) and is a finalist in five others. 4. Madame Presidentess (July 25 ñ Historical fiction about 19th century American Presidential candidate Victoria Woodhull, the first American woman to run for President) She hopes to have the final book in Guinevere's Tale available in late 2016 or early 2017. Nicole is a member of and book reviewer for the Historical Novel Society, and Sirens, a group supporting female fantasy authors, as well as a member of the Romance Writers of America, Women Fiction Writers Association, the St. Louis Writer's Guild, Women Writing the West and the Alliance of Independent Authors. She is one of only six authors who completed the first week-long writing intensive taught by #1 New York Times bestselling author Deborah Harkness in 2014. Nicole has traveled to England twice to research the Guinevere trilogy, where she consulted with internationally acclaimed author and historian Geoffrey Ashe, as well as Arthurian/Glastonbury expert Jaime George, the man who helped Marion Zimmer Bradley research The Mists of Avalon. Her website/blog is http://nicoleevelina.com and she can be found on Twitter as well as on Pinterest, Facebook, Goodreads, Instagram and Tumblr.

Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, February 8 Review at The Mad Reviewer Spotlight at Unshelfish Tuesday, February 9 Review at Bookish Guest Post at Let Them Read Books Wednesday, February 10 Review at Curling up by the Fire Guest Post at To Read, or Not to Read Thursday, February 11 Review at Just One More Chapter Friday, February 12 Review at Broken Teepee Interview at Author Dianne Ascroft's Blog Monday, February 15 Review at Laura's Interests Review at Puddletown Reviews Tuesday, February 16 Interview at Flashlight Commentary Wednesday, February 17 Review at Eclectic Ramblings of Author Heather Osborne Spotlight at Passages to the Past Thursday, February 18 Review & Interview at Singing Librarian Books Friday, February 19 Review at Book Nerd Monday, February 22 Review at Seize the Words: Books in Review Tuesday, February 23 Review at The Baking Bookworm Review at The Hive at Black Tea & Milk Wednesday, February 24 Review at Book Lovers Paradise Thursday, February 25 Review at A Literary Vacation Review at One Book Shy of a Full Shelf Friday, February 26 Review at History From a Woman's Perspective Guest Post at One Book Shy of a Full Shelf

Giveaway

To win a paperback copy of Daughter of Destiny (Guinevere's Tale, Book One) by Nicole Evelina please enter the giveaway via the GLEAM form below. Two copies are up for grabs! RulesGiveaway ends at 11:59pm EST on February 26th. 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. Daughter of Destiny


                   

The Vatican Princess A Novel of Lucrezia Borgia by C.W. Gortner

The Vatican Princess: A Novel of Lucrezia Borgia by C.W. Gortner Publication Date: February 9, 2016 Ballantine Books Hardcover, Ebook, Audiobook 400 Pages Genre: Historical Fiction

   

  Infamy is no accident. It is a poison in our blood. It is the price of being a Borgia. Glamorous and predatory, the Borgias fascinated and terrorized 15th-century Renaissance Italy. Lucrezia Borgia, beloved daughter of the pope, was at the center of the dynasty’s ambitions. Slandered as a heartless seductress who lured men to their doom, was she in fact the villainess of legend, or was she trapped in a familial web, forced to choose between loyalty and survival? With the ascension of the Spaniard Rodrigo Borgia as Pope Alexander VI, the new pope’s illegitimate children—his rival sons, Cesare and Juan, and beautiful young daughter Lucrezia—assume an exalted position in the papal court. Privileged and adored, Lucrezia yearns to escape her childhood and play a part in her family’s fortunes. But Rome is seductive and dangerous: Alliances shift at a moment’s notice as Italy’s ruling dynasties strive to keep rivals at bay. As Lucrezia’s father faces challenges from all sides, he’s obliged to marry her off to a powerful adversary. But when she discovers the brutal truth behind her alliance, Lucrezia is plunged into a perilous gambit that will require all her wits, cunning, and guile. Escaping her marriage offers the chance of happiness with a passionate prince of Naples, yet as scandalous accusations of murder and incest build against her, menacing those she loves, Lucrezia must risk everything to overcome the lethal fate imposed upon her by her Borgia blood. Beautifully wrought, rich with fascinating historical detail, The Vatican Princess is the first novel to describe Lucrezia’s coming-of-age in her own voice—a dramatic, vivid tale set in an era of savagery and unparalleled splendor, where enemies and allies can be one and the same, and where loyalty to family can ultimately be a curse.

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | INDIEBOUND

Praise

"Assiduously researched and expertly crafted . . . . This unholy plunge into Rome's darkest dynasty is wholly engrossing." - Allison Pataki, New York Times bestselling author "A spider web of Renaissance intrigue with a legendary cast . . . Impressive research, a lush background, and deft characterization make for a fascinating read." - Margaret George, New York Times bestselling author "Elegantly written and deeply researched . . . Renaissance Italy is vividly brought to life. I’m captivated by this knowledgeable author’s take on the controversial Borgias." - Alison Weir, NYT bestselling author

About the Author

C.W. GORTNER holds an MFA in Writing with an emphasis in Renaissance Studies from the New College of California, as well as an AA from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in San Francisco. After an eleven year-long career in fashion, during which he worked as a vintage retail buyer, freelance publicist, and fashion show coordinator, C.W. devoted the next twelve years to the public health sector. In 2012, he became a full-time writer following the international success of his novels. In his extensive travels to research his books, he has danced a galliard at Hampton Court, learned about organic gardening at Chenoceaux, and spent a chilly night in a ruined Spanish castle. His books have garnered widespread acclaim and been translated into twenty-one languages to date, with over 400,000 copies sold. A sought-after public speaker. C.W. has given keynote addresses at writer conferences in the US and abroad. He is also a dedicated advocate for animal rights, in particular companion animal rescue to reduce shelter overcrowding. Half-Spanish by birth and raised in southern Spain, C.W. now lives in Northern California with his partner and two very spoiled rescue cats. For more information visit C.W. Gortner’s website and blog. You can also find him on Facebook, Twittter, Goodreads, Pinterest, and YouTube. Sign up for C.W. Gortner’s Newsletter for updates.


my thoughts:

** spoiler alert ** Wow!.. We hear from Lucrezia herself. I love novels of strong, independent women. Lucrezia fits that category. One of the infamous Borgia's. Illegitimate daughter of Rodrigo Borgia. She was used by her family as a pawn. Various marriages to enhance the Borgia's power. She begins as an innocent young woman, unaware of her father's machinations. She believes him to be just 'papa' who loves her and would never hurt her. 

Well, she quickly learns things are not as they seem. She is married off. Her husband murdered when he no longer is of value to the Borgia's. She is (in this fictional account) violated and abused. She grows up quickly. She becomes stronger and fierce. 

Lucrezia is an amazing character. Sometimes, I wanted to whack her over the head and scream at her, but most of the time I liked her. The book features all the Borgia's but centers on Lucrezia. We meet Juan, Cesare, Gioffre and Rodrigo himself. 


The Borgia's are an incredible family. I love the renaissance period. Can't get enough of the Borgia's, the Medici's, the Sforza's and all the other power families of renaissance Italy. This book will keep you on your toes. I couldn't put it down.

Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, February 15 Blog Tour Kick-Off at The Maiden's CourtTuesday, February 16 Review at Book Lovers Paradise Interview at Let Them Read BooksWednesday, February 17 Review at Unshelfish Review at Flashlight CommentaryThursday, February 18 Interview at Flashlight CommentaryMonday, February 22 Review at Luxury ReadingTuesday, February 23 Review at Oh, for the Hook of a Book!Wednesday, February 24 Review at The Lit Bitch Review at Historical Fiction Obsession Interview at Oh, for the Hook of a Book!Thursday, February 25 Review at A Bookish AffairFriday, February 26 Review at Broken Teepee Review at To Read, Or Not to Read Interview at A Bookish Affair

THE SECRETS OF LIZZIE BORDEN

                                         

The Secrets of Lizzie Borden by Brandy Purdy

Publication Date: January 26, 2016 Kensington Books eBook & Print; 384 Pages Genre: Historical

Fiction

   In her enthralling, richly imagined new novel, Brandy Purdy, author of The Ripper’s Wife, creates a compelling portrait of the real, complex woman behind an unthinkable crime. Lizzie Borden should be one of the most fortunate young women in Fall River, Massachusetts. Her wealthy father could easily afford to provide his daughters with fashionable clothes, travel, and a rich, cultured life. Instead, haunted by the ghost of childhood poverty, he forces Lizzie and her sister, Emma, to live frugally, denying them the simplest modern conveniences. Suitors and socializing are discouraged, as her father views all gentleman callers as fortune hunters. Lonely and deeply unhappy, Lizzie stifles her frustration, dreaming of the freedom that will come with her eventual inheritance. But soon, even that chance of future independence seems about to be ripped away. And on a stifling August day in 1892, Lizzie’s long-simmering anger finally explodes… Vividly written and thought-provoking, The Secrets of Lizzie Borden explores the fascinating events behind a crime that continues to grip the public imagination—a story of how thwarted desires and desperate rage could turn a dutiful daughter into a notorious killer.



my thoughts:

Insightful view of one of America's most infamous characters. I grew up in New England. Grew up skipping rope to "Lizzie Borden took and axe, gave her mother 40 whacks...".. I've read many books about the infamous murders and have even visited the famous house in Fall River. 

I love this telling of Lizzie's story. She has many demons which plague her existence from early childhood throughout her life. I know this is a fictionalized account. No one really knows what happened on that fateful day when Abby and Andrew were killed, but I truly like this version. This novel is gritty, gory and full of speculation. Very well written and well researched. Lizzie is a character you can actually like. Much different from other novels written about the Borden's. I hated Andrew, felt sorry for Abby, disliked Emma, but liked Lizzie. I felt sorry her as well. Living with Andrew was portrayed as being extremely difficult. He was verbally abusive towards her and mean as well as stingy.

Brandy Purdy has done a remarkable job of telling Lizzie's story. This book is written as a diary. We hear the events from Lizzie's point of view. We hear of how her life is less than fulfilling. How Andrew denied his children even basic comforts, because they 'cost too much'. Lizzie holds nothing back. I loved this book and encourage anyone with an interest in the Borden murders to read!! 

Isn't the cover of this book just chilling?  She looks guilty!
I give this book 4/5 stars

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | BOOK DEPOSITORY | KOBO

About the Author

Brandy Purdy (Emily Purdy in the UK) is the author of the historical novels THE CONFESSION OF PIERS GAVESTON, THE BOLEYN WIFE (THE TUDOR WIFE), THE TUDOR THRONE (MARY & ELIZABETH), THE QUEEN'S PLEASURE (A COURT AFFAIR), THE QUEEN'S RIVALS (THE FALLEN QUEEN), THE BOLEYN BRIDE, and THE RIPPER'S WIFE. An ardent book lover since early childhood, she first became interested in history at the age of nine or ten years old when she read a book of ghost stories which contained a chapter about Anne Boleyn haunting the Tower of London. Visit her website at www.brandypurdy.com, you can also follow her on Facebook as Brandy Purdy aka Emily Purdy.

Blog Tour Schedule

Tuesday, January 26 Review at Julz Reads Review at Unshelfish Wednesday, January 27 Review at Time 2 Read Review at 100 Pages a Day Thursday, January 28 Review at One Book Shy of a Full Shelf Friday, January 29 Review at A Chick Who Reads Interview at One Book Shy of a Full Shelf Monday, February 1 Review at A Bookish Affair Tuesday, February 2 Review at With Her Nose Stuck in a Book Wednesday, February 3 Review at Broken Teepee Thursday, February 4 Review at Book Lovers Paradise Friday, February 5 Review at The True Book Addict Monday, February 08 Review at Brooke Blogs Tuesday, February 09 Review at Ageless Pages Reviews Interview at Brooke Blogs Wednesday, February 10 Review at A Literary Vacation Thursday, February 11 Review A Book Geek Friday, February 12 Review at History From a Women's 



Perspective

SECRET FILES OF FAIRDAY MORROW

Hardcover, 272 pages

Published December 1st 2015 by Delacorte (first published January 1st 2011)

ISBN 0385744714 (ISBN13: 9780385744713)

edition languageEnglish

about the book:

Fear Not the Unexpected. 

Eleven-year-old Fairday Morrow is less than thrilled that her family is moving thousands of miles from civilization to the quiet country town of Ashpot, Connecticut, where she’s absolutely certain she’ll die of boredom.

As if leaving New York City and her best friend, Lizzy, the only other member of the elite Detective Mystery Squad (DMS), weren’t bad enough, Fairday is stuck living in the infamous Begonia House, a creepy old Victorian with dark passageways, a gigantic dead willow tree, and a mysterious past.

Before she can even unpack, strange music coming from behind a padlocked door leads Fairday up a spiral staircase and into a secret room, where an ancient mirror, a brass key, and a strange picture of a red-haired lady are the first in a series of clues that takes the members of the Detective Mystery Squad on an amazing adventure.

my thoughts:

A fantastic book for kids of all ages. This book has everything a kid could want in a story! Adventure, strange old house with eerie sounds and strange happenings, good friends, and a detective agency! The characters are delightful and entertaining.

This is a story that will be enjoyed by both boys and girls! My son and I both read this book several years ago, before the authors published this fantastic book. My son so loved the story, he was in the 5th grade at the time, he took it to school. His teacher loved the story and read the book to the class. She has since made it part of her reading and continues to read it each year to her class! I highly encourage anyone, adult or child, to get this book!

Hopefully, the authors will write more!

On a side note, for those familiar with our beyond 5stars book category,(books that are so good, they exceed the 5 star rating)  THE SECRET FILES OF FAIRDAY MORROW was our first initiate into this group.  These are books that we at BOOKLOVERS PARADISE have deemed  "spectacular, fantastic, and marvelous". 

http://bookloversparadise.blogspot.com/p/beyond-5-stars.html

you can purchase this book, hardcover or ebook on 

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

BECOMING GEORGE WASHINGTON

Becoming George Washington By Stephen Yoch

Publication Date: September 1, 2015 Wise Ink Creative Publishing Paperback & Ebook; 382 Pages Genre: Historical Fiction

 

READ EXCERPTS. George Washington, action hero . . . Long before Washington was the old man on the dollar bill, he was a fatherless boy with few resources and even less education. So how did he become the most famous person in American history? Becoming George Washington tells the story of a young man with boundless energy, bravery, and passion, who grew from a fatherless boy into a self-confident leader. At the same time, he struggled to suppress both an awful temper and his love for a married woman, Sally Fairfax. A courageous war hero, Washington rose to the pinnacle of Virginia politics. His experiences as a young man allowed him, decades later, to lead the Revolution. This compelling historical novel reveals the person behind the famous face and how he grew to become America's leading Founding Father.

my thoughts:

An ambitious tale of an ambitious character. George Washington before the Presidency, before the Revolutionary War.  A tale of a talented, bright, motivated young man.

This book takes place during Washington's early 20's. During his rise in the military. We see his relationships grow with his brother Lawrence, his friend Sally Fairfax and his dear mentor Colonel Fairfax. George suffers many failures as a military man. Not everything is roses and sunshine. We see his as an ambitious, sometimes angry man. One who will rush into war. He's not the patient successful Washington we all know and love.


I recommend this novel to anyone who likes historical fiction and anyone who enjoys reading about the youth of our founding fathers.

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | BOOK DEPOSITORY | INDIEBOUND

About the Author

Steve doesn't golf or fish and is a below average hunter, but his love of history and writing compelled him to pick up his pen and tell the little-known stories behind the men that made American history. After years of extensive research, Steve wrote his first book on young George Washington. Steve lives in a suburb north of St. Paul, Minnesota with his supportive wife and two fantastic teenage sons. He graduated with honors from Boston College and the University of Minnesota Law School. He has enjoyed over two decades of practicing law in the Twin Cities, helping individuals and businesses solve complex problems.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK

Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, December 14 Review at Book Lovers Paradise

  Tuesday, December 15 Review at The Maiden's Court

  Wednesday, December 16 Interview at Layered Pages Spotlight at Historical Readings and Reviews

  Thursday, December 17 Guest Post & Giveaway at Teddy Rose Book Reviews Plus More

  Friday, December 18 Interview at Flashlight Commentary

  Monday, December 21 Review at Bookish

  Tuesday, December 22 Review at With Her Nose Stuck in a Book

  Wednesday, December 23 Spotlight at CelticLady's Reviews Guest Post & Giveaway at A Literary Vacation

  Thursday, December 24 Review at Book Nerd

  Monday, December 28 Review at Just One More Chapter Spotlight at Puddletown Reviews

Tuesday, December 29 Review at The Absurd Book Nerd Review at Svetlana's Reads and Views

Wednesday, December 30 Review at Luxury Reading Guest Post at The Absurd Book Nerd

Thursday, December 31 Review at Jorie Loves a Story Guest Post at Let Them Read Books