Suddenly Sunday

Suddenly Sunday is a weekly event where I recap all the exciting things that have been going on here! If you want to join in on this weekly meme, feel free to do so, just link back to this blog :)

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Hello everyone! I hope your Sunday has been a delightful conclusion to the week and the end of January... how did that happen? January has been a busy month for me, but I have managed to read a number of books, so keep an eye out for my reviews... February will be full of them! My schedule of events for Confessions and Ramblings of a Muse in the Fog is filling up quickly, and I am so excited about what I have planned for your historical fiction enjoyment. But before I start to ramble on and giveaway all my plans, let's take a peak at what's been going on here and what's coming up this week:

Reviewed this past week:

• India Black by Carol K. Carr

Coming up this week on Confessions and Ramblings of a Muse in the Fog:

• Reviews:
• Lily of the Nile by Stephanie Dray
• The Gentleman Poet by Kathryn Johnson
• The Queen of Last Hopes by Susan HIgginbotham

In my mailbox for review:

  

Be sure to check out my current giveaway! 

The Princess of Nowhere by Prince Lorenze Borghese

You might have noticed I have changed the layout and background of blog. I am very excited about the new look for Confessions and Ramblings of a Muse in the Fog! In addition to the overall look, I have created a new rating system

which will be present in every book review. 

Over the coming months, I will be introducing some new features on my blog. One feature already in place is the page "Historical Figures, Historical Times..." which can be found directly under the header. This page lists popular historical figures, events and time periods, followed by recommended books (HistFic & Non-Fic) pertaining to those topics. I will be updating this page constantly, so be sure to check it out now and then!

Have a great week & happy reading!

Giveaway! The Princess of Nowhere by Lorenze Borghese

Thanks to the generosity of Harper Collins Publishers, I have one brand new copy of The Princess of Nowhere by Lorenze Borghese up for grabs! 

Publish Date: December 2010

Paperback: 308pp

Synopsis (From the Publisher):

"Princess Pauline Borghese was one of the most fascinating women of her day. Now her story is unforgettably told by one of her descendants....

The sister of Napoleon Bonaparte, Pauline knows that her sole purpose has always been to make an advantageous marriage to further her ambitious brother's goals. But her joie de vivre cannot be contained—much to the dismay of her new husband, Prince Camillo Borghese. Pauline and Camillo's relationship is tempestuous at best, with Pauline constantly seeking the attention of other men—especially after a heartbreaking loss leaves her devastated, desperate for attention, and searching for answers. Yet despite everything, the love that brought Pauline and Camillo together, as imperfect as it might be, can never truly be stifled.

As seen through the eyes of the young woman who served as Pauline's lady-in-waiting and surrogate daughter, The Princess of Nowhere is an unforgettable tale of a remarkable life that was a study in the excesses of the time and of the power of a woman strong enough to defy expectations."

Giveaway Guidelines:

~10 possible entries~

• +1 entry for posting a comment and leaving your e-mail. (no e-mail = no entry) 
• +5 entries for becoming a Follower, or already being a Follower. (if possible, please follow through "google friend connect" so I can verify) 
• + 3 entries for adding a link to this giveaway on your sidebar or for posting about it on your blog. (please post link with your comment) 
• + 1 entry for tweeting about this giveaway. (please post link with your comment) 

~Please post all your entries in one comment, thanks :)

~This giveaway will be open to USA residents only.

~Ends February 20th~

Good Luck everyone!

Book Review: India Black by Carol K. Carr

Publish Date: January 4th 2011

Format: Paperback 304pp

Synopsis (From the Publisher):

"When Sir Archibald Latham of the War Office dies from a heart attack while visiting her brothel, Madam India Black is unexpectedly thrust into a deadly game between Russian and British agents who are seeking the military secrets Latham carried.

Blackmailed into recovering the missing documents by the British spy known as French, India finds herself dodging Russian agents-and the attraction she starts to feel for the handsome conspirator."

My Review:

India Black, the madam of Lotus House and shrewd business woman, knows how to keep her tarts in line and her customers well cared for. For India it is just another Sunday; an afternoon of bookkeeping and preparing the establishment for another nights business... that is until one of her regular customers mysteriously dies while with one of her employees. Knowing that the reputation of Lotus House will suffer greatly if it becomes known that a death has occurred on the premise, India quickly devises a way to dispose of the body. But when a stranger catches India in the midst the disposal, and offers to help without requesting anything in return, she is immediately wary, for she has learned nothing comes without a price. 

Despite India's best efforts to return to the normal duties of Lotus House, she finds that it is impossible to do so when spies, assassins, and the British government all want something from you. Thrown into a deadly game of espionage, India must team up with the spy known as French in attempt to thwart the ruthless foreign agents mission and save England from an inconceivable fate.

When I first began reading India Black, I was disappointed with the novels pace and plot depth. The first hundred and fifty pages were thick with conversations that did not amount to much, and I found myself wanting to look ahead in order to see when something intriguing might happen. While the plot remained thin, the pace began to pick up speed half-way through the novel. I was extremely pleased when the last hundred pages flew by; the intensity building every time I turned the page. It was during this time that India and French began working together, which complimented the novels newfound pace quite well. Their partnership was a delight and I often found myself smiling at their banter and blunders.

Despite the slow beginning and thin plot, India Black was an enjoyable read. The author has shown a talent for creating suspenseful scenarios that grow with great intensity. If she can capture the readers attention with this talent right from the beginning, fans of India Black will be in for some excellent reading adventures. 

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Intrigued by India Black? Check out my interview with the author, Carol K. Carr: India Black, author interview.

FTC: I received this book from the publisher. As always, these are my own honest opinions.


Copyright © 2011 Svea Love. All Rights Reserved.

Lauren Willig Reading Challenge

As you all know, Lauren Willig's Pink Carnation Series is a favorite of mine and I have been wanting to re-read through the series for quite some time; well now I have the perfect reason to do so (not that I need a reason to divulge in these fabulous books)! Thanks to Lizzy over at Historically Obsessed, there is a lovely challenge dedicated to this wonderful series, the Lauren Willig Reading Challenge 2011. I had actually thought of hosting a challenge similar to this myself... see how popular this series is! Here are the challenge details:

The Goal:
To read as many books in the series during 2011

The Levels:
Eighth Level: Orchid
Seventh Level: Mistletoe
Sixth Level: Lily
Fifth Level: Jasmine
Fourth Level: Rose
Third Level: Ring
Second Level: Tulip
First Level: Carnation

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My Goal: Level Orchid

My Progress:

1. -
2. -
3. -
4. -
5. -
6. -
7. -
8. -

Jane Austen Reading Challenge 2011

Yes, I know I just signed up for an Austen challenge, but can there ever be too much Jane Austen? I think not! Therefore, bring on the second Jane Austen challenge for 2011. This is the second year I am participating in this particular challenge. Unlike The Sense and Sensibility Bicentenary Challenge, this one shall encompass all of Jane Austen's works. The Jane Austen Challenge 2011 is hosted by Haley at The Life (and lies) of an inanimate object. Here are the challenge details:

Rules:

--Challenge runs January 1st 2011—December 31 2011.

--overlap with other challenges is fine.

--Any format counts: bound book, e-book (check online for free downloads of J.A’s copyright-free books), audio book, or any other thing you can think of. Just no abridged stuff!

--You can change which level you read!

--you don't have to be a blogger or reviewer, just leave a comment letting me know you're joining.


Levels:

**Newbie, 4 books total: 2 books by J. Austen, and 2 re-writes, prequels, sequels, or spoofs (by other authors)

**Lover, 8 books total: 4 books by J. Austen, 4 re-writes, prequels, sequels, or spoofs (by other authors)

** Fanatic, 12+ books total 6+ books by J. Austen, 6+ re-writes, prequels, sequels, or spoofs (by other authors)
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I will be updating my status here on this post. You can easily find it via the "Challenges" page tab at the top of this blog, or by clicking the Challenge Picture on the left hand side of this blog.

My Goal: Newbie, 4 books total: 2 books by J. Austen, and 2 re-writes, prequels, sequels, or spoofs
My Progress:

1. - 
2. -
3. -
4. -

The Sense and Sensibility Bicentenary Challenge 2011

I have been looking for a good Jane Austen challenge to participate in this year and it seems I have finally found one! The Sense and Sensibility Bicentenary Challenge 2011 is hosted by Laurel Ann Nattress at Austenprose. Here is what the challenge entails: 

About: If you have not read Jane Austen’s masterpiece or would like to revisit it in honor of its significant anniversary, see all of the movies or read all of the sequels and spinoffs, this is the year to join the challenge along with other Janeites, historical fiction readers and period drama movie lovers.

Time-line: The Sense and Sensibility Bicentenary Challenge 2011 runs January 1, through December 31, 2011.

Levels of participation: Neophyte: 1 – 4 selections, Disciple: 5 – 8 selections, Aficionada: 9 – 12 selections.

Enrollment: Sign up’s are open until March 1, 2011. First, select your level of participation. Second, copy the Sense and Sensibility Bicentenary Challenge 2011 graphic and include it in your blog post detailing the novels or movies that you commit to reading and watching in 2011. Third, leave a comment linking back to your blog post in the comments of this announcement post. If you do not have a blog you can still participate. Just leave your commitment to the challenge in the comments below.

Check Back Monthly: The Sense and Sensibility Bicentenary Challenge 2011 officially begins on Wednesday, January 26, 2010 with my review of the novelThe Three Weismanns of Westport. Check back on the 4th Wednesday of each month for my next review in the challenge.

Your Participation: Once the challenge starts you will see a tab included at the top of Austenprose called Reading Challenges. Click on the tab and select the Sense and Sensibility Bicentenary Challenge 2011. Leave a comment including the name of the book or movie read or viewed and a link to your blog review. If you do not have a blog, just leave a comment about your selection that you finished with a brief reaction or remark. It’s that easy.
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I will be updating my status here on this post. You can easily find it via the "Challenges" page tab at the top of this blog, or by clicking the Challenge Picture on the left hand side of this blog.

My Goal: Neophyte: 1 – 4 selections
My Progress: 

1. -
2. -
3. -
4. -

What's New Wednesday: A Look at Next Week's New Releases

~ For the week of January 30th - February 5th ~

The Tudor Secret by C.W. Gortner

Publish Date: February 1st 2011

Format: Hardcover 352pp

Synopsis (From the Publisher):

"Summer 1553: A time of danger and deceit. Brendan Prescott, an orphan, is reared in the household of the powerful Dudley family. Brought to court, he finds himself sent on an illicit mission to the King's brilliant but enigmatic sister, Princess Elizabeth. But Brendan is soon compelled to work as a double agent by Elizabeth's protector, William Cecil--who promises in exchange to help him unravel the secret of his own mysterious past. A dark plot swirls around Elizabeth's quest to unravel the truth about the ominous disappearance of her seriously ill brother, King Edward VI. With Elizabeth's lady-in-waiting at his side, Brendan plunges into a ruthless gambit of half-truths, lies, and murder. Filled with the intrigue and pageantry of Tudor England, THE TUDOR SECRET is the first book in the Elizabeth I Spymaster series."

The Irish Princess by Karen Harper

Publish Date: February 1st 2011

Format: Paperback 416pp

Synopsis (From the Publisher):

"A grand-scale historical novel from the national bestselling author ofMistress Shakespeare.

Born into a first family of Ireland, with royal ties on both sides, Elizabeth Fitzgerald-known as Gera-finds her world overturned when Henry VIII imprisons her father, the Earl of Kildare, and brutally destroys her family. Torn from the home she loves, her remaining family scattered, Gera dares not deny the refuge offered her in England's glittering royal court. There she must navigate ever-shifting alliances even as she nurtures her secret desire for revenge. From County Kildare's lush green fields to London's rough-and-tumble streets and the royal court's luxurious pageantry, The Irish Princess follows the journey of a daring woman whose will cannot be tamed, and who won't be satisfied until she restores her family to its rightful place in Ireland."

Pale Rose of England by Sandra Worth

Publish Date: February 1st 2011

Format: Paperback 464pp

Synopsis (From the Publisher):

"From the award-winning author of The King's Daughter comes a story of love and defiance during the War of the Roses.

It is 1497. The news of the survival of Richard Plantagenet, Duke of York, has set royal houses ablaze with intrigue and rocked the fledgling Tudor dynasty. With the support of Scotland's King James IV, Richard-known to most of England as Perkin Warbeck-has come to reclaim his rightful crown from Henry Tudor. Stepping finally onto English soil, Lady Catherine Gordon has no doubt that her husband will succeed in his quest.

But rather than assuming the throne, Catherine would soon be prisoner of King Henry VII, and her beloved husband would be stamped as an imposter. With Richard facing execution for treason, Catherine, alone in the glittering but deadly Tudor Court, must find the courage to spurn a cruel monarch, shape her own destiny, and win the admiration of a nation."

Upcoming Release!

Not one but two Georgette Heyer novels to be re-released in the coming months... yippie! 

Publish Date: May 1st 2011

Format: Paperback 384pp

Synopsis (From the Publisher):

"In all her twenty-five years, lovely Venetia Lanyon has never been further than Harrogate. Then she meets her neighbour, Lord Damerel, and before she knows better, she is egging on a libertine whose way of life has scandalized the county for years."

Publish Date: June 1st 2011

Format: Paperback 368pp

Synopsis (From the Publisher):

"Georgette Heyer wrote a dozen mysteries, but included a Gothic element in only two of her Regency romances-Cousin Kate and The Quiet Gentleman. Upon his return from Waterloo, Gervase Frant expected a hero's welcome-instead he's given a frigid cold shoulder. But when he begins to fall for his half-brother's sweetheart, his chilly reception goes from unfriendly to murderous as Gervase finds himself in several life-threatening "accidents." Justice is swift, and love wins the day."

Free ebook promotion at Barnes & Noble.com

This is a limited-time offer from Barnes and Noble. To obtain your free ebook of The Apothecary's Daughter by Julie Klassen, visit: barnesandnoble.com

Synopsis (From the Publisher):

"Lillian Haswell, brilliant daughter of the local apothecary, yearns for more adventure and experience than life in her father's shop and their small village provides. She also longs to know the truth behind her mother's disappearance, which villagers whisper about but her father refuses to discuss. Opportunity comes when a distant aunt offers to educate her as a lady in London. Exposed to fashionable society and romance--as well as clues about her mother--Lilly is torn when she is summoned back to her ailing father's bedside. Women are forbidden to work as apothecaries, so to save the family legacy, Lilly will have to make it appear as if her father is still making all the diagnoses and decisions. But the suspicious eyes of a scholarly physician and a competing apothecary are upon her. As they vie for village prominence, three men also vie for Lilly's heart."

Masterpiece Monday

François Boucher. An Autumn Pastoral. 1749

New Release: The Arrow Chest by Robert Parry

Publish Date: January 4th 2011

Format: Paperback 342pp

Synopsis (From the Publisher):

“London, 1876. The painter Amos Roselli is in love with his life-long friend and model, the beautiful Daphne – and she with him – until one day she is discovered by another man, a powerful and wealthy industrialist. What will happen when Daphne realises she has sacrificed her happiness to a loveless marriage? What will happen when the artist realises he has lost his most cherished source of inspiration? And how will they negotiate the ever-increasing frequency of strange and bizarre events that seem to be driving them inexorably towards self-destruction. Here, amid the extravagant Neo-Gothic culture of Victorian England, the iconic poem ‘The Lady of Shalott’ blends with mysterious and ghostly glimpses of Tudor history. Romantic, atmospheric and deeply dark.”

To learn more about Robert Parry's works, visit him at: http://robertparry.wordpress.com/

Interview with Deborah Swift, author of The Lady's Slipper

Hello everyone! Today I have the pleasure of hosting Deborah Swift, author of The Lady's Slipper, an intriguing novel of an elusive orchid and the risks one woman takes to claim the orchid for her own purpose (read my review here.) Thank you Deborah for giving us all a deeper look into your delightful novel!

pic. by Jonathan Bean

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When did you first discover The Lady's Slipper orchid and how did its discovery inspire you?

I was out for a walk with a friend and completely by surprise we came across a man in a white tent who was guarding the "Lady's-slipper"orchid. I had never heard of it, for at that time there was just a single flower remaining growing wild. The british conservation agency "English Nature" had put a guard on it whilst it was flowering to deter vandals and collectors. When we stopped in front of it, I was taken with how beautiful and showy the flower was, and it occurred to me that probably generations of people must have stopped exactly where I stood and gazed at it with the same sense of awe at its strangeness and fragility. I thought it so sad that it might become lost to future generations.

At first I wanted to write a poem about it, but then I began to imagine a woman in long skirts standing on that very spot - and the idea for a novel was born! I chose the seventeenth century as it was a time of great conflict in every strata of society.


Ella was such a conniving and manipulative character. Did Thomas ever understand her true motives towards the end?

In the novel I leave this ambiguous, for the reader to decide. My own view is that he did finally come to understand her, but only when it was too late for him to act to repair the damage she had done. And I don't think Ella herself truly comprehends yet why she is so angry with the world and her place in it - it was something I wanted to explore more fully in another book.


At the end of the book, Alice found that her precious orchid was not so rare in the new world. How rare is The Lady's Slipper today?

The site of the original plant is still a closely guarded secret, but scientists at Kew Gardens here in the UK have finally managed to clone and propagate the original plant from seed, after many years of trying. I have followed the process with interest as new seedlings were grown in culture solution in the lab. More recently they have been planted out by lady volunteers (in honour of their name) in carefully assessed limestone habitats. Nowadays though the slugs are as much of a menace as greedy herbalists, and have to be kept away with pellets! By a strange coincidence the trial batch of the new generation of plants began to come into flower the very weekendThe Lady's Slipper was launched in the UK - a very special moment.

So yes, still rare. It will be many more generations before the Lady's-slipper colonies are established enough to look after themselves.


What can readers expect next from you?

My new novel The Gilded Lily will be published by Macmillan in the UK next year. It tells Ella's story directly following the events of The Lady's Slipper. In it we get to know more about Ella through the eyes of her younger sister Sadie. Set in the smoke and coffee houses of Restoration London Ella and Sadie begin in the fashionable world of glitter and glamour. But soon they fall on hard times in one of England's harshest winters, and have to fight their way through a hostile underworld of robbery, prostitution and murder in pursuit of safety, love and happiness.


This being your debut novel, do you have any fresh advice for aspiring authors?

Just to keep writing, that's the hardest part - to keep writing, enjoy what you write and believe in yourself. I loved researching and writing both The Lady's Slipper andThe Gilded Lily, and I am now enjoying writing my third. These days it is hard for new novelists to get published so you might as well love what you write and entertain yourself! Networks of other writers to support you can be helpful too - try She Writes Good luck!

Writers can contact me on my blog The Riddle of Writing www.deborahswift.blogspot.com or find me on my website www.deborahswift.co.uk.

Copyright © 2011 Svea Love. All Rights Reserved.

What's New Wednesday: A Look at Next Week's New Releases

~For the week of January 23rd - 29th~


To Serve a King by Donna Russo Morin

Publish Date: January 25th 2011

Format: Paperback 384 pp

Synopsis: (From the Publisher):

"From her earliest days, Genevieve Gravois has known one fact above all: Francis I, king of France, is her enemy. Raised by her embittered aunt after her parents' deaths, Genevieve has been schooled in things no woman should know: how to decipher codes, how to use a dagger and a bow, and how to kill. For Henry VIII has a destiny in mind for the young girl--as his most powerful and dangerous spy.

When the time is ripe, Genevieve enters the magnificent world of the French court. With grace to match her ambition, she becomes maid of honor to Anne de Pisseleau, King Francis's mistress. Yet neither the court--which teems with artistry and enlightenment as well as intrigue--nor Francis himself are at all what Genevieve expected. And with her mission, her life, and the fate of two kingdoms at stake, she will be forced to make deadly decisions about where her heart and her ultimate loyalties lie."

Giveaway Winner!

Many thanks to everyone who entered in this giveaway! I have some more exciting ones lined up so be sure to keep an eye out for them! And now, the winner of Kate Emerson's newly released Secrets of the Tudor Court: by Royal Decree is....

Blodeuedd

@

Book Girl of Mur-y-Castell

Congratulations! I will be sending you an e-mail shortly to obtain your mailing information.

A Winter's Respite Read-A-Thon

 

                                                                           Ok, I have always failed miserably with any read-a-thon I have ever attempted, but this time I am determined to do well! I am setting a goal for myself, which shall be to read four books during these seven days of reading; though I am hoping I shall exceed my expectations, but let's not get too carried away just yet, lol.


If you wish you join in this read-a-thon, you can sign up over at  The True Book Addict which is hosted by Michelle.

I will list the books on this post as I finish them, with the reviews coming after.


My Current Progress:

1. - Lily of the Nile by Stephanie Dray
2. - India Black by Carol K. Carr
3. -
4. -

Chivalrous Deeds: A Historical Fiction Reading Challenge for 2011

When I saw this challenge, I knew right away that I simply had to sign up for it! Most of the historical fiction I read is set within one court or another, so I thought this would be a fun way to learn how varied my reading material is... and of course the beautiful challenge button was hard to pass up (I used to have a poster of this painting when I was about 12)! The Chivalrous Deeds Challenge is hosted by Holly over at Bippity Boppity Book. Here are the challenge details:

The Object of the Challenge: As a Knight or Lady Knight, to visit as many courts as possible. For example, reading Victoria Victorious by Jean Plaidy would count as 1 visit/chivalrous deed achieved at the court of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Reading No Will But His by Sarah Hoyt would count as 1 visit/chivalrous deed achieved at the court of Catherine Howard and Henry VIII, etc...

Rules/Guidelines:

1. You can visit any court from any point in history as long as the book you are reading is Historical Fiction
2. You can visit the same court more than once but not consecutively. Knights and Lady Knights have many great deeds to perform and so must not tarry at one court for too long! 
3. No books started before 1 January 2011 will count for this challenge
4. Participants can only win 1 prize in this challenge
5. Entries will be counted by posting a link to your review of the book. You do not have to have a blog to participate as long as you are posting a review somewhere and can provide a link to it (Paperbackswap, Goodreads, Librarything etc...). I will add a place to post these links closer to the end of the year.

Duration: The Chivalrous Deeds Historical Fiction Challenge will begin 1 January 2011 and finish on 31 December 2011.

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My Goal: As many as I can!

My Progress:

1. The court of Queen Victoria
• India Black by Carol K. Carr
2. The court of Octavian/Cesar
• Lily of the Nile by Stephanie Dray 
3. The court of Margaret of Anjou and Henry VI
• The Queen of Last Hopes by Susan Higginbotham 
4. The court of Queen Elizabeth
• The Tudor Secret by C.W. Gortner
5. The Court of Emperor 
• Daughters of Rome by Kate Quinn\
6. The Court of 
• The Raven Queen by Jukes Watson
7. The Court of Henry VII
• Pale Rose of England by Sandra Worth 
8. The Court of Elizabeth I
• Elizabeth I by Margaret George
9. The Court of Mary Tudor
• Elizabeth and the Prince of Spain by Margaret Irwin
10. The Court of 
• The Confessions of Catherine de Medici by C.W. Gortner
11. The Court of 
• Queen by Right by Anne Easter Smith
12. The Court of
• Mary of Carisbrooke by Margret Campbell Barnes
13. The Court of Elizabeth I
• The Queen's Gamble by Barbra Kyle
14. The Court of Jane Grey, Mary Tudor, & Elizabeth I
• Three Maids for a Crown by Ella March Chase
15. The Court of Cleopatra Selene/ Octavian's Rome
• Song of the Nile by Stephanie Dray

Suddenly Sunday

Suddenly Sunday is a weekly event where I recap all the exciting things that have been going on here! If you want to join in on this weekly meme, feel free to do so, just link back to this blog :)

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Greetings my lovely followers! I hope your week has been delightful and your weekend enjoyable. It seems that I have been doing a Suddenly Sunday post every other week... these Sunday's are so sudden I completely bypass them, lol. I have been enjoying watching the NFL playoffs while reading my books this weekend and, although the S.F. 49ers are not in the running (one day it will happen again!), it seems that a great Super Bowl is definitely in the works. Ok enough about football, on to the books! Here is what has been going on here at Confessions and Ramblings of a Muse in the Fog:

Reviews posted: 

• Dark Road to Darjeeling by Deanna Raybourn
• The Lady's Slipper by Deborah Swift

Authors who stopped by:

• Carol Carr, author of India Black, interview
• Stephanie Dray, author of Lily of the Nile, guest post
• Be sure to take a look at the other blogs she will be visiting while on her blog tour!

In my mailbox for review:

 

I have also created a new button for my blog! 

I don't know why I had such trouble with it before, but this one seems to be spot on :)

<a href=" http://muse-in-the-fog.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img alt="Confessions and Ramblings of a Muse in the Fog" src="http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz198/museinthefog/191x161.jpg"/></a>

Have a great week & happy reading!

Book Review: The Lady's Slipper by Deborah Swift

Publish Date: November 2010

Format: Paperback 464pp

Synopsis: (From the Publisher)

"1660. King Charles II has returned from exile, but memories of the English Civil War still rankle. There are old scores to settle, and religious differences threaten to overturn a fragile peace. When Alice Ibbetson discovers a rare orchid, the Lady’s Slipper, growing in a wood belonging to Richard Wheeler, she is captivated by its beauty— though Wheeler, a Quaker, is determined to keep the flower where God intended it to grow. Knowing that the orchid is the last of its kind, she steals the flower, little dreaming that her seemingly simple act will set off a chain of events that will lead to murder and exile, and change her life forever…"

My Review:

Alice Ibbetson has known much sorrow in her life: from the tragic loss of her family home during the war, quickly followed by her parents death and then the loss of her beloved sister soon after. With all of this tragedy, Alice thought she had endured every hardship possible; that is until her bleak life is thrown into great chaos by one small act of deception.

 Fearing retribution, Alice desperately attempts to conceal her secret from all, but when her lies begin to bring danger to those around her, she realizes that nothing can be kept secret forever or come without a price. As the lives of three people are intertwined through her wrong deed, Alice must learn how to save them all before her lies destroy them.

With her debut novel, The Lady's Slipper, Deborah Swift has definitely proven her talent in writing historical fiction! From beginning to end the story flowed with perfect rhythm and intrigue. While the plot was not fast paced, it never once left me wanting to hurry on to the next chapter. The characters were vastly deferent and confident opinions could be made of them all. My favorite part of this novel was how easily the author could make you feel as if you were really walking through the woods as Alice went on her secretive missions. At these times, the tone changed to a sense of trepidation mixed with thrill, you could almost feel the silence surrounding you deep within the woods. The only part of this novel that I felt a bit lacking was the romantic relationship between Wheeler and Alice. While I knew their differences must be settled in the end and the two truly cared for each other, I wish there had been a bit more build up to the realization of their feelings instead of it being so rushed at the end. Besides this little quibble, I am completely thrilled with this new author and I can't wait to see what delights she will write for us in the future!

FTC: I received this book from the publisher. As always, these are my own honest opinions. 


Copyright © 2011 Svea Love. All Rights Reserved.

New Blog Button!!!

Hello everyone,

    Just wanted to share with you that I have created a new blog button for Confessions and Ramblings of a Muse in the Fog! I know there have been some issues with my buttons in the past (i.e. unreadable, no picture etc.) but this new one should work perfectly... and I really love it!

 If you wish to use my button, you can grab the code from the right-hand sidebar of this blog, or use the following code (it's all the same):

<a href=" http://muse-in-the-fog.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img alt="Confessions and Ramblings of a Muse in the Fog" src="http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz198/museinthefog/191x161.jpg"/></a>

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