The Memoirs of Mary Queen of Scots by Carolly Erickson

Author: Carolly Erickson
Publish Date: 9/14/2010
Website: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6597.Carolly_Erickson
ISBN: 9780312652739
List Price: $11.90
My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Jacket Synopsis:

Queen of Scotland at six days of age, married as a young girl to the invalid young king of France, Mary took the reins of the unruly kingdom of Scotland as a young widow and fought to keep her throne. A second marriage to her handsome but dissolute cousin Lord Darnley ended in murder and scandal, while a third to the dashing Lord Bothwell, the love of her life, gave her joy but widened the scandal and surrounded her with enduring ill repute.

Unable to rise above the violence and disorder that swirled around her, Mary escaped to England—only to find herself a prisoner of her ruthless, merciless cousin Queen Elizabeth.

Here, in a riveting first-person account, is the enchanting woman whose name still evokes excitement and compassion—and whose death under the headsman’s axe still draws forth our sorrow.

My Comments:
I thought this was a great historical read from the perspective that Mary, Queen of Scots, is always portrayed as a conniving and plotting evil Queen of the North and that her only ambition is to take over the English throne. This book paints a completely different picture of a girl to a woman who is always fighting for her right to survive and to take her noble right of royal blood the throne of Scotland. She only wants the throne of England to solidify her childrens's future. The secret birth of her daughter and continued secrecy to protect her life is quite a different take on the picture that is always painted about Mary. I really like Carolly Erickson's writing style. The rhythm and meeter make the reading easily absorbed and an exciting read!

Undead and Unwed (Betsy Taylor Series #1) by MaryJanice Davidson

Author: MaryJanice Davidson
Publish Date: 3/2/2004
Website: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1429808.MaryJanice_Davidson
ISBN: 9780425194850
List Price: $7.99 (Paperback)
My Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Jacket Synopsis:

First Betsy Taylor loses her job, then she's killed in a car accident.  But what really bites is that she can't seem to stay dead.  And now her new friends have the ridiculous idea that Betsy is the prophesied vampire queen, and they want her help in overthrowing the most obnoxious power-hungry vampire in five centuries.

My Comments:

This is the most hilarious, edgy, and entertaining book. I had picked up book #6 by accident not knowing it was part of a series and thought it was one of the most hilarious characters I have encountered. I had to start at book #1. Here we are... Betsy is a character unlike I have ever read. She is smart, sassy, comedic, and so sarcastic. I love her quips and sassiness. One of my favorites being that she refers to most morons as "asshats!" She can't seem to grasp her importance now that she is dead being the Queen of the Vampires when she was so insignificant (in her mind) when she was alive. Her journey through this book is nothing but exciting, funny, and sexy! You will fall in love with Betsy and her band of characters! I love the way MaryJanice writes. It is smooth and completely fun!! On to book #2!! If you like the Sookie Stackhouse series, you will love these just as much, if not more!!!

Dead Reckoning (Sookie Stackhouse, #11) by Charlaine Harris

Title: Dead Reckoning (Sookie Stackhouse, #11)
Author: Charlaine Harris
Publish Date: 3/27/2012
Website: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17061.Charlaine_Harris
ISBN: 9781937007355
List Price: $7.99 Paperback
My Rating: 2 of 5 stars

Jacket Synopsis:

With her knack for being in trouble’s way, Sookie Stackhouse witnesses the firebombing of Merlotte’s, the bar where she works. Since Sam Merlotte is now known to be two-natured, suspicion falls immediately on the anti-shifters in the area. Sookie suspects otherwise, but her attention is divided when she realizes that her lover, Eric Northman, and his “child” Pam are plotting to kill the vampire who is now their master. Gradually, Sookie is drawn into the plot—which is much more complicated than she knows.

Caught up once again in the politics of the vampire world, Sookie will learn that she is as much of a pawn as any ordinary human—and that there is a new queen on the board….

My Comments:

It has been hard for me give this a 2 star review. I really enjoyed the Sookie Stackhouse series until this point. I really felt like their was no plot in this addition to the series. I felt like the story was all over the place and never keeping the reader engaged nor directed to a plot for this story. I really struggled to complete this read and unfortunately after this read I did not want to pursue books #12 and #13 of the series.

Not to mention the HBO series took too many liberties with Charlaine's story to really make even the show interesting after season 2.

Lemniscate by Jennifer Murgia

Title: Lemniscate
Author: Jennifer Murgia
Future Publish Date: March 21, 2011
Website: http://www.jennifermurgia.com
ISBN: 9780982500583
List Price: $9.48

Jacket Synopsis:
For Teagan, these last few months have been heaven on earth—especially now that Garreth, her boyfriend and guardian angel, is earthbound. But perhaps Garreth is becoming a little more “human” than either of them expected.

Now, Teagan must realize that her world is once again about to shift, as she questions the faith she held in others against those once considered enemies.

In this continuation of Angel Star, Lemniscate will draw you even deeper into the world of dark and light as Teagan realizes the angel who could possibly save them all is the one angel she feared the most.

My Comments: 
Jennifer Murgia's Lemniscate is the sequel to Angel Star. Angel Star asked us what if you met your guardian angel? What would happen if you fell in love with him? Then left us wondering what happens when we find out that we have two guardian angels, one light and one dark.

I am looking forward to a third installment (hopefully) to continue Teagan's journey.

I could not put this book down. It was fast paced, action packed, with a brilliantly woven love story… This book is one of my new favorite-must-keep books and I am eagerly looking forward to the sequel. I look forward to reading more of Jennifer's books in the future. She has a fantastic and imaginative writing style, which paints the most detailed scenic pictures. I could picture the stone chapel in the woods and every scene Teagan experienced.

A fantastic continuation of the series, Jennifer! Congratulations on realizing a dream. I truly look forward to many more books from you...

Elizabeth: Virgin Queen by Philippa Jones

Title: Elizabeth: Virgin Queen
Author: Philippa Jones
Publish Date: 12/30/2011
Website: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2865193.Philippa_Jones
ISBN:  9781847735157
List Price: $1.99
My Rating: 5 out of 5

Jacket Synopsis:

“Gloriana,” “Faerie Queen,” “Queen Bess” are just some of the names given to Elizabeth I, the daughter of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn. But the name for which she is perhaps most remembered, and which best explains why Elizabeth was the last of the Tudor monarchs, was the “Virgin Queen.”

But how appropriate is that image? Were Elizabeth’s suitors and favorites really just innocent intrigues? Or were they much more than that?

And, are the rumors of Elizabeth’s illegitimate children true?

My Comments:

I love the historical genre. As a fan of Philippa Gregory and Jean Plaidy, I picked this book up at a real bargain and thought it would be a nice read. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was a fast read but very thought provoking. I thought it was a well researched account of Queen Elizabeth's life, her consorts, her favorites, and a great analysis of the hypothetical notion that she had an illegitimate child or children.

I think that author's writing flows logically and smooth writing style. As I read, I could envision Elizabeth in her Privy room with her consorts and courtiers, feel her trials and tribulations, as well as, her struggle to be the Master of her Rule, but desiring and seek the friendship, love, and compassion that every person wants. This was a great addition in knowledge and insight to my experiences with the Philippa Gregory and Jean Plaidy books. Happy Reading!

I'm Back!!

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My apologies for being away so long. We welcomed our little one into the world early 2012 and I have been having a blast being a mom and experiencing a wonderful family life with my hubby and daughter. Now I am back and ready to read, write, and review!!
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