Secrets of the Tudor Court: A the King’s Pleasure
Kate Emerson
Gallery/Pocket, Aug 23 2011, $16.00
ISBN: 9781439177822
In 1509, in spite of his efforts Edward the Duke of Buckingham is upset that his brother charged with treason Lord Henry remains confined to the Tower. Edward needs a pawn at the court of King Henry VIII, but his three daughters are too young and one of his sisters is married. He turns to his sibling Widow Anne Herbert whose husband died form a fall; as Edward realizes she is the only one he can barter with.
Edward arranges a marriage to George, Baron Hastings. Lady Anne is pleased to escape her martinet brother and obtains a position as a lady-in-waiting to Queen Catherine. One year after she and George married, she is caught up in a scandalous situation with King Henry VIII’s man Sir William Compton in her chambers while the ruler is also sniffing at her with desire.
The latest Secrets of the Tudor Court (see The Pleasure Queen, Between Two Queens and By Royal Decree) is an engaging tale though the lead protagonist lacks the passion and energy (even with three males desiring her and her brother using her) that previous Tudor heroines had. Still sub-fans will enjoy an interesting look at the court of King Henry VIII in which much of the intrigue centers around the value of females on the aristocratic commodity exchange.
Harriet Klausner
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Done Safely Home-Randy Alcorn
Done Safely Home
Randy Alcorn
Tyndale, Jul 19 2011, $14.99
ISBN: 9781414348551
In Portland, Oregon, Getz International Executive Ben Fielding believes his firm can expand into the growing Chinese market. He sells the top brass the idea of manufacturing electronic components onside of China using local labor and selling to the 1.2 billion consumers.
Ben travels to China to set in motion his business plan. He stays with his Harvard roommate from over two decades ago Dr. Li Quan. Their chats give Ben a different view of China than that of what he has seen on his previous trips there. However, he rejects much of what Li insists is going on including government persecution of Christians. When Li is arrested, Ben seeks out why while finding Jesus as his guide.
This is the tenth anniversary reprint of a strong look at de jure and de facto religious persecution. The story line engages the reader once Li reunites with Ben. Filled with an emotional rollercoaster, fans will appreciate this deep look at China through the lens of religious persecution though somewhat shallow Ben’s return to the flock never quite rings true.
Harriet Klausner
Randy Alcorn
Tyndale, Jul 19 2011, $14.99
ISBN: 9781414348551
In Portland, Oregon, Getz International Executive Ben Fielding believes his firm can expand into the growing Chinese market. He sells the top brass the idea of manufacturing electronic components onside of China using local labor and selling to the 1.2 billion consumers.
Ben travels to China to set in motion his business plan. He stays with his Harvard roommate from over two decades ago Dr. Li Quan. Their chats give Ben a different view of China than that of what he has seen on his previous trips there. However, he rejects much of what Li insists is going on including government persecution of Christians. When Li is arrested, Ben seeks out why while finding Jesus as his guide.
This is the tenth anniversary reprint of a strong look at de jure and de facto religious persecution. The story line engages the reader once Li reunites with Ben. Filled with an emotional rollercoaster, fans will appreciate this deep look at China through the lens of religious persecution though somewhat shallow Ben’s return to the flock never quite rings true.
Harriet Klausner
Friday, August 5, 2011
Following Atticus: Forty-Eight High Peaks, One Little Dog, and an Extraordinary Friendship-Tom Ryan
Following Atticus: Forty-Eight High Peaks, One Little Dog, and an Extraordinary Friendship
Tom Ryan
Morrow, Sep 20 2011, $25.99
ISBN: 9780061997105
Newburyport, Massachusetts Undertoad newspaper editor Tom Ryan hiked several New Hampshire Mountains with his brothers. When his friend Vicki Pearson died from cancer, Tom felt a need to honor her. He closed his paper and decided to climb all forty-eight peaks in the White Mountains to raise money for charity in Vicki’s name. When his schnauzer Max died, Tom obtained an unwanted schnauzer pup Atticus Maxwell Finch who joined him on the trek of climbing the 48 in 90 days.
This is a fascinating poignant memoir that passionately focuses on much more than just a man and a dog in booties bonding while climbing mountains. Instead Tom Ryan discusses his estrangement with his late opinionated dad that has left him feeling regret, but between the mountains and his heroic canine, he felt a spiritual enlightenment that has given his pre climbing tortured soul tranquility. This is a super biography of a troubled man finding solace by Following Atticus’ lead to nirvana.
Harriet Klausner
Tom Ryan
Morrow, Sep 20 2011, $25.99
ISBN: 9780061997105
Newburyport, Massachusetts Undertoad newspaper editor Tom Ryan hiked several New Hampshire Mountains with his brothers. When his friend Vicki Pearson died from cancer, Tom felt a need to honor her. He closed his paper and decided to climb all forty-eight peaks in the White Mountains to raise money for charity in Vicki’s name. When his schnauzer Max died, Tom obtained an unwanted schnauzer pup Atticus Maxwell Finch who joined him on the trek of climbing the 48 in 90 days.
This is a fascinating poignant memoir that passionately focuses on much more than just a man and a dog in booties bonding while climbing mountains. Instead Tom Ryan discusses his estrangement with his late opinionated dad that has left him feeling regret, but between the mountains and his heroic canine, he felt a spiritual enlightenment that has given his pre climbing tortured soul tranquility. This is a super biography of a troubled man finding solace by Following Atticus’ lead to nirvana.
Harriet Klausner
Wildflower Hill-Kimberley Freeman
Wildflower Hill
Kimberley Freeman
Touchstone, Aug 23 2011, $16.00
ISBN: 9781451623499
In 1989 Sydney, Beattie Blaxland watches her eleven year old granddaughter Emma Blaxland-Hunter dance with euphoria. Afterward, Beattle sadly muses to her beloved Emma that success is not everything. In 2009, prima donna Emma’s dance career ends in London at about the same time her relationship with Josh when the doctors declare her knee to brittle to handle the physical demands of dance. Her mom asks her to come home, which she does. She has inherited Wildflower Hall from her late grandma. She plans to sell the place until she finds a photograph of her grandma with an unknown child. Unable to resist Emma investigates her family tree.
In 1929 Glasgow, Beattie’s dreams end when she realizes she is carrying her married lover Henry MacConnell’s child. Beattie and Henry flee to Tasmania where he deserts her. Supporting her daughter as a single mom, Beattie obtains work at Wildflower Hill sheep farm.
This is a fascinating family drama refreshingly enhanced by local vernacular that has the reader feeling they are in Australia. The story line is very narrowly linear past and present as the audience will figure out the mystery before Beattie does. Still the fun in this tale resides in the complicated two women who bring grit and charm as they reinvent themselves through love and hate; as for the sandwiched generation, she is more an enabler and not on the same developed levels as her mom and daughter. Fans of epic family dramas will enjoy this fine Australian saga.
Harriet Klausner
Kimberley Freeman
Touchstone, Aug 23 2011, $16.00
ISBN: 9781451623499
In 1989 Sydney, Beattie Blaxland watches her eleven year old granddaughter Emma Blaxland-Hunter dance with euphoria. Afterward, Beattle sadly muses to her beloved Emma that success is not everything. In 2009, prima donna Emma’s dance career ends in London at about the same time her relationship with Josh when the doctors declare her knee to brittle to handle the physical demands of dance. Her mom asks her to come home, which she does. She has inherited Wildflower Hall from her late grandma. She plans to sell the place until she finds a photograph of her grandma with an unknown child. Unable to resist Emma investigates her family tree.
In 1929 Glasgow, Beattie’s dreams end when she realizes she is carrying her married lover Henry MacConnell’s child. Beattie and Henry flee to Tasmania where he deserts her. Supporting her daughter as a single mom, Beattie obtains work at Wildflower Hill sheep farm.
This is a fascinating family drama refreshingly enhanced by local vernacular that has the reader feeling they are in Australia. The story line is very narrowly linear past and present as the audience will figure out the mystery before Beattie does. Still the fun in this tale resides in the complicated two women who bring grit and charm as they reinvent themselves through love and hate; as for the sandwiched generation, she is more an enabler and not on the same developed levels as her mom and daughter. Fans of epic family dramas will enjoy this fine Australian saga.
Harriet Klausner
Dry as Rain-Gina Holmes
Dry as Rain
Gina Holmes
Tyndale, Sep 1 2011, $13.99
ISBN: 9781414333069
Twenty years ago, Eric informed his date that he just met the woman he was going to marry. He and Kyra began seeing each other and married. They have a son Benji who joined the Navy but recently received a medical discharge.
Now the couple is separated with Kyra filing for divorce. Eric sleeps with young co-worker Danielle, but feels guilty when he calls it making love. Kyra is severely injured in a car accident and has lost her recent memory including their marital problems. Though he knows what he is about to do is wrong, a desperate Eric realizes he loves his wife and will do anything to save their marriage. He pretends they never separated praying she forgives him for his sin if she remembers.
This is an entertaining family drama filled with a fascinating lead couple as Eric learns Walter Scott’s warning: “what a tangled web we weave. When first we practice to deceive!” while Kyra recovers her health and begins recalling the truth. The support cast is eccentric as Benji, Eric's BFF Larry and troubled youngster Angelo add tsuris to the mix. The lack of what caused the estrangement and a sudden ending detract from an otherwise interesting relationship story line.
Harriet Klausner
Gina Holmes
Tyndale, Sep 1 2011, $13.99
ISBN: 9781414333069
Twenty years ago, Eric informed his date that he just met the woman he was going to marry. He and Kyra began seeing each other and married. They have a son Benji who joined the Navy but recently received a medical discharge.
Now the couple is separated with Kyra filing for divorce. Eric sleeps with young co-worker Danielle, but feels guilty when he calls it making love. Kyra is severely injured in a car accident and has lost her recent memory including their marital problems. Though he knows what he is about to do is wrong, a desperate Eric realizes he loves his wife and will do anything to save their marriage. He pretends they never separated praying she forgives him for his sin if she remembers.
This is an entertaining family drama filled with a fascinating lead couple as Eric learns Walter Scott’s warning: “what a tangled web we weave. When first we practice to deceive!” while Kyra recovers her health and begins recalling the truth. The support cast is eccentric as Benji, Eric's BFF Larry and troubled youngster Angelo add tsuris to the mix. The lack of what caused the estrangement and a sudden ending detract from an otherwise interesting relationship story line.
Harriet Klausner
Ambitious-Monica McKayhan
Ambitious
Monica McKayhan
Kimani TRU, Aug 23 2011, $9.99
ISBN: 9780373229963
Brooklyn teenage dancer Marisol Garcia is exhilarated to learn the Premiere High School of the Performing Arts accepted her as a student. Mari has worked diligently at her craft and by making it into the highly competitive Premiere High feels it was worth the cost. She still must persuade her Mami that attending the school will not strip away her Mexican-American heritage.
At the school, Mari literally runs into Drew Bishop who teases her about injuring him. He has to choose between basketball where he is a star expected to earn his scholarship and the acting where he loves performing Shakespeare. Meanwhile Mari becomes all consumed with the dance at the cost of her grades, her family and her friends as she competes against her BFF Luz including Drew whose father prefers the courts to the stage.
The first Premiere High is an engaging young adult tale that looks closely at the cost of pursuing an artistic career in which your parents have doubts. Mari and Drew are great leads while the support cast enhances the issues each face in their chosen endeavor. With a nod to Fame, Monica McKayhan goes deep into what motivates a young performer.
Harriet Klausner
Monica McKayhan
Kimani TRU, Aug 23 2011, $9.99
ISBN: 9780373229963
Brooklyn teenage dancer Marisol Garcia is exhilarated to learn the Premiere High School of the Performing Arts accepted her as a student. Mari has worked diligently at her craft and by making it into the highly competitive Premiere High feels it was worth the cost. She still must persuade her Mami that attending the school will not strip away her Mexican-American heritage.
At the school, Mari literally runs into Drew Bishop who teases her about injuring him. He has to choose between basketball where he is a star expected to earn his scholarship and the acting where he loves performing Shakespeare. Meanwhile Mari becomes all consumed with the dance at the cost of her grades, her family and her friends as she competes against her BFF Luz including Drew whose father prefers the courts to the stage.
The first Premiere High is an engaging young adult tale that looks closely at the cost of pursuing an artistic career in which your parents have doubts. Mari and Drew are great leads while the support cast enhances the issues each face in their chosen endeavor. With a nod to Fame, Monica McKayhan goes deep into what motivates a young performer.
Harriet Klausner
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
1105 Yakima Street-Debbie Macomber
1105 Yakima Street
Debbie Macomber
Mira, Aug 30 2011, $7.99
ISBN: 9780778312512
In Cedar Cove, Washington, pregnant Rachel Peyton leaves her husband widower Bruce and his thirteen year old daughter from his first wife Joleen. Rachel feels unsafe for herself and her unborn from the jealousy of her stepdaughter so she has fled across Sinclair Inlet to Bremerton. Bruce searches for her but no one at the Get Nailed Salon knows where she went and he believes if they did they would not tell him.
Elderly Charlotte and Ben Rhodes have become increasingly forgetful especially her. Her adult children Judge Olivia Lockhart Griffin and gallery owner Will Jefferson worry about the potential for a deadly occurrence.
Sheriff’s Deputy Gloria Ashton hid her pregnancy secret from the father Dr. Chad Timmons. He learns that she is pregnant while seeing someone else.
Fans of the Cesar Cove family drama saga (see 1022 Evergreen Place) will enjoy the latest tale with the prime focus at 1105 Yakima Street and by extension Bremerton. The story line rotates subplots with more happening than above like Leonard Bellamy sabotaging his son-in-law Linc Wyse's repair shop. Hence new visitors to the Puget Sound small-town series will struggle to keep score of all the cast even with a scorecard.
Harriet Klausner
Debbie Macomber
Mira, Aug 30 2011, $7.99
ISBN: 9780778312512
In Cedar Cove, Washington, pregnant Rachel Peyton leaves her husband widower Bruce and his thirteen year old daughter from his first wife Joleen. Rachel feels unsafe for herself and her unborn from the jealousy of her stepdaughter so she has fled across Sinclair Inlet to Bremerton. Bruce searches for her but no one at the Get Nailed Salon knows where she went and he believes if they did they would not tell him.
Elderly Charlotte and Ben Rhodes have become increasingly forgetful especially her. Her adult children Judge Olivia Lockhart Griffin and gallery owner Will Jefferson worry about the potential for a deadly occurrence.
Sheriff’s Deputy Gloria Ashton hid her pregnancy secret from the father Dr. Chad Timmons. He learns that she is pregnant while seeing someone else.
Fans of the Cesar Cove family drama saga (see 1022 Evergreen Place) will enjoy the latest tale with the prime focus at 1105 Yakima Street and by extension Bremerton. The story line rotates subplots with more happening than above like Leonard Bellamy sabotaging his son-in-law Linc Wyse's repair shop. Hence new visitors to the Puget Sound small-town series will struggle to keep score of all the cast even with a scorecard.
Harriet Klausner
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