The Maiden's Court

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Upcoming Author Interview with Robin Maxwell!!!

Hey everyone - I just wanted to announce that sometime soon (I don't know what day yet) I will be posting an author interview with Robin Maxwell (the author of The Secret Diary of Anne Boleyn). I am so excited as this will be my first one. Stay tuned for the announcement and please stop by to read it.

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Biblical Spotlight: Eve

I find it pertinant that Eve should be the first character that I consider for Biblical Spotlights because she is the title character of the book, Eve by Elissa Elliott.

According to Biblical tradition Eve was created from Adam's rib to be a companion for him. She was named by Adam and her name means "to breathe". After what is likely a short period of time (as they had not yet conceived any children) Eve succumed to the temptation of the Serpent and ate the forbidden fruit from the Tree of Knowledge and also shared that fruit with Adam.

After being expelled from the Garden, Eve bore many children. The only three that are named in the Bible (as far as I can find online) are Cain, Abel, and Seth (I will hopefully address Cain & Abel in a future post as they are quite important in this book). They also had many other sons and daughters, although no names are provided.

There is no indication of how long Eve lived provided. Adam lived for 930 years (or right about there) so it is possible to ascertain she probably had a long life too.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Interestingly, in the book, Cain and Abel are mentioned but there are names given to her 3 living daughters (Naava, Aya, and Dara) as well as names for 3 children she miscarried. This is likely creative license by the author, but I thought it was interesting.

This book also gives a lot of back details as to what happened in the Garden - from her first sexual experience to her first perception of God and the understanding of the world. It also provides emotional responses to the events that happened to her. I think Eve is the most important character to understand for this purpose.

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Teaser Tuesday

For this week's teaser I have selected a passage from Eve: A Novel of the First Woman by Elissa Elliott. I am finding this book to be vastly interesting, despite only being a short way through it.

"Eden is a distant memory, yet it persists, under the skin, like a mosquito bite. It has been so long ago now that Adam and I lived in the Gardern that, often, I wonder if it was just a passing dream or a figment of my imagination" pg. 31.

For this book - instead of doing historical spotlights - I will be doing some Biblical spotlights on the characters. I am not very religious, and therefore am not very familiar with these characters. I thought it would be interesting and helpful to me to explore them, so keep an eye out for it.

Monday, July 6, 2009

Mailbox Monday...well, kinda...

So, this week, sadly, I didn't receive anything in my mailbox...although I am waiting for about 5 things.

I did make a trip to the bookstore this week tho. What else are you supposed to do when you have free money to the bookstore?

I picked up Eve by Elissa Elliott a work of Biblical fiction describing the life of Eve. Here is the synopsis.

"Elliott reimagines the story of Adam and Eve in a debut novel that richly evokes earliest biblical times. The story is told from the points of view of Eve and her daughters: Naava, the beautiful weaver; Aya, the quick-witted, club-footed cook; and Dara, the compassionate observant twin. Eve recounts the fall and how she and Adam wander until settling down to grow crops, raise livestock and start a garden of their own. Elliott offers readers vivid details about the first childbirth, the first intercourse, the first recriminations, the first environmental calamity and the first hunt, but the novel really comes alive when it departs from lushly imagined retelling and thrusts the family into unfamiliar territory when the brood encounters a city and city people. Elliott is at her imaginative and linguistic best describing city life, customs and architecture, building tension as Naava falls for a prince, fueling Cain's wrath. Elliott makes biblical fiction her own with a female perspective that emphasizes emotional turmoil, sensual experience and an impressive range of imagery that brings to life daily life in the beginning."

Hopefully next week will be better news for my mailbox. How was your week?

Sunday, July 5, 2009

Book Review: The Secret Diary of Anne Boleyn by Robin Maxwell

The Secret Diary of Anne Boleyn by Robin Maxwell

Paperback, 281 pages

Touchstone

May 28, 1998

★★★★½☆

Genre: Historical Fiction

Source: Personal Collection

One was queen for a thousand days; one for over forty years. Both were passionate, headstrong women, loved and hated by Henry VIII. Yet until the discovery of the secret diary, Anne Boleyn and her daughter, Elizabeth I, had never really met.

Anne was the second of Henry's six wives, doomed to be beloved, betrayed and beheaded. When Henry fell madly in love with her upon her return from an education at the lascivious French court, he was already a married man. While his passion for Anne was great enough to rock the foundation of England and of all Christendom, in the end he forsook her for another love, schemed against her, and ultimately had her sentenced to death. But unbeknownst to the king, Anne had kept a diary.

At the beginning of Elizabeth 's reign, it is pressed into her hands. In reading it, the young queen discovers a great deal about her much-maligned mother: Anne's fierce determination, her hard-won knowledge about being a woman in a world ruled by despotic men, and her deep-seated love for the infant daughter taken from her shortly after her birth.
In journal's pages, Elizabeth finds an echo of her own dramatic life as a passionate young woman at the center of England 's powerful male establishment, and with the knowledge gained from them, makes a resolution that will change the course of history.

There have been many books written about Anne Boleyn, but I don’t think one has been written in this manner. The present time in this book is the beginning of the reign of Elizabeth I – she is 25, in love, and newly come to the throne. One day an old woman comes to her presence chamber with a diary for her – the diary of her mother, Anne Boleyn. In this diary, Anne wrote of her life from before her ascendency to the throne right up to just before her execution. As Elizabeth reads through this diary she learns a lot about the mother she doesn’t remember and learns many valuable lessons that she will apply during her reign as Queen of England.

I thought that this was an amazingly well written book. I enjoyed how the story bounced back and forth between the present time with Elizabeth and the time while Anne was alive, in the diary. As Elizabeth learned things from her mother she would then apply them to how she ruled her kingdom. It would be neat to think that this was actually the case. It’s a unique way to look at such a sad story.

The character of Anne Boleyn was written in a sympathetic manner. She is not depicted as a cunning, power hungry woman. Instead, she is written as a woman who didn’t really want what happened to her and absolutely loved her daughter. There are several touching scenes between mother and daughter that happen through this diary. Elizabeth learns about her mother first-hand, as opposed to what she has always been taught about her mother being a whore, traitor, and a witch. Elizabeth understands more of whom she is and where she came from and that forms the way she will carry herself from that point on.

I really enjoyed this book, mostly for the connection between mother and daughter and for the depiction of Anne as wholly human. I look forward to reading more of her books, I have Signora da Vinci on my shelf.

Other reviews of this book by other bloggers:

Where to Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | RJ Julia

Also by Robin Maxwell:

Mademoiselle Boleyn

Jane [My Review]

O, Juliet [My Review]

The Queen's Bastard

Signora da Vinci

Virgin

The Wild Irish

Find Robin Maxwell: Website | Twitter | Facebook

GIVEAWAY - Mr. Darcy's Dream

Book Cover Mr Darcy's Dream by Elizabeth Aston

Good Morning Everyone!

I am excited to be hosting another giveaway. I have seen posted on many of your blogs about the new Everything Austen Challenge hosted by Stephanie at Stephanie’s Written Word. While I am not choosing to participate (I enjoy Austen but right now do not think that I can fit another thing in my life!) I thought it would still be cool to contribute in some way. So what better way than a giveaway! I am giving away 1 unread paperback copy of Mr. Darcy’s Dream by Elizabeth Aston. Good-luck everyone who is competing in this challenge.

Now on to the rules…
1. Enter the giveaway by leaving a comment on this post.
2. Earn 1 additional entry for becoming a follower to this blog (if you are already a follower you will get the entry.)
3. Earn a 2nd additional entry for posting about this giveaway at your blog (please leave the link so that I can confirm)
4. Earn a 3rd additional entry by letting me know that you are competing in the Everything Austen Challenge at Stephanie’s Written Word (You do not have to be entered to participate in the giveaway, just to get the extra entry)

Also, please leave your email address so that I can get in contact with you if you win.

This giveaway is open to the US and Canada only! I’m sorry but unfortunately right now my funds are a little low but I will offer international giveaways later on.

The deadline for entry is Friday July 10, 2009. I'm keeping it short so that if you are competing in the challenge you have time to get the book and read it. The winner will be drawn and announced on July 11 on this blog and by email.

This giveaway is closed and not further entries are being accepted.

Saturday, July 4, 2009

Miscellaneous Tudor Musings

Hello everyone! I hope you are all having a great weekend. I just spent the nice sunny day poolside with my boyfriend's family to celebrate the 4th of July. I also finished reading The Secret Diary of Anne Boleyn by Robin Maxwell this evening on the ride home. My review will likely be posted tomorrow. I'm a little too tired for that tonight. But in the meantime I thought I would post some random thoughts that have come to me from reading this book as well as others about the Tudor period.

Nan Bullen
I have seen Anne Boleyn called this in several places. Sometimes I have seen it used by commoners but I have also seen King Henry call her this. So far I have found 2 possible explanations for this. The first, relating to the commoners, is that this was a name used for her because they did not like her. This was used as well as "the Great Whore". I have also heard that Bullen was the actual family name until an ancestor changed it to Boleyn to actually sound better and more regal. What is your opinion?

Execution Fee
I have also read that people had to pay the executioner for their execution. It sounds very ironic to me that the person who has been sentenced to death by beheading would have to pay the executioners fee. Talk about really rubbing it in your face!

Anne Boleyn's Execution
There are 2 things here that I want to address. First of all she asked if she could be beheaded by sword as opposed to an ax. It might just be me not knowing too much about swords and axes, but I would think that an ax would have more leverage and be sharper... but apparently I am wrong. The French were talented in beheading with swords and there were less horror stories of these long drawn out executions. As Anne was kneeling with her blindfold on the executioner supposedly yelled out "Where is my sword" or something similar and then struck her so that she would think that she still had a few moments and not expect it. I'm not sure how true this is.

Also, the night before the execution, Anne and Henry's marriage was annulled and declared void - as if it never happened. Following this theory she shouldn't have been executed, because if the marriage never existed, then she couldn't have committed adultery, therefore not having committed treason. But we all know Henry really didn't care for those fine points.

Well that is all I have for now, be sure to stay tuned for my review tomorrow! Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Quote of the Day

This quote is from Queen Elizabeth I upon learning that she was now Queen of England.

"A Dominum factum est illud, et est mirabile in oculis notris"

or in plainer English

"It is the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes."

Teaser Tuesday

Hey everyone! Another Tuesday down - only 2 more workdays for me and then a 3 day weekend for Independence Day! I love short weeks.

This week's teaser is from The Secret Diary of Anne Boleyn by Robin Maxwell.

"'It is a diary. Your mother Anne Boleyn's diary.'" At once the skin on Elizabeth's body began to crawl and her heart heaved. Her mother!" (pg. 21)

Hope everyone has a great rest of the day!

Monday, June 29, 2009

Mailbox Monday #4

Hello everyone! Hope you are having a half-way decent Monday, not too bad at my end. I love coming home from work and getting to join in on blogging!

This week only brought in a few items in my mailbox. They actually both came today, so the mailbox was kinda lonely! So on with the show.

1. The House at Riverton ~Kate Morton (ordered from UK Book Depository)
2. The Forgotten Garden ~Kate Morton (ordered from UK Book Depository)

I saw The House at Riverton at the local bookstore about 2 weeks ago and it sounded so exciting. I passed on spending an undue amount of money there and ordered it from the Book Depository as soon as I got home. Gotta love free shipping worldwide!

The House at Riverton
This debut page-turner from Australian Morton recounts the crumbling of a prominent British family as seen through the eyes of one of its servants. At 14, Grace Reeves leaves home to work for her mother's former employers at Riverton House. She is the same age as Hannah, the headstrong middle child who visits her uncle, Lord Ashbury, at Riverton House with her siblings Emmeline and David. Fascinated, Grace observes their comings and goings and, as an invisible maid, is privy to the secrets she will spend a lifetime pretending to forget. But when a filmmaker working on a movie about the family contacts a 98-year-old Grace to fact-check particulars, the memories come swirling back.

Mailbox Monday is hosted by Marcia at The Printed Page.

Sunday, June 28, 2009

True Fairy Tale Award!

Isn't that a beautiful picture? Everyone loves fairy tales, that's why I am so excited to have received the True Fairy Tale Award from Gwendolyn B. at A Sea of Books.

This is also exciting because I always am excited to work on my blog and it feels so unreal that people actually read it and contribute to it. When I first started my blog... (only a little over a month ago!) I didn't really know if anyone was going to find it or be interested. In that short period of time I have met some really great bloggers, had the opportunity to talk and make connections with some amazing authors, and offer a couple giveaways. It really has been an exciting time for me.

I would like to pass this award on to:

Virginie at Virginie Says...

And

Marie Burton at The Burton Review.

May all of your dreams come true!

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Audiobook Review: Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

Abridged, 6 hr.

Penguin Audio

Joanna David (narrator)

June 16, 2005

★★★★☆

Genre: Classic

Source: Personal Collection

Orphaned into the household of her Aunt Reed at Gateshead, subject to the cruel regime at Lowood charity school, Jane Eyre nonetheless emerges unbroken in spirit and integrity.

She takes up the post of governess at Thornfield, falls in love with Mr. Rochester, and discovers the impediment to their lawful marriage in a story that transcends melodrama to portray a woman's passionate search for a wider and richer life than Victorian society traditionally allowed.

With a heroine full of yearning, the dangerous secrets she encounters, and the choices she finally makes, Charlotte Bronte's innovative and enduring romantic novel continues to engage and provoke readers.

I chose to read this book for a couple of reasons. First, I am currently working on a book challenge: The Four Month Challenge and one of the stipulations were to read a classic. So I sat there for awhile before I decided what classic to read. I had never read this book before, but I had heard a lot of people talking about it and figured it was probably something I should read. Coming into this, I had no idea what to expect from this book, I hadn’t read a classic in awhile and I didn’t know what it was about. I chose to have this in audio book because I have a long drive to and from work and it would not interrupt my normal reading schedule.

I really, really enjoyed this story. I enjoyed it in a different way than I have enjoyed other books I have reviewed recently. This story begins with a young Jane Eyre living with the family of an aunt who really doesn’t treat her like family. She is eventually sent away to a boarding school and then takes up the role of governess for a Mr. Rochester. This is when the story really starts to pick up. There is romance, secret desire, heartbreak, a little bit of a mystery, sadness, and then a happy ending…which we all enjoy. There were times when I cried and times when I yelled at Jane for making a dumb decision – such as leaving her post of governess.

There really were only two main characters in this story: Jane Eyre and Mr. Rochester. I really went back and forth in my opinion of the character of Mr. Rochester. Sometimes I thought he was clearly crazy. Things that he said did not make sense sometimes, but it truly could have been me not hearing right in the car. I felt for Jane from day one: she was treated poorly by people who were her family, was sent from home, and was angst ridden from her secret desire for love. As I said before, there were times I was mad at her choices, but overall she was a very likeable character.

I would definitely read another classic book after reading this one; well, actually I would probably do an audio book so I can still read another book. It actually made me interested in this genre again without feeling like I was reading for school.

★★★★☆

This being an audio book I think that the choice of narrator is very important as to how enjoyable the experience is. I have heard some awful narrators and it can really ruin the story. The narrator for the version I listened to was Joanna David and she was a phenomenal narrator. First of all she was British, which was very appropriate because the book was set in England and made it more believable and felt like Jane was actually narrating her story. She was also very amazing at evoking the emotions of the characters. It really felt like I was listening to a play and helped me enjoy my ride.

You can preview a sampling of the audiobook below:

Monday, June 22, 2009

Giveaway Results!!!

Book Cover Sex with the Queen by Eleanor Herman

Today is the day when I announce the winner of one gently used paperback copy of Sex with the Queen by Eleanor Herman. I want to thank the 44 people who entered this contest, generating 70 entries!!! What a great turn-out. Now on with the winner...(thanks to Randomizer)

Ms. Lucy!!!

Congrats!! I will be emailing you to get your contact info.

Thanks again everyone. Keep an eye out next week or so for a new giveaway!

Mailbox Monday #3

I recieved several books in the mail this week, although most of them were ones that I ordered myself ;). I did receive one from a giveaway tho!

Ok...so on with the show...

Ordered from the UK Book Depository (free shipping worldwide!!!)
1. The Accidental Demon Slayer ~ Angie Fox
2. Jane Eyre (audio book) ~ Charlotte Bronte
3. Tutankhamun: Book of Shadows ~ Nick Drake
4. The Heretic Queen ~ Michelle Moran

Won from Plaidy's Royal Intrigue blog
5. Lilith ~ Jean Plaidy

So far I have only been able to start enjoying Jane Eyre, as I have been listening to the audio book in the car on the way to work. It is hard to say whether I am more excited about the Demon Slayer book or the Heretic Queen (I have been wanting Heretic Queen for awhile but really loved the last Demon Slayer book). Can't wait to read!

What was in your mailbox?

Mailbox Monday is hosted by Marcia at The Printed Page.

Saturday, June 20, 2009

Book Review: Innocent Traitor by Alison Weir

Innocent Traitor by Alison Weir

ARC, Paperback, 416 pages

Ballantine Books

February 27, 2007

★★★★½☆

Genre: Historical Fiction

Source: Personal Collection

"I am now a condemned traitor . . . I am to die when I have hardly begun to live.

Historical expertise marries page-turning fiction in Alison Weir’s enthralling debut novel, breathing new life into one of the most significant and tumultuous periods of the English monarchy. It is the story of Lady Jane Grey–“the Nine Days’ Queen” –a fifteen-year-old girl who unwittingly finds herself at the center of the religious and civil unrest that nearly toppled the fabled House of Tudor during the sixteenth century."

This was my first book by Alison Weir and I enjoyed it a lot. As a historian, Weir brings much to the fiction table in this book. She is able to integrate a lot of intricate historical details into the overall story. When historical details are in question, Weir chooses the most believable route to follow creating a vastly interesting historical adventure.

The focus of this book is the Lady Jane Grey and her rise to the throne of England and subsequent downfall 9 days later. Her story is told from just before her birth and the life of her mother and father. She is a smart girl and lives a rather quiet life at her home of Bradgate Hall. Her mother is not the warmest person and does everything she can to advance the family in the hierarchal structure of English society. Her greatest ambition is to bring Jane to the throne, regardless of the manner or the repercussions.

This story is told through the voice of many different narrators; at last count I think there was 8, but it could be a few more than that. I am on the fence as to whether this many narrators are effective or not. Each of these people brings a different perspective of the events of the day to the table. At the same time it can sometimes get confusing as to exactly who these people are and what their purpose is. Some of the narrators appear frequently (Jane and her mother) and some only appear once (Jane Seymour). I have read other books where multiple narrators are employed (The Boleyn Inheritance by Philippa Gregory) but the number has been limited to a few. I think this was more effective because you can really make a connection with the characters and understand their importance.

The character of Jane Grey is exceptionally well written. I had no previous experience with the story of Jane Grey and I have to say that I learned a lot. There were times that my heartstrings were pulled. The author really knows how to create an emotional scene.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the reign of Lady Jane Grey as well as politics of the time period.

Other bloggers reviews of this book:

Where to Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | RJ Julia

Also by Alison Weir:

Alison Weir also has written both non-fiction and fiction novel. Her other historical novels are:

Captive Queen

A Dangerous Inheritance

The Lady Elizabeth

The Marriage Game

Find Alison Weir: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest

Quote of the Day - Lady Jane Grey's Final Poem

I should be getting up two reviews this weekend - The audio book of I Am America, and So Can You by Stephen Colbert and Innocent Traitor by Alison Weir. In the meantime, I thought I would leave the last poem Jane Grey wrote on the day that she was executed for you to read.

"Last light has fallen,

I awoke today with trepid consternation,

This morning will be my last,

The Tower outside is busy,

Tower hill is ready

Oh poor Guilford!

Thou doest say numbers there are vast

The beating of drums,

relocates me to the window.

I watch him, Guilford Dudley, walking, pacing himself slowly,

Tears weep from my eyes, as I watch him walk his last walk of life.

Departed, now, from my view,

From this here lieutenants room.

I look upon the heavens above,

'God our father bequeath to, Guilford your holy love'.

Nearby, a sound of constant clanging,

It is no longer the drums I hear beating.

Left of the window is a commotion on Tower green,

They are finishing a structure,

A scaffold,

Oh,

It is for me."

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Historical Spotlight: Marriage of Lady Jane Grey to Lord Guilford Dudley

The marriage of Lady Jane Grey to Lord Guilford Dudley was purely a strategic move by both sets of parents. John Dudley, Duke of Northumberland, wanted to connect his family to the royal line by marrying his youngest son, Guilford, to the Duke of Suffolk's daughter, Jane. The Duke and Duchess of Suffolk had always wanted to elevate their family and putting Jane in line for the throne was the best way. The two were married in May of 1553.

The wedding was a triple wedding: Jane and Guilford, Katherine Grey (Jane's sister) and Lord Herbert, and Guilford's sister Katherine to Lord Hastings.

Jane and Guilford did not get along well. She is said to have described the consummation of their marriage as rape, as he was so forceful. Once Jane was Queen, she refused the attempts by the Duke of Northumberland to have Guilford crowned as King. She would only agree to have him named the Duke of Clarence.

When the Lady Mary was proclaimed Queen, Jane and Guilford were housed in the Tower until February 12, 1554. Queen Mary signed the death warrant for both of them for the reason of treason and both were beheaded.

Jane was buried in St. Peter ad Vincula between Queen Anne and Queen Katherine, who had both suffered the same fate.

Monday, June 15, 2009

Mailbox Monday #2

First off, I want to apologize for not being around much last week. I started a new job on Monday and had just been so tired when I got home that I didn't have any time to do the things I love to do: read and blog! I'm going to try to be better this week, honest!

Ok, so this week's Mailbox Monday was quite a haul for me, let's check it out!

Won from Book Reviews By Bobbie

1. The Shack by William P. Young
2. Too Hot to Handle by Robin Kaye
3. God's Behaving Badly by Marie Phillips **I'm really excited about this one**
4. Tin Angel by Shannon Cowan
5. See Jane Read: 99 Ways for Women to Take Charge at Work by Lois P. Frankel
6. Love and Other Natural Disasters by Holly Shumas
7. Rage: The True Story of a Sibling Murder by Jerry Langton
8. Dream in Color: How the Sanchez Sisters are Making History in Congress by Linda & Loretta Sanchez
9. Mr. Darcy's Dream by Elizabeth Aston
10. The Bishop's Daughter by Tiffany L. Warren
11. Keep the Faith by Faith Evans

Also, I got something in the mail that isn't exactly a book, but it is very book related so I thought I would count it.

From Angie Fox, author of The Dangerous Book for Demon Slayers

She sent me a "Kiss My Asphalt" t-shirt which one of her characters wears in her book. She sent this to me as well as a nice handwritten note thanking me for the book review that I wrote a week or two ago. It shows that authors really do check out these blogs!

I have a couple other things that should be coming this week, so until then...what did you get?

Mailbox Monday is hosted by Marcia at The Printed Page.

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Historical Spotlight: Lady Frances Grey, Duchess of Suffolk

Lady Frances Brandon - Lady Frances Grey - Lady Dorset - Duchess of Suffolk

Frances Grey was the mother of Lady Jane Grey - the Nine Day Queen of England. Frances was the daughter of the well known Charles Brandon and Mary Tudor (King Henry's sister). She married Henry Grey in 1533. They had three daughters: Jane, Katherine, and Mary.

During the reign of King Henry VIII, Frances was 4th in line to the throne, after Edward, Mary, and Elizabeth. She was the daughter of the King's younger sister. His oldest sister Margaret and her children were passed over in the line of succession because she was married to the king of Scotland and that was not what Henry wanted ruling England.

Frances is known for being a very harsh mother to her girls - partly because they did not have the son they desired and also because they had high aspirations in politics. She disliked the more quiet personalities of her girls. Her third daughter, Mary, was born with a hunch in her back and kept out of the public eye - not for her protection but to avoid embarassment of the family.

Frances was a schemer - her and her husband tried to have their eldest daugher, Jane, married to King Edward. This did not happen, but she became queen in her own right for nine days after Edward died. After Mary came to power, Jane and her father Henry Grey were executed in 1554. Despite this, Frances was able to secure a pardon from her.

Within a month of the loss of her husband and daughter she married again - Adrian Stokes. They had three children within the next 4 years, but all died in infancy. She lost political power during the reign of Elizabeth and died in 1559.

Monday, June 8, 2009

My First Mailbox Monday!!

Mailbox Monday is hosted by Marcia at The Printed Page.

This is my first chance to do a Mailbox Monday and I am pretty excited about it. This week I only got one book in the mail, The Dangerous Book for Demon Slayers by Angie Fox. This book was sent to me by Marie Burton of the Burton Review for me to review; to help her out. I got it Wednesday I think, and had it finished by Saturday, so this is actually old news, but I wanted to share anyway.

I might have something more interesting next week, I ordered a book, won some books, and have a surprise coming. This should be good!

Anything good in your mailbox?

About Me

Heather, 30, USA. Hi everyone! I started my blog, The Maiden's Court, in May 2009 as a creative outlet for my reading and it has completely taken me to new places. I love sharing my reading and the things that I learn.

On my blog you will find my honest reviews of historical fiction books, historical movie reviews, and interesting historical content among other things. If you would like to know more about me, check out the About Me. Feel free to contact me at any time - best way is to use the contact form at the bottom of the Review Policy page or email me at dolleygurl[at]hotmail[dot]com.

Attention Authors, Publishers, Blog Tour Organizers! I would love to hear from you if you have a book that you would like for me to consider for review. Check out my review policy and then contact me with the pitch.