Christmas Spirit Read-a-Thon Wrap-Up

Well, the read-a-thon ends today - and since I'm watching The Walking Dead as I write this, I don't see myself getting any more reading done tonight, so I'm wrapping up now.  I did pretty well for the first one that I participated in.  I actually read several Christmas related novellas/short stories (3) and finished another book that I had been reading.  Here is a summary of what I completed this week:

• Finished reading The Tiger Queens by Stephanie Thornton
• Read in their entirety: The Advent Bride by Mary Connealy; The Nutcracker Bride by Margaret Brownley; and The Evergreen Bride by Pam Hillman (all Christmas themed)
• Started, but haven't finished: The Gift-Wrapped Bride by Maureen Lang

Pretty impressive.  I also working on my new goal of trying to tweet and post to Facebook more often. Great success.  You can read my daily updates on my sign-up post.

Thanks Michelle for hosting the Christmas Spirit Read-a-Thon and I will continue to participate in the Christmas Spirit Reading Challenge.

 

 

Copyright © 2014 by The Maiden’s Court

2014 Christmas Spirit Read-a-Thon & Christmas Spirit Reading Challenge

I haven't participated in any reading challenges this year - which was one of my resolutions that I managed to stick to.  Now you might question why in the final weeks of the year I am seemingly going back on that resolution.  Well, November and December have always been months where I try to not participate in too many blog tours (for review purposes) or other review commitments so that I can use that time to focus on backlogged reviews and books purchased throughout the year.  It is sort of my freebie month(s).  If you have been following my Mailbox Monday posts you will have noticed that I have been buying Christmas historical novels, short-stories, and collections.  I am really excited to get into these books and was planning on trying to read several of them this year before I even knew of this challenge.  I have already read one collection which offered a nice change of pace from my regular readings that have made me even more excited about participating.

The 5th Annual Christmas Spirit Reading Challenge is being hosted at The Christmas Spirit and will run from November 24th to January 6th (which gives me ample time to read and fits in with my "freebie" time). 

• The books read must be Christmas novels, books about Christmas lore, a book of Christmas short stories or poems, books about Christmas crafts, or a children's Christmas book and there is a level for films too.

I am going to participate with the Christmas Tree level - which is 5-6 books read.  Like I said, I have several short stories, so this should be possible.

I will update here as I go with what entries I count toward this challenge, and reviews will be forthcoming"

1.  The Advent Bride by Mary Connealy 
2.  The Nutcracker Bride by Margaret Brownley
3.  The Evergreen Bride by Pam Hillman 
4.  
5.  
6.  

Additionally, Seasons of Reading is hosting the Christmas Spirit Read-a-Thon which runs from November 24th through November 30th.  I happen to be done with my class this week and on vacation from the afternoon on November 26th through the 30th - so it will give me ample reading time (plus my husband is working on Black Friday so I will have the day to myself to read).  I figured with this much time, and the fact I haven't participated in a read-a-thon in FOREVER, this would be a great time to participate in one. 

• You do not have to read only Christmas themed books during this read-a-thon but are encouraged to read at least one. 
• The Twitter hashtag will be #CSreadathon

I will likely do a new post at the start of my participation in the read-a-thon and update that post with my progress and thoughts throughout the event.  I think I might even include some screenshots from various social media I use to sprinkle my thoughts in throughout the day.

 

**Day 1 Update 11/24/14**

As you can see I decided to just do my posting here for the read-a-thon.  Still working on finishing up a review book before I can jump into my Christmas books, probably will finish tomorrow after work.  I read for about 3.5 hours and read 152 pages of The Tiger Queens by Stephanie Thornton.  Really good book.  If I didn't have to work in the morning I could probably finish it tonight, but alas, that's not the case.

**Day 2 Update 11/25/14**

Not such a great reading day - a handful of pages read.  I wasn't really in the mood and I was tired.  Enough said.

**Day 3 Update 11/26/14**

Well I was able to leave work early today because of the snow that we had so I put in a solid 4 hours of reading today.  I managed to finish The Tiger Queens by Stephanie Thornton AND read my first Christmas short story - The Advent Bride by Mary Connealy.  Cute little story.  It is part of the 12 Brides of Christmas series and I own all that have been released so far, so I'm hoping to get through the rest that I have this week!

**Day 4 Update 11/27/14**

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!  Hope you all ate well and enjoyed time with your families today!  Most of my time was spent with my in-laws today.  I did do a little bit of reading in the morning - I read one of the Christmas short stories, The Nutcracker Bride by Margaret Brownley.  Very cute story - I loved the German traditions that pervaded here because my heritage is German as well. 

**Day 5 Update 11/28/14**

I spent much of my day running errands and making my pumpkin cheesecake as I'm having second Thanksgiving tomorrow with my side of the family.  I did manage to get another Christmas short story finished and began reading a little bit of another one.  I finished The Evergreen Bride by Pam Hillman, another of the 12 Brides of Christmas.  This is my favorite thus far - the best characters, emotions, and story.  I began reading The Gift-Wrapped Bride by Maureen Lang.  I have read a full length novel by Lang, so I will be interested to read a short story by her.  I also found myself purchasing a few additional Christmas stories and also marking many historical romance collections on my TBR - I have been bit by the historical romance bug!

 

Great way to kick off the season's energy!

 

 

Copyright © 2014 by The Maiden’s Court

2013 Challenge Wrap Up

Well, since I know I’m not going to have any more challenge updates this year, I feel safe in doing the wrap-up early.

First, lets look at the challenges I entered and what my success was:

2013 Historical Fiction Reading Challenge Hosted by Historical Tapestry.  No surprise here, I completed this one, way early.  I needed 25 for the Ancient History level and ended up with 36.

Nicholas Sparks 2013 Reading Challenge Hosted by The Book Vixen.  Well, I completed it, but just barely.  I entered the First Date level and needed to read 1-4 books.  I completed just one, and that was in January 2013.  I didn’t read any more after that.  So technically a success.

2013 Ebook Challenge Hosted by Workaday Reads.  I set myself a goal of 10 books (CD level) which I figured would be some amount of a challenge since I don’t read a whole lot on my Kindle yet.  However, I did read exactly 10 books this year on my Kindle, so success!

War Through the Generations: American Revolution Hosted by War Through the Generations.  The American Revolution is my favorite war to read about.  So I picked the Dip level to read 1-3 books.  I successfully read 3 books set during the American Revolution period.

2013 Audio Book Challenge Hosted by Teresa’s Reading Corner.  This one was the big surprise for me.  I only managed 23 (and a half) – the goal was 25.  I think this is the first year I haven’t finished this challenge.  I think the difference this year is that the books I chose to listen to on audiobook were much longer than previous years.

I also participated in The Four Month Challenges hosted by Book Drunkard.  I never anticipate finishing these, and I didn’t, so I’m not too concerned about that one.

Overall, I did MUCH better at the challenges than I had thought I did.  I have been really bad this year at updating anything related to challenges, whether on my own challenge pages or on the actual hosted websites.  I have just been SO busy at working on all the other aspects of my blog that I haven’t had the time to keep on top of it.  I think that 2014 is going to be the year of much fewer (or no) challenges.  I hesitate to eliminate challenges all together, but I might pick just one or two next year.  If there is a good topic for the War Through the Generations I might sign up for that one, we will see. 

2014 is going to be VERY busy for me.  We have my fiancé's veterinary school graduation is May and then starting a new job, we are getting married in June, and then moving etc.  So I need to keep the commitment level low in the challenge category.

What was your challenge success this year?  How do you handle reading challenges?

 

 

Copyright © 2013 by The Maiden’s Court

T4MC Part 12

The Four Month Challenge Part 12
May 1, 2013 – August 30, 2013
Hosted by Book Drunkard

This will be my 12th attempt at this challenge and I still enjoy it every time.  I did fairly well in the 11th installment – 145 points, quite an acceptable accomplishment.

The goal is to read one book for each category below.  I will update my score as I go.

5 Point Challenges

Read the second book in a series – Complete – The Tudor Conspiracy by C.W. Gortner

Read a book with water on the cover

Read a book with a color in the title – Complete – The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare

Read  a book set in the 1900′s – Complete – The Lifeboat by Charlotte Rogan

Read a book whose author name begins with M (First or last) – Complete – Murder as a Fine Art by David Morrell

10 Point Challenges

Read a book published during your birth year

Read a book with a door, lock or key on the cover

Read a book with a flower/flowers on the cover – Complete – Roses by Leila Meacham

Read a book with something ‘hot’ in the title (sun, fire, heat, etc)

Read a book whose author name begins with J (first name only)

15 Point Challenges

Read a book currently on a bestseller list

Read a book that shows a woman from behind – Complete – The Secret History by Stephanie Thornton

Read a book with a moon or stars on the cover

Read a book with an adjective in the title – Complete – The Notorious Benedict Arnold by Steve Sheinkin

Read a book whose author name begins with J (last name only)

20 Point Challenges

Read any book in one weekend (Friday to Sunday) – Complete – Asenath by Anna Patricio

Read a book with a child on the cover

Read a book with over 400 pages – Complete -  Shadows and Strongholds by Elizabeth Chadwick (533 pgs)

Read a book with an animal on the cover – Complete – Valley of Horses by Jean M. Auel

Read a book whose author name begins with A (first or last) – Complete – The Little Bride by Anna Solomon

140 out of 250 Points

 

Copyright © 2013 by The Maiden’s Court

T4MC Part 11

The Four Month Challenge Part 11
January 1, 2013 – April 30, 2013
Hosted by Book Drunkard

First Four Month Challenge of 2013!  Yay!!  I still love working on these challenges although I don’t typically have any hopes of actually finishing it.  The goal is to read one book per category below:

5 Point Challenges

Read a book with a famous painting on the cover

Read a book with a man and woman on the cover – Complete – The Ambassador’s Daughter by Pam Jenoff

Read a book by a new to you author – Complete – The Forgotten Queen by D.L. Bogdan

Read a book that you’ve read before

Read a book whose author name begins with J (First or last) – Complete – The Tenth Circle by Jodi Picoult

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10 Point Challenges

Read a book that’s a collection of short stories – Complete – Through a Dusty Window by Delancey Stewart

Read a book about family – Complete – Shanghai Girls by Lisa See

Read a book currently on the NYT Bestsellers list – Complete – Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks

Read the first book in a series – Complete – Turncoat by Donna Thorland

Read a book whose author name starts with F (first or last) – Complete – Next to Love by Ellen Feldman

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15 Point Challenges

Read a bio/auto bio/memoir – Complete – Battleship by Dorothy Ours

Read a book with a first and last name in the title

Read a historical mystery – Complete – Lady of Ashes by Christine Trent

Read a book by a female author – Complete – Foul Play by Janet Evanovich

Read a book whose author name begins with M (first or last) – Complete – Fever by Mary Beth Keane

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20 Point Challenges

Read a cult classic (Helpful link)

Read a book no longer under copyright

Read a fantasy/scifi/steampunk – Complete – A Storm of Swords by George R.R. Martin

Read a book you got for Christmas

Read a book whose author begins with A (first or last)

 

I will update as I go: 145 out of 250 points

 

Copyright © 2013 by The Maiden’s Court

2012 Challenges Wrap-Up

Typically when I do a challenge wrap up it is a little sad because I don’t typically do tremendously well.  But this year I am very excited because I finished all but a couple – and those I didn’t expect to from the outset.  There was only one that I failed miserably at. 

First the good:

  European Reading Challenge 2012
  Hosted by Rose City Reader

My goal was to read 5 books set in 5 different European countries.  I finished this challenge very early in the year – 6/12/12.  A lot of the HF I read is set in Europe so this was pretty easy.  I read books set in the following countries: France, Greece, Italy, Scotland, and Spain.

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Truth in Fiction Challenge
Hosted by Fig and Thistle

My goal was to read 2 book related pairs (total of 4 books) one fiction and one non-fiction in each pair.  I just finished this challenge on 12/31/12.  My book pairs were as follows: Pair 1 Marie Therese – Days of Splendor, Days of Sorrow by Juliet Grey and Marie Therese: Child of Terror by Susan Nagel and Pair 2 Abraham Lincoln – The Lincoln Conspiracy by Timothy L. O’Brien and Lincoln by David Herbert Donald.  This challenge was just as difficult as I expected it to be but I was glad for the challenge.

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Historical Fiction Reading Challenge 2012
Hosted by Historical Tapestry

My goal was to read 20 historical fiction books of any sub genre.  I finished the challenge on 9/12/12.  Having read 33 HF books this year that was a goal I expected to have no problems achieving.  I will be participating in this challenge again next year.

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2012 Mammoth Book Challenge
Hosted by Darlene’s Book Nook

I really went small with this challenge, as anyone who knows me well will tell you I have an aversion to anything over 350 pages.  It’s not that I don’t like epic stories – I just feel the need to start a new book after that many pages and move on – even if I’m riveted.  I chose to read 2 books over 450 pages.  I completed the challenge by 9/28/12.  However I did substitute one physical book for an audiobook – which was allowed by the rules as long as the paper version was over 450 pages, which it was.

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Non-Fiction Non-Memoir 2012 Reading Challenge
Hosted by My Book Retreat

One of my goals this year was to read more non-fiction, particularly about Presidents and First Ladies – so this challenge made sense.  I chose to read 10 non-fiction books – which I really think was the perfect number as I wrapped up this challenge 11/22/12.  4 out of 10 were about Presidents – I missed the mark on First Ladies – they are a lot more difficult to find books on – especially audiobooks.  I was even able to count one of the books I had to read for my class toward this challenge – talk about killing two birds with one stone.  I would participate in this one again this year if it is offered.

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2012 Audio Book Challenge
Hosted by Theresa’s Reading Corner

Another thing you probably know about me by now is that I’m a fan of audiobooks – I use them to stay sane on my long drive to and from work each day – so this was another challenge that just made sense.  I chose the highest level of 25+ audiobooks.  I completed the challenge 10/23/12 with 26 audiobooks, but for the year I actually listened to 32 audiobooks.  I will be participating in this challenge again in 2013.

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Now for the bad (the challenges were great, however I didn’t finish them, but did as well as I could expect):

2012 ARC Reading Challenge
Hosted by So Many Precious Books, So Little Time

There was just no way I was going to finish this challenge – and I knew this going into it – I was hoping to use it as a way to kick my butt in gear and get to the backlogged pile of ARCs I had – which it did.  I managed to get through most of my ARCs from 2011 that I had left over (there are still 4, but they are short and I’m using January/February to get them caught up).  I even managed to put a dent in 2012 – however I went on an accepting spree – thanks to my Kindle and Netgalley which set me back some.  After doing this challenge for 2-3 years – I’m not participating in this one next year.  It is too hard for me to keep on top of with updating the ARCs I receive etc.  Good challenge – bad follow thru on my part.

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The 4 Month Challenge
Parts 8, 9, & 10
Hosted by Book Drunkard

I never anticipate actually finishing all 250 points worth of these challenges.  I typically manage somewhere in the range of 130-175 points.  But I love participating and finding how what I’m reading fits different criteria.  For Part 8 I finished at the end of April 2012 with 135 points.  Part 9 was my worst segment of the year, ending at the end of August 2012 with 130 points – however fairly consistent.  Part 10, ending at the end of December 2012 was the best by far with a total of 165 points.  I will be participating in 2013 – with a goal of beating 165 points.

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Now for the truly ugly (I failed miserably, although I had such high hopes)

Fairy Tales Retold
Hosted by Debz Bookshelf

Oh how I tried to do this one – I did.  I even made the first step very early in 2012 – but alas, that was the only step I made.  I went for the lowest level, which was 3 fairy tale retellings, knowing that I didn’t have a lot on my shelf but I was interested in reading some.  I managed to finish one – Half Upon a Time by James Riley – which I found hilarious and fun.  In truth, I think I forgot about this challenge after that until November and then I panicked and gave up on it.  I think if I had set my mind to finishing it, I could have found what I needed on audiobook if nothing else.  I was thinking I didn’t want to try this again in 2013 – I mean who wants to set themselves up for failure again – but now that I think about it, I just might to show that I can beat it!  We’ll see.

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So far for 2013 I only signed up for 6 (likely to increase to 8 or 9 by the end of the year to include the various segments of The Four Month Challenge and maybe something else that catches my eye).  However I’m not setting myself for too high of challenges, because I like to actually finish them.  Some are my favorite while some are new.  I’m tackling:

• 2013 E-book Challenge hosted by Workaday Reads with a  goal of 10 e-books
• 2013 Audio Book Challenge hosted by Theresa’s Reading Corner with a goal of 25+ audiobooks
• 2013 American Revolution Reading Challenge hosted by War Through the Generations with a goal of 3 books set during or surrounding the American Revolution
• 2013 Historical Fiction Reading Challenge hosted by Historical Tapestry with a goal of 25 HF books
• 2013 Nicholas Sparks Reading Challenge hosted by The Book Vixen with a goal of 1-4 (aiming for 4) Nicholas Sparks books
• The Four Month Challenge Part 11 hosted by Book Drunkard

What challenges are you participating in this year (maybe I will find some new ones)?

 

Copyright © 2013 by The Maiden’s Court

Truth in Fiction Challenge–Entry 2

Alright, talk about squeaking my final entry for the Truth in Fiction Challenge in just under the wire – challenge ends today.  I was in a race against time to get the second book in this pairing done – it was a 30+ hour audio book that I just seemed to not be making any progress in despite the hours of listening. 

Book Pair: The Lincoln Conspiracy by Timothy L. O’Brien (Fiction)
                  Lincoln by David Herbert Donald (Non-Fiction)

I have already officially reviewed The Lincoln Conspiracy (see review link above) and I will be reviewing Lincoln sometime in January.  See below for how I linked these two books together.

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When I picked up The Lincoln Conspiracy I expected it to be about Lincoln – however it was set after his death and focused on the events surrounding the assassination plot.  In Lincoln by David Herbert Donald, the life of the 16th President is told in detail – ending with his death.  There is a small section regarding the lead up to the assassination – however, Donald tries to keep the scope of the book limited to what Lincoln would know – and obviously he didn’t know about the assassination.  So what tied these two books together for me?  Mostly Mary Lincoln.

Let me explain.  In The Lincoln Conspiracy, Mary Lincoln has a small, but pivotal, role.  The majority of the characters refer to her in some manner as being crazy and over-emotional.  In one scene it is explained that she regularly consults with a medium to reach out to her deceased husband and child, Willie.  This is the way I have always seen her portrayed but knew that there are two sides to each story.  In Lincoln she is a much more fleshed out human being.  When they were younger and first married, Mary was very active in Abraham’s political affairs, and while she wasn’t the most well-liked person, she certainly wasn’t crazy.  We also learn about how hard the death of her young son hit her.  She spent over a year in mourning in the White House after his death.  Then while she is still fragile her husband is killed.  I think that would be enough to send anyone over the top – I do have to feel sorry for her.  While The Lincoln Conspiracy caricatured her, Lincoln made her a real woman.  However, it is interesting to note, that in Lincoln it also addressed her visits to mediums. 

The above is what immediately drew me to tie the two books together.  However there were other small things.  Of note:

• In passing, Donald discussed how Pinkerton was involved in keeping an eye on Lincoln at one point.  Pinkerton was a very important character in The Lincoln Conspiracy.
• Different characterizations of the War Secretary, Stanton.  Conspiracy draws him into the plot, while Lincoln makes him very supportive of Lincoln

While these two books seemingly cover different time periods there were elements that brought them together.  I found O’Brien’s characterizations of various characters different from how Donald portrayed them in his history.  I am intrigued to know more about them to see how others portray them as well. 

I would recommend both books to those who find Lincoln of interest – Conspiracy is more of an adventure novel while Lincoln is for those who have an interest in the President and can handle a long haul.

 

 

Copyright © 2012 by The Maiden’s Court

Nicholas Sparks 2013 Reading Challenge

Nicholas Sparks 2013 Reading Challenge
January 1, 2013 – December 31, 2013
Hosted by The Book Vixen

I have always enjoyed reading Nicholas Sparks’ books – however I haven’t had the chance to read too many of them and there are a bunch more I would like to read. 

The general rules are to read (or re-read) as many Nicholas Sparks books as you want and they can be in any format.  Mine will all be audio books.  You can get all of the details at The Book Vixen.

I plan to commit to the First Date level – reading 1-4 books. 

I will update this post as I go:

1. Safe Haven

Completed 1/10/13

 

Copyright © 2012 by The Maiden’s Court

 

2013 Historical Fiction Reading Challenge

 

     

     2013 Historical Fiction Reading Challenge
     January 1, 2013 – December 31, 2013
     Hosted by Historical Tapestry

 

 

 

Seeing as the majority of books I read and review are Historical Fiction this challenge just makes sense!  This will be the 2nd year that I participate in this challenge.

The general rules are to read Historical Fiction – any subgenre of HF will do as well.  You can read the full details at the Historical Tapestry site.

I’m going to commit to the highest level – Ancient History - 25+ Books.

I will update this post as I go:

1. Shanghai Girls by Lisa See
2. Next to Love by Ellen Feldman
3. The Forgotten Queen by D.L. Bogdan
4. The Ambassador’s Daughter by Pam Jenoff
5. The Terror by Dan Simmons
6. Lady of Ashes by Christine Trent
7. Iscariot by Tosca Lee
8. Turncoat by Donna Thorland
9. Like Chaff in the Wind by Anna Belfrage
10. Through a Dusty Window by Delancey Stewart
11. Fever by Mary Beth Keane
12. City of Lights by Melika Lux
13. The Lifeboat by Charlotte Rogan
14. Murder as a Fine Art by David Morrell
15. Shadows and Strongholds by Elizabeth Chadwick
16. Jack Absolute by C.C. Humphreys
17. Roses by Leila Meacham
18. The Secret History by Stephanie Thornton
19. Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald by Therese Anne Fowler
20. The Tudor Conspiracy by C.W. Gortner
21. City of Hope by Kate Kerrigan
22. Promise the Night by Michaela MacColl
23. Valley of the Horses by Jean M. Auel
24. Asenath by Anna Patricio
25. The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare
26. A Break with Charity by Ann Rinaldi

*Completed 8/14/13*

27. The Little Bride by Anna Solomon
28. The Serpent and the Pearl by Kate Quinn
29. Queen’s Gambit by Elizabeth Fremantle
30. The Paris Wife by Paula McLain
31. The Study of Murder by Susan McDuffie
32. The Shogun’s Daughter by Laura Joh Rowland
33. Illuminations by Mary Sharatt
34. The Confessions of Marie Antoinette by Juliet Grey
35. Banquet of Lies by Michelle Diener
36. Washington’s Lady by Nancy Moser
37. A Divided Inheritance by Deborah Swift
38. By Royal Command by Laura Navarre

 

Copyright © 2012 by The Maiden’s Court

War Through the Generations 2013 Reading Challenge

War Through the Generations: American Revolution
January 1, 2013 – December 31, 2013
Hosted by War Through the Generations

I haven’t read too many books set during wartime – however I have wanted to dip my toe in those waters and when I saw this challenge and that the focus this year was the American Revolution (my favorite time period) I decided this was the time to try.

Here are the general rules:

You can read fiction, nonfiction, graphic novels, etc. with the American Revolution as the primary or secondary theme.

Books can take place before, during, or after the war, so long as the conflicts that led to the war or the war itself are important to the story.

Additionally, since there are so many great movies out there about the American Revolution, you can substitute or add a movie or two to your list this year and have it count toward your totals.

Full details can be found at the War Through the Generations site.

I’m going to go with the Dip Level: Read 1-3 books in any genre with the American Revolution as a primary or secondary theme.

I will update this post as I go.

1. Turncoat by Donna Thorland
2. The Notorious Benedict Arnold by Steve Sheinkin
3. Jack Absolute by C.C. Humphreys

Completed 6/16/13!!!

Copyright © 2012 by The Maiden’s Court

 

2013 Audio Book Challenge

2013 Audio Book Challenge
January 1, 2013 – December 31, 2013
Hosted by Teresa’s Reading Corner

 

It comes as no surprise that I typically love to listed to audio books.  With all of the driving I do to and from work and to visit my parents I have a lot of what would otherwise be wasted time.  Audio books are helping me to reduce that massive Mt. TBR that I have and also get to some books outside my reviewing genre.

 

I am again going to participate in the Audio Book Challenge hosted at Teresa’s Reading Corner.  The rules are simple, listen to audio books across any genre.  Full details can be found at Teresa’s Reading Corner.

 

I’m going to commit to the Married level – with 25+ audio books.

 

My progress will be documented below: 

 

1. Shanghai Girls by Lisa See
2. Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks
3. Foul Play by Janet Evanovich
4. The Tenth Circle by Jodi Picoult
5. Hero at Large by Janet Evanovich
6. The Terror by Dan Simmons
7. Iscariot by Tosca Lee
8. Hour of Peril by Daniel Stashower
9. A Storm of Swords by George R.R. Martin
10. Fever by Mary Beth Keane
11. Salt by Mark Kurlansky
12. The Lifeboat by Charlotte Rogan
13. The Notorious Benedict Arnold by Steve Sheinkin
14. Roses by Leila Meacham
15. Valley of Horses by Jean M. Auel
16. Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare
17. A Break with Charity by Ann Rinaldi
18. Polk by Walter Borneman
19. The Paris Wife by Paula McLain
20. Founding Rivals by Chris DeRose
21. Washington’s Lady by Nancy Moser
22. The Disappearing Spoon by Sam Kean
23. Wilson by A. Scott Berg
24.

25.

 

Copyright © 2012 by The Maiden’s Court

2013 Ebook Challenge

2013 Ebook Challenge
January 1, 2013 – December 31, 2013
Hosted by Workaday Reads

I’m not a huge Ebook reader – but this past year I did acquire a Kindle and I’m going to strive to use it a little more than I have.  I still love my paperback books, however I’m working on enjoying ebooks.

The general guidelines are to read Ebooks – any genre or length of book is acceptable – as long as it is an ebook.  You can read the full details of the giveaway at Workaday Reads. 

Because the rules state that you can go up levels but not down – and I’m going to start somewhat small and see what happens from there.  I’m going to start with the second level – CD – and commit to 10 ebooks.

I will update this post as I go:

1. The Forgotten Queen by D. L. Bogdan
2. Battleship by Dorothy Ours
3. City of Lights by Melika Lux
4. Murder as a Fine Art by David Morrell
5. Shadows and Strongholds by Elizabeth Chadwick
6. Jack Absolute by C.C. Humphreys
7. Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald by Therese Anne Fowler
8. The Shogun’s Daughter by Laura Joh Rowland
9. Banquet of Lies by Michelle Diener
10. By Royal Command by Laura Navarre

Completed December 9, 2013!!!

 

Copyright © 2012 by The Maiden’s Court

Truth in Fiction Challenge – Entry 1

So I know that this is almost the end of the year and I am just getting around to actually participating in this challenge. This is my first entry in the Truth in Fiction Challenge (hosted by Fig & Thistle).

Book Pair:Days of Splendor, Days of Sorrow by Juliet Grey (Fiction)
                 Marie Therese: Child of Terror by Susan Nagel (Non-Fiction)

So instead of doing a typical review of these two – because I already did that (linked above)– I wanted to offer come comparisons and what made me link these two books together.

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Days of Splendor, Days of Sorrow focuses on the period of Marie Antoinette’s life surrounding the French Revolution. Her daughter, Marie Therese, plays a very, very small background role in this novel. I have had an interest in Marie Therese because in every novel I have read about her she is always a young girl living through the French Revolution and is frequently portrayed as sort of stuck up. I knew that there had to be more to this girl and when I stumbled across Marie Therese: Child of Terror I knew I had to read it.

The Marie Therese that is seen in Child of Terror is nothing like the Marie Therese seen in novels – and there wasn’t much of her in Days of Splendor, Days of Sorrow to really pass a judgment on her character there. This Marie Therese grows into her own – a passionate woman who believes in France, forgives the people for the tragedy they caused her personally, and wants to do what is best for the France of the future. She did have her moments of quiet and brooding – however I would honestly expect that after all she went through.

At the same time, in the early portion of Child of Terror we see Marie Antoinette in the earlier years leading up to the Revolution – and she was portrayed in very much a similar light as in Days of Splendor – fun loving however not an airhead as portrayed in other novels.

I appreciated getting to know this young woman in her own right beyond as a background figure in her parent’s story.

 

Copyright © 2012 by The Maiden’s Court

T4MC Part 10

The Four Month Challenge Part 10
September 1, 2012 – December 31, 2012
Hosted by Book Drunkard

The last installment of T4MC of 2012 – I’m a little late in getting this signed up – but I’m all in for sure! 
The goal is to read one book for each category and the categories are as follows:

5 Point Challenges
Read a book whose author begins with S – first or last - Complete - Daughters of the Witching Hill by Mary Sharratt
Read a book set during WWII - Complete - The Mine by John A. Heldt
Read a book with a fruit on the cover or in the title
Read an Indie
Read a book with a tree/trees on the cover or in the title - Complete - The Lady and the Poet by Maeve Haran

10 Point Challenges
Read a book whose author begins with O – first or last - Complete - Cascade by Maryanne O'Hara
Read a YA book whose author published their debut novel in 2012 (Helpful link)
Read a book set in Europe - Complete - The Age of Desire by Jennie Fields
Read a book with an embrace or kiss on the cover
Read a book with a light source on the cover (lamp, candle, torch, sun, etc.) - Complete - The Journey by John A. Heldt (sunrise)

15 Point Challenges
Read a book whose author begins with N – first or last - Complete - Marie Therese: The Child of Terror by Susan Nagel
Read something related to the circus (fiction or non-fiction)
Read a book set in the USA - Complete - The Help by Kathryn Stockett
Read a book by a ‘new to you’ author - Complete - The Lincoln Conspiracy by Timothy O'Brien
Read a book with a one word title that’s a proper noun - Complete - Jane by Robin Maxwell

20 Point Challenges
Read a book written in the 1990′s - Complete - Lincoln by David Herbert Donald (1996)
Read a book whose author begins with D – first or last - Complete - The Gilded Lily by Deborah Swift
Read a book set in Canada
Read a YA Historical (Helpful link)
Read a book published from September to December, 2012 - Complete - A Place Beyond Courage by Elizabeth Chadwick
 
I will update my points as I go.
165/250 points

**Closed out 12/31/12**
 

Copyright © 2012 by The Maiden’s Court