2010 Audio Book Challenge

The ladies at Royal Reviews are hosting several challenges this year and the 2010 Audio Book Challege is one of them. I had joined this challenge for 2009 and had so much fun with it. I use audio books to simply pass the time on my hour long drive to work. Last year the challenge was to read 12, which I passed quickly. So this year I am going to go straight for the Obsessed level - read 20 audio books.

Here are the rules:
1. Anyone can join. You don't need a blog to participate.
--Non-Bloggers: Include your information in the comment section.

2. There are four levels:

-- Curious – Listen to 3 Audio Books.

-- Fascinated – Listen to 6 Audio Books.

-- Addicted – Listen to 12 Audio Books.

-- Obsessed – Listen to 20 Audio Books.

3. Audio books only.

4. You can list your books in advance or just put them in a wrap up post. If you list them, feel free to change them as the mood takes you.

5. Challenge begins January 1st thru December, 2010. Only books started on January 1st count towards this challenge.

I will update this list as I go.

1. Going Rogue by Sarah Palin
2. Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas by James Patterson
3. Metro Girl by Janet Evanovich
4. Motor Mouth by Janet Evanovich
5. Mercy by Jodi Picoult
6. Dear John by Nicholas Sparks
7. One for the Money by Janet Evanovich
8. Naughty Neighbor by Janet Evanovich
9. The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks
10. Thanksgiving by Janet Evanovich
11. Girl With A Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier
12. The Lady and the Unicorn by Tracy Chevalier
13. A Rocky Road to Romance by Janet Evanovich
14. Agincourt by Bernard Cornwell
15. The Postmistress by Sarah Blake
16. The Sweet Far Thing by Libba Bray
17. The Memoirs of Mary Queen of Scots by Carolly Erickson
18. 5th Horseman by James Patterson
19. 6th Target by James Patterson
20. 7th Heaven by James Patterson

Copyright © 2009-2011 by The Maiden’s Court

Giveaway - The Other Boleyn Girl

Giveaway of The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory

I think I have mentioned before that the book that really got me into reading historical fiction was The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory. Regardless of the liberties that she takes with the historical part of the story, the world she creates is amazing. I still consider her one of my favorite authors.

I was at my library the other day checking out the book sale shelves and I found a paperback copy of the book and it is in fabulous condition. I jumped at it immediately for my next giveaway. Here are the details:

Giveaway is open to the United States and Canada and a winner will be chosen December 19, 2009.

To enter:
• Post a comment with your email address
• Tweet [@dolleygurl] about this giveaway for +1 entry
• Post on you blog sidebar for +1 entry
• Become a follower (or already be a follower) for +1 entry

Good luck everyone!

Copyright © 2009-2011 by The Maiden’s Court

Audiobook Review: The Shadow of the Pomegranate by Jean Plaidy

The Shadow of the Pomegranate by Jean Plaidy

AKA: Katherine of Aragon Compilation

Book 3 in The Tudor Saga series

Unabridged, 8 hr. 48 min.

Blackstone Audiobooks Inc.

Anne Flosnick (Narrator)

September 1, 2008
★★★☆ ☆

Genre: Historical Fiction, Audiobook

Source: Borrowed from Arleigh @ Historical-Fiction.com

“Whilst the young King Henry VIII basks in the pageants and games of his glittering court, his doting queen's health and fortunes fade. Henry's affection for his older wife soon strays, and the neglected Katherine decides to use her power as Queen to dangerous foreign advantage.

 

Overseas battles play on Henry's volatile temper, and his defeat in France has changed the good-natured boy Katherine loved into an infamously callous ruler. With no legitimate heir yet born, Katherine once again begins to fear for her future...”

The Shadow of the Pomegranate is the second part of the three book series about Katherine of Aragon. It spans the time period from shortly after Katherine’s marriage to Henry up until shortly after the birth of Henry’s son with Bessie Blount. This is the true heart and soul of the story of Henry and Kate.

One of the things that I enjoyed was the way the story of Bessie Blount was described. The feeling that I had gotten about her before what that she wasn’t really anyone. This story made her feel like more of a person and understand what Henry might have seen in her and how he could have rationalized his liaison (not that I really liked her). Another significant part of the novel was the viewpoints of Emperor Maximilian and King Ferdinand of Spain. I hadn’t read anything up to this point that had shown an outsider perspective of him. It does seem that they really did use him for their own ends. I enjoyed the depiction of Katherine in this book – she was angry and outspoken about his affairs. Although my all time favorite characterization of Katherine still has to be in The Constant Princess by Philippa Gregory.

Although this is part of a trilogy, this book works well as a stand-alone – especially if you know anything about the relationship between Henry and Katherine.

★★★★☆

As this is an audio book, commentary on the narrator is a must. This narrator was very good. She had very convincing accents for the French, English, and Spanish characters. It added a whole new feel to everyone and helped keep the people straight. I really enjoy it when the narrator really gets into the character and their emotions.

You can preview a short sample of the audiobook (links to Audible)

Reviews of this book by other bloggers:

• Jean Plaidy's Royal Intrigue

Buy the Book: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository

Also by Jean Plaidy:

Author Jean Plaidy also has written scores of other novels.  The other books in The Tudor Saga include:

Uneasy Lies the Head  (Book 1)

Katherine the Virgin Widow (Book 2)

The King’s Secret Matter (Book 4)

Murder Most Royal (Book 5)

St. Thomas’s Eve (Book 6)

The Sixth Wife (Book 7)

The Thistle and the Rose (Book 8)

Mary, Queen of France (Book 9)

For a Queen's Love (Book 10)

AKA: The Spanish Bridegroom

Lord Robert (Book 11)
AKA: Gay Lord Robert; The Queen's Favorite

My other reviews of this author's books:

• Madame Serpent
• The Merry Monarch's Wife
• Rose Without a Thorn

Find Jean Plaidy: Fan Website

Copyright © 2009 by The Maiden’s Court

Announcing Love Games - O, Juliet by Robin Maxwell

Hey everyone! I wanted to announce a couple of things today.

First of all, Robin Maxwell's new blog, Love Games, for O, Juliet is now in full swing. Stop on by frequently between now and Valentine's Day for some awesome content. There is a sneak peak (click image below) from the book posted on her website. There will also be games, contests, chats, and all sorts of fun leading up to the release. I have had the opportunity to read this book and it is fabulous, you do not want to miss this one!

Now for the second announcement. You may have noticed back in September that myself and 7 other bloggers started something called the Historical Fiction Bloggers Round Table. We had so much fun doing this that we decided to make it a regular thing. We have our own website (click the button below) now and are planning on spotlighting (for a week) new books that we love with some awesome events of our own. O, Juliet happens to be the first book we will be spotlighting. So check out our website and the first event will be kicking into high gear in January!

Copyright © 2009-2011 by The Maiden’s Court

New Book Alert - Her Mother's Daughter

Her Mother’s Daughter by Julianne Lee

Genre: Historical Fiction

Publisher: Berkley Trade

Release Date: December 1, 2009

Her name was Mary Tudor. First of the Tudor queens, she has gone down in history as Bloody Mary. But does she deserve her vicious reputation?

She was the daughter of Henry VIII and Katherine of Aragon, and half-sister to Edward VI and Elizabeth I. Mary Tudor's life began as the sweetly innocent, pampered princess of Wales-until the age of eleven when the father she adored cast aside the mother she worshipped and declared Mary a bastard. Only after years of exile did Mary finally rise to the throne alongside the man who, aside from her father, was her greatest love-and her greatest betrayer.

Told by Mary herself and the people around her, this grand-scale novel takes us back to the glittering court of sixteenth-century England, and tells the tragic story of a fascinating, largely misunderstood woman who withstood the treachery and passion around her only to become one of England's most vilified queens (from back cover)

I am very excited about this book. I have had a soft spot for Mary even though I haven’t read anything strictly about her. I think that she deserves her reputation in some ways but was misunderstood in many other ways and taken advantage of. I can’t wait to see how she is portrayed in this book. If you want to read a great review of this book (and a giveaway), check out The Burton Review.

Copyright © 2009-2011 by The Maiden’s Court

Historical Fiction Reading Challenge 2010

I am going to dive right into this challenge with everything I have. Almost all of the books that I read are historical fiction, and I didn't start blogging until after the 2009 challenge ended, so I'm very excited about this one.

This challenge is hosted by the wonderful ladies at Royal Reviews. The challenge runs from January 1, 2010 until December 31, 2010. I am going to choose the highest level - Obsessed, read 20 HF books.

Here are the rules:

1. Anyone can join. You don't need a blog to participate.
--Non-Bloggers: Include your information in the comment section.

2. There are four levels:

-- Curious – Read 3 Historical Fiction novels.

-- Fascinated – Read 6 Historical Fiction novels.

-- Addicted – Read 12 Historical Fiction novels.

-- Obsessed – Read 20 Historical Fiction novels.

3. Any book format counts.

4. You can list your books in advance or just put them in a wrap up post. If you list them, feel free to change them as the mood takes you.

5. Challenge begins January 1st thru December, 2010. Only books started on January 1st count towards this challenge.

I will update my post below as I read!

1. The Queen's Dollmaker by Christine Trent
2. The Secret of the Glass by Donna Russo Morin
3. The Greatest Knight by Elizabeth Chadwick
4. The Scarlet Lion by Elizabeth Chadwick
5. Roeing Oaks by Kristina Emmons
6. Claude and Camille by Stephanie Cowell
7. Within the Hollow Crown by Margaret Campbell Barnes
8. Confessions of Catherine de Medici by C. W. Gortner
9. Girl With A Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier
10. Royal Harlot by Susan Holloway Scott
11. The Lady and the Unicorn by Tracy Chevalier
12. By Fire, By Water by Mitchell James Kaplan
13. For The King by Catherine Delors
14. Dancing for Degas by Kathryn Wagner
15. Agincourt by Bernard Cornwell
16. The Postmistress by Sarah Blake
17. The Creation of Eve by Lynn Cullen
18. Industrial Pioneers by Patrick Brown
19. Heart of Lies by M. L. Malcolm
20. The Memoirs of Mary Queen of Scots by Carolly Erickson




Copyright © 2009-2011 by The Maiden’s Court

Audiobook Review: 4th of July by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro

4th of July by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro
Book 4 in the Women's Murder Club Series

Unabridged, 8 hr.

Hachette Audio

Carolyn McCormick (Narrator)

February 5, 2005
★★★★☆

Genre: Mystery/Thriiller

Source: Borrowed from Library

"In a deadly late-night showdown, San Francisco police lieutenant Lindsay Boxer fires her weapon and sets off a dramatic chain of events that leaves a police force disgraced, a family destroyed, and Lindsay herself at the mercy of twelve jurors. During a break in the trial, she retreats to a picturesque town that is reeling from a string of grisly murders-crimes that bear a link to a haunting, unsolved case from her rookie years.Now, with her friends in the Women's Murder Club, Lindsay must battle for her life on two fronts: in a trial rushing to a climax, and against an unknown adversary willing to do anything to hide the truth about the homicides-including kill again?"

Detective Lindsay Boxer is in for the fight of her life. A seemingly routine police chase ends up with her and her partner shot and two kids critically injured. She now must face the trial and hope that her actions don’t come back to haunt her. While waiting for her trial, Lindsay goes to visit her sister and gets caught up in a local case that sounds very similar to one she had worked on in the past.

I quickly got sucked into the court trial, looking at how different aspects could be perceived for the benefit of both the prosecution and defense. While I was sure I knew what the outcome of the trial would be, there was such suspense that I wasn’t totally sure. I also NEVER saw the resolution of the local case that she worked while awaiting her trial.

One thing that bothered me was that these two stories seemed to run parallel to each other but not integrate together well. Only one story was focused on at a time and by the time we got back to the local case I had forgotten what had happened when it was last discussed. I enjoyed both of the stories, but I think they would have been better off on their own.

I also am not sure how I feel about the newest addition to the Women’s Murder Club. I guess I will have to see how well she is integrated in the next book.

★★★★★

The only comment that I am going to make on the audio - thank God for Carolyn McCormick. I did not enjoy the narration of the first two quite as much. So glad she is on this one.

You can listen to a short segment of the audiobook (links to Audible)

Reviews of this book by other bloggers:

• Fervent Reader
• A Little Home...Amidst the Chaos

Buy the Book: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | RJ Julia

Also by James Patterson:

James Patterson has penned many mystery/thriller novels, the other books in the Women's Murder Club series include:

1st to Die
[My Review]

2nd Chance
[My Review]

3rd Degree
[My Review]

5th Horseman

6th Target

7th Heaven

8th Confession

 

9th Judgment

10th Anniversary

11th Hour

12th of Never

 

Unlucky 13

14th Deadly Sin

15th Affair

(Releasing Feb 2016)

Find James Patterson: Website | Facebook |Twitter|Pinterest | Instagram

Copyright © 2009 by The Maiden’s Court

Read Your Own Books Challenge 2010

I'm back at this challenge again for 2010. This challenge is again hosted by MizB. I chose 10 books for 2009, which I thought was going to be a struggle because at that time I hadn't been reading a lot. I have done a lot more reading lately, but sadly I haven't read many of my own books. One of my resolutions is to read more of my own books, so this challenge is perfect. I think this year I will set my goal at 12.

Here are the rules:
•Pick a number of books you’d like to read in one year
•Choose those books from your OWN collection
•Read them between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010
•Re-Reads are NOT allowed (the challenge is to get more of your own books read that have been sitting there waiting!)
•Audiobooks & e-books ARE allowed
•You do NOT need a blog to participate — you can leave comments on their post with your progress

I will update this list as I read:

1. Going Rogue by Sarah Palin
2. The Greatest Knight by Elizabeth Chadwick
3. A Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin
4. Dear John by Nicholas Sparks
5. Dancing for Degas by Kathryn Wagner
6. Gossip Girl: Nothing Can Keep Us Together by Cecily von Ziegesar
7. The Sweet Far Thing by Libba Bray
8. Suite Scarlet by Maureen Johnson
9. Summer at Tiffany by Marjorie Hart
10. Doomed Queens by Kris Waldherr
11.
12.




Copyright © 2009-2011 by The Maiden’s Court

HerStoria Spotlight - Women Pirates

Thanks to Amy’s suggestion I picked up HerStoria Magazine. There are some amazing articles in these magazines. I have decided that every so often I will do a post based on something that intrigued me in these articles.

This session is about women pirates.

I have always been interested in pirates, as I think many people are. The thought of a woman pirate had never really crossed my mind. Apparently there are not too many recorded women pirates but there were a few that I was clued in to in the article.

Mary Read (English): Mary Read began dressing as a man after her husband died and became a sailor in Holland. After doing that for awhile, Mary joined the ranks of Calico Jack’s ship where Anne Bonny was already a pirate. Anne fell in love with Mary, who was still dressed as a man. It is believed that they became lovers. While attacking ships, Mary dressed as a man, but during the other times aboard ship, she dressed as a woman. Their ship was overrun by a pirate hunter in Jamaica and both Mary and Anne were imprisoned. Mary was not executed because she was pregnant (supposedly by an artist), but she died in prison from childbirth fever.

Anne Bonny (American): As a young teen, Anne Bonny ran off and married a low ranking pirate. While they were in the Bahamas she met the pirate Calico Jack and had an affair with him. Her husband was upset and had her tried for adultery – she eventually ran away with Jack and joined his crew. Anne was a successful pirate with Jack. As stated above she had a relationship with Mary Read. When their ship was captured she plead pregnancy as Mary had done (the child is believed to have been Jack’s). It is believed that her father was able to secure her release and brought her back to South Carolina where she lived to an old age.


Grace O’Malley (Irish): Grace’s father was involved in international shipping, so the ways of the sea were in her blood. Grace took the reins of her own ship and traveled around Ireland. One of the things that she was known for was stopping trade ships and exacting a tax in order for safe passage – refusal to pay could lead to dire consequences. Grace is most known for her famous meeting with Queen Elizabeth. She met with Elizabeth in order to have her sons and brother released from custody as well as another list of demands in exchange for ceasing her pirating activity. Some were met, some were not. Apparently the women hit it off. She later resumed her piracy.

For further reading try:
• Wild Irish by Robin Maxwell (about Grace O’Malley and Elizabeth)
• The Only Life the Mattered by Jack Rackam (about Mary Read, Anne Bonny, and Calico Jack)




Copyright © 2009-2011 by The Maiden’s Court