The Printed Page

Archive for February, 2010

Title: Lady of Milkweed Manor
Author/website(s): Julie Klassen
416 pages
Publisher: Bethany House
Publication date: January ’08
Genre: Historical fiction, faith-based (faith does not dominate the storyline)
Review book or pleasure reading: Pleasure reading
New-to-me author: Yes
Would I recommend this book: Undecided (I wasn’t very interested in some of the subject matter: wet-nursing/childcare)
Would I read more from this author: I have Ms. Klassen’s second novel, The Apothecary’s Daughter on my Kindle as it was also offered as free eBook.
Journal notes: Pleasure reading – no review.

Even a proper vicar’s daughter can make a mistake…and now Charlotte Lamb must pay a high price for her fall. To avoid the prying eyes of all who know her, she hides herself away in London’s forbidding “Milkweed Manor,” a place of mystery and lore, of old secrets and new birth.

But once there, she comes face to face with a suitor from her past–a man who now hides secrets of his own. Both are determined, with God’s help, to protect those they love. But neither can imagine the depth of sacrifice that will be required.

Sprinkled with fascinating details about the lives of women in Regency England, Lady of Milkweed Manor is a moving romantic drama about the redemption of past failings and the beauty of sacrificial love.

Title: The Botticelli Secret
Author: Marian Fiorato
Release date: March ’10

In this exhilarating cross between The Da Vinci Code and The Birth of Venus, an irrepressible young woman in 15th-century Italy must flee for her life after stumbling upon a deadly secret when she serves as a model for Botticelli…

When part-time model and full-time prostitute Luciana Vetra is asked by one of her most exalted clients to pose for a painter friend, she doesn’t mind serving as the model for the central figure of Flora in Sandro Botticelli’s masterpiece “Primavera.” But when the artist dismisses her without payment, Luciana impulsively steals an unfinished version of the painting–only to find that somone is ready to kill her to get it back.

What could possibly be so valuable about the picture? As friends and clients are slaughtered around her, Luciana turns to the one man who has never desired her beauty, novice librarian Brother Guido. Fleeing Venice together, Luciana and Guido race through the nine cities of Renaissance Italy, pursued by ruthless foes who are determined to keep them from decoding the painting’s secrets.

Gloriously fresh and vivid, with a deliciously irreverent heroine, The Botticelli Secret is an irresistible blend of history, wit, and suspense.

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I was supposed to get a review copy through the Librarything Early Reviewers program but alas I sent a book I’d already read and reviewed. Oh well here’s hoping it comes out in Kindle eBook version next month.

For the longest time I’ve wanted to participate in Wordless Wednesday (which is now Wordless every day of the week) but I didn’t want to use The Printed Page which is my dedicated book blog. Then the Ah ha moment. Months ago I set up a separate blog at WordPress.com thinking I might use it as a personal journal. That never happened and the blog languished. So I’ve decided to put it to good use – Marcia’s Wordless Blog. No words, just beautiful artwork that has caught my eye. There will be link to Marcia’s Wordless Blog on TPP sidebar.

My first Wordless post – Song of Natural

Today, at Kittling Books, I’m the featured blogger for Cathy’s Scene of the Blog series. So go on over and learn more about me.

If you’re visiting from Kittling Books welcome to The Printed Page. My name is Marcia. The Printed Page is my personal reading journal where its books 24/7. OK so every once in a while I toss in a little somethin’ about the feline lords and ladies of the Larsen manor and the occasional vacation post but mostly it’s about the books!

Title: Toads and Diamonds
Author: Heather Tomlinson
Release date: March ’10

Diribani has come to the village well to get water for her family’s scant meal of curry and rice. She never expected to meet a goddess there. Yet she is granted a remarkable gift: Flowers and precious jewels drop from her lips whenever she speaks.

It seems only right to Tana that the goddess judged her kind, lovely stepsister worthy of such riches. And when she encounters the goddess, she is not surprised to find herself speaking snakes and toads as a reward.

Blessings and curses are never so clear as they might seem, however. Diribani’s new found wealth brings her a prince—and an attempt on her life. Tana is chased out of the village because the province’s governor fears snakes, yet thousands are dying of a plague spread by rats. As the sisters’ fates hang in the balance, each struggles to understand her gift. Will it bring her wisdom, good fortune, love . . . or death?

Even a proper vicar’s daughter can make a mistake…and now Charlotte Lamb must pay a high price for her fall. To avoid the prying eyes of all who know her, she hides herself away in London’s forbidding “Milkweed Manor,” a place of mystery and lore, of old secrets and new birth.

But once there, she comes face to face with a suitor from her past–a man who now hides secrets of his own. Both are determined, with God’s help, to protect those they love. But neither can imagine the depth of sacrifice that will be required.

Sprinkled with fascinating details about the lives of women in Regency England, Lady of Milkweed Manor is a moving romantic drama about the redemption of past failings and the beauty of sacrificial love.

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This book is a bit of an unknown for me. Julie Klassen is a new-to-me author. While I’m looking forward to the historical story line I’m keeping an open mind about Julie’s use of faith. It was a free book for my Kindle.

Title: The Cold Room
Author/website(s): J.T. Ellison
401 pages
Publisher: Mira
Publication date: March ’10
Genre: Police procedural
Review book or pleasure reading: Review book
New-to-me author: No
Would I recommend this book: Definitely
Would I read more from this author: Eagerly anticipating book #5 and book #4 isn’t even available until March of this year.
Journal notes: I’m pretty sure it isn’t fair to classify The Cold Room as a review book because J.T. Ellison’s Taylor Jackson series has quickly become a favorite of mine and hits the auto-buy authors list. Now that isn’t to say the relationship has been this way from the start (All The Pretty Girls) because I was a bit unsure at first. While I enjoyed All The Pretty Girls I wasn’t raving about it. When the opportunity came along to get The Cold Room as a review copy I thought ‘why not?’. I’d enjoyed All The Pretty Girls enough to give Ms. Ellison’s work another try. But first I needed to read 14 and The Judas Kiss as I have this little hangup about reading series in order. I did read 14 and The Judas Kiss and with each book my love of Ms. Ellison’s Taylor Jackson series was quickly growing into a long-term relationship. Taylor Jackson is a strong female lead character. Taylor reminds me a lot of Eva Dallas in J.D. Robb’s In Death series. There are several similarities in both Taylor’s and Eva’s professional and personal lives. Because I’ve been of the fan of the In Death series from the first book I wasn’t surprised by Taylor getting her hooks into me (reading wise that is). There is never a dull moment in this series. If you’re a fan of police procedurals check out The Cold Room. It kept me reading into the wee hours of the morning.

He Can Only Truly Love Her Once Her Heart Stops

Homicide Detective Taylor Jackson thinks she’s seen it all in Nashville—from the Southern Strangler to the Snow White Killer. But she’s never seen anything as perverse as the Conductor. Once his victim is captured, he contains her in a glass coffin, slowly starving her to death. Only then does he give in to his attraction.

When he’s finished, he creatively disposes of the body by reenacting scenes from famous paintings. And it seems similar macabre works are being displayed in Europe. Taylor teams up with her fiancé, FBI profiler Dr. John Baldwin, and a New Scotland Yard detective named James “Memphis” Highsmythe, a haunted man who only has eyes for Taylor, to put an end to the Conductor’s art collection.

Has the killer gone international with his craft? Or are there dueling artists, competing to create the ultimate masterpiece?

(The Cold Room was provided to me by TJ at Planned Television Arts. I was not paid. This book doesn’t have a home yet so the first reader to tell me they want it can have it )

He Can Only Truly Love Her Once Her Heart Stops

Homicide Detective Taylor Jackson thinks she’s seen it all in Nashville—from the Southern Strangler to the Snow White Killer. But she’s never seen anything as perverse as the Conductor. Once his victim is captured, he contains her in a glass coffin, slowly starving her to death. Only then does he give in to his attraction.

When he’s finished, he creatively disposes of the body by reenacting scenes from famous paintings. And it seems similar macabre works are being displayed in Europe. Taylor teams up with her fiancé, FBI profiler Dr. John Baldwin, and a New Scotland Yard detective named James “Memphis” Highsmythe, a haunted man who only has eyes for Taylor, to put an end to the Conductor’s art collection.

Has the killer gone international with his craft? Or are there dueling artists, competing to create the ultimate masterpiece?

Title: The Confessions of Catherine de Medici
Author/website(s): C.W. Gortner (redesigned site which I like)
397 pages
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Publication date: May ’10
Genre: Historical fiction
Review book or pleasure reading: Review book
New-to-me author: No
Would I recommend this book: Yes; another great book from this author
Would I read more from this author: Yes
Journal notes: Another book about Catherine de Medici. Was I courting trouble requesting a review copy of The Confessions of Catherine de Medici? I hadn’t finished reading other books about this queen I’d picked up and put down leading me to ponder: a queen I wasn’t interested in or storytelling styles that couldn’t capture my attention? After turning the last page of Confessions I’d say subject matter wasn’t the issue. In the talented storytelling style of Mr. Gortner I found her to be a very compelling individual. Mr. Gortner brings to life Catherine’s struggles to save her family and her kingdom during times of great religious strife. Of all the queens I’ve read about her story is by far the most fascinating. If you enjoyed The Last Queen, as I did, you won’t be disappointed with The Confessions of Catherine de Medici. I’m already looking forward to reading Mr. Gortner’s 2011 release of Princess Isabella, about the rise of the famous Spanish queen and the early years of her reign.

At the age of fourteen, Catherine de Medici, last legitimate descendant of the Medici blood, finds herself betrothed to the King Francois I’s son, Henri. Sent from her native Florence to France, humiliated and overshadowed by her husband’s life-long devotion to his mistress, when tragedy strikes her family Catherine rises from obscurity to become one of 16th century Europe’s most powerful women.

Patroness of Nostradamus and a seer in her own right, accused of witchcraft and murder by her foes, Catherine fights to save France and her children from savage religious conflict, unaware that her own fate looms before her — a fate that will demand the sacrifice of her ideals, her reputation, and passion of her own embattled heart.

From the splendors of the Loire palaces to the blood-soaked battles of the Wars of Religion and haunted halls of the Louvre, this is the story of Catherine’s dramatic life, told by the queen herself.

(The Confessions of Catherine de Medici was provided to me by Quinne at Ballantine Books, a division of Random House. I was not paid and this book is being passed along to the another book blogger through Read It Forward )

Mailbox Monday is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week (checked out library books don’t count, eBooks & audio books do). Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

If you’re new to Mailbox Monday welcome! Thank you to everyone who stops by Mailbox Monday. Whether you comment or visit I appreciate your taking the time to drop in.

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Again this year I supported (with your links) Book Wish Foundation’s holiday campaign. Links to Mailbox Monday posts raised approximately $175 or 88 bricks. Thank you everyone!

Book Wish Foundation’s holiday campaign for 2009 asks book lovers everywhere to contribute one of the 5000 bricks we need to build a library for Darfuri refugees in eastern Chad. As of Jan. 30, we have raised 1,073 bricks. Please join the effort, even with a single brick, by visiting: Library Builder

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Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah (publicist contact) (Claimed by Lisa)

Meredith and Nina Whitson are as different as sisters can be. One stayed at home to raise her children and manage the family apple orchard: the other followed a dream and traveled the world to become a famous photojournalist. But when their beloved father fails ill, Meredith and Nina find themselves together again, standing alongside their cold, disapproving mother, Anya, who even now, offers no comfort to her daughters. As children, the only connection between them was the Russian fairy tale Anya sometimes told the girls at night. On his deathbed, their father extracts a promise from the women in his life: the fairy tale will be told one last time – and all the way to the end. Thus begins an unexpected journey into the truth of Anya’s life in war-torn Leningrad, more than five decades ago. Alternating between the past and present, Meredith and Nina will finally hear the singular, harrowing story of their mother’s life, and what they learn is a secret so terrible and terrifying that it will shake the very foundation of their family and change who they believe they are.

The Empty Mirror by J. Sydney Jones (new-to-me author/publicist contact) (Donated to the library)

The summer of 1898 finds Austria transfixed by a series of brutal murders. When renowned painter Gustav Klimt’s female model becomes the fifth victim, the artist is fingered as the culprit. Klimt’s lawyer Karl Werthen and the famed criminologist Inspector Gross must delve into a nationwide conspiracy in order to acquit the eccentric and unpredictable artiste. With an unmatchable knowledge of Vienna’s history, culture, and politics, J. Sydney Jones introduces a gripping new mystery series set in a cosmopolitan city at the height of its artistic and social importance.

Bellfield Hall: Or, The Observations of Miss Dido Kent by Anna Dean (new-to-me author/publicist contact) (Claimed by Freda)

Dean’s promising debut, the first in a new historical series, introduces Dido Kent, a single lady of a certain age who’s not too old to regret she gave up the business of falling in love some years ago. In September 1805, Dido journeys to Bellfield Hall, the country seat of the Montague family, at the request of her niece, Catherine, who’s upset that her fiancé, Richard Montague, has suddenly broken their engagement and taken flight. Soon after arriving at Bellfield Hall, Dido learns of an even more distressing event—the discovery of the body of an unknown young woman in the shrubbery. In the Miss Marple tradition, Dido observes the residents of Bellfield Hall closely, questions the servants, and interviews local shopkeepers. Excerpts from letters the likable Dido writes to her sister further illuminate her sleuthing methods. Several red herrings keep the reader and Dido guessing. Regency fans will look forward to the next installment.

City of Dragons by Kelly Stanley (new-to-me author/publicist contact) (Claimed by Michele)

Set in San Francisco in 1940, Stanley’s stunning first in a new series introduces a gutsy, independent heroine who isn’t always likable. As the city celebrates the Chinese New Year with the Rice Bowl Party, a three-day carnival to raise money for China’s war relief, PI Miranda Corbie sees Eddie Takahashi, a young Japanese numbers runner, shot dead in front of her on a crowded, fireworks-filled Chinatown street. When the police tell her to forget about Takahashi (Chalk him up to Nanking), the outraged Miranda decides to seek justice on her own. In her quest for Takahashi’s killer, she encounters racism and sexism at nearly every turn. A former escort who’s reinvented herself as a detective, the 33-year-old Miranda isn’t taken seriously by the cops, who enjoy rehashing her past. Stanley (Nox Dormienda) aptly describes San Francisco as a city redolent and glistening with sin and lamplight, forever a girl you didn’t take home to Mother.

The Tourist by Olen Steinhauer (new-to-me author/publicist contact) (Claimed by Darcy)

Superb new CIA thriller featuring black ops expert Milo Weaver and acclaimed by Lee Child as ‘first class — the kind of thing John le Carre might have written’ In the global age of the CIA, wherever there’s trouble, there’s a Tourist: the men and women who do the dirty work. They’re the Company’s best agents — and Milo Weaver was the best of them all. Following a near-lethal encounter with foreign hitman the ‘Tiger’, a burnt-out Milo decides to continue his work from behind a desk. Four years later, he’s no closer to finding the Tiger than he was before. When the elusive assassin unexpectedly gives himself up to Milo, it’s because he wants something in return: revenge. Once a Tourist, always a Tourist — soon Milo is back in the field, tracking down the Tiger’s handler in a world of betrayal, skewed politics and extreme violence. It’s a world he knows well but he’s about to learn the toughest lesson of all: trust no one.

The Last Child by John Hart (new-to-me author/publicist contact) (Claimed by Renee)

Thirteen year-old Johnny Merrimon had the perfect life: happy parents and a twin sister that meant the world to him. But Alyssa went missing a year ago, stolen off the side of a lonely street with only one witness to the crime. His family shattered, his sister presumed dead, Johnny risks everything to explore the dark side of his hometown in a last, desperate search. What he finds is a city with an underbelly far blacker than anyone could’ve imagined – and somewhere in the depths of it all, with the help of his only friend and a giant of a man with his own strange past, Johnny, at last, finds the terrible truth.

Detective Clyde Hunt has devoted an entire year to Alyssa’s case, and it shows: haunted and sleepless, he’s lost his wife and put his shield at risk. But he can’t put the case behind him – he won’t – and when another girl goes missing, the failures of the past year harden into iron determination. Refusing to lose another child, Hunt knows he has to break the rules to make the case; and maybe, just maybe, the missing girl will lead him to Alyssa…

The Confessions of Catherine de Medici by C.W. Gortner (publicist contact) (finished it Sunday night) (Claimed by Jennifer)

At the age of fourteen, Catherine de Medici, last legitimate descendant of the Medici blood, finds herself betrothed to the King Francois I’s son, Henri. Sent from her native Florence to France, humiliated and overshadowed by her husband’s life-long devotion to his mistress, when tragedy strikes her family Catherine rises from obscurity to become one of 16th century Europe’s most powerful women.

Patroness of Nostradamus and a seer in her own right, accused of witchcraft and murder by her foes, Catherine fights to save France and her children from savage religious conflict, unaware that her own fate looms before her — a fate that will demand the sacrifice of her ideals, her reputation, and passion of her own embattled heart.

From the splendors of the Loire palaces to the blood-soaked battles of the Wars of Religion and haunted halls of the Louvre, this is the story of Catherine’s dramatic life, told by the queen herself.

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What books came into your house last week? You have the choice of using inlinkz or Mr. Linky. With inlinkz you can include a book cover if you’d like along with the link to your Mailbox Monday post (clicking on the image takes you to the blog post.) Duplicate links will not count toward the fundraising efforts.

Don’t forget to fill out either inlinkz or Mister Linky or leave a comment with a list of books if you don’t blog. If you’re interested in Read It Forward you will need to leave a comment in addition to filling out a link feature.

• In the “Your name:” box, please enter either your name or your blog’s name.

• In the “Your URL:” box please enter the URL/link that will lead directly to the post you are submitting (also called the permalink). This is not the URL to the blog’s home page.

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