The Printed Page

Title: The Silent Gift Author/website(s): Michael Landon Jr & Cindy Kelley 362 pages Publisher: Bethany House Publication date: October ’09 Genre: Historical fiction by faith-based authors Review book or pleasure reading: Review book New-to-me author(s): Yes Would I recommend this book: Definitely Would I read more from this author(s): Definitely Journal notes: If I was wandering through a bookstore and saw you holding The Silent Gift in your hands I would stop and tell you how much I enjoyed the story. I’d tell you it isn’t a book to be left sitting on the bookstore shelf. Its a book to be taken home and read more than once. A book that will touch you deep down. A book to be shared with those you love.

I accepted this book with some trepidation and actually wrote that in my responding email the publicist. I don’t usually read books written by faith-based authors but I’m willing to make exceptions if a story sounds especially appealing to me. Such was the story of The Silent Gift. Frankly Michael Landon Jr as an author was a big draw for me. I adored his father watching Michael Landon Sr in both Bonanza and Little House on the Prairie (some of my favorite books as a young girl). Wanting a break from my usually fare of royal intrigue and suspenseful mystery I plucked The Silent Gift off the shelf. The Silent Gift isn’t going to challenge your beliefs. It isn’t going to try and beat you into submission and convert you. The Silent Gift is going to warm your heart. Hopefully it will spark acts of kindness, giving and paying it forward. Even though it isn’t a holiday story I found it especially fitting to read this time of year. My print edition is going to a new home but I’ll be buying the Kindle edition so that I can re-read this wonderful story over and over again. Like Sarah from Sarah’s Key Jack will be with me for a very long time.

The 1930s were a decade of enormous uncertainty–for the world, for America, and in particular for one lonely, struggling mother and her disabled son. Their story is one of love and enormous sacrifices in the face of circumstances horrendous beyond belief. When her husband leaves her for someone whose time isn’t wrapped up in a silent, handicapped kid, Mary and little Jack are out on their own in a world that has no room for the poor and disabled. Especially not at a time when most Americans are simply trying to survive their economic woes and job losses. But then arrives The Gift…where has it come from, and why? How can a young boy who can neither hear nor speak provide comfort, direction, and sometimes challenges to seekers who learn of the special ability? Whatever the source, its presence brings a single shaft of light and hope to Mary and her beloved Jack. Will it be enough?

(The Silent Gift was provided to me by Eillott at Edify Media. I was not paid and this book is being passed along to the another book blogger through Read It Forward )

Title: The Murdered House Author/website(s): Pierre Magnan 247 pages Publisher: Minotaur Books Publication date: November ’09 (original french publication date: ’84) Genre: Mystery Would I recommend this book: DNF @ pg. 50 Would I read more from this author: Most likely no Journal notes: I was so looking forward to reading The Murdered House but frankly I found this story line just plain strange. I got through the beginning where the family except for the baby is murdered. So far so good. Then we jump ahead 23 or so years and the child has become a man newly returned home from WWI. Still doing OK. Then things just go south. He learns the story, or part of it, surrounding the murder of his family. He finds himself drawn back to start destroying the house as he is haunted by images of a mother he never knew. Then low and behold two country lasses are drawn to him for no apparent reason. One comes on to him and the other steps in his way as he starts his path of destruction. And now I’m done with The Murdered House.

One dark night in the winter of 1896, in remote upper Provence, a family is brutally massacred. Only a three-week-old baby miraculously survives. In 1920, the orphan, Seraphin Monge, finally returns home from the war to pursue the truth. Haunted by the image of his mother’s dying moments, he turns on the house that has seen such misery, destroying it stone by stone. As the walls crumble, the killers’ identities are laid bare and his anger turns to vengeance. But for every murder Seraphin plots, another hand silently executes it in his place.

(The Murdered House was provided to me by Anne at Minotaur Books. I was not paid and this book is being passed along to the another book blogger through Read It Forward )

Title: Small Kingdoms Author/website(s): Anastaisa Hobbet 344 pages Publisher: Permanent Press Publication date: January ’10 Genre: Fiction Would I recommend this book: DNF @ pg. 128 Would I read more from this author: Most likely no Journal notes: Unfortunately for Small Kingdoms I started reading it right after finishing a book I truly enjoyed. It might have suffered some for that reason but that isn’t entirely why I put it down without reading further than page 128. I initially requested Small Kingdoms for the cultural aspects of the story line. I continue to find myself fascinated with the customs and beliefs of this part of the world. But I found myself growing less interested when going back to the story after having put the book down to attend to other parts of the my life. I didn’t find myself making a mental connection with any of the main characters. I know once the reviews start coming in for Small Kingdoms that I will definitely be in the minority.

Hobbet’s compelling novel is set in Kuwait between the Gulf Wars, with the country poised for the next wave of unexpected terror while coming to grips with the last: He’d expected to see some scars of the war. But there was nothing that spoke of the violence, not even a tank posed as a public memorial. Hobbet’s disparate protagonists come from different classes, countries and faiths: devoutly Muslim, wealthy Mufeeda; her young Indian cook, Emmanuella; California doctor Theo; Theo’s Arabic teacher, Hanaan (a Palestinian); and timid American housewife Kit (also Mufeeda’s neighbor). Each character is, to varying degrees, a misfit in a society beset by violence and ancient practices. When news of murdered maids begins circulating, several characters undertake a precarious plan to save a maid in danger, a dangerous mission with the potential to change all their lives permanently. Hobbet’s extensive knowledge of Kuwait’s people, customs and political landscape combine to make an immersive, authentic novel about Middle East life.

(Small Kingdoms was provided to me by the Librarything Early Reviewers program. I was not paid and this book is being passed along to the another book blogger through Read It Forward )

Title: Carrion Comfort Author/website(s): Dan Simmons 767 pages Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin Publication date: November ’09 Genre: A mishmash as described in the synopsis Would I recommend this book: N/A Journal notes: An unsolicited book from a publicist, oh goodie. Not knowing what wonderful book was awaiting me I eagerly ripped open the packaging. The cover intrigued me as I wasn’t sure what type of story it might be hiding behind it. Then the author’s name caught my attention and I paused. Having read about half of The Terror before DNFing it (I lost interest) I wasn’t sure about Carrion Comfort though I wasn’t quite ready to toss it aside. A free book is a gift and why not give Mr. Simmons another try. Then I started reading the synopsis and the mental brakes started screeching. The more I read the more I could feel within my reading bones that Carrion Comfort was going to spend a very long time, maybe even forever, on my bookshelf. I’m a fan of horror and political thrillers but not science fiction and, most especially not vampires, even if they’re only mind vampires and not the blood sucking kind. Continuing to explore the Carrion Comfort story I could feel my comfort level heading straight for so not gonna happen. As much as I appreciate the publicist mailing me Carrion Comfort it will be going to a new home very soon.

Carrion Comfort draws on a variety of genres–horror, science fiction, political thriller, Hollywood roman a clef. It centers around a small number of “mind vampires” who can subjugate other people to their wills, read their minds, experience through their senses. The immensely powerful vampires use others, often bloodily, and often in frivolous “games” (hunting human prey, chess games with human pieces, and so on). Opposing them are Saul Laski, a psychologist and concentration-camp survivor, who is devoted to tracking down the Nazi vampire von Borchert; Natalie Preston, whose father inadvertently and fatally crossed the path of a pawn of the ancient, dotty vampire Melanie Fuller; Sheriff Bobby Joe Gentry, dragged in while investigating the multiple murders that marked the departure of Melanie Fuller from Charleston; and a host of other normals and vampires whose lives impinge on those of the principals.

(Carrion Comfort was provided to me by Katherine from St. Martin’s Press. I was not paid and this book has found a home with a fellow co-worker )

Title: The Queen’s Dollmaker Author/website(s): Christine Trent 331 pages Publisher: Kensington Publication date: December ’09 Genre: Historical fiction Would I recommend this book: Definitely Would I read more from this author: Most definitely Journal notes: Ms. Trent is a new-to-me author and, I believe, The Queen’s Dollmaker is her debut novel. I’m pretty sure Ms. Trent can look forward to rewarding career writing historical fiction. I thoroughly enjoyed The Queen’s Dollmaker. Rare for me with debut authors but as soon as I finished TQD I wanted to pick up and start her next historical fiction book, The Wax Apprentice (** Christine contacted me to let me know that that title will be changing before publication). Alas that won’t be until 2011 but you can bet I’m eagerly anticipating it already. Ms. Trent will be landing on my auto-buy/fav authors list just as soon as I get it updated. I love it when authors create fictional characters and weave their stories around historical people and events in such way as to make the reader believe what they’re reading indeed could have taken place. Claudette has such interesting career especially in a day and age when women in the trades was frowned upon. Also I liked the fact that she wasn’t a player in court society.

On the brink of revolution, with a tide of hate turned against the decadent royal court, France is in turmoil – as is the life of one young woman forced to leave her beloved Paris. After a fire destroys her home and family, Claudette Laurent is struggling to survive in London. But one precious gift remains: her talent for creating exquisite dolls that Marie Antoinette, the Queen of France herself, cherishes. When the Queen requests a meeting, Claudette seizes the opportunity to promote her business, and to return home…Amid the violence and unrest, Claudette befriends the Queen, who bears no resemblance to the figurehead rapidly becoming the scapegoat of the Revolution. But when Claudette herself is lured into a web of deadly political intrigue, it becomes clear that friendship with France’s most despised woman has grim consequences. Now, overshadowed by the spectre of Madame Guillotine, the Queen’s dollmaker will face the ultimate test.

(The Queen’s Dollmaker was sent to me by the author Christine Trent. I was not paid and will be sending this book to another book blogger )

Title: The Life O’Reilly Author/website(s): Brian Cohen 266 pages Publisher: iUniverse.com Publication date: October ’09 Genre: Contemporary fiction Would I recommend this book: Yes & no Journal notes: This story was very, very predictable. There was not one element of surprise start to finish. I knew where the story was headed and exactly how we were going to get there. That said I’m sucker for emotionally charged story lines. I actually had to quit reading at work tonight because the ending was going to be a real tear jerker. I don’t think this will be book for everyone but if you don’t mind predictability wrapped around a tender love story then read The Life O’Reilly.

On the outside, Nick O’Reilly has it all: a high-flying legal career, as a partner of an elite Wall Street law firm, and financial security, with an apartment overlooking Central Park. Having grown up in a working-class family, as far back as Nick can remember this was his dream. But at the age of thirty-six, after several years of sacrificing his personal life for professional gain, Nick has started to ponder his future and consider the mark he wants to leave on society both professionally and personally—his legacy.

After being chastised in the press for turning a cold shoulder to the community, the firm calls upon Nick to help rehabilitate its image by handling its first pro bono case. Nick is asked to represent Dawn Nelson, a domestic violence victim who is fighting for custody of her young son, Jordan. A far cry from Nick’s specialty of defending the misdeeds of Corporate America, it is up to Nick to set Dawn and Jordan on a path to a better life. But Nick gets much more than he signed on for, as Dawn forces him to reassess his life choices and, ultimately, be true to himself. Only when Nick finally realizes what is truly important in life does he face his toughest—and possibly final—challenge: a battle for his own survival.

(The Life O’Reilly was provided to me by Jim from Kelley & Hall. I was not paid and will be sending this book to another book blogger )

Title: Children of Dust: A Memoir of Pakistan Author/website(s): Ali Eteraz / Children of Dust 337 pages Publisher: HarperOne; 1st edition Publication date: October ’09 Genre: Memoir Would I recommend this book: Undecided Journal notes: Its not that I didn’t enjoy Ali’s story I did, parts of it at least. I enjoyed the middle section (high school/early college years) and his time with Ziad the most. I found that after turning the last page it really didn’t leave me wanting more from this author. I doubt I’ll carry much of his story with me for very long.

Children of Dust is an elegant memoir revealing Islamic fundamentalism and madrassa life in rural Pakistan, the culture shock of moving to the U.S., and a journey of reconciliation to the modern Middle East. Author Ali Eteraz is a compelling young male literary voice, and in telling his coming-of-age story he captures not merely pain, but also the love, laughter, and pathos of Muslim life.

(Children of Dust was provided to me by Julie from FSB Media. I was not paid and will be sending this book to another book blogger )

Title: The Secret Mandarin (Amazon UK link) Author/website: Sara Sheridan 337 pages Publisher: AVON, a division of HarperCollins Publishers Ltd Publication date: September ’09 Genre: Historical fiction (faction as the main character Robert Fortune was indeed a real person) Would I recommend this book: Undecided though I would read other books by this author Journal notes: For the most part I enjoyed The Secret Mandarin though I did have issues with the two main characters and part of the storyline. I was drawn to The Secret Mandarin for two reasons: the beautiful cover art and the setting – China in the mid-1840s. I love reading stories set in the Asian culture especially if they are historical in nature. The legends, mythology and belief system fascinate me. There is a certain magic that draws me in. It’s the whole East vs. West thing. So for the part story line based solely on Robert and Mary’s journey and adventure across China I was hooked. Before starting The Secret Mandarin I didn’t realize it was based, loosely, on part of Robert Fortune’s life.

As to the characters themselves both Robert and Mary are extremely selfish and self-centered. I never did warm up to either. And frankly the way Mary views the relationship between herself, Robert and Jane at the end of the book just plain didn’t sit well with me.

A disgraced woman. A faraway land. A forbidden love! An unforgettable tale set in Victorian London and 1840s China from a shining, young historical talent. Desperate to shield her from scandal, Mary’s brother-in-law, the ambitious botanist Robert Fortune, forces her to accompany him on a mission to China to steal tea plants for the East India Company. But Robert conceals his secret motives – to spy for the British forces, newly victorious in the recent Opium War. His task is both difficult and dangerous – the British are still regarded as enemies by the Chinese and exporting tea bushes carries the death sentence. In these harsh conditions Mary grieves for her London life and the baby she has been forced to leave behind, while her fury at Robert intensifies. As their quest becomes increasingly treacherous, Robert and Mary disguise themselves as a mandarin and man-servant. Thousands of miles from everything familiar, Mary revels in her new freedom and the Chinese way of life – and when danger strikes, finds unexpected reserves of courage. The Secret Mandarin is an unforgettable story of love, fortitude and recklessness – of a strong woman determined to make it in a man’s world and a man who will stop at nothing to fulfil his desires.

(The Secret Mandarin was provided to me by Ms. Sheridan’s publicist from Harper Collins. I was not paid and will be sending this book to another book blogger )

I’m a very visual person and love beautiful, or interesting, cover art. It entices, and invites, me to stop and take a peek instead of walking right on by. Here’s a cover that caught my eye. Title: Bloodvines Author: Erica Spindler (auto-buy author for me) Release date: February ’10

Thirty-something Alex Owens knows very little about her childhood or who she really is, her only family an absent, emotionally fragile mother. Alex spent most of her adulthood searching for the missing link, drifting from job to job, relationship to relationship. But when an infant’s remains are unearthed in her hometown in back-country California, Alex suddenly realises that she has a connection to the case. As if opening Pandora’s box, long-lost memories start flooding in, dark and terrifying nightmares that haunt her every waking moment. When she arrives in Sonoma, the tight-knit community greets Alex with silence and suspicion, but Alex presses on, determined to get to the heart of a secret no one wants to see uncovered. As more violent deaths and a series of deadly rituals shock the small town, Alex is finally forced to confront the terrible truth about a single night that changed her family’s lives forever…

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What book cover caught your eye? Leave a post link and share with your fellow readers. Jill at Breaking the Spine hosts Waiting on Wednesday. Stop by and check out the great books your fellow readers can’t wait to get their hands on. What book are you waiting for?

I’m a very visual person and love beautiful, or interesting, cover art. It entices, and invites, me to stop and take a peek instead of walking right on by. Here’s a cover that caught my eye. Title: Secrets of the Tudor Court: Between Two Queens Author: Kate Emerson Release date: January ’10

Pretty, flirtatious, and ambitious. Nan Bassett hopes that an appointment at the court of King Henry VIII will bring her a grand marriage. But soon after she becomes a maid of honor to Queen Jane, the queen dies in childbirth. As the court plunges into mourning, Nan sets her sights on the greatest match in the land…for the king has noticed her. After all, it wouldn’t be the first time King Henry has chosen to wed a maid of honor. And in newly Protestant England, where plots to restore the old religion abound, Nan may be the only one who can reassure a suspicious king of her family’s loyalty. But the favor of a king can be dangerous and chancy, not just for Nan, but for her family as well…and passionate Nan is guarding a secret, one that could put her future — and her life — in grave jeopardy should anyone discover the truth.

Based on the life of the real Anne Bassett and her family, and drawing extensively from letters and diaries of the time, Between Two Queens is an enthralling picture of the dangers and delights of England’s most passionate era.

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What book cover caught your eye? Leave a post link and share with your fellow readers. Jill at Breaking the Spine hosts Waiting on Wednesday. Stop by and check out the great books your fellow readers can’t wait to get their hands on. What book are you waiting for?