tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22377194249068014082024-03-14T04:48:11.425-04:00Book MischiefI have an insane desire to read as many books as I can! My favorite genres are ~ historical fiction, historical romance, mysteries, spoof lit, classic literature, chick-lit, gothic tales, monsters, witches and vampires OH MY and I'm always up for recommendations! I have a passion for my Kindle and never leave home without it. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17580510128649871135noreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2237719424906801408.post-29443903000907211952015-02-22T23:03:00.001-05:002015-02-22T23:05:59.674-05:00The Ludwig Conspiracy This year is going to be great! I have a new laptop and I have read a bunch of excellent books to share and a few excellent recipes too!<br />
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I'm currently reading The Ludwig Conspiracy by Oliver Potzsch<br />
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<img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51y4OkW7bjL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-v3-big,TopRight,0,-55_SX278_SY278_PIkin4,BottomRight,1,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" /><br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ludwig-Conspiracy-Oliver-P%C3%B6tzsch-ebook/dp/B00AXS6BEI/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1424663444&sr=1-1&keywords=the+ludwig+conspiracy+by+oliver+potzsch" target="_blank"><span style="color: yellow;">Amazon Link to Ludwig Conspiracy</span></a><br />
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It reminds me in style of the DeVinci Code. The great mystery of something in the past that is being sought in present times. Murder and mayhem, the chase and that spark of intelligent intrigue that adds interest and keeps the reader wanting more.
I'm not very far into the story but far enough to be captivated. A journal has been found that some want to stay hidden and they are willing to kill to keep it that way. The journal is in code. An antiquarian book seller and an art detective team up in this compelling mystery!<br />
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<i>Amazon Book Description </i><br />
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<i> A bold new thriller from the best-selling author of The Hangman’s Daughter series
In 1886, Ludwig II, the Fairy-tale King of Bavaria, was deposed after being declared insane by doctors who had never met him. He died mysteriously soon thereafter, his eccentric and beautiful castles his only legacy. In The Ludwig Conspiracy, master of historical suspense Oliver Pötzsch brings the Mad King back to life.
An encoded diary by one of Ludwig’s confidants falls into the hands of modern-day rare-book dealer Steven Lukas, who soon realizes that the diary may bring him more misery than money. Lukas teams up with a beautiful art detective, Sara Lengfeld, to investigate each of Ludwig’s three famous castles for clues to crack the diary’s code as mysterious thugs and Ludwig’s fanatical followers chase them at every step. Just what in the diary could be so explosive?</i><br />
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Right now the book is $2.99 in the Amazon Kindle Bookstore. I'll update you when I've completed the book - I have high hopes that it will deliver!<br />
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I love the Hangman's Daughter series and can't wait to share what I've read thus far of the series in another post, very soon.
I bid you good night for now and look forward to next time!
"Mischief Managed" - Kelly AnnAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17580510128649871135noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2237719424906801408.post-50698695290498739732014-02-12T21:16:00.000-05:002014-02-12T21:16:31.340-05:00New Year Possibilities It's a new year and I'm excited to begin working on my blog again. About a year ago I had to stop blogging and it's been depressing to say the least. I've missed being a part of the bibliophile community so very much. I didn't get to finish any of my reading challenges either but the worst is over and 2014 is a new year with no mistakes in it. YET! Lol
I may not have finished my challenges last year but I did read some wonderful novels and so far this year I've read 10 books that I can't wait to share. Another change for me is I'm using my Kindle HD to blog with so it's going to take some getting used to. I haven't figured out how I will link books yet but I believe I'll be able to upload pictures. Please have patience with me as I attempt to grasp technologies firmly by the invisible bull horns and hope that I don't get thrown off.
I hope you will join me, I have many new ideas and I can't wait to get started.
I would like to sign off today by sharing a little valentines day book trivia - Shakespeare mentions valentines day in his play, Hamlet.
Ophelia sings, "Good morrow! 'Tis St. Valentine's Day; all in the morning bedtime; And I a maid at your window, to be your valentine!"
Now as usual naughty Shakespeare did not just stop there he also finished the verse with "then he rose, and donned his clothes, and dupped the chamber door. Let in the maid that out a maid never departed more.
So I leave you with that....bit of valentines naughtiness brought to you by our beloved Shakespeare!
Good Morrow my friends! "Mischief Managed" - Kelly
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17580510128649871135noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2237719424906801408.post-80907574215950926992013-02-16T22:53:00.000-05:002013-02-16T22:53:48.844-05:00Penelope by Anya Wylde<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00B1XVBI0/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00B1XVBI0&linkCode=as2&tag=bookmisc00-20" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00B1XVBI0&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=bookmisc00-20" /></a></div>
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Anya Wylde's second novel<span style="color: #c27ba0;"> </span><em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Penelope-Madcap-Regency-Romance-ebook/dp/B00B1XVBI0/ref=pd_sim_kstore_1" target="_blank"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">Penelope</span></a> </em>does not disappoint! I finished reading this delightful book today. Actually, due to recent events I haven't been able to read much of anything - however, last weekend I was able to read the 1st half of this wonderful book and today I finished it! </div>
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What surprised me most about this book was that it was nothing like <em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wicked-Regency-Mystery-Romance-ebook/dp/B008UWBJB4/ref=pd_sim_kstore_1" target="_blank"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">Wicked Wager</span></a>. </em>I'm not disappointed, don't mistake me, I'm ecstatic but normally as a reader you fall in love with a book and an author and you read everything they write! I find they write in the same style, it feels the same throughout each book like the author has a specific outline they follow each time just to produce novels and they create new characters to fit the mold. It's what we readers have to accept if we want to read! I can be picky but if an author writes in a style I enjoy then I can ignore the fact that each of his or her novels can be predictable! Take Sabrina Jeffries or Amanda Quick - they are perfect examples of predictability and trust me, I love their books. You can tell when the hero and heroine will kiss for the 1st time or make love or when the heroine will run away from the man she loves before accepting that she can't live without him (Jeffries) and Quick, well sometimes I wonder if she just changes the characters names for her latest novels. Her earlier novels weren't like this. <br />
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I digress, Penelope felt different to me then Wicked Wager. I loved it! It was refreshing, lively, witty, adventurous, a true riot and a romance with a fairy tale happily ever after ending, the epilogue exactly what I needed! I can't forget the characters including a poetic highway man, loveable supporting characters, a maddening duke who you can't help but fall in love with and Lady Bathsheba, Penelope's pet G-O-A-T (you will understand once you read the book). Penelope is just plain fun! Wylde is amazing and she has found herself a loyal reader in me. Both of her novels are going in my stack of books that I will read again and again! They are definite keepers! </div>
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Published - January 16, 2013</div>
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Price - a smashing $.99 - worth way more in my opinion</div>
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Genre - "Mad Cap Regency Romance"</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Penelope-Madcap-Regency-Romance-ebook/dp/B00B1XVBI0/ref=pd_sim_kstore_1" target="_blank"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">Amazon's Books Description:</span></a></div>
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Leaving behind the rural charms of Finnshire, Miss Penelope Fairweather arrives
in London with hope in her heart and a dream in her eye. The dowager, no less,
has invited her for a season in London, where she will attempt to catch a
husband.<br />
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Thus begins our heroine's tale as she attempts to tackle the
London season with all her rustic finesse. Unfortunately, her rustic finesse
turns out to be as delicate as a fat bear trying to rip apart a honeycomb
infested with buzzing bees.<br />
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What follows is a series of misadventures,
love affairs, moonlit balls, fancy clothes, fake moustaches, highwaymen,
sneering beauties, pickpockets, and the wrath of a devilishly handsome duke.</div>
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<a href="http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/276139" target="_blank"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">Link to Smashwords</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17287877-penelope" target="_blank"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">Link to Goodreads</span></a></div>
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Amazon - 4.2 stars</div>
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Goodreads - 4.19 stars</div>
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Smashwords - 5 stars</div>
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I rated this book - 5 stars</div>
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Be sure to check out Wicked Wager if you haven't read it yet - delightful!!! <br />
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<span style="color: #c27ba0;"><a href="http://bookmischief.blogspot.com/2013/01/favorites-of-2012.html" target="_blank">You can read my review of The Wicked Wager here</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008UWBJB4/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B008UWBJB4&linkCode=as2&tag=bookmisc00-20"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B008UWBJB4&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=bookmisc00-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bookmisc00-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B008UWBJB4" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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"Mischief Managed" ~ Kelly</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17580510128649871135noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2237719424906801408.post-78910604576815701762013-02-05T22:23:00.003-05:002013-02-05T22:23:52.921-05:00Mystery Crime Challenge 2013Ahhhh mysteries, crime novels, thrillers, the genre of fear! There is nothing like a dark menacing figure, an eerie backdrop, the scent of blood lust as a killer closes in, a mysterious hero with dark secrets, a maiden in distress. I love them! Not that they don't sometimes cause me to make a cake of myself in a mad dash to the front door when it's late at night or when I traipse though the house with a bat checking closets and under each bed. Isn't that part of the fun? The fear? I also love to try and figure out the who done it. I'm more of a mystery crime comedy fiction kind of girl and that is why I love Janet Evanovich. I don't want to be scared senseless and I love to laugh! In fact, I like to embarrass myself and those I'm with by laughing out loud in crowded places while I'm reading! <br />
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So for the 2013 Mystery Crime Challenge hosted by <a href="http://amythecraftybooknerd.blogspot.com/2012/12/2013-mysterycrime-reading-challenge.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">The Crafty Book Nerd</span></a> I have compiled the following list of novels I will attempt to read so that I may be honored and dubbed Sergeant of Mysteries by Ms. Crafty Book Nerd: (subject to change because I'm a woman and I can & will change my mind)<br />
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1. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Notorious-Nineteen-Stephanie-Novel-ebook/dp/B0086N7AV0/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1360114996&sr=1-1&keywords=notorious+nineteen+kindle" target="_blank"><span style="color: #38761d;"><em>Notorious Nineteen: A Stephanie Plum Novel by Janet Evanovich</em></span></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0086N7AV0/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0086N7AV0&linkCode=as2&tag=bookmisc00-20"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B0086N7AV0&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=bookmisc00-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bookmisc00-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0086N7AV0" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
Kindle - $13.99<br />
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2. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/From-Russia-Love-James-ebook/dp/B008L40PFW/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1360115535&sr=1-1&keywords=from+russia+with+love" target="_blank"><span style="color: #38761d;"><em>From Russia with Love by Ian Fleming</em></span></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008L40PFW/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B008L40PFW&linkCode=as2&tag=bookmisc00-20"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B008L40PFW&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=bookmisc00-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bookmisc00-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B008L40PFW" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
Kindle - $7.99<br />
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3. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Study-Scarlet-Sherlock-Holmes-ebook/dp/B003XYE7CW/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1360116149&sr=1-1&keywords=a+study+in+scarlet" target="_blank"><span style="color: #38761d;"><em>A Study in Scarlet (Sherlock Holmes #1) by Sir Author Conan Doyle</em></span></a><br />
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<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bookmisc00-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B003XYE7CW" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003XYE7CW/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003XYE7CW&linkCode=as2&tag=bookmisc00-20"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B003XYE7CW&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=bookmisc00-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bookmisc00-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B003XYE7CW" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
Kindle - $.99<br />
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4. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Miss-Marple-Bundle-Vicarage-ebook/dp/B004G60ASQ/ref=sr_1_2?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1360117036&sr=1-2&keywords=murder+at+the+vicarage+kindle" target="_blank"><span style="color: #38761d;"><em>The Murder at the Vicarage by Agatha Christie</em></span></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004G60ASQ/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004G60ASQ&linkCode=as2&tag=bookmisc00-20"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B004G60ASQ&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=bookmisc00-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bookmisc00-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B004G60ASQ" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
Kindle - $6.99<br />
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5. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Inferno-Novel-Robert-Langdon-ebook/dp/B00AXIZ4TQ/ref=zg_bs_157305011_59" target="_blank"><span style="color: #38761d;"><em>Inferno - A Robert Langdon Novel by Dan Brown</em></span></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AXIZ4TQ/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00AXIZ4TQ&linkCode=as2&tag=bookmisc00-20"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00AXIZ4TQ&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=bookmisc00-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bookmisc00-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00AXIZ4TQ" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
Kindle - $14.99 (release date 5/14/13)
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6. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0047Y0EY2/ref=s9_simh_bw_p351_d0_i3?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=0PKSA39TYK030K2Z684K&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1345685042&pf_rd_i=1286228011" target="_blank"><em><span style="color: #38761d;">10th Anniversary (Women's Murder Club) by James Patterson & Maxine Paetro</span></em></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0047Y0EY2/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0047Y0EY2&linkCode=as2&tag=bookmisc00-20"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B0047Y0EY2&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=bookmisc00-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bookmisc00-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0047Y0EY2" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
Kindle - $7.59<br />
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7. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/11th-Hour-Womens-Murder-ebook/dp/B005S8O7S0/ref=zg_bs_157305011_91" target="_blank"><em><span style="color: #38761d;">11th Hour (Women's Murder Club) by James Patterson & Maxine Paetro</span></em></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005S8O7S0/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B005S8O7S0&linkCode=as2&tag=bookmisc00-20"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B005S8O7S0&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=bookmisc00-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bookmisc00-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B005S8O7S0" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
Kindle - $11.99<br />
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8. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/12th-Never-Womens-Murder-ebook/dp/B008TUQZXO/ref=zg_bs_157305011_38" target="_blank"><span style="color: #38761d;"><em>12th of Never (Women's Murder Club) by James Patterson & Maxine Paetro</em></span></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008TUQZXO/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B008TUQZXO&linkCode=as2&tag=bookmisc00-20"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B008TUQZXO&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=bookmisc00-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bookmisc00-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B008TUQZXO" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
Kindle - $12.74 (release date 4/29/13) - can you tell I'm behind in this series?!<br />
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9. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Beekeepers-Apprentice-Russell-ebook/dp/B003OUXE6U/ref=sr_1_4?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1360118401&sr=1-4&keywords=laurie+king" target="_blank"><em><span style="color: #38761d;">The Beekeeper's Apprentice (A Mary Russell Novel) by Laure R. King</span></em></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003OUXE6U/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003OUXE6U&linkCode=as2&tag=bookmisc00-20"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B003OUXE6U&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=bookmisc00-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bookmisc00-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B003OUXE6U" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
Kindle - $9.99<br />
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10. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wine-Violence-Medieval-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B003Y8XPQG/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1360118558&sr=1-1&keywords=wine+of+violence" target="_blank"><span style="color: #38761d;"><em>Wine of Violence (A Medieval Mystery) by Priscilla Royal</em></span> </a><br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003Y8XPQG/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003Y8XPQG&linkCode=as2&tag=bookmisc00-20"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B003Y8XPQG&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=bookmisc00-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bookmisc00-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B003Y8XPQG" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
Kindle - $2.99<br />
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I'm excited about participating in this challenge. I can read a lot of fluff throughout the year and I enjoy it immensely but I've always wanted to read a James Bond, Sherlock Holmes and Miss Marple novel and this year I'm going to! <br />
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I'm a huge fan of Bond movies so this will be a major first for me. Normally, I read the novels, then see the movies! <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3E_9ENb3zn0/ULWiKnt88hI/AAAAAAAAAT0/3XxD2xrMuVM/s1600/Fleming.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3E_9ENb3zn0/ULWiKnt88hI/AAAAAAAAAT0/3XxD2xrMuVM/s1600/Fleming.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2565.Ian_Fleming" target="_blank">Ian Fleming</a></div>
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I'll keep you updated on my progress and which book I'm about to tackle. I do have other challenges to contend with so I won't be reading them in the order I have posted and they will be scattered throughout the year (psst...the last book on this list is going to double for another challenge, because I'm sneaky and I have stealth like Bond moves......well maybe just in the book nerd world not the espionage world). <br />
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"Mischief Managed' ~ Kelly</div>
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<em>SMERSH. So that was the answer – the worst answer of all. And this was their chief killer. Bond remembered the red glare that flickered in the opaque eyes. A killer. A psychopath – manic depressive probably. A man who really enjoyed it. What a useful man for SMERSH to have found!</em><br />
Ian Fleming (From Russia with Love) Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17580510128649871135noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2237719424906801408.post-50512733225222526052013-01-28T22:49:00.001-05:002013-01-28T22:49:34.067-05:00Espionage in Regency EnglandI am so far behind on reading, writing......just everything - I know, it's not a promising start to 2013! Life, it's just hectic! LOL! <br />
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I have managed to read a few novels this month, nothing like I had planned, of course! Two involved espionage in romantic Regency England. <br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;">Book #1 - <em>London Calling</em> by Anna Elliot - book 2 of the Susanna and the Spy series.</span><br />
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I really enjoyed this little regency spy treat. It's light and entertaining with enough espionage to keep it fun. Elliot manages to keep me on the edge of my seat with sweaty palms and heart racing. Mainly, I just love Susanna and her beau, James. This is not an ex-rated novel by any means - it's sweet and I felt content and happy when I was done reading! I hope Anna Elliot continues writing about Susanna because I just love her. <br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007BTR4I4/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B007BTR4I4&linkCode=as2&tag=bookmisc00-20" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B007BTR4I4&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=bookmisc00-20" /></a></div>
<span style="color: orange;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bookmisc00-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B007BTR4I4" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
</span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/London-Calling-Susanna-Spy-ebook/dp/B007BTR4I4/ref=sr_1_4?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1359422093&sr=1-4&keywords=anna+elliot" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Amazon's Book Description:</span></a><br />
<br />
<em>Romance and treason in Regency London</em><br />
<em><br /></em>It is the autumn of 1809,
and Susanna Ward's life is more perfect than she could ever have dared hope. She
is reconciled with her estranged family and engaged to the man she loves, Lord
James Ravenwood. But across the English Channel, Britain's war with the Emperor
Napoleon still rages. And when a chance letter arrives from London, Susanna
learns that James has secretly allowed himself to be drawn into the shadowy
world of espionage and intrigue. To be with James, Susanna travels to
London--and is soon caught up in a dangerous operation to uncover a ring of
French spies and a traitor within the British War Office.<br />
<br />
Susanna will
risk her life to protect both her country and the man she loves. And yet as she
sees James torn between love for her and duty to King and country, she realizes
that the greatest danger may be to her own heart.<br />
<br />
Set against the
glittering backdrop of a Regency London Season, <i>London Calling</i> is a cozy
mystery, appropriate for all ages. It is approximately 61,000 words or 244 pages
in length.<br />
<br />
Although <i>London Calling</i> can be read alone, the story
builds on the events of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Susanna-and-the-Spy-ebook/dp/B006OTB9KG/ref=pd_sim_kstore_2" target="_blank"><span style="color: #38761d;"><em>Susanna and the Spy</em></span></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/London-Calling-Susanna-Spy-ebook/dp/B007BTR4I4/ref=pd_sim_kstore_1" target="_blank"><span style="color: #38761d;">London Calling</span></a> - $3.99 for Kindle on Amazon<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Susanna-and-the-Spy-ebook/dp/B006OTB9KG/ref=pd_sim_kstore_2" target="_blank"><span style="color: #38761d;">Susanna and the Spy</span></a> - free on Kindle<br />
<span id="goog_1347242477"></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_1347242478"></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">Book #2 - <em>A Lady by Chance</em> by Cheryl Bolen</span><br />
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Pretty good regency romance with a hearty splash of espionage. Anna and Charles, the Marquis of Haverstock are excellent characters. Just a few chapters into the book I did pose the question to myself, would I marry for revenge? I doubt it! Could I marry for status? Most likely not. So.....the heroine and hero marry, quickly and within moments of meeting each other or knowing each other. Driven by love of country, revenge, status, illegitimacy and I believe love at first sight (but I'm a romantic). <br />
<br />
This was no cozy romance , there was a lot more then a few kisses in this novel. All the characters were well developed and likable even when they were at their worst. It could have gone either way with the wide assortment of supporting characters but I was pleased with Bolen's story overall. I find that romance can easily become nothing more then characters cheating, making each other jealous or having nasty irritating family members that make me turn each page with dread or skip to the end so I can be done with it. I didn't find it so with this particular Bolen novel. I haven't read a lot of Bolen but if in the future a storyline catches my eye I would definitely give it a go. This regency is only $.99 for Kindle on Amazon. <br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0052HKTSE/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0052HKTSE&linkCode=as2&tag=bookmisc00-20" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B0052HKTSE&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=bookmisc00-20" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Chance-Historical-Regency-Romance-ebook/dp/B0052HKTSE/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1359425169&sr=1-1&keywords=a+lady+by+chance" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Amazon's Book Description:</span></a><br />
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Manipulated into a marriage of convenience to prove their patriotism, Anna and
Charles, the Marquess of Haverstock, question each other's loyalties. But
there's no question that Anna's silken touch has bewitched the powerful lord who
has become her husband, and no question that she craves every moment in his
arms.<br />
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I'm not so sure about this description, it's a little lame and doesn't really give the essence of what the story is about. <br />
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<a href="http://www.cherylbolen.com/lady.htm" target="_blank"><span style="color: #38761d;">Cheryl Bolen's Website - Link to A Lady By Chance</span></a><br />
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The above link will take you right to <em>A Lady By Chance</em> on Cheryl Bolen's website. It gives a better glimpse as to what the book is about, links to purchasing on Smashwords and Barnes and Noble and a neat look at the original paperback cover - very 80's look even though it was first published in 2000. <br />
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I just love the word <em>espionage</em>. I think of Jason Bourne and James Bond, illicit love affairs, vodka martinis, little intrigues that take secret agents all over the world, gambling, unlimited money, murder and mayhem - it sounds lonely too! It's nice to enjoy a read of that type but I love a dashing spy, sassy heroine and romance set in the regency period. <br />
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Being a history lover I can't close without sharing one of my favorite quotes from Pride & Prejudice to celebrate the 200th Anniversary of the novel's 1st publication of January 28, 1813. <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XY1hHKFYF6U/UQc_1a6XmDI/AAAAAAAAAgk/iSlXEt0m6fs/s1600/PrideAndPrejudiceTitlePage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XY1hHKFYF6U/UQc_1a6XmDI/AAAAAAAAAgk/iSlXEt0m6fs/s320/PrideAndPrejudiceTitlePage.jpg" width="198" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:PrideAndPrejudiceTitlePage.jpg" target="_blank">Public Domain Scan - Wikipedia</a></div>
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<em>“I am the happiest creature in the world. Perhaps other people have said so before, but not one with such justice. I am happier even than Jane; she only smiles, I laugh. Mr. Darcy sends you all the love in the world that he can spare from me.”</em> Elizabeth Darcy<br />
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"Mischief Managed" ~ Kelly</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17580510128649871135noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2237719424906801408.post-28038416926924703552013-01-23T22:49:00.002-05:002013-01-23T22:49:50.033-05:00News Flash - Anya Wylde's Latest<div style="text-align: center;">
Anya Wylde's 2nd book is now out!!! I'm so excited, I can't wait to begin reading. </div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00B1XVBI0/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00B1XVBI0&linkCode=as2&tag=bookmisc00-20" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00B1XVBI0&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=bookmisc00-20" /></a></div>
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<em>Penelope</em> is available at Amazon for Kindle or Smashwords, which has a number of ebook format options available. <br />
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<a href="https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/AnyaWylde" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Smashwords Link to Anya Wylde</span></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Penelope-Madcap-Regency-Romance-ebook/dp/B00B1XVBI0/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1358996800&sr=1-1&keywords=anya+wylde" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Amazon's Book Description: </span></a><br />
<br />
Leaving behind the rural charms of Finnshire, Miss Penelope Fairweather arrives
in London with hope in her heart and a dream in her eye. The dowager, no less,
has invited her for a season in London, where she will attempt to catch a
husband.<br />
<br />
Thus begins our heroine's tale as she attempts to tackle the
London season with all her rustic finesse. Unfortunately, her rustic finesse
turns out to be as delicate as a fat bear trying to rip apart a honeycomb
infested with buzzing bees.<br />
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What follows is a series of misadventures,
love affairs, moonlit balls, fancy clothes, fake moustaches, highwaymen,
sneering beauties, pickpockets, and the wrath of a devilishly handsome duke.<br />
<br />
And speaking of fake moustaches - my mother and I laughed hysterically while shopping for Christmas presents when we found these laugh out loud fun moustache glasses: <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6Fs8U7Mizcg/UQCtlZmS9gI/AAAAAAAAAgM/tfG6CT0PouI/s1600/phone+camera+155.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6Fs8U7Mizcg/UQCtlZmS9gI/AAAAAAAAAgM/tfG6CT0PouI/s200/phone+camera+155.jpeg" width="148" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZTDQpc0Csfs/UQCtlWl74kI/AAAAAAAAAgI/xjxWj4p7a14/s1600/phone+camera+154.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZTDQpc0Csfs/UQCtlWl74kI/AAAAAAAAAgI/xjxWj4p7a14/s200/phone+camera+154.jpeg" width="148" /></a></div>
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Anya's first book, <em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wicked-Regency-Mystery-Romance-ebook/dp/B008UWBJB4/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1358997225&sr=1-1&keywords=the+wicked+wager" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">The Wicked Wager</span></a>,</em> was my favorite Regency Romance of 2012 and Anya Wylde was my favorite new author of 2012. She is super talented and you really must rush over to amazon or smashwords and grab her new book! (get Wicked Wager too if you haven't already read it). I'm also excited that this book will cover 2 of my reading challenges - Anya is an Irish Author and this is a Regency Romance! YEAH ME! <br />
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I also learned today something I never thought to hear. Dan Brown is publishing another Robert Langdon novel and it's coming out this year.....May 14, 2013. <br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AXIZ4TQ/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00AXIZ4TQ&linkCode=as2&tag=bookmisc00-20" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00AXIZ4TQ&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=bookmisc00-20" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Inferno-A-Novel-ebook/dp/B00AXIZ4TQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1358997372&sr=1-1&keywords=dan+brown" target="_blank"><span style="color: #93c47d;">Amazon's Book Description</span></a><span style="color: #93c47d;">:</span></div>
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<b>In his international blockbusters <i>The Da Vinci
Code</i>, <i>Angels & Demons</i>, and <i>The Lost Symbol</i>, Dan Brown
masterfully fused history, art, codes, and symbols. In this riveting new
thriller, Brown returns to his element and has crafted his highest-stakes novel
to date.</b><br /><br />In the heart of Italy, Harvard professor of symbology Robert
Langdon is drawn into a harrowing world centered on one of history’s most
enduring and mysterious literary masterpieces . . . Dante’s
<i>Inferno</i>.<br /><br />Against this backdrop, Langdon battles a chilling
adversary and grapples with an ingenious riddle that pulls him into a landscape
of classic art, secret passageways, and futuristic science. Drawing from Dante’s
dark epic poem, Langdon races to find answers and decide whom to trust . . .
before the world is irrevocably altered.</div>
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"Mischief Managed" ~ Kelly</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17580510128649871135noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2237719424906801408.post-6907710568324409152013-01-20T23:53:00.002-05:002013-01-29T20:00:03.070-05:002013 Reading ChallengesThe new year is always a time for hope and anticipation of change. However, I've had a rough start to 2013 but I'm ignoring it in favor of reading and.........reading challenges. <br />
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Last year was the 1st time I participated in a reading challenge - the Goodreads 2012 Reading Challenge to be exact. I had pledged to read 40 books and completed 74. Yea me! <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VDc7-Zdg83Y/UPySEOXdzXI/AAAAAAAAAek/UvUDj-ImQMI/s1600/completed+2012+GR.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VDc7-Zdg83Y/UPySEOXdzXI/AAAAAAAAAek/UvUDj-ImQMI/s1600/completed+2012+GR.gif" /></a></div>
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Now that I have a blog dedicated to what I do best - reading, I've discovered all sorts of fascinating reading challenges for the coming year and I'm ecstatic at the prospect of joining every single one of them! LOL! Not a smart idea since I work full time, am a single mom of 2 teenagers and really enjoy reading and blogging but there are a few that have really caught my attention. <br />
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Obviously the <em>first challenge</em> I'll be participating in is the Goodreads 2013 Reading Challenge. Since I read 74 books last year, I am challenging myself to 75 books this year. I can always up the ante! <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cRkqEgDeey4/UPySR6Yef8I/AAAAAAAAAew/T8HCnv3IDHQ/s1600/2013+GR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cRkqEgDeey4/UPySR6Yef8I/AAAAAAAAAew/T8HCnv3IDHQ/s1600/2013+GR.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/challenges/940-2013-reading-challenge" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Goodreads Reading Challenge 2013 Link</span></a></div>
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In this post I will just be outlining which challenges I'm going to participate in. In seperate posts over the next week I will give a list of what books I plan to read (except there won't be a list for my 2013 Goodreads Reading challenge). It's possible as the year goes on that lists will change but that's what awesome about these challenges, anything goes and nothing is set in stone. Each blogger's challenge link is highlighted under their button (if a button was available) so I hope you will join the fun and challenge yourself this year!<br />
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I love historical fiction and historical romance so the following blog authors are posting challenges that are right up my alley: <br />
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<strong><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Challenge 2:</span></strong> <br />
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<a href="http://historicaltapestry.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ShyzneubTuI/ULXuIQV161I/AAAAAAAAOpg/NC9GWVEYMAg/s400/HFReadingChallenge2013-V2.jpg" /></a></center>
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<a href="http://historicaltapestry.blogspot.com.au/2012/11/2013-historical-fiction-reading.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Historical Tapestry: 2013 Historical Fiction Reading Challenge</span></a></center>
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For this challenge you can select one of the following: </div>
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2 books - 20th Century </div>
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5 books - Victorian </div>
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10 books - Renaissance</div>
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15 books - Medieval</div>
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25+ books - Ancient History</div>
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I've been in a quandary over which one to select. I read a lot of Victorian and Medieval historical fiction and romance novels. For now I believe I will select the Medieval challenge as it is one of my favorite periods in history. Bloody, harsh and full of legends and we mustn't leave out the fact that authors love to spin a good romantic medieval yarn. </div>
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<strong><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Challenge 3</span></strong>: </div>
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The next challenge I'm excited about participating in is the 2013 Romance Reading Challenge by the Bookworm. She has created 3 lovely buttons but I've been unable to grab a button as of yet for this post. I've asked Naida to tell me how to grab one so I'm hoping when I post my reading list that one of her fabulous buttons will be available. <a href="http://thebookworm07.blogspot.com/2012/12/romance-reading-challenge-2013.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Bookworms 2013 Romance Reading Challenge</span></a></div>
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This challenge is a cinch and will be a pleasure - read 5 romance novels of any kind. So you can read historical, contemporary, paranormal etc. any will do. Since historical romance is my favorite of all time to read, I'll obviously be selecting those types of books. In fact, I've already read 2 regency romance novels this year. I've just not blogged about them yet, but I will soon.</div>
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<strong><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Challenge 4:</span></strong> </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VJhYX35ErcM/UPyv7bIBtVI/AAAAAAAAAfM/tMvc3oe-Osw/s1600/Ireland_Reading_Challenge_2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VJhYX35ErcM/UPyv7bIBtVI/AAAAAAAAAfM/tMvc3oe-Osw/s1600/Ireland_Reading_Challenge_2013.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://booksandmovies.colvilleblogger.com/reading-challenges-im-hosting/2013-ireland-challenge/" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Books & Movies 2013 Ireland Reading Challenge</span></a></div>
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This is a challenge in the true sense of the word - you must read novels either written by an Irish author, set in Ireland, have Irish characters or involve Irish history. Oh and the novel can be fiction or non-fiction. I'm very excited about this one. There are 4 levels - </div>
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The Shamrock - 4 books</div>
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Luck o' the Irish - 6 books</div>
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Kiss the Blarney Stone - 8 books</div>
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Ceilidh - 10+ books</div>
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I'm choosing the Luck o' the Irish level (6 books). </div>
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<strong><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Challenge 5:</span></strong></div>
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<a href="http://amythecraftybooknerd.blogspot.com/2012/12/2013-mysterycrime-reading-challenge.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">The Crafty Book Nerds 2013 Mystery/Crime Reading Challenge</span></a></div>
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I love a good mystery or crime novel so I have to participate in this challenge. Plus, a lot of the historical romance novels I read double as a mystery. Amanda Quick novels are the perfect example. The Crafty Book Nerd is also creative, she has attached fun titles for you to earn depending on the number of books you read in this genre. </div>
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Detective - 5 novels</div>
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Sergeant - 10 novels</div>
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Lieutenant - 15 novels</div>
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Captain - 20 novels</div>
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Chief - 25 novels</div>
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Sherlock Holmes - 30+ novels</div>
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I'd love to be Sherlock Holmes but even I know that would be setting myself up to be the villain in this piece instead of the heroine! I'm selecting Sergeant and dedicating myself to reading 10 novels in the mystery/crime genre. What's great about this challenge is the Crafty Book Nerds rules are easy and one in particular that I haven't ran across is her condition on novellas. Read 5 novellas to equal 1 full length novel. I like that, as I do read a number of novellas each year. Her other rules are simple and straight forward. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PFnecbVcw8g/UQhwdL2EKwI/AAAAAAAAAhA/Z-05C9JwBSs/s1600/my+ecard.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PFnecbVcw8g/UQhwdL2EKwI/AAAAAAAAAhA/Z-05C9JwBSs/s320/my+ecard.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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(I created the above ecard)</div>
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One of the best things about these challenges and participating is getting to meet others who read the same genre of novels you enjoy. There are so many books out there & sometimes weeding through them to find something you may or may not find interesting or that will hold your attention can be time consuming and frustrating. Reading other bloggers reviews are helpful. Plus, I just like meeting people who read the same stuff I do. I rarely run across anyone in a bookstore or on the street with my interests. Plus, participating in multiple challenges doesn't mean you read more and bog yourself down, a book can easily cross credit to all challenges or just two, depending on which ones you participate in. </div>
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I would have also liked to participate in a reading challenge highlighting the classics but only found challenges focusing on novels the blogger selected that she wanted to read for the year which you are welcome to read along with her during the designated month. Unfortunately, that's not really what I'm looking for. </div>
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I hope you all will participate in a reading challenge. Who knows in the future I may host my own but for now, I'm going to enjoy taking part in the 5 challenges posted above. Wish me luck, I just may need it!</div>
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"Mischief Managed" ~ Kelly</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17580510128649871135noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2237719424906801408.post-48444469983749249852013-01-05T23:29:00.000-05:002013-01-05T23:29:21.263-05:00Favorites of 2012<div align="center">
I read a lot of great books this year and it's very difficult to choose a favorite. In fact, I can't choose just one, it's impossible! I'm not even sure I could select only one from each genre that I read from. Seeing as I only read 74 books this year, then I could say that at least half of them are worth mentioning and worth reading, maybe more. I won't be a lamo though and include every single one in this post. I've selected a few of the most memorable starting with.......</div>
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<span style="color: orange;">My favorite newly published author/favorite regency romance,</span><br />
<span style="color: orange;">Anya Wylde, and her book, <em>The Wicked Wager</em></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008UWBJB4/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=bookmisc00-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B008UWBJB4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=B008UWBJB4&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=bookmisc00-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a></div>
<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bookmisc00-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B008UWBJB4" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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This amazing little murder mystery, regency romance is only $.99 for Kindle on Amazon and only 240 pages. It's super delightful, laugh out loud funny and left me craving more from this amazing new author. She has a new book coming in 2013 but I don't know the details yet. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wicked-Regency-Mystery-Romance-ebook/dp/B008UWBJB4/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1357441349&sr=1-1&keywords=the+wicked+wager" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Amazon Book Description</span></a><br />
The infamous rake, Lord Richard Hamilton, has finally chosen his bride—the very
appropriate Miss Emma Grey.<br />
The ton approves, Lord Grey is pleased, Lady Grey
delighted, and Emma is over the moon, but her uncle, (the blasted) Duke of Arden
opposes the match, and Emma is ordered to move to the duke’s estate to think
things over.<br />
Richard Hamilton refuses to take things lying down and concocts
a plan. A plan that should have brought the lovers together and had them married
within a month. It was a simple matter of masquerading as the duke’s gardener,
compromising the lady, and then having the duke rush them off to Gretna
Green.<br />
Alas, he underestimates the duke’s intelligence and the tangled
situation on the estate—never had he imagined that compromising a lady could be
so difficult.<br />
His endeavours lead to a comedy of errors, charades, and knotty
love affairs. Yet he forges ahead in spite of pesky house guests, a flea bitten
mattress, his lovesick best friend, and a blackmailer.<br />
Just when things seem
to be going well, someone is murdered (very inconvenient), and he happens to be
one of the suspects (extremely inconvenient). <br />
His simple plan for winning
the wager suddenly becomes … a tad complicated.<br />
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<span style="color: orange;">My favorite novella, which happens to be a Victorian romantic Christmas story is:</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006CQXC6K/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=bookmisc00-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B006CQXC6K" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=B006CQXC6K&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=bookmisc00-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a></div>
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Christmas Stockings</div>
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by Karen Hall<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bookmisc00-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B006CQXC6K" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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Only 37 pages and $.99, this novella, set in the late Victorian period, was an amazing little romance. I wish it had been a full length novel. I fell in love with the characters, it was very well written and original.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Stockings-ebook/dp/B006CQXC6K/ref=sr_1_7?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1357441768&sr=1-7&keywords=karen+hall" target="_blank">Amazons Book Description</a></div>
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Holly Chamberlain can write love letters for others, but no decent young lady
would dare write one for herself. So when her secret beloved, Grayson Clark,
vicar at St. Martin in the Pines, arrives at her office with a request to write
love letters for a shy friend, she suspects he is actually the friend and the
letters are to the granddaughter of a baronet known to admire him. His request
for her to replace an injured cast member of St. Martin's production of A
Christmas Carol delights her, but the baronet's granddaughter is also in the
cast, dashing any hopes Holly has for her own Christmas love
story.<br />
<br />
Grayson Clark can speak eloquently from the pulpit, but not to
Holly Chamberlain, the woman he secretly loves. After all, he's just a vicar
while she is the daughter of one of London's wealthiest merchants and known to
be admired by an up and coming barrister. Dictating his own love letters to her
may be folly but what else can he do? Having her join the cast of A Christmas
Carol seemed like a miracle, but now his predecessor is insisting Grayson be
attentive to a baronet's granddaughter in order to pay for St. Martin's new
roof. Can't vicars have their own happily-ever afters?<br />
After all, it's
Christmas.</div>
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<span style="color: orange;">My favorite historical fiction:</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0030CVQEO/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=bookmisc00-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0030CVQEO"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=B0030CVQEO&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=bookmisc00-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bookmisc00-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0030CVQEO" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0030CVQEO/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=bookmisc00-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0030CVQEO"></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bookmisc00-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0030CVQEO" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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A Murderous Procession</div>
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by Ariana Franklin</div>
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Book 4 in the Mistress of the Art of Death series<br />
$12.99 /Kindle</div>
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I loved all 4 books in this series. They kept me on the edge of my seat, with my palms sweaty and my heart racing. The plots were excellent, the characters exceptional and I'm sad to see the conclusion and worse yet, my heart breaks that this incredible author passed away. She truly captivated me and introduced me to Historical Fiction as genre with the Mistress of the Art of Death (book 1). </div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Murderous-Procession-Mistress-Death-ebook/dp/B0030CVQEO/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1357442268&sr=1-1&keywords=ariana+franklin+kindle+books" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Amazons Book Description</span></a></div>
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In 1176, King Henry II sends his daughter Joanna to Palermo to marry his cousin,
the king of Sicily. Henry chooses Adelia Aguilar to travel with the princess and
safeguard her health. But when people in the wedding procession are murdered,
Adelia and Rowley must discover the killer's identity, and whether he is
stalking the princess or Adelia herself.<br />
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<span style="color: orange;">My favorite Re-Read / Historical Romance:</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000JMKT1O/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=bookmisc00-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000JMKT1O"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=B000JMKT1O&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=bookmisc00-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bookmisc00-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000JMKT1O" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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London's Perfect Scoundrel </div>
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by Suzanne Enoch</div>
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book 2 (Lessons of Love)</div>
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I re-read novels but not many. I have a small stack of books that every so often I fall back on to read again, like watching a favorite movie. I find I love the characters and the adventure. The story is usually not super intense but light enough to take me away from the present and I don't feel bogged down by the intensity or length of the book. </div>
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I've read London's Perfect Scoundrel probably 3 times since I found it 3 or 4 years ago. The hero is "so bad he doesn't have to be good." The heroine is feisty and knows exactly what she's going to do with this naughty hero....yep, make him perfect. It's also currently $1.99 at the Kindle store.</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Londons-Perfect-Scoundrel-Lessons-ebook/dp/B000JMKT1O/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1357442917&sr=1-1&keywords=londons+perfect+scoundrel" target="_blank">Amazons Book Description</a></div>
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<em>A determined young lady vows to give one of London's infamous rakes his
comeuppance -- but when the rogue turns the tables, who truly learns a lesson in
love?</em></div>
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Beloved Saint -</div>
The ton gossips call him "Saint" -- but the Marquis of St. Aubyn has well
earned his reputation as London's perfect scoundrel. <br />
Evelyn Ruddick knows she
should avoid him at all costs -- but the strikingly beautiful lady wants to aid
the children of the Heart of Hope Orphanage, and he heads the board of trustees.
Evie is determined to teach the charming, arrogant man a lesson in
compassion, but it won't be so easy -- especially since his touch is setting her
desire aflame, making Evie yearn to submit to his passionate instruction ... The
idea of joining in her "project" is unthinkable, but this enchantress refuses to
give up! So what else is there for a self-respecting rake to do but seduce the
lady? Yet soon it is he who is being seduced by Evie's tender heart and fiery
blushes. Could the temptation of long, passionate nights in her arms bring about
the impossible? Could the disreputable Saint at long last be reformed?<br />
<br />
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This year I also read for the first time, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Jane-Austen-Collection-Friendship-ebook/dp/B005GRF3QI/ref=sr_1_8?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1357443798&sr=1-8&keywords=jane+austen" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Pride and Prejudice</span></a>, by Jane Austen. I fell in love with Elizabeth and Darcy and went on a year long reading spree of all things Pride and Prejudice. I came across 2 authors who, in my opinion, did justice to the characters of P&P : </div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004XQVC6I/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=bookmisc00-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004XQVC6I"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=B004XQVC6I&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=bookmisc00-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bookmisc00-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B004XQVC6I" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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Anna Elliott's</div>
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<em>Georgiana Darcy's Diary</em></div>
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Volumn 1 free on Kindle </div>
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&</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Pemberley-Waterloo-Georgiana-Chronicles-ebook/dp/B006QCM4XC/ref=sr_1_2?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1357443630&sr=1-2&keywords=anna+elliot" target="_blank"><em>Pemberley Waterloo Georgiana Chronicles Volume 2</em></a> - $5.49 on Kindle<br />
<br />
also....<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0080ELL9M/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=bookmisc00-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0080ELL9M"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=B0080ELL9M&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=bookmisc00-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bookmisc00-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0080ELL9M" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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<em>Charlotte ~ Pride and Prejudice Continued</em><br />
by Karen Aminadra - $.99 on Kindle<br />
<br />
All 3 of these novels were great, giving these two secondary characters from Pride and Prejudice the chance to shine. I think Jane Austen too would have enjoyed reading both of these novels. <br />
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"Mischief Manged" ~ Kelly</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17580510128649871135noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2237719424906801408.post-82111418779965156562013-01-01T00:03:00.000-05:002013-01-01T00:03:20.565-05:00Bringing in 2013<div style="text-align: center;">
Happy New Years!!!!<br />
<br />
2013 fast approaches and soon 2012 will be behind us. With anticipation we watch the ball drop with our loved ones and friends hoping 2013 will be more prosperous and less stressful then 2012. We can pray our country improves and make resolutions about our weight or quitting bad habits or saving money instead of needless spending but how did these traditions start? <br />
What the devil are people thinking? <br />
Will we do anything to drink, eat and be merry?</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LxlgiZiM4lY/UOJXDYk30fI/AAAAAAAAAc0/4AbxW1XulB4/s1600/Elf-New-Year-Card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LxlgiZiM4lY/UOJXDYk30fI/AAAAAAAAAc0/4AbxW1XulB4/s320/Elf-New-Year-Card.jpg" width="204" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://webclipart.about.com/od/New_Year_Clip_Art/ss/Vintage-New-Year-Elf-Card.htm" target="_blank">pic from About.com clipart</a></div>
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<span class="quoteText">"Tonight’s December thirty-first,<br />Something is about to burst.<br />The clock is crouching, dark and small,<br />Like a time bomb in the hall.<br />Hark, it's midnight, children dear.<br />Duck! Here comes another year!"</span></div>
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<span class="quoteText">Ogden Nash, 1929</span><br />
<span class="quoteText">(<em>Collected Verse)</em></span></div>
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<span class="quoteText"></span> </div>
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<span class="quoteText">The first New York Times Square New Years Eve celebration took place in 1904. It all started when the New York Times opened its downtown office, Times Tower and successfully talked the city into renaming Longacre Square into Times Square. At the time, the building was the focus of the celebration and the owner threw a huge party complete with fireworks. 2 years later the city banned fireworks (which is nicer, ash or confetti?) and Alfred Ochs, owner of New York Times, came up with the iconic New Years Eve ball. Now this <em>lowering of the ball</em> is watched at One Times Square and world wide via TV and Internet and has become a tradition for bringing in the New Year!</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RwyQM8R7uG0/UOJjZRFjdmI/AAAAAAAAAdQ/uoGLmsUJNaI/s1600/nyc-times-squaretimes-building-loc-detroit-pub.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RwyQM8R7uG0/UOJjZRFjdmI/AAAAAAAAAdQ/uoGLmsUJNaI/s320/nyc-times-squaretimes-building-loc-detroit-pub.jpg" width="252" /></a></div>
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Time Square / The Times Tower 1908</div>
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<a href="http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/D?detr:1:./temp/~ammem_Vmrq::" target="_blank">Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division, Detroit Publishing Company Collection</a></div>
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One of the first New Years celebrations recorded was around 4000 years ago in ancient Babylon. However, the celebration was usually in March following the vernal equinox (spring equinox) when there was an equal amount of daylight and night. People ate and drank and were merry.</div>
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<em>Annus Mirabilis</em> <br />
(latin)<br />
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a). wonderful year, year of wonders or year of miracles (Dryden)</div>
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<br />
b). noun / phrase - a remarkable or notable year in history; a year of wonder or miracles, <br />
used to speak hopefully of the future</div>
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The Latin phrase <em>Annus Mirabilis</em> was used in the 1666 poem, <em>The Year of Wonders,</em> composed by John Dryden: </div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0052096W6/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=bookmisc00-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0052096W6"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=B0052096W6&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=bookmisc00-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bookmisc00-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0052096W6" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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$14.95 for a 65 page poem on Kindle.....really?</div>
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or how about a scanned copy <a href="https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=qKMrAQAAMAAJ&rdid=book-qKMrAQAAMAAJ&rdot=1" target="_blank">Free @ Google Books</a> - </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iZWhJWdb-v8/UOJosX6pfbI/AAAAAAAAAds/mE3nOjtjyZE/s1600/year+of+wonders.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iZWhJWdb-v8/UOJosX6pfbI/AAAAAAAAAds/mE3nOjtjyZE/s1600/year+of+wonders.jpg" /></a></div>
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<em>"the year was beset by great calamity for England (including the Great Fire of London), but Dryden chose to interpret the absence of greater disaster as miraculous intervention by God, as "666" is the Number of the Beast and the year 1666 was expected by some to be particularly disastrous."</em></div>
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<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Annus_mirabilis" target="_blank">Source - Wikipedia</a></div>
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Ahhhh.........if we could all be so positive in our thinking!!!!!</div>
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Have a safe and happy New Years Eve and an enjoyable New Years Day!</div>
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<em>Annus Mirabilis</em> my friends for 2013</div>
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"Mischief Managed" ~ Kelly</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17580510128649871135noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2237719424906801408.post-66575535253276942872012-12-30T23:44:00.001-05:002012-12-30T23:44:13.480-05:002013 TBR Pile<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm soooo very excited about the upcoming year and all the amazing books in my to-be-read stack! </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3sD48LaK7TA/UOD7oEh2nDI/AAAAAAAAAcY/KdmMbSP8C54/s1600/book+stack.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3sD48LaK7TA/UOD7oEh2nDI/AAAAAAAAAcY/KdmMbSP8C54/s320/book+stack.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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We are so fortunate to have such a wide selection of novels to choose from with easier then ever accessibility. For me, Amazon is really amazing....... they offer so many reduced and free book deals for Kindle users. The convenience is also very appealing, I can't even think where I would put 1300 books except to remove the furniture and make new furniture out of them - my kindle just makes it look so easy! My TBR list is very long and would probably take me all night and part of tomorrow to type out so I'll just start with a few novels that I'm the most excited about:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005GRF3QI/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=bookmisc00-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B005GRF3QI" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=B005GRF3QI&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=bookmisc00-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Persuasion by Jane Austen</td></tr>
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I received a gift card to Amazon for Christmas - YEAH ME! So I bought the above for $.99 cents. This Jane Austen edition has all of her full length novels along with 6 other stories she wrote. It is also supposed to have easy to navigate formatting. My fingers are crossed!! </div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00351DSCS/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=bookmisc00-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00351DSCS"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=B00351DSCS&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=bookmisc00-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bookmisc00-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00351DSCS" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter</div>
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by Seth Grahame-Smith</div>
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Oooohhhhh yeaaaaaaa, I love spoof lit or Quirk books and this novel has been one I've wanted to read since I read <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Pride-Prejudice-Zombies-Classics-ebook/dp/B004HW7E6U/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1356927547&sr=1-1&keywords=pride+and+prejudice+and+zombies" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;"><em>Pride and Prejudice and Zombies</em></span></a> . Christmas Day it was a kindle daily deal and I bought it for $1.99, (it's now $5.99 which is still greatly reduced from what it has been). I haven't seen the movie but rarely do I watch movies before reading the books. There are great reviews for the novel - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Abraham-Lincoln-Vampire-Hunter-ebook/dp/B00351DSCS/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1356922720&sr=1-1&keywords=lincoln+vampire+hunter" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;"><em>to read Amazon's book description click here</em></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000UOJU02/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=bookmisc00-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000UOJU02"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=B000UOJU02&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=bookmisc00-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bookmisc00-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000UOJU02" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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Reforming A Rake</div>
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by Suzanne Enoch</div>
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Currently $1.99 @ the Amazon Kindle Store. Published in 2009 - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Reforming-Rake-With-This-ebook/dp/B000UOJU02/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1356923207&sr=1-1&keywords=reforming+a+rake+suzanne+enoch" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;"><em>Amazon Book Description</em></span>:</a></div>
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A governess must never be alone with a man. <i>Her reputation mustn't have even
a hint of scandal.</i> She must never reveal personal emotions. <i>No matter how
strong the provocation by her employer.</i> A governess never questions her
employer's commands. <i>Even when he's tempting her to forsake respectability
for desire?</i> She must never, ever, fall in love with someone above her
station. <i>Especially a rake—no matter how devastating his kisses may be . . . </i></div>
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<i></i> </div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007BTR4I4/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=bookmisc00-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B007BTR4I4"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=B007BTR4I4&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=bookmisc00-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bookmisc00-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B007BTR4I4" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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<i></i> London Calling</div>
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by Anna Elliot</div>
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(book 2)</div>
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London Calling is the follow up novel to<em> </em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Susanna-and-the-Spy-ebook/dp/B006OTB9KG/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1356928248&sr=1-1&keywords=susanna+and+the+spy+by+anna+elliott" target="_blank"><em><span style="color: orange;">Susanna and the Spy</span></em></a> (free on Kindle), which I adored. I haven't read a book by Elliot though that I didn't just love. London Calling is $3.99 on Kindle, the perfect price! Described as a regency cozy mystery, the novel is a fairly short read @ 238 pages. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/London-Calling-Susanna-Spy-ebook/dp/B007BTR4I4/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1356923528&sr=1-1&keywords=london+calling" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;"><em>Amazon's Book Description</em></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007ZDQAFY/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=bookmisc00-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B007ZDQAFY"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=B007ZDQAFY&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=bookmisc00-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bookmisc00-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B007ZDQAFY" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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A night in the Manx Museum</div>
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by Michele McGrath</div>
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I'm fascinated with the Isle of Man. We have ancestors on my mom's side that came to America from the Isle. I found this novella (children's book really) recently and it's only $.99 cents and 55 pages. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/A-Night-Manx-Museum-ebook/dp/B007ZDQAFY/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1356924402&sr=1-1&keywords=a+night+in+the+manx+museum" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;"><em>Amazon's Book Description</em></span>: </a></div>
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Ellen falls asleep in the Manx Museum. She wakes to find herself surrounded by
ghosts who tell her stories and take her on adventures. She meets Manannan, god
of the sea, a tail-less cat, the Pagan Lady (who was buried at Peel Castle) and
a host of other characters.</div>
The Manx Museum is a gem of a small museum,
situated in Douglas in the Isle of Man.<br />
The book is suitable for readers aged
7+ but has been read and enjoyed by children in Year One (5-6 year olds).<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008L40PFW/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=bookmisc00-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B008L40PFW"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=B008L40PFW&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=bookmisc00-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bookmisc00-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B008L40PFW" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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From Russia with Love</div>
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by Ian Fleming</div>
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My favorite James Bond movie of all time! Today this novel is $1.99 (Sunday 12-30-12) on the Kindle Daily Deal along with 13 or so other James Bond novels by Fleming. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/From-Russia-Love-James-ebook/dp/B008L40PFW/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1356924729&sr=1-1&keywords=From+Russia+with+Love" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;"><em>Amazon Book Description</em></span></a>.</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009VIC33O/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=bookmisc00-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B009VIC33O"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=B009VIC33O&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=bookmisc00-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bookmisc00-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B009VIC33O" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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The Scourge</div>
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by Roberto Calas</div>
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I've written about this novel before. It's a Kindle Serial and every 2 weeks I receive another episode download for a one time price of $1.99. Once the serial is complete the novel will be available for purchase as a complete book. I should receive my final episode sometime in February. Medieval England, knights and a zombie plague - it doesn't get any better!</div>
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A few of my favorite authors have recently published or have releases due out in 2013 that are not in my collection of books but are novels I dream of adding to my TBR pile.........</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0086N7AV0/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=bookmisc00-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0086N7AV0"><span style="color: orange;">Notorious Nineteen: A Stephanie Plum Novel</span></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bookmisc00-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0086N7AV0" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
- Janet Evanovich, pub 11-20-12<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0061C1N5W/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=bookmisc00-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0061C1N5W"><span style="color: orange;">Wicked Business: A Lizzy and Diesel Novel</span></a><span style="color: orange;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bookmisc00-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0061C1N5W" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span>
- Janet Evanovich, pub 6-19-12<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007EECS0U/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=bookmisc00-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B007EECS0U"><span style="color: orange;">'Twas the Night After Christmas</span></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bookmisc00-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B007EECS0U" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
- Sabrina Jeffries, pub 10-30-12<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00A28H0IK/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=bookmisc00-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00A28H0IK"><span style="color: orange;">What the Duke Desires</span></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bookmisc00-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00A28H0IK" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
- Sabrina Jeffries, to be pub 6-18-13<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009UVL9L4/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=bookmisc00-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B009UVL9L4"><span style="color: orange;">Ten Reasons to Stay</span></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bookmisc00-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B009UVL9L4" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
Sabrina Jeffries, to be pub 5-16-13 (possibly a novella)<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009R6GHQO/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=bookmisc00-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B009R6GHQO"><span style="color: orange;">Stormswept</span></a> - Sabrina Jeffries, to be pub 6-16-13<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bookmisc00-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B009R6GHQO" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009R6GKZ2/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=bookmisc00-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B009R6GKZ2"><span style="color: orange;">Silver Deceptions</span></a><span style="color: orange;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bookmisc00-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B009R6GKZ2" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span>
- Sabrina Jeffries, to be pub 6-6-13<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007EE4R1S/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=bookmisc00-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B007EE4R1S"><span style="color: orange;">By Love Unveiled</span></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bookmisc00-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B007EE4R1S" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
- Sabrina Jeffries, to be pub 2-26-13<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004P1JDLW/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=bookmisc00-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004P1JDLW"><span style="color: orange;">Quicksilver: Book Two of the Looking Glass Trilogy (An Arcane Society Novel)</span></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bookmisc00-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B004P1JDLW" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
- Amanda Quick, pub 4-19-11 <br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0072NWK0Q/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=bookmisc00-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0072NWK0Q"><span style="color: orange;">Crystal Gardens</span></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bookmisc00-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0072NWK0Q" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
- Amanda Quick, pub 4-24-12<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AFPVQK8/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=bookmisc00-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00AFPVQK8"><span style="color: orange;">The Mystery Woman (Ladies of Lantern Street)</span></a> - Amanda Quick, pub 4-23-13<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bookmisc00-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00AFPVQK8" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008E50MPQ/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=bookmisc00-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B008E50MPQ"><span style="color: orange;">The Husband List</span></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bookmisc00-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B008E50MPQ" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
- Janet Evanovich, to be pub 1-8-13<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AD6P44I/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=bookmisc00-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00AD6P44I"><span style="color: orange;">The Heist: A Novel</span></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bookmisc00-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00AD6P44I" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
- Janet Evanovich, to be pub 6-18-13<br />
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(if you want to check out the above novels, they are each a link to the web page @ Amazon)</div>
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Most of these books are less than $10.00. Newly published books by Evanovich and Quick usually run between $12.99 and $13.99 because they are originally published in hard cover. I always wait until they are out in paperback to purchase, even on the Kindle. </div>
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I hope you have a stack of to-be-reads that you can't wait to dive into this coming year! I always look forward to the adventure of reading about far off lands, distant pasts, crazy scenarios, funny characters and the escape of daily living in this world so filled with turmoil. </div>
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<em> “Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers.”</em> Charles William Eliot</div>
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"Mischief Managed" ~ Kelly</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17580510128649871135noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2237719424906801408.post-22173508011821481422012-12-29T21:37:00.001-05:002012-12-29T21:44:19.043-05:00Christmas CheerIt's been a crazy, busy, wonderful Christmas! 🎄 I've been absent from blogging because I've had some computer issues but I'm good now and ready for the new year! I hope everyone's Christmas was as special as mine!!! 📚 <br />
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I didn't get to share as much as I had hoped of my love of Christmas books, traditions & the overall awesomeness of Christmas but the coming year will be spectacular & I can't wait! ⛄<br />
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I hope the picture below uploads - I'm just dying to share it with you. Isn't he the most amazing owl ornament? I received him from one of my best friends, Janelle -<br />
<br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-9tdzT17Kp3U/UN-o9yltS_I/AAAAAAAAAb8/LnDgKvonXHs/s640/blogger-image--339023757.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-9tdzT17Kp3U/UN-o9yltS_I/AAAAAAAAAb8/LnDgKvonXHs/s640/blogger-image--339023757.jpg" /></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17580510128649871135noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2237719424906801408.post-15006673416765417472012-12-17T23:04:00.003-05:002012-12-17T23:04:59.876-05:00Another Round of Christmas Novellas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I love Christmas! Living in Southwest Florida where the weather rarely falls below 76 on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day can be a bummer though! Wearing a sweater to work during the month of December also requires packing other clothes because by 11am you'll be drowning in a pool of your own sweat! Granted, I would only want it cold those 2 special days of the year! We tire of cold fronts very quickly here! </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fb5ChAqaX9I/UM_XWUNlAlI/AAAAAAAAAbA/LbSo3-9hGvU/s1600/naughty+or+nice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="182" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fb5ChAqaX9I/UM_XWUNlAlI/AAAAAAAAAbA/LbSo3-9hGvU/s200/naughty+or+nice.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/85260867/vintage-christmas-candy-label-digital" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Image Courtesy of Chocolate Rabbit</span></a></div>
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Being that it's an extremely busy holiday I've had to revert to reading novellas. If I read full length novels the only thing I would accomplish was finishing a book. I like to think this puts me on the Nice List!!!<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009SU0NVO/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B009SU0NVO&linkCode=as2&tag=bookmisc00-20" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B009SU0NVO&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=bookmisc00-20" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;">Miss Kanes Christmas by Caroline Mickelson</span>
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This is a delightful short novel but a little longer than your typical free kindle novella. At 154 pages it was slightly rushed but pleasant with a very unique storyline! Miss Carol Kane (aka Carol Candy Kane Claus) is Santa's daughter and Santa has given her a difficult Christmas task. 3 days before Christmas she is sent to the home of Ben Hanson, a single father of 2 young children, to pose as the new nanny. Her infiltration into the Grinch's house is pure enjoyment from the moment she steps off the sleigh and knocks at Ben's door in the middle of the night. I don't usually go for contemporary romance but I was instantly drawn in by the authors unusual story line. Well unusual for me anyway. Imagine Santa's children getting a little romance story of their own. I dig it! This really could have been a longer novel and I wouldn't have complained. I loved all the characters right down to the crazy elves and even Bah Humbug Ben - he was very charming in his way. Oh and it's still free on Kindle -regularly $5.99. </div>
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I gave it 4 stars</div>
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Amazon - 4.7 stars</div>
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Goodreads - 4.60 stars</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Kanes-Christmas-Romantic-Comedy-ebook/dp/B009SU0NVO/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1355792235&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=9780985129637" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Amazons Book Description of Miss Kanes Christmas</span></a></div>
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<span id="freeText12027386914235565390">With Christmas only three days away, Carol Claus agrees to her father’s request that she leave the North Pole on a mission to help save Christmas. Joining single father Ben Hanson and his children for the holidays seems an easy enough task until Santa informs her that Ben is the man behind the disturbing new book ‘Beyond Bah Humbug: Why Lying to Your Children about Santa Claus is a Bad Idea’. <br /><br />Posing as Miss Kane, the children’s new nanny, Carol pulls out all the stops to show Ben how fun Christmas can be, all the while struggling to understand how one man could hate the holidays so much. How could she, Santa’s only daughter, be so attracted to a man who refuses to believe her father exists? **Please note - this book was originally titled Carol's Christmas**</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AIVXGRA/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00AIVXGRA&linkCode=as2&tag=bookmisc00-20"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00AIVXGRA&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=bookmisc00-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bookmisc00-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00AIVXGRA" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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<span style="color: #38761d;">The Christmas Tree Treasure Hunt by 9 different authors</span></div>
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<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bookmisc00-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00AIVXGRA" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />This was the 2nd novel that I've read recently that was a collaboration of many authors each contributing a chapter. This newly released Christian Contemporary Fiction novella isn't real long either though not short enough to be called a novella in my opinion, you can still finish it quickly - maybe an hour or two.
This was definitely not a book I normally would have chosen. I don't tend to read contemporary fiction at all and this wasn't a romance. It was a very feel good story though with an excellent message on the true meaning of forgiveness. It did have the opportunity for romance but fell flat, probably because it was written by so many authors. The adventure she embarks on is incredible and the storyline is amazing. This is also still free on Kindle and normally sells for $.99</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AIVXGRA?ie=UTF8&tag=httpwwwgoodco-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00AIVXGRA&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Amazons Book Description of The Christmas Tree Treasure Hunt</span></a></div>
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Grace takes delivery of a package and her life is turned upside down by nine
sealed mystery envelopes from her late grandmother. Grammie’s instructions
require Grace to take the journey of her lifetime, not only to far off places,
but also into the deepest parts of her heart. As she follows the trail laid out
for her and uncovers her family’s darkest secrets, Grace is forced to confront
the loss and betrayal that has scarred her past and seek the greatest Christmas
Treasure of all.</div>
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I gave it 3 stars, probably shy a star but though I really enjoyed this novel I didn't love it</div>
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Amazon - 4.8 stars</div>
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Goodreads - 4.22 stars </div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ADVB4YC/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00ADVB4YC&linkCode=as2&tag=bookmisc00-20"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00ADVB4YC&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=bookmisc00-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bookmisc00-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00ADVB4YC" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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<span style="color: #38761d;">Christmas in Venice: A Short Story by Meadow Taylor</span></div>
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When the author wrote <em>Short</em> in the title she wasn't kidding. Adding <em>Story</em> in there as well is a stretch! It's more like a chapter for a book. I wasn't impressed. It could have been a nice story, it was a well written chapter but seriously I've never been so let down because of how short a story was. I was reading along, pretty engrossed in the tale.....even though again it was a contemporary fiction and BAM, I turned the page and it ended. It's a free download on Kindle and will remain so. I'm sure if readers did purchase it they would request their money back. From what I read it will turn into a full length novel but I'm not sure this reader will be purchasing it. </div>
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I gave it 2 stars</div>
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Amazon - 3.5 stars</div>
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Goodreads - 2.95 stars</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Venice-Short-Story-ebook/dp/B00ADVB4YC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1355795152&sr=8-1&keywords=christmas+in+venice" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Amazons Description of Christmas in Venice</span></a></div>
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Olivia's Christmas trip to Venice, Italy, should be a holiday dream come
true. But when her unattended luggage becomes the focus of a handsome Italian
policeman’ s bomb investigation, she worries she won't even make it out of the
Marco Polo Airport. Practically handcuffed to the best-looking man she’ s ever
seen, can Olivia convince him she isn’ t a terrorist before he writes her off
for good? <em>Christmas in Venice</em> is the perfect <em>little</em> treat to
start the holidays off with a smile.<br />
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(This short story is adapted from Meadow Taylor’ s next full-length novel,
tentatively titled <em>Midnight in Venice</em>.) <br />
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<strong>I have also read 2 novellas that are not Christmas themed this month and they were both pretty good.</strong> <br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004P8K2CE/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004P8K2CE&linkCode=as2&tag=bookmisc00-20"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B004P8K2CE&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=bookmisc00-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bookmisc00-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B004P8K2CE" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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<span style="color: #38761d;">Kidnapping the Laird by Terri Brisban</span></div>
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This 28 page historical romance novella was steamy! I enjoyed the tale and found it well written for such a short novella. The author got to the point and finished the story in a pleasing manner - It was well rounded. </div>
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I gave it 3 stars</div>
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Amazon - 3.4 stars</div>
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Goodreads - 3.45 stars</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004P8K2CE?ie=UTF8&tag=httpwwwgoodco-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B004P8K2CE&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Amazon Description of Kidnapping the Laird</span></a></div>
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Catriona MacDonnell is a wife of convenience who discovers
that she wants more from the handsome, sexy laird she had to marry.
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Padruig Grant was not happy when his wife kicks him out of her bed, but
his pride prevents him from returning to it. When Catriona takes matters...and
her husband...into her own hands to claim the love they both deserve, should he
resist her valiant efforts or should he surrender?<br />
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This short story
appears in the print edition of the MAMMOTH BOOK OF SCOTTISH ROMANCES from
January 2011.</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008NN3Y2C/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B008NN3Y2C&linkCode=as2&tag=bookmisc00-20"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B008NN3Y2C&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=bookmisc00-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bookmisc00-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B008NN3Y2C" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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<span style="color: #38761d;">Once Upon a Ballroom</span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;">Various Authors</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008NN3Y2C?ie=UTF8&tag=httpwwwgoodco-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B008NN3Y2C&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Amazons Description of Once Upon a Ballroom</span></a></div>
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An original anthology of short stories set in the glittering ballrooms of
Regency England, by Caroline Linden, Katharine Ashe, Maya Rodale, and Miranda
Neville.<br />
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Discover how a masked ball can turn friends into lovers … how a
wicked, wonderful dream can indeed come true … how sometimes behaving as one
should not can lead to the most passionate results … and how the truest love is
a bond no scandal can shake. Anything can happen at a ball— scandal, passion,
disaster … and true love.<br />
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Featuring:<br />
The Truth About Love by Caroline
Linden<br />
Ask Me to Dance by Katharine Ashe<br />
Once Upon a Dream by Maya
Rodale<br />
The School of Wooing for Inept Book Collectors by Miranda Neville<br />
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I gave it 3 stars<br />
Amazon - 4.1 stars<br />
Goodreads - 3.17 stars</div>
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<em>I enjoyed</em> this collection of short historical romance stories. We often love a supporting character in a novel and don't get to ever read their story unless the author does a series. Theses shorts feature supporting characters from the authors other books. I've never read anything by these authors so the other novels are a mystery to me but I enjoyed the writing style of Maya Rodale and Katharine Ashe and will be checking out a few of their novels in the future. </div>
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I really enjoyed <em>Once Upon a Dream</em> and can't wait to read <em>Seducing Mr. Knightly</em> by Maya Rodale:<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0062088947/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0062088947&linkCode=as2&tag=bookmisc00-20"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0062088947&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=bookmisc00-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bookmisc00-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0062088947" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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I especially liked <em>Ask me to Dance</em> by Katherine Ashe but thought it way too short. I don't believe the author intends to write a continuation of the story like <em>Once Upon a Dream</em> above. Sigh! I would love it if she did.<br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;">Gingerbread</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.inkatrinaskitchen.com/2011/12/gingerbread-men-sandwich-cookies.html#" target="_blank"><span style="color: #38761d;">In Katrina Kitchen - Gingerbread Men Sandwich Cookie Recipe</span></a></div>
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The history of gingerbread is quite extensive <a href="http://blogs.smithsonianmag.com/food/2008/12/a-brief-history-of-gingerbread/" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Click here to read an interesting article titled - A Brief History of Gingerbread at Smithsonian.com</span></a>. </div>
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A few interesting facts about gingerbread that caught my eye - </div>
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Gingerbread can be traced back to the ancient Greeks & Egyptians, which they used in ceremonies. </div>
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In the 18th century Shakespeare mentions gingerbread in Love's Labor's Lost <em>"And I had but one penny in the world, thou should'st have it to buy gingerbread." </em> </div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002YJK5LO/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B002YJK5LO&linkCode=as2&tag=bookmisc00-20"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B002YJK5LO&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=bookmisc00-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bookmisc00-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B002YJK5LO" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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Victorians decorated their trees with gingerbread cutouts (and possibly before that as well). - oh and not to be confused with their architectural style often referred to as gingerbread. </div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009236PTQ/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B009236PTQ&linkCode=as2&tag=bookmisc00-20"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B009236PTQ&Format=_SL110_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=bookmisc00-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bookmisc00-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B009236PTQ" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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Lastly, Gingerbread houses became popular in Germany in the 19th century with the release of the Grimm brothers fairy tales which had obviously featured the story Hansel and Gretel. </div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0051EZX8Y/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0051EZX8Y&linkCode=as2&tag=bookmisc00-20"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B0051EZX8Y&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=bookmisc00-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bookmisc00-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0051EZX8Y" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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"Mischief Managed" ~ Kelly</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17580510128649871135noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2237719424906801408.post-70479892572927053042012-12-14T00:39:00.001-05:002012-12-14T00:40:05.843-05:00A Look @ Womens Fashion 1810 to 1959I am no fashion queen and my knowledge of fashion throughout the ages is limited at best. I can recognize the different names of certain articles of clothing and place them in a general time period but honestly, most of my knowledge comes from reading novels! I happened across an interesting website recently - <a href="http://sensibility.com/vintageimages/" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Sense & Sensibility</span></a> that features reproduction clothing. Jennie Chancey designs vintage clothing for her online shop and it's truly amazing and fine work. She has posted her collection of scanned images of art, fashion plates, patterns etc to share. <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MzVov3eDMQM/UMqxd4kNRHI/AAAAAAAAAYU/45zZ62dt9Yg/s1600/sense+and+sen.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MzVov3eDMQM/UMqxd4kNRHI/AAAAAAAAAYU/45zZ62dt9Yg/s1600/sense+and+sen.png" /></a></div>
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It's not always easy to imagine what an author has in mind when he/she is describing an article a character is wearing when they have extensively researched fashion of a certain time period and we, the reader, have not. I often find myself looking up images to see what something looks likes.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D6qVkQlB8J4/UMqxvbA67iI/AAAAAAAAAYc/7cPC7y967po/s1600/fashion+plate+from+1810.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D6qVkQlB8J4/UMqxvbA67iI/AAAAAAAAAYc/7cPC7y967po/s320/fashion+plate+from+1810.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
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A fashion plate from 1810</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DVpytpss7eg/UMqyYHrY6rI/AAAAAAAAAYk/zA2qgIHJoyo/s1600/Ladies+home+journal+1897.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DVpytpss7eg/UMqyYHrY6rI/AAAAAAAAAYk/zA2qgIHJoyo/s320/Ladies+home+journal+1897.jpg" width="163" /></a></div>
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Ladies Home Journal Cover 1897</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r1e1b2ptHlQ/UMqypfC0dDI/AAAAAAAAAYs/OjTylKNppCs/s1600/bolero+dress+from+1904+fashion+cicular.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r1e1b2ptHlQ/UMqypfC0dDI/AAAAAAAAAYs/OjTylKNppCs/s320/bolero+dress+from+1904+fashion+cicular.jpg" width="163" /></a></div>
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bolero dress from 1904 fashion circular</div>
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(bolero - a short tailored jacket)</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6dqbqoJNO_4/UMqzKefJzuI/AAAAAAAAAY8/HQUbcxcZ92U/s1600/ladys+home+journal+1911.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6dqbqoJNO_4/UMqzKefJzuI/AAAAAAAAAY8/HQUbcxcZ92U/s320/ladys+home+journal+1911.jpg" width="123" /></a></div>
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cover Ladies Home Journal 1911</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oDk5ota6ePc/UMqy3ceAFQI/AAAAAAAAAY0/9lf14k3zxjE/s1600/ad+for+corsets+from+a+1912+catalogue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oDk5ota6ePc/UMqy3ceAFQI/AAAAAAAAAY0/9lf14k3zxjE/s320/ad+for+corsets+from+a+1912+catalogue.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
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Ad in a catalog for corsets 1912</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wlTrCcZTYts/UMqz_rmPVbI/AAAAAAAAAZE/kpnHBLQcbkg/s1600/March+1912+issue+of+La+Mode.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wlTrCcZTYts/UMqz_rmPVbI/AAAAAAAAAZE/kpnHBLQcbkg/s320/March+1912+issue+of+La+Mode.jpg" width="219" /></a></div>
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Cover of La Mode - March 1912</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f3qwyAqmccs/UMq0JjK6f3I/AAAAAAAAAZM/WmSoTwy62t0/s1600/1916+catalogue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f3qwyAqmccs/UMq0JjK6f3I/AAAAAAAAAZM/WmSoTwy62t0/s320/1916+catalogue.jpg" width="221" /></a></div>
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Ad for Shirts - 1916</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-biLQPFeHWcs/UMq0SYXJ5LI/AAAAAAAAAZU/-7oi26SIbfw/s1600/Womens+dresses+from+a+1920+catalogue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-biLQPFeHWcs/UMq0SYXJ5LI/AAAAAAAAAZU/-7oi26SIbfw/s320/Womens+dresses+from+a+1920+catalogue.jpg" width="241" /></a></div>
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Women's Dresses from a catalog - 1920</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-omZBsoaYNPw/UMq0cZfB9XI/AAAAAAAAAZc/sHP6pPSqJr4/s1600/shirleymccalls1930s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-omZBsoaYNPw/UMq0cZfB9XI/AAAAAAAAAZc/sHP6pPSqJr4/s320/shirleymccalls1930s.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Red Book / Jc Pennys / McCalls - Shirley Temple Collection Patterns - 1930's</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kHSl7M2Vg7k/UMq0pAbY-0I/AAAAAAAAAZk/dTBW5hPtxIE/s1600/1938+pattern+is+for+a+day+dress+with+a+gored+skirt+tailored+bodice+and+puffed+sleeves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kHSl7M2Vg7k/UMq0pAbY-0I/AAAAAAAAAZk/dTBW5hPtxIE/s320/1938+pattern+is+for+a+day+dress+with+a+gored+skirt+tailored+bodice+and+puffed+sleeves.jpg" width="217" /></a></div>
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1938 day dress with a gored skirt, tailored bodice & puffed sleeves (pattern)</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q4d-Df-Fzqs/UMq07gZzYeI/AAAAAAAAAZs/hLPVQluTki8/s1600/1940+tailored+look.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q4d-Df-Fzqs/UMq07gZzYeI/AAAAAAAAAZs/hLPVQluTki8/s320/1940+tailored+look.jpg" width="197" /></a></div>
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that 1940's tailored look</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tnoaeYn-YJ0/UMq1Ee-qZoI/AAAAAAAAAZ0/61Bqzcze4a0/s1600/1950seveningdresspattern.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tnoaeYn-YJ0/UMq1Ee-qZoI/AAAAAAAAAZ0/61Bqzcze4a0/s320/1950seveningdresspattern.jpg" width="241" /></a></div>
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1950's evening dresses</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ohx8RAK8jmg/UMq1Kmj-kDI/AAAAAAAAAZ8/h4C4MK5VOBc/s1600/mccalls1959+flare+or+slim+look.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ohx8RAK8jmg/UMq1Kmj-kDI/AAAAAAAAAZ8/h4C4MK5VOBc/s320/mccalls1959+flare+or+slim+look.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
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1959 - flare or straight skirt</div>
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Fashion definitely changed and drastically in women's fashion during that brief glimpse spanning a short 149 years. Can you imagine one of the women stepping out of the 1810 fashion plate into our world and glimpsing a few of our fashions? </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wbvlKisOiw8/UMq3aqWNMII/AAAAAAAAAaE/TQ5u_mkMuhg/s1600/stockings+2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wbvlKisOiw8/UMq3aqWNMII/AAAAAAAAAaE/TQ5u_mkMuhg/s320/stockings+2012.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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I adore these stockings but a woman from 1810 would probably think they belonged to a courtesan!</div>
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Quick someone fetch me my salts!</div>
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"Mischief Managed" ~Kelly</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17580510128649871135noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2237719424906801408.post-86683773229098692702012-12-12T23:54:00.002-05:002012-12-12T23:54:54.693-05:00Snapdragon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><em>Snapdragon</em></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vGjZ9mhWAow/UMlNRRfLemI/AAAAAAAAAXk/hldVqbYWCW4/s1600/Victorian+Christmas+Party.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vGjZ9mhWAow/UMlNRRfLemI/AAAAAAAAAXk/hldVqbYWCW4/s320/Victorian+Christmas+Party.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.city-connect.org/a-victorian-christmas-part-2/" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Photo from City Connect</span></a></div>
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A parlour game that I would love to try this Christmas is Snapdragon. In England during the 19th Century (and I'm sure prior) it was usually played on Christmas Eve (or Twelfth Night) and was also popular in Canada and America. Though in America it was traditionally played on Halloween. <br />
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All you need to play Snapdragon is a wide, shallow bowl, plenty of raisins, brandy and a match. Yep, you have to love those Victorians for lighting alcohol on fire in the parlour! The object of the game is for everyone to stand around and take turns fishing out the raisins and popping them into their mouths to put the flames out! Think of the hysterics of those attempting to grab a raisin from the flaming liquid! I think it would be a riot!</div>
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In Francis Grose's <em>1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue</em> (which I highly recommend browsing through) snapdragon is defined as:<em> "A Christmas gambol; raisins and almonds being put into a bowl of brandy, and the candles extinguished, the spirit is set on fire, and the company scramble for raisins."</em></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0082RKL16/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0082RKL16&linkCode=as2&tag=bookmisc00-20" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B0082RKL16&Format=_SL110_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=bookmisc00-20" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #e06666;">Free on Kindle</span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666;">1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue</span></td></tr>
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<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bookmisc00-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0082RKL16" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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According to Robert Chamber's <em>Book of Days </em>(1st published in 1864),<em> </em>there was a poem or song that was sung while playing. <br />
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<u><em><span style="color: #6aa84f;">The Song of Snapdragon</span></em></u></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;"></span> </div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;">Here he comes with flaming bowl,</span></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;">Don't he mean to take his toll, </span></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;">Snip! Snap! Dragon!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;"></span> </div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;">Take care you don't take too much, </span></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;">Be not greedy in your clutch, </span></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;">Snip! Snap! Dragon!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;"></span> </div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;">With his blue and lapping tongue</span></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;">Many of you will be stung,</span></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;">Snip! Snap! Dragon!</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iN-kyai_yaA/UMlW7g7kwYI/AAAAAAAAAX8/y0C5AB_YXVw/s1600/Book+of+Days.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iN-kyai_yaA/UMlW7g7kwYI/AAAAAAAAAX8/y0C5AB_YXVw/s1600/Book+of+Days.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://books.google.com/books?id=K0UJAAAAIAAJ" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Download PDF Book of Days for Free here</span></a></div>
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There is probably a very good reason this tradition fell out of favour but I find that the idea of playing at least once can't be missed! If I'm fortunate enough to find willing participants this Christmas season I will make sure it's well documented with video footage and pictures for sharing! </div>
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"Mischief Managed" ~ Kelly</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17580510128649871135noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2237719424906801408.post-39367713225959939412012-12-11T01:43:00.000-05:002012-12-11T01:43:39.088-05:00Boys, They are Just Better in Books<div style="text-align: center;">
"His love was passion's essence - as a tree on fire by lightning; with ethereal flame, kindled he was, and blasted; for to be thus and enamored, were in him the same."</div>
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Childe Harold Pilgrimage (Canto III)</div>
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Lord Byron</div>
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I go through fazes about what genre of books I like to read and recently I've been on a historical & regency romance kick. I can't help it, I love the hero's! I admit it, boys are just sometimes so much better in books! <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3a7NpQHeCpc/UMbO2T7p7QI/AAAAAAAAAWw/v_Dte7_kJSo/s1600/boys+they+are+better+in+books.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3a7NpQHeCpc/UMbO2T7p7QI/AAAAAAAAAWw/v_Dte7_kJSo/s320/boys+they+are+better+in+books.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I have an absolute favorite hero too - Marquis of St. Aubyn - they call him Saint and he is no where close to being a saint, thank goodness! He is the naughty and extremely irresistible hero in Suzanne Enoch's novel - <em><span style="color: orange;">London's Perfect Scoundrel (Book 2 in the Lessons of Love Series).</span> </em><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0p-xCUdOBVQ/UMbQYJgMO4I/AAAAAAAAAW4/1diZfGWYe6A/s1600/Londons+Perfect+Scoundrel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0p-xCUdOBVQ/UMbQYJgMO4I/AAAAAAAAAW4/1diZfGWYe6A/s1600/Londons+Perfect+Scoundrel.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Londons-Perfect-Scoundrel-Lessons-ebook/dp/B000JMKT1O/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1355206070&sr=1-1&keywords=london%27s+perfect+scoundrel" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Amazon's Link to London's Perfect Scoundrel - Kindle Edition</span></a></div>
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He is described by one of his soon to be ex-mistresses in the 1st chapter of the book: "My dear Miss Whoever-You-Are," Lady Gladstone murmured, "Saint doesn't have to be good, because he's so very....very, bad."<br />
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Evelyn Ruddick, the innocent, virginal object of his desire, is equally as appealing and lovable! She makes the story just as perfect as he does. No simpering miss and when she kidnaps him.......well you will have to read the novel to find out for yourself. Enoch may have just created my perfect hero, too bad he's make believe!<br />
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I do have a second favorite hero.....Griffith Knighton. He is quite different from Saint but appealing non the less and probably why he is my 2nd favorite. Created by Sabrina Jeffries he stars in <br />
<em><span style="color: orange;">A Dangerous Love (Swanlea Spinsters Series, Book 1).</span> </em><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mehtS3xKuz0/UMbSEL6WGcI/AAAAAAAAAXA/4Ku-TXREU8k/s1600/A+Dangerous+Love.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mehtS3xKuz0/UMbSEL6WGcI/AAAAAAAAAXA/4Ku-TXREU8k/s1600/A+Dangerous+Love.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dangerous-Love-Swanlea-Spinsters-ebook/dp/B000JMKTVO/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1355206115&sr=1-1&keywords=sabrina+jeffries+swanlea+spinsters#_" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Amazon's Link - A Dangerous Love - Kindle Edition</span></a></div>
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I must say this determined hero is more deceitful and takes a little longer to come around but because of his bull headed ways and high handedness he makes for an interesting and sexy hero. His Rosalind has enough fire to assure an exceedingly satisfactory tale. <br />
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Yes, boys.....they are better in books but the odds of meeting a man such as Saint or Griffith is absurd since they are created by 2 extremely creative authors who have amazing imaginations. However, if you love a good historical romance with a perfect scoundrel, um I mean hero, I suggest the 2 titles above. You will be begging for a naughty scoundrel to appear ready for you to reform, well we wouldn't want to reform them too much now would we?!<br />
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"Mischief Managed" ~ Kelly</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17580510128649871135noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2237719424906801408.post-52391448168779506752012-12-07T22:49:00.001-05:002012-12-07T22:49:33.552-05:00Christmas a Little Early<div style="text-align: center;">
The last few days have really felt like an early <span style="color: #6aa84f;">Christmas</span> on Amazon ebooks.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Copyright (c) <a href='http://www.123rf.com'>123RF Stock Photos</a><br />
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They have had so many amazing deals and frees books ~ I've been a downloading fool! I hope the fun continues. I have no idea how I'm going to get all these books read and still get anything done but I'm up for the challenge! I really need a higher paying job so I can afford a maid lol!</div>
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A few days ago I downloaded <em><span style="color: orange;">Back to the Bedroom</span></em> by Janet Evanovich. It's one of her earlier stand alone novels before she wrote the Stephanie Plum series. It is such a charming romance!</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FCKB48/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000FCKB48&linkCode=as2&tag=bookmisc00-20" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B000FCKB48&Format=_SL110_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=bookmisc00-20" /></a></div>
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It's considered a short romance at 272 pages though not a novella it's an easy, light read and right now its only $.99 in the Amazon store. That's an 87% discount! I downloaded it 12-5-12 and read some of it last night and finished it today on my lunch break at work (it's still on sale, I checked). It's the romance of Kate Finn and David Dodd and completely Evanovich style! It was laugh out loud funny, cheerful (especially after an extremely rough week at work) and it had adventure aplenty! David is Kate's neighbor and he's sitting on his front porch when something crashes through Kate's roof! It's love at first sight -though he's been in love with her since he moved in next door. <br />
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Elsie in her typical manner blows into the story and rents a room from Kate (she is just such a fun addition to these romances and I believe she makes appearances as Grandma Mazur's friend in the Plum novels), plus she has her signature garage sale purchased cannon cocked and loaded in her purse ready to blow the privates off any suspicious looking characters. She is truly a riot and was in another of the romances I read, I believe it was<br />
<em><span style="color: orange;">The Rocky Road to Romance</span></em> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FC282Q/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000FC282Q&linkCode=as2&tag=bookmisc00-20"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B000FC282Q&Format=_SL110_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=bookmisc00-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bookmisc00-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000FC282Q" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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Don't quote me on that, I read a lot and it's been a few years since I read this one.<br />
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I gave <em><span style="color: orange;">Back to the Bedroom</span></em> 4 stars, I enjoyed it very much. Evanovich makes me happy, her books make me laugh and though sometimes things are similar in her novels I can't feel upset about it. David was truly original and I liked Kate's character a lot. The ending was fantastic!<br />
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Stats:<br />
Amazon Kindle (currently .99 cents) typically somewhere around $7.50<br />
Pages - 272<br />
1st published - 1989<br />
Setting - Washington, Contemporary Fiction<br />
Amazon readers gave it 3.9 stars<br />
Goodreads members gave it 3.54 stars<br />
Me - 4 stars<br />
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Drum rrrrroooolllllll.........<em><span style="color: orange;">Love in a Nutshell</span></em>, by Janet Evanovich published in January 2012 is on sale for $2.99 and I bought it tonight. I haven't begun reading it yet but I'm so happy that I will probably start as soon as I'm done blogging. I've been waiting for ages to read this novel!<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00633W8GM/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00633W8GM&linkCode=as2&tag=bookmisc00-20" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00633W8GM&Format=_SL110_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=bookmisc00-20" /></a></div>
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Co-authored by Dorien Kelly (whom I know nothing about) and normally $8.99. <img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bookmisc00-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00633W8GM" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />I feel like I just took the last 2 oreos out of the cupboard!!<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Love-in-a-Nutshell-ebook/dp/B00633W8GM/ref=pd_typ_k_qp_2_p#" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Amazon's Description of Love in a Nutshell</span></a><br />
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<div>
Kate Appleton needs a job. Her husband has left her, she’s been fired from
her position as a magazine editor, and the only place she wants to go is to her
parents’ summer house, The Nutshell, in Keene’s Harbor, Michigan. Kate’s plan is
to turn The Nutshell into a Bed and Breakfast. Problem is, she needs cash, and
the only job she can land is less than savory. </div>
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Matt Culhane wants Kate to spy on his brewery employees. Someone has been
sabotaging his company, and Kate is just new enough in town that she can insert
herself into Culhane’s business and snoop around for him. If Kate finds the
culprit, Matt will pay her a $20,000 bonus. Needless to say, Kate is highly
motivated. But several problems present themselves. Kate despises beer. No one
seems to trust her. And she is falling hard for her boss. </div>
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<div>
Can these two smoke out a saboteur, save Kate’s family home, and keep a
killer from closing in…all while resisting their undeniable attraction to one
another? Filled with humor, heart, and lovable characters, <i>Love in a
Nutshell </i>is delicious fun.</div>
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Stats:<br />
Amazon Kindle (currently $2.99) typically $8.99<br />
Pages - 321<br />
1st published - Jan 3, 2012<br />
Setting - Keene's Harbor, Michigan- Contemporary Fiction<br />
Amazon readers gave it 3.5 stars<br />
Goodreads members gave it 3.52 stars<br />
Me - to be read<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008E50MPQ/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B008E50MPQ&linkCode=as2&tag=bookmisc00-20"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B008E50MPQ&Format=_SL110_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=bookmisc00-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bookmisc00-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B008E50MPQ" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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The Husband List</div>
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by Janet Evanovich & Dorien Kelly</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Husband-List-ebook/dp/B008E50MPQ/ref=sr_1_10?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1354933509&sr=1-10&keywords=janet+evanovich" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Amazon - The Husband List</span></a></div>
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To be published - January 8, 2013: $14.99</div>
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Based on the family from the bestselling <i>Love In A Nutshell</i>, the story
of an heiress longing to marry for love or not at all<br />
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From <i>The New York Times</i> bestselling writing duo Janet Evanovich and
Dorien Kelly, comes the story of a young woman’s search for true love. Caroline
Maxwell would like nothing more than to join her brother, Eddie, and his friend,
Jack Culhane, on their adventures. While Jack and Eddie are off seeing the
world, buying up businesses and building wildly successful careers, Caroline's
stuck at home frightening off the men her mother hopes will ask for her hand in
marriage. When her mother sets her sights on the questionable Lord Bremerton as
a possible suitor, Caroline struggles with her instincts and the true nature of
her heart. She longs for adventure, passion, love, and most of all . . . Jack
Culhane, an unconventional Irish-American bachelor with new money and no title.
A completely unacceptable suitor in the eyes of Caroline's mother. But
Caroline's dark hair, brilliant eyes and quick wit have Jack understanding just
why it is people fall in love and get married.
Set in New York City in 1894, <i>The Husband List </i>is an American gilded
age romantic mystery. It evokes memories of the lavish lifestyles and social
expectations of the Vanderbilt's and Rockefellers—a time when new money from the
Americas married Old World social prestige and privilege. Dresses by Worth,
transcontinental ocean voyages, lavish parties, a little intrigue, and a lot of
romance await in, <i>The Husband List</i>.<br />
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I really can't wait for <em>The Husband List. </em>Set in 1894, it's right up my alley. I prefer historical and Janet has been one of the only authors to catch my interest enough to read every one of her contemporary novels in each series or stand alone novel. (I haven't read all of her books but I'm working on it) <br />
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Enjoy your weekend and settle in with a good novel, maybe an Evanovich best seller will tempt you!</div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;">AND to contine Victorian / Christmas traditions Trivia -</span> </div>
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Did you know:</div>
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That in the 8th & 9th Century in Britain being mostly a Saxon nation, Santa was known as </div>
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<em>King Frost, Father Time</em> or <em>King Winter</em>?</div>
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<a href="http://vintageholidaycrafts.com/vintage-santa-claus-christmas-cards/" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Image courtesy VintageHolidayCrafts.com</span></a></div>
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By the way this image is not of an 8th/9th century Santa, I couldn't find one!</div>
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"Mischief Managed" ~ Kelly </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17580510128649871135noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2237719424906801408.post-32925967323115496152012-12-06T00:07:00.005-05:002012-12-06T00:07:53.306-05:00Christmas Stockings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ACBNNOW/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00ACBNNOW&linkCode=as2&tag=bookmisc00-20" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00ACBNNOW&Format=_SL110_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=bookmisc00-20" /></a></div>
<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bookmisc00-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00ACBNNOW" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
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I just finished Karen Hall's <em><span style="color: magenta;">Christmas Historical Romance Anthology</span></em> which is a collection of 3 of her short stories obviously Christmas themed:<br />
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<em><span style="color: orange;">Christmas Stockings</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: orange;">The Christmas Proposal </span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: orange;">The Comet that Came for Christmas</span></em><br />
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<em><span style="color: orange;">Christmas Stockings</span></em> was my favorite but all 3 of these little novellas was a joy to read. I can best describe them as heartwarming cozy romances. <br />
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In <em><span style="color: orange;">Christmas Stockings</span> </em>Holly pens love letters for others, an odd job in itself but one perfect for a hopeless romantic who is also in love with Grayson (I love that name) the church vicar. Grayson goes to Holly, whom he secretly is in love with to have her pen letters for his friend who is too shy to come to Holly himself. Holly doesn't realize that she is writing love letters to herself from Grayson. <br />
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In <em><span style="color: orange;">The Christmas Proposal</span> </em>Cassandra offers Lord Brandon an offer he can't refuse and one that in the end gives them both their hearts desire. He is an archaeologist who needs funds. Being the heir to a dukedom is reason enough for his brother to not give him the funds he needs and since he is not yet married or of age he can't get his inheritance. The Duke believes Brandon should be at home attending family duties and not working. Cassandra is an heiress. She offers to be his benefactor if he will pretend to court her over the Christmas season and get her Aunt off her back. <br />
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<em><span style="color: orange;">The Comet that Came for Christmas</span> </em>is actually set in Tennessee and is the story of Victoria and Jake. 4 years earlier Jake had broken Victoria's heart. Can 2 Christmas elves help these two forget the past and forge a future that was meant to be? <br />
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I will definitely keep this anthology in my Christmas pile of books to read at this time of year. I can't rave enough over how much I loved <em><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Christmas Stockings!</span></em> Truly delightful!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lPjuD4APLXg/UMAf-OxrFMI/AAAAAAAAAVU/vAQgeBcWpI0/s1600/stocking+pic+to+use.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lPjuD4APLXg/UMAf-OxrFMI/AAAAAAAAAVU/vAQgeBcWpI0/s320/stocking+pic+to+use.png" width="268" /></a></div>
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Legend is not clear when the Christmas stocking really came into tradition, though it seems that Clement C Moore's <em><span style="color: magenta;">Twas the Night Before Christmas</span></em> originally published in 1823 inspired early drawings and he was possibly the first to write down such an event with his famous, "the stockings were hung from the chimney with care, in hopes that Saint Nicolas soon would be there".<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Twas the Night Before Christmas</td></tr>
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<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bookmisc00-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0067O10GQ" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />There is an interesting tale that tells of a century's past nobleman who lost his beloved wife and was left alone to raise their 3 daughters. Either due to his despair or some other misfortune he became penniless. The poor nobleman was very worried that his daughters would never marry because he couldn't provide dowry's for them. The sisters did all the cooking and cleaning and one Christmas Eve they had hung their washing to dry - the stockings getting hung on the fire place. St Nicolas, passing through the village, overheard talk of the nobleman's problem and he wanted to help. He waited until night and rode his horse to their cottage. He peered in through the window and when he saw the girls stockings he dropped bags of gold down the chimney and the money landed in the stockings. This solved the problems of the nobleman and his daughters were able to get married; they all lived happily ever after. News travels fast and the villagers hung stockings for the very generous St Nicolas to fill each Christmas Eve. Eventually the new Christmas tradition spread throughout the land. <br />
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"Mischief Managed" ~ Kelly </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17580510128649871135noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2237719424906801408.post-30963475214019332492012-12-04T21:56:00.001-05:002012-12-04T21:56:18.811-05:00Two Regency RomancesRegency 1 - Last night I read the short novella, <em><span style="color: lime;">Regency Romp - Happy Christmas Mr. Jones</span></em> by Linda Sole. <br />
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The novella stars Lydia Savage with her sister, Jane and a few others who play minor rolls. The hero of the hour is Captain Milliband and he's delightful. It's a sweet traditional regency short with good Christmas spirit and a happy ending. It's one of those short reads that is perfect as is, I can't imagine the author adding anything to it and I didn't feel anything was left out. I enjoyed the read and will possibly try reading another Regency by Linda Sole (if she has written others). <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Regency Romp - Happy Christmas Mr. Jones</td></tr>
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<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bookmisc00-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B009UUBRUI" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />Stats: <br />
Amazon Kindle - $1.00<br />
48 Pages<br />
Setting - Regency, small village in England<br />
Amazon - 3.5 stars<br />
Goodreads - 2 stars<br />
I gave it 3 stars<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Regency-Romp-Happy-Christmas-ebook/dp/B009UUBRUI/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1354667684&sr=1-1-fkmr0&keywords=Happy+Christmas+Mr+Jobes" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Amazon Description for Happy Christmas Mr. Jones</span></a><br />
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Lydia wants everyone to be happy for Christmas. Her sister
Jane is determined to marry an unsuitable man because she wants to give Lydia a
season, but Lydia has other ideas. She must not let Jane sacrifice herself but
in trying to prevent her sister making an unhappy marriage will she sacrifice
her own hopes?<br />
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<em><span style="color: magenta;">Boxing Day</span></em> <em>- In England Boxing Day is the day after Christmas (generally the 1st Monday after Christmas if it falls on the weekend) and has been celebrated since Medieval times. In times such as the Regency period wealthier land owners presented boxes to the servants and poor usually filled with needed items such as clothes and food and sometimes they were given money; servants usually got the day off too. Boxing Day was also a traditional day to go fox hunting.</em> <br />
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Regency 2 - A few days ago I read <em><span style="color: lime;">His Majesty, the Prince of Toads</span> </em>by Delle Jacobs.</div>
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This is the same author who wrote <em>The Mudlark, </em>which I enjoyed immensely and wrote a post on a few days ago. I will start out by saying that I did not enjoy this novel as much but at the same time I didn't dislike it. To recap from another post, the title drew me to this little novel, I didn't care for the cover art. Jacobs gives her characters plenty of time to interact and I like that. I felt the characters, Lucas and Sophia,could have fallen in love a lot earlier in the book or worked out a different arrangement earlier making the novel seem a little longer than was maybe necessary. That being said, it was a nice read to pass an evening when you are exhausted from a long week and haven't the energy for much else. There is plenty of humor too, which I love in my novels. It's short so that you can read it in one sitting and not stay up all night. I did like the characters, though I would have liked to see a little more romance, maybe more than a kiss on the palm of her hand since they are married. I may have been generous and gave the book 4 stars when I added it to my Goodreads journal but I won't regret it, I did enjoy the story. I would also like to add that Delle Jacobs does choose very original problems to inflict on her characters. I've read a lot of novels and both this novel and The Mudlark were unusual in that respect. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">His Majesty, the Prince of Toads<br />
Delle Jacobs<br />
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Stats: Amazon Kindle - $2.99<br />
220 Pages<br />
Setting - Regency, London (during season)<br />
Amazon - 4 stars<br />
Goodreads - 3.39 stars<br />
I gave it 4 stars<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/His-Majesty-Prince-Toads-ebook/dp/B003EOAC16/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1354667503&sr=1-1&keywords=his+majesty+the+prince+of+toads" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Amazon's Description for His Majesty</span></a><span style="color: orange;"></span><br />
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Sometimes it takes more than a kiss to change a toad into a
handsome prince.<br /><br />When Captain Lucas Deverall returns from the Peninsular
War to succeed to his deceased brother's title, he grudgingly decides to take
back his wife. But even before he learns the circumstances of his inheritance,
he encounters her at a New Year's gala. Shock sets in as he realizes the most
beautiful woman in England is the same gangly, calf-eyed chit who tricked him
into marriage six years before.<br /><br />That's not how Sophie remembers it. She
wishes fervently she'd had the sense not to scream when the drunken scapegrace
crawled into her bed at her Uncle Harry's house party. True, she'd had a secret
tendre for the handsome wastrel, until his scathing denunciation of her after
their forced wedding. Then he went off to war without even consummating their
union, and for six years she heard nothing from him. Now the toad offers
her forgiveness in exchange for his presence in her bed? Revenge comes more to
mind. And so the battle of wits begins. And the harder they fight it, the
more they fall in love.</div>
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<span style="color: magenta;">IN CLOSING</span>, for having downloaded these 2 books when they were free I can't complain. I enjoyed both romance novels and though I didn't feel these will ever make it to my top 100 favorite books of all time, they still didn't disappoint me or make me feel like I wasted time reading them. That's what I love about books, you don't have to have a 5 star rating to enjoy them Just take the simple pleasures you receive and don't over analyze, enjoy the moment and don't feel cheated. Not everything has to be life altering and to be honest very few romances are. They are for enjoyment, to escape and I take them for simply that. </div>
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"Mischief Managed" ~ Kelly</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17580510128649871135noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2237719424906801408.post-74640620953262886092012-12-03T20:53:00.000-05:002012-12-03T20:53:32.335-05:00Christmas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ssefW6U8Eo0/UL1XYv_FHHI/AAAAAAAAAUk/5TmtVvqL0h4/s1600/victorian+couple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ssefW6U8Eo0/UL1XYv_FHHI/AAAAAAAAAUk/5TmtVvqL0h4/s200/victorian+couple.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
Ahhhhhh Christmas.........my favorite time of the year! This is the month I spend reading Christmas novels and watching old Christmas movies; especially if the novel or movie is set in Victorian era. One of my favorite movies to watch at this time of the year is Meet Me in St. Louis with Julie Garland.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002M87W2W/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B002M87W2W&linkCode=as2&tag=bookmisc00-20" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B002M87W2W&Format=_SL110_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=bookmisc00-20" width="148" /></a></div>
Set in <img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bookmisc00-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B002M87W2W" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />1903 just before the Louisiana Purchase Exposition Worlds Fair, Ester (age 17), played by Garland falls in love with her neighbor, John. Ester's father, a well off Lawyer, decides to relocate his family to New York City. This movie takes you through different seasons as we follow the Smith family's adventures and preparations for their move (there are 4 daughters and a son). Christmas is a magical portion of the movie and really shows off how they live and celebrate during this time period. It's based on the book written by Sally Benson (Benson based the youngest daughter, Tootie, on herself). I've never had the opportunity to read the novel and would love to. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1891442260/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1891442260&linkCode=as2&tag=bookmisc00-20" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1891442260&Format=_SL110_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=bookmisc00-20" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">only available in paperback unfortunately</td></tr>
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When I was a teenager, I was fortunate enough to see a performance of Meet Me In St. Louis at our local theatre - The Venice Little Theatre (in Venice, Florida). The play was fabulous! <img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bookmisc00-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1891442260" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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<br />
I love novella's too. Especially when Christmas always seems to be such a busy time of year. Novellas are just perfect. My favorite, Jill Barnett's Christmas novella, Daniel & the Angel, is set in 1886, New York City. A rather inept angel is sent to earth (or thrown from heaven as the case may be) to show a business man with a heart of stone, D.L. Stewart, that you can't buy everything. <br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004RZ26MO/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004RZ26MO&linkCode=as2&tag=bookmisc00-20" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B004RZ26MO&Format=_SL110_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=bookmisc00-20" /></a></div>
<br />
<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bookmisc00-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B004RZ26MO" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />A few other Christmas favorites....(not novellas) that are must reads during Christmas if you haven't already read them: <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002HRY15O/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B002HRY15O&linkCode=as2&tag=bookmisc00-20" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B002HRY15O&Format=_SL110_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=bookmisc00-20" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Visions of Sugar Plums<br />
Janet Evanovich</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0084AZYQ8/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0084AZYQ8&linkCode=as2&tag=bookmisc00-20" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B0084AZYQ8&Format=_SL110_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=bookmisc00-20" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jack & Jill<br />
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Louisa May Alcott</div>
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and we can't leave out......<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0375838473/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0375838473&linkCode=as2&tag=bookmisc00-20" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0375838473&Format=_SL110_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=bookmisc00-20" /></a></div>
How the Grinch Stole Christmas<br />
Dr. Seuss<br />
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<strong>Did you know:</strong> </div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005DYNESI/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B005DYNESI&linkCode=as2&tag=bookmisc00-20" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B005DYNESI&Format=_SL110_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=bookmisc00-20" /></a></div>
<em>Victorians made Kissing Balls or Mistletoe Balls for the same reason we do, to steal a kiss! They were made of evergreen and then decorated.</em> <br />
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<br />
***The following 3 regency romances are on my wish list, I hope to get them in time to read before Christmas!<br />
<br />
Barbara Monajem's <em>A Lady's Lesson in Seduction:</em><br />
<em></em><br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008JIKD0W/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B008JIKD0W&linkCode=as2&tag=bookmisc00-20"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B008JIKD0W&Format=_SL110_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=bookmisc00-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bookmisc00-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B008JIKD0W" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Seduction-Scandalous-Regency-Christmas-ebook/dp/B008JIKD0W/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1354582005&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=9781459247994" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Amazon's Book Description (A Lady's Lesson in Seduction)</span></a><span style="color: orange;">:</span></div>
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Once a notorious rake, Camden Folk, Marquis of Warbury, is now consumed by
desire for only one woman: beautiful young widow Frances Burdett. And the
Yuletide festivities at his country estate present the perfect opportunity for
seduction…<br />
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</div>
After her brief and unsatisfying marriage, Frances Burdett swore never to
become tied to another man. Then a passionate kiss under the mistletoe reawakens
longings she thought buried forever. But can she give in to the pleasures of the
body with a rogue like Cam—without losing her heart?<br />
<br />
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Stats - </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
$2.51 on Kindle</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
49 pages</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Historical Romance (Harlequin)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
5 stars on Amazon</div>
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3.43 stars on Goodreads</div>
<br />
Mary Barlogh's <em>A Christmas Promise:</em> <br />
<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003EY7JF8/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003EY7JF8&linkCode=as2&tag=bookmisc00-20"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B003EY7JF8&Format=_SL110_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=bookmisc00-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bookmisc00-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B003EY7JF8" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/A-Christmas-Promise-ebook/dp/B003EY7JF8/ref=tmm_kin_title_0" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Amazon's Description (A Christmas Promise): </span></a></div>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Weddings are supposed to be joyous occasions—especially when a couple seems as
well matched as Randolph Pierce, Earl of Falloden, and his bride-to-be, Eleanor
Transome. Ellie brings to the marriage a vast dowry, while Falloden, though
distant, is handsome, tremendously desirable, and possessed of a title most
young ladies can only dream of sharing.<br />
<br />
Yet Ellie is not most young
ladies. She knows that she must honor her dear father’s dying wish for her to
wed the proud earl, but she dreads a lifetime in a union without love—and how
can Falloden claim to love her when he married her only for her fortune? As
Christmas descends upon the Falloden manor, the warmth of the season may yet
melt away the trappings of duty and wealth, leaving behind only a man and a
woman destined for each other’s arms.</div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
Stats - </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
$7.99 on Kindle</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
306 pages</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Historical Romance set in London, 1809</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
4 stars on Amazon</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
3.71 stars on Goodreads</div>
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Sabrina Jeffries <em>Twas the Night After Christmas:</em> <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007EECS0U/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B007EECS0U&linkCode=as2&tag=bookmisc00-20"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B007EECS0U&Format=_SL110_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=bookmisc00-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bookmisc00-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B007EECS0U" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Twas-Night-After-Christmas-ebook/dp/B007EECS0U/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1354581485&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Amazon's Description (Twas the Night After Christmas): </a><br />
</div>
<i>Dear Sir,</i>
<i>. . . I feel I should inform you that your mother is very ill. If you wish
to see her before it is too late, you should come at once.</i>
<i>Sincerely,</i>
<i>Mrs. Camilla Stuart</i>
<br />
<br />
Pierce Waverly, the Earl of Devonmont, has led an unabashed rogue’s life,
letting no woman near his heart. Inexplicably abandoned as a child to be raised
by distant relatives, he never forgave his parents, refusing to read any of his
mother’s letters after his father’s death. Then came a letter that shook his
resolve. A Christmas visit to Montcliff might prove his last chance to discover
the truth of his past, and come to terms with the stranger he calls “Mother.”
But two surprises await him at Montcliff. His mother is perfectly healthy,
nowhere near a deathbed, as her meddling lady’s companion led him to believe.
The second is Camilla Stuart herself, a lively vicar’s widow, too bright and
beautiful not to arouse the scoundrel in Pierce. Though she alone is reason
enough to prolong his stay, he is soon faced with other tantalizing riddles:
What secrets lie in his mother’s past to explain his childhood abandonment? Why
is the captivating Mrs. Stuart so determined to mend the breach between mother
and son? Meanwhile,
Camilla herself is caught up in love’s complications since the arrival of the
irresistible earl. As his bold flirtation and suggestive whispers draw her
dangerously close, can anything protect her vulnerable heart? If they are
destined to share real happiness, there must be honesty between them—yet telling
him the truth about her own life may shatter that chance.
None of them can predict the startling revelations to come. Or the secrets,
both heartening and shocking, divulged between a mother and son, and between two
lovers haunted by their respective pasts, that will make Christmas night at
Montcliff one to remember—and the glorious night after, one to treasure for a
lifetime.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Stats - </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
$9.99 on Kindle</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
370 pages</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Regency Romance - England</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
4.6 stars on Amazon</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
4.06 stars on Goodreads</div>
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I hope you get to enjoy many good books this Christmas season!</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
"Mischief Managed" ~ Kelly</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17580510128649871135noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2237719424906801408.post-11574133120134862802012-11-30T22:22:00.000-05:002012-11-30T22:22:23.802-05:00The Mudlark by Delle Jacobs<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003JTHZI4/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003JTHZI4&linkCode=as2&tag=bookmisc00-20" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B003JTHZI4&Format=_SL110_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=bookmisc00-20" width="132" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Mudlark<br />
by Delle Jacobs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9436011-the-mudlark" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Goodreads Book Description</span></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bookmisc00-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B003JTHZI4" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
<span id="freeText13363840239317395130">The only thing they have in common is their grim determination not to marry each other. But their fathers have them well and truly trapped. No matter how much they dislike each other, their only hope for escape is collaboration. And so together the concoct an elaborate scheme of their own, a double elopement, with a twist, so to speak... A Regency Romance in the Georgette Heyer tradition</span><br />
<br />
<em><span style="color: magenta;"><strong>My Thoughts:</strong></span></em> <br />
This was free on Amazon a few days ago, I downloaded it because the book description interested me. Written in a traditional regency prose this romance was refreshing; I couldn't put it down. I enjoyed the humor and interaction between the main characters, Izzy and Tristan. It may have been predictable in the outcome but as it's a romance, they all are and it's expected, I wouldn't want it any other way. The pace of the story stays quick and delightful with plenty of strength in the plot and interaction between Izzy and Tristan to give the reader what she/he wants throughout the tale. I just love the adventure these two characters are involved in, it's new and exciting. The story comes alive with beautiful detail and descriptive writing. I definitely enjoyed this novel. Even though Tristan begins very cantankerous you can't help but fall for him and Izzy's witty nature is irresistible! <br />
<br />
Stats: <br />
Genre - Regency Historical Romance / Traditional <br />
Pages - Amazon lists it as 193 pages & Goodreads lists it as 226 pages<br />
Amazon - 4.3 stars<br />
Goodreads - 3.47 stars<br />
Me - I give it 5 stars <br />
<br />
Two things really draw me to a novel - the cover and the title. Sometimes I don't even read a books description if the cover doesn't do it for me. If a title is witty or interesting that can also draw my attention. <br />
<br />
This author's covers are not super appealing to me but because I really enjoyed <em>The Mudlark </em>(the title sucked me in) I wanted to see what else Jacobs had to offer. I had to look past the covers for a change and go straight for the descriptions. I didn't realize that I had downloaded another one of Delle Jacobs books. (I seriously have over 1,000 books on my kindle). The title is what drew me to this one as well. I began reading it this evening - <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003EOAC16/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003EOAC16&linkCode=as2&tag=bookmisc00-20" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B003EOAC16&Format=_SL110_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=bookmisc00-20" width="132" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">His Majesty, the Prince of Toads</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<em><span style="color: magenta;"><strong>Amazon Book Description:</strong></span></em><br />
Sometimes it takes more than a kiss to change a toad into a handsome
prince.<br /><br />When Captain Lucas Deverall returns from the Peninsular War to
succeed his deceased brother's title, he grudgingly decides to take back his
wife. But even before he learns the circumstances of his inheritance, he
encounters her at a New Year's gala. Shock sets in as he realizes the most
beautiful woman in England is the same gangly, calf-eyed chit who tricked him
into marriage six years before.<br /><br />That's not how Sophie remembers it. She
wishes fervently she'd had the sense not to scream when the drunken scapegrace
crawled into her bed at her Uncle Harry's house party. True, she'd had a secret
tendre for the handsome wastrel, until his scathing denunciation of her after
their forced wedding. Then he went off to war without even consummating their
union, and for six years she heard nothing from him. <br /><br />Now the toad offers
her forgiveness in exchange for his presence in her bed? Revenge comes more to
mind. And so the battle of wits begins. And the harder they fight it, the
more they fall in love.
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.dellejacobs.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Della Jacobs Website</span></a><br />
<br />
As it has been a super long week I am going to curl up with <em>His Majesty, the Prince of Toads </em>and relax - a perfect way to begin the weekend. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
"Mischief Managed" ~ Kelly</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17580510128649871135noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2237719424906801408.post-30227927595070498362012-11-28T23:50:00.001-05:002012-11-28T23:50:22.411-05:00Barbara Monajem - Author (new to me) Today I was reading Ella Quinn's blog interview with Barbara Monajem. The excerpt from Barbara's new novella, <em>A Lady's Lesson in Seduction</em> really caught my eye. I love regency romance and I love novellas!!! Click on the link to read the interview - <br />
<br />
<a href="http://ellaquinnauthor.wordpress.com/2012/11/26/guest-author-barbara-monajem/" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Ella Quinn - Author Blog Interview with Monajem</span></a><br />
<br />
The first thing I did, as always, was to head over to <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3270624.Barbara_Monajem" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Goodreads (Monajems Page)</span></a> to check her books out. Monajems has written 5 regency novella's and they all look good enough to read! ;) She has also written 2 full length paranormal romance novels. <br />
<br />
Then I headed to <a href="http://www.barbaramonajem.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Barbara Monajem's Website</span></a>.<br />
<br />
I have a surprise......she has a free novella on <a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/176151" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Smashwords</span></a> I downloaded it for my Kindle but there are a number download options. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W9IL1dq0lwY/ULbdX10ImjI/AAAAAAAAAUM/8ztbb38pbj4/s1600/Lady+Ambleforths+Afternoon+Adventure.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W9IL1dq0lwY/ULbdX10ImjI/AAAAAAAAAUM/8ztbb38pbj4/s1600/Lady+Ambleforths+Afternoon+Adventure.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Lady Ambleforth's Afternoon Adventure is a collective writing effort by 6 authors who each wrote 2 chapters (Barbara Monajem, Ann Lethbridge, Annie Burrows, Elaine Golden, Julia Justiss and Louise Allen). All 6 are published romance authors. <br />
<br />
I love a free read to see if I'm going to like the style of the author. I'm super picky about my romance novels!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15733963-lady-ambleforth-s-afternoon-adventure" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Goodreads Description</span></a> - <br />
<br />
<span id="freeText10488498758190234571">Lady Araminta Ambleforth has been looking forward to her outing to Maidstone from the moment she'd thought of the idea yesterday. Sadly, it looked as if her journey would end almost before it began. Her brand new phaeton disabled, Araminta decides to enjoy the fine afternoon and walk home rather than wait by the dusty roadside. <br /><br />If only one handsome gentleman after another didn't distract her along the way. Will one of them steal the lady's heart?</span><br />
<br />
<em><span style="color: cyan;"><strong>My Review</strong></span> -</em> <br />
<br />
This has some humor, the situation was absurd and it made the whole novella enjoyable and just plain fun. There was that touch of regency wit, adventure, intrigue and a surprise twist of fate that I didn't see coming. It's probably why I enjoyed it so much! Oh and there's a highway man, pugilism, a naked man in a stream and a group of men handsome enough to make any regency lady want to swoon or wash her hands of men forever!!!!!<br />
<br />
I love the freedom of a novella. You go into it knowing it's probably not going to be long enough to assuage your hunger for a novel but you also figure that it's exactly you have time for, an hour or two in the evening is sometimes all you get. A novella is going to be quick and hopefully well written so you don't feel like a jilted bride left at the alter. It's a bonus if you want to read more by the author! <br />
<br />
I don't think you'll feel jilted by this novella, I didn't! <br />
<br />
Here's a quick look at Barbara Monajem's other Regency Novella's - <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008JIKD0W/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B008JIKD0W&linkCode=as2&tag=bookmisc00-20"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B008JIKD0W&Format=_SL110_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=bookmisc00-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bookmisc00-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B008JIKD0W" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em>A Lady's Lesson in Seduction (A Scandalous Regency Christmas)</em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Amazon Book Description: </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Once a notorious rake, Camden Folk, Marquis of Warbury, is now consumed by
desire for only one woman: beautiful young widow Frances Burdett. And the
Yuletide festivities at his country estate present the perfect opportunity for
seduction…</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
After her brief and unsatisfying marriage, Frances Burdett swore never to
become tied to another man. Then a passionate kiss under the mistletoe reawakens
longings she thought buried forever. But can she give in to the pleasures of the
body with a rogue like Cam—without losing her heart?</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00835RO4Y/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00835RO4Y&linkCode=as2&tag=bookmisc00-20"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00835RO4Y&Format=_SL110_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=bookmisc00-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bookmisc00-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00835RO4Y" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em>To Rescue or Ravish?</em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Amazon Book Description:</div>
<div align="left" class="content" id="collapsePS" style="display: none; padding-top: 3px;">
<span class="swSprite s_collapseChevron"></span><a class="showLess" href="http://www.amazon.com/To-Rescue-or-Ravish-ebook/dp/B00835RO4Y/ref=sr_1_3?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1354161434&sr=1-3&keywords=barbara+monajem#">Show Less</a> </div>
<noscript></noscript><em>London, 1802</em><br />
<div class="content" style="text-align: left;">
When heiress Arabella Wilbanks flees a forced betrothal in the middle of the
night, the last person she expects to find at the reins of her getaway hackney
is Matthew Worcester. It's been seven long years since they gave in to their
mutual desires and shared the most incredible night of their lives, but Matthew
is still racked with guilt for leaving her without a word. He should escort her
to safety, but the chance to re-claim and ravish her once more is proving
impossible to resist!</div>
<div class="content" style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00693ER38/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00693ER38&linkCode=as2&tag=bookmisc00-20"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00693ER38&Format=_SL110_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=bookmisc00-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bookmisc00-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00693ER38" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em>The Unrepentant Rake</em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Amazon Book Description:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<em>England, 1802</em></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Beatrix March chose to be a governess rather than let an overbearing husband
rule her. Even though she never intends to marry, it doesn't mean she can't
enjoy a man's...company —especially when presented with one as tempting as
notorious rake Simon Carling!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Simon doesn't usually seduce virtuous governesses, but Beatrix is unlike any
woman he's ever encountered. Her luscious curves were made to grace a man's bed,
and he's never denied himself such satisfaction before. Flouting society's tedious conventions, in favor of thrilling chemistry, may
force Beatrix and Simon to contemplate the unthinkable—marriage!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0058O0RME/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0058O0RME&linkCode=as2&tag=bookmisc00-20"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B0058O0RME&Format=_SL110_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=bookmisc00-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bookmisc00-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0058O0RME" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em>The Wanton Governess (Fortney Follies)</em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Amazon Book Description: </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<em>Sussex, 1801</em>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Governess Pompeia Grant thinks pretending to be Sir James Carling's wife as a
favor to his sister will be harmless. She is haunted by his rejection of her
youthful advances, but she's desperate for a place to stay after losing her last
post.
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
When James unexpectedly returns home from America, she assumes the game is
up—until James encourages her to stay, and enjoy the pleasurable consequences of
their charade.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002WEPC0K/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B002WEPC0K&linkCode=as2&tag=bookmisc00-20"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B002WEPC0K&Format=_SL110_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=bookmisc00-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bookmisc00-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B002WEPC0K" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em>Notorious Eliza</em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Amazon Book Description:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Eliza Dauntry was infamous. Most people assumed she was a wanton because she
supported herself and her son by painting portraits of courtesans. Yet Eliza
hadn't been tempted by a man since her husband's death...until she met Patrick
Felham. An old friend of her husband and a one-time rake, Patrick awakened a
yearning in Eliza that demanded to be satisfied at once....</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Patrick was looking for an upright woman to become his wife and stepmother to
his daughter, not a siren like Eliza Dauntry! But Eliza had aroused his desire
ever since he saved her scandalous self-portrait from the auction house. The
chance of an affair with the alluring widow was irresistible, but this notorious
woman could also turn out to be his perfect bride...</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
**If you get busy like me and want a nice quick regency read these novellas are all between 49 and 58 pages long and they are $2.51 each on Kindle. I'll let you know how they are as I read them too!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"Mischief Managed" ~ Kelly</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17580510128649871135noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2237719424906801408.post-79299165462893553892012-11-28T00:51:00.008-05:002012-11-28T00:51:43.727-05:00HerosI do not have many earthly hero's, I just never have! I've never been fascinated by actresses or actors, though I do have a few favorites.....eh hem...John Wayne. He is just so sexy, I would have loved to meet him, but he died just a few months before I turned 3. Sigh! This is my favorite John Wayne movie, I love when he spanks Katherine (Maureen O'Hara). <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000ANVPPQ/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000ANVPPQ&linkCode=as2&tag=bookmisc00-20" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B000ANVPPQ&Format=_SL110_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=bookmisc00-20" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">McLinktock</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I've never been thrilled with politicians either. I will admit that there are some incredible hero's from the past.........<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005NVVE92/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B005NVVE92&linkCode=as2&tag=bookmisc00-20" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B005NVVE92&Format=_SL110_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=bookmisc00-20" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">George Washington Werewolf*<br />
by Kevin Postupack<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
*I haven't read this yet but I'd like to. I do love my spoof lit. So many books, so little time. <br />
<br />
I've not really thought much about inventors as hero either though I suppose one could idolize an inventor, especially if you are in love with your iPhone, as my son is lol<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003772KB0/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003772KB0&linkCode=as2&tag=bookmisc00-20" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B003772KB0&Format=_SL110_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=bookmisc00-20" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Telephone Gambit: Chasing Alexander Graham Bell's Secret<br />
by Seth Shulman<br />
looks like an intriguing tale</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I digress as usual, what I am slowly getting at here is a worthy hero, a select group that we may not always consider hero/heroine material. We possibly even pass them off as just being there doing their job to entertain us and low and behold we take them for granted....AUTHORS!<br />
<br />
They give us so much - escape from the grind of daily living, enjoyment, a chance to live many lives, the ability to travel to far off places, to see things we have never seen and may never have the opportunity to see in person. We are time travelers and worldly explorers all because of authors. They have a true gift, so today I celebrate my earthly hero's...authors! There is no way today that I can share all of the heroic authors that have shaped my world but just a few of my favorites will suffice. The pictures are from goodreads and the links will take you to their author pages on that website. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KcQcv-lS-VY/ULWcgMju5yI/AAAAAAAAASQ/ku_IXGuZy7w/s1600/Alcott.jpg" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Louisa May Alcott - Author of Little Women etc</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1315.Louisa_May_Alcott" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Alcott on Goodreads</span></a></div>
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</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RFdBOCvoVoQ/ULWchVQ-RII/AAAAAAAAASY/mgEzDWFlnIM/s1600/Cartland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RFdBOCvoVoQ/ULWchVQ-RII/AAAAAAAAASY/mgEzDWFlnIM/s1600/Cartland.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Barbara Cartland - Queen of Romance</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/10320.Barbara_Cartland" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Cartland on Goodreads</span></a></div>
<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_xytMF56fCY/ULWci_M3VxI/AAAAAAAAASg/54mFBG-xMkk/s1600/cs+lewis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_xytMF56fCY/ULWci_M3VxI/AAAAAAAAASg/54mFBG-xMkk/s1600/cs+lewis.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
C.S. Lewis - best known for his The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe Series</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1069006.C_S_Lewis" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Lewis on Goodreads</span></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1zakPXtB0hY/ULWckLUgfrI/AAAAAAAAASo/Z0mM-vYT_hQ/s1600/Doyle.jpg" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle - yep creator of Sherlock Holmes</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2448.Arthur_Conan_Doyle" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Doyle on Goodreads</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pJJ6xn8J_s4/ULWclmXpeBI/AAAAAAAAASw/_7nX46ZdspE/s1600/Franklin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pJJ6xn8J_s4/ULWclmXpeBI/AAAAAAAAASw/_7nX46ZdspE/s1600/Franklin.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Ariana Franklin - Mistress of the Art of Death series & many more</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/49612.Ariana_Franklin" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Franklin on Goodreads</span></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LWfn7awE-dA/ULWcnFfQm1I/AAAAAAAAAS4/KhqMDhbdak8/s1600/jill+barnett.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LWfn7awE-dA/ULWcnFfQm1I/AAAAAAAAAS4/KhqMDhbdak8/s1600/jill+barnett.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Jill Barnett - my favorite historical romance author</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/71185.Jill_Barnett" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Barnett on Goodreads</span></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AluHK7w5T68/ULWcohNzKHI/AAAAAAAAATA/v-KoT2BHNKw/s1600/Montgomery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AluHK7w5T68/ULWcohNzKHI/AAAAAAAAATA/v-KoT2BHNKw/s1600/Montgomery.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Lucy Maud Montgomery - Anne of Green Gables</div>
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5350.L_M_Montgomery" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Montgomery on Goodreads</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B1EsnjZpKQc/ULWcqf73Z8I/AAAAAAAAATI/Ox0aizvhbUc/s1600/Shakespeare.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B1EsnjZpKQc/ULWcqf73Z8I/AAAAAAAAATI/Ox0aizvhbUc/s1600/Shakespeare.jpg" /></a></div>
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William Shakespeare - English Playwright</div>
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/947.William_Shakespeare" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Shakespeare on Goodreads</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WUbjy8VHg2M/ULWcrpqbD-I/AAAAAAAAATQ/Pvlbcy6DAN4/s1600/watterson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WUbjy8VHg2M/ULWcrpqbD-I/AAAAAAAAATQ/Pvlbcy6DAN4/s1600/watterson.jpg" /></a></div>
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Bill Watterson - Calvin & Hobbes Comics</div>
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13778.Bill_Watterson" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Watterson on Goodreads</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3E_9ENb3zn0/ULWiKnt88hI/AAAAAAAAAT0/3XxD2xrMuVM/s1600/Fleming.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3E_9ENb3zn0/ULWiKnt88hI/AAAAAAAAAT0/3XxD2xrMuVM/s1600/Fleming.jpg" /></a></div>
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Ian Fleming - James Bond</div>
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2565.Ian_Fleming" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Fleming on Goodreads</span></a></div>
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These authors have all given me something special and I'm not talking literary genius, though in my opinion they are phenomenal, I speaking of pleasure...hours and hours of pleasure. I could add so many authors but these came to mind this evening. I'm sure I'm leaving deserving favorites of mine out and not intentionally either. I hope you've enjoyed my look at author hero's. Just imagine what life would be without books......NO, it's just not worth contemplating!</div>
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"Mischief Managed" ~ Kelly</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17580510128649871135noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2237719424906801408.post-34315914167052116092012-11-26T22:04:00.002-05:002012-11-28T00:55:58.425-05:00Stolen Crown - Susan Higginbotham<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Stolen Crown: The Secret Marriage that Forever Changed the Fate of England</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00447872I/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00447872I&linkCode=as2&tag=bookmisc00-20" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00447872I&Format=_SL110_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=bookmisc00-20" width="132" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Susan Higginbotham</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bookmisc00-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00447872I" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />I loved this historical fiction novel, I couldn't bear to put it down.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have a hard time remembering names of characters,
especially if they don't play a huge role in a book, heck from time to time I
forget the main characters names and sooo you will understand I can be easily
confused. I was daunted by the thought of all the Henry's, Richard's, Harry's, Elizabeth's
and so on but this author was amazing. For the length of this book and the
shear audacious number of characters mentioned I did not once have any problem deciphering
who was who. I was never confused, perhaps because I was so into the book. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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This novel was enthralling, the characters dynamic and the
history rich throughout. I love the author’s depiction of Katherine and Harry’s story. Katherine (7) and Harry (9) marry and we follow them during their marriage, while at court, during war, love, child birth and death of friends and loved ones. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I didn't feel that any character had been short changed, nothing was
left hanging and I was not once bored. Higginbotham did not disappoint me!! With
what little history has been documented in regards to Katherine and Harry she still managed to bring to life these
interesting historical figures. The emotions were real, the heartbreak,
tenderness, love, disappointment etc. I felt it all! Higginbotham, in my opinion, weaved a wonderful tale. I will definitely be reading more of her novels. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Book Stats: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Genre - 15th Century Historical Fiction</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Length - 403 pages</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9446177-the-stolen-crown" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Goodreads Book Description</span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Trapped in the Wars of the Roses, one woman finds herself <strong>sister to
the queen...and traitor to the crown</strong></span><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When six-year-old Kate Woodville’s beautiful sister Elizabeth makes a shocking—and secret—marriage to King Edward IV in 1464, Kate and her large family are whisked to the king’s court. Soon a bedazzled Kate becomes one of the greatest ladies in the land when she marries young Harry Stafford, Duke of Buckingham. But Kate’s fairy-tale existence as a duchess is shattered when the ongoing conflict between the houses of Lancaster and York engulfs the Woodville family.<br /><br /> As Edward IV fights to keep his crown, Harry’s relatives become hopelessly divided between Lancaster and York. Forced constantly to struggle with his own allegiances, Harry faces his defining moment when his dear friend Richard, Duke of Gloucester, determines to seize the throne for himself as Richard III. With lives in jeopardy and nothing less than a dynasty at stake, Harry’s loyalties—and his conscience—will be put to the ultimate test.</span><br />
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<span style="color: orange; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.susanhigginbotham.com/" target="_blank">Susan Higginbothams Website</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Harry - (Henry) Stafford, 2nd Duke of Buckingham & married to Katherine,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">signature was <em><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Harre Bokyngham</span> </span></em>and motto - "<em>remember me often</em>" from </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Garter stall plate St. George's Chapel, Windsor</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gJERcO75TVI/ULQp5RVJC1I/AAAAAAAAARA/QSy6pXWIxWA/s1600/buckingham_sig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="85" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gJERcO75TVI/ULQp5RVJC1I/AAAAAAAAARA/QSy6pXWIxWA/s320/buckingham_sig.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I could not find a picture of Katherine but I will keep trying! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">You will have to forgive me if I've left anything out, I've been sick since Thanksgiving and right now I'm exhausted, so I bid you goodnight!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">"Mischief Managed" ~Kelly</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17580510128649871135noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2237719424906801408.post-31384619669507633042012-11-25T23:09:00.001-05:002012-11-25T23:09:10.340-05:00I love a good quoteI love quotes! They can be inspirational, make me laugh, I can feel justified for my actions, live in clarity for some mixed emotion, see the inexplicable truth to some and the nonsense of others. <br />
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Quotes are just wonderful and when they come from books I love or authors I admire, I admit that I can feel less disgruntled about a world where fools make a mockery of knowledge and it gives me hope that maybe not everyone is as bad as they sometimes seems. <br />
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That being said, here is a selection of interesting quotes. They are not linked to a particular topic except for the sheer enjoyment of sharing quotes from books by celebrated authors and the characters who have brought us pleasure. <br />
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"I am so clever that sometimes I don't understand a single word of what I am saying." Oscar Wilde <br />
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"It is never to late to be what you might have been." George Eliot<br />
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"Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible, and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers." Charles William Eliot<br />
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"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent." Eleanor Roosevelt<br />
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"It is a curious thought, but it is only when you see people looking ridiculous that you realize just how much you love them." Agatha Christie<br />
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"She is too fond of books, and it has turned her brain." Louisa May Alcott<br />
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"Sometimes I can hear my bones straining under the weight of all the lives I'm not living." Jonathan Safran Foer<br />
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"My wish is that you may be loved to the point of madness." Andre Breton<br />
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"Being crazy isn't enough." Dr. Seuss<br />
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"Do your bit to save humanity from lapsing back into barbarity by reading all the novels you can." Richard Hughes"<br />
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"There is no mistaking a real book when one meets it. It is like falling in love." Christopher Morley<br />
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"A great book should leave you with many experiences, and slightly exhausted at the end. You live several lives while reading." William Styron<br />
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"I solemnly swear that I am up to no good." J.K. Rowling<br />
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"Don't gobblefunk around with words." Roald Dahl<br />
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"The person be it gentlemen or lady, who has not the pleasure in a good novel, must be intolerably stupid." Jane Austen<br />
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"My hour for tea is half-past five, and my buttered toast waits for nobody." Wilkie Collins<br />
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"I crawled into my book and pulled the pages over my head......" Laurie R. King<br />
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I could have listed dozens more, but I thought to spare you until another time. Hopefully I have made no mistakes in quoting these famous authors, though I am not perfect. Enjoy these few author meanderings and may your Monday be bright and cheerful with the thoughts of eccentric authors filling your heads. <br />
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"Mischief Managed" ~ Kelly</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17580510128649871135noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2237719424906801408.post-84629080294858509042012-11-25T09:07:00.000-05:002012-11-25T09:07:55.466-05:00Sunday ShenanigansAfternoon Tea~ <br />
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I love having afternoon tea......I love tearooms, I love teacups and I love tea. Ohhhh and I love the sweet and savory confections that go with tea. Here are a few I'm just dying to try! <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0Z8GSkWAG4s/ULGqK7e2yLI/AAAAAAAAAPI/RdHhIGd-Zvs/s1600/tea+party.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0Z8GSkWAG4s/ULGqK7e2yLI/AAAAAAAAAPI/RdHhIGd-Zvs/s320/tea+party.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Is this not a delightful setting for a tea party?</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PDCrE5SG5YM/ULGqR5ncY7I/AAAAAAAAAPY/BH0HH1E8xmA/s1600/cinnamon+chip+scones.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PDCrE5SG5YM/ULGqR5ncY7I/AAAAAAAAAPY/BH0HH1E8xmA/s320/cinnamon+chip+scones.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.howsweeteats.com/2010/01/cinnamon-chip-scones/#" target="_blank"><span style="color: purple;">How Sweet It Is - Cinnamon Chip Scones Recipe</span></a></div>
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one of my favorite scone flavors, this recipe looks excellent</div>
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to be served with Clotted or Devonshire cream and </div>
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homemade Strawberry Freezer Jam or Marmalade</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UX_LoHnm35s/ULGqTS4UEwI/AAAAAAAAAPg/8cEn_Hbw4qo/s1600/strawberry+soup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UX_LoHnm35s/ULGqTS4UEwI/AAAAAAAAAPg/8cEn_Hbw4qo/s1600/strawberry+soup.jpg" /></a></div>
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Before our infamous hurricane, Charlie, I frequented the Harbor Inn Tea Room</div>
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they served a delightful strawberry soup - </div>
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I have searched for a similar recipe and this seems to be close</div>
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<a href="http://www.tasteofthesouthmagazine.com/recipes/view.php?id=1141" target="_blank"><span style="color: purple;">Taste of Home - Strawberry Soup Recipe</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vEelpckRZ5A/ULGqWm6opvI/AAAAAAAAAPo/A7ClPbqrUp8/s1600/cucumber+sandwich.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vEelpckRZ5A/ULGqWm6opvI/AAAAAAAAAPo/A7ClPbqrUp8/s1600/cucumber+sandwich.jpg" /></a></div>
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Tea would not be complete without a few tea sandwiches</div>
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<a href="http://suitableforconsumption.blogspot.com/2010/05/cucumber-tea-sandwiches.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: purple;">Suitable for Consumption - Cucumber Tea Sandwiches Recipe</span></a></div>
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I recommend soaking the sliced cucumbers in vinegar for a short time, </div>
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then pat them dry before sandwich assembly</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--teGK0j5noc/ULGqZn01L9I/AAAAAAAAAPw/7Igt7tnM7uI/s1600/garden+tea+party.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="206" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--teGK0j5noc/ULGqZn01L9I/AAAAAAAAAPw/7Igt7tnM7uI/s320/garden+tea+party.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is a beautiful romantic and shabby chic garden tea party setting</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VhKcGa6pUbY/ULGqb8_TuBI/AAAAAAAAAP4/K5BxkQWiBjs/s1600/savory+tarts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VhKcGa6pUbY/ULGqb8_TuBI/AAAAAAAAAP4/K5BxkQWiBjs/s320/savory+tarts.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I am nuts over savory tarts and am looking forward to trying these delectables.</div>
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<a href="http://www.browneyedbaker.com/2011/02/02/caramelized-onion-mushroom-gruyere-tartlets/" target="_blank"><span style="color: purple;">Brown Eyed Baker - Caramelized Onion Mushroom & Gruyere Tarts</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nRWLBb5lmWE/ULGqh5FJNBI/AAAAAAAAAQA/0-xsjz2Xiuc/s1600/shortbread+cookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nRWLBb5lmWE/ULGqh5FJNBI/AAAAAAAAAQA/0-xsjz2Xiuc/s320/shortbread+cookies.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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On to the deserts.....</div>
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Vanilla Bean Shortbread Sandwiches with Orange Butter Cream</div>
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<a href="http://www.bhg.com/recipe/cookies/vanilla-bean-shortbread-sandwiches-with-orange-buttercream/" target="_blank"><span style="color: purple;">Better Homes & Gardens - Vanilla Shortbread Sandwiches</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6shJvttylO8/ULGqpN4x9UI/AAAAAAAAAQI/szPnIw1vKY8/s1600/lemon+tarts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6shJvttylO8/ULGqpN4x9UI/AAAAAAAAAQI/szPnIw1vKY8/s320/lemon+tarts.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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Lemon Mascarpone Brulee with Cherry Compote</div>
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<a href="http://www.cherryteacakes.com/2011/06/lemon-mascarpone-brulee-with-cherry.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: purple;">Cherry Tea Cakes- Lemon Mascarpone Brulee</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wyJ2GLHYh_I/ULGqsPulF5I/AAAAAAAAAQQ/ekC8vj_9gk4/s1600/keep+calm+and+drink+tea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wyJ2GLHYh_I/ULGqsPulF5I/AAAAAAAAAQQ/ekC8vj_9gk4/s1600/keep+calm+and+drink+tea.jpg" /></a></div>
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lots of tea - black tea, white tea or green tea</div>
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ohhhhh I love Chi tea too! </div>
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And if you haven't tried Russian tea it's something all together different, strong,</div>
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smoky and woodsy with an unforgettable flavor, not unpleasant by any means</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kfc5E0iZJvw/ULGujsBDJeI/AAAAAAAAAQo/d1Bb84OMu-4/s1600/cary+grant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kfc5E0iZJvw/ULGujsBDJeI/AAAAAAAAAQo/d1Bb84OMu-4/s320/cary+grant.jpg" width="230" /></a></div>
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Wouldn't it be fun to have tea with Cary!</div>
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"Mischief Managed" ~Kelly</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17580510128649871135noreply@blogger.com0