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6:37 pm
October 28, 2011
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I have to ask Boleyn, and please don’t be offended if you like the author but is that book as outrageous as The Tudor Wife? because I like the idea of one on Mary and Elizabeth but her last book had me somewhere between shrieking and throwing pillows and poking forks in my eyes. With that said she’s actually an entertaining writer because I finished it pretty damn quick.
I am still trying to catch up on my reading, I’ve been away in country NSW visiting the in-laws where they watch TV in the dark for four hours a night, so I have to sneak out the back to read *sigh* where it is usually freezing. I did finish the Susan Higginbotham book and got some of the way through through The Lavender Keeper by Fiona Macintosh, but I’m not enjoying it much. The writing is fine but the subject isn’t my cup of tea. I have started on my Garth Nix book again, and this is excellent. He’s a great story-teller, if you like YA fantasy give him a try, the Lirael books are supposed to be great, I was going to read those this yea if I get time.
I also have some galleys on my e-reader, which I am still not used to using but I am going to try Sister Queens next by Julia Fox. I just found out she’s actually married to John Guy, I also have his new book on my Kobo to read. But next, Ms Gregory’s new book, have to finish that this week.
12:02 pm
January 3, 2012
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Olga said
I have to ask Boleyn, and please don’t be offended if you like the author but is that book as outrageous as The Tudor Wife? because I like the idea of one on Mary and Elizabeth but her last book had me somewhere between shrieking and throwing pillows and poking forks in my eyes. With that said she’s actually an entertaining writer because I finished it pretty damn quick.
I am still trying to catch up on my reading, I’ve been away in country NSW visiting the in-laws where they watch TV in the dark for four hours a night, so I have to sneak out the back to read *sigh* where it is usually freezing. I did finish the Susan Higginbotham book and got some of the way through through The Lavender Keeper by Fiona Macintosh, but I’m not enjoying it much. The writing is fine but the subject isn’t my cup of tea. I have started on my Garth Nix book again, and this is excellent. He’s a great story-teller, if you like YA fantasy give him a try, the Lirael books are supposed to be great, I was going to read those this yea if I get time.
I also have some galleys on my e-reader, which I am still not used to using but I am going to try Sister Queens next by Julia Fox. I just found out she’s actually married to John Guy, I also have his new book on my Kobo to read. But next, Ms Gregory’s new book, have to finish that this week.
I’ve not read the Tudor Wife yet it’s on my read wish list though. I’d like to see what you think of SWMNBN new book. In short do I have to reinforce my roof? or it worth reading providing I wear crash helmet to prevent injury when bashing my head against a brick wall?
I know what you mean about tele. My sister’s tele is never off, and perish the thought of ever trying to read a book in her house, it’s simply not done. I read mainly in the bath as the bathroom is really the only place where I can get a bit of peace, without having constant interuptions from Dinosaurs or children. If Dinosaur ever gets off his bum and builds the Chipmunk avairy I’d go and sit out there in the summer just to get some peace.
As long as I keep a constant supply of nuts in my pocket the Chipmunks will be happy enough just running around doing what they do. Although Rascal (and he certainly lives up to his name) likes to go up the sleeves of my T-shirts and wriggle his way up to come out of the top, and then lick my nose.
Semper Fidelis, quod sum quod
6:38 pm
October 28, 2011
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You have chipmunks??? How gorgeous.
I’ll let you know on the latest book. I suspect it will be safe to read though. I’ve had a quick glance and it has maps and some chapter illustrations so it is definitely aimed at the younger market.
6:58 pm
January 3, 2012
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Olga said
You have chipmunks??? How gorgeous.
I’ll let you know on the latest book. I suspect it will be safe to read though. I’ve had a quick glance and it has maps and some chapter illustrations so it is definitely aimed at the younger market.
Yep I sure do. they are as mad as hatters too. They are white ones too. Treacle had 3 babies about 6 weeks ago too so I’ve now got 5 Chipmunks.
Mum is Treacle, Dad is Smudge and the babies are 2 boys and a girl, Rascal, Obelix and baby Mya, named after Mya Elise.
Semper Fidelis, quod sum quod
12:23 pm
April 9, 2011
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Over halfway through The Amber Room, lots of random killings and sex. And so many little twists and turns. I’m really not sure how this real end or who will survive. Man I have no idea the Amber Room will will even be found the rate this is going. I am having an idea of where certain people’s position on The room and I’m going to infer that one of the bad guys isn’t looking for the Room but is protecting the room from other people find it the selfish bastards LOL.
12:33 am
October 28, 2011
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Boleyn said
Yep I sure do. they are as mad as hatters too. They are white ones too. Treacle had 3 babies about 6 weeks ago too so I’ve now got 5 Chipmunks.
Mum is Treacle, Dad is Smudge and the babies are 2 boys and a girl, Rascal, Obelix and baby Mya, named after Mya Elise.
They sound adorable. I don’t think I’ve even seen one before other than on TV. We can’t keep much in the way of pets here.
OK I have finished Changeling by PG and I think Boleyn’s house is safe 
It was pretty predictable but I did enjoy it, it’s only a little book and I finished it in a couple of days. She wrote some author notes in the back about how much she enjoyed writing it and it shows. The supporting characters were actually really entertaining too.
1:55 pm
January 3, 2012
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Olga, they are sweet, they look like little Squirrels, well in fact that’s what they are, they are ground squirrels. They are quite tame although they do like to have the odd nibble at fingers from time to time.. They all sleep together in their food bowl no idea why, but when they are all cuddled down for the night it looks like the food bowl is full of whipped cream.
That’s for the info on SWMNBN new book I might give it a go, I’m about half way through the Secrets of a Tudor Court book, and it’s actually not too bad, and certainly reading between the lines the way the writer has portrayed the Duke of Norfolk does kind of make sence, about my own views to do with Duke.Anyway that’s something I’m working on right now, so watch out for the posting, and make sure you have a glass of water and some aspirin handy, because I’ve a feeling you might need it..
I’ve sent you a PM by the way I hope that’s ok..
The Chipmunks say hello.
Semper Fidelis, quod sum quod
6:08 pm
October 28, 2011
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In the food bowl? That is too cute LOL.
If you like Young Adult books you should like it, I’ll just say it’s nice to see something that’s not a vampire romance for a change. I did see Secrets of the Tudor Court and Mary & Elizabeth at the $5 book shop, I think I’ll pick them up next time I go there.
I just started on Sister Queens by Julia Fox too, I think I am starting to get used to my e-reader, I can’t read PDF format on it easily but the ebook format seems fine. It’s a real pain to look at references while you’re reading though
10:54 pm
January 9, 2010
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Boleyn – I so wish I had chipmunks for pets! THey sound absolutely gorgeous. Just as long as they’re not planning on going into the music industry…
Olga – Would you recommend the PG book? It looks like something I might enjoy but I was just wondering about the writing style – I gave up on PG books because of her writing style (amongst other things!) which I felt had lost some of her original verve. But the story itself looks interesting…
Hope you enjoy ‘Sister Queens’ – I really did and got a lot out of it, and it was interesting to read Katherines and Juanas stories side by side.
8:41 am
October 28, 2011
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The style is better than it has been lately, you weren’t enjoying the Cousins War books were you? Neither was I, not as much as the older stuff. You know what, I think she’s actually tired. Putting a book out each year is probably doing her head in, I have found the last few really rushed, even more so with her usual penchant for run-on sentences. She seems more relaxed with this, there’s a lot of good humour in it. Also I think the females were strong characters, which I liked. It’s pretty “young” for young adult though if you know what I mean.
I need to get off my bum and do my review this weekend, but yes, I would recommend it. Especially if you’re over looking at vampire covers on YA books
10:29 am
May 3, 2012
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Hi Boleyn
I love Jean Plaidy and I have probably read every book she ever wrote. Before she died I wrote to her and told her how much I enjoyed her books, all the books written under her pseudonyms of Jean Plaidy, Victoria Holt and Phillipa Carr – her real name was Elanor Hibbert. I especially liked her Jean Plaidy alias though, and her books encouraged my interest in history. What a great lady and a prolific writer. She wrote back to me, which surprised me and she remains to this day one of my favorite authors. God bless her, what a bequest she has left to mankind.
Boleyn said
Well I’ve just re read The King’s secret matter, by Jean Plaidy, now and again it does the brain good to have a bit of a rest from the factual reading matter. Right now I’ve just started to read Secrets of the Tudor Court by Darsey Bonnette, I’ve only read the first few pages so I can’t really make any comment on it at the moment.
I have also read Mary and Elizabeth by Emily Purdy, It was ok. I guess there must have been some sort of affection between Mary and Elizabeth when they were younger after all they only really had each other for comfort, but I think they both knew that religion would always be a strumbling block to actually having a true sister to sister relationship. I suppose their relationship with each other could be classed as tolerable but not without issues.
Certainly I feel that Mary’s relationship in real life with Philip was a love hate relationship, Mary loved him passionately but he hated her with a vengence, and yes I’m inclined to think that he did clout her one from time to time.
After I’d finished it I did feel a lot of sympathy for Mary she thought that she was doing what was right for her country and her people, but she wasn’t prepared to be flexible in her religious views. Elizabeth allowed the Catholics to have their smells and bells as long as they excepted that she was head of the Church, and because of it she ruled quite peacefully except for the odd hiccup. Perhaps if Mary had done the same she wouldn’t have gone to her grave knowing the the whole country hated her and was glad she was dead. I think the people started to turn from her when she executed Lady Jane, the poor girl was just an innocent victim in a masterminded plot by her father in law. Mary could have sent her to a convent secretly where no one knew or cared who she was just as long as she followed the religious way of life. Not to sure what she could do with Guildford though, but I suppose she could have got Philip to enlist him in his army. Robert Dudley didn’t do too badly from doing that.Anyway I’ll let you know how the latest book turns out…
3:36 pm
October 28, 2011
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I’ve stashed a few Jean Plaidy away for myself actually, the Tudor series with Katherine the Virgin Widow etc. I’m going to try and read them this year sometime. I liked the Margaret Campbell Barnes book I read so much I am starting to think there’s something in those older historicals. Less trash for starters..
7:47 pm
November 18, 2010
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Boleyn said
That’s for the info on SWMNBN new book I might give it a go, I’m about half way through the Secrets of a Tudor Court book, and it’s actually not too bad, and certainly reading between the lines the way the writer has portrayed the Duke of Norfolk does kind of make sence, about my own views to do with Duke.
That one of the Kate Emerson books??
It's always bunnies.
4:36 pm
June 7, 2010
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I recently finished Susanna Kearsley’s “The Rose Garden.” It’s quite good. If you like time travel and romance, it could be the book for you.
I completed “Bring up the Bodies” is less than a day. I loved it, and enjoyed it more than “Wolfhall.”
I am reading “The Brotherhood of the Holy Shroud” now. I picked it up at a discount shop. So far, it’s interesting. It reminds me of “The DaVinci Code,” but this book surrounds mysterious events at Turin Cathedral and the Shroud.
"By daily proof you shall find me to be to you both loving and kind" Anne Boleyn
8:07 pm
January 9, 2010
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Susanna Kearsley keeps coming up on my Amazon recommendations but I tend to ignore them… may have to check her out now
I loved ‘Bring Up the Bodies’ too but overall I think ‘Wolf Hall’ was the better work. I know Hilary Mantel was urged to expand the part on Anne’s downfall into a whole book at the behest of her publisher whereas there was only supposed to be the one sequel. I wonder what it would have been like if they’d kept it that way… But now we get two sequels so yay!
I’ve just finished a creepy little book called ‘Florence & Giles’ which is very Turn-of-the-Screwish. If you like gothic sort of ghost stories, check it out. Now I’ve just started ‘The Crown’ by Nancy Bilyeau, an historical mystery set during Tudor times.
11:49 pm
January 3, 2012
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Well I’ve just finished Secrets of a Tudor Court by Darcey Bonnette, There are a few things in that are open to debate, but for the most part I quite enjoyed it. These debateable things will mentioned in my next long posting. Aspirins, Racks and Iron maidens on stand by folks..
I’ve now started The Virgin’s Lover by SWMNBN. I’ll give you my opinion once I’ve read it that is if I don’t throw it out of the window or decide we need a new roof as I’ve gone through it with sheer anger LOL.
Semper Fidelis, quod sum quod
1:45 am
October 28, 2011
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I’m going to brace myself. Queen’s Fool and Virgin’s Lover are my least favourite books by her. The next one should be out soon I think.
I have been watching TV, and not reading enough. I’m ashamed of myself, it’s terrible. Still on Sister Queens and Confusion of Princes.
8:07 am
April 9, 2011
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Finished The Amber Room the other day. It wasn’t as thrilling and interesting as the Romanov Phopecy but it was still an enjoyable lightweight thriller. And I was happy with some deaths that occurred so I must have been invested in the story. I think the mai problem was that it stats off as a possibe chase through riddles but just ends up being a trying to keep a secret in a secretive world. If you want a light thriller I recommend it.
I was going to start The Virgin’s Lover as I’ve decided to follow the Tudor series in order of history, but I decided that perhaps it is time to dip my foot ack into the world of Percy Jackson so I’m reading Book 2. I feel like some ancient mythology learning.
5:11 am
June 5, 2010
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Boleyn said
I’ve now started The Virgin’s Lover by SWMNBN. I’ll give you my opinion once I’ve read it that is if I don’t throw it out of the window or decide we need a new roof as I’ve gone through it with sheer anger LOL.
A friend of mine gave me The Virgin’s Lover as a gift — she knew I loved to read and I guess she figured I’d like something Tudor related since she knew I’m a fan of that period. I read it beginning to end. I think the last time I saw it, it was being used for target practice, which is probably the best thing that happened to it. That was my first experience with SWMNBN — it was definitely the last. What a dreadful piece of dreck.
Henry: Mistress Anne, will you teach the king of England how they dance in the French court?
Anne: There is nothing that France can teach England, your majesty.
King Henry VIII: Well said. Well said.
– Anne of the Thousand Days (1969)
4:46 pm
February 24, 2010
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I finished The Traitor’s Wife, and the follow up, Hugh and Bess, by Susan Higginbotham. They take place during the times of Edward II and Edward III. Loved them both. Also finished her newest release, Her Highness the Traitor.
For fun, I do love time travel romance, and plan to check out Duchess’ suggestion and read The Rose Garden.
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