The Masque of the Black Tulip by Lauren Willig

TITLE:  The Masque of the Black Tulip
AUTHOR:  Willig, Lauren
GENRE:  Historical Fiction/Chick-lit

DATES READ:  9/23/2013 - 9/28/2013

MY RATING:  3.5/5

So, I dove right into this one right after I finished the first one in the series, The Secret History of the Pink Carnation.  I feel that this second novel was an excellent addition to the first novel.  I fully enjoyed the new characters and their connections with the old ones.  Miles and Amy were both wonderful!

I have to admit, I really love stories where romance develops between friends.  I felt the relationship was so realistic.  Especially considering the first novel.  They were meant for each other from the start.

I already go the third book in the series from the local library book sale, so I should be starting that one soon!  I can't wait to see if there are any more.  I will definitely be looking for more of this author's work.

Will read and write soon!

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The Secret History of the Pink Carnation by Lauren Willig

TITLE:  The Secret History of the Pink Carnation
AUTHOR:  Willig, Lauren
GENRE:  Historical Fiction/Chick-lit

DATES READ:  9/16/2013 - 9/23/2013

MY RATING:  4/5

I found the first and third book within this author's series at the local library book sale, and I am crazy about them!  I definitely have to pick up the second one as well.  I loved the subject matter of this book; from the spies, to the romance, to the action and adventure.  It was all thrilling!  I can't wait to continue reading the series.

It's an effortless mixture of historical fiction, chick-lit, and a little mystery thrown in.  There's swash-buckling, swooning, and snappy witticism.  Very fresh.  An excellent balance for a rainy day read.

I thoroughly enjoyed and cared about each of the characters.  I could picture everything vividly, and there were many twists and turns along the way.  Cheers to Lauren Willig for an enthralling tale.

Will read and write soon!

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Revenge of the Rose by Nicole Galland

TITLE:  Revenge of the Rose
AUTHOR:  Galland, Nicole
GENRE:  Historical Fiction

DATES READ:  9/9/2013 - 9/16/2013

MY RATING:  4.5/5

I absolutely adored this eloquent novel about courtly love.  It certain put a different spin on it, that's for sure!  I came across this book at a local library book fair, and it will constantly keep you guessing until the very end.  The characters are fully fleshed out within the story, their motives weaved together into a tight web.

This book is definitely for anyone who enjoys historical fiction, tales of courtly love, and knights in shining armor (they come in all shapes and sizes!).  It's complex, full of intrigue, mystery, and a depth of detail that's pleasant but not quite overwhelming.  I would absolutely recommend it!  What a treasure!

Will read and write soon!

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The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien

TITLE:  The Hobbit
AUTHOR:  Tolkien, J. R. R.
GENRE:  Fantasy
DATES READ:  8/31/2013 - 9/9/2013

MY RATING:  4/5

This book is for those of us who wish to be brave; and those of us who sometimes find home more comforting.  You will find a kindred spirit in Mr. Bilbo Baggins.

I absolutely fell in love with this story!  What wonderful characters!!!  The overall plot showcases people's faults, and how they may rise to the occasion and overcome them.  Throughout the journey, Gandalf acts as a sly and whimsical guardian, and Bilbo returns a changed man... or hobbit.  He grows to becomes courageous, selfless, and loyal to a fault.

This book will forever remain a charming classic tale of growth and change.  You will change for the better for having read it!

Will read and write soon!

***Photo by B. Bumble***

Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks

TITLE:  Safe Haven
AUTHOR:  Sparks, Nicholas
GENRE:  Fiction/Romance-y

DATES READ:  8/16/2013 - 8/19/2013

MY RATING:  3.5/5

The basic plot of this book was wonderful; of course, it was a typical Nicholas Sparks plot.  I have to admit, I made huge comparisons between this book and the movie.  They're both great in their own right.

I found the character of Alex much more realistic and loveable in the book (not to dog Josh Duhamel's performance - he was good too!!!).  I pictured more a Durmot Mulroney-esque character.  And my Katie was a little less Julianne Hough, and a little more Charlize Theron-esque.

This book was so well written, and Sparks deals with really tough issues with grace.  I will definitely read another book of his any time!

Will read and write soon!

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The Loveliest Chocolate Shop in Paris by Jenny Colgan

TITLE:  The Loveliest Chocolate Shop in Paris
AUTHOR:  Colgan, Jenny

GENRE:  Fiction/Chick-lit

DATES READ:  8/6/2013 - 8/11/2013

MY RATING:  4/5

To begin with, I love the cover as well as the description on the back of this delicious looking story.  I don't always go for chick-lit novels which mean well, but are mostly good-natured fluff.  I had to make an exception for Jenny Colgan's The Loveliest Chocolate Shop in Paris.  I spotted it while I was traveling over in Hamburg, Germany.  And I'm glad that I did.

This book was a perfect little chocolate delight!  The plot and setting were far-fetched but wonderful for a chick-lit novel.  I mean, a chocolate shop in Paris?!  Absolutely fabulous!!!

The characters were by-far my favorite part;  Thierry, Claire, Laurent, and even Alice were described with a delicacy that let you fill in the details for yourself.  I adore the plot, the recipes, and how this book made me crave chocolate (as if I needed help with that!).

Every once in a while the writing was decidedly British, as can be expected from a British author.  I stumbled over a bit of the slang and terminology used, but once I got past it I adored this morsel of a novel.  I love romance!

Will read and write soon!

***Photo by B. Bumble***

Bitter Greens by Kate Forsyth

TITLE:  Bitter Greens
AUTHOR:  Forsyth, Kate

GENRE:  Fiction

DATES READ:  7/20/2013 - 8/6/2013

MY RATING:  3/5

I found this book in a charming bookstore in Hamburg, Germany while I was traveling abroad.  I was instantly drawn to the cover; the back of the book discussed the intertwined lives of three mysterious women as well as the tagline "you think you know the story of Rapunzel".  I absolutely love fairy tale re-tellings, so of course, I picked it up.  I ended up almost finishing it all together on my flight back to the USA.

This book was really three different stories combined into one, and I thoroughly enjoyed each one individually.  However, when they were all put together, it was a little overwhelming.  Each of them related in a way that made sense, but it kind of dampened each story a bit by combing them; it was almost like each character and story was watered down in order to make them fit.

My grumping aside, this was a wonderful take on a classic fairy tale.  It is definitely a book to curl up with on a rainy day, and it will transport you into a magical world of witches, spells, and true love.  An overall, charming read.

Will read and write soon!

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