Book Review: The View from Garden City by Carolyn Baugh

Author Carolyn Baugh tells the moving story of a young American student living in the Garden City district of Cairo. Having come to study Arabic, she learns far more from the Egyptian women, young and old, she meets within the swirl and tumult of Garden City. Living, loving, and flourishing amid the fierce inflexibility of tradition, these women reveal a fascinating world of arranged marriages, secret romances, and the often turbulent bonds between four generations of Arab mothers and daughters.

Meet the women of Garden City:

Huda, who waited desperately for the man she loved until she could wait no longer
Karima, who found her husband in a collapsing post-war world
Afkar, who paid a dreadful price for her freedom
Selwa, who suffered through the deaths of her children
Yusriyya, who left her native village for a new life in the city
Samira, who loved a man who was not hers

Rich with the sights and sounds of modern Egypt, The View from Garden City lifts the veil of privacy to explore the stunning inner strength of women torn between their dreams for the future and the sacrifices women must make in a world of harsh realities.

This is a read that I was conflicted about from the first couple of pages. The writing style put me off a little bit because it is not what I usually enjoy personally. Some of the actions that take place seemed to me a little bit off putting as well or not what is normal. There is a disclaimer from the author however that does explain that. Now those complaints aside it is a good book overall.

My favorite character I think is Huda. She at times is immature but really she is just a flawed person trying to deal the best she can with what life has given her, what one of us doesn’t do that? The scenes are painted vividly and you can almost hear the noise, smell the traffic and the spices and everything that unfolds before your eyes. This one gets a middle of the ground rating for me, but it was not a total waste of time I think if your someone who could deal with the tense it is written in better then me you will really enjoy it.

My Gemstone Rating:

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Book Review: The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein

Enzo knows he is different from other dogs: a philosopher with a nearly human soul (and an obsession with opposable thumbs), he has educated himself by watching television extensively, and by listening very closely to the words of his master, Denny Swift, an up-and-coming race car driver.

Through Denny, Enzo has gained tremendous insight into the human condition, and he sees that life, like racing, isn’t simply about going fast. On the eve of his death, Enzo takes stock of his life, recalling all that he and his family have been through.

A heart-wrenching but deeply funny and ultimately uplifting story of family, love, loyalty, and hope, The Art of Racing in the Rain

I laughed, I cried I gave this book the not easy to get this year 5 gemstones from me. If I had more to give I would give it more! This is a fantastic book that has everything in it that makes for a good and emotional story. You will follow the life of Denny and his family, the ups and downs through the eyes of the loyalist friend of them all, Enzo the dog.

Having dogs myself and having always had them since I was a young child it is not hard to imagine the thoughts as they go through Enzo’s head. I have often wondered if my dogs are thinking the same thing and with some expressions they get I give them their own voice. Like Denny I often have conversations with my dogs. What true pet owner doesn’t? I think the only thing missing in the whole of things that Enzo takes on is what he would have done if there was also a cat in the house.

The events that take place in this story are so emotional. From Denny struggling to become what he wishes in his career, to his marriage, the child and his wife dying of brain cancer. As if that was not bad enough the Grandparents scheme to take his child away. All while Enzo ages but stays loyal, and shows us what is going on as a dog would see it. This is a must read for anyone.

My Gemstone Rating:

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Book Review: Trouble in Store by Carol Cox

Fired from her most recent governess position, Melanie Ross must embrace her last resort: the Arizona mercantile she inherited from her cousin. But Caleb Nelson is positive he inherited the mercantile, and he’s not about to let some obstinate woman with newfangled ideas mess up all he’s worked for. He’s determined to get Melanie married off as soon as possible, and luckily there are plenty of single men in town quite interested in taking her off his hands.
The problem is, Caleb soon realizes he doesn’t want her to marry up with any of them. He’s drawn to Melanie more every day, and he has to admit some of her ideas for the store unexpectedly offer positive results.

But someone doesn’t want the store to succeed, and what used to be just threatening words has escalated into deliberate destruction and lurkers in the night. When a body shows up on the mercantile steps–and the man obviously didn’t die from natural causes–things really get dangerous. Can Melanie and Caleb’s business–and romance–survive the trouble that’s about to come their way?

This was another fun read fro Bethany House. It was the first one that I have read by Carol Cox and I have to say that I enjoyed her writing style. Melanie is the kind of Lady I picture I might have been back in the days of the wild west. She sets her mind to a task and goes for it, not letting anyone stand in her way and is determined to be a woman of independent thought and means. While she may have despaired at her initial loss of job at the start of the story she did not dwell on it long and picked herself up and headed off to make the best of life that she could.

Caleb and his son Levi made me laugh several times and overall this really is a fun, fast read. Again there seems to be some editing issues with the missing of the letters F in almost every circumstance like the last Bethany House read that I read, but I did get an early copy so again hopefully it is corrected in the final draft. It did not take away from the writing and plot of the book making it a good, not overly complicated read.

My Gemstone Rating:

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Book Review: The Quarryman’s Bride (Land of Shining Water #2) by Tracie Peterson

Emmalyne Knox and Tavin MacLachlan were destined to be together…until the tragic deaths of Emmalyne’s youngest sisters. Family tradition mandates that the youngest daughter should remain single to care for her parents in their old age, and now that daughter is Emmalyne. Her father unyielding, Emmalyne surrenders to her duty, heartbroken. Tavin leaves town, equally devastated.

Years later, Emmalyne’s family moves, and she and Tavin meet again. Their feelings for each other are as strong as ever, but their painful past and Emmalyne’s father still stand between them. Soon both families are in the midst of the growing conflict rising between the workers at the granite quarry that Tavin’s father owns and operates. When a series of near-fatal accidents occur, Tavin must figure out who is behind the attacks before someone gets killed.

Bound by obligation, yet yearning for a future together, can Emmalyne and Tavin dare to dream that God could heal a decade-long wound and change the hearts of those who would stand in the way of true love?

This is the second in a series of books by Tracie Peterson that takes place in 1800’s Minnesota. I am always drawn to books that take place in my home state because I tend to know the places they are talking about and can understand much of the culture and trends that are going on. Emmalyne’s family is of Scottish origin and has a lot of the old traditions, like the one that forces her to take care of her parents and give up the engagement to the love of her life Tavin.

The story itself for this was one good, and emotional taking a lot of turns and a family as well as the people as individuals all learned how to grow and love. The biggest lesson learned by this book is that it is never to late for love. Whether it is love of a man and a woman who wish to marry, or the love of a father. I am looking forward to reading the next of this series, because the characters are so enjoyable and loveable. Tavin by far was the one who I most connected with.

My one and only complaint and I am sure it is because I got an early copy from Netgalley (very glad to have it as well!) is that there were a lot of formatting errors that needed correcting. F’s were missing among other things. Otherwise it was a perfect read.

My Gemstone Rating:

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Book Review: The Secret Bride (In The Court of Henry VIII #1) by Diane Haeger

Mary Tudor, the headstrong younger sister of the ruthless King Henry VIII, has always been her brother’s favorite-but now she is also an important political bargaining chip. When she is promised to the elderly, ailing King Louis of France, a heartbroken Mary accepts her fate, but not before extracting a promise from her brother: When the old king dies, her next marriage shall be solely of her choosing. For Mary has a forbidden passion, and is determined, through her own cunning, courage, and boldness, to forge her own destiny.

The Secret Bride is the triumphant tale of one extraordinary woman who meant to stay true to her heart and live her life just as her royal brother did- by her own rules…

Mary Tudor is one that is not often talked about unless there are whispers about her marriage to Charles Brandon, or they are talking about her not overly historical portrayal on The Tudors. Diane Haeger creates a great story of the events of young childhood through to adult hood of Mary Tudor and it all takes place from her point of view. From the loss of her Brother Arthur, to her parents to watching as her Brother becomes a fine King in his own right, but then also begins down the path that he is most remembered for. How many Mistresses and Wives he had.

The story is solid and entertaining weaving a good amount of fact with in the fictions to keep it very interesting. There are a few points that drag on a little bit slow but over all it is an entertaining cover to cover read. A good read for the Tudor era.

My Gemstone Rating:

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Book Review: Between Two Queens by Kate Emerson

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

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

The Second in the Secrets of the Tudor Court series this book was very enjoyable. There was a couple of points that for me dragged a little bit I think that seems to be a pitfall when getting into deep well covered historical time periods, like the Tudor era.

Anne Bassett was a real person in the court and this is based on her life with of course some creative license like you do in a fiction. Anne goes along many different paths in her life, from young love, a secret pregnancy, freeing someone from the tower, to the kings bed. You can not ask for anymore action and intrigue then what you get in this book. There were moments that I really disliked Anne, but in others I enjoyed her and I could understand what motivated her over all. Its a good book one I enjoyed it had just the right peppering of The King without being overwhelming it really did focus on the people around him.

My Gemstone Rating:

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Book Review: Mistress Shakespeare by Karen Harper

In Mistress Shakespeare, Elizabethan beauty Anne Whateley reveals intimate details of her dangerous, daring life and her great love, William Shakespeare. As historical records show, Anne Whateley of Temple Grafton is betrothed to Will just days before he is forced to wed the pregnant Anne Hathaway of Shottery. The clandestine Whateley/Shakespeare match is a meeting of hearts and heads that no one, not even Queen Elizabeth or her spymasters can destroy. From rural Stratford-upon-Avon to teeming London, the passionate pair struggles to stay solvent and remain safe from Elizabeth I’s campaign to hunt down secret Catholics, of whom Shakespeare is rumored to be a part. Often at odds, always in love, the couple sells Will’s first plays and, as he climbs to theatrical power in Elizabeth’s England, they fend off fierce competition from rival London dramatists, ones as treacherous as they are talented. Persecution and plague, insurrection and inferno, friends and foes, even executions of those they hold dear, bring Anne’s heartrending story to life. Spanning half a century of Elizabethan and Jacobean history and sweeping from the lowest reaches of society to the royal court, this richly textured novel tells the real story of Shakespeare in love.(

Whether or not there was another Anne in Shakespeare’s life has been something that has been hotly debated. Some say there was a clerical error and she never existed others have found some fairly supporting evidence that she did exist at the very least. The book starts off a little bit slow for me but it does pick up once Anne goes to London. The story is not a typical oh they meet oh they fall in love story and I love it for that. The two love each other deeply and passionately but they also fight, and at times seem to “hate” each other. A very real life kind of story.

There is danger around every corner and that also seems to effect their love story. The time of Elizabeth Tudor’s reign was not one of total peace by any means especially if you did not agree with everything the Queen does and say’s. Overall this was a great book with good writing and complex characters. If you like Shakespeare and the Tudor era your going to like this book.

My Gemstone Rating:

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Book Review: Perfect Match by Jodi Picoult

What does it mean to be a good mother? How far would you go in the name of love — and justice?

Perfect Match

In the course of her everyday work, career-driven assistant district attorney Nina Frost prosecutes child molesters and works determinedly to ensure that a legal system with too many loopholes keeps these criminals behind bars. But when her own five-year-old son, Nathaniel, is traumatized by a sexual assault, Nina and her husband, Caleb, a quiet and methodical stone mason, are shattered, ripped apart by an enraging sense of helplessness in the face of a futile justice system that Nina knows all too well. In a heartbeat, Nina’s absolute truths and convictions are turned upside down, and she hurtles toward a plan to exact her own justice for her son — no matter the consequence, whatever the sacrifice

This is not my favorite of Jodi Picoult’s works. It seemed like the book was written in haste and things were made a lot more complex then they really needed to be. The premise itself seemed like a good idea and overall in the broad strokes it was. However because of the not needed overly complex things put into the story you just do not feel that connected to it at all. Which is sad because the subject matter is deep and you SHOULD feel connected. I like the authors work but this one is not high on my list.

My Gemstone Rating:

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Book Review: Revenge of the Rose by Nicole Galland

Welcome to a world of intrigue of the most intriguing kind, where emperors and popes desperately vie for power, even as their subjects and servants engage in behind-the-scenes machinations of their own. “The Holy Roman Empire circa 1200 A.D.”

Impoverished young knight Willem of Dole believed he would spend his life in rural Burgundy, struggling to provide for his widowed mother and younger sister, Lienor. And so it’s with surprise–and apprehension–that he obeys a summons to the magnificent court of Konrad, Holy Roman Emperor, whose realm spans half of Europe. Willem’s mischievous friend Jouglet, Konrad’s favorite minstrel, is no doubt behind it somehow . . . but what’s in it for Jouglet?

Court life is overwhelming to the idealistic young Willem, who is shocked by the behavior of his fellow knights, for whom chivalry is a mere game. Yet under Jouglet’s witty, relentless tutelage, the naive knight quickly rises in Emperor Konrad’s esteem–until suddenly his sister, Lienor, becomes a prospect for the role of Empress. This unexpected elevation of the sibling “nobodies” delights Jouglet, but threatens three powerful–and dangerous–men at the court: the Emperor’s brother, Cardinal Paul, who has in mind a different bride for Konrad; the Emperor’s uncle, Alphonse, Count of Burgundy, who would keep secret certain things that only Willem can reveal; and most especially the Emperor’s own steward Marcus, who is hopelessly in love with Konrad’s cousin Imogen. For if Willem’s star keeps rising, Imogen will be betrothed to the knight by royal decree–and Willem’s star will surely continue to rise, unless Marcus figures out a way to stop it. But that would entail outscheming cleverJouglet, ablest of schemers.

Gossip, secrets, and lies are the fuel of daily life in Konrad’s court. As Konrad edges closer to proclaiming Lienor his bride, those around Willem play a perilous game of cat-and-mouse as they attempt to secure their own fortunes, knowing that even the slightest move can shift the playing field entirely. And through it all, Jouglet remains Willem’s most maddening yet staunchest ally. But what, really, does Jouglet stand to gain . . . or lose?

Transporting the reader to the brilliant, conniving heart of the largest empire of medieval Europe, “Revenge of the Rose” is a novel rich in irony and tongue-in-cheek wit, and reveals all the grit and color, politics and passion, of court life in the Holy Roman Empire.

It is books like this that made me fall in love with historical fiction. There are so many layers and so much fun with the different characters that you just enjoy reading each and every word as it unfolds. A couple of the twists I did guess them before they were revealed, however I did not care because it was still so artfully written you could not help but enjoy it.

I actually really liked Konrad even though he could be a bit of an ass sometimes. Overall as a ruler he was fair and forgiving unless you really crossed him in an unforgiving way. Willem really reminds me of William Thatcher from a Knights tale on several levels, but on others he is very much his own character so for me I connected to him the most. I would highly recommend this one to any lover of Historical Fiction.

My Gemstone Rating:

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Book Review: Lover be Mine by Nicole Jordan

Release Date: May 28th 2013

From New York Times bestselling author Nicole Jordan comes this Romeo and Juliet-like story-the scorching second book in her wickedly sexy Legendary Lovers regency romance series, following Princess Charming.

When Lord Jack Wilde’s cousin tries to match him with Lady Sophie Fortin, he isn’t too thrilled by the prospect since Sophie’s family has long feuded with the Wildes. Nevertheless he attends a masquerade ball in disguise and when he meets Sophie, he’s drawn to her. The attraction is mutual-until she learns who he is. Angry that Jack has tricked her into lowering her guard under false pretenses, Sophie declares she doesn’t ever want to see him again. But then Jack shows up in unexpected places, driving her crazy with his seductive advances. She doesn’t want her parents finding out that she even knows him, let alone succumbed to his passionate kisses. If her father discovers Jack courting her, blood could be shed. Yet, Sophie still wants him and realizes that in order for the star-crossed lovers to be together, they must try to somehow settle the bitter feud between their families once and for all

This was the first book that I have read by Nicole Jordan and I did like it. I think for me some of the Romeo and Juliet stuff was a little bit to much, maybe even unbelievable which to me made the story drag in parts which is why the rating I have chosen for this one.

However the writing itself is solid and enjoyable it was not a bad book to read and if you like the genre or are already a fan of the author your going to enjoy this book. Lord Jack is your typical hero in a romance novel, he does not want to Marry he is a bit of a rake and a handsome devil. But hey that is what makes you adore him, and he does find himself attracted to Lady Sophie whether he wants to be or not. Over all not the greatest book I have ever read but it was a fun read and one I do not regret picking up. Thank you Net Galley for the chance to read this one.

My Gemstone Rating:

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