When I read Enchanted Islands by award-winning author Allison Amend, I didn’t realize I had previously read a novel by her that I loved, A Nearly PerfWhen I read Enchanted Islands by award-winning author Allison Amend, I didn’t realize I had previously read a novel by her that I loved, A Nearly Perfect Copy (link to my review at the end of this review). I loved Enchanted Islands every bit as much. Not realizing I had read anything by her, I found myself wondering why I hadn’t discovered this author before…talk about a head-desk moment when I realized I had. These novels are so different from each other that hopefully I can be forgiven that brain fart moment.
Enchanted Islands is fiction but it’s based on memoirs written by Frances Conway, chronicling her life with her husband as World War II spies stationed on the Galapagos Islands, of all places. Nobody could make that kind of stuff up and have it be believable; however, apparently the U.S. actually had spies stationed there during the war…go figure. This is not, however, just a story about people living among Darwin’s evolutionary creatures in a jungle setting. It is a story about relationships, deep and often dark secrets, survival and hope. At its heart, it is also very much a fish out of water story. And this new tale from Ms. Amend is filled with layers and layers to uncover, making for a riveting story. Should you read it? Find out at http://popcornreads.com/?p=9118...more
Ellin Carsta is as mysterious as the novels she writes. She is a successful German author who writes under various pseudonyms. My internet research waEllin Carsta is as mysterious as the novels she writes. She is a successful German author who writes under various pseudonyms. My internet research was completely unsuccessful in discovering anything else about her work…and that’s unusual for me. Normally I can find something, but not in this case.
The Secret Healer was translated into English by Terry Laster, who did an excellent job. This 14th century story flows beautifully with none of the sometimes rough spots a lesser translation might have. I was drawn to this novel because its story is one I’m always drawn to – women helping women throughout history despite often overwhelming odds and heavy prices paid. It’s also a lesson in how fear of the unknown and ignorance can lead to horrible consequences…a timely lesson, unfortunately. And at the heart of all of this is a beautifully written coming-of-age tale that is a joy to read. I hope you like it as much as I did. Read the rest of my review at http://popcornreads.com/?p=9059...more
Book Review & Giveaway: What is it that so fascinates us about court intrigue and the entangled history of the English monarchy? I’ve read quite a bitBook Review & Giveaway: What is it that so fascinates us about court intrigue and the entangled history of the English monarchy? I’ve read quite a bit about the English monarchy but when I saw that bestselling historical author Conn Iggulden had begun a new series, War of the Roses, I could hardly wait to get my hands on Book #1, Stormbird. I knew from his reputation that it was likely to include meticulous research morphed into fascinating fiction so I could hardly wait to dig into it. And then I could not put it down. Let’s just say that it takes family feuds to a whole new level. If you’re a historical fiction fan, then you’ll definitely want to enter our giveaway at http://popcornreads.com/?p=7499 someone will win a copy!...more
When I chose The Girls at the Kingfisher Club by award-winning author Genevieve Valentine, I didn’t realize that it is a reimagining of the old BrotheWhen I chose The Girls at the Kingfisher Club by award-winning author Genevieve Valentine, I didn’t realize that it is a reimagining of the old Brothers Grimm tale, The Twelve Dancing Princesses, brought forward to the Roaring Twenties. Set in Manhattan during Prohibition, when secret underground clubs thrived despite almost constant raids, the story is made modern and much more relevant. If you like novels about the Jazz Age, family drama, and/or the age-old story of how teens will find a way to have fun no matter how strict their parents might be then read the rest of my review at http://popcornreads.com/?p=7423....more
I loved The Winter Witch by bestselling author Paula Brackston, so I could hardly wait to read The Midnight Witch when I received it. It sat on my booI loved The Winter Witch by bestselling author Paula Brackston, so I could hardly wait to read The Midnight Witch when I received it. It sat on my bookshelf taunting me while I read books I’d already committed to before I got it. And it was well worth the wait. Paula Brackston’s forte is romantic historical fantasy, and this time she’s taking us to England on the cusp of World War II. I’m also delighted that we have a copy to use in a giveaway that someone will win at http://popcornreads.com/?p=7246....more
Book Review & Giveaway: China’s culture and history have always fascinated me, so it probably shouldn’t be a surprise that I gravitated toward Three SBook Review & Giveaway: China’s culture and history have always fascinated me, so it probably shouldn’t be a surprise that I gravitated toward Three Souls by Canadian author Janie Chang. What sold me on deciding to read it though was the concept, which was unlike anything I’d read before. We know the choices we make in life have consequences we can’t predict but what would it be like to be able to see how those consequences play out and possibly make amends for those that have a severely negative impact on others? If you like historical and/or cross-cultural novels that give you a bird’s eye view into people’s lives and the consequences of their decisions then you’ll want to learn more about this compelling debut novel. Go to http://popcornreads.com/?p=7172 to learn more & enter our giveaway!...more
All of the above is beside the point though because I got a real kick out of reading Palace of Spies by award-winning author Sarah Zettel, and I refusAll of the above is beside the point though because I got a real kick out of reading Palace of Spies by award-winning author Sarah Zettel, and I refuse to let my computer reading experience get in the way of that. It’s a YA novel that, from an adult POV, is quite funny. It’s also Book #1 in a new series. Whoot! This historical mystery has a snarky attitude and doesn’t take itself too seriously but it does ring mostly true for the period. Should you read it? Find out at http://popcornreads.com/?p=6804....more
I never know what I’m going to find when I agree to read a debut novel, much less a novel written by writing partners. Sometimes the result is wonderfI never know what I’m going to find when I agree to read a debut novel, much less a novel written by writing partners. Sometimes the result is wonderful and sometimes not so much. Although One Great Year by Tamara Veitch and Rene DeFazio is not at all what I expected, it was a very interesting surprise. It is basically an alternative history/fantasy/love story, rooted in the concept of reincarnation. Add in dashes of philosophy, spirituality, historical milestones, ageless wisdom and human nature – blend well and serve.
My first thought was that the New Age crowd who liked The Celestine Prophecy is going to love this one. At the same time, its lessons about the universal and ageless nature of human existence down through time are things everyone will benefit from. We all believe we are unique, and at the same time we are all the same. One Great Year raises questions that have kept me thinking ever since I finished it. At its heart, it’s a classic good vs. evil story combined with an obsessive love story but I feel the way that story is presented makes it worth the journey. See if you agree when you read the rest of my review at http://popcornreads.com/?p=6739. ...more
Book Review & Giveaway: When I saw The Wedding Gift by Marlen Suyapa Bodden, I welcomed a novel about slavery from an African American point of view bBook Review & Giveaway: When I saw The Wedding Gift by Marlen Suyapa Bodden, I welcomed a novel about slavery from an African American point of view because so many novels about the pre-Civil War era are written by Caucasian women. Don’t get me wrong – a lot of those novels have been excellent. Still, I’ve always felt they lacked something. Now you may be thinking you don’t want to read yet another novel about slavery. If you liked The Life of Bees or even The Help, then you’ll want to give this one a closer look. This is a novel about family and relationships, about the human spirit and hope, as much as it is about history. And someone will win a copy in our giveaway - read the rest of my review & enter to win it at http://popcornreads.com/?p=6743....more
I found the title of Shona Patel’s debut novel, Teatime for the Firefly, very intriguing for some reason. I had hosted many pretend tea parties as a cI found the title of Shona Patel’s debut novel, Teatime for the Firefly, very intriguing for some reason. I had hosted many pretend tea parties as a child but never for a firefly. What could this novel be about? When I read the publisher’s brief description, I knew I wanted to read it although I was still puzzling about that title. This is a historical novel, based in Assam in northeastern India, an area known for its fine tea. It was also one of the eight provinces under British rule during the period in which Teatime for the Firefly occurs. If you like historical cross-cultural novels with strong female protagonists then read the rest of my review at http://popcornreads.com/?p=6541....more
Any Other Name is Book #2 in the Split Worlds series by Emma Newman. When we reviewed Between Two Thorns, Book #1 in The Split Worlds, series, I was hAny Other Name is Book #2 in the Split Worlds series by Emma Newman. When we reviewed Between Two Thorns, Book #1 in The Split Worlds, series, I was hooked big time on this concept of two worlds co-existing side by side in the midst of England’s bustling urban areas not to mention the characters. So needless to say, I was excited when I learned Any Other Name was being released so soon afterward. A link to the review of Between Two Thorns appears at the end of this review. If you’re a fantasy and or fae/fairy fan then this series is likely to appeal to you. One word of warning though: These are not sweet little flower fairies. These are the Fae you were warned about in old-school cautionary tales, and you forget it at your peril! Read the rest of my review at http://popcornreads.com/?p=6060....more
In Quintessence, award-winning author David Walton blends science fiction and fantasy in a manner that would make Jules Verne proud. When I saw the boIn Quintessence, award-winning author David Walton blends science fiction and fantasy in a manner that would make Jules Verne proud. When I saw the book cover for Quintessence, it looked like just the kind of adventure I was in the mood for and, when I read the concept from Tor Publishing, I was sold. Are you in the mood for alternate history on a flat Earth with mysterious occurrences, alchemy, strange creatures and courageous explorers? Read the rest of my review at http://popcornreads.com/?p=5661....more
I almost passed on reading and reviewing The Fire Horse Girl by Kay Honeyman. What sold me is that this is in some ways a personal story for the authoI almost passed on reading and reviewing The Fire Horse Girl by Kay Honeyman. What sold me is that this is in some ways a personal story for the author, who has adopted two Chinese children. I’m so glad I decided to give it a chance. Although it is written for a YA audience, The Fire Horse Girl transcends age. If you like historical novels about other cultures and a realistic story about immigrants coming to America then read the rest of my review at http://popcornreads.com/?p=5483....more
Book Review & Giveaway: We’re participating in the Leap into Books Giveaway Hop and are pleased to be hosting a giveaway for Between Two Thorns by EmmBook Review & Giveaway: We’re participating in the Leap into Books Giveaway Hop and are pleased to be hosting a giveaway for Between Two Thorns by Emma Newman. This is Book #1 in the Split Worlds series and, if it’s an indication, this is going to be a fun thrill ride of a series! It features a world split into two (doh), with humans none the wiser about the other side. The Fae in this novel are not sweet little flower fairies but more the type who would leave a changeling in your baby’s bed if no one were keeping an eye on them. If you like sci-fi/fantasy mixed in with mystery and thriller elements then you’ll want to read the rest of my review & enter our giveaway for an ARC of it at http://popcornreads.com/?p=5507....more
Book Review & Giveaway: I’m often drawn to novels by their book covers and The Secret of the Nightingale Palace by Dana Sachs was no exception. I had Book Review & Giveaway: I’m often drawn to novels by their book covers and The Secret of the Nightingale Palace by Dana Sachs was no exception. I had to find out who the people were behind the paper parasol. When I read the publisher’s description, I knew it was no accident that I was attracted to this novel. This is a story within a story – a contemporary novel containing historical fiction. In movie terms, it’s a road trip, but it’s so much more. It’s romantic, elegant and will touch your heart in oh so many ways. Sound interesting? Read the rest of our review & enter to win it at http://popcornreads.com/?p=5421....more
Book Review & Giveaway: We’re participating in the Romance Is in the Air Giveaway Hop. Our giveaway for this hop is Pantomime by Laura Lam. Pantomime Book Review & Giveaway: We’re participating in the Romance Is in the Air Giveaway Hop. Our giveaway for this hop is Pantomime by Laura Lam. Pantomime is a quasi-romance but is also a YA fantasy novel about self-discovery. This is an unusual book in many ways; one filled with magic, secrets, and suspense. It’s approved for anyone 14 or older; however, we feel like it will appeal to people of all ages, as do a lot of YA novels. Read the rest of our review & enter to win a copy at http://popcornreads.com/?p=5408....more
Book Review & Giveaway: We’re participating in the Back to the Future Giveaway Hop and had a choice: We could choose a magical historical or a futurisBook Review & Giveaway: We’re participating in the Back to the Future Giveaway Hop and had a choice: We could choose a magical historical or a futuristic novel. I couldn’t resist featuring The Winter Witch by New York Times bestselling Welsh author Paula Brackston because it is truly magical. Maybe I’ve always been fascinated by Wales because my mother is part Welsh. For whatever reason, I couldn’t resist a story about a 19th century Welsh witch. Like historical fiction, witches – good and evil, clean romance, or just stories about women with indomitable spirits? Want to win it? Read the rest of my review and enter to win it at http://popcornreads.com/?p=5313....more
I fell in love with the book cover for The Assassin’s Curse by Cassandra Rose Clarke and, once I’d read the publisher’s description, I knew I had to rI fell in love with the book cover for The Assassin’s Curse by Cassandra Rose Clarke and, once I’d read the publisher’s description, I knew I had to read it. This is our second review of a novel from the new Strange Chemistry imprint. If it can be judged by these two novels, Strange Chemistry is going to a YA imprint to watch! The Assassin’s Curse is a fun, quite often snarky, action-adventure tale filled with sorcery and elemental magic, political intrigue, strange and sometimes ethereal places, and interesting creatures. What a fun way to start the week! Read the rest of my review at http://popcornreads.com/?p=4756....more
It has always seemed ironic to me that innocent, beautiful things like lace or tulips become so sought after that they are literally fought over by enIt has always seemed ironic to me that innocent, beautiful things like lace or tulips become so sought after that they are literally fought over by entire countries. So when I saw The Ruins of Lace by Iris Anthony, I knew I had to read it. Whether you’re a history buff or not, I suspect this novel will be a welcome change of pace from the novels that are usually featured this time of year. It’s a high-stakes adventure filled with danger, romance, and the ever-present misuse of power. Read the rest of my review at http://popcornreads.com/?p=4733....more
Book Review & Giveaway: Welcome to two diametrically opposed worlds, one containing daimons and one containing humans and witches. Both contain deep sBook Review & Giveaway: Welcome to two diametrically opposed worlds, one containing daimons and one containing humans and witches. Both contain deep secrets. Fantasy, dark romance, battles to the death, and above all two young women’s struggles to not just survive but to thrive despite the rules in two class-rigid societies. One knows all too well who she is while the other has no clue. Sound interesting? Well read on, and enter our giveaway at http://popcornreads.com/?p=4761....more
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