Elizabeth I was Queen of England for 44 years and has been labelled everything from a weak woman led by her council to a bitter, jealous heretic and tyrant whose vanity led her to demand constant attention from her courtiers despite refusing suitor after suitor for her hand. She could be paranoid and often seemed incapable of reaching decisions in a timely manner or at times even reversing them all together. What Lisa Hilton's book shows us though is that not all was as it seemed. Indeed though Elizabeth was prone to faults that often times skewed her reactions, her decisions were not only those of a monarch struggling to make a tiny kingdom one of the world powers but of a Renaissance Prince who was more than capable of the Machiavellian machinations that were needed for her country to flourish and survive in that world.
With new research out of France, Italy, Russia, and Turkey, Hilton has created a biography that transcends Elizabeth as a Queen and reveals her thoughts about the body politic of a Prince. Although she was not afraid to use being a woman to her advantage, Elizabeth was also aware of the necessary sacrifices a Prince must make in order to effectively govern. Combined with the lessons she learned from an early age regarding the precariousness of being on the front lines of a ruling family helped to create a monarch who was able to craft, along with her network of spies, allies and council, a court that has been grossly underestimated by historians.
England under Elizabeth forged new paths in religion, trade, and world politics and watched as new empires rose and old ones fell. This book is a worthy mirror to hold up to some of the most important years of the Renaissance. And to one of the most looked at but underestimated leaders of the time. A definite recommendation to anyone who is interested in the historical maelstrom of the Elizabethan court and it's amazingly sophisticated tapestry of intrigue.
Friday, December 25, 2015
Monday, December 21, 2015
"Tumtum and Nutmeg: Adventures Beyond Nutmouse Hall" by Emily Bearn
TumTum and Nutmeg are two mice just trying to live a quiet, peaceful life at their beautiful mansion Nutmouse Hall. But in these three adventures they are doing everything but enjoying a restful day. In the first adventure they must face the terrible presence of Aunt Ivy who is so dreadfully afraid of mice that she is determined to exterminate the Hutmouses no matter what she must do. Their second adventure sees them having to rescue their friend General Marchmouse from a cage full of gerbils at the local school using pogo sticks and some elegant ballerinas. The last adventure takes them to the wide waters of the Pond where rat pirates will hold them hostage and their only hope will be their wits and some chocolate liqueurs.
These tales of full of adventure and danger and silliness. A perfect combination for those readers just starting on their own adventure of reading stories for the love of it.
These tales of full of adventure and danger and silliness. A perfect combination for those readers just starting on their own adventure of reading stories for the love of it.
"The Book of Beasts" by E. Nesbit
This is a beautifully rendered illustrated edition of E. Nesbit's short story. The story itself stays pretty much true to the original and is a perfect fantasy addition to add to any child's library.
When Lionel becomes King he is brought to the Palace and discovers a huge library that is now all his and is overjoyed as he loves to read. His counselors however warn him that this library is full of books that would best be left unread. But what happens when Lionel comes across a book called The Book of Beasts, why he opens it of course! Out pops a butterfly and a bluebird of happiness, but what else lingers between the pages? When Lionel unintentionally lets lose a dragon he finds out that sometimes things are better left alone. Will he be able to rescue his kingdom from the dragon alone or will he need help that only the book can offer. Great story.
When Lionel becomes King he is brought to the Palace and discovers a huge library that is now all his and is overjoyed as he loves to read. His counselors however warn him that this library is full of books that would best be left unread. But what happens when Lionel comes across a book called The Book of Beasts, why he opens it of course! Out pops a butterfly and a bluebird of happiness, but what else lingers between the pages? When Lionel unintentionally lets lose a dragon he finds out that sometimes things are better left alone. Will he be able to rescue his kingdom from the dragon alone or will he need help that only the book can offer. Great story.
"The Enchanted Castle" by E. Nesbit
This is a classic tale of four children who stumble upon a fairy tale castle inclusive of a sleeping princess just like in their fairy tales. Except she's not really a princess but the housekeeper's niece but there is a magic ring that grants wishes. So the four intrepid youngsters decide too each have a turn but things are not as simple as wishing, for everything has a price and the magic that lives at Yalding is an ancient one that is more powerful than the children could ever know. From bringing cobbled together coat creatures to life and causing unsuspecting invisibility, to growing spurts that would make your mom swoon this has a little bit of everything for the child who's imagination, like the children in the book, knows no bounds.
Noel Coward considered Nesbit to be the most talented writer at being able to evoke the hot summer days of a child's childhood, of the charming, evocative stories she wrote with such a light hand and charm. H. G. Wells wrote her a note in which he said he esteemed her and bowed before her after having read her book The Phoenix and the Carpet. Other great writers like George Bernard Shaw and Rudyard Kipling were fans as well, so what are you waiting for. Before J. K. Rowling, there was E. Nesbit.
Noel Coward considered Nesbit to be the most talented writer at being able to evoke the hot summer days of a child's childhood, of the charming, evocative stories she wrote with such a light hand and charm. H. G. Wells wrote her a note in which he said he esteemed her and bowed before her after having read her book The Phoenix and the Carpet. Other great writers like George Bernard Shaw and Rudyard Kipling were fans as well, so what are you waiting for. Before J. K. Rowling, there was E. Nesbit.
"The Mysterious Howling (The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place, #1)" by Maryrose Wood
Miss Penelope Lumley is no ordinary governess. Only fifteen years old and a recent graduate of the Swanburne Academy for Poor Bright Females, she has just been hired at Ashton Place to take care of three children who were recently found in the woods on the estate. No one knows where they came from but they are more like wolves than children. They have been given the names Alexander for the eldest, Beowulf who is the next eldest, and little Cassiopeia who bite is far worse than her growl.
Penelope embraces the challenge of her new position. Though she is eager to instruct the children in Latin verbs and the proper use of globes, first she must help them overcome their canine tendencies in time for Lady Constance's Christmas party where they will be expected to mingle and dance the Scottishe, a country reel. Although the children are progressing nicely there are still questions that Penelope cannot answer and when the children come across a secret room that may hold more than dust bunnies Penelope begins to see there is more at work at Ashton Place than her young charges education.
A mystery is unraveling around Penelope and the children and what the reasons are are still unclear but Penelope is about to come to the understanding that sometimes the people you are uncertain of may be the only ones who can help.
Penelope embraces the challenge of her new position. Though she is eager to instruct the children in Latin verbs and the proper use of globes, first she must help them overcome their canine tendencies in time for Lady Constance's Christmas party where they will be expected to mingle and dance the Scottishe, a country reel. Although the children are progressing nicely there are still questions that Penelope cannot answer and when the children come across a secret room that may hold more than dust bunnies Penelope begins to see there is more at work at Ashton Place than her young charges education.
A mystery is unraveling around Penelope and the children and what the reasons are are still unclear but Penelope is about to come to the understanding that sometimes the people you are uncertain of may be the only ones who can help.
"The Night Parade" by Kathryn Tanquary
Received this as an ARC from the publisher but the review is my own.
This is a really lovely tale based on Japanese folk lore and tradition. The whole time I was reading this book I could not help but wish that Hayao Miyazaki would direct a film adaptation; it fairly screams to be on the big screen.
It surrounds a young girl named Saki who along with her younger brother, father, and mother have traveled to her grandmother's mountain village to attend a traditional celebration where reference for ancestors is shared among the living. Such preparations and rituals are of little interest to Saki who is focused on being able to communicate via cellphone with her friends in Tokyo. Being part of their group is all she can focus on so when she meets a similar group in the village she tries to fit in with them but this leads to actions which desecrate an ancestral shrine that the family has taken care of for as far back as the village has existed. Saki, in trying to prove herself cool has unwittingly called down upon herself a death curse and the only way she can possibly alter her future now is to attend the night parade where the spirits of the land journey to attend festivals of their own.
In her quest for redemption Saki will meet creatures she never dreamed existed and come face to face with the importance of her family's past and the knowledge that in her struggle to fit in with her friends in Tokyo she has missed the importance of her family's experiences and uniqueness. She must find the strength in herself to be genuine and stand tall on her own no matter what fears or enemies she needs to face in order to lift the curse.
This is a really lovely tale based on Japanese folk lore and tradition. The whole time I was reading this book I could not help but wish that Hayao Miyazaki would direct a film adaptation; it fairly screams to be on the big screen.
It surrounds a young girl named Saki who along with her younger brother, father, and mother have traveled to her grandmother's mountain village to attend a traditional celebration where reference for ancestors is shared among the living. Such preparations and rituals are of little interest to Saki who is focused on being able to communicate via cellphone with her friends in Tokyo. Being part of their group is all she can focus on so when she meets a similar group in the village she tries to fit in with them but this leads to actions which desecrate an ancestral shrine that the family has taken care of for as far back as the village has existed. Saki, in trying to prove herself cool has unwittingly called down upon herself a death curse and the only way she can possibly alter her future now is to attend the night parade where the spirits of the land journey to attend festivals of their own.
In her quest for redemption Saki will meet creatures she never dreamed existed and come face to face with the importance of her family's past and the knowledge that in her struggle to fit in with her friends in Tokyo she has missed the importance of her family's experiences and uniqueness. She must find the strength in herself to be genuine and stand tall on her own no matter what fears or enemies she needs to face in order to lift the curse.
"The Best Parts of Christmas" by Bethany Deeney Murguia
Fritz and his family are celebrating Christmas in different ways including finding the best Christmas tree they can. But something is not quite right, what can Fritz do to help the tree achieve the best results and include everyone? By using his imagination, anything can be a decoration. And when the time comes to say goodbye to the holiday is there a way of extending the magic of Christmas? Fritz thinks he's found a way after all. A sweet look at the way a child can continue to see the magic of Christmas beyond the actual holidays.
"The Very Smiley Snowman (Peek-a-Boo Pop Ups)" by Jack Tickle
The Snowman and his animal friends share the excitement they feel about Christmas with children in this delightful pop up book. Great for younger readers, the pop ups are eye catching, perfect additions to the story line. Cheerful choice for the holidays.
"Pete the Cat Saves Christmas" by Eric Litwin
With a chance to help out Santa for Christmas, Pete the Cat needs to deliver gifts to all the little boys and girls even if he is only little himself. But can he do it? Pete knows he can, after all Christmas is the season of giving. Following the same catchy repetition of the previous titles in the series, this is a great addition to any child's shelf and is sure to become a favorite part of their holiday traditions.
Thursday, December 10, 2015
"Web of Lies (Elemental Assassin, #2)" by Jennifer Estep
This was a quick, fun book with a main character who is strong enough to carry a story line. As this is the second book in the series there are a few mentions of previous adventures but they are summarily described so you can read these alone or get more of a fleshed out version by reading them chronologically.
Gin Blanco is a retired assassin. She spent years killing for hire but now she's just trying to keep busy. When her barbecue place gets held up she does what a girl's gotta do to keep the peace. Ashland is not the place to be seen as looking like an easy target even if the crook is the son of a top ranked lawyer who just happens to be connected to the most powerful and ruthless woman around. But with her elemental powers of metal and ice Gin is no ordinary girl and she's more than willing to step toe to toe with anyone who dares to threaten what she holds dear.
So when a young girl enters her place and asks for the man who rescued Gin from the streets and was brutally murdered, Gin realizes that retirement may not be all that it's cracked up to be. With everything that's been occurring lately Gin makes the decision to help protect a family being threatened. Not for the money but because they remind her of what she was once, innocent and the soul wrenching devastation that came when her family was destroyed. This time she's not going to let that happen.
As Gin delves into ferreting out what's really going on she stumbles onto information that may not only help her clear up the reasoning for her family's murders but also the possibility that her sister maybe alive. With this revelation comes the realization that the one person she trusted may have betrayed her. Gin is about to learn that nothing may be what it seems. Not even herself.
Gin Blanco is a retired assassin. She spent years killing for hire but now she's just trying to keep busy. When her barbecue place gets held up she does what a girl's gotta do to keep the peace. Ashland is not the place to be seen as looking like an easy target even if the crook is the son of a top ranked lawyer who just happens to be connected to the most powerful and ruthless woman around. But with her elemental powers of metal and ice Gin is no ordinary girl and she's more than willing to step toe to toe with anyone who dares to threaten what she holds dear.
So when a young girl enters her place and asks for the man who rescued Gin from the streets and was brutally murdered, Gin realizes that retirement may not be all that it's cracked up to be. With everything that's been occurring lately Gin makes the decision to help protect a family being threatened. Not for the money but because they remind her of what she was once, innocent and the soul wrenching devastation that came when her family was destroyed. This time she's not going to let that happen.
As Gin delves into ferreting out what's really going on she stumbles onto information that may not only help her clear up the reasoning for her family's murders but also the possibility that her sister maybe alive. With this revelation comes the realization that the one person she trusted may have betrayed her. Gin is about to learn that nothing may be what it seems. Not even herself.
Sunday, December 6, 2015
"Shakespeare's Rebel" by C.C. Humpreys
I received this an an ARC from the publisher but the review is my own.
A well written continuation to the Jean Rombaud lineage, Humphreys has again created characters that leap off the page as flesh and blood men whose decisions, sometimes forced by the hand of fate lead them into the thick of the fight. This is a novel about a time where old virtues are being pushed aside by new ideas and no one is safe, not even Queen Elizabeth from the coming storm as the two vying factions of her court aim to outdo each other in their bid for her attentions and control of the government.
As Essex and Cecil fight their political battles, men like John Lawley find themselves scrambling for control of their own futures where every decision could led to a fatal downfall. Lawley has battled by Essex's side and it has been a perilous journey which has often come at a high cost but never so much as now. As John strives to piece together his life and restore himself as a player with William Shakespeare's company he finds himself once again being pulled into the turmoil of Essex's influence. But this time John will find himself the unwilling pawn of not only two great men but a woman who is facing losing the only thing she can not live without, her throne.
Told with a clear love and understanding of the time period, this tale is laden with treason, espionage, love lost and found, and a dark sense of humor that only underlines the sheer treachery and uncertainty of the times. Even if you have not read the preceding novels, this standalone is a look at a man whose whole world revolves around one toss of the die. A definite addition to your must read bookshelf.
A well written continuation to the Jean Rombaud lineage, Humphreys has again created characters that leap off the page as flesh and blood men whose decisions, sometimes forced by the hand of fate lead them into the thick of the fight. This is a novel about a time where old virtues are being pushed aside by new ideas and no one is safe, not even Queen Elizabeth from the coming storm as the two vying factions of her court aim to outdo each other in their bid for her attentions and control of the government.
As Essex and Cecil fight their political battles, men like John Lawley find themselves scrambling for control of their own futures where every decision could led to a fatal downfall. Lawley has battled by Essex's side and it has been a perilous journey which has often come at a high cost but never so much as now. As John strives to piece together his life and restore himself as a player with William Shakespeare's company he finds himself once again being pulled into the turmoil of Essex's influence. But this time John will find himself the unwilling pawn of not only two great men but a woman who is facing losing the only thing she can not live without, her throne.
Told with a clear love and understanding of the time period, this tale is laden with treason, espionage, love lost and found, and a dark sense of humor that only underlines the sheer treachery and uncertainty of the times. Even if you have not read the preceding novels, this standalone is a look at a man whose whole world revolves around one toss of the die. A definite addition to your must read bookshelf.
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