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Reading Recommendations

Feel free to either add books that you've enjoyed, or provide reviews for books already on the board. Each message represents a book and is in the format: TYPE (Historical, Time Travel etc.) - AUTHOR (last, first) - TITLE. Please maintain this format in the subject line and keep replies in the "subject" area if possible.

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Can anyone help me find a book? -- 'becca beccabee, 16:03:28 12/23/07 Sun
I'll post inside first response for space concerns.

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Replies:
- In here in here in here>>>>>>> -- 'becca beccabee, 16:10:55 12/23/07 Sun
  - Wow, that sounds like quite the book! The synopsis was interesting anyway. Good luck! (NT) -- LalaB, 19:59:23 12/23/07 Sun
  - Hey 'becca, Got your e-card and loved it. Thank you. This sounds like a great book . . . when you find it let us know. Obviously you haven't forgotten the plot . . . I've done that as well. The title/author are gone but the plot lingers on. (groan) Have a nice Christmas. (NT) -- CathyS, 13:55:06 12/24/07 Mon
  - Sorry, can't help you! Sounds like quite a read! (NT) -- Marg, 15:48:33 12/24/07 Mon
- sorry, becca. I don't know that book. (NT) -- susiej, 08:48:00 12/24/07 Mon
- Up Island -- Zuri, 11:29:22 12/27/07 Thu
  - thankyouthankyouthankyouthankyouthankyou!!!!!!! (NT) -- 'becca beccabee, 06:29:03 12/28/07 Fri
- Author is Anne Rivers Siddons -- Zuri, 11:31:10 12/27/07 Thu
- Yes, this was one of Ms. Siddons better ones. I love her writing. I also liked Colony a lot. (NT) -- Brookita, 23:41:00 12/27/07 Thu
  - I have liked all of hers I have read, except, the one about the evil house. That one really creeped me out. So, I guess she did a good job of writing. (NT) -- 'becca beccabee, 07:52:32 12/30/07 Sun
"Fever" series by Karen Marie Moning -- LalaB, 14:06:41 12/27/07 Thu
Has anyone read this series? Darkfever came out last year and Bloodfever just came out. These are a departure from her time-travelling highlander romance novels, although a MacKeltar does make an appearance in the second book. Both books are quick reads and a whole lot darker than her other books. I listened to the audio book of Bloodfever and liked it, although I was a little annoyed by the fake southern accent of the performer. The main character is also a little annoying, but she grows on you. I liked her a whole lot more in the second book.

My verdict: great travel reading (especially on airplanes, it'll keep your mind off flying), or perhaps when you are visiting some relatives you don't especially care for. Not so much for the beach, it's a little too dark for that.

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Replies:
- Oh yes! Have been waiting patiently for the second one to come out! Will have to get me to a bookshop today! (NT) -- SueP, 14:36:14 12/27/07 Thu
- Thanks Lala. I haven't tried her "fever" series yet. I liked most of the Highlander series though. (NT) -- Gina C, 17:18:11 12/27/07 Thu
- I am on the library list for the second book! I think I am nearly at no. 1 now! Can't wait to get it! (NT) -- Marg, 03:14:59 12/28/07 Fri
- Love the Series so far -- Janice, 08:59:33 12/28/07 Fri
- Fun series -- Daria, 05:08:10 12/29/07 Sat
- Oops see inside previous message-SORRY! (NT) -- Daria, 22:03:23 12/29/07 Sat
The White Raven by Diana L. Paxson -- Lynn H., 13:05:16 12/23/07 Sun
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Replies:
- Susie, I finished the book! Here are my thoughts>>> -- Lynn H., 13:20:30 12/23/07 Sun
  - Lynn,>>>>> -- susiej, 08:47:26 12/24/07 Mon
    - Reply>>> -- Lynn H., 11:22:34 12/24/07 Mon
A Moment in Time by Bertrice Small -- Daria, 18:13:49 12/17/07 Mon
I unknowingly stumbled across this book one day in the "library" in the laundry room at my friend's apartment complex. I had never read anything by Ms Small before but had heard excellent reviews from another friend about her so I decided to take a gander. WOW! Unbeknowst to me I had a real treasure in my hands. This book has romance, fantasy, adventure, intrigue and irony all rolled into one.

The book takes place in 11th century Wales.

Here's the summary off the back:

"Young Wynne of Gwernach has no dreams of marriage. Innocent and pure of heart, she believes that love is an illusion. Instead, she devotes herself to managing the great family estate nestled in the raw beauty of Wales, vowing to protect it and her younger brother until he comes of age to inherit.

And then Madoc of Powys enters into her life, claiming his betrothal to Wynne when she was a babe. Madoc is both feared and worshipped throughout the land, for his family's power is said to stem from Merlin himself. Yet it is a very human desire he evokes in Wynne...his warm gaze makes her flesh burn with unaccustomed fire. Still, she remains firm in her belief that she can never marry, can never be owned.

But Madoc of Powys is a Celt in his heart and soul. He knows Wynne's reluctance to wed is the legacy of another life. In time she will know everything-for which he is both hopeful and desperately afraid. For Wynne and Madoc have been lovers in another time, another place. But what unfinished destiny lays between them?"

I recommend it to anyone. Has anyone else read it????? If you happen to pick it up let me know what you think.

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Replies:
- This sounds good. I had a pen pal in Powys for years and years! Now I have to read it! Thanks for sharing. (NT) -- Niseold, 13:39:53 12/18/07 Tue
  - You're welcome! -- Daria, 14:17:52 12/18/07 Tue
- Think I will be looking out for this one...as I live practically in Powys !!! (NT) -- Iona H, 07:53:19 12/20/07 Thu
- I read this about 14 years or so ago and I remember liking it a great deal. If I remember right it was a bit of a change from her usual bodice ripper styles. Great book! (NT) -- Sorcha, 17:02:40 12/22/07 Sat
- sounds great, Daria-thanks for sharing!!! My TBR list just grew longer which is good as i might die if it ever runs out. *g* (NT) -- susiej, 08:51:36 12/24/07 Mon
I finished Katherine. My thoughts inside the first reply. -- susiej, 10:40:57 12/12/07 Wed
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Replies:
- As to your question, Lynn>>>>> -- susiej, 11:07:05 12/12/07 Wed
  - Susie>>> -- Lynn H., 12:12:05 12/13/07 Thu
    - oh absolutely- Katherine touched me>>> -- susiej, 12:24:08 12/13/07 Thu
    - and another thing- it may not have been best for me to read this book, right now. I'm having a bit of a blue Christmas so the story affected me sadly. Beautiful but sad. Have you ever read The White Raven by Diana Paxson- now that is my ulitmate man!!!!! (NT) -- susiej, 12:26:22 12/13/07 Thu
      - I haven't. I will have to add that to my list! (NT) -- Lynn H., 21:50:09 12/13/07 Thu
        
        Oh do! I would love to know what you thought! (NT) -- susiej, 11:34:08 12/15/07 Sat
        
        I ordered it from the library today. (NT) -- Lynn H., 18:25:07 12/17/07 Mon
        
        Oh wow! I'm so exicted! I also read that book from the library and had such a hard time returning it- I rechecked it twice just so it could sit on my bedside table. You guys are the only people I know who understand that sort of compulsion. *g* (NT) -- susiej (), 06:31:53 12/18/07 Tue
        
        *g* Of course we understand. That's the kind of book I haunt used book sales for because I absolutely *need* to own my own copy. That's a much better feeling than when you buy something at the bookstore, and when you get to the last page you go, "Eh. I could have just checked this one out of the library." (NT) -- Lynn H., 13:46:53 12/18/07 Tue
- I agree, Susie. I just had an overwhelming sense of sadness more than anything at the end. Have you seen his armour? M&M has a picture of it on her website. It's amazing, he was like 6'7", which in those days must have made him seem like a giant. No wonder Katherine waited. um-hum (NT) -- Conmama, 09:37:23 12/13/07 Thu
  - Yes, I do agree that the man seemed pretty durn hot- no arguement there. (NT) -- susiej, 12:50:39 12/13/07 Thu
  - Im a Katherine Swynford yahoo group and theres people there that doubt thats his armour........so I dont know what to think to be honest. Just if it was him, the man had to tower about most of England. (NT) -- M&M, 13:05:10 12/13/07 Thu
- I'm about halfway through the book, better not check out any inside comments just yet. (NT) -- LT (Denise), 14:55:19 12/13/07 Thu
- Susie, Lynn, M&M - I've posted here before about Katherine - I'm a fan of Anya Seton from way back, and Katherine was a favourite of mine (and I finally found a hardcover edition which is now in my permanent library), but I too found Green Darkness fascinating for the same reason as you, Susie, the past life issues. There were times though when I was thoroughly disgusted with Celia, but, on the whole, it too is an excellent read. But I'm a sucker for history, and even if poetic license was used to write the story of Katherine and John, I still cry every time I read the part about their separation, and then the scene when they meet again. (NT) -- Ruthgold18, 10:02:22 12/17/07 Mon
  - yes, I find that past life idea very intriguing personally and its also just unique- I haven't read another book like that. Are there any other of Seton's books that you like? (NT) -- susiej, 14:50:06 12/17/07 Mon
    - I liked Avalon, and, especially, Devil Water, which has some Outlander relevance because it takes place across the timespan of the two Jacobite rebellions, and gets a bit into the settling of Colonial America. Dragonwyck is also a good gothic romance in the vein of the Bronte sisters. (NT) -- Lynn H., 18:29:03 12/17/07 Mon
      - Are you a Bronte fan- Jan 7th they are having a Jane Eyre discussion over at Shamrock and Stones- Lady Peggy's site. Celtgirl is doing the first set of chapters and I'm doing the next set. (NT) -- susiej, 06:34:44 12/18/07 Tue
        
        I'm kind of ambivalent about the Bronte sisters. I've only read Wuthering Heights (which I thought was over the top) and Jane Eyre (which I didn't think much of when reading it as a high school senior, but liked much better the second time, after seeing the new miniseries.) That reread is still pretty fresh in my mind, so maybe I'm up to a book discussion... Maybe... (NT) -- Lynn H., 07:49:22 12/18/07 Tue
        
        I'mhaving the same reaction with Jane- better the second time around- I'm thinking there are somethings you just can't get as a teen or very young woman that come with age, marriage and motherhood. (NT) -- susiej, 08:16:58 12/19/07 Wed
        
        I suppose you're right. I remember being outraged at Mr. Rochester when I was a teenager. "How could he do that to Jane?" And now that I'm older, and everything isn't so black and white, I can understand why a bit better. (Oh, I guess I do have lots of things to discuss about this book!) (NT) -- Lynn H., 19:36:31 12/19/07 Wed
The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova -- Sorcha, 17:54:28 11/25/07 Sun
Has anyone read this? I started it MONTHS ago and have made it halfway through. It's sucked all the joy of reading out of me. It's an interesting enough premise that I want to know what happens, but it's plodding enough that I'm simply done reading it. I picked it up as a bargain book and it just looked like a great historical fiction with a Vlad the Impaler scary twist thrown into it, but it turned into the book that won't end. I just received Brotherhood of the Blade as a birthday gift, and as I haven't even read Private Matter yet I'm going to quit on The Historian and pick up some Lord John. If anyone has read The Historian PLEASE tell me how it ends, I really do want to know. I just can't subject myself to any more of it. Thanks!

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Replies:
- I totally agree with your assessment of The Historian. It took me months to get it read ( I think I only managed to finish it by taking on the flight to Vegas). How someone could take such a fascinating subject and make it so boring is unfathomable to me. I'll put what I can remember of the end inside so as not to spoil it for anyone else. -- RisaB, 19:58:05 11/25/07 Sun
  - Yes, to all that Risa said...more inside. -- xina, 11:23:42 11/26/07 Mon
- Oh bugger this is on my to read shelf! Do I bother? (NT) -- Trixiara, 07:57:46 11/26/07 Mon
  - I wouldn't recommend it unless you LOVE dry historical information about the Romanian/Hungary/Transylvania areas. (NT) -- Sorcha, 10:35:18 11/26/07 Mon
- I tried so hard to read this book. I love all vampire books. I can not get through this one. There is just nothing there to hold my attention. I know some have read it and even liked it. They are better then me *G* (NT) -- Cherie, 10:01:33 11/26/07 Mon
- I never would have finished it except I had it with me on a looong flight to the Galapagos. I started to appreciate it after I was half way into it (and thats too long to wait!). I did enjoy it in the end, mostly for the mood it set and for all the descriptions of the European cities. (NT) -- HollyC, 12:55:09 11/26/07 Mon
- Wanted to like it -- Lisa, 14:33:42 11/26/07 Mon
- I read it but it was a slog. I wanted to know what happened, and I kept waiting for the pace to quicken. (NT) -- Margy, 01:22:58 11/27/07 Tue
- Well, looks like I'm moving this one to the bottom of the TBR pile. (NT) -- MiladyM, 04:28:29 11/27/07 Tue
- I liked it. It was a bit slow at times, but I don't mind slow if there's compensation. I felt the author created an atmosphere of such creepiness and suspense that it was worthwhile. (NT) -- Maggie, 09:33:14 12/01/07 Sat
- Really? I LOVED this book. I think I finished it within a week, couldn't put it down. (NT) -- LauraMac, 06:27:48 12/03/07 Mon
- It was mixed for me. Like others said it was a slow read, but I also agree that it was scary to me as well. I was reading it at night though. I thought the premise was promising but it didn't deliver on the entertainment factor. I scanned a lot towards the ending because I just wanted to know how it ended. (NT) -- Denise S., 22:10:39 12/15/07 Sat
The Kite Runner -- M&M, 13:32:56 12/11/07 Tue
For fans of the book that are awaiting the movie, it comes out December 14th. Theres a neat article about the making of the movie in Newsweek, its not on line yet (kinda glad since we pay for the magazine *G*), it will probably be on line next week.

There was a review also and that is on line. It contains MAJOR SPOILERS so only view if you had read the book...
http://www.newsweek.com/id/74401

Heres the movie site...
http://www.kiterunnermovie.com/

I'm hoping the DH takes a vacation day on Friday so we can go to the matinee when it opens.

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Replies:
- I am looking forward to seeing the movie! I really enjoyed the book. (NT) -- Marg, 00:09:33 12/12/07 Wed
- The trailer looks really good. I loved this book and loved "A Thousand Splendid Suns" even more but don't think I could emotionally handle the movie of that book. (NT) -- Noelle, 07:31:26 12/12/07 Wed
- I am bummed, this seems to be a limited release on the 14th and not even showing in our area. :-( (NT) -- M&M, 13:05:51 12/13/07 Thu
  - WHAT? Their not showing it here? i was so looking forward to seeing it. Darn. (NT) -- Conmama, 05:31:34 12/14/07 Fri
    - I think it will be showing here but at a later date. Ive seen the listings for the week of the 20th and I didnt see it listed at the theaters either, Im going to guess a xmas opening. (NT) -- M&M, 12:15:16 12/15/07 Sat
    - I googled again tonight and finally found it..........it starts the 21st. (NT) -- M&M, 19:01:34 12/15/07 Sat
Atonement by Ian McEwan -- Mari L., 10:48:31 12/11/07 Tue
I just read this book and thoroughly enjoyed it. The movie is not out where I live yet, so I wanted to read the book first. Here is the quote from the back cover: "On a summer day in 1935, thirteenyear old Briony Tallis witnesses a moment's flirtation between her older sister Cecilia and Robbie Turner, the son of a servant. But Briony's incomplete grasp of adult motives and her precocious imagination bring about a crime that will change all their lives, a crime whose repercussions Atonement follows through the chaos and carnage of World War II and into the close of the twentieth century." I don't always enjoy books by male authors, but this one is a keeper. I think most of you would like it. I now want to read more of Ian McEwan's work. Do any of you have any recommendations or favorites?

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Replies:
- I think this is maybe a love it or hate it book. I didn't like it at all, but a good friend says it is one of her favorites. I mentioned it at book club the othere night and of those who read it, it was 3-1 against... (NT) -- FloraMac, 08:08:24 12/13/07 Thu
  - btw--my bookclub had read a book with a similar theme--Those Who Save Us by Jenna Blum. It was about a woman trying to uncover the truth about her mother's involvement with a Nazi SS officer during the war. (NT) -- FM, 08:11:39 12/13/07 Thu
- I just bougth this b/c my book club is considering reading it and the onlines reviewes were intriguing. It;'s nect on my TBR list, so I'll let you know whether I'm a "love it" ot "hate it" reader. (NT) -- Terri C, 17:47:01 12/14/07 Fri
Has anyone read Atonement, the movie looks wonderful but I would like to read the book first. Thanks. -- Peggy K, 17:50:41 12/13/07 Thu
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Replies:
- see 4 posts below (NT) -- Flora Mac, 04:40:35 12/14/07 Fri
- Read the book by all means, then get back to me. I would love to discuss it with you. There is a good discussion on Ian McEwan's website. I don't do links, but you can google Ian McEwan, then click on "discussion" once you get to the website. I didn't realize that his work is taught in universities in the U.K. (maybe here too, I don't know) and many graduate students write their theses on his work. (NT) -- Mari L., 06:15:30 12/14/07 Fri
waiting for daisy by Peggy Orenstein -- Traci_Mc, 08:49:14 12/12/07 Wed
On the front of the book it says this is "A tale of two continents, three religions, five infertility doctor, an Oscar, an atomic bomb, a romantic night, and one woman's quest to become a mother". It is the author's story of everything she has put her body, her mind, and her marriage through to have a child. I'm only two-thirds through it, but it has been very moving and bittersweet. I can't even begin to imagine what those six years were like for her and her husband.

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I know this has been discussed before, but can I just tell you how much I loved reading The Other Boleyn Girl!? -- Gina C (pleasantly surprised), 18:11:54 12/05/07 Wed
I was NOT going to read another Philippa Gregory novel. I had read one last year and didn't like it AT ALL! Thanks to the advice of our dear M & M (((hugs))), I gave "TOBG" a try and I couldn't put it down. It has been criticized for not being historically accurate and that is true, BUT, I read for pleasure. If I want accuracy I consult an encyclopedia. The movie comes out in February and I encourage those who haven't read it yet to give Philippa a second chance like I did. Anyone else enjoy this book?

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Replies:
- Its a fun book, really glad you gave it a chance. Read the next one also, The Bolyen Inheritence it's good too. .I found it very funny. Since the next wife after Anne is a teenager and talks like one, poor girls head never had a chance with Henry! I just read the first one The Constant Princess even though people said it wasn't very good........and it wasnt. *g* I cant wait for the movie, I see these complaints about Eric Bana being Henry and no red hair.......who cares.......this isnt Masterpiece Theater. This is for fun! (NT) -- M&M, 19:33:16 12/05/07 Wed
  - What?! Complaints about Eric Bana! I don't even mind if the movie isn't as good as the book, I'll be happy just to look at him *bg*. I tried a few other of her books and didn't like them as much as Other Boleyn Girl, but maybe I'll give Inheritance a try, since Conmama and M&M are such good book recommenders! (NT) -- HollyC, 05:52:30 12/06/07 Thu
    - ditto the Eric Bana thought. I've only seen him in Munich but well, Wow! (NT) -- susiej, 06:52:59 12/06/07 Thu
      - Susie, you need to rent Troy right now. IMO Eric Bana had the real starpower in that movie.And its hard to make Brad Pitt and Orlando Bloom just your average ho-hum Greek gods :). Although if anyones worried about Boleyn Girl being historically inaccurate, the Iliad takes a real beating in the movie! (NT) -- HollyC, 13:45:29 12/06/07 Thu
    - Well, what a nice thing to say, Holly. I would be wondering around bookstores and libraries scratching my head if it were not for all of you and this board! (NT) -- Conmama, 07:37:53 12/06/07 Thu
      - Hi Conmama, I *saw* you talking about the black bottom cheesecakes Inside>> -- HollyC, 16:08:32 12/06/07 Thu
      - Me too! Its funny how certain books always come up here. I remember Cindys "Exit Unicorns" was recommended a lot, so much so that I remembered the books name but not the authors. Then you all pretty much know the rest of that story. *G* (NT) -- M&M, 13:36:23 12/11/07 Tue
- Yes, ITA....M&M loaned me hers and the other one she mentions. The Boleyn Inheritance is a hoot, and I'm not sure I don't like that one better. I'm glad you decided to read it Gina! (NT) -- Conmama, 05:21:12 12/06/07 Thu
- I really enjoyed TOBG. My SIL recommended it and I couldn't put it down. I haven't tried any others but I keep seeing them in the bookstore and think I should give them a try. (NT) -- LisaW, 09:06:31 12/06/07 Thu
- I adored TOBG, and then went on to Wideacre which I hated... BUT, hearing about your love of the Boelyn Inheritance I'm going to have to pick that one up! Based on your opinions I think I'll love it! (NT) -- Sorcha, 09:51:13 12/06/07 Thu
- Wideacre -- lisa, 14:43:31 12/06/07 Thu
- I read "The Constant Princess" in the summer since I wanted to read the books in chronological order, but I found it OK, only. I'm glad to hear that other books are much better. I've got TOBG on the shelf so maybe I'll read it before the movie comes out. (NT) -- Lady Tait (Denise), 15:09:55 12/06/07 Thu
- Thanks for another recommendation Michelle. I'll try Boleyn Inheritance. Yeah, the other PG that I read was The Constant Princess and I really didn't like that one. Guess her novels are hit or miss. (NT) -- Gina C, 19:28:52 12/06/07 Thu
- The last Philippa Gregory novel I read was 'The Boleyn Inheritance' and I really didn't like it. I thought it was flimsy and shallow, I read it on holiday while sitting in the sun and so I got through it pretty quickly. If I'd been at home, it would have been a chore to finish it. That's just my opinion, I think PG has gone off the boil lately. My favourite was 'The Queen's Fool', I thought it was very original. (NT) -- Kirsten, 02:15:41 12/07/07 Fri
- A freind just gave me the Bolelyn Inheretance and said it was the best since The Other Boleyn Girl...I read The Virgin's Lover and didn't like it much. My whole nbook club is going to see TOBG when it comes out--we read it ages ago... (NT) -- FloraMac, 03:55:14 12/07/07 Fri
- I first read The Queen's Fool and loved it. So next I picked up Wideacre. It has to be one of the worst books I ever read. Sorcha's right, its a long book built around a main character who you revile and the plot is built around incest and other dispicable acts. It was just gross. I almost didn't read TOBG, but everyone was raving about it so I decided to give it a try. I found it really interesting, although some of the "will he or won't he" between Anne and Henry could have been cut. The Constant Princess was interesting, but I just felt she didn't spend enough time letting us get to know the "real" Catherine. About TOBG movie, I don't care how historically innaccurate the plot is, Eric Bana is one of the hottest things on 2 legs. I'd probably go see him read the phonebook. (NT) -- RisaB, 04:55:58 12/07/07 Fri
  - Read the phonebook... you CRACK me up!!! (NT) -- Sorcha, 07:58:57 12/07/07 Fri
    - Dude, if he was wearing rocking that short skirt bare chested look from Troy, he wouldn't even have to read the phone book. I'd pay 10 bucks to stare at him like that for 2 hours. Even worse, I might even go see a movie adaptation of Wideacre if he was in it. He is 2nd tier cute, only a few slots behind George and Gerry. (NT) -- RisaB, 13:05:13 12/07/07 Fri
      - ROTFL! I am so with you on that, Risa! Eric reading a phone book .... hmmmm. (NT) -- Gina C, 19:06:29 12/08/07 Sat
- I loved TOBG and will read some of her other books. I will stay away from Wildacre. I'm looking forwar to the movie. I love period pieces done good. The costumes and sets look so wonderful. I could careless for historical accuracy, and I'm totally into a hot Henry *G* (NT) -- Cherie, 13:11:06 12/07/07 Fri
The RUIN series by Isobel Noble -- H. Baer (By the ruins, what a read!), 17:16:58 11/21/07 Wed
Has anyone read this new series? I posted info about it a couple days ago, but my post seems to have disappeared! Hmm... RUIN concerns Native American sorcery, among other things... was the post removed by magical means? I was recommending to everyone that they pick up these books - the first is called, "Ruin, Book One: The Tent City," the second, "Ruin, Book Two: The City of Life," and the third, "Ruin, Book Three: The City in the Sea." These books are AWESOME! I read Book One in two sittings, staying up all night to finish. Book Two took me a bit longer (it's 760 ish pages), but I read it as fast as I could turn the pages, and carried the book everywhere I went. I just got Book Three a week or so ago, and it's the best of the three - which is truly going some - if you're interested, read my reviews on Amazon.com - look inside the books, too, for plot info.

All I can say is these books have it all - action/adventure, romance, psychology, philosophy, Native American mysticism, compelling characters: everything, in fact, including the kitchen sink.

I can't believe my first message post disappeared! I'm dying to discuss this book with other readers!

Someone else posted something about how if you loved Claire & Jamie, then you'll love Deke and Andara - I agree totally. Except that Deke and Andara are more like real people, and less like romance novel-ized idealizations.

Well, I'll look for my previous post. If anyone knows what happened to it, please let me know! Thanks!

[Edit]

Replies:
- Please check further down and I think you will find it. (NT) -- Judie, 18:04:20 11/21/07 Wed
- You're right, it has disappeared! It was there for quite a while though and it certainly convinced me to read the books - they sound great. (NT) -- Rhiann, 19:51:35 11/22/07 Thu
- These books sound really intriguing. I wish our library had them! (NT) -- LalaB, 09:15:55 11/23/07 Fri
  - RUIN For Libraries -- H. Baer, 07:53:53 11/24/07 Sat
  - Ruin Books Publisher -- Irene, 21:29:20 11/24/07 Sat
- Ruin Series is very intriguing= so far I am almost finished with the first book. Would love to be able to read it nonstop but with much overtime hours at work I am putting in there is no time for it. Was wondering H. Baer, and it may be too early to wonder this since I havent started the third book, but is there a possiblity that the series may be gone to a fourth, or perhaps another set of three? I am really intrigued by the books! (NT) -- Irene, 08:30:54 11/30/07 Fri
  - According to the author whom I emailed through the publisher's website, there is a fourth book being written and it's called "Ruin, Book Four: The City of the Warlock." (NT) -- H. Baer, 06:12:36 12/03/07 Mon
- I read them and...oh, boy! -- Tatalia, 07:58:59 12/08/07 Sat
- Still reading..... -- Irene, 16:12:12 12/09/07 Sun
Holiday Reading -- SheltieLass, 17:43:46 12/05/07 Wed
I just finished reading Penny Vincenzi's book, No Angel, the 1st in the Lytton Family triology. I enjoyed it and look forward to the other 2 books. During the holidays I will read Christmas Theme books. Tonight I will start Anne Perry's "A Christmas Visitor". I will continue with the holiday reading thru the holidays.
Does anyone else do this?

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Replies:
- Yes, I always read "The Christmas Box". I find it gives me peace and focus. (NT) -- Conmama, 05:22:26 12/06/07 Thu
I really, really enjoyed Angels and Demons by Dan Brown. I was intrigued to learn that all the tunnels etc are real. I also enjoyed The DaVinci Code by the same author. I found it was one of those stories that made you go "hmmmm, I wonder....what if" -- Kim L, 17:21:47 11/28/07 Wed
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Replies:
- Da Vinci Code was irritating - the chapters were short which gave the book a choppy feel, the characters were one-dimensional (names walking around on the pages), and worst of all, the story was horribly predictable, and I'm not even a regular reader of mysteries! I'm still not sure why everyone loved it so much, though I will say the first five pages were awesome. (NT) -- H. Baer, 18:23:43 11/28/07 Wed
  - I have to agree with you. I leafed through the illustrated version and could not understand all the hoo-ha. I guess though, if we all had the same taste in authors this would be a boring Board. (NT) -- 'becca beccabee, 15:45:24 11/29/07 Thu
- I loved Da Vinci Code... couldn't put it down.... read it in about 30 hours with one short break for sleep. I then read Angels and Demons and really disliked it. I found it very implausible and couldn't get into it. So glad to hear you enjoyed it! I know other people who did as well, it just wasn't for me. (NT) -- Sorcha (), 20:42:05 11/28/07 Wed
- I really enjoyed Angels and Demons and DaVinci Code. I seem to remember Angels having more depth. Both, I found entertaining though. I think there is a movie deal for Angels with Tom Hanks in the lead role again. (NT) -- xina, 20:58:26 11/28/07 Wed
  - Yes I hard that Naomi Watts is going to costar (NT) -- Marg, 01:24:44 11/29/07 Thu
- I loved both of these books. Out of my usual genre but really good reads both of them. (NT) -- Cherie, 10:42:46 11/29/07 Thu
- In the "different stokes" category, I loved "The Historian" beginning to end. I'm a sucker for leisurely paced novels if they have loads of description. I felt as if I actually visited some of the European cities she described, particularly Venice. Lymond, on the other hand made me crazy. After 100 pages, I just said-"life is too short for this" and gave up. (NT) -- Linda B, 12:47:18 11/29/07 Thu
  - Aargh! Sorry-this post belongs on the "Historian" discussion! (NT) -- Linda B, 12:52:15 11/29/07 Thu
- I've found that those who read Angels first preferred Angels and those who read Da Vinci first preferred Da Vinci. I liked both (and his other books too). I read Angels first and it was the discovery of a new genre for me, so yes, I enjoyed it very much. Da Vinci was a little predictable because I'd read Angels (and I guess it's the same the other way round). (NT) -- Pat, 06:52:30 12/03/07 Mon
- I enjoyed both books. I read the Da Vinci Code first and loved it (though I had heard the thesis before and sort of knew where it was going, but I still thought it was a cracking good read). The I read Angels and Demons which I thought was even better until the last few chapters when it all got just too far-fetched and implausible for me! So, in a nutshell...loved the book but thought the ending was pants! (NT) -- AlexandraK, 08:20:56 12/03/07 Mon
The Summer Garden.........................Thank you all for recommending that I jump in and read this book. I have spent the weekend devouring it and I am really really pleased that I did! Thanks All -- Trixiara, 14:40:54 11/25/07 Sun
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Replies:
- I'm so glad you made the decision to read it. I just can't imagine not reading anything concerning Shura and Tania. I received Tatiana's Table in the mail this weekend, but am postponing reading it. I'd like to do a reread, but don't know if I want to read all the books, or just TSG again. (NT) -- Conmama, 06:19:15 11/26/07 Mon
- Wasn't it great? I'm glad you liked it. Like Conmama, I've recently bought Tatiana's Table and I'm saving reading it for my own little Christmas present to me! (NT) -- HollyC, 13:10:00 11/26/07 Mon
  - Hi Holly. Actually I read the first one "Lazy Cabbage", then stopped. I feel like I need to *know* the characters again before I start (it's been almost a year since I read TSG). I know you just finished it, so you can start right in. The anticipation is fun. (NT) -- Conmama, 05:50:57 11/27/07 Tue
- I am 2/3 the way through The Summer Garden. Is Tatriana's Table a novel, or a bunch of recipes, or what ? Also, I was just wondering if 'The Girl in Times Square' had anything to do with the series ? Or has anyone read any of Paullina Simons other books? I love the series! (NT) -- Brenda W, 09:38:05 11/30/07 Fri
  - Tatiana's Table is a recipe book, but it also has little anecdotes from both Tatiana and Alexander's childhoods and their life together.. The Girl in Times Square is connected to Red Leaves, but not to the trilogy. I have read all of her books except for Eleven Hours and Tully. Paulllina is an exceptional writer. (NT) -- Marg, 12:40:02 11/30/07 Fri
    - I have read Tully and enjoyed it, I also read Red Leaves and liked it as well but not as much. (NT) -- LadyGrace, 13:38:29 11/30/07 Fri
    - Ive read 11 Hours, that was a quick read. I really enjoyed The Girl in Times Square, I didnt know there was a prequel, I have a copy of that sitting here I hope to get to soon. Signed by Paullina. *G* (NT) -- M&M, 21:20:00 12/01/07 Sat
Dalziel and Pascoe -- Judie, 09:22:53 11/25/07 Sun
.
.
OK, can someone give a review on these books, please? They were recommended to me by a friend and I just checked out the author's page (it was pretty short) and wondered if anyone can tell me a bit more about his books and what they are about. :D

Thanks.

Judie

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Replies:
- Oh my GAWD, Judie. I have the entire series. They are fabulous. Intricate plots, wonderful characterizations, humor. You have to start reading them. I am in love with Dalziel (Dee-el). Each book draws you deeper into the characters lives and you want to know more and more. (NT) -- 'becca beccabee, 09:29:28 11/25/07 Sun
- Pascoe and Dalziel are policemen. Dalziel is the big boss and he is incredibly intelligent and a total hog. Peter Pascoe is his second in command, a very moral man with a marriage that is passionate but not entirely trouble free. Wieldy is their pet detective - a terribly ugly man, very quick on his feet, a motorcycle fiend and the soul of a big teddy bear. The three of them a such are such treat to read about. (NT) -- 'becca beccabee, 09:34:26 11/25/07 Sun
  - What do you mean by a total hog? :D (NT) -- Judie, 17:04:29 11/25/07 Sun
    - Scratching his butt on his desk, scratching his crotch whenever, blowing his nose on the napkins, appalling table manners, that kind of thing. Oh, and totally tactless. And with all of it, he comes across as rather sexy. Oh, and Wieldy has a pet monkey. Peter Pascoe has a child. (NT) -- beccabee (), 19:37:35 11/25/07 Sun
      - Ok - well, I guess I will just have to give them a try then. :D Thanks, Becca! (NT) -- Judie, 22:59:15 11/26/07 Mon
- Wasn't this made in to a British TV drama series?! Sounds familiar.... (NT) -- SueP, 13:19:40 11/28/07 Wed
  - It was, Sue, but I never watched it as I saw an advertisement for it and the actors were absolutely not my mental pictures of Pascoe and Dalziel. I didn't want to mess up my little mental world so gave it a pass. (NT) -- 'becca beccabee, 15:52:28 11/29/07 Thu
I just finished reading "The Bone Garden" by Tess Gerritsen. I loved it.....I guess you could call it histortical fiction, with a big splash of mystery and a dash of love...I really enjoyed it..... -- Stephanie J, 19:21:05 11/25/07 Sun
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For you fans of "The Other Boleyn Girl," here is a review from I Watch Stuff, a blog from the same guys who do The Superficial,...It IS naughty... -- 'becca beccabee, 06:40:25 11/24/07 Sat
Someone has, at long last, externalized the heterosexual male's deepest and most torturous emotional conflict: who would we rather do, Natalie Portman or Scarlett Johansson? Set in gorgeous 16th-century England, The Boyleyn Girl features a powerful performance from the talented Eric Bana as King Henry VIII that brings a nuanced reality to the absurd fantasy we've played out in our mind so many times.

On the one hand, Natalie Portman perhaps has the more striking features, and a delicately slim body that recalls the not-quite-matured girls of junior high, lusted for but never quite attained. One gets the impression that, on a particularly passion-filled night with the Garden State beauty, she may be broken along with the bed. But is that not part of her appeal?

But after one look at the ample bosom of the curvaceous Scarlett Johansson, our darling Natalie begins to look immature, even boyish. Like a ripe peach, ScarJo has blossomed into a soft and desirable woman. Who, after seeing the first shot of Lost in Translation, did not whisper to themselves the need to "get up inside them panties?"

With such tempting options before him, how is Eric Bana to choose? Is that even the plot? I sort of stopped paying attention when my mind asked the question, "What about both, at the same time?"

Well, I guess HE liked it fine!

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Replies:
- That's funny, becca. When I watched the trailer, I thought to myself "I don't think King Henry looked anything like Eric Bana. A handsome king will make the movie even more interesting!" (NT) -- MaryJ, 07:32:30 11/24/07 Sat
  - Apparently Henry was very hansome in his younger years. We only remember the big fat Henry. And what about Jonathan Rhys Meyers from The Tutors. Now that was a hot Henry. I can't wait for this movie. And for the record, I prefer curvey blonds *G* (NT) -- Cherie, 15:25:47 11/24/07 Sat
    - I didn't think Jonathan Rhys Meyers looked anything like King Henry - until I saw him with a beard, and then I went, "Oh, okay. I see it now." The only thing is, he's kind of shrimpy, and Henry was a tall man even before he was a big and tall man. If you ever have a chance to visit the armor exhibit at the Tower of London, do it. Seeing Henry VIII's "before and after" armor, so to speak, is something I have never forgotten. (NT) -- Lynn H., 12:04:33 11/25/07 Sun
Attn: Aussie Paullina Simons fans -- Marg, 18:43:48 11/16/07 Fri
Paullina is on tour through Australia and New Zealand at the moment. If you are not able to see her in person, she is going to be on the Today Show on Channel 9 at about 8.50am on Monday.

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Replies:
- Awwwwwwwww wish I could see it! (NT) -- M&M, 19:33:13 11/16/07 Fri
  - You can see it! The link is inside! I have also just blogged about meeting Paullina and the link is inside as well. -- Marg, 02:22:26 11/25/07 Sun
- TBH Fans........KarenO on the FFF Board won a lunch with Paullina Simons, theres a picture of them both there! :-) Lucky lucky lady! CLICK HERE! Its the first post, we dont move very fast over there. *G* (NT) -- M&M, 19:57:15 11/16/07 Fri
  - Nice photo! (NT) -- Marg, 20:14:43 11/16/07 Fri
Dorothy Dunnett & Jean Auel -- Alissa, 20:08:30 11/17/07 Sat
I finished The Game of Kings a couple of weeks back and my question is... Why would anyone continue reading this series? What made you want to read more? I sort of started to think it was ok towards the end but the rest I was just reading but not understanding WTF was going on!!! Is the second book any better? I think I would only read the second book if I were desperate!
And I'm nearly finished Clan of the Cave Bears. This is a great book. My Mum has been nagging at me to read this book for years so I finally picked it up. Has anyone read the rest of the series?

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Replies:
- I've read both series and you're comparing apples to oranges here. I started Clan of the Cave Bear almost 20 years ago and have read the new books as they have been published. The books are long with lots of detail, thoroughly enjoyable, but not a difficult read. The Lymond Chronicles is a different story, of which The Game of Kings is the first of 6 books. The first book was most definitely the most difficult to read. I read it with a discussion group but still found myself baffled at times. Later books are not as difficult, there is more explanation to the phrases in foreign language and at least you know more about Lymond and what to expect from him (anything outrageous, you'll love him and hate him at the same time!). I became absorbed in the series with time, stayed up until all hours of the night reading. If you already found yourself getting into the flow of the books in The Game of Kings then you'll fare better with the next. It's up to you, but it was worth it to me! (NT) -- Lady Tait (Denise), 20:26:49 11/17/07 Sat
  - Oh no I wasn't comparing them. These are just two books that I have read in the last couple of weeks!! (NT) -- Alissa, 13:13:41 11/18/07 Sun
- I loved Game of Kings and all the others. GOKs IS very hard to get into, but I have to state, the more you read, the more you get it. I am re-reading Lymond series now, and I must admit to understanding it A LOT better the second time. It is so worth it to me. Hollywood's action scenes CANNOT beat Dunnett's. Tell me you didn't enjoy the Paris roof scene. (NT) -- KatS, 20:01:44 11/18/07 Sun
  - Drat. That's not GOKs, it's another in the series. Still. :) (NT) -- KatS, 21:27:47 11/20/07 Tue
    - LOL Now I know I'm not going crazy!! I've been racking my brain thinking I couldn't have skimmed the book that much I missed a Paris roof scene!! I will keep an eye out for the roof scene in the other books ;-) (NT) -- Alissa, 01:17:28 11/21/07 Wed
      - I believe the rooftop scene is in the second book. Queen's Play. (NT) -- Lady Tait (Denise), 15:53:50 11/21/07 Wed
- Clan of the Cave Bear -- H. Baer, 20:39:27 11/24/07 Sat
Help please -- MaryJ, 17:17:25 11/23/07 Fri
I know someone here will know where to point me on this.

Can anyone tell me the order of the Anita Blake vampire books? There are some w/copyright dates listed as the same year & I'd like to read them in order - is there a chronological order?? A couple of us at work are having a hard time sorting these out & some of the books don't have Anita in them at all (& Laurell's website didn't help much).

Thanks!

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Replies:
- As far as I know, the order is: Guilty Pleasures; The Laughing Corpse; Circus of the Damned; The Lunatic Cafe; Bloody Bones; The Killing Dance; Burnt Offerings; Blue Moon; Obsidian Butterfly; Narcissus in Chains; Cerulean Sins; Incubus Dreams; Micah; Danse Macabre; The Harlequin. All of these have Anita. LKH also has her Merry Gentry series (no Anita) and those are A Kiss of Shadows, A Caress of Twilight, Seduced by Moonlight, A Stroke of Midnight, Mistral's Kiss, and A Lick of Frost. Hope that helps! (NT) -- MiladyM, 17:56:44 11/23/07 Fri
  - You can always hop over to the FFF board which was started to discuss these books (we don't do much of that anymore) there is also a link to LKH's site on top too FFF (NT) -- Cherie, 15:28:11 11/24/07 Sat
- If you ever want to know the order of books, or the series they belong in, try www.fantasticfiction.co.uk. I work in a bookshop and we use that all the time - better than some of the commercial sites. (NT) -- astrokath, 01:46:26 11/24/07 Sat
  - I have a long list of books I am collecting and I use Fantastic Fiction all the time. It is a wonderful resource. (NT) -- 'becca beccabee, 03:28:29 11/24/07 Sat
  - Thanks for the tip on this website - I've bookmarked it, and I'm sure it will get a lot of use! (NT) -- MiladyM, 05:03:42 11/24/07 Sat
- Great!! Thanks, guys - I can search for these in the correct order now. I'll check out that fantastic fiction site, too! Thanks!!! (NT) -- MaryJ, 07:28:08 11/24/07 Sat
WHAT to buy for my "Christmas Book" -- Rhiann, 03:30:06 11/20/07 Tue
OK, I need some help here. I need to choose between some of the books y'all have recommended that I really like the sound of. The Dresden Files (book 1), These is My Words or the Ruin series as discussed below. Help me please!

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Replies:
- Weeell, I've requested the Lord John books for me for Xmas. (NT) -- Margy, 06:49:39 11/20/07 Tue
  - Mind you I've just scrolled down the page and the Ruin series does sound intriguing. Don't have any idea what the Dresden Files are, and don't like reading true life books, so that rules out These is my words. (NT) -- Margy again., 06:54:55 11/20/07 Tue
    - What do you mean "true life" books? Do you mean no sci-fi element? (NT) -- Conmama, 09:13:40 11/20/07 Tue
      - Was browsing through the store and the book Rhett Butler's People caught me eye. Think I will be asking for it for Christmas and then place it somewhere in my TBR file somewhere near the top. (NT) -- Irene, 10:30:20 11/20/07 Tue
      - Conmamma, I mean non-fiction. I have one friend who reads every sad book going, peoples trials and tribulations, abuse etc,etc. She finds them uplifting, me I think they're just depressing. I read for pleasure, and my pleasure is escapism. (NT) -- Margy, 14:21:09 11/20/07 Tue
        
        Oh, okay. However, These is My Words is fiction. The author just used the name of her grandmother Sarah Prine. But, the Sarah Prine in the book is fictional and so is her life story. (NT) -- Conmama, 05:17:12 11/21/07 Wed
        
        Oh, right, I thought it was a biography. Guess I better root it outt and give it a whirl. (NT) -- Margy, 12:05:26 11/21/07 Wed
- Having not read any of those except the Dresden Files, I can say that I'm really enjoying them. I just finished book 8 (at the moment there are 9) and haven't lost interest yet. (NT) -- TanyaB, 16:14:48 11/20/07 Tue
- Out of those 3 books, I've only read These Is My Words. I LOVED IT!! I'm not one to read pioneer or wild west stories, but this one is awesome. (NT) -- KnightLady, 05:22:38 11/21/07 Wed
  - Absolutely--this is a wonderful book, as are the two (so far--I live in hope) sequels. (NT) -- Susannah, 05:27:35 11/21/07 Wed
    - I liked the last one better than the 2nd one (but the 2nd one was still good). (NT) -- Conmama, 06:19:56 11/21/07 Wed
  - Totally agree. I've never been that interested in that time period here in the U.S. I don't seek out western book, movies, etc (although I did like Little House on the Praire!). Anyway, I went ahead an read it because M&M recommended it so highly (and she loaned me the book!). I LOVED it. It is a trilogy and worth reading all 3 books. (NT) -- Conmama, 06:19:07 11/21/07 Wed
    - I get such a thrill when someone "loves" the same books I do. We need to lunch with Gina........I have a wee giftie for both of you speaking of Nancy E. Turner. *g* Her site is inside if you would like a peek!>>>>>> -- M&M, 09:50:57 11/21/07 Wed
      - Hey M! I don't think I told you I read all three! Just finished quilt and am so thankful for having made friends with Sarah and all her family! I am thankful too for my electric oven and microwave tomorrow! (NT) -- BetsyG, 18:13:27 11/21/07 Wed
        
        No I didnt know! :-) I think conmama hit it on the head for me too, I had never read anything like them before and to me that made them more special. You know I had never read a time travel book till Outlander. *G* Since I made tht webpage for Nancy, another long lost relative of Sarah Prine has showed up, its been really a fun thing to do. (NT) -- M&M, 21:19:52 11/21/07 Wed
- Buy them RUIN, for sure! -- H. Baer, 16:44:41 11/21/07 Wed
- These is my Words is excellent. (NT) -- Sonnet, 18:52:43 11/21/07 Wed
- Thanks everyone - I get the message, basically they are ALL great so I can't go wrong! (NT) -- Rhiann, 19:46:46 11/22/07 Thu
Trailer is out for The Other Bolyen Girl! -- M&M, 11:09:09 11/19/07 Mon
Due out February.

http://movies.aol.com/movie/the-other-boleyn-girl/26713/video/trailer-no-1/2023586

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Replies:
- ohhhh, this looks so good! I can't wait. Wish it were here already. It looks like it's going to be a great movie and I like Henry's outfit. It really looks like his outfits in paintings. (NT) -- Conmama, 11:24:49 11/19/07 Mon
- I can't wait!!! It looks so good. (NT) -- Cherie, 12:28:44 11/19/07 Mon
- Wow, looks excellent!! I've got the book sitting on my TBR pile - think I'll move it to the top. (NT) -- Noelle, 13:21:09 11/19/07 Mon
- I've always liked Eric Bana. Remember him in Troy? This should be great. (NT) -- HollyC, 14:12:24 11/19/07 Mon
  - I think Eric Bana is filming The Time Travelers Wife at the moment. I can't wait for that one. (NT) -- Alissa, 14:55:14 11/19/07 Mon
- One of the reviews I read in the magazines said it is probably going to tank because the studio took it out of the Christmas lineup and buried it in mid-Winter where they stick the failures. (NT) -- 'becca, 17:40:31 11/19/07 Mon
- Looks pretty good. I really liked the book, so I am always alittle wary of books being made into movies. But I am definitely intrigued. (NT) -- LisaW, 19:02:43 11/19/07 Mon
- This is one I am SO excited to see!! By the preview it looks like they did a GREAT job casting and I hope it lives up to the book. It was the only Philippa Gregory book I really liked, and it was so good I couldn't put it down. Can't wait!! (NT) -- Sorcha, 06:38:07 11/22/07 Thu
MAGS! -- 'becca beccabee, 15:53:50 11/21/07 Wed
My DH made me an early gift of the two Follett books. Thank you so much for the recommendations.

Trying to balance them with finishing the Ya-Ya's.

[Edit]
The Bronze Horseman discussion. -- conmama, 08:20:04 11/14/07 Wed
HollyC and Susie, I'm bringing our discussion over here.

[Edit]

Replies:
- I really feel a bit cheated that she stopped at the birth of the second child. I really wanted to see him with his other children growing up...especially a GIRL! Can you imagine. I don't know why Paullina quit here. And although I LOVED the Thanksgiving dinner scene, it just pained me to envision Shura old and with white hair. So many things I loved about Thanksgiving. Remember all 4 of her men surrounding Tatiana as she tried to take food into the dining room. I thought that was so sweet. And when Ant got our their wedding pictures and the granddaughter was struck by how Tania was looking at Alexander. I think one of my favorite mental images of Alexander is when she was having that tupperware party and he was out working in the shed. He came in to get a drink of water with his workboots on. He stood about 6'5" in them. Wow! I know I'm all over the place discussing this book, sorry. (NT) -- Conmama, 08:25:08 11/14/07 Wed
  - Damnit. I meant to put this inside! Can anyone do that for me? (NT) -- Conmama, 08:25:54 11/14/07 Wed
    - M&M is going to beat me up!!!!!! (NT) -- Conmama, 08:26:27 11/14/07 Wed
      - LOL!>>>>> -- susiej, 10:20:38 11/14/07 Wed
        
        Inside>>> -- Marg, 11:50:59 11/14/07 Wed
      - LOL .......youre so funny! (NT) -- M&M, 19:40:07 11/16/07 Fri
  - Alexander at the tupperware party. OMG! >>>>>> -- ladyphantom, 19:16:57 11/14/07 Wed
    - I'm curious why you think that, inside>>> -- HollyC, 05:30:46 11/15/07 Thu
      - TSG painful >>>>>>>>>>> -- ladyphantom, 07:01:52 11/15/07 Thu
        
        I've read it called *character assisination*, but I don't agree. Just like the Outlander books, these two people are not one-dimensional and we get to see more of them. I think one of the reasons TSG was so hard to read is because (inside) -- Conmama, 08:56:27 11/15/07 Thu
        
        Conmama, I see your point. >>>>> -- ladyphantom, 10:38:30 11/15/07 Thu
        
        LOL! Here's a tissue. >>>>>> -- conmama, 11:27:45 11/15/07 Thu
        
        ladyphantom>>>> -- susiej, 11:34:51 11/15/07 Thu
        
        Both played a role >>>>>> -- ladyphantom, 11:56:21 11/15/07 Thu
        
        yes, Holly and I have talked a bit about that>>>> -- susiej, 12:12:06 11/15/07 Thu
        
        I'm on the emotional roller coaster with you, LOL! inside>>> -- HollyC, 12:29:15 11/15/07 Thu
        
        Thinking too much about these books? >>>>>> -- ladyphantom, 12:49:32 11/15/07 Thu
        
        Never!!!! (NT) -- susiej, 16:32:39 11/15/07 Thu
- I found you guys! more inside (except not you, Pamela!)>>> -- HollyC, 14:23:38 11/14/07 Wed
  - I think you're right. It wouldn't have been easy to be a little boy between those two...and all that moving around sort of isolated him. >>>>> -- susiej, 15:44:42 11/14/07 Wed
    - Heres another take on the Ant-man, inside>>> -- HollyC, 17:24:36 11/14/07 Wed
      - It took me awhile to come to grips with the (inside) -- Conmama, 09:00:23 11/15/07 Thu
        
        I agree about the chasing- she was one of those who needed to be adored- a real husband was just not much fun and too much work for her. IMHO (NT) -- susiej, 11:36:16 11/15/07 Thu
  - OK sneaky ladies, it worked. >>>> inside (spoiler) >>> -- pamelalass, 07:47:30 11/16/07 Fri
    - Yes, it was the psychology and I pride myself on that one. (saying this with a prim, straight face). (NT) -- Conmama, 10:12:18 11/16/07 Fri
      - Yes, it was your idea! But maybe all you had to do months ago was tell me where he's from...! *G* (NT) -- pamelalass, 10:39:56 11/16/07 Fri
        
        No, no, no! It was me saying that he carries around a rifle through the whole first book! *g* I know about her minuteman obsession. (NT) -- susiej, 11:32:41 11/16/07 Fri
        
        Hey....maybe he carries the rifle around all the time (yes, this is the section I'm reading - lots of talk about the rifle!) to evoke his minuteman ancestry.... *BG* >>>> -- pamelalass, 11:50:14 11/16/07 Fri
        
        Ah, I predict that pretty soon you'll be as bad as me, doing your nightly brushing while mentally comparing Alexander to Jamie! (NT) -- susiej, 12:41:30 11/16/07 Fri
        
        I still can't get a clear enough picture in my head of Alexander .... but yes, I suppose it could happen! Do you have a clear image of him in your mind? From PS, all I am getting so far is his height/build, and his coloring, but not what his face actually looks like. He could be any big well-built dark-haired guy wearing a uniform, and so I keep coming up with generic WWII images from movies I've seen. For some reason, this didn't happen with Jamie or Claire; I was able to picture them very specifically early in the first book, certainly within the first 1/3 of the book. So there you are - I'm comparing! (NT) -- pamelalass, 13:27:08 11/16/07 Fri
        
        So you prefer it when the author gives detailed features such as a long knife edged nose, slanted blue eyes, etc.? But we didn't get that too much with Claire until DIA when she comes to Roger's door. As for Alexander she does say carmel eyes and very white straight teeth. But your right I can't recall anything about the nose etc- just sort of classically handsome is how I imagine him. (NT) -- susiej, 14:35:52 11/16/07 Fri
        
        My comparison's were usually personality driven- how they react in similar situations. But while were on the subject, *g* I have always been amazed by how good all the guys look in those black and white GI pics!! I guess the look appeals to me. They're all lean, and sometimes stubbly but no face hair and though young, they have that toughness that comes from thier experiences so they don't really look boyish. As Alexander himself says, "I'm not a boy." Black and white is flattering I know but I swear there is no unattractive WW II GI pic. (NT) -- susiej (), 14:43:49 11/16/07 Fri
        
        I don't get a clear picture of Alexander either. What's interesting is that I never did with Jamie, despite Diana's descriptions of him. I only saw pieces of him... he was never whole and still isn't. It can be frustrating at times, but then again, it does add a bit of mystery. I imagine that once Diana posts the sketches from her graphic novel, Jamie will no longer be a mystery... saddens me a little. (NT) -- ladyphantom, 17:23:44 11/16/07 Fri
        
        I know what you mean- I'm sort of dreading that. I have a very detailed image of Jamie and I like it. (NT) -- susiej, 19:01:34 11/16/07 Fri
        
        This is where I get my image of Alexander as well. Clean classic looks*sigh*. (NT) -- Alissa, 17:47:31 11/16/07 Fri
        
        This is how I see him too, very classic. More below. (NT) -- HollyC, 18:44:00 11/16/07 Fri
        
        I don't know if it's that I like/need very literal descriptions, or just that I can more easily create a clear mental image out of a few descriptive phrases that suggest features that are already pleasing to me, like a wide grin, or an arched eyebrow. >>> -- pamelalass, 17:55:21 11/16/07 Fri
    - WHAT!! I waste my afternoon at 3 different grocery stores (hello Thanksgiving) and miss this big news ! Pamela, I'm proud of you! But remember I didn't get 'horsed' until into the 2nd book. So be patient! And now that you mention it, I couldn't 'picture' Alexander until then either. (NT) -- HollyC, 16:55:53 11/16/07 Fri
      - The second book??!! Now you must have been a little bit horsed, or you wouldn't have gone on to the second one! What luck to find this on the shelf at the library yesterday - I thought of you and your Robbins Library days! (NT) -- pamelalass, 18:03:05 11/16/07 Fri
        
        Too bad I spent all my time there in the children's room. HaHa! If I'd known people like Jamie and Alexander were out with the grownup books, it would've been goodbye C. S. Lewis! (NT) -- HollyC, 18:21:05 11/16/07 Fri
- Oh wow, now I am really unsure whether I want to read it! (NT) -- Trixiara, 00:50:12 11/15/07 Thu
- Did anybody find a reasonably priced way to get Tatiana's Table? inside>>> -- HollyC, 12:13:43 11/15/07 Thu
  - Is it not available in the U.S? (NT) -- Alissa, 14:11:50 11/15/07 Thu
  - I thought I saw a post somewhere saying that someone got it on Book Closeouts or one of those sites, but I just had a look and couldn't see it. If anyone really wants to get it, let me know and I can send it from here (have sent numerous copies all over the world). It will end up costing about $35AUS ($32 approx US) for the book and postage. (NT) -- Marg, 00:29:10 11/16/07 Fri
    - Oh, and the same offer applied to her newest book Road to Paradise, although that is a bit more expensive because it is a much bigger book! (NT) -- Marg, 00:30:34 11/16/07 Fri
    - It was me, Marg, under my alias name on PS. (okay, I've been found out!) (NT) -- Conmama, 02:39:12 11/16/07 Fri
      - Well there you go! Knew I had seen it somewhere! And your secret identity is safe with me! LOL!!! (NT) -- Marg, 04:08:54 11/16/07 Fri
  - I found it at bookcloseouts and bought it yesterday for about $14. I think it's the same one, although it says paperback (NT) -- conmama, 02:38:25 11/16/07 Fri
    - Mine is paper also, it wasn't on bookcloseouts when I checked. Guess I was too impatient! Marg & Alissa you're lucky to be in Australia (I'm guessing) where PS's books come out first. (NT) -- HollyC, 05:55:45 11/16/07 Fri
      - Very much so! It's very strange that her books come out here first, and then are so hard to find in the US where she lives! (NT) -- Marg, 06:10:42 11/16/07 Fri
        
        I've tried to find on her website if she has ever answered this question and it's never addressed. I don't understand why they don't market here in the U.S. I wonder if they don't think americans will be interested in russian stories? I would just like to know the reason. (NT) -- Conmama, 06:52:11 11/16/07 Fri
        
        I think it has been answered in one of the Ask Paullina questions. I'll see if I can find it! I am planning to ask that question when we see her next week, Next WEEK! OMG! (NT) -- Marg - having a fan girl moment!, 13:12:54 11/16/07 Fri
        
        You are meeting her? Wow! Tell her she has fans in the US who would love her to write 'Tatiana & Alexander: The Missing Years' (from Pasha on) *bg* ! (NT) -- HollyC, 18:01:39 11/16/07 Fri
        
        I know a few other people who would like to see those years as well, but I think that she has said in an article that she has now said goodbye to those characters. (NT) -- Marg, 18:41:46 11/16/07 Fri
        
        I would have loved to have come along to see her while she is here but with DH working and the kids at school it's just too hard. I hope you have a great time and be sure to tell us all about it. (NT) -- Alissa, 18:26:37 11/16/07 Fri
      - I think it was just one of the those things. I actually didn't realize you could go to places like that and buy them. I just googled Tatiana's Table, it popped up and I thought why didn't I search before? I guess I'm just lucky, right time was all. (NT) -- Conmama, 06:54:18 11/16/07 Fri
- Tatia and Shura have taken hold of me. They have temporarily replaced Jamie and Claire (although I did delve into the reunion scene in Voyager the other day). Anyway, I just started reading Into the Wilderness by Sara Donati (recommended by a friend and "herself") and have not been able to really sink my teeth into the two main characters yet... Elizabeth and Nathaniel. Do I postpone reading until T & A have become less of an obsession or do I continue reading, despite my obsession. Help! (NT) -- ladyphantom, 17:29:24 11/16/07 Fri
  - Oh, I must say I loved Nathaniel a whole lot from the beginning, and Elizabeth grew on me. I had a very clear mental image of both of them, based on a film, and it turned out Sara Donati had aspects of the film (Last of the Mohicans) in mind when she created her story. But it is hard to leap from one epic story to another, especially such different historical periods. It was easier for me to get into the Wilderness series soon after DG, because the setting overlaps the later parts of Jamie and Claire's story. I wouldn't say I was hosed or horsed or whatever (maybe I was a little "buckskinned" *G*) by these books, but Nathaniel took center stage with me for a nice long while, and probably would have had a longer run if the series had stayed focused on their marriage. Unlike the Books, Donati's sequels each have new members of the family as the central characters/lovers. (NT) -- pamelalass, 18:13:17 11/16/07 Fri
    - Have you continued reading the series Pamelalass? Queen of Swords features a man who gives Nathaniel a run for his money..IMO anyway! (NT) -- Marg, 18:39:58 11/16/07 Fri
      - Oh yes - I totally agree!! Ben also has that great civilized/savage dichotomy that makes for great leading men, whether or not they are literally caught between native and European cultures. Jamie has it, and seems like Alexander does too. I think Hannah is actually one of my favorite female characters in a long time. >>> inside, spoiler>>> -- pamelalass, 18:49:22 11/16/07 Fri
        
        Yes, me too! But I was so glad >>>>> -- Marg, 18:56:42 11/16/07 Fri
- I think the discussion above (Alissa, Ladyphantom, Susie, etc) about how we 'see' Alexander is kind of interesting. I really couldn't picture him until towards the end of TBH. PS's descriptions seemed kind of generic/handsome. I had a much stronger emotional sense of him. more inside>>> -- HollyC, 19:08:47 11/16/07 Fri
  - I could see him, but I appreciated him more after we got to see his side of things in TBTHC/T&A (NT) -- Marg, 19:17:56 11/16/07 Fri
    - Coming in SO late here and you probably won't even see this. BUT....I also appreciated him so much more after the 2nd book. (NT) -- Conmama, 10:22:05 11/19/07 Mon
      - I see it! It just seemed to explain so much about why he is the way he is...down to small little details that we never knew before! (NT) -- Marg, 00:21:21 11/20/07 Tue
  - OMG, I know what you mean... an emotional sense of him. Most definitely. There were so many times that I felt it... even from the first moment Tatiana sees him watching her (in fact, this is probably my favorite part of the series -- when they first meet *sigh*). (NT) -- ladyphantom, 19:35:45 11/16/07 Fri
    - I agree-i love that scene and i love how it grows bigger and better as you read the books>>>> -- susiej, 07:18:21 11/17/07 Sat
  - I loved Alexander after they met at the bus stop. I don't have sucha strong mental image of him like Jamie but yeah more of an emotional sense of him. I sort of felt I was reading the book in Black and white as well except for Tatiania's dress I could see that clearly. Alexander is up there with Jamie for me lately....must do a reread. (NT) -- Alissa, 14:30:34 11/17/07 Sat
I did it out of order and now I'm getting straightened out. -- 'becca beccabee, 12:16:57 11/16/07 Fri
I read Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood about six years ago and then belatedly realized it was a trilogy. So, after scouring used bookstores I have the other two. Did Little Altars Everywhere in the last few days, am doing Divine Secrets again now and can move on to Ya-Ya's in Bloom next. Am enjoying them as much as I had hoped to.

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- It is? Thanks for mentioning it, I had no idea and also only read the Divine Secrets... (NT) -- Pat, 14:56:10 11/18/07 Sun
- YA-YA!!! I've been a fan of these books since '99 I think. And the other books board I frequent is Gumbo Ya-Ya thru the author's website. Another great bunch of book loving women(and a few men!) to yak and share life's adventures. (NT) -- JeanClaire*, 09:25:48 11/19/07 Mon
I went to the library today to get Katherine by Anya Seton and it was checked out. I'm wondering if there is another Dallas hoser lurking- Come out! I promise I won't stalk you!!!!!! But here's the real reason I'm posting- I didn't realize it but Anya Seton is the author of one of my favorite books- The Green Darkness! I read it long ago found it browsing in my hometown library and didn't even remember the author. Great minds, huh? Now, I'm really excited to read Katherine! Gee, guess while I'm waiting I'll do a TBH reread *snerk*. -- susiej, 11:41:20 11/15/07 Thu
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- opps! I was sure I'd closed the bold! (NT) -- susiej, 11:42:43 11/15/07 Thu
- Author Barbara Samuel wrote a review of Green Darkness for the All About Romance site a few years ago. She said, "Among a certain set, two books by Anya Seton stand out: Katherine and Green Darkness. I've sat in many a happily heated discussion of which book is better, and why, and by now I can usually pick out who will like which book best." (I have to admit I like both, but I'm one of the ones who likes Katherine a whole lot more. I'll be glad to hear which "kind" of Anya Seton fan you are, Susie! Links to AAR inside>>> -- Lynn H., 11:56:10 11/15/07 Thu
  - Wow, so much great stuff here to think about - thanks for posting about Anya Seton, Susie! And Lynn, what a huge treat to see your review of Katherine! Not only do I share your enthusiasm (OK ... obsession!) for this novel, but I also recently discovered the AAR site and reviews database, and I LOVE it. It has been so long since I read Green Darkness, I may have to re-read in order to properly consider your theory about the two kinds of Seton fans, but that is scarcely a hardship, as there isn't one of her novels I wouldn't enjoy reading again. She was able to "time travel" so well, writing amazing novels set in very different periods. Theresa Medeiros (a writer I discovered via AAR) jumps around in history like this, and also incorporates elements of fantasy/magic as Seton occasionally did, but her books are wildly inconsistent I think (some quite good, some pretty awful). (NT) -- pamelalass, 16:56:01 11/15/07 Thu
    - Yes, I am sort of obsessed, aren't I? ;) I think I read a Medeiros book once. I don't remember any magic, though, so maybe not. I agree, Seton didn't write many turkeys. Her writing style almost goes over the top sometimes, but never quite. I'd probably rank GD as my fourth-favorite of hers, after Katherine, Devil Water, and Avalon. I didn't identify with the heroine so much, or I might think higher of it. I also kind of shrugged my shoulder at the reincarnation element to the story. (I also happen to think Katherine is at it's weakest when its at its most-Freudian � However, I would not trade that scene when Joan of Kent sends Katherine to try and talk John out of doing something stupid for anything! Love that scene.) (NT) -- Lynn H., 18:35:41 11/16/07 Fri
  - What a wonderful review of Katherine.........makes me want to read it again! :-) (NT) -- M&M, 19:35:58 11/16/07 Fri
    - Lynn, I want you to know that i haven't read the review only because I don't want to know anything about the book before I read it, but when finally get my hands on it, I am looking forward to reading your review. (NT) -- susiej, 07:09:50 11/17/07 Sat
      - :) Susie, I completely understand about that. I tried not to put too many spoilers in the review, but you're probably better safe than sorry. (I'd also avoid Anya Seton's original preface. That contains a couple of major spoilers. To this day, I don't know why that author's note is in the front of the book and not the back, where it belongs!) (NT) -- Lynn H., 16:49:47 11/17/07 Sat
- I went to the llibrary to get Katherine the other day and she told me they haven't had it in for years. I will have to try ebay or something!! (NT) -- Alissa, 14:14:39 11/15/07 Thu
  - I can't get Chadwicke's The Greatest Knight. Even with interlibrary loan, they said the books were all in New Zealand! (NT) -- susiej, 14:45:43 11/15/07 Thu
    - My library does have that one because I loaned it out when I couldn't find Katherine...lol. I did also see it at my secondhand bookshop last week as well. (NT) -- Alissa, 15:13:22 11/15/07 Thu
    - Oh Susie, did you read the other Chadwick already - was it Lords of the White Castle? I am looking forward to hearing what you think. The Greatest Knight is not as much of a romance as some of her earlier books, but I liked it verra much. She is among the best of the "successors" to Anya Seton when it comes to historical fiction/romance set in the days of knights and ladies fair... ! (NT) -- pamelalass, 16:44:51 11/15/07 Thu
      - Yes, I did read it awhile back. I posted once that I liked Fawkes a lot and if Chadwick was as good a writer as DG, he might rival Jamie for my affections, but I found some of her passages lacking. And>>>> -- susiej, 18:33:17 11/15/07 Thu
        
        I finished it this weekend. I really enjoyed the story and Fulke Fitzwarin and it didn't take me long to get thru it. Having said that, I agree completely with you about the end. I don't have to have a *happy* ending always. And, it also through me for a loop (spoilers inside) -- Conmama, 06:47:30 11/16/07 Fri
        oh, right Fulke not Fawkes! Fawkes is the phoenix in Harry Potter- ha ha! (NT) -- susiej, 11:29:02 11/16/07 Fri
        
        Or as my son used to call him, Dumbledore's 'phonics' *g* (NT) -- HollyC, 17:44:55 11/16/07 Fri
- Katherine is on the top of my TBR pile (only thirty pages left in the sixth book of the Dream of Eagles series I've been reading by Jack Whyte). Can't wait to start! (NT) -- Lady Tait (Denise), 21:41:31 11/15/07 Thu
  - The Camulod Chronicles is my 3rd favorite series of books. I just LOVED this story. Which is the 6th book, I forgot? I really felt like I learned so much about Rome, etc. (NT) -- Conmama, 06:49:19 11/16/07 Fri
    - I thought I had read the last book, but the 5th is in two parts and maybe The Lance Thrower is the last of 6. There's Uther and Clothar the Frank also which are companion novels I think. A bit confusing, I'm afraid. (NT) -- Denise, 15:03:44 11/16/07 Fri
- Sorry to hijack, but I posted news that may be of interest in the TBH thread below... Actually, around here, is bringing up TBH ever considered a hijack...? If you can't beat 'em.... (NT) -- pamelalass, 09:35:47 11/16/07 Fri
- I just finished reading Green Darkness. I have to say that I prefer Katherine. I just couldn't get into the reincarnation thing in GD. Otherwise the story is very interesting . Anya Seton was one terrific writer. (NT) -- Mari L., 11:14:12 11/16/07 Fri
  - I didnt care for Green Darkness either.....I was beginning to think I was the only one. *G* (NT) -- M&M, 19:28:12 11/16/07 Fri
- I read them to pieces many years ago and got just plain tired of them. Not even in my library now, but I would loudly recommend them to anyone who asks. (NT) -- 'becca beccabee, 12:18:17 11/16/07 Fri
- I still have some Paullina Simons signed bookmarks and bookplates! Email me if you would like one lolmichelle at yahoo dot com (NT) -- M&M, 19:37:48 11/16/07 Fri
The Emporer's Children by Claire Massud -- susiej, 12:02:56 11/18/07 Sun
I picked up this book while shopping at Border's. It had great reviews- clever, well written,a tale of modern NY. Is it just me? The 5 main characters that I've met so far- (each chapter had a new one) and many of the supporting cast are self centered, shallow, egotistical, neurotic, spoiled, lazy. Am I just too unsophisticated and need to go back several centuries (my usual reading)? Do these people learn/do something to redeem themselves? Should I keep going? I will say that I have marveled at some of the sentence structure and she has used some nifty words like 'ablution' and they didn't sound forced. But i usually want to like my protaganists somewhat.

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