So Many Books, So Little Time

Synopsis:  From carefree young woman to disillusioned bride, the dazzling lady who would become mother and grandmother to two of history’s most infamous queens, has a fascinating story all her own… At sixteen, Elizabeth Howard envisions a glorious life for herself as lady-in-waiting to the future queen, Catherine of Aragon. But when she is forced to marry Thomas Boleyn, a wealthy commoner, Elizabeth is left to stagnate in the countryside while her detested husband pursues his ambitions. There, she raises golden girl Mary, moody George, and ugly duckling Anne–while staving off boredom with a string of admirers. Until Henry VIII takes the throne… When Thomas finally brings his highborn wife to London, Elizabeth indulges in lavish diversions and dalliances–and catches the lusty king’s eye. But those who enjoy Henry’s fickle favor must also guard against his wrath. For while her husband’s machinations bring Elizabeth and her children to the pinnacle of power, the di...

I'm linking with Bookishly Boisterous' "Bookish and Not So Bookish Thoughts" again this week.  Check out other posts here ! 1.) I recently discovered that my local library's elibrary has gotten a whole lot better than it used to be.  It's still not great but I have found several books from my TBR list that are available to borrow in ebook format. 2.) I am seriously fighting the urge to go on a book buying spree.  Not for budgetary reasons or anything, I just don't think I need to spend money on books right now.  I love my local library and want to get back to using it again.  Why spend money when there are so many books available for free at the library? 3.) I still haven't decided what I want to do with this blog.  I have commitments scheduled for March and April but I think I'm going to leave May wide open.  I am having a hard time deciding because I am also taking a class this semester and it's taking a lot more of my time than I expec...

  The Chalice by Nancy Bilyeau is being released in the UK on February 13. You should check it out!  I know I will definitely be picking this one up soon! The Chalice by Nancy Bilyeau Paperback Publication Date: February 13, 2014 Orion Publishing Paperback; 432p ISBN-13: 978-1409135807 Series: Joanna Stafford, Book Two Genre: Historical Mystery     SYNOPSIS: A curse to kill a king, a fight to save a nation. Follow young Joanna Stafford right into the dark heart of King Henry VIII’s court in this stunning Tudor thriller. England, 1538. The nation is reeling after the ruthless dissolution of the monasteries by King Henry VIII. Cast out of Dartford Priory, Joanna Stafford – feisty, courageous, but scarred by her recent encounter with rebellion at court – is trying to live a quiet life with her five-year-old charge, Arthur. But family connections draw her dangerously close to a treasonous plot and, repelled by violence and the whispered cons...

  The Winter Sea by Susanna Kearsley I think this is one of the best books I have read in a long time.  I was completely sw ept away by the characters and the story.  I love how Kearsley's books weave the past and the present together so beautifully.  Kearsley is such a great writer; the setting and characters are always so magical.  The romance was epic and overall this was a fantastic book!  5 stars. The Firebird by Susanna Kearsley The Firebird is amazing in that it contains characters from both The Winter Sea and The Shadow Horses.  The present characters are from the latter and the past characters are from the former.  It was awesome to find out what happened after The Winter Sea as there was a lot left wide open at the end.  I also loved to getting see Robbie from The Shadowy Horses all grown up.  It is actually because of this book that I wanted to read Kearsley's books.  The fact that it was about Russ...

  Synopsis:  Isabella is just twelve years old when she marries Edward II of England. For the young princess it is love at first sight - but Edward has a terrible secret that threatens to tear their marriage - and England apart. Who is Piers Gaveston - and why is his presence in the king’s court about to plunge England into civil war? The young queen believes in the love songs of the troubadours and her own exalted destiny - but she finds reality very different. As she grows to a woman in the deadly maelstrom of Edward’s court, she must decide between her husband, her children, even her life - and one breath-taking gamble that will change the course of history. Does she submit to a lifetime of solitude and a spiritual death - or seize her destiny and take the throne of England for herself? This is the story of Isabella, the only woman ever to invade England - and win. My Thoughts:  My first encounter with Isabella occurred when I watched the movie ...

January was a great month for reading!  I managed to read 6 books and get half way through a seventh.  I know 6 books isn't very much compared to past months but it's pretty good for me considering I'm working, have a baby and am taking a class this semester.  According to goodreads.com, I am two books ahead of schedule in meeting my goal of 50 books read for the year.  Three books were for review and the other three I just read for fun. Here is what I read this month: 1.) Isabella: Braveheart of France by Colin Falconer 2.) Degrees of Courage by Shari Vester 3.) The Firebird by Susanna Kearsley 4.) Haunted by Joy Preble 5.) Becoming Josephine by Heather Webb 6.) Anastasia Forever by Joy Preble What books did you read this month?  How are you doing with your reading goals?

The Fiery Heart by Richelle Mead I love this series so much and this book was a great addition to the series.  I loved reading Adrian's point of view and the story in general was just awesome.  Sydney's sister makes an appearance in this book and I am so not a fan of hers.  There is also a crazy cliffhanger ending.  I seriously don't know if I can handle waiting until the next book comes out!  4 stars. Allegiant by Veronica Roth Okay, I'm going to be honest, I have never really been a super fan of these books.  I think these are books I read simply because they were so popular.  I wasn't wowed by Divergent but I did enjoy Insurgent so I decided that I needed to finish the series.  Allegiant was just okay.  I didn't like the ending and the story took turns that kind of surprised me.  Overall, I am just not impressed by the trilogy in general.  3 stars.