Lady of the English by Elizabeth Chadwick

lady of the english

Royal wives and royal widows, Queen Adeliza and her stepdaughter, Empress Matilda, are the only two women to be titled “Lady of the English,” a title that does not come cheap. Adeliza, widowed queen and peacemaker, is married to a warrior who supports Stephen, grandson of the Conqueror. Matilda, daughter of the last king and a fierce fighter, is determined to win her inheritance against all odds and despite all men, including Stephen. Both are women who, in their different ways, will stand and fight for what they know is right. But for Matilda, pride comes before a fall. And for Adeliza, even the deepest love is no proof against fate. Continue reading

Wisdom’s Kiss by Catherine Gilbert Murdock

Wisdoms Kiss

Princess Wisdom, known as Dizzy, longs for a life of adventure far beyond the staid old kingdom of Montagne.

Tips, a soldier, longs to keep his true life secret from his family.

Fortitude, an orphaned maid, longs only for Tips.

These three passionate souls might just attain their dreams while preserving Montagne from certain destruction, if only they can tolerate each other long enough to come up with a plan. Tough to save the world when you can’t even be in the same room together.

Magic, cunning, and one very special cat join forces in this hilarious, extraordinary tale by the author of Dairy Queen and Princess Ben. An incredibly creative tale told with diaries, memoirs, encyclopedia entries, letters, biographies, even a stage play, all woven together into a grand adventure. Continue reading

The Dark Enquiry by Deanna Raybourn

the dark enquiry

Partners now in marriage and in trade, Lady Julia and Nicholas Brisbane have finally returned from abroad to set up housekeeping in London. But merging their respective collections of gadgets, pets and servants leaves little room for the harried newlyweds themselves, let alone Brisbane’s private enquiry business.

Among the more unlikely clients: Julia’s very proper brother, Lord Bellmont, who swears Brisbane to secrecy about his case. Not about to be left out of anything concerning her beloved—if eccentric—family, spirited Julia soon picks up the trail of the investigation.

It leads to the exclusive Ghost Club, where the alluring Madame Séraphine holds evening séances…and not a few powerful gentlemen in thrall. From this eerie enclave unfolds a lurid tangle of dark deeds, whose tendrils crush reputations and throttle trust.

Shocked to find their investigation spun into salacious newspaper headlines, bristling at the tension it causes between them, the Brisbanes find they must unite or fall. For Bellmont’s sake—and more—they’ll face myriad dangers born of dark secrets, the kind men kill to keep…. Continue reading

Madame Tussaud by Michelle Moran

Madame Tussaud US

The world knows Madame Tussaud as a wax artist extraordinaire . . . but who was this woman who became one of the most famous sculptresses of all time? In these pages, her tumultuous and amazing story comes to life as only Michelle Moran can tell it. The year is 1788, and a revolution is about to begin. Continue reading

Dark Road to Darjeeling by Deanna Raybourn

dark road to darjeeling

After eight idyllic months in the Mediterranean, Lady Julia Grey and her detective husband are ready to put their investigative talents to work once more. At the urging of Julia’s eccentric family, they hurry to India to aid an old friend, the newly-widowed Jane Cavendish. Living on the Cavendish tea plantation with the remnants of her husband’s family, Jane is consumed with the impending birth of her child—and with discovering the truth about her husband’s death. Was he murdered for his estate? And if he was, could Jane and her unborn child be next?
The Brisbanes uncover secrets and scandal. In this remote and exotic place, exploration is perilous and discovery, deadly. The danger is palpable and, if they are not careful, Julia and Nicholas will not live to celebrate their first anniversary. Continue reading

I Am the Chosen King by Helen Hollick

I am the Chosen King

I Am the Chosen King by Helen Hollick Genre: Historical Fiction Pages: 592 Paperback, ePub Date Published: February 2011 Publisher: Sourcebooks England, 1044. Harold Godwineson, a young, respected Earl, falls in love with an ordinary but beautiful woman. He marries Edyth despite her lack of pedigree, pitting him against his turbulent family and his selfish King, Edward. In France, William, the bastard son of a duke, falls in love with power. Brutal and dangerously smart, William sets his sights on England, finding ambition a difficult lust to conquer. In 1066, with the old King Edward dying, England falls vulnerable to … Continue reading

Guest Post: Michelle Moran – Madame Tussaud

Everything else in my life is on hold while I read the latest from one of my favorite general market historical fiction authors. And here’s a guest post to peak your interest. MADAME TUSSAUD: The Woman When most people hear the name Madame Tussaud, the first thing that comes to mind are the eerily lifelike waxworks which crowd her museums throughout the world. But who was the woman behind the name, and what was she like in the flesh? Madame Tussaud’s story actually began in 18th century Paris. While most people know her from her famous museum in London, it … Continue reading

Richard Scarry’s Colors by Richard Scarry

With art by Richard Scarry, you know this is going to be more than your average color concept book: it educates and entertains too! Bright and fun to look at, it offers plenty of amusement and action on every page. And as they’re enjoying the lively pictures, toddlers will learn some simple color basics in the most delightful way. Continue reading

New Jane Eyre film coming March 2011!

I just discovered this over at my friend Renee’s Black ‘n Gold Book Spot and had to share! Jane Eyre Running Time: Unknown Release Date: March 11, 2011 MPAA Rating: PG-13 for some thematic elements including a nude image and brief violent content More Movie Info | Production Photos Starring: Mia Wasikowska, Michael Fassbender, Jamie Bell, Judi Dench and Sally Hawkins. Directed by: Cary Fukunaga. Complete Cast & Crew

The Princeling by Cynthia Harrod-Eagles

Elizabeth I is on the throne and Protestantism is sweeping the land, threatening the position of the Catholic Morlands. John, the heir, rides north to the untamed Borderlands to wed the daughter of cattle lord Black Will Percy. But he finds he must first prove himself through blood and battle. John’s gentle sister Lettice is given in marriage to the ruthless Scottish baron, Lord Robert Hamilton, and in the treacherous court of Mary, Queen of Scots, she learns the fierce lessons of survival. Through birth and death, love and hatred, the Morlands fight to maintain their place amongst England’s aristocracy. Continue reading

Elizabeth, Captive Princess by Margaret Irwin

In this, the second of Margaret Irwin’s great trilogy about the life of “Good Queen Bess”, Elizabeth I, the imperious, high spirited heroine of Young Bess finds herself the prey of her sister Mary’s jealous suspicions. The death of her young brother, Edward IV; the accession of Bloody Mary; the execution of Lady Jane Grey; her own imprisonment in the Tower of London; and the arrival of Philip of Spain to marry Queen Mary provide the powerful background to Irwin’s masterful novel as Elizabeth strives to achieve her ambition, the Crown of England. Continue reading