Kitty Raises Hell by Carrie Vaughn

SYNOPSIS
Sometimes what happens in Vegas doesn't stay in Vegas.


Kitty and Ben flee The City That Never Sleeps, thinking they were finished with the dangers there, but the sadistic cult of lycanthropes and their vampire priestess have laid a curse on Kitty in revenge for her disrupting their rituals. Starting at the next full moon, danger and destruction the form of fire strikes Kitty and the pack of werewolves she's sworn to protect.


She enlists the help of a group of TV paranormal investigators - one of whom has real psychic abilities - to help her get to the bottom of the curse that's been laid on her. Rick, the Master vampire of Denver, believes a deeper plot lies behind the curse, and he and Kitty argue about whether or not to accept the help of a professional demon hunter - and vampire - named Roman, who arrives a little too conveniently in the nick of time.


Unable to rely on Rick, and unwilling to accept Roman's offer of help for a price, Kitty and her band of allies, including Vegas magician Odysseus Grant and Kitty's own radio audience, mount a trap for the supernatural being behind the curse, a destructive force summoned by the vengeful cult, a supernatural being that none of them ever thought to face.

MY VIEW
This was heaps better than Kitty & The Dead Mans Hand so if you was less than impressed with that don't give up as this restores my faith in the series.

This does continue from the previous book as they all have and Kitty is back in Denver along with her new husband Ben and in this instalment we find Kitty with the back up of a paranormal television series crew.

This is such a brilliant series it has just the right mix of everything - yes there is romance but, its not totally OTT like some romances in this genre can be, its all really quite normal which of, course Kitty is not.

This is my 2nd fave in the series, I just loved the first book and getting to know Kitty etc read that if you don't read the rest of the series but, I am guessing it will just whet your appetite for me.

Rebel by R J Anderson

SYNOPSIS
No ordinary fairy tale... Linden is a feisty faery with a lot on her mind. She her fellow faeries are under threat: their magic is fading, and if they do not act fast, they will die... When Linden meets Timothy, a human staying in the house opposite her Oak, she knows he can help. Together they embark on a dangerous journey to seek more magic _ and discover that there is more to fear from other faeries than they could ever have imagined.

MY VIEW
Rebel starts 15 years after the ending of Knife and now Knife is married to Paul we don't see as much of her as the prequel which is a shame as I loved her character. Knife is still about though as even though now married to a human, Paul she still protects the fairies.

This book focusses more on Linden who is the youngest of all the fairies. This book is not quite as good, in my opinion as Knife but, then Linden is a much different character than Knife she is a lot less gutsy the human boy, Timothy also is as far from the character of Paul as you can get he comes across as quite moody and I felt little sympathy for him.

A lot of what happens is fairly easily predictable and leads on to the ending to be set up for the third book I'd probably rate this a 3 out of 5 and will still read the next book as hopefully it will re-claim the charm of 'Knife'.

Knife by R J Anderson

SYNOPSIS
Forget everything you think you know about faeries. . . .

Creatures full of magic and whimsy?

Not in the Oakenwyld. Not anymore.

Deep inside the great Oak lies a dying faery realm, bursting with secrets instead of magic. Long ago the faeries mysteriously lost their magic. Robbed of their powers, they have become selfish and dull-witted. Now their numbers are dwindling and their very survival is at stake.

Only one young faery—Knife—is determined to find out where her people's magic has gone and try to get it back. Unlike her sisters, Knife is fierce and independent. She's not afraid of anything—not the vicious crows, the strict Faery Queen, or the fascinating humans living nearby. But when Knife disobeys the Faery Queen and befriends a human named Paul, her quest becomes more dangerous than she realizes. Can Knife trust Paul to help, or has she brought the faeries even closer to the brink of destruction?

Talented newcomer R. J. Anderson creates an extraordinary new fantasy world and weaves a gripping tale of lost magic, high adventure, and surprising friendship in which the fate of an entire realm rests on the shoulders of one brave faery rebel.

MY VIEW
This book is entitled Faery Rebels stateside, it would be simpler if books had the same name both sides of the pond, its caused me some confusion at times but, never mind.

This was another brilliant story of the Fae, one of the quotes for this books was "This is the best kind of fantasy: a book that makes faeries wonderfully real and maybe even living in our own backyards." This is so so true of this book.

Knife is of course, a faerie and she gets injured in battle she is nursed by a human, Paul and Knife decides she wants to know more about humans. The faeries R J Anderson has created are all very tiny and are I guess what we imagine them to be. I found it interesting how sensitive Paul's disability was dealt with, really well written.

The cover of this book in the UK seemed a little more grown up than the USA edition so think perhaps they are trying to appeal to a slightly different audience over here.

Wings by Aprilynne Pike

SYNOPSIS
Laurel was mesmerized, staring at the pale things with wide eyes. They were terrifyingly beautiful—too beautiful for words.

Laurel turned to the mirror again, her eyes on the hovering petals that floated beside her head. They looked almost like wings.

In this extraordinary tale of magic and intrigue, romance and danger, everything you thought you knew about faeries will be changed forever.

MY VIEW
This was an absolutely delightful tale! Although not all sugar and spice and all things nice.

Laurel is 15 and is unable to eat most things, quite amusingly she can drink Sprite and canned fruits and syrup. Laurel is a fairy, only she doesn't know it at the beginning of the story, Laurel has been home-schooled all her life and has to start school for real which she finds quite daunting and so enter love interest, David.

This is a love story with a fairy twist, Laurel finds a bump on her back which seems to grow and grow and she manages to cover it up until one day a big flower blooms out of her and that is not all a little love triangle develops enter another Faerie called Tamani, David and Tamani are as different to each other as you could get.


This was a really easy to follow book, apparently its aimed at the 'Twilight' set but, its lighter than that and personally I'm not a massive Twilight fan and think Stephenie Meyers books are slightly over-rated but, this was different it’s a really nice faerie tale but, in a way different to other faerie based books I've read (ie. Melissa Marr and O R Melling), apparently it’s the first of a 4 book series so will definitely be reading the rest.

I've also heard this is to be made into a film which might be good until I heard the lead role was to be played by Miley Cyrus! Never mind. Also interesting as its Aprilynne's first book, methinks Ms Meyer has more to do with this book than just the quote on the cover.

Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr

SYNOPSIS Rule #3: Don't stare at invisible faeries.

Aislinn has always seen faeries. Powerful and dangerous, they walk hidden in mortal world. Aislinn fears their cruelty—especially if they learn of her Sight—and wishes she were as blind to their presence as other teens.

Rule #2: Don't speak to invisible faeries.

Now faeries are stalking her. One of them, Keenan, who is equal parts terrifying and alluring, is trying to talk to her, asking questions Aislinn is afraid to answer.

Rule #1: Don't ever attract their attention.

But it's too late. Keenan is the Summer King who has sought his queen for nine centuries. Without her, summer itself will perish. He is determined that Aislinn will become the Summer Queen at any cost—regardless of her plans or desires.

Suddenly none of the rules that have kept Aislinn safe are working anymore, and everything is on the line: her freedom; her best friend, Seth; her life; everything.

Faerie intrigue, mortal love, and the clash of ancient rules and modern expectations swirl together in Melissa Marr's stunning 21st century faery tale.


MY VIEW
This was brilliant if you love any fiction about faeries then read it, read it, read it!

A YA fiction book yes but, I loved it as you can probably tell even though it was brilliant Aislinn was just an OK central character I didn't dislike her but, I didn't have a big connection with her I found the sub-characters more fascinating and for me they made the story.Keenan (Summer king) and Donia (Winter Girl) were for me more interesting. Keenans character really develops through the book whereas Aislinn I don't know she just seems to meander through.

Keenan seems not too likeable at first but, as I say his character does develop and I wanted to read more on him than anyone else, the book is at the basics about a Summer King looking for his Queen and he thinks he has found her in Aislinn but, Aislinn just wants to avoid faeries so it makes for an interesting quest.

This was a very well written story despite me not warming to Aislinn it really doesn't matter there is so much going on and never a boring moment and once you've read this you will look at carnivals in a different light and just wonder ...

Confessions of a Pagan Nun by Kate Horsley

SYNOPSIS
Cloistered in a stone cell at the monastery of Saint Brigit, a sixth-century Irish nun secretly records the memories of her Pagan youth, interrupting her assigned task of transcribing Augustine and Patrick. She also writes of her fiercely independent mother, whose skill with healing plants and inner strength she inherited. She writes of her druid teacher, the brusque but magnetic Giannon, who first introduced her to the mysteries of written language. But disturbing events at the cloister keep intervening. As the monastery is rent by vague and fantastic accusations, Gwynneve's words become the one force that can save her from annihilation.


MY VIEW
Quite a short book by my usual standards but, not one word was wasted, this was fantastic!

The pagan nun is Gwynneve and living in 6th century Ireland and in what is known as a Clochan, this is the building pictured on the cover. The clochan is at a monastery of St Brigit and is at the time of the Pagan-Christian conversion. Its so fascinating a Pagan nun seems so strange yet the book doesn't seem to shout that one is better than the other like you would think it would.

Gwynneve was raised as a Pagan but, it is after her mother dies that she converts to being a nun. This is not a happy book but, is also thought provoking too - read it if your Pagan, read it if your Christian in fact read it if your not religious at all.

Her Mothers Daughter by Julianne Lee

SYNOPSIS
A new novel of sixteent-century royalty from the author of A Question of Guilt

Her name was Mary Tudor. First of the Tudor queens, she has gone down in history as Bloody Mary. But does she deserve her vicious reputation?

She was the daughter of Henry VIII and Katherine of Aragon, and half-sister to Edward VI and Elizabeth I. Mary Tudor's life began as the sweetly innocent, pampered princess of Wales-until the age of eleven when the father she adored cast aside the mother she worshipped and declared Mary a bastard. Only after years of exile did Mary finally rise to the throne alongside the man who, aside from her father, was her greatest love-and her greatest betrayer.

Told by Mary herself and the people around her, this grand-scale novel takes us back to the glittering court of sixteenth-century England, and tells the tragic story of a fascinating, largely misunderstood woman who withstood the treachery and passion around her only to become one of England's most vilified queens.


MY VIEW
The beginning of this was rather different in that a group of schoolgirls in the present time conjure up the spirit of Mary Tudor. However, it doesn't detract and just launches the story.

The story does move along fast in places perhaps two fast and skips Mary's life by about 6 years, we are told of the major things that happened in Marys life like her fathers marriage to Anne Boleyn and also to Jane Seymour however, things are just zipoping from one thing to the other too quickly Henry dies, his son is on the throne I think she may have missed out the Sixth wife which seems a little odd as she was a major part of Henry's story.

Now that said if you can overlook these slight niggles (or that may just be me) it is a good read, certainly nowhere near as dire as Susannah Dunn's offerings, those with superior knowledge of the Tudor era may find this book a little irritating as there are some historical inaccuracies but, its not too bad, I don't usually rate books but, I'd say this is about a 3.5/5.

The Virgin Queen's daughter by Ella March Chase

SYNOPSIS
As captivating now as it was more than four centuries ago, the reign of Elizabeth I—with its scandal, intrigue, and resilience—has sparked the imaginations of generations. In her sweeping historical debut, Ella March Chase explores a thrilling possibility: that the Tudor bloodline did not end with the Virgin Queen.

Tucked away in the country estate of her beloved father, Lord Calverley, young Nell de Lacey feeds her hungry mind with philosophy, language, and studies of science. Her mother, once a devoted lady-in-waiting to Henry VIII’s last wife, Katherine Parr, would rather her daughter stop dabbling in the grand affairs of men and instead prepare for her eventual duties as a wife. She knows all too well what menace lurks in royal courts.

But Nell’s heart yearns for something more, and a chance meeting with Princess Elizabeth, then a prisoner of the Tower of London, pushes her closer toward finding it. Now, years later, Nell’s chance arrives when she is summoned to serve as a lady-in-waiting to the newly crowned Queen Elizabeth. Nell is entranced by the splendor and pageantry of royal life, unaware of the danger and deception that swirls around the monarch and her courtiers.

But a lingering rumor about nine unaccounted for months in the Virgin Queen’s past reignites when the flame-haired Nell—a mirror image of Her Majesty both physically and intellectually—arrives at court. Quickly she catches the eye not only of the cunning Elizabeth, but of those who would see the queen fail. With strong evidence to connect Elizabeth to her newest maid of honor and the politics of England in turmoil, the truth could send Nell and those she loves to the Tower to join in the wretched fates of those who’ve gone before her.

Engrossing and enlightening, The Virgin Queen’s Daughter brings to life one of the greatest mysteries of one of the greatest monarchs. Ella March Chase’s vivid storytelling gives due credence to a daughter who might have been and a mother who never was.

MY VIEW
This was a very interesting and enlightening read and based on a rumour that went round before Elizabeth went to the throne. Some may think it is a little far fetched but, I think it is quite plausible that aside as historical fiction books go this was pretty good.

It is 1554 and a 5 year old Elinor de Lacey makes her first visit to London with her parents it is during this visit Elinor de Lacey encounters her first sight of Elizabeth, where she is being held in the Tower for a while during the reign of Mary Tudor.

Elinor de Lacey lives with her parents in the English countryside and after the death of her father Elinor de Lacey travels to London to serve at Elizabeth's court much to her mothers dismay (her adoptive mother).

I won't reveal too much about the storyline and I don't think this book would be for everyone it could be quite controversial, could a future Queen of England really have covered up having a child? The jury is still out for me, the romantic in me would love this story to be true but, I'm not so sure. And it is a good read and makes you wonder if it really was true, this story definitely makes it believable.

Between Two Queens by Kate Emerson

SYNOPSIS
Pretty, flirtatious, and ambitious. Nan Bassett hopes that an appointment at the court of King Henry VIII will bring her a grand marriage. But soon after she becomes a maid of honor to Queen Jane, the queen dies in childbirth. As the court plunges into mourning, Nan sets her sights on the greatest match in the land...for the king has noticed her. After all, it wouldn't be the first time King Henry has chosen to wed a maid of honor. And in newly Protestant England, where plots to restore the old religion abound, Nan may be the only one who can reassure a suspicious king of her family's loyalty. But the favor of a king can be dangerous and chancy, not just for Nan, but for her family as well...and passionate Nan is guarding a secret, one that could put her future -- and her life -- in grave jeopardy should anyone discover the truth.

Based on the life of the real Anne Bassett and her family, and drawing extensively from letters and diaries of the time, Between Two Queens is an enthralling picture of the dangers and delights of England's most passionate era.

MY VIEW
I wasn't overly impressed with Kate Emerson's first book from Secrets of the Tudor Court so almost didn't get this but, I am glad I did this was a huge, huge improvement on the last book.

Another character I hadn't come across before just like Kate Emerson's previous book, I think its good thatshes bases these books on true people rather than creating a fictional character. Hopw much of this book is true in relation to Anne Bassett I don't know as I couldn't find a huge amount of information about her, only that she was a mistress of Henry VIII's for a short time, as she was in this book.

Overall the story was good but, the character of Anne "Nan" Bassett was not an overall pleasant one don't get me wrong she wasn't horrible or anything but, I just felt I couldn't warm to her or feel sympathy for her.

This is not for someone who is looking for some really good Tudor fiction a la Jean Plaidy this is fluffy Bunny compared to some of Ms Plaidys novels so I could compare it to Philippa Gregorys books but, I feel Philippas are hugely better, just great for a light read I feel.

Lost Dogs & Lonely Hearts by Lucy Dillon

SYNOPSIS
When the abandoned strays from a local dogs’ home are matched with brand new owners, it turns out it might not just be the dogs who need rescuing.

Rachel’s aunt has left her a house, a Border Collie and, despite knowing nothing about dogs, a crowded kennels. But since her life has collapsed she’s not sure she can deal with any more lost souls.

Zoe’s ex-husband has given their children a puppy. The kids are in love, but she’s the one stuck training Toffee the impossible Labrador. She’s nearly at the end of her tether – until Toffee leads her to a handsome doctor...

Meanwhile Natalie and Johnny’s marriage hasn’t been easy since they started trying for a baby. But is a fridge-raiding, sofa-stealing Basset hound like Bertie really the child substitute they’re looking for?

As the new owners’ paths cross on the town’s dog-walking circuits, their lives become interwoven. And they – and their dogs – learn some important lessons about loyalty, companionship and unconditional love . . .

MY VIEW
I am an absolute dog lover which helps with this book, if your not you might not quite get it or be able to identify with it.

The story revolves around the character of Rachel who has just arrived from London having split from her married (not to her!) lover, she finds the responsibility of the kennel on her hands, after her aunt who ran the kennels has passed away.

There are a great mix of characters here - Natalie & Johnny who are trying for a family (without much luck!), Zoe who has two children and recently split from her husband and Megan who is working at the kennels and originally from Australia just to mention a few.

This is a great chick lit with a twist of course, there is romance what good chick lit book would be without that? It meanders along nicely - its not hugely action packed and in some places is slower than others but, its just a cute read to while away a wet afternoon with a dog sat at your feet of course :-))

The Lady in the Tower by Marie-Louise Jensen

SYNOPSIS
Spring 1540 I am afraid. You are in grave danger. Mother, will you run away with me if I can free you? The servants call it the Lady Tower: the isolated part of the castle where Eleanor's mother is imprisoned after a terrible accusation. For four years Eleanor's only comfort has been their secret notes to one another. A chance discovery reveals a plot to murder her mother. Now Eleanor must free her before it is too late. But with danger and betrayal at every turn, she can trust no one. Especially not her father. Eleanor must use all her cunning to survive. For she soon realises that it is not just her mother she needs to save . . . but also herself.

MY VIEW
I actually thought this book was based on Anne Boleyn, I never read the description beforehand and if I had I would have known but, that matters not this was really good and a surprisingly good read.

Four years after Eleanor's mother was locked in the tower, Eleanor is betrothed to a man she does not want, or does she? Whilst Eleanors mother is locked away she is still trying to be harmed as poisoned food is brought to her but, Eleanor smuggles poison-free food in to her and also goes to great lengths to try and get her away from the tower.

A little different to your bog standard Tudor novels and apparently this book is based on a true story but, loosely. Eleanor is a great character the only drawback is I think you can pretty much predict the ending but, thats no bad thing, this is a Young Adult book too so a fairly easy read.

The Brightest Star in the Sky by Marian Keyes

SYNOPSIS
At 66, Star Street in Dublin, someone is watching over the lives of the people living in its flats. But no one is aware of it – yet... One of them is ready to take the plunge and fall in love; another is torn between two very different lovers. For some, secrets they want to stay buried will come to light and for others, the unveiling of those secrets will have tragic consequences. Fate is on its way to Star Street, bringing with it love and tragedy, friendship and heartbreak, and the power to change their lives in the most unexpected of ways.

MY VIEW
This book was so different to anything Marian has written before and has quite a feel of Cecelia Aherne about it. There are lots of people written about and it would ordinarily be a tad confusing but, this was well written as is the norm with Marian.

Now this is no Watermelon (nothing will ever compare to that!) and it was almost like I wasn't even reading a Marian book, there aren't as many funnies slipped in as in her other books the characters at first glance seem very normal but, the more you read the more you realise actually they are not that normal at all and rather complex I think Maeve and Matt are the two people this applies to the most and I loved reading about them the most.

It was fun, entertaining but, I hope Marian writes a book on the Walshes next I miss them :-)

The Queen's Mistake by Diane Haeger

SYNOPSIS
When young and beautiful Catherine Howard becomes the fifth wife of fifty year old king Henry VIII, she seems to be on top of the world. Yet her reign is destined to be brief and heartbreaking, as she is forced to do battle with enemies far more powerful and calculating than she could have ever anticipated in a court where one wrong move could mean her destruction. Wanting only love, Catherine is compelled to deny her heart's desire in favor of her family's ambition. But in so doing, she unwittingly gives those who seek to bring her down a most effective weapon, her own romantic past.

The Queen's Mistake is the tragic tale of one passionate and idealistic woman who struggles to negotiate the intrigues of the court and the yearnings of her own heart.

MY VIEW
Of Henry VIII's six queens Catherine Howards story is my second favourite to Anne Boleyns story so I jumped on this as soon as I found it and seeing as it was Diane Haeger as I loved her story of Nell Gwynne and Diane De Poitiers and this was fairly OK, not the best story of Catherine Howards but, far from bad!

The story is told from the third person so seeing this story from other peoples perspectives was interesting. Comparisons cannot but, held to be made with Philippa Gregorys The Boleyn Inheritance (which is my favourote of Philippa's Tudor novels) and I would say this does fall far far short as a comparison but, Philippa's was written from three peoples perspective, I always find third p[erson narratives less engrossing but, that is just a personal preference.

This wouldn't be the first book I'd recommend if looking for a novel on catherine Howard, Jean Plaidy's Murder Most Royal is probably one of the best but, worth considering if you've read all the others on Catherine.

The Book of Tomorrow by Cecilia Aherne

SYNOPSIS
The magical new novel from number one bestseller Cecelia Ahern. Tamara Goodwin has always got everything she's ever wanted. Born into a family of wealth, she grew up in a mansion with its own private beach, a wardrobe full of designer clothes and all that a girl could ever wish for. She's always lived in the here and now, never giving a second thought to tomorrow. But then suddenly her dad is gone and life for Tamara and her mother changes forever. Left with a mountain of debt, they have no choice but to sell everything they own and move to the country. Nestled next to Kilsaney Castle, their gatehouse is a world away from Tamara's childhood. With her mother shut away with grief, and her aunt busy tending to her, Tamara is lonely and bored and longs to return to Dublin. When a travelling library passes through Kilsaney Demesne, Tamara is intrigued. Her eyes rest on a mysterious large leather bound tome locked with a gold clasp and padlock. What she discovers within the pages takes her breath away and shakes her world to its' core.

MY VIEW
I have found the last 3 or so books of Cecelia's to be just so I absolutely loved her first two books PS I Love You and Where Rainbows End but, found the books to come after to be seriously lacking. However, I find this to be a return to form although not as good as the two aforementioned books, not sure those will ever be matched.

The main character Tamara is really quite spoiled and lives a life most of us could only ever probably dream of that is until her father is found lying dead after committing suicide due to debt which is left she has gone from having everything anow has absolutely nothing.


When they go to the country to live with family after haviong lost their home Tamara is so bored until the day the travelling library drives through and when she discovers a large leather book which is locked she has to, of course break into it and what she finds changes her.

A brilliantly written book that draws you in, yes I guess this is chick-lit but, I don't think Cecelia is a chick-lit author per se and this sometimes is a tiny bit reminiscent of A Place Called Here only better!

The Kings Fool by Margaret Campbell Barnes

SYNOPSIS
A Remarkably Intimate Tale of the Intrigue, Ruthlessness, and Majesty of Henry VIII's Court

When country lad Will Somers lands himself the plum position of jester to the mercurial King Henry VIII, he has no idea that he's just been handed a front-row seat to history.

With a seat near the throne and an ear to the floor, Somers witnesses firsthand the dizzying power struggles and sly scheming that marked the reign of the fiery Tudor king. Somers watches the rise and fall of some of the most enigmatic women in history, including the tragic Katherine of Aragon, the doomed Anne Boleyn, and Mary Tudor, who confided in the jester as she made the best of the fragile life of a princess whom everyone wished was a prince.

Based on the life of the real Will Somers, King's Fool is infused with Margaret Campbell Barnes' trademark rich detail and historical accuracy. This intimate peek into the royal chambers gives readers a unique view on one of the most tumultuous periods in English history.

First published in 1959 by world-renowned historical novelist Margaret Campbell Barnes, King's Fool is a remarkable insider tale of the intrigue, ruthlessness, and majesty of the Tudor court. When country lad Will Somers lands himself the plum position of jester to the mercurial King Henry VIII, he has no idea that he';s just been handed a front-row seat to history.

MY VIEW
This book was fantastic! The closest I have come to reading about Will Somers was his little notes in the Autobiography of Henry VIII by Margaret George so it was great to have a book dedicated to him. I have read a few of MCB's books and this is easily the best.

It was good to see a different side to Henry too, although I love reading of the period of Henry I'm not HIS greatest fan but, he came cross quite different here my only criticism is I wished the book was longer. I have sen some comments state that the narrative is a little old fashioned well firsty seeing as the book is set in the 16th century may contribute to that and although only recently-ish released this book was originally written in 1959.

If your someone who is not a big fan of Henry VIII definitely read this it may even make you change your mind, if you love Margaret Georges Autibiography of Henry VIII I think you will like this too, brilliant!

The Virgin's Daughters: In the Court of Elizabeth I by Jeane Westin

SYNOPSIS
The daughter of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, Elizabeth I was profoundly aware of the dangers of mixing power and sex. Torn between opposing needs—to fulfill her destiny as a strong monarch and to follow her own sensual yearnings—she was fated never to experience true love…and became determined to thwart the romantic desires of all around her. Now, Elizabeth’s story is told as never before—through the eyes of two ladies-in-waiting who were closest to her…

MY VIEW
The story is about 2 women who served Elizabeth I, the story covers Lady Katherine Grey's passion for Edward Seymour, Earl of Hertford in 1562, and Mistress Mary Roger's affection for Elizabeth's godson, Sir John Harington, in 1599.It is 1562 and Elizabeth is approaching 30.

Katherine Grey is the sister of the ill fated Lady Jane Grey, Edward is an old flame and taking him back without the permission of her Queen could be fatal for Katherine. Mary Rogers grandfarther cared for Katherine in her older years.

Overall a good read I much preferred reading about Katherine than I did Mary, the characters are quite different inhow they came to serve Elizabeth, I love reading anything set in Elizabeths reign and have yet to find something I have not enjoyed, another brilliant Tudor story.

Tavern in the Morning by Alys Clare

SYNOPSIS
At the end of a dark and dreary market day, Goody Anne's inn at Tonbridge is finally settling down for the night. But while Anne's serving maid and boy finish up their chores, a man lies dying in the guest chamber-poisoned by a piece of pie made by Goody Anne herself. Josse d'Acquin, a knight with a knack for solving mysteries, is troubled by the news of the stranger's death. Josse has been a regular visitor to Goody Anne's, and he hates to think that Anne-or her fine cooking-has fallen suspect. He rides off to the scene of the crime and starts his own investigation.
When Josse discovers wolf's bane in the remnants of the pie, he knows that someone must have tampered with Anne's cooking. And when he learns that a charming, handsome nobleman ordered a piece of that very pie, Josse is convinced that the poison was meant for this upper-class guest, and not for the poor stranger who died alone in Anne's guest chamber.

After failing to persuade the Sheriff that the death was suspicious, Josse turns to his old friend, the formidable Abbess Helewise. Weakened from a severe bout of fever, the Abbess nonetheless provides a thread of common sense as Josse follows the trail of murder into the ancient, mysterious Wealden Forest, and finds something there that will change his life forever . . . .

MY VIEW

This was a big improvement on the previous books and started out well, I find towards the middle to the end I was getting a little bored as it seems to follow the same path as the others. They aren't massively big books at only about 200 pages or so, so to have boring parts in such a short book is quite disappointing.

Theres not much to add to the synopsis except to say its all rather predictable, I'm only sorry I have most of the other books but, will read them one day and hopefully they will improve as they go along, not overly impressed thus far.

Ashes of the Elements by Alys Clare

SYNOPSIS
A grove of huge oak trees in the Wealden forest is felled. And, as if some ancient curse is being unleashed, the man who wielded the axe meets with a violent end. Abbess Helewise teams up with Josse d'Acquin to discover what really lies inside the darkness of the ancient forest.

MY VIEW
Much similar to Fortune Like The Moon but, this was better as we have got to know the characters more of the story can develop. This is not what I would call a edge of your seat thriller more like a sit back and enjoy!

Again we see the brilliant Sir Josse and Abbess Hellewise join together to investigate who the axe murderer is. A little more Paganism in this one as there are Forest People who still meet there when the moon is full to practise their dark magic! But, are they responsible for the murder.

This is more a cozy type of thriller if your into magical goings on with a little murder mixed in and something not too taxing on the brain then you will love it!

Fortune Like The Moon by Alys Clare

SYNOPSIS
Shortly before his unexpected coronation, King Richard passed a law letting all of England's prisoners go free. Shortly afterwards a young nun is found, gruesomely murdered. Richard swiftly employs an old military colleague of his, Josse d'Acquin, to unravel this hideous mystery. Who could have wanted to kill this innocent young novice, and, more worryingly, why?

Josse goes to Hawkenlye Abbey to find out the answers to these questions. He is having little success until meets the Abbess Helewise, a woman who quickly proves herself to be his equal, both as an amateur sleuth, and as a figure the community can rely on during this turbulent time for England.

This duo have to find the murderer, and find him quickly, or they'll have the King of England to answer to...

MY VIEW
This was a great read very easy to follow, one of the reasons I read this was I heard some of the stories were pagan inspired, there wasn't a lot of that going on here IMO but, it was still a great read. Also its great to read fiction books set near where you live, I live about 30 minutes from where these books are based.

But, the story is a good one a nice whodunnit, based around Richard the Lionheart and his decision to release prisoners, everyone thinks its one of the recently released prisoners committing the murders but, is it?

The characters are great Sir Josse and Abbess Hellewise are brilliant central characters apparently the historical accuracy is good but, I'm not too knowledgable on this period so not too sure on that.

Great for a little transportation back in time.

Dragonspell: The Southern Sea by Katherine Kerr

SYNOPSIS
CAUGHT IN A WEB OF PASSION, DESTINY AND MAGIC For years the provinces of Deverry have been in turmoil, but the conflict escalates to new heights with the kidnapping of Rhodry, heir to the throne of Aberwyn. Intent on rescuing him, his beloved Jill and the elven wizard Salamander infiltrate the distant land of Bardek, where Rhodry is held captive.
Tied to Deverry by bonds of obligation, the immortal wizard Nevyn begins to see that all its problems originate from a single source - his ancient enemy, a master of dark magics, backed by a network of evil that stretches across the sea. With this realization, Nevyn understands that he too is being lured to Bardek, and into a subtle and deadly trap...

Katharine Kerr's novels of the Kingdom of Deverry unfold in a world of stunning richness and depth, portrayed with unequalled imagination and realism. Now, with Dragonspell, she returns to this enchanted kingdom for the most powerful story yet in this epic series.

MY VIEW

The final in the first segment of the Deverry series. Overall the series is extremely well written and I loved the first three books I will say though I did not enjoy this as much as the first three but, as I read them back to back that could just be overload.

This one was slightly easier to follow than the previous books as the whole book is set in the present day, as with all the others it is a slow journey to the heart of the book but, I love books like that as you get such a descriptive image of how things are happening and the characters etc.

Like I said it was the least favourite of the four but, still a must read if you intend on reading the whole series (which I do).