Audiobook Review: The Scarlet Lion by Elizabeth Chadwick

Author: Elizabeth Chadwick

Narrator: Christopher Scott

Title: The Scarlet Lion

(William Marshal #3)

Genre: Historical Fiction

Format: Audiobook

Published: December 7th 2006

Where I got It: My shelf (audible) 

Summary: 

Following early beginnings as a knight in the English royal household and a champion of the tourneys, William Marshal's prowess and loyalty have been rewarded by the hand in marriage of Isabelle de Clare, heiress to great estates in England, Normandy and Ireland. Now a powerful magnate, William has weathered the difficult years of King Richard's absence on crusade and is currently serving him on campaign in Normandy while Isabelle governs their estates. All the stability William and Isabelle have enjoyed with their young and growing family comes crashing down as Richard dies and his brother John becomes King. Rebellion is stirring throughout the Angevin domains and although John has created William Earl of Pembroke, the friction between the two men leads William and Isabelle to distance themselves in Ireland. The situation escalates, with John holding their sons as hostages and seizing their English lands. The conflict between remaining loyal and rebelling over injustices committed, threatens to tear apart William and Isabelle's marriage and their family.

Review:

Literally been wanting to read this for yearsssssssssss. Thanks to the TBR pile challenge, I decided to get my hands on a copy of this and read it. 

Years have passed and all the stability William and his wife, Isabelle, have enjoyed with their young family comes crashing down. Richard is dead and John has become King. Rebellion is stirring throughout the Angevin domains. The friction between the new King and William leads William and Isabelle to distance themselves by going to their lands in Ireland. The situation further escalates when John holds their sons as hostages and seizes their English lands. This conflict between remaining loyal and rebelling over the injustices committed threatens to tear William's family apart. 

This can be read as a stand-alone. I read book 2 years ago so I barely remember what happened there and I never read book 1. Things you need to know will be told/explained to the reader so it's okay not to backtrack to book 1 or 2.

I do remember loving William and Isabelle. They are an adorable couple and they fit each other so well. However, I did want to kick William once in a while. I get WHY he wants to be loyal to the throne and fight through the issues and find common ground...but John is a right old bastard. No Richard by ANY means. So I get young Will's annoyance with his father. 

Sobbbbbs I didn't want this to end. I hated seeing William get old. I hated seeing others get old too and die like Queen Eleanor!!! So dang sad. It made me want to re-read book 2 when William was a super youth and Eleanor was in her prime. I do want to read book 1 which is about John FitzGilbert who is William's dad. 

This had politics, feels, love, war, and death. It is the ending chapter for William, but it isn't the end of the story. There are other stories to be told. I do want to read them, but it made me cry saying goodbye to William. He was truly the greatest knight. Yes, yes, I am being dramatic, but he was such a fun character to watch grow from a boy to an old man. I would love to see a movie based on him. I think the BBC has a documentary on him, but I think the man deserves his own movie. C'MON NETFLIX OR HULU!!!!!

Anyways...this was really good. I do think a couple parts dragged a bit. We just kept waiting and waiting for the other shoe to drop. There were a couple of lulls that seemed to slow down the plot a bit. 

The narrator was pretty good. Loved his male voices. His female voices were okay.

In the end, I recommend reading book 2 but it is not necessary story-wise. I do think you will appreciate all William did for the throne and understand him better when you read book 2 first. Yours to do. I really enjoyed this. It made me cry at the end, but I am curious to see what happens next for this family.  There are a couple of lulls that slowed down the plot a hair. I'll give this 4 stars overall. 

Challenge(s):
- #31 for Audiobook challenge

- TBR Reading Challenge (#5)

Book Review: The Sinclair Hound by Caroline Lee

Author: Caroline Lee

Title: The Sinclair Hound

(The Sinclair Jewels #1)

Genre: Historical Romance

Format: ebook

Published: May 16th 2019

Where I Got It: Amazon Freebie

Summary: 

The Sinclair Hound doesn’t speak…

Hanged as a lad for stealing food, Gregor, the notorious Sinclair Hound, was spared by a merciful laird. Although emotionally damaged and forever scarred and very silent, his devotion to Clan Sinclair, and especially the laird, is unwavering... until one of the Sinclair Jewels, the youngest daughter, Pearl, challenges that devotion and forces the Hound to make a fateful choice.

Pearl is a priceless lass…

As the youngest of the Sinclair Jewels, Pearl has made a place for herself among her clan, serving her people and doing her best to care for those who need help. Unlike her sisters, she has no interest in ever leaving her family. But when she’s forced to choose between an unwanted marriage or taking holy vows, she makes a fateful mistake.

If she can’t stay with her clan, she’ll become a nun.

But once her sire tasks the Hound to escort her to the abbey, Pearl is forced to admit two things: she never really wanted to take holy vows and her fascination with the Hound can no longer be denied.

Review:

I've enjoyed some other books by this author, so I seen this as a freebie and had to grab it. 

We follow Gregor who was nearly executed as a lad when the laird of the Clan Sinclair saved him and took him under his wing. Gregor would become the notorious and silent Sinclair Hound. He is asked to travel and protect Sinclair's youngest daughter on her voyage to take her holy vows. Pearl is given the choice...marry or become a nun. She elects to take her vows, but she wants to stay with her clan. While on the journey, Pearl is forced to admit that she is in love with the Hound. 

This was a quick read and it was cute overall. 

I do wish this had been longer so I could've had more time to connect with this couple. Maybe if the beginning was stretched out more and the journey longer? I just felt like they were so 2D but I KNOW there was more under the surface for both of them. I loved the fact that the Hound didn't really speak for the majority of the time. When he did speak it meant something. I needed more time and I think they needed more time to be fleshed out a bit. 

Other than that, I had no issues. It was cute and quick and they were perfect together. I just wanted more time with the couple to really get to learn more about them and see their chemistry more. I'll give this 3 stars. 

Book Review: The Last Gods of Indochine by Samuel Ferrer

Author:  Samuel Ferrer
Title: The Last Gods of Indochine
Genre: Historical Fiction
Pages: 439
Published: September 20th 2016
Where I Got It: My Shelf (Given to me by the author/publisher for my honest and unbiased opinion)

Jacquie Mouhot and Paaku the Lotus-Born are divided by six centuries but linked by a common curse. In medieval Cambodia, Paaku is an orphan whose community believes he may be a reluctant incarnation of a god, causing sectarian turmoil for the kingdom's leaders. Meanwhile, in 1921, Jacquie follows the footsteps of her grandfather, a famous explorer, to Indochina, where she becomes immersed in the tragedy of Paaku's history: a story simultaneously unfolding in the intertwined present and past, a story in which she still has a vital role to play.


I can't help but love books like these. Two different story lines, but ultimately connected. The past has a way of really playing a role in the present. Can't get enough of books like this!

But this follows Jacquie and Paaku. Jacquie is the granddaughter of an explorer and she decides to do some traveling. Paaku is a poor kid that is being forced into the world of politics and religion because they think he is the incarnation of a god. There is really a third character mixed in and that is Jacquie's granddad since we get a glimpse from his POV through diary entries. I think the blending of the three stories was done well. 

I felt bad for Paaku.

Jacquie was an interesting character, especially near the end. Did I like her? I don't think so, but she was interesting and complex. I really didn't except the big reveal at the end. 

It took a while for me to really get into the story. The first few chapter were meh, but it got better around halfway. Took a while, but once I was hooked, I was hooked. I finished the second half of the book within one sitting. 

Now..the ending was good, but I'm mad. HOW CAN LEAVE ME LIKE THIS!? I MUST KNOW WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN NEXT!!!!! GAHHHH! It was a very open-ended ending. I hope there is another book or even a short story that wraps everything up with a nice bow. Too much left unanswered. What is Jacquie going to do next? GAH! *shakes fist* BUT like I said...very good overall.

In the end, this was pretty good. It took me a while to really get into the story. A little longer than I like, but I held on and then at the halfway point I was hooked. The ending left me wanting more. The characters were interesting and complex. I didn't really connect with anyone. But I found them intriguing and that kept me going. I do recommend this for those that like historical fictions and complex situations and people. Out of five stars, I shall give this...mmmm....3 stars. Nearly a four.

About Carole the Reviewer

What is there really to say? I am of course a lover of books, poetry, movies, plays, and music. Nothing is better than enjoying a cup of tea and immersing yourself in another world and forgetting about the world for just a little bit. My cat and chinchillas keep me entertained over here in Michigan (the mitten state of the USA). I'm game for any genre of book or movie. You can find me over at Carole Rae's Random Ramblings.

Book Review: Daughter of Time by Sarah Woodbury

Author: Sarah Woodbury
Titles: Daughter of Time (A Time Travel Romance #.5)
Genre: Historical Romance, Sci-Fi, & Fantasy
Pages: ebook
First Published: March 2011
Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon Freebie)

Daughter of Time tells the story of a young widow, Meg, healing from the pain of a brief, unhappy marriage, who falls through time into the Middle Ages-and into the arms of Llywelyn ap Gruffydd, the last Prince of Wales. He saves her, and she in turn saves him, thanks to her knowledge of future events. Although powerful forces seek to divide them, by working together, Meg and Llywelyn have a chance to navigate the dangerous and shifting alliances that constantly undermine his rule and threaten the very existence of Wales-and to create a future in which Llywelyn's death does not come too soon.

NOOOO! *shakes fist* NOOO! I am so upset at the ending even though I TOTALLY knew what was going to happen! UGH!!!!!!!

Okay….I will backtrack a bit, but I had to let go of my emotions about that bloody ending.

It is a time traveling “romance” story. Meg and her daughter for some odd reason gets sucked back to 13^th century Wales. Meg is saved by Llywelyn the Prince of Wales who – at this point in time – is fighting for his throne against not only England, but some family members. Of course the two fall in love, but it does take a wee bit. Sort of insta-love (more lust then anything), but it takes time for them to come to grips with their love. I’m glad that Llywelyn didn’t act upon his lust, because why on earth would you trust this random chick with a weird accent and clothing?? So it was “realistic”.

SPEAKING of which. THANK goodness Meg did not magically speak the language. Yes, she knows a few words bc her granny is from Wales, but Meg and Llywelyn could only communicate through French at the beginning. Sounds about right.

Meg was meh. I do pity her about her whole first husband issue. Llywelyn was okay; I did enjoy his POV better than Meg’s.

I am on the fence of the “level” of romance. At times it seemed to be more historical fiction then romance. I liked it, but I do wish there had more romance-y aspects to make it feel more like a romance. But I did like the historical fiction feeling behind it as well and it seemed like a “realistic” romance not over-the-top sappy. OH love-hate relationships.

And now back to my utter hatred of the ending. Granted…it made me want to read more, but eGAGS!!!! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! You can’t end it like thattttttttttttttttttttt! You might as well ripe my heart out of my chest and step on it. THE FEELS IN NOT A GOOD WAY! Brilliant writing, but GAH! I cannot SAY what happened….but I am tempted to read the second one, but the author BETTER fix it or I will not be a happy ducky.

In the end, this was pretty good. I do adore time travel novels especially the romance ones. This wasn’t over-the-top sappy, but at times I forgot I was reading a romance and was instead reading a staunch historical fiction. I am on the fence on how I feel about that. The ending I hated it as a reader, but I applaud as a writer myself. It has made me interested in the second book, HOWEVER, the author fix what was broke. Out of five stars, I stamp this with 3 stars.

Book Review: The Spider and the Stone by Glen Craney

Author: Glen Craney
Title: The Spider and the Stone
Genre: Historical Fiction
Pages: ebook
First Published: October 2013
Where I Got It: My shelf (Given to me by the author/publisher for my honest and unbiased opinion)

As the 14th century dawns, Scotland’s survival hangs by a spider’s thread. While the Scot clans scrap over their empty throne, the brutal Edward Longshanks of England invades the weakened northern kingdom, scheming to annex it to his realm.

But one frail, dark-skinned lad stands in the Plantagenet monarch’s path.

The beleaguered Scots cherish him as their "Good Sir James." In England, his slashing raids deep into Yorkshire and Northumbria wreak such terror that he is branded the Black Douglas with a reward placed on his head.

As a boy, James falls in love with the ravishing Isabelle MacDuff, whose clan for centuries has inaugurated Scottish monarchs on the hallowed Stone of Destiny. But his world is upturned when he befriends Robert Bruce, a bitter enemy of the MacDuffs. Forced to choose between love and clan loyalty, James and Isabelle make fateful decisions that will draw the opposing armies to the bloody field of Bannockburn.

Isabelle will crown a king. James will carry a king's heart. Both now take their rightful places with Robert Bruce, Rob Roy, and William Wallace in the pantheon of Scot heroes.

I have been looking forward to this read since I was first contacted in request to read and review this. Why? For many reasons. 1) I love the tale of William Wallace and Robert the Bruce. 2) I know little of Black Douglas. 3) I got some Scottish blood and I am on their side of this fight. 4) I read one of his books a little while ago and I loved it.

I am certainly glad I read this!!

This certainly was an intriguing book! It was an interesting way to look at the events of the late 13th and early 14th century in Scotland, England, and France. It made me curious to learn more about the Black Douglas.

Oooooh Longshanks you big ol' baddie you! I loved the portrayal of this King. Sure he was a fierce and ruthless king to his enemies, but also to his own subjects. BUT he was also fierce with upholding the laws and he certainly had many dreams and desires to make the isle whole. However, he was cruel man, in my opinion, overall. He does make a good baddie. I did like that the author made him more of a complex character (more realistic) then the Braveheart  movie did. The movie simply made him a black-hearted, evil baddie. To the Scots and Welsh, he was, but in reality he was much more complex then the movie and other books admit. So major kuddos on that.

Honestly, I approve and adore what the author did for the huge blank spaces in history that have been forgotten. He makes some good ideas and they seem possible! Like who the mother was for Black Douglas' children. Also, I really liked Isabelle and I loved how she played a larger role in the events then some historians will grant her normally.

The transformation from scrawny young boy to badass warrior was fun. After reading this, I went on a little research hunt to learn more about the man himself and what others theorize about him. 

My only complaint with this book is the fact that there was SO much going on. Yes, in reality, there was a lot going on, but sometimes things need to cut/simplified in writing a story. I'm glad I have a pretty good knowledge of this time period and the war that I was able to follow. But there were times I felt overwhelmed with information that I would have to stop reading and let my brain absorb what I just read. The sudden POV change didn't help matters either. 

Overall though, I did enjoy this story a lot. I wish there wasn't so much going on and that the POV wouldn't change at a drop of the hat, but I adore the writing style and the story itself. I loved the portrayal of all the characters, even the baddies. This certainly did justice to Black Douglas and it made me want to learn more about him even though I had always been meh about him compared to other heroes of Scotland like Wallace, Roy, or Bruce. I would LOVE to see this turn into a TV show. ;) I highly recommend this to those lovers of history, especially about the Scots war for Independence. Now, I've been struggling with what to stamp this book.........ummmmmm.......mmmmmm.......3 stars. 

Movie Review: Ironclad

Length: 2 hours and 1 minute
Released: 2011
Genre: Historical Fiction, War, and Action
Rating: R
Directed By: Jonathon English
Where I Got It: watched on Netflix

SUMMARY:
A ragtag group of Knights Templar hold out for months against the hard-fought siege of Rochester Castle in the thirteenth Century. Set in the time of King John's signing of the Magna Carta treaty, the group struggles against the King to defend the freedom of their country. 





TRAILER:

CAST:

Thomas Marshal - James Purefoy

Baron d'Aubigny - Brian Cox

Lady Isabel - Kate Mara

King John - Paul Giamatti

Gil - Jason Flemyng 

Jedediah - Jamie Foreman 

Daniel Marks - Mackenzie Crook

REVIEW:

Okay...I'll be honest....the main reason why I wanted to watch this was because of James Purefoy and Paul Giamatti. Love them! 

Besides for the actors and the awesome fight scenes this...well...disappointed me. It was extremely historically inaccurate and there was a huge lack of dialogue and depth. Pretty much the actors are the only ones who saved the film. Especially James Purefoy who played the Knight Templar, Thomas Marshal. Thomas Marshal is made up (I looked) and was based off of the famous William Marshal. Poor Thomas. He lost everything in one day thanks to good ol' King John. He snapped and decided enough was enough, so he teamed up with Baron d'Aubigny. They take over a different Baron's castle and hold up against King John and his Danish army until the French arrive. 

Throughout all this there is blood and love. Yes....there is a love story between Thomas and Lady Isabel (the castle's baron's wife. Tsk). It was forced and just didn't make sense. o.o She pretty much raped him, because he refused and said he was a man of God and had given up normal life to fight for God. She was like, "NO WAY JOSE! THE ORDER IS DONE, SO LET'S GET IT ON!" And he responded, "NO, NOOOOOOOOOOOO!.......OKAY. Just this once though!" Tsk, tsk. I feel like they forced this romance to add more depth to the story, but it failed. Plus it didn't help that they made her look slutty.

Not the best example...but all her dresses are missing shoulder pieces and her cleavage is always hanging out. 

Is there and HEA? That I can not tell you....but the ending will make you shake your head. I loved the last fight between the head of the Danish army and Thomas. Awesome and had me worried for Thomas. There were lots of sad heroics, but then...something happened and it made me mad. I can not say, but alas, that's not how it should have ended.

There's not much else to say. 

This was okay and I enjoyed it well enough. It was an interesting take on a historical event that happened during the time of King John and the magna carta. The amazing fight scenes and actors are the only reason to watch this film. If it wasn't for them...this would have been crap. I wish that they would have cut out the romance between Lady Isabel and Thomas (because it would never had happened). Also, the ending made me shake my head. I loved the last epic fight scene and the heroics...but the last 5 minutes was not okay. I would recommend this to those that like James Purefoy and for those that love a good war movie. Out of five stars I will grant this...ummmmm.... 2 stars. 

Re-watch?: Mmmm, if it was randomly on I wouldn't protest. 

Favorite Character(s): Thomas, King John (just because of the actor and how will he played him), Daniel Marks (hahaha), and the Squire

Not-so Favorite Character(s): Lady Isabel

Book Review: Dark Witch

Author: Nora Roberts
Title: Dark Witch (The Cousins O'Dwyer #1)
Genre: Historical Fiction, Contemporary, Romance, Fantasy, and Paranormal
Pages: ebook
First Published: October 29th, 2013 
Where I Got It: Online freebie

"With indifferent parents, Iona Sheehan grew up craving devotion and acceptance. From her maternal grandmother, she learned where to find both: a land of lush forests, dazzling lakes, and centuries-old legends.

Ireland.

County Mayo, to be exact. Where her ancestors’ blood and magic have flowed through generations—and where her destiny awaits.

Iona arrives in Ireland with nothing but her Nan’s directions, an unfailingly optimistic attitude, and an innate talent with horses. Not far from the luxurious castle where she is spending a week, she finds her cousins, Branna and Connor O’Dwyer. And since family is family, they invite her into their home and their lives.

When Iona lands a job at the local stables, she meets the owner, Boyle McGrath. Cowboy, pirate, wild tribal horsemen, he’s three of her biggest fantasy weaknesses all in one big, bold package.

Iona realizes that here she can make a home for herself—and live her life as she wants, even if that means falling head over heels for Boyle. But nothing is as it seems. An ancient evil has wound its way around Iona’s family tree and must be defeated. Family and friends will fight with each other and for each other to keep the promise of hope—and love—alive…"

This is the first Nora Roberts book I was able to even able to get through. It might mainly have to do with the fact I read this for my book club I just joined with my friends. This is the second book (the first one was 'The Last Lecture' which I picked for the group). 

Anyways...

For a Nora Roberts book this was pretty good. The characters were okay, but the side characters seemed very 2D. Flat and cut-out-of-the-box. Except for Fin. Fin was the most complex character out of the story and I really liked him and I wanted to know him more. Perhaps one of the books in the series surrounds him. I was scared throughout the whole novel I was worried about him turning to the dark side. I was a lot like Branna...always suspicious but absolutely in love with him. Yes, there are feelings are between the two, but since they found out Fin is a relative to the baddie (like great-great-great-great and so on grandson or whatever) Branna was super worried about him. He gave no worries just the blood that he shares. 

Ooooh Boyle was an idiot. I hated him. Iona was okay, very naive and feels bad for herself a lot, but I did like her ultimately. 

The story itself was a little cheesy at points, but was interesting and it had me wanting to see what happened next. It was also slow at points, maybe it was because I was anxious for the big battle with the baddie. We all know its gunna happen. They're training and meeting about it. It took FOREVER to get to that battle and the battle lasted like two pages. That made me mad. :/ All that build up for not a lot. However, the battle was intense and well written.

I can see how people like Nora Roberts, but she is defiantly not ever going to be my favorite author. I did think this book was okay. It was alright written. Some of the characters were okay and the story was fun. I still think it's funny the cousin, Connor, is considered a witch...not a sorcerer. Oh well. 

In the end, this wasn't bad. I'm proud that I managed to not only get through this book, but I actually liked it. I would recommend this for those that like paranormal books mixed with a touch of romance. Out of five stars, I shall stamp this with 3 stars. 

Favorite Character(s): Finn, Iona, Connor, and Branna

Not-so Favorite Character(s): Boyle (an idiot and I wanted Iona to end up with Fin)

    

Book Review: Heart of the Hunter by Lara Adrian

Author: Lara Adrian
Title: Heart of the Hunter (Dragon Chalice #1)
Genre: Historical Fiction, Fantasy, & Paranormal Romance
Pages: ebook
First Published: January 1st, 2004
Where I Got It: Amazon freebie

"Desperate to rescue her kidnapped brother, Ariana of Clairmont joins forces with Braedon le Chasseur, a seductive knight with a mysterious past--and a dark legacy he struggles to deny. Allied in a quest for a legendary treasure, they encounter powerful enemies skilled in dark magic...and discover a love beyond enchantment."

*Still no internet. Forgive me for lack of posts*


Oooooooh where to begin?

From page one the action never ceased. It kept me wanting to know what happened next. Ariana is on a mission and poor Braedon got caught up in it by happenstance and his own chivalrous heart. Even though he regretted it a time or two until he realized that they were meant to be together (he fought that bitterly though; thought she deserved better...men). As we all know that they get their HEA, but I was getting anxious and mad, because Braedon kept threatening (in his head) that he was going to leave EVEN after they do the tango and she is obviously in love with him. Of course he doesn't leave, but it was certainly annoying. 

There were some characters I felt deserved some more air time or a little mention in the epilogue. It was annoying, but perhaps they will be mentioned in the next books. 

I was rather disappointed that all the shifters were wolves. Not a single dragon in sight. Yes, yes, I know its the "dragon chalice", I just don't get why. Why wouldn't they be dragons? I mean...the chalice comes from their world and they are protectors. I don't get it. Don't get me wrong I like wolves, but I like dragons more. 0.0 Perhaps in a later book they will explain WHY the chalice is named after a dragon. 

For being a freebie on Amazon this was pretty good. I was caught up in the story from page one. Even though I was busy I managed to get this done in a couple of days. Which surprised me. I may check out the next book, because I do want to see the baddies not win and not get the rest of the chalice. I certainly want to find out WHY the dang chalice is named after a dragon. mmmmmm. 

Well, I recommend this for those that love historical fiction mixed with fantasy. A nice blend. In the end, I shall stamp this with 4 stars. 

Favorite Character(s): Ariana, Braedon (even though he had me nervous and made me mad from time to time), the baddie (a scary and crazy one), and the she-wolf (can't give out her name, but I wish she had more air-time)
Not-so Favorite Character(s): Ariana's brother (for some reason he annoyed me)

Book Review: Four Sisters, All Queens by Sherry Jones

Author: Sherry Jones
Title: Four Sisters, All Queens
Genre: Historical Fiction
Pages: 434
First Published: May 8th, 2012
Where I Got It: Borrowed from Library

"Amid the lush valleys and fragrant wildflowers of Provence, Marguerite, Eléonore, Sanchia, and Beatrice have learned to charm, hunt, dance, and debate under the careful tutelage of their ambitious mother—and to abide by the countess’s motto: “Family comes first.” 

With Provence under constant attack, their legacy and safety depend upon powerful alliances. Marguerite’s illustrious match with the young King Louis IX makes her Queen of France. Soon Eléonore—independent and daring—is betrothed to Henry III of England. In turn, shy, devout Sanchia and tempestuous Beatrice wed noblemen who will also make them queens. 

Yet a crown is no guarantee of protection. Enemies are everywhere, from Marguerite’s duplicitous mother-in-law to vengeful lovers and land-hungry barons. Then there are the dangers that come from within, as loyalty succumbs to bitter sibling rivalry, and sister is pitted against sister for the prize each believes is rightfully hers—Provence itself. 

From the treacherous courts of France and England, to the bloody tumult of the Crusades, Sherry Jones traces the extraordinary true story of four fascinating sisters whose passions, conquests, and progeny shaped the course of history."

After reading Sherry Jones short story 'The White Queen', I knew I had to read one of her full novels. I was not disappointed!

The story has 4 POVs. Each sister gets the luxury of telling her side of the tale. I'm really glad that Sherry Jones did it this way, because there is so much going on, but it made it possible to keep everything together. Major kuddos to the author for announcing when the POV was changing. ^.^ It made me happy. 

I'm really sad, because I liked the Blanche the White Queen in the short story, but in this...not so much. She was a total -excuse my french - chienne. She was rude and selfish and down right mean. Yes, I get she is a Queen and she loves her power and her son, but the first moment she meets Margi she calls her a "countrybumpkin". You don't even know her! She was a young girl forced to marry YOUR son! >.> Throughout the whole book she was a monster to Margi for two stupid reasons: 1) Margi is pretty and Blanche hates pretty girls and 2)Her son really liked her, so she feared that Margi would steal him away for her. I mean c'mon! Blanche convinced her son that it is a sin to lust and love your wife. Stupid. Stupid! STUPID!

Okay...I'm done about my rant on Blanche. 

I liked all the sisters and their POVs. I felt bad for them, because they were born in the wrong time period. They were all strong and had strong hearts. Given the chance they could've had the world, even shy Sanchia who had a horrid fate. Sanchia would have shined if they allowed her become a nun. But no - "family comes first" and she was forced to marry Richard. That did not end well...of course. Poor girl. 

This was a really good book and I loved every second of it. I would have to force myself to put it down and go to work. hahaha. I just needed to know what was going to happen next. Sherry Jones has dazzled me with how she writes. It captivated me. I felt like I was there! She brought each world to life. 

I highly, HIGHLY recommend this to those that like Historical Fiction or for those that want to give this genre a try. I shall stamp this with 5 stars. ^.^

Favorite Character(s): Margi (I liked all the sisters, but she was my favorite), Beatrice (2nd favorite), Joinville, and Henry (at the beginning, but he ruined it when he became pig-headed *sighs*)

Not-so Favorite Character(s): Blanche (she ruined herself for me), Charles, Louis, Richard, and Abraham. 

Book Review: White Heart by Sherry Jones

Author: Sherry Jones
Title: White Heart 
Genre: Historical Fiction, Short Story
Pages: ebook
First Published: April 3rd, 2012
Where I Got It: On my shelf (Amazon)

"A woman's power lies in her beauty. For years, Blanche de Castille, the White Queen of France, has lived by this maxim—passed on by her grandmother, Eléonore d'Aquitaine, as she took the girl to marry King Louis VIII. When her husband dies unexpectedly, however, Blanche finds that beauty is not enough to hold, and command, a kingdom against usurpers eager to wrest the Crown from her woman's grasp. Faced with an English invasion, barons' uprisings, and slanderous rumors, Blanche must look within herself for the strength she needs to guard the throne for her young son. Her bold response shocks the kingdom and shapes her into the formidable, seemingly heartless mother-in-law to Marguerite of Provence, wife of King Louis IX (Saint Louis) and the eldest of the "Four Sisters, All Queens" in Sherry Jones's forthcoming novel."

Like earlier stated this is a short story...so it's going to be rather short. It was about 100 pages, so things are going to happen quickly.

First off...I simply LOVED how this book started. Normally people in power ignore rumors or just say its not true and brush it off. However, Queen Blanche takes it a step further to prove her innocence. Took a lot of courage to pretty much strip naked in front of the court and those tongue-wagglers. Tsk on them. 

From page one I realized I really liked Queen Blanche. Throughout the 100 pages I grew to be very fond of her and look up to her of sorts. She had had many trials which would make a lesser person fall. I would like to read more about her. This was a very nice introduction. Also...I would like to read more about her husband, the King. It seemed a like a true love match. Very rare in those times and especially of those in the higher class. 

The only thing I wasn't too keen on was the large jumps in time without warning. There were a couple, but on the majority side there were no warnings. Yes...it is a short story, but still...I like warnings. 

In the end, I really liked this. It was a good introduction to not only the characters, but also to the author. I can't wait to read more of her stuff in the future. I would recommend this to those that like historical fiction and Sherry Jones. Fantastic. ^.^ Out of five stars I shall grant this 5 stars. 

Favorite Character(s): Queen Blanche, Louis IX, & The Cardinal
Not-so Favorite Character(s):The traitorous barons