Wonderful News in the World of Carole

Today is a wonderful day! Why? Well......


Anee had her baby today!

I had to work last night, so I was able to be awake all night and she kept me updated. At about 2 am she said that the nurses where going to call the doctor and then there was text silence. I was freaking out until 5:50 am when she sent me:

"He's 7lbs 3oz, and 20 and a half inches. Born at 5:23 am."

At that point I had just got home. I huzzahed my head off and jumped around cheering for Anee, Jon, and the baby! The baby is a boy and his name is Issac. I haven't met him yet, because my parents are off at my Grandma's house (todays her birthday too) helping her with some stuff and I didn't want to go alone. So I'm going with Sarah in a few. I can't wait until I meet Issac! Here's some pictures of Issac and Anee! (None of Jon, he kept eluding me):

Mama and Baby

Anee looking amazing

Baby Issac in Sarah's arms. =)

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<3Carole Rae

Lord of the Night by Susan Wiggs Book Review

Author: Susan Wiggs
Title: Lord of the Night
Genre: Historical Romance, Murder Mystery
Pages: 361
First Published: 1993
Where I Got It: Library


"Sandro Cavalli, Lord of the Night, is legendary for bringing criminals to justice. But in the city's shadowy alleyways, a new, deadly plot is afoot - a sinister threat that even Sandro needs help to uncover.

He enlists the aid of an alluring, sensuous beauty, Laura Bandello, but Laura's innocent loveliness may hide a dark secret, and Sandro vows to keep his distance. Yet the deeper he delves into the underworld, the harder he falls for Laura. Pursued by unspeakable danger, Sandro risks his honor, his reputation, and even his heart - all for the love of a mysterious beauty he can't quite trust."



The story is not only just a romance, but it's also a great murder mystery. I love when authors of Historical Romances adds more depth to the story then just the typical love theme. I tend to get bored with those easily. Susan Wiggs did an amazing job balancing the murder mystery with the romance aspect. It was nicely balanced.

I will admit it though....I read the first chapter and was annoyed. The main character, Laura, was one of those perfect characters with virtually no flaws to speak of, so I just walked away from the book for a couple days and then I forced myself to continue reading. She may have limited flaws, but once you read more you start finding yourself really liking Laura. Even though her name seemed silly; I didn't know if 'Laura' was an Italian name or not, but I'm not an expert on names, so I can't pass judgement...

Yet again I figured out who the murderer was WAY before the end of the book. I'm not sure if it was obvious or not, but I pieced all the clues together before Sandro or any of the other characters. I just have a sixth sense about stuff like that, I guess. I might have figured that part out, but I couldn't figure out the motive behind the horrific murders. It baffled me! When the reason was told, I was...STUNNED! I had re-read it a couple of times to wrap my mind around it. Also, there was a huge twist at the end that I didn't see coming at all! That twist boggled my mind! However, it does make sense though! It answered so many unanswered questions. I love it when authors do that too you! I love being stunned and having my mind boggled.

The only thing I didn't like about the book was the some of interactions between Sandro and Laura...for some reason they annoyed me a little bit. It's not Laura's fault, it's Sandro. I couldn't stand him. The only thing I liked about him was his loyalty and how naive he was too love. That's about it, other than that I couldn't stand the man. I just wanted to push him into one of canals and hope that an Italian alligator would eat him. He was so whiny and just plain stupid. Ugh, just thinking about him irritates me. Also I didn't like Laura's name, I kept forgetting she was Italian...I'm not even sure if the name was in existence in the 1531. Huh. Oh well.

All-in-all I really liked this book. It had humor, romance, drama, mystery, and revenge. It covered all the bases of your emotions and I felt every emotion reading this book. So out of five stars I grant this one 5 stars. In all reality, it would be 4.5, but I rounded up. So I recommend this book to any one who love Historical Romance novels and/or mysteries. Or if you just like a nice book to read during the summer, so you can avoid the sun.

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<3Carole Rae

New News

I meant to post this yesterday, but all my technology in my house decided to hold a rebellion against me. That even includes my handy-dandy laptop. The rebellion of the technology is finally over, so I can post what I wanted to post. I am a nice dictator, so I won't punish my technology that bad.

On the date of June 1st, 2011 I received my first tattoo! *gasps* Good girl Carole got a tattoo? Oh my. Many people gasped and gave me an odd look, because they couldn't believe it! Well, all my life I wanted one or two...or three, but I never had the guts or the money to get one. Here's the tale:

I was just sitting all isolated in my house reading Lord of the Night when Sarah called me and asked if I wanted to go get a tattoo with her and Morgan (a friend of ours from work). My horoscope had told me that a moment of randomness would be appearing soon, so I knew this was fate. I got out of my PJ's and waited for them to come to my abode. After we stopped at our banks to pick up cash we headed out to The Red Room in Lapeer.

Morgan and I were freaking out, because we are Tattoo Virgins. Sarah has a tattoo on her foot already, so she was okay. First went Morgan. Hers lasted like 15 minutes max, because she got a little one on her neck. She got the Chinese symbol for Strength. Next went Sarah. She had her foot tattoo touched up and she received a little music note behind her ear. Finally....it was my turn. I thought I was going to die! I was terrified too say the least. I was fine up until I watched them do Sarah's. It freaked me out a little bit. The guy had me lay on my back and tilt my head to the left, because mine was being done behind my right ear. Once the needle went I was calm and relaxed. I couldn't really feel anything. I swear I could've taken a nap! No lie. It felt odd...I can't really describe it. What tattoo did I get? I got my Capricorn sign. ^.^ It's cute and I LOVE it. Here's a picture Sarah took of it (you can see the guy who did my tattoo in the background, he was waiting for me to pay):

Do you like it?


=) I am so glad that I got it! However, I haven't told my parents yet, so not a word *shhhhh* They don't really approve of tattoos, so I'm waiting for the right moment to tell them. I may by 19 years old, but they are still my parents and I'm still afraid of the wrath! Love them, but they can be very scary!

Well that's all I have to share right now.

Do you have any tattoos?


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<3CR

Wildcard Wednesday: History edition

For this week I've drawn the clubs card, which means I must present something historical! Let's see....I found an interesting article about Venice. Since Lord of the Night by Susan Wiggs is set in Venice, I find this article very appropriate. You can find it here.

"Venice was founded in the fifth century and became one of the richest and most powerful cities in medieval Europe. Its wealth was based on trade with the Orient, and benefited from the city's geopolitical location, as Venice's mighty fleets brought silks, spices, exotic and luxury goods imported from the Near and Far East to Italy and the rest of Europe.

Venice maintained this important role as the intermediary between East and West for several centuries, but its dominance gradually began to wane as from the end of the fifteenth century. The new trading importance of the Atlantic, the result of Vasco da Gama's discovery of the sea route to India in 1497-98, the gradual loss of Venice's possessions and the economic and financial rise of other European powers wrested the previous maritime supremacy and trading monopoly away from the republic.

By Guardi's time - the eighteenth century - Venice was living on the memory of its past glory. The unparalleled charms of the city, whose cultural and intellectual life was stimulated by famous festivals, attracted countless foreign visitors, especially the English.

There was a party atmosphere all year long, especially during Carnival - a period that then lasted for a full six months. In addition, there were religious feast days, regattas on the Grand Canal and official ceremonies. The most splendid of all Venice's many celebrations came on Ascension Day and commemorated the "marriage between Venice and the sea". The Doge and the republic's leading dignitaries sailed out in the "Bucintoro" and cast the symbolic wedding ring into the waters.

Venice was also the city of theatre, dominated by Goldoni (1707-1793), of the erotic passion of Casanova (1725-1798), and of gambling at casinos where the aristocracy squandered the few surviving fortunes. While the city continued to enjoy this dazzling lifestyle, the economy declined, industry withered and agriculture was neglected. The city's architectural heritage was lost as churches and palaces were left to decay. Gradually, ostentation gave way to decline.

In 1797, the city that had ruled the waves and maintained its independence for centuries succumbed to Napoleon's (1769-1821) invading forces. Having lost its autonomy and seen the last Doge deposed Venice was, by political agreements, incorporated into the Austrian Empire."

This is a quick summary of the history of Venice. I don't know much about Venice or Italy at all, so I found this very enlightening. Lord of the Night is the second book I've ever read set in Venice, so it's still sort of a new experience for me. The first book I've read set in Venice was The Thief Lord Cornelia Funk, it was a kid book so I found that I didn't learn much about Venice or Italy. Here's some pictures of the glorious city of Venice:

Modern day Venice

A Map of 16th century of Venice, same year as the book I'm reading

A quick painting from the same year as my book. Since Laura is an artist, I found this painting acceptable

I hope you enjoyed this week's Wildcard Wednesday. I'm nearly done with one of my current reads, so be expecting a book review any day now! ^.^

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<3CR