Cleopatra's Daughter

I tried, I really tried to win a copy of Cleopatra's Daughter by Michelle Moran from every blogger offering it up for grabs!  I entered every contest, completed all steps to increase my odds.  'Just would not happen.  Then I checked to see if Audible.com had it.  They did and I had credit! Yea, team! I got it.

This is the summary at Audible.com

The marriage of Marc Antony and Cleopatra is one of the greatest love stories of all time, a tale of unbridled passion with earth-shaking political consequences. Feared and hunted by the powers in Rome, the lovers choose to die by their own hands as the triumphant armies of Antony's vengeful rival, Octavian, sweep into Egypt. Their three orphaned children are taken in chains to Rome; only two---the 10-year-old twins Selene and Alexander---survive the journey.

Delivered to the household of Octavian's sister, the siblings cling to each other and to the hope that they will return one day to their rightful place on the throne of Egypt. As they come of age, they are buffeted by the personal ambitions of Octavian's family and court, by the ever-present threat of slave rebellion, and by the longings and desires deep within their own hearts.

The fateful tale of Selene and Alexander is brought brilliantly to life in Cleopatra's Daughter. Recounted in Selene's youthful and engaging voice, it introduces a compelling cast of historical characters: Octavia, the emperor Octavian's kind and compassionate sister, abandoned by Marc Antony for Cleopatra; Livia, Octavian's bitter and jealous wife; Marcellus, Octavian's handsome, flirtatious nephew and heir apparent; Tiberius, Livia's sardonic son and Marcellus's great rival for power; and Juba, Octavian's watchful aide, whose honored position at court has far-reaching effects on the lives of the young Egyptian royals.

Selene's narrative is animated by the concerns of a young girl in any time and place---the possibility of finding love, the pull of friendship and family, and the pursuit of her unique interests and talents. While coping with the loss of both her family and her ancestral kingdom, Selene must find a path around the dangers of a foreign land. Her accounts of life in Rome are filled with historical details that vividly capture both the glories and horrors of those times.

One of the reasons I enjoyed this story was because it gives a possible answer to the question of "what happened to the children?"  I was familiar with most of the major characters but knew very little about the children, other than Cleopatra's oldest child with Cesar did not live long after his mother.  The story pulled me in quickly and did not let go until a satisfactory ending.  It has whetted my appetite for other stories by Michelle Moran.  

I am glad it is in my listening library as I know I will want to hear it again as the narrator, Wanda McCaddon, added much to the Ms. Moran's words. 

On a 1-5 rating, it rates a 5 with me.  

Hand-me-downs are good

E

Especially when it come from my sister to my mother to me!  What a lovely surprise! I had no knowledge about the book, so checked it out on Goodreads.  The following what was said there:

I wonder how the book got to Guernsey? Perhaps there is some sort of secret homing instinct in books that brings them to their perfect readers." January 1946: London is emerging from the shadow of the Second World War, and writer Juliet Ashton is looking for her next book subject. Who could imagine that she would find it in a letter from a man she's never met, a native of the island of Guernsey, who has come across her name written inside a book by Charles Lamb.... As Juliet and her new correspondent exchange letters, Juliet is drawn into the world of this man and his friends--and what a wonderfully eccentric world it is. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society--born as a spur-of-the-moment alibi when its members were discovered breaking curfew by the Germans occupying their island--boasts a charming, funny, deeply human cast of characters, from pig farmers to phrenologists, literature lovers all. As Juliet begins a remarkable correspondence with the society's members, learning about their island, their taste in books, and the impact the recent German occupation has had on their lives. Captivated by their stories, she sets sail for Guernsey, and what she finds will change her forever. Written with warmth and humor as a series of letters, this novel is a celebration of the written word in all its guises, and of finding connection in the most surprising ways.

Did someone say 'MURDER'?

Why yes, she did.  She is Melissa of Melissa's Bookshelf.  
And then she showed this:

And then she mentioned Daphine du Maurier.

And then she had a review.

And then she had a giveaway contest.

And then I entered.

And then I won!

Now just look at that cover! Can you feel the gloominess of the night; the chill wind that carries the scent of the sea as you read one of du Maurier's books or watched a movie braced on one of them?

The review...ah, think of a Nancy Drew but in this setting of time and space! Wouldn't you have to enter?  Of course you would and be joyous as I was when the book arrived on the doorstep!

You really should visit Melissa's blog if only for good reviews and check out her giveaways too...it's a fun thing!

PS:  For those of you wondering why this just showed up when it originated earlier, my computer blew away my original post leaving only the title and opening line.  So don't get made at your machine.

From Blossom Street to Hannah's List

I first became away of Debbie Macomber in a hobby story looking for yarn and patterns. I found 2 pattern books that were based on 2 of her books and encouraging knitters to knit squares for Warm Up America. 

So when in Twitter, I saw the Book Vixen posted review and giveaway of Hannah's List, I had to read the review and enter her giveaway.  Happily, I won not only the book but a $25 Visa gift card (more books!!!)! 
You can read the Vixen's review here.  Do stay around after reading her review for current reviews and/or giveaways that might interest you.

The difference between the North and the South - at last, clearly explained!

This is via one of my grand nieces:

The North has Bloomingdale's, the South has Dollar General. The North has Coffee Houses, the South has Waffle Houses. The North has dating services, the South has family reunions. The North has switchblade knives; the South has Lee Press-on Nails. The North has double last names; the South has double first names. The North has Indy car races; the South has stock car races. The North has Cream of Wheat, the South has grits. The North has green salads, the South has collard greens. The North has lobsters, the South has crawfish. The North has the rust belt, the South has the Bible Belt. FOR NORTHERNERS MOVING SOUTH . . .In the South: --If you run your car into a ditch, don't panic. Four men in a four-wheel drive pickup truck with a tow chain will be along shortly. Don't try to help them, just stay out of their way. This is what they live for. Don't be surprised to find movie rentals and bait in the same store.... do not buy food at this store. Remember, "Y'all" is singular, "all y'all" is plural, and 'all y'all's' is plural possessive. Get used to hearing 'You ain't from round here, are ya?' Save all manner of bacon grease. You will be instructed later on how to use it. Don't be worried at not understanding what people are saying. They can't understand you either. The first Southern statement to creep into a transplanted Northerner's vocabulary is the adjective "big ol'," as in big ol' truck or big ol' boy.  Most Northerners begin their Southern-influenced dialect this way. All of them are in denial about it. The proper pronunciation you learned in school is no longer proper. Be advised that "He needed killin' " is a valid defense here. If you hear a Southerner exclaim, "Hey, y'all watch this," you should stay out of the way.  These are likely to be the last words he'll ever say. If there is the prediction of the slightest chance of even the smallest accumulation of snow, your presence is required at the local grocery store. It doesn't matter whether you need anything or not. You just have to go there. Do not be surprised to find that 10-year olds own their own shotguns, they are proficient marksmen, and their mammas taught them how to aim.In the South, we have found that the best way to grow a lush green lawn is to pour gravel on it and call it a driveway.AND REMEMBER:  If you do settle in the South and bear children,  don't  think we will accept them as Southerners. After all, jus' 'cause the cat had kittens in the oven, don't mean we're gonna call 'em biscuits.

I miss J. Kaye

O the blog is still there but my lady friend is not and I am so late on this one! 

From J. Kaye's Book Blog, I won an audio copy of Beat the Reaper by Josh Bazell. 

Hachette has this as a description:

Dr. Peter Brown is an intern at Manhattan's worst hospital, with a talent for medicine, a shift from hell, and a past he'd prefer to keep hidden. Whether it's a blocked circumflex artery or a plan to land a massive malpractice suit, he knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men.
Pietro "Bearclaw" Brnwna is a hitman for the mob, with a genius for violence, a well-earned fear of sharks, and an overly close relationship with the Federal Witness Relocation Program. More likely to leave a trail of dead gangsters than a molecule of evidence, he's the last person you want to see in your hospital room.
Nicholas LoBrutto, aka Eddy Squillante, is Dr. Brown's new patient, with three months to live and a very strange idea: that Peter Brown and Pietro Brnwa might-just might-be the same person ...
Now, with the mob, the government, and death itself descending on the hospital, Peter has to buy time and do whatever it takes to keep his patients, himself, and his last shot at redemption alive. To get through the next eight hours-and somehow beat the reaper. 
Spattered in adrenaline-fueled action and bone-saw-sharp dialogue, BEAT THE REAPER is a debut thriller so utterly original you won't be able to guess what happens next, and so shockingly entertaining you won't be able to put it down.

Now, if that doesn't suck you in, I don't know what else I can say except, I really liked it! It's offbeat, different, and a good listen!  

Check the book or cd and J. Kaye's Book Blog for good stuff!

What is it about the scent of candles?

OK, so they make a room smell good.  They give a warm glow to a room.  In the bathtub full of bubbles, a glass of wine, some soft music, and only that light and fragrance...relaxation! Sorry, but this posting is "G" rated so we will not indulge in the bedroom effects!

Are you wondering why I am talking about candles?

Some time ago I met a lady through the Internet while trying to get information candles (wax and string and stuff). She was so lovely as she answered all my questions. From there, I got her to take me to her Etsy site, Great Lakes Soybean Candles and then her FaceBook page. 

Time passes and she does this great giveaway of 12 candles....12 different candles! MY CHOICE! Now that is 'such a big deal'!  It took me a long time to choose my 12...look at these choices:

SCENTS--------------------------COLORS
AMARETTO----------------------- PINK 
AMBER MUSK--------------------- LITE AMBER
AMBER ROMANCE-------------------LITE TAN
AMISH KITCHEN------------------ TAN
ANGEL WINGS-------------------- WHITE
ANISE-------------------------- RED
APPLE BLOSSOM------------------ PINK
APPLES & CINNAMON---------------RED
BABY POWDER-------------------- PINK OR BLUE
BANANA------------------------- YELLOW
BANANA NUT--------------------- BREAD GOLDEN BROWN
BAYBERY------------------------ GREEN
BIRTHDAY CAKE------------------ WHITE
BLACKBERRY SAGE---------------- LIGHT PURPLE
BLACK CHERRY--------------------NEW COLOR BURGANDY
BLUEBERRY MUFFINS-------------- BLUE
BROWN SUGAR & FIG---------------GOLDEN BROWN
BUBBLE GUM----------------------PINK
BREAD---------------------------LITE GOLDEN BROWN
BUTTER CREAM------------------- WHITE
BUTTERSCOTCH------------------- GOLD YELLOW
CANTALOPE---------------------- ORANGE
CAPPUCCINO BRULEE-------------- BROWN
CARAMEL APPLE------------------ GOLDEN BROWN
CARAMEL CORN------------------- GOLDEN BROWN
CARAMEL PECAN PIE---------------GOLDEN BROWN
CARNATION---------------------- PINK
CARROT CAKE-------------------- BROWN ORANGE
CHAMPAGNE---------------------- PINK
CHERRY------------------------- RED
CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES--------- GOLDEN BROWN
CINNAMON BUNS------------------ TAN
CINNAMON STICK----------------- REDISH BROWN
CITRUS & SAGE-------------------ORANGE
CLEAN COTTON------------------- WHITE 
CLOVE-------------------------- REDDISH BROWN
COCONUT------------------------ WHITE
COCONUT CREAM PIE---------------LT YELLOW
COCONUT LIME VERBENA------------LT GREEN
COFFEE--------------------------DK BROWN
CONCORD GRAPE------------------ DK. PURPLE
COOL WATERS-------------------- BLUE
COTTON BLOSSOM----------------- WHITE
COTTON CANDY------------------- LT PINK
COUNTRY CLOTHESLINE------------ WHITE
CRANBERRY---------------------- DK RED
CREAMSICLE--------------------- ORANGE
CREME BRULEE------------------- LT BROWN
CUCUMBER MELON----------------- LT GREEN
DA YOOPER CHRISTMAS------------ DK GREEN
DAFFODIL------------------------YELLOW
EGG NOG------------------------ WHITE
ENGLISH IVY-------------------- DK GREEN
EUCALYPTUS--------------------- DK GREEN
FREESIA-------------------------LT BLUE
FRESH CUT GRASS--------------- DK GREEN
FRESH SNOW-------------------- WHITE
FROSTBITE--------------------- WHITE
FIREPLACE--------------------- DK GREEN
FUZZY NAVAL------------------- ORANGE
GARDENIA LT------------------- GREEN
GINGERBREAD------------------- BROWNRED
GRANDMA'S KITCHEN---- ---------LT BROWN
GREEN APPLE------------------- GREEN
GREEN TEA--------------------- GREEN
HAPPY HOLIDAYS---------------- DK RED
HARVEST MOON------------------ ORANGE BROWN
HAZELNUT---------------------- TAN
HAZELNUT COFFEE--------------- DK BROWN
HOLLYBERRY-------------------- DK RED
HONEY------------------------ GOLD BROWN
HONEYDEW------------- --------LT GREEN
HONEYSUCKLE---------- --------YELLOW
HONEY COCO MANGO------------- ORANGE
HOT APPLE PIE---------------- LT BROWN
HOT BUTTERED RUM------------- GOLD YELLOW
HOTFUDGE BROWNIES-------------DK BROWN
HUCKLEBERRY------------------ DK BLUE
HYACINTH--------------------- LT PURPLE
HYDRANGEA-------------------- MAUVE
JACLYNS BLUEBERRY PANCAKES--- TAN W'BERRIES
JASMINE---------------------- WHITE
JELLY BEANS------------------ DK PINK
JUST LIKE HOME--------------- PINK
KEY LIME PIE------------------YELLOW-GREEN
LAKE MICHIGAN---------------- MIST LT BLUE
LAVENDER--------------------- LAVENDER
LAVENDER & EUCALYPTUS---------LAVENDER
LEMON CHIFFON---------------- YELLOW
LEMON GRASS-------------------YELLOW
LEMON PUCKER----------------- YELLOW
LILAC------------------------ PURPLE
LILY OF THE VALLEY---------- -WHITE
LIME------------------------- LIME
LOVE SPELL TYPE-------------- LT PURPLE
MACINTOSH APPLE-------------- DK RED
MAGNOLIA--------------------- WHITE
MANGO PAPAYA----------------- ORANGE
MAPLE SYRUP------------------ BROWN
MARGARITA---------------------GREEN
MOONLIGHT PATH TYPE---------- LT PURPLE
MONKEY FARTS----------------- YELLOW
MULBERRY--------------------- DK PURPLE
MULLED CIDER----------------- RED BROWN
OAK MOSS----------------------GREEN
ODOR ELIMINATOR-------------- PINK
ORANGE BLOSSOM--------------- WHITE
PATCHOULI-------------------- DK GREEN
PEACH------------------------ PEACH
PEACH N CREAM---------------- LT ORANGE
PECAN PIE---------------------LT.BROWN
PEPPERMINT------------------- WHITE
PEONY------------------------ PINK
PINA COLODA------------------ WHITE
PINE------------------------- DK GREEN
PINEAPPLE-------------------- YELLOW
PINK GRAPEFRUIT-------------- PINK
PINK LEMONADE---------------- PINK
PINK SUGAR TYPE-------------- PINK
PLUMERIA--------------------- PINK
POPCORN LT------------------- YELLOW
POMEGRANATE------------------ RED BROWN
PUMPKIN BREAD-----------------PUMPKIN
PUMPKIN CREME BRULEE----------PUMPKIN COLOR
PUMPKIN PIE------------------ PUMPKIN
PURE SEDUCTION V S TYPE-------PINK
RAIN------------------------- BLUE
RASPBERRY-------------------- DK RED
RED HOT CINNAMON------------- DK RED
ROSE GARDEN------------------ LT PINK
SAGE LT---------------------- GREEN
SANDALWOOD------------------- LT GREEN
SEABREEZE-------------------- AQUA
SAGE & CITRUS---------------- ORANGE
SLEIGHBELLS------------------ WHITE
SMOKE & ODOR ELIMINATOR------ WHITE
SNICKERDOODLE---------------- LT TAN
SPEARMINT-------------------- LT GREEN
SPICE CAKE------------------- ORANGE BROWN
SPICED PEAR------------------ LT GREEN
SPRING RAIN------------------ LT BLUE
STRAWBERRIES & CREAM---------- DK PINK
STRAWBERRY CHAMPAGNE---------- LT PINK
STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE--------- WHITE & RED
STRAWBERRY DAIQUIIRI---------- LT RED
STRAWBERRY JAM---------------- DK RED
STRAWBERRY KIWI--------------- DK RED
STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE---------- LT BROWN & RED
SUGAR COOKIES----------------- LT TAN
SWEET PEA--------------------- LT PINK
TOMMY TYPE-------------------- LT BLUE
TULIP------------------------- DK RED
VANILLA----------------------- WHITE
VANILLA LAVENDER-------------- WHITE
VANILLA SUGAR----------------- LT TAN
VICTORIAN ROSE---------------- MAUVE
WATERMELON-------------------- WATERMELON
YULETIDE---------------------- DK RED

THE FOLLOWING I DON'T PUT ON LIST WITH YOUNG CHILDREN 
SEX ON THE BEACH---------------ORANGE
BUTT NAKED---------------------LT ORANGE

So next time you are look for candles that are eco friendly, go visit what I burn in my house, Great Lakes Soybean Candles. Don't be jealous, she has lots more to sell at her house!

Is there anything as good as book in the hand?

Why yes, there is! A book that is in an audio format! Because you can take it with you while driving or when you need to multitask or when you want someone to tell you a story before you go to sleep (blame the last one on my parents).  So naturally, when Jen of Jen's Book Talk emailed me of winning I, Alex Cross (unabridged even) by James Patterson, I was indeed a happy camper.  

Ah, did you notice that I said "unabridged even"?  Is that important? Absolutely! If I was going to read hard copy, I would not want to read an abridged version, so why would I want to listen to an abridged version?!?  Have I ever listened to an abridged book? Yes. Was I satisfied? No. 

I read/listen to books to enjoy them, not to just get through them. I don't want to be a "check it off" story consumer. Also, sometimes the person doing the abridging leaves out flavor or content that makes the story feel choppy or leaves you more confused that was intended by the writer. Think of a baked potato you can't smell and is without butter. 

This cd set is currently in my pile of tbl.  When it reaches the top and has been listened to, I will tell you all about it!  Meanwhile, if you are thinking about audio versions of book, think unabridged.  And if you are thinking about bloggers with good reviews and give aways, think Jen of Jen's Book Talk!  

Help me find an answer

If you are on blogspot(er), can you tell me how to fix it so that when someone ads a comment, viewers can see them? Or if you think this is a stupid thing to do, tell me why?
OH, and how do you guys get books to show up in your side bar?

Bridget has two blogs

Which is delightful for the book lovers among us as there she not only reviews books BUT she also gives them away!  I was lucky enough to be a winner there of  Margaret Mallory's Knight of Pleasure. 

This is an excerpt from the book:

"Do you want to learn how to protect yourself?" Stephen asked.

Green eyes sparking with fire, Isobel raised her sword and said, "Teach me."

"You should carry a short blade as well," he instructed as he fended off her attack.

"Why? You think you can knock my sword from my hand?"

"I can. But I will not have to. You will drop it."

He forced her to step back, and back, and back again. She threw her hands up, sending the sword clattering against the wall as she tumbled backward.

"I'm afraid you have the advantage of me," she said, reaching her hand up for him. He took it and sank to his knees beside her.

"Not true, Isobel," he said in a harsh whisper. "'Tis I who am at your mercy."

His eyes fixed on her lips, full and parted. The moment their lips touched, fire seared through him. She was kissing him back, mouth open. Slowly, he lowered his body ...

He froze the instant he felt the prick of cold steel against his neck.

"You are right," Isobel said so close to Stephen's ear that he could feel her breath, "'tis wise to carry a short blade."

My thoughts:

This is the second of a series, the first being Knight of Desire, a really fun romp of a debut novel I earlier reviewed. I fully expect to enjoy this one as much as the last and have added her next book, Knight of Passion which is (to be release in June of this year) to my wish list.  
Series books can sometimes drive me mad when they leave you hanging for next book in the series.  As the first one seemed have a proper ending, I expect this one to need to be able to stand alone.  We shall see when I read and then post about it.  

In the meantime, go visit Bridget's book blog, Readaholic, to see what she has found lately.  

Topical Traditions

    

You know I really like Tropical Traditions Gold Label Coconut Oil, right?  Well, in another of  Bridget's (of Sweepstakes4MeAndU) contests, I won some of their Organic Teeth Cleaner.   I have been using it since it arrived. I gotta tell you, I like it and find it very effective.

You really should go visit and search out all of Bridget's Tropical Traditions reviews as she has tried many of their products!

As my skin was turn drier than burnt toast and flakier than ....their coconut, I brought some of their Moisturizing Lotions (Anica) variety.  Tropical Traditions described it as follows:

Excellent for massaging tired muscles. Ingredients: purified water, organic virgin coconut oil, organic jojoba, emulsifying wax (plant based, no soy), grapefruit seed extract, virgin palm oil, organic macerated Anica oil, and organic essential oils of wintergreen, peppermint, clove, helichrysum, and spruce.

The bad news is I found it so thick that I had to get my DH to squeeze it out for me.  Then I discovered I really don't like the smell of it.  I had gotten a really good twofer offer, hence, I gave them to DH who can squeeze the lotion out and does not care about the smell. 

Does this mean I am giving up on Tropical Traditions?  Of course not!  They are a good company with lots of other products to check out!  And because, when I bought the Lotion, I also bought CHOCOLATE!  

Yes, my friends, I am a self admitted chocoholic!  And with everyone and their brother talking about organic chocolate, I had to go for it!  Go for it, I did! All I can say is, Tropical Traditions makes some really, really good chocolate!  From a chocoholic, that's saying something!  Will, I buy their chocolate again. YES!!! Who cares about zits at my age!  

I have been trying to think of what I want to try next.  I have had two thoughts. 

Coconut Peanut Butter sounds really good. I've gotten organic nut butters before but found them a pain it the bum as you always have to stir them up as the oil is always on top. But I am thinking that the coconut oil should help alleviate that issue.

My other thought?   Yes, the deodorant.  I am so hoping to find one that works and I am not allergic to.  What flavor, Frankincense.  

And then, and then....coconut!  Flaked or shredded. or chipped..don't know but I want try some of the Tropical Traditions recipes and see if I can't come up with some to give them.