Book Review: To Be Queen: A Novel of the Early Life of Eleanor of Aquitain

To Be Queen: A Novel of the Early Life of Eleanor of Aquitaine by Christy English

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Can you imagine my surprise when Christy English asked me if I would like to review her book? I was leaping up and down inside but had to rail myself in as I warned her she must expect a honest review...she expected nothing else. Now all I had to do is wait for the book to arrive!

Who would I meet? Would it be the lady depicted in "Becket" who was not beautiful in her brief appearance as a shrewish looking and acting woman surrounded by a passel of young children. Or it be the strong, Eleanor of "Lion in Winter" (but a younger version)?

As I read "To Be Queen", I saw Katherine Hepburn's Eleanor, the child and young woman of "Lion in Winter". She was smart, quick child who adored her instructor father who taught her more than reading and writing. He taught her statesmanship, as she would one day be the ruler of his vast estates. She was taught critical thinking as well as controlling her facial expressions.

Her father's home was one of "courtly love" with troubadours who sang songs in tribute to a woman's attributes as well as did most men. The court was lively with music, dancing, and innocent flirtations (well, ok, some were not so innocent). What better muse could there be but the duke's daughter, Eleanor (think of the young Elizabeth Taylor's startling beauty).

As Eleanor was to be his inheritor, it was important to father and child that a great marriage be arranged. What greater prize for the largest land holder than Louis of France (future King Louis VII)! Their goal will be obtained, but at what price?

Louis, unlike his queen, was not raised to rule. He was raised by very devout catholic churchmen to be the most devoted of the devout. They therefore were his most trusted advisers; necessitating Eleanor to practice all the lessons learned at her father's knee. Though he loves her, Louis's catholic guilt is most strong in the bedroom causing him to visit there infrequently.

If Aquitaine is brightness, freshness, joyous, and musical, Paris is its opposite! It is gloomy and smelly. Between the priests and the court, Eleanor must be on constant guard as they would all destroy her if they could. In many cases, it is more than dislike and disapproval, it is hate.

Yes, this was the Eleanor I wanted to meet! The woman of strength and passion who will leave her husband, the King of France, to marry the future King of England, Henry, a man who saw her as an equal in all things.

There is so much more to this story but I don't want to spoil it for you! It is well worth you time!

Book Review: The Neon Rain by James Lee Burke

The Neon Rain by James Lee Burke

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

UNABRIDGED

Narrated by Will Patton
Length:8 hrs and 22 minutes

Audible.com is addictive! Especially when they have sales!

Publisher's Summary

"New York Times best-selling author James Lee Burke's Dave Robicheaux novels began with this first hard-hitting entry in the series.

In The Neon Rain, Detective Robicheaux fishes a prostitute's corpse from a New Orleans bayou and finds that no one, not even the law, cares about a dead hooker."

Will Patton gave Robicheaux that Micky Spilane type voice of a gruff, tough, hard bitten cop, while James Lee Burke words gave the detective intelligence and doggedness. This is a cop who still "gives a damn" about all victims when others, do not.

Na'alens (New Orleans, for those who have not heard the natives) is characterized as a multifaceted city.

Put these two main characters together with a murder and you are in for mystery fun!

View all my reviews

Book Review: A Game of Thrones: A Song of Ice and Fire, Book 1 by George R.R. Martin

A Game of Thrones: A Song of Ice and Fire, Book 1 by George R.R. Martin

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Narrated by Roy Dotrice, 33 hrs and 53 minutes, Unabridged

Normally a 2 credit book on Audible.com but available for just 1 (can you say 'sale'?) AND coming to HBO as a series, I snatched it up!

There is a wee irritation that cannot be blamed on the narrator or the author but the editing. When a book is recorded, it is generally done in many sittings. Several times the start was not dubbed over the last sentence or started with the next but rather repeated.

Roy Dotrice did a grand job with well defined vocal characters which helped the listener know who was speaking. There's a HUGE cast!

If you like lots of plots and subplots; good guys that lose, bad guys who lose; the evolution of characters as life changes; people who are sometimes good, sometimes bad, sometimes deluded then insightful...OH, AND wolfs, dragon eggs, spell casting, and some undead, you might enjoy this one as much as I did.

Remember while it is 33 hours and 53 minutes long (probably a thick book but faster read), it did hold my attention the whole time!

NOTE: This is fantasy for ADULTS ONLY as there are explicate violence and sex scenes!

The British Babes Book Brigade

Look at what I just found on Facebook!


The British Babes Book Brigade!  


It's the place to meet, learn, enjoy writers of British fiction!  And if you are really lucky, you might win a book by one of your favorite writers or find a new one!  


Yea, Source Books!!!

Book Review of Ashes to Water by Irene Ziegler

Ashes to Water by Irene Ziegler


My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I obviously had enough time to finish my "patient" book (one you carry around to read while patiently waiting). A perfect book it was too, as the story left such an impression that it was not necessary to go back a page or two to remember what was going on.


What a cast of characters! A young woman preparing for her wedding, talking to her mother who committed suicide. Her intended and his manipulating daughter and, by extenuation, his ex-wife. Her murdered father and his wife (who is accused of his murder). Her beautiful troubled sister with a controlling boyfriend. Her first love who is the appointed council for the stepmother. A powerful judge who has an extremely mentally challenged son who likes to play with matches. The town sheriff and deputy; hard drinking reporter; the sexy owner of the popular eatery/tavern and staff; heroic fire fighter; tribal Indian chief; murderer; arsonist. And the sleepy little town itself in the state of Florida.


There is a book before this one but I didn't feel the loss as the characters were complete. If there is another following book, I hope Irene Ziegler follows with the same clarity of characters as this one and makes it (or them) have the same ability to stand alone!


If you think that reading the cast of character you know story and how it will go and who "done it", guess again! There are plots within plots! This would probably be a faster read if read uninterrupted but I have strict rule about my "patient" books,ie, they are to stay in the purse and not removed unless "waiting"!


I bought this book on Amazon for my Kindle but it is available in other formats and places...well, not as an audible. But I have told the author I hope it does appear in that format!

The Eagle and the Raven by Pauline Gedge

Spanning three generations, this historical novel tells the tale of Boudicca, the most famous warrior of ancient Britain, and Caradoc, the son of a Celtic king, who sets out to unite the people of the Raven and lead them against Rome. Caradoc's objective is not easily accomplished as the Roman army advances into Britain, raping Celtic women and burning villages to the ground. His efforts are also met with fierce opposition from Aricia, the vain queen of a northern tribe who swears allegiance to the Romans after Caradoc slights her, and from Gladys, Caradoc’s warrior sister who falls in love with her Roman captor. Unfortunately, Caradoc’s endeavors are left unresolved when he is taken prisoner, but Boudicca, a strong-willed woman, ultimately takes up the cause that was Caradoc’s legacy.

Has been added to my Wish List

Flashback by Nevada Barr

Flashback by Nevada Barr


My rating: 3 of 5 stars


I think I want to give this a higher rating but not.


It is a good book braiding two stories together...one in the present, one in the time just after the Civil War but both taking place in the same location and both involving murder.


"Anna Pigeon takes a post as a temporary supervisory ranger on remote Garden Key in Dry Tortugas National Park, a small grouping of tiny islands in a natural harbor seventy miles off Key West...


...Here, on this last lick of the United States, in a giant crumbling fortress, Anna has little company except for an occasional sunburned tourist or unruly shrimper. When her sister, Molly, sends her a packet of letters from her great-great-aunt who lived at the fort with her husband, a career soldier, Anna's fantasy life is filled with visions of this long-ago time." *


In the present, another Ranger is missing and a boat has exploded.


It's not the fault of the narrator who does such a good job!


So why can't I give this book a 4 or 5 star rating? I just don't know. Maybe you should read or listen to it and tell me where you would rate it.


*This is a quote from the book summary.

Ashes to Water by Irene Ziegler

This is a perfect "patient" books. A "patient" book is one you take with you to help you forget how long you are having to wait...wait to be called into the room where you will see the doctor...wait for the doctor to come in...wait to have your blood drawn...wait for to be called for this test or that test...wait for the van to get its fill of gas...wait for... 



My Kindle doesn't care if how windy it is, it's ready to open to the page I want. 


The story is easier to pick up than to put down. I'm already 24% into it in just one day of hurry up and wait. 

Wizard's First Rule by Terry Goodkind

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

We have watched the ongoing series based upon this series and enjoyed it. But I gotta tell you, having found this audio book, we (hubby and I) agree this much better! I do love fantasy mixed with paranormal!

New York Dead

New York Dead by Stuart Woods

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


What is this world coming to! A well educated man who would rather be a cop than a lawyer? And then a lady falls off a balcony several floor up and lives? And then he has to become the lawyer he never wanted to be? Audible.com caught me with this one! I think I have become a follower!

Don't Make Me Choose Between You and My Shoes

Don't Make Me Choose Between You and My Shoes by Dixie Cash

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I don't know that you need to be a Texan to enjoy this as my Scottish born husband and I had to stay up until it was finished! Maybe you just have to enjoy laughing.

What we have is two lady investigators/beauticians who have been invited to New York City as guest speakers at a conference for professional investigators or those who think they might want to enter the field. And in the city, we have a killer of prostitues.

Now how can you mix this up to be funning? I won't tell but I will recommend you get a copy! ('just beware of drinking while consuming or you may spew!)

ps I changed editions just so you can see the cover!

A Bone to Pick

A Bone to Pick by Charlaine Harris

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I do so enjoy this author's works and this series of mysteries---no vamps or ghosts, just good characters and a good story.

Dog on It

Dog on It by Spencer Quinn

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


OK, I love dogs and observing them so this one is dear to my heart. Why? Because this mystery is from the dog's point of view and Quinn seems to have really gotten into the strange workings of doggie brains. If you have a muttly you will recognize our primary character as he tries to help his best friend solve the mystery without getting himself into too much trouble. It's a light, fun read!

Lust, Loathing and a Little Lip Gloss

Lust, Loathing and a Little Lip Gloss by Kyra Davis

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


The story is very good BUT the reader is not; which is why I cannot give this a higher rating....soooooo, get the book in any format you can find but skip the audio! A different narrator could make this fun mystery such a verbal joy!

The Lovely Bones

The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


after seeing the movie and listening to the book...i like the audio best. someone said they had a problem with the reader which i did not.

The Bone Doll's Twin

The Bone Doll's Twin by Lynn Flewelling

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


OH dear! Looks like I need to add 2 more books to my wish list!

The Chase

The Chase by Clive Cussler

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


kept my mind on its toes!

Across the Nightingale Floor

Across the Nightingale Floor by Lian Hearn

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Excellent but keep hankie nearby!

Orchid Beach

Orchid Beach by Stuart Woods

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


From the military to small town chief of police searching to find out who killed the man who hired her---This is a goody!

The Target

The Target by Catherine Coulter

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I do love this series! As per usual, a really good mystery with lots of romance (clean) and action with enough twists to keep you occupied!

The Nazi Officer's Wife: How One Jewish Woman Survived the Holocust

The Nazi Officer's Wife: How One Jewish Woman Survived the Holocust by Edith Hahn Beer

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


It is absolutely amazing what people will do to survive and live! And so far, no two stories are the same with the exception that some will live and some will not. But it does make you think...what would I do in similar situations? could I survive? could I even handle the daily stresses?

Wizard's First Rule

Wizard's First Rule by Terry Goodkind

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


We have watched the ongoing series based upon this series and enjoyed it. But I gotta tell you, having found this audio book, we (hubby and I) agree this much better! I do love fantasy!

Soulless

Soulless by Gail Carriger

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


What great fun entertainment with ghosts and weres and a fun mystery! I found myself needing to finish it!  And don't you just love the cover?

O, HI

How are ya?

Me, ok.

My mom just finished her last chemo treatment and now we have to do some more tests and see where we are. They say the "chemo brain" should start going away in a couple of weeks. She's 92 as of February. And that "older" dog she was going to get resulted in a red poodle (Rett Butler) who is not even a year old. Mothers! They are so hard to bring up properly.

My work on Ancestry.com is engrossing. I got stopped with my mom's father's side after the initial grandfather arrived from Scotland. Her mother's side is not that much better. I think I have found a brother of her grandfather who fought in the war between the states ('can't say civil war without my mother's eruption: "THERE WAS NOTHING CIVIL ABOUT IT!") Anyway, he was caught and imprisoned, exchanged, and when back to Richmond for new orders. After the war, he and his wife went to Argentina (as did many confederates at the invitation of that government). Some stayed but some came back to their native soil. In his case, he came back with his wife and a child only to eventually get shot by some "carpetbagger".

While I have found many who fought for the new country, I have finally found a Tory who with one of his sons was thorting the rebels any way he could by stealing horses and making counterfit money. His story does not end well as he was spotted, caught, and hung. All of his sons (but the one) are recognized by the DAR for their war efforts.

Well, looks like it is time to put on another book and go back to see who else I can dig up.

Y E A H

Snowing like all buggery in the Dallas/Fort Worth area! Those beautiful fat snow flakes are racing to the ground!

Testing, 1, 2, 3, 4, Testing

SEMI-OLD PEOPLE'S MEMORY TEST

This is not a pushover test. There are 20 questions. Average score is 12.  This one will be very difficult for the younger set Have fun, but no peeking!  

1. What builds strong bodies 12 ways?

A. Flintstones vitamins 
B. The Buttmaster 
C. Spaghetti 
D Wonder Bread
E. OrangeJuice 
F. Milk 
G. Cod Liver Oil

2. Before he was Muhammed Ali, he was...

A. Sugar Ray Robinson 
B. Roy Orbison
C. Gene Autry 
D. Rudolph Valentino 
E. Fabian 
F. Mickey Mantle 
G. Cassius Clay

3. Pogo, the comic strip character said, 'We have met the enemy and..

A. It's you 
B. He is us 
C. It's the Grinch 
D. He wasn't home 
E. He's really me an 
F. We quit 
G. He surrendered

4. Good night David.

A. Good night Chet 
B. Sleep well 
C. Good night Irene 
D. Good night Gracie 
E. See you later alligator 
F. Until tomorrow 
G. Good night Steve

5. You'll wonder where the yellow went...

A. When you use Tide 
B. When you lose your crayons 
C. When you clean your tub 
D. If you paint the room blue 
E. If you buy a soft water tank 
F. When you use Lady Clairol 
G. When you brush your teeth with Pepsodent

6. Before he was the Skipper's Little Buddy, Bob Denver was Dobie's friend...

A. Stuart Whitman 
B. Randolph Scott 
C. Steve Reeves 
D. Maynard G Krebbs 
E. Corky B. Dork 
F. Dave the Whale 
G. Zippy Zoo

7. Liar, liar.

A. You're a liar 
B. Your nose is growing 
C. Pants on fire 
D. Join the choir 
E. Jump up higher 
F. On the wire 
G. I'm telling Mom

8. Meanwhile, back in Metropolis, Superman fights a never ending battle for truth, justice and...

A. Wheaties 
B. Lois Lane 
C. TV ratings 
D. World peace 
E. Red tights 
F.. The American way 
G. News headlines

9. Hey kids!  What time is it?

A. It's time for Yogi Bear 
B. It's time to do your homework 
C. It's Howdy Doody Time 
D. It's Time for Romper Room 
E. It's bedtime 
F. The Mighty Mouse Hour 
G. Scoopy Doo Time

10. Lions and tigers and bears...

A. Yikes 
B. Oh no 
C. Gee whiz 
D. I'm scared 
E. Oh my 
F. Help! Help! 
G. Let's run

11. Bob Dylan advised us never to trust anyone...

A. Over 40 
B.. Wearing a uniform 
C. Carrying a briefcase 
D. Over 30 
E. You don't know 
F. Who says, 'Trust me' 
G. Who eats tofu

 

12. NFL quarterback who appeared in a television commercial wearing women's stockings...

A. Troy Aikman 
B. Kenny Stabler 
C. Joe Namath 
D. Roger Stauback 
E. Joe Montana 
F Steve Young 
G. John Elway

13. Brylcream.

A. Smear it on 
B. You'll smell great 
C. Tame that cowlick 
D. Grease ball heaven 
E. It's a dream 
F. We're your team 
G. A little dab'll do ya

14. I found my thrill...

A. In Blueberry muffins 
B. With my man, Bill 
C. Down at the mill 
D. Over the windowsill 
E. With thyme and dill 
F. Too late to enjoy 
G. On Blueberry Hill

15. Before Robin Williams, Peter Pan was played by...

A. Clark  Gable 
B. Mary Martin 
C. Doris Day 
D. Errol Flynn 
E. Sally Fields 
F. Jim Carey 
G.Jay Leno

16. Name the Beatles....

A. John, Steve, George, Ringo 
B. John, Paul, George, Roscoe 
C. John, Paul, Stacey, Ringo 
D. Jay, Paul, George, Ringo 
E. Lewis, Peter, George, Ringo 
F. Jason, Betty, Skipper, Hazel 
G. John, Paul, George, Ringo

 

17. I wonder, wonder, who..

A. Who ate the leftovers? 
B. Who did the laundry? 
C. Was it you? 
D. Who wrote the book of love? 
E. Who I am? 
F Passed the test? 
G. Knocked on the door?

 

18. I'm strong to the finish...

A. Cause I eats my broccoli 
B. Cause I eats me spinach 
C. Cause I lift weights 
D. Cause I'm the hero 
E. And don't you forget it 
F. Cause Olive Oyl loves me 
G. To outlast Bruto

 

19.. When it's least expected, you're elected, you're the star today..

A. Smile, you're on Candid Camera 
B. Smile, you're on Star Search 
C. Smile, you won the lottery 
D. Smile, we're watching you 
E. Smile, the world sees you 
F. Smile, you're a hit 
G. Smile, you're on TV

 

20. What do M&M's do?

A. Make your tummy happy 
B. Melt in your mouth, not in your pocket 
C. Make you fat 
D. Melt your heart 
E. Make you popular 
F. Melt in your mouth, not in your hand 
G. Come in colors

 

Below are the right answers:

1. D - Wonder Bread 
2. G - Cassius Clay 
3. B - He Is Us 
4. A - Good night, Chet 
5. G - When you brush your teeth with Pepsodent 
6. D - Maynard G. Krebbs 
7. C - Pants On Fire 
8. F - The  American Way  
9. C - It's Howdy Doody Time 
10. E - Oh My 
11. D - Over 30 
12. C - Joe Namath 
13. G - A little dab'll do ya 
14. G - On Blueberry Hill 
15. B - Mary Martin 
16. G - John, Paul, George, Ringo 
17. D - Who wrote the book of Love 
18. B - Cause I eats me spinach 
19. A - Smile, you're on Candid Camera 
20. F - Melt In Your Mouth Not In Your Hand

So I scored 100...kski, you started this! Does this make me an antique?

Spew Alert

Ok, still reading and not writing but kski sent me another one to share...it's a bit naughty so think before reading after the first one~

PENSION SEX
  

Two men were talking. 'So, how's your sex life?'
'Oh, nothing special. I'm having Pension sex.'
'Pension sex?'
 'Yeah, you know; I get a little each month, but not enough to live on!'
_____ 

LOUD SEX
 

A wife went in to see a therapist and said,

'I've got a big problem, doctor.
Every time we're in bed and my husband climaxes,
He lets out this ear splitting yell.'
'My dear,' the shrink said, 'that's completely natural.
I don't see what the problem is.'
'The problem is,' she complained, 'it wakes me up!'
_____
 

QUIET SEX
 

Tired of a listless sex life, the man came right out and asked his wife
During a recent lovemaking session,

'How come you never tell me when you have an orgasm?'
She glanced at him and replied, 'You're never home!'
_____
 

CONFOUNDED SEX
 

A man was in a terrible accident, and his 'manhood' was mangled and torn from
his body. His doctor assured him that modern medicine could give him back his

manhood, but that his insurance wouldn't cover the surgery since it was
 considered cosmetic.
 

The doctor said the cost would be $3,500 for 'small,
$6,500 for 'medium, and $14,000 for 'large.'
 

The man was sure he would want a medium or large, but the doctor urged him
To talk it over with his wife before he made any decision.
The man called his wife on the phone and explained their options.
The doctor came back into the room, and found the man looking dejected.
 

'Well, what have the two of you decided?' asked the doctor.
She'd rather remodel the kitchen.'
_____
 

WEDDING ANNIVERSARY SEX
 

A husband and his wife had a bitter quarrel on the day of their
40th wedding anniversary The husband yelled, 'When you die, I'm getting
You a headstone that reads:
'Here Lies My Wife - Cold As Ever'.'
'Yeah,' she replies, 'when you die, I'm getting you a headstone that reads:
'Here Lies My Husband - Stiff At Last.' '
_____
 

WOMEN'S HUMOROUS SEX
 

My husband came home with a tube of K Y jelly and said,
'This will make you happy tonight.'
He was right. When he went out of the bedroom,
I squirted it all over the doorknobs.
He couldn't get back in.
_____
 

ELDERLY SEX
  

One night, an 87 year-old woman came home from Bingo and found
Her 92 year-old husband in bed with another woman.
She became violent and ended up pushing him off the balcony
Of their 20th floor, assisted living apartment, killing him instantly.
Brought before the court on the charge of murder,
The judge asked her if she had anything to say in her defense.
 She began coolly, 'Yes, your honor. I figured that at 92, if he could have sex...

He could also fly.'