Donna@BookLoversParadise

Prior to reading Juliet Waldron's view of Wolfgang and Konstanze Mozart, I knew only what I saw in "Amadeus".

Not a very flattering picture of either character. Waldron has created wonderfully intense characters. Stanzi was a very strong woman trying desperately to understand her genius of a husband. Mozart did not make it easy. A times I loved both characters, at times I disliked both characters.

Waldron's descriptions of 18th century Austria are just amazing. The reader is transported to another time in history. We meet Mozart's contemporaries, friends and foes.  

This is an incredibly well written, well researched novel. The reader is able to feel Stanzi's pain and distress over her husband, the death of her children and her less than perfect life with the musician. History has not been kind to Konstanze, this book may alter any preconceived ideas.

I give it 4/5 stars

Rebecca Eames...Wife, mother, grandmother, WITCH!!! She's a WITCH!

We look back upon the Salem Witch trials and wonder at how the hysteria caused so much damage. Witch hunts occured during 1692, the accusations more personal and political than anything else. You have land, I want it- you'r a witch! You were mean to me and uttered sarcastic comments- you're a witch! You have a birthmark on your face- it's a sign of the devil and...well you get the picture.

Growing up in Massachusetts, not too far from Salem, I've visited all the sites. Been to the witch museum, Gallows Hill, the cemeteries. Heard the stories about Giles Corey, Dorcas Good, Rebecca Nurse and many others. I enjoy reading about the individuals accused during this dark period in America's history.

Rebecca Eame's was an intersting charcter. She actually confessed to the sin of witchcraft, and she implicated her son Daniel. She stated he was baptized by the devil himself! She later retracted her confession and was eventually exonorated. However, her life was essentially ruined by this event.

This is an extremely readable and fascinating story. Many of the women familiar to students and readers of the witch trials are featured in this book. The author, Penni Jo Renner, is actually a descendant of Rebecca Eames. This makes the story even more interesting! Renner doesn't sugar coat anything. We see Rebecca with all her flaws. We see the pain Rebecca and her family suffered as a result of the trials.

I really enjoyed this book. Ms. Renner has written a fascinating book. I was not able to put it down and actually re-read the book once I was finished. If you are a fan of biographies, Salem witch trials or American history, you will most likely enjoy this well written, well researched book. I give it 5/5 stars.

I can now say I've been to Ancient Egypt...well...sort of. I've visited through Stephanie Thornton's fabulous novel. I've seen Nubia through the eyes of Hatshepsut, I've seen the inside of the Hall of Women, I've travelled the Nile and visited the temples.

I could hear and see the sights and sounds of Egypt in the time of the pharaohs. This book is that good. Hatshepsut herself is an amazing character. She has an inner strength that will fascinate and leave the reader spellbound. I've always considered her an amazing person. Now, I feel as if I know her. Her and Senenmut. I must admit, I can understand her fascination with this incredible man, I think I sort of fell in love with him myself. The chemistry between Hatshepsut and Senenmut is palpable. These are two people who deserve to be together.

This is truly an incredible book. The writing is so well done, the reader will believe they are lost in Egypt while reading. The descriptions are so well written, I can honestly 'see' the palace, temples and characters. I cannot recommend this book enough. If you are a fan of Ancient Egypt (and who isn't, I think we all have some kind of love for the glory days of the pharaohs), don't miss this book! If you aren't a fan of Egypt, but love a good story, read this book. Lastly, if you like strong women...you get the picture...just read this book!

Bravo Stephanie Thornton for creating another wonderful story. I can't wait for your next story.

Fabulous story.

To oversimplify, it is a tale told through the eyes of Noah's unnamed wife.

She tells of her childhood when she was shunned as a'demon', so called due to a port wine stain on her forehead. She tells of the sacrifice her father made raising and caring for 'a demon child' as a single parent, and finally her life as a wife, woman and mother.

An unvarnished look at herself and others. Life in a sinful town, living with sinful individuals.

The characters in this story seem real. Noah himself can only be described as angry and fanatical in his dealings with others for God. He would never admit it, but he feels superior to others because he is the one chosen to show others the way of God.

Noah and wife's children are very different individuals, as brothers are, with unique personalities. I can't say I truly 'liked' any of the boys. The townsfolk are far more interesting. They are a sinful lot who kill, pillage and destroy, however, some of them are more fascinating than Noah and his family.

When they finally get around to building the ark, the town residents constantly jeer and call them crazy. They constantly attempt to stop Noah from building.

My favorite part of this novel is the character development we see of Noah's wife. She who has no name grows as an individual, she strengthens and, in my opinion, has more moral fiber than Noah. We see the sins of everyone, even herself, through her eyes.

The book is slow moving, but definitely worth the wait. It must have been somewhat difficult to write, having very little information about Noah's wife from Biblical writings.

I must admit, I love the cover. Beautiful picture. Does she finally get a name? Just read and find out.

I admit, I am a sucker for books about renaissance Italy!

A wonderful book worth reading. Carol M Cram has created a masterpiece.

Sofia is a strong willed woman who wants to paint. Early Renaissance is the time, Italy the place. More specifically a small town called San Gimignano, the Tuscan city of towers. Sofia is painting in a time when women were encouraged to have children, clean the house and keep quiet. Very few women knew how to read and write, never mind paint.

Each chapter begins with a short painting technique explained before the story proceeds.

The reader is transported to another time. I found this book entertaining and educational. The action is ongoing throughout the story.

5/5 stars for a very well written, and highly researched story!

To begin, I was given a copy of this book for review. I was neither asked,nor encouraged to write a positive review.

Now, with housekeeping out of the way, I truly enjoyed this novel.

The Renaissance period is amazing..and this book is no exception.
We see the inner workings of the workshop of the great Donatello, through the eyes of Luca Matteo.
Luca is a young man who, himself, is fascinated by the great Donatello. He arrives at the workshop of the master via a convoluted path. We see his character grow and change throughout the novel. We see and feel his love, anger, feelings of betrayal and ultimately his horrific act of violence to protect the master Donatello.

We learn about the fine artisanship that occurs in the master's workshop. We meet several high placed renaissance individuals, including Cosimo de Medici and his arch enemy, the Albizzi's. We become embroiled in the political mess that was Renaissance Italy.

Mostly, this is a sad story about forbidden love.

We watch as Donatello creates his DAVID statue, while he himself, the mighty Goliath of this time is being brought to his knees by his love for the model of David.

I found myself feeling pity for the great master, as well as for Luca, the teller of the story.

While reading, I kept thinking Donatello IS the Medici Boy, but as I finished the novel, I realized the true identity of THE MEDICI BOY.

Heartbreaking, thought provoking, gut wrenching. This novel will affect you one way or another.

I give this book 5/5 stars and encourage anyone interested in art, or Renaissance Florence to read this well written book. You will not be disappointed. But...if you can't tolerate gore, skip over the part about the cat...

Words cannot describe my feelings
after reading this book.

Josephine Bonaparte has always
been an individual I've found fascinating.

  This story created a desire to learn more.
What a vivid, lively woman!

The ordeals she faced and overcame.From 
her early days in Martinique
 to her rise and fall from grace.

Stunning portrait of a trying time 
in French history.

The reader will lover her,
 cry with her and feel
her pain and distress.

You will also hate her detractors 
(there are many-
especially those darned Bonaparte's-
 I detest them)
This is a testament to the writing
 strength of Heather Webb.

A book definitely worth reading, even if you are not
a fan of French history.
Read it for the strength and fortitude of an amazing
woman.

  

What a fantastic book! I couldn't put it down. Starts with a bang and the action doesn't stop.

The writing is spectacular, the story just flows. The characters are full and interesting. You will either love or hate them, my favorite...Henri and Tash.

It has been many years since I visited Paris, however, the descriptions were so well done that I could actually 'see' the places being described.

I loved this book. It has everything a reader could want. Adventure, intrigue, romance and fun.

This is definitely a book 'not to be missed'.

This is a continuation of Kiya's story. She is now Naomi. Hebrew woman. Labeled a harlot, a woman rejected by Pharaoh Akhenaten. We learn about her struggles after leaving the Egyptian court. Kiya returns to her home as Naomi. She has her children and the daughter of her dear friend. The jealous Nefertiti is still trying to kill her and her son, Tut, heir to the Egyptian throne.

Naomi is a strong woman. A woman who faces adversity and shines. This is a book not to be missed. If you liked the first story of Katie Hamstead's trilogy, you will love the second book. We see fantastic character development. I loved reading of Naomi's trek through life. Her relationships with others around and with her children.

I look forward to the next book in the trilogy.

I absolutely love the Nightmare books by Robert Gray.

This third installment in the Eve Hallows series is the best yet.  The book is written for young readers who are looking for adventure, a bit of a fright, and a lot of fun.  This book fits the bill- in every way possible.  The characters are even better this time around.  Eve spends the bulk of the book with her friends hunting for, you guessed it, The Book of Shivers.  Third of 4 books that could help or hurt both the monster world and the human world.

I can't get enough of these stories.  Mr Gray, you have a remarkable ability to capture the attention of your reader and hold it until the very last word of the book.  When I finished, I just wanted to start the entire series over again! 

Keep 'em coming!!!!

Mary Sharratt has done it again. She has a unique talent for taking historical characters and creating fabulous stories about them. She did it with DAUGHTERS OF THE WITCHING HILL  if you recall, I raved and raved about this book.

Now she does it with Illuminations. A fantastic story, about an inspirational woman.

Hildegard was a saint. I would have become bitter and angry if placed in a situation as she was, but she managed to rise above it and become an inspiration. A woman the church should look towards to represent all that is good and honorable in it's children.
Hildegard wasn't always sweet and kind, but she did make the best of her situation.

This is a fantastically written novel. It held my attention from beginning till end. When I turned the last page, the only thought going through my mind " I must find out more about this woman ". That is the hallmark of a fabulous writer.

Mary Sharratt, thank you for this story. You have enlightened me and encouraged me to learn more.

I must admit, I've read many books centering around the Revolutionary War. Never have I read a book from the viewpoint of a British supporter. What a book! It will hold your interest from page one until the finish. Lucy and John are amazing people. John joins the British sympathizers Butler's Rangers and has to leave Lucy while fighting against the revolutionaries.

Lucy's story of survival is one of courage and great strength. We see the happenings from both Lucy's and John's perspective. Both underwent amazing ordeals. Here we have two people who just wanted to be left alone to farm their land. They were swept up in the terrible wartime.

I also loved reading about the Native Americans and how they interacted with both the American Revolutionaries and the British soldiers.

I highly recommend this book for any student of history or anyone just looking for a wonderful story. Does true love prevail? You'll just have to read the book to find out.

Nick and Tesla are twin 11 year old kids. They are living with their very eccentric uncle Newt. The two kids are surrounded by brilliance, from their uncle to their parents, and it has rubbed off. They are budding genius' themselves.

This book is just fun to read. Kids will love the science experiments listed and the many robots and other devices in the stories. The heart of the story is an adventure. A mystery. Robberies are happening all over their sleepy town. Nick and Tesla, along with their friends DeMarco and Silas must solve the crimes.

The vocabulary used in the book is challenging but not too difficult for kids. The step by step science experiments are a fantastic plus. My 12 year old wants to do every experiment. The age group targeted is the group usually interested in robotics and science.

Amazing series your middle grader will love. Both boys and girls are represented with Nick and Tesla.

Well written, well researched fictional account of Henry's luckiest wife. The Anne of this novel is a charming person. She led a rich and fulfilled life during a dangerous period in history. I enjoyed this book, it is full of wonderful historical figures. The writing flows and the book is easy to read.

Imagine Helen an unwilling captive of Paris. Goes against just about everything we've read about the Trojan War.

Well, this book gives a unique perspective of the war. We hear Helen's point of view. Not just the war, but her life leading up to and after the war.

I've always imagined Helen to be a somewhat empty headed, silly individual. This book portrays her as a capable, strong woman who helps her countrymen every way she can.

The author, Michael Lally, must have done an immense amount of research before writing this book. He's managed to portray many of the characters exactly as I imagined them to be, ie: Agammemnon, Clytemnestra, Hector. All of the favorites from Homer's epic are here. Some are not so likable.

I found this be a very enjoyable book. 4/5 stars

An extraordinarily written historical (fictional) account of Joshua's journey throughout history. This is a deeply compelling book, difficult to put down. I read it in one sitting.

Whether or not you enjoy biblical fiction, you will find something in this book to capture your attention. A fabulous book not to be missed. We truly feel as if we are traveling with Joshua throughout the holy lands.

Women will enjoy this novel as Joshua is an individual who stood up for women in a time when females were considered lesser individuals.

I give this book 5 stars and highly recommend it.