The Rogue's Reform by Regina Scott

Hello Bookworms,

            Summertime is upon us, and for many bookish vacationers that means deciding what deliciously engaging read to pack up and take with you on your trip! For me, a good regency, victorian, or Edwardian love story is just the thing!! And Regina Scott has written an incredible one for the Love Inspired Historical line known as The Everard Legacy! Over the next few weeks, I intend to bring you a review of all of these books! Let’s start at number one, The Rogue’s Reform!

Summary

            Jerome Everard, his brother Richard, and cousin Vaugh were all raised by their uncle Arthur Everard. Lord Everard was a man who ruined the reputation of the Everard name. Jerome spent his life working hard to make sure that the Everard legacy (money, estates, ships, and the like) was protected and prosperous, all the while knowing he would one day inherit the bulk of it as his Childless uncle’s heir. But when their uncle dies unexpectedly, Jerome’s expectations are shattered when they are told that Arthur indeed had a child, by a legal marriage, making her the heir over Jerome. Believing this to be a scandalous falsehood created by a goldigging child and her scheming governess, Jerome and his brother and cousin rush to their uncle’s home in Cumberland to expose the women for the liar’s they are. When he and his companions arrive at the grand home, while they will find answers to their questions about the girl and her governess, the questions surrounding their uncle’s death will only multiply.

Review

            This series has turned out better than I ever expected!! This is waaaaay more than your boy meets girl, one of them falls in love, something happens to jeopardize said love, all is well again, story! There is love, yes (otherwise it probably wouldn’t have made it into to the Love Inspired Historical line up), but there are also two extremely intriguing mysteries running at the same time!! One will be resolved in this book, one will carry over to the next book (The Captain’s Courtship, which I reviewed  here after accidently reading the first and second books out of order).

            The characters that Mrs. Scott writes in Jerome, Richard, Vaughn, Samantha, Adele, and the Dowager are very well developed. Their emotions are real and yet add to rather than take away from the story! The inclusion of the characters faith and crises of faith is extremely well done too. There is introspection, prayer, and use of scripture in this book that are well timed, well used, and neither slow down, nor detract from, the overall story. In some faith-based love stories, it feels like we have had to pause the story to include a lesson in faith or discussion of faith, but with Mrs. Scott’s writing, it is natural and fits the flow of the story. I find I extremely admired that throughout the series. If you are not religious, that’s okay, I think that the mysteries you are trying to solve will most likely engage you anyway.

            There is also some comedy. There are witty quips and surprising moments that were very well-written and, had I not been trying to be quiet for the people around me, I would have literally laughed out loud. I also like that the women in her stories are not silly damsels, creating more problems that they help solve. These women are brilliant (even if a little petulant or quirky at times). They are paragons. They are not the giggling, harping, brain deprived of oxygen by their corsets, women that some put in their old English love stories. It was an empowering set of female characters to read. Bravo, Mrs. Scott!

            By the end of the book, I was chomping at the bit to read the next one! So I did! (I have to admit, I was very glad to find out that these books are a series!) So, be on the lookout, in the next week, you’ll find another review of another Everard Legacy Book!!

Buy a Copy of TheRogue’s Redemption

Until next time,

           Lizzie <3

Firestorm by Andrew Lane!!

Hello Bookworms!,

         I have a book review for you today! This one is another book in a series that I have been reading (in between other things ;) ). Today we return to the Young Sherlock Holmes series written by Andrew Lane! The installment? Fire Storm!

 

Summary

          In Fire Storm by Andrew Lane, young Sherlock's friend and her father have vanished. Their house looks as if nobody has ever lived in it; the neighbors claim never to have heard of them. Sherlock begins to doubt his sanity, until a clever clue points him to Scotland. Following that clue leads him into a mystery that involves kidnapping, bodysnatchers, and a man who claims he can raise the dead. Only the budding detective Sherlock can untangle the mind-bending--and dangerous--puzzles that ensnare his friends. Think you know Sherlock Holmes? Think again! (Summary obtained from Amazon.com)

Review

          I am completely serious when I say that I have not yet read a book in this series that I have not thoroughly enjoyed (and that includes the ones I’ve read since Fire Storm!) Andrew Lane has a way of creating an intricate mystery, whose solution borders on the absolutely unbelievable! And yet, all the intertwined details work! There’s no way that the mysteries are not solved exactly how Lane tells us they are! These mysteries test the boundaries of the famous Sherlock Holmes quote “Once you eliminate the impossible, whatever remains, no matter how improbable, must be the truth”. And be warned, the truth in these cases is as “improbable” as it gets!! But that’s what makes it an adventure!

          I was almost put off by the storyline about ghosts. I am not a fan of the paranormal as an explanation for anything, but reader, trust me when I say, keep reading ghosts and all!! It is well worth it!

          These books are the perfect thing to keep your mind engaged and entertained no matter your age! As I have said before, I feel that these books are PERFECT for boys who don’t like to read because “reading is boring”. These stories are FAR from boring! They are also probable what one would look for to engage dyslexic readers. There is always something of interest to keep pushing them to read just one more page.

          Fire Storm by Andrew Lane was so entertaining and mind-boggling that my only complaint was that it ended so soon! But don’t be sad that Fire Storm has ended! That just means you can move forward to the other books in the series! Read Fire Storm by Andrew Lane! You won’t be disappointed.

Buy a copy of Fire Storm

 

Until Next Time,

                Lizzie <3

Books to Pull You Out of the Downton Abbey "Show-Hole"!

Hello Bookworms,

          We’ve all seen the commercial, where the announcer talks about seeing the “final, final credits” and that you enter the “show hole” where “the struggle could not BE more real”. Many of you Downton Abbey fans out there (myself included) are anticipating this show hole when the series comes to an end in a few weeks. Well, I have some suggestions for a much needed round of book therapy to help you through the Downton’s Ended Slump!

Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey by Lady Fiona Carnarvon

          For those of you who really love the series and every thing about it, you know that Lady Fiona Carnarvon in the Countess of Carnarvon, the current Lady of Highclere Castle where Downton Abbey was shot! Well, she has written a book about the history of the real Earl of Carnarvon during the time period that Downton Abbey is set! You will be interested to know that some of the details of their lives seem very reminiscent of the lives of the characters in Downton Abbey J .

Check out Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey!

Lady Catherine, The Earl, and the Real Downton Abbey by Lady Fiona Carnarvon

          If one book isn’t enough, The Countess of Carnarvon has gifted us with two!! Go to the next generation of the family that owned and ran Highclere Castle and see what new adventures and surprises are in store!!

Check out Lady Catherine, The Earl, and the RealDownton Abbey!

Still need more from Highclere? Read my interview with Lady Fiona Carnarvon!

The Love and Inheritance Novels by Fay Wheldon

          For those of you who don’t know, Fay Wheldon wrote the pilot for the hugely popular Upstairs Downstairs. But that and many novels and popular advertising slogans aren’t all she wrote. Fay Wheldon wrote a trilogy of novels that are a lot like Downton Abbey and Upstairs Downstairs (they even span a similar time period as Downton Abbey). Full of love, money, and good old "rich aristocrat" family drama, I’ve put this series on my TBR list because I think it’s sure to be a hit (although you can trust I'll tell you in my reviews if they're not! ;) )!

Check out Book One in The Love and Inheritance Novels!

So there you go! Dig yourself out of that show hole and invest in some much needed book therapy with these fun novels! Happy Reading!

Until Next Time,

             Lizzie <3

Guilt Free Shopping for the Book Obsessed!

Hello bookworms,

        We’ve all done it. It’s part of being a book lover. We fall in love with a particular series so we buy every piece of memorabilia ever made: the movies, the “I <3 MR DARCY” T-shirts, the scarves printed with text from the book, the jewelry, the tote bags, and everything else you find immediately goes on your “WANT!” list! We feel a little guilty for spending the money but the stuff is SO COOL!  Well, I’ve found out about a company where you can buy loads of bookish items guilt free because your proceeds are helping spread books and the love of reading!

        Out of Print Clothing is a charity company bringing you the fun bookish stuff you love and bringing books to impoverished people in Africa!

What do they do?

        Out of Print Clothing looks through stacks of books at libraries and bookstores to find classics and curiosities. The books are then converted into the products that they sell (don’t panic! It’s not the actual books, its copies of the cover art, etc.). Out of Print Clothing has all sorts of book memorabilia including clothing, accessories, stationary, and more! All for very reasonable prices! Cool right?!?!?!?!

Their Mission?

        How does this translate into guilt-free buying? Buying products from Out of Print Clothing helps spread the gift of reading! Out of Print Clothing is partnered with Books for Africa! Every Out of Print purchase made makes it possible to donate one book through Books for Africa! In other words, you’ll get a cool piece of bookish memorabilia and give a book to a person in Africa at the same time! 

It’s great for personal buying, or giving a gift to a loved one that gives back!

I bought a tote at my local bookstore from the company for just $17!  It’s printed with the cover art from a publishing of Pride and Prejudice (one of my all-time favorite stories!).

You can see a picture of it here!

You can find Out of Print Clothing products in bookstores or online at www.outofprintclothing.com!

Find out about great deals by following them at @OutofPrintTees on Twitter!

Happy Shopping!

Until Next Time,

                Lizzie <3

Christmas at See Lizzie Read!!

Hello Bookworms!!,
          I apologize that I have been away for SO LOOOONG!!! But I promise that I have not forgotten about you! I have new reviews, author interviews, and more planned for See Lizzie Read!
          One fun thing that I have planned is #BookishGifts! I am posting fun, funky, and cool Christmas gift ideas for the book lover on your Christmas list (or maybe to help build your own Christmas list! ;) ). Go over to See Lizzie Read's Facebook page, "like" it, and keep an eye out for the hashtag "#BookishGifts"!! Let me know what you think or make suggestions of your own!


To access the Facebook page, Click Here! :D


I'll type again soon!,
              Lizzie <3

Rebel Fire by Andrew Lane

Hello Bookworms,

            A few weeks ago I posted a review of how much I loved Death Cloud (Young Sherlock Holmes #1) by Andrew Lane. It was the first book in a series that I’ve come to greatly enjoy! I have currently read 5 out of the 8 novels and one short story that Andrew Lane has published in the series and I’m still loving it! Today, I’m backing up a few books to bring you a review of the second book in the series: REBEL FIRE! Watch out for *SPOILERS!!!!* if you haven’t read the first book DEATH CLOUD! There won’t be many and certainly not about major details, but if you’re like me and you hate ANY spoilers great or small, you may want to wait until you read Death Cloud to read this review. Here we go!

Summary

            It hasn’t been long since Sherlock faced Baron Maupertuis in France. It seemed like a once in a lifetime adventure. But Sherlock isn’t about to go back to his hum drum life at Uncle Sherrinford and Aunt Anna’s for very long. When Matty is kidnapped, Sherlock, his mentor Amyus, and Amyus’s daughter Virginia will have to track him all the way to America!

This adventure will test Sherlock’s mind, morals, and his strength! When the hunt suddenly separates Sherlock and Virginia from Amyus, can the pair retrieve Matty and get back to New York safely? And what does all of this have to do with a rare collection of animals and John Wilkes Booth?

Review

            Oh my goodness readers! This is another whirlwind adventure and I loved it! I was a bit leery when I read that John Wilkes Booth could be a character in this because I don’t usually like when authors use a real life person or real life events and smash them with fiction. I also wasn’t thrilled that this was going to take place in America (it’s part of what I love about Sherlock Holmes’s world is that he lives in England!). After having read the whole book, don’t fear, the setting and the real vs fictional characters do not take away from how great the story is AT ALL! It’s a true testament to Andrew Lane’s ability to write! (if you are worried about confusing history with fiction, I strongly recommend that you read the author’s notes at the end. It’s usually about three pages and he does a great job of explaining what things were real and what things were not).

            I continue to love all of the characters, everyone has their own personality and they all have something to contribute to the story! I, of course, continue to love the relationship between Mycroft and Sherlock as well (Get some tissues all you criers! I got choked up!)! There’s a new character introduced in this book and he will have a major impact on the person Sherlock is as an adult, see if you can figure out who it is!

I highly recommend that you read Rebel Fire by Andrew Lane!! You’re probably going to love it as much if not more than Death Cloud! If you are looking for this book in your local bookshop or online, if you see the title REBEL FIRE or RED LEECH, it is the SAME BOOK! I used the title Rebel Fire for this review because the copy of the book I own has the Rebel Fire cover and title. Whichever of the two you buy, it is the same story.

Buy Rebel Fire

Until Next Time,

            Lizzie <3

Why Your Daughter's Crush on Mr. Darcy May Actually be a Good Thing

Hello Bookworms,

            It is widely known that one of the greatest love stories in literary history is included in Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. I’m talking about the love story between Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennett. Generations of women have had crushes on Mr. Darcy since the book’s publication in 1813.

            Some people are concerned with their daughter’s crush on a fictional character. Especially since the story is set in 1797! But I’d like to highlight a few reasons why your daughter’s crush on Mr. Darcy can actually be a positive thing (Warning!! Loads of SPOILERS from this point on!!!).

            You see, Mr. Darcy, though he is fictional and is from a bygone era, possesses many qualities that you’d want your daughter to seek in a husband:

Mr. Darcy is willing to work on himself.

In the beginning of the story, Darcy is prideful, prejudiced, and somewhat arrogant. He is painfully shy and somewhat withdrawn. Yet, when Darcy sees the pain and chaos his attitude causes himself and those he loves, Darcy works hard to change. A man who can acknowledge his faults and work on them is definitely a good man.

Mr. Darcy is a gentleman.

Mr. Darcy is the kind of man that escorts you to your carriage, and helps you get in (like he did for Elizabeth after the ball at Netherfield). Darcy stands when a lady walks in. Now that last one isn’t required so much these days, but don’t you love when a man holds a door for you or escorts you safely to your vehicle when needed? Of course you do because Chivalry isn’t dead! When your daughter takes notice of Mr. Darcy, she’s reading about/watching a gentleman in action and getting the idea that a man who is a gentleman is a good thing.

Mr. Darcy is financially stable and smart.

Mr. Darcy has a large fortune and a large estate. While Darcy inherited both of these, it takes brains and hardwork to keep the money flowing and the estate afloat. Darcy is providing a good example of what a hardworking, stable man looks like.

Mr. Darcy is a family-minded man.

Mr. Darcy finished raising his little sister, Georgiana and is her guardian. Darcy dotes on Georgiana, providing for her needs and protecting her from evil influences (like Mr. Wickham) and he genuinely enjoys it! I’d say that’s a pretty good advertisement for his potential as a father. Your daughter has a crush on a hardworking man who takes care of his family.

Mr. Darcy isn’t afraid of showing affection.

Now this may be a bit harder to see, because showing affection was very different in the 1700’s and 1800’s than it is today. However, if you look for it, you’ll see it. Mr. Darcy is so proud of Elizabeth that he’s just dying to show her off to his family (that’s a pretty big step) and, most famously, in the final scene, Mr. Darcy professes his love for Elizabeth is the most beautiful speech. A man that’s so proud of you that he wants to show you off and he tells you how much he loves you is something I think we all want and it’s good to encourage that for your daughter.

Mr. Darcy is generous and kind, even with his in-laws.

Mr. Darcy fixed the scandal Elizabeth’s sister Kitty caused (even though it cost him dearly). Mr. Darcy also made sure that Elizabeth’s sister Jane was proposed to by the man she loved more than anything. Also, he invites Elizabeth’s uncle to come fish on his estate. Darcy doesn’t think only of his own household and that’s it, he’s generous and willing to go the extra mile, even for his in-laws.

Mr. Darcy loves that Elizabeth is smart and self-sufficient.

One of my most favorite things about Mr. Darcy is that he recognizes that Elizabeth is smart, strong, and self-sufficient and he doesn’t want to change that. As a matter of fact, Mr. Darcy admires Elizabeth’s abilities. Elizabeth embodies some of the qualities Darcy wishes he had but for which he is too shy. Darcy wants to spend time with Elizabeth and see how she does it and learn how to do it himself. And He’s proud of her for being strong. You would want your daughter to be with someone who recognizes her strengths and encourages them in her, and Mr. Darcy is providing an example of what that looks like for your daughter.

So, when your daughter starts re-reading Pride and Prejudice, or wants to watch the movie again for the millionth time, go ahead and let her. Mr. Darcy is reinforcing what a good man looks like for your daughter. Much better than the love story between Edward and Bella from Twilight, a love story where the teenage girl is so dependent on the guy that she cannot function when he suddenly walks out on her. Elizabeth and Darcy embody a more healthy relationship and the more positive examples we can put in front of our girls, the better. So encourage your daughter’s crush on Mr. Darcy, and maybe buy her that “I <3 Mr. Darcy” tote for Christmas this year. ;)

 

Until next time,

                        Lizzie <3