5 Minute High Five 5 with author Gina J. Bentley

Hello Bookworms!!

          Today’s post is going to be lots of fun! It has been a while since I have had an author interview, but today I have one for you! A couple of weeks ago, I reviewed Flowers Darkly by author Gina J. Bentley. Today, Gina is going to give you some insight into her world and the world of  Flowers Darkly. Enjoy!

1. Let’s start with a fun question, how amazing does it feel to have released your first novel?

It feels wonderful! I began writing Flowers Darkly almost three years ago. At first, I didn't tell anyone I was writing a novel because I knew it'd be a long process. It ended up taking even longer than I'd anticipated. I eventually had to let go of a timeline, and be content with whenever I finished it. I wanted it done right! It's awesome now because readers tell me how characters, plot elements, or lines impacted them. I lived alone with these things for years, so to be able to finally share them in the book is truly an amazing privilege.

 

2. Where did you find the inspiration for Flowers Darkly?

 

I found inspiration for the novel in many places: British television, classic literature, dreams, music, and even sermons. Someone said "good artists borrow; great artists steal." I definitely stole some inspiration! As an example, I based aspects of Nicholas Graham on Robert Hardy's portrayal of Siegfried Farnon in the BBC series, All Creatures Great and Small. I studied Hardy's facial expressions as to get the subtleties right in my descriptions of Nicholas. Since the novel took three years to write, I had time to pool lots of ideas and incorporate them into the story.

 

3. Who was your favorite character to write?

 

My absolute favorite character to write was Nicholas Graham. He has a presence that transcends the page, causing me to think I may find him in line at the grocery store or sitting next to me on a flight. It's difficult for me to believe I created him: he always gently told me what he would say and do. Of all the characters, I've probably gotten the most feedback from readers on Nicholas. One reader described him as "perfect," and I couldn't agree more. I think as he impacts the characters in the story, he impacts us as well.

 

4. Given the opportunity, would you move to a new country like Miri? If so, where?

 

It's funny you should ask this question because I allowed Miri to experience my own dream of moving to England. I've been in love my entire adult life with England and British culture, primarily through its television and literature. Like Miri, I worked for a division of a British company, where I met Brits whose friendliness, character, and manner only increased my admiration for their culture. I got to travel with Miri to England in Flowers Darkly, and I hope my readers do as well.

 

5. Are there plans for more novels from Author Gina J. Bentley in the future?

Yes! Another novel is brewing in my heart and begging to be written. This one will likely stay state-side, but I expect it to have just as much romance, humor, and biblical truth as Flowers Darkly.

I would like to thank Gina J. Bentley for giving See Lizzie Read this interview!!

For more information about Gina J. Bentley’s works, both present and future, visit her website!

To purchase your copy of Flowers Darkly click here!!

Until next time,

          Lizzie <3

Flowers Darkly by Gina J. Bentley

Hello Bookworms,

            Today, I will be bringing you a review of the debut novel Flowers Darkly by Gina J. Bentley! This novel was released June 5^th, 2015 and I think all you romantic globe trotters out there are going to want to take this book with you on your summer vacation! Here’s why…

Summary

            Miri Lewis has a husband, two young daughters, and a demanding career. She’s a good wife, a good mother, and good at her job. But sometimes, Miri isn’t sure if she keeps her priorities straight, especially when it comes to her handsome, British boss, Andrew Kent. When a death occurs in her immediately family on the heels of being offered the career and personal opportunity of a lifetime in Bristol, England, Miri’s world seems to come crashing in around her, What Miri is about to discover is that sometimes tragedy is the catalyst that can bring more than sorrow and that comfort can be found in the unlikeliest of places.

Review

            Flowers Darkly was an initially mysterious and ultimately heart-warming story. With Austenian and Dickensian influences, Mrs. Bentley weaves a tale of love, sorrow, discovery, and dreams. And for all you British obsessed bookworms out there, over half the story takes place in England!!! You’ll just die for the descriptions of the people, the buildings, the places, and the good old English weather!

            Nicholas and Simon were by far my most favorite characters in the book. Nicholas in every ounce the kind, loving English gentleman we’ve all dreamed about. You can practically hear the kindness in his voice and feel the warmth of his embrace as you read. A vicar, Simon reminds me very much of Sidney Chambers of James Runcie and PBS’s Grantchester mystery series. And since I like Sidney Chambers so much, I couldn’t help but love Simon as well. Simon provides smiles and laughter and heartwarming support that will leave you wishing you had a Simon in your life too.

            Flowers Darkly is the perfect story to read on vacation. It takes you around the world and shows you the best side of people while entertaining you all along the way. I highly recommend you read it!

Buy Flowers Darkly

Follow Gina J Bentley on Twitter at @ginajbentley!

Until next time,

        Lizzie <3

Review: Maisie Dobbs by Jacqueline Winspear

Hello Bookworms!,

            I’ve got a brand new review for you all today! I’ve read the first in a mystery series set in 1920’s England! Let’s explore Maisie Dobbs by Jacqueline Winspear!!

Summary

            Brilliant, beautiful Maisie Dobbs came from humble beginnings/ The daughter of a struggling costermonger, Maisie is sent to work for Lord Julian and Lady Rowan. When her brilliance is discovered by Lady Rowan, who is looking for a way to promote the lower classes, Maisie is introduced  to Dr. Maurice Blanche who teaches Maisie to use her mind.

            Years of education and one horrific war later, Maisie is taking over Dr. Blanche’s practice as an investigator. But her first case is more that it appears. What was to be a simple case of proving or disproving whether a man’s wife is having an affair, Maisie will uncover the sinister truth behind a well-guarded facility for disfigured war veterans and potentially save the life of Lord Julian and Lady Rowan’s son James…But how much will Maisie’s experience with the war affect her judgement?

Review

            Oh my word readers…I am in awe! Jacqueline Winspear has created a masterpiece  in Maisie Dobbs. The New York Times Book Review said it best when they said “be prepared to be astonished”.

            Maisie Dobbs is a smashing heroine using her mastery of psychology (a subject I love), her keen intellect, and resourcefulness to bring truth to cases that are out of the ordinary. And yet she does it all with an amazing heart for other people. Maisie’s compassion for her clients is incredible.

            And every character in the Maisie Dobbs book is amazing! No character is wasted; everyone has something to contrub ite to the story. The cast of characters who will most likely become staples in the Maisie Dobbs series all have incredible depth and are as entertaining as they are insightful.

            For history buffs, this story is an amazing portrait of how World War I changed England forever and at what price. The journey through the year just before, during, and immediately after the war is sure to please those who have ample knowledge or simple a mild curiosity about English history.

            This writing is worthy to stand among the greats such as Sherlock Holmes and Miss Marple. I have been made an instant Maisie Dobbs fan through the reading of this book and I have every intention of reading the rest of the Maisie Dobbs series!

            I highly recommend that you read Maisie Dobbs by Jacqueline Winspear. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed!

Buy MaisieDobbs

 

Until next time,

            Lizzie <3

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Hello Bookworms!!,
           Yesterday I received an E-mail from N.E. David (who has been interviewed and reviewed on See Lizzie Read multiple times...Thanks Nick!! :D ). N. E. David has a special offer for you all!




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Happy Reading All!!

Until next time,
               Lizzie <3

Last Bus To Woodstock: An Inspector Morse Mystery by Colin Dexter

Hello Bookworms,

          Recently, I received something wonderful! The entire collection of Colin Dexter’s Inspector Morse novels including Morse’s Greatest Case and other Short Stories (a huge thanks to my family for this generous gift!! J They know how much I love PBS’s Endeavor and Inspector Lewis). I’ve already started the set and today I’m going to review the first novel in the series: Last Bus to Woodstock!

Summary

          When a woman is found murdered outside of a pub, the case seems pretty normal. All that needs to be done is to find out who killed Sylvia Kaye. But as Inspector Morse and his new partner Sargent Lewis begin to inspect the clues, this case is more twisted that they thought. Rather than narrowing down their list of suspects, it just keeps growing. Morse is really going to have to employ his mind if he’s going to find the killer and close the case.

Review

          This is the first Colin Dexter book that I’ve read. Some of the things I like about it are:

First, it’s the original Inspector Morse. I am one who loves to go back to the original stories if I find I like to television adaptations. I always like to know what qualities the original writer gave the character. What were the original thoughts of the author?

Second, the way Mr. Dexter changed from character to character. There are moments in the book where there are several short paragraphs back to back. This is Colin Dexter’s way of showing you what happening “meanwhile” and giving you the whole picture! I like that!

Finally, the solution. Wow! I will admit I could not see where we were going with the case! Every time I thought I knew who it was, it would change again! In two sentences it all became clear and I had to stifle a massive gasp! You’ll love it!

What didn’t I like?

The case itself. I’m not one to love rape/sex centered cases and unfortunately this was one. And sometimes, the author was WAY too graphic. This isn’t Fifty Shades of Morse’s Suspects it’s an Inspector Morse Mystery. I wouldn’t recommend the first book for younger audiences. Adults, read at your own risk. That was a massive disappointment to me because Colin Dexter is hailed as one of the best but, it wasn’t so bad as to scare me away from all Inspector Morse novels. I’m proceeding with the second and I think it might be better than the first!

 

Buy Last Bus To Woodstock

Until next time,

                      Lizzie <3

Mansfield Park by Jane Austen

Hello Bookworms!,

      As some of you may know, I am a pretty huge Jane Austen fan. I have loved Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility for ages and I can readily quote lines from and make reference to both.

Summary

      Fanny Price did not come from a rich family. Quite the opposite. Her family has very little money and many children. When her uncle takes her in, and raises her in the lap of luxury, it is a blessing for dear Fanny. However, there is always a marked difference between herself and her four cousins and if she ever forgets it, which she does not, Aunt Norris is there to remind her.

      From her shy corner of the world, Fanny observes much about the family. Including some uncouth behavior between her engaged cousin and a handsome friend in town for a few weeks. However, when this handsome friend turns his attention of fanny in earnest, she does not know what to do.

Review

      This is the fourth Jane Austen Novel I have read. Unfortunately, it was not her best. Please don’t grab your torches and pitchforks yet Jane Austens fans everywhere, I’m still a diehard fan, I’m just a little disappointed in this novel. After the first 250 (roughly ½ of the book) pages I thought “Okay, this was just the uphill climb. These are the details that are going to make this second half all make perfect sense.” And in a way, it was true.  There were certain complex emotions and decisions that would not have made sense in the second half of the book if you hadn’t paid attention in the first half. Unfortunately, the second half of the book wasn’t the downhill thrill-ride that I’d been hoping for.

      The second half of the book was sadly not much better than the first. There were great moments in the story but the telling of them was long and drawn out. I felt like several parts of story was slow-paced with no purpose. All of the most exciting details happened in the last 5 of the sixty-four chapters of the book. The largest part of the excitement really hit in the last 2 chapters. And while sometimes, this is enough to save my opinion of a book, in this case it felt a bit half-hearted. I as the reader had endured four hundred and eighty-one pages of hoping something exciting was about to happen and in the last 15 pages every major conflict was magically resolved. These were the details that I had been waiting for and they were left out!!! I felt cheated! I had listened to every character whine and complain for pages and pages thinking “just one more chapter and the fun will begin” and suddenly the author just glossed over it all, discussing it in the most general way and then….the end. It was over. *Insert Frustrated Wail Here*

      So, if you are a Jane Austen fan, read Mansfield Park just to say you did. That you’ve read all of her works. If you are looking for classic novels to read, This wouldn’t crack my top 20. There are too many other novels too choose from.

 

Buy Mansfield Park on Amazon.com!

 

Until Next Time,

                  Lizzie <3

 

See Lizzie Read 5 Minute High 5 with The Countess of Carnarvon!

Hello Bookworms!,

          I am excited about the interview I get to share with you all today! Fans of the popular BBC drama Downton Abbey get ready! Today’s 5 Minute High 5 is with Author of Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey and its sequel Lady Catherine, The Earl, and The Real Downton Abbey! That’s right! Today’s interview is with Lady Fiona Carnarvon of Highclere Castle!

1.    You have recently written 2 books about the history of Highclere Castle. What has it been like researching such a rich history?

 

It’s a tremendous privilege working through all the different archives here at Highclere. There are an enormous number of stories about what my predecessors have done and I really enjoy tying it in with the events that they were living through.

 

2.    Did you always intend to publish the history of Highclere Castle or was the project inspired by the television series Downton Abbey?

 

I had already researched the 5^th Earl of Carnarvon (who discovered the Tomb of Tutankhamun with Howard Carter) and had published a photographic story about the two men. I therefore knew the story of his extraordinary wife Almina and it was a wonderful opportunity to publish it.

 

3.    Your two books follow the lives of Lady Almina and Lady Catherine as a means of telling the Castle’s story. How do you decide which family member’s story to follow?

 

I started with the 5^th countess, Lady Almina, because she made such an amazing contribution to other people’s lives. She worked tirelessly to save men’s lives although in the First World War they were often returning into battle yet again. I found the letters from the patients and their families very humbling.

 

4.    Are there plans for a third book?

 

I have started a photographic book looking at the rhythm of a year here at Highclere, recipes, and anecdotes.

 

5.    After all the research you have done, which figure from Highclere Castle’s past (that you have not met already) would you most like to have lunch with?

 

I find Egypt and the ancient culture and works of art completely fascinating so I would absolutely love to have lunch with the 5^th Earl of Carnarvon.

 

 

You can find Lady Carnarvon’s books in bookstores and online! I’ve included the links to purchasing Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey and Lady Catherine, The Earl, and The Real Downton Abbey below!

 

Buy Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey *Here*

Buy Lady Catherine, The Earl, and the Real Downton Abbey and *Here*

 

Read See Lizzie Read’s review of *Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey*

 

**A special thank you to Lady Carnarvon and Mrs. Julie Robins for working with me to bring this interview to the See Lizzie Read readership!

 

Until Next Time,

                   Lizzie <3