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

The Lost Library - A.M. Dean

Hello Bookworms!,

      I have found a book that I am absolutely in love with and I cannot wait to tell you all about it!!!! So, without further ado, let’s discuss!

Summary

      He is anything but ordinary. Dr. Arno Holmstrand is not just a professor at a small college. He’s a man who is on many countries watch list. He has the credentials to teach anywhere he wants, but he chose this college. Besides, it’s not like he needs the money.

      She is bored. Dr. Emily Wess loves her work. She pursued her doctorate in history for a reason. It means a lot to her. But her career doesn’t exactly offer excitement. A professor as at a small college, she lives her humdrum life, reveling in the tales of the past. 

      They are watching. They are waiting. They have a plan of action that will turn put an end to the constant pursuit of power, because there will be none left to pursue if they have anything to do with it.

At the heart of it all is a myth, a legend of human history. But the truth is more dangerous than fiction.

Review

      Readers, I have never read an A.M. Dean book before I picked up The Lost Library. Now, I am dying to read his next book The Keystone!! Here’s why:

      The storyline is INCREDIBLE!!!! This is the adventure I often crave but more often do not find! At about 516 pages (including the author’s note and acknowledgements) it seems like a long book but I promise it is so interesting it will fly by!!  There is an intricate, weaving storyline that challenges your brain to think a step ahead and see if you can figure it out before the characters (and I’m not ashamed to say, most of my best theories were wrong, but I was shocked, amazed, and pleased by what was really happening in the plot).

      You won’t get confused. I realize that following more than one person in a story and keeping up with the many clues of this mystery can seem daunting, but I promise you won’t be lost! A.M. Dean has the most amazing way of recapping throughout the story that won’t bore those who retain details easily but won’t lose those who forget easily. That’s not an easy balance to find, but A.M. Dean does it with a level of skill that is rarely seen.

      The imagery is wonderful! The settings in this book are historical and beautiful and A.M. Dean’s descriptions are perfect. If you have seen any of the places he describes, you will recognize and mentally picture them instantly as you read. But do not fear reading pages and pages describing each leg of each centipede on each brick. A.M. Dean writes stimulating descrptions that are usually only a paragraph each in length. Just another way that A.M. Dean’s skill as a writer is showcased.

      John Green once said:

"Sometimes you can read a book and it fills you with this weird evangelical zeal and you become convinced that the shattered world will never be put back together unless and until all living humans read the book."

The Lost Library by A.M. Dean is a book that fits John Green’s description! If you haven’t read it, please do! If you have, recommend it to others! And if this book is ever made into a movie (please please PLEASE Hollywood!!) I will be first in line to see it!!

 

Get THe Lost Library on Amazon

 

 

Until next time,

            Lizzie <3

A Lesson in Secrets (A Maisie Dobbs Novel) by Jacqueline Winspear

Hello Bookworms,

          I have a new book review for you! I’m really excited about this book! I really think that this is going to be a series that I and many of you will really enjoy.

Summary

          Maisie Dobbs has seen a lot in her life. But fortunately she was taken under the wing of Maurice Blanche who prepared her for the job she’s doing now. When she’s not solving crimes for hire at her own business, Maisie has been known to be recruited to help Special Branch and the British Secret Service. 1930’s London has more secrets that most people might believe.

Now, the secret service needs Maisie again. The college of St. Francis is a fledgling college trying to find acceptance among the universities in Cambridge. St. Francis is a college of peace accepting international students even from countries that might not be well accepted since the First World War. At its helm is Greville Liddicote, the man who wrote a children’s book that (if rumors are to be believed) caused mutiny on both sides of the war, English and German alike. But something isn’t right, and the secret service has reason to believe that there are activities that are not in the interest of the crown and Maisie is charged with pretending to be a lecturer at the college and finding out what these activities are.

Review

          A Lesson in Secrets was a pleasant surprise. I’m finding more and more that I like historical fiction set in the 1930’s. but what made this book for me was the writing and the main character, Maisie Dobbs!

          The writing is intelligent. I found myself repeatedly wishing that Maisie Dobbs would be made in to a movie or better yet a series (since there are 10 of these books). Why? Because this book reminded me of my favorite british mystery series’ like Inspector Lewis and Poirot. It was hard to see why Jacqueline Winspear won the Agatha, Alex and Macavity awards as well as an Edgar award nomination for her first book, entitled Maisie Dobbs, when the eighth book in the series was this good! I want to go back and read them all!

          Maisie Dobbs’ character is wonderful! She is kind and compassionate. A woman who wants the best for herself and for her widowed father. She pays attention to the needs of the people with whom she comes into contact and, when she can, she meets them. But she’s also intelligent! In some ways she reminded me of Ms. Fisher from Ms. Fishers Mysteries. Maisie is brilliant at her job and enjoys doing it! She’s not like many female characters who are meant to be the main character but are ALWAYS in need of rescuing, Maisie is actually good! She stands on her own two feet and gets the job done!

          Readers, I truly recommend A Lesson in Secrets and the whole Maisie Dobbs series. I know I’ll be reading more! ;)

 

Buy A Lesson in Secrets

Until Next Time,

                   Lizzie <3

Young Adult Fiction: Is it Really for Young Adults?

Hello bookworms,

          I’m always looking at Twitter, Facebook, Daedalus, Goodreads, and pretty much anywhere for good book recommendations. Being 22 years old, I try to notice the Young Adult Fiction section. Unfortunately, I’m not loving what I see.

Why?

         Have you noticed what books are being promoted as Young Adult fiction lately? I’m seeing a lot of books that seem to be geared towards middle school children or children approximately ages 9-13. Now, please correct me if I’m wrong, but I’m pretty sure that 9-13 year olds are not young adults. 

Seriously? THIS passes as young ADULT??

          I’m not saying that a book for young people cannot be enjoyed by adults. The Harry Potter series gained a HUGE following from people of all ages from young children to the elderly. Harry Potter was geared for children and tweens.

The one Young Adult fiction series worth all ages time

 

          Back to my original thought, if the Young Adult fiction books are really for kids and tweens, then why are we calling it “Young Adult”? I thought that 9-13 year olds were classified under “children” or “preteen”. Young adults are around 18-25, right?

Since I’m right in the middle of the “young adult” age range let me tell you what I’m looking for:

Ø I LOVE classic books like Jane Eyre, the Jane Austen novels, Rebecca, etc. I’m always looking for something that reminds me of that style of writing.

 

Ø I like intelligent mysteries like the Sherlock Holmes and Hercule Poirot series’. I want to be stumped and shocked by the mysteries that I read, and I want them to be intelligent to keep my mind working.

 

 

Ø I like love stories that aren’t all about sex. I want to see a relationship begin, develop over time, and I want them to be responsible. Drama and sex does not equal love.

          So where are the books for young adult women like me? Am I missing them? Are they under a different classification/genre? I’m sure I’m not the only book-loving twenty-something that feels this way. Those of you out there who have found the books for our age group, please let us know. Comment, tweet me (@LovelyLizzie10 , use hashtag #YAForAdults), or post on See Lizzie Read's Facebook page!

          If people send me recommendations (please no Amish fiction), or if I find any, I’ll be sure to post them so we can all reap the benefits.

Until Next Time,

          Lizzie <3

Hobbit Lessons: A Map for Life's Unexpected Journey by Devin Brown

Hello bookworms!! ,

     Recently I received a Copy of Hobbit Lessons: A Map for Life’s Unexpected Journeys by Devin Brown. I’ve read it and now I’m ready to share my thoughts with you!

Summary

     J.R.R. Tolkien wrote an epic set of stories. The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. These large novels have entertained young ones and adults for generations. But have you ever examined the writing for the truths about life? There are lessons in Tolkien’s writing about unlikely heroes going on unexpected adventures that we can all apply to our lives. Professor Devin Brown uncovers these lessons in Hobbit Lessons: A Map for Life’s Unexpected Journeys.

Review

     This was the first book I have ever read by author and Professor Devin Brown. A professor at Asbury University (where he teaches a class on C.S. Lewis and Tolkien), Brown has written books on the lives and works of both Lewis and Tolkien. Brown’s writing is intelligent yet down-to-Earth to make sure that anyone can understand. He’s also funny. For me, that’s always a huge plus to any writing meant to educate.

     Hobbit Lessons has given me a new respect for the writings of Tolkien. While I had noticed little nuggets of wisdom myself, Devin Brown brings out lessons of which I had never before thought. That’s, I think, the best part of the book. He doesn’t go as much for the obvious that we notice (the typical good triumphs over evil) but he delves deeper to bring forward points that many of us may have overlooked.

     A word of caution: If you have not read the books or even seen the movies, this book will spoil a few surprises and endings for you. What’s the best solution? Read the books AND Hobbit Lessons!

     I HIGHLY recommend Hobbit Lessons: A Map for Life’s Unexpected Journey. This book makes me wish I was studying at Asbury University so I could take Prof. Brown’s class! But since I’m not, I will at least read his other books. J

 At 133 pages, Hobbit Lessons is an enlightening, informative, and fun read.You won’t regret having read it!

**A special thanks to Devin Brown, Abingdon Press, and Goodreads for the copy! J

 

Check out Devin Brown and Hobbit Lessons here:

Goodreads

 

Buy on Amazon

 

Until Next Time,

                Lizzie <3

Mistaken by Karen Barnett

Hello Bookworms,

            I have a new book review for you today! I recently read Mistaken by Karen Barnett. This is Karen’s debut novel published in 2013. I can’t wait to share my thoughts!

Summary

            Laurie Burke has always been failed by the men in her life. They always make bad choices that throw her life into turmoil and then they leave her to pick up the pieces. Living with the reality that her dad is a drunk in a town with a growing rum-running industry is hard and Laurie’s been praying for just one man in her life she can trust.

            Daniel Shepherd had no plans of coming back to Port Angeles from Seattle. But when Daniel receives a letter from his aging grandfather asking for help, Daniel comes anyway. Maybe Port Angeles won’t be so bad. It’s a way to escape from his past.

            Samuel Brown works for the treasury department. He has come to Port Angeles to stop the rum-running ring and he’s good at his job.  He may be a bit smug but what else is new?

            Laurie’s prayers are about to be answered, but not at all in the way she expected. One thing’s for sure, in Port Angeles, first impressions are not what they seem…

Review

            Mistaken was so much fun to read. My best friend and I both read it and had so much fun discussing the details and our reactions to the shockers in the book!  This book would make a great easy read for a summer vacation. It’s also a great read for a book club! I think you and your friends will have a great time laughing, gasping, and discussing Mistaken.

     Mistaken is a good clean read that is action packed and keeps you guessing. There were points where I was completely shocked because I didn’t see it coming! At one point all I could do was sit there with my mouth hanging open and keep reading! I really think that you will enjoy this book and I greatly recommend it! If you’re looking for a great story to take on vacation with you this year, this is the one!

            I can’t wait to read more of Karen’s work and fortunately she is releasing her second novel “Out of the Ruins” this year!! (Woohoo!)

 

Buy Mistaken Here!

Until next time,

                Lizzie <3

Unusual Places to Find Good Books

Hello Bookworms,

    There are typically three places we know we have access to books: The library, bookstores, and the internet. But when you are looking for a specific book, or maybe a children’s version of a book for a pint-sized loved one, have you ever considered some of the following unusual places to find books:

 

Craft Stores:

    I know. A craft store is not the place you would think to find books. “Craft stores only carry craft materials”. Not all of them. Check out this photo I took at a local MICHAEL’S. In the back of the store they keep children’s books and these illustrated classics were on sale for just $1 each near cashier’s!

 

Chain stores:

    While we know that stores like Walmart and Target have book sections. Usually they only include books that are “bestsellers”, the latest pick for Oprah’s book club, or the last book that was made into a major blockbuster. Unless you follow those lists, typically the book section doesn’t hold much interest for you. However, don’t just walk past the section without stopping to take a look periodically. You might be amazed what you’ll find. For example, Here are some classics on sale for $3 each at the front of a Target store:

 

Also, here is a complete volume of Shakespeare’s plays that I found on the sale table at a local Walmart for just $8.:

 

Dollar/Discount Stores:

    Dollar stores are a GREAT place to find books! One would typically think that a dollar store would only carry the books that didn’t do well and no one really wants to read. That is sometimes the case but that is not always true. For example, This photo is of an M.C. Beaton book from her Agatha Raisin series that I found at a Dollar Tree for (you guessed it) $1! And that’s just one of the many little gems I’ve found in the book sections of dollar stores.

 

 

These are just three of the many places that you can find books that you’ll love. You can also try yard/garage/estate sales, large gas stations/travel stations, and plenty of other places. The idea is, keep your eyes open when you ‘re out and about. Never assume that because its not a place that you would normally buy books that they couldn’t have anything you’d enjoy reading. You never know when you might find a welcome addition to your personal library.

 

Until next time,

         Lizzie <3