Curious by Rebecca Front

Hello again bookworms,

        Today I have a book review I’d like to share with you! Fans of Rebecca Front (Jean Innocent from Inspector Lewis) you’re going to want to listen up! Today I’m reviewing Curious by Rebecca Front!

Summary

        Sometimes the truth is stranger than fiction and Rebecca Front has the stories to prove it. In Curious, Mrs. Front recounts stories from her childhood as well as her adult life, infuses them with humor, and entertains the reader.

Review

        Fans of Rebecca Front are going to love this book! Readers get to learn quite a bit about the actress, wife, and mother and will laugh along the way. I found myself laughing out loud on several occasions.

        I will admit, that from time to time, it did feel like Mrs. Front was “on her soap box” as the saying goes, but I'm pretty sure that it was all a part of the comedy (and she made some pretty good points).  Overall the book is worth the read. It’s full of fun anecdotes and even offers a great perspective on what it is like to live with claustrophobia.

 

         On a non-writing related praise: I have to say that I LOVE LOVE LOVE the cover art on this novel! The reference to Lewis Carroll's "Alice in Wonderland" with the tiny door and the white rabbit (named Flip Flop according to the book jacket :D) is just too cute!

 

Buy Curious

Until next time,

                Lizzie <3

Take a Look at the Brand New Harry Potter Cover Art!

Hello Bookworms!!,
                As you may know, I grew up reading Harry Potter and I absolutely loved it! It is still my favorite series after all these years! But did you know that the old books have been given a facelift?

               UK concept artist and illustrator Jonny Duddle has designed new covers for all 7 Harry Potter books! The books are set to be released in September of this year! Unfortunately, for many of us, we can only admire from afar. These new covers are only available in the UK! (Though I'm pretty sure any non-UK resident that wants a copy will probably be able to obtain them from an online seller ;) )

Take a look at all 7 Covers!

Click the image for a larger view

What do you think? Love 'em? Hate 'em? Gotta have 'em? Let's chat!

Until next time,
                 Lizzie <3

See Lizzie Read 5 Minute High 5 with Jacqueline Winspear!!

Hello Bookworms!,
        I have a very special treat to share with you today!! An interview with author of 10 Maisie Dobbs mystery novels and the brand new, stand-alone novel The Care and Management of Lies, JACQUELINE WINSPEAR!! Read what she had to say about the writing experience, her inspirations, and her brand new novel!!

 

 

 

Q: Maisie Dobbs is a strong, independent female character. Was there someone in your life that inspired Maisie's character?

A: No, there’s no one in my life that inspired the character – rather I wanted to reflect the extraordinary generation of women in Britain who came of age in the Great War. They were the first generation of women to go to war in modern times in very significant numbers – and after the war so many had to forge a life alone because so many men had been killed in the war.  That generation blazed a trail, and have inspired me since childhood.

Q: Your mystery novels are continually nominated for and winning awards. What has the experience been like for you?

 

A: Very rewarding you could say!  Of course it’s wonderful when your work is enjoyed by a very broad range of readers, however, the fact is that you have to get up the next day and write, and as a writer I want to stretch myself and ask how I can be a better writer.

 
 

Q: There are 10 Maisie Dobbs novels right now for readers to enjoy. You've also said that Maisie will be returning in 2015. What drew you to writing mysteries and what keeps you writing them?

 

A: When I wrote MAISIE DOBBS I did not set out to write a mystery – I simply wrote a story that was in my head. Many booksellers did not shelve the book in the mystery section, instead putting it with historical and literary fiction – it was more “cross genre” given the emphasis on the back story.  Then it seemed there were more stories to tell, but for me the focus is the main character and companion characters – they are the true mystery. 

 

Q: You have a new standalone novel, THE CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF LIES, being published in about a month(from the time of the interview). What can readers look forward to in this new book?

 

A: It’s not a mystery and it’s not part of the series. Set in the opening months of the Great War, it juxtaposes life at the battlefront with life at the home front.

 

Q: Some of the Maisie Dobbs novels and THE CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF LIES are set in war time. Particularly, the First World War. What draws you to write novels set in this time period?

 

A: In answer to this question, here’s a excerpt from the “About” page on my website:

 

Jacqueline's grandfather was severely wounded and shell-shocked at The Battle of the Somme in 1916, and it was as she understood the extent of his suffering that, even in childhood, Jacqueline became deeply interested in the "war to end all wars" and its aftereffects. As an adult her interest deepened to the extent that, though she did not set out to write a "war" novel, it came as no surprise that this part of history formed the backdrop of Maisie Dobbs and other books in the series. The unique and engaging character of Maisie Dobbs is very much a woman of her generation. She has come of age at a time when women took on the toil of men and claimed independence that was difficult to relinquish. It was a time when many women remained unmarried, simply because a generation of men had gone to war and not come home.

"The war and its aftermath provide fertile ground for a mystery. Such great social upheaval allows for the strange and unusual to emerge and a time of intense emotions can, to the writer of fiction, provide ample fodder for a compelling story, especially one concerning criminal acts and issues of guilt and innocence. After all, a generation is said to have lost its innocence in The Great War. The mystery genre provides a wonderful vehicle for exploring such a time," explains Ms. Winspear.

Buy Maisie Dobbs on Amazon.com!

Buy The Care and Management of Lies on Amazon.com!

     There you have it readers! The Writing Experience, Maisie Dobbs, and The Care and Management of Lies from Mrs. Jacqueline Winspear herself!

     A special thanks to Mrs. Winspear for agreeing to do an interview with See Lizzie Read!

     Keep checking See Lizzie Read here and on Facebook for more interviews, reviews, and more!!

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

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