Duchess of Flawless: A Review of "The Summer Queen" by Elizabeth Chadwick

     I love Eleanor of Aquitaine. Like a lot. It is my personal opinion that she's one of the coolest women in history. (Duchess in her own right, married to two kings, went on crusade all while lookin' flawless.)

I woke up like this

    Needless to say, that I have read A LOT about Eleanor or, as Elizabeth Chadwick refers to her in her book "The Summer Queen," Alienor. However, Chadwick manages to tell the story of Eleanor's early life and marriage to Louis in a fresh and interesting way. Because "The Summer Queen" is the first in a planned trilogy of Eleanor's life, Chadwick is able to take her time telling the story of Eleanor's early life and marriage to Louis VII. Chadwick does an excellent job illustrating the souring of Eleanor and Louis' marriage, and depicting Eleanor's relationship with her volatile sister Petronella.  (Two things other books I've read on Eleanor's life have glossed over.)
    Eleanor is such a captivating figure in history, partly because of her ability to maintain her own power in her marriages to two very powerful men. Chadwick's Alienor is fierce and brave, willing to sacrifice personal happiness for the benefit of her beloved Aquitaine.
    This is my first Elizabeth Chadwick book, but it certainly won't be my last. I can't wait to read "The Winter Crown," the next book in Chadwick's Eleanor of Aquitaine trilogy.

Which I just got an ARC of, so yay!

Hunky Highlanders and Scary Fairies: A Review of "Beyond the Highland Mist"

    Please excuse me while I go read everything ever written by Karen Marie Moning. I have no idea why I haven't read anything by her before.

Ehhh, maybe I do

    I enjoyed this book far more than I expected to. Reading the synopsis it sounded like an Outlander ripoff, and lots of reviews suggest skipping this book in favor of the later books in the series. Being the completionist that I am, I ignored the reviews and prepared to trudge my way through this book in anticipation of relishing the later books. To my surprise I found myself enjoying this book quite a lot. It was the perfect beach read. Hawk and Adrienne are funny, heartwarming and ~steamy~. Perfect escapism. 
    I can't wait to read the next book, and now I'm dying to read Moning's Fever series, which everyone raves about.

No Guts, No Glory: A Review of "The Last Kingdom" by Bernard Cornwell

    "The Last Kingdom" by Bernard Cornwell is truly exemplary historical fiction. In Uhtred Cornwell has created a compelling protagonist, who lives through some of the most turbulent times in English history. This book has all the blood and guts you'd expect from a book about vikings. (WARNING: this book is definitely not for the faint of heart.)

Also, I've just read that this book is being to be made into a show, so that's pretty cool.

That look is the definition of smolder

    I'm pretty excited to watch the new show based on this book (which seems to be going for a sort of Game of Thrones vibe), and I definitely intend to read the next book in the series "The Pale Horseman."
    "The Last Kingdom" is filled with adventure, and is an example of historical fiction at its finest. Plus, you know Vikings.

Revenge Among The Bright Young Things: Lauren Willig's "The Other Daughter"

How great is this cover?!?!?

    Lauren Willig is probably my favorite author. I reread the first few Pink Carnation books every year, and they always take me to my happy place. Willig's books are always delightful, and her latest book,"The Other Daughter," is her most compelling stand alone to date.
    Set in the 1920's, governess Rachel Woodley discovers her deceased father is not only alive but also an earl. Rachel decides to infiltrate the world of the Bright Young Things, with the help of Simon Montfort, a gossip columnist with his own questionable motives. "The Other Daughter" is wonderfully atmospherice, and easily transports you to the world of the 1920's filled with nightclubs, cocktails, and cigarettes or "gaspers." 
    Since I am such a massive fan of Willig's Pink Carnation series, I was desperately excited to read this book. I brought it on vacation with me, and happily devoured it on the beach with the sound of waves in the background. found it to be the perfect beach read. 
It's a completely charming read. Rachel, the heroine, is likable and relatable, and Simon is certainly swoon worthy. Willig has written that Simon was influenced by Benedict Cumberbatch. 

It's become a bit of a thing among her fans.   

    My only (small) complaint is that I wish the book was a little longer, I think it would have helped some plots (especially the romance) develop more. But overall it's a winsome and wonderful read, prefect for curling up and reading with a cup of tea. Lauren Willig never lets me down.

Paula Brackston's "Lamp Black, Wolf Grey"

    Is there anyone who describes Wales better than Paula Brackston? Brackston excels in describing the wild Welsh setting, and infuses her home with a sense of rugged beauty and hidden magic.
 

Take me there please!

    “Lamb Black, Wolf Grey” tells dual stories in different times, both featuring the Legendary Merlin. Laura, a painter, and her husband Dan move to the Welsh countryside to make a fresh start after years of infertility. Interspersed throughout Laura’s story is the story of Megan, a servant in the house of a wicked lord, and her romance with the magician Merlin. Laura is a complex and likable heroine, with very relatable weaknesses. While the mythical Merlin remains enigmatic and mysterious. I adore historical fiction, so it surprised me that I found myself rushing through the historical parts to return to the compelling contemporary plot line.
    Overall, I found the book to be an enjoyable, magical read. Though you should be warned, it might make you want to take a trip to the Welsh countryside.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

"Overseas" by Beatriz Williams

3.5/5 Stars

Having loved William's A Hundred Summers and The Secret Life of Violet Grant, I started Overseas with an extreme level of excitement, to be left slightly underwhelmed. While I would strongly recommend William's other books I would give this book a solid "meh." (Although I will say that Julian has moments of intense yummyness.)