Again, Elizabeth gets to the heart of her life ...
595760
Again, Elizabeth gets to the heart of her life experience and is brave enough to share it with us.  I cried at some, laughed at others, and was just moved by others.
3005249
As usual with an Elizabeth George novel, the story is well plotted, contains characters who have become good friends with the reader or protagonists with whom we are well acquainted and welcome back into our homes for a few enjoyable days of unresolved conflicts that will carry over to her next novel.  The end of her stories is usually a little disconcerting, and this one is no exception, leaving one anxious for the next story to see if matters have been better resolved. Sometimes though, a favorite is no more or a secondary character will not reappear and we're stuck with his or her resolution of an issue with no hope of the decision that one hoped for.  And, as always, one has to read her with Dictionary at hand or wonder for the rest of the day's reading what all the words meant that one didn't know. I love her vocabulary:I Iwish it were mine.
3648034
I love Elizabeth's work and I am sure I was not dissappointed here. Strong words, , powerful words that go straight to the heart. Love it !!!!!
2011562
The topic seems well  researched, however with changes in names through peerage titles it is sometimes hard to identify who is who. Eg Dudley to Leicester, Cecil to Burleigh etc. Weir brings the distant past to life by her focus, in this case, on the personal attributes & events of Elizabeth 1. A wonderful read, greatly enhanced by reading the previous books dealing with her father's time, followed by her siblings.
3287914
Lizzie has always been self-absorbed and afraid of commitment, but when she chased her girlfriend, Sarah, away in the first book of this series, A Woman Lost, she almost ruined the first good thing to ever happen to her.  Now, two years later, Lizzie has finally acquired some coping skills, and she and Sarah have bought a new house and are married, living a life that follows a nice, steady pattern. Then two bombshells are dropped in quick succession.  Sarah announces that she wants a baby, and Lizzies mom has stage four colon cancer.  Suddenly, all the old insecurities come flooding back, and Lizzie feels conflicted in more ways than one.

From the opening paragraph of A Woman Ignored, I felt like the first book had never ended, and I was reunited with family again, feeling how overwhelmed Lizzie was, yet chuckling along with her friends and family over Lizzies reaction to the idea of being a mother.  As usual, Markinsons writing style is right up my alley, with a wonderful mixture of serious, complex issues and humour and sarcasm in just the right places to make you smile despite the other emotions you are feeling.  Its important in real life to be able to laugh in the face of adversity, and even when everyone is laughing at Lizzie, they are actually supporting her.  Lizzie doesnt handle change well at all and she often comes across as selfish and stubborn, but the challenges she must now face will force her to go deep within herself to discover her greatest hidden strength, her ability to love and care for others, which might help her to cope with parents who, after years of ignoring her and not supporting her in any aspect of her life, suddenly need her by their sides.  Its quite interesting watching Lizzies inner battle as the news of her mothers illness hits her hard despite how cruel her mother was to her while growing up.  It makes her really examine her feelings for her family.  All of a sudden, shes facing the unpredictability of life and death and seeing her parents as she has never seen them before.  Cancer has a way of changing everyone and bringing their vulnerabilities to the surface.

One of my favourite aspects of this book is how Lizzie is surrounded every day by people who will support her no matter what, even if sometimes they have to tell her to smarten up first.  I love the fact that after such a difficult and painful childhood, she now has friends who are by her side through thick and thin.  As characters, they all seem to complement each other, and they are definitely the glue that holds Lizzie together.

How would I sum this book up?  Its a flawlessly written story of relationships and the many challenges that go along with them because of the diversity of the personalities surrounding us.  The characters deal with so many of todays relevant issues that Im sure that anyone who reads this story will find something or someone to identify with.  Its a rich and complex story of growth, discovery, and acceptance, with an ending that left me feeling uplifted.  T.B. Markinson is growing in leaps and bounds as an author with every book she writes, and I for one hope that she will continue Lizzies story because Im curious to see what happens next.
3874155
This book does for Elizabeth Elliot's character what Monica F. did for Caroline Bingley in the Other Mr. Darcy, giving her a humanizing and likable personality.  The author does a wonderful job of introducing us to Elizabeth, taking her from a proud unfeeling woman to one much deeper.  She shows us her inexperience with the world (like how she doesn't know how to get a hack or how the business world operates) and ends with a woman who is begining to see the world without the blinders of status and position.  The author develops Elizabeth's insecurities of her position in the world and the idiocy of her father.  Lady Russell doesn't seem to be very likable either.
I can't wait to order the next one and wait unpatiently for the 3rd one!
915722
Susan breaks Elizabeth's sixty-five years down into five parts: the Girl, the Woman, the Queen, the Goddess, and the Effigy. Throughout each of these periods, she picks the threads that stand out as the most interesting, both in developing her many characters and in giving a sweeping picture of history. Her genius is in the details: she doesn't get bogged down in them, but neither does she distort history to enhance her plot. Instead, she takes the raw materials of reality and selects the themes that will best draw the reader deeper into an understanding of Elizabeth's world and politics, as well as her intensely felt emotional life.

Susan Kay does add one fantastical element to spice up the events as they happened: she has the unquiet ghost of Anne Boleyn hiding behind her daughter's psyche, urging her to get even with the world of men. Elizabeth is the more endearing in that she attempts to fight the urge, only giving in at times.

I must say, this is one of the few novels that (almost) takes Elizabeth at her professed word on being a virgin. After reams of steamy speculation from romance novels by other authors wherein she has all kinds of secret progeny, Kay gives a very realistic picture of how completely, overwhelmingly public the sovereign's life is, from dawn to dusk.

She also does a very good job with the supporting cast. Robert Dudley, William Cecil and his son Robert, the Earl of Essex, Mary Stuart, Philip II of Spain, her sister Mary I (Tudor), Thomas Seymor, both Spanish ambassadors, and the bloodless Walsingham are all drawn in ways that make their roles and motivations very clear. You come to understand what each of these men meant to the Queen, and why they hated each other.

The religious ferment of the time and its political implications were beautifully covered; never too heavy, and always centered squarely on what each move meant to the survival of Elizabeth's rule or the welfare of the people.

Elizabeth is shown brilliantly in the context of her times: the fragile claim she had on the throne and the comparative weakness of England, surrounded by powerful countries vying to devour her. How Elizabeth's wily, none-to-moral tricks kept all of them waiting to see who would marry her, or if she would die first and spare them the trouble, becomes very alive and engrossing.

I highly recommend this book. Great for either entertainment or research.
1366053
When They Fall in Love by Mary Lydon Simonsen is yet again another favorite!

After Elizabeth has refused Mr. Darcy, he marries another and is away to Europe.  Jane and Mr. Bingley marry, but after the birth of her first child Jane finds herself weak and wanting the benefits of visiting the spas.  Elizabeth travels with Charles and Jane across Europe acting as the governess to their daughter, but the group finds themselves in Florence with Mr. Darcy as their host. After losing his wife to illness and raising a daughter of his own, Darcy sees the opportunity to win Elizabeth once and for all.

The settings and history of this novel were a treat and I felt as if I was traveling and in some cases seeing things and experiencing them once again. I was traveling and falling in love all at the same time. What a refreshing read.  Researched well and with no errors, the writing was smooth and flawless. At times I wanted to shake Elizabeth by the shoulders and tell her to wake-up each time she misunderstands Darcy! My heart was continually pierced again and again until he spells out his true feelings for her plainly to see.  Loved it!
3376156
With all the goings on in Tudor England (Elizabeth's life included), I was hoping the author would delve into Elizabeth as much as possible.  All that said, it is a good book.
1719559
In the sequel to The Pledge, we find the newly queened Charlie still struggling with the soul of her predecessor.  She can't shake her, dreaming of the old queen's past life.  And this is just the smallest of her problems, it seems at first.

Citizens are rising against her rule and the changes she is so determined to make.  The Queens of all other nations expect her at a summit where she will no nothing of politic and protocol, she is expected to learn things she has no desire to and quell things she has every desire to keep.  Her life is not what it was and she must forge a new one for herself with or without the Essence buried inside her.

All the aspects that I loved in The Pledge return full force in The Essence.  The world is wonderfully fantastical and as the story moved outside of Ludania it became more so.  There is a glamor to this part of the story where The Pledge was grittier.  I loved the drama of it.

There is the introduction of a handful of new characters, many I adored and hope to learn more of in round three.  It is so hard to know who can be trusted in this epic tale of murder and betrayal that I constantly found myself debating every word spoken by some of these newcomers.

It's one of these newcomers that will bring the presence of the old queen to the forefront of Charlie's problems.  What he and Sabara will kindle inside of Charlie is a power and longing that will change everything in her world including her carefully protected and most needed relationships.

The twists and turns and action of The Essence I found more enjoyable than in the Pledge, which seemed to move at a slower pace.  However, one of the things I adored in the first book was hardly present in this one.  Max.  Max has a much smaller role and I missed him.  But I am a bit of a sap for a good love story.  Don't misunderstand, there is still a love story. Two rather, but it isn't Max and Charlies that takes the center stage here.  Though I found each of them endearing in their own right, I craved more of what had already developed.

For that I say, "kudos, Ms. Derting". For I will anxiously be counting the days for more of these characters!
2920451
A fascinating biography! The book begins with the death of her father and then reverts to the story of her parents courtship and marriage. It explains why the royal family, especially the Queen Mother, disliked the Duke of Windsor and blamed him for the early death of King George VI.

Elizabeth was born to the line of royal succession but no one expected her to become Queen. She was raised to be a royal princess but most people expected her uncle, the Prince of Wales, to marry and have his own children. However the book details the interest that Queen Mary took in her grand-daughters education which makes the reader wonder if the Queen knew her son Edward better than most people and suspected that Elizabeth would one day be Queen.

The book details her childhood, the courtship and marriage of Phillip and Elizabeth and her first years of motherhood. It also narrates the difficulties that she faced as a wife whose husband was deployed, as a mother whose children were not allowed to travel with her, and as a daughter who frequently had to represent her father in affairs of state.

The book is well written and concise but does contain enough details and footnotes to keep the reader interested. I do hope that Jane Dismore is already writing the next volume because she only covers the first 25 years of Elizabeth IIs life.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Thistle Publishing for sending me the ARC of this exceptional biography.
3428836
As a young seventeen yr old, Elizabeth Bennet marries her childhood sweetheart against her fathers wishes. This is how this P&P alternative starts out. Unfortunately Elizabeth's happiness is not to be and she is widowed after only 1 mo of marriage. The result of this marriage is a little boy named Bennet Charlton and the story resumes a few years later. This is where the real story begins. Elizabeth is now back at Longbourne and Netherfield is finally let.  The story and the journey is wonderful. We find that Willaim Collins has an older brother and he is not so odious(or not?). anyway the story diviates from here, Lizzy is to save the Bennet's by marrying the older Mr Collins. Of course we meet the Bingleys at Netherfield with Mr Darcy in residence. You will recognise the story with a little changes and I think the changes are wonderful especially getting to know little Bennet. This story was wonderful and by far my favorite by this author. A definite must read.
2289066
When I've finished one of Elizabeth's books, I often feel that I would like to start reading it again, but life moves on.  Christine Rawlins has gleaned many of the most lovely passages for a second blessing.  The historical and cultural context of Elizabeth Goudge's life is seamlessly laid out.  Fascinating details about her family and friends.  I so appreciate this thoughtful, loving, and carefully researched biography.  Thank you, Christine Rawlins!  You yourself are an excellent writer!  When I am anxious and I can't sleep, I get up and read this book.  I'm soothed by your words intertwined with passages from Elizabeth's books.
1312980
"Love drew her heart toward him, and shame drover her eyes away." Such are the words shared by Tristan and Iseult in a volume treasured by King Richard of Gloucester and Elizabeth of York, the daughter of King Edward V, Richard's brother. Simple, clear words perhaps but in reality portraying a mesmerizing, complex life of a woman seeking her own role in history!

The story begins with understanding the totally dissimilar nature of Elizabeth's parents, her life intertwined with a loving but unwise father, King Edward, and her overbearingly meddling mother, Bess Woodville, a notorious woman feared by everyone in the kingdom. The latter is a woman like so many other tyrants, possessing an inordinate amount of greed stemming from fear of being deposed and having to return to an insignificant, impoverished status. The description sounds historically objective, but Sandra Worth fully captures the essence of Elizabeth's confused plight in the middle of this calculating shrew who calls herself mother and siblings who eventually will disappear or turn against Elizabeth for a very long time. Who will prevail and what personality will evolve from such chaotic parenting? Imagine such a childhood!

Bess Woodville's plans following the death of King Edward are thwarted by Richard seizing the throne as Protector and then King, and all seems well for a while as he and his beloved Queen Anne rule England. Justice becomes the norm rather than the exception, until Richard's rivals begin to make war to seize the Crown. Times of joy and tragedy follow the royal couple. Will Richard's mercy free Bess and allow Elizabeth a place in his court? For there we read of the intimate bond between this King and Queen about to be tested in the furnace of adversity.

During this time, Elizabeth realizes her mother's lies have distorted the truth. As Elizabeth begins to see Richard with new eyes, how will she be treated by the Queen and by Richard who previously sees Elizabeth only as a despised Woodville?

Destiny seemingly has other plans as Henry VII invades England and Elizabeth agrees to marry the usurper, a union tortured again, this time by Henry's own mother, Margaret Beaufort, a woman even more diabolical than Elizabeth's own mother. Will Elizabeth find honor or regret in her choice made for what she believes is England's good? What can she do against her mother-in-law's influence over her two very different sons, Arthur and Henry?

Again, the author allows clarity and accuracy to prevail as she presents Elizabeth's debacle and evolution over years. Elizabeth of York's account opens a window for the reader to view the benign and treacherous court dialogues, romances and planned unions, as well as important plans and actions of those who serve the Crown for different reasons. Questions regarding the disappearance of Elizabeth's brothers and the identity of the mysterious Pretender haunt Elizabeth through the remainder of her life. Were there other unseen, unrealized possibilities?

Sandra Worth's writing elicits confusing, loving and hateful thoughts, feelings and responses resulting from the reader's total immersion in these carefully crafted historical characters' lives, reactions paralleling Elizabeth's own. The author's creative writing skills are honed with excellent research and insight into personality.

Ms. Worth, superbly done! Readers, prepare yourself for an amazing, wonderful read herein as you sit down to enjoy the life of Good Elizabeth, the first Tudor Queen!

Reviewed by Viviane Crystal on December 6, 2008
3610053
Charlotte Farrow continues to keep her secret, but when the woman caring for her child suddenly quits, and when her baby is discovered it is assumed that the baby was abandoned. Charlotte is left to watch silently while the family makes plans for her child, but can she keep herself and her child safe from those who would do them harm?

The sequel to Ms. Newport's The Pursuit of Lucy Banning, continues to follow Charlotte Farrow, and we finally get to find out about her past and what she was running from. I wouldn't say that is totally nescessary that you read the first book in the series before picking this one up, but I would not that it does help fill in the some of the setting and backround.

Charlotte learned about love and overcoming fear, I liked how this book followed Charlotte and how we got to see the Gilded Age through the eyes of a servant instead of someone who was wealthy. I guess the one thing that gives me pause was how even though Charlotte was in a tight situation, it got even worse and she hurt many people by not speaking up. I really felt bad for Elizabeth because she just wanted someone to love and Charlotte hurt her the most by not speaking up right away, so I really hope that Elizabeth get's a happy ending in future books :)

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thanks!
4027198
With the deposing of Edward II, the ruler over England is now Edward III, though he is ruled by his mother Queen Isabella and her lover, the formidable Lord Mortimer.  Adam now serves the young King, his loyalty is resolute even though he still harbors great affection for Mortimer.  In this, the third tale of Adam and his wife Kit, the author brings to life the increasing tension in the royal court as Edward III comes of an age where he longs to shed his keepers and take up the mantle of kingship on his own.  It is a story filled with twists and turns; the emotional frailties of the human spirit; the battle for control of the crown; the longing for home and loved ones.  It is also a story of love and romance; Isabella and Mortimer, Edward and his young wife Phillipa, and most especially between Adam and Kit.  The author is on her game when it comes to the foibles and joys of the bonds of love.  An eloquent, page turning drama awaits the reader, though I must admit to having to stop turning pages when Kit and Adam are - well you'll see for yourself.  :-)  I've come to appreciate the amazing talent Anna Belfrage has exhibited in drawing me into the stories she writes, and Under the Approaching Dark is another fine example of that talent.  5 stars
3028812
As a young debutante, Diana makes a foolish mistake, one which could have been overlooked except for the malicious gossip that it generated, which in turn forced her into a marriage with a man she despised.  When he obligingly dies in the arms of his mistress, Diana finds that in a world where men rule, she is somehow still to blame for his death while he is buried smelling of roses.  Being widowed brings Diana to a new cross roads in her life, one where she refuses to bow down to the restrictions society has placed on her, and reckons that if her reputation has already been destroyed she has nothing to lose.  She doesn't take into account the Earl of Stanhope's intervention and his protective nature.  For every daring act Diana commits, Arthur is there to ward off possible repercussions.  Having been introduced to Diana in previous books where she was a self-pitying and rather miserable young lady, I enjoyed reading about her transformation and the growth of a spine.  I also enjoyed the unravelling of Arthur Abbott as he came to realise that when the heart is involved, rules have to take second place.  It helps to read these books in sequence as many of the characters in this book have appeared before, but the story can nevertheless be read as a standalone. The plot has redeeming qualities, although the text does need some additional editing. I received a copy of this book as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.