Review : Fallen Grace by Mary Hooper

Title : Fallen Grace
Author : Mary Hooper
Publisher : Bloomsbury USA Children's Books
Genre : Historical Fiction, YA
ISBN : 978-1599905648
Source : Received from Publisher
Release Date : February 1, 2011
Rating : 2/5 Stars - Okay

Description from Amazon : 

Life has been nothing but unfair to Grace Parkes and her sister. Penniless, the two orphans manage to stay alive-but only barely, like so many on the streets of Victorian London. And Grace must bear a greater heartbreak, having become pregnant from terrible circumstances and then given birth to a stillborn baby. But the infant's death sets Grace on a new path, bringing her into contact with people who hold both riches and power. A great fraud has been perpetrated on young Grace and her sister, and they are the secret recipients of a most unusual legacy-if only they can find the means to claim it. Mary Hooper's latest offers Dickensian social commentary, as well as malicious fraud, mysterious secrets, and a riveting read.  

Trailer : 
  

Review : 

The story starts with young Grace Parkes, on a journey to Brookwood Cemetery.  The unfortunate death of her newborn son has forced her to bring the lifeless body of her infant to be buried.  Grace is only sixteen years old, and as far as anyone thinks in the 1800's, she is considered a fallen woman.  No one will want to love her now, knowing that she has given birth out of wedlock.  As sad as this time is for Grace, she knows that she wouldn't be able to care for the baby, because she can barely afford to care for herself and her sister Lily.

Each day Grace and Lily go out and buy watercress to sell on the streets of Victorian London.  It's not a stable job, but it makes them enough money to pay their weekly rent and to put food in their mouths, most of the time.  When things become to tough, Grace must make some decisions that will change her and her sister's lives forever.  Accepting a job from a woman she met while at Brookwood Cemetery, she becomes a mute for a funeral home.  The job is depressing, as it is her job to mourn the death of every dead person that they are to bury.  While Grace works at the funeral home, the owners of the home, the Unwins, take her sister in as a maid in their family home.  Grace barely sees her sister, and begins to become suspicious of some of the things that have been going on with the Unwin family.

Grace thinks it best to contact Mr. Solent, a man who had pressed her to contact him if she ever was in need of help.  With his help she finds out some disturbing and somewhat relieving news.  It's up to the two of them to blow the lid off a huge scandal, and restoring a fortune to it's rightful owner.

I'll have to admit that this book didn't capture me as much as I was hoping that it would.  I normally fall into historical novels and can't get out of them because they are just so engrossing.  The only thing that engrossed me about this novel was the fact that the author clearly researched the era before writing about it.  At times I felt like I was truly walking through the streets of London, as the descriptions of the surroundings were perfect.

I didn't really feel as though I connected with any of the characters, except maybe Grace, but only in the aspect that by losing a child she was in constant grief.  I myself am pregnant, and don't know what I would do under those circumstances, and pray that I won't have to feel that sort of pain.  Other than that I couldn't really feel much toward any of the characters, and at times caught myself skipping parts of the story looking for something a little more interesting.  I rarely skip full pages in a book, but it was the only way I was going to finish this one, because I felt that the story was creeping along far too slowly.

I was disappointed in this book, but I did manage to finish it, out of curiosity and the history that was jammed into the pages.  I will not let this one book by this author prevent me from reading more from her in the future, because her writing style is quite beautiful.  The writing and amount of detail that went into this story makes me believe that I just happened to pick up the wrong book by this author, and I'm sure she will give me a good story next time.

Despite my low rating, I encourage you to go out and read this book.  There have been many great reviews for this title, and I think that you may either love or dislike this book.  I unfortunately did the latter in these circumstances.

Where did I get this book? :
I received this book from Kate at Bloomsbury Kids publishing house in exchange for my honest review for a blog tour.

Amazon Affiliates :

Clicking on title links in this post will redirect you to Amazon.com. If you happen to make a purchase after clicking these links I will receive a small percentage of the profits.

Review : Anastasia's Secret by Susanne Dunlap

Title : Anastasia's Secret
Author : Susanne Dunlap
Publisher : Bloomsbury USA Children's Books
Genre : Historical Fiction
ISBN : 978-1599904207
Series or Stand Alone : Stand Alone
Release Date : March 2, 2010
Rating : 4.5/5 Stars - Very Good

Description from Goodreads :

For Anastasia Romanov, life as the privileged daughter of Russia’s last tsar is about to be torn apart by the bloodshed of revolution. Ousted from the imperial palace when the Bolsheviks seize control of the government, Anastasia and her family are exiled to Siberia. But even while the rebels debate the family’s future with agonizing slowness and the threat to their lives grows more menacing, romance quietly blooms between Anastasia and Sasha, a sympathetic young guard she has known since childhood. But will the strength of their love be enough to save Anastasia from a violent death?

Inspired by the mysteries that have long surrounded the last days of the Romanov family, Susanne Dunlap’s new novel is a haunting vision of the life—and imagined love story—of Russia’s last princess.

Review : 

The story of Anastasia Romanov has always been a huge interest for me.  At a young age I was introduced to the animated presentation of Anastasia from 20th Century Fox, and I fell in love.  Even to this day, it is one of my favorite movies to watch.  For the longest time I thought that was exactly how Anastasia's life had been, and then I grew up and learned the horrible truth of the things her family had to endure.  While no one is completely sure if Anastasia had gotten away or not, I like to think that she did, and that she had a wonderful life ahead of her.

 

Susanne Dunlap brought Anastasia to life once again for me.  Although her take on the story of the beloved Russian Princess is quite different, it is also one that you should most definitely take the time to learn.  I felt like Susanne really knew first-hand about Anastasia, and she made her character very believable.  I could have finished this book within a day if my internal clock were the way it used to be.  Being 6 months pregnant, I tend to take a nap here and there, although most of the time I don't even realize I'm about to do it.

I really like how we learned a little about each character in this story, and their role, even if they weren't a big part of the scheme.  My personal favorite was Anastasia's older sister, Maria, because despite her timidness she was always there for Anastasia, and ready to back her up if need be.

The romance between Anastasia and Sasha was a little confusing to me for a short time throughout this book.  I'm sure that's how we were supposed to feel though, because we read from Anastasia's point-of-view, and she herself is quite confused in the beginning as well.  I enjoyed Sasha's character through the beginning of the book, but as it wore on, and the war wore on him, he became too hard for me.  I didn't always trust him throughout the book, and at times I felt like I was in the same boat as Anastasia's young brother Alexei, always waiting for Sasha to mess up and show his true colors.

I waited far too long to read this book, and am quite upset with myself for not taking the time to give it the attention that it clearly deserves.  I had received this book well before the release date, and had all intentions of reading and reviewing it early, but unfortunately life took me for it's own personal spin and I was pulled away from reading anything.  I'm glad that I finally was given a chance to come back to reading, and reviewing, because it has been something that I've missed for so long.  I'm also glad that on my return I happened to pick up a fantastic read that I will remember for a long time. 

Where did I get this book? :

I received my copy from the author in exchange for my honest review.  Thank you Susanne, it was a pleasure reading your book, and I plan to read more of your work in the future.

Amazon Affiliates : 

Clicking on title links in this post will redirect you to Amazon.com.  If you happen to make a purchase after clicking these links I will receive a small percentage of the profits.

Review : The Last Queen by C.W. Gortner

Title : The Last Queen

Author : C.W. Gortner

Publisher : Ballantine Books

Genre : Historical Fiction

ISBN : 978-0345501851

Series : Stand Alone

Release Date : May 5, 2009

Rating : 5/5 - Loved It.

Description from Goodreads :

Juana of Castile, the last queen of Spanish blood to inherit her country’s throne, has been for centuries an enigmatic figure shrouded in lurid myth. Was she the bereft widow of legend who was driven mad by her loss, or has history misjudged a woman who was ahead of her time? In his stunning new novel, C. W. Gortner challenges the myths about Queen Juana, unraveling the mystery surrounding her to reveal a brave, determined woman we can only now begin to fully understand.

The third child of Queen Isabel and King Ferdinand of Spain, Juana is born amid her parents’ ruthless struggle to unify their kingdom, bearing witness to the fall of Granada and Columbus’s discoveries. At the age of sixteen, she is sent to wed Philip, the archduke of Flanders, as part of her parents’ strategy to strengthen Spain, just as her youngest sister, Catherine of Aragon, is sent to England to become the first wife of Henry VIII.

Juana finds unexpected love and passion with her handsome young husband, the sole heir to the Habsburg Empire. At first she is content with her children and her life in Flanders. But when tragedy strikes and she inherits the Spanish throne, Juana finds herself plunged into a battle for power against her husband that grows to involve the major monarchs of Europe. Besieged by foes on all sides, her intelligence and pride used as weapons against her, Juana vows to secure her crown and save Spain from ruin, even if it could cost her everything.

With brilliant, lyrical prose, novelist and historian C. W. Gortner conjures Juana through her own words, taking the reader from the somber majesty of Spain to the glittering and lethal courts of Flanders, France, and Tudor England. The Last Queen brings to life all the grandeur and drama of an incomparable era, and the singular humanity of this courageous, passionate princess whose fight to claim her birthright captivated the world.

Trailer :

Review :

Oridinarily I would give you a brief summary of the book in question. I feel that the above synopsis pretty much sums up what this book is truly about, and that is why I am just going to push ahead and give my review of this wonderful novel.

This was one of those books that drew me in from the very first page. It's so full of emotion that I was easily feeling what the characters on the pages were experiencing. At times, I got angry and would shout, which is not something I will normally do when reading a novel. I usually leave that kind of behaviour for when watching movies, but this book was so extremely descriptive and alive that I felt like I was watching a movie. Each scene was unfurled effortlessly, and it was easy to just keep on reading until there were no more pages to turn.

I honestly never knew anything about the last queen of Spain, Queen Juana. It was a complete surprise to me to learn her side of a story long forgotten. Although this novel is written as fiction, there are some truths to be had amongst it's pages, and luckily Gortner explains a lot of how he came to write this novel, at the end of the book. I feel like I know Queen Juana now, and feel like she was treated unfairly in her life. I honestly wanted to reach into the pages at times to shake her opponents until they stopped their cruel ways. I was hoping throughout the entire novel that Queen Juana would get her revenge on those who did her and her country harm.

I'm extremely greatful to have been given the chance to read and review this novel. I would honestly recommend this book to anyone who loves history, historical fiction, romance, and ever growing drama. I couldn't get enough of Gortner's voice on the history of Queen Juana, the last queen of Spain.

Where did I get this book? :

I received my copy of The Last Queen by C.W. Gortner, from the author after requesting a copy to review.

Amazon Affiliates :

Clicking on the cover, and title links of this book you will redirect you to Amazon.com. If you choose to purchase The Last Queen after clicking on these links I will receive a small percentage of the profits.

Review : Cleopatra's Daughter by Michelle Moran

Title : Cleopatra's Daughter
Author : Michelle Moran
Publisher : Crown Publishing Group
Genre : Young Adult - Historial Fiction
ISBN : 978-0307409126
Series : No
Rating : 5

From Author Website :

The marriage of Marc Antony and Cleopatra is one of the greatest love stories of all time, a tale of unbridled passion with earth-shaking political consequences. Feared and hunted by the powers in Rome, the lovers choose to die by their own hands as the triumphant armies of Antony’s vengeful rival, Octavian, sweep into Egypt. Their three orphaned children are taken in chains to Rome, but only two—the ten-year-old twins Selene and Alexander—survive the journey. Delivered to the household of Octavian’s sister, the siblings cling to each other and to the hope that they will return one day to their rightful place on the throne of Egypt. As they come of age, they are buffeted by the personal ambitions of Octavian’s family and court, by the ever-present threat of slave rebellion, and by the longings and desires deep within their own hearts.

The fateful tale of Selene and Alexander is brought brilliantly to life in Cleopatra’s Daughter. Recounted in Selene’s youthful and engaging voice, it introduces a compelling cast of historical characters:

Octavia: the emperor Octavian’s kind and compassionate sister, abandoned by Marc Antony for Cleopatra
Livia: Octavian’s bitter and jealous wife
Marcellus: Octavian’s handsome, flirtatious nephew and heir-apparent
Tiberius: Livia’s sardonic son and Marcellus’s great rival for power
Juba: Octavian’s ever-watchful aide, whose honored position at court has far-reaching effects on the lives of the young Egyptian royals

Selene’s narrative is animated by the concerns of a young girl in any time and place —the possibility of finding love, the pull of friendship and family, and the pursuit of her unique interests and talents. While coping with the loss of both her family and her ancestral kingdom, Selene must find a path around the dangers of a foreign land. Her accounts of life in Rome are filled with historical details that vividly capture both the glories and horrors of the time. She dines with the empire’s most illustrious poets and politicians, witnesses the creation of the Pantheon, and navigates the colorful, crowded marketplaces of the city where Roman-style justice is meted out with merciless authority.

Based on meticulous research, Cleopatra’s Daughter is a fascinating portrait of Imperial Rome and of the people and events of this glorious and tumultuous period in human history. Emerging from the shadows of history, Selene, a young woman of irresistible charm and preternatural intelligence, will capture your heart.

Review :

Princess Kleopatra Selene is mourning both the loss of her parents and her kingdom of Egypt. The only person she now has in the world to call family is her twin brother, Prince Alexander Helios. At the age of 12, they must now live as Romans, in the home of Octavian's sister Octavia in Rome. Although they live like royalty, they are nothing more than beautiful slaves, unsure of their future or if they will even have one once they hit the age of 15.

It is mercy to allow the children of Queen Kleopatra IIV to live until they are considered adults. In the Roman age, adulthood is proclaimed at the age of 15. Selene and her brother Alexander are promised that at their arrival into adulthood they will be arranged marriages, but they hope to be useful enough to be returned to their rightful thrones in Egypt.

The story of Cleopatra's Daughter created a vivid image of Imperial Rome, and brought out both it's wonders and horrors. It was a beautiful story of love, loss, and even revenge. I was gripped from the very first page, and didn't want to put it down even during my most tired moments.

Moran wrote this novel so it flowed beautiful, and was easy to read. This wonderful story of Princess Cleopatra Selene can be read by both young adults and adults alike as it tells a story of a young girl coming of age. You will be able to feel her pain, rage, and those bittersweet moments of happiness that she experiences throughout her years.

Throughout all of this, Moran paints a picture of a Rome that will both enrage and captivate you. I would be more than pleased if this was to be created into a movie, as I would love to see it portrayed on the big screen. I would like to give a special thanks to Michelle Moran for being so kind as to allow me to review this novel. She is truly a wonderful person, and I look forward to seeing where her imagination will take her next. I will be sure to pick up her other two novels, The Heretic Queen, and Nefertiti soon.