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Barbara Vey

The Return of Your Turn Friday

August 8, 2008

After a couple weeks of conferences, it's time to get into the grove again with Your Turn Friday. My WW Ladies (and man) have written some blurbs about what they've been reading. Then it's your turn to comment on what books have kept you company the lately.

His Wicked Sins by Eve Silver

Read by Joysann

In 1828 Elizabeth Canham has taken a position as a teacher at Burndale Academy in Yorkshire, a girl's boarding school, and having travelled from London where she's lived most of her life, she feels a little out of her element. She knew she was taking the place of a teacher who recently died, but hadn't known till she got there that the teacher had been the second to have been horribly brutalized and murdered, and is told she bears a similarity to them. Griffin Fairfax is local gentry, and the father of a disturbingly silent and remote student. While his demeanor is charming, he is also shrouded in darkness and mystery. Elizabeth is given to suspect him when she discovers the disfigured body of another woman in the forest. Since he has expressed an interest in her, she begins to wonder if she might become the next victim.

Gothic Romance is what I got into after my Nancy Drew days, and before Arthur C Clarke and Isaac Asimov took me out of this world. I've forgotten how the frightening mysteries of ancient castles, impenetrable forests and sinister villains can still captivate me. I found Eve Silver's dark romance to be mysterious and thrilling, reminding me that there are good grown-up Gothic novels being written, and I can still enjoy them.

The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova

Read by Michael

This is a Vampire book, but it isn't one of those new erotic vampire books. Our bookshelves are overflowing with characters such as Jean Claude, William, Henry, Bill, and even Betsy; all vampires that are good looking and sexy. No, this is a return to the original, the scary Vlad Tepes, also known as Vlad the Impaler, but best known as Dracula.

The Historian is told from several viewpoints and from two separate time frames. We jump back and forth between the Father, as a young man, and his Daughter, who is a young woman. The Father, Paul, is a scholar who is obsessed (for good reason) with an historical search for the tomb of Vlad Tepes, and with discovering if perhaps Vlad really is an actual vampire who still roams the earth. While on his search, he encounters the mysterious Helen, and an unusual sweet romance develops between the two.

The Daughter, who is unnamed in the story, is now searching for her missing Father, and, without realizing it, is also searching for a mother that disappeared long ago. She meets up with a charming young man, and finds herself involved in her own unexpected romance.

I found the historical references to be intriguing, and was fascinated by the vivid descriptions of the old world locales. The characters, especially the Daughter, were very interesting and believable.

Deja Demon: The Days and Nights of a Demon-Hunting Soccer Mom by Julie Kenner

Read by Ann

Who knew living in the suburbs could be so interesting? Soccer mom and demon hunter Kate Connor has got a problem…well, several problems actually. Between demons and zombies trying to kill her, her husband Stuart’s political campaign, the neighborhood Easter egg hunt, and her deceased husband returning from the dead, Kate has her hands full. With the help of her teenage daughter Allie, friend Laura, David/Eric, and Eddie, she just might pull it all together. But can she do so without driving away Stuart away because of the secrets she’s been keeping?

This is the fourth book in Julie’s Adventures of a Demon-Hunting Soccer Mom series. Again, she delivers a book that will keep you reading. As secrets go, they usually catch up with you and Kate’s secret demon hunting life catches up with her as she has to decide how and when to tell Stuart what is really going on. Of course, having David/Eric in the mix complicates things and makes this book that much more engaging.




Everything Forbidden by Jess Michaels

Read by Michelle

Miranda and Ethan find themselves involved in a deal that could ruin their reputation and hopes for the future. Quite the erotic tale, picture Pride and Prejudice meets Exit to Eden.

This book kept my interest from start to finish. There should be a warning label for those with a heart condition or high blood pressure please speak to your physcian before reading this book, "steamy!"

Dark Obsession by Allison Chase

Read by Mary

Wealthy, though gossip-cursed Nora Thorngoode and debt-ridden Grayson Lowell agree to a marriage of convenience to solve both their problems: respectability for her, and money enough to restore his properties for him. But the marriage brings unexpected results for both. While unexpected passion disturbs their nights, ghosts of Grayson's dead brother and wife, as well as their very real, though mute son, haunt their days. Can Nora and Grayson discover the truth behind the deaths before madness and guilt claims them all?

Allison Chase nicely leads the reader to assumptions about the true murderer that she neatly turns over with a nice twist at the end. If you like books filled with nineteenth century atmosphere, romance shrouded by ghosts, and passionate though trouble lovers, you will enjoy this debut.

The Dark Room By Andrea Kane

Read by Jan

17 years after 10 year old Morgan Winter discovered her brutally murdered parents' bodies, she is shocked to hear the alleged killer's confession was a cover-up. The real murderer was still out there. Still plagued by nightmares, she has gone on with her life after being 'adopted' by her parent's best friends and now running a successful New York dating agency for professionals. The lead investigator at the time of the murders, Monty, and who has since retired from the N. Y. P. D., along with his son Lane, is determined to uncover the devastating secrets of the past. How far will those involved go to keep the past hidden?

This suspenseful thriller was hard to put down. I can see why Ms. Kane is a best-selling author.

A Wish in Time by Laurel Bradley

Read by Emily

Have you ever thought about reincarnation? Being born again and again, having no memories of former lives, yet being linked for all eternity with past experiences. Magda McClellan didn't believe, she also didn't believe in witchcraft. But in 1718 Scotland, when Auld Annie, a witch being charged for witchcraft offers her a gift, a wish, Magda declines saying she likes her life just fine. She has a loving husband and a child on the way. But little did she know that denying the wish would not only change her life, but that of another one of her lives, a life in the future. Maggie McDonald and her husband yearn for a child. After years of trying and failing, their last resort is in vitro fertilization. But when Maggie wakes up from the anesthetic she is in 1718 with Magda's husband, and Magda is in 2002 with Maggie's husband. Both women have to figure out how to return to their own times, but in the process they fall in love with the other's husbands. Will they make it back into their own bodies before it's too late to turn back?

I had met Laurel Bradley in Green Bay at the WisRWA conference and when I said that I'd read her book I had no idea how much I was going to enjoy it. The concept of reincarnation is something that a lot of people have thought about, or debated over. And I had never really thought about a life being reborn again and again. This book is a great read, and it brings to light questions that are always at the back of your mind but that are never really thought about. Why are we here? What is our purpose? And what is waiting when we die?

Ok, now it's Your Turn.  Post the books closest to your heart this past couple of weeks.

Bottom Line: After being on the road the last 3 weeks, I've only read 3 books...I'm going into withdrawal. Good thing I shipped home 3 boxes of books from RWA so I can get my fix.

Posted by Barbara Vey on August 8, 2008 | Comments (35)

August 8, 2008
In response to: The Return of Your Turn Friday
Edie Ramer commented:

How exciting to see Laurel's book up there. I bought it in Green Bay too (great conference!) and enjoyed it. Reincarnation and life after life are interests of mine. I'm currently reading is Destiny of Souls by Michael Newton, a nonfiction book about life between lives.

I also just read recent RITA winner Deanna Raybourn's SILENT IN THE GRAVE. A terrific book!

August 8, 2008
In response to: The Return of Your Turn Friday
Eve Silver / Eve Kenin commented:

Thank you for the kind words about HIS WICKED SINS. I'm thrilled that you enjoyed the story.

And I agree with Mary about DARK OBSESSION...I had a chance to read that story pre-release, and it had a wonderful dark and gothic feel. If you love gothics, or dark historicals with a suspense element, check out Jennifer St. Giles (MISTRESS OF TREVELYAN is one of my faves).

August 8, 2008
In response to: The Return of Your Turn Friday
Susanne commented:

I've always loved Eve's books, whether she writes under Eve Silver or Eve Kenin. But His Wicked Sins was truly awesome. I felt the emotions -- felt like I was falling in love with the hero. And the suspense was wonderful. It's a keeper. Eve gets better and better.

Susanne

August 8, 2008
In response to: The Return of Your Turn Friday
Jody Wallace commented:

I just finished Dawn Cook's fantasy with romantic elements, The Decoy Princess, and really enjoyed it, until I realized it seemed to be the first in a series... Not that I mind reading more by Dawn Cook, but whatever happened to fantasy and paranormal novels that are complete in and of themselves?? Or did they ever exist

August 8, 2008
In response to: The Return of Your Turn Friday
Jenna Petersen/Jess Michaels commented:

Oh, thanks so much for featuring EVERYTHING FORBIDDEN!!! I'm at my brother's wedding in Seattle, but this was a very nice surprise this morning!!

Jenna/Jess

August 8, 2008
In response to: The Return of Your Turn Friday
netti commented:

Lets see... Turbulent Seas by Christine Feehan (brilliant as always), Magical Seduction by Mandy Roth (seductive!), Now reading a book by Terri Lynn "They Said "You'll never amount to anything" She's a local author around here, really good book...

August 8, 2008
In response to: The Return of Your Turn Friday
Caroline Linden commented:

I also really enjoyed HIS WICKED SINS, which was thoroughly chilling and suspenseful but still romantic. It was actually pretty impressive how she wrote the hero's point of view without giving away the mystery.

Eve SIlver's previous book, DARK PRINCE, is another excellent Gothic, and the hero is even yummier than Griffin in His Wicked Sins.

August 8, 2008
In response to: The Return of Your Turn Friday
Ann Christopher commented:

Eve Silver/Kenin never disappoints. I've got this book in my bag for the beach and can't wait to dig in!

August 8, 2008
In response to: The Return of Your Turn Friday
Shari Anton commented:

If you liked Deanna Raybourn's Silent in the Grave, you'll also like Silent in the Sanctuary (which I just finished and loved). Currently reading Pitch Black by Susan Crandall -- another good one.

August 8, 2008
In response to: The Return of Your Turn Friday
Jusy commented:

Well, it's like two books in one. I usually read about 2-3 books a week. I just finished <b>Acheron</b>. Love the book.

August 8, 2008
In response to: The Return of Your Turn Friday
Laura Drewry commented:

Love Eve's gothics. Dark, intense and sooooo romantic all at the same time.

August 8, 2008
In response to: The Return of Your Turn Friday
Leah Hultenschmidt commented:

I love anything Eve writes too - no matter which name she's using. And thanks for these other recommendations. The Historian has been on my shelf for a while, but it just looks so daunting. I just finished SOUL by Tobsha Learner, one of the books selected as part of Tor's free ebook giveaways. It was a fascinating mix of thriller, sort-of romance, and genetics, told from a modern POV as well as nineteenth century. I also finished Ian McEwan's ON CHILTON BEACH on the plane coming back from San Fran. I've been editing Jana DeLeon's upcoming bayou mystery romance, TROUBLE IN MUDBUG (Feb.) and a dark romantic suspense from Stephanie Rowe that will be out next summer. Hope you have a chance to catch up on some sleep, Barbara!

August 8, 2008
In response to: The Return of Your Turn Friday
Susanne commented:

Leah, you'll love the Historian. Pull it out and dive right in.

And you're so right about Eve. Her book HIDDEN was fabulous.

Heading out to the bookstore to try out these recommendations. So many books, so little time...

Susanne

August 8, 2008
In response to: The Return of Your Turn Friday
Jane Leopold Quinn commented:

I'm a big fan of Laurel Bradley's books. I especially loved A Wish In Time. Such a convoluted, sophisticated plot with 4 characters that you really grew to love. This is a spectacular, unique time travel romance.

jane

August 8, 2008
In response to: The Return of Your Turn Friday
Donna Kowalczyk commented:

I bought Laurel's A Wish in Time, and though I haven't read it yet, I just know I'm going to love it!

August 8, 2008
In response to: The Return of Your Turn Friday
TarotByArwen commented:

I have two that I'm reading (yes,I'm one of THOSE people.) One is the ARC of Ann Aguirre's Wanderlust (8/26/08) and if you loved GrimSpace, WanderLust will keep you happy.

The other is "My Wicked Enemy" by Carolyn Jewel. I truly love this story! The hero is a fiend and the heroine is a blocked witch. It's urban fantasy at it's best but it has a paranormal romance tone. I know that's a bizarre description, but Carolyn Jewel has crafted a book that blends both styles. I am making myself put this one down at night so I can sleep!

August 8, 2008
In response to: The Return of Your Turn Friday
Meagan Hatfield commented:

Laurel's book sounds wonderful!

August 8, 2008
In response to: The Return of Your Turn Friday
Laurel Bradley commented:

Thank you so much for featuring A Wish in Time. Emily, thank you for your kind words. This has made my day!. Thank you Edie, Donna, Jane, and Meagan for chiming in. Such good friends.

I just got Phyllis Campbell's Danger in Her Arms in the mail and am looking forward to reading it.
Laurel

August 8, 2008
In response to: The Return of Your Turn Friday
Laurel Bradley commented:

I read the Historian. Creepy good.

August 8, 2008
In response to: The Return of Your Turn Friday
Laurel Bradley commented:

I read the Historian. Creepy good.

August 8, 2008
In response to: The Return of Your Turn Friday
Michele Ann Young commented:

Love all of Eve's books. I am reading The Spymaster's Lady right now, by Joanne Bourne. Great story.

August 8, 2008
In response to: The Return of Your Turn Friday
michael commented:

It took me two tries to read the Historian. The first attempt ended after a week and I just couldn't get into it. I tried again months later and am glad that I put the effort into it. The writing style is a bit unusual, and it requires a bit of patience, but the end result was well worth it.

August 8, 2008
In response to: The Return of Your Turn Friday
Diane Wylie commented:

I heartily recommend Lauren's book, A Wish in Time, and her second book, "Creme Brulee Upset." Both are wonderful reads.

August 8, 2008
In response to: The Return of Your Turn Friday
Jacquie Rogers commented:

What a nice selection of books today! I always enjoy books by Eve Silver, Lauren Bradley, and Jess Michaels--all talented authors.

August 9, 2008
In response to: The Return of Your Turn Friday
mary s commented:

Thanks Barb for this Friday blog--you & the WW ladies are my best source of new reading material!

August 9, 2008
In response to: The Return of Your Turn Friday
mary kennedy commented:

Very happy to see DEJA DEMON by Julie Kenner, her books are always a delight. I'm also reading(and loving!)CHARMED AND READY) by Candace Havens. As always, the writing is stylish, hip, and witty. Ms. Havens takes the reader on a roller coaster ride with this delightful mix of humor and paranormal. I don't want this book to end!

August 9, 2008
In response to: The Return of Your Turn Friday
LynCote commented:

Hi Laurel Bradley writes keepers. And she's smart and pretty--what more could a reader want?

August 9, 2008
In response to: The Return of Your Turn Friday
Liza commented:

This past week I read Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer(really liked), Acheron by Sherrilyn Kenyon(loved), and Whispers in the Dark by Kira Sinclair(her first book) that I loved. Hope to see many more books in the future by Kira!

August 10, 2008
In response to: The Return of Your Turn Friday
Stacey Joy Netzel commented:

Laurel Bradley's A Wish in Time is definitely a very good read. Her second book, Creme Brule Upset is my favorite of the two. If you like great dialogue, you've got to check it out. And her secondary characters, Dr. Delicious and Bubba are something else. Just the names alone should pique your curiosity. :) Well done, Laurel!

August 10, 2008
In response to: The Return of Your Turn Friday
Stacey Joy Netzel commented:

August 11, 2008
In response to: The Return of Your Turn Friday
Gina commented:

I have a dozen or so "must read" authors and three of them hit the shelves in the last 10 days.

Christine Feehan - Turbulent Seas
Sherrilyn Kenyon - Acheron
Christina Dodd - Into the Flame

As Barnes and Noble delivered my box with all three treasures inside last Wednesday I was stuck in a quandry. What to read first? How much sleep could I forgo and still function at work? Could I just call in sick for the rest of the week and read?

In the end I took them in order of release starting with Turbulent Seas which was a wonderful read, although I found it a little slow.

Then Acheron which I managed to finish in eight hours - what an amazing book, it is at the top of my re-read pile now.

Final Into the Flame - the final book in the Darkness Chosen series - I will say that I enjoyed this book, enjoyed seeing it all come together and consider it a welcome addition to my collection. Yet at the same time it was boring. As a culmination of a series I was waiting to be blown away and it fell short for me.

August 14, 2008
In response to: The Return of Your Turn Friday
Allison Chase commented:

Look what happens when you're away for a few days -- you get reviewed on Publishers Weekly! Thank you Mary for your kind words, and Eve, too, for your comment! And many thanks to Barbara for all your support of the romance genre!

August 14, 2008
In response to: The Return of Your Turn Friday
Allison Chase commented:

August 15, 2008
In response to: The Return of Your Turn Friday
violet s commented:

Good morning Barbara--I was thinking about how you appeal to so many people--your competence at the conferences with so many contacts is so professional, yet you keep us informed about all your own trials & tribulations on a personal level that resonates with everyone! Keep up the good work!

August 23, 2008
In response to: The Return of Your Turn Friday
writeroffthelake commented:

The two novels I just finished reading were disappointing, so I won't mention them, but I must say that if publishers would sell posters of those men on the gothic novels, it might help them get out of the red. Besides, I could use some terrific eye candy on my wall in front of me when I write. - writeroffthelake

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