The Granddaddies On My Bookshelf – Part 1

Good morning, blog readers! I’m sorry it’s been so long since I’ve posted. It would appear that this cold had not yet concluded with our household, so things have been a little slow going for us.

This blog post is going to be the first of several about the antique books that I have collected over the years. I have collected many things in my lifetime. When I was young, it was marbles, buttons, and candles, but as I grew up my interests changed. Now I have a passion for antiques.

When I walk into an antique shop my heart rate picks up speed, my stomach flutters with excitement, and my mind races with thoughts of what I want to bring home. Of course, I gravitate to the smaller items, such as teacups, books, and keys, so my house has not yet overflowed with antique goodies.

My personal collection is modest, but I encourage it to grow at every opportunity.

The antique books I own are a treasure that I hold dear. The first in the line of books in the accompanying picture is actually my husband’s. It is not as old as the others, but as my husband is an electrician, he found the aged electrical guide amusing.

The second book in the group is a combination of two novels written by a woman named Mrs. Inchbald. She was indeed a very interesting woman.

The third book in the group is one of my favorites! It is a book of poetry written by a man named Nicolas Rowe. He was the first modern editor for William Shakespeare, and was apparently very famous in his day. The book cost me nearly $100, but I feel it was worth it. I was so excited to have a little piece of history in my hands that I couldn’t resist!

The last two novels (Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte and Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens) were also an impulse buy. They are second (or third?) editions. It would be easier to pinpoint if they had publishing dates, but sadly they do not.

Since this photo was taken, I have amassed several more antiquarian books/collections, including Byron’s poems. But those will be shared another day.

Thank you so much for reading! I hope you have a lovely weekend!

Book Review – In Bed With the Duke by Christina Dodd

In Bed with the Duke by Christina Dodd
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I am unsure how to rate this novel. While I absolutely loved the first half, I despised the second. The relationship between the Reaper and Emma was infectious and enchanting. In the second half, however, the “love” scene between Michael and Emma (the hero and heroine) read more like a rape scene, which both disturbed and disgusted me. Phrases like “I have this right. I take this right.” and “I own you” are overly possessive and potentially threatening/menacing. Emma might have been thinking “yes”, but she was saying “no” and clearly fighting him.

Because of my conflict of emotions and opinions from one half of the novel to the other, I give it 1 1/2 stars.

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Author Update

Good afternoon blog readers! Last week our whole house came down with a series of illnesses, which took precedence over any and all other activities. Antibiotics have taken care of things, however, and we’re all recovering well. The week was awful, but at least I got to read! I posted two reviews of the three novels that I managed to read. I hope you all had a much better week than I!

As for my author news, I successfully completed the first round of editing before the Champagne house became ill, which feels fantastic! Two days ago I began the second round of editing, during which I decided to re-write the prologue. I think you’re all going to love it! I know I certainly do.

Now that I’m feeling better and my tasks are getting completed (and I can catch up on all the housework that I missed over the last week) I am gathering my notes for further blogs. Stay tuned for my next blog titled “The Granddaddies on my Bookshelf – Part 1” that will be coming soon.

Thank you all so much for reading! I hope you have a lovely week!

Book Review – Notorious Pleasures by Elizabeth Hoyt

Notorious Pleasures by Elizabeth Hoyt
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I always love a story about a not-so-rakish rake that falls hard for the novel’s heroine. This novel was no different. I absolutely love Griffin; his charm, his love of his family, his sensitive side… the list could go on.

The heroine of the novel, Lady Hero, while also quite a likeable character, was more challenging to identify with. She held firm to her ‘statue-like’, prim exterior, which one could expect from the daughter of a Duke, but it was difficult for me to get past her emotional restrictions. We knew she loved Griffin, Griffin knew she loved him, and yet she steadfastly refused to admit it. I found it strangely frustrating and wanted to give the girl a shake.

Alas, the novel ends happily in a perfect conclusion to satisfy the reader. As always, I love Elizabeth Hoyt’s colourful descriptions and her use of intriguing words. Her action/fight/battle scenes were fast-paced and entirely enthralling.

As usual, I highly recommend Elizabeth Hoyt’s work!

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Book Review for Wicked Intentions by Elizabeth Hoyt

Wicked Intentions by Elizabeth Hoyt
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love Elizabeth Hoyt as an author. She has this amazing ability to bring the reader right into the novel. Her descriptions are vivid and fascinating.

While I very much enjoyed this novel, I found the only reservations I have are, first, Lord Caire’s reaction to being touched; while I liked how it played out, I found myself wanting more of a backstory on why or how this came about. Second, some of their sexual exploits were not really my to my taste. She wrote them very well, though.

Overall, I loved the book. I very much look forward to re-reading the others in the Maiden Lane series. I highly recommend this author.

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