Rosie’s Good Read Collections; Historical Adventures

Welcome to “Rosie’s Good read Collections”, I’ve put together the books I’ve read into subject headings that I think the books belong to, for you to browse.

896634In the middle years of the ninth-century, the fierce Danes stormed onto British soil, hungry for spoils and conquest. Kingdom after kingdom fell to the ruthless invaders until but one realm remained. And suddenly the fate of all England—and the course of history—depended upon one man, one king. From New York Times bestselling storyteller Bernard Cornwell comes a rousing epic adventure of courage, treachery, duty, devotion, majesty, love, and battle as seen through the eyes of a young warrior who straddled two worlds. Goodreads, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.com, My Review: http://wp.me/p2Eu3u-2An

18581334Imagine wandering through an ancient landscape wrought in earth and stone, exploring the sacred sites of peoples long ago and far away in time and history. The mounds and barrows whisper legends of heroes and magic, and painted walls sing of saints and miracles. Now imagine that the lens of the camera captures a magical light in soft blues and misty greens and gold. A light that seems to have no cause in physical reality. What would you do? If you were open to the possibility of deeper realities, perhaps you would wish to explore this strange phenomenon…something two people came to know as sacred chromatography. The Initiate is the story of just such a journey beyond the realms of our accustomed normality. It is a factual tale told in a fictional manner. In just such a way did the Bards of old hide in the legends and deeds of heroes those deeper truths for those who had eyes to see and ears to hear. As the veils thin and waver, time shifts and the present is peopled with the shadowy figures of the past, weaving their tales through a quest for understanding and opening wide the doors of perception for those who seek to see beyond the surface of reality. Goodreads, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.com, My Review: http://wp.me/p2Eu3u-37P

16249401When Anne and Neil leave on a one-week holiday hoping to reconcile after a two-year separation, little do they know that destiny has other plans for them. Their discovery of human bones and a bejewelled cross in the hollow of a tree open the door to the supernatural realm and the anguished life of Genevieve, a nun from medieval England. Can Anne save her relationship and help Genevieve her eternal rest? The twists and turns in this paranormal tale keep the reader guessing up to the end and weave themselves together into a quest to rekindle love. Goodreads, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.com, My Review: http://wp.me/p2Eu3u-1tb

Next two books by author Kathy Steinemann.

17372535ALTERNATIVE HISTORY:
LISETVILLE, 1890 — Murders are committed; homes are burned; family secrets are buried; an unexpected romance complicates lives. Amid the mystery and violence, a vigilante brigade emerges to administer justice. Flowing through the intrigue and drama is a dark undercurrent that will touch your heart as you empathize with the victims. Goodreads, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.com, My Review: http://wp.me/p2Eu3u-eQ

17860229ALTERNATIVE HISTORY: Vanguard or villain? Who is the real Owen Vargas? SARGENT, 1898 — The Doctor has a secret, a secret he never revealed to his departed wife, a secret he kept from his childhood friend. Is he afraid that the Brigade will find out? Does he fear Retribution? Or does he have another reason for his mysterious behaviour? Discover the truth about the Doctor and the vigilante group known as the “Sapphire Brigade”. Goodreads, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.com, My review: http://wp.me/p2Eu3u-1O3

17444140A PUNCTUAL PAYMASTER travels 70 years through the secrets of the white Thanos family and the black Taylor family, twisted like strands of yarn woven together on a loom. The wealthy, powerful Nikkos Thanos owns a woolen mill and almost everything else on the north side of Delphi, Missouri, and is the overseer of a fractured society. The brave, judicious Thaddeus “Cousin” Taylor owns a grocery store and a tavern on the south side and carries a past hauntingly shrouded in tragedy. Each man tries to shepherd his part of town through the turmoil of racism, the depression, and war. With the passage of time those roles are filled by Evangelina, Nikkos’ beautiful and strong-willed daughter, and T.J., the grandson who worshipped Cousin. Forty-five years after high school, two friends, Ab and Grady, return for the funeral of their mentor, T.J., and walk into the middle of a mystery. They unweave the black and white threads that are the town’s concealed, troubled past, revealing a tapestry of life and death, revenge and triumph. Goodreads, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.com, My Review: http://wp.me/p2Eu3u-2vY

3420In a story of breathtaking scope, Colleen McCullough returns to the magnificent setting of her international bestseller The Thorn Birds. Following the disappearance of his only son and the death of his beloved wife, Richard Morgan is falsely imprisoned and exiled to the penal colonies of eighteenth-century Australia. His life is shattered but Morgan refuses to surrender, overcoming all obstacles to find unexpected contentment and happiness in the harsh early days of Australia’s settlement.
From England’s shores to Botany Bay and the rugged frontier of a hostile new world, Morgan’s Run is the epic tale of love lost and found, and the man whose strength and character helped settle a country and define its future. Goodreads, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.com, My Review: http://wp.me/p2Eu3u-5z

13041262Yorkshire, 1904. On Netherwood Common, Russian émigré Anna Rabinovich shows her dear friend Eve Williams a house: a Victorian villa, solidly built from local stone. This is Ravenscliffe, and it’s the house Anna wants them to live in. It’s their house, she says. It was meant to be. As Anna transforms Ravenscliffe, an attraction grows between her and union man Amos. But when Eve’s long-lost brother Silas turns up in the closely-knit mining community of Netherwood, cracks begin to appear in even the strongest friendships. Meanwhile, at Netherwood Hall, cherished traditions are being undermined by the whims of the feckless heir to the title, Tobias Hoyland, and his American bride Thea Stirling. Below stairs, the loyal servants strive to preserve the noble family’s dignity and reputation. But both inside the great house and in the world beyond, values and loyalties are rapidly changing. Goodreads, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.com, My Review: http://wp.me/p2Eu3u-2bh

1948925Lillian’s life spans the 20th century.Born in Suffolk in 1900, in service at the age of 12, her life is greatly changed by her experiences in two world wars. The Great Depression, the austerity years,President Kennedy’s assassination, Neil Armstrong’s moon walk and the death of Princess Diana are among the many events of this turbulent century that are told through their effect on her long life. Author Sally Patricia Gardner, writing with great affection for an
endearing character, traces Lillian’s Story as national and international events intersect with her own personal milestones. By the end of this compelling story, Lillian is living a more affluent lifestyle. At the heart of it, though, she has been changed by the eventful century into which she was born, and to which she undeniably belongs. Goodreads, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.com, My Review: http://wp.me/p2Eu3u-8b

6383062China, 1929. For years Lydia Ivanova believed her father was killed by the Bolsheviks. But when she learns he is captive in Stalin-controlled Russia, the fiery-haired girl is willing to leave everything behind – even her Chinese lover, Chang An Lo. Journeying with her half-brother Alexei, Lydia begins a dangerous search. Tension grows between the two, for while Alexei is searching for his past, Lydia is looking for her future. But when Alexei disappears, Lydia is left almost penniless in Soviet Russia – and doubting the choices she has made. Surrounded by dangers, she searches for information and soon finds herself entangled with a Russian officer.
But Chang An Lo has not forgotten Lydia. He knows things about her father that she does not. And while he races to protect her, she is prepared to risk treacherous consequences to discover the truth…Goodreads, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.com, My Review: http://wp.me/p2Eu3u-5Z

1078This tells the poignant tale of a Chinese farmer and his family in old agrarian China. The humble Wang Lung glories in the soil he works, nurturing the land as it nurtures him and his family. Nearby, the nobles of the House of Hwang consider themselves above the land and its workers; but they will soon meet their own downfall. Hard times come upon Wang Lung and his family when flood and drought force them to seek work in the city. The working people riot, breaking into the homes of the rich and forcing them to flee. When Wang Lung shows mercy to one noble and is rewarded, he begins to rise in the world, even as the House of Hwang falls. Goodreads, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.com, My Review: http://wp.me/p2Eu3u-2ir

The Doctor’s Deceit by Kathy Steinemann

The Doctor's Deceit: Sapphire Brigade Book 2The Doctor’s Deceit: Sapphire Brigade Book 2 by Kathy Steinemann

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

“The Doctor’s Deceit” is the follow on book from “Vanguard of Hope”, set in the 1800’s it deals with a society trying to protect innocent victims of sexual abuse, rape and prejudice. I really liked this book and the way the author has developed the story from a set of diaries. The Sapphire Brigade do their best to protect victims and go further than the police in dishing out punishment to those who have abused. It highlights the length to which people will go to help others. Another good book from author Kathy Steinemann.

This is what Kathy said about her books;
“I am going to keep producing these books in an attempt to give victims a voice. The next book will have a section containing letters from victims to the Sapphire Brigade. If any victims of such abuse in today’s world want to get in touch with me, I would be happy to include their wish lists. The letters might have to be re-worded somewhat in keeping with the time frame (late 19th century early 20th century). For such people the writing process is giving them a forum to vent their frustrations, because their stories are real.”

If anyone wants to get in touch with Kathy, contact me and I’ll pass on your details.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Doctors-Deceit-Sapphire-ebook/dp/B00CKG2VGI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1368864185&sr=8-1&keywords=the+doctor%27s+deceit+by+kathy+steinemann

View all my reviews

My Year of doing good, May 1st

So having managed to complete a couple of weeks of doing good deeds. I head in to May. For those of you who are bamboozled by this post, it all started when I read a book called “A Year of Doing Good” by Judith O’Reilly. It inspired me to start my own attempt to do a good deed a day for the year. Here is a link to my post about her book http://wp.me/p2Eu3u-1hL I’ll be posting my weekly reports on my challenge on Sunday’s, it feels like an appropriate day.

A Year of Doing Good: One Woman, One New Year's Resolution, 365 Good Deeds. by Judith O'Reilly

May 1st – Whilst visiting my Mother I helped her sort out a few snags on her computer. Blogged about the May edition of Fleet Life where I have a monthly page of book reviews, 5 authors got a free promotion for their books today! I know it made at least one of them have an unexpected smile on their face! Made a date to meet up with some of my anti-natal group (No! I don’t have something to tell you!) We’ve been friends now for over 16 years!

May 2nd – After the busy April A to Z Challenge, today I returned with a guest author interview on the blog, Donna Childree, got her moment of fame today. Made lots of new friends during the challenge who I now regularly keep in touch with over the net. Sent a good friend an e-mail to keep in touch.

May 3rd – Instead of procrastinating I actually loaded up my car with filled bags and boxes for the charity shop and delivered them today. Part of me felt relieved that I’d done my good deed, the rest of me squirmed in anguish at my haste to throw things out, what if I need it? Posted another guest author interview, today Melda Beaty got a chance to shine. Signed up for several more blogs in a post AtoZ Challenge day of reflection.

May 4th – With the weekend upon us I didn’t know where I would find the chance to do my good deed today, but I found 2! Firstly I remembered to take a large bag of dead batteries with me when I went out so that I could dispose of them at the supermarket in the special collection unit. (This should mean that they don’t go into landfill waste) Then there was the opportunity to make a donation to the RSPCA who were collecting just outside of the store.

Good deeds

May 5th – Wrote a letter to a friend whom I haven’t caught up with for a while, and visited new friends on the blogging scene.

May 6th – Bank Holiday Monday, and I struggled to find a good deed today. The only things that count are spending an hour with my Mum and popping another coin in to my slowly filling jam jar. Some how it didn’t feel enough.

May 7th – Today I wrote a 5* review of a book called “The Doctor’s Deceit” It’s written by Kathy Steinemann and she’d asked me to review it. It is a sequel to her book “Vanguard of Hope” which started from a set of diaries. The  review was based on what I read and I thought the book was very well written. It deals with rape and sexual abuse victims in America in the 1800’s and also tackles racial abuse. The Sapphire Brigade are a secret society who try to help the victims and deliver justice.  After I’d written the review Kathy told me that she is going to keep writing these books to help support other victims. Her third book is going to involve letters from victims in today’s world which she hopes to incorporate into her book, thus giving them a place to vent their feelings. I’m glad I gave Kathy this review and hope that it will help raise awareness for her books and her cause.

May 8th – Baked cakes to take round to have with coffee at a friend’s house. Still visiting several bloggers everyday and leaving comments.

May 9th – Picked up litter at the park. (realised I often pick up litter without giving it much thought )Posted a book cover release post for an author and a book review for another.

May 10th – Spent the evening getting frozen to the bone, whilst watching my son’s cricket match. Was able to help clear everything away at the end as my good deed today. (Amazing how many people suddenly have something better to do when clearing up need doing!)

May 11th – Made a donation whilst I was out to shrapnelonline.org.uk a charity helping injured troops with prosthetic limbs and high spec wheelchairs.

“V” Vanguard of Hope by Kathy Steinemann

I read and reviewed this book for Kathy a while ago, you can read about the book http://wp.me/p2Eu3u-eQ and catch up with Kathy as she was also a guest author on the blog http://wp.me/p2Eu3u-eT

As this great challenge draws to an end, PLEASE keep writing your comments as our challenge relies on them.

 Letter of the alphabet: V

Vanguard of Hope

By Kathy Steinemann

LISETVILLE, 1890 — Murders are committed; homes are burned; family secrets are buried; an unexpected romance complicates lives. Amid the mystery and violence, a vigilante brigade emerges to administer justice.

Flowing through the intrigue and drama is a dark undercurrent that will touch your heart as you empathize with the victims.

What Readers are Saying:

“I am hooked. I do hope that I will be able to get all your novels.” – Lorene Charlton

“It’s not chick lit.” – A Male Reader

“This book keeps you in suspense right to the end. The dark underlying theme is tackled in a sensitive manner.” – S.L. Banks

“I started reading this novel to help quiet my mind at a late hour, but found myself still awake in the morning. Its intense read was much more than I expected. It has ‘all’ the elements from love, betrayal, suspense, and romance, to murder. ‘Vanguard  of Hope’ will touch everyone who reads it. If you’re a young adult or older, this excellent novel will awaken you
deep within your soul.” – Toni Gee

“The book was excellent! I really enjoyed reading it. I could not stop. Every chance I got, I was trying to sneak in just a couple more diary entries! I look forward to reading the next
book in the series. And I will most certainly be recommending this to others to read!” – Brandy Mayan-Rooks

Kathy tells us;

This novel addresses a few social issues that existed during the 19th century. Some of those issues have improved over time; one has not. The challenge in writing the book was to engage the reader in a plot with unexpected twists, while discussing a sensitive theme.

http://kathysteinemann.com/Books/Vanguard_of_Hope/                Vanguard of Hope: (Sapphire Brigade Book 1)

Here are 5 links to more AtoZ Challengers;

http://stephenyhoughtlin.wordpress.com/

http://devotionals-margot.blogspot.co.uk/

http://maskedmom.blogspot.co.uk/

http://theblogdoesnotexist.blogspot.com.au/

http://annas-adornments.blogspot.co.uk/

Guest Author Kathy Steinemann

After recently reading and reviewing “Vanguard of Hope” written by Kathy, she kindly agreed to give me her replies to the “Be My Guest” post  of questions, she has some excellent tips for writers and the last book that Kathy read sounds like a must read for authors, here are Kathy’s replies;

My name is Kathy Steinemann, and I hail from Alberta, Canada.

I started writing at an early age – when there was only black-and-white television, and books were made out of paper. I have written “how-to” books, but my preference is a good short story or novel.

My advice for other authors is:

1. Write about something you know or something for which you have a passion. It is easy to remain enthusiastic about a project that moves you intellectually or emotionally.

2. When authoring fiction, realize that if you laugh or cry at certain points in your writing, your readers probably will too.

3. Don’t forget that the cover of your book is the front door. If it looks shabby, people will be less likely to open it.

The last book I read was “The Emotion Thesaurus: A Writer’s Guide To Character Expression”, by Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi. I gave it a 5-star review at Amazon: “This is a short book, but the information packed in its pages is very useful. I would like to see a second book or an upgraded edition with more, though. The current publication covers over 70 emotions.”

My most recent book is “Vanguard of Hope”. http://kathysteinemann.com/Books/Vanguard_of_Hope/

Vanguard of Hope by Kathy Steinemann

Vanguard of Hope: (Sapphire Brigade Book 1)Vanguard of Hope: by Kathy Steinemann

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is an account of a woman’s life through a set of diary entries set in the 19th Century. They are intriguing and offer a window into a life that can be quite graphic and disturbing at times. It leaves the reader with many questions while seriously looking at sexual abuse,racial and women’s inequality amongst other issues. This is quite a serious book to read which took a lot of research and writing of material by Kathy, it deserves your attention.

View all my reviews

Kathy will soon be appearing as my guest author. Tomorrows guest is Gill Jepson.