I wouldn't have met Piti if it hadn't been for a chichigua. To translate chichigua as a kite does not do justice to these beautiful creations of...
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Can two completely different murders in different places and years apart be connected? That is the question that the Spencer Police Department and Mac Faraday have to figure out. On the surface, it appears like a simple case of a murdered artist. That is, until you look beneath the surface where you find another murder years earlier. Could as they say.....a picture is worth a thousand words be a clue in the revealing of the murderer and other shady dealings?
Ilysa Ramsay, a famous artist and wife of a CEO, was found bludgeoned to death in her studio and her final painting was stolen. The stolen painting was mailed by a friend to Mac's mother who had passed away, and he figured something fishy was going on, and the case was re-opened.
Re-opened to the tune of new characters and a new murder in another great Lauren Carr mystery. The familiar characters of Mac, Gnarly, Archie, and David made you feel at home while reading. The new characters made the read intriguing. Ms. Carr definitely comes up with great twists and turns and plots that are hard to beat. And even better is the fact that Mac and Archie finally became romantically involved.....we all wanted that to happen…thanks, Lauren.
You will be amazed at how cleverly Ms. Carr put the story together and wove two murders into one. It is a murder mystery with a storyline that I have never seen before. This is her third book that I have read, and I enjoyed each one of them....the town, the characters, the ambiance of the Spencer Inn, the creativity, and the surprise endings are worth the reads.
A bad childhood, a horrible college experience, an accusation of being a murderer, a bad marriage, and then losing everything...how could one person be that ill-fated.
Diane Newsome was doomed the day she was born....her sister told her she was adopted and she better not cause any problems or her parents would put her out with the trash. So she wouldn't get in trouble, Diane kept to herself even in her home and didn't ask for anything from her parents. She just studied and kept out of sight. The studying paid off, but her social awkwardness definitely didn't. Unbelievable things happened to Diane just because she was in the wrong place at the wrong time....or was she not in the wrong place at the wrong time but in a planned place at a planned time?
This book was definitely a ride. It had everything a good mystery should have: evil murderers, perfect situations, perfect scenarios, twists and turns, and an ending that is totally unexpected. The intrigue and drama were so well choreographed that you had no clue about the ending.
This is the first book I have read of Ms. Youngerman, and it definitely won't be the last. The storyline flowed beautifully with outstanding characters and characters that were unbelievable. Diane's mother and her sister Brittany were the most unbelievable characters because of their personalities...how could someone be so narrow-minded as well as evil.
The book isn't very long, but there is a great story packed in the 230 pages. This is definitely a mystery you won't want to miss. 5/5
Life in King Henry's Court definitely had advantages for men, but not women, but the life in the 1500's was quite interesting. There were ladies in the Queen's Court that waited and served her and gentlemen who went to war. No one could disobey the King and his edicts. One false move, and it could be off with your head, imprisonment, or a burning at the stake.
Life seemed quite harsh with the many do's and dont's in terms of religion and what was required and expected in terms of following what the King declared. It definitely was a difficult life during those times....people had to fear for their lives as well as to be concerned that they didn't do anything against the King.
Lady Juliana St. John is the main character. The book focused around her and her activities in the court and in her personal life. It also focused on a secret that kept her from happiness and it also focused on her prophesies that seemed to come true in time. She also discovered another secret toward the end of the book that has been kept for a long time. No matter what was transpiring, Juliana had a part in it and was loved no matter what. Her life revolved around the Queen, and she originally was brought to the castle for the purpose to serve the Queen and to learn the ways of the Court. The women that tended the Queen were friendly but each one was worried they would do or say something wrong. A few of the ladies were always looking to see who was not following what the King had made law and they included the Queen in their watch. Everyone in the court had to be proper yet the undercurrent was less than favorable. Julianna was very loved by the Queen, but I think also used by her.
The book is historical and very informative. The author makes you feel as if you are in the book living the lives of the characters and feeling their terror, their pain, and at times their joy, but I definitely am glad I did not live in that era. The formality and the strictness would have driven me crazy.
It was intriguing, though, in terms of history, and I liked the author's notes at the end that told how the lives continued after the last year in her book of 1550 was noted. The extensive Family Trees definitely helped spell out who was who. The author did excellent, extensive research.
The ending was redeeming and uplifting even as the turmoil of life in the King's Court and in the 1500's continued. Seeing the set of rules the citizens had to live by and following Juliana throughout it all was very educational. Even though I am an avid history buff and loved the storyline, my rating is going to be a 4/5 because it did get tedious at times.
I received a free copy of this book from Howard Books for my honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
A maiden aunt, a new Vicar with a book and secrets, and a curious, precocious young lady. Gothic Spring will grab you from page one....the setting, the time period, the charming, small town, and the storyline are very alluring. The storyline was focused on Victorine and her relationship and fascination with the Vicar and a secret she just knows he has and secrets they both will eventually share.
Victorine, the main character, has an air about her that makes her likable for her intelligence and her persistence. You will dislike her for her insistence, her false innocence, her trouble making, her desire to hurt people, her cunning ways, and her way of risking anything to get what she wants....nothing short of deceit. Despite her negative traits, I was thoroughly taken by her as was everyone in the small, gossip-laden town of Braxton, and I wanted to see what she would do next to get what she wanted. She always did get what she wanted while she also ruined lives.
Each character in the book is fascinating and very well developed so that you can perfectly visualize their clothing, their feelings, and their facial expressions. The characters were profound, and they all had great depth especially Victorine and the Vicar's wife. She and Victorine definitely were at odds and both prodded and prodded until they found the information they were looking for even though Victorine always came out the victor with her sly nature and way of turning things around for her benefit. Every character seemed to have something hidden and churning under their politeness.
Once I began reading, I didn't want to stop. Once you are nearing the end, you will just want more and more. Ms. Miller is a powerful, eloquent writer. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves an evil heroine, an English setting, and an unforgettable, splendid ending. My rating is a 5/5....oh did I enjoy this book. :)
Rebuild the Titanic? Who would want to do that and relive that nightmare?
Well....Harlan Astor, descendant of John Jacob Astor IV who perished in the original Titanic, wanted to rebuild it, and he did rebuild it to the tune of six-hundred million dollars. The question of why he wanted to do this was left unanswered to the public, but nevertheless it was built, it was launched, and it set sail on the exact dates of its original journey.
The story begins with the meeting of Solly, Ken and Trevor....all college buddies of Harlan. They met to ask Trevor why he had been invited on the boat and how Harlan died on his dream ship. Solly and Ken were skeptical with the story Trevor told them.
The book then moves to where most of the action takes place........on the ship. The action includes Trevor's adventures and his main purpose of the trip which was to interview the passengers for the book his publisher had put no stops to in terms of cost. Each of the passengers had been carefully interviewed and selected by Harlan because of specific reasons known only to Harlan and the passenger. During his interviews, Trevor was finding that most of these handpicked passengers had sad, troublesome lives, and a past. Trevor did find an irresistible young lady on board, but she too fit the bill the other passengers did, and he wondered what Harlan's true purpose had been when choosing these 200 particular passengers.
As you read, you will feel the excitement of the boarding, the chill of the launching, and the thrill of history being recreated. The reconstruction of the suites bearing photos and descriptions of the original occupants will fire up any history buff's love of a past era coming alive. Harlan even had the Marconi wireless system restored along with the exact menu in the dining room on the last fateful night of sail. Everything was done as it had been 100 years ago. Mystery and emotions played a large part in this book.
The book became tense at times with danger, and despite the boat’s opulence, nostalgia, and charm, you will find out this voyage had a completely different purpose other than a pleasure cruise. Don't miss this recreation of history that is filled with secrecy and intrigue. You will ask yourself why, and you will find out the answer of why Harlan Astor spent six hundred million dollars for this ship. It is a splendid book. What do you think? Would rebuilding an historical disaster be a good idea? Read Titanic 2012 and decide for yourself. 5/5
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Shades of Murder by Lauren Carr
Silvers Reviews, May 22, 2012
Can two completely different murders in different places and years apart be connected? That is the question that the Spencer Police Department and Mac Faraday have to figure out. On the surface, it appears like a simple case of a murdered artist. That is, until you look beneath the surface where you find another murder years earlier. Could as they say.....a picture is worth a thousand words be a clue in the revealing of the murderer and other shady dealings?Ilysa Ramsay, a famous artist and wife of a CEO, was found bludgeoned to death in her studio and her final painting was stolen. The stolen painting was mailed by a friend to Mac's mother who had passed away, and he figured something fishy was going on, and the case was re-opened.
Re-opened to the tune of new characters and a new murder in another great Lauren Carr mystery. The familiar characters of Mac, Gnarly, Archie, and David made you feel at home while reading. The new characters made the read intriguing. Ms. Carr definitely comes up with great twists and turns and plots that are hard to beat. And even better is the fact that Mac and Archie finally became romantically involved.....we all wanted that to happen…thanks, Lauren.
You will be amazed at how cleverly Ms. Carr put the story together and wove two murders into one. It is a murder mystery with a storyline that I have never seen before. This is her third book that I have read, and I enjoyed each one of them....the town, the characters, the ambiance of the Spencer Inn, the creativity, and the surprise endings are worth the reads.
Keep these mysteries coming, Ms. Carr. 5/5
Skewered Halo by Brenda Youngerman
Silvers Reviews, May 18, 2012
A bad childhood, a horrible college experience, an accusation of being a murderer, a bad marriage, and then losing everything...how could one person be that ill-fated.Diane Newsome was doomed the day she was born....her sister told her she was adopted and she better not cause any problems or her parents would put her out with the trash. So she wouldn't get in trouble, Diane kept to herself even in her home and didn't ask for anything from her parents. She just studied and kept out of sight. The studying paid off, but her social awkwardness definitely didn't. Unbelievable things happened to Diane just because she was in the wrong place at the wrong time....or was she not in the wrong place at the wrong time but in a planned place at a planned time?
This book was definitely a ride. It had everything a good mystery should have: evil murderers, perfect situations, perfect scenarios, twists and turns, and an ending that is totally unexpected. The intrigue and drama were so well choreographed that you had no clue about the ending.
This is the first book I have read of Ms. Youngerman, and it definitely won't be the last. The storyline flowed beautifully with outstanding characters and characters that were unbelievable. Diane's mother and her sister Brittany were the most unbelievable characters because of their personalities...how could someone be so narrow-minded as well as evil.
The book isn't very long, but there is a great story packed in the 230 pages. This is definitely a mystery you won't want to miss. 5/5
The Secret Keeper: A Novel of Kateryn Parr by Sandra Byrd
Silvers Reviews, May 15, 2012
Life in King Henry's Court definitely had advantages for men, but not women, but the life in the 1500's was quite interesting. There were ladies in the Queen's Court that waited and served her and gentlemen who went to war. No one could disobey the King and his edicts. One false move, and it could be off with your head, imprisonment, or a burning at the stake.Life seemed quite harsh with the many do's and dont's in terms of religion and what was required and expected in terms of following what the King declared. It definitely was a difficult life during those times....people had to fear for their lives as well as to be concerned that they didn't do anything against the King.
Lady Juliana St. John is the main character. The book focused around her and her activities in the court and in her personal life. It also focused on a secret that kept her from happiness and it also focused on her prophesies that seemed to come true in time. She also discovered another secret toward the end of the book that has been kept for a long time. No matter what was transpiring, Juliana had a part in it and was loved no matter what. Her life revolved around the Queen, and she originally was brought to the castle for the purpose to serve the Queen and to learn the ways of the Court. The women that tended the Queen were friendly but each one was worried they would do or say something wrong. A few of the ladies were always looking to see who was not following what the King had made law and they included the Queen in their watch. Everyone in the court had to be proper yet the undercurrent was less than favorable. Julianna was very loved by the Queen, but I think also used by her.
The book is historical and very informative. The author makes you feel as if you are in the book living the lives of the characters and feeling their terror, their pain, and at times their joy, but I definitely am glad I did not live in that era. The formality and the strictness would have driven me crazy.
It was intriguing, though, in terms of history, and I liked the author's notes at the end that told how the lives continued after the last year in her book of 1550 was noted. The extensive Family Trees definitely helped spell out who was who. The author did excellent, extensive research.
The ending was redeeming and uplifting even as the turmoil of life in the King's Court and in the 1500's continued. Seeing the set of rules the citizens had to live by and following Juliana throughout it all was very educational. Even though I am an avid history buff and loved the storyline, my rating is going to be a 4/5 because it did get tedious at times.
I received a free copy of this book from Howard Books for my honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
Gothic Spring by Caroline Miller
Silvers Reviews, May 10, 2012
A maiden aunt, a new Vicar with a book and secrets, and a curious, precocious young lady. Gothic Spring will grab you from page one....the setting, the time period, the charming, small town, and the storyline are very alluring. The storyline was focused on Victorine and her relationship and fascination with the Vicar and a secret she just knows he has and secrets they both will eventually share.Victorine, the main character, has an air about her that makes her likable for her intelligence and her persistence. You will dislike her for her insistence, her false innocence, her trouble making, her desire to hurt people, her cunning ways, and her way of risking anything to get what she wants....nothing short of deceit. Despite her negative traits, I was thoroughly taken by her as was everyone in the small, gossip-laden town of Braxton, and I wanted to see what she would do next to get what she wanted. She always did get what she wanted while she also ruined lives.
Each character in the book is fascinating and very well developed so that you can perfectly visualize their clothing, their feelings, and their facial expressions. The characters were profound, and they all had great depth especially Victorine and the Vicar's wife. She and Victorine definitely were at odds and both prodded and prodded until they found the information they were looking for even though Victorine always came out the victor with her sly nature and way of turning things around for her benefit. Every character seemed to have something hidden and churning under their politeness.
Once I began reading, I didn't want to stop. Once you are nearing the end, you will just want more and more. Ms. Miller is a powerful, eloquent writer. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves an evil heroine, an English setting, and an unforgettable, splendid ending. My rating is a 5/5....oh did I enjoy this book. :)
Titanic 2012 by Bill Walker
Silvers Reviews, April 29, 2012
Rebuild the Titanic? Who would want to do that and relive that nightmare?Well....Harlan Astor, descendant of John Jacob Astor IV who perished in the original Titanic, wanted to rebuild it, and he did rebuild it to the tune of six-hundred million dollars. The question of why he wanted to do this was left unanswered to the public, but nevertheless it was built, it was launched, and it set sail on the exact dates of its original journey.
The story begins with the meeting of Solly, Ken and Trevor....all college buddies of Harlan. They met to ask Trevor why he had been invited on the boat and how Harlan died on his dream ship. Solly and Ken were skeptical with the story Trevor told them.
The book then moves to where most of the action takes place........on the ship. The action includes Trevor's adventures and his main purpose of the trip which was to interview the passengers for the book his publisher had put no stops to in terms of cost. Each of the passengers had been carefully interviewed and selected by Harlan because of specific reasons known only to Harlan and the passenger. During his interviews, Trevor was finding that most of these handpicked passengers had sad, troublesome lives, and a past. Trevor did find an irresistible young lady on board, but she too fit the bill the other passengers did, and he wondered what Harlan's true purpose had been when choosing these 200 particular passengers.
As you read, you will feel the excitement of the boarding, the chill of the launching, and the thrill of history being recreated. The reconstruction of the suites bearing photos and descriptions of the original occupants will fire up any history buff's love of a past era coming alive. Harlan even had the Marconi wireless system restored along with the exact menu in the dining room on the last fateful night of sail. Everything was done as it had been 100 years ago. Mystery and emotions played a large part in this book.
The book became tense at times with danger, and despite the boat’s opulence, nostalgia, and charm, you will find out this voyage had a completely different purpose other than a pleasure cruise. Don't miss this recreation of history that is filled with secrecy and intrigue. You will ask yourself why, and you will find out the answer of why Harlan Astor spent six hundred million dollars for this ship. It is a splendid book. What do you think? Would rebuilding an historical disaster be a good idea? Read Titanic 2012 and decide for yourself. 5/5
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