Leaving Everything Most Loved by Jacqueline Winspear

Maisie Dobbs is a most interesting character.  She's an independent woman who owns her own detective business and she has opinions about everything.  Once she gets a case, she won't stop until she solves.  James wants to marry her and she loves him.  Life is good, she should be happy.  But is she?

Harper sent me an ARC of this book to read for review (thank you).  It will be published March 26th, so you can grab a copy to read at your local bookstore then.

I like Maisie and enjoy reading about here, but she frustrates me.  I want her to be a bit stronger and not so wishy-washy about life.  Ms. Winspear's Maisie is still finding her way in the world and hasn't quite yet decided who she wants to be or how she wants to live her life.  If I were her friend, I'd probably be like Priscilla always chastising her choices.

Maisie is trying to determine who killed a very nice Indian woman who was working in London to raise money to build a school for women in India.  As she begins to ask questions, another Indian woman says she information Maisie needs.  When that woman ends up shot in the same manner, Maisie knows this was not just a random killing.  Trying to find a relationship between London and India and the people who might have known the Indian ladies is a challenge.

As Maisie works that case, she also begins thinking that traveling to foreign countries and searching out knowledge appeals to her.  Her mentor had done that and that is where he got the wisdom and learning he shared with her.  James is pressing for marriage but he's moving to Canada to work for a man she dislikes greatly and that doesn't sound appealing.  She's facing big decisions at this point in her life.

This series is always interesting and I enjoy watching Maisie solve the mysteries and learn about life on the way.  Maisie has more to learn, so I know there be more in this series.  That's a good thing.

Stephanie Selah of HarperCollins sent me the following invitation I can open to you:  "I wanted to extend an invite to you and your readers to join Jacqueline Winspear for a live Book Club Girl On Air show on Monday, March 18^th at 7 pm ET: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/book-club-girl/2013/03/18/jacqueline-winspear-discusses-leaving-everything-most-loved.

Send in questions during the live show via the chat function (be sure to register on the site beforehand - choose the free option) or you can call in and ask her a question directly by dialing 347-945-6149. If you can’t join us, tag @bookclubgirl or @harperbooks on Twitter, and we’ll ask Jacqueline on air.

 

We hope you’ll consider joining us on Monday, and look forward to a great discussion with Jacqueline Winspear on all things Maisie Dobbs!"

Here's a chance to speak directly to the author.  Why not tell her how you feel about Maisie and her adventures?

Happy reading. 

Erasmus Hobart and the Golden Arrow by Andrew Fish

Traveling back in time sounds interesting, doesn't it?  Would you do it in a privy like Erasmus does?

Harper Collins sent me a copy of this book for review (thank you).  It has been published, so check with the various estores for a copy.

Eramus' name caught my eye right off.  I'm very fond of this saying: When I get a little money I buy books; and if any is left I buy food and clothes. (Desiderius Erasmus)  

The Erasmus in this story is a history teacher who wants to find out just what the historical truth is.  He intends to travel back in time and visit certain time periods to get a better handle on history.  If only it turned out that way for him, it would have been an easier quest.

The first visit he makes puts him in an empty village.  As he wanders the streets wondering why, he hears a horse and soldiers coming.  He should have hidden.  But how is he to know Godiva is coming to the village?  A fast escape is his best hope of survival.

You'd think he's learn from that but no...  Now he decides to go back and see if Robin Hood really stole from the rich and gave it to the poor.  Thus begins a big adventure that he never meant to undertake.  He ends up on the run and his privy has been taken hostage and he might not make it out alive.  Poor Erasmus.  I bet he never thought history would be so exciting.

I really enjoyed this fantasy.  There's a lot action, it offers a close look at medieval life, and there's a bit of romance in the background.  Some of Erasmus' adventures will make you laugh; some will make you groan because he's so dumb.  But you'll find yourself caring about him and hoping he can save himself.  He's a fun character and I wouldn't mind reading about him again.  Why don't you get in the privy with him and take a ride into the past?

Happy reading. 

Manuscript Found in Accra by Paulo Coelho

Here's an interesting new book I want to tell you about.  The author of The Alchemist has another he wishes to share with you.  Here's the youtube trailer to give you some personal information from him:  Paulo Coelho

And here is more info about the book:

 

Manuscript Found in Accra

By Paulo Coelho; Translated by Margaret Jull Costa

ISBN: 9780385349833

On Sale: 4/2/2013, $22.00 

Link for pre-order: Manuscript Found in Accra

The latest novel from the #1 internationally best-selling author of The Alchemist.

³There is nothing wrong with anxiety.

Although we cannot control God¹s time, it is part of the human condition to want to receive the thing we are waiting for as quickly as possible.

Or to drive away whatever is causing our fear. . . .

Anxiety was born in the very same moment as mankind. And since we will never be able to master it, we will have to learn to live with it‹just as we have learned to live with storms.²

July 14, 1099. Jerusalem awaits the invasion of the crusaders who have surrounded the city¹s gates. There, inside the ancient city¹s walls, men and women of every age and every faith have gathered to hear the wise words of a mysterious man known only as the Copt. He has summoned the townspeople to address their fears with truth: 

³Tomorrow, harmony will become discord. Joy will be replaced by grief. Peace will give way to war. . . . None of us can know what tomorrow will hold, because each day has its good and its bad moments. So, when you ask your questions, forget about the troops outside and the fear inside. Our task is not to leave a record of what happened on this date for those who will inherit the Earth; history will take care of that. Therefore, we will speak about our daily lives, about the difficulties we have had to face.² 

The people begin with questions about defeat, struggle, and the nature of their enemies; they contemplate the will to change and the virtues of loyalty and solitude; and they ultimately turn to questions of beauty, love, wisdom, sex, elegance, and what the future holds. ³What is success?² poses the Copt. ³It is being able to go to bed each night with your soul at peace.² 

Now, these many centuries later, the wise man¹s answers are a record of the human values that have endured throughout time. And, in Paulo Coelho¹s hands, The Manuscript Found in Accra reveals that who we are, what we fear, and what we hope for the future come from the knowledge and belief that can be found within us, and not from the adversity that surrounds us. 

 

 

I have to admit that people who agree with you all the time aren't anywhere as interesting as those who have a different opinion.  Why not take a walk into the past and see if you agree with Mr. Coelho's observations about life?

Happy reading.

One Came Home by Amy Timberlake

When Georgie blurts out something her sister doesn't want known, Agatha runs off with a wagon of Pigeoners who follow the pigeon flock.  Georgie can't believe it and wants her back.  Then the sheriff shows up with word that she's dead...

A A Knopf sent me a copy of this book for review (thank you).  It's been published and you can find a copy at your local bookstore.

Set in 1871, there's not much for a child to do but her chores, some schoolin', and a bit of hunting in Georgie's case.  She's very accurate with her gun and brings home food for the pot occasionally.  She doesn't want to lose her sister and she just can't believe she's dead.  She decides to go find her on her own if no one else will search.  She's not old enough to be out on her own, so Billy is sent after her to keep her company.

It's just meant to be a simple search for answers to Georgie's questions and for her to come to terms with her sister's death.  It turns out to be much more and she and Billy barely escape with their lives.

The story is well told and has the ring of truth.  It's a dangerous world out there, and Georgie teaches you that believing in yourself and telling the truth is not a bad thing.  I enjoyed reading this story that turned out to be a lot more exciting than I anticipated.

Happy reading.  

Sammy Keyes and the Showdown in Sin City by Wendelin Van Draanen

Sammy's Mom has headed to Las Vegas with Casey's father.  If they're thinking about getting married, Sammy is going to stop them!

A A Knopf sent me a copy of this book for review (thank you).  It's the newest in the series and is available at your local bookstore now.  Check out the earlier books in the series; they are all a bit silly, great fun to read, and you watch Sammy grow up.

This is the best one yet in this series.  Sammy is still acting irresponsibly and being head-strong, but the author makes you think she really could get away with the things she does.

Sammy's never known her father, but she doesn't want her mother to marry Casey's father.  Casey is Sammy's boyfriend and she sure doesn't want him as a stepbrother.  This is a disaster!

How she gets to Las Vegas is crazy enough but the story goes on from there.  You have Elvis involved, security guards, a rock star, Heather the wicked is there with her mother, and the only person Sammy can't find is her mother.  She also can't reach Gram or Hudson.  Her only real friend is Elvis...

This is an enjoyable read with lots of action and the ever present skateboard.  If you haven't met Sammy before now, you won't forget her after reading this story!

Happy reading.    

The Jackal's Share by Chris Morgan Jones

Corporate investigator Benjamin Webster is hired by a billionaire to find what dirt could possibly exist in his past.  They also want him to erase it if he finds any, but he's not sure about that...

Penguin Group sent me an ARC of this book for review (thank you).  It was published at the end of February, so you can find a copy at your local bookstore now.

It all begins when a well-known art dealer is murdered in Tehran.  No one is looking very hard for his killer and it's being suggested he was smuggling rare artifacts.  Such an accusation comes back to haunt Darius Qazai.  He used that art dealer and while he's a billionaire, people are not sure his money is honest.

When Benjamin begins his investigation, he has no idea how dangerous it will be or how many players are involved.  He ends up in jail, gets shot at, people die, and he's no closer to answers.  He becomes obsessed with the case and it begins to hamper his marriage.  He won't quit.  But what he finds at the end will not make him feel closure.

Tensions between countries, terrorists, blackmail and arms dealing are all challenges Benjamin has to step through on his way to resolve the mystery of who killed whom and why.  The author writes a tense story and keeps your attention with non-stop action.  You won't be bored.  You'll also learn a bit about the countries involved.  

Happy reading.    

Chicks by Sandra Horning

How about a book for that Easter basket?  This Step Into Reading book is Stage 1, ready to read, and all about chicks.

Random House sent me a copy of this book for review (thank you).  It has been published so check with your local bookstore for a copy.

You can teach your child about a chicken's life by buying some chicks.  This book shows getting them right after they have hatched, growing to adulthood, and eventually having eggs and raising their own chicks.  

If you are thinking of buying a chick for your child, they're really cute as a baby, but grown chickens are messy and will fly unless you clip their wings.  So this book would make a nice substitute!  You can visit a petting zoo to pet the chicks and make it an a reality for them.

Happy reading.