Teddy Rose Book Reviews Plus More


Alices WonderlandWhen I was invited to get a copy of ‘Alice’s Wonderland’, I couldn’t refuse!  How could I, not only am I a fan of classics but also an ‘Alice In Wonderland’ fan!

Book Description:

Alice’s Wonderland dives down the rabbit hole and looks at the dazzling ways that Wonderland has been imagined by artists, filmmakers, writers, and more. Get a behind-the-scenes looks at how the books were created, meet Alice Liddell, the inspiration for the fictional Alice, and view the original manuscript copy of Alice in Wonderland, illustrated in Carroll’s own hand.

The fantastical world imagined by Charles Dodgson (aka Lewis Carroll) – where a white rabbit carries a pocket watch, a crying baby morphs into a squealing pig, and a flamingo is used as a croquet mallet – has inspired countless artists to produce some of their best work. Illustrators such as John Tenniel, chose to tackle the work directly, producing illustrations, films, and shows that strive to accurately depict Wonderland. Others, such as artist Salvador Dali and director Tim Burton, freely adapted Dodgson’s creation, using it as a springboard for their own incredible interpretations.

Lushly illustrated paintings, artwork, and sketches, Alice’s Wonderlandexplores how artists in different fields like art, music, theater, film, and more have interpreted Carroll’s works through the ages. A must-have book for any Alice fan.

My Thoughts:

This book is an in depth look at how the book and characters have been adapted many times over and over in books, art, movies, animation, theatrical performances, etc.

I have a confession to make, when I get a book like this, I always have to look at all of the pictures before I read it.  These pictures are stunning!  While I was leafing through it I ran across a picture of a theatrical performance.  It took me a moment to realize that the girl playing Alice, was a very young Meryl Streep.  I read the caption and sure enough, it was her!  It was from ‘Alice in Concert’, 1980/81.  I was in high school back then.

I am willing to guess that this book has the most coverage of everything ‘Alice In Wonderland’ available! It is a must for any “Alice In Wonderland’ fan or for a collector of  ‘Alice In Wonderland’ memorabilia!  It would make the perfect gift!

5/5

I received this hard cover book for my honest opinion.

About Catherine Nichols:

Catherine Nichols is the author of more than 60 books for readers of all ages including a series about great artists for young readers and Color Yourself Smart: Masterpieces of Art. She writes the blog The Cath in the Hat. You can also finder her on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheCathInTheHat

Buy Alice’s Wonderland:

Amazon (Hint you can get it at 30% off through tomorrow, November 30th.  Use promo code HOLIDAY30.  This sale is through Amazon and there are limitations, so be sure to read the “Terms and Conditions“.

Thanks to Amy Bruno of Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours, I am giving away one print copy with bookmarks or ebook of ‘The Clever Mill Horse’.

01_The Clever Mill Horse CoverPublication Date: August 15, 2014
Caspian Press
Formats: eBook, Paperback
Pages: 424
Genre: Historical Fiction

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A young woman’s gift could weave together the fabric of a nation…

1810, upstate New York. 21-year-old Ella Kenyon is happiest gliding through the thick woods around her small frontier town, knife in hand, her sharp eyes tracking game. A gift for engineering is in her blood, but she would gladly trade it for more time in the forest. If only her grandfather’s dying wish hadn’t trapped her into a fight she never wanted.

Six years ago, Ella’s grandfather made her vow to finish his life’s work: a flax-milling machine that has the potential to rescue her mother, brother, and sister from the brutality of life with her drunkard father. The copious linen it yields could save her struggling town, subjugate the growing grip of southern cotton. Or it could be Ella’s downfall. If she’s not quick enough, not clever enough to succeed, more than her own life rests in the balance…

Read a Sample Chapter

Praise for The Clever Mill Horse:

“Jodi Lew-Smith’s The Clever Mill Horse is that rarest of all contemporary novels: an authentically old-fashioned adventure story, in all the best senses. Full of drama, humor, plot surprises, and, best of all, memorable characters, The Clever Mill Horse had me hooked from page one. Best of all, there’s a sequel coming. I can’t wait.” – Howard Frank Mosher, author of ‘Where the Rivers Flow North’

“In this delightful debut novel set in the early 19th century, a young woman fights to patent her flax-milling machine. . .An assured, cleverly plotted piece of historical fiction with an irrepressible female protagonist.” – Kirkus Reviews

“. . .intricately plotted and exceedingly well paced. . . filled with danger, science, and suspense, the story rings true with historical and natural detail. . . a complete and finely polished first novel.” – Foreword Reviews

Buy ‘The Clever Mill Horse:

Amazon

Nook

Google Play

Kobo

About Jodi Lew-Smith:02_Jodi Lew-Smith Author

Jodi Lew-Smith lives on a farm in northern Vermont with her patient husband, three wonderfully impatient children, a bevy of pets and farm animals, and 250 exceedingly patient apple trees which, if they could talk, would suggest that she stop writing and start pruning. Luckily they’re pretty quiet.

With a doctorate in plant genetics, she also lives a double life as a vegetable breeder at High Mowing Seeds. She is grateful for the chance to do so many things in one lifetime, and only wishes she could do them all better. Maybe in the next life she’ll be able to make up her mind.

For more about Jodi and about the lives and world of the characters in the novel, visit her website or blog. You can also connect with her on Facebook and Goodreads.

This giveaway is open internationally.  Print copy and bookmarks open to the U.S. only or ebook open internationally.  This giveaway ends on December 12, 2015.  Please use Rafflecopter to enter.

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The Clever Mill Horse Blog Tour Schedule:

Wednesday, November 12

Spotlight at Flashlight Commentary

Thursday, November 13

Guest Post & Giveaway at Passages to the Past

Monday, November 17

Review at 100 Pages a Day – Stephanie’s Book Reviews

Tuesday, November 18

Guest Post at Just One More Chapter

Friday, November 21

Spotlight at CelticLady’s Reviews

Monday, November 24

Spotlight at Mel’s Shelves

Tuesday, November 25

Spotlight at Book Nerd

Interview at Boom Baby Reviews

Friday, November 28

Review at Readers’ Oasis
Spotlight & Giveaway at Teddy Rose Book Reviews and More

Monday, December 1

Review at Book Babe

Spotlight & Giveaway at Peeking Between the Pages

Wednesday, December 3

Review at Svetlana’s Reads and Views

Review at With Her Nose Stuck in a Book

Spotlight at Layered Pages

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Thanks to Amy Bruno of Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours, I am giving away one print copy of ‘Death Comes to London’.

02_Death Comes to LondonPublication Date: November 25, 2014
Kensington Books
Formats: eBook, Trade Paperback
Pages: 272
Series: Kurland St. Mary Mystery, Book Two
Genre: Historical Mystery

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A season in London promises a welcome change of pace for two friends from the village of Kurland St. Mary—until murder makes a debut…

With the reluctant blessings of their father, the rector of Kurland St. Mary, Lucy Harrington and her sister Anna leave home for a social season in London. At the same time, Lucy’s special friend Major Robert Kurland is summoned to the city to accept a baronetcy for his wartime heroism.

Amidst the dizzying whirl of balls and formal dinners, the focus shifts from mixing and matchmaking to murder when the dowager Countess of Broughton, the mother of an old army friend of Robert, drops dead. When it’s revealed she’s been poisoned, Robert’s former betrothed, Miss Chingford, is accused, and she in turn points a finger at Anna. To protect her sister, Lucy enlists Robert’s aid in drawing out the true culprit.

But with suspects ranging from resentful rivals and embittered family members to the toast of the ton, it will take all their sleuthing skills to unmask the poisoner before more trouble is stirred up…

Read the Excerpt:

“Miss Harrington?”

She looked up at Robert and curtsied. “Major, you’ve missed all the excitement again. The dowager countess is attempting to get Miss Chingford and Anna thrown out of Almacks.

“I doubt she will succeed.”

“Why do you think that?”

“Because I just saw her coming this way after speaking to Lady Jersey and she looked absolutely furious.”

“Oh, thank goodness,” Miss Harrington said. “Anna is beside herself.”

“And Miss Chingford?”

“Too busy looking for you to find out if you are to be ennobled.”

“Ah. That’s why she was trying to ingratiate herself with me again.”

“She’s already tried?” Miss Harrington shook her head. “Five minutes ago she was threatening to kill the dowager, and now she’s moved on to reattaching herself to you. One has to admire her stamina.” She looked over his shoulder. “Where is the dowager now?”

“Talking to another old harridan and arguing with her. Does she ever stop?”

“That’s Lady Bentley. Apparently, the dowager has accused her of stealing some jewelry from her.”

“So I’ve heard over the breakfast table all week.” Robert considered the gaunt peeress who was now pointing her finger in the dowager’s face to emphasize each word. “I can’t see Lady Bentley breaking into someone’s house, can you?”

“No, but my aunt says they’ve hated each other for years, but no one quite remembers why. Recently, all-out war has broken out again.”

“The dowager does seem to have a gift for bringing out the worst in people. They are coming toward us. Let’s stage a retreat.” Miss Harrington turned with him and pretended to admire the potted palm trees and exotic flowers that decorated the ballroom. “It must be wonderful to see such things in their natural state.”

“While your clothes stick to you, your skin is attacked and bitten by a million insects and you fear the native population are going to kill you?”

“You have no imagination, Major.”

“That’s because I’ve actually experienced such places, and know that in reality you’d be running away screaming.”

“I would not.” She raised her chin. “Although the chances of me ever being able to prove that to you, or any other man are remote, as I’ll never be given the opportunity to travel.”

“Perhaps this mythical husband of yours had better be a world traveler. I believe Captain McNamara is looking for a new wife.”

“And he is over fifty years old.”

“I didn’t realize you were inclined to be so particular.”

“I suppose you assume I have no choice!”

“I—” He blinked at her. “I beg your pardon.”

“Accepted. Will you please take me back to my aunt?”

Taking her elbow he maneuvered her back into the circle around Anna and the Countess of Clavelly. Broughton looked up as his grandmother approached with Lady Bentley still in tow and groaned. He put down his almost full glass.

“Oh no, not again.”

“Lieutenant, can you try and draw Lady Bentley off while I deal with your grandmother?” Miss Harrington asked. “She does look rather overwrought.”

A tray with glasses of orgeat stood on the side table and she picked up two. Miss Harrington went up to the dowager who was visibly shaking with anger, her narrow lips thinned, and her cheeks a hectic red.

“My lady, please take some orgeat and sit down. You look rather warm.”

For a moment Robert tensed ready to intervene as the dowager’s black gaze fastened on Miss Harrington. Then she abruptly held out her hand and took the glass.

“Thank you.”

“I hope it chokes the old witch.”

Robert glanced across at Oliver Broughton who was glaring at his grandmother, his expression a mixture of embarrassment and contempt. With a muttered oath, Oliver turned on his heel and stalked away toward the card room.

“Good gracious!”

Robert switched his attention back to Miss Harrington who was now staring down in consternation at the skirt of her blue gown.

He removed the empty glass from her hand. “You’re supposed to drink it, Miss Harrington. Not throw it all over yourself, or were you aiming at the dowager countess?”

She held the wet fabric away from her. “Someone caught my elbow from behind. This was my favorite dress.”

“I’m sure it can be fixed.” Anxious to avoid another female expressing her emotions, Robert looked frantically around. “ Shall I find your aunt, or Mrs. Hathaway so that they can accompany you to the ladies retiring room?”

“I can do that myself, thank you, Major. Oh good Lord.” She glanced distractedly around the ballroom. “Now Miss Chingford is bearing down on us and Lieutenant Broughton has allowed Lady Bentley to escape him. They are both converging on the dowager and she really isn’t well. All that rage comes at a price.”

“That’s not your concern, Miss Harrington. Let Broughton handle his grandmother and take yourself off to the retiring room. I’ll stay here and tell you what happens. I even promise to intervene if it proves necessary.”

“Thank you, Major.” She gathered her skirts. “If you would be so kind as to tell my aunt where I’ve gone, I would be most obliged.”

She turned away just as the dowager stood up again to confront Lady Bentley and Miss Chingford who converged upon her.

“And what do you two want? Do you think I have time to listen to—”

With a strangled sound the dowager clutched at her throat and started to fight to breathe. Her face contorted and she fell forward, her cane clattering to the floor as she writhed and twitched like burning parchment and finally went still.

Around them the ball went on. Only those in the immediate vicinity seemed to realize that something was amiss. Robert went down on his knees and grasped the dowager’s thin wrist. He bent even closer to observe her chest and finally stared into her wide black eyes.

“What happened? What’s wrong?”

Miss Harrington knelt opposite him. Robert swallowed hard and raised his gaze to hers. He’d seen many die but not in such bizarre surroundings as a ballroom. It made the sight even more obscene.

“She’s dead.”

“She can’t be.”

“Fetch Broughton and his mother and see if we can find a physician.”

 

Praise for the Kurland St. Mary Mystery Series:

“Lloyd’s delightful debut…Readers will hope that death returns soon to Kurland St. Mary.” – Publishers Weekly (Starred Review)

“A skillfully crafted mystery that combines a wounded war hero, an inquisitive rector’s daughter and a quaint peaceful village with some sinister secrets…a compelling picture of a young woman trying to find the courage to stand up for herself.” – RT Book Reviews, 4.5 Stars, TOP PICK!

“A Regency Rear Window whose chair-bound hero and the woman who civilizes him generate sparks worthy of Darcy and Elizabeth. – Kirkus Reviews

Buy Death Comes To London:

Amazon (Kindle)

Amazon (Paperback)

Barnes & Noble

Book Depository

Books-A-Million

iTunes

IndieBound

About Catherine Lloyd:

03_Catherine Llyod Author

Catherine Lloyd grew up in London, England in the middle of a large family of girls. She quickly decided her imagination was a wonderful thing and was often in trouble for making stuff up. She finally worked out she could make a career out of this when she moved to the USA with her husband and four children and began writing fiction.

With a background in historical research and a love of old-fashioned mysteries, she couldn’t resist the opportunity to wonder what a young Regency Miss Marple might be like, and how she would deal with a far from pleasant hero of the Napoleonic wars.

For more information please visit Catherine Lloyd’s website. You can also find her on Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads.

This giveaway is for one print copy, open to the U.S. only and ends on December 11, 2014.  Please us Rafflecopter to enter.

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Death Comes to London Blog Tour Schedule:

Monday, November 24

Review & Giveaway at Girl Lost in a Book

Tuesday, November 25

Spotlight at What Is That Book About

Wednesday, November 26

Spotlight & Giveaway at Teddy Rose Book Reviews Plus More

Thursday, November 27

Guest Post at Jorie Loves a Story

Guest Post at Boom Baby Reviews

Friday, November 28

Spotlight & Excerpt at Austenprose

Saturday, November 29

Spotlight at Svetlana’s Reads and Views

Monday, December 1

Review at Book Nerd

Review at Jorie Loves a Story

Guest Post at Madame Gilflurt

Tuesday, December 2

Review & Giveaway at Mina’s Bookshelf

Wednesday, December 3

Review at Editing Pen

Review at With Her Nose Stuck in a Book

Spotlight & Giveaway at Historical Fiction Connection

Thursday, December 4

Review & Guest Post at Latte’ Da!

Friday, December 5

Review at Becky on Books

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