Friday, July 31, 2015

Month In Review ~ July 2015


Hey, Everyone! It's time to look back to see what my July looked like! Month in Review is a monthly meme hosted by Kathryn @ Book Date

Books Read:



Independent Study by Joelle Charbonneau
Mr. Darcy's Rival by Kara Louise
A Matter of Chance by L.L. Diamond
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
Suddenly Mrs. Darcy by Jenetta James ~ Reread







Reviews:

Alive by Scott Sigler

Suddenly Mrs. Darcy by Jenetta James







Newly Purchased Books:

For Darkness Shows the Stars by Diana Peterfreund







Newly Purchased E-Book with Audible:

Paper Towns by John Green







Books Received for Review:

No new books for review.


Paper Craft Projects:


I'm been working on some scrapbooking pages and making some cards.



That's about it! How was your month? 

Wednesday, July 29, 2015

What are you Reading? ~ July 29, 2015


What are you Reading? is my weekly Wednesday meme! You are welcome to join me, just answer the following questions:



  • What are you currently reading?
  • What did you recently finish reading?
  • What do you plan on reading next?

What am I currently reading? I'm going to start The One That I Want (Mirabelle Harbor, Book 2) by Marilyn Brant. I usually love Marilyn's work, so I'm looking forward to reading this! 








What did I recently finish reading? I stayed up late into the night finishing Outlander by Diana Gabaldon. I really enjoyed most of the book, but the ending...  It left me terribly upset, and, needless to say, I had trouble sleeping the rest of the night.  I'm not sure if I will read the rest of the series. I swore I wouldn't, but I am curious about the rest. 



What do I plan on reading next? I'm not sure... I'll let you know next week. I'm pretty drained now. 


FTC Disclaimer: Links to Amazon. I am an Amazon Associate. Should you purchase a copy of the book through the link provided, I will receive a small commission. Thanks!

June & July Giveaway Winners!!



Whoa! This summer is going by so fast! I've been very busy traveling, reading and crafting that I've barely kept up with posting all the blog tours and my memes that I've had no time to post giveaway winners! 

FTC Disclaimer: Links to Amazon. I am an Amazon Associate. Should you purchase a copy of the book through the link provided, I will receive a small commission. Thanks! 

Winners were picked either by Rafflecopter or by random draw. 

Without further ado...may I present the winners! 




The winners of Forever Yours by Robin M. Helm

TaNeshia J ~ paperback

Dung ~ e-copy






~~~~~~


The winners of Mistaking Her Character by Maria Grace

Vesper ~ e-copy

TaNeshia J ~ e-copy






~~~~~~



The winners of Mr. Darcy's Rival by Kara Louise

L Fujinaga ~ paperback

Maria ~ e-copy






~~~~~~


The winner of A Will of Iron by Linda Beutler


Chiara L ~ paperback







~~~~~~



The winner of Inspired by Grace by Jeanna Ellsworth


Shannon Z ~ paperback 








All of the winners have been notified and have accepted their prize. 



Congratulations, Everyone!

Thanks to all who entered! I love to read your comments!

Many thanks to the authors and to Meryton Press

Tuesday, July 28, 2015

Miss Georgiana Darcy of Pemberley Blog Tour + GIVEAWAY

Hey, Everyone! I'm thrilled to be part of the Miss Georgiana Darcy of Pemberley Virtual Blog Tour! On this stop of the tour, you'll read a delightful interview, and you'll have a chance to enter a wonderful giveaway! Details about the giveaway are located at the bottom of this post. 

So without further ado...



Thank you, Candy, for inviting me here today to share a little bit about my new book: Miss Georgiana Darcy of Pemberley. I thought it would be fun to let Georgiana speak for herself, though, via this recent interview!


After his inauspicious beginning as a clergyman, William Collins has successfully reinvented himself as a talk show host – a profession to which he is much better suited. His specialty is interviewing literary figures of some renown, and today he congratulates himself on having secured an exclusive with Miss Georgiana Darcy of Pride and Prejudice fame.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Collins: Welcome, Miss Darcy. I appreciate your agreeing to speak with me today, especially since I know you almost never grant interviews.

Miss Darcy: That is true, Mr. Collins. Although I have come a long way since the crippling shyness of my youth, I still generally prefer to avoid the spotlight. I was willing to make an exception in this case, however. After all, you and I share a common history.

Collins: Very true. And as for this little visit, just think of it as two old friends having a chat over a cup of tea. Give me your full attention and I daresay you will barely notice the lights, cameras, microphones, etc.

Miss Darcy: I will bear your advice in mind, Mr. Collins. The important thing is that I be allowed to set the record straight about this new book, Miss Georgiana Darcy of Pemberley.

Collins: Of course. Rumors have been circulating. Some sort of conflict between you and the author they say.

Miss Darcy: I have heard these rumors too, unsubstantiated tales of how I supposedly badgered and bullied Ms. Winslow into writing the book to flatter my vanity or some such nonsense.

Collins: No truth in the idea, then?

Miss Darcy: Certainly not! In fact, the situation was quite the reverse. Ms. Winslow told me it was her own conscience that demanded she write the story. I am sure she will bear me out on this if you asked her.

Collins: Her conscience? How so?

Miss Darcy: As she explained it to me, she had been feeling for a long while like she hadn’t given me and my courtship story ‘enough space on the page’ in The Darcys of Pemberley. I believe those were her exact words.

Collins: Ah, now we’re on to something. What about that, Miss Darcy? You can tell me. You were secretly dissatisfied with the first book, weren’t you?

Miss Darcy: Good heavens, no! I liked TDOP very well indeed! (That’s often how we in the business refer to it, you know: TDOP.) And my supporting role in the book suited me exactly at the time. I was given the honor of inclusion without anybody prying too much into my personal thoughts and actions. But I am older now, and more confident. So I was perfectly willing to take a more prominent part this time when Ms. Winslow suggested it. 

Collins: Well, then, if you say your relationship with Ms. Winslow is on amicable terms, I suppose I must believe you. So, even if this new book was not your idea, I understand you did have a tremendous amount of input – hours and hours of detailed conversation with the author, I am told.

Miss Darcy: That is correct. How else would she have known what really happened? With the earlier book, she was so focused on my brother and Elizabeth that she had no opportunity to delve very deeply into my side of the story, specifically what was going forward in my world when I was “off camera,” so to speak.

Collins: It sounds as if the process of setting down your full story was as much a revelation to Ms. Winslow as it will be to her readers. 

Miss Darcy: I believe that is the case. Of course the same was true for me when I read The Darcys of Pemberley. That was the first time I really understood what I had missed whilst I was away in London and what had been said behind closed doors those times I was not present. It is only when the two books – TDOP and now MGDOP – are put together that one has the complete story, a more well-rounded picture.

Collins: Innovative concept. Now, I regret to say that we are almost out of time, Miss Darcy. Am I correct in calling you ‘Miss Darcy,’ by the way? You are a married lady, of course. After all, your courtship story, which is the primary topic of the book we have been discussing, concluded with a wedding, according to my briefing, but only after a well-fought campaign between your worthy suitors. And may I say that I was not surprised at hearing of your having had as many as three men in love with you at once.

Miss Darcy: You flatter me, sir. You may not be surprised, but I was – surprised and amazed! They are all very fine gentlemen too, in their own ways, and I hated to disappoint any one of them. I can tell you it made for many shed tears and sleepless nights before things happily sorted themselves out for the best. To answer your question, though, I continue to use my maiden name for professional purposes. It saves confusion and prevents spoiling the ending for those who have not yet read the story.

Collins: Of course. So it is “happily ever after” again for you, I suppose. But what I want to know is if I fare any better in this book than the last. I don’t mind telling you I was shocked to discover four years ago how quickly, and by what undignified means, Ms. Winslow saw fit to dispose of my character in The Darcys of Pemberley. And I admit that I haven’t yet had time to read this new release. It is a variation, so presumably there are differences. Perhaps the author had second thoughts and has now corrected her previous error. Yes?

Miss Darcy: Oh, dear. I’m sorry to disappoint you, Mr. Collins, but that simply is not the case. Although Miss Georgiana Darcy of Pemberley is written from an entirely different point of view and encompasses mostly new material, the basic facts have not changed. The two books must agree in the end.

Collins: I see. Well, I cannot say that I much admire that unfortunate aspect of the project, but perhaps there are other redeeming values making the book worth reading. In any case, Miss Darcy, I must thank you for being my guest today and wish you continued success in all your future endeavors.

Miss Darcy: How kind of you to say so, Mr. Collins. It has been my pleasure, I assure you.




Book Blurb 

What’s Georgiana Darcy’s story? Jane Austen tells us so little in Pride and Prejudice that we’re left to wonder. How did the early loss of her parents shape Miss Darcy’s character? And what about her near-disastrous affair with Mr. Wickham? Is that the true source of her shyness? She adores her brother and his new wife Elizabeth, but will their guiding influence be enough to steer Georgiana clear of new trouble as she comes of age and falls in love again? 

This work is intended as a companion of sorts to The Darcys of Pemberley (sequel to Pride and Prejudice), with the timelines of the two running parallel. Both novels are unique and complete in themselves, but together they supply a richer reading experience than either one alone. The earlier book focused primarily on Darcy and Elizabeth’s relationship during their early married life. There was a third Darcy represented in the title, however. Now she and her courtship story take center stage in Miss Georgiana Darcy of Pemberley.


Buy: Amazon
Add to goodreads 

FTC Disclaimer: Link to Amazon. I am an Amazon Associate. Should you purchase a copy of the book through the link provide, I will receive a small commission. Thanks! 


Meet the Author

Shannon Winslow specializes in writing fiction for the fans of Jane Austen. Her popular debut novel, The Darcys of Pemberley, immediately established her place in the genre, being particularly praised for authentic Austenesque style and faithfulness to the original characters. Since that bright beginning, the author has followed with two more Pride and Prejudice sequels (Return to Longbourn and Miss Georgiana Darcy of Pemberley), a stand-alone Austen-style story (For Myself Alone), and a novel starring Jane Austen herself (The Persuasion of Miss Jane Austen). With no shortage of inspiration, Winslow promises more romance and happy endings to come.


Her two sons now grown, Shannon Winslow lives with her husband in the log home they built in the countryside south of Seattle, where she writes and paints in her studio facing Mt. Rainier.

Connect with Shannon Winslow



For more stops on this Blog Tour, you can click here!


* * * GIVEAWAY * * *

It's giveaway time! Shannon is very generously giving away ONE signed paperback (U.S. only) and TWO e-copies (Internationally) of
Miss Georgiana Darcy of Pemberley
To enter, fill out the Rafflecopter below and leave a comment.

Thank you, Shannon!!

  • One person will win a signed paperback of MGDOP (U.S. only)
  • One person will win an e-copy of MGDOP (open Internationally)
  • A second person will win an e-copy of MGDOP (open Internationally)
  • Last day to enter: August 4, 2015, midnight PDT


a Rafflecopter giveaway


Many thanks to Shannon Winslow for being a guest on So little time...! It was a pleasure to have her here, and I so enjoyed her interview with Mr. Collins and Georgiana! 

Remember, to enter the giveaway you MUST fill out the Rafflecopter (shown above), and leave a comment. If you need help entering, email me by clicking on the email icon at the top of the sidebar. Thanks and good luck!

Wednesday, July 22, 2015

What are you Reading? ~ July 22, 2015


What are you Reading? is my weekly Wednesday meme! You are welcome to join me, just answer the following questions:


  • What are you currently reading?
  • What did you recently finish reading?
  • What do you plan on reading next?



What am I currently reading? I'm currently reading Outlander by Diana Gabaldon. I'm taking part in the #OutlandishReadAThon over on Instagram, hosted by @kellik115 and @reflectionsofareader. It just started on Monday so it's not too late to join the fun!






What did I recently finish reading? I finished  Mr. Darcy's Rival by Kara Louise. I loved it!! I should have my review posted soon! 








What do I plan on reading next? Next, I hope to read The One That I Want (Mirabelle Harbor, Book 2) by Marilyn Brant. I'm looking forward to this!







FTC Disclaimer: Links to Amazon. I am an Amazon Associate. Should you purchase a copy of the book through the link provided I will receive a small commission. Thanks!


What are you reading?  I'd love to hear!

Tuesday, July 21, 2015

Ross Poldark Blog Tour

Hey, Everyone!! I'm so excited to be part of the Ross Poldark Blog Tour!! My stop on the tour brings to you an excerpt from second book in the Poldark Saga, Demelza. 



If Jane Austen met Charlotte Bronte and they drank too much port, the Poldark Saga would be their literary love child.” — Poldarkian.com  

Captain Ross Poldark rides again in the new Sourcebooks Landmark tie-in editions of Ross Poldark and Demelza, the first two novels in the acclaimed Poldark Saga by Winston Graham, adapted into the inaugural season of the new Masterpiece Classic PBS’s series Poldark, airing June 21 – August 2 on PBS.

In celebration, July 6th through August 3rd, The Ross Poldark Blog Tour will visit thirty popular book blogs specializing in historical, romance and Austenesque fiction. Featuring spotlights, previews, excerpts and book reviews of these two acclaimed historical fiction novels, the tour will also offer readers a chance at a fabulous giveaway contest including copies of the books and a stunning Anglophile-themed prize package.


BOOK DESCRIPTION: 

In the enchanting second novel in Winston Graham’s beloved Poldark series, Demelza Carne, an impoverished miner’s daughter Ross Poldark rescued from a fairground brawl, now happily finds herself his wife. But the events of these turbulent years test their marriage and their love. As Ross launches into a bitter struggle for the right of the mining communities, Demelza’s efforts to adapt to the ways of the gentry (and her husband) place her in increasingly odd and embarrassing situations. When tragedy strikes and sows the seeds of an enduring rivalry between Ross and the powerful George Warleggan, will Demelza manage to bridge their differences before they destroy her and her husband’s chance at happiness? Against the stunning backdrop of eighteenth century Cornwall, Demelza sweeps readers into one of the greatest love stories of all time. 

ISBN 9781936009442


Demelza ~ Excerpt From Chapter 4

Ross looked up, a not very welcoming expression in his eyes. It was a man named Blewett, manager and part shareholder in Wheal Maid, one of the copper mines of the Idless Valley.

“No. I have no time to spare except for business visits.”

“May I sit with you? The wool merchants in the parlor have no interest for me. Thank you. I see the price of copper has fallen again.”

“So I have just learned.”

“It must stop soon or we shall all be in bankruptcy.”

“No one deplores that more than I,” said Ross, reluctantly finding common cause with the man whom he disliked only for breaking into his private thoughts.

“One hopes for almost anything to stop the downward trend,” Blewett said, setting down his glass and moving restlessly. “We have lost eight hundred pounds in trading this year. It is a big sum for people like ourselves.”

Ross glanced up again. He saw that Blewett was really worried; there were dark pouches under his eyes, and his mouth sagged. Before him—and not far away—was the debtors’ prison and starvation for his family. It was that which had made him risk the rebuff of a man who had a reputation for being unapproachable. Perhaps he had just come from a meeting with his fellow venturers and felt he must talk or suffocate.

“I don’t think conditions can remain long as they are,” Ross said. “There is an increasing use of copper in engines of all kinds. As the towns use more the price will recover.”

“On a long view you may be right, but unhappily we are all committed to a short-term payment of loan interest. We have to sell the ore addle cheap to exist at all. If the copper and smelting companies were honestly run we might eke out this bad period. But what chance have we today?”

“I don’t think it can be to the interest of the smelters to keep the prices down,” Ross said.

“Not the market price, no, sir, but the price they pay us. It’s all a ring, Captain Poldark, and we know it,” Blewett said. “What chance have we of getting fair returns where the companies do not bid one against another!”

Ross nodded and stared at the people moving in and out of the inn. A blind man was feeling his way toward the bar.

“There are two ways to combat the evil.”

Blewett grasped at the implication of hope. “What do you suggest?”

“I’d suggest what is not possible. The copper companies never hurt themselves by competitive bidding. Well, if the mines were in similar unity they could withhold supplies until the copper companies were prepared to pay more. After all, they cannot live without us; we are the producers.”

“Yes, yes. I see what you mean. Go on.”

At that moment a man passed the low window of the inn and turned in at the door. Ross’s thoughts were on what he had been saying, and for some moments the familiar stocky figure and slightly wide-legged walk made no mark in his mind. Then he was jerked into attention. The last time he had seen the man was years before, riding up the valley out of Nampara after his fight with Francis, while Verity stood and watched him go.

Ross lowered his head and stared at the table.

Between his eyes and the tabletop—as if he had been staring at the sun—was the visual image of what he had just seen. Fine blue coat, neat black cravat, lace at sleeves, stocky and rather impressive. The face was different, though—the lines deeper about the mouth, the mouth itself was tighter as if forever held in, and the eyes full of self-assertion.

He did not look either way but went straight through into one of the parlors. A fortunate escape.

“What we need, Captain Poldark, is a leader,” said Blewett eagerly. “A man of position who is upright and confident and can act for us all. A man, if I may say so, such as yourself.”

“Eh?” said Ross.

“I trust you will pardon the suggestion. But in the mining world it is everyone for himself and Devil take your neighbor. We need a leader who can bind men together and help them to fight as a body. Competition is very well when the industry is booming, but we cannot afford it at times like these. The copper companies are rapacious—there is no other word. Look at the waste allowance they demand. If we could get a leader, Captain Poldark…”

Ross listened with fitful attention.

“What is your other suggestion?” Blewett asked.

“My suggestion?”

“You said there were two ways of combating the evil of our present conditions…”

“The other solution would be for the mines to form a copper company of their own—one that would purchase the ore, build a smelting works close at hand, and refine and sell their own products.”

Blewett tapped his fingers nervously on the table.

“You mean—to—to…”

“To create a company that would bid independently and keep its profits for the men who run the mines. At present what profits there are go to South Wales or into the hands of merchants like the Warleggans, who have a finger in every pie.”

Blewett shook his head. “It would take a large amount of capital. I wish it had been possible—”

“Not more capital than there was, than perhaps there is, but far more unity of purpose.”

“It would be a splendid thing to do,” said Blewett. “Captain Poldark, you have, if I may say so, the character to lead and to create unity. The companies would fight to squeeze the newcomer out, but it—it would be a hope and an encouragement for many who see nothing but ruin staring them in the face.”

Desperation had given Harry Blewett a touch of eloquence. Ross listened half in scepticism, half seriously. His own suggestions had become more clearly defined as he made them. But he certainly did not see himself in the role of leader of the Cornish mining interests. Knowing his men, their independence, their obstinate resistance to all new ideas, he could see what a tremendous effort would be needed to get anything started at all.

They sipped brandy over it for some time, Blewett seeming to find some comfort in the idle talk. His fears were the less for having been aired. Ross listened with an ear and an eye for Andrew Blamey.

It was nearly time to leave, Demelza, sorely stricken, having been persuaded overnight to go on with her second party. Blewett brought another man to the table. William Aukett, manager of a mine in the Ponsanooth valley. Eagerly Blewett explained the idea to him. Aukett, a canny man with a cast in one eye, said there was no question it might save the industry—but where was the capital coming from except through the banks, which were tied up with the copper companies?

Ross, driven a little to defend his own idea, said well, there were influential people outside the copper companies. But of course that was no seeking venture that could be floated for five or six hundred. Thirty thousand pounds might be nearer the figure before it was ended, with huge profits or a complete loss as the outcome. One had to see it on the right scale before one could begin to see it at all.

Those comments, far from depressing Blewett, seemed to increase his eagerness, but just as he had taken out a sheet of soiled paper and was going to call for pen and ink, a crash shook the pewter on the walls of the room and stilled the murmur of voices throughout the inn.

Out of the silence came the sound of someone scrambling on the floor in the next parlor. There was a scurry of feet and the flash of a red waistcoat as the innkeeper went quickly into the room.

“This is no place for brawling, sir. There’s always trouble when you come in. I’ll have no more of it. I’ll…I’ll…”

The voice gave out. Another’s took its place: Andrew Blamey’s, in anger.

He came out, plowing his way through those who had crowded to the door. He was not drunk. Ross wondered if drink ever had been his real trouble. Blamey knew a stronger master: his own temper.


AUTHOR BIO:

Winston Graham (1908-2003) is the author of forty novels. His books have been widely translated and the Poldark series has been developed into two television series, shown in 22 countries. Six of Winston Graham's books have been filmed for the big screen, the most notable being Marnie, directed by Alfred Hitchcock. Winston Graham is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature and in 1983 was awarded the O.B.E.



THE ROSS POLDARK BLOG TOUR SCHEDULE:

July 06 My Jane Austen Book Club (Preview)
July 07 Booktalk & More (Excerpt)
July 09 vvb32 Reads (Preview)
July 10 The Paige Turner (Review)
July 10 My Kids Led Me Back To P & P (Excerpt)
July 11 Austenprose (Review)
July 12 Laura's Reviews (Preview)
July 13 Peeking Between the Pages (Review)
July 13 Reflections of a Book Addict (Preview)
July 14 Living Read Girl (Review)
July 16 vvb32 Reads (Review)
July 17 Paige Turner (Review)
July 18 Truth, Beauty, Freedom & Books (Preview)
July 20 Laura's Reviews (Review)
July 20 The Calico Critic (Review)
July 21 Poof Books (Excerpt)
July 22 Babblings of a Bookworm (Review)
July 23 Austenprose (Review)
July 24 Peeking Between the Pages (Review)
July 25 My Love for Jane Austen (Excerpt) 
July 25 Living Read Girl (Review)
July 26 Delighted Reader (Review)
July 27 My Jane Austen Book Club (Review)
July 27 Austenesque Reviews (Review)
July 27 Laura's Reviews (Review)
July 28 She Is Too Fond Of Books (Review)
July 30 vvb32 Reads (Review)
July 30 Babblings of a Bookworm (Review)
July 31 CozyNookBks (Excerpt)
Aug 01 The Calico Critic (Review)
Aug 01 More Agreeably Engaged (Review)


Grand Giveaway Contest

Win One of Three Fabulous Prizes

In celebration of the re-release of Ross Poldark and Demelza, Sourcebooks Landmark is offering three chances to win copies of the books or a grand prize, an Anglophile-themed gift package. 

Two lucky winners will each receive one trade paperback copy of Ross Poldark and Demelza, and one grand prize winner will receive a prize package containing the following items: 

(2 ) Old Britain Castles Pink Pottery Mugs by Johnson Brothers
(1) Twelve-inch Old Britain Castles Pink Pottery Plater by Johnson Brothers
Updated picture of grand prize.
(1) London Telephone Box Tin of Ahmad English Breakfast Tea 
(1) Jar of Mrs. Bridges Marmalade
(1) Package of Duchy Originals Organic Oaten Biscuits
(2) Packets of Blue Boy Cornflower Seeds by Renee's Garden Heirloom (1) Trade Paperback Copy of Ross Poldark & Demelza, by Winston Graham

 Good news! PBS has contributed to the prize package by adding a Season 1 DVD of Poldark!!


To enter the giveaway contest simply leave a comment on any or all of the blog stops on the Ross Poldark Blog Tour starting July 06, 2015 through 11:59 pm PT, August 10, 2015. Winners will be drawn at random from all of the entrants and announced on the Buzz at Sourcebooks blog on August 13, 2015. Winners have until August 20, 2015 to claim their prize. The giveaway contest is open to US residents and the prizes will be shipped to US addresses. Good luck to all!

SOURCEBOOKS WEBSITES & SOCIAL MEDIA


TWITTER HASHTAGS

#PoldarkBlogTour • #Sourcebooks • #PoldarkPBS • #HistoricalFicton • #PoldarkBooks • #Giveaway • #Reading.

Awesome, right?! So, to enter the giveaway leave a comment below, and for more chances to win make sure to leave a comment at the other stops on the tour! 

Many thanks to Laural Ann Nattress from Austenprose for organizing this blog tour!  
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