BLOG TOUR: The Lost Queen by Signe Pike

Published by Touchstone Books an imprint of Simon & Schuster and Simon & Schuster Canada

The Lost Queen is the first novel of a debut trilogy by Signe Pike. A blend of history and fantasy that is built around twins Languoreth and Lailoken with Scotland in the sixth century as a backdrop. Each has a destiny to fulfill. Languoreth is to follow the paths of most princesses in that she is to enter into a marriage based not on love, but on a strategic and political choice that would strengthen alliances.

Both Lail and Languoreth are gifted when it comes to knowing the Wisdom Keeper path but only Lail has the freedom to walk along it. Languoreth struggles to find a way to help her family and follow her dreams. Can she find a way to have it all?

Where do I start with this novel? There is so much to love. As someone born and raised in England who is passionate about the history including the legends of Camelot, King Arthur, and of course Merlin (who is thought to have been inspired by Lail). The book drew me rapidly into the story and the characters are brilliantly crafted and easy to bond with. It was easy to fall in love with one character above all the rest and that's the Lost Queen herself. Languoreth is bold, fearless, and incredibly strong. She has such determination and is a fabulous heroine.

What made this book for me was the obvious level of research. Additionally, while dealing with legends and history around this era, the author brings it to us as a bold and wonderfully original tale. It's part history, part fantasy but fully entertaining and fantastic. This book needs to be on your bookshelf. The only downside? I have to wait for book two to continue this adventure. It's one of my favourite reads in 2018.

Author's website: www.signepike.com

GIVEAWAY (Canada only)

Do you want your very own copy?

Simon & Schuster Canada are providing a copy of this novel to one lucky winner. All you have to do is leave a comment with the name of Signe Pike's first novel. The answer can be found on the author's website.

I loved being part of this blog tour. Do check out the other participants for excerpts, Q&As, and author written pieces. I'll add clickable links to each stop this evening.

Children of the Jacaranda Tree by Sahar Delijani

Published by Atria Books an imprint of Simon & Schuster and Simon & Schuster Canada

Neda, Omid, and Sheida are the Children of the Jacaranda Tree. Iran's Evin Prison is where Neda spends her first few months of life with her mother and other women who share in the caring of her before she is whisked away to who knows where. Two parents are taken from their home, leaving their six year old child Omid behind, alone amidst the chaos and disorder that is left behind after their home is searched. Family secrets and tragedies are often left unmentioned due to the devastation a death can bring and especially when the deceased was murdered.

Set in post-revolutionary Iran, Children of the Jacaranda Tree paints a devastating, heartbreaking, yet hopeful picture of how three generations - beginning with the generation above - can overcome their tragic pasts, and try to heal.

This novel is a breathtaking debut that is based on the experiences of the author Sahar Delijani and her family. I have a fondness for books that are based upon real-life events but I was already in love with the story, having read it completely before learning that fact. The author is already one of my favourites.

I loved that the book grabbed me from the very first page, and held my attention throughout the experience. I couldn't put this book down and while I did get this as an ARC (Advance Reader's Copy) I'll be getting a finished copy as I know this title is one I will reread many times. For me a huge part of the appeal is that the author paints a picture of these events that is candid and uncensored. It was difficult to read at times as the characters had gained a place in my heart within just a few pages and I couldn't help but empathize.

If I had to pinpoint one thing I loved the most about this book, it would be that I have nothing but admiration for the people who have experienced (and who still do in many cases) such a turbulent and devastating period in history and yet take the time to also help others. Those types of characters are what made this a wonderfully inspirational novel that, in spite of the terrible acts committed by some, still manages to restore a reader's faith in humanity.

It also gave me an urge to learn more about the Middle East.  It's certainly one of my favourite reads of 2013 and I dearly hope that Sahar Delijani writes more. She captures the unexpected beauty in such a dark time with absolute perfection.

Author's website: http://www.sahardelijani.com/en/

Reading it as a book club choice? Check out this great reading group guide.

Changeling by Philippa Gregory

Published by Simon Pulse an imprint of Simon & Schuster and Simon & Schuster Canada

The Year is 1453 and for 17 year olds, Luca and Isolde, great changes are ahead.

Luca, finds himself accused of heresy and expelled from his monastery and the only real life he has known since age 11. It isn't long before he finds himself in the company of a stranger who bestows upon him, the arduous task of recording the end of times across Europe. His experiences are often challenging, but life is never dull in the company of his longtime friend Freize, and a clerk known as Brother Peter.

Isolde has led a somewhat sheltered life in her father's castle, learning all that he would wish her to learn, often in the company of her long time friend/servant Ishraq. When her father passes, without her being permitted to see him, she can only stand by helplessly as her future is made clear and she is faced with a decision that can never bring happiness. Rather, it's simply deciding which is the lesser of two evils.

What follows is a wonderfully orchestrated blend of murder, mystery, and intrigue. I've read Philippa Gregory novels before (The Cousins' War series) and had found them to be enjoyable. When this book arrived with me, I couldn't wait to get started. I think this title is one of those that people are either going to love, or hate. I've had people remark that they found this book to hold more questions than answers, and I honestly find that to be true with the first installment (or two) in any series of books.

Personally, I enjoyed this book immensely. The storyline, while at times a touch transparent, was well crafted and I am very fond of the way the characters are introduced to us, the readers. It's done with great subtlety and I really hadn't noticed how attached I had become to the characters, until I neared the end of the book.

While the characters are all developed pretty decently, my favourite is definitely Freize, closely followed by Ishraq. Freize is such a lovable, comical rogue, and I find Ishraq to be both wise, and highly skilled in such a vast range of subjects. I'm really looking forward to being reunited with them both in the next installment of this Order of Darkness series.

I could delve deeper into the characters but I think you'd have greater enjoyment learning more about them at the Order of Darkness website. There, Philippa Gregory speaks about each of the main characters in depth as well as providing a wealth of associated resources. I think the attention to detail that shines through in novels from this author, is what makes her work such a joy to read.

I loved this book and can't wait for book two!

Author's website: http://www.philippagregory.com/

My Princess Boy by Cheryl Kilodavis. Illustrated by Suzanne DeSimone

Published by Aladdin an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing Division and Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing Division Canada

What would you do if your child was different? Dyson Kilodavis is a 5 year old boy who has an amazing passion for dresses and all things pink and sparkly. Dyson's mom, Cheryl did what most of us would do in this situation and tried to redirect Dyson's attentions towards interests that were more socially acceptable for a male. That was, until the day that Dyson's older brother asked their mum a question. 'Why can't you just let him be happy mum?'

Dyson continued with his different style and tastes, but this time with his whole family behind him. At times when they were challenged or questioned about this, they tried to encourage acceptance but it hasn't always been easy. In many online interviews, Dyson and Cheryl can be seen discussing the issues they faced, even simple shopping trips made unpleasant due to hurtful comments by staff. To that end, Cheryl Kilodavis created 'My Princess Boy' as an aid in teaching acceptance, compassion, and the celebration of the uniqueness in each of us.

I just adored this story as soon as I heard of it. Who wouldn't? I just had to get my hands on a copy of the book and what a book this is. Within it's few pages it carries a massively impacting message about accepting the differences within the people around us. The author shares a little about each of the members of the Kilodavis family and how they interact with Dyson. She also shares a couple of negative experiences that have been experienced while out shopping, and trick-or-treating and the impact upon both mother and son.

The illustrations have a carefree and whimsical design that captures the beauty in the story of how one little boy, with the love and support of his family, and school, can grow up to be whoever he wants to be!

The world needs more books like this. In a time where so many stories are landing in the headlines about childhood bullying and the climbing rate of suicide among teens, books such as My Princess Boy can only have a positive effect as we try to spread the message that everyone, whatever their differences, should be accepted for the unique person they are. I can't express enough how much I really want to see this book succeed. It should be mandatory in all school libraries and I'd love to see a copy in every home. Such a simple yet beautiful message that needs to be shared.

More info about the book, as well as interviews featuring the Kilodavis family and the Princess Boy himself, can be found at the Author's website - http://www.myprincessboy.com/index.asp

Bird Cloud by Annie Proulx

Published by Scribner an imprint of Simon & Schuster and Simon & Schuster Canada

Annie Proulx purchased 640 acres of Wyoming wetlands, prairie, and four-hundred foot cliffs dropping down to the North Platte River. This site that she later named 'Bird Cloud' was to become the place where she would build the home of her dreams. Bird Cloud - the book - follows the construction from the design, through to completion while simultaneously allowing the reader to learn about the local nature and the history of the region. Only through the unique writing style of Annie Proulx could such subjects really come to life and spring off the page.

I hadn't known what to expect from this book. I am a fan of Annie Proulx (Brokeback Mountain, The Shipping News) so I was eager to delve between the pages. I had also known that this is her first non-fiction book in over twenty years so it would vary from anything else of hers I had read. It didn't take me long to realize that I was enthralled with this book and the author's experiences.

It's impossible to define this book, but I will try my best. It's a wonderful mix of architectural design, construction, nature, conservation, and history, all woven together with the magical writing style that Proulx is known for. It's too easy to venture between the pages and lose yourself in the vivid and gorgeous descriptions. The author captures all aspects of nature, including the most brutal, and I couldn't help but feel envious of this woman, so close to nature and able to observe it at leisure. I have to admit, I wasn't so envious when it came to the construction of the house though, and when we retire, my husband and I shall definitely be purchasing a house that is built already.

Most fascinating for me, was the history of the region. Reading Bird Cloud brings the past to life and left me with a longing to know more. You know a book is a great read when you find yourself slowing down, not wanting the book to end. That's exactly how it was with this read, for me. I could have read hundreds more pages without feeling satisfied.

I think, personally, this is one of those books that the reader will either love, or hate. Me? I adored it. I found it to be such an intimate insight into the author's life as well as her dreams, and inspirations. I loved this book a great deal, especially getting to know the other people who joined Annie Proulx on this journey, and the descriptions of the archaeological digs that took place on the land.

Try it. You just might like it!

Half Broke Horses by Jeannette Walls

Published by Scribner an imprint of Simon & Schuster and Simon & Schuster Canada

Half Broke Horses is the true-life story of Lily Casey Smith, grandmother of Jeannette Walls. It's a compelling story in which we follow this amazingly strong and resourceful woman through her challenging life. At the age of 6, we find Lily helping her father to break horses in. At age 15 she is working independently at a teaching job that she loves, enduring a 500 mile solitary and dangerous journey to get there. A little later we find her the mother of two children, one of which is familiar to some Jeannette Walls fans, as the memorable mother, Rosemary Smith-Walls from the book The Glass Castle. Constantly, Lily finds her life to be a struggle as she survives tornadoes, personal heartbreak, the Great Depression and much more, all of which makes Half Broke Horses one of those books that you will find it hard to put down.

I have to admit, I read The Glass Castle a while ago and find myself struggling to remember any of the content (I shall definitely be revisiting that book in the near future) but I did remember that I greatly enjoyed it. As such I was looking forward to checking out Half Broke Horses and I knew from learning about the book online, that I needn't have read, or remembered The Glass Castle to enjoy this title.

Half Broke Horses is an addictive read. I had serious problems putting this book down for any length of time and as such, I finished it in just a day. I couldn't help but devour this title and the writing style of Jeannette Walls brings the characters and background to life in a truly memorable and beautiful way. I found myself to filled with envy as Lily spoke of the lands she worked, lands so dry and desolate but turned into a private oasis with hand-crafted lakes such as Big Jim. The beauty of these lands only scarred momentarily by tornadoes, floods, and droughts as we witness Lily and her family do everything they must in order to survive everything Mother Nature has in store for them.

I found myself longing for these open spaces, and for such a closeness with nature. I also found myself really admiring the family atmosphere on the ranches as the owners and staff alike worked so hard to make it thrive.

A heartwarming read that I know I shall visit again!

America's Report Card by John McNally

Published by Free Press - An Imprint of Simon & Schuster

Meet Janie. Janie was a pretty normal student with good grades and a great attitude. Now she finds herself sporting green and purple hair, skipping school and trying not to think about why her brother spends so much time hiding in the attic. She also has to deal with the suicide of one of her favourite teachers, a teacher who left her a mysterious letter.

Charlie and Petra are in love. Petra is Russian and simply oozes sex appeal. Charlie is average. Both decide to get a job with the National Testing Centre to tide them over the summer. They can’t help but wonder why their co-workers include homeless people and drunks. One day while marking essays, Charlie discovers an essay written by a young girl who claims that her teacher was killed and the people responsible are now in pursuit of her. Charlie doesn't know quite what to make of it but since Petra seems to have vanished and nothing else is holding him back, he transfers so that he can investigate.

What follows next is an unforgettable adventure containing the main characters plus many other colourful additions such as a female hypnotist who is a nymphomaniac and an ex soldier who believes he is the next Son of God.

This book was an amusing read for me. I was chuckling to myself early in the book and I loved that the author has a great talent for weaving tales. I found myself constantly trying to fill in the blanks while the author seemed to tease by sprinkling hints throughout.

The characters are well written, memorable and easy to connect with. I don’t honestly think there was even one that I didn’t care about in some way. The plot is equally well done, thought provoking and energetic. I would love to see more teens reading this one but given some of the controversial content it’s not likely to happen. If you haven’t read this one yet, please do. I wish I hadn’t left it unread on my shelf for so long.

Author's website: http://www.bookofralph.com/

The Society of S by Susan Hubbard

Published by Simon & Schuster

In the Society of S, the author - Susan Hubbard - brings the reader a gripping and intriguing coming-of-age story. The main character, Ariella Montero is a twelve year old with much on her mind. She has been raised and home schooled by her father in Saratoga Springs, New York and as a result she has very little experience in the real world. The only other people she has regular contact with are her father's assistant Dennis, and the cook - Mrs. McG.

Ariella is a very bright girl and as she gets older, she realises that not all is what it seems to be in her family. She has so many questions about her mother but all anyone will tell her is that her mother disappeared soon after the birth. When Mrs. McG notices that Ariella seems to be struggling with something, she invites her to come home with her and meet her children, two of which are Michael and Kathleen. Ariella soon feels like she has found a second family and love is blossoming between Ari and Michael. Sadly, tragedy strikes in the form of murder and Ari finds herself with still more questions and the only way to get the answers she seeks, is to find her mother.

This book was actually pretty surprising. Mention vampire books and I can pretty well guarantee that you think of gothic backgrounds, older times, hypnotic scenes, neck biting, fang wearing people who don't come out until dark. Susan Hubbard totally ignores that vampire image and instead creates an updated version. Vampires who can be out in daylight and who have other options when it comes to feeding.

The characters are all well written. Ariella is especially wonderful, for me at least, as we get to see her develop so much when she leaves her sheltered life and bravely searches for answers that she knows may well end life as she knows it. The other characters are equally well written though I didn't get quite as attached to them, the way I did with Ariella. The writing is great, the story draws the reader in and regardless of how much information the author shares, she leaves the reader begging for more. The attention to detail was pleasing to me too. The author manages to share a wealth of detail without bogging the reader down with it.

I am definitely with the countless others who are waiting for a sequel. Great book, a must for any book lover.

Author's website: http://www.susanhubbard.com/

The Adultery Diet by Eva Cassady

Published by Pocket Books - A Division of Simon & Schuster, Inc

Eva Cassady has a good life or so she thought. When her twenty year old daughter moves to France for a year, Eva has more time to think and the conclusions aren't good. Her marriage has become a dull, lifeless shell of what it once was, her career is going well but writing for a magazine was never her dream, and to top it all off, her weight is at an all time high.

The one good thing about her job, is that it has given her the opportunity to get back in touch with an old flame, Michael Foresman. Michael had wanted to be an architect and is living his dream. He has even created a dream home for himself in his spare time and Eva's boss wants an exclusive interview.

Eva bites the bullet and contacts Michael. Soon they are flirting back and forth in email, giving Eva a rush that she hasn't felt in a long time. She decides that before the interview with Michael, she needs to look perfect and so begins a diet and exercise regime that is fuelled by passion and longing. As the weight falls away, Eva feels so much happier in life and feels young, and desirable. When she finally meets Michael, she finds she has serious choices to make.

This book was a fantastic read. I couldn't put the book down as I was too desperate to find out what would happen next. There were more than a couple of surprises along the way, but what made this book a great read for me is the fact that even though this book is listed as fiction, it could quite easily be the true story of so many women. I also loved the humour with which it was written.

I loved this book. It's Eva Cassady's first novel and I can hardly wait to see what she writes next.

The List: A Novel by Tara Ison

Published by Scribner - An Imprint of Simon & Schuster.

The List: A Novel is a whirlwind of a book. The tale revolves around 2 main characters who after 2 years of being in a chaotic on-off relationship decide to end it for good. This time it can't fail, there is no going back, not with the list...

Each of them chooses 5 items that they would have liked to have done together so that they can avoid any feelings of regret and can instead have a sense of closure. But you know what they say about good intentions...

Isabel is a successful and brilliant medical student with a promising career ahead of her. She has a strong sense of self and loves to be in control of her life and goals. She has a close and loving relationship with her family who are fully in support of her dream to become a heart surgeon.

Then Al enters her life. A once successful movie director who holds down a job in a video-store, guzzles beer and seemingly just wanders through life, letting it take him where it will. His family are far away and left him to move in with his older brother when he was just 13. Could they be any more different? They end up living together -by accident, as Isabel would say- and spend the next two years bringing out the worst in each other

The List finally seems a fool proof way to let go once and for all. It's easy right? Do the 10 things they chose together and then walk away. The List seems to take on a life of it's own, ever-changing and growing and the book grows even more intense and fast-paced as we follow the repercussions of each choice, on the main characters and those around them.

It's a book that is brilliantly written with wonderfully complex characters and a roller coaster of a storyline, which will bring out so many emotions from you as you read. I found myself torn between pity, admiration, contempt, anger, sadness and even at times, exasperation as I watched the drama unfold. It's amazing how a book can begin by telling you how it will end (the break-up) yet you still find yourself hanging on with baited breath at times in the vain hope that they will work it out and be happy forever.

The List is a wonderful mix of dysfunction and sadness written in such a way that you can't help but be drawn in. It is sprinkled throughout with medical and movie trivia in a way that works impressively well and of course a dash of dark humour to top it off.

I loved this book and I know I will end up reading it again. One of my favourite parts was definitely a vivid description of a dream Isabel has in which she is blood, being pumped by a heart. Strange sounding I know but wait until you experience the intense writing style of Tara Ison for yourself and you will see what I mean.

Author's website: http://www.taraison.com (site includes a preview of The List - A Film by Jerry Pyle that really must be seen. It's great.)

Boy Vey! The Shiksa's Guide to Dating Jewish Men by Kristina Grish

From the Publisher (Simon Spotlight Entertainment - An Imprint of Simon & Schuster Inc) :

The definitive, hilarious guide to why Jewish men make the best dates, where to snag a hot mensch, and how to win his mother's heart. After all, she's molded him into the cutest little Oedipus complex you've ever met. Could you show some appreciation?

With humor and emotion, Kristina Grish celebrates the terrific intricacies of multilayered, interfaith relationships in this girl-meets-boy dating guide. She waxes poetic about why Jewish men are great boyfriend material: They're smart, entrepreneurial, generous, doting, and funny. They love to eat, and they're passionate in bed. Sure, their neuroses have neuroses. But isn't it nice to know there are guys out there who analyze relationships more than you do?

Chapters such as "Why Choose the Chosen Ones?," "The First Shtup," and "Talk Yiddish to Me" detail how a sexy Shiksa can meet, date, and love a nice Jewish boy of her own.

This book was fun to read and I couldn't help but race through it. It gives a little insight into the Jewish male, his family, his way of life and so on. There were many educational points to be made and more than a few laugh out loud moments along the way also.

I think the biggest shocker for me, on reading this great little book, was realising just how much of the Yiddish language is in the English vocabulary that we use every day.

An added surprise for me, was to find that this book also contained a few recipes that I just know I am going to try out soon.

This was the first book I have read by this author, but definitely not the last.

Read an excerpt

Author's website: http://www.kristinagrish.com/

Angels & Demons: A Novel by Dan Brown

From the Publisher (Atria Books - A Division of Simon & Schuster) :

An ancient secret brotherhood.

A devastating new weapon of destruction.

An unthinkable target.

When world-renowned Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon is summoned to a Swiss research facility to analyze a mysterious symbol -- seared into the chest of a murdered physicist -- he discovers evidence of the unimaginable: the resurgence of an ancient secret brotherhood known as the Illuminati...the most powerful underground organization ever to walk the earth. The Illuminati has now surfaced to carry out the final phase of its legendary vendetta against its most hated enemy -- the Catholic Church.

Langdon's worst fears are confirmed on the eve of the Vatican's holy conclave, when a messenger of the Illuminati announces they have hidden an unstoppable time bomb at the very heart of Vatican City. With the countdown under way, Langdon jets to Rome to join forces with Vittoria Vetra, a beautiful and mysterious Italian scientist, to assist the Vatican in a desperate bid for survival.

Embarking on a frantic hunt through sealed crypts, dangerous catacombs, deserted cathedrals, and even the most secretive vault on earth, Langdon and Vetra follow a 400-year-old trail of ancient symbols that snakes across Rome toward the long-forgotten Illuminati lair...a clandestine location that contains the only hope for Vatican salvation.

An explosive international thriller, Angels & Demons careens from enlightening epiphanies to dark truths as the battle between science and religion turns to war.

I bought this book quite a while ago but only just got around to reading it. Had I known the book would be this much of a pleasure to read, I would have dived right into it.

This is a great book with wonderfully written characters who, by the end of the book, I was greatly attached to. There were so many twists and turns, so many puzzles along the way and more than enough moments that were surprising, especially the ending which literally had my jaw on the floor. The plot is quite possibly one of the best I have ever read and I can't wait to dive into the Da Vinci Code and see if that one is as good.

Author's Website: http://www.danbrown.com/