History from a Woman's Perspective- A Book Blog

Tiffany Blues Author: M. J. Rose Genre: Historical Fiction, Mystery & Suspense Publisher: Atria Books Release Date: August 7, 2018 Pages: 337 Source: Netgalley/Publisher in exchange for an honest review. Synopsis: NYT bestselling author, M. J. Rose crafts a dazzling Jazz Age jewel--a novel of ambition, betrayal, and passion.       New York, 1924. Twenty‑four‑year‑old Jenny Bell has escaped her past... her hard-hearted stepfather, murder, and the dank hallways of Canada's notorious Andrew Mercer Reformatory for Women where she spent 2 years.       Now as one of a dozen burgeoning artists invited to Louis Comfort Tiffany's prestigious artists' colony. Gifted and determined, Jenny vows to avoid distractions and romantic entanglements and take full advantage of the many wonders to be found at Laurelton Hall.      But Jenny's can't help but be inextricably drawn to Oliver, Tiffany's charismatic grandson.   ...

Thread for Pearls: A Story of Resilient Hope Author: Lauren Speeth Genre: Historical Fiction Publisher: Elfenworks Productions Release Date: June 4, 2018 Pages: 550 Synopsis: A near-death experience in a car with her mother; running from tear gas at a Vietnam War rally hand-in-hand with her pop; a year in India learning side-by-side the country's "untouchables;" the highs and lows of living on a rural Pennsylvania commune… and all before Fiona Sprechelbach's thirteenth birthday.        Set during one of the most politically divisive eras in American history, Thread for Pearls is a coming-of-age tale that takes us on a young heroine’s journey to faith and freedom amidst a turbulent family dynamic. Two decades of American history, 1962 to 1982, are conveyed through the eyes of young Fiona Sprechelbach. It’s a story of resilient hope that questions whether it’s the events of our lives that define us or the thread on which we choose to string them. A...

Anne of Cleves: Henry VIII's Unwanted Wife Author: Sarah-Beth Watkins Genre: Nonfiction, History, Biography Publisher: Chronos Books Release Date: October 26, 2018 Pages: 176 Source: Netgalley/Publisher in exchange for an honest review. Synopsis: Anne of Cleves left her homeland in 1539 to marry the king of England. She was never brought up to be a queen yet out of many possible choices, she was the bride Henry VIII chose as his fourth wife. Yet from their first meeting the king decided he liked her not and sought an immediate divorce. After just six months their marriage was annulled, leaving Anne one of the wealthiest women in England. This is the story of Anne's marriage to Henry, how the daughter of Cleves survived him and her life afterwards .       My Review: Anne of Cleves has always been the most overlooked of Henry VIII’s wives. She has often been glossed over as Tudor enthusiasts happily relish Catherine Howard’s juicy story. In this new biography of An...

Author: Jennifer S. Alderson Narrator: Carol Purdom Series: The Adventures of Zelda Richardson , Book 2 Publisher: Jennifer S. Alderson Released: Oct. 2, 2017 Length: 10 hours 42 minutes Genre: Mystery      Missing masterpieces, Nazi blackmailers, and a pesky amateur sleuth.       When a Dutch art dealer hides the stock from his gallery - rather than turn it over to his Nazi blackmailer - he pays with his life, leaving a treasure trove of modern masterpieces buried somewhere in Amsterdam, presumably lost forever. That is, until American art history student Zelda Richardson sticks her nose in.       After studying for a year in the Netherlands, Zelda scores an internship at the prestigious Amsterdam Museum, where she works on an exhibition of paintings and sculptures once stolen by the Nazis, lying unclaimed in Dutch museum depots almost seventy years later. When two women claim the same portrait o...

     I am very honored to get the chance to interview best-selling author MJ Rose about her latest book, Tiffany Blues . The book recalls the story of Laurelton Hall, where Mr. Tiffany would invite artists, sculptors, and others to stay and create there over the summer. Mr. Tiffany loved beauty in all things, and he surrounded these incredibly talented artists with inspiration. In this interview, Ms. Rose speaks about her inspiration for the story, how she researched it, and her love and passion for the arts. Thank you, Ms. Rose, for this interview! You've been fascinated by Louis Comfort Tiffany since you were a child. Why was this the right time to write about a novel about his artist colony? I think because of politics, we're all suffering one way or another a bit more than normal these days... No matter your leanings, I think everyone would agree we're been exposed to a lot that is ugly and difficult to deal with. Louis Comfort Tiffany believed in and was obse...

Anne of Cleves: Henry VIII's Discarded Bride Author: Elizabeth Norton Genre: Nonfiction, History, Biography Publisher: Amberley Publishing Release Date: 2011 Pages: 224 Source: Personal Collection Synopsis: I like her not! was the verdict of Henry VIII on meeting his fourth wife, Anne of Cleves, for the first time, complaining that he had been sent a Flanders mare.       Anne, having been promised the most handsome prince in Europe, was also destined to be disappointed in the elderly and corpulent king. Forced to proceed with their wedding for diplomatic reasons, Henry and Anne tried to make the best of the situation, but attempts to consummate the match were farcical.       After only seven months of marriage Henry was so desperate to rid himself of Anne that he declared himself impotent in order to secure a divorce. Anne was also eager to end her marriage and, with her clever handling of Henry, obtained one of the biggest divorce sett...

Jane Seymour: Henry VIII's True Love Author: Elizabeth Norton Genre: Nonfiction, History, Biography Publisher: Amberley Publishing Release Date: 2011 Pages: 288 Source: Personal Collection Synopsis: The first ever biography of Jane Seymour, Henry VIII's third wife, who died in childbirth giving the king what he craved most - a son and heir.       Jane Seymour is often portrayed as meek and mild and as the most successful, but one of the least significant, of Henry VIII's wives. The real Jane was a very different character, demure and submissive yet with a ruthless streak - as Anne Boleyn was being tried for treason, Jane was choosing her wedding dress. From the lowliest origins of any of Henry's wives her rise shows an ambition every bit as great as Anne's.       Elizabeth Norton tells the thrilling life of a country girl from rural Wiltshire who rose to the throne of England and became the ideal Tudor woman.       My R...