...das den Ernst der Nervenlage demonstriert: Noch 20 Tage bis zur Prüfung....
Comfort food to fight exam nerves - 20 days to go...
Thursday, 29 December 2016
Tuesday, 27 December 2016
Kill Without Shame (ARES Security #2) by Alexandra Ivy
Blurb:
Five brave military heroes have survived the hell of a Taliban prison to return home—and take on civilian missions no one else can. They’re the men of ARES Security. Highly skilled, intimidating, invincible, and one by one, tested again and again…
Lucas St. Clair’s prestigious family had a political future neatly planned out for him—one that didn’t include his high school sweetheart, Mia Ramon. Under their pressure, Lucas gave her up. But since surviving captivity, he’s a changed man—and a crucial member of ARES Security. When he discovers a dead man clutching a picture of Mia that bears a threatening message, his fiercest protective instincts kick in, and he knows he must go to her.
Mia has never forgiven Lucas for breaking her heart, and she’s convinced her feelings for him are in the past. But it’s soon clear that isn’t true for either of them. Now, determined to solve the crime and keep Mia safe, with his ARES buddies backing him up, Lucas will have to reconstruct the murder victim’s last days—and follow a lethal trail that leads right back to the fate of the woman he still loves…
Wow, this book was amazing! I simply couldn't put it down but walked around with my kindle and tried to get my chores done while reading.
Lucas and Mia are wonderful characters and despite being a teeny tiny bit upset with Lucas for breaking Mia's heart, I came to understand his actions and could (almost) forgive him, especially as he has obviously learned from his past. And Mia - well, how could one not like Mia? She ist just sweet and, well, awesome.
But it's not just Lucas and Mia but all the side characters as well that are complex and interesting as well as authentic. I really loved the other members of ARES and the way they all care for each other and protect each other. Every one of them is very special in his own way and I loved to get to know them.
And don't forget about the story - this story was thrilling and captivating and I just had to read on and on and on and ...... Amazing! Many unexpected twists and turns, a wonderful and suspenseful plot - how could I have put this book down?!?
Well written, wonderful characters and a great plot - I loved this book!
★★★★★
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
They came from everywhere...
... and then - HE came as well!
*****DRUMROLL*****
And suddenly Christmas was there!
And, well, do you know why you don't hear/read from me that often at the moment
and
why Christmas suddenly crept up on me?
THAT's why......
Right at the moment I'm preparing for an exam on January 18th and to say that I'm a bit nervous is putting it very mildly... I read a lot actually when I'm not reading "serious stuff" but the reviews for most of those books will have to wait till "after".
Don't worry though, I'll shower you with reviews then because most of them are already there, I just have to write them down and, well, I need some peace and quiet and whatever for that because right at the moment I resemble rather some kind of energizer bunny...*oops*
So, please bear with me just a little bit longer, evrything will be back to normal after the 18th!
And then I'll also tell you about the rest of our summer trip because I think you left me right in the middle of Dumfries next to one of the most wonderful book shops (okay, there're worse places to be left, aren't there?) but I still had to get further up north and back home so... after the 18th.
I hope that you all had a wonderful Christmas and I wish you all the best for 2017!
Monday, 26 December 2016
FROHE WEIHNACHTEN!
Sie kamen von überall her...
... und dann kam ER
*****TROMMELWIRBEL*****
Und dann war es auch schon Weihnachten!
Und wisst Ihr, warum es im Moment hier so ungewohnt ruhig auf dem Blog ist
und
warum Weihnachten dieses Jahr für mich so überraschend plötzlich da war?
Das liegt DARAN...
Im Moment bereite ich mich auf eine Prüfung am 18. Januar vor und bin hier ein wenig am Aufgeregtsein und zigtausend Dinge gleichzeitig machen und ...na ja, wie das so ist. Lesen tue ich nebenbei auch noch, also auch noch andere Dinge, aber die Rezensionen dazu und auch der restliche Bericht über unsere Reise im Sommer müssen bis nach dem 18. warten. Und keine Bange - dann überschütte ich Euch wieder mit Rezensionen, im Kopf sind sie alle schon fertig, ich brauche nur die Ruhe, um sie aufzuschreiben!
Also - haltet durch, ab dem 18. Januar geht es hier wieder weiter!
Frohe Rest-Weihnachten und einen guten Rutsch
in ein hoffentlich wunderschönes neues Jahr wünsche ich Euch Allen!
Tuesday, 20 December 2016
The Lady Who Drew Me In (Soul Survivor #3) by Thomasine Rappold
Blurb:
Daisy Lansing's ability to transfer images from people's thoughts onto paper was a novelty she used to trot out to amuse her friends. But when her “entranced drawing” begins to cause serious trouble for her guardians, she is banished to the country and forced to marry a man twice her age. After the joyless wedding, Daisy is determined to bury forever the strange skill that upended her life. However, she soon finds herself a widow and in dire financial straits. Suddenly, her curse may be her one chance at true independence.
Jackson Gallway's reputation as a rogue has far surpassed his success as a lawyer. In the wake of yet another scandal, he decides to head west. But before he can escape Misty Lake, Jax makes a promise to find an elusive killer. When he encounters a lovely young artist with an unusual talent that could help him in his search, what he finds is something neither of them can escape . . .
Wow, this book was really great, it kept me glued to my reader from the first page to the last!
It's not just the story itself but also the characters that make it so special. When circumstances throw them together and they end up married without really knowing each other, Daisy and Jackson are on a very rough road towards marital bliss.
Both of them have issues of their own that make it hard for them to trust and, well, let's say that Jackson's lifstyle up to date hasn't really been that of the potential husband of one's dreams and on top of that he is a wanderer, never meant to sit still and stay in one place. The countryside? Oh, thanks, but no thanks, he's a city guy through and through - married to a young widow living in the countryside. Wellll...things happen, right? Unfortunately that doesn't mean that those things are easy to overcome. Add a murderer on the loose, an orphan in danger and Daisy's very special talent of transfering images from peoples' thoughts onto paper and you get a brilliant story full of suspense and twists and turns that keeps you captivated till the end.
I really really enjoyed reading this book and its wonderful heroine and hero and I know that this wasn't the last time that I've read this book and even though it was the first book by Thomasine Rappold that I've read, it won't be the last time by her.
★★★★★
Wednesday, 7 December 2016
Wicked Wager by Mary Gillgannon
Blurb:
When hardened gamester Marcus Revington wins Horngate Manor in a card game, he's delighted to finally own property, and undeterred when he learns he must marry the heiress of the estate to claim it.
The heiress, Penny Montgomery, is happy with her life raising horses at Horngate and has no desire to wed anyone. When she discovers what her guardian has done, she comes up with a scheme to convince Marcus she's unsuitable as a wife so he'll give up his plan to marry her.
Who will win in this battle of wits and wills? Or will they both discover the name of the game is love?
I've had this book on my wishlist for a long time. Every time I wanted to buy it, I stopped before the deed was done because I wasn't really sure what to expect. I really love the cover, I think that it is beautiful but I wasn't sure if the cover or the blurb was an indication of the content. Sure, the blurb tells us what all of this is about but it doesn't tell us whether the emphasis is on the erotic part indicated by the cover (and somehow contradicted by the story told in the blurb) or on the story.
Actually it is a mixture of both I think. It has this captivating and really nice story about Penny and Marcus who fall for each other despite their very rocky start with Penny being part of her cousin's loss at the card tables and it also has a lot of rather steamy content. Tastefully written and sweet but a lot of it nonetheless. I must admit that I skipped several pages every now and then because of that. I wanted to read more of the story and how that turned out and less how compatible they are in bed. (They are, don't worry about that!)
I would have loved it better if the emphasis had been more on the story itself and the battle between hero and heroine and less on their mutual sexual attraction and its consequences. It was a nice story but it could have been much more as the characters are really great and I really enjoyed their verbal sparring.
★★★★
Tuesday, 6 December 2016
Tempest in the Highlands (The Scottish Relic Trilogy #3) by May McGoldrick
Blurb:
Rob Hawkins, the half-English privateer known as Black Hawk, has a mission from the Tudor king to find and kill the rogue commander, Sir Ralph Evers. To complete his quest, Hawk must find Miranda, a young woman Evers is pursuing. Caught in a tempest, he is shipwrecked with a "boy" who demonstrates an uncanny ability for saving him. Cast away on the mysterious Isle of the Dead, Hawk realizes that the "boy" traveling with him is actually Miranda MacDonnell and having her means that Evers will come to him. What begins as a ploy —using her as bait—soon changes, however, as he falls in love with her.
Ancient forces are at work, drawing the four possessors of the relic’s power to the Isle of the Dead in the Outer Hebrides for a final battle where good must overcome the forces of evil in this spectacular finale to the Scottish Relic Trilogy.
I really
loved this captivating and highly enjoyable last book in the Scottish Relic
Series by May McGoldrick. Historical Romance books by May McGoldrick are those
that I buy without even looking at the blurb because up to now they have never
disappointed me.
Once
again the hero and the heroine were wonderful, well developed, very likeable
and also very interesting. Especially the contrast between Miranda whose life
has always been dominated by the unexplainable, the mystic and Rob who doesn't
believe in anything that he can't touch makes them an interesting couple, even
more whn Miranda has to draw on all of her definitely not touchable and
inexplainable knowledge of the future to try to keep Rob alive and well.
Easier
said than done, obviously, with a man like him and of course with all those
enemies around. Not very healthy surroundings for a man like Rob. Alas, Evers
is still searching for the other relics and uses all of his power to find
Miranda so it is not only Rob who is in danger.
Evers…everybody
who has read the other books of the series won't have forgotten him. His search
for the other parts of the Wheel of Lugh is intense and brutal. He won't give
up till he has found them all.
Will
Miranda, Innes and Kenna be able to protect their powers and stop Evers?
A
wonderful book and a great finale to another great series by May McGoldrick,
I'm already looking forward to future books by these amazing authors!
★★★★★
The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill (Tales from Ivy Hill #1) by Julie Klassen
Blurb:
The lifeblood of the Wiltshire village of Ivy Hill is its coaching inn, The Bell. But when the innkeeper dies suddenly, his genteel wife, Jane Bell, becomes the reluctant owner. Jane has no notion of how to run a business. However, with the town's livelihood at stake and a large loan due, she must find a way to bring new life to the inn.
Despite their strained relationship, Jane turns to her resentful mother-in-law, Thora, for help. Formerly mistress of The Bell, Thora is struggling to find her place in the world. As she and Jane work together, they form a measure of trust, and Thora's wounded heart begins to heal. When she encounters two men from her past, she sees them--and her future--in a different light.
With pressure mounting from the bank, Jane employs innovative methods to turn the inn around, and puzzles over the intentions of several men who seem to have a vested interest in the place. Will her efforts be enough to save The Bell? And will Thora embrace the possibility of a second chance at love?
I really enjoyed reading this book with its unusual and complex story and its interesting and authentic characters.
From the moment Jane "wakes up" and starts to realise that the inn is in danger and what its loss would mean for the whole village till the last page I feared and felt with her. I was upset when some people showed their true colors and I cried a little bit with her, when things got too rough. On the other hand there were those who did their best to help her and the inn and I love how Jane and Thora slowly found a way to trust each other and to care. Seeing Jane grow into someone who cares and who takes over responsibility, who is accepted and respected by her neighbors was great.
But it wasn't just Jane and Thora but also the many minor characters that made the book remarkable. All of them are complex and authentic and you just have to like them - and then there are those that make you feel wary and you want to protect Jane and all those around her from them and what they could do to the inn and its people.
Apart from the story itself I also liked how it showed the interaction between the people of a village and its businesses and how it makes you understand why all of them rely on each other and that this is how a community is built. The success of your own business is related to the success of the other businesses around you. And it is also a book about family, about friendship and loyalty and about love and caring for someone.
★★★★
Monday, 5 December 2016
Mistletoe & Mayhem (A Regency Yuletide Collection Book 4)
Blurb:
Merrily Mismatched by Virginia Brown
This Christmas, Miss
Lily Jardine is getting something any girl would want – a betrothal
offer. Too bad she’s falling for her soon-to-be fiancé’s brother instead
. . .
The Snow Princess by Jo Ann Ferguson
The Snow Princess by Jo Ann Ferguson
Lady
Lucia Crossclyffe can’t resist the charms of Marquess of Rillington, a
holiday visitor to her isolated island home. Little does she guess that
he’s come there to ruin her . . .
Christmas Truce by Karen Frisch
Christmas Truce by Karen Frisch
After
years of being presumed dead, Major Jeremy Stanhope has come home from
the war. His first order of business – to propose to Lady Rosalie
Partington, the woman who’s waited for him all these years. Only Rosalie
is already betrothed . . . to the traitor who left him for dead!
Miss Montague’s Mistletoe Match by Sharon Sobel
Miss Montague’s Mistletoe Match by Sharon Sobel
Charles Hudson, the
Earl of Westerly, has come to Windermere for Christmas with one
intention – to offer for the woman whose letters have captivated him for
the last year. But is the letter-writer the woman he thinks she is?
These
four sweet stories are the perfect choice to get in the mood for christmas and
the holiday season. They are charming, well written and every one of them is
just the perfect mixture of sweetness and some suspense. The problems
"our" heroes and heroines encounter are not insurmountable and even
though those problems arise the reader never fears that something really bad
would happen.
Of course
this may sound a bit …well, boring, I guess…but it isn't because this is exactly the
kind of story that you want to read when you're sitting in front of a cozy fire
in your most comfortable armchair with a cup of tea or hot chocolate at your
side while the snow keeps falling outside. Something light and sweet,
dependably positive and charming that reminds you of the spirit of christmas.
No need for the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present or Future - you just need
those stories to remind you what christmas feels like or at least what it
should feel like -cozy, sweet and peaceful with the certainty that you can
overcome all obstacles.
At least
that's what I expect when I read a christmas story and that's definitely what I
got when I read these stories!
★★★★
Tuesday, 29 November 2016
Ondine - Heather Graham
Ondine by Heather Graham
Blurb:
HE SAVED HER WITH CHIVALRY. HE LOVED HER WITH SAVAGERY.
When handsome Lord Chatham rescued the golden-haired Ondine from England’s gallows, he demanded only one thing in return . . . her hand in marriage. In gratitude, Ondine consented to his plans—yet refused his touch.
Though his smoldering desire aroused her own secret longings, Ondine defied her mysterious husband. Until suddenly, in the notorious court of Charles II, the sapphire-eyed beauty was plunged into a web of danger and desire, jealousy, and romance. As secrets exploded, and swords clashed in vengeance, the strangers in marriage became partners in passion, and lovers on fire . . .
When I wrote my review for Heather Graham's book "When we touch", my last sentence was that this "was the first but definitely not the last book by Heather Graham that I have read". After having read "Ondine" I know that this sentence is still true - and that I'll definitely have to read her earlier books as well.
"Ondine" was a book that I rarely put down because it captivated me from the first page on.
Warwick, the fierce and hard Lord of Chatham captured my heart right at the beginning - and tested my patience almost till the end. Rough, hard but honorable to the core even when I just wanted to kick him because, you know, sometimes it is advisable to open your eyes instead of suffering for nothing just because it seems the honorable thing to do. Talking might help as well of course but hey, he is a man. Guess, that says it all, doesn't it?
Nymph or gallow's bride - or both? Ondine barely escaped the hangman's noose at Tyburn Tree and she should be grateful for that and concede to her husband's wishes as it is little enough that he expects from her in exchange for her rescue. If it weren't for her own secrets and her own history it might have been easier, certainly the role he expected her to play was easy enough to play but when feelings interfere and old wrongs have to be righted, well, then things definitely get much more complicated!
Like "When we touch" , this book is also much more complex than I had expected it to be. Once again I found a wonderful, thrilling and captivating story full of suspense with complex, interesting and authentic characters and a great story line. When I browsed through the book while writing this review, I found myself engrossed in it once more.
I really really enjoyed reading this book and I know that I'm already looking forward to future books from Heather Graham!
★★★★
Monday, 28 November 2016
Sweetest Regret by Meredith Duran
Blurb:
At a house party in the countryside, the joyful spirit of the Christmas season threatens to sweep Georgiana Trent under the mistletoe—and back into the arms of the dashing rogue who broke her heart two years ago. Little does she know that Lucas Godwin has no intention of leaving until he has reclaimed her as his own.
Alright, I loved this novella but I must admit that there were times when I was so furious when I was reading it that I almost threw my kindle at the wall. How can somebody be so calculating, ruthless and so mean and so...argh.
Okay, okay, right, I mean, it is a christmas story so I was sure that I'd get my HEA for Georgiana and Lucas but it wasn't that easy to get there, believe me.
Of course it is never easy to meet a former love especially if the parting was rather abrupt and left many questions open and even more if you should just by some umwelcome twist of fate find yourself and said former love as co-hosts to a bunch of very important strangers.
Right, exactly what happened to Georgiana and Lucas one not that very wonderful christmas. At least in the beginning it wasn't that wonderful but fortunately after a rather rough start the two of them start to talk to each other and discover some answers to those aforementioned questions.
I loved that the hero and the heroine really talk to each other and don't jump from one misunderstanding to the next and I loved that they found their way back to what they had two years ago and that they still care for each other the way they did.
This is a very nice and sweet christmas story, well written with loveable characters that I really enjoyed.
★★★★
Tuesday, 22 November 2016
Campbell's Redemption: A Highland Pride Novel (Highland Pride #3) by Sharon Cullen
Blurb:
With Cait Campbell hiding Scottish fugitives from the British crown, who should arrive wearing his English-style coat but Iain Campbell, the traitorous clan leader and the man responsible for her husband's death. Iain seeks a healer for his fallen kinsman, and out of a sense of duty Cait is obliged to help. Her uncanny ability to read people is powerless against his dark, impassive gaze, yet Iain is kind in a way that moves her.
In Cait's company, Iain is overcome by painful memories of his best friend, her husband, who died protecting him. But grief shows weakness—a luxury he cannot permit, because Iain is playing a dangerous game with the British army. One small misstep and he could be branded a traitor or executed as a spy. But even with political tensions mounting to a fever pitch, Iain can't get Cait out of his mind. What he doesn't know is that Cait is playing a deep and deadly game of her own, and their love could put everything—even Scotland itself—in peril.
As much as I loved MacLean's Passion, the second book in the Highland Pride Series by Sharon Cullen, I must admit that this third book, Campbell's Redemption is even better! Once started, I couldn't put the book down and I enjoyed every single page of it right from the beginning right up to the last page.
The Campbell and I - well, I wasn't really sure what to think of him, when I read MacLean's Passion and I wasn't sure whether "we" could trust him or not but in this book and its story he really redeems himself and all his actions.
I felt with him, when things went bad, I fought my tears, I smiled and I was furious while I read this wonderful and well written story about the Campbell and Cait, the widow of his former first. Reading how Cait slowly starts to trust life, reading about Ian's love for her - how could I have put the book down before knowing that everythins truly and really ends well?!? Well, as well as one can expect in such times.
That was another thing that I loved about this book. It is not just a love story even though that story and its characters are amazing but it also tells a bit more about the English and their rule in Scotland after Culloden.
Usually we are almost exclusively made aware of the horrible losses and the terrible treatment of the Scots at the hands of the English. You can find all of that in this book as well, you read about the injustice, the horror, the refugees and the helplessness of the people but in this book you also get an idea what other possiblities there might have been, an idea how the Scots might even have profited from a cooperation with the English, at least on a small scale, how further tragedies might have been avoided - all the time knowing that in the end the worst happened and the clans were demolished and the Scots' weapons were taken.
Nevertheless, it was good to get another perspective that never tried to minimize the horror and the loss but that tried to give hope.
Well written and well plotted, amazing, complex characters - this book has it all and I can wholeheartedly recommend it!
★★★★★
Monday, 21 November 2016
Perfektion: Die Wissenschaft des guten Kochens, Band 3: Backen
Inhalt:
Wussten Sie, dass Cookies, die mit braunem Zucker gebacken werden, weicher und saftiger sind als die mit weißem Zucker? Oder dass Kuchen mit 16 °C kalter und schaumiger Butter perfekt aufgeht? Backen ist Kunst und Wissenschaft zugleich. Hier erfahren Sie, welches Mehl für zarte Kuchen das beste ist, welche Schokolade den verführerischsten Geschmack zaubert, wie Backpulver funktioniert - und warum manchmal auch ein Wodka die Lösung für einen mürben Kuchenteig ist. Freuen Sie sich auf mehr als 100 Rezepte und interessante Tipps zum Backen von Brot, Kuchen, Cupcakes und Co. Die wissenschaftlichen Grundlagen werden einfach und praxisbezogen dargestellt - mit vielen Fotos, Infografiken und Ergebnistabellen. So werden auch Sie zum Meisterbäcker!
Wow, dieses Buch hat mich echt überrascht! So ganz sicher war ich mir nicht, worauf ich mich da einlasse, auch wenn Rezepte drin sein sollten und so, aber es klang vom Waschzettel her schon fast zu theoretisch. Tja, Theorie gibt es auch ganz viel, sozusagen viele, viele nützliche und hilfreiche Tipps zum Backen, sowie andere interessante Fakten rund ums Backen, Lebensmittel und deren Zubereitung.
Manches Mal habe ich ja schon auch geschmunzelt, wenn ich las, dass man beispielsweise für wissenschaftliche Zwecke herumgefragt und bei jemandem im Schrank ein seit drei Jahren abgelaufenes Vanillearoma und eins, das seit zehn Jahren abgelaufen ist, gefunden und im Dienste der Wissenschaft verbacken hat. Dabei fiel mir übrigens ein, dass ich auch dringend mal wieder alles durchgucken sollte, ob bei mir in den Schränken noch alles aktuell ist oder ob sich da auch noch irgendwelche wissenschaftsfördernde Bestände tummeln...
Was fügt man dem Baiser zu, damit er beim Backen schön seine Form behält, wie wenig Zucker darf man verwenden, kommt beim Sahneschlagen erst der Zucker zur Sahne oder vielleicht doch lieber anders herum, Rührmaschine oder vielleicht doch lieber der Handrührer und was um alles ist der Unterschied zwischen natürlichem und alkalischem Kakao?
Alles Fragen, die dieses Buch umfassend beantwortet und noch viele, viele mehr. Es bringt Spaß, einfach in dem Buch zu stöbern und die Kästen mit diesem Wissen, die als "Praktische Wissenschaft" betitelt sind, durchzugehen und hier und da den einen oder anderen Tipp mitzunehmen oder diverse Informationen im Vorbeigucken zu speichern. Prägnant und auf den Punkt gebracht und trotz des sachlichen Inhalts nie langweilig und trocken, prägen sich diese kleinen Wissenshappen nämlich sehr gut ein.
Aber auch sonst gibt es unwahrscheinliche praktische, meist sehr einfach umzusetzende Tipps samt der dazugehörigen Informationen, warum das so ist und wie das funktioniert, beispielsweise, wenn es darum geht, wie man eine gute Brotkruste erzielt oder warum Brötchen im sehr heiß vorgeheizten Ofen besser gehen, Beispiele für eine Glutenminimierung (Kein glutenfreies Backen, hierzu bietet das Buch keine Informationen!) oder Informationen über Mehl und wie man es am Besten einsetzt, um auch hier nur ein paar der vielen Beispiele zu nennen.
All diese sehr sachlich erscheinenden Punkte sind eingebettet in Rezepte, die einfach nur Lust machen, den Ofen anzuschmeißen und loszubacken. Die Rezepte werden von ansprechenden, äußerst appetitanregenden Fotos begleitet, die allerdings passend zum Rest des Buches nicht in Hochglanz gehalten, sondern auf mattem Papier gedruckt sind, was aber insgesamt passt, auch wenn das bei Kochbüchern ja seltener der Fall ist, da es den etwas sachlicheren Charakter des Buches noch betont.
Dieses Buch werde ich mit Sicherheit noch oft wieder zur Hand nehmen, wahlweise, um Informationen nachzulesen oder einfach nur leckere Sachen nachzubacken. Und wer jetzt zum Beispiel wissen möchte, wie man das schönste Kakaoaroma beim Kochen heißer Schokolade erzielen kann, ob mit Kakaopulver, Bitterschokolade oder vielleicht doch eher mit ungesüßter Schokolade...tja, der sollte sich dieses Buch kaufen, es wird diese und alle anderen Fragen, die einem so einfallen könnten, beantworten!
★★★★★
Wednesday, 16 November 2016
Manga Classics: Jane Eyre - Stacy King
Blurb:
As an orphaned child, Jane Eyre is first cruelly abused by her aunt, then cast out and sent to a charity school. Though she meets with further abuse, she receives an education, and eventually takes a job as a governess at the estate of Edward Rochester. Jane and Rochester begin to bond, but his dark moods trouble her. When Jane uncovers the terrible secret Rochester has been hiding, she flees and finds temporary refuge at the home of St. John Rivers.
My teenaged daughter loves Manga and we love british classics so this Manga obviously was a must. The first thing my daughter said was that it was really sweet. It is a Manga alright but it captures the essence and the story of the book very well. Despite the story being a classic, in this form it is fresh and lively and fun to read.
I have read many classics, including the original "Jane Eyre" but I always love to read good adaptions of a book that I enjoyed. Another perspective, another media in this case as well and it feels familiar and brand-new at the same time.
This adaption is a wonderful way to get to know the story for those who don't like to read the original story by Charlotte Bronte but would like to know more than just the movie all the same. Classics are not everybody's cup of tea and if you don't like the style or just can't get into it, it is nice to have an alternative. This Manga is indeed an alternative in such a case but it is also a wonderful addition if you already know the original and liked the story.
The drawings are well done and beautiful, my daughter and I both enjoyed them and the whole book immensely!
If you love classics, if you love Manga or if you just want to know if you could love the classics, this book and - I dare say - this whole Manga Classics Series is definitely worth a look!
★★★★★
Tuesday, 15 November 2016
The Viscount's Mistress by Claire DuLac
Blurb:
Lawrence Sutherland, Royal Navy Captain and the Viscount of Glenrith, has just struck a devil’s bargain. To save his family from financial ruin, he needs the help of his closest childhood friend, Violette. They must work together so he can gain the hand of her wealthy but spoiled heiress cousin and make a mutually beneficial marriage—a sound business arrangement for them both. In return for her help, Lawrence offers Violette the one thing she covets most—freedom. With his help, she can leave England and her cruel family behind.
But there is a vital flaw in this near-perfect plan. Violette Pélet de Castelmarou is secretly in love with Lawrence and has hidden it for years. Yet now she finds herself feeding him lines and coaching him through sticky social situations in order to win over her cousin. But when emotions get involved, hearts become inextricably entangled.
When the time comes, will Lawrence be able to say goodbye to Violette or will he compromise her virtue and make her his forever?
I'm not completely sure how much I like this book.
I was so furious sometimes because the hero just behaved like an insensitive, egoistical ...erm, let's say... idiot. Yes, an idiot because he is so convinced to do the right thing and that he has to suffer just to help and that he has to act selflessly and in the end, well, right, he loves her, that's why he hurt her with his stupid, absolutely egoistical and ...argh...well, idiotic ways. There's nothing selfless and just suffering because you behaved like a boar doesn't make it better. I might have thought better of him if at least in the end it would have been totally clear that it is the love for the heroine that gets him to use his brain again but that's only a part of it. He just realises what he doesn't want and what is not worth his interest and that it might be better to pursue the one he loves. Well done, right? NO.
It might have been easier to deal with all this, if I hadn't taken Violette to my heart almost from the moment I "met" her. Violette is so sweet and life has been so hard for her that I just wanted to protect her because the one she loved and who supposedly loved her, our friend and hero Lawrence, didn't really do a good job of it.
Well, all is well, that ends well, isn't it? So I guess, on the whole the book is good. It is well written and despite being a bit (more) upset every now and then, I really enjoyed reading it.
★★★
Dark Ruby by Laura Landon
Dark Ruby by Laura Landon
Blurb:
To escape the memory of a horrific kidnapping that he barely survived, Alexander Linscott, Marquess of Halverston, flees to one of his country estates determined to master his demons. But when Mrs. Daisy Moore arrives on his doorstep applying for the position of housekeeper, he knows his life has taken an unexpected turn. She is clearly not who she pretends to be.
Lady Isobel Culver has no intention of
falling in love. She’s on the run and can’t afford to risk giving her heart to
anyone, especially a man as tortured as the Marquess of Halverston. But when
fate intervenes and brings her to the altar with the murderous villain her father
intends for her to marry, Alexander becomes the only man who can save her. If
loving her doesn’t cost him his life first.
I read the other books of this series already and loved them and I read many many other books by Laura Landon as well so it wasn't such a big surprise that I also loved "Dark Ruby" and have already reread this book as well as the other books of this series.
It is not just the interesting and varying stories and the wonderful, multi-facetted characters that I love but also the way those characters interact, how they care for each other how they help each other and how authentic and unique each of them is.
This book is about Alexander, the Marquess of Halverston, whose kidnapping was part of "Ransomed Jewels", the first book of the series. While Claire and Barnaby along with Major Bennett tried everything to get him out of there alive, they couldn't prevent him to suffer horribly at the hands of his kidnappers. Hoping that some distance and peace will help him fight his demons, he flees to one of his estate where he meets Daisy Moore, his new housekeeper - and a woman who is running from her own demons.
It is wonderful to see how slowly those two start to trust and to help each other and how love helps them overcome their demons. Again Claire, Major Bennett and Barnaby are there to lend their support and to do whatever is necessary to help those they love.
I really really enjoyed reading this book and couldn't put it down - and when I read the last page I just started to reread the whole series.
★★★★★
The British Table: A New Look at the Traditional Cooking of England, Scotland, and Wales by Colman Andrews
Blurb:
The British Table: A New Look at the Traditional Cooking of England, Scotland, and Wales celebrates the best of British cuisine old and new. Drawing on a vast number of sources, both historical and modern, the book includes more than 150 recipes, from traditional regional specialties to modern gastropub reinventions of rustic fare. Dishes like fish pie, braised brisket with pickled walnuts, and a pastry shop full of simple, irresistible desserts have found their way onto modern British menus—delicious reminders of the depth and breadth of Britain’s culinary heritage. The book blends these tradition-based reinventions by some of the finest chefs in England, Scotland, and Wales with forgotten dishes of the past worthy of rediscovery.
Wow - an abundance of amazing and easy-to-follow recipes, great pictures and wonderful texts to go with the recipes, relaying historical facts or anecdotes connected to those recipes or the food discussed, personal stories to go with them or ... just wonderful stories or interesting facts that make you browse this book and read a bit here and there as if it was a novel.
This book is interesting and captivating to read and it is a collection of marvellous recipes that are well presented and just want you to grab your cooking spoon and do some serious cooking. All you ever wanted to know about british food and much more that you never thought of, can be found in this wonderful book. And if you don't want to read - well, never mind, just look at the pictures! If you weren't hungry before you started reading, believe me, one look at the photos andthat will change!
I really really love this book and I'm looking forward to trying many more of the recipes!
*Just a note - this book is obviously not a book for vegetarians
but it is a wonderful collection for all those who love traditional british food.*
★★★★★
★★★★★
Tuesday, 8 November 2016
Welcome Home for Christmas (Hero's Welcome #4) by Annie Rains ~In English~
Blurb:
Three-hundred-and-sixty-four days a year, Allison Carmichael doesn’t mind being single. It sure beats dating another loser, and it keeps her heart safe. Then there’s that three-hundred-and-sixty-fifth day: Christmas Eve, the traditional time her entire family gathers together—and gangs up on her, demanding to know when she’s going to get married. This year, she swears, is going be different. And that’s why, at a charity auction she’s throwing on-base, she buys herself a man.
Sergeant Troy Matthews insists that he’s not for sale. His time is, though, and he’s happy to donate it. Happier still when he learns the identity of the winning bidder: the redhead with the killer good looks and smart mouth who runs the veteran’s center. Allison needs Troy’s help to fool her family into believing they’re an item, and he’s all too happy to indulge her. But by the time Christmas Eve rolls around, their little charade is working a little too well . . . because Troy’s falling head over heels.
Welcome Home for Christmas is one of those "Feel-Good-Stories" that are an essential part of all this chrismas-feeling going on at this time of the year. Who doesn't love a sweet and romantic version of the Christmas Carol (especially with a Marine who definitely doesn't resemble Scrooge at all and a heroine who is, well, better looking and sweeter than Scrooge's nephew either)?
The story is well plotted and well written. It made me laugh and swoon and of course, it also made me roll my eyes - just the way a good romance should. I really enjoyed reading it and I loved to see how Troy and Allison find their way to each other despite all the well meant advice given to them and their own personal insecurities.
A heartwarming, wonderful story, great characters and a big basket full of christmas feelings - just right for a nice evening at home, snuggled up in your favorite chair with a nice cup of tea at your side.
★★★★
One Summer of Surrender (Seasons #3) by Jess Michaels
Blurb:
Lucien, the Earl of Stenfax has been engaged twice, but only in love once. That was with his childhood sweetheart, Elise. When she threw him over for a man with more money and a higher ranking title, it broke him. Now she’s widowed and he finds himself drawn to her again, like a moth to her flame.
Elise had her reasons for walking away from Lucien, reasons he doesn’t understand. Back in Society, she’s now financially desperate and is even considering becoming someone’s mistress. But Lucien keeps appearing at the most inopportune moments and it’s only a matter of time before the desire between them explodes.
Time will tell if Lucien will be able to see past his lusty drive for revenge. And if Elise can convince him she’s worthy of more, despite the past.
I've read many books by Jess Michaels already and loved each and everyone of them. This one, which is the third in the "Seasons"-series, is every bit as amazing as the other ones. Those of you who have read the wonderful "An Affair in Winter" or " A Spring Deception" already know most of the main characters - and I'm sure that you'll love to see what becomes of Lucien and Elise whose former engagement and its unfortunate ending were the driving force behind Grant's involvement in "An Affair in Winter" which led him to Rosalinde.
(Oh, by the way - if you haven't read the other books in this series, yet, you shouldn't miss out on them, zhey are amazing and sweet!)
Soo, it's Lucien and Elise now and obviously, considering everything that went down between them, it is not easy for them to reconnect no matter what their traiterous feelings and their bodies might think. Of course it is not just Lucien himself, Elise has to confront but also his family. A family that felt like her own years ago and who despise her now. Adding a miserable marriage, a widowhood without a pence to her name and an heir of her husband's who threatens her...perfect, isn't it? Well, that's why Elise is desperate and looking for help in places where Lucien doesn't want to see her...
Some chemistry can't be denied, as Lucien will find out for sure.
What I really love about Jess Michael's stories is not just that they are well written and keep me glued to my reader from the beginning to the very end of the book but also that they all have a unique touch. Sure, they are romances and I expect a hero and a heroine with a difficult courtship of some kind but every book of hers has its own story and you don't get the feeling that you've read it all before. "One Summer of Surrender" is no exception there. It is a book that made me smile and laugh and *coughs slightly* swear at the stupidity of men in general and Lucien in particular and maybe there might even have been a tear or two at times...
A wonderful book with complex and authentic characters - I love it!
★★★★★
Monday, 7 November 2016
Unmasking Miss Appleby (Baleful Godmother #1) - Emily Larkin
Blurb:
On her 25th birthday, Charlotte Appleby receives a most unusual gift from the Faerie godmother she never knew she had: the ability to change shape.
Penniless and orphaned, she sets off for London to make her fortune as a man. But a position as secretary to Lord Cosgrove proves unexpectedly challenging. Someone is trying to destroy Cosgrove and his life is increasingly in jeopardy.
As Charlotte plunges into London’s backstreets and brothels at Cosgrove’s side, hunting his persecutor, she finds herself fighting for her life—and falling in love…
I loved this book and couldn't put it down. It is not just well written and has amazing, authentic characters but it is also imaginative and very special. You know, this touch of something different that makes an ordinary story like "she loves him, he loves her and thy find each other against all odds" rather special and something that captivates you.
First I was a bit wary because I wasn't sure, considering the part about faeries and shape shifting and such stuff, if the book wouldn't be a bit too fantastic because I was in a mood for something decidedly romantic. Well, it is romantic - and much more. This book took me on a ride on an emotional roller coaster with the romantic parts (and others) and at the same time I loved how natural the shape shifting part was. It just fits in, people get used to it and it is just a means to an end - and of course it is fun as well. Who did never dream of flying, for example?
The book touches sensitive subjects in an equally sensitive way. Sometimes I was furious, I was shocked, I was sad - alright, there might have been a tear or two - and I was also very happy and a bit (more) sentimental.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and can definitely recommend it!
★★★★★
Veiled In Blue (The Emperors of London #6) - Lynne Connolly
Blurb:
Governess Eve Merton would have fallen into serious trouble on her walk home if a handsome stranger had not stopped to help her. But when Mr. Vernon gives her a lift on his horse, he makes no secret of his attraction. As a well brought-up young lady, Eve does her best not to notice, but when he sets about courting her, she knows she’s in trouble. For she has a secret: she is the daughter of a deposed king, which means not only is she without a dowry, but also that her life is in danger…
Little does Eve know that Mr. Vernon has secrets of his own. In truth, his name is Julius, Lord Winterton, and he’s well aware that Eve is the offspring of the Old Pretender. In order to save his sister, he must convince Eve to wed—though he wants nothing to do with love. But as the two grow closer and an attempt is made on Eve’s life, Julius may realize that fighting his heart’s true desire is a battle most pleasurably surrendered…
I can't say how often I've read "Rogue in Red Velvet" already, the first book in the "Emperors of London"-Series and I've never realised that it is a whole (wonderful) series! Well, naturally I've tried to make up for this oversight since I've found out. "Veiled in Blue" is actually the sixth book in the series and I loved it as much as I loved "Rogue in Red Velvet".
When I started to read "Veiled in Blue", I was thrilled to meet some of my favorite characters from the "Rogue" again right at the beginning. Even though this story is the story of Julius, Lord Winterton whom we met already in "Rogue in Red Velvet" and Eve Merton, another one of the descendants of the last Stuart King of Britain, we get to meet several of the other Emperors from the former books and find out how their stories went on.
A well plotted and interesting story with wonderful, complex characters and an author who definitely knows how to write - and how to write well- this book captured me right from the first page on and kept me glued to my reader till the very last page. And then I went and bought the next book (backwards) in the series because I just had to know what happend to everyone between the first and the sixth book. I'm still working on it but this
series as well as this book are really highly recommendable. Each of the books can be read as a stand-alone but I guess that my example shows that this won't do for long and that you'll probably want to read all the others as well once you've started.
★★★★★
Saturday, 5 November 2016
The Reckless Love Of An Heir (Marlow Intrigues #7) - Jane Lark
Blurb:
For Lord Henry Marlow, the future Earl of Barrington, life is for living before he accepts his duty. No wager is too risky or challenge too dangerous – until a racing injury forces the Barrington heir to return home and prepare for his destiny. But the one thing Henry will not do is bow to his parents’ wishes and propose to his childhood friend and neighbour, beautiful Alethea Forth. And he’ll not put up with her disapproving sister, Susan, either, no matter how much he enjoys their verbal sparring…
Kind-hearted, bookish Susan Forth has always thought Henry arrogant and self-centred, and has never hidden her dislike of the rogue! But this injured, vulnerable Henry reluctantly brings out her natural compassion, and a shocking desire for the man who is expected to marry her sister! A stolen kiss leads to a forbidden passion – and for the first time in her life, Susan knows what it’s like to be reckless – with a man who is finally learning to care.
But when tragedy strikes, their secret love is all that holds them together – and could tear their lives apart…
This was again a book that I really enjoyed and that made me laugh and cry and grin and...well, you get what I mean.
When Lord Henry Marlow comes back to his parents estate to recuperate after a near fatal accent, Alethea is already waiting for him. And she is waiting for a proposal. Impatiently. Even though they have known each other since childhood and have been meant for each other since then, they are not officially betrothed, yet, and Henry doesn't really want to change this status.
While he slowly heals he gets to know Susan, Alethea's sister much better, whom she always took for granted and for whom he never really cared much as she always disaproved of him and everything he did. Susan has forever lived in her sister's shadow but somehow things start to change and for the first time Henry really sees her. And the more he really gets to know her, the more he falls for her. Hard. Now there's just the question if there could be a future for them as Althea still considers him hers.....
I really loved to see the change in both, the hero and the heroine. Henry, who becomes more aware of those around him and Susan who slowly steps out of her sister's shadow and blossoms. The characters are well developed and authentic, the side characters as well as the main characters. The story is interesting, well spun and well told. The moment I finished the book I looked for other books by Jane Lark so, well, I can definitely recommend this book..
★★★★
Friday, 4 November 2016
Hilo 01: Der Junge, der auf die Erde krachte... von Judd Winick
Inhalt:
Mit nichts als einer silbernen Unterhose bekleidet, kracht Hilo eines Tages auf unseren Planeten und hinterlässt einen riesigen Krater. Er weiß nicht, woher er kommt und wie er auf die Erde kam. Zum Glück trifft er D.J., der sich redlich Mühe gibt, Hilo mit den Gepflogenheiten der Menschen vertraut zu machen. Anfangs verläuft alles zwar reichlich chaotisch, aber friedlich. Doch dann entdecken sie Hilos Geheimnis und stürzen in das größte Abenteuer aller Zeiten!
"Hilo 01: Der Junge, der auf die Erde krachte..." ist ein etwas chaotisches Buch, aber die Geschichte ist ausgesprochen liebenswert und ich denke, viele der als Zielgruppe angepeilten jüngeren Leser können sich mit den Helden gut identifizieren, insbesondere, da Daniel, der Junge, der den Jungen findet, der auf die Erde gekracht ist, ein ganz normaler, nicht wirklich selbstsicherer, sondern etwas eigenbrötlerischer Junge ist, dem nicht die ganze Welt zu Füßen liegt. Wer sich mit Daniel nicht identifizieren kann, findet in Gina mit ihrem Pepp noch eine schöne Identifikationsfigur - und alle anderen genießen einfach so diese spannende, toll gezeichnete und schön gemachte Story!
In Richtung Graphic Novel/Manga gehend, ist Hilo eine wirklich fesselnde Geschichte, die mit viel Bild und wenig Text aufwartet, wie das bei Comics jeder Art nun mal so ist und so vielleicht auch den einen oder anderen Lesemuffel dazu bewegen kann, zum Buch zu greifen.
Bei Comics finde ich immer die Art der Bilder wichtig, da es ja leider auch viele nicht wirklich schön gezeichnete Comics gibt. Diese hier sind fröhlich und klar gezeichnet und insgesamt sehr ansprechend.
Als Altersgruppe sind Kinder von 10 bis 12 Jahren angesetzt, allerdings denke ich, dass man auch schon jüngere durchaus für diese liebenswerten Geschichte begeistern kann, in der es auch viel um Freundschaft geht und darum, wie man sich selber wahrnimmt.
★★★★
To Win a Viscount (The Daughters of Amhurst #2) - Frances Fowlkes
Blurb:
England, 1820. To gain a certain marquess’s notice, Lady Albina Beauchamp aims to win the derby. What she hadn’t planned for is the price handsome Mr. Edmund White asks in payment to train her to race: each lesson for a kiss.
A first place finish isn't the only thing worth racing for
Lady Albina Beauchamp is in love with the Marquess of Satterfield. Unfortunately, his only interest is in horses, and doesn’t know she exists. But when the marquess confesses he will bestow his undying admiration on the jockey racing the winning horse at Emberton Derby, Albina sets out to win his affections by training to race.
Mr. Edmund White is a master groomsmen for the Earl of Amhurst in line for a viscountcy, should he abandon his passion for horses and become a respectable sheep owner. But horses are his love--until he meets Lady Albina and her silly notions of racing. When she affirms she will enter the derby with or without his assistance, Edmund not only instructs his student in racing, but seduction as well.
For Albina, a first place finish isn’t the only thing at stake. She must decide whether to take her place in society...or follow her heart and love a groom.
Just a short impression because I really didn't know what to make of this book.
I have already read another book by Frances Fowlkes and liked that alright but somehow this one and I didn't get along. The story sounded intriguing and the writing was okay but I really couldn't get into it. I started to read it several times and never got really far because I lost interest. In the end, when I finally finished it, it was on the whole a, well, a nice story but it lacked some substance and some real action. Unfortunately the characters lacked substance as well and couldn't make up for the lack of action. They were very likeable but rather one-dimensional instead of complex.
I wasn't sure how to rate it because I'm not sure if we just got of on the wrong foot because it is well written, so I settled down for three very weak stars.
★★★
Thursday, 3 November 2016
Voll fett kochen - Pia Westermann
Sündige
Soulfood-Rezepte für Tage, an denen die Seele durchhängt und der Magen
knurrt oder auch einfach für Genießer und die Lust am Essen.
Es gibt seltsame Dinge auf dieser
Welt - auch und gerade, wenn es ums Essen geht. Der neuste Trend aus
Korea zum Beispiel nennt sich Mok-Bang: Menschen filmen sich beim Essen -
vor allem lecker-ungesunder Dinge -, und Tausende schauen via Internet
live dabei zu. Aber: Nur zuschauen, wenn andere genießen? Und überhaupt:
Was ist an den Tagen, an denen Seele und Magen nach Soulfood rufen?
Nach Eiern, Käse, Speck und Schokolade? Da darf, da muss es einfach
sein: Voll fett kochen und voll fett genießen! Low Carb und
Fitness-Studio stehen morgen wieder auf dem Programm, heute gibt es
Verbotenes und verboten Gutes: Double-Cheese-Omelette, Käsepolenta mit
Pulled Chicken, Churro-Schoko-Waffeln und und und. Zum Alleine-Essen
oder mit der besten Freundin, aus Frust oder aus purer Lust am Genuss.
Und wer dennoch lieber nur Schauen möchte: Mit seiner coolen Aufmachung
und den Mmmh-Foodfotos ist das Buch auch optisch reinstes Soulfood - und
viel, viel besser als Mok-Bang
Der erste Kommentar meines Mannes als er in diesem Kochbuch blätterte, war, dass das ja mal ein Kochbuch ist, das normale Rezepte enthält und nicht nur extrem gesunde oder extrem "irgendwasse" Rezepte. Ich muss ihm da ja Recht geben - viele Kochbücher heute widmen sich tatsächlich nur noch der Frage, was wie gesund ist und wie man sich ernähren soll. Rezepte rein um der Rezepte und des guten Geschmacks wegen, gibt es nur noch selten.
Wer gerade Diät macht, sollte entweder nicht zu diesem Buch greifen - oder sich einfach gedanklich darauf vorbereiten, die Gerichte entsprechend abzuwandeln, vieles davon lässt sich nämlich durchaus auch ein wenig kalorienärmer gestalten und ganz ehrlich, manchmal darf man auch einfach schlemmen und etwas einfach deshalb essen, weil es einem schmeckt und zwar genauso so - mit Fett und Sahne und Zucker und allem, was so verpöhnt ist.
In diesem Buch finden sich "normale", leckere Rezepte, die keinerlei Weltanschauung vertreten, keine besonderen Ernährungsphilosophien repräsentieren, sondern einfach nur schmecken wollen. Mit Sicherheit sind sie nichts für jeden Tag, weil sie doch sehr gehaltvoll sind, das gebe ich ja zu, aber für ab und an, um sich mal etwas anders zu gönnen oder weil einem einfach nach fettig und zuckrig ist (oder schlichtweg nach genau diesem leckeren Essen), finden sich hier wunderbare Rezepte, von denen meine Familie sofort begeistert war. Ob flüssig wie etwa heiße Schokolade mit Marshmallows oder Victoria-Spritzkuchen, Reuben-Sandwich, Zitronen Carbonara oder selbstgemachte Cheese Crust Pizza, süß, deftig, sättigend oder zum Naschen, hier findet sich für jeden Geschmack etwas und dank der übersichtlichen und ausführlichen Anleitungen sollte es auch kein Problem sein, die Rezepte auch gut nachzukochen!
★★★★★