Book List: The Gilded Age

 

I've become hooked on The Gilded Age - which takes place in New York (mostly). It's the struggle between new money and old money in society. And which rules you can break.

It's currently on HBO

If you like the Gilded Age, try these books:

The Classic:

Romance:

Joanna Shupe and Maya Rodale both have series in the Gilded Age.

Heiress Hunt by Joanna Shupe 

Duchess by Design by Maya Rodale

The Rogue of Fifth Avenue by Joanna Shupe 

Another romance series:

Cozy Series:

Working Class:

Americans in England:

Are you a fan of the show?

Fresh Fiction Reviews: (10)

 Another set of great books I've reviewed for Fresh Fiction:

"This YA romance hits all the right notes!"

"A Party to Remember and a holiday to celebrate"

"This Series Starts Off with a Bang!"

Review: Wilde in Love

* first book in new trilogy *

Lord Alaric Wilde hasn't been home in years, but he detailed his adventures into books. He has no ideas these books have made him famous - or that there's a play out about him. When the ship docks, he has no idea that all the ladies waiting for the ship are there to see him.

He escapes to his family's home - where there's a large party happening. There he meets a Miss Willa Ffynche. He's taken with her but she's not so sure about him. She isn't impressed with his fame and isn't interested in being in the spotlight.

But the more time Lord Alaric spends with her, the more he realizes she's perfect for him. If only he could convince her of the fact...

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this one - I loved Alaric discovering the play and his reaction to it. I loved his interactions with Willa - particularly their banter. I love how she wasn't interested in his public person, but his true self. I enjoyed their discussion about his adventures. I loved Willa and Lavinia's friendship - how they rule the Season, how they meant to rule the season, and how they were their true selves around each other. I'm so looking forward to the next book in the series.

Cover Thoughts: How very Mr. Darcy
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: Grab this one for your public library romance sections.

Adult Review: My American Duchess

Merry meets the Duke outside on a balcony during a party. She doesn't know his true identity and from his clothing, he's not a stuffed peacock. She lets her guard down and shows her American ways.

The Duke can't helped but be charmed by her. Even if she's already broken off two engagements and came to England to find a husband. Before he can think about courting her, the news hits him. She's the girl his brother asked to marry this morning.

His twin brother. The brother he hates. The brother who doesn't appreciate Merry. Trent isn't about to let him win...

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book. I loved how different Merry was from the other women of society. I loved that she wasn't perfect, that she fell in love easily. I felt bad that she fell for terrible men. I loved the banter and the honest moments between Trent and Merry. I love how protective Merry felt for her aunt and uncle. I love how she battled society when they tried to take her down. I loved Trent. I felt terrible for him and for his family drama. I love that Merry didn't hide her differences including her intelligence.  Of course the pineapple scene was amazingly clever. I do like how that turned out.  

Cover Thoughts: Gorgeous, it's perfect in every way
Source: Purchased
Book: Stand Alone
Library Recommendation: Heck yes, purchase for romance collections

A Day at the Big Book Getaway

Over the weekend I had the good fortune to attend the 2nd Annual Big Book Getaway at Mohegan Sun. I'm not sure where I was last year, because I don't remember hearing about it, but this year was fabulous! There were 5 panels plus two keynote speakers. After the panels, the authors signed books which were available for purchase.  I can't wait to see the line-up for next year. 

Dr. Ruth was the opening speaker - she was funny, entertaining, and of course honest.

Then I went to a Romance Panel featuring: Eloisa James, Laura Kaye, and Cathy Maxwell with Nick Hahn as the moderator. They talked about what makes a good romance. Eloisa talked about how she likes to make her characters suffer - and how you think it won't be possible for the hero and the heroine to come together.  They all talked about how the characters drive the story, especially the male hero. There was a lively discussion of the type the male hero: motorcycle gang, vampires, fireman, professor.... The possibilities are endless. Romance is HUGE right now in terms of consumer purchasing.

I then went to a panel on Touring CT and realize that I need to explore more of the state. I moved here roughly 10 years ago and there's still so much I don't know. I hope to check out some of the books by these authors: Diane Smith, Eric Lehman, and Garrison Leykam and explore more of the state over the summer.

After lunch, there was another Romance Panel with Kristan Higgins, Shannon Stacey, Natalie Charles, and Kristine Rolofson - which was narrated by T.L. Costa. Here there was a lively discussion on falling in love with the hero while writing and how to move on after the book's over. Lots of laughter in this panel.

Then I attended the All Star Mystery panel with Hank Phillipi Ryan as the moderator for Rosemary Harris, Jennifer McMahon, and Julia Spencer-Fleming. There were quizzes as to biographies and first lines of the books. They spoke on how they came up with ideas for their books, how they scared themselves writing sometimes, and how they added bits of themselves into their characters. 

Next I attended a Historical Fiction panel featuring: Charlotte Rogan, Heather Webb and Donna Russo Morin with Stephanie Lehmann as the moderator. Of course they talked about research and how much they love it and how much they leave out. They talked about changing history just a tiny bit to fit the details into their books.

The last session was Debbie Macomber as the keynote speaker. She spoke of how she struggled in school and how her teachers said she would never amount to anything. She didn't learn to read until she was 10, but she went to the library and fell in the love at the age of 4. The librarian who helped her big out a book - Beverly Cleary. She knew that she could tell stories, but she had to learn to become a writer. She talked about how she and her family struggled with money, but she didn't give up on her dreams. I laughed and I teared up a little. It was an inspiring talk. 

What a fabulous day and I have so many books to add to my ever growing TBR pile!

BEA 2013 Recap: Part 2

After the Harlequin Teen Blogger Breakfast, I hit the floor. While I had a plan, I didn't go too crazy.

I loved talked with people in line and meeting different librarians and bloggers and book people. I love meeting people who adore books as much as I do!

I started by hitting up the publishers' booth, checking out the galleys and the book cover posters on the wall. I loved these Lego statues in the DK booth. They were amazing and every time I walked by, people were always taking pictures.

I saw these really fun balloon animals, which were really fun. 

I saw Eloisa James and chatted with her. She was SO nice! 

I met Brad Meltzer, who was really funny.

I saw Arthur Levine and Kazu Kibuishi posing in front of the new cover for Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.

I hung out with Greg from the Wimpy Kids books

I met Lauren Kate, who signed Teardrop - which will make a great summer reading prize for a teen at my library.

I got to meet Stephanie Evanovich who signed Big Girl Panties, which I can't wait to read

Super excited for both the Evanovich books! I came upon the Heist unexpectedly as well as Awaken. I hadn't heard of Mister Max, but loved Cynthia Voigt's Tillerman series. Excited to read something new from her and it sounds great. Also happy for the new sister book from Roeckers.  

Big books that I got at the SLJ Day of Dialog the day before (Post appearing on Friday at the Hub) that I'm really exciting to read! Getting Crown of Midnight was the one book I wanted and I can't wait to dive into it and savor it!

These books look like great summer reading prizes for teens and I know they will LOVE them. 

I picked up some signed romance books for the library collection. Romance books are HUGE at our library. I can't wait to read a few of them.

Now I need to update my purchasing list for the library as there are SO many great teen and tween books coming out soon!!!! Happy I could learn about them.