Elizabeth of York by Alsion Weir

Elizabeth of York: A Tudor Queen and Her World by Alison Weir --- 457 pages

Another well-researched and intelligently speculative biography by best-selling historical author Alison Weir, resurrects the story of Elizabeth, eldest daughter of Edward IV, heiress of the House of York, whose marriage to Henry Tudor, the last heir of the House of Lancaster, ended the internecine struggles of the War of the Roses and set the stage for the rise of English power and influence under the Tudors.

Weir shows that Elizabeth was not just a hostage propping up the legitimacy of her ambitious husband's hold on power. She demonstrates that theirs was a marriage that may have begun out of political necessity on both sides, but evolved over the years into a partnership based on mutual affection and trust, with both Elizabeth and Henry faithfully fulfilling the roles expected of them in their time and place.

Alison Weir

Their partnership was tested over and over again, by the unresolved mystery of the fate of Elizabeth's two young brothers; by diehard Yorkists who plotted Henry's overthrow; by conflicts with France and Scotland; and by the tragic death of their eldest son, Prince Arthur, within six months of his wedding to the Infanta Katherine of Aragon, a marriage meant to be Henry's greatest diplomatic triumph.

Elizabeth died untimely, bearing her last child at the age of 37, in 1502. She and Henry had hoped for another son, but the child --- a daughter named Katherine --- died a week after her mother. Of Elizabeth and Henry's seven children, three boys and four girls, only three survived their parents: Henry, Margaret, and Mary. Weir demonstrates that Elizabeth was deeply mourned by her husband, children, relations, friends, and the common people who had always loved her.

Henry never recovered from the twin blows of losing his heir and his wife within just ten months. His health suffered, and he died nine years later of tuberculosis.

Click HERE to read a recent interview with Alison Weir discussing Elizabeth of York.

When Demons Walk by Patricia Briggs

When Demons Walk by Patricia Briggs, 272 pages

Definitely a book you'll want to finish in one sitting. The storyline flows really well together and the ending shocked me. Totally not what I had expected. Shamera lost her family at a young age due to raiders invading the castle where her father was Captain of the Guard. All Shamera has left is "The Old Man" who was once the King's personal mage, and her master,  until his hands were maimed and his eyes blinded at the fall of the castle. Shamera has become a thief to exact revenge against those who stole her family away and hurt her master -- those who now have claimed the land as their own.  Something evil is striking down nobles and when the evil finds the Old Man as its next victim, Shamera finds herself drawn into the castle as the Reeve's "mistress" to discover who the murderer is. Lord Kerim, Reeve of Southwood, doesn't believe in magic, but nothing can explain away the very inhuman way each victim meets their end. It will take all of Shamera's skill and sorcery to discover who the culprit is and how to dispose of it. The characters are well developed and I enjoyed every single page of the story.

Lips Together Three Times by Laini Taylor

Lips Together Three Times by Laini Taylor, 265 pages
(3 short stories)

Quite honestly the only thing I enjoyed about the three stories in this book were the illustrations. They were absolutely amazing and fit so well as a mini-preview of each story. Of the three stories, I liked "Goblin Fruit" and "Hatchling" the least. "Spicy Little Curses" had more of a plot line making the story more enjoyable than the others. Because they are short stories, to say anything about them would give too much away. I will say that the first deals with goblins and will have you shaking your head at the very stupid main character. The second deals with hell and back - and is intriguing. The last is just way out there.

Never Let Me Go, by Kazuo Ishiguro

 Never Let Me Go, by Kazuo Ishiguro, 288 pages

In this book, Kathy recounts memories, both fond and painful, of her time at Hailsham, a private school.  The story is fairly typical, with young romances and graduation nerves, but the ending reveals that it is more complicated than it seems. I thought it was alright- but I was more interested in the story that wasn't told (sorry, no spoilers here).  

Batgirl: Year One by Scott Beatty

Batgirl: Year One by Scott Beatty, 212 pages

Barbara Gordon wants more in her life than to be a librarian.  But, her father, Commissioner James Gordon of the Gotham City Police Department, won't allow her to join  the force.  Barbara is not tall enough for the FBI, so she creates her own identity as Batgirl.  This volume also features Batman and Robin, as well as Black Canary.  Batgirl has to remain strong as she fights enemies like Killer Moth and Firefly.  Batgirl is a great role model for young  women.  She is strong, trying to create her own identity independent of Batman.  Batgirl: Year One is full of colorful illustrations and great action.

The Travels of Marco Polo: The Illustrated Edition by Marco Polo

The Travels of Marco Polo: The Illustrated Edition by Marco Polo -377 pages

This classic travelogue has been enhanced with many illustrations and explanatory sidebars and footnotes. Although some of Polo's details are a bit fanciful, his account still makes for very interesting reading on the cultures of a variety of people in the Middle Ages from the eastern Mediterranean to China and southeast Asia. Polo was particularly impressed with the Mongol Khanate in China and editor Morris Rossabi, a professor of East Asian history, helps the reader with deciphering the variety of personal and geographic names used in the original text.

Navy Husband by Debbie Macomber

Navy Husband by Debbie Macomber - 248 pages

Navy Husband is one of the books in Macomber's Navy Series.  In this novel, Shana Berrie is charged with her niece, Jazmine's, care when her sister is given a tour of sea duty.  Between this, a bad break-up, and the new ice cream and pizza parlor she purchases and is running, Shana believes she has little time for romance.  Upon meeting Jazmine's godfather, Lt. Commander Adam Kennedy, their is instant attraction between both adults, which is helped along through Jazmine's meddling.  Meanwhile, on the U.S.S. Woodrow Wilson, Shana's sister Ali is finally beginning to get over her husband's death in a F-18 crash two years earlier.  While the process began before she boarded the aircraft carrier, meeting the ship's navigator, Commander Frank Dillon, has helped the process along despite both knowing the consequences of a shipboard romance.

In all, Navy Husband was a cute story.  I definitely want to read the other five books sometime soon.