Book review

Theodora: Actress, Empress, Whore

2 Comments

Title: Theodora: Actress, Empress, Whore

SubTitle: A Novel

Publisher: Penguin Group USA

Imprint: Penguin Books

Pub Date: 27 September 2011

ISBN: 9780143119876

Author: Stella Duffy

‘Theodora: Actress, Empress, Whore’ by Stella Duffy is surprisingly wonderful and I could almost sworn that it is so satisfying that it’s almost orgasmic. I am not quite sure if it works that way with everyone else who has been fortunate enough to read this book, but it is a very, very wonderful read for those who loved history.

‘Theodora: Actress, Empress, Whore’ is very enlightening, and it magnifies Theodora, once a great empress of the Roman Empire like it has never been done before.

This is a definitely 5 star read, and the book will make a wonderful keepsake for those who loved a wonderful blend of history, memoirs and fiction.

I received an ARC of this book from Penguin Group USA via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review for it, and I was not compensated in any ways for this.

Book description:

For citizens of Byzantine Constantinople, the name Theodora evoked strong reactions–awe, lust, and doubt to name a few. Sadly, Theodora is all but lost to history. Her story, both mesmerizing and inspiring, has been rescued from obscurity by Stella Duffy in her new novel, THEODORA: Actress, Empress, Whore (A Penguin Paperback Original). Like Elizabeth I and Cleopatra, Theodora was expert at wielding power from the throne. Unlike those famous rulers, Theodora was not born into royalty. Her rise to become Empress of the Roman Empire began in the bear pit of the Hippodrome.

Born to the famed stadium’s bear-keeper, Theodora’s early life was drastically altered when her father was killed by his beloved bear. In order to keep their family afloat, Theodora and her two sisters were indentured to Menander, coach of one of the city’s foremost dancing troupes. A natural performer, Theodora learns dance, acrobatics, and comedy, and by the age of fifteen, became the star of the Hippodrome. Like almost every actress of the time, Theodora was also a child prostitute.

At the age of eighteen and at the height of her popularity in Constantinople, Theodora decides to abandon her career in favor of following her lover Hecebolus to The Pentapolis (modern day Libya) where he is the new Governor. She leaves behind her beloved sister Comito, her theater community, and her daughter Ana, whom she barely knows. When things turn sour with Hecebolus Theodora escapes to a religious community whose views conflict with the contemporary Roman state.

Theodora renounces her former life, undergoes a religious conversion, and is eventually sent back to Constantinople as a spy. She is soon sent to meet Justinian, nephew to the Emperor Justin. Theodora works closely with Justinian and eventually he asks for her hand, changing the law forbidding former actresses from marrying, opening doors for all women. After their marriage, Theodora and Justinian stand side by side as he is crowned Emperor and she, his Empress.

Continue Reading

Book review

52 Ways to Wow Your Husband

3 Comments

I’m an avid reader. I’ve been one since I was a little girl, but I have never been quite a fan of buying books, as they are generally very expensive, and I cannot actually afford to buy books that more often than not, I’ll be reading just once.

I usually go for ebooks as well as borrowing from the library until a friend of mine introduced me to Big Bad Wolf Sale and BookXcess. They sell books at a reasonably cheap price, and they are mostly responsible for my retail therapy whenever I’m in a bad mood.

Anyway… as I said, I’m an avid reader, and most of the time I go for fiction instead of non-fiction. I love romance and fantasy the most, but lately, I’ve been given an opportunity to review this self-help book, entitled ’52 Ways to Wow Your Husband’ by Pam Farrel.

I thought this particular self help book is going to be another one of those boring, lame, uninspiring motivational book, but I was surprised that it’s not only not boring, but very interesting to read as well. It is in fact, a book that changes my life forever. Well, not exactly my life, but close enough, as it helps me to put some spices in my marriage and makes me a much happier woman.

This book, ’52 Ways to Wow Your Husband’ is for those who wants to bring some excitement into their mundane marriage life. You see… once you’re married for quite a period of time with your spouse, some of those ‘wow’ factor that you have before you got married is gone due to marital responsibilities and whatnot. And before you know it, your married life will be just another routine you’d have to bear, and you practically wonder what you’ve gotten yourself into.You didn’t sign up for a boring life of taking care of the kids all the time. And you definitely did not sign up to dealing with scrutinizing in laws. You signed up for a marriage because you love the man and wants to build a happy life together with him.

This book teaches you how to wow your husband and bring back the romance into your marriage. This book covers from flirting with your husband, surprising your husband, planning a date with him and not to mention how to have a much more emotionally intensified sex life.

You’re taught how to surprise your husband once a week with this book, and you’re supposed to make use of this book to improvise your relationship with your husband, and I’m sure glad I did picked up this book though I’m not a fan of self-help books.

I enjoyed this book very much, and I enjoyed doing the ‘experiments’ and ‘assignments’ recommended by the book even more. I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.

This book changes my life and helps  bring some surprise element in my marriage, and I highly recommends this book to those who wants some wow in their marriage.

 

 

 

Continue Reading

Book review

Huber Hill and the Dead Man’s Treasure Blog Tour& Giveaway

8 Comments

I have reviewed this book, ‘Dead Man’s Treasure’ by B.K Bostick not long ago over HERE. I did not expect anything in return. I wrote the review because the book was marvelous.

But the author have been so kind  and thoughtful to me, and sent me a replica of the gold coin from the story, and I thought it’s only fair that I participate in his blog tour.

B.K Bostick will also be giving away a gold coin/bookmark like the one I received to each of Over A Cuppa Tea readers who “like” his facebook page www.facebook.com/bkbostickauthorpage.

Without further ado, let’s carry on with the interview, shall we? The blog tour today is sponsored by Cedar Fort Inc.

Cleffairy: Welcome to Over A Cuppa Tea. Please tell us a about yourself.

I grew up in a small town, spending most of my Friday nights cow-tipping and blowing up ants with M-80’s. After high school, I settled around Salt Lake City, Utah. I’ve been an elementary school teacher and jr. high school counselor. In addition to writing, I love spending time with my lovely wife and two dogs. In my spare time, I enjoy eating Cheetos and watching old episodes of the Twilight Zone.

Cleffairy: Do you recall when your interest in writing originated?

Ever since I can remember, I’ve loved to write. When I was in third grade, a teacher accused me of plagiarizing and used my paper as an example (only I didn’t plagiarize). I took it as a compliment and started writing more.

 

Cleffairy: Do you use paper and pen, old-fashioned typewriter, or computer/laptop? Is there a specific place that you like to write? 

I threaten my wife that I’m going to take a typewriter in the woods like Thoreau, but I use a laptop. I mostly write from my office (it has a great view of the mountains) and I need it to be absolutely quiet.

Who inspired you to write this book?

My Grandpa Jay did. When I was little, he’d tell me these wild stories about Spanish treasure hidden up in the mountains – conquistadors, cougars, traps, and Indians. He’d show me maps and books all about it. Just like the grandpa in the story, he was bed ridden and never could actually take me to search for the gold mines, so I just had to imagine we did. When I was a teenager, he passed away and I took some friends and using his old maps and books, we’d go searching and camping. We never found anything, but had a great time. Those memories and friendships were the real treasures gained on the outings. While we prospected, I started to think up the story of Dead Man’s Treasure. Fifteen years later, I finally sat down and wrote it.

Cleffairy: What was the hardest part of writing this book?

The first ten pages were the most difficult. Once I got that far, the juices started flowing and it became easier. The characters came to life and while I hate outlining, once I did, it helped because I knew where I was headed.

 

Cleffairy: Are any of the characters based on someone you know?

Grandpa Nick was based on my Granpda Jay. Scott is loosely based on a friend I had growing up. We were pretty much exact opposites, but for some reason ended up being the best of friends- even to this day.

I borrowed some characteristics of Hannah from my wife – strong, independent, but still feminine.

 

Cleffairy: Can you tell us a little about your current and upcoming writing projects?

Huber Hill is a trilogy. The second book, Huber Hill and the Brotherhood of Coronado will be released in October, 2012. The adventure will continue in Spain.

 

Cleffairy: Do you have any specific last thoughts that you want to say to your readers?

Thank you so much for investing your time in the story. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did writing it. Please check out the fundraiser I’m doing for my twelve year old neighbor who is suffering from cancer- www.treasureforalyssa.com. Every pre-order and book sale during the first two weeks will go to her.

Also check out the Dead Man’s Treasure trailer at:

You may also wanna see the interview of between Bryan Keith and B.K Bostick over here:

 

Cleffairy: Do keep in mind that every pre-order and book sale during the first two weeks will go to Alyssa who is suffering from cancer. Please spread the words. Thank you.

Continue Reading

Book review

Happiness in Hard Times

13 Comments

Here’s a book that tackles one important issue in life that every human being is in search for: Happiness. From the world renowned motivational speaker and authors of other best selling books such as Follow Your Heart, Being Happy and Making Friends, Andrew Matthews brilliantly comes up with yet another book that is geared towards making your life better: Happiness in Hard Times. His skills as a cartoonist were also used to add illustrations on each topic to make reading on such a serious matter, light and easy.

Happiness in Hard Times was published in August 2010 and since then its popularity rose across the world making it another bestseller hit. Same as with his other writings this book tackles the concept of achieving genuine happiness using our own efforts. Now people often wonder if there is indeed a way to achieve this. The 256-paged book was divided into different topics that deal about everyday life such as losing a job, death of a loved one and other situations where someone could easily feel lost and lonely.

With anecdotes and short stories followed by a logical explanation on how situations are to be handled, Andrew Matthews was able to carefully point out why people tend to be unhappy even with their own choices. The relatable stories, some are real-life events shared by other people makes the book a light read and you might even find yourself nodding while reading as you see yourself in that same situation.

Happiness in Hard Times is meant not only to be read but fully understood. Get your markers or pen and papers ready and start writing down the important notes.

Michelle is a freelance content writer is also fond of traveling and outdoor adventures.

She enjoys working for vægttab and sees this as an opportunity to share stories about weight loss.

Continue Reading

Book review

Enticed By His Forgotten Lover

No Comments

Title: Enticed by His Forgotten Lover

SubTitle: Pregnancy & Passoin

Publisher: Harlequin

Imprint: HarlequinDesire

Pub Date:13 September 2011

ISBN: 9780373731206

Author: Maya Banks

‘Enticed by His Forgotten Lover’ by Maya Banks is quite a delightful read. I like the fact how the author portrayed the heroine. Unlike most Harlequin heroine who are helpless most of the time, this heroine is not. I like how she view her life and how she’s willing to give a second chance… and a third chance to the man whom she thought betrayed her.

Wonderful, seductive and thought provoking read,  I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. I received an ARC of this book from Harlequin publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review for this book.

Book description:

“Have we met?”

Answer: a right hook! Because Bryony Morgan pulls no punches. Even when she’s very pregnant and facing down the father of her unborn child. She fell for wealthy hotelier Rafael de Luca when he courted her for her beachfront real estate. Then he disappeared. Now, she’s in New York for answers—and she won’t accept a brush-off.

But selective amnesia after a crash has Rafael puzzled. How could he ever forget a combustible beauty like Bryony? Solution: return to the island where they met, and relive the unforgettable nights in question—until he remembers everything…

Continue Reading

Book review

Irresistible?

6 Comments

Title: Irresistible?

Publisher: Harlequin

Imprint: HarlequinTreasury

Pub Date:26 July 2011

ISBN: 9781459274242

Author: Stephanie Bond

‘Irresistible?’ by Stephanie Bond is a gem. I was reading it in the office and I practically had to stop reading because it is impossible to be discreet while reading this book. It tickles my funny bones and I feel like laughing out loud.

Love the heroine’s knack of getting into various troubles without even trying and love the way how the hero is always victimized by the heroine’s clumsiness.

The book ended with a big WHAM that made me laugh for a full minute non-stop. I did not have enough of this book and somehow I wish there’s more.

A very light and witty book to read. And if you have a bad day, be sure to pick up this book, it will be worth your time.

I rate this book 5 stars. I received an ARC of this book from Harlequin Publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review for this book.

Book description:

Ellie Sutherland isn’t exactly desperate–yet. But she’s getting pretty close. So when she has a chance to take part in a four-week clinical study that involves a pill that makes the taker attractive to the opposite sex, Ellie doesn’t waste any time signing up. After all, she has nowhere to go but up, right? Original.

 

Continue Reading

Book review

Woman To Wed?

No Comments

Title: Woman to Wed?

SubTitle: The Bride’s Bouquet

Publisher: Harlequin

Imprint: HarlequinTreasury

Pub Date: 26 July 2011

ISBN: 9781459268968

Author: Penny Jordan

I love Penny Jordan works, but this one in particular did not really amuse me or gives me those warm and fuzzy feeling. I feel annoyed with the whole stepmother-stepdaughter relationship instead. The maternal instinct that the heroine in this book had is way too ridiculous and exaggerating to me, considering that the age gap that the heroine had with her stepdaughter is not exactly that far.

Another thing that annoyed me is the insecurities that the heroine had. Made me feel like yelling at her to get over her past and move on.

The storyline was rather slow. Sorry, I have to say that I did not like this book. I rate this book 2 out of 5 stars. Rather disappointing.

I received an ARC of this book from Harlequin via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review for this book.

Book description:

Claire Marshall: Stepmother to the bride. Wary of love, she has no intention of marrying again.

Brad Stevenson: Finally free of family responsibility, has no desire for further ties and emotional commitment.

Persuaded to take on one last family task, Brad is brought into Claire’s well-ordered life. She provokes him, intrigues him, angers and excited him because he is sure that passion hides just below her calm surface. But what would happen to them both if that passion were revealed?

THE BRIDE’S BOUQUET: One wedding— One wedding—one bouquet—leads to three new trips to the altar

Continue Reading

Book review

Mr. Right There All Along

No Comments

Title:Mr. Right There All Along

Publisher: Harlequin

Imprint: HarlequinRomance

Pub Date:2 August 2011

ISBN: 9780373177486

Author: Jackie Braun

‘Mr. Right There All Along’ is not a bad book, but it doesn’t really sit well with me because I love heroine who are strong and confident about themselves. The heroine in this book is nothing about that and she let her insecurities that have been rooted since high school rules her life.

The storyline is also very slow, and I did not appreciate the fact that not much seduction have been done on the hero’s part to get into her good books. I think the hero ought to be more proactive in his endeavor. He is not exactly the typical Harlequin hero.

I rate this book 3 out of 5 stars. I received an ARC of this book from Harlequin publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to give a positive review for this book.

 

Book description:

Could her best friend be her best match?

The one thing Chloe McDaniels has always depended on is her friendship with Simon Ford. Even if it’s been tough thinking of the gorgeous guy who makes her heart flutter as just a friend! But now, with their upcoming high school reunion dredging up memories of bullies and broken hearts, she needs him more than ever.

As Chloe plans to unveil her new-and-improved self, Simon creates a plan of his own.

Step One: Show her that love is worth the risk.

Step Two: Give her the happy-ever-after she deserves.

Continue Reading

Book review

Cherished

No Comments

Title: Cherished

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Pub Date: 30th August 2011

ISBN: 9781595548559

‘Cherished’ is the second book by Kim Cash Tate that I’ve read. I had the privilege to review the ARC of her previous work, ‘Faithful’, and I thought her work was really inspiring and brought me closer to God.

I was hoping to read her work again, and I was really pleased when I saw her latest book, ‘Cherished’ is up for review.

I didn’t quite know what to expect from her latest work, but I have to say that like her previous work, this book is a wonderful masterpiece.

This book have a soul. Or at least, I feel it have a soul. I feel that the story is alive, and the people in it are real as the pain that the characters were dealing with are very close to home. Highly emotional, but not melodramatic. Kim Cash Tate has outdone herself in this amazing book.

This book gives me a spiritual satisfaction that not many book managed to give me, and I highly recommends this book to those who wants to enjoy reading fiction and feed their soul at the same time.

I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. I received an ARC of this book from Thomas Nelson Publisher. I was not required to write a positive review for this book, and I was not compensated in any ways for writing this.

Book description:

How can she believe God cherishes her when she can’t forgive herself?

Kelli London once dreamed of being a songwriter. As crazy as it seemed, she hoped that God would use the lyrics that came to her while she slept. She dreamed about Brian too, that the love they shared would be a forever kind of love. But choices she’ll forever regret upended her hope . . . and turned her dreams to dust. When those dreams come knocking once more, she’s forced to deal with the pain of the past.

Heather Anderson’s life has spun out of control—first, an affair with a married man, then a one-night stand with the drummer of a popular Christian band that left her devastated. Broken and alone, she cried out to the only One who can save her. And He did. But that’s just the beginning, because now she must leave behind the only life she’s ever known.

Two women with shame-filled pasts form an unlikely friendship. What does God’s forgiveness look like for them? Will they ever believe that He loves them . . . and can still offer them a life where they are cherished?

For more information on Cherished by Kim Cash Tate, please visit the author’s facebook page HERE.

Continue Reading

Book review

The Getaway Groom

2 Comments

Title: The Getaway Groom

Publisher: Harlequin

Imprint: HarlequinTreasury

Pub Date: 26 July 2011

ISBN: 9781459264090

Author: Molly Linholm

‘The Getaway Groom’ by Milly Linholm is full of irony, and I’m sorry to say that it does not really works well with me despite of the emotional roller-coaster ride that I usually enjoy. Somehow, I don’t sit too well with the idea of someone’s fiance doing hanky panky things with his fiance’s best friend… even if they were former lovers and still in love with her.

I did not like the storyline. This book is not for me even though the author justify the ending by giving every characters what their heart desire.

I rate this book 3 out of 5 stars. I received an ARC of this book from Harlequin via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review for this book.

Book description:

1-800-WEDDING

Happy Endings Guaranteed!

Need a wedding planned in only two weeks? Groom has cold feet? Bridal consultant Emma Delaney could solve any kind of wedding crisis, because she passionately believed in love and romance. She wanted every bride to have a happy ending. For Emma knew firsthand what it was like to have your wedding day turn out to be a disaster. Eight years ago Emma’s groom, Max–her perfect sexy lover–had abandoned her at the altar.

Megan Cooper’s nuptials were just another assignment, another chance to create a romantic, spectacular wedding. Until Emma met Meg’s perfect sexy groom … and got the shock of her life! Max! Could she plan a second walk down the aisle for the man who’d once broken her heart?

 

Continue Reading
1 … 5 6 7 8 9 … 26