Entries Tagged 'Time Travel' ↓
March 1st, 2010 — 3 Stars, Fey / Fae, Gentry, Great Britain, Guest Reviews, Highlander, M-O, Rape/Abuse, Time Travel, United States of America
By: Sasha Muradali, guest reviewer
Highlander, Book 1: Beyond the Highland Mist
Flung back in time, Adrienne de Simon got thrust into medieval Scotland from modern day Seattle.
A captive twice over in a century foreign to her, Adrienne became faced with the challenge of dealing with the Scottish laird they called ‘Hawk.’
Described as irresistible, seductive and passionate – Adrienne swore to keep him as far from her as possible.
But how possible, is the impossible, when she’s been forced to marry him via a thick plot to destroy him.
Brought to the sixteenth century by the mighty Black Fae himself, of the mythical Tuatha Dé Danaan race, Adam Black, Adrienne is determined not only to go back to her own time, but to swear off men…that’s how she got into the mess to begin with; she swore off men.
Sounds easy enough? Well no.
While, Beyond the Highland Mist is filled with alluring mysticism, betrayal, mystery and action, it bleeds hyper-masculine eroticisms that are anything but enchanting from the very beginning.
From Adam, to the Fae Queen, Aoibheal, and even Adrienne’s keen sense of humor, nothing quite makes up for Hawk’s soft-abuse of Adrienne that is supposed to be sexy.
Like his name, Hawk, decides to train Adrienne to make her love him, in his eyes, he’s bringing out her love of him. Hawk blind folds her, strips her naked and leaves her in a dark bedroom for unaccounted periods of time. He talks to her as if she is one of his falcons that he’s training to be obedient.
While, Adrienne never suffers physical abuse from Hawk, the mental tauntings are not only freakishly haunting, but disturbing:
She stopped screaming only when her voice gave out.
Stupid, she told herself. What did that accomplish? Not a thing. You’re trussed up like a chicken about to be plucked and now you can’t even peep a protest.
“Just take the hood off, Hawk,” she begged in a gravelly whisper. “Please?”
“Rule number nine. My name from this moment forward is Sidneach. Sidneach, not Hawk. When you use it, you will be rewarded. When you don’t, I’ll permit no quarter.”
No woman in her right mind would choose willingly to stay with a man who treats her that way. Especially, if said woman, has been previously abused by men, has sworn them off and is supposed to be a feisty chick from the 21st century.
It makes no sense.
While, I thoroughly enjoyed the premise of this introduction into the world of Karen Marie Moning’s Highlander series, its opening title falls short of hooking.
The novel’s only true saving grace is the literary universe created and expanded upon by Moning; it is what will have you coming back for more…time and time again.
Rating: 3 of 5 stars.
Buy: Beyond the Highland Mist
Originally posted 2009-06-26 05:15:23. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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February 26th, 2010 — 4 Stars, Artist, Contemporary, Doctor, Enemies, Estranged, Friends, Ghost, Movie Reviews, Rogues and Rakehells, Time Travel, United States of America
This is a fabulous contemporary update of the Christmas Carol
. Matthew McConaughey is Connor Mead. Connor is the new Mr. Scrooge, except he’s gorgeous, charming, and wealthy. So what’s wrong with the guy? Connor is a miser, just like Scrooge. How? Unlike Scrooge, Connor withholds love/feelings instead of money/possessions. Just like Scrooge, Connor gets visited by 3 ghosts and is forced to learn just what kind of man he really is.
The first ghost is the Ghost of Girlfriend Past. She is a 16 year old girl to whom Connor lost his virginity. Played by Emma Stone, she’s hardly recognizable in braces, frizzy red hair in pigtails and a crazy outfit. If it wasn’t for Stone’s distinctive voice I wouldn’t have been able to place her at all from her role in House Bunny.
Noureen DeWulf plays Melanie, the Ghost of Girlfriend Present. As Connor Mead’s overworked secretary she is the most consistent woman in his life. Melanie’s job includes scheduling everything from photo shoots to play dates. She draws the line at breaking up with his women (a firm believer in karma). DeWulf is fantastic and a sheer joy to watch on screen.
Nadja, Ghost of Girlfriend Future, is played by Emily Foxler. Beautiful and ethereal she leads Connor through the life he can expect if he doesn’t change his ways. Silent like the angel of death from Christmas Carol, she is nevertheless affective in communicating to the audience.
Daniel Sunjata is the wedding beefcake brought in to sex up Jenny Perotti’s love life. It bugged me the whole movie how gorgeous he was and how familiar his face and unable to place him. Ladies before you go to IMDB.com he’s James Holt from the Devil Wears Prada. He plays a sincere, sweet, and intelligent man, luckily for him when Jenny and Connor reunite he is not left out in the cold.
Jenny Perotti, played by Jennifer Garner, is the love of Connor Mead’s life. We watch them as youngsters, as teenagers, as just starting out in life adults and as established adults. Jenny is the girl next door, the one right under your nose. She’s been hurt by Connor in the past. If only being around him didn’t make her feel for him all over again she could move on with her life… will Connor learn his mistakes and if he does can he get her to believe in him again?
I predict Ghosts of Girlfriends past becoming a favorite among many. It certainly is one of mine!
Rating: 4 Stars
Buy: Ghosts of Girlfriends Past
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Originally posted 2009-05-13 05:17:07. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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February 10th, 2010 — A-C, Great Britain, Guest Blogger, Time Travel
by Laurie Brown, guest blogger and author of What Would Jane Austen Do?
1. No planes, trains or automobiles -
So that means the main mode of transportation would be horses. Beautiful to look at, but smelly. Lots of horses in London meant lots of you know what in the streets. Also a horse drawn conveyance would be so slow by our standards. If I had to ride in a carriage to work it would take me four hours to get there.
2. No electricity -
No computer, no television, and no electric lights. Instead there would be a number of oil lamps and candles. If you've ever tried to light up a room enough to read during a blackout, you know how many candles it takes. The fuel in the lamps would be fish oil, olive oil, whale oil, sesame or nut oil. All of which would leave a lingering scent, especially since household fabrics in drapes, rugs, and in furniture was seldom cleaned and only 'aired out' once a year. Gas lighting using coal oil was invented in 1804 and a few houses and streets in had been converted but it was still advanced technology.
3. No cell phones -
The main method of communication (for messages traveling farther than across the room) was letter writing. A lost art, true, but immediate contact has so many advantages. It doesn't take days (or even months across the ocean) to send a message and get a response. A loved one could die before others even knew they were ill. Postage was expensive because independent agents delivered the letters. The recipient paid for the service. Rates became standardized when the fist stamp wasn't issued in 1840. The cost decreased, transit times reduced, and mail volume increased dramatically. But it still isn't as fast as picking up the phone to tell your best friend that Bloomies has just marked down a ton of designer shoes. Imagine having to send a letter.
4. Lack of modern dentistry -
Not just the fact that medically trained dentists were rare but that the barber or blacksmith was considered an appropriate substitute. There were toothbrushes of a sort. Some were mass produced as early as 1780 but were generally made of boar's hair and wood. (I didn't even know boars had hair.) Toothpastes were unknown but toothpowders were made by the household or by an apothecary. The powders might contain bicarbonate of soda, charcoal, salt, sugar, burnt alum, cinnamon and/or cloves. They might also contain brick dust, crushed china/earthenware, ground cuttlefish, or dragon's blood. No wonder there was such a market for false teeth.
5. Lack of modern plumbing -
Chamber pots. Outhouses. No toilet paper. No sanitary products. Need I say more?
6. Lack of bathing -
I know this relates to plumbing, but it goes beyond the sheer lack of running water. They had tubs that were laboriously filled by buckets, but people of the early 1800's just didn't believe in bathing. Some even thought it was dangerous to your health to get wet all over. Others believed a wash once or twice a year was sufficient. No need to wonder why heavy perfumes and nosegays were popular.
7. No modern medicine -
Sort of along the same lines as dentists, but so much more encompassing. Doctors of the day were no fonder of bathing than their patients. Until Florence Nightengale noticed during the Crimean War (c.1854) that cleanliness increased the odds that a patient would survive, doctors rarely washed their instruments between patients much less sterilize them. Medical knowledge was so far behind what it is today. Many children died in infancy, and many women died in childbirth. Jane Austen died in 1817 at age 41 from a disease that didn't even have a name, wasn't recognized. Today a diagnosis of Addison's Disease is serious but not a death sentence.
8. Uncomfortable clothing -
If they didn't complain of being uncomfortable that's just because they didn't know anything else. Girls were put into corsets as young as the age of two. Many women wore stiff corsets 24 hours a day because after so many years their muscles could no longer hold them upright without support. Shoes had no left or right but were made the same for both feet. Unless they were made of the softest leather or fabric, they just had to have rubbed blisters. There were few sizes to choose from and if your feet were in between the lasts, (as a cobbler's shoe-making forms were called, generally made of wood) then you could either stuff the toes with cotton or suffer the pinch of a too tight fit. If you were rich enough you could have your shoes made to a personal last that had been carved to match your foot. The same went for men. Many men wore corsets and padded clothing. Fashionable collars were stiff and came up around their ears so high that they couldn't turn their neck.
9. So Not Equal Rights -
Women were rarely educated except to entice a husband, and to run his household after marriage. Although women could own property, if they married, all control went to their husbands. Arranged marriages were considered not only acceptable but desirable. A woman was expected to grow to love her husband after marriage and children. Not the plot of a good romance novel that's for sure.
And the #1 reason for not traveling back in time even if it were available--
No Chocolate -
At least not as we know it. They did have a bitter hot cocoa beverage that was served in the coffee houses and some homes (nothing like the modern version) but chocolate as in candy bars was not invented until 1847.
[insert shameless plug here] In What Would Jane Austen Do? Eleanor Pottinger faces all of the above and more when she travels back in time. Does meeting the hero, Lord Shermont, make it all worthwhile?
Thanks reading my reasons for not going back in time. Do you have others?
Originally posted 2009-04-29 05:28:46. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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February 9th, 2010 — 4.5 Stars, Book Review, Children, Great Britain, Historical Romance, Kings, Princes, Sheiks, Chiefs, Lisa Kleypas, Queen or Princess, Russia, Scarred Hero, Time Travel
This love story is one of the most endearing I have ever read. Lisa Kleypas spins a tale worthy of mystical magical world of fairy tales. Based on Russian superstition, a prince who is like the Beast in Beauty and the Beast meets the woman of his dreams and learns to love. The bedroom scenes are exciting and steamy. Prince of Dreams is a novel not to be missed.
Despite his wealth, Prince Nikolas did not lead a charmed life. Taught early on the abuses man could inflict, Nikolas is determined to avoid emotions at all costs. Tortured and exiled from Russia, Nikolas makes a new home in England where during his recovery he meets Emma Stokehurst. At the tender age of thirteen, Emma is the girl Nikolas is certain he will wed. She is his destiny.
Nikolas remains on the fringes of Emma’s life as she grows and now at the age of twenty, he is more certain than ever that she is the one for him. Emma is tall and lithe, her body he imagines will match his own to perfection. Her red hair, independence, and forthright attitude remind him of the women back in Russia. Though she has a large dowry, Emma is left alone and dismissed by the male of the species. Everything about her is unfashionable in the eyes of polite society.
When he discovers that a man is wooing her under false pretenses, Nikolas strikes swift and sure, cutting her secret beau out of her life with a single conversation. Everything is working according to his plan as Nikolas seduces and marries the bewitching Emma. Now with her by his side as his wife, he is positive that his life is going to turn for the better. He was wrong.
Emma’s gentle nature and guileless giving is more threatening than the memories of those that tortured him in Russia. She can cause more havoc with a single kiss than Nikolas is comfortable with. His life has been dedicated to suppressing his emotions and the feelings Emma brings out are threatening to destroy all that he’s worked for, so Nikolas does the most hateful thing he can think of… he sleeps with another woman.
But despite the wedge he’s driven between them, the bewildering flashes of déjà vu keep happening to him. Snippets of conversation leave him in a cold sweat and a painting once revealed causes him to faint dead away. When Nikolas awakes he is angry and confused. Destiny has taken him back in time to mother Russia, where he lives life through the eyes of his ancestor Prince Nikolai. It is here in the midst of the past, Nikolas learns to become a better man… Emelia, beautiful Emelia, who is in every way his wife Emma, teaches Nikolas how to love. Disaster tears them apart and sends Nikolas to the future.
Realizing what a mess he’s made of his own life, Nikolas is determined to set things right. But Emma won’t have him. She doesn’t trust in the changes Nikolas has under gone. She won’t love him… won’t let herself love him. This new man who is in every way the man she had hoped he would be can't last, because she knows his nature. As soon as she loved him he’d revert and mock her for her love. After all Nikolas is not a man that can change, he is a product of others hatred and fear, whose innate stubbornness rejects all kinds of affection. But he has changed and he will prove it. If it’s the last thing he does, he’ll make her believe in him; love him as she once did in the past.
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Buy: Prince of Dreams
Originally posted 2008-12-07 19:34:48. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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January 27th, 2010 — 4.5 Stars, A-C, ARC, Contemporary, Dukes and Earls, Entrepreneur, Ghost, Great Britain, Jane Austen, Memory Loss, Regency, Rogues and Rakehells, Scarred Hero, Survival, Teacher, Time Travel
WWJAD is quick fun read. The story is flirty and cute just like the hero, Lord James Shermont. Read it in the bathtub, on the beach, while waiting in line at the post office, wherever, it’s sure to make you smile and leave you eager to turn the page.
Eleanor Pottinger (yes it is unfortunate that is her real last name) is a fan of Jane Austen. We meet her trying to get a room at a Jane Austen convention only to be told the room she booked has been given to somebody else. Luckily there was a newly renovated suite that was available…if she didn’t mind ghosts!
Of course Eleanor changes her mind about ghosts the minute they materialize. Sisters Deidre and Mina from the time of Jane Austen need Eleanor’s help. They are stuck as ghosts and can’t move on without her help. Eleanor jokingly offers to help if they can guarantee she can meet Jane Austen. They agree and before Eleanor can cry “Just Kidding!” Deidre and Mina have transported Eleanor back into the past.
When Eleanor wakes up she is stuck in the Regency era and is believed to be the girls’ widowed cousin Ellen who was arriving from America. Eleanor plays along and gets away with it because they haven’t seen the real Ellen since childhood. The ghosts tell Eleanor her tasks are to keep them out of the clutches of Lord Shermont, a rakehell of the worst sort, and to make sure their brother, Teddy, doesn’t enter into a duel with Shermont over their reputations.
Eleanor was once foolish enough to try and make a Mr. Darcy out of a Wickham, is she smart enough not to do the opposite? What would Jane Austen do?
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Buy: What Would Jane Austen Do?
Originally posted 2009-04-28 05:47:31. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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January 24th, 2010 — 3.5 Stars, Book Review, Contemporary, Memory Loss, P-R, Pilot, Time Travel, United States of America, Virgin Heroine
Time and Again is a novel that is really two stories in one. The first is Time Was with Caleb Hornblower and Liberty Stone. The second is Times Change with Caleb's younger brother and Libby's younger sister.
Time Was
Caleb Hornblower was born in February 2nd, 2222. That makes 2 is favorite number. He's a pilot and loves the freedom of space and the speed of flying. On a routine run back to earth from the Mars colonies he runs into a meteor shower and has to do some quick maneuvering. Just when he thinks he's safe he sees the scariest thing that a man in space could see... yawning blackness. An uncharted black hole is before him and there's no way he can survive. He wasn't a pilot for nothing and with instruments blaring and bells whistling, Caleb banks the ship and goes into freefall.
Liberty Stone is outside her family's cabin enjoying the thunderstorm. Wild lightning is streaking across the sky when suddenly a plane rockets across the angry purple clouds. At least she thinks its a plane. Racing back inside, Libby is determined to find the crash and the poor souls who were flying in this weather. She meets Caleb Hornblower, a man who looks as if he's had one too many rounds in a bar fight. She gets him home and cleans him up.
Things get interesting when Caleb wakes. He thinks he's still in the 23rd century. Libby knows something is weird with Caleb but she writes it off due to the crash. He had trouble remember his name, the date is obviously another thing he's trying to puzzle back into place.
Times Change
Jacob Hornblower is mad as hell. His brother disappeared from a routine run and nearly six months afterwards his ship turns up... empty. The memory banks and ridiculous report left inside said he stayed in the early 21st century because of a woman. Well he was going to meet Liberty Stone himself and then he was going to punch his brother in the jaw and haul his butt home.
Two years later and Jacob has fine tuned all the equations, built a ship meant to do what his brother had done accidentally and was hurtling toward the sun with the shields down. The temperature's rising outside, and his instrument panel is blinking like crazy but its pure satisfaction that fills him as the computer calmly tells him the time every few seconds. His theories were right and it was only a matter of time before he and his brother returned.
What Jacob didn't factor in was Sunbeam Stone. While her sister and brother-in-law were somewhere where Libby could research her next paper, Sunny was determined to figure out her life. She was good at a lot of things, but just because she was good at it, didn't mean it was the right thing for her to do. A little vacation at the family cabin and she'd get her head on straight and figure out her life. She wasn't expecting to find a stranger in her bedroom. He wore crisp new clothes and brand new shoes that were obviously not hiking boots. A swift kick from her and he landed flat on his back. He was angry to see her but she was just as angry when she realized he was Caleb's younger brother. Where did he get off not coming to their wedding?
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Originally posted 2008-11-21 17:53:54. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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January 3rd, 2010 — About, Paranormal, Science Fiction, Time Travel
Time travel romance is usually classified under paranormal romance. I'm surprised it isn't more of a science-fiction romance element actually, but that's neither here nor there.
One of the best things about time travel romance is the way the hero or heroine manages to do it. Some authors have gotten really creative as they try to puzzle it out. How exactly do our romance leads get to the past or future? I've compiled a list of ways in which they have below:
- Steering a spaceship through a blackhole and coming out the other side in the past/future depending on direction of travel. – Time and Again by Nora Roberts
- Jumping from a bridge so as to reach the speed of gravity before passing through a wormhole just above the water. – Kate and Leopold
- Stepping through a secret door in your house/apartment to the past/present. - Lost in Austen
- Genetic ability. - The Time Traveler's Wife
- A coma inducing fainting spell. – Prince of Dreams by Lisa Kleypas
- Reading old diaries, letters, or documents that are not your own. - The Man Who Loved Jane Austen by Sally O'Rourke
- The use of a talisman, ancient artifact, or any old object to trigger a space-time continuum jump. - The Highlander’s Touch by Karen Marie Moning
- Magic spells, especially those meant to save you from execution. - Breath of Magic by Teresa Medeiros
- Busybody ghosts who want you to save them from a life of ruin. - What Would Jane Austen Do? by Laurie Brown
- Falling down a well and being rescued from it in another time and place. – Enchanted
I know there's more! Chime in! What are some other ways of time travel have you come across? What are your favorite time travel romances?
Photo Credits: Hubble Space Telescope and Website. You are looking at an Andromeda radio wave photo of the black hole at it's center. Pretty nifty looking isn't it?
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December 23rd, 2009 — Defining the Genre, Paranormal, Time Travel, United States of America, Vampire, Werewolf
What is paranormal romance?
Well we can easily define paranormal romance as subgenre of romance. But what is it really? Paranormal romance combines the supernatural world with that of the real, the natural, the plain. One lover is sure to be something special and the other lover is special because they are so plain; something is found in their ordinariness that strikes a cord with the extraordinary lover.
More than not these stories take place in America, especially when dealing with vampires, but it's not a requirement for the genre. Paranormal romance usually blends mystery, thriller, or suspense as part and parcel of its tale. You could consider these novels to be more than a bit Gothic in theme. Anita Blake Vampire Hunter and the Twilight Saga are two such series that can be found within the category of paranormal romance.
Why do people like it so much?
The sales of paranormal romance have risen over the years. It is not uncommon to find several titles of paranormal fiction in romance aisles. Why is that? As I said when discussing Edward and Bella in the Twilight books, I believe it is because we are all craving that extraordinary romance.
As with time travel romances, paranormal romances that involve vampires have that glorious advantage of a love out of time. One person waits, separate from the time stream of the normal world with all its stresses and hectic schedules just for you. Waters run deep in the one that has been waiting, he (or she) knows just what it is like to live a small eternity in loneliness and now that you've been found, you won't be let go. He (or she) will love you forever.
Besides vampires what fits into this category?
Magic users, lycanthropes (like werewolves), selkies, fairies, ghosts, superhuman capabilities (like flying), gods and goddesses, and angels and demons are all perfectly acceptable.
If you have more on the subject of paranormal romance feel free to add!
Originally posted 2008-07-01 08:32:53. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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October 15th, 2009 — 3.5 Stars, ARC, Great Britain, Guest Reviews, J-L, Knight, Medieval, Rape/Abuse, Scarred Hero, Science, Time Travel, United States of America
by Susan Sigler, guest reviewer
Wish for the Moon is a beautiful story with elements comparable to Sir Walter Scott’s Ivanhoe, complete with medieval knights and tournaments.
Jones’s story contains medieval and feudal terms, which left me feeling a bit confounded for the first half of the story. I found myself resorting to a list of medieval terminology which I printed from the internet. For the second half of the read, I applied my own inferences and conjectures deciding to forego my list altogether.
As a result, there is an adjustment period for modern readers. Some terms you’ll find within the book are: atavistic, barbican, bread trenchers, garderobe, hauberk, I trow, supercilious, God’s teeth, for certes, and cantankerous.
I found myself empathizing more with a secondary character, rather than the main characters. I found (Giles) both earl and brother to our hero (Matthias) quite refreshing. I enjoyed Gile’s character very much. He is honest and forthcoming, whereas Matthias is dishonest and unforthcoming. They are at odds, and their brotherly dynamics are at the heart of this plot.
The setting where most of our story unfolds, takes place inside a castle during the Middle Ages.
Caroline Greer (heroine) will travel alone from South Carolina in the states, to Wales in the U.K. She visits Matthias Thorne, a professor of medieval studies at Cardiff University. Matthias may have knowledge of a plant, known for its abilities to help inhibit seizures. This is critical to Caroline who’s not only an herbalist, but suffers from epileptic seizures.
When Matthias turns her away refusing to help, Carrie must take matters into her own hands.
In his attempt to stop her from uncovering a dark truth, they will travel back in time into the Middle Ages.
Once there, they will encounter a terrible betrayal, lies, and deceit. When the truth is revealed, will Carrie and Matthias have enough trust in themselves to forge a life together? Or will the betrayal be too painful to overcome.
Wish for the Moon is book one of Circle of Destiny, which leads me to surmise, it may very well be part of a trilogy.
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Time Travel Romance, eBook, The Wild Rose Press, Copyright 2008, 375 pages.
ISBN# 1-60154-554-1
Buy: Wish for the Moon
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September 24th, 2009 — 5 Stars, Artist, Book Review, Contemporary, Gentry, Great Britain, Jane Austen, M-O, Regency, Time Travel, United States of America, Writer
You have to love the cover of this book. Wow! The male model is scrumptious! Anybody know who he is?
This story revolves around one question and one question only… do you believe in fate?
Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy is one of many Fitzwilliam Darcys. It’s a family name, one that’s been used many times over the centuries. His family established Pemberley Farms in 1789 for horse breeding. In the 1800s when Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice was first published in America it caused quite a scandal. If Rose Darcy, the first mistress of Pemberley Farms, hadn’t been absolutely positive her husband, Fitzwilliam Darcy, had never set foot on English soil she would have left him. The current Mr. Darcy is extremely interested in learning how Jane Austen came to know about the Darcys and Pemberley Farms. He’s bought old documents in his quest to find out if Austen’s Darcy was based on a real man.
Eliza Knight is a romantic at heart. Her talents lie with fine arts, think painting not writing. When she encounters a charming little vanity table and mirror in an antique seller warehouse she snaps it up. In the process of cleaning the wood and putting the table together Eliza discovers two letters. One from a Mr. Darcy directed to a Miss Jane Austen which is opened and a sealed letter from Jane Austen to a Mr. Darcy. Surprised, Eliza is unsure if it is a hoax or not, but in case it is not she leaves the unopened letter sealed not wanting to be known as the fool artist who ruined a historical artifact of great importance. In her quest to authenticate the letters, Eliza burns to find out if Austen’s Fitzwilliam Darcy ever existed.
The novel is broken into three volumes, following the setup of Jane Austen’s novels. The story is charming and completely engrossing. You can’t help but believe in true love and happy endings by the end of this book. I highly recommend this novel to all readers and especially to those that love Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. The Man Who Loved Jane Austen is one of the best renditions of this timeless classic I have ever had the pleasure of reading… soul stirring.
Rating: 5 Stars
Originally posted 2009-01-23 05:34:14. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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September 1st, 2009 — 2 Stars, Contemporary, Movie Reviews, Time Travel
I was very disappointed with Time Traveler’s Wife. Don’t get me wrong it was well executed, had great acting and cinematography but there was a key element that was simply missing for me. Having never read the book, The Time Traveler's Wife
by Audrey Niffenegger, I can’t say if the movie was missing this crucial element or if both the book and the movie are missing it.
Why does he travel? Why does he go back if he can’t stay for longer than a conversation? How many times has he tried to save his mom? What’s the point in zapping back to that moment over and over again? He can’t just talk to himself over and over again, that’s just being on constant repeat and I had the impression from later in the movie when he disappeared for two weeks that he still lived two weeks, he just lived them somewhere else.
Did love draw him to the meadow to meet his future wife? Or to the museum to meet his 10 year old daughter? He does hop into the future beyond his death, why doesn’t he tell his wife about those times? Sure, sure he doesn’t want her to wait, but why does he travel if not to meet with his loved ones?
The movie tries to give the impression of eternal life, but it’s a more melancholy message than you would expect. The Time Traveler does die, he can’t live the rest of his life or her life out. He’s not there always even when he’s not there, no matter what his wife and daughter say before the credits roll.
To tell you the truth, I was extremely disappointed with his wife in the end. He tells her that he doesn’t want her to wait and she folds his clothes up and walks back to the house with their daughter? She defied him once she should do it again – stick those clothes back on the stump and add a note or a cell phone and tell him what for! Ugh! It was terribly frustrating.
I have two sticking points in the story that didn’t cut it for me in the film. First, Eric Bana as Henry meeting Clare at six was just plain creepy. It was such a bizarre moment that almost read father to daughter, not how I would have scripted or kept as acted. I would have rerun it again and again until it was more subtle less patronizing or whatever the word is I’m looking for. Second, Alba as a time traveler, even if she does have control over her ‘gift’. I would not want a little girl to be hopping time without clothes on even if she could pick a lock – double creepy!
Rachel McAdams however was wonderful from start to finish. Loved her. She’s so cute and perfect for the role of older Clare. Her expressive face really carries the more poignant of scenes. She is truly a gifted actress and I would watch her in just about anything.
Overall though, for me this was a movie I’d see just once.
Rating: 2 Stars
Buy: The Time Traveler's Wife
Read another review of the movie.
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August 3rd, 2009 — A-C, G-I, Guest Blogger, Historic America, M-O, P-R, Time Travel, V-Z, Wartime
by Susan Macatee, guest blogger
Thanks Keira and Love Romance Passion for having me (and the rest of the Victorians) here today! Why did I join this anthology? I guess you could say, since I already write Civil War romance and love the period, I couldn't resist an invite to be part of a Civil War anthology with my Victorian writer friends. 
Reenactment plays a big part in your time travel story.
What inspired that?
Susan Macatee: My love of the Civil War period was inspired by my ten + years spent as a Civil War reenactor for the 28th Pennsylvania Volunteer Regiment based in Philadelphia. I use a lot that I learned about history as a reenactor to craft all my stories.
But Angel of My Dreams, in particular, grew from my actual experiences at reenactments. Since I reenact as a civilian, I had to pick my husband’s brain for most of the military reenactor’s details, but I also learned a lot from just watching the men on the field and in camp and listening to their stories.
For instance, I had scene where my reenactor hero steps into a hole in the field and twists his ankle. Well, the idea for this came from when my husband was warning my son that if a man ahead of you yells, “Hole,” watch where you step. It’s a warning that a literal hole in the ground is coming up. An unaware man could not only twist his ankle, but break it. Of course, my hero is a bit distracted and doesn’t heed the warning in time.
Other details in this story came from my actual experiences at reenactments; the atmosphere, dealing with spectators, and other little things that outsiders wouldn’t know.
In truth, Angel of My Dreams, was one of the easiest stories I’ve ever written. I felt like I’d been given a gift. And surprisingly, it required no revision and minimal editing, unlike my other stories. LOL.
The writer’s advice to ‘write what you know’ surely did apply with this story.
Excerpt from Angel of My Dreams:
“Where am I?”
“Shh.” She placed a finger on his lips. The scent of lavender invaded his senses.
He frowned when he realized he was lying on a cot wearing his reenactor clothing. Had he dreamed he’d come home?
“The doctor says you’ll be fine. He dug out the bullet and stitched up your leg.”
“My leg?” Kyle reached down. His pant’s leg had been cut apart at the seam. Heavy bandages wrapped around his thigh.
“This doesn’t make any sense. I twisted my ankle. It’s fine now.”
She took his hand and stroked his forehead. Her touch sent warmth and desire through his body.
“I have to know...” He swallowed. “...your name.”
She smiled. “You haven’t forgotten me already?”
“I...you never told me.”
“Of course I did.”
She leaned away.
He held tightly to her hand, fearing she’d leave again.
“Don’t go.” Her hand dissolved. He couldn’t hold her.
Buy: Northern Roses and Southern Belles
Susan Macatee’s fascination with the Civil War period began when her husband decided to become a reenactor and pulled the whole family into the hobby. We became members of the 28th Pennsylvania Regiment, based in Philadelphia. She’s been writing ever since she can remember and started writing for publication after her youngest started kindergarten. You can find her at: www.susanmacatee.com
Caroline Clemmons: There are many reenactment groups in our area. In Hillsboro, TX the college has an outstanding Civil War Museum as part of the library. In Fort Worth, there is also a Civil War Museum. One funny thing is that when my daughter taught a fourth grader whose father was a reenactor, the kid thought the South won the Civil War because his dad took part in one of the battles the South did win.
Mary Ann Webber: Susan Macatee is our resident reenactor. She and her husband have done this for years. Some of their sons occasionally join them. Susan is a fount of knowledge for the rest of us. She sews her costumes, including corsets and underpinnings. Her complaints about the uncomfortable – even tortuous attire - have opened our eyes to what life for women was really like.
And, of course, her experiences give her own writing real depth.
Jennifer Ross I have a question, Susan Macatee. Here in Canada, we were going to have a reenactment of the battle of the Plains of Abraham (the English vs. French thing) but the very idea caused such controversy it was eventually scrapped. The French (they knew they lost that battle, that wasn’t the problem) were concerned it would either be a love-in, where our forefathers shot and killed each other, in between clasping hands and singing songs together, or it would be an “English version” where the only ‘good guys’ were the English. They distrusted the organizers of the event in telling the whole story, in other words. So my question is, how do you guys get around that problem?
Isabel Roman: I’ve been to Gettysburg a few times, and marvel at the accuracy of the reenactors! They really get into it. Makes me wonder how the Civil War caught the imagination of so many. I mean you never hear about those crazy Spanish-American War reenactors. Or the crazy folks from the Barbary Wars or Mexican War, or um…the War of 1812 even!
Jeanmarie Hamilton: I've never heard of a reenactment group in New Mexico, but I imagine reenacting the Civil War Battle of Glorieta Pass near Santa Fe, New Mexico, would be amazing.
Susan will give away to 1 lucky commenter: A reproduction Victorian brooch, a scented hand fan and lavender bath bead. Remember, everyone who leaves a comment on the day of the post for each of the six days will be entered into a drawing to win a copy of Northern Roses and Southern Belles signed by all six authors.
Calendar:
Buy: Northern Roses and Southern Belles
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July 17th, 2009 — 4 Stars, Fey / Fae, Great Britain, Guest Reviews, Highlander, M-O, Paranormal, Time Travel
By: Sasha Muradali, guest blogger
The Highlander's Touch is the third novel in the series of Highlanders by Karen Marie Moning. It is darker than the rest, but provides the ground work for four of the next novels.
Enter Lisa, a woman from the 21st century who is too nosy for her own good. Touching an ancient artifact, she finds herself stumbling back in time 700 years prior into ancient Scotland. But the thing is, and how romantically-novel-typical, Lisa falls 700 years back into the private bed chamber of Highland Laird Circenn. His nickname is "Sin," believe it or not.
But nothing is as sweaty, sexy and frustrating as it seems, for Circenn has a secret; a very dark, deep secret.
Lisa, torn between anger and lust, left an ill mother behind when she fell back in time and that one factor pushes her not only to push Circenn away, but to find a way back to her century. Not having that Circenn is determined to not only keep her in his century, but help her let go of all the anger and bottled up emotions ready to consume her.
There are two problems: Circenn does not know how to return Lisa to her century and the 'person' that does...well, Circenn isn't speaking to him, as they got into a rather interesting arguement.
Three guesses as to of whom we speak?
Adam Black, ladies, the fabulous Dark Fae himself, Adam Black!
But it gets better - Adam holds the key to Circenn's secret. Actually, Adam is the reason for Circenn's secret and it is worth reading to learn. The story builds up, and the tension between the two lead male characters reaches various levels of intelligence, humor, respect and spite.
What I absolutely love about this novel, is not the typical boy meets girl, girl meets boy, girl hates boy, boy tries to woo girl, girl whacks boy so on and so forth.
No, I dare say my favorite parts are the exchanges, as few as they are, between Circenn and Adam. Not only are they entertaining, but these key conversations, will help readers understand what is to come in the next four books.
The Highlander's Touch is truly a joy to read. Karen Marie Moning is on target and her Highlander novels only get better from here.
Rating: 4 of 5 stars.
Buy: The Highlander's Touch
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June 22nd, 2009 — 4.5 Stars, Contemporary, Georgian, Great Britain, Jane Austen, Movie Reviews, Regency, Time Travel
This three hour BBC miniseries is just precious. It’s lighthearted, humorous, and perfect. Pride and Prejudice is revisited and reintroduced. Lost in Austen
pays homage to Jane Austen’s original masterpiece while reinventing it. My friend, who is not a Pride and Prejudice fan—blasphemous I know!—loved this film. My other friend, who is a huge fan of Pride and Prejudice, to the point of being a purist, loved it also. Two endorsements right there! Make that three as it has mine also!
It starts with the heroine, a representative for all modern women, reading the classic tale. She has read it so many times, she can say it by heart, practically see herself there at Pemberley running to Darcy—wait hold up!
Amanda Price thinks she’s going crazy what with Elizabeth Bennet showing up in her bathroom and all. It is just one more sign of impending institutionalization. Really, how could a fictional character appear in her bathroom? The lives of those in Georgian England are made up after all… right?
When a wall opens up in Amanda’s bathroom and Elizabeth affirms it is her house on the other side, Amanda can’t resist stepping through. Like Alice, Amanda has gone through the rabbit hole and is trapped in Wonderland. The door swings shut behind her, but Amanda is filled with only a slight trepidation as she descends into the madness that is the Bennet house right at the beginning of the story.
What follows is a fabulous, wonderful, delicious story of a modern girl trying to make the story happen only to mess it up. Every time Amanda attempts to fix things, it gets worse. Some end up married to the wrong person, new background on characters is revealed, and more. Who could imagine blustering Mrs. Bennett as a ball-buster? One of the things that I loved was how Wickham is redeemed in this version. How? Watch and find out!
I’ve been told that the American version is missing a scene where Amanda is singing. I noticed a jerky transition where it should have occurred. There are also a few minor things left out, so I’ve been told. I wish they hadn’t taken it out, I mean once you’re at three hours, what’s another fifteen or so minutes right? Anyway, it was marvelous. Get it from your library or buy a copy – you’ll love it!
PS: Elliot Cowan, who plays Mr. Darcy, in looks is a cross between Colin Firth and Heath Ledger. Yum! His wet white shirt scene... double yum! Take a look:
Rating: 4.5 Stars!
Buy: Lost in Austen
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June 19th, 2009 — Fey / Fae, Guest Reviews, Highlander, M-O, Paranormal, Supernatural, Time Travel, Warrior
By: Sasha Muradali, guest reviewer
It's been awhile since I've come across a series of books that I can honestly say I love, especially, from a genre that I do not commonly read. But that's the beauty of Karen Marie Moning's Highlander series: it defies the ordinary and jumps head on into the extraordinary.
Set, in mostly, throughout the 1500s shifting in between modern times, the seven books center around seven incredible heroes. From twins Daegus and Drustan, to warriors Grimm, Circenn, Cian and Hawk, to the 'abso-freakin-lutely' stunning black fairy (fae) Adam, the series is full of intense story lines that cut across history, time and space.
Whether you enjoy fantasy, science-fiction, romance, fiction, action, adventure or mystery, there is a little bit of everything. Most book sellers classify the series as "Paranormal/Time-Travel Romance." The series really reminds me of Stardust
and Harry Potter
in the sense that the author takes multiple facets of mythology and history combining them to make her own margarita concoction.
For example, Drustan is a Highlander, yes, but he also has the ability to shift through time, was possessed by the 13 Darkest Druid beings, and is a Druid himself. Sounds more like Joss Whedon's Angel
the more I think about it. Or take for example, Grimm, a Highland warrior with extraordinary powers who has the ability to turn into a Berserk, a raging human beast of exquisitely irreconcilable power bred to destroy.
As a series, the books are mind-blowing, but like everything else in life, there is good and bad. Individually, some of the books are far better than others. Hands-down the best book in the entire series is The Dark Highlander
, the worst is Beyond the Highland Mist and the one that disappoints, for the direction it takes, is the The Immortal Highlander
which brings back Adam Black (aka Puck aka "the Fool" aka The Black Fairy/Fae).
One of the most interesting characters brought to life is Aoibheal, the Queen of the Fae. She's sexy, alluring, smart, wicked, spiteful, playful, yet, very firm in her beliefs and way of life. It's through her and Adam that most of the issues throughout the seven books occur. Well, it's through Adam most of the issues occur, it's through Aoibheal that the problems are fixed. Together, these two characters add a stream of sensual humor that is unique and brands Karen Marie Moning's style as an author.
Each Friday we will be featuring an in-depth review on each of the Highlander books and you can make sure not to miss a single one by keeping tabs on the tag for the author "Karen Marie Moning."
But make no mistake, if you want an easy read, to keep you on your toes and encase your senses in the unbelievable and extremely wanting - this is the series for you!
Book in Order:
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