This was so much bawdy fun and by that, I mean because of the verbalizations of Luciana, our happy-go-lucky protagonist who starts the book as an unapThis was so much bawdy fun and by that, I mean because of the verbalizations of Luciana, our happy-go-lucky protagonist who starts the book as an unapologetic prostitute. Other than the vulgar things that come out of her mouth, there's no sex in the book, should that be off-putting to you. If you don't get thrown off by her crudity, especially in the beginning chapters, and just settle into her free spirited personality, it's a fun romp across Renaissance Italy particularly once she's paired up with her counterpart, Monk-in-training, Brother Guido della Torre. Two more opposite characters there couldn't be but they work together magically.
I know very little about Art and neither did Luciana but the biggest clue there was something important about the "cartone" she stole of the infamous Botticelli painting "La Primavera," was everyone coming up murdered around her. To think there was a message/meaning buried into any beautiful painting would be far removed from my mind. Out of curiosity, I had to google the real painting & while magnificent, I still would have missed any communication transferred so subtly. It's an interesting, harrowing adventure following the two characters while they deciphered that message tho and a fantastic idea to build a book around.
Fun read. Unlike anything I've read previously and charmingly irresistible book to start off the New Year. 4 stars but the cover alone gets FIVE ~ can we just say "cover lust??!!" That dress is splendiferous!...more
Completely different type of book by Marsha Canham but the dual timeline was a fun switch. It was more meaningful too because some of the characters rCompletely different type of book by Marsha Canham but the dual timeline was a fun switch. It was more meaningful too because some of the characters referenced were in the Robin Hood series which I'd just completed and enjoyed immensely. I would advise reading those books first before this one for a greater understanding of the plot....more
I've been totally sucked into this series. Can't believe how much I enjoyed it. I have another book I'm "supposed" to be reading but I just couldn't pI've been totally sucked into this series. Can't believe how much I enjoyed it. I have another book I'm "supposed" to be reading but I just couldn't pull myself away from the trilogy. The Medieval period in England/Normandy is really fascinating and Marsha Canham is my new favorite historical romance writer. Even tho this has romance and is fiction, it's also laced with history and has definitely reinforced my interest in that period. The constant battle to establish rule over land, the Knights who fight according to a code of honor, the Castles and Keeps that are still littered over the countrysides today (even if in ruins) are endlessly interesting despite knowing the outcomes. Interspersed with romance, all three books made for a great escape from Covid 19!!!! Also, I would be hard pressed to name a favorite among the trilogy ~ each book, equally compelling....more
I enjoyed Eduard's story every bit as much as his father's. The horrible end of young Prince Arthur and brutal treatment of his sister, Princess EleanI enjoyed Eduard's story every bit as much as his father's. The horrible end of young Prince Arthur and brutal treatment of his sister, Princess Eleanor, the Pearl of Brittany, had me googling to compare the facts of history with what was presented in this book. De Clares, Plantagenets, and William Marshal are all in my family tree. Sometimes what you learn about your ancestors, even in a heavily- weighted-on-history romance is not so glorious.
I'm fast becoming a huge fan of Marsha Canhams novels for the masterful way she blends history and romance. This medieval series has my heart in my throat for the daring acts of courage faced by these knights who win your heart in the process. ...more
Marsha Canham really knows how to write a historical fiction/romance book. Don't expect to find the stereotypical lightweight substance matter (as is Marsha Canham really knows how to write a historical fiction/romance book. Don't expect to find the stereotypical lightweight substance matter (as is typical in this genre) when you read one of her books. Hers are next level!! There's SO MUCH history in them and this one felt like I took a romp thru Medieval Europe. I'll probably read this whole trilogy because it had the added bonus of containing many characters who are in my family tree! Perfect escape during this period of quarantine....more
I wonder if Jules Verne had any notion he was penning a novel that would be every bit as enjoyable in the 21st century as it wasThis book was a trip!
I wonder if Jules Verne had any notion he was penning a novel that would be every bit as enjoyable in the 21st century as it was in 1864!?? What started off as a fairly serious scientific quest, turned geologists (and Cryptozoologist) fantasy, morphed into the realm of the fantastical. It was an entirely pleasurable experience and worked for me, no matter how implausible the storyline ended up being. The three main characters were wonderful counterparts to each other. The exuberant Professor Liedenbrock being the perfect foil to his skeptical, more pessimistic nephew and Hans, the stoic Icelander, every persons dream guide. The latter steady as a rock and unflappable as all get out. The oceans would never have gotten charted if it were left up to me because I lack that necessary spirit of adventure. I have to say tho, the Professors passion and zeal to follow in the footsteps of the 16th century alchemist, Arne Saknussemm, was 100% contagious. To commit so fully to what could have been a sketchy, reckless journey, based solely on a mysterious cipher, was an act of utmost faith. Well, with the added motivation of achieving academic acclaim but let's not get hung up on that tiny detail. It doesn't detract at all from the professors eternal optimism ~ a highly recommended trait for an explorer with intentions of descending into the bowels of the earth by way of an extinct volcano! The narration by Axel, his nephew, kept me chuckling. He could be equal parts enthused by his famous uncle then a moment later plunged into despair at their predicament & ready to scrap the whole journey and go home.
This is the third book by Jules Verne that I've read, almost all three in succession, and let's go ahead and make it official ~ I want admittance to the fan club. More of his 'Extraordinary Voyage' series are going on my wtr list. He's such an intelligent author. I come off the "experiences" of his books having learned so much about vastly different subject matters. His extensive knowledge isn't presented in a matter-of-fact, boring, superior way (although he's clearly a superior human being!) but written in a droll, engaging style that easily reels in the reader. I can't imagine what took me so long to find him....more
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