The Lady Novelist: Because I love it...

Sandro Botticelli's Birth of Venus

in the Uffizi Gallery in Florence

c. 1482-1486

ROYAL AFFAIRS gets a rave from the Library Journal

In this delightful addition to the countless other books written about the British Royal Family, Carroll (Choosing Sophie ) deftly constructs information chronologically by ruling dynasty, from the Angevins to the Windsors. Along the way, she shares with readers little-known facts-e.g., that the 20-year liaison between William IV and his actress companion was apparently a happy and contented one until he tossed her aside to become king-as well as facts more widely known, e.g., that Queen Victoria and John Brown were close friends but that no evidence of an affair has been discovered. As her previous experience writing historical fiction under the pseudonym Amanda Elyot attests, Carroll can ably research and distill facts and has a true talent for weaving fascinating narratives. Her entertaining writing style makes this one book you do not want to put down. Entertaining, impeccably researched, and extremely well written, it will appeal to all readers with an interest in British history as well as to those with a more specialized interest in the personal lives of the British royal family. Highly recommended.

New York Post chooses CHOOSING SOPHIE

In NY Post reviewer Billy Heller's "Required Reading" column Jan. 20, 2008:

Choosing Sophie
by Leslie Carroll (Avon)

Although not exactly “Sophie's Choice" serious, you gotta love an author who goes to Brooklyn Cyclones games as research for her baseball-themed book. Romance writer Carroll's hero is ex-burlesque star Venus deMarley, who finds the perfect fiancé, is informed her estranged father has died, and is reunited with the daughter she gave up for adoption 20 years earlier. As if that weren't enough jolts, Venus also inherits her father's minor league baseball team, the Bronx Cheers.

Publishers Weekly raves about Amanda Elyot's next historical fiction release!

All for Love: The Scandalous Life and Times of Royal Mistress Mary Robinson Amanda Elyot. NAL, $14 paper (448p) ISBN 978-0-451-22297-8

Historical romance queen Elyot shines her light on Mary Darby Robinson (1758–1800), who, during her brief life, burned with a passionate intensity. Born to a successful British merchant who abandoned the family, Mary nonetheless enjoyed an education that nurtured her passion for prose, poetry and drama. Elyot convincingly evokes the ambivalence Mary feels at 15 as she struggles with her mother, who pleads that she give up her upcoming acting debut to marry Tom Robinson, the supposed heir of a rich uncle. After doing as she’s told, Mary suffers the first of many romantic disappointments, all the while finding refuge in her poetry and other writings. Tom’s philandering and financial irresponsibility finally return her to the stage, and there the auburn-haired beauty catches the eye of the Prince of Wales. Mary’s daring and anguished existence is truly the stuff of novels—her own writings, particularly her feminist essays, were acclaimed in her lifetime—and Elyot’s telling of her life, in Mary’s voice, honors her legacy. (Feb.)

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Because I love it...

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Vote for BECOMING MARIE ANTOINETTE for Goodreads Readers Choice Award

I'm Lizzy Bennet -- who's surprised?

Welcome to the literary salon of the Lady Novelist (who writes nonfiction as well)

Leslie's web site

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ROYAL AFFAIRS gets a rave from the Library Journal

New York Post chooses CHOOSING SOPHIE

Publishers Weekly raves about Amanda Elyot's next historical fiction release!

Followers

Blog Archive

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Because I love it...

No comments:

Vote for BECOMING MARIE ANTOINETTE for Goodreads Readers Choice Award

I'm Lizzy Bennet -- who's surprised?

Welcome to the literary salon of the Lady Novelist (who writes nonfiction as well)

Leslie's web site

Where am I blogging?

My favorite blogs

Favorite places to visit

ROYAL AFFAIRS gets a rave from the Library Journal

New York Post chooses CHOOSING SOPHIE

Publishers Weekly raves about Amanda Elyot's next historical fiction release!

Followers

Blog Archive

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