Book Review: Before the Crown by Flora Harding

Note: I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley and am leaving this review voluntarily. When I first saw Before the Crown by Flora Harding on Net Galley, I hurried to request an Advance Review Copy (ARC). As followers of my blog are aware, I am a huge English History buff and … Continue reading Book Review: Before the Crown by Flora Harding →

Book Review: Macbeth by William Shakespeare

I’ve worked in theater for nearly a decade and minored in Elizabethan Culture in college, but when it comes to William Shakespeare, I’ve never described myself as a fan. Generally, I think this is because I’ve yet to see most of Shakespeare’s plays onstage. Of course, when in showbusiness, I’ve often had to read a … Continue reading Book Review: Macbeth by William Shakespeare →

Book Review: The Scandal of Christendom by Gemma Lawrence

Let it be known far and wide that the version of Anne Boleyn created by Gemma Lawrence remains breath-taking throughout The Scandal of Christendom (Above All Others – The Lady Anne, Book #4). Beginning in Autumn 1530, The Scandal of Christendom follows Anne Boleyn through the aftermath of the downfall of Cardinal Wolsey and the … Continue reading Book Review: The Scandal of Christendom by Gemma Lawrence →

Anne’s Legacy

As Tudorphiles know, today is the 464th anniversary of Anne Boleyn’s death. Beheaded on Tower Green for accusations we, like her contemporaries, believe to be false and absurd. She was a woman with ambition, who lived and loved passionately. Several months ago, my husband and I were doing one of those “100 Questions to Ask … Continue reading Anne’s Legacy →

“Let Them Grumble”

If you know me, you know that I am a complete and total Tudorphile. Both of my kids are named after Tudor figures, and the person from history I’d most like to have a conversation with is Anne Boleyn. So, in a way, it’s only fitting that when I was dealing with a vexing situation … Continue reading “Let Them Grumble” →

Book Review: Hamlet by William Shakespeare

It isn’t the easiest task for me to assess Hamlet as a book review because my theatrical background (more than ten of my twenty-four years) prohibits me from seeing any Shakespeare as a book. To me, Hamlet is a script that’s bound like a book, but isn’t one. So for that reason alone, I have … Continue reading Book Review: Hamlet by William Shakespeare →

Lifetime Reading List: Hamlet by William Shakespeare

As I said in regard to the placement of Romeo and Juliet on the Amazon/Goodreads Lifetime Must-Read List (see thoughts here), I don’t believe Hamlet by William Shakespeare should be included. While the story is spectacular, the original intention was of a performance, not a reading experience. The most profound central theme is the dynamic … Continue reading Lifetime Reading List: Hamlet by William Shakespeare →

Book Review: Above All Others by G. Lawrence

When I open the “Library” tab on my Kindle and see the abundance of books by Gemma Lawrence, I’m immediately taken to my happy place. Of the hundreds of books (both print and digital) I own, I don’t think I have so many by any one author. Lawrence’s attention to detail and well-researched historical fiction … Continue reading Book Review: Above All Others by G. Lawrence →

Book Review: Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare

I have mixed feelings about Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare (see those here), but if I focus on the story itself rather than it’s printed-rather-than-performed presentation, it’s a little easier to sort through them. At its core, I think Romeo and Juliet contains one of the most profound lessons the human race has yet … Continue reading Book Review: Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare →

Book Review: The Lady Anne by Gemma Lawrence

Gemma Lawrence has done it again! The Lady Anne (Book Two of its series) was a fantastic page-turner. I actually found myself neglecting my professional duties to read this book – as is often the case when I have a new book by this author! Following Anne Boleyn upon her return to England, this book … Continue reading Book Review: The Lady Anne by Gemma Lawrence →