Category Archives: Destiny

“The American Heiress: A Novel” by Daisy Goodwin

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Why do I recommend Daisy Goodwin’s “The American Heiress“?

First, the novel is well written with elements of romance but not focusing on the happily ever after concept. Instead Daisy Goodwin provides a fresh look at turn of the twentieth century America and England. Her perspective is a new one for me painting a picture of how truly callous the wealthy are during this era.

You’ll learn much about what a British title costs the young Cora Cash.  Cora pursues the title to appease her Mother but finds herself drawn to a Duke she meets by chance.

I think what brings depth to “The American Heiress,” is the relationship between Cora and her maid, Bertha. As Cora is drawn more and more into the drama of English Aristocracy, Bertha is able to ground her on what’s most important. Bertha’s story is every bit as important to the plot of this excellent tale as Cora’s.

There’s also plenty mystery and intrigue as the story unfolds. Daisy Goodwin keeps me guessing until the final chapter.

Will Cora be happy? Is Bertha going to be able to keep her position and the love of her life? You won’t find out until the very end, but I can guarantee “The American Heiress” is a page turner that keeps you hooked until the very end.

I listened to the audiobook and found Katherine Kellgren’s narration engaging and full of emotion.  A very well done production.

You can get an audiobook from iTunes or the book or e-book from Amazon at the following links.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/audiobook/american-heiress-novel-unabridged/id441922680

Enjoy.

 

“Dark Witch,” Book One of the Cousins O’Dwyer Trilogy by Nora Roberts

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I love this book and recommend to all who enjoy well written mystery romance with a little Magick thrown in.

The following quote from Dark Witch, gives us the keys to solve the mystery in Book One, Two and Three.

“Sorcha shook her head as Brannaugh started toward her.  ‘Not yet.  Magick is work.  It gives, and it takes.  It must be finished.’  She reached in the cauldron, drew out three copper amulets.  ‘To Brannaugh the hound, to Eamon the hawk, to Teagan the horse.’  She slipped an amulet over each child’s head.  ‘These are your signs and your shields. ….’” (Dark Witch, copyright 2013 Nora Roberts, written by Nora Roberts pages 14 and 15 published by The Berkley Publishing Group).

The modern story begins with Iona Sheehan.  She’s from Baltimore, Maryland but never felt a part of that place and time.  All of her life she’s heard stories about Ireland from her maternal Grandmother, Nan, and longed to go to County Mayo to live and work.

Iona sells all that she has to fund the trip that will begin her new life in Ireland.  She’s in search of her destiny.  Relying on a map from her Nan, her first stop is to find the Dark Witch, Branna, her cousin.  Branna gives her a place to live and knows of a stable where Iona may be able to find work.

Iona meets Alaster, the wild stallion, at the stable where she gets a job as stable hand.  Alaster is destined to be Iona’s protector.  He is a magnificent animal beautiful in how he yields to Iona’s will.

Boyle McGrath, her new boss, is a force to be reckoned with, big and tough, will he be Iona’s destiny as well?

Dark Witch is a mystery full of adventure, intrigue and the bonds of family both those formed by birth or by will.   The descriptive scenery, witty dialog and well written story bring Iona and her quest to life.  The plot is steadily building throughout the book and comes to fruition at the end.  The story doesn’t end there though, for the next cousin must fight the evil that is even now restoring itself to full strength.  The saga to follow your destiny to overcome evil continues with Shadow Spell Book Two of the Cousins O’Dwyer Trilogy, by Nora Roberts, due for release on March 25th, 2014, I’ve got my signed copy coming in the mail soon.

I bought my autographed copy of Dark Witch and Shadow Spell from Turn The Page Bookstore TTPBooks.com