“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.

 

Book review update

The American Heiress by Daisy Goodwin_
Above is the next book review I’ll be publishing.

I’ll be adding more book reviews soon. I’ve been working on my wellness so I have more years to share book ideas.
Peace,
Missy

How Books and Bookstores Have Changed My Life

https://melissablanchard62.wordpress.com/2014/02/28/recommend-it-starts-with-food-discover-the-whole30-and-change-your-life-in-unexpected-ways-by-melissa-hartwig-and-dallas-hartwig/
This book changed my life – I had tried so many diets even working with a Health Fitness place but this guide will bring home how the body works and what you need to do to get your weight under control and so much more. Take the time to read it (and its a quick read if all you want to do is get started on the lifestyle that will set you free).
I’m also thankful for Preferred One insurance and Fairview Health Service and Can Do New Thinking, Better Choices program – its helped me find the keys to long term solutions from food, to finances, to interpersonal relationships and finding peace within yourself.
I’m thankful that I found this book at Turn The Page Bookstore Cafe at the July 13th 2013 book signing with Nora Roberts I’ve lost 60 pounds since then and continue to lose until my muscle, bone and fat ratio is within norms. This is an achievable goal, this is my life and my journey and I control what food I eat, how much I move, and listening to what my body is telling me. See information about my journey to date and my continuing journal at my blogs:

https://melissablanchard62.wordpress.com/2014/05/23/weekly-photo-challenge-work-of-art/
http://lifeafter50m.blogspot.com/Your spirit and soul are ready to be heard – tune in and listen. Keep on believing in the possibilities of what YOU CAN DO:)

On this blog click on the Weight link on the left to read about the beginning of my journey.  I’m keeping my ongoing journey in Journal form on http://lifeafter50m.blogspot.com/

I have to share and celebrate how books change my life and bookstores with heart carry just the books you need.  So glad I traveled to Boonsboro last July, hope all that are able attend this year as well.  Find out more about the 2014 book signing and brunch with Nora on her blog at this link:  http://fallintothestory.com/eventssignings/

Comments are welcome.

Sincerely,

Melissa Blanchard

Gallery

Weekly Photo Challenge – Work of Art

This gallery contains 5 photos.

Originally posted on Meticulous Mick:
This week’s photo challenge is ‘Work of Art’.  Now thinking of a suitable response has been difficult for this one and alas I have not come up with anything outside the box this time. Anyone…

New on 500px : Sunset at Penon beach by ouitab by ouitab

Wow, love the subject and the lighting. Amazing picture.

ferlpb's avatarFSD

Shot at “le Penon” beach, south west, France

via 500px http://ift.tt/1g9sEKa

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New on 500px : Spring Dusk by TasosKutsiaytis by TasosKutsiaytis

Excellent picture – check it out:) Happy Friday everyone.

ferlpb's avatarFSD

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your ability to choose one thought over another…

Thanks for sharing. I agree – the best option is in life is to find the positive. Meditation helps me to let go of negative thoughts. There’s so much life has to offer – if we only open our eyes and see. Peace.

Giant Arrow Sunset

Beautiful – thanks for sharing magnificent picture:)

dannyboybroderick's avatarDon Charisma

Here’s a panorama shot blended together in Hugin from 5 portrait shots.

The clouds were arranged to give an unusual arrow sunset effect. Quite magnificent.

dannyboybroderick-big-sky-sunset

Taken in London, UK © dannyboybroderick



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“Shadow Spell” by Nora Roberts

Shadow Spell Front CoverShadow Spell Inside Front CoverShadow Spell Signature PageShadow Spell Back Cover2Shadow Spell Back FlapShadow Spell Back Jacket

Why do I recommend, “Shadow Spell” by Nora Roberts?

First, “Shadow Spell” is a mystery that spans the centuries.  Nora does an excellent job connecting the Autumn of 1268 with the Autumn of 2013.  Eamon and Connor are kindred spirits finding common ground in the spiritual world.

Second, I find “Shadow Spell an intriguing study of old and new Ireland from the landscape to the customs.  Especially how each family unit made their income then and now.  Nora’s description of the tourism of modern Ireland makes me want to visit there and see for myself.

Finally, “Shadow Spell” speaks to the heart.  The importance of family in the good and bad times.  Learning how to work through disagreements within the family both those of the blood and those created through love and understanding.  Nora let me see how love grows through sharing and caring.

I hope you find the story of “Shadow Spell” as inspiring and enlightening as I have.  I’m looking forward to reading “Blood Magick” by Nora Roberts, hopefully to be released in October of 2014.  I’m hoping Cabhan gets what he deserves in this final installment.  I feel it will take spiritual strength and heart that extends back to the year 1268.

I purchased the novel “Shadow Spell” by Nora Roberts online via Turn The Page Bookstore Cafe at this link http://ttpbooks.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Store_Code=TTPB&Screen=PROD&Product_Code=COD2

Requesting signed books is still possible. Please follow the instructions on the website carefully to be sure to get the book signed as you request, see this link for further information https://melissablanchard62.wordpress.com/2014/04/19/facebook-posting-from-turn-the-page-bookstore/

The site is safe and secure – I’ve been using it since August 2013 with great success. I visited Boonsboro, MD last July and am also able to say the staff and store are both friendly and helpful in customer service and layout.

Audio is also available via ttpbooks.com but I didn’t realize until after I purchased the audiobook on iTunes via Brilliance Audio see this link:  https://itunes.apple.com/us/audiobook/shadow-spell-book-two-cousins/id824435002

The narrator, Allan Smyth, has a lovely accent which adds to the feel of traveling to Ireland.  Nora’s excellent descriptive writing does the rest.  I enjoyed listening as I did my daily walks and working on preparing my meals.  Allan’s ability to bring emotions to life with his tone of voice brought depth to the battle scenes.

Thank you Nora Roberts, for giving us this story of family that spans the centuries in the Cousins O’Dwyer Trilogy with Book 1, “The Dark Witch” reviewed at this link:  https://melissablanchard62.wordpress.com/2014/03/24/dark-witch-book-one-of-the-cousins-odwyer-trilogy-by-nora-roberts/ and Book 2, “The Shadow Spell” and Fall release of “Blood Magick”.

You deliver with every book and I appreciate all you share from the romance, to the family love that is of blood and spirit.  I appreciate the signature as well.  I did “Imagine” and found acceptance and love.  Peace.

 

 

 

When Calls The Heart Gets a Season 2

WhenCallsTheHeart-Cast

      Hallmark Channel announced today there will be a season 2 for “When Calls The Heart”

I’m so glad.  The show has a heartfelt message of redemption, importance of education, surviving tragedy and how a town works together.  The series is based on Janette Oke’s writing see link below for details:

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=3&ved=0CEEQFjAC&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hallmarkchannel.com%2Fwhencallstheheart&ei=XNNnU93TIaL4yQGrnYAg&usg=AFQjCNHLArAIhqnKGW2MZhSgg9d4RthB8Q&sig2=mFR5vCGiZQvFscQ3mYpwqw&bvm=bv.65788261,d.aWc&cad=rja.

An added bonus for me has been the opportunity to meet so many excellent people via Facebook, Twitter and the Fan supported website:

Home

So if you don’t like the feel of social media – check out the website – its designed for you – keeping your information secure but allowing you to be counted as a Fan and supporter of great family entertainment with Heart.

I’m thankful for all the original series and movies Hallmark Channel is producing last year and this one especially with Cedar Cove, When Calls the Heart and Signed Sealed Delivered.  I hope you tune in and join the Fans – me included – in supporting Hallmark’s efforts to put Heart into TV viewing.

Remember – join the website for behind the scenes information about Coal Valley at this link:

Home

If you like Twitter @WCTH, #Hearties (Fan inspired Hallmark embraced tag) and #WhenCallsTheHeart.

If you like Facebook join at:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/544632748969161/

I joined all 3 to get the latest information.  I also created @MjbheartiesFan

Hope you all join in supporting quality family entertainment that reaches people all over the world.

Peace

Melissa Blanchard – #Hearties Fan