Books, Reading

Giveaway: LAST DAYS OF MAGIC by Mark Tompkins

by The Lit Bitch4 Comments on Giveaway: LAST DAYS OF MAGIC by Mark Tompkins

An epic novel of magic and mysticism, Celts and faeries, mad kings and druids, and the goddess struggling to reign over magic’s last outpost on the Earth

The Last Days of Magic introduces us to unforgettable characters who grapple with quests for power, human frailty, and the longing for knowledge that has been made taboo. Mark Tompkins has crafted a remarkable tale—a feat of world-building that poses astonishing and resonant answers to epic questions.

Thanks to the publisher I am thrilled to be able to offer a giveaway copy of LAST DAYS OF MAGIC plus a custom made pack of tarot cards! Check out the cards and book image here. Be sure to check out details about this edition at the end of the post here and be watching for my review of the book next month!

Giveaway runs 2/29/16 to 3/7/16

Winners will be announced 3/8/16.

(how to enter)

On this blog you must leave a comment to be entered in the giveaway.  Your comment MUST include your email so I can contact you….if you do not enter an email in the comments your entry will be void. Winners will be notified by email the day after the giveaway closes and have five days to respond, it not another winner will be chosen. 

(GIVEAWAY OPEN TO US ONLY AND NO PO BOX)

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Book Critic, Book Review, Books, Literary Criticism, Reading

Review: The Song of Hartgrove Hall by Natasha Solomons

by The Lit BitchLeave a Comment on Review: The Song of Hartgrove Hall by Natasha Solomons

Over the last few years, I have seen Natasha Solomons’ books come up on my recommended reading lists quite a bit.

Her signature style seems to be books about great houses and family scandals set in war time or post war England……sort of reminiscent of Downton Abbey.

The books opens on New Year’s Eve, 1946. Candles flicker, a gramophone scratches out a tune as guests dance and sip champagne— for one night Hartgrove Hall relives better days.

Harry Fox-Talbot and his brothers have returned from the war determined to save their once grand home from ruin. But the arrival of beautiful wartime singer Edie Rose tangles the threads of love and duty, and leads to a devastating betrayal.

Fifty years later, now a celebrated composer, Fox reels from the death of his adored wife, Edie. Until his connection with his four-year old grandson – a piano prodigy – propels him back into life, and ultimately to confront his past. An enthralling novel about love and treachery, joy after grief, and a man forced to ask: is it ever too late to seek forgiveness?

Continue reading “Review: The Song of Hartgrove Hall by Natasha Solomons” →

Book Critic, Book Review, Books, Literary Criticism, Reading

Review: The Vatican Princess: A Novel of Lucrezia Borgia by C.W. Gortner

by The Lit Bitch1 Comment on Review: The Vatican Princess: A Novel of Lucrezia Borgia by C.W. Gortner

C.W. Gortner is one of my favorite historical fiction writers! He always picks really unique women in history to write about and he always captures the essence of their story in a unique way.

Being a male author writing about women in history isn’t an easy deal especially……I know when I pick up the first book I read by him, I was skeptical because how can a man understand what a women is going through? But I was completely blown away with how well Gortner connected to the historic figures and created a beautiful fictional story mixed with historic facts about that person.

In this latest book, I was again comforted by Gortner’s signature style of interesting, strong women characters and a very engaging story! I am not as up on my Borgia history as I should be so this novel was more or less all new to me. I know a little about the family and Lucrezia, and their basic history but haven’t really studied them in depth so this book was a treat for me…..something fresh and new!

With the ascension of the Spaniard Rodrigo Borgia as Pope Alexander VI, a new era has dawned in Rome. Benefitting from their father’s elevation are the new pope’s illegitimate children—his rival sons, Cesare and Juan, and beautiful young daughter Lucrezia—each of whom assumes an exalted position in the papal court.

Continue reading “Review: The Vatican Princess: A Novel of Lucrezia Borgia by C.W. Gortner” →

Books, Reading

Spotlight Feature: WHISKEY TANGO FOXTROT by Kim Barker

by The Lit BitchLeave a Comment on Spotlight Feature: WHISKEY TANGO FOXTROT by Kim Barker
WHISKEY TANGO FOXTROT, the upcoming movie starring Tina Fey, Margot Robbie, Martin Freeman, Billy Bob Thornton and Alfred Molina, is based on Kim Barker’s memoir of her time reporting in Afghanistan and Pakistan (book originally published as The Taliban Shuffle).  
To check out the trailer for this hot upcoming new film, click here.  Kim uses her sharp wit and humor to describe her dangerous and exciting time in these troubled countries in her book, WHISKEY TANGO FOXTROT (Anchor; February 23, 2016).
Kim first arrived in Kabul in 2002, with nothing more than a passport and a dire need for a translator. Despite the dangers and the shaky circumstances, Kim’s love for these countries grew, as did her fear for their future sustainability. After five years spent wearing a scarf, abiding by the cultural norms and traveling long hours on unpaved roads, Kim returns to America and is eager to tell of her long-lasting love story with these countries.

Continue reading “Spotlight Feature: WHISKEY TANGO FOXTROT by Kim Barker” →

Books, Reading

Special Feature: Interactive Quiz–A Guide to Literary Britain!

by The Lit BitchLeave a Comment on Special Feature: Interactive Quiz–A Guide to Literary Britain!

2016 is going to be a big year for book to movie adaptations! And with the amount of big screen adaptions taking place this year, we were wondering if you can tell your Brontë from your Blyton, your Amis from your Austen?

Travelzoo have cherry-picked 11 of the finest, most evocative entries in the canon of British literature for their interactive quiz – Guide to Literary Britain – featuring authors such as Winston Graham, Muriel Spark, Dylan Thomas, C.S. Lewis, Thomas Hardy and many more!

All you’ve got to do is match the tale to the right city or region. For more information on each of the locations including what to see & do, top tips and interesting facts, please see here.

This is a super fun interactive game/quiz that you can play over and over again! Be sure to check it out today!