Welcome to Mailbox Monday, the weekly meme created by Marcia of To Be Continued, where book lovers share the titles they received for review, purchased, or otherwise obtained over the past week. Mailbox Monday currently is on tour, and this month’s host is Book Dragon’s Lair.
Here’s what I received:
Sketches of a Black Cat by Ron and Howard Miner — from the author for review
Howard Miner was a student in a small midwestern college when the War broke out. His journey through training and tours of duty as a PBY pilot in the South Pacific are skillfully captured in his art and narratives, framing a wartime drama with a personal coming of age story. The Black Cats flew at night in seaplanes painted entirely black. Their assignments were varied, from patrols and bombing raids to rescues and missions that took them over thousands of miles of water and countless islands. This is a tale of ordinary people navigating through exceptional circumstances — the friendships made, the cultures discovered, and the constant threat of enemy engagements. Sketches of a Black Cat is a memoir reconstructed by his son, Ron, from a small library of artwork, journal entries, and writing. Through his father’s eyes and first hand accounts, we explore the behind the scenes life and idiosyncrasies of the military, the antithetical humor, the very real dangers, and the poetic imagery of these tropical places from the air. The descriptive verse from the artist’s viewpoint provides us a creatively told and intriguing portrayal of World War II’s Pacific Theater. (publisher’s summary)
Colette (Volume 1) by Michelina Vinter — from Sandpiper Publicity for review
In 1938, Colette, an eighteen-year-old Parisian girl, falls for American professor Adam Walker. Within weeks, the young couple married and moved back to the United States, and Colette must say goodbye to the only home she’s ever known. After traveling to New York and eventually to her new home in Berkeley, Colette discovers that she’s expecting, and life doesn’t seem like it could get any better. Colette soon discovers, however, that Adam isn’t the man she thinks. Forced to endure an abusive husband and a lonely pregnancy, the only solace she can find is with her neighbor, John Wu. A devoted friend, John proves to be the shoulder she can cry on, and the man she can depend on to take care of her. But as time goes by and war draws nearer, life begins to take a dramatic turn. As the world begins to change around her, Colette’s fantastic story will take her around the world and back in defense of her family, her child, and her love. (publisher’s summary)
Relic by Heather Terrell — from Soho Teen for review
When Eva’s twin brother, Eamon, falls to his death just a few months before he is due to participate in The Testing, no one expects Eva to take his place. She’s a Maiden, slated for embroidery classes, curtseys, and ultimately a marriage befitting the daughter of a ruler of the Aerie. But Eva insists on honoring her brother by becoming a Testor. After all, she wouldn’t be the first Maiden to Test, just the first in 150 years.
Eva knows the Testing is no dance class. Gallant Testors train for their entire lives to search icy wastelands for Relics: artifacts from an era once known as the 21st century, the corrupt Tech-worshipping age that drowned in the Healing. Out in the Boundary lands, Eva draws on the lifetime of training she received in a matter of weeks from Lukas — her servant, a Boundary native, and her closest friend now that Eamon is gone. Maybe even more than that.
But there are threats in The Testing beyond what Lukas could have prepared her for. And no one could have imagined the danger Eva unleashes when she discovers a Relic that shakes the Aerie to its core. (publisher’s summary)
Caroline Bingley: A Continuation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice by Jennifer Becton — purchased
When Charles Bingley and Mr. Darcy made proposals to the Bennet sisters at the end of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, Caroline Bingley was both distressed by her brother’s choice of bride and humiliated by Mr. Darcy’s rejection of her. And she made her objections known.
Now banished from her brother’s household, Caroline must return to her mother’s home in the north of England until she can make amends with both Bennet sisters. Desperate though Caroline may be to return to polite company, she absolutely refuses to apologize to Miss Elizabeth Bennet, and instead, she seeks an alternative route back into society in the form of Mr. William Charlton, heir to a barony.
Through her connections with Mr. Charlton’s sister Lavinia, Caroline begins to infiltrate the household in the hopes of securing the gentleman and his title for herself. However, she must also contend with her vexing emotions regarding Mr. Patrick Rushton, a once-wealthy landowner, and the meddlesome opinions of Mrs. Rosemary Pickersgill, the companion sent by her brother.
When all that Caroline has ever dreamed of attaining — an ancient family name, a title, and a home of her own — is finally within her reach, will she grasp for it even if it means disregarding the workings of her own heart? Or will she cast off the trappings of society and give herself to true love? (publisher’s summary)
The Seduction of Lady Phoebe by Ella Quinn — free eBook
Phoebe Stanhope is not a typical Lady. As feisty as she is quick witted, no one can catch her, especially when she is driving her dashing phaeton with its perfectly matched horses. And unlike her peers, experience has guarded her against a growing list of would-be suitors. But when she encounters Marcus Finley, what she fears most burns deep within his blue-eyed gaze…
For Lord Marcus, the spark of recognition is but a moment in the love he has held these many years. Now that he’s returned to England, all the happiness he desires rests on Lady Phoebe never finding out that he was the one who turned her heart so cold and distant. He must work fast to gain the advantage — to convince her what she wants is exactly what she denies — but in order to seduce her into his arms, he must be willing to give up more than he can control… (publisher’s summary)
What books did you add to your shelves recently?
© 2013 Anna Horner of Diary of an Eccentric. All Rights Reserved. Please do not reproduce or republish content without permission.
These look very different and interesting – enjoy
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Thanks, Diane!
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I sure hope there’s a happy ending for Colette – that book sounds really good.
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I just hope I won’t have to wait too long for the next book! 😉
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Sketches of a Black Cat sounds very good. You know, it seems no matter how many books you read about the Wars, there’s always more info to know…it’s kind of mind-boggling! Colette sounds like a great book, I’m going to look into finding a copy.
Caroline Bingley sounds like a fascinating off-shoot of Pride & Prejudice. She sure doesn’t sound like the nicest woman. I wonder if she’ll sacrifice what her heart wants for greed? I’m looking forward to your review of this book!
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I’ve never read an Austenesque novel with Caroline as the main character, so I’m sure it will be interesting. And yes, I’m always amazed by how I can learn something new about WWII (even if it’s just one small fact) with every book I read.
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looks like you got some good ones. I’m particularly interested in Sketches of a Black Cat and the Caroline Bingley.
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I hope to have time for Caroline Bingley when I’m on my November staycation. 😉
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All those titles are new to me. I’m curious about “Sketches of a Black Cat” and will be waiting for your review. Happy reading, Anna!
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Thanks, Beth!
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Colette grabbed my interest….hope you enjoy all of your books! Thanks for sharing.
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Thanks, Laurel-Rain!
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I guess Caroline should get a HEA too 🙂
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I suppose…especially if it means she leaves Darcy and Elizabeth alone!
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It looks like a great selection this week Anna. Relic sounds especially good to me. Enjoy!
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The Girl will be reviewing that one. 🙂
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Wonderful mailbox, Anna! I hope you have a terrific reading week ahead. You certainly have many tempting books to choose from!
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Thanks, Suko! I have waaayyy to many books, LOL!
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Those all look good especially Caroline Bingley and The Seduction of Lady Phoebe. Happy reading!
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Thanks, Naida!
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Oh, you got some great books this week, Anna! I LOVED Caroline Bingley! Becton did a wonderful job with her! And I recently finished The Seduction of Lady Phoebe. It was a good book too! I hope you enjoy all the books that came your way this week! 🙂
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I’m glad to hear you liked both of those books. That makes me even more excited to read them!
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Thank you so much for mentioning The Seduction of Lady Phoebe. I hope you enjoy Phoebe and Marcus’s story!!
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You’re welcome!
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hmm, would be interesting to compare your 1st book here with Unbroken. Did you read it? The most amazing nonfiction on the topic.
I can’t believe I had not heard about the novel Colette. Thanks.
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I have Unbroken, but haven’t got around to reading it yet…though I know I should since I’ve heard so many good things about it!
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yes it is really so very good, incredible. and you know they are working on the movie!
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I had no idea about the movie! Guess I better get reading then! 😉
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Sketches of a Black Cat goes on my list Anna, thank you!
I am thrilled to say I have won two books thanks to your posts, always lovely for a bookworm like myself!
All the best,
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My pleasure! Happy reading!
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All of these are new to me, but I do think The Seduction of Lady Phoebe is the one I’d enjoy the most. Happy reading!!!
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Thanks, Shoshanah! I like a good romance every now and then, so I thought I’d give it a try.
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It’s the first time I see a take on Caroline Bingley as a spin-off of P&P. Enjoy all your new books!
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I’m excited to see how she’s portrayed, since she’s one of the characters Austen fans love to hate!
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Colette sounds really good. I hope you enjoy your new books and keep us posted!
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Thanks, Iliana! I certainly will. 🙂
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The Black Cat book sounds interesting and not a topic I’ve heard much about on seaplanes in WWII … hmm. Could be a good memoir! cheers.
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Cheers to you! I was drawn to that one in particular because I haven’t read anything like it yet.
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