Shakespeare’s Lady
BY: Alexa Schnee
PUBLISHED BY: Guidepost
PUBLISHED IN: April 1, 2012
ISBN: 978-0-8249-4528-2
Pages: 360
Reviewed by Billy Burgess

Unexpectedly I received an advanced reader’s copy of the upcoming Shakespeare’s Lady by Alexa Schnee from Summerside Press/Guideposts. I do not read much from the Shakespearean period, but I became interested after flipping to the back pages and reading the author note. I was unaware of who Emilia Bassano was, a lady-in-waiting to the Queen Elizabeth and one of the first women poets in England. Historians have debated over the years if Emilia wrote some of William Shakespeare’s plays, especially the wacky A Midsummer’s Night Dream. There have also been debates about who Shakespeare’s “Dark Lady” is. Was it Emilia Bassano? Nobody knows if it was actually her, or if William and she actually had a relationship. Both William and Emilia would have been around Queen Elizabeth’s court at the time. That is where Alexa Schnee’s plot comes in, the romantic relationship between the two.

Being completely unfamiliar with the lifestyles of the 14th century, I was shocked read about how the women, especially the Queen’s ladies-in-waiting, were treated. The women were mistress for the higher class, older married men. The main character, Emilia, became of the mistress of the Queen’s first cousin, Henry Carey. If I recall right, there is a forty-five years age difference between Emilia and Henry. Despite hating Henry, she becomes pregnant with his child. With the Queen’s approval, Emilia married her first cousin Alfonso Lanier, a court musician.

Emilia was a poet at heart, but she mostly wrote in secret, as Henry and later her husband, Alfonso, was displeased with her passion. William Shakespeare, who she met briefly at the Queen’s court, admired her poems and fell for the married Emilia. Most of Shakespeare’s plays ends in tragedy, so unfortunately so does the relationship between the two.

Surprisingly, I found myself enjoying reading about this era, and at the same time I found myself somewhat sadden that this is a work of fiction. Nobody truly knows if there was a romantic relationship between William and Emilia. The author cleverly unravels a romance between the two, and brings new light to the Emilia Bassano’s legacy.

Shadow in Serenity
BY: Terri Blackstock
PUBLISHED BY: Zondervan
PUBLISHED IN: 2011
ISBN: 978-0-310-33231-2
Pages: 352
Reviewed by Billy Burgess

I was given a few books by Terri Blackstock a while back by a friend, but I have never had a chance to read them. When I received a request to review the Christian book, Shadow in Serenity, I instantly recognized the author’s name. I eagerly accepted to read it. The book tossed no to my nightstand, with a few others, and with the holiday madness, the book had slipped my mind. After a night of tossing and turning, I flipped on the nightstand light and grabbed Shadow in Serenity. Instantly, I was hooked after reading the first chapter - the  introduction of Logan Brisco, a stylish con artist with a rocky past. Abandoned by his mother, Logan lived in foster homes until meeting a local con artist who took Logan under his wing. After a stint behind bars and a name change, Logan lands in Serenity Texas with the greatest swindle of all.

One by one, Logan is convincing the citizens of Serenity to invest in his great idea - building a theme park in the county. Everyone is hypnotized by his charming self and smooth talking, except for one woman named Carny Sullivan. She has seen her share of liars and cheats in her life, and now she has spotted one more - Logan. With all her power, she is determined to protect her son, family, and friends by exposing Logan’s lies.

Shadow in Serenity is a character driven drama with some romance thrown in it. Despite Logan being a con artist, I could not help feeling sorry for him as I learned more about his past. The heroine, Carny, is smart, strong character who knows when she is being lied to. There are a few dry moments here and there, but the interesting characters, snappy dialogue, and believable plot make up for it. I enjoyed my first read from Terri Blackstock and I look forward to reading more of her books.


About the Author:

Terri Blackstock has sold over six million books worldwide and is a New York Times bestseller. She is the award-winning author of Intervention, Vicious Cycle, and Predator, as well as such series as Cape Refuge, Newpointe 911, the Sun Coast Chronicles, and the Restoration Series. Visit her website at www.terriblackstock.com.

Valley of Dreams
BY: Lauraine Snelling
PUBLISHED BY: Bethany House
PUBLISHED IN: 2011
ISBN: 978-0-7642-0415-9
Pages: 352
Reviewed by Billy Burgess

Valley of Dreams, the first novel in the Wild West Wind series, has been sitting on my desk for several weeks now. After reading a few negative reviews about the book, I hesitated about reading this historical fiction. I was intrigued by the first chapter, as you are introduced to the main heroine, Cassie Lockwood, - a young sharpshooter for the Lockwood and Talbot Wild West Show. Uncle Jason (her dad’s business partner) has been running the show every since her dad’s death. Unfortunately, times are tough and the show is going go close, as the bank investors are coming to repossess everything. Uncle Jason gives her what little money he has, a wagon, horse, and supplies.

Cassie’s father had dreamed of living in the Black Hills of South Dakota and now that is Cassie’s dream too. With Chief, a Sioux Indian from the Wild West Show, and Micah, the head wrangler, she sets off to find the valley. Of course, things are so easy, as there are many dangerous situations ahead.

The author, Lauraine Snelling has done a remarkable job creating beautiful descriptions throughout the novel. The characters are well written and so is the plot. Valley of Dreams is my first read from the author and it won’t be the last. I recommend the book to everyone.

*I would like to thank Bethany House for sending me a copy to review!

Smarty Pig
BY: Molly Nero
PUBLISHED BY: Halo
PUBLISHED IN: December 2011
ISBN: 978-1-61244-048-4
Pages: 30
Reviewed by Billy Burgess

"Smarty Pig" is a delightful tale about a house full of little piggies. After school, they like to play cards, watch TV and play tag instead of doing their homework. Only one red-haired piggy does her homework and study for her tests. The other piggies call her “Teacher’s Pet”, but she surprises all of them when she is only one who gets good grades on report card day. The other piggies are upset and they all want to know how to get good grades. The red-haired piggy eagerly agrees to teach them math and science.

I enjoyed reading “Smarty Pig”, and I loved the beautiful illustrations throughout the picture book. Young readers can easily relate to story, as I am sure all them would rather be playing than studying or doing their homework. I liked how the little red-haired piggy in the story used simple household items, like play-money and cookies to help the piggies learn math and science. “Smarty Pig” is a cute read for young readers.

About the Author:




Molly Nero grew up in Texas loving to sing, dance, and read. She spent over 18 years teaching elementary school.  Reading to her own children, she was inspired to write. Molly Nero recently moved to Pennsylvania where she resides with her family, 2 dogs, and a leopard spotted Gecko and enjoys writing, cooking, and making snowmen.


www.smartypigbooks.com

In this sequel to The Swiss Courier, OSS agents Gabi Mueller and Eric Hofstadler are back and this time the are trying to rescue Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece, the Mona Lisa before it falls into the clutches of the Germans. Set during World War II, the agents have their hands full as travel from Paris to a Swiss chateau, in a race to save the painting.

Question of the Week: Many readers/bloggers are also big music fans. Tell us about a few of your favorite bands/singers that we should listen to in 2012.

PUBLISHED BY: Revell


Pages: 320
Reviewed by Billy Burgess



 Julia has other things on her mind, like marrying Paul Fisher. She has dreamed of being his wife since she was a child, but her wedding plans are constantly being delayed by Paul’s overprotected mother, Edith, who will do anything to stop the wedding.

Running a farm can be difficult, so the Lapp family has their Uncle Hank to help them with the farm. Fern Graber arrives at the farm as a caregiver for Amos. Soon enough the Bee Man arrives. The Bee Man, travels through the Amish communities with his hives of bees and then rents them out to farmers.

Will Julia marry Paul?

Will Amos changes his ways and have a heart transplant?

“The Keeper” is slightly different than the typical Amish fiction, adding witty characters and realism that any reader can connect with. Life is full of twists and turns that challenges your faith as the main character Julia findsout. There is heartache, laughter and wonderful storytelling to be found in “The Keeper”. I recommend the book to all readers.