Happy Easter!

Happy Easter everyone! I found Beautiful Chaos and Beautiful Darkness by Kami Garcia in my basket. =) Hope everyone has a hoppin' good time today!

My goddaughter painted this for me a couple of days ago. Too cute not to share! Hope she enjoys what I put in her basket. :D

In Pursuit

Once the doyenne of Long Beach and now a sick old man, Frank’s dying wishes lay in the hands of an overbearing carer. Mike refuses to embrace modern fads like gay marriage, preferring the past when gay men really had something to fight about. John secretly places an ad in The Farmers Journal looking for a companion as his father organises local farmers in political protest. In a Belfast hospital, Conor confesses to his dying father that he intends to marry his flatmate. Ciarán responds to John’s ad in The Farmers Journal but finds his search for love overshadowed by the search for a neighbour's missing child. The demolition of Ballymun flats forces Scott into making some life decisions, including embarking on an affair that threatens to destroy him. Teenage Traveller Ritchie discovers a glorious world of online dating is just a click away.

From the wind-scrubbed West of Ireland to the manicured lawns of the East, gay men are searching for their place in a modern Ireland. These gritty and confessional stories fuse their characters' voices into forceful narratives, connecting them by a few degrees of separation, an improved road or a new broadband connection.

*May Contain Spoilers*

R. E. Kemp shares the stories of ten homosexual men living on the isle of Ireland in his novel, In Pursuit. As the novel progresses, each chapter is a different character, beginning with the oldest and ending with the youngest, and each gives a new perspective on life as someone who is unaccepted. 

Mike, Cathal, and Conor are the three characters who have partners. Mike is disabled and grew up fighting for gay rights in the 1980s. He's a homebody with a loner attitude whose brother fights for marriage equality.

Cathal is dating a famous athlete who comes out in an interview, forcing Cathal to tell his family about his sexuality. They surprise Cathal when they support his relationship but he feels defeated when he discovers that his family just wants to be associated with someone famous.

Conor's father is in the hospital when he reveals that he will be married to his partner Fergus. It's a touching moment when his father promises that he'll be at the wedding though his sister doesn't condone his "behavior."

Frank is the oldest character and is dying of (though this is only hinted at in the novel) AIDS. He's cared for by his neighbor who is kicked out when his daughter appears to "fix" him. Though he's fussy, delusional, and forgetful, readers will empathize with him and how his daughter can't stand to have him for her father.

Ger is a character who's story is also heartbreaking. He's with his family, celebrating his sister's wedding, and all he can think about is how his partner just died from a brain tumor and no one around him knows. He worries that his family won't understand and Ger doesn't want to draw attention away from his sister. All he wants to do is make his family proud and readers will undoubtedly connect with him. 

Jackie is a divorced father who finds love in promiscuity. He meets younger men and grows tired of them quickly. If readers have a hard time connecting with any of the characters, I think it will be Jackie as he seems to have different aspirations than the others. 

John and Ciaran's stories are briefly shared. While John starts that plot of their romance, Ciaran finishes it later in the book. John puts an ad in the paper for a male friend though his family doesn't know that he's homosexual. He dreams of building a life with someone he loves and Ciaran sees the ad. Ciaran has a deaf brother and spends most of his time alone. His mother is mostly absent while Ciaran's father is abusive. He finds acceptance and love with John. These two stories coming together gives readers a chance to see that love has the same power no matter the sexuality. 

Scott and Ritchie are the youngest characters and provide the ending stories in the book. Scott lives in a building that is about to be torn down. He is terrified of coming out, and for good reason, as his brother and father beat him up because they know he's gay. He decides to show his true nature regardless, breaking up with his girlfriend and dating a new guy that is tender and caring. Readers will see strength in Scott and respect him for being true to himself.

Ritchie is a member of a criminal family and goes to an online dating site so that he can be anonymously gay, as his family will murder him if he comes out. Readers watch as Ritchie finds a chance at love though the danger of the situation keeps him from completely accepting it. 

Each character of In Pursuit shares a common dream or goal. They want to find happiness, love, and acceptance. As readers explore each new story, they will see a glimpse of what life is like for an Irish homosexual. Though this seems a small niche in c
omparison to the world, I think at least one character will resonate with each reader, no matter their sexuality or location. 

Rating: 3/5 Cups

In Pursuit

WWW Wednesday (46)

To play along, just answer the following three (3) questions…

• What are you currently reading?

• What did you recently finish reading?

• What do you think you’ll read next?

01. Currently Reading:
In Pursuit by R E Kemp. A collection of characters that all have one thing in common: their sexuality. As each chapter provides a different take on being homosexual in Ireland, readers experience what obstacles these characters try to overcome.

02. Recently Finished:
Johnny and the Seven Teddy Bears of Sin by James Venn. A poetic novella that provides a new example of fighting the seven deadly sins.

03. Reading Next:
One Good Earl Deserves a Lover by Sarah MacLean. A book I've assigned for March's Genre Variety Challenge spot but haven't had a chance to start yet. Hoping for a ton of quick witted humor and a wonderfully enticing love story, like any other girl. 

Johnny and the Seven Teddy Bears of Sin

Johnny Meryevan has been left in his elderly grandfather's household in Victorian London. To terrify the little boy into quiet behavior, his grandfather warns Johnny about the Seven Teddy Bears of Sin. His plan backfires. Johnny sets out to defeat these terrifying monsters, and the teddy bears are only too pleased to take up the challenge.

The results? A comic romp through the serious business of childhood: governesses, cakes, cabs, toast, tea, goldfish, nutcrackers, attics, bordellos, bears and temptations abounding.

The definitive update of medieval morality verse.

*May Contain Spoilers*

A poetic novella that teaches the pitfalls of the seven deadly sins, Johnny and the Seven Teddy Bears of Sin, by James Venn, gives child-like (and adult understanding) situational examples of unvirtuous behavior. Written completely in rhyme, the book seems to be aimed at middle aged children as a tool for teaching children about different types of sins and how to overcome them.

Johnny is the main character who begins an adventure to defeat the seven teddy bears of sin that his grandfather tells him about. As he faces greed, lust, gluttony, envy, sloth, wrath, and pride readers will see his  courageous behavior and imaginative nature. I think the middle aged youth will be able to connect with Johnny based on how he wishes to escape from his grandfather, he isn't considered to be mature enough to understand certain things, and he still has childlike tendencies in a world where children grow up so fast. 

The story line is told in a very linear way. Johnny faces each of the teddy bears in turn, defeating them but still making mistakes along the way. The idea that mistakes won't stop you from living virtuously is a great lesson for everyone. It also includes four attributes that help overcome negative temptations: mercy, judgement, truthful, and peaceful. Overall, the rhyming scheme coupled with the positive message make this poetic novella a good book to put on the TBR of the younger generation, with adult consideration, of course. 

Rating: 3.5/5 Cups

Johnny and the Seven Teddy Bears of Sin

Teaser Tuesday (54)

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

In Pursuit (p.32)
   - R. E. Kemp

As we kissed goodbye in the hazy twilight outside her house, she told me she loved me, her soft cheek pressed against mine. She was killed the next day walking on the blind bend from the village, ploughed down by a car that didn't stop.

Georgiana Darcy's Diary

Mr. Darcy's younger sister searches for her own happily-ever-after...

The year is 1814, and it is springtime at Pemberley. Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy have married. But now a new romance is in the air, along with high fashion, elegant manners, scandal, deception, and the wonderful hope of a true and lasting love.

Shy Georgiana Darcy has been content to remain unmarried, living with her brother and his new bride. But Elizabeth and Darcy's fairy-tale love reminds Georgiana daily that she has found no true love of her own. And perhaps never will, for she is convinced the one man she secretly cares for will never love her in return. Georgiana's domineering aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, has determined that Georgiana shall marry, and has a list of eligible bachelors in mind. But which of the suitors are sincere, and which are merely interested in Georgiana's fortune? Georgiana must learn to trust her heart--and rely on her courage--for she also faces the return of the man who could ruin her reputation and spoil a happy ending, just when it finally lies within her grasp.

*May Contain Spoilers*

Pride and Prejudice lovers will revel in this continuation of the Darcy family's history as Georgiana searches for her own happiness in Georgiana Darcy's Diary by Anna Elliot. 

Georgiana has grown to the proper age for falling in love and marrying. Though, she is already in love with a dear friend of the family: Edward Fitzwilliam, her brother's best friend. He's just returning to Pemberley from the war, with a rumor of engagement attached to his name. As her heart is breaking, Georgiana is determined to be considerate and stay clear of Edward for his sake and hers. 

In this novel, readers learn so much more about Georgiana and will definitely feel a connection to her. She's a gracious young woman with a huge heart. She's incredibly giving and good-natured with a love for sketching. Her diary reveals hopes and dreams for herself and those around her. Dreams that readers will understand and align with. 

As eligible bachelors try to gain Georgiana's love, she sorts through the lot and uncovers fortune-hunters, a possible husband for her cousin Anne, and even a new confidante and friend. Readers watch how Georgiana grows into herself with the hope of a happy ending. Georgiana Darcy's Diary is a novel of love and wonder. I highly recommend it for all Pride and Prejudice fans. 

Rating: 5/5 Cups

Georgiana Darcy's Diary: Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice Continued (Volume 1)

The Disillusioned

A mother's suicide threatens to destroy a family legacy. Her sons, Sam and Daniel, are forced to leave their comfortable worlds behind and search for a woman they believe can unlock the secrets that have remained hidden. They are propelled into separate journeys from Los Angeles to the heart of the Zambezi, where they are forced to confront a man known as Die Duiwel, the Devil.

On their adventures they will find themselves in a place where death is one breath away, where thousands of children are disappearing into the darkness, and where the woman they are searching for is on the hunt for revenge. When they stand face-to-face with the forgotten slaves of Africa, they will fight to redeem what has been lost.

*May Contain Spoilers*

D.J. Williams explores family legacy, loyalty, and love with his novel The Disillusioned. Facing a newly discovered family secret may be the key to bringing two brothers back together after their mother's suicide. Daniel and Sam share the main character role as they try to move on and accept what happened to their mom though the will of their mother has other plans for the two men. 

Daniel is a man who has lost his way. He's unsure of himself, embarrassed by his lack of faith, and has lost his will. Readers will connect with Daniel's nature and his attempt to change the path he's on by obeying his mother's last wishes - to find a woman named Stella who was raised an orphan in Africa. As he flies across the world to track down this woman, he uncovers a family secret that threatens to destroy the family name.

Sam is the black sheep of the family and he's been running away since he was old enough to be called an adult. But when his brother goes missing in the heart of Africa, he has no choice but to put away his ill-willed feelings and save Daniel. Readers will bond with Sam based on his loyalty and respect him for his bravery, instincts, and sacrifice. 

The plot of the novel focuses on human trafficking in Africa and how it influences politics. Some of the places and political terminology was a bit confusing, but with some close reading I believe any reader could enjoy this book. The character connections stay strong throughout the entire novel though the names of the political leaders do seem to jumble together at times. The Disillusioned is a quick start thriller that takes readers into a realm where survival is key. Recommended for mature audiences. 

Rating: 4/5 Cups

The Disillusioned

WWW Wednesday (45)

To play along, just answer the following three (3) questions…

• What are you currently reading?

• What did you recently finish reading?

• What do you think you’ll read next?

01. Currently Reading:
Georgiana Darcy's Diary by Anna Elliot. A continuation of Pride and Prejudice where Georgiana shares her own love story after Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth have been married for about a year.

02. Recently Finished:
The Disillusioned by D.J. Williams. After their mother's suicide, two brothers must search for a woman listed in her will. A journey across the world that brings a fallen family back together.

03. Reading Next:
In Pursuit by R.E. Kemp. A novel of confessions focused around a variety of characters that are pursuing happiness in a world that may not accept them.

Teaser Tuesday (53)

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

The Disillusioned (p.190)
   - D.J. Williams

He could've said that Danny was safe, fine, and ready to come home. Instead he said he was alive.

Beautiful Creatures

Lena Duchannes is unlike anyone the small Southern town of Gatlin has ever seen, and she's struggling to conceal her power, and a curse that has haunted her family for generations. But even within the overgrown gardens, murky swamps and crumbling graveyards of the forgotten South, a secret cannot stay hidden forever.

Ethan Wate, who has been counting the months until he can escape from Gatlin, is haunted by dreams of a beautiful girl he has never met. When Lena moves into the town's oldest and most infamous plantation, Ethan is inexplicably drawn to her and determined to uncover the connection between them.

In a town with no surprises, one secret could change everything.

*May Contain Spoilers*

After seeing the movie and learning a book series borne it, I just knew that Beautiful Creatures would enchant me. Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl did an excellent job creating a world where real witches live and curses have the power to breathe. 

The entire novel (except one chapter near the end) is from Ethan's POV. He's a boy stuck in a small town with dreams of escaping. He's tired of the normal, mundane, stereotypical setting. Ethan is a strong character. He shows deep resolve, holding advanced beliefs and demonstrating logical concepts for his young age (16).  The realizations Ethan arrive at show how advanced he is, not only for an adolescent but for society as a whole. He coincides with the open minded and accepting society where as his peers fall into their respective societal roles. Readers will connect with him through his actions and his thoughts. His narration is brutally honest, giving readers a chance to be in Ethan's shoes. 

Readers learn a lot about Lena through Ethan. As a caster, Lena is the black sheep of society. She comes to symbolize all that is unknown, and therefore is seen as frightening and unacceptable. Readers will be amazed at her ability to connect with those who stand against her. She will gain adoration, respect, and understanding as she faces a society who would rather throw her out than try to commiserate. 

The plot of the novel focuses on Lena's family curse. When she turns 16, her fate will be chosen and she will either become light (good) or dark (evil). Ethan is determined that she will be light while everyone else is afraid she'll fall into the shadows. As the days count down, Lena and Ethan begin to realize that some things cannot be stopped, some curses cannot be changed, and some decisions cannot be avoided. 

Rating: 4.5/5

Beautiful Creatures

WWW Wednesday (44)

To play along, just answer the following three (3) questions…

• What are you currently reading?

• What did you recently finish reading?

• What do you think you’ll read next?

01. Currently Reading:
Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia. Enchanting book! Half way through and I'm don't ever want it to end. It's that good.

02. Recently Finished:
Black Earth: End of the Innocence by David Alderman. Thoroughly enjoyable novel. Apocalyptic and alien invasion mixed with religion. Good, interesting read.

03. Reading Next:
The Disillusioned by Derek Williams. After a woman's suicide, two brothers must find the heir of her estate. A journey that will forever change them.

Teaser Tuesday (52)

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

 
Beautiful Creatures (p.155)
   - Kami Garcia

I could smell the blood and the gunshots were still ringing in my ears.
We had just watched a man die.