Tens List: 10 Things We Didn't Know About the English Occupation of Wales by J. Anderson Coats

10 Things We Didn't Know About the English Occupation of Wales

10) The English occupation of Wales happened piecemeal over at least two hundred years between 1066-1284, and possibly longer depending on who you ask.

9) The English occupation of north Wales happened militarily over about eighteen months between 1282-84, and over the next several generations in the form of colonization.

8) It was made possible by the collapse of native Welsh government and the power vacuum that resulted from the battlefield killing of Llywelyn ap Gruffydd and the execution of his brother Dafydd, the last Welsh Princes of Wales.

7) The English sought to ensure that the Welsh never caused trouble again, so they implemented an extensive - and expensive - castle-building, urban development and settlement program to maintain control of the area through extra-military means.

6) Caernarvon one of many castle towns planted by the English, and it was to be the new capital of the Principality of North Wales.  A small but growing Welsh settlement was leveled to make room for it.

5) On the surface, the aftermath of occupation beginning in 1283-84 was surprisingly lenient.  There were no wholesale executions of Welsh nobility and no attempts to ban the Welsh language or any other type of cultural expression.

4) There were, however, a number of quiet legal and economic sleights-of-hand that made it easy for the English to get what they wanted in other ways.

3) Which was the establishment of English hegemony by force of law and force of arms with an insidious eye toward economic subjugation and cultural assimilation.

2) The native Welsh nobility and landholders (who had kept their heads down and mouths shut) were completely aware of what was happening.  There was just nothing to do about it.  Until doing nothing was no longer an option.

1) By 1308, there was a Welsh sheriff of Caernarvon.  Time marches on.

About the Wicked and the Just by J. Anderson Coats 

Cecily’s father has ruined her life. He’s moving them to occupied Wales, where the king needs good strong Englishmen to keep down the vicious Welshmen. At least Cecily will finally be the lady of the house.

Gwenhwyfar knows all about that house. Once she dreamed of being the lady there herself, until the English destroyed the lives of everyone she knows. Now she must wait hand and foot on this bratty English girl.

While Cecily struggles to find her place amongst the snobby English landowners, Gwenhwyfar struggles just to survive. And outside the city walls, tensions are rising ever higher—until finally they must reach the breaking point

Book Review: Unbroken by Jamie Lisa Forbes

 Unbroken by Jamie Lisa Forbes

Publisher: Pronghorn Press

Publish Date: May 20, 2010

Paperback, 324 pages
Fiction, Women's Fiction
 ISBN: 978-1932636611

My Review: 
I don't read many books about life in the west, but the books I do read appeal to me.  Something about learning about this tough way of life just brings me right into the book and into the plot.  The women are tough, they have to be, it's the only way they can survive, at least from what I can gather.  Unbroken is one of those books.  It spans the period of several years, a lot of heartache and learning and some really tough women who still need someone to lean on when the going gets tough.  It's a family saga of sorts, it's women's fiction of sorts, it's about ranching and it's about so much more.  I don't even think I can capture in this review the essence of this book, but it captured my heart and mind for the better part of a day. I thought it was well worth my time and I was wishing it didn't have to end.

The main characters of Unbroken are Gwen and Meg.  Both tough ranching women and both very different.  Meg is skittish, she's been hurt.  She's recently divorced, and she's raising her son on her own while making a go of a lifestyle that few women choose to do on their own.  Gwen is married with two kids and a father-in-law and she's at a point that she's feeling a little resentful of ranch life and the toll it takes on her, her children and her marriage.  Her friendship with Meg is a little forced at the beginning but over time the women become good friends.  I liked getting to know both Gwen and Meg through the elements of ranching and parenting.  It framed them and made them easy and interesting to get to know.  I also liked seeing how they grew and changed around each other.  How Meg admired Gwen and how Gwen admired Meg.  Both thought the other was strong.  It's always greener on the other side.  How very true in life.

As far as the plot goes, Ms. Forbes doesn't waste time, the story speeds along through time, the cattle give birth, winter comes and goes, various people die (I will admit to crying from time-to-time) and the big plot events happen.  And just when you think you have the story figured out, it takes a new turn and you learn to admire the characters even more.  This isn't a laugh a minute story.  It's tough, it's real, but that's what I liked about it.  No punches are pulled, but I liked the resilience of the characters and how they don't give up even when it would have been easier.  To me that was the great take-away value of the book, don't give up.

Unbroken was a very satisfying read for me.  I had an afternoon of peace with my husband and children gone and I was still recovering from being sick and I just relished reading this book.  I found myself putting off eating so I could read "just one more chapter" because I was so involved in the lives of the characters.  Ms. Forbes has a way of drawing you into the lives of the characters and making you feel like you are there living and working beside them, being friends with them.  It's wonderful and when the book is over you feel sad, because you want more of the story even though the story has come to it's conclusion.  But you want more because you don't want to leave the characters.  To me that is the mark of a good book, when the characters and the storyline stay with me after finishing.  When I'm still thinking about something they said or did or wondering about a point the author was making or even applying something to my life.  Unbroken has something for everyone.  Descriptions of ranching life, romance, friendship, parenting, tough decisions and so much more.  There is never a lull in the plot and I found it to be an amazing read.

My Rating: 4.5/5.0


About the Book:

Gwen Swan’s dreams of a life as a rancher’s wife have withered through years of 24/7 chores and warring family members. Bitterness has tarnished her outlook and troubles with her son, Rory, burden her hopes for the future.

Meg Braeburn, who has broken away from her family’s ranch, expects hard work when she takes a job on the place neighboring the Swans’. She is determined to leave a troubled past behind, yet she does not foresee how isolation will corrode her resolve. Over time, she is grateful for the friendship and support that Gwen extends to her.

But as the ranching seasons grind relentlessly onward, hearts seek comfort where it can be found and the womens’ bond is strained as both the Swan family and the Braeburn family find themselves struggling against the elements and each other to continue their way of life.

About the Author: 
Jamie Lisa Forbes was born and raised on a family ranch along the Little Laramie River in southeast Wyoming. After graduation from the University of Colorado in 1977, she studied and worked in Israel for over a year and then returned to Wyoming where she ranched and raised a family for the next 15 years. After the family ranch was sold in 1993, she moved to North Carolina and eventually began law school at the University of North Carolina. While in law school, she started her debut novel, Unbroken. Unbroken won the 2011 WILLA Literary Award for outstanding contemporary fiction featuring women in the West. Ms. Forbes practices law in Greensboro, North Carolina and is working on a second novel.

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FTC Information: I received this book from the publisher from the author through VirtualAuthorBookTours.com for an honest review.  I do make money from purchases made at The Book Depository, Alibris and B&N.com, but all money is used to fund giveaways and shipping for giveaways from the blog.

Waiting On Wednesday (21)

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

I saw this in Shelf Awareness and was first intrigued by a YA offering by historical romance queen Phillipa Gregory.  Then I read the synopsis and I'm even more intrigued.  I have to read this.  What do you think?

Changeling by Phillipa Gregory 
Part 1 of Order of Darkness series
Simon Pulse, May 29, 2012
Hardcover, 272 pages
ISBN-10: 1442453443
ISBN-13: 9781442453449
Grades: 9 and up

Dark myths, medieval secrets, intrigue, and romance populate the pages of the first-ever teen series from #1 bestselling author of The Other Boleyn Girl.

Italy, 1453. Seventeen-year-old Luca Vero is brilliant, gorgeous—and accused of heresy. Cast out of his religious order for using the new science to question old superstitious beliefs, Luca is recruited into a secret sect: The Order of the Dragon, commissioned by Pope Nicholas V to investigate evil and danger in its many forms, and strange occurrences across Europe, in this year—the end of days.
Isolde is a seventeen-year-old girl shut up in a nunnery so she can’t inherit any of her father’s estate. As the nuns walk in their sleep and see strange visions, Isolde is accused of witchcraft—and Luca is sent to investigate her, but finds himself plotting her escape.
Despite their vows, despite themselves, love grows between Luca and Isolde as they travel across Europe with their faithful companions, Freize and Ishraq. The four young people encounter werewolves, alchemists, witches, and death-dancers as they head toward a real-life historical figure who holds the boundaries of Christendom and the secrets of the Order of the Dragon.
The first in a series, this epic and richly detailed drama is grounded in historical communities and their mythic beliefs. It includes a medieval map of Europe that will track their journey; and the interior will include relevant decorative elements as well as an interior line illustration. And look for a QR code that links to a note from the author with additional, detailed information about the setting and the history that informed the writing. With Philippa Gregory’s trademark touch, this novel deftly brings the past—and its salacious scandals—vividly and disturbingly to life.

So what are you waiting on this week?

Book Review & Giveaway: The Way by Kristen Wolf

The Way by Kristen Wolf

Publisher: Crown Publishing Group

Publish Date: July 12, 2011

Hardcover, 368 pages 
Fiction, Historical
 ISBN: 978-0307717696

My Review:
I found The Way to be an entertaining and fascinating book.  From the first page until the last Ms. Wolf held me enthralled by her story. 

In this review I won't debate the religious aspect.  I will keep this strictly to a review of The Way as a work of fiction.  And to that point I think this book is well-done.  Ms. Wolf has created a fascinating character in Anna and an interesting depiction of a world we are only told stories about.  I felt myself being easily sucked back to this timeframe and felt like I was right there among the people, the shepherds and the women of The Way.  With each group I felt a part of them, got to know them and felt close to them.  And through each group I got to know Anna/Jesus a little more.  Ms. Wolf did a good job with developing her characters.  Anna and her changing self was interesting to watch since she did not have a female around to guide her.  And then through the years as she became more confident in herself and the life she chose she was a true force to be seen.  But I liked that the author always came back to making her human.

The plot kept moving int he book as well and kept me interesting.  Spanning a period of over 20 years, it was fascinating.  I also loved that it moved around, helped me to meet new people and discover new areas just as Jesus would have.  I could guess where the plot was going, but that wasn't a big deal since the overall story is known, it was just placing the new players in place.  It didn't take anything away from the story to figure this out.  In fact it made me look forward to things more to see if I was right.  I think Ms. Wolf did a remarkable job pacing the plot.  There were a few places I thought it jumped a little bit too much, but it wasn't too big of a deal and I was enjoying the book so much that it didn't detract from my overall enjoyment.

The Way is a very well written work of fiction.  I feel this is one of those books that if it really gets picked up it will be discussed like The Da Vinci Code.  There can be a lot to discuss in it.  I even read it over Easter weekend which made it more interesting to me as I reflected over the resurrection story.  I still hold fast to my Christian beliefs but did very much enjoy the reading of The Way.  Ms. Wolf isn't trying to sell you an agenda, she's giving you a beautiful what-if story and the beauty is in her telling of the story.  I look forward to more books from her in the future and hope she continues to take on controversial subjects and give them an interesting life.  The Way is thoughtful, beautiful and a wonderful read for anyone who enjoys historical fiction.

My Rating: 4.5/5.0

About the Book:

What if one of the world's greatest spiritual healers was not who we thought he was?

Anna is a fiery tomboy living in ancient Palestine whose androgynous appearance provokes ridicule from the people around her and doubt within her own heart. When tragedy strikes her family, and Anna's father -- disguising her as a boy -- sells her to a band of shepherds, she is captured by a mystical and secret society of women hiding in the desert. At first Anna is tempted to escape, but she soon finds that the sisterhood's teachings and healing abilities, wrapped in an ancient philosophy they call "The Way," have unleashed an unexpected power within her.

When danger befalls the caves in which the sisters have made their home, Anna embarks on a hazardous mission to preserve the wisdom of her mentors by proclaiming it among ordinary people. Her daring quest and newfound destiny reveal, at last, the full truth of her identity -- a shocking revelation that will spark as much controversy as it does celebration.
Anna's story is one of transformation, betrayal, love, loss, deception, and above all, redemption. Readers will cheer for this unforgettable protagonist -- and for debut novelist Kristen Wolf, whose beautifully written book both provokes and inspires. A compelling mix of history, myth, and fantasy, The Way is a fascinating exploration of the foundations and possibilities of human spirituality.

Buy the Book from B&N:
 
Book                          Ebook

About the Author (from Goodreads.com): 

Kristen Wolf, author of The Way, is a mother, writer, and filmmaker living in the Rocky Mountains. She is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Georgetwon University and holds an M.A. in creative writing from Hollins University. This is her first novel.

For more information please visit http://www.kristenwolf.com, and follow the author on Facebook and Twitter

The Giveaway
Win a copy of The Way by Kristen Wolf from the publicist at FSB Associates.  Open to the US/Canada, simply fill out the Rafflecopter below.  Free entry, all other entries are optional.

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FTC Information: I received this book from the author for an honest review.  I do make money from purchases made at The Book Depository and B&N.com, but all money is used to fund giveaways and shipping for giveaways from the blog.

Vote for the Independent Book Blogger Awards (and me please) :)

Voting starts today for the Independent Book Blogger Awards and if you enjoy what you see here, please vote for my blog.  Visit the site, pick a blog you like and vote!  I don't mind if it's not mine, just vote for a great book blogger.

I submitted mine for Adult non-fiction.  I fit in all 4 categories, but guessed that's where I fit best.  Thanks and have a great week!

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Book Review: Midnight in Austenland by Shannon Hale

Midnight in Austenland by Shannon Hale

Publisher: Bloomsbury USA

Publish Date: January 31, 2012

Hardcover, 277 pages
Fiction, Romance, Women's Fiction
 ISBN: 978-1608196258

My Review:
I fell in love with Shannon Hale not long after I started this blog when I read The Actor and the Housewife.  Ms. Hale just has a way with taking the life of ordinary women and making great stories with them.  I can appreciate that, being a woman with a husband and kids and living a pretty ordinary life.  I then read Austenland and fell even more in love so when I saw there was a sequel, I  had to read it.  While they call it a sequel, I would say it works fine as a stand-alone.  It's been quite awhile since I read Austenland so those details are fuzzy and this book involves a new main character so it works great on it's own.

Charlotte has been divorced for awhile.  Her husband is remarried and her children are leading their lives.  Charlotte is also a very successful woman.  She seems to succeed at everything she does and doesn't understand where her marriage went wrong.  She doesn't want her husband back, and she's tired of blind dates, but she wants to do something for herself so she finds some goals she made for herself when she was younger and one was to read Jane Austen.  She does this and falls in love.  Then she finds out about the immersion vacation offered and she decides she wants to go and she does.  What happens after that provides humor, romance, insight into Charlotte's life and even mystery for the reader.

Charlotte is a great character.  While she is successful, she has been through the divorce and she is kind of in need of finding herself but in a way she doesn't realize it.  She really isn't looking for a man so that is refreshing.  She is just looking for something and she's not sure what that is.  Her sense of humor is great.  Her confidence is a little down especially around the stunning men, but as time passes she builds her confidence.  I loved watching her grow and bloom while staying at Pembrook Park.  I also loved the cast of characters there.  The friends she makes and the mystery that is there, the one created by the characters and the one that evolves as well.

Ms. Hale does a magnificent job plotting Midnight in Austenland out.  I was never bored.  She kept me guessing as to what would happen next and I cared about each character (or at least about the ones I was supposed to).  I wanted to see what would happen and I was pulling for Charlotte to find herself and come out on top the entire time.  I was also pulling for things to work out for Pembrook Park in hopes of seeing another novel set there in the future.

If you love works set around Jane Austen books then this is a book for you.  If you have read anything by Shannon Hale and love her, then you must read this.  If you haven't tried Shannon Hale, what are you waiting for?  This book has it all, romance, mystery, a great female lead character, fun supporting characters, humor, bonnets, old estates, dead people, strange tales of nuns and so much more.  You just simply must read it.

My Rating: 5.0/5.0


About the Book:
When Charlotte Kinder treats herself to a two-week vacation at Austenland, she happily leaves behind her ex-husband and his delightful new wife, her ever-grateful children, and all the rest of her real life in America. She dons a bonnet and stays at a country manor house that provides an immersive Austen experience, complete with gentleman actors who cater to the guests' Austen fantasies.

Everyone at Pembrook Park is playing a role, but increasingly, Charlotte isn't sure where roles end and reality begins. And as the parlor games turn a little bit menacing, she finds she needs more than a good corset to keep herself safe. Is the brooding Mr. Mallery as sinister as he seems? What is Miss Gardenside's mysterious ailment? Was that an actual dead body in the secret attic room? And-perhaps of the most lasting importance-could the stirrings in Charlotte's heart be a sign of real-life love?

The follow-up to reader favorite Austenland provides the same perfectly plotted pleasures, with a feisty new heroine, plenty of fresh and frightening twists, and the possibility of a romance that might just go beyond the proper bounds of Austen's world. How could it not turn out right in the end?

About the Author (from Goodreads.com): 
Shannon Hale is the New York Times best-selling author of six young adult novels: the Newbery Honor book Princess Academy, multiple award winner Book of a Thousand Days, and the highly acclaimed Books of Bayern series. She has written three books for adults, including the upcoming Midnight in Austenland (Jan. 2012), companion book to Austenland. She co-wrote the hit graphic novel Rapunzel's Revenge and its sequel Calamity Jack with husband Dean Hale. They live near Salt Lake City, Utah with their four small children, and their pet, a small, plastic pig.

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FTC Information: I received this book from the publisher through Netgalley for an honest review.  I do make money from purchases made at The Book Depository, Alibris and B&N.com, but all money is used to fund giveaways and shipping for giveaways from the blog.

Author Interview: Griffin Hayes (Malice)

Today I welcome Griffin Hayes, author of Malice to My Reading Room for an author interview.

1. Describe the area you write in.

 I grew up loving shows like The Twilight Zone and The Outer Limits, so I’ve always been drawn to stories that bend the mind and leave a disturbing taste in your mouth.

2. If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?

I’d love to sail around the world in a tall ship. The idea of it has always fascinated me. I’m just not sure I’m a big fan of climbing up into the rigging.

3. What made you choose to write in the young adult horror genre (if you don't feel it's the horror genre, feel free to change the genre in the question)?

I didn’t really aim for YA, when I sat down to write Malice, that’s just the way the story tumbled out of me. My latest novel, due out in mid-March is an adult horror novel and I’m gearing up to write a series of thrillers shortly, so you can see genre-wise, I have varied interests.

4. Which character really spoke to you when you were writing Malice?

Emotionally definitely Lysander Shore. On the inside he’s a good person who means well, but people assume the worst because he’s goth. If I were to put it in a word, it would be alienation.

5. What kind of research did you have to do when you were writing Malice?

Lots. Out of body experiences, past life regression, witchcraft trials. I’m sure there’s more, but each of these played a key role in the story and I wanted to portray them as accurately as I could.