Angel

Did not get on with The Lady in Blue so I've moved on to Notting Hell by Rachel Johnson

Homegrown mixed lettuce leaves, sun-dried tomatoes and homemade tiger prawn quiche

It's really great that you can be here Elizabeth. As many know here, I love historical fiction. I also have a couple of your books on mount TBR How did you become interested in writing and which other authors have influenced your love of historical writing?

Synopsis The story follows Elizabeth, daughter of Anne Boleyn from childhood until she inherits the throne of England. It explores how much Elizabeth struggled to survive and overcame many hurdles in her quest to claim her throne. Reflection I absolutely loved this book and would recommend it to anyone who loves historical fiction, particularly the Tudor era. Alison Weir is famously known for being a historical researcher and writer. Her debut fictional novel, Innocent Traitor was a big success, and I feel that this book will rival that first one. Throughout, Weir explores each hurdle that Elizabeth had to overcome to gain her throne. Indeed she manages to capture the fear and frustration that Elizabeth must have felt. In fact in many places, the reader can almost feel the axe poised ready to fall. The novel sees us introduced to her when she is just under 3 yrs of age as she is becoming aware of something is 'not right' with the eventual dawn of realisation that she will always be in danger. Weir portrays Elizabeth as a fiesty individual, who also becomes aware of her sexuality and this remains a strong thread throughout this book. Interestingly, Weir explores the possibility of what might have happened if Elizabeth had fallen with child - an oft discussed rumour that has persisted throughout history. Weir admits that there is no hard evidence for this. The novel is easy to read and flows well - although Weir openly admits that she has modernised the language a little. This may have been to encourage more readers although it could be annoying to some - just a very minor point Would highly recommend:)

Absolutely loved it!!! The Lady Elizabeth is excellent and follows her until the moment it is announced that she is queen. Very well written and is as every bit as good as her first book, Innocent Traitor Now reading Javier Sierra - The Lady in Blue

Of recent reads it has to be Alison Weir - The Lady Elizabeth, which I finished this evening

So far I'm loving it. Although I'm only 80 pages in I would say - go and buy it. You won't be disappointed

Moving onto Alison Weir - The Lady Elizabeth

I also found it very hard to get into. Although I did finish it and liked it, it;s not one that I will reread

I've read 5 of her books so far:- Fatal Boyage Cross Bones Monday Mourning Bare Bones Grave Secrets Now reading a light book that needs no concentration:- Catherine Dunne At a Time Like this

Fatal Voyage was a very good read. Now trying to decide what next

Both of mine adored :- Guess how much I love you? ( fave line, "all the way to the moon and back!") Spot the Dog The Owl Babies ("I love my Mummy" is the favourite phrase))

1. Who is your all-time favourite author, and why? That is impossible to say, I have so many favourites. 2. Who was your first favourite author, and why? Do you still consider him or her among your favourites? Without doubt it has to be Enid Blyton. I really loved the St Clares and Mallory Towers series. When I was younger I also loved the Magic Faraway Tree. 3. Who’s the most recent addition to your list of favourite authors, and why? Karin Slaughter - I love a good murder! 4. If someone asked you who your favourite authors were right now, which authors would first pop out of your mouth? Are there any you’d add on a moment of further reflection? There are so many! Philippa Gregory, Judi Picoult, Jean Plaidy, CJ Sansom, Thomas Hardy, Jeanne Kalogridis, Daphne Du Maurier....................

Really enjoyed that book - would recommend it! Moving onto Kathy Reichs - Fatal Voyage

You need to chill out - you've had a stressful year what with the cat and your Grandfather's illness! Funny enough I do have quite a few Dickens books for you to have

I used to play the piano, violin for a while, the recorder, was in the school choir and school madrigals. I studied music to O level. Therefore I have always been the one to help the children! I can happily listen to classical music. I like Vivaldi, Rachmaninov, Grieg, Debussy and JS Bach. I also enjoy listening to Concerto de Aranjuez. Similarly artists like Jean Michele Jarre and Mike Oldfield have written some very good contemporary music For me, I can combine it with pop music and have many types of genre on my MP3 so that when I have it on shuffle I am never bored

How could I forget Shardlake (by C. J. Sansom)

Has to be Morse for me! Also injoy Dalgleish, (especially when played by the delectable Matin Shaw) , Cadfael and Wycliffe

It's good so far Nici

Kim Edwards - The Memory Keeper's Daughter