Another Nicholas Sparks Under the Belt

Well I FINALLY finished Nights In Rodanthe. It's probably Nicholas Sparks's smallest book. So why did it take so long? Well, I'm so busy with getting ready to move into a new apartment and trying to organize my next two years of school plus am trying to find myself a job to keep some sort of income coming in now that my internship is over. Needless to say, Nicholas Sparks was not a priority.

However, the story was a decent one, as all of his stories are. It was a bit uneventful but still managed to keep me entertained. It's a story about finding love when you least expect it and losing that love just as unexpectedly. I didn't really care very much about the characters in this book, which is unfortunate for a Sparks book. Usually that's what drives the reader to be engaged in his stories. I was warned by my mother and my best friend that this story was not one of Nicholas Sparks's best, and I would have to agree with both of them. If your goal is to read all of his books, like it is one of mine, it's not that bad. But if you really want to get a taste for what he's all about,don't start with this one.

I know they're making a movie out of this book, coming out in September and starring Diane Lane and Richard Gere. Diane Lane is a perfect casting for this, but Richard Gere is way off in my opinion. Paul Flanner I pictured being rugged and sexy. Now when I think of Richard Gere, all I can see is his portrayal of Billy Flynn in Chicago. Either way I look forward to seeing it, so we shall see how successful it really will be.

Now I'm reading another one of Diana Gabaldon's wonderful Outlander books and will then move on to get another Jane Austen under that belt. Happy Reading!

Plain Jane Seymour

This is the third book in the Tudor Wives trilogy by Laurien Gardner, titled Plain Jane. The story begins with her somewhat unhappy childhood, then following is her service to Queen Catherine of Aragon, through Anne Boleyn's seduction of Henry, and finally to Jane's rise to royalty, followed by her imminent death after bearing Henry's only son.

I personally really enjoy Gardner's writing. She definitely takes some liberties as far as historical accuracy goes, but that's why this is classified in the genre of Historical Fiction. It's not supposed to be 100% authentic. I've never read anything about Jane Seymour save for the mention of her taking Anne's place in novels that revolve around the Boleyn family. It was refreshing to dig deeper into Henry's past and his romances with a wife other than Catherine and Anne. As it turns out, Jane Seymour seems to be climbing her way up my favorite interesting historical figures list.

I would recommend Gardner's series (though I have not been able to get my hands on Catherine's novel: The Spanish Bride). Her books are very easy to read and keep you hooked and wanting to see what happens next. It is the perfect blend of history, fiction, and romance. In short, it's right up my alley. And if you enjoy Philippa Gregory or Diane Haeger, you'll probably enjoy Laurien Gardner also.

Next I'm taking a little bit of a break from the historical world... I know, I know. It sounds crazy. But I decided that I need to get a Jodi Picoult and another Nicholas Sparks under my belt. Hmm, then maybe I'll tackle another one of Diana Gabaldon's masterpieces. The possibilities are endless.