Serious Alert and Giveaway Update

NOt the usual historical posts you're used to...

I just wanted to let our readers know that our Plaidy site will be temporartily suspended due to a devastating circumstance.

Arleigh's home has been seriously affected by the horrendous floods in Georgia. Her family has been evacuated from the place. So, in terms of giveaways, they may altogether be cancelled- all depending on the status of the books, as they may have been ruined.

Needless to say, that's the least of problems. Let's just hope that everything turns out fine for Arleigh and her family- that's the main concern. I will keep you posted as best I can within the limits of privacy.

Your thoughts and prayers are welcome.

-

Lucy

Another Book Review - And - GIVEAWAY for HF Bloggers Round Table Event!!!

http://enchantedbyjosephine.blogspot.com/2009/09/announcing-grand-historical-fiction.html


Goddess of The Green Room, by Jean Plaidy-Victoria Holt



Let me just start by saying that I’ve moved this book way up my list of favourite Plaidys. In fact, right now it stands as number 1.
Goddess of The Green Room is about the life of the famous 18th century actress, Dorothy Jordan and her eventual long-lasting relationship to George III’s third son, William.

As a very young girl, born and raised in Ireland, Dorothy started out her acting career in order to help support her family. Her father had left the family, and her mother, who was once a well-known actress, could no longer provide for them due to illness. Their only choice for survival was for Dorothy to find work and bring home the bread.

Fortunately, Dorothy had an amazing talent for comedy. She was blessed with a tiny and very swift body, which initially helped her attain roles which were written mainly for boys. Dorothy dressed up in ‘breeches’ or types of tights for these particular roles and this proved to be deliciously comical and enticing to watch. The audiences loved her and propelled her to the status of, much- in- demand- and adored celebrity.

However, Dorothy did not attain this high status easily. She worked incredibly hard and had to endure abuse, rejection, failed loves, a failed marriage, being the sole provider for numerous children and other family members (including the men in her life)…- and lastly, a royal yet, shaky love relationship that would in the end, vanish.

Although some would say that her role as mistress to William put her in the same category as courtesans or as one who claimed several lovers; In reality, Dorothy was a one-man woman throughout. She was loyal to love and never made any demands- nor was she ever a ‘kept’ woman. In terms of her relationship with William, Dorothy really made him wait. He courted her incessantly- and she consistently resisted. It was a very long and platonic courtship. Finally when she consented, the two went on to have a long and loving relationship that produced ten children; which Dorothy financially supported throughout.

What was most interesting in this delectable read was to find, weaved into the story, the unraveling lives of that colorful George III’s dynasty. Goddess of the Green Room combines all the bits of notable history involving the individual monarchs and other noteworthy figures of the times. For instance, we get a glimpse of George IV’s failed marriage to Caroline of Brunswick, his Maria, all of his glamour and obsessions, George III’s illness and disappointment with his sons, (we also discover why the famous ‘eh’ at the end of his sentences)- and there’s even a section with Perdita. We experience it all as the pieces of the puzzle come together perfectly.

Not only is this an engaging read, its brilliant storyline is inviting with historical accuracy and colorful characters. Goddess of the Green Room exceeded all my expectations. This is an excellent read and I highly recommend it.

Interesting Tid-bit: I was intrigued by Plaidy’s dedication at the beginning of the book:

‘For William’s and Dorothy’s Great-Granddaughter, HERBE ELSNA - With great admiration for her work, gratitude for her friendship and love for herself’

This inscription is what actually led my curiosity- and I just had to read the book.
Excellent!

And now, to wrap up the HF Bloggers Round Table Event...here's another Plaidy GIVEAWAY!!!

THE MIRACLE AT SAINT BRUNO'S, by Philippa Carr (Plaidy pseudoname)




How to Enter:

1 Chance…leave a comment and tell us which is your favorite Plaidy book.

2 Chances…Tweet, or post about this mentioning HFB Round Table Event.

3 Chances...Become a follower.

This giveaway is open to international and ends September 21st.

Good Luck!!

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The Round Table Event & giveaway # 1

Plaidy’s Royal Intrigue is joining in on the excitement of the Historical Fiction Blogger Round Table Event!

In the wonderful spirit of historical fiction blogging and to be part of this great book blogging community, here at Jean Plaidy’s Royal Intrigue we’re joining in with our own giveaways, posts and reviews that we will be linking back to the HFB Round Table Event.

Without further ado, we present you today with Arleigh’s review of Revolt of the Eaglets.

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This novel begins exactly where The Plantagenet Prelude left off. The aftermath of Thomas a Becket’s murder was still plaguing Henry II, while Eleanor was planning to urge her sons into revolt. Kings die, sons die, Eleanor is imprisoned for many years, but still she lives and is the ripe old age of 67 when she is finally released from her prison.

This book expands upon Richard’s dukedom of Aquitaine, while his brothers Henry and Geoffrey scheme and intrigue endlessly and to their detriment. They just cannot take empty titles from their father. In a way, I felt sorry for Henry. He did love his sons and wanted very much for them to work for him and be on good terms, with himself and one another. He saw that together they could be all powerful and rule a great part of Europe. But he would not relinquish one piece of land – one castle – to any of them, except in name. He had the final word on the managing and holding of these possessions.

On the other hand, his fits were shameful and childish, he treated Eleanor horribly and he had a really scandalous relationship with a very young girl, a princess of France and his son Richard’s betrothed. He was a good ruler; a very smart statesman and never loath to look after his dominions. These were his strengths, but the previous attributes mentioned make it very hard to like him as a person. Near the end, when he is so very desperate for the love of his family, one does wish he had it easier. But, as Eleanor continually tells him: the fault is his own. He was selfish and thought of his own desires, not allowing Eleanor her freedom or their sons leave to govern their small territories.

This novel ends with Henry’s death, Eleanor’s freedom and John waiting in the wings. You get a very sickly feeling from John in this novel and I am sure we will read more of him in The Heart of the Lion and most assuredly in The Prince of Darkness. I look forward to continuing on with the Plantagenet saga!

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And to further our celebration, we are GIVING AWAY:



1 paperback copy of William's Wife by Jean Plaidy.

How to Enter:

1 Chance…leave a comment and tell us who your favorite Stuart monarch is.

2 Chances…Tweet, or post about this mentioning HFB Round Table Event.

3 Become a follower.

This giveaway is open to international and ends September 18th.

Day 4 Reading Group Discussion on The Plantagenet Prelude

Lucy asks:

7. Why do you think Eleanore and Henry treated Richard, their son, so differently.

Arleigh asks:

8. What is your opinion on Henry bringing 'Bastard Geoffrey' into the royal nursery?

Day 3 Reading Group Questons for The Plantagenet Prelude

Lucy asks:

5. Discuss the relationship with her uncle...What do you think was more controversial back then: The relationship being incestual- or that she was cheating on her husband?

Arleigh asks:

6. The Pope is more or less a statesman rather than a churchman. Discuss his various decisions related to Eleanor's divorce proceedings.

Day 2 Reading Group Questions on The Plantagenet Prelude

Lucy asks:

3. How did you feel about Louis? Was Eleanore right in treating him the way she did to build him up to be a strong king?

Arleigh asks:

4. Do you think Louis and Eleonore were right in going on crusade in the fashion that they did (i.e. brining ladies with expensive clothes and all the comforts they could carry)?

The Plantagenet Prelude : Discussion Questions 1 & 2

Hello readers! Today begins a week long of discussions on The Plantagenet Prelude, our August 2009 read. For more information on joining our discussion group, visit our website. And, of course, everyone who has read this book - or even if you haven't but wish to make a comment - may join in these discussions!

Lucy asks:

1. What was your opinion on Eleonore from begining to end? Did your views on her change along the way? (compare with any other books you might have read on her)

Arleigh asks:

2. How did you view Eleonore's Courts of Love compared with Louis's court and then Henry's? Why was it such a important part of her life that she constantly compared other places with her dear Aquitaine?

Giveaway winner and Reading Group Info!

Congratulations Marie on winning The Reluctant Queen. My question had a really lame 'all of the above' answer, but I really just wanted to let everyone know that we have been updating and changing things around. I really appreciate all who checked it out and left nice comments. I am slowly but surely adding book descriptions and cover photos for all of the books (and there are A LOT of them). First, I am going off of my own Plaidy books I have here on my bookshelf. I chose not to copy and paste from other websites because I want to put my own hard work into it. I will probably be scanning my own photos, as well, for the ones that are out of print.

It's already September 4th and we have not yet posted questions for our August read: The Plantagenet Prelude. Lucy and I plan to take the entire week next week (starting Sunday) and posting questions 7 days straight. This is not to say we will do it this way every month, but we wanted to start with a bang and see how it works out. Those who have read The Plantagenet Prelude previously may also join in the fun!

Our September read is The Wandering Prince. Just a note for any who may be having a problem locating a copy, it is included in the omnibus The Loves of Charles II, which is IN PRINT by Three Rivers Press. I have also seen it on Paperback Swap, for those of you who use this service.

Mystery Lady # 3

Because of my extraordinary resemblance to the Queen, I became involved in the hoax that brought her downfall. I was unaware of the deceitful nature of my adventure. I merely put on a beautiful gown and had my hair dressed, exactly as the Queen had the week before, and waited on the grounds of the palace to say five simple words to a grand gentleman. It was playacting. I was told the Queen would be watching and would be pleased if I did my part well. I lived in a dream that night… I had pleased the Queen! To my horror, a year later I was arrested for playing a part in an elaborate scheme to steal a great diamond necklace, which the jewelers thought they had sold to the Queen. I was sent to prison, but thankfully freed soon after, as I had no knowledge of the true nature of my crime.

Who am I?