On Bewitching Season

If Jane Austen and J.K. Rowling coauthored a book, they would write something like Bewitching Season . In this novel, seventeen-year-old twins Persephone (Persy) and Penelope (Pen) Leland are about to begin their first London season when their beloved and magical governess, Miss Allardyce, is kidnapped. The Lelands receive a note from Miss Allardyce explaining that she must tend to a family illness. The twins sense that the note is a cover story and start investigating her mysterious disappearance while in the midst of a whirlwind of balls, teas, and suitors.

The novel focuses on Persy, the twin who is more studious and less outgoing. Persy struggles with society’s expectations, self doubt and her feelings for Lochinvar–childhood tormentor turned perfect mate. A lot of the conflict in this novel is Austenesque: misunderstandings arise from lack of communication and the constraints of propriety. These conflicts are alternately frustrating and hilarious.

This novel was a light, fun read, combining two of my favorite genres: fantasy and historical fiction. One of the highlights is that author Marissa Doyle includes a young Queen Victoria as a likable and memorable character.

My best friend gave me this book on New Year’s Eve. I’ll be reading the sequel when she finishes it.

Finished: January 16, 2011

2011 Fantasy Reading Challenge

I’m joining the 2011 Fantasy Reading Challenge. This looks like a lot of fun! I’m entering at the “Fascinated” level (6 books) though chances are I’ll probably read more than that in 2011! Join me. Here are the guidelines:

“A) The challenge is open to everyone. If you don’t have a blog, it’s okay, just leave your information in the comment.

B) There are four levels:

1. Curious – Read 3 Fantasy Fiction novels.
2. Fascinated – Read 6 Fantasy Fiction novels.
3. Addicted – Read 12 Fantasy Fiction novels.
4. Obsessed – Read 20 Fantasy Fiction novels.

C) You don’t have to list the books right away. It’s your choice and you can always change whenever you feel want to.

D) The challenge runs from January 1 through December 31, 2011.

E) You can join anytime between now and December 31, 2011.

F) Starting on January 1st trough December 31st, 2011, you can start posting your review on my 2011 Fantasy Reading Challenge Reviews Page. But of course it must be read on 2011 only and I don’t mind if you re-read.

G) If you successfully finish the challenge, according to your selected levels, write a wrap up challenge post and leave the link at the 2011 Fantasy Reading Challenge wrap up at my page. Noted: only if you finish the challenge. It will run through until December 31st, 2011.

H) And the fun part is that, on January 1st, 2012; 2 reviews from 2011 Fantasy Reading Challenge Reviews Page and 1 lucky person from the wrap up challenge post will be randomly selected to win $10 to pick a Fantasy Fiction of their choice from the Book Depository. But the trick is, the choice of the book will come from any books from the books reviewed by other participants. So, you must always link your review and wrap up post at the page to be selected.

I) If you’re a blogger, you must write up a sign-up post that includes the URL to this post so that others can join in (not your blog address)…When you sign up in the Linky, put the direct link to your 2011 Fantasy Reading Challenge post. Please put your name/nickname and blog on the subject e.g. Darlyn@Darlyn and Books. ”

To join, visit: http://darlynandbooks.blogspot.com/2010/12/2011-fantasy-reading-challenge.html

Behind Green Glass

I am ecstatic that  my first novel, Behind Green Glass, is being published. Behind Green Glass is the story of Isolde Rackham, a shy and artistic sixteen-year-old, who moves into a house rumored to be haunted. When she discovers a shard of green glass, a new world opens for her. Through the glass she sees Lyric, who mistakenly believes that he is a ghost, and other ethereally beautiful creatures. As their mystery unfolds, Isolde learns that they are not ghosts, but The Forgotten Ones, fairies cast out of their realm, labeled imperfect for their physical and mental differences. Isolde’s friendship with Lyric and The Forgotten Ones teaches her that sometimes our imperfections can also be our greatest strengths.

Behind Green Glass will be released May 1, 2010. Currently, it is available for pre-order: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/product-description/0982534515/ref=dp_proddesc_0?ie=UTF8&n=283155&s=books