The Lady of the Rivers by Philippa Gregory

Inside Look

Descended from Melusina, the river goddess, Jacquetta has always had the gift of second sight. As a child visiting her uncle, she meets his prisoner, Joan of Arc, and recognizes her own power in the young woman accused of witchcraft. They share the mystery of the tarot card of the “wheel of fortune” before Joan is taken to a horrific death at the hands of the English rulers of France. Jacquetta understands the danger for a woman who dares to dream.

Did I Love It?

I was browsing the books in Target the other day and this book caught my eye. The cover was beautifully created and the description sounded so powerful and intriguing, I knew I had to read it.

I have not read anything on Jacquetta before this book, so I was free to read unencumbered, wondering what she was like and what liberties the author took upon writing this story.

I found one of the most enthralling parts of the book to be at the beginning, when Jacquetta was young and keeping company with Joan of Arc. I am not sure if this is historically accurate, but at any rate I just could not put the book down. I also adored the love between Jacquetta and Richard. Their love for each other was romantic and beautiful. I love how she searches for Richard after each battle and how they embrace as if they are new lovers. I caught myself sighing after these scenes. Their love will definitely leave you sighing for more.

The story itself seemed to revolve around events surrounding Jacquetta, instead of the lady herself. This is attributed to the fact that she had a total of 14 children and was in confinement throughout parts of the book.

A sweeping story of passion, power and legend, The Lady of the Rivers is a compelling book that left me with a connection that I won’t soon forget

Gracefully Yours,
Elle

The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck

Inside Look

Like many farmers living in the Dust Bowl during the Great Depression, the Joads lose their land and pursue the prospect of a better life in California. With all their possessions loaded in a beat-up truck, they cross the country, experiencing prejudice, poverty, car trouble and frustration. Once in the "Promised Land" of California, they discover thousands like them living in migrant camps, jobless or making pitiful wages. The Joads struggle to stay together, stay alive and maintain a sense of hope and dignity as loss, hunger and unemployment threaten to break their spirits.

Did I Love It?

I grew up in Steinbeck Country (Salinas, CA). I’ve been to the John Steinbeck library numerous times, I’ve eaten at his Victorian home (after it was turned into a restaurant), and I always loved the thought of growing up in an area where a famous author lived. It’s sad to say I have actually never read any of his literature, until now. I dusted off the copy my grandma gave to me and I was engrossed in the book from the very beginning.

Reading this story has made me realize just how lucky my life has been. I am and have not been starving, forced off my land or made to work for practically nothing. But yet, thousands of people have gone through this and unfortunately is still a way of life for some people today.

I earnestly believe there are rich lessons to be learned from this book. What can we learn from a book written in 1939? The importance of having strong family bonds, having the determination to see things through, no matter how difficult the task, are just some of things to take to heart while reading this amazing story.

The Grapes of Wrath is full of descriptive narration, strong characters and vivid dialect. The women in the novel are strong willed and authentic. Steinbeck is amazing at drawing images by use of symbolism.

The Grapes of Wrath have has been banned and burned, but it has stood the test of time.

I simply could not put down this engaging story, some parts were a bit dry, but I just had to find out what happened to the Joads. I was disappointed that it ended so abruptly, I wanted to keep reading about this charismatic family.

Gracefully Yours,
Elle

*Weigh in on The Grapes of Wrath book discussion. I'd love to hear your opinions*

Lisa Vaughn Speaks on Book Censorship

I have asked Lisa Vaughn, author of The Gifted Ones, to tell us what she think about banning books. Here is what she had to say.

1. What is your opinion on the of banning of books?

My mantra to life is 'Live and let live', so naturally I'm all for freedom of speech - freedom of expression. So no, I do not believe it is right to ban books just because you don't agree with the content.

2. Do you think the government has the authority to ban or censor books?

I'm a liberal thinker that doesn't like to see the government in my personal business, so no, in this area especially, I don't think we need 'The Man' telling us what we can and cannot write about or read. To me, that is a personal choice.

3. As an author, if you wrote a book and someone challenged it, what would your response be?

As an indie author, I know not everyone is going to dig what I choose to write about, that's just a given. Yes, it would probably bruise my ego a tad, but I would remind myself that not EVERY book is written for everyBODY. I would hope the reader that would potentially be opposed or appalled by my subject matter would never pick up my book in the first place. That's the beauty of our nation - WE have a right to choose what we ingest. So again, my response would be if you don't like it, don't read it!

4. Do you think that there should be some kind of line drawn that limits what an author has a right to write about?

That's a slippery slope for sure. My knee-jerk reaction is, 'Hell No'! As that is nothing more than censorship. Although there ARE some subjects that are criminal, plain and simple. For example, any form of child-pornography, human trafficking, terrorism, things of that nature. Writing about such topics does bring awareness, so that's a good thing I think - as long as it's not a 'how to' manual, I don't have a problem. But even if they attempted to ban books of an unhealthy nature, I can assure you they would still be 'out there', and the people interested in reading them would know where to find them...banned or not. Have we stopped drugs or prostitution? Of course not. I really don't see how we can limit the subject matter of a book - there's just too many variables to consider to make it an 'across the board' kind of thing.

5. Why do you think people try to get books banned? What are they so afraid of?

Again I think it goes back to fear. Fear is always the motivator behind overreaction. That, and personal beliefs - religion and how/where we were raised, for example. But again, it's a 'personal' opinion, so I believe you should keep it that way. If you don't believe in the subject matter that a book entails, then by all means don't read it! Pretty simple, if you ask me. Same goes for most choices in life, if you don't support something, you simply don't do it! The bible has been challenged and scrutinized forever, but you don't see us banning that, do you? Can you imagine the outrage if we even hinted at banning the bible?

6. What was the latest book you have read that has been banned or challenged?

You know, I don't know. I don't think I have read one that has been banned. James Frey's 'A Million Little Pieces' was my last book of controversy - only because they accused him of lying in a memoir, the subject matter was not challenged - and look at all the crap he took for that!

Read my review on Lisa Vaughn's The Gifted Ones

Interview With Lisa Vaughn

Please give a warm welcome to the very talented author, Lisa Vaughn. Her beautiful memoir is entitled The Gifted Ones.

Q.  What was your inspiration for bringing your story to light?

A. Well this all came about after the death of my mother in 2005. Like a lot of daughters, I was surprised to discover I still carried a great deal of 'unfinished business' where she was concerned, and upon further investigation deep within my soul, I found 'others' that were in the mix also...including Selina. So through many 'therapy beach walks' with myself, I hashed out what I had pent up inside for the last 30+ years, which ultimately led me to first deal, then heal. Understanding the complicated paths and roles each of us had taken on, and why they were dealt with in the manner they were, which allowed me to connect the dots to understand, accept, and forgive - to finally let go and move on. But it wasn't until one fateful afternoon that I sat down with a friend of mine, and the topic of 'being gay' came up for some reason. I was not in the habit of telling my story to just anyone - actually, not even my current spouse knew - but for some reason I opened my mouth and it all just spilled out. From the look on her face, and the tears streaming down her face, I knew I had something truly special here. She convinced me to write a book. The world needed to hear my story, she said...and so, two weeks later, my first draft was officially born! 

Q. I read in your book that you have lost touch with Selina. Since your book’s publication, have you reached out to her? If so, what does she think of the book?

A. Actually THAT is the best part of this whole story! I knew as I was purging out all the details of our torrid past, I would have to find her if I ever thought of publishing in the future. I wouldn't dream of putting our story out there for the public's eyes if I did not have her approval first - after all, it is 'our' story. Long story short - I found her through her aunt via email, and the rest is history, as they say! We have since re-connected and it's like we never parted! Unfortunately we live cross-country from each other now, but we keep in touch on a weekly basis at the very least, and visit each other as often as we can. I call her my 'soul-sister' and she truly is still my BFF...we haven't changed a bit! I couldn't imagine my life without her, and plan on continuing our unique friendship until the day one of us takes our last breath. She respects and admires my need for self-expression as an artist, and is whole-heartedly behind me and 'our' book.

Q. How is The Gifted Ones different from other memoirs?

A. I always say, everyone has a story, this just happens to be mine. I know we all have a coming-of-age tale, that's just part of life. I do think my story is unique in many aspects, but still strikes a cord with all. From the mother/daughter rivalry to the battle with society, and ultimately my own self, everyone can find something that reflects a piece of themselves, like looking into a mirror. A great teaching tool for parents too, I feel. It all starts at home in the way we are raised. I made a conscious effort while raising my son, not to make the same mistakes my parents made with me, which is ultimately the key to changing society and the views we have on our fellow man. An open mind is the most valuable gift you can give your children...YOU have the power to stop the legacy of hatred where it starts...in our youth.

Q. What would you say to those people that might be a bit hesitant to read your story?

A. First off I'd say, don't let the 'gay' thing scare you. It is not a manual on 'Gay Love'. This book is for anyone that is breathing air and has a pulse - if you have those two things, then I'm assuming you have emotions too...which include the ability to 'love'. It doesn't matter if you're gay, straight, bi, or whatever - if you've ever loved, or longed to be loved, you will connect to this story in one way or another. That's the beauty of love - it connects us all. Like I say repeatedly in my chapters, how can loving someone be wrong?

But I would warn them that it is not sugar-coated. It is real and raw. If I felt it, I wrote it. I spoke from my heart, and sometimes it gets edgy and not so "PC"...so if you are an extremely sensitive reader, this might not be the read for you. But I guarantee you will learn something about yourself as a result. I feel this is the kind of story that will stick with you on some level, long after the last word has been read.

Q. How did you decide on the title and what does it represent?

 A. Great question! Actually 'gifted' was a word that Selina and I came up with to describe our truly unique, deep-seated relationship back then. We knew it went far deeper than 'regular' love. In our minds no one had ever discovered this level of intimacy - this height of 'togetherness'. Although we weren't religious, we felt we were the chosen ones, THE Gifted Ones - that knew of a secret dimension of love that very few - if any- had the privilege of experiencing. And tell you the truth, we still feel that way about it today! It's just a once-in-a-lifetime experience involving the innocense of first loves and a connection that you just don't find very often. And for that I still feel blessed, and well, gifted.

Q. If you could use one word to describe your book what would it be?

A. So many words come to mind, but one that describes it to a 'T'... "Unvarnished"

I called it like I saw it (and lived it)...period.

Q. What advice would you give to someone who is unaccepting of a family/friend’s same sex relationship?

A. First off, I'd ask them what they fear. Because fear is usually the driving factor of non-acceptance. I'd be curious to know how they perceive the actions of others to effect them personally. Acceptance doesn't mean that you'd choose the behavior as your own, it merely means you support the decision they have made for themselves. And if it is a healthy, happy love, how on earth can that EVER be wrong? We all have different fingerprints for a reason...because we are all meant to be different! Live and Let Live ~ Wise words from wise people. I can only pray we will all live to see that day, and perhaps with the help of great people and supporters like you that provide a platform for indie authors like me, we can get the message of acceptance out there..and perhaps 'live as one' as John Lennon would say.

The Gifted Ones By Lisa Vaughn

Back Cover
Have you ever been so in love that your daily breath depended upon one another?

Have you ever been pushed to unfathomable limits just to defend your beliefs?

Have you ever been made to feel like the underbelly of society?

Have you ever been thirteen?

Well I have, and this is my story.

Inside Look
Lisa was raised to be a proper catholic girl within the confines of a small Indiana town. Lisa had a secret to keep, a secret she wanted to shout to the world, but she knew the consequences were not worth the risk. Everyday Lisa wrote of her feelings, of her love, in the pages of her diary, where she thought they would be safe. Until one day Lisa’s mother discovered her diary and her world crashed down around her.

Favorite Excerpts

Slowly she moved down the bridge of my nose, her lips touching me in small even increments. A lifetime seemed to have passed before I felt her lips touch mine. A dizziness swept over me as my world fell even more silent.

I sat there at the kitchen table stunned. Truly immobile, feeling like my insides had been sucked out my ass, leaving me vulnerable - unable to move. Paralyzed with fear...for myself, for us. My head spinning as I heard words being thrashed at me, like a leather strap to my raw skin, as my fresh wounds grew deeper and bloodier.

I was ugly, I was shameful, I was not welcomed. I remember exclaiming to them, “How could loving someone be wrong?” Their only response was to make bible references and scream lame absurdities, “Because two females don't fit together!” What the f*%# did that mean? Is that how they measured love? Based on your ability to make a baby or not? How insane were they? Had they truly lost their minds? Would they rather I'd been knocked up? Isn't THAT every parent's worst nightmare? Apparently not my parents. How did I end up with the homophobes? Just my luck, I guess.

Did I Love It?

I fell in love with Lisa’s story; it’s tender and innocent and will certainly pull at your heart strings. This book has touched me in so many ways. A myriad of emotions came flowing from my soul. Lisa’s story is beautiful, special and touching.

Lisa fought against the world and her parents for the right to love whom she chose. The person she loved just happened to be her best friend, Selina. This is not a propaganda story about same sex relationships, this is about love, loss and finding your way through life.

Lisa has a creative writing style. She knows how to weave a beautiful story, her words flowing like honey off the pages, whisking you deeper into her life. Lisa's book has some gut wrenching moments, but her story is intriguing and beautiful.

Lisa tells her story forthright, using creative descriptions to create a mental picture for her readers. The Gifted Ones is not told in a traditional format, it’s as if she is sitting next to you whispering her deepest secrets in your ear. This is a book not to be missed. Lisa's unique voice lends a fresh view on love.

Gracefully Yours,
Elle

Read what Lisa Vaughn has to say

Releasing Gillian's Wolves By Tara Wooply

Inside Look

"The moon drew a rippling arrow across the surface of the lake, exposing Edward and Sam making love on the dock. Rounding the point in my kayak, I stopped, mesmerized by the romance of the lake, the moon and two beautiful men wrapped in each other on an over-sized deck chair. Good, I thought, good for Edward. My marriage is such a wreck. I silently paddled toward the next dock and home."

Gillian Sach's husband, Jack, is a successful politician; she is the picture perfect political wife and mother. Jack has been cheating on Gillian for decades, but she has chosen to overlook his affairs, for the sake of her family. Gillian keeps her mind numb by painting, gardening and cooking for family and friends.

When she finds, yet another hotel key in his laundry, and discovers Jack’s newest conquest is a pretty young intern, she finally decides to leave him. Gillian realizes she needs to start making some difficult decisions about her life, her future.

Supported by family and friends who love and cherish her, Gillian takes a journey to Amsterdam. Her journey is one of self- discovery, of freedom.

Did I Love It?

I love the art on the cover of this book; a lake house nestled against the water in autumn. It is so beautiful and serene. I believe that the brightly colored leaves on the trees signify the change, the personal growth Gillian is about to experience.

Tara Woolpy has done a wonderful job of developing characters that seem real. They spring to life in the pages of the book. Gillian is a loving, caring woman and her friends have an enchanting charismatic demeanor.

We follow Gillian as she cooks her way through many of her issues, with recipes interspersed in several chapters. Everything she cooks sounds so delicious, and the recipes are a treat to read.

This is a story of life, love and friendship. Gilliam’s exploits keep you captivated, and the recipes are an added surprise. If you enjoy a good story of personal growth and love, you will enjoy this beautifully written novel.

Savor the taste and smell of Survive Anything Double Chocolate Brownies, from Releasing Gillian's Wolves. 

Survive Anything Double Chocolate Brownies

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Melt nine ounces of bittersweet chocolate and seven tablespoons unsalted butter (most of a stick). Chop and cut the chocolate and butter so they melt easily in a double boiler (if you’re like me and don’t want a big double boiler cluttering the kitchen, use a four cup Pyrex measuring cup placed in the middle of a pot half-filled with boiling water). Some people melt chocolate in microwaves. You could try that. Use a spatula to keep the mixture from gunking up the sides, stir continually and when it’s completely soupy set aside to cool.

Beat three eggs in a large bowl at medium-high speed until thick and pale, it takes a few minutes. Add two teaspoons vanilla extract, two tablespoons coffee (whatever’s left in the pot), a half-cup milk and a cup of sour cream (use real sour cream!). Beat until fully mixed (just seconds). Reduce speed to low, add chocolate mixture. Don’t lick the spatula yet.

Whisk one and a half cups all-purpose flour, a half-teaspoon baking powder and a half-teaspoon salt together in a medium bowl. Fold in the flour mixture. Add a bag or so of semisweet chocolate chips (this can vary depending on what you’re surviving. When we visit Evelyn, I use at least two bags).

Grease the sides of a ten by fourteen inch cake pan, using the lopped off end of the butter stick. Line the bottom with parchment paper. Cover with batter and smooth it out. Now you can lick the spatula. Bake until cooked through, about a half hour (test with a toothpick to make sure). Allow brownies to cool before cutting.

Eat, share and repeat until everything’s okay.

Gracefully Yours,
Elle