The Four Seasons: A Novel of Vivaldi’s Venice by Laurel Corona
July 26, 2014 | Posted in HISTORICAL | By sockii
A moving work of historical fiction blending music, love and life in 18th century Italy Book summary: Two young sisters—one three years old, one just born—are abandoned to the Ospedale della Pietà in 18th century Venice by their courtesan mother
“The Sparrow” and “Children of God” by Mary Doria Russell
July 13, 2014 | Posted in SCIENCE FICTION | By sockii
Father Emilio Sandoz is the only survivor of a Jesuit-organized mission to the Alpha Centauri star system, where radio signals have been discovered broadcasting beautiful, alien music. Four priests and four civilians set out and find the planet Rahkat, but what happened to them there?
“The Midwife of Venice” by Roberta Rich
July 7, 2014 | Posted in HISTORICAL | By sockii
Hannah Levi is known to be one of the most talented midwives in late 16th century Venice. She is also Jewish, and by law that means she is forbidden from attending to Christian mothers, no matter how great their needs for her talents. However…
“The Last Promise” by Richard Paul Evans is one bad romance
July 5, 2014 | Posted in ROMANCE | By sockii
Eliana—born Ellen—was a small town girl who fell in love with a handsome and romantic Italian, and moved with him to Italy to take care of his family’s estate and vineyard. To her friends back home, she’s living a fairy tale life…but reality is far from so picturesque…
Book review: “Beautiful Disaster” by J. M. Snyder
July 3, 2014 | Posted in LGBT THEMES, ROMANCE | By sockii
Corey and Ian are the members of 2ICE (pronounced “Twice”), the hottest pop-duo on the charts. Girls are throwing themselves at Corey and Ian’s feet every night after their concerts, and Corey seems to think nothing of…
Book Review: “Rockstar” by J. M. Snyder
July 2, 2014 | Posted in LGBT THEMES, ROMANCE | By sockii
Adam Blue is a rockstar – or at least, he’s sure he’s destined to become one as soon as he can get a record company to pick up his band, Viral Blue. Their chance for success comes when the band lands a gig at a hot local club, and catches the ear of Paolo Raucci of Raucci Entertainment…
Book Review: “Immortal” by Traci L. Slatton
June 30, 2014 | Posted in FANTASY, HISTORICAL | By sockii
When we first meet Luca Bastardo, the central character of Traci L. Slatton’s 2008 novel Immortal, he is awaiting execution—and it is a fate he is willing to accept after living a very rich life spanning nearly two centuries…
“American Love Songs” failed to rock my world
June 29, 2014 | Posted in LGBT THEMES, ROMANCE | By sockii
Once again, I found myself intrigued by an original gay romance novel set in the rock and roll world. And once again, I found myself disappointed by a book that failed to…
Spotlight On: Writer Rhonda Eudaly
April 29, 2014 | Posted in AUTHORS | By sockii
I am truly fortunate to know many wonderfully talented and creative people: writers, artist, musicians and crafters. One writer whom I’ve known for years is Rhonda Eudaly – in fact, she was one of the very first people I met and became good friends with when…
Pete Townshend: Who I Am Book Review
April 17, 2014 | Posted in CLASSIC ROCK, NON-FICTION | By sockii
Who is Pete Townshend? That is the question the famous rocker purports to answer in his 2012 autobiography, Who I Am. With a musical career now encompassing…
