The Scribe of Siena by Melodie Winawer | Review #TimelessTour @SimonSchusterCA

The last stop for me on the Timeless Tour is a review for Melodie Winawer's The Scribe of Siena! Hope you've enjoyed my stops on this tour and that you've visited the other bloggers along the way. Also, if you've loved learning about these books and authors then come join us for an Twitter Chat with the authors May 4th @ 1PM EST #TimelessTour.

The Scribe of Siena by Melodie Winawer

Published: May 16, 2017

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Pages: 464

Received: for honest review via publisher

Find Online: Simon & Schuster CA | Goodreads | Amazon

Accomplished neurosurgeon Beatrice Trovato knows that her deep empathy for her patients is starting to impede her work. So when her beloved brother passes away, she welcomes the unexpected trip to the Tuscan city of Siena to resolve his estate, even as she wrestles with grief. But as she delves deeper into her brother’s affairs, she discovers intrigue she never imagined—a 700-year-old conspiracy to decimate the city.

After uncovering the journal and paintings of Gabriele Accorsi, the fourteenth-century artist at the heart of the plot, Beatrice finds a startling image of her own face and is suddenly transported to the year 1347. She awakens in a Siena unfamiliar to her, one that will soon be hit by the Plague.

Yet when Beatrice meets Accorsi, something unexpected happens: she falls in love—not only with Gabriele, but also with the beauty and cadence of medieval life. As the Plague and the ruthless hands behind its trajectory threaten not only her survival but also Siena’s very existence, Beatrice must decide in which century she belongs.

The Scribe of Siena is the captivating story of a brilliant woman’s passionate affair with a time and a place that captures her in an impossibly romantic and dangerous trap—testing the strength of fate and the bonds of love.

In the past, I'd only really read historical fiction set in England or France. I've read one other set in Italy, so I was pretty excited to visits a different area set there. I absolutely loved the way Ms. Winawer wrote about Siena both present and past - such beautiful descriptions, but not overwhelming with too many details. It was perfectly balanced.

I found that Beatrice's story involved her life of medicine, her love of history and art with her ability to finally find love.What a combination for a historical time travel story. I wasn't sure if I'd enjoy the time travel aspect as it was supposed to be a historical fiction story, but it works so well in this book. Not only do we get to learn a bit about what her brother, Ben, was researching before his death, but we get to see Beatrice experience it first hand. How amazing would that be? She stays pretty calm considering she jumps back in time, but I think that was the best use of her medical/scientific background that allowed her to assess things and move forward with thought out ideas and not panic like many others would have.

What is most amazing about Beatrice is her ability to adapt and use her skills for whatever comes her way. As a neurosurgeon, she was very focused and intuitive (especially with her "empathy" power she seems to use to save people). As a historian, she gets to business trying to finish what her brother started (learning about the plague that hit Siena in 1437) and was enjoying getting back to her roots and teachings from her brother. And finally, as a scribe in medieval Siena, she can use both her previous skill sets to fit into 14th century Italy. I was just amazed at all of this. I also think that she felt like maybe she belonged more to one time over another, but which one?

Besides the lovely written history of Siena, there is also the descriptive artwork mentioned throughout the story. It is written in such a way that you can picture these beautiful pieces in your mind. And as an added bonus, we find that Beatrice falls for an artist, Gabriele, who's journal she used to accidentally transport her to his time. 

The Scribe of Siena is such an amazing look at medieval Italy with it's interesting history, beautiful artwork and terrifying plague. I'd love another chance to learn more about Italian history via other historical fiction stories. 

About the Author:

 

Melodie Winawer is a physician-scientist and Associate Professor of Neurology at Columbia University. A graduate of Yale University, the University of Pennsylvania, and Columbia University with degrees in biological psychology, medicine, and epidemiology, she has published forty-seven nonfiction articles and book chapters. She is fluent in Spanish and French, literate in Latin, and has a passable knowledge of Italian. Dr. Winawer lives with her spouse and their three young children in Brooklyn, New York. The Scribe of Siena is her first novel. -Source

Timeless Tour Discussion | #TimelessTour @SimonSchusterCA

Today I'll be answering the discussion questions about the three books for the Timeless Tour.

What was your favourite historical time period among the Timeless Tour reads? Did you know anything about this period before you began reading the book?

I think the time period I enjoyed the more was the era during Promises to Keep as I really don't know a lot about this time in Canada or about the Acadians. I actually want to learn more about this part of Canadian history now. I did know a bit about Versailles and the royalty from this time, though I didn't know about Louis' mistresses. And I hadn't really read much about medieval time and the plague so that is always interesting as well.

How did the historical events in each book influence the character’s choices and personalities?

I would have to say that the things happening in all of the main characters' lives just proved to make them more resilient and resourceful. Jeanne grew up poor and used her beauty to get her to her desired place in society, yet used her gained knowledge and beauty to stay there. Amelie was determined to keep her family safe and did anything and everything she could to ensure that it happened. Beatrice uses her intelligence to her benefit. (I'm still reading The Scribe of Siena as my review is due next week so I'm not 100% done learning about Beatrice yet).

If you could invite one of the Timeless Tour leading ladies (Beatrice, Jeanne, or Amelie) to dinner, who would you choose and why?

I'd pick Amelie, because I'd love to hear more about the Acadian way of life and her time growing up side by side with the Mi'kmaq. It seemed quite idyllic before the English arrived. I've already learned quite a bit about Versailles and visited the palace when I went to Paris and though learning about the plague from Beatrice would be very interesting, I think I'm just drawn to learning more history about my own country first. Plus, I feel a bit of a kinship to Amelie.

The Scribe of Siena starts in the present before Beatrice is transported back in time to 1347, whereas Promises to Keep and Enemies of Versailles are firmly rooted in one timeline. How did this change your reading experience?

I'm not quite done reading this book yet, but I don't think it really changed anything as most time travel books that I've read start in the present and flip back and forth. So I don't mind that in a book. Sometimes I find it more exciting reading about two different time periods that one character has the chance to be a part of. It's also interesting to see them adapt. 

In the past, powerful women have been written out of textbooks. How do the protagonists of the Timeless Tour reads challenge the misconception that women in history were passive, submissive and dependent?

Funny how history books make women sound like they were all passive, submissive and dependent when I really think there were a lot more who tried to be independent and make their voices heard. I think all three women overcame the exact things that were meant to keep them dependent in the first place. Jeanne rose to a more prominent role in society, Amelie spoke her mind often - even to the soldiers and from what I've read so far Beatrice doesn't shrink back from the challenge of being thrown in the past. I think they all do a fantastic job of crushing the misconception of women in those time periods and we need to read about more like them.

Have you read any of these books? What are your answers to the questions above? Any thoughts on the stereotypes of passive women in history? Let me know your thoughts in the comments.

The Mistresses of Versailles Trilogy by Sally Christie | #TimelessTour @SimonSchusterCA

As part of the Timeless Tour, I decided I would write my thoughts on all three of the Mistresses of Versailles books as I have already reviewed them on the blog.

The Sisters of Versailles was an exciting read as I found it shocking that a king would have so many sisters as his mistresses over the years. And even more shocking that the Nesle sisters were okay with this. Such a taboo topic, yet extremely fascinating. This line from the dust jacket pretty much sums it all up: "Over the following decade, the four sisters: sweet, naive Louise; ambitious Pauline; complacent Diane, and cunning Marie Anne, will conspire, betray, suffer, and triumph in a desperate fight for both love and power." I think my most preferred of the sisters were Louise and Marie Anne. Louise was just in love with the king and wanted his love forever. And Marie Anne was conniving and powerful in her wicked ways. Pauline was the least enjoyable for me and Diane was the humour needed in the story (she actually is in the entire trilogy or at least mentioned in all three books).

I think, The Rivals of Versailles was my favourite of the three. I found the Marquise du Pompadour interesting enough to pull a book (Queen, Empress, Concubine: Fifty Women Rulers from the Queen of Sheba to Catherine the Great by Claudia Gold) off my shelf to learn more about her. Even though Jeanne was a bourgeois, she became Louis XV's mistress and held her place at court and in his heart for a long time. She was very influential in his political dealings and if she hadn't died, I think she would have helped him rule much longer. She was fashionable and fun with all of her parties and plays that kept his attention. She was smart to know when she became more of a friend and confidant than a lover, yet strategic in finding ways to keep herself in the position of royal mistress and not be overthrown by any of his dalliances.

And the last book, The Enemies of Versailles, where Louis takes a common prostitute as his newest mistress is filled with conflict. The chapters alternate between the Comtesse du Barry and Louis' daughter Madame Adelaide. His daughter dislikes every one of his mistresses, but especially du Barry. She thinks that the Comtesse is taking all of his attention away from his daughters and is jealous in a way, always seeking approval and his affection. It's a great ending for the women of Versialles as it not only tells the tale of his mistresses, but also his family. And my how the tables are turned when the revolution begins and Madame Adelaide learns a few hard truths in life. I enjoyed this part of the Mistresses of Versailles trilogy, but it was my least favourite - perhaps because it was nearing the end of Louis' life and things weren't as shocking anymore? He'd pretty done everything you can think of to cause scandal after scandal. Except this time, I think he truly loved this mistress and might have married her if he was given the chance. 

So many women graced King Louis XV's bed, yet only a handful were talked about long enough to remember. There are even more mentioned in The Rivals of Versailles as the Marquise fights to keep herself in her rightful spot in court. The stories of these other girls are just as interesting as many of the more detailed ones in this series. I highly suggest giving this series a try so you can learn more about this time period as well as about Louis and his women. Sally Christie has a way of describing everything in her books without it being overdone and too detailed. Sometimes you read a historical book that nitpicks every tiny detail of clothing and furniture style and it can become tedious and boring, but Ms. Christie has woven the details into the stories in a way that you can imagine it all and become interested in the details as well as the overall storyline! And you can read them as standalones, but I'd really recommend reading them in order as characters are mentioned from previous books and it just flows better than way.

Have you read the series yet? Which book was your favourite? Which mistress was most liked by you? Any other characters that you loved or hated?

About the Author:

Sally Christie was born in England of British parents but grew up mostly in Canada. As a child she moved around with her family and then continued her wandering as she pursued a career in international development; she’s lived in 14 different countries and worked in many more. She’s now settled in Toronto and loving it.

Sally lives and breathes history; ever since she read Antonia Fraser’s masterful Mary, Queen of Scots when she was 10, she’s been an avid history junkie. She wishes more attention and technical innovation was devoted to time travel, because there is nothing she would rather do than travel back in time! Writing historical fiction is a poor substitute, but it’s the best one we have at the moment.

When not reading and writing history, she’s a tennis and Scrabble fanatic.

Website | Goodreads

Author Sally Christie`s Reading List | Guest Post | #TimelessTour @SimonSchusterCA

Today I am excited to host a guest post from Sally Christie for Simon & Schuster Canada`s Timeless Tour and I`m even more excited that it`s her suggested reading list! I always love seeing what books inspire authors and what books they enjoy reading. Enjoy this list of historical fiction!

 

Sally Christie’s suggested reading list 

 

Given that time travel is not happening (yet), good historical fiction is the best way to immerse yourself in the past.  Here are some of my favorite novels from across the years, that have delighted and inspired me:

Wolf Hall and Bring Up the Bodies by Hilary Mantel. Hell yes. I don't just love these books, I lurve them.

Slammerkin by Emma Donoghue.  Forget Room!  This is where it's at. I remember when I first read this book, more than a decade ago: I had this searing moment of jealousy. I thought: But this is the book wanted to write! I really love her historical fiction and can’t wait to read The Wonder.

An Instance of the Fingerpost by Iain Pears. Rich and detailed and opened my eyes to what good historical fiction could be. Magic in fine paper form!

As Meat Loves Salt by Maria McCann. The power of fiction to illuminates the lives of those we might not always think about – homosexual love in 17^thcentury England.

An Ice Cream War by William Boyd.  Years - decades! - after first reading this I can still remember some of the scenes and visuals in this story about World War I as it plays out in East Africa. Stunning and one of my favorite books ever.

You can also see my reviews of Christie`s series The Mistresses of Versailles by clicking these links.

The Sisters of Versailles | The Rivals of Versailles | The Enemies of Versailles

Follow the Timeless Tour!

Promises To Keep by Genevieve Graham | Reivew & Giveaway - #TimelessTour @SimonSchusterCA @GenGrahamAuthor

Welcome to the Simon & Schuster Canada Timeless Tour. I'll be hosting you every Wednesday from now until the end of April with reviews, giveaways, guest posts and more. So keep checking back to see what I have in store for you. Also, at the end of this post I have linked up the rest of the tour that you can follow daily. Enjoy!

Promises To Keep by Genevieve Graham

Published: April 4, 2017

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Pages: 336

Received: for honest review and blog tour via publisher

Find Online: Simon & Schuster CA | Goodreads | Amazon

An enchanting and poignant story about the unfailing power of love in a world turned upside down by war—from the bestselling author of Tides of Honour.

Summer 1755, Acadia

Young, beautiful Amélie Belliveau lives with her family among the Acadians of Grande Pré, Nova Scotia, content with her life on their idyllic farm. Along with their friends, the neighbouring Mi’kmaq, the community believes they can remain on neutral political ground despite the rising tides of war. But peace can be fragile, and sometimes faith is not enough. When the Acadians refuse to pledge allegiance to the British in their war against the French, the army invades Grande Pré, claims the land, and rips the people from their homes. Amélie’s entire family, alongside the other Acadians, is exiled to ports unknown aboard dilapidated ships.

Fortunately, Amélie has made a powerful ally. Having survived his own harrowing experience at the hands of the English, Corporal Connor MacDonnell is a reluctant participant in the British plan to expel the Acadians from their homeland. His sympathy for Amélie gradually evolves into a profound love, and he resolves to help her and her family in any way he can—even if it means treason. As the last warmth of summer fades, more ships arrive to ferry the Acadians away, and Connor is forced to make a decision that will alter the future forever.

Heart-wrenching and captivating, Promises to Keep is a gloriously romantic tale of a young couple forced to risk everything amidst the uncertainties of war.

I thought that Genevieve Graham's Tides of Honour was amazing, but she just keeps hitting it out of the park. I always love when she includes the local natives in her writing and the Mi'kmaq of Nova Scotia/Acadia are in this story. From the beginning I was drawn right into the story of a young Acadian man saving the life of a young Mi'kmaq man. And I wondered how their stories would entwine, I was not let down. It took a while to see Me'tekw again, but his appearance was wonderfully written and such an emotional journey for the reader as well as his character.

The main storyline follows Amélie, who happens to be the daughter of the Acadian man at the beginning of this novel. She is strong willed young woman who sometimes needs to learn to hold her tongue and not let all of her thoughts show on her face. She is bold and brave, even when she feels like she isn't. From the beginning, she stands up to the British army who have come to take their land. Her actions draw the attention of one young soldier, who happens to be fighting as a British solider due to circumstance, yet does not agree with how things are happening. I loved her character from the beginning - not afraid to stand up for what is right and speak her mind. As for the soldier, Coporal Connor MacDonnell, he's a charming Scotsman stuck in a life he doesn't want, but until now had no other options. He does his best to aid Amélie and her family without causing anyone to notice. They have to forbidden love going on where they both seem to like each other, but probably shouldn't yet he works his magic in showing her that he really is not the enemy that she assumes he should be. His tale is tragic as well and she begins to trust him.

So many terrible things happen to poor Amélie, her family and Connor. How can one person suffer so much? But it seems that this is the life that the poor displaced Acadians suffered. Relocation, illness, stravation, death - so many did not survive this horrible ordeal all because of a war between the English and the French that the Acadians wanted nothing to do with. I felt such heartache for Amélie while reading her story and the challenges she faced. I am happy to see that she at least had a happy ending thanks to Me'tekw of the Mi'kmaq. The way her life crosses with Me'tekw's was wonderful as I had been wondering when he would make an appearance again to fulfill his portion of the story.

This line right here made me realize why this book was titled, Promises To Keep.

"I held on tightly, but I didn't want to hear him promise anything; it seemed to me that all promises did was break hearts." 

She was wrong, not all promises break hearts. And sometimes the promises help heal hearts.

If you haven't read any of Ms. Graham's other books I highly suggest picking up a copy of Promises To Keep and Tides of Honour to start as they deal with Canadian history that should not be missed out on.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the Author:

Genevieve Graham graduated from the University of Toronto with a degree in music in 1986 and began writing in 2007. Her first three novels, Under the Same Sky, Sound of the Heart, and Somewhere to Dream, were international bestsellers. Graham is passionate about historical adventure, runs an editing business, and teaches piano. She lives in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Visit her at GenevieveGraham.com. - See more at: http://books.simonandschuster.ca/Tides-of-Honour/Genevieve-Graham/9781476790510#sthash.CuXdSyxJ.dpuf

Genevieve Graham graduated from the University of Toronto in 1986 with a Bachelor of Music in Performance (playing the oboe). While on a ski vacation in Alberta, she met her future husband in a chairlift lineup and subsequently moved to Calgary to be with him. They have recently settled in a small, peaceful town in Nova Scotia with their two beautiful daughters.

Website | Facebook | Goodreads | Twitter

FOLLOW THE TIMELESS TOUR!

Timeless Tour via @SimonSchusterCA March 27 - May 2

I'm super excited to be a part of the second Timeless Tour from Simon and Schuster Canada. Last year, I participated by reviewing Genevieve Graham's book, Tides of Honour. This year, I'll be reviewing all three books, hosting a guest post and a giveaway. You can find the schedule below and I'll add the links to all of the participating bloggers below. I hope you'll stop by weekly to see my posts for the Timeless Tour.

Meet my fellow bloggers:

Ambur @ Burning Impossibly Bright | Carly @ The Darlings Diary | Joy @ Joyous Reads | Kaley @ Books Etc