Chasing Shadows by Ken Hughes


Chasing Shadows by Ken Hughes
The Nixon Tapes, the Chennault Affair, and the Origins of Watergate
Publisher: University of Virginia Press
Genre: Non-Fiction, Historical, Politics
Length: Full Length (240 pgs)
Rating: 3.5 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

The break-in at Watergate and the cover-up that followed brought about the resignation of Richard Nixon, creating a political shockwave that reverberates to this day. But as Ken Hughes reveals in his powerful new book, in all the thousands of hours of declassified White House tapes, the president orders a single break-in–and it is not at the Watergate complex. Hughes’s examination of this earlier break-in, plans for which the White House ultimately scrapped, provides a shocking new perspective on a long history of illegal activity that prolonged the Vietnam War and was only partly exposed by the Watergate scandal.

As a key player in the University of Virginia’s Miller Center Presidential Recordings Program, Hughes has spent more than a decade developing and mining the largest extant collection of transcribed tapes from the Johnson and Nixon White Houses. Hughes’s unparalleled investigation has allowed him to unearth a pattern of actions by Nixon going back long before 1972, to the final months of the Johnson administration. Hughes identified a clear narrative line that begins during the 1968 campaign, when Nixon, concerned about the impact on his presidential bid of the Paris peace talks with the Vietnamese, secretly undermined the negotiations through a Republican fundraiser named Anna Chennault. Three years after the election, in an atmosphere of paranoia brought on by the explosive appearance of the Pentagon Papers, Nixon feared that his treasonous–and politically damaging–manipulation of the Vietnam talks would be exposed. Hughes shows how this fear led to the creation of the Secret Investigations Unit, the “White House Plumbers,” and Nixon’s initiation of illegal covert operations guided by the Oval Office. Hughes’s unrivaled command of the White House tapes has allowed him to build an argument about Nixon that goes far beyond what we think we know about Watergate.

Chasing Shadows is also available as a special e-book that links to the massive collection of White House tapes published by the Miller Center through Rotunda, the electronic imprint of the University of Virginia Press. This unique edition allows the reader to move seamlessly from the book to the recordings’ expertly rendered transcripts and to listen to audio files of the remarkable–and occasionally shocking–conversations on which this dark chapter in American history would ultimately turn.

A break-in, a botch job and a president.

Sounds like the beginning of a bad joke, doesn’t it? For Richard Nixon, this was part of his life. I picked up this book because I wanted to know more about the Anna Chennault connection to Nixon and his downfall. I’d seen a story on television and wanted to know more.

This book is unique. There are sections, but not really chapters. Fine, but it might be jarring to some readers. Still, the writing is crisp and easy to follow. There are the actual conversations, as per recordings, in the text. I liked that it wasn’t just someone’s opinion, but there were facts to back them up.

I learned a lot from this book. The connection to Chennault was strong–she helped as a go-between with the Vietnam War and the Vietnamese. Nixon was paranoid people were listening in, while he was doing the thing he didn’t want someone to do to him. Oh, and there was a lot of covering up going on.

If you want a book that reads a little like a text book, but gives a lot of information, then this might be the book for you. Gripping.

Ropin’ the Moon by Deborah Camp


Ropin’ the Moon by Deborah Camp
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Historical
Length: Full length (312 pages)
Heat Level: Sensual
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Mistflower

He had tumbleweed in his blood, moving from one town to the next. Traveling to where there was trouble, he was hired to tame wild places with a fast draw and an iron will.

Lacy knew that Dalton wouldn’t be around long and she shouldn’t be tempted by him. But like the moon, his pull on her was a natural, powerful force that she was helpless to resist.

Oh my gosh, this was a really good book. I felt like I was watching a movie. In fact, I think it should be one. The title of the book warmed my heart because it reminded me of one of my favorite John Michael Montgomery songs “rope the moon”. I loved how the author even referred to the title in the beginning of the story. I was already intrigued by the synopsis to read the book but the first few pages truly captured my interest and kept it until the last sentence.

I fell in love with Dalton the moment he rode into town. I love a strong hero with a huge heart. The heroine, Lacy, was a town favorite. It was fun to see her fall for Dalton considering we all assumed he would move onto the next town after he tamed Far Creek’s mounting trouble. The ending was well worth the stress of how they were going to work things out.

There was page turning excitement woven throughout the story as Dalton did his job that made it nearly impossible for me to put the book down. Dalton was more than a hero in my eyes. He made my book boyfriend list.

There were several well developed characters that were relatable, giving the feeling of a small down kinship–which is why I could see this book being made into a series. I’d love for there to a sequel to this story. I didn’t want it to end.

This is definitely a book for the keeper shelf. I hope others enjoy it as much as I did.

The Adventures of Sir Lancelot the Great by Gerald Morris Illustrated by Aaron Renier


The Adventures of Sir Lancelot the Great by Gerald Morris Illustrated by Aaron Renier
Knight’s Tales #1
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Genre: Action/Adventure, Historical
Length: Short story (92 pages)
Age Recommendation: 6+
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by Poinsettia

Many years ago, the storytellers say, the great King Arthur brought justice to England with the help of his gallant Knights of the Round Table. Of these worthy knights, there was never one so fearless, so chivalrous, so honorable, so…shiny as the dashing Sir Lancelot, who was quite good at defending the helpless and protecting the weak, just as long as he’d had his afternoon nap. Behold the very exciting and very funny adventures of Lancelot the Great, as only acclaimed Arthurian author Gerald Morris can tell them.

Prepare to meet Lancelot, the greatest (and shiniest) knight of them all!

Lancelot is a flawed, but very lovable character. He is vain, and his motivation for becoming a knight has more to do with fame and shiny armor rather than helping others. However, Lancelot is also brave, courageous, and always willing to rescue a damsel in distress. Unfortunately, being the greatest knight in Camelot comes with some serious drawbacks. Lancelot becomes disillusioned with being a knight and walks away from King Arthur and Camelot. However, about a year after Lancelot leaves, King Arthur finds himself in desperate need of his greatest knight. I’m pleased to say Lancelot is more than up to the challenge. In this moment, Lancelot realizes what it truly means to be a knight.

The Adventures of Sir Lancelot the Great is such an entertaining tale! Mr. Morris brings out themes of loyalty, chivalry, and helping others in a fun and easy way for children to understand. The book is filled with clean, goofy humor sure to bring on the giggles, but the humor is never overdone. I particularly enjoyed reading Lancelot’s encounter with a “recreant” knight named Sir Phelot. This story is perfect for reading aloud to younger children, and the short, fast paced chapters make it a good stepping stone toward longer chapter books for readers. The illustrations add to the fun as well. Mr. Morris does take some liberties with Lancelot’s story. For example, Lancelot’s affair with Guinevere is not mentioned. While this might upset some, I was not bothered. In fact, I feel this omission serves to make the tale more accessible to a younger audience.

I had so much fun reading The Adventures of Sir Lancelot the Great! I highly recommend this adventure to young fans of Arthur and his knights.

His Tempting Governess by Cerise DeLand


His Tempting Governess by Cerise DeLand
Book 2 in Delightful Doings in Dudley Crescent
Publisher: W.J.Power
Genre: Historical
Length: Full length (228 pages)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Mistflower

A bemused earl. A governess disguised. A forbidden love and a terrible wrong that must be made right!

At No.18, Baldwin Summers, the Earl of Cartwell, deals with innumerable problems. At thirty-six, he’s changed. He’s no longer simply ‘Win’, that famous hero of Waterloo, but hailed as his profligate brother’s heir. He’s pensioned off his two mistresses and become oh, so bored with gambling. Yes, too, his mother presses him to marry—but he’d rather remove his spleen with a pickle fork than wed just any young peagoose.

Suddenly, he’s had thrust upon him guardianship of his friend’s eight-year-old daughter. Though she tickles him with her wit…and her exotic pets, the child needs a firm hand. With no idea how to mold her into a socially acceptable creature, he hires a governess.

However, that woman presents his most pressing problem—and his delight. She enchants his ward. But she’s beguiling him as well. And it’s a wonder because she is so very…odd. She knows (yes, indeed) bugs, defeats him every time at chess—and dances. In his upstairs hall. Alone. For the joy of it.

He cannot ignore her. He cannot control her. Worse, he cannot quell his mad desire to kiss her.

She is a temptation and a mystery. With a problem.

Stubborn, she refuses to allow him to help.

He won at Waterloo. But can we win the woman he loves?

Two days ago I finished this book and I’m still reveling in it. I loved everything about it. I can’t stress enough how entertaining this book was to me. His Tempting Governess is book two in the series but it can easily be read as a standalone.

The hero, Cartwell, was perfect in my eyes. I loved his generous nature. He was well respected and loved by many which made him endearing to me. The way he interacted with his staff, family members and with the heroine, Belle, was genuine and heart touching.

Belle was equally relatable. I admired her authenticity and desire to find justice for herself. What was done to her was horrible and unacceptable. I was relieved to see her find happiness with Cartwell. Together they made the perfect romance.

There were a few supporting characters that added to the enjoyment of the story. Two in particular were completely original and unexpected. I wish I could talk about why they were but it would be a spoiler. The plot was fun, creative and flowed smoothly from beginning to end.

I wish the book was longer just because I didn’t want to reach the end. However, when I did my heart was bursting with joy and merriment. I highly recommend His Tempting Governess.

Near A Thousand Tables: A History of Food by Felipe Fernández-Armesto


Near A Thousand Tables: A History of Food by Felipe Fernández-Armesto
Publisher: The Free Press
Genre: Non-Fiction, Historical
Length: Full length (224 pages)
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Lavender

In Near a Thousand Tables, acclaimed food historian Felipe Fernández-Armesto tells the fascinating story of food as cultural as well as culinary history — a window on the history of mankind.

In this “appetizingly provocative” (Los Angeles Times) book, he guides readers through the eight great revolutions in the world history of food: the origins of cooking, which set humankind on a course apart from other species; the ritualization of eating, which brought magic and meaning into people’s relationship with what they ate; the inception of herding and the invention of agriculture, perhaps the two greatest revolutions of all; the rise of inequality, which led to the development of haute cuisine; the long-range trade in food which, practically alone, broke down cultural barriers; the ecological exchanges, which revolutionized the global distribution of plants and livestock; and, finally, the industrialization and globalization of mass-produced food.

From prehistoric snail “herding” to Roman banquets to Big Macs to genetically modified tomatoes, Near a Thousand Tables is a full-course meal of extraordinary narrative, brilliant insight, and fascinating explorations that will satisfy the hungriest of readers.

History is a wide-ranging topic, stretching around the globe and across all time, but what kind of history can anyone, from any time relate to? The history of food, of course.

Near A Thousand Tables: A History of Food is not a thick encyclopedia of all foods in all countries. It offers an overview and is a manageable and useful read. The book has the theme of Revolutions in food. For example, it starts out discussing the “The invention of cooking.” Other revolutions include “The meaning of eating,” “Breeding to eat” (herding animals), “The edible earth” (managing plants), and other fascinating insights such as how food played out socially (“Food and Rank”). There is something in this book to surely please a diverse audience.

The style is geared toward a general, adult audience and is intelligent. There are parts that are admittedly disturbing, such as the section on cannibalism. For those with Western food sensibilities, some of the descriptions are cringe-worthy.

This presentation is also chronologically-based. We go from the early eating of our ancient ancestors all the way through time to high cuisine. People will be able to find things throughout the book that they could relate to, but there are many revelations that will be new to almost anyone.

This is a good book, and those who love history or food should give this one a try.

Lovely Digits by Jeanine Englert


Lovely Digits by Jeanine Englert
Publisher: Soul Mate Publishing
Genre: Historical, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Full length (210 pages)
Heat Level: Sweet
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Mistflower

When two murders strike the sleepy Victorian town of Clun, England, an unlikely partnership forms. But can the killer be found before there is a third?

Lovely Digits is the town oddity . . .

Quirky spinster Lucy Wycliffe prefers to ignore gossip and embrace her position as the town’s layer out of the dead, despite how her parents’ deaths thrust her into such unlikely work. Lovely Digits, as she’s known to the local townspeople, no longer dreams of marriage, but takes pride in providing dignity to the dead. Desperate to hold on to her family’s cottage and support her widowed sister and young niece, an unexpected offer of employment as assistant to the constable arrives at the perfect time.

Former sailor John Brodie is the mysterious new constable . . .

John Brodie is far from a stranger to Clun or the events of its past. Accepting the position as constable in the small town is a double-edged sword meant to heal his past and redeem his future. Falling for the beautiful and intelligent Lucy Wycliffe was never part of his plan.

As the killer closes in, will John reveal his secret and risk losing everything to save Lucy’s life?

This book certainly started off with shock value that captured my interest. I can honestly say the suspense/mystery had me riveted and turning the pages until the very end. The plot was rather unique and the cast of characters were well established. The romance was well written, sweet and endearing.

The suspenseful plot had me flipping the pages perhaps too fast because I do believe I might have missed something. The title of the book is what the townsfolk called the heroine, Lucy. I don’t know why she was called that. I tried to google “Lovely Digits” to see if it was a well known phrase or cliche but I was unable to find any meaning to the words. Therefore I conclude that I missed something. Although, I re-read page twelve and two hundred and twenty four where she was referred to as “Lovely Digits” and I didn’t see an explanation. I share all this to give a full disclosure that I was slightly distracted during my reading trying to understand why she was called that. It’s my OCD to details that makes this worth mentioning for I truly wonder why she was called “Lovely Digits”.

Having said that, I must state how much I enjoyed the unpredictability provided by the surprised plot twists. The hero, John, could hardly keep up with the turn of events. I know I was out of breath reading each new development.

John and Lucy made a great couple but better partners in solving the mystery. I’m glad things all worked out in the end. I appreciate how the ending provided a solid closure. I’d recommend this book if you are interested in a sweet romance with relatable characters and a suspenseful mystery.

Whom Shall I Marry… An Earl or A Duke? by Laura A. Barnes


Whom Shall I Marry… An Earl or A Duke? by Laura A. Barnes
Tricking the Scoundrels, Volume 2
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Historical
Length: Full length (204 pages)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Mistflower

An afternoon spent in disguise leads to a passion that …

She wanted to explore the promise of his kiss. He wanted to persuade her to become his mistress. Will a case of mistaken identity lead to a marriage of love?

While trying to prevent her friend from a scandal Sophia Turlington becomes entangled in her own. As she waits for her friend in a brothel, a duke mistakes her for a harlot. When he requests an arrangement, Sophia decides to explore the passion he awakens in her soul. Her only stipulations for the affair are a mask, one week, and he must never discover her true identity. Can Sophia give him her heart and walk away as if their time never affected her?

Alexander Langley’s life as a prominent duke will soon come to an end unless he can acquire a duchess whose family can support him through a scandal. When he meets a violet-eyed temptress that awakens his every desire his search comes to a halt. As they explore their passion, he loses his heart to a woman he can never marry. Will Alex put aside his status in the ton for a love to last a lifetime?

Throughout the season Lady Sophia Turlington and Alexander Langley, the Duke of Sheffield’s dislike for one another is known to all. A chance encounter throws them together as Alex and ‘Violet’. After their time ends, Sophia wants Alex to see her for herself. If not, then she might as well accept her friend’s marriage proposal. Can Alex overcome Sophia’s deceit? Or will his need for revenge destroy the love she holds for him?

I read the first book in this series and absolutely loved it. Even though I couldn’t wait for the second one to be released, I don’t have an excuse good enough to explain why I just read it today when it was released a couple of months ago. All I know is I loved Whom Shall I Marry… An Earl or A Duke? too. Now I’m impatient for #3 to be released. Each book can be read as a standalone. This is my fifth Laura A. Barnes novel and her writing style has remained wonderfully consistent and one of my favorites. I would never hesitate to recommend one of her books to read.

I particularly loved seeing the the hero, Duke of Sheffield, succumb to falling in love with Sophia, the heroine. It was no secret they disliked each other in the first book. I actually read Whom Shall I Marry… An Earl or a Duke? in a few hours. Wow, did it enrich my day!

The plot and delivery were well-developed and orchestrated in a refreshing and clever presentation, giving me an unpredictable and entertaining read. The cast of characters were a fun lot. I loved their matchmaking efforts and I anticipate that Rory and Dallis are going to make their own story an awesome read in the Tricking the Scoundrels series too.

Pirate’s Prey by Colleen O’Connell


Pirate’s Prey by Colleen O’Connell
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (323 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rated: 5 stars
Review by Rose

Voted BoM by LASR Readers 2013 copy

Shane Christian scorns danger as the notorious pirate, Falcon. Feared and respected for his realm over the sea, his exploits are only surpassed by his devilish charm. No battle waged or venture dared is as great as the ploy he devises to protect Maura Brent – a spirited beauty whose willful nature captures his heart. His strategy to thwart the law risks exposure and potential introduction to the hangman’s noose. If he succeeds in safeguarding their love, will he live long enough to treasure the victory?

Maura Brent agrees to a contrived marriage with a manipulative English land baron in exchange for sparing her father imprisonment. A chance encounter with Shane Christian sets the course for a voyage of discovery awakening her passion, broadening her knowledge and strengthening her resolve to guard Shane’s identity from his nemesis. Determined to dissolve her marriage to remain with Shane, has her decision ensured his demise?

I thoroughly enjoyed this book as well as the main characters. They are both strong characters and therein lies their strength as a couple.

The conflicts these two face are mostly external, and it was interesting to see how they work together to fight against those powers that would keep them apart.

Maura has agreed to a marriage to save her father from financial ruin. Unbeknown to her, her father has contrived an escape for her at the hands of Shane Christian, the notorious pirate Falcon. Unfortunately, things were messed up, and he arrived after the wedding.

Not to be detered, he still keeps his end of the bargain and heads out with her, and Maura and Shane begin a journey that will lead to freedom… or will it?

The book is filled with twists and turns. Just when you think everything is fine, another spanner gets thrown in the works. I was on the edge of my seat until the very end of the story- not knowing how things were going to work out. I am very happy I got a chance to meet these characters.

Seneca Lake by Emily Heebner


Seneca Lake by Emily Heebner
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (182 pgs)
Heat Level: Sweet
Rating: 3.5 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

It’s 1944, and high school senior Meg Michaels has always obeyed her grandparents’ wishes, till now. They’re urging her to give up her dream of Cornell University and accept a ring from wealthy Hank Wickham before he deploys overseas.

But Meg has studied hard and yearns for something better than life in the rural Finger Lakes. Plus Meg’s suddenly fascinated with her childhood friend, Arthur Young, a handsome Seneca Indian farm worker. When Meg and Arthur nurse a sick puppy to health, their friendship transforms into love.

But locals look down on “injuns” and resent the fact that Arthur’s farm job exempts him from military duty. While the war rages in Europe, Meg and Arthur must fight their own battles at home…

A girl, a war and a man she loves. How can things go wrong?

Emily Heebner writes an interesting tale about a girl, Meg, and the boy she didn’t realize she loved, Arthur. A puppy helps bring them together. Can things get any cuter? The story plugs along well and while it took a few chapters to get going, it did draw me in. I would’ve liked to have had more at the end. Yes, I wanted to stay with the characters beyond the end of the book. I was emotionally invested. I wish there’s been more resolution, but it satisfied in the “happy for now” vein.

This book shows how Meg sorts out her life, deals with the constraints put upon her by her station in life and what she wants in love. It’s a good read for a lazy afternoon. Pick up a copy and see what you think.

King Henry’s Choice by Emily-Jane Hills Orford


King Henry’s Choice by Emily-Jane Hills Orford
Publisher: Clean Reads Publishing
Genre: Historical, Fantasy
Length: Full (227 pgs)
Rated: 3 stars
Review by Rose

There are powers at play that continue to seek amalgamating Scotland to England – powers from the past and powers from the future. It’s the late 1800s and Queen Victoria wants more than mere access to the Scottish retreat at Balmoral Castle. But King Henry I of Scotland, direct descendent of Queen Mary Elizabeth I, the time traveling royal daughter of Mary Queen of Scots, is determined to keep Scotland free and independent and a powerful, progressive nation in its own right. The struggle to protect what is his by birthright becomes a battle that must be fought in the past, the present and the future and in other parts of the world. And, in the midst of each battle, there are choices to be made. Very difficult choices.


I love time travel stories and, to a lesser extent, alternative history and I was intrigued by the plot and concept of this book as I’m a huge fan of the time period. I did have a little trouble getting into this book. I understand there’s a previous book in the series, and I might have had less trouble if I had read that one first.

There were some inconsistencies that threw me out of the book on occasion, but I think that was more me being an editor in a previous life. I soon was able to get back into the swing of the story, though they did mar my enjoyment a bit.

I enjoyed the characters immensely and was intrigued by the whole concept of Scotland as a free nation. The ending was not what I expected at all. Ms. Orford has a different take on time travel than I’m used to, and I am planning on reading the first book to see if I can pick up more of the background of the story.