C.S. Harris, What Remains Of Heaven

Blurb:London 1812. When the controversial reform-minded Bishop of London is found bludgeoned to death in an ancient crypt beside the corpse of an unidentified man murdered decades before, Sebastian St. Cyr, Viscount Devlin, reluctantly agrees to help with the investigation.

To Sebastian's consternation, the last person to see the Bishop alive was Miss Hero Jarvis, a woman whose already strained relationship with St. Cyr has been complicated by a brief, unexpectedly passionate encounter. As his search for the killer leads him from the back allies of Smithfield to the power corridors of Whitehall, Sebastian must confront the well-guarded secrets of his own family's past—and a devastating truth that could ultimately force him to question who—and what—he really is.
I just love this cover. One of the biggest rules is never to buy a book based on it's cover, but that is exactly what I did. This is book five another rule broke starting a series at the end instead of the beginning, but I couldn't find book one. The characters are well written, true to their time period, Harris has a way of making you not really sure who the killer or evil doer is until the end. Harris's books are fst paced, flow well with just the right mix of action and dialog. Enough so I have tracked down the other 4 books and now am reading them in order. 4.8 out of 5

The King's Nun: A Novel of King Charlemagne, by Catherine Monroe

In the eighth century, a woman with a mind of her own rarely found more than scorn and abuse. Such is life for Amelia of Ardennes, until she becomes a novice in the MŸnster-Bilzen Abbey. In the cloistered world of the church she just might reach her potential as an intellectual and spiritual being. But when Charlemagne, the most powerful man in Europe, visits the abbey, Amelia is chosen to escort the charismatic king and her life is forever changed. Enamored of her spirit and intelligence-as well as her beauty-the king brings her to the palace to act as his trusted advisor. As time passes, the bond between them grows stronger, as does Amelia's determination to become an abbess. And when Charlemagne is pulled away by war, Amelia finds herself torn between her unrequited affection for the king and her devotion to her calling.
I found this book not as rich in history as most period books are, I liked the characters and finished but she's not reached auto buy status. I also found the book a little short, I am sure there isn't much written about this Sainted Women but that should not stop and author, should it? 3 out of 5

Seduction Is Forever, by Jenna Petersen

Blurb: Master spy Emily Redgrave hasn’t been the same since a night six months ago when she was cut down by a would-be assassin’s bullet. Though she is physically recovered, she’s still haunted by memories of the trauma and regrets for what almost happened. She’s desperate to re-enter the field and regain her confidence. When she’s assigned to follow and protect Grant Ashbury, the Earl of Westfield, she reluctantly accepts, knowing this ‘babysitting’ duty could very well lead to more advanced cases.
Generally I shy away from spy type novels, but this one had just the right mix. With a good plot and well developed characters. 4.5 out of 5

Built of Books, By Thomas Wright

A very well researched and interesting book about how the books Wilde read through out his life shaped everything about him. But most importantly they shaped how and what he wrote. A very sad and interesting book. 4.5 out of 5

Wicked All Day, by Liz Carlyle

Blurb:Miss Zoë Armstrong is beautiful, charming, rich,and utterly unmarriageable. So, while she may be the ton's most sparkling diamond, her choice of husbands looks more like a list of London's most unsavory fortune hunters. Since a true-love marriage seems impossible, Zoë has accepted -- no, embraced -- her role as society's most incomparable flirt and mischief maker...until in one reckless, vulnerable moment, her future is shattered.
Stuart Rowland, the brooding Marquess of Mercer, has been part of Zoë's extended family since she was a child. As dark and cynical as Zoë is lively, Mercer has always known they would be the worst possible match...until his scapegrace brother Robert does the unthinkable, and winds up betrothed to Zoë. Now, secluded on Mercer's vast estate to escape a looming scandal and the ton's prying eyes, Zoë and Mercer may find that a dark obsession has become a tempestuous passion that can no longer be denied.

All right so this is by far not one of my favorite reads by Carlyle. I thought she spent too much time having her characters doing the same things in other words the book was slow, and you knew where the characters where going at all times. No surprises, nothing new, wonderful characters in typical situations. 3 out of 5

Wishful Drinking by, Carrie Fisher

Blurb: Intimate, hilarious, and sobering, Wishful Drinking is Fisher, looking at her life as she best remembers it (what do you expect after electroshock therapy?). It's an incredible tale: the child of Hollywood royalty -- Debbie Reynolds and Eddie Fisher -- home wrecked by Elizabeth Taylor, marrying (then divorcing, then dating) Paul Simon, having her likeness merchandised on everything from Princess Leia shampoo to PEZ dispensers, learning the father of her daughter forgot to tell her he was gay, and ultimately waking up one morning and finding a friend dead beside her in bed.
I just love Carrie Fisher's writing, she's funny and a bit scary at the same time. I admire her spirit. I've read all four of her books and this is the best so far. 5 out of 5

Pope Joan by Donna Woolfolk Cross

A Synopsis of Pope Joan
As its title reveals, the novel is based on the life of one of the most fascinating, extraordinary women in Western history--Pope Joan, a controversial figure of historical record who, disguised as a man, rose to rule Christianity in the 9th century as the first and only woman to sit on the throne of St. Peter.

Brilliant and talented, young Joan rebels against the medieval social strictures forbidding women to learn to read and write. When her older brother is killed during a Viking attack, Joan takes up his cloak and identity, goes to the monastery of Fulda, and is initiated into the brotherhood in his place. As Brother John Anglicus, Joan distinguishes herself as a great Christian scholar. Eventually she is drawn to Rome, where she becomes enmeshed in a dangerous web of love, passion, and politics. Triumphing over appalling odds, she finally attains the highest throne in Christendom.

Clearly a women before her time, I found her frustrating and interesting. 4 out of 5