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Happy Tuesday

 Happy Tuesday, everyone!  I've missed you.  But, no time for chit-chat today.  Just some laughs.

Anyone else?

Please visit my friends at Happy Tuesday and Random Tuesday Thoughts. Have a great week!

Sunday Synopsis

 

The Virgin's Lover by Philippa Gregory
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love historical fiction, and Philippa Gregory is my favorite author, but while most of her books rate five stars, this one only got four from me, and I will get to the reasons why soon.

In the beginning of this book, Queen Mary has died and Protestant Elizabeth I has come to power. She faces a number of challenges, particularly the change from Catholicism to Protestantism and the fact that her country is bankrupt. Additionally, the French are threatening to invade Scotland. She must also rule in a country that experienced weak leadership from its first female ruler. Add to this her desires as a female, and the fact that she is expected to wed and produce an heir.

In the midst of this comes her childhood friend, Robert Dudley, tried and convicted as a traitor. Nevertheless, Dudley has ambitions of being King, and thus woos Elizabeth all while his own wife remains constant in her faith and her love. Will Dudley set aside his wife Amy and marry Elizabeth? Will his ambition get the better of him and alienate those who already know him as a traitor?

A few things bothered me as I was reading. All of a sudden, about halfway through the book, Elizabeth began calling her advisor by the word, "Spirit." It did not fit with all of her other dialogue. And also in about the middle of the book, a habit was noted over and over that she picked at her fingernails. These two things did not add to the characterization, and in fact, detracted from the realism.

Also, if you read up on the real Amy Dudley, you may find some particulars about her which weren't included in the novel and actually did add to the characterization and drama. And last, the novel just ended without resolving all of the conflicts and answering the questions I had as a reader. This is not typical of Gregory, so for these reasons, this book only earned four stars from me, which is actually still really great.

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Thursday Thirteen - Snacks

  

I know that eating snacks may not be good for me, but I'm craving a snack right now, so that's what I'm listing here:  some (not all) of my favorite snacks, in no particular order.  My scale won't thank me, but what the heck?!

1.   Sour cream and onion Lays potato chips.

2.  Peanut butter and strawberry jelly sandwich.

3.  Fiber One brownie.

4.  Ben & Jerry's peanut butter cup ice cream.

5.  String cheese.

6.  Frosted Flakes. Must be eaten out of my favorite bowl.

7.  Peanut Butter M&Ms.

8.  Munchos (especially on a road trip!)

9.  Toast and chocolate milk (the no-sugar variety)

10. Single-serve Velveeta Shells & Cheese.

11. Chocolate milk shake.

12. Buttered saltine crackers.

13. Cheetos - crunchy or puffy (but not the flamin' hot kind).

Do you like any of these?

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Sunday Synopsis

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love re-reading this series! It's been over 20 years since I read it the first time, and I had forgotten how good it is, probably because there is so much in the book that is not in the movie.

Harry is having a perfectly miserable summer, but, he gets to leave the Dursley's early and head to the Weasley's for the World Quidditch Cup.  Toward the end of the World Cup, the Dark Mark appears in the sky creating chaos.

When the kids return to Hogwart's, they learn that Alistor "Mad-Eye" Moody will be their new defense against the dark arts teacher. They also learn that there will be students from two foreign schools attending Hogwart's to compete in the Triwizard Tournament. The schools are Beauxbatons and Durmstrang. Any student age 16 or older is welcome to submit his or her name to the Goblet of Fire in hopes of being selected to compete. Somehow, Harry's name gets past the charms placed on the Goblet, and he is selected as a second champion from Hogwart's although Cedric Diggory was already selected. Harry will have to compete along with Cedric, Fleur Delacour, and Victor Krum.

The first task involves a dragon, the second has the champions rescuing someone from a lake, and the third task is a labyrinthian maze. The end of the tournament does not turn out as planned, but I will not give away what happens in case you have not had the pleasure of reading it. I will end by saying that there is no mistake that Lord Voldemort has returned by the end of the book.


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