Darlene's Digest

Here is Where: Discovering America's Great Forgotten History by Andrew Carroll My rating: 4 of 5 stars I really enjoyed this, not just for the history, but for the entertainment value. While I knew some of the tidbits featured by Carroll, many of the stories were new to me. For a US history geek, this is a wonderful experience. I liked it so much I returned the library copy and bought a copy for myself and my husband to enjoy at length. View all my reviews

"Would you care to dance as well?” Light-footed Captain St. Armand was standing behind Daphne, smiling down at her, but before she could answer Alexander said, “Mrs. Murray was about to favor me with a dance, Captain St. Armand.” “I was?” “Indeed you were,” Alexander said, helping Daphne to her feet. She cocked her head to the side, listening to the music. “That music is in waltz time, Dr. Murray. Do you know the waltz? It is my favorite!” “Then it will be my favorite also.” Daphne looked up at him as he took her into his arms, a quizzical grin on her face. “What a charming thing to say, Dr. Murray! I vow, you are becoming quite the gallant.” Alexander said nothing to this, concentrating on the music. Yes, he'd waltzed when ashore. On occasion he'd been invited to balls and assemblies, even a surgeon being a useful man to have when the navy was expected to provide gentlemen at entertainments. But he'd never felt the music, the dance had never mattered so mu...

Written in My Own Heart's Blood by Diana Gabaldon My rating: 5 of 5 stars Reading this book is like taking a master class on how to write a complex novel with multiple storylines and character POV, attention to details, adding color to scenes, and moving a narrative forward in a logical fashion. View all my reviews

Robert stood with his arms crossed over his chest, his boot tapping nervously at the flagstones. He heard voices within the kitchen, then she emerged, a child holding her hand. Robert looked down at a miniature version of his mother. Mathilde’s black curls clustered about her head, she had eyes as deep a blue as the ocean surrounding the island, and a firm little chin with a dimple that would someday be a small cleft. Her skin was golden, a legacy from Nanette, but Miss Burke was correct. There was no doubt the child was his offspring. “Greet your father, Mathilde,” the woman murmured. The child looked up at the governess, then curtsied prettily. “Good morning, Captain St. Armand. Miss Burke says you are my papa. Is that so? Am I coming to live with you now?” the girl said, looking up at him curiously. Robert’s mouth opened, then closed. He squatted on his heels to bring himself down to her level. A glance at the governess showed he’d finally done something of which she approved...

“You underestimate the will of the American people, Doctor.” He poked his finger in the air for emphasis. “When you push us, we push back. Hard. John Bull cannot bully America into surrendering now any more than you could forty years ago. Have you already forgotten the lesson of Fort McHenry?” He rummaged in his desk and pulled out a tattered newspaper, much folded and creased. “My mother sent this to me with the letters, a newspaper from home. A Mr. Key wrote a poem about the battle, Doctor, titled ‘ The Defence of Fort McHenry .’ Look here—‘the land of the free and the home of the brave.’ That’s America, Charley!” -- Sea Change June 14 is  Flag Day in the US, the day we honor our nation's symbol of freedom. But this Flag Day is even more special. This year is the 200th anniversary of when a massive banner, 30 by 42 feet, flew over Ft. McHenry in Baltimore's harbor. It was a message to the Royal Navy that the new nation would fight, and that bold piece o...

Shield of Winter by Nalini Singh My rating: 4 of 5 stars Another winner from Singh, with outstanding worldbuilding, memorable characters, dynamic story and excellent writing. Fans of the Psy-Changeling series will be thrilled, and it's a perfect example of how science fiction, fantasy and romance can be melded into a single cohesive whole. View all my reviews