Wednesday, November 02, 2011

THE VERY THOUGHT OF YOU by ROSIE ALISON

Congratulations
Lindsay Elizabeth
Please send me your full name and mailing address to stephanieelliot@gmail.com and I'll get your book to you!





Well, we are down to the wire this week with only three books left in the Fall Fab Book Promo on MaNiC MoMMy! I want to thank all of you for sticking around for so long! Today’s book is a historical fiction romance/love story and was shortlisted for the 2010 Orange Prize for Fiction, which is a Very Big Deal in the world of books!
I’m very pleased to bring you …
England, 31st August 1939: The world is on the brink of war. As Hitler prepares to invade Poland, thousands of children are evacuated from London to escape the impending Blitz. Torn from her mother, eight-year-old Anna Sands is relocated with other children to a large Yorkshire estate which has been opened up to evacuees by Thomas and Elizabeth Ashton, an enigmatic, childless couple. Soon Anna gets drawn into their unraveling relationship, seeing things that are not meant for her eyes and finding herself part-witness and part-accomplice to a love affair with unforeseen consequences. A story of longing, loss, and complicated loyalties, combining a sweeping narrative with subtle psychological observation, The Very Thought of You is not just a love story but a story about love.

In order to qualify to win this book, tell me if you’re a fan of historical fiction and share some of your favorites here. I’m thinking back to Wally Lamb’s second novel, I Know This Much is True, and for some reason I’m thinking that the second part of it is historical fiction? I just remember being spellbound by that book of his as well as his first. And I know A Tree Grows in Brooklyn isn’t really considered ‘historical fiction’ but that was a book from another era that always stuck with me. To me, historical fiction is from another time, another place. Is that what it means to you? Anyway, great writing is great writing and if we’re lucky enough to find that in a book, then it’s awesome! I hope you’ve found some here during this Fall promo, and I’ve got two more books to share with you before the HUGE GRAND PRIZE where ONE OF YOU will win 20+ books! Stay tuned ….

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Check previous book features to see who the winner is -- that's how you'll find out if you've won or not, and you can still enter if there's not a winner's name posted on the top and highlighted! I usually choose a winner for each book anywhere from 3-7 days after I post a feature!


Thanks for checking out the Fall Fab Giveaway – we're coming to a close of the promotion. At the end of ALL the individual books featured and given away, one lucky winner will win the WHOLE batch of the books.


If you’ve got particular questions on how the Giveaway works, check the ORIGINAL POST HERE, or feel free to email me! Thanks!


Good luck everyone! And I really enjoy your comments too!


Thanks for reading and being a part of this promotion! To find out all the details on how to participate throughout the whole promotion click the previous link!


I also blog at Real Moms Guide if you'd like to read some of my other work.


If you're new here, check out the rules and all the books at in the promotion HERE.

If you have any questions feel free to leave a comment and I'll answer it in the thread, or email me at stephanieelliot@gmail.com. It is always at my discretion to change things up, and because of some regulations, I guess I must say that the books I review are given to me by either the authors or publishers or publicists, and I am never paid for my reviews, and they are my own personal reviews, and you know what, because I'm here telling you this anyway, I will also tell you that I never review a book I don't like, because you know what, why waste my time, life is too short to read a crappy book! There.

84 comments:

Literary Chanteuse said...

I love historical fiction. I've recently read a book called A River In The Sea by Tina Bosch. It was awesome! Set in the Netherlands in WWII. I also read 13 Rue Therese by Elena Mauli Shapiro. Also during that time period and awesome. I'm a big fan of Philippa Gregory and her Tudor books. I haven't read the whole series yet but so far my favorites are The Other Bolelyn Girl and The Queen's Fool.

Margaret(singitm)

Ally said...

Not a huge fan, but I'll read almost anything!
Ally

Kristen said...

I recently read "The Postmistress," mainly because it had a review from Kathryn Stocket on the cover and I loved "The Help." Was set in 1940, something I'm totally not used to, and was really good!

Kristen27

Tiffany Drew said...

I read just about everything, so yes I guess I am a fan :) I haven't read enough to pick a favorite, but I really liked The Dry Grass of August.

absolutahnie said...

a tree grows in brooklyn is my all time favorite book! i like patrick
o'brian's aubrey/maturin series (the movie master & commander was based on it) it's all about the british navy circa the 1800s but other than that not a huge historical fiction fan!

Katie said...

yes I like historical fiction but sometimes find it hard to find books I would like that fit that genre! But I loved the Help which I would consider historical fiction. I also LOVED "I Know This Much is True." Probably one of my favorite books ever. When I was younger I loved the American girl books and I would guess that is historical fiction too.

Emma S. said...

Some of my favorite historical fiction authors are Diana Gabaldon, Philippa Gregory, Jeff Shaara, and John Jakes.

ncsuloges said...

I typically don't like it but if you are counting The Help, I loved that! I read one of Diana Gabaldon's books and liked it. I read Killer Angels for school and I actually thought it was awesome. I thought I was going to hate it.

Ready To Be A Momma said...

Not a big fan, but I read about anything.
qweska8402

LizzybethDJ said...

I am a mood reader and have to be in the mood for whatever genre. But when in the mood, I do like historical fiction. It's not high-brow historical fiction but I loved The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society.

Megan said...

I'm a huge fan of books in general, but one that sticks out in my mind (it's actually non-fiction, but written like fiction) is The Zookeeper's Wife. So moving and haunting.
ID eloisepeaches

krstrpp said...

My favorite book of historical fiction (and I have several) is "Atonement" by Ian McEwan. It's hauntingly beautiful. Thanks for the chance to win a copy of "The Very Thought of You."

your invisible pixie said...

I enjoy Historical Fiction occasionally...I think the one I've read most recently was The Other Boleyn Girl. Does that count?

Melissa said...

I can't say that I love historical fiction because I haven't really read any.
-tmd636

Books & Reviews said...

To Kill a Mocking Bird would be one of my favorite historical fiction novels.

buttah said...

I love all books, so I guess that would include historical fiction too!

MonaLisa said...

I love Historical fiction! Diana Gabaldon, Sara Donati are two of my favorites. Most recently i enjoyed Bobbi Ann Mason's the girl in the blue beret.

Margie said...

Gone With The Wind always comes to mind for me.

Jessica said...

I'm not a big fan of historical fiction but I will give it a try. =]

Thank you!
-Jessica M
walkingcorpse11@hotmail.com

animallover75 said...

I recently read "Discovery Of Witches" and loved that.

Anonymous said...

I enjoy a great deal of historical fiction, most recently Paula McLain's "The Paris Wife" and "Mrs. Tom Thumb."

Amy R. said...

I tried reading The Other Boleyn Girl but lost interest. I don't get historical fiction... sorry :(

Krystal said...

I haven't really ventured into historical fiction, but am willing to give it a chance.
kndyer

Carie Casey said...

I'm not a fan of it. i did read The Red Tent which i think counts as historical fiction. It's one of my favorite books of all time.

Unknown said...

I can't say that I'm a huge fan. But if a storyline catches my eye...I grab a book. LOL No true boundaries outside of what I find enjoyable. :)

Janet Fiorentino said...

I love historical fiction, but what could be better than "Gone with the Wind?"

Melissa said...

Anything by Lisa See. I love her, especially Shanghai Girls. Melissa Rem

Bev V said...

Not really a fan, but I'll read a good book anytime!

TaraUB said...

I've only read two of Erik Larson's books. I loved Devil In The White City. His latest about the American ambassador to Germany during Hitler's reign was interesting but not a page turner.

Erin G said...

I like to read just about everything, so I'd say that yes, I'm a fan.

Mom'sLove said...

I"m not a fan but I will read some. American Wife is a good one. Looking forward to checking out this book..
Amanda

Kristi said...

I love historical fiction. The Rose trilogy by Jennifer Donnelly is my favorite. I loved The Help, The Kitchen House, The Yellow House, Wench. I can't remember all the authors, but all worth the read.

Melissa said...

i'm not much into historical fiction, but i like how you validated "i know this much is true" that way. lol! i could say the same for "second glance" by jodi picoult. i used to like these sunfire romance novels when i was a kid. each took place during a period of history and featured a girl and she had to choose between two men. they were such good stories!

melissa a from clc

Dani In Chicago said...

Tasha Alexander writes great historical fiction. A Poisoned Season - takes place in victorian era where a woman solves crimes.

Nanette said...

Hi Manic! I can't say that I've read any historical fiction. I wouldn't mind giving it a try, tho! Hugs, Nan

Liz said...

Gone With the Wind. Also loved Jenna Blum's Those Who Save Us.

Joani 15 said...

I loved the Thornbirds and Evergreen from way back. Also the greatest book eva "The Great Gatsby"

Kristi said...

I LOVE historical fiction, especially stuff about Henry VIII. He was one crazy character! I just love reading about another time period. The fiction part keeps it interesting but you can still learn a lot from the book!

Kristi Hooke

Anonymous said...

My favorite historical fiction books are by Ken Follett. I thought it would take me forever to get through the "World Without End" trilogy but once I picked it up, I couldn't put it down again.

-Donna W.

jdstec said...

Even though it is recent history, I would have to say the help, since I grew up in that area and era.

Crystal said...

Not a big fan of historical fiction. Mainly it's the "historical" part I don't like. I just like to the characters to be relateable. Maybe I just haven't found the right book. :)

crystal717

BrendaL71 said...

I like to read so it can from from any era. Historical fiction just gives it a more personal touch in certain instances.

IandSsmom said...

I love historical fiction. I think it would be more considered romance due to author but it is wonderful historical fiction and my favorite book is Granny Dan by Danielle Steel. It is an amazing story set in Russia. Just really so good! Read it over and over!

Juliet Farmer said...

i do enjoy historical fiction--The Help is what immediately comes to mind, but there are others I've read and enjoyed.

Julia Maranan said...

If you define historical fiction as stories set in another time and place, then I'd have to say I like it quite a bit. I've read several that others have mentioned in their comments (To Kill a Mockingbird, the Rose trilogy by Jennifer Donnelly, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society), and I also liked The Secret Life of Bees.

Julia
julia_maranan at hotmail dot com

LynnBelo said...

While I can't remember any titles right now,, I do read historical fiction every once in a while. I love reading about anything from the late 1800s through the 1960s.

Denise said...

I love historical fiction, but I find I rarely read it for some reason. As for favorites, the ones that immediately come to mind are City of Theives by David Benioff (set in WWII Russia), Memoirs of a Geisha and The Devil in the White City

Kimmi said...

I'm not a fan, but that might be because I've just never read anything from this genre. I'm willing to give it a shot though.

Amy Goddard said...

I'm not sure if I've ever read historical fiction, but I'm willing to give anything a try and this one sounds good!

Amy Goddard

Susan @ The Book Bag said...

I typically don't seek our 'historical fiction' but I have read a lot of the books that others have listed so I must read that genre more than I thought. The Help, to Kill a Mockingbird, Tree Grows in Brooklyn, The Postmistress and on and on. This book is one that I have been wanting to read.

Bernadette7 said...

I've never read any historical fiction which is obviously the reason I should be destined to win this book so I can explore a new genre!

Lesley Davis, Esq said...

The Help or To Kill a Mockingbird.

Jeryl M. said...

I like historical fiction depending on the book. I don't have a favorite but I did like Gone With the Wind, The Help and A Tree Grows in Brooklyn among others.

Jeffie T said...

I love historical fiction. I've been on a huge kick lately - The Help, Outlander, Gone with the Wind, Pillars of the Earth, World without End.

Emily said...

I really enjoy historical fiction and have since I was much younger. I'd also consider Wally Lamb's "I Know This Much is True" and "The Hour I First Believed" to be historical fiction-ish...The Hour I First Believed is much more recent history (Columbine) but nonetheless...

Anyway, I grew up reading books by the author Ann Rinaldi, who wrote a bunch of young adult historical fiction. I remember being SO EXCITED when my 8th grade English teacher chose one of her books for us to read during our Civil War unit. She's worth checking out, no matter what your age!

Emily116

michelle m! said...

Pillars of the Earth was very cool

My Two Army Brats said...

I haven't read much historical fiction but this book definitely has my interest just by the cover and the description has me interested.

ludy2288 said...

i haven't read a lot of historical fiction, but I'm always eager to check out new types of writing

EBrowning said...

I think I've been lacking in my historical fiction reading. I did try to read "The Widow of the South" a few summers ago and I could not get into it at all. I kept reading thinking it would get better but I guess it just wasn't for me.

Philadelphia said...

I enjoy historical fiction, so far my favorite book is "Sarah's Key". It's about how WWII was experienced by the Jews in France. Very well written story with a lot of history I didn't know about.

-Philly5

Kim W. said...

Not a big fan usually, but this one sounds great!!

Lizett34 said...

I don't typically read histrical fiction, but this book seems like a good one to start with.

Natalie M. in VA said...

I don't usually gravitate to historical fiction, but I love books and am always looking to read new things. However I did read 'the Help' and adored it. Recently a friend loaned me 'Sarah's Key' and I loved loved loved it. I was up into the wee hours reading each night (read it in 3 days), despite the fact that I had to get up for work in the morning. :)

Jenn3128 said...

I really like historical fiction, but my favorite is a childrens book based on a poem. The Spider and the Fly. And I know, not exactly HF, but it does reiterate a belief system that is lacking from current society.

CherylB said...

I like historical fiction, but just don't read it that often. The Help and Gone With the Wind are the two that pop into my head. Also, when I was younger I liked the Caddie Woodlawn books and the Betsy-Tacy books by Maude Hart Lovelace.

cabest@yahoo.com

Coleen said...

I loved THE HELP and I also loved FALL ON YOUR KNEES by ANNA MCDONALD. It was set back in the 1800's. One of my favorite books.

A.C. said...

I like some historical fiction. I think my favorite is the Pink Carnation series by Lauren Willig. Spies and romance, I love it!!

Kelley said...

I really haven't read any historical fiction. I know my sister likes it, but since my reading time is so limited I don't usually have those books in my list! But I'd like to read some when I have the chance, because I love to read!!

Anonymous said...

The Kite Runner - JillFay

Christina said...

I can't say whether I'm a fan or not because I don't think I've read any historical fiction. I'd definitely give it a try though!

ChristinaL

Terri said...

I've never really been into historical fiction, but then again, I can't honestly say I've tried it. This one does sound interesting though.

Terri M.

Anonymous said...

My gut instinct is to say I don't like historical fiction, but if I stop and think about it, The Thornbirds is one of my favorite books of all time. Maeve Binchy is one of my top 3 favorite authors and I would guess a lot of her books could be considered historical fiction. Finally I just read The Help, and I have to say that has been my favorite book of the summer. So on second thought, yes I do enjoy some historical fiction!

Colbey J

CAnative said...

Years ago in my late teens I read Shogun and really liked it. Recently for school reading my son had to read The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. I read this a couple years ago (I always read the kids summer reading books) and thought it was one of the best books I've read.
Nicole

Kimberly Russell said...

I loved American Wife

Sherry said...

Not a huge fan--since my days deal with chemicals math and a lot of thought process--my reading is usually lite --however I do enjoy reading science mind--the mind intrigues me:)

Sherry V

Valerie G. said...

I've read a few historical fiction. It's not my favorite but this book sounds interesting.

kathygold9778 said...

I really enjoy the historical romances written by Judith McNaught.

kathygold9778

BethC said...

The only book I can think of right off the top of my head is The Help. But, I know I have read others and love them. I love books that take a bit of true history and add in a twist of drama and fiction.

StereoQueenBee said...

Haven't really read much of it but read everything pretty much!

queenofcrunk at gmail dot com

Dolly said...

'The Postmistress' and 'The Days the Falls Stood Still' are two of my recent favorites. That doesn't even get into the non-fiction!

Lindsay Elizabeth said...

I love historical fiction too!

Just recently read the Tea Rose, very fiction but still interesting. and The Things we Cherished is a great one!

keltban said...

I've read some historical fictions..just not a lot of it. I did like Wally Lamb's book " The First Hour I Believe" which was based on the Columbine events. Would love to read more!!

Leah B said...

I do like historical fiction - he Other Bolelyn Girl, The Help, Winds of War, and I loved The Red Tent. I think those are all historical fiction.

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