Really Random Tuesday: City Lights

This was definitely a highlight of the trip.

Founded in 1953 by poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti and Peter D. Martin, City Lights is a fantastic independent bookstore and publisher in San Francisco.  On a recent trip to the city, I was thrilled to visit this world-famous literary landmark, and enjoyed capturing some of the enchanting, bohemian ambiance of the place "on film".

Reading man

Browsing daughter

I ventured upstairs to the poetry room

I left my heart...

 

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As promised, I have a book winner to announce today.  Please help me to congratulate the lucky winner of The Rebels Of Cordovia by Linda Weaver Clarke, Pat from Posting For Now.  Many congratulations to you, Pat!  I think you'll enjoy reading this book.

If you didn't win this book giveaway, cheer up!  Please take a look at the other book giveaways listed on the right side of my blog.  You might win a book or two.

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Appearing on random Tuesdays, Really Random Tuesday is a way to post odds and ends--announcements, musings, quotes, photos--any blogging and book-related matters you can think of.  I often announce my book giveaway winners in these posts.  If you have miscellaneous book news to gather up and are inspired by this idea, "grab" the button for use on your own blog, then add your link to the "master" Mister Linky on the Really Random Tuesday page. 

As always, your comments are welcomed.

The Rebels of Cordovia: Review and Giveaway

"The little country of Cordovia was in the hands of a tyrant who cared very little about the people."
~The Rebels of Cordovia (prologue), Linda Weaver Clarke

Inspired by the adventures of Robin Hood but set in the 1700s, The Rebels Of Cordovia by Linda Weaver Clarke is new fiction by this prolific author.  Published in 2013, it's a story about the struggle of young people--rebels--against the tyranny and oppression of the despotic King Rupert.  The book centers around two attractive main characters, Robin Marie, the leader of Robin's Rebels, and Daniel, the leader of the Freemen.  Both Robin and Daniel want to help the people of Cordovia.  Although they lead different rebel groups, they share many of the same beliefs, and value essential freedoms.

Author Linda Weaver Clarke told me that her sense of patriotism and deep love for America also inspired her to write The Rebels of Cordovia. The patriots who fought for our freedom influenced the author to create the rebels in this story.  In this book, Robin is a strong female protagonist, a dark-haired beauty and rebel leader whose father, Andrew, secretly taught her to defend herself while she was growing up, telling her that she would someday fight for the rights of others.  From her father, Robin has learned how to be a skillful archer, how to fight with a sword, and to how ride bareback.  Daniel, a handsome, green-eyed rouge, leads his group with skill and aplomb.  Both leaders are compelled to fight for important rights such as freedom of speech and equality.  Daniel realizes that if their groups unite, they will become stronger, but he needs to convince Robin. 

Once I started reading The Rebels of Cordovia, I greatly looked forward to my time with this book, because the author is a truly terrific storyteller.  She brings the characters to life through their mannerisms and conversations with each other.  Linda Weaver Clarke writes with passion and grace, and the love story in this book is simply wonderful.  In fact, this aspect of the story was the strongest draw for me. (Is it just me, or are love stories set in the past more romantic than those set in the present day?)  I thought that Robin and Daniel sounded perfect for each other, and I enjoyed the steady development of their relationship.  Suitable for young adults and adults, this charming book was a pleasure to read, and I relished it.  The Rebels of Cordovia is another wonderful book by Linda Weaver Clarke! 

Fabulous news!  The author is generously offering a giveaway for The Rebels of Cordovia to one randomly chosen reader.  This book giveaway is international (U.S., print or ebook; other countries, ebook edition).

• To enter this giveaway, simply leave a comment.
• For an extra chance at winning, become a follower of this blog, or let me know that you're already a follower.
• For an additional chance, post about this giveaway on your blog, Facebook, Pinterest, or Twitter. 

Enter by 5 PM PDT on Monday, July 15.  One winner will be chosen randomly and announced on Tuesday, July 16.  Good luck!

Special thanks to Linda Weaver Clarke for sending me her new book and for offering this giveaway.