Review of my new book - SONS AND DAUGHTERS

Linda Banche and Her Historical Hilarity
Welcome to my World of Historical Hilarity! I write witty, sweet/sensual Regency romances with nary a rake or royal in sight. I'm a two-time EPICON finalist, and my reviews never have spoilers. Join me for a new post on the first Sunday of the month, and sometimes on other days.

Purchase here at Amazon.com

Karen V. Wasylowski has done it again with Sons and Daughters, an often hilarious, sometimes soul-wrenching, but always engaging tale as she continues the saga begun in the delicious Darcy and Fitzwilliam: A Tale of a Gentleman and an Officer.


True to the title, Darcy's and Fitzwilliam's children dominate the story. Darcy has three and Fitzwilliam nine. (Nine, you say? The man has worked overtime.) The book spans twenty years and we laugh and cry along with both clans as the parents age and their children grow and navigate the always difficult transition to adulthood.

Ms. Wasylowski’s flowing prose keeps you turning the pages to see what will happen next. With so many characters, something new, perhaps funny and perhaps heartbreaking, always happens. Like the time when the children, mostly preadolescent, find some erotic prints Fitzwilliam saved and aren’t sure what to make of them, although they’re certain they must be scandalous, to when Fitz’s wife, Amanda, has her ninth child in a very difficult birth.

Ms. Wasylowski’s is a master at writing the emotion of both adults and children, especially as she shows how the children’s feelings change as they mature. She also has a good ear for realistic dialog, whether the character is child or adult, male or female. At times, the boys are disgustingly boys, and the girls, while perhaps a little nicer, are the boys' matches in every way. And the parents, as parents do, yell and threaten as well as love their children to distraction.

I only wish the book was longer. With so many characters, Ms. Wasylowski by necessity had to skim over some stories. I’d like to know more about George and Kathy, and Anne Marie and Mr. Wentworth. Maybe a few novellas?


READ MORE: http://lindabanche.blogspot.com/2012/11/review-sons-and-daughters-by-karen-v.html

Harry Potter: Off Broadway sensation - POTTED POTTER

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=73GmyK8OwNo&feature=player_embedded


NEW YORK, July 2 (UPI) -- British actors Dan Clarkson and Jeff Turner, the stars of "Potted Potter: The Unauthorized Harry Experience -- A Parody by Dan and Jeff," say they are thrilled by how warmly their Harry Potter stage comedy has been embraced by critics and audiences in New York. "It's been unbelievable," Clarkson told United Press International in a recent phone interview.

"When we were in the United Kingdom, when we first went to the West End, there was the fear, 'Will everyone get this?' And then when we went to Toronto, I remember that fear came back and then when we came to New York, there was the fear that they were just going to look at us and say, 'Who are these two British guys on stage and what are they doing?' So, it's been overwhelming," Clarkson explained.

"The audiences, the way people react in New York is brilliant. Just the urge to shout out and if they want to say something, to just go for it, and the applause and the cheering. In Britain, we're very polite and very reserved, so this is amazing." Preview performances of "Potted Potter" began in May at Manhattan's Little Shubert Theater and it officially opened June 3. This is the production's U.S. premiere after successful runs in Toronto, London, Edinburgh, Australia and New Zealand.

READ MORE: http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Hollywood/2012/07/02/Hit-Potted-Potter-extended-off-Broadway

Gary Oldman takes a shot at acting athletes in hilarious spoof PSA (MAIL ON -LINE)

It's fair to say a thespian like Gary Oldman has spent a number of years fine-tuning his craft. So it's understandable the actor may have a few choice words for stars - more specifically, athletes - not taking his work so seriously. The Oscar-nominee, 54, in a hilarious spoof public service announcement, makes a simple request of sports stars dabbling in movies: 'Stop f****** acting!' Scroll down for video

 


READ MORE: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2163004/Gary-Oldman-rages-spoof-PSA-Actors-Against-Acting-Athletes.html?ito=feeds-newsxml

‘Downton Arby’s': Like ‘Downton Abbey,’ But At Arby’s

http://www.newnownext.com/downton-arbys-like-downton-abbey-but-at-arbys/03/2012/

Love Lady Edith in this!

'Absolutely Fabulous' Bloopers

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99ekAJU903M&feature=player_embedded#!

Downton Abbey as presented by Spike TV - SNL Youtube

HighlandsRanchLady

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBEcAwmnfGI

Bridesmaids Gag Reel - Even funnier than the movie

Trailer: THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL - I can't wait to see this, it looks hysterical

NEW YEAR'S WARNING!!!

I would like to share an experience with you all, about drinking and driving.

As you well know, some of us have been known to have had brushes with the authorities on our way home from the odd social session over the years. A couple of nights ago, I was out for a few drinks with some friends and had a few too many beers and some rather nice claret.

Knowing full well I may have been slightly over the limit, I did something I've never done before - I took a bus home.

I arrived home safely and without incident, which was a real surprise, as I have never driven a bus before and am not sure where I got it from.

Merry Christmas.

A Very Funny Colin Firth - Jolly Ho's

I am liking this man more and more and more...

Upstairs Downton Abbey - Red Nose Day parody of Downton Abbey

THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF DERBYSHIRE COUNTY

The exasperated Sir David Frost

Visit my other blog - Karen V. Wasylowski...Bit I digress - and read the fascinating interview done by Sir David Frost with the unwanted and annoying help of Lady Catherine de Bourgh.  The fighting women of Derbyshire are all there - Caroline, Jane, Charlotte, Mrs. B and Lydia "la" Wickham!  It's all in celebration of the Austenesque Extravaganza. 

http://karenvwasylowski.blogspot.com/