Review of The White Princess

I actually enjoyed various theories presented by this book. You can't expect someone to write about the 14th and 15th centuries with modern sensibilities. If Henry did, in fact rape his future wife, would that be in keeping of the brutal times they lived in? And how come no one is shocked or mentioning the incestuous relationship between uncle and niece? These were horrible times, when women were nothing, a man could do anything to his wife and she was nothing more than an object. The fact is that Elizabeth was pregnant when they married. The fact is that Margaret Beaufort was ambitious for her son to be king. She did do many of the things that Gregory reports and I do think that Elizabeth was a child born of fear, living constantly with a sword of Damocles over her head. Her grandfather and great uncle were killed trying to take the throne from her cousins, brother went against brother- mother against sons- Her siblings were murdered and she didn't know if if was by the man sworn to protect her, or another member of her wide flung family. Elizabeth was the daughter of a power couple, could she have quietly wanted to fly under the radar- I wouldn't be shocked if she did. Sounds to me, Gregory presented a girl who just wanted to be safe, her children safe, and if she did it with a no nothing attitude- well, she wouldn't be the first in history. I thought her believable. I did however, enjoy the B story more than anything else. I had never thought about Perkin Warbeck as being anything more than a Pretender and Gregory's representation was quite creditable. She gave the whole story legs and made me want to read about Henry's infatuation with Warbeck's wife. Elizabeth was a pale shadow compared to both her mother and grandmother Jaquetta. I always thought of her as able to influence her husband with her Yorkish  savvy and intelligence. Perhaps I was wrong, but it sure did skip a generation to rest in the heart and mind of her granddaughter Elizabeth 1 , one of the greatest queens of all times.

Happy Reading!
Carole P. Roman

New Giveaway! Win A Rosetta Stone Package Or Toys R Us Gift Card AND Books!

My cultural books for children, the "If You Were Me and Lived In..." series, focuses on learning and appreciates the many cultures that make up our small planet. 

These books are groundbreaking new experiences in elementary education and perfect for children from Pre-K to age 8. Interesting facts and colorful illustrations help children realize that although the world is large, people all over the globe are basically the same.

Now, I'd love to give away a complete set of all of my currently published works for the "If You Were Me and Lived In..." series, along with your choice of a level one Rosetta Stone Homeschool in either Spanish, French or Korean.

But wait! There will be a second winner!

I am also giving away a $100 gift card to Toys R Us to that lucky winner.  Wow!
So, enter now and enter often in the Rafflecopter below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 Disclosure: 

This giveaway is sponsored by me. Rosetta Stone Homeschool set and Toys R Us gift card is provided by myself and not the companies. This giveaway is also not affiliated with Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest or any other social media site.

Giveaway is open World Wide.

Giveaway ends: August 18, 2013 at 12 AM MST 

Winners have 48 hours to respond after notification via e-mail or  forfeit prize and another winner will be drawn.

Where to find Carole P. Roman: Facebook Amazon

Challenge!

Do you know any other languages? If so, what language is it? Leave a few words for me to learn.

Rave Reviews!

Did you know that I wrote my first book because my son dared me to? I did!
I wrote my first series of books, the Captain No Beard series, based on games I was playing with my grandson.

I wrote another book for children based on my love of yoga. From there, I began a new series of cultural books, If You Were Me and Lived In... series that tells how children live around the world.

This is what others have been saying about a few of my books.

Captain No Beard
"My children loved this cute tale of a pirate that has a hard life for a kids pirate because according to him being a captain is not an easy job. I have 5 children that range in ages from 10 all the way to 3 this book really appealed to my 3 and 5 year old. They love pirates and the illustrations are super cute." ~Lovely

"Carole P. Roman has a fantastic start to a series of books children of all ages will love. I especially enjoy the fact these books aren't for either boys or girls, they are for BOTH! Full of fun and adventure, you'll be traveling back to your childhood with these wonderful books." ~Kissably Sweet

"We love the illustrations, and the pirate jargon, esp. "Shiver me timbers!" ...Makes him giggle every time." ~C.

Stuck In The Doldrums
"When groups of children are playing, there are ample opportunities for someone to take offense. Yet, the act of leaving in a fit of anger serves no long-term purpose as children need to learn how to adapt and play through their differences. Roman has written an excellent tale with an important moral, there is value in numbers, even when you are on an imaginary journey." ~Charles

"In this book the kids learn about sharing hard work and how being mean or bossy is wrong even if you're the leader. It teaches children about teamwork and how no one can do things by themselves, especially sailing a pirate boat. Also like the rest of the series, this book is easy to read with some new words your children can learn and it's for both genders, boys and girls." ~BB

"Ahoy Maties! Little pirates will love this series by Carole P. Roman. Filled with fun characters and colorful illustrations, these books are sure to bring out the playful side in kids and adults alike! My favorite thing about Carole's whimsical stories is that they encourage kids to use their imagination." ~Ima

I Want To Do Yoga Too
"I don't know yoga from yogurt,but it appears my grandchildren not only know the difference, took delight in teaching this old grandpa new poses." ~KJH

" I imagine Hallie going home and doing Yoga all over the house, teaching her stuffed animals and friends the new positions she just learned! The simple illustrations and colors emphasize the story and the characters." ~April

"My 3 yr old daughter wanted to try the yoga poses with the book and now since I've started doing yoga she tries to do it with me. Its a great book because you can bond with your little one and teach her the importance of exercise and trying new things. ~Mel

If You Were Me and Lived In... South Korea
"Upon reading the book your child will be introduced to many new places and many South Korean words that they may have never heard of. She speaks of different tourist attractions there. The author tells us about different foods enjoyed there. South Korea has many different hobbies and interests there that are similar to some of those in America. Their culture is very rich in time honored traditions as well." ~Brenda

"...is an important Korean cultural resource for children
and young people. The book has full color pictures
which depict the Korean language in daily use.
The presentation transcends fact memorization
by presenting the language in various
situational contexts." ~Joseph

"Roman shows a picture of South Korea, identifies its capital as Seoul, tells where it is in relation to other countries, what are usual Korean names, Korean money, interesting places, pastimes, holidays, foods, customs, and the like." ~Israel


Special thanks to everyone that buys my books to share with their loved ones. 

Happy Reading! 
Carole P. Roman

Congratulations!!!

Congratulations to Sherri! She was featured on Hillsides 100 Faces of Hillsides social media campaign this week!

Hillsides is a premier provider dedicated to improving the overall well-being and functioning of vulnerable children, youth, and their families. Their vision is to create lasting change in the lives of all at-risk children and youth they serve. They provide high quality care, advocacy, and innovative services that promote safe, permanent environments where young people can thrive.

Ol' Mama Squirrel

If I ever had a fight, I'd want Ol' Mama Squirrel on my team! Inventive, funny, and defender of her territory, Ol' Mama Squirrel will do just about anything to protect her young. Finally, after exhausting every trick, she must find a way to protect her home from a very large predator. And she does, and it's wonderful. A great story about standing firm, using your brain and teamwork. Great read aloud book!

Happy Reading!

Carole P. Roman

Book Review: The Inquisitor's Wife

I love Jeanne Kalogridis. She captures life from different time periods with an eye for detail and the human experience. While these characters were interesting, I found them slightly too modern and unbelievable. I felt they didn't capture the fear of the time, the relationships didn't fit what was expected from an obedient daughter in 15th century Spain. Marisol seemed too modern in her sensibilities, her father and mother too modern as well. I loved the way she represented Isabella, her duplicity, her formal, pious face and carefree private persona was well written. Jews were thrown out of Spain, losing homes, business, and their Spanish identity. Kalogridis captures some of the torture, and sense of persecution, but it feels isolated, as though it only affected a mere few. This was a major upheaval throughout all of Spain. The Inquisitors attacked anyone who could give any information. In her other books, you can feel the isolation and despair of the main characters, here not so much. I also feel the ending was unrealistic and trite, a bit predictable. Not my favorite of her books, but well written none the less.

Happy Reading!
Carole P. Roman