#desire and betrayal on st helena

[captainknell]

*BOOK REVIEW*

Alright. This is gonna be a long review so bear with me. If you want the short version, here you go: it's great and you should read it! If you want the long version, see below :)

So I had my misgivings about the summary before reading. But I'm glad I gave it a chance. Never judge a book by its... summary? Because the cover is lovely! ( @suburbanbeatnik aka @trashpoppaea )

Here's a bit of summary from me, but I don't want to go too far and give away anything: So the story is about a young woman named Amelie who is the daughter of Napoleon's chef. She is a kitchen maid that also does some gardening of herbs and things. She is 19 at the beginning of the story when they all first arrive on the island of exile, St. Helena. She is an aspiring writer of erotic stories, despite being a virgin. She wants Napoleon to take notice of her and begins singing in hopes that he will hear. He does! He proposes that she do lessons and she begins her friendship with Napoleon. Over the course of the book, the friendship becomes more and she longs to be his mistress. People try to dissuade the relationship, especially her father, who knows there is something inappropriate in their supposed innocent friendship. Count Montholon and his wife become very jealous that a kitchen maid is taking all of Napoleon's attention away from them. Even Napoleon, although he desires Amelie, respects her and wants to "keep her pure" despite all the rumors that are flying around the island about them. There are also secret plots of escape and maybe even someone attempting to poison the Emperor. I'll stop there so I don't ruin everything ;)

Personal connections: I think I connect to this book and Amelie is particular because I too was once a teenage girl trying to write a book about things I hadn't yet experienced. 🫣 Throughout the book she mentions what her characters are doing and it parallels her changing relationship with Napoleon. That's a very real thing. When your book is based off of real people and you are mad at them, the characters reflect that. I thought it was a nice touch.

Historical aspects: Amazing! Let me tell you, the moment that the desk was mentioned, I cried like the sentimental silly goose that I am. (I have an obsession with Napoleon's desk from St. Helena, if you don't know lol.) Also it's mentioned how big and spacious Napoleon's tub is and I thought that was a realistic detail to point out. As someone who has bathed in one of his marble tubs, it's so real. Like I thought a tub was a tub until I experienced that one. (Yeah I'm kinda obsessed with the tub, too.) I looked up what his tub there looked like and I'll put a picture at the end, but it's a copper tub. Another thing I noticed, was mention of the sugar cone. It could have just said Amelie got some sugar, the end. But back then that's how sugar was sold and I thought it was such a nice touch. I felt like I was really there, experiencing the desk, the tub, the sugar cone, the island, the time period. No one would notice if she hadn't included these details, but I certainly noticed them being there and appreciate the research.

Characters: And I thought it was impossible to hate anyone more than Sir Hudson Lowe on that forsaken rock! Well this book has me hating Montholon and especially his wife, Albine. This book goes with the poison theory that was getting me shot down in my review of Alan Schom's book. I'm just saying I'm not 100% convinced against it still. 🤷‍♀️ (Maybe I'm on board since I spent some of my childhood believing that I was being poisoned while suffering a mysterious stomach ailment?) But also, where are Gourgaud and Las Cases? They were not in the book, nor was Betsy Balcombe? I suspect that Amelie was like an alternate, older substitute for her based on the friendship that she and Napoleon shared before the sexual aspects of the book took place.

The end: Ugh I want so badly to make some comments on that but I will refrain! If you've read it, message me and I'll say what I want to say about it if you want.

Anyways I highly recommend it! I was a little embarrassed by the romance aspects at first, as I've never read a book like that before 😳 my husband was laughing at me lol but here's the picture of the copper tub I promised!

[suburbanbeatnik]

A book cover illustration I did for author (and Napoleon enthusiast) Diane Scott Lewis is now live! It’s for her book Napoleon's Elysium: Desire and Betrayal on St. Helena, a Kindle exclusive, with design done by the one, the only @microcosme11​. If you’re interested in Napoleon, historical romance, or just an engaging, epic read with memorable characters, drawn from history, I highly recommend it!

[microcosme11]

New book for sale on amazon: Napoleon’s Elysium: Desire and Betrayal on St. Helena  by Diane Scott Lewis.

It says ‘paperback’ but an ebook should appear there very soon if it hasn’t already.

Disclaimer: suburbanbeatnik made this illustration! And I made it into a cover and formatted the book to be published. 

I am in the middle of reading it. When I start reading it, it is hard to put down. Nappers is on St. Helena, there is a young lady who interests him (not Betsy Balcombe) and Montholon and his wife are acting phony and snobby. Most of the St. Helena gang are there, but, warning, Las Cases and Gourgaud don’t appear in the book. I can overlook it because the other characters are so well portrayed, especially Napoleon. Oh, I love Napoleon in this book.

Check it out and read its sample.

[tothemattresses]

2020 Reading Challenge - E-Book Edition!

According to Amazon, I have exactly 294 e-books currently sitting in my Kindle library. 

Granted, some of these books have been read and are being saved for a second (or third, or fourth) re-read, but when it comes down to it, that number is around 40 books, give or take. 

Which means I still have over 250 books that need to be read. 

And it’s not like I haven’t tried! There are plenty of titles that, when opened up, will go to the last place I left off - that being chapter 5, or maybe chapter 10. But sometimes life gets in the way. Or a sudden interest in another author. Or a new season of RuPaul’s Drag Race. But whatever the reason may be, it’s over 250 books that haven’t been read. Challenge accepted! 

For 2020, I commit to not buying any new books to add to my Kindle library (checking out books from the library is ok, because you’ve gotta support your local library!), and instead focus on the books I already have. So no addition of 99 cent books, or Kindle Unlimited books, or books that are suddenly 75% off. Only the books that I currently have. 

As the reading commences, and after the book is finished, I’ll update my list to indicate what has been completed, along with the date purchased, and a short review (or a reason I just couldn’t finish it at all). 

Below is the list for future reference - and to clarify my what my favorite genre is. Spoiler: it’s romance novels. 

Here we go!

Adulting: How to Become a Grown-up in 535 Easy(ish) Steps – Kelly Williams Brown

An Affair with Mr. Kennedy (Gentlemen of Scotland Yard) – Jillian Stone

All About Love (Cynster Book 6) – Stephanie Laurens

All Afternoon with a Scandalous Marquess: A Lords of Vice Novel – Alexandra Hawkins

Almost a Scandal: A Reckless Brides Novel (The Reckless Brides Book 1) – Elizabeth Essex

Alpha – Jasinda Wilder

A Duke’s Guide to Seducing His Bride (Chase Family Series- The Jewels Book 4) – Lauren Royal

The American Heiress: A Novel – Daisy Goodwin

When an Earl Meets a Girl (Chase Family Series- The Jewels Book 1) – Lauren Royal

The Andy Cohen Diaries: A Deep Look at a Shallow Year – Andy Cohen

Angel in a Devil's Arms: The Palace of Rogues – Julie Anne Long

Angel in Scarlet: A Bound and Determined Novel – Lavinia Kent

Anything He Wants & Castaway – Sara Fawkes

The Astronaut Wives Club – Lily Koppel

At Any Price: A Billionaire Virgin Auction Romance (Gaming the System Book 1) – Brenna Aubrey

At Any Turn: A Billionaire Romance (Gaming the System Book 2) – Brenna Aubrey

At Your Pleasure – Meredith Duran

The Awakening of Ivy Leavold (Markham Hall Book 1) – Sierra Simone

Badd Motherf*cker (The Badd Brothers Book 1) – Jasinda Wilder

Bare Ass in Love (Hard, Fast, and Forever Book 1) – Sasha Burke

Because of Miss Bridgerton: A Bridgertons Prequel (Rokesbys Series Book 1) – Julia Quinn

The Bed and the Bachelor (Byrons of Braebourne Book 5) – Tracy Anne Warren

Betrayal (Infidelity Book 1) – Aleatha Romig

Beware That Girl – Teresa Toten

Beyond Scandal and Desire: A Sins for All Seasons Novel – Lorraine Heath

The Big Bad Office Wolf (Kings of the Tower Book 1) – May Sage

Bittersweet (True North Book 1) – Sarina Bowen

Blame It on Bath: The Truth About the Duke – Caroline Linden

Bound by Your Touch – Meredith Duran

The Bride (Lairds' Fiancees Book 1) – Julie Garwood

Bridget Jones's Diary: A Novel – Helen Fielding

Burn (The Breathless Trilogy Book 3) – Maya Banks

Burning Offer (Trevor's Harem Book 1) – Aubrey Parker

Captivated by You (Crossfire, Book 4) – Sylvia Day

Captive of Sin – Anna Campbell

Cash: A Power Players Stand-Alone Novel – Cassia Leo

Catch a Wave: The Rise, Fall, and Redemption of the Beach Boys' Brian Wilson – Peter Ames Carlin

Catching Sin (Las Vegas Sin Book 2) – J. Saman

Catholicism For Dummies – John Trigilio

A Certain Age: A Novel – Beatriz Williams

Chasing Lady Amelia: Keeping Up with the Cavendishes – Maya Rodale

Checkmate: This is War (Travis & Viola, #1) (Checkmate Duet) – Kennedy Fox

Claiming the Courtesan (Avon Romantic Treasures) – Anna Campbell

Collide: Book One in the Collide Series – Gail McHugh

The Controversial Princess (The Smoke & Mirrors Duology Book 1) – Jodi Ellen Malpas

Crave: A Billionaire Bachelors Club Novel (Billionaire Bachelors Club Series Book 1) – Monica Murphy

Dating You / Hating You – Christina Lauren

Deal with the Devil (Forge Trilogy Book 1) – Meghan March

Desperate Duchesses – Eloisa James

Desperate to Touch (Hard to Love Book 2) – W. Winters

Destiny – Sally Beauman

Devil's Daughter: The Ravenels meet The Wallflowers – Lisa Kleypas

Dirty Sexy Inked (A Dirty Sexy Novel Book 2) – Carly Phillips

Dirty Sexy Saint (A Dirty Sexy Novel Book 1) – Carly Phillips

Double Down: Game Change 2012 – Mark Halperin

The Duchess Diaries: The Bridal Pleasures Series – Jillian Hunter

The Duchess Hunt (House of Trent Book 1) – Jennifer Haymore

The Duke and I (Bridgertons Book 1) – Julia Quinn

The Duke Is Mine (Fairy Tales Book 3) – Eloisa James

Duke of Scandal (Moonlight Square, Book 1) – Galen Foley

The Duke of Shadows – Meredith Duran

Duke of Sin (Maiden Lane Book 10) – Elizabeth Hoyt

The Duke's Holiday (The Regency Romp Trilogy Book 1) – Maggie Fenton

Dusk with a Dangerous Duke: A Lords of Vice Novel – Alexandra Hawkins

Edenbrooke: A Proper Romance – Julianne Donaldson

Elite (Elite Doms of Washington Book 1) – Elizabeth SaFleur

Entwined with You (Crossfire, Book 3) – Sylvia Day

Everything Is Perfect When You're a Liar – Kelly Oxford

The Fall of Legend (Legend Trilogy Book 1) – Meghan March

The Fight for Forever (Legend Trilogy Book 3) – Meghan March

A Fine Imitation: A Novel – Amber Brock

The Fix Up – Kendall Ryan

Flowers from the Storm – Laura Kinsale

For Everly – Raine Thomas

For the Earl's Pleasure – Anne Mallory

For the Record – K.A. Linde

Gabriel's Inferno (Gabriel's Inferno Trilogy Book 1) – Sylvain Reynard

Gabriel's Rapture (Gabriel's Inferno Trilogy Book 2) – Sylvain Reynard

Gabriel's Redemption (Gabriel's Inferno Trilogy Book 3) – Sylvain Reynard

Going Down Easy (Billionaire Bad Boys Book 1) – Carly Phillips

A Good Debutante's Guide to Ruin: The Debutante Files (The Debutante Files Series Book 1) – Sophie Jordan

Good Girl: A Rockstar Romance (Wicked Book 1) – Piper Lawson

The Good Luck Charm – Helena Hunting

Grayson's Vow – Mia Sheridan

Grey: Fifty Shades of Grey as Told by Christian (Fifty Shades of Grey Series Book 4) – E.L. James

Hard As Stone: Heart of Stone Series #8 – K.M. Scott

Hard to Love – W. Winters

The Hardest Fall – Ella Maise

Hating The Boss – Natalie Wrye

The Heir (Windham Book 1) – Grace Burrowes

Heiress in Love: A Ministry of Marriage Novel (The Ministry of Marriage Book 1) – Christina Brooke

Heiress Without A Cause (Muses of Mayfair Book 1) – Sara Ramsey

Hello Stranger: The Ravenels, Book 4 – Lisa Kleypas

Her Forbidden Love Match (A Willow Cove Novel, #1) – Theresa Paolo

Her Husband's Harlot (Mayhem in Mayfair Book 1) – Grace Callaway

Hidden Gabriel: Formerly Winter Peril (Hidden Alphas Book 1) – Victoria Pinder

Highland Surrender – Tracy Brogan

Highlander Betrayed (Guardians of the Targe Book 1) – Lauren Wittig

His Favorite Mistress: A Novel (The Mistress Trilogy Book 3) – Tracy Anne Warren

His Virgin: A First Time Romance (His and Hers Book 1) – Vivian Wood

Hitman: My Real Life in the Cartoon World of Wrestling – Bret Hart

Hollywood Dirt – Alessandra Torre

Hollywood on Tap (Sweet Salvation Brewery) – Avery Flynn

The Hotel – Lola Darling

House of Scarlett (Legend Trilogy Book 2) – Meghan March

How a Lady Weds a Rogue: A Falcon Club Novel – Katharine Ashe

How to Marry a Duke Vicky Dreiling

How to Ravish a Rake – Vicky Dreiling

How to Seduce a Scoundrel – Vicky Dreiling

If He's Wicked (Wherlocke Book 1) – Hannah Howell

The Imperfectionists: A Novel – Tom Rachman

In the Arms of a Marquess (Rogues of the Sea Book 3) – Katherine Ashe

In the Unlikely Event – L.J. Shen

In Total Surrender – Anne Mallory

An Irresistible Temptation (The Cavallo Brothers Book 2) – Elsa Winckler

It Had to Be You (Chicago Stars Book 1) – Susan Elizabeth Philips

It Happened One Midnight: Pennyroyal Green Series – Julie Anne Long

It Started with a Scandal: Pennyroyal Green Series – Julie Anne Long

It's Not You: 27 (Wrong) Reasons You're Single – Sara Eckel

Just Roll With It (A Perfect Dish Book 4) – Tawdra Kandle

Kaleidoscope Hearts (A brother's best friend romance) – Claire Contreras

The Kingmaker (All the King's Men Duet Book 1) – Kennedy Ryan

Lady of Desire (Knight Miscellany Book 4) – Gaelen Foley

The Last Arrow (The Medieval Trilogy Book 3) – Marsha Canham

The Last Summer – Judith Kinghorn

Lead by Example: 50 Ways Great Leaders Inspire Results – John Baldoni

The Legend of Lyon Redmond: Pennyroyal Green Series – Julie Anne Long

Legend (The REAL series Book 6) – Katy Evans

Let's Do It: A Journey's End Novel – Ann Christopher

Life with My Sister Madonna – Christopher Ciccone

Lily and the Duke (Sex and the Season Book 1) – Helen Hardt

Lord of Scoundrels – Loretta Chase

Losing It – Cora Carmack

Lost Without You (The Debt Book 1) – Molly O’Keefe

A Loving Scoundrel: A Malory Novel (Malory-Anderson Family Book 7) – Johanna Lindsey

Luck Is No Lady (Fallen Ladies Book 1) – Amy Sandas

Lucky (Elite Doms of Washington Book 4) – Elizabeth SaFleur

A Mackenzie Clan Gathering (Mackenzies Series) – Jennifer Ashley

Mad About the Earl: A Ministry of Marriage Novel (The Ministry of Marriage Book 2) – Christina Brooker

Maid for the Billionaire (Book 1) (Legacy Collection) – Ruth Cardello

A Man Above Reproach – Evelyn Pryce

Manwhore (The Manwhore Series Book 1) – Katy Evans

Marriage For One – Ella Maise

Masques of Gold (Casablanca Classics Book 0) – Robert Gellis

Melt For Him (Fighting Fire Book 2) – Lauren Blakely

Midnight Angel (Stokehursts Book 1) – Lisa Kleypas

Midnight Pleasures With a Scoundrel (Scoundrels of St. James Book 4) – Lorraine Heath

Mine (The REAL series Book 2) – Katy Evans

Mine Till Midnight (Hathaways Book 1) – Lisa Kleypas

Miss Hillary Schools a Scoundrel (Beau Monde Book 1) – Samantha Grace

More Than Charming (Book 3 Dashing Nobles Series) – JoMarie DeGioia

The Most to Lose (The Redeemed series Book 1) – Laura Landon

Mr. Corporate (The Mister Series Book 3) – JA Huss

Mr Imperfect: Lost Boys #1 – Karina Bliss

Mr. Mysterious (The Mister Series Book 4) – JA Huss

Mr. Romantic (The Mister Series Book 2) – JA Huss

My Lady, My Lord: A Twist Series Novel – Katherine Ashe

My Notorious Gentleman (Inferno Club Book 6) – Gaelen Foley

My Reckless Surrender – Anna Campbell

My Ruthless Prince (Inferno Club Book 4) – Gaelen Foley

My Scandalous Viscount (Inferno Club Book 5) – Gaelen Foley

The Nearness of You – Iris Morland

Never a Mistress, No Longer a Maid (Kellington Book 1) – Maureen Driscoll

Never Let Me Go – Kazuo Ishiguro

No Good Duke Goes Unpunished: The Third Rule of Scoundrels (Rules of Scoundrels Book 3) – Sarah MacLean

No Mistress of Mine: An American Heiress in London – Laura Lee Guhrke

A Notorious Countess Confesses: Pennyroyal Green Series – Julie Anne Long

Notorious Pleasures (Maiden Lane Book 2) – Elizabeth Hoyt

Once a Soldier (Rogues Redeemed Book 1) – Mary Jo Putney

Once More, My Darling Rogue (Scandalous Gentlemen of St. James Book 2) – Lorraine Heath

One Last Time – Corinne Michaels

One Night in London: The Truth About the Duke – Caroline Linden

One Taste (The "One" Series Book 1) – K.A. Berg

One with You (Crossfire Series Book 5) – Sylvia Day

Only With Your Love (Vallerands Book 2) – Lisa Kleypas

The Paris Wife: A Novel – Paula McLain

Party Animals: A Hollywood Tale of Sex, Drugs, and Rock 'n' Roll Starring the Fabulous Allan Carr – Robert Hofler

Perfect (Elite Doms of Washington Book 3) – Elizabeth SaFleur

The Phantom of the Opera – Gaston Leroux

The Pleasure of Your Kiss – Teresa Medeiros

Prince of Dreams (Stokehursts Book 2) – Lisa Kleypas

Princes at War: The Bitter Battle Inside Britain's Royal Family in the Darkest Days of WWII – Deborah Cadbury

The Princess and the Peer (The Princess Brides series Book 1) – Tracy Anne Warren

Princess Charming: A Legendary Lovers Novel – Nicole Jordan

Pulse: Book Two in the Collide Series – Gail McHugh

A Rake's Midnight Kiss (Sons of Sin Book 2) – Anna Campbell

Reason to Wed (The Distinguished Rogues Book 7) – Heather Boyd

The Rebel Queen (The Rebel Queen Duet Book 2) – Jeana E. Mann

Refining Felicity (The School for Manners Series Book 1) – M.C. Beaton

Reflected in You (Crossfire, Book 2) – Sylvia Day

The Revenge of Lord Eberlin (The Secrets of Hadley Green) – Julia London

Ripped (The REAL series Book 5) – Katy Evans

Rock Me (Bodyguard Bad Boys Book 1) – Carly Phillips

Rogue (The REAL series Book 4) – Katy Evans

The Royal Arrangement (The Rebel Queen Duet Book 1) – Jeana E. Mann

Royally Bad (Bad Boy Royals Book 1) – Nora Flite

The Rule Book (Rule Breakers 1) – Jennifer Blackwood

The Scandal in Kissing an Heir: At the Kingsborough Ball – Sophie Barnes

Scandal Wears Satin (The Dressmakers Series Book 2) – Loretta Chase

A Scoundrel by Moonlight (Sons of Sin Book 4) – Anna Campbell

Seduced By A Scoundrel – Olivia Drake

The Seduction of Lady X – Julia London

The Seduction of Lord Stone (Dashing Widows) – Anna Campbell

Shattered With You (Stark Security Book 1) – J. Kenner

The Shoemaker's Wife: A Novel – Adriana Trigiani

Shutdown Player: Game On in Seattle (Seattle Sockeyes Book 7) – Jami Davenport

Signed (The Agency Series) – Marni Mann

A Single Glance (Irresistible Attraction Book 1) W. Winters

A Single Kiss (Irresistible Attraction Book 2) – W. Winters

A Single Touch (Irresistible Attraction Book 3) – W. Winters

The Six Wives of Henry VIII – Alison Weir

The Sleeping Beauty Trilogy (A Sleeping Beauty Novel) – A.N. Roquelaure

The Soldier (Windham Book 2) – Grace Burrowes

The Stolen Mackenzie Bride (Mackenzies Series Book 8) – Jennifer Ashley

The Studying Hours: How to Date a Douchebag – Sara Ney

Suddenly You – Lisa Kleypas

Summer Heat: A Storm Inside Novel (The Wild Pitch Series Book 1) – Alexis Anne

A Summer Seduction (Legend of St. Dwynwen Book 2) – Candace Camp

Tangled Beauty (Tangled, Book 1) – K.L. Middleton

Tank (Blue-Collar Billionaires Book 1) – M. Malone

Tempt the Devil – Anna Campbell

Tempted to Kiss (Hard to Love Book 3) – W. Winters

That Woman: The Life of Wallis Simpson, Duchess of Windsor – Anne Sebba

Thief of Shadows (Maiden Lane Book 4) – Elizabeth Hoyt

This Man (A This Man Novel Book 1) – Jodi Ellen Malpas

This Side of Paradise – F. Scott Fitzgerald

Three Nights of Sin – Anne Mallory

Tinseltown: Murder, Morphine, and Madness at the Dawn of Hollywood – William J. Mann

To Beguile a Beast (Legend of the Four Soldiers series Book 3) – Elizabeth Hoyt

To Kill a Mockingbird – Harper Lee

To Seduce a Sinner (Legend of the Four Soldiers series Book 2) – Elizabeth Hoyt

To Taste Temptation (Legend of the Four Soldiers series Book 1) – Elizabeth Hoyt

Too Distracting (The Lewis Cousins Book 3) – Bethany Lopez

Too Wicked to Kiss (Scoundrels & Secrets Book 1) – Erica Ridley

The Trouble With Being a Duke: At the Kingsborough Ball – Sophie Barnes

The Trouble with Dukes (Windham Brides Book 1) – Grace Burrowes

Troubles (Beekman Hills) – K.C. Enders

Truth or Beard: Enemies to Lovers Small Town Romantic Comedy (Winston Brothers Book 1) – Penny Reid

Twilight with the Infamous Earl: A Lords of Vice Novel – Alexandra Hawkins

Undisputed: How to Become the World Champion in 1,372 Easy Steps – Chris Jericho

Untouchable (Elite Doms of Washington Book 2) – Elizabeth SaFleur

Untouched – Anna Campbell

Victoria Victorious: The Story of Queen Victoria (Queens of England Book 3) – Jean Plaidy

The Viscount's Wicked Ways – Anne Mallory

Wallbanger (The Cocktail Series Book 1) – Alice Clayton

The Way to a Duke's Heart: The Truth About the Duke – Caroline Linden

We Two: Victoria and Albert: Rulers, Partners, Rivals – Gillian Gill

Well Hung (Big Rock Book 3) – Lauren Blakely

What a Duke Dares (Sons of Sin Book 3) – Anna Campbell

What Color Is Your Parachute? 2019: A Practical Manual for Job-Hunters and Career-Changers – Richard N. Bolles

When a Duke Loves a Woman: A Sins for All Seasons Novel – Lorraine Heath

When the Duke Found Love (The Wylder Sisters Book 3) – Isabella Bradford

Where Good Girls Go to Die: A Second Chance Romance (The Good Girls Series Book 1) – Holly Renee

Wicked Becomes You – Meredith Duran

Wicked in Your Arms: Forgotten Princesses – Sophie Jordan

Wicked Intentions (Maiden Lane Book 1) – Elizabeth Hoyt

Written on Your Skin – Meredith Duran

[londontheatre]

Casting is today announced for Fanny & Alexander at The Old Vic. Legendary filmmaker Ingmar Bergman’s masterpiece Fanny and Alexander is adapted for the stage by BAFTA award-winning writer Stephen Beresford and directed by Old Vic Associate Director Max Webster, opening on 1 March 2018 with previews from 21 February 2018. The cast includes Penelope Wilton, Thomas Arnold, Lolita Chakrabarti, Kevin Doyle, Karina Fernandez, Annie Firbank, Matt Gavan, Tim Lewis, Gary MacKay, Gloria Obianyo, Vivian Oparah, Michael Pennington, Hannah James Scott, Jonathan Slinger, Catherine Walker and Sargon Yelda.

‘There should be no shame in us taking pleasure in our little lives.’ Amongst the gilded romance and glamour of 1900s Sweden, siblings Fanny and Alexander’s world is turned upside down when their widowed mother remarries the iron-willed local bishop. As creative freedom and rigid orthodoxy clash, a war ensues between imagination and austerity in this magical study of childhood, family and love.

Penelope Wilton plays Mrs. Helena Ekdahl. Her extensive theatre credits include Taken at Midnight (Theatre Royal Haymarket/Chichester Festival Theatre) for which she won an Olivier Award for Best Actress in 2015, Delicate Balance, Heartbreak House, The Deep Blue Sea (Almeida), The Family Reunion, The Chalk Garden – winning her the London Evening Standard Award Best Actress in 2008, John Gabriel Borkman, Little Foxes (Donmar Warehouse), The House of Bernarda Alba, Tess, Piano, The Secret Rapture, Major Barbara, Much Ado About Nothing, Man and Superman, Betrayal, The Philanderer, Sisterly Feelings, Landscape (National Theatre), Hamlet, Tishoo (Wyndham’s Theatre) and Women Beware Women (RSC Swan Theatre). Television includes Brief Encounters, Downton Abbey, Miss Marple: They do it with Mirrors, South Riding, Doctor Who, The Passion, Five Days, The Whistle-Blower, Wives and Daughters, Half Broken Things, Celebration, Ever Decreasing Circles. Film work includes Guernsey, Zoo, The BFG, The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, Belle, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, The History Boys, Pride and Prejudice and Shaun of the Dead.

Thomas Arnold plays Carl Ekdahl/Mr. Landhal. His theatre credits include Oslo, Henry IV Parts 1 & 2, Cyrano De Bergerac, Mourning Becomes Electra, Three Sisters and The Stoppard Trilogy (National Theatre), The Kid Stays in the Picture (Royal Court), Dr. Seuss’s The Lorax (2015 – The Old Vic), Hamlet, Orlando (Manchester Royal Exchange), A Door Must be Open or Shut (King’s Head Theatre), Outlying Islands (Bath Theatre Royal), and Poor Mrs Pepys (New Victoria Theatre). Television credits include Broken, The Missing, War and Peace, Call the Midwife, Wolf Hall, Director, Bert & Dickie, Midsomer Murders, This is England, Broadside, Demons, Miss Marple – Towards Zero, The Last Detective and Abolition. His film credits include The Woman in Black: Angel of Death, Far from the Madding Crowd, Posh, The Fifth Estate, Thor 2, Kon Tiki, One Day, Made In Dagenham, Robin Hood, Me and Orson Welles, The Duchess, The Golden Compass and Cromwell and Fairfax.

Lolita Chakrabarti plays Alma Ekdahl/Helena Vergérus. Theatre credits include Gertrude in Hamlet (Kenneth Branagh Theatre Company/RADA), Last Seen (Almeida), which Lolita also wrote, Free Outgoing (Royal Court/Edinburgh Festival), John Gabriel Borkman (Donmar), The Great Game: Afghanistan (Tricycle Theatre), The Waiting Room and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (National Theatre). Television credits include Delicious, Born to Kill, Beowulf, My Mad Fat Diary, Jekyll and Hyde, The Casual Vacancy and The Smoke. Writing credits include Red Velvet (Tricycle Theatre 2012 and 2014, St Ann’s Warehouse New York 2014, The Garrick Theatre 2016). Red Velvet was nominated for nine awards. Lolita won the Charles Wintour Evening Standard Award for Most Promising Playwright 2012, the Critics Circle Most Promising Playwright Award 2012 and the AWA Award for Arts and Culture in 2013.

Kevin Doyle plays Bishop Edvard Vergérus. Theatre includes: NSFW, Spur Of The Moment (Royal Court), One For The Road/Victoria Station (Young Vic), The White Guard, Mutabilitie (National Theatre), For King And Country (Touring Partnership),Three In The Back, Two In Head, The Mob, A Hole In The Top Of The World (Orange Tree Theatre), Comedy Of Errors (Southampton), Henry V, Coriolanus, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Artistes and Admirers, Romeo and Juliet, A Woman Killed With Kindness, Henry IV Parts I & II, Kissing The Pope, Twelfth Night, The Plantagenets, The Plain Dealer (all For The RSC), The Crucible (West Yorkshire Playhouse), Much Ado About Nothing (Queen’s Theatre and tour), Therese Racquin (Chichester Minerva Theatre),Othello (Bristol Old Vic), The Admirable Crichton, Great Expectations and Cymbeline (Royal Exchange).

Television includes Happy Valley, Reg, Downton Abbey, A.D – Beyond the Bible, The Crimson Field, Snodgrass, Open Doors, The Accused, New Tricks, Room at the Top, Scott & Bailey, Law and Order, Vexed, Survivors, Five Days, Paradox, Silent Witness, The Tudors, Till We Die, George Gently, Sleep With Me, Heartbeat, Belle De Jour, Drop Dead Gorgeous, Dalziel and Pascoe, Casualty, The Royal, New Street Law, The Brief, Brief Encounters, Afterlife, Big Dippers, The Rotters Club, Blackpool, Midsomer Murders, Family Business, Murphy’s Law, Silent Witness, The Lakes, Holby City, At Home With The Braithwaites and Badger. Film includes A Midsummer Night’s Dream, A Social Call, Good and The Libertine.

Karina Fernandez plays Lydia Ekdahl/Justina. Her theatre credits include Mare Rider (Arcola Theatre), There is a War, Edgar and Annabel (National Theatre), Bites (The Bush Theatre), Blue Hart (Royal Court), Cahoot’s Macbeth (King’s Head Theatre), Crocodile Seeking Refuge (Lyric Hammersmith), Dealing with Claire (Union Theatre), Macbeth (Bristol Old Vic), Trips (Birmingham Rep) and Wedding Day at the Cro-Magnons (Soho Theatre). Television credits include Holby City, Quick Cuts, A Touch of Cloth II, A Young Doctor’s Notebook, The Blind Man of Seville, My So Called Life Sentence, Twenty Twelve, My Family, Happy Birthday Shakespeare, Married. Single Other and The Forsythe Saga. Her film credits include Sense of an Ending, Pride, Untitled 13, Now is Good, Another Year, Happy Go Lucky, Gabriel and The Return and Daphne.

Annie Firbank plays Vega/Blenda Vergérus. Her theatre credits include Richard III (Arcola/Madrid), Oresteia, Macbeth (Almeida Theatre), Who Do We Think We Are?, Roundelay (Southwark Playhouse/Visible Ensemble), The Crucible (The Old Vic), To Kill a Mockingbird, Three Sisters, An Ideal Husband, Separate Tables, Habitat (Royal Exchange, Manchester), The Golden Dragon, Orpheus, The Belle Vue, Ion, Celestina (ATC), Billy Liar, A Working Woman, Macbeth (West Yorkshire Playhouse), An Argument About Sex (Tramway/Traverse Theatre), Only the Lonely, Death of a Salesman (Birmingham Rep), Becket (Theatre Royal Haymarket), Maps of Desire (Wonderful Beast), The Hollow Crown, Henry V, The Comedy of Errors (RSC), Much Ado About Nothing (Cheek By Jowl), Hedda Gabler (ETT/Donmar Warehouse), The Invisible Woman (Gate Theatre), The Winter’s Tale, Romeo and Juliet (Acter-USA), Mary Stuart (BAC), A Handful of Dust (Shared Experience), High Society (Victoria Palace), The Passion, Julius Caesar (National Theatre), Twelfth Night, Richard III, and Anthony and Cleopatra (Stratford, Ontario). Television includes New Tricks, Midsomer Murders, East Enders, Elizabeth I, Doctors, Kavanagh QC, Heartbeat, Heart of the Country, Growing Rich, Poirot, Mother Love, Hotel du Lac, Flesh and Blood, Lillie, The Nearly Man, Crown Court and Persuasion. Film credits include Anna and the King, Strapless, A Passage to India, The Scarlet Pimpernel, Sunday Bloody Sunday, A Severed Head, Accident, The Servant and Carry on Nurse.

Matt Gavan plays Michael Bergman/Aron Retzinsky. His recent theatre credits include King Lear (The Old Vic). His film credits include Murder on the Orient Express and Goodbye Christopher Robin.

Tim Lewis is in the Ensemble. Theatre includes The Elephantom, War Horse (National Theatre/West End), The Man of Mode (National Theatre) The Edge (UK tour), The Hudsucker Proxy (Nuffield Theatre/Liverpool Playhouse), At The End Of Everything Else, Something Very Far Away (Unicorn Theatre) The Guinea Pig Club, (York Theatre Royal), The Railway Children (Waterloo Station Theatre), and Romeo and Juliet (Birmingham Rep/UK tour). TV credits include Mr Selfridge, Five Daughters, and Coming Up: The King. Film includes A Night in Hatton Garden, A Congregation of Ghosts and In the Dark Half.

Gary Mackay is in the Ensemble. His theatre credits include Farm Boy (Mercury Theatre), ‘Art’ (The Old Vic), Run for Your Wife (Vienna English Theatre), Let The Right One In (NTS/West End/New York), The 39 Steps (UK tour), The Madness of George III (West End/UK tour), The Signal Man (Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds), Little Otik (NTS/UK tour), When Five Years Pass, The Highway Crossing (Arcola Theatre), Lark Rise to Candleford (Finborough Theatre) and Julius Caesar (Barbican Theatre). His television credits include Derren Brown’s – Twisted Tales, EastEnders, Emmerdale, Lip Service, Hollyoaks, The Inspector Lynley Mysteries, Half Moon Investigations and Francis. His film credits include E=Motion, He Who Dares 2, The Magic Flute, The Devil’s Chair and Broken.

Gloria Obianyo plays Petra Ekdahl/Pauline/Ismael Retzinsky. Her theatre credits include The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui (Donmar Warehouse), The Wild Party (St James’s Theatre), The Grinning Man (Bristol Old Vic), Jesus Christ Superstar (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre) and The Happy Warrior (Bromley Churchill Theatre). Her television and film credits include Good Omens and High Life.

Vivian Oparah plays Maj. Her theatre credits include An Octoroon (Orange Tree Theatre). Her television credits include Class, and she is set to appear in The Rebel and film Teen Spirit.

Michael Pennington plays Isak Jacobi/Death. His theatre credits include The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui, The Cosmonaut’s Last Message to the Woman he Once Loved (Donmar Warehouse), King Lear (UK tour), She Stoops to Conquer (Theatre Royal Bath), A Winter’s Tale (Garrick Theatre), Richard II (RSC), Dance of Death (Gate Theatre), Judgement Day (The Print Room), Anthony and Cleopatra, The Syndicate, The Master Builder, Collaboration and Taking Sides (Chichester Festival Theatre). Michael’s television credits include Endeavour, Father Brown, Silent Witness, Holby City, The Tudors, Lewis, Waking the Dead and The Bill. His film credits include The Iron Lady and Return of the Jedi.

Hannah James-Scott is in the Ensemble. Her theatre credits include Powerplay (Hampton Court), Translations (Sheffield Crucible/Rose Theatre) and LoveBites (Southwark Playhouse). Her film credits include Crumble and Empty.

Jonathan Slinger plays Gustav Adolf Ekdahl. His theatre credits include Trouble in Mind (Print Room), Plastic (Theatre Royal, Bath), Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Theatre Royal Drury Lane), Urinetown (St. James Theatre/Apollo Shaftesbury), Hamlet, The Tempest, The Comedy of Errors, Twelfth Night, Henry VI parts 1, 2 & 3, Henry V, Richard II, Richard III, The Homecoming, Macbeth (RSC), The Gods Weep (RSC/Hampstead Theatre), Power, The Duchess of Malfi, and The Coast of Utopia (National Theatre). Recent television credits include Kiri, Nelson in his Own Words, Foyle’s War, To The Ends of the Earth, Vexed and Paradox. His film credits include The Taking, Harmony, A Knight’s Tale, Forgive and Forget and The Last September.

Catherine Walker plays Emilie Ekdahl. Her theatre credits include Hedda Gabler (Abbey Theatre), A Streetcar Named Desire, Les Liaisons Dangereuses, Uncle Vanya (Gate Theatre), Play (Barbican/Gate Theatre), The House (Abbey Theatre), Terminus (Abbey Theatre/Young Vic), Blackwater Angel (Finborough Theatre), What Happened Bridgie Cleary (Peacock Theatre), John Bull’s Other Island (Tricycle Theatre), Wild Orchids (Chichester Festival Theatre), Stairs to the Roof (Minerva Theatre), Richard II, Henry V, A Month in the Country, Troilus & Cressida (RSC) and Sive (Palace Theatre). Her television credits include Versailles II/III, Acceptable Risk, Rebellion, Critical, Strike Back, The Clinic, Life of Crime, The Silence, Lewis, Bittersweet, Northanger Abbey, Waking the Dead, Animals, Holby City, Passengers On Board and Sweeney Todd. Her film credits include Delinquent Season, Cellar Door, We Ourselves, Dark Song, Patrick’s Day, Debris, Dark Touch, Easier Ways to Make A Living, Leap Year, Cromwell, Losing Her, Perfect Day: The Funeral, Conspiracy of Silence and The Favourite.

Sargon Yelda plays Oscar Ekdahl. His theatre credits include King Lear (The Old Vic), Forget Me Not (Bush Theatre), Light Shining in Buckinghamshire, Dara, Emperor and Galilean, Mother Courage and her Children, Stovepipe (National Theatre), The Internet is Serious Business (Royal Court), Incognito (Bush Theatre), Moby Dick, The Cabinet of Dr Caligari (Arcola Theatre), Comedy of Errors, Twelfth Night, The Tempest (RSC) and When the Rain Stops Falling (Almeida Theatre). His television credits include The Strike Series: The Silkwork and Cuckoo’s Calling, Innocent, Zen, Compulsion, Midnight Man and Saddam’s Tribe. His film credits include Spectre, Dead Cat and Close.

The role of Fanny will be played by Zaris Angel Hator, Amy Jayne Leigh, Molly Shenker and Katie Simons, and the role of Alexander will be played by Guillermo Bedward, Kit Connor, Jack Falk and Misha Handley, who will alternate performances.

Adaptation Stephen Beresford Director Max Webster Set Designer Tom Pye Costume Designer Laura Hopkins Composer Alex Baranowski Lighting Designer Mark Henderson Sound Designer Tom Gibbons Casting Jessica Ronane CDG Director of Movement Toby Sedgwick Illusion Ben Hart Baylis Assistant Director Tatty Hennessey

FANNY & ALEXANDER Based on ‘Fanny and Alexander’ written and directed by Ingmar Bergman Adapted by Stephen Beresford Directed by Max Webster Wed 21 Feb–Sat 14 Apr 2018

BUY FROM AMAZON.CO.UK Fanny And Alexander [DVD] Kristina Adolphson (Actor),‎ Börje Ahlstedt (Actor),‎ Ingmar Bergman (Director, Writer)

http://ift.tt/2iiTKXu London Theatre 1

[lasvegasnan]

Two New Exclusive Content Collections from Sabrina York Available for a Limited Time (Plus a Tiara Giveaway)

Hot Alpha Heroes includes a collection of shorts and novellas that are steamy and snarky. This is a great collection for readers who are new to my work.

Hot Dominant Heroes includes my HOTTEST stories (featuring couples exploring sugarkink and BDSM). This collection is not for the faint of heart, and a great choice for readers who discovered me after some of these books disappeared from the marketplace, and for readers who really like a super steamy romance. As I said, many of them are not available anywhere else.

Both collections will only be available on Amazon. They will be on sale for a short time.

If you preorder, you can grab them for $2.99, but on September 1st, the price for each collection goes to $5.99 which is still less than $1 a story!

Hot Alpha Heroes: A Sabrina York Anthology

Like a box of yummy chocolates, these hot shorts include a delicious selection of some of Sabrina’s hottest alpha heroes. Award winning historical and contemporary romances in a variety of lengths.

This anthology includes exclusive content, not available anywhere else and will only be available for a limited time.  Releases September 1st.

Regular Price: $5.99

Preorder Bargain: $2.99

Get it now!

HOT ALPHA HEROES INCLUDES:

Luscious: Indulge in a naughty Regency romp where his thirst for revenge could destroy everything.

Rebound: A scorching friends-to-lovers contemporary romance! This fun and flirty novella is the first installment in the Tryst Island Romance Series featuring an alpha hero and a spunky heroine who have known each other forever...but never hooked up. Yet!

Whipped: Dane Coulter is determined to avoid love at all costs…until he meets a woman he can’t resist. It’s a damn shame she is the one woman he can never have. A scorching contemporary romance.

Pool Man: This luxurious contemporary romance romp features exotic locations, a steamy flirtation and a hilarious twist that will have you laughing out loud. A scorching contemporary romance.

Man Hungry: Blind dates can be a crapshoot, but for Jessica and Justin, it’s like winning the lottery. The lust lottery at least! A scorching contemporary romance.  Exclusive content, not available anywhere else!

Dark Fancy: Running away from an unwanted marriage, Helena unwittingly runs directly into the arms of the most dangerous man in Regency England. And he refuses to let her go. A scorching Regency romance.

Don’t miss Hot Dominant Heroes as well…if you dare.

Hot Dominant Heroes: A Sabrina York Anthology

Enjoy a delicious selection of some of Sabrina’s hottest romances featuring hot, dominant heroes and loving couples exploring spanking, bondage, sugarkink and more—featuring award winning historical and contemporary romances in a variety of lengths.

This anthology includes exclusive content, not available anywhere else and will only be available for a limited time. Releases September 1st.

CAUTION: Not for the faint of heart.

Regular Price: $5.99

Preorder Bargain: $2.99

Get it now!

HOT DOMINANT HEROES INCLUDES:

Adam’s Obsession:  When Adam Trillo discovers his buttoned-up co-worker is actually Wildcat, his kinky online lover, he is determined to seduce her in real life, even though it’s strictly against the rules. Book One of the scorching Wired Series!

Pushing Her Buttons: Tangling with a blazingly handsome stranger in an elevator leads to a dark passion Samantha cannot resist.  Exclusive content, not available anywhere else!

Her Royal Comeuppance: Furious at the betrayal of her once-loyal woodsman, Queen Cressida intends to make him pay. But Nicholas turns the tables, determined to thaw his Ice Queen with the heat of a passion she cannot resist.

Training Tess: When hardcore Dom Jared Mittlebank discovers sweet Tess’ curiosity about his, ahem, lifestyle, he cannot resist the opportunity to…instruct her. Exclusive content, not available anywhere else!

Trickery: Tricked into seducing a yummy mortal, young witch Willow has no idea what is in store for her—magical domination by one of the most powerful wizards in the witching world. And he will use all his powers to win her.

Extreme Couponing: Imagine receiving a coupon book for kinky explorations. Would you be brave enough to redeem them? Exclusive content, not available anywhere else!

BONUS CONTENT! Dark Duke: Edward Weyth is notorious for his hedonistic lifestyle, but everything turns upside down when his cousins come to stay with him. Until he notices his cousin’s mousy companion isn’t mousy in the least. He cannot resist introducing her to his dark desires. From Sabrina’s scorching Noble Passions Series.

Enter to win the Hot Anthologies Tiara Giveaway QUICK LINKS: Hot Dominant Heroes: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074XT44HN Hot Alpha Heroes: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074XTBX8P Tiara Giveaway: http://sabrinayork.com/hotanthologies/