Mailbox Monday (08-10-09 edition)

Mailbox Monday is brought to us by The Printed Page. In my mailbox last week I got:

Winnings...
The Painter from Shanghai by Jennifer Cody Epstein
Won from Pop Culture Junkie

From Barnes & Noble

Pan Yuliang was a girl with no dreams. Her parents were taken from her at a young age, then her uncle sold her into prostitution; it was enough for many years just to cope and survive. One day, fate places a kind gentleman in her path, and she begins to discover the city outside the brothel and the world beyond China's borders. As a larger canvas of life emerges, Pan realizes that she has something of value to say -- and a talent through which she can express herself. From Shanghai to Paris, Pan is challenged by the harsh realities in politics, art, and love, and must rely on her own strength to develop her talent. In so doing, she takes a relatively ordinary life and makes it extraordinary.

A work of fiction -- but based on the life and work of a real artist -- The Painter from Shanghai transports readers to early-20th-century China, a culture marked by oppression. Epstein has proven herself a shining talent in this first novel, tackling such weighty questions as: How does a talented artist blossom, even under repressive conditions? What is art, and what is love? What makes a life well lived? The answers form a mesmerizing portrait of one young woman's journey to find herself and to nourish her creative talents despite appreciable odds.

Vixen Manual: How to Find, Seduce and Keep the Man You Want by Karrine Steffans
Won from Bookin' with Bingo

Since she exploded on the scene with her two juicy and impossible-to-put-down tell-alls, readers have wanted to know even more about what makes Karrine Steffans tick. How was she able to meet all the high profile politicians, movie stars, and other celebrities that are her close acquaintances? What skills does she possess to keep men wanting more? Finally, Karrine lays it all out and explains exactly what a woman must do to win over the man of her dreams. With chapters like "Never Let Him See You Sweat,""Flirting,""Encouraging His Manhood," and "Give Him What He Wants," this hot and sexy manual is a must-have for every woman's bookshelf.

The Vixen Diaries by Karrine Steffans
Won from Bookin' with Bingo

A true exposé, this book chronicles the personal and professional adventures of this tabloid-laden socialite, dispelling some rumors, while confirming others. It unveils the heavily shrouded Hollywood backrooms and its coveted secrets and reveals an up-close and personal look at a life of fast money and sex.

Here Karrine candidly discusses her interactions with people after the release of Confessions of a Video Vixen and explains how she copes with it all. A provocative and enthralling volume that offers Karrine's ardent fans lessons learned and answers to burning questions, THE VIXEN DIARIES will not disappoint.

The Lace Makers of Glenmara by Heather Barbieri
Won from Sweeps4Bloggers

An enchanting, romantic tale of friendship and love, loss and redemption set in Ireland, in which a young American woman helps a group of lace makers change their lives—and, ultimately, her own.

"You can always start again," Kate Robinson's mother once told her, "all it takes is a new thread." In the wake of heartbreak and loss, the struggling 26-year-old fashion designer flees to Ireland, desperate to break old patterns. Before she knows it she finds herself on the west coast, in the Gaelic village of Glenmara.

Kate quickly develops a bond with members of the local lace making society, including the recently widowed Bernie; Aileen, estranged from her husband and teenage daughter; Moira, caught in an abusive relationship; Oona, bearing the scars of breast cancer; and Colleen, who worries about her fisherman husband, lost at sea. And outside this newfound circle is Sullivan Deane, an enigmatic man trying to overcome tragedy of his own.

Under Glenmara's spell, Kate finds the inspiration that has eluded her, and soon she and the lace makers are helping each other create a line of exquisite lingerie—and face long-denied desires and fears. But not everyone welcomes Kate, and a series of unexpected events soon threatens to unravel everything the women have worked for…

The Last Queen by C.W. Gortner
Won from Age 30+...A Lifetime of Books

One of history's most enigmatic women tells the haunting, passionate story of her tumultuous life. Juana of Castile is just thirteen when she witnesses the fall of Moorish Granada and uniting of the fractured kingdoms of Spain under her warrior parents, Isabel and Fernando. Intelligent and beautiful, proud of her heritage, Juana rebels against her fate when she is chosen as a bride for the Hapsburg heir - until she arrives in Flanders and comes face-to-face with the prince known as Philip the Fair, a man who will bring her the greatest of passions, and the darkest despair. One by one, tragedy decimates Juana's family in Spain. Suddenly, she finds herself heiress to Castile - a realm on the verge of chaos, prey to avaracious nobles and scheming lords bent on thwarting her rule. Juana vows to win her throne, until the betrayal of those she loves plunges her into a ruthless battle of wills - a struggle of corruption, perfidy, and heart-shattering deceit that could cost her the crown, her freedom, and her very life. From the somber majesty of Renaissance Spain to the glittering courts of Flanders, France and Tudor England, Juana of Castile reveals her life and secrets in this captivating historical novel of romance, grandeur, power and treachery by the acclaimed author of "The Secret Lion."


Bought for myself...

Can't Fail Color Schemes by Amy Wax
Want to give your home a brand new look, but are unsure of how to coordinate the right colors to make it work? Well now there is a fresh new way of seeing color in this hard-hitting color design book. Can’t Fail Color Schemes features over 300 color photographs and more than 200 pages of working color schemes. Highlighted are important factors such as coordinating paint colors, textures, lighting effects and the psychology behind color.

Can’t Fail Color Schemes comes as a small spiral-bound book that is convenient to carry around and can be used as a color reference to be taken along when shopping for paint or furnishings. Swatches on the sides of the pages make it easy for color comparisons and compatibility. This workbook comes complete with concise text, a glossary, an index for quick reference, along with a comprehensive color guide containing a full spectrum of color for both interior and exterior designs. This impressive body of work provides valuable insight on color such as descriptions of complimentary colors, where they might work best, and what it is that makes them work together. Learn about hues and tones, accented colors, and much more with this handy guide to color.

Showdown (Paradis Series #1) by Ted Dekker

Welcome to Paradise.

Epic battles of good and evil are happening all around us.

Today that battle comes to town with the sound of lone footsteps clacking down the blacktop on a hot, lazy summer afternoon. The black-cloaked man arrives in the sleepy town of Paradise and manages to become the talk of the town within the hour. Bearing the power to grant any unfulfilled dream, he is irresistible.

Seems like bliss . . . but is it?
Or is hell about to break loose in Paradise?