Ross Poldark Blog Tour, Giveaway, and Review

Book Tour Blurb:

“If Jane Austen met Charlotte Bronte and they drank too much port, the Poldark Saga would be their literary love child.” — Poldarkian.com

Captain Ross Poldark rides again in the new Sourcebooks Landmark tie-in editions of Ross Poldark and Demelza, the first two novels in the acclaimed Poldark Saga by Winston Graham, adapted into the inaugural season of the new Masterpiece Classic PBS’s series Poldark, airing June 21 – August 2 on PBS.

In celebration, July 6th through August 3rd, The Ross Poldark Blog Tour will visit thirty popular book blogs specializing in historical, romance and Austenesque fiction. Featuring spotlights, previews, excerpts and book reviews of these two acclaimed historical fiction novels, the tour will also offer readers a chance at a fabulous giveaway contest including copies of the books and a stunning Anglophile-themed prize package.

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Ross Poldark Information/Review

Ross Poldark by Winston Graham
Series: The Poldark Saga #1
Published by Sourcebooks Landmark on June 9, 2015 (originally published in 1945)
Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance
Pages: 400 : Paperback edition
Source: Received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
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In the first novel in Winston Graham’s hit series, a weary Ross Poldark returns to England from war, looking forward to a joyful homecoming with his beloved Elizabeth. But instead he discovers his father has died, his home is overrun by livestock and drunken servants, and Elizabeth—believing Ross to be dead—is now engaged to his cousin. Ross has no choice but to start his life anew.

Thus begins the Poldark series, a heartwarming, gripping saga set in the windswept landscape of Cornwall. With an unforgettable cast of characters that spans loves, lives, and generations, this extraordinary masterwork from Winston Graham is a story you will never forget.

My review: Ross Poldark was great! It’s been awhile since I’ve read an older historical fiction novel, and Ross Poldark made me want to pick up so many more (good thing too since I’m set to read the sequel to this one Demelza next week)! Right off the bat we’re thrown into the social, political, and economic world that Ross himself is entering back into. I liked that we were going at the same pace as him and learning things as he did, though of course some things were bound to be a little more obvious to us since we are the reader whereas Ross is a character and has flaws.

But a war hero!? Sign me up! Ross’ past and present really collided I think and as with all historical fiction novels, I was really sympathetic for Ross and felt frustrated with some of the other characters we meet (like his brother? Ugh, could not stand him). I’m very interested to see where we’re going to go next in Ross and Demelza’s adventures. I’m sort of hoping it will be from her point of view next so that we can hear more than just the majority of Ross’ thoughts, though we do hear some general thoughts and expressions from other characters. Overall, an excellent read and something I would recommend to anyone who likes historical fiction with a bit of romance and suspense thrown in there for good measure.

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Demelza Information/Review

Demelza by Winston Graham
Series: The Poldark Saga #2
Published by Sourcebooks Landmark on June 9, 2015 (originally published in 1945)
Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance
Pages: 432 : Paperback edition
Source: Received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
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In the enchanting second novel in Winston Graham’s beloved Poldark series, Demelza Carne, an impoverished miner’s daughter Ross Poldark rescued from a fairground brawl, now happily finds herself his wife. But the events of these turbulent years test their marriage and their love. As Ross launches into a bitter struggle for the right of the mining communities, Demelza’s efforts to adapt to the ways of the gentry (and her husband) place her in increasingly odd and embarrassing situations. When tragedy strikes and sows the seeds of an enduring rivalry between Ross and the powerful George Warleggan, will Demelza manage to bridge their differences before they destroy her and her husband’s chance at happiness?

Against the stunning backdrop of eighteenth century Cornwall, Demelza sweeps readers into one of the greatest love stories of all time.

Is it too early in the year to say that this is one of my favorite series? I LOVED reading from Demelza’s point of view and was able to connect with her even better than I did in the first book. Not giving too much away, but seeing her and Ross married just gave me that little spark where most of the time I wanted to say “sqwee!” every time I turned a page (pun intended?).

If I could explain the series in one word it would be “addicting.” Once you pick these up you just can’t seem to put them down. I absolutely flew through the first two and am now probably going to check out at least some of the rest of the series (which I believe is like 17 books long or something? Oh my). Much like the first one, I really loved the historical fiction aspect of the whole thing and, of course, the romance. Demelza and Ross are one of my favorite literary couples now because their struggles are so real and yet they persevere. They’re essentially human.

If he walked off the pages though, there’s no guarantee that I wouldn’t jump his bones (what I’ve seen of Aiden Turner in the PBS series so far is just absolutely yummy, so I keep imagining him like that). Again, a huge thank you to the publisher for having me be apart of this tour and sending me the books! I’ve loved seeing everyone else’s posts and all your comments are wonderful and much appreciated!

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About the Author

Winston Graham (1908-2003) is the author of forty novels. His books have been widely translated and the Poldark series has been developed into two television series, shown in 22 countries. Six of Winston Graham’s books have been filmed for the big screen, the most notable being Marnie, directed by Alfred Hitchcock. Winston Graham is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature and in 1983 was awarded the O.B.E.

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Grand Giveaway Contest

Win One of Three Fabulous Prizes

In celebration of the re-release of Ross Poldark and Demelza, Sourcebooks Landmark is offering three chances to win copies of the books or a grand prize, an Anglophile-themed gift package.

Two lucky winners will each receive one trade paperback copy of Ross Poldark and Demelza, and one grand prize winner will receive a prize package containing the following items:

(2 ) Old Britain Castles Pink Pottery Mugs by Johnson Brothers

(1) Twelve-inch Old Britain Castles Pink Pottery Plater by Johnson Brothersr

(1) London Telephone Box Tin of Ahmad English Breakfast Tea

(1) Jar of Mrs. Bridges Marmalade

(1) Package of Duchy Originals Organic Oaten Biscuits

(2) Packets of Blue Boy Cornflower Seeds by Renee’s Garden Heirloom (1) Trade Paperback Copy of Ross Poldark & Demelza, by Winston Graham

To enter the giveaway contest simply leave a comment on any or all of the blog stops on the Ross Poldark Blog Tour starting July 06, 2015 through 11:59 pm PT, August 10, 2015. Winners will be drawn at random from all of the entrants and announced on the Buzz at Sourcebooks blog on August 13, 2015. Winners have until August 20, 2015 to claim their prize. The giveaway contest is open to US residents and the prizes will be shipped to US addresses. Good luck to all!

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Check out the rest of the tour stops!

July 06           My Jane Austen Book Club (Preview)

July 07           Booktalk & More (Excerpt)

July 08           Reading, Writing, Working, Playing (Review)

July 09           vvb32 Reads (Preview)

July 10           The Paige Turner (Review)                                  

July 10           My Kids Led Me Back To P & P (Excerpt)                                 

July 11           Austenprose (Review)                                          

July 12           Laura’s Reviews (Preview)                                                          

July 13           Peeking Between the Pages (Review)                         

July 13           Reflections of a Book Addict (Preview)                                    

July 14           Living Read Girl (Review)                         

July 15           Confessions of a Book Addict (Review)

July 16           vvb32 Reads (Review)                  

July 17           Paige Turner (Review)                              

July 18           Truth, Beauty, Freedom & Books (Preview)                            

July 19           Marie Antoinette’s Gossip Guide (Excerpt)                              

July 20           Laura’s Reviews (Review)                                   

July 20           The Calico Critic (Review)                                               

July 21           So Little Time…So Much to Read (Excerpt)

July 21           Poof Books (Excerpt)                                            

July 22           Babblings of a Bookworm (Review)

July 23           Austenprose (Review)                                          

July 24           Peeking Between the Pages (Review) 

July 25           My Love for Jane Austen (Excerpt)

July 25           Living Read Girl (Review) 

July 26           Delighted Reader (Review)

July 27           My Jane Austen Book Club (Review)

July 27           Austenesque Reviews (Review)

July 27           Laura’s Reviews (Review)

July 28           She Is Too Fond Of Books (Review)

July 29           English Historical Fiction Authors (Preview)                           

July 30           vvb32 Reads (Review)

July 30           Babblings of a Bookworm (Review)

July 31           CozyNookBks (Excerpt)                                        

Aug 01           The Calico Critic (Review)

Aug 01           More Agreeably Engaged (Review)

Aug 02           Scuffed Slippers Wormy Books (Review)

Aug 03           Romantic Historical Reviews (Review)

Aug 03           Psychotic State Book Reviews (Review)           

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          All the links

• Sourcebooks website: http://www.sourcebooks.com/
• The Buzz at Sourcebooks Blog: http://www.sourcebooks.com/buzz/the-buzz-sourcebooks/
• Sourcebooks on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sourcebooks?fref=ts
• Sourcebooks Landmark on Twitter: https://twitter.com/sbkslandmark