Lucky me!  I'm one of the LibraryThing early reviewers who snagged a copy of this book.  I got notice this week and am leaving tomorrow for a 10 day holiday.  Wish I had it to take with me, but I'll have to settle for reading it when I get back.  Provided it's arrived by then!  I'm curious to read it after all the hubbub.

Lucky you! I got an ARC of Gladiatrix from LibraryThing Early Reviewers, so I am happy. I am really looking forward to reading this one. It has been a while since I read any good Roman HF.

I wanted one of the ones you two got! *Insert Whining here* 

I got an ARC of one of Plaidy's (Victoria Holt) Gothic books - Mistress of Mellvyn. I haven't read any of these, so I'm cool with that. 

Has anyone read Mistress of Mellvyn? I wonder if the Holt books can compare to Rebecca, one of my all-time favorite's.

Gee,

Mistress of Mellyn has to be about 100 years old, isn't it?  I'm sure I read it years ago.  (ETA:  It was originally from 1960 - close enough!)

The synopsis sounded like exactly the kind of her books I loved then - young governess, isolated castle - probably handsome widower, lol.  I 'll be interested to hear Valli's reaction.  I think I've gotten too jaded for those but I'll presume Holt's were as good as anyone's. 

 Valli, you got the short straw, I think. 

Yep, I think I definitely got the short straw, lol. I'm still pouting.

I think this was even one of the first "Holts" too.  Diana's right it's got to be an oldie.  I don't think they are as good as the Plaidys.  Poor Valli!

LOL! It's not fair, is it, Cheryl?!

It's here -- was waiting for me when I got back from vacation and it's not an ARC, but the actual hardcover.  Now to make time to read it... :)

I got one the same way. I've followed the story on Smart Bitches and on lots of articles and blogs since then, so I've been VERY curious about this book. Still, I'm gonig to do my best to review it based solely on the words inside the book- not the controversy. I'm also not at all well-versed in the religious aspects, so I'm going to do a bit of light research. I would hate to offend anyone, and this book has definitely offended people who take fiction way to seriously to the point of threatening the lives of other people. This will definitely be the most controversial book I've ever reviewed!

I still haven't gotten my Early Reviewer book yet! I hope it comes soon!

Just watned to say I started Jewel of Medina this morning and I'm enjoying the story -- realising it's *fiction*.  The writing isn't great - and some of it has me rolling my eyes -  but it's enjoyable.

Please do continue to let us know what you think of it. I'm dying to know!

Oh, and, I am first in line for this book.  You know, just in case, uh, you are going to maybe post it one day. No pressure, of course.  :-D

Hey Valli - I've got a feeling that someone's going to be posting this to your wishlist very soon. :)

I'm about halfway done, but not going to get a lot of reading done this weekend.  I've got a wedding and it's hectic here!e

Woo-Hoo! I've been anxious to read this one since all of the craziness started with it! Are you enjoying it? I need to know! :-D

Oh, I got my copy of Mistress of Mellyn today. I'm not quite as excited about this book, lol.

I finished Jewel of Medina late last night, and just reviewed it.  I loved it!  Here is a copy of my review:

This is the story of The Prophet Muhammad's second wife, A'isha.  I thoroughly enjoyed this book.  I found the writing to be elegantly descriptive--I felt like I could see, hear, and even smell exactly what A'isha was experiencing.  I also enjoyed learning more about the birth of Islam as a religion.  I was actually sad to see this book end--I finished it in 1 day!  Throughout the read, I did have to keep reminding myself of A'isha's young age--she was known as Muhammad's child bride because she was married to him at age 9.

I highly recommend this book to Historical Fiction fans, those interested in the roots of Islam, and those who like to read books about strong, empowered women.