Kleopatra

Kleopatra #1

by Karen Essex

High drama and ancient history combine in this novel of the early life of Egypt's infamous queen, at once a beautiful seductress, brilliant politician, and the most powerful ruler of her time.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Egypt, Historical, Romance, Adult, Cultural

367 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2001

About the author

I'm the author of RUN, DARLING, KLEOPATRA, PHARAOH, LEONARDO'S SWANS, STEALING ATHENA, DRACULA IN LOVE, AND BETTIE PAGE: LIFE OF A PINUP LEGEND--All featuring iconic women—powerful women that seduced the world. I am an active screenwriter and an award-winning journalist, dividing my time between Los Angeles, New Orleans, and Europe, where I soak in the atmosphere while writing historical fiction.

Follow me on Substack; History. Sex. Power. https://karenessex.substack.com/subsc...

Or join our chat group on Goodreads, Ask Karen Essex. http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/5...
I love hearing from you, Gentle Readers.

Reviews

[Nursebookie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have always been fascinated with Kleopatra and this powerful woman that ruled Egypt. This certainly was not the Hollywood Cleopatra story I have come to know, but instead a different account of her life and family beginning as a child around powerful men as the daughter of King Ptolemy XII. The writing was immersive and engaging. I learned a lot about this incredible icon from history.

[AJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oh Karen Essex, how you confound me.

Reading this book I imagined myself on a pendulum being swung from end to end of a reader's opinion scale. In one chapter I am entranced, in another I am perplexed b/c of the authors choices in narration.

I never really felt the voice of Kleopatra come through. The story is richly researched and detailed with facts and dates all laid out like a well documeted history text but the lifestyles and surroundings are noticeably absent. I had trouble painting a picture of Alexandria, the palace, or the day to day life of these characters and because of it I felt an emptiness for their plights.

The flip in narration to the Roman cast of characters seemed forced and unnecessary and while it gave some background into political intrigues I thought it could have been handled better and with more distinct changes in the voice of the narration. If one moves from character to character it helps if those characters sound different.

Finally some of Kleopatra's experiences in childhood, while obviously fictionalized, rang untrue and seemded to be gross exaggerations of 'what could have been.' I found them distracting. Finally the ending of the book was completely unsatisfactory and left a cliffhanger that as a reader I found a cheap shot to encourage picking up the next in the series.

I'm torn about how to rate this and if I want to read the next book. I supposse I 'liked it' enough to give it 3 stars. I wouldn't deter anyone from reading it but I wouldn't hand the book to anyone and say it was a must. It was an easy read and the words were put togehter well even if they lacked some elegance in their form. This might be unfair to Ms. Essex as I have just finished two books that were beautifully written (The Shadow of the Wind, The Historian) and they would be hard acts to follow for anyone.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Karen Essex's Kleopatra is definitely one of the best historical fiction novels I have ever read! The novel details Kleopatra's childhood and upbringing until she becomes queen at the age of 18, and continues on in a second novel titled Pharaoh, which I previously did not know existed until recently. Originally I had thought the novel was moving along too fast and was concerned that Essex would quickly detail Kleopatra's ruling and the marriage to her two husbands, so I was extremely pleased to learn there is yet more to come in the next book.

However, in this specific novel, I was glued to it from the get-go and hated to put it down for a break. The book went into extravagant detail about the Egyptian ways, and Essex did such a great job to bring in the reader without boring us with minute historical details or bragging about her knowledge of Kleopatra through her writing.

Of course Kleopatra is a spoiled child, but the reader grows to fall in love and respect her character and person as the book progresses. By the end when Kleopatra is named queen, we are excited for her to succeed and rule over her kingdom and people. I had originally purchased this book to learn more about Kleopatra, and have absolutely no regrets, as this book definitely educates as well as entertains.

I can't wait to read the next book in the series!

[Lauma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesants stāsts, kas sākas ar Kleopatras bērnību un ved cauri viņas dzīvei, kurā netrūkst ne vājprātīgu, varaskāru radinieku, kas gatavi viens otram ķerties pie rīkles, ne arī kaislību, kas padara valdnieces dzīvi interesantāku.

Pie grāmatas beigām domāju, ka nu ar kaut ko gan jau šis beigsies, tad varētu palasīt ko citu. Aha, pēdējā nodaļa beidzās tāpat kā visas iepriekšējās - tā arī īsti neko nebeidzot, un vēl pie tam tieši pirms ilgi gaidītās Kleopatras tikšanās ar Cēzaru (nelielais ieskats turpinājumā gan šo to atklāja, bet nebūt ne pietiekami), un tagad vai nu jāpaliek nezinot, vai arī jālasa tālāk otrā daļa...

[Natasa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book a great deal. I thought it provided a fresh perspective on a story we’ve seen done many times. This book deals with Kleopatra’s younger years, before she ascends to the throne, but ends when she is a queen-in-exile and about to meet Julius Caesar for the first time. Some parts of the story were extended more than they should have been and grew a little dull, but fortunately, they were few.

[Jurjen Abbes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I de sidste uge har jeg tænkt på spørgsmålet, om menneskeheden virkelig har forændret meget siden oldtiden. Historiske romaner som Kleopatra tilbyder et svar: nej, ikke så meget. Selv i det gamle Ægypten, et samfund meget anderledes end vores eget, drejede politik om magt, jalousie, kærlighed og, vigtigere end alt, om stolthed.

Min anden bog på dansk. Jeg glæder mig til at læse fortsættelsen — hvis jeg kan finder det, også på dansk.

[Rosie · Rating 2 out of 5]

If I didn't know anything about ancient Egypt before I read Kleopatra, I would take away the following: everyone has sex with everyone else regardless of ANYTHING. Age, gender, number of partners, lack of genitalia, ANYTHING. There was neat historical stuff, but it feel like the story alternated between that and weird sex stuff just to keep you interested in reading. I did move along pretty quickly while reading this book, but at the end I was just like 'eh.' This story didn't take place during the most interesting time of her life, so maybe that's why I felt like that. There is a sequel, which I am assuming describes the real 'meat' of her significance as queen and her relationships with Marc Antony and Julius Caesar. This book left me not wanting to pick that one up.

[Christy English · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read both STEALING ATHENA and LEONARDO'S SWANS by Karen Essex and I am in the midst of her first novel, KLEOPATRA. I am loving it so far, even more than the other two. It may be the subject matter...there is just something about the way Karen has written about Egypt's last Pharoh that has made the dead come alive. I have finished the novel now, and I have not changed my mind. Soon I will dive into the sequel, PHAROH.

[Marissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really, really well written historical fiction. She is incredibly well researched

[Kipahni · Rating 3 out of 5]

It tries to be the red tent for Cleopatra.
Easy to read and good for escaping, but I wouldn't say my life is changed because of it.

[Susan Ballard (subakkabookstuff) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kleopatra is a historical figure that has always fascinated me. Honestly, I think the movies helped that along some, but she is a woman who was to be reckoned with. Most of us studied her at some point in our history classes, but there was so much more to Egypt’s infamous Queen: Spy. Diplomat. Scholar. Adventurer. Princess and I would add seductress too.

Book 1 covers Kleopatra’s early life from age 4 to around 20. She watches her mother die; from there, her sisters try to gain control of her father’s throne. This is a true family drama - with betrayals, murders, and incestual marriages. Eygpt’s empire is crumbling, and it is indebted to the Roman Empire. Soon Kleopatra will ascend to the throne, but not without her own troubles.

This is a well-researched book; the political and military moves are all here and the family theatrics too. I admit I didn’t know much about young Kleopatra’s life, but as the book was coming to a close and entered one Roman named Julius Ceasar, I thought, okay now I know where this is headed!

I can’t wait for book 2, seriously!

Thank you to @suzyapprovedbooktours and @karenessex for a spot on tour and a gifted book.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very approachable and readable novel about the early years of the life of Queen Kleopatra. Very well researched and full of historical details. I have just begun reading the second book, Pharaoh.

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am usually a lover of fiction about the ancient world. There were things I liked about this novel, but in the end, it didn’t grab me. [Note: I read the Kindle edition, and it was VERY poorly edited - misspellings, missed end quotation marks, and oddly placed paragraph breaks. Because of this, it was often difficult to determine who was speaking, and I was taken out of the story experience far too frequently.] I think the author is a wonderful writer, with her lush descriptions and substantive prose. The novel doesn’t hold back the grittiness of the ancient world. It’s also obvious that she did her research about the early life of Cleopatra, and for that she should be praised. However, I didn’t find her storytelling that compelling. While I liked how she gave context about the state of the Roman Empire through the Roman voices, other parts of the story dragged, while still other events seemed to come out of nowhere. I think the author created a very believable Cleopatra, one who is fundamentally strong, stubborn, and enticing, while at the same time demonstrating that she is still an adolescent for most of the story. The other characters tended to be more caricatures than anything. Unfortunately, by the last 1/3 of the book, I was ready to just be done with the novel, as I never felt like it was building to any sort of climax. For that reason, I’m not sure if I’m interested enough to pick up Book 2.

[Nikki · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

What to say about this version of Kleopatra's tale? Overall I found that Essex failed to capture the essence of Kleopatra, including her maturity, dignity and intelligence. The book read more like a Hollywood version of Kleopatra's life (well the portion covered in this book, up to about the age of 21). The book did not bring the vibrancy of this time period to life. Overall, I found Essex included crude situations and even cursing for no reason I can think of as they certainly did not add to the story. I also feel Essex took too many liberties with these people from history, which she treated more as characters than beings which really existed. I may be biased due to my love for all things Kleopatra, but Essex failed to bring the real Kleopatra to life. There is absolutely no way you could convince me that Kleopatra was such a temper-tantrum throwing, petulant child such as she was portrayed in this novel. Considering the time period, her lot in life and her intelligence, the child portrayed in this novel seems quite unlikely. Essex would have fared better had she focused more on the entirety of Kleopatra's life in one novel rather than splitting it into two. Too little is known about Kleopatra's childhood and the inventions of Essex show why this was not a good portion of time to focus upon.

This being said, I will read the second book by Essex, Pharaoh, as I hope the inclusion of Antony and Caesar with bring more life and vibrancy to Kleopatra and the story in general.

If you want a wonderful historical novel based on Kleopatra, read Margaret George's The Memoirs of Cleopatra. It is an absolutely beautiful book all around and unlike Essex's version, you will not want it to end.

[Kaelyn Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was good it gave me a completely different perspective of cleopatra's Life!

[Lisa · Rating 1 out of 5]

ughhh. i've been trying for months to read this book - it just doesn't have a compelling enough storyline for me. So, I've given up.

All I can say is: Read at your own risk.

[Amanda Hinchman · Rating 3 out of 5]

**3.5 stars** The final third of this book was so much better than the rest of the book it almost made me give the whole thing 4 stars. I think 3.5 stars is fair, though.

Kleopatra follows the early life and childhood of the famed Egyptian queen, detailing the lesser-known facts about her, Egyptian politics, and her family before her infamous meeting with Julius Caesar. Many works of fiction solely focus on Kleopatra's adult life, when she was restored to her throne and her rule afterward; so this book's premise seemed new and refreshing to me. Unfortunately, it fell a little flat. While the author digs into Egyptian, and even Roman, politics that were not familiar to me, the quality of the book is decreased so much by the unnecessary and quite vulgar and explicit sex scenes. I don't see what they added to this book at all, especially because they do not involve our main character, Kleopatra (obviously, because she's still a child at this point), but many of these scenes do involve her accidentally spying on others. These scenes are out of nowhere and add nothing to the plot or story; it's like they're thrown in for shock effect because they're so descriptive for no reason. They really bring down the quality of the entire book. And, worst of all, these explicit scenes seem to play into stereotypes about the Hellenistic Greek and Egyptian world of Alexandria by showing that everyone was straight up depraved! Thankfully Kleopatra herself does not partake in anything like this (and even when she is a young adult at the end of the book and takes her first lover, the author does not describe those love scenes in detail at all, so it was just confusing).

This, combined with the constantly switching perspectives at the beginning of this book nearly made me put it down and DNF. I continued reading, though, and was glad I did because the final third of the book (even though the first two-thirds of the book had their moments) was exceptionally good. We really see Kleopatra come into her own, we see how her mind works, and I enjoyed her character immensely. I especially enjoyed reading about her time in Upper Egypt. Earlier in the book, I enjoyed reading about Alexandria and her time in Rome, but Kleopatra was still a child and I did not enjoy her character as much. It's hard for authors to accurately and authentically write child characters who are also not annoying, so I'm not faulting Karen Essex here.

Going back to an earlier point, I know a lot about Kleopatra's later life, but not very much about her childhood (the only other book I've read in recent memory that deals with this is The Memoirs of Cleopatra, which is a phenomenal book BTW). So, again, I really enjoyed learning about Kleopatra's father and her ancestors. I just think some of the characters and sex scenes took away from what could have been a really great book (also, I have never complained about love scenes in a book before, just to be clear; so I really think they were just too much here).

There is some truly beautiful writing and wording in this book, from the very first lines. However, Essex does so much showing and not telling. Major important events are reduced to a character remembering them, or talking about them, instead of us actually getting to read about them first-hand. Also, the author, IMO, includes too much of the Roman perspective, especially in the last few pages. It's just interesting to me what she decides to include and what she excludes and reduces to the dreaded "telling and not showing."

Overall, this book really grew on me the more I read it, and I do plan to read the sequel eventually; this book wasn't so bad that it's off the table. Finally, one last critique, is that I know this book was either self-published or indie published, but there were so many mistakes and typos. To deal with some interesting subject matter combined with some great writing and descriptions, these typos and odd paragraph breaks and lack of quote marks decreased the quality a little.

It's a big feat to undertake writing about young Kleopatra, and the author did a fair job. You might have to skim some parts of this book, but overall I think it was worth not DNFing.

[Lashanti Jones · Rating 2 out of 5]

So it wasn’t bad. Overall it drug but I definitely preferred it to When We Were Gods. The author took a lot of creative liberties which I really liked considering the lack of known history. However it was very lack luster in the delivery and creativity. Everyone woman in the family but Cleopatra being drop dead gorgeous was unoriginal. Like they’re all sisters, I get that some sisters are sometimes deemed prettier than the other, but for her to be considered bottom of the barrel was a bit much for me lol.

My favorites were Bernice and Thea. I feel like they were painted as a “villain” too unjustly for my liking. I did not find Theas actions as outrageous as other characters in the novel seemed to think so. Marrying siblings versus marrying a man who is your father in “law” only aren’t that that much different. Her reasons were sound and logical considering the customs and cultures. We never really got a good explanation on why all the girls strongly disliked Cleopatra. First it was Thea and Bernie against Cleopatra and then it was Arisnoe preferring Bernice and taking after her rather than latching on to Cleopatra. Three sisters and none of them liked you and you haven’t wondered if maybe you’re the problem lol?? I would understand if there was rivalry between ALL of the sisters considering the history of backstabbing and betraying with the Ptolemy’s, and eventually there was with Bernice and Thea (very glazed over if i might say). But for majority of the novel, all of them collectively siding against her but initially not each other was unimaginative. It’s painting Cleopatra as this underdog victim and in turn invokes an automatic “I’m rooting for you” reaction from the audience. Which would be the case if this trope hadn’t already been so tired and played out.

It would’ve been nice for Cleopatra’s education and academics to be highlighted more. Her mastery of the languages were chalked up to a gift from the gods, which I feel like diminished and under inflated her intelligence. She lacked confidence which is a main trait I think is vital for all Cleopatra depictions to have. For her family to be considered the embodiment of the gods she did not display the necessary confidence. I also didn’t like the “chosen one” vibes. We know eventually Cleopatra is going to be the last sibling standing, and in the beginning the augers and what not were prophesying how she would be the chosen one because of XYZ. Once again that diminishes, discredits, and belittles the effort she put in to get to the position she is eventually in( and in turn takes away from the perception of this powerful and highly intelligent individual she is meant to be). I’m sure all of the Royal children were being told by their parties that they were “the one”.

The last thing I didn’t like was her constant need for validation from the opposite sex. I understand wanting to be seen by the opposite sex and desiring their attention/opinion on you to a degree, especially if you’re not use to it. However she is Cleopatra, descendant of Alexander the Great. She was lusting over and after these men too much for my liking. It took away from her, who one would picture as regal, ethereal, bold, confident, and decisive. Even if she was “lacking in natural beauty” as portrayed in this novel, men would still undoubtedly be following over themselves to bed and seek HER attention/favor simply because of who she is.

[CS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cleopatra’s image in world history is very ambivalent. It embraces all the paradoxes of a female nature- alluring seductress, pharaoh( or just the single ruler) and just a person driven by thirst for knowledge in arts, mathematics, literature, warfare.

I am very delighted to confess in rereading these books over and over throughout years and always discovering new detail to it. Was real Cleopatra just as fascinating? I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in Egyptian queen but particularly to young women(from 16-30). It may sound extremely funny, nevertheless, I found these books so inspiring and I related to Cleopatra when I had quarrels with peers XD XD

The author succeeded in delivering all this sides of one of the most prominent women in ancient world very accurately(any facts were hardly changed or distorted) , at the same time not deceiving the reader( just like many authors mistakenly do) in depicting the extraordinary character. The same fate awaited one of Cleopatra-many shown her shallowly. She was either a nymphoniac who held the power by fate or almost a masculine figure who just used her sexuality for manipulation. First Book Cleopatra is about her childhood and early youth, and second book’s title speaks for itself Pharaoh-Cleopatra’s final acquisition of power and establishing her personality in politics.

Karen Essex in her two Cleopatra and Pharaoh, shown Egyptian queen with all her insecurities and flaws and the hard way not only dealing with them, but with the dangerous surrounding-her siblings absolutely hating her for being her father’s favourite, her father’s venomous entourage, with ups and downs of the fate, with constant ostracise of the Egyptians, with slippery foreign politics with the superpower of those times Rome. The language is simple but sensual at the same time which perfectly corresponds with the plot and inner conflict of Cleopatra. Her outspoken womanhood is conflicting with her desire of power and responsibilities laid on her. I thank author for depicting Cleopatra as a mere human, so that anyone, particularly women, can relate to her.

The description of contemporary Rome, Egypt, It’s traditions and rituals, especially for those who are interested how the wold looked like before monotheistic religions swallowed the world-you will be surprised but it will remind you of 21st century West with hedonism, self-indulgence and tolerance to many phenomena like homosexuality. What I liked the most is the description is juicy but not overwhelming, for example, it does not dwell on disturbing moments that occasionally spices the book like rape and violence.

Overall, if you are wiling to get familiar with Cleopatra, this is the best series of two books , I can recommend!

[Blanche Konieczka · Rating 3 out of 5]

Haven't finished the book yet but had to come on here because the author is using words she obviously doesn't know the meaning of. One sentence began "The Grand Pavillion umbraged Aulete's most significant subjects" further on there's no indication anyone was offended or annoyed by anything. I double checked the meaning and I was right, it means to take offense. Two pages later "he wondered if all this ostentation was not a bit lugubrious". In following sentences there's no indication it was meant to mean dismal. Again checked to see if there was another definition that meant facetious because I think that's what she meant.

Not a bad book but I expect an author to know the meaning of the words she writes. Historical mistakes are different, nobody knows exactly who Cleopatra's mother was so historians take their best guess. Only on page 51 and I've already found 2 words she used wrong. I will finish the book and probably get the sequel because it's a cute take on Cleopatra but I'm disappointed she tried to show off using big words and only made herself look silly. Hope she either buys a thesaurus or uses a dictionary app for future writing. It isn't a huge deal, just annoying.

[Kara · Rating 5 out of 5]

A historical fiction story of Cleopatra from when she was a young princess in her father’s court to right before she has that famous meeting via a carpet with Julius Ceaser. So yes, head's up its a cliffhanger ending that demands you pick up Book 2 if you want to get to the well known "good stuff" of Cleopatra's life.

But there was plenty going on in her life well before she became queen. Every generation of the Ptolemy family was a nest of snakes, and Cleopatra and her siblings were no exceptions as they all compete for the throne.

A lot of the story feels like table setting as we see a lot of the back story before the real action heats up, but it was still highly enjoyable to see what could have happened behind the scenes.

[Pat Fayo Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first Karen Essex book I have read, and to be honest, I did not think I would enjoy it as much as I did. For me she was the Queen of Egypt, well educated, and had 2 lovers, Julius in Caesar and Marc Antony. This book explains in detail the conspiracies and dynamics of Kleopatra’s family from her ages of 3-20. This book gave me a totally new outlook into the early years of her life. The author did a great job with the attention she gave to Kleopatra’s trials and tribulations of her youth. I particularly liked the way the author broke it up into 4 parts which also helps the reader follow her youth and better understand who she became. This book gave a lot of insight into who she really was, her fears but also her jubilations. #suzyapprovedbooktours

[Alyssa Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought it was fantastic! The author had a great grasp of the time period and the political and militaristic events that took place.

One of the the things I thought was executed beautifully was the sheer detail in each of the characters. I thought that for such a large cast, she did a great job reminding us who each was, to where I never had to say, "Who is that, again?", which can tend to happen in books where new characters are introduced every few pages.

I loved the story of Kleo, but I couldn't help myself when I was thinking, "When is she going to meet Caesar?!?!" Alas, I will have to wait until the second book. Overall, a wonderful (and quick) read.

[Shadoshard · Rating 3 out of 5]

This tale of the great Egyptian queen is well detailed and it gives the reader and idea of her youth - where other books seldom go; her relationship with her sisters and their part in Egyptian history. I feel she did a bit of a haphazard job of narrating the Romans at the start of their decline through Kleopatra's eyes. I would have expected her to be a bit more strategic concerning them, but the point of the story was Kleopatra's youth and the book did a good job at balancing her inexperience and her unusual position as her father's favorite amidst a pit of familial vipers.

[Beverly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting read. I would like to know just how historically correct the information is. Egyptian history is fascinating to me but the amount of jostling for power, the greed and the overindulgence is just a little off putting. This tale covers Kleopatra's childhood, adolescence and early 20's. She was certainly never a shy and/or retiring personality. Obviously intelligent, she was able to maintain her life and her influence during this period of her life in spite of all the opposition thrown at her, especially by her siblings.

[Christy Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such an interesting read. It’s a deep dive into the early years of Kleopatra’s life. Her childhood and youth were fascinating yet disturbing in some ways. I love that she was strong willed and such a forward thinker from such an early age. The book covers a lot and I found it helpful that the story was broken into four parts. I have a great deal of respect and appreciation for the amount of research that must have been done to write such a compelling and unique work of historical fiction.

[Jessica Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was at a gas station one day and was looking for a magazine to read when I found this book in a basket on the ground. I picked it up and figured why not. I loved this story and this is one of my favorite books. I loved how the story tied into history and painted a picture of a true time in history where knowledge was the center of the universe and people gathered for discovery. I love this story.

[Katherine Van Halst · Rating 4 out of 5]

A couple of things we tend to forget about Queen Cleopatra in popular culture is the her family line was not native Egyptian, and the other Egyptian rulers we are fascinated by (Nefertiti, Tutankhamun, Akhenaten) were literally ancient history by the time she was on the throne. I loved all the background in this first book in the duology; it was a great foundation that had just enough action and intrigue to keep me looking forward to jumping into the second book.

[Marilyn Goncalves · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve always been intrigued by Egypt’s last Pharaoh and so I was very intrigued by this book.

From her childhood years before she’s queen to right before she meets Julius Caesar we get details of her and the many characters in her life I had read very little about. A part of her childhood that we don’t see around a lot. I enjoyed reading this perspective of her youth. Historical details are tied into history very well and I’m looking forward to reading the next part of this story.

[Dawnny · Rating 5 out of 5]

A coming of age about Princess Kleopatra the daughter of the Greek King Ptolemy Xll. I knew very little about Kleopatra or the history of Egypt before reading this. This chronicals her life from a very young age. Kleopatra was smart and determined. The family dynamics with all the greed and need for power and the history of Egypt was compelling. I really enjoyed this and I'm looking forward to reading book two.


Dawnny Ruby
Novels N Latte
Hudson Valley NY