Tristan, the Duke of Shelbourne is a man with a mission: find a wife he can tolerate as long as they both shall live. Love is not necessary--nor desired. But how to choose among a dizzying array of wealthy-yet-witless candidates? Hire London's infamously prim and proper matchmaker. Then pretend she's not the most captivating woman he's ever met...
Helping a devilish Duke create a contest to pick his perfect mate is the kind of challenge Tessa Mansfield relishes. Her methods may be scandalous, but she's determined to find the notorious bachelor more than a wife--she'll bring him true love. Yet when Tessa watches the women vie for the Duke's affections, she longs to win his heart herself. And after a stolen kiss confirms Tristan's desire, Tessa knows she has broken a matchmaker's number one rule: never fall in love with the groom.
It's the historical version of The Bachelor! Oh my goodness! I had a laugh out loud when I noticed it, it didn't even dawn on me that it could have been that by the above blurb. Anyway, after that little shock, I got into the story. I enjoyed the characters, found them believable, if not a little over the top at times, but there are a few characters that I hope will see in future books. Both Tristan and Tessa are strong individuals, and together they were a powerhouse, the chemistry between was believable, I just wish they came to their senses earlier.
I'm looking forward to reading the next book of the series, How to Seduce a Scoundrel.
How to Marry a Duke by Vicki Dreiling (4/5) Historical Romance; Published: Forever (1/2011); Series: # 1, How To; New Author; Library; Books 2013 (18);
In the House of Brady, three very lovely girls have hair of gold—and hearts to match—but finding a match among the gentlemen of London is one comedy of errors that could bring down the house…
Marcia Gets Schooled…
Of the three Brady sisters, Lady Marcia has always seemed the girl most likely to lead a perfectly charmed life. But after a handsome cad breaks her heart, she swears off love and devotes her life to teaching girls at a private school. In spite of her family’s wish for a London debut, Marcia is happy where she is—until terrible news sends her back to the Brady clan…and into the arms of an unexpected suitor.
On The Subject Of Love
A dark and dashing earl who knows Marcia’s past, Duncan Lattimore is surprised by what a fascinating and independent woman she’s become. Marcia, too, is surprised—by the fiery attraction she feels for Duncan. But why—why—must he be the brother of the scoundrel who broke her heart? Why must Marcia’s rival at school forbid her from seeing him? How can this lady possibly resist this fellow—when they know that it’s much more than a hunch…
Oh my goodness! I struggled with this book. I have read previous books written by the author, which I've enjoyed, but for some reason I couldn't get into this story. I love independent heroines, but Marcia was way too extreme, which made me utter a few choice words every now and again. I enjoyed Duncan, he was caring and supportive and he adored Marcia and she was not very nice to him at times. I couldn't see them together.
I'm not sure if I will even bother reading the rest of the series.
Loving Lady Marcia by Kieran Kramer (2/5) Historical Romance; Published: St. Martin's Paperbacks (8/2012); Series: # 1, House of Brady; Library; Books 2013 (17);
What’s a wallflower to do when she’s suddenly in need of a husband? Use all the pluck and moxie she can muster to get what she wants…
Miss Cecily Hurston would much rather explore the antiquities of Egypt than the uncharted territory of marriage. But the rules of her father’s exclusive academic society forbid her entrance unless she weds one of its members. To clear her ailing father’s name of a scandalous rumor, Cecily needs to gain admission into the Egyptian Club—and is willing to marry any old dullard to do it.
Lucas Dalton, Duke of Winterson, is anything but dull. He’s a dashing and decorated war hero determined to help Cecily—even if that means looking the other way when she claims the dance card of Amelia Snow, this season’s most sought-after beauty. But Lucas has a reason for wanting Cecily to join the Egyptian Club: His brother went missing during one of Lord Hurston’s expeditions to Egypt. An alliance with the explorer’s bluestocking daughter could bring Lucas closer to the truth about what happened…or it could lead him to a more dangerous love than either he or Cecily could have imagined….
I'm in a romance type of mood. I'm not blaming it on Valentine's Day, I'm blaming it on the amount of romance novels that are accumulating on my night stand.
I enjoy reading romance novels that don't have the traditional perfect heroine, beautiful, titled and more than money than she knows what to do with it. I love the fiery, intelligent, woman who has no issues with speaking her mind. Cecily is that type of heroine. Not only was she intelligent, she's courageous and funny. And she's a breathe of fresh air, especially for Lucas. As a couple I found them to be great together, chemistry wasn't lacking, it was pretty hot. The mystery itself of who was behind the rumors and disappearance was not a complete surprise to me, I enjoyed it.
How to Dance with a Duke by Manda Collins (4/5) Historical Romance; Published: St. Martin's Paperbacks (2/2012); Series: # 1, Ugly Ducklings; New Author; Library; Books 2013 (16);
Lady Philippa Marbury is odd. The bespectacled, brilliant fourth daughter of the Marquess of Needham and Dolby cares more for books than balls, flora than fashion and science than the season. Nearly engaged to Lord Castleton, Pippa wants to explore the scandalous parts of London she's never seen before marriage. And she knows just who to ask: the tall, charming, quick-witted bookkeeper of The Fallen Angel, London's most notorious and coveted gaming hell, known only as Cross.
Like any good scientist, Pippa's done her research and Cross's reputation makes him perfect for her scheme. She wants science without emotion—the experience of ruination without the repercussions of ruination. And who better to provide her with the experience than this legendary man? But when this odd, unexpected female propositions Cross, it's more than tempting . . . and it will take everything he has to resist following his instincts—and giving the lady precisely what she wants.
I've been not so patiently waiting for this book since I read the first book of Sarah MacLean's The Rules of Scoundrels series, A Rogue by Any Other Name. I enjoyed the first book, a lot. And my expectations for the second book were very high. And I'm very happy to say that my expectations were met and exceeded. I loved this book!
Both the main characters, Pippa and Cross, were wonderful. Pippa is what people think as odd, she is more interested in botany and anatomy than social graces; Cross is self exiled from society because of an accident he believes that he caused, wants no part of the Ton, he also has a protective streak which is very endearing. When Pippa approaches him to help with her research, he refuses, but he cannot get her out of his mind. He finds Pippa a breathe of fresh air, and ever so tempting.
The steam level in this book is out of this world! Their romance is sizzling, they definitely do not lack chemistry. Hot, hot and hot...
“I am going to ruin you, Pippa. I shall show you pleasure you’ve never known, the kind you’ve never dreamed. Over and over and over until you beg me never to stop.”
See what I mean?
The next book, Temple's story (squee moment!) is coming out in late August, No Good Duke Goes Unpunished.
One Good Earl Deserves a Lover by Sarah MacLean (5/5) Historical Romance; Published: Avon (1/2013); Series: # 2, The Rules of Scoundrels; Format: Ebook for Kindle; New Release 2013 (1); Favorite Reads 2013; Books 2013 (15);
When a royal summons from her brother arrives, Emma knows it’s time to embrace her duties as the princess of a small European kingdom, and marry the man her brother has chosen for her…a stranger she has never met. Instead she does what any self-respecting princess would do—she runs away. All she wants is one week in London. One week to experience everything life has to offer, before she is locked away in a loveless marriage forever…
Former naval captain Nick Gregory has inherited a title he never wanted. As the new Earl of Lyndhurst, he chafes against his landlocked existence—until fate brings a mysterious young beauty across his path. Believing she’s an unemployed governess, Nick offers shelter and protection to the captivating girl, never guessing her true identity.
Emma falls hard for Nick, but knowing they have no future, she flees once more—this time back to her royal responsibilities. But when she and Nick unexpectedly meet again, she learns that against all odds, he’s determined to make this princess his bride…
Princess Emmaline of Rosewald, wants just one week of freedom, before her brother announces her engagement to a much older man. She wants to experience London the way a regular person can and not as a princess with all the ceremony. On her first day as a free woman she meets Dominic Gregory, Earl of Lyndhurst, who helps her out. Nick, is a former naval captain, who is a reluctant earl. He rather be out on his boat, but he's responsible to a fault and he tries to help anyone in need. They develop a friendship of sorts, and soon those feeling deepen as well as the attraction between them. Emma knows that she needs to put a stop to those feelings, she is resolved to keep her promise to her brother even if she has to hurt the man she loves.
I wasn't expecting much. Just a sweet love story. And that's exactly what I got, a sweet love story, but with a lot of steam. Which I thoroughly enjoyed!
The Princess and the Peer by Tracy Anne Warren (4/5) Historical Romance; Published: Signet (4/2012); Series: # 1, The Princess Brides; Library; Books 2013 (14);
1961 England. Laurel Nicolson is sixteen years old, dreaming alone in her childhood tree house during a family celebration at their home, Green Acres Farm. She spies a stranger coming up the long road to the farm and then observes her mother, Dorothy, speaking to him. And then she witnesses a crime.
Fifty years later, Laurel is a successful and well-regarded actress, living in London. She returns to Green Acres for Dorothy’s ninetieth birthday and finds herself overwhelmed by memories and questions she has not thought about for decades. She decides to find out the truth about the events of that summer day and lay to rest her own feelings of guilt. One photograph, of her mother and a woman Laurel has never met, called Vivian, is her first clue.
The Secret Keeper explores longings and dreams, the lengths some people go to fulfill them, and the strange consequences they sometimes have. It is a story of lovers, friends, dreamers and schemers, play-acting and deception told against a backdrop of events that changed the world.
I was hooked right from the beginning. This was a book that wouldn't allow me to stop reading, just one more chapter, just one more before I go to bed. And it so it went for a few hours until I realized the time, almost two in morning, and then I reluctantly put it down. I resumed reading the first chance I got. And then I was done.
I loved the way the author transported me back to a time of conflict and hope, that how it made me feel during the WWII scenes. I love how well written all the character were, some good, some nosy, some catty and some down right mean. I think it was a combination of all of this along with mystery of Dorothy and Vivian that kept me enthralled in the story. I have to say I did figure it out at the beginning, but the author kept me second guessing throughout the story. The ending felt right, even though I wanted a little bit more.
The Secret Keeper by Kate Morton (5/5) Historical Fiction; Published: Atria Books (10/2012); Favorite Reads 2013; Historical Fiction Reading Challenge 2013 (5); Library; Books 2013 (13);
At the heart of this collection of intimately linked stories is the relationship between a father and his son. A young fisherman washes up nearly dead on the shores of Newfoundland. It is Manuel Rebelo who has tried to escape the suffocating smallness of his Portuguese village and the crushing weight of his mother’s expectations to build a future for himself in a terra nova. Manuel struggles to shed the traditions of a village frozen in time and to silence the brutal voice of Maria Theresa da Conceicao Rebelo, but embracing the promise of his adopted land is not as simple as he had hoped.
Manuel’s son, Antonio, is born into Toronto’s little Portugal, a world of colourful houses and labyrinthine back alleys. In the Rebelo home the Church looms large, men and women inhabit sharply divided space, pigs are slaughtered in the garage, and a family lives in the shadow cast by a father’s failures. Most days Antonio and his friends take to their bikes, pushing the boundaries of their neighbourhood street by street, but when they finally break through to the city beyond they confront dangers of a new sort
I inhaled this book in one sitting! Once I began reading it, I couldn't put it down. I was swept into someplace very familiar to me. As a Portuguese Canadian I can identify with so much that the author has written.
The book is divided into two parts. The first half is narrated by Manuel. Manuel is the apple of his mother's eye, the one she hopes that will succeed in life, the one that will be important in their small village in Sao Miguel, Acores, Portugal. But Manuel has his own dreams, he doesn't want what his mother so dearly wants for me. He signs up to be a fisherman in a big ship, which brings him north, where in a freak accident he washes up on the coast of Newfoundland. A series of events leave him confused and angry, the hope that always had seems to be diminishing. He soon feels like his dreams are all slipping through his fingers.
The second is narrated by Antonio, Manuel's son. Like his mother before him, Manuel has high hopes and dreams for Antonio. For Antonio growing up in Little Portugal in Toronto is a confusing time. It like being caught between the old ways of the old country with a new ways of the new country. Which I completely understand, very well. I know the feeling of going to school and kids asking me if I ate fish all the time, or being sent traditional Portuguese dish for lunch at but just wanting to fit by having a Wonder bread sandwich. I understand the feeling of not quite living up to what the parent expects.
I read this book for a challenge, Portuguese Historical Fiction Challenge, hosted by Ana from Aneca's World.
Barnacle Love by Anthony de Da (4.5/5) Historical Fiction; Published: Doubleday Canada (2008); New Author; Portuguese Historical Fiction Challenge 2013 (1); Favorite Reads 2013; Library; Books 2013 (12);
When the wealthy and handsome Fitzwilliam Darcy encounters the beautiful and lively Elizabeth Bennet at a small country ball, he loudly refuses to dance with her, declaring her to be merely tolerable. Fortunately for Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth has walked away and does not overhear his insult, thus snagging the thread that would have sealed her prejudice against the prideful stranger.
Unexpectedly, circumstances thrust Elizabeth into the same household as Mr. Darcy, and her proximity unwittingly proves tempting, as her tantalizing wit and playfulness evoke desires that threaten to unravel his resolve against her.
I'm always on the lookout for variations on Pride and Prejudice, and this book sounded promising when I was shopping around on Amazon last summer, I've had One Thread Pulled by Diana J. Oaks on my Kindle's TBR shelf since then. I tend to read them as soon as I get them, but some titles get forgotten, and for some reason this one was one of them. I guess I needed a reason to read it and Pride & Prejudice Bicentenary Challenge was as good a reason as any to read it...finally.
I really enjoyed this adaptation of Pride & Prejudice. It felt like that the author tried to stay true to the original with the sequence of events but making them different without making it feel far fetched.
The characters were written as what I would expect them to be. I loved the way that Darcy and Elizabeth developed a somewhat strong friendship before he declared himself to her. I loved the way that both were struggling with their feelings and having anything they could speak to. I loved seeing that Mary had a stronger presence in this book, I always felt like she was the forgotten daughter, that she needed a chance to shine, she bloomed and had her chance to shine. I also enjoyed Caroline's obsession with Darcy, wanting to make him jealous and he was completely oblivious to what was going on.
The story moved well, there didn't seem to be any staled moments where I wanted to rush through. My only complaint was that the ending felt rushed and incomplete. I wonder if there will be a sequel? Because it was left open by the author.
One Thread Pulled by Diana J. Oaks (4.5/5) Historical Romance; P&P adaptation; Published: CreateSpace (8/2012); New Author; Format: Ebook for Kindle; Pride and Prejudice Bicentenary Challenge (2); Books 2013 (11);
During their annual Christmas pilgrimage to Scotland to visit their aged uncle in his decrepit castle, the Comte de Rocheforte and his cousin, Earl of Oakley, are presented with unique gifts: their uncle has raided an English lord's Christmas party and kidnapped four lovely would-be brides for his heirs to choose from ...as well as one very angry duke, Lord Bretton. As snow isolates the castle, and as hours grow into days, the most honourable intentions give away to temptations as surprising as they are irresistible.
Funny thing, I placed a hold on this book, and somehow I forgot about doing so. I then bought the ebook, and forgot about that as well. I only found out about my blunder this morning when checking for my Kindle shelves. Oh my goodness...I cannot believe I did that.
I enjoyed the book, it was a quick read and it had alot of the elements that I expect from Julia Quinn, Eloisa James and Connie Brockway. It had the humor, the quirky banter between characters, and little twists and turns to the story that moving well. I'm curious about which sections the authors wrote. I think I can tell the difference, considering how often I read these authors, but I would love a definite answer. I believe my favorite love story was the first one, Catriona and Bretton's story. They're both strong willed people and they're attracted to each other, they just need to face their feelings.
The Lady Most Willing...by Julia Quinn, Eloisa James and Connie Brockway (3/5) Historical Romance; Published: Avon (12/2012); Format: Ebook for Kindle; Books 2013 (10)
When Queen Victoria attends a séance, the spirit of her departed husband, Prince Albert, insists she spend Christmas at their Scottish home in Balmoral. Prime Minister Disraeli suspects the Scottish nationalists plan to assassinate the Queen-and sends the ever resourceful India and the handsome British spy, French, to the Scottish highlands.
French will take the high road, looking for a traitor among the guests-and India will take the low road, disguised as a servant in case an assassin is hiding among the household staff. India is certain that someone at Balmoral is determined to make this Her Majesty's last Christmas...
It feels like I've been reading this book forever...not because the plot was slow and the book was awful, I just couldn't find the time to read. Anyway, I made time to read and I'm happy that I did. It was the break I needed and the story itself was pretty good.
India, French and Vincent are headed to Balmoral in Scotland to uncover the people that are involved in the plan to assassinate the Queen. India is posing as a lady's maid, while French is a guest, and Vincent working in the background. India is the lady's maid to the Dowager Marchioness of Tullibardine, and let's just say the woman is quite the character, enjoyed her and she definitely kept India on her toes. I loved the twists and turns on the book which help the flow of the story. I loved the way that author described the Scottish setting and how she incorporated the traditions of Scots and also the anger and resentment towards the Queen and the English. What was most surprising was the leader of the Marischal was, I was completely taken a back...Wow! I didn't see that one coming.
I feel that this book is a very good continuation of the Madam of Espionage Mystery series, you can find my thoughts on the first book, India Black, here.
India Black and the Widow of Windsor by Carol K. Carr (4/5) Historical Mystery; Published: Berkley Prime Crime (10/2011); Series: # 2, Madam of Espionage; Historical Fiction Reading Challenge 2013 (4); Library; Books 2013 (9);
Abby Cooper's next mission may truly be impossible...
Abby Cooper, the FBI's newest Civilian Profiler, is adding Spy to her resume. The military's digital photography software that captures one's aura- just like Abby can-sits in a drone aircraft that's been stolen. It's a major breach in security as every country's leader can be identified by their aura...
Abby springs into action to stop the criminals before they set their diabolical plan into motion, while making herself a prime target.
It's been ages since I last read a Victoria Laurie book. I simply adore her Psychic Eye series, I have read a couple of books from her other series, Ghost Hunter, but I have quite warmed up to GH yet.
It's been a pretty busy week here at home, didn't get a chance to read too much this week. I carried Vision Impossible with me wherever I went, just in case I had time to read. Well, after a week, I finally finished it. It hit the spot. I needed a comfort read and this was it. It was great to see both Abby and Dutch, but I was a little sad not to see the rest of the gang. What was surprising to me was that the majority of the book is set in Toronto. I loved the way the author put a Canadian touch to the story, there was a Tim Horton's mention (our version of Dunkin' Donuts), Shoppers Drug Mart, and the Eaton Centre.
Even though it's a cosy read, there was plenty of action in the book which kept the story flowing very well. There were the expected laugh out loud moments and the I cannot believe she just did that; which was nice. But I have to say I love the tougher Abby! Don't mess with the people she cares about because you will she her claws!
Vision Impossible by Victoria Laurie (3/5) Paranormal Mystery; Published: Signet (6/2011); Series: # 9, Psychic Eye; Library; Books 2013 (8);
Taken from author's site:
Colonel Devlin St. Just’s torn spirit calls to Emmaline Farnum, and in good conscience she cannot refuse his offer to provide a home for the little girl so dear to Emmie’s heart. As the adults forge a path to a better life for young Winnie, Emmie finds herself unable to resist the allure of a deeper attraction to Devlin. But resist she must, because decisions made years in her past are forcing her inexorably away from Devlin’s side.
After the previous book, I needed a pick me up, and this book was it. I read the first book of this series just last week, and I enjoyed it so much I had to read the second book as soon as possible. My expectations were high... I wasn't disappointed.
Devlin has a great sense of responsibility, and when the illegitimate daughter of the previous estate owner shows up, he feels obligated to take care of her and of her caregiver, Emmaline. He soon develops feeling for the little girl and the attraction to Emmaline is getting harder to ignore. Emmie is independent and very strong willed but when it comes to Winnie, she'll do just about anything. So when St. Just offers to take care of Winnie, she agrees but with some conditions of her own.
I wasn't expecting to enjoy this book as much as the previous, but I did. I found that this book the story flowed better, and even though I had my doubts about Emmie and Winnie's relationship, I loved the way the author introduced it. It was beautifully done.
The series just keeps on getting better... Cannot wait to get my hands on the third book, The Virtuoso.
The Soldier by Grace Burrowes (4.5/5) Historical Romance; Published: Sourcebooks Casablanca (6/2011); Format: Ebook for Kindle; Series: # 2, Windham; Series: # 2, The Duke's Obssession; Keeper Shelf; Books 2013 (7);
Where do you run to when your life has fallen apart?
Lucy Jorik is a champ at never embarrassing the family she adores—not surprising since her mother is one of the most famous women in the world. But now Lucy has done just that. And on her wedding day, no less, to the most perfect man she's ever known.
Instead of saying "I do" to Mr. Irresistible, Lucy flees the church in an ill-fitting blue choir robe and hitches a ride on the back of a beat-up motorcycle plastered with offensive bumper stickers. She's flying into the unknown with a rough-looking, bad-tempered stranger who couldn't be more foreign to her privileged existence.
While the world searches for her, Lucy must search for herself, and she quickly realizes that her customary good manners are no defense against a man who's raised rudeness to an art form. Lucy needs to toughen up—and fast.
Her great escape takes her to his rambling beach house on a Great Lakes island. Here, she hopes to find a new direction . . . and unlock the secrets of this man who knows so much about her but reveals nothing about himself. As the hot summer days unfold amid scented breezes and sudden storms, she'll also encounter a beautiful, troubled beekeeper; a frightened young boy; a modern-day evil queen; and a passion that could change her life forever.
It may just be me, but I've been pretty disappointed with Susan Elizabeth Phillip's last couple books. Not sure if it's been too much of the same, but it's felt like too repetitive. Honestly I think it was the characters that weren't cutting it for me. So you can understand my hesitation with this book.
It took me forever, ok, exaggeration, but it took me days to read this book. Although I enjoyed the premise, pampered rich kid, having second thoughts about marriage to perfect guy, decides to ditch him at the last minute and discover herself; it felt too forced in my opinion... Out of the two main characters, I liked Patrick aka Panda much better as a character than I did Lucy. Yes, he had his flaws but he was likable, Lucy on the other hand was way too boring for my taste. At one point I was more interested on what was going on the secondary story lines that with what Lucy was going through....Argh! I'm so frustrated....
Am I alone with this opinion? Have you read this book? What do you think?
The Great Escape by Susan Elizabeth Phillips (2.5/5) Contemporary Romance; Published: William Morrow (7/2012); Library; Books 2013 (6)
Anyone can arrange a marriage-but only the heavens can decree true love!
Her grandson, the Earl of Bradleigh, had just announced his engagement to a thoroughly unlikeable chit -- and Lady Bradleigh was determined to do something about it. Why, just about anyone would make a more suitable match...even her own paid companion, Emily Townsend! But if her dear, practical-minded Robert were to back out of the betrothal, the tongues of the ton would never stop wagging...
At the very least, the dowager decides, she will extract a promise from her grandson to find Emily a husband. But when the handsome, rakish earl comes to know the charms of Emily Townsend, he suddenly regrets his hasty engagement-and is sorely tempted to win her hand for himself.
It's been years since I last read a book by Candice Hern. I remember loving her books, but I can't remember why I stopped reading her. I'm a huge fan of romances set during the Regency period, and I have a soft spot for the traditional Regency that I read so long ago, I couldn't resist signing up for The Regency Romance Reading Challenge that is being hosted by Austenprose.
It seems like I'm on a roll, another book that kept me up at night. I began reading A Proper Companion shortly before going to bed, but I couldn't put it down. I was transported back to a time where the upper crust of society felt the need to meddle in their children and grandchildren's lives. I enjoyed all of it, Emily and Robert, started off as friends, they soon developed stronger feeling, but Robert being a gentleman could not give or promise anything more than friendship to Emily. I loved the way that he struggled with his feelings for Emily and the way she did as well for Robert, they both knew that it wasn't proper, but the feelings were still there. Even though I enjoyed Robert and Emily, the scene stealer of the book was the Dowager Duchess, she was a force of a nature, full of life and love for the people that mattered the most to her.
A Proper Companion by Candice Hern (4/5) Historical - Regency Romance; Published: Jove (1995); Format: Ebook for Kindle; Series: # 1, Regency Rakes; Regency Romance Reading Challenge (1); Keeper Shelf; Books 2013 (5);
AN EARL WHO CAN'T BE BRIBED
Gayle Windham, Earl of Westhaven, is the first legitimate son and heir to the Duke of Moreland. To escape his father's inexorable pressure to marry, he decides to spend the summer at his townhouse in London, where he finds himself intrigued by the secretive ways of his beautiful housekeeper...
A LADY WHO CAN'T BE PROTECTED...
Anna Seaton is a beautiful, talented, educated woman, which is why it is so puzzling to Gayle Windham that she works as his housekeeper.
As the two draw closer and begin to lose their hearts to each other, Anna's secrets threaten to bring the earl's orderly life crashing down - and he doesn't know how he's going to protect her from the fallout...
I would like to begin by thanking Ana from Aneca's World for introducing me to this author. It's been quite a while since I read a historical romance that has captured me as this has. So thank you Ana, I believe I have found a new must read author.
This book should also have a disclaimer on its cover, one sitting read, reader beware you may lose sleep. Which I did, but I'm not complaining because it was a very good read. I loved the setting, the time period, the characters and the story itself wasn't too shabby either. I found that Anna and Windham suited each other very well, she caring and headstrong and Windham is a no-nonsense type of gentleman who adores his large family, even the meddling members of said family. I admit at the beginning I thought it a stretch that they would become involved, master and employee, but the author had a way in drawing me in and keeping interested in the book. I'm looking forward on reading more of her books.
The Heir by Grace Burrowes (4.5/5) Historical Romance; Published: Sourcebooks Casablanca (2010); Format: Ebook for Kindle; New Author; Series: # 1, Windham; Favorite Reads 2013; Historical Fiction Reading Challenge 2013 (3); Keeper Shelf; Books 2013 (4);
Born in 1930 in a small town outside Winnipeg, beautiful Hope Koop appears destined to have a conventional life. Church, marriage to a steady young man, children-her fortunes are already laid out for her, as are the shiny modern appliances in her new home. All she has to do is stay with Roy, who loves her. But as the decades unfold, what seems to be a safe, predictable existence overwhelms Hope. Where-among the demands of her children, the expectations of her husband and the challenges of her best friend, Emily, who has just read The Feminine Mystique-is there room for her? And just who is she anyway? A wife, a mother, a woman whose life is somehow unrealized? This beautifully crafted and perceptive work of fiction spans some fifty years of Hope Koop's life in the second half of the 20th century, from traditionalism to feminism and beyond. David Bergen has created an indelible portrait of a seemingly ordinary woman who struggles to accept herself as she is, and in so doing becomes unique.
Hope is a woman living through years of the Women's Liberation movement in Manitoba. She questions herself, as a woman, a daughter, wife and a mother. She wonders if there's more to life than what she experiences everyday. She loves her children, even though at times she doesn't recognize them (especially during the teenage years), she loves her husband, but is that enough.
I was pleasantly surprised on how much I enjoyed this book. For some reason I was expecting something darker. Yes, there are turmoils in Hope's life, depression, there's a breakdown that leaves her hospitalized, a bankruptcy and a run in with a religious cult. I found it understandable her envious feelings towards her teenage daughters, the freedom they had in comparison to her...she just couldn't pick up and leave. I found those emotions believable and real. I guess you can call this book, a real life novel. I enjoyed how well the book flowed, it didn't have any plot hiccups in my opinion.
I'm looking forward to reading more books by David Bergen.
The Age of Hope by David Bergen (4/5) General Fiction; Published: Phyllis Bruce Book (2012); New Author; Canada Reads 2013 (3); Library; Books 2013 (3)
A stunning, evocative novel set in Ireland and Canada, Away traces a family’s complex and layered past. The narrative unfolds with shimmering clarity, and takes us from the harsh northern Irish coast in the 1840s to the quarantine stations at Grosse Isle and the barely hospitable land of the Canadian Shield; from the flourishing town of Port Hope to the flooded streets of Montreal; from Ottawa at the time of Confederation to a large-windowed house at the edge of a Great Lake during the present day. Graceful and moving, Away unites the personal and the political as it explores the most private, often darkest corners of our emotions where the things that root us to ourselves endure. Powerful, intricate, lyrical, Away is an unforgettable novel.
I started reading this book a few days ago, and whenever I sat down to read I lost track of time. It's a beautifully written book, and I cannot understand why I haven't read this book before. I have read books by the author before, but not this one.
The story starts in Ireland in a fictional island. A young girl is "taken away" by the spirit of a dead young man. She comes back, but she is not the same girl as before, gone is Mary and now she is Moira. The inhabitants of the island are both scared and enthralled by Mary/Moira. The priest is concerned about the turmoil that she is causing the men so he asks a young friend, Brian, to marry her. Brian and Mary seem to hit it off, he's kind and understanding and she feels a connection to him. The potato famine hits and Brian and Mary leave for Canada. And so the myth continues with the women of Mary's family. I don't want to give too much of the story, you need to read it for yourself. The pain and the sorrow is there in the story but also the hope in the New World. But the most significant part of this book is the mystical feeling to it. The magic is all throughout the book.
Away by Jane Urquhart (4.5/5) Historical Fiction; Published: McClelland & Stewart (1993); Canada Reads 2013 (2); Historical Fiction Reading Challenge 2013 (2); Library; Books 2013 (2);
As Darling's town librarian is fond of saying: "Naked ladies' is not a respectable name for a plant." A lily by any other name would certainly smell as sweet -- and look just as beautiful as the naked ladies decorating Miss Hamer's lawn...
It seems Miss Hamer's house may also be home to naked ladies of a different sort. Her niece, Nona Jean Jamison, and Nona's friend Miss Lake have come to Darling to stay with the elderly recluse. But rumors sprout that these visitors are actually the Naughty and Nice Sisters from the Ziegfeld Frolic, specializing in dancing nearly naked.
When Nona denies her vaudeville past, the Dahlias begin to suspect that it may be more than modesty that's causing both women to lie low. Why has Nona gone to the beauty parlor to change her hair color? Why has Miss Lake not been seen without a veil? And who is the well-dressed from Chicago who's just arrived, asking about Nona? The Dahlias are convinced that someone is covering up something sinister...
This is the second book of the latest mystery series written by Susan Wittig Albert. This series is set in Depression era Alabama. Susan Wittig Albert is one of my favorite mystery authors, I love both her historical and her contemporary books. She has a wonderful sense of humor that show in both settings. Humor in a cosy mystery is must have for me, and I think that is what keeps me reading the authors books.
The Darling Dahlias are getting ready for the annual talent show, when two ladies move in with recluse Miss Hamer. Miss Hamer not only is a recluse but also is a very hard woman and not too many people can deal with her. And that's the main reason for the curiosity on the two woman. One is beautiful and flamboyant, the other is shy and keeps herself covered up. But when a strange man comes to Darling looking for the ladies, the Dahlias are convinced that something is going on. Not only were the Dahlias busy with finding out about the Miss Hamer's guests but one of their own is dealing with her own mystery. After years of wondering what happened to her fiance, Bessie, is more determined to find what happened. Even if it means asking difficult questions that she may not want to answer to.
I enjoyed the book, it is what I was expecting. The characters, setting and humor. What I wasn't expecting was enjoying the secondary story more than the main one. I also enjoyed seeing Liz stand up to her mother. It was an enjoyable read and I recommend this series to any cosy mystery fans.
The Darling Dahlias and the Naked Ladies by Susan Wittig Albert (3.5/5) Historical Mystery; Published: Berkley Prime Crime (11/2011); Series: # 2, Darling Dahlias; Historical Fiction Reading Challenge 2013 (1); Library; Books 2013 (1);
