Several of my romance lists have been rhapsodizing about a Regency from the UK - I'm always a little wary of books with this much "buzz", but I was pleased to be able to borrow a copy and judge for myself.
The Mysterious Miss M by Diane Gaston
(2004, Regency) 3/26/05
Grade: 5
Madeline was forced into prostitution as a young girl, and the only light in her life was the night she spent with Devlin Steele - and the child that came from it. But when Devlin returns and takes her away, how will she adjust to living in the “real world”? Devlin’s inheritance depends on his marriage to a suitable lady - can he give up Maddie, to save her?
A wonderful book - although it did have flaws, it appealed to so many of my personal preferences and desires, it had to be a keeper. I loved the characters - they both had depth and weren’t the stereotypical romance hero and heroine. It was especially refreshing to read about a prostitute and mistress who was depicted with some realism. The book surprised me several times, and went in unexpected directions. The ending was more stereotypical, and I became impatient with the coincidences that tied everything up neatly. And even though the child was important to the story, I got tired of her cutesiness. But these are small flaws - overall, this is one of the best books I’ve read in some time.
Although this book is currently out of print in the UK (it was originally published by Mills & Boon), it's coming out as a Harlequin Historical in November. I'll be buying a copy for my keeper shelf.
Sunday, March 27, 2005
Friday, March 25, 2005
Great Premise, So-So Execution
I have a great weakness for the "Martin Guerre" premise - the hero who takes the place of the bad husband.
Could It Be You by Mary Anne Wilson (HAR 523)
(1994, Contemporary Series) 3/19/2005
Grade: 3
Mac Gerard is a drifter, on the run. When he meets his double, and sees him killed in front of him, he decides to change lives with this stranger. But he finds that life as Charles Elliott is more complicated than he thought - and his new wife, Sean, is someone he’s always dreamed of.
I love this type of premise, but unfortunately, this book is just too short and too superficial to really delve into the situation. The first part of the book is compelling - when Mac falls into this situation, and decides to change lives. I liked Mac and found his situation fascinating. But the book gets caught up in the plot mechanics and doesn’t really delve enough into the characters and their emotions. In the end, it’s not enough.
Not much to say - a disappointment.
Could It Be You by Mary Anne Wilson (HAR 523)
(1994, Contemporary Series) 3/19/2005
Grade: 3
Mac Gerard is a drifter, on the run. When he meets his double, and sees him killed in front of him, he decides to change lives with this stranger. But he finds that life as Charles Elliott is more complicated than he thought - and his new wife, Sean, is someone he’s always dreamed of.
I love this type of premise, but unfortunately, this book is just too short and too superficial to really delve into the situation. The first part of the book is compelling - when Mac falls into this situation, and decides to change lives. I liked Mac and found his situation fascinating. But the book gets caught up in the plot mechanics and doesn’t really delve enough into the characters and their emotions. In the end, it’s not enough.
Not much to say - a disappointment.
Sunday, March 13, 2005
An Issue Romance
Sometimes old series books can surprise you - they sometimes dealt with issues that current books don't tackle.
Just Joe by Marley Morgan (SD 340)
(1987, Contemporary Series) 3/5/05
Grade: 3.5
When photographer Mattie is knocked down by quarterback Joe Ryan, both their lives are about to change. Joe is immediately drawn to Mattie, but friendship is all she can offer at first. But when she tells Joe her terrible secret, she finds that love can be more than pain. But can she heal and make a real life, with Joe?
The beginning was quite good. Maddie’s gradual journey through friendship, trust and love was well done, and the issue of sexual abuse was not simplified or sensationalized. But the book was sometimes noticeably dated, and the short length made it hard to really get into the issue. The second half became more stereotypical and simplified. There just wasn’t enough space to handle the problem in enough detail. But it was an honest examination of an issue that you rarely see in romance.
Although in the end this book was a bit disappointing, I have to give it credit for trying something different. It's a subject you rarely see addressed in today's books.
Just Joe by Marley Morgan (SD 340)
(1987, Contemporary Series) 3/5/05
Grade: 3.5
When photographer Mattie is knocked down by quarterback Joe Ryan, both their lives are about to change. Joe is immediately drawn to Mattie, but friendship is all she can offer at first. But when she tells Joe her terrible secret, she finds that love can be more than pain. But can she heal and make a real life, with Joe?
The beginning was quite good. Maddie’s gradual journey through friendship, trust and love was well done, and the issue of sexual abuse was not simplified or sensationalized. But the book was sometimes noticeably dated, and the short length made it hard to really get into the issue. The second half became more stereotypical and simplified. There just wasn’t enough space to handle the problem in enough detail. But it was an honest examination of an issue that you rarely see in romance.
Although in the end this book was a bit disappointing, I have to give it credit for trying something different. It's a subject you rarely see addressed in today's books.
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