I can't resist the J.D. Robb books - I drove to the Tuxedo Park library to pick this one up yesterday, and I'd finished it by dinner time!
Origin in Death by J.D. Robb
(2005, Suspense) 6/25/05
Grade: 4
Eve and Peabody are back, investigating the death of a pioneering plastic surgeon. On the surface, he seems to be a perfect saint - devoted to his work and his family - but Eve wonders what he may be hiding underneath. What she finds will shock everyone.
The usual J.D. Robb formula, but it kept me turning the pages. The non-suspense content is fairly minimal in this one - Roarke has invited his Irish relatives to visit for Thanksgiving, the usual complement of quirky friends appear, and Eve and Roarke have lots of hot sex - no surprises there. But the focus is on the suspense plot, and it’s a really creepy one. The introduction gives away too much, but it’s still very suspenseful and chilling. Enjoyable, although not one of the best in this series.
One note about this one - people who are squeamish about violence against children might find this hard to take. Except for the introduction, the violence is all implied, but the situation is deeply creepy, and it involves children, which is something some readers want to avoid. I found it disturbing but fascinating (what does that say about me, I wonder?)
Sunday, June 26, 2005
Saturday, June 18, 2005
Two Ruth Wind Titles
I read two Ruth Wind titles on my way back home - books I started weeks ago but never finished. (Maybe there was a reason?)
Walk in Beauty by Ruth Wind (SSE 881)
(1994, Series) 6/16/05
Grade: 4
Eight years earlier, Jessie made the agonizing decision to leave Luke, even though she loved him with all her heart. She was pregnant and Luke was sliding into alcoholism, something she knew all too well. Now he’s back, sober and determined to play a part in his daughter’s life. Can she risk her heart again?
Ruth Wind’s books are always well done, and this one is no exception. The characters are well written and sympathetic, and the sexual chemistry between Luke and Jessie is apparent on every page. The depiction of modern Indian life is fascinating. Seven year old Giselle is somewhat angelic but not too annoying. But something was missing in this book - it just didn’t have the emotional depth of some of her other books. Surprising, especially since she deals with Luke’s alchoholism honestly - but it just didn’t grab my heart the way her other books have. Worth reading, but not one of her best.
Rainsinger by Ruth Wind (SSE 1031)
(1996, Series) 6/16/06
Grade: 4
Both Winona Snow and Daniel Lynch have a claim on an ancient peach tree orchard - she grew up there, and his Indian ancestors planted the trees. They agree to share the house for the summer, along with Winona’s troubled teenage sister Joleen. But as the attraction between Winona and Daniel grows, can they find a way to work out their differences?
The characters make this book - both Daniel and Winona are unique and interesting people, and I enjoyed reading about them. But the rest of the book wasn’t as compelling, which made this book less resonant than many of Wind’s other books. I found Joleen somewhat tedious, and the constant back and forth about Indian rights to the land became tiresome after a while. The intriguing chemistry between the hero and heroine wasn’t enough to sustain the entire book, unfortunately.
I'm not a big fan of kids in romances, and that may have colored my feelings about these two books. Both books had good qualities, but it's hard for any book to measure up to Wind's best work.
Walk in Beauty by Ruth Wind (SSE 881)
(1994, Series) 6/16/05
Grade: 4
Eight years earlier, Jessie made the agonizing decision to leave Luke, even though she loved him with all her heart. She was pregnant and Luke was sliding into alcoholism, something she knew all too well. Now he’s back, sober and determined to play a part in his daughter’s life. Can she risk her heart again?
Ruth Wind’s books are always well done, and this one is no exception. The characters are well written and sympathetic, and the sexual chemistry between Luke and Jessie is apparent on every page. The depiction of modern Indian life is fascinating. Seven year old Giselle is somewhat angelic but not too annoying. But something was missing in this book - it just didn’t have the emotional depth of some of her other books. Surprising, especially since she deals with Luke’s alchoholism honestly - but it just didn’t grab my heart the way her other books have. Worth reading, but not one of her best.
Rainsinger by Ruth Wind (SSE 1031)
(1996, Series) 6/16/06
Grade: 4
Both Winona Snow and Daniel Lynch have a claim on an ancient peach tree orchard - she grew up there, and his Indian ancestors planted the trees. They agree to share the house for the summer, along with Winona’s troubled teenage sister Joleen. But as the attraction between Winona and Daniel grows, can they find a way to work out their differences?
The characters make this book - both Daniel and Winona are unique and interesting people, and I enjoyed reading about them. But the rest of the book wasn’t as compelling, which made this book less resonant than many of Wind’s other books. I found Joleen somewhat tedious, and the constant back and forth about Indian rights to the land became tiresome after a while. The intriguing chemistry between the hero and heroine wasn’t enough to sustain the entire book, unfortunately.
I'm not a big fan of kids in romances, and that may have colored my feelings about these two books. Both books had good qualities, but it's hard for any book to measure up to Wind's best work.
Too Predictable
Cop books have never been one of my favorites, but I was hopeful since Virginia Kantra is so highly regarded for her emotional reads.
The Reforming of Matthew Dunn by Virginia Kantra (SIM 984)
(1998, Series) 6/16/05
Grade: 3
Since her husband’s death, Clare has devoted herself to a garden project that helps troubled kids in a rough neighborhood. But when injured detective Matthew Dunn moves in across the street, she finds herself longing for something more - despite his more cynical view of her work and her ideals.
There’s nothing wrong with this book, but nothing particularly outstanding either. The plot and characters were both well done, but predictable. Nothing stood out - I felt like I’d read this book a dozen times before. Some authors can take a familiar plot and make it new, but this book just felt like a retread.
Unfortunately, Virginia Kantra has been a disappointment to me so far - but I still have hopes (and many of her books in my TBR).
The Reforming of Matthew Dunn by Virginia Kantra (SIM 984)
(1998, Series) 6/16/05
Grade: 3
Since her husband’s death, Clare has devoted herself to a garden project that helps troubled kids in a rough neighborhood. But when injured detective Matthew Dunn moves in across the street, she finds herself longing for something more - despite his more cynical view of her work and her ideals.
There’s nothing wrong with this book, but nothing particularly outstanding either. The plot and characters were both well done, but predictable. Nothing stood out - I felt like I’d read this book a dozen times before. Some authors can take a familiar plot and make it new, but this book just felt like a retread.
Unfortunately, Virginia Kantra has been a disappointment to me so far - but I still have hopes (and many of her books in my TBR).
Charm Only Goes So Far
Don't read this one when you're hungry! The descriptions of truffles and other goodies would give anyone a chocolate craving.
Sweet Success by Susan Mallery
(2001, Contemporary) 6/14/05
Grade: 3.5
Ali’s life centers around her chocolate shop in the small town of Santa Magdalana, and her friends and family there. She’s almost given up on love when a new handyman piques her interest - what is he hiding? Matt is running from a tragic past and doesn’t intend to stay long, but he can’t stay away from Ali - and hopes he’ll find redemption there.
Despire a hefty dollop of angst in Matt’s past (his wife tragic death etc.), this book coasts along primarily on charm - and does it well for the first two thirds. The characters are charming and likeable, the situations amusing and poignant at times. But the charm seems to wear thin after a while, especially with the fairly predictible plot “twist” in the last third. It was enjoyable enough to read, but it never went beyond a pleasant diversion.
Even though I enjoyed Sweet Success (and I always appreciate a good contemporary), it left me wanting more.
Sweet Success by Susan Mallery
(2001, Contemporary) 6/14/05
Grade: 3.5
Ali’s life centers around her chocolate shop in the small town of Santa Magdalana, and her friends and family there. She’s almost given up on love when a new handyman piques her interest - what is he hiding? Matt is running from a tragic past and doesn’t intend to stay long, but he can’t stay away from Ali - and hopes he’ll find redemption there.
Despire a hefty dollop of angst in Matt’s past (his wife tragic death etc.), this book coasts along primarily on charm - and does it well for the first two thirds. The characters are charming and likeable, the situations amusing and poignant at times. But the charm seems to wear thin after a while, especially with the fairly predictible plot “twist” in the last third. It was enjoyable enough to read, but it never went beyond a pleasant diversion.
Even though I enjoyed Sweet Success (and I always appreciate a good contemporary), it left me wanting more.
Another Excellent Harlequin Historical
Even though I've been trying to read some of my older books, I couldn't resist this one when I saw it on the shelf last month.
The Duchess's Next Husband by Terri Brisbin
(2005, Regency Historical) 6/11/05
Grade: 4.5
When Adrian became the Duke, his warm marriage became one of formality and duty, with the only goal an heir. But as his asthma attacks become worse, he fears he will die within the year. He has to find a way to protect Miranda, and find her a new husband - and in the process, he finds out his feelings for his wife are much deeper than duty - and Miranda discovers a new life for herself as well.
A deeply poignant book, this came close to being a keeper. It's rare to read a book that deals with the duty and formality of life in the Regency, even between a husband and wife. The setup is somewhat contrived, but for most of the book it works - it brings out deep emotions and had me reaching for the tissues. Unfortunately, the book gets bogged down by misunderstandings in the last section, which was frustrating. And even though things had to work out in the end, the combination of the misunderstandings and the "tie it up with a bow" ending left me wanting more - and left this one just short of keeper quality.
Even though I've met Terri dozens of times at book signings and events, I'd only read one of her books (a time travel that didn't do much for me). Obviously I've been missing out! This one was so close to being a keeper - I'm right on the edge.
The Duchess's Next Husband by Terri Brisbin
(2005, Regency Historical) 6/11/05
Grade: 4.5
When Adrian became the Duke, his warm marriage became one of formality and duty, with the only goal an heir. But as his asthma attacks become worse, he fears he will die within the year. He has to find a way to protect Miranda, and find her a new husband - and in the process, he finds out his feelings for his wife are much deeper than duty - and Miranda discovers a new life for herself as well.
A deeply poignant book, this came close to being a keeper. It's rare to read a book that deals with the duty and formality of life in the Regency, even between a husband and wife. The setup is somewhat contrived, but for most of the book it works - it brings out deep emotions and had me reaching for the tissues. Unfortunately, the book gets bogged down by misunderstandings in the last section, which was frustrating. And even though things had to work out in the end, the combination of the misunderstandings and the "tie it up with a bow" ending left me wanting more - and left this one just short of keeper quality.
Even though I've met Terri dozens of times at book signings and events, I'd only read one of her books (a time travel that didn't do much for me). Obviously I've been missing out! This one was so close to being a keeper - I'm right on the edge.
St. John Again
I don't think I've ever read a bad book by Cheryl St. John - I'm glad I still have much of her backlist in my TBR pile!
Saint or Sinner by Cheryl St. John
(1995, Western) 6/10/05
Grade: 4
Joshua McBride nearly died in the Civil War, but he was given a second chance - and he's determined to redeem himself. Addie Stapleton won't let Josh's return spoil her precarious status in town, no matter how attracted she might be to him. But when her past comes back to haunt her, Josh is the one she turns to, and the one who stands by her.
As usual, a quiet and involving book by Cheryl St. John. The characters were well written and sympathetic (maybe a little too perfect, but I liked them). The situation was familiar, but it was well done and didn't feel stale. The secondary characters were especially notable - mentally disabled Yancey, Josh's sister Chessy, etc. Somehow St. John can write a book that has no surprises, and yet is deeply satisfying. Not as involving as some of her best books, but definitely worth reading.
Every time I read a book by St. John, I wonder why she's not better known. A true buried treasure.
Saint or Sinner by Cheryl St. John
(1995, Western) 6/10/05
Grade: 4
Joshua McBride nearly died in the Civil War, but he was given a second chance - and he's determined to redeem himself. Addie Stapleton won't let Josh's return spoil her precarious status in town, no matter how attracted she might be to him. But when her past comes back to haunt her, Josh is the one she turns to, and the one who stands by her.
As usual, a quiet and involving book by Cheryl St. John. The characters were well written and sympathetic (maybe a little too perfect, but I liked them). The situation was familiar, but it was well done and didn't feel stale. The secondary characters were especially notable - mentally disabled Yancey, Josh's sister Chessy, etc. Somehow St. John can write a book that has no surprises, and yet is deeply satisfying. Not as involving as some of her best books, but definitely worth reading.
Every time I read a book by St. John, I wonder why she's not better known. A true buried treasure.
Vacation Reading
I always get a lot of reading when I'm on vacation or traveling, and I finally got some serious reading done when I was on a week-long trip to Salt Lake (for both fun and work). On my way there, I picked up an old favorite to reread, and it made the airplane trip much more enjoyable!
The Sugar Rose by Susan Carroll
(1987, Regency) 6/10/05 and 4/4/96
Grade: 4.5
Aurelia has been expecting the proposal of her neighbor and childhood sweetheart for years - but she didn't expect Justin to propose in front of his friend Everard Ramsey! Plump and plain, Aurelia isn't surprised when her fiancee neglects her, until Everard challenges her to become the talk of the ton - and she begins to see herself in a new light. But what if she's starting to fall in love with her tutor?
A charming and fun Regency, this is probably my favorite of Susan Carroll's delightful traditional Regencies. I picked this up for a friend, then started reading it myself - and I couldn't stop smiling! The characters are wonderful, and the attraction between Aurelia and Justin shines from the pages (a good example of how a traditional Regency can show attraction without sex scenes). When I first read it, it wasn't quite a keeper, and I'm still on the fence about it - I start to lose interest with all the running around in the latter part of the book - but it definitely stands up to rereading.
Even though I've enjoyed many of Susan Carroll's historicals, I don't think I have as much affection for them as I do for this Regency - the characters in the Sugar Rose just make me smile.
The Sugar Rose by Susan Carroll
(1987, Regency) 6/10/05 and 4/4/96
Grade: 4.5
Aurelia has been expecting the proposal of her neighbor and childhood sweetheart for years - but she didn't expect Justin to propose in front of his friend Everard Ramsey! Plump and plain, Aurelia isn't surprised when her fiancee neglects her, until Everard challenges her to become the talk of the ton - and she begins to see herself in a new light. But what if she's starting to fall in love with her tutor?
A charming and fun Regency, this is probably my favorite of Susan Carroll's delightful traditional Regencies. I picked this up for a friend, then started reading it myself - and I couldn't stop smiling! The characters are wonderful, and the attraction between Aurelia and Justin shines from the pages (a good example of how a traditional Regency can show attraction without sex scenes). When I first read it, it wasn't quite a keeper, and I'm still on the fence about it - I start to lose interest with all the running around in the latter part of the book - but it definitely stands up to rereading.
Even though I've enjoyed many of Susan Carroll's historicals, I don't think I have as much affection for them as I do for this Regency - the characters in the Sugar Rose just make me smile.
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