I've read some of Susan Sizemore's books in the past - most notably Wings of the Storm which I really loved - but not her more recent books. This one is another book from my TBR pile.
The Price of Innocence by Susan Sizemore
(1999, Victorian) 11/9/06
Grade: 2.5
Years after Sherrie Hamilton has left her pirate lover, she comes to London as a respectable widow and mother - only to find her “pirate” is now Earl Jack PenMartyn. To him, she is still his “Scheherazade” and he will do anything to touch her again, possess her again - and despite Sherrie’s protests, he knows that she wants him as much as he wants her.
Really frustrating. At first, I was enjoying this book - Sizemore has a comfortable writing style, and I liked the characters and the unusual setup for the story. But the book quickly turns to one of my least favorite plot points: “they’re so much in lust that they can think of nothing else” and “she says no but she really means yes”. It really started to bother me. Supposedly these characters were more mature and experienced, but they could only think with their groins. After 150 pages of “I’m hot for him but I keep saying no and he keeps ignoring me”, I gave up. I expected more of this book, especially since it got glowing reviews online.
Admittedly, this is a particular pet peeve of mine - I know a lot of romance readers aren't bothered by the "obsessed by lust" characters that drive me batty. But I really thought the "she says no but she really means yes" plotline had gone out with the bodice rippers. The heroine in this book doesn't just say it once, she says it over and over again - and she seems to really feel it, it's not just for show. But the hero ignores her, and he's still considered heroic? Blech, not for me.
Thursday, November 09, 2006
Sunday, October 22, 2006
Historical In Name Only
Another book for the book club... my track record has not been good so far.
The Wicked Games of a Gentleman by Jillian Hunter
(2006, Regency Historical) 10/22/06
Grade: 2.5
Drake Boscastle’s only thought is the courtesan he plans to seduce - until he stumbles on down-on-her-luck companion Eloise Goodwin, who is trying to keep her charge in line until her wedding. As Eloise’s situation becomes increasingly desperate, Drake finds himself attracted despite himself - but is he looking for a mistress, or a wife?
An author who’s trying very hard to be Julia Quinn - and not doing a very good job. The “historical” background of this book is laughable - the hero and heroine run around (and fool around) like it’s the 21st century, with barely a thought about the consequences. The book is overstuffed with handsome rakes who are being groomed for books of their own. But when the author pauses for a moment to actually develop the characters, there are a few nice moments - I liked the heroine, and the hero wasn’t bad either - but it was hard to believe in either one of them in such a contrived book. Some moments of humor helped, but not enough to recommend it.
I'm not a stickler for historical accuracy. I don't worry about which year the waltz was introduced, or searching for mis-used words. But I expect a historical to have some kind of historical sensibility, a sense that the book features characters who have a passing acquaintance with the mores of the time. I can overlook a lot if the characters are really terrific - but when the rest of the book is only so-so, all the other errors are even more glaring.
The Wicked Games of a Gentleman by Jillian Hunter
(2006, Regency Historical) 10/22/06
Grade: 2.5
Drake Boscastle’s only thought is the courtesan he plans to seduce - until he stumbles on down-on-her-luck companion Eloise Goodwin, who is trying to keep her charge in line until her wedding. As Eloise’s situation becomes increasingly desperate, Drake finds himself attracted despite himself - but is he looking for a mistress, or a wife?
An author who’s trying very hard to be Julia Quinn - and not doing a very good job. The “historical” background of this book is laughable - the hero and heroine run around (and fool around) like it’s the 21st century, with barely a thought about the consequences. The book is overstuffed with handsome rakes who are being groomed for books of their own. But when the author pauses for a moment to actually develop the characters, there are a few nice moments - I liked the heroine, and the hero wasn’t bad either - but it was hard to believe in either one of them in such a contrived book. Some moments of humor helped, but not enough to recommend it.
I'm not a stickler for historical accuracy. I don't worry about which year the waltz was introduced, or searching for mis-used words. But I expect a historical to have some kind of historical sensibility, a sense that the book features characters who have a passing acquaintance with the mores of the time. I can overlook a lot if the characters are really terrific - but when the rest of the book is only so-so, all the other errors are even more glaring.
Chemistry Is All
I've tried a couple of Emma Jensen's "humorous" Regencies, and didn't care for them much, but I'd heard that her single titles were more emotional.
Entwined by Emma Jensen
(1997, Regency Historical) 10/20/06
Grade: 4
Blinded in the war and embittered by the loss of his best friend, former spy Nathan Oriel is hiding from the world - until Isobel MacLeod climbs through his window. She’s trying to save her family from themselves, but finds herself drawn Nathan - and he sees her as a chance to return to the spy game in London, where no one knows he’s blind...
Well-written and sympathetic characters make this book enjoyable and easy to read, especially in the first half. Both Isobel and Nathan sparkle, especially when they’re sparring with each other. The plot is mostly a MacGuffin, and the resolution of the spy story doesn’t make a lot of sense (the last third of the book suffers as a result). But when the author focuses on the hero and heroine, the book shines - well worth reading.
I read the first two thirds of this book in one sitting, smiling the whole time. If an author can create great chemistry between the leads, the rest of the plot is almost superfluous. The book just flows. Too many authors think "chemistry" just equals "lust" but that's only a small part of it - it's the way the characters interact, the way their scenes together sparkle and flow - if an author can make me believe in the hero and heroine, then I'll buy any kind of silly spy plot that she wants to dream up.
Entwined by Emma Jensen
(1997, Regency Historical) 10/20/06
Grade: 4
Blinded in the war and embittered by the loss of his best friend, former spy Nathan Oriel is hiding from the world - until Isobel MacLeod climbs through his window. She’s trying to save her family from themselves, but finds herself drawn Nathan - and he sees her as a chance to return to the spy game in London, where no one knows he’s blind...
Well-written and sympathetic characters make this book enjoyable and easy to read, especially in the first half. Both Isobel and Nathan sparkle, especially when they’re sparring with each other. The plot is mostly a MacGuffin, and the resolution of the spy story doesn’t make a lot of sense (the last third of the book suffers as a result). But when the author focuses on the hero and heroine, the book shines - well worth reading.
I read the first two thirds of this book in one sitting, smiling the whole time. If an author can create great chemistry between the leads, the rest of the plot is almost superfluous. The book just flows. Too many authors think "chemistry" just equals "lust" but that's only a small part of it - it's the way the characters interact, the way their scenes together sparkle and flow - if an author can make me believe in the hero and heroine, then I'll buy any kind of silly spy plot that she wants to dream up.
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
Why Didn't It Work?
I'm always intrigued by books set in interesting and unusual times and places. So a book set in Restoration England didn't have to do much to attract my attention.
Puritan Bride by Anne O'Brien
(2004, Restoration England) 10/4/06
Grade: 3.5
Both the Oxenden and Harley families suffered during the fight between the Puritans and Royalists - but now that the King has been restored, it’s royalist Marcus, Viscount Marlbrooke, who is in control. He proposes a marriage of convenience to Katherine Harley, to ensure inheritance of the Priory - but can two lovers from opposite sides find happiness?
An interesting time period that I knew little about. I enjoyed learning more about Restoration politics - but I found the book easy to put down and a bit tedious. There was nothing obviously wrong with it (other than a ghost subplot that added nothing to the story) but I just got bored with the hero and heroine. The story was emotional and focused on the characters, but the relationship seemed to stagnate in the second half of the book, and there just wasn’t much to compel me to finish the book. (Maybe if I’d been in a different mood when I read it? Hard to say.)
I didn't hate this book - but I started reading it two weeks ago, and practically had to force myself to finish it. I can't explain exactly why, but it just didn't grab me, even though it seems like a book I would like. No chemistry, I guess.
Puritan Bride by Anne O'Brien
(2004, Restoration England) 10/4/06
Grade: 3.5
Both the Oxenden and Harley families suffered during the fight between the Puritans and Royalists - but now that the King has been restored, it’s royalist Marcus, Viscount Marlbrooke, who is in control. He proposes a marriage of convenience to Katherine Harley, to ensure inheritance of the Priory - but can two lovers from opposite sides find happiness?
An interesting time period that I knew little about. I enjoyed learning more about Restoration politics - but I found the book easy to put down and a bit tedious. There was nothing obviously wrong with it (other than a ghost subplot that added nothing to the story) but I just got bored with the hero and heroine. The story was emotional and focused on the characters, but the relationship seemed to stagnate in the second half of the book, and there just wasn’t much to compel me to finish the book. (Maybe if I’d been in a different mood when I read it? Hard to say.)
I didn't hate this book - but I started reading it two weeks ago, and practically had to force myself to finish it. I can't explain exactly why, but it just didn't grab me, even though it seems like a book I would like. No chemistry, I guess.
Monday, September 18, 2006
When An Author Has Too Much To Say
So many books feel padded, as if the author couldn't fill her page count without repeating herself a few times. But this author has the opposite problem - enough plot twists to fill three or four books!
Dedication by Janet Mullany
(2005, Regency) 9/18/06
Grade: 3.5
Twenty years after her affair with Adam Ashworth, Fabienne is shocked to see him again - now a widower with grandchildren. Between Adam’s reappearance, and her relationship with the daughter she gave up years earlier, Fabienne unburdens her soul to the mysterious author Mrs. Ravenwood - not knowing that the author is actually Adam.
This book is difficult to grade, because it’s a mixture of good and bad. As much as I liked the characters, the book was a jumble of plot points, thrown in almost at random - everything from hidden babies to secret sex societies to unrequited gay love to big misunderstandings. I started wondering what other bizarre twist the author might throw into the mix. But the characters were unique and interesting - it was especially refreshing to read about a hero who’s a grandfather (and who loved his late wife), and a heroine who didn’t waste away when the hero left her. And there were some nice moments of humor and emotion - if only they’d formed a coherent whole!
Alas, I was really looking forward to this one, since it was recommended by a friend. But despite my problems with it, I'll still be looking for the author's next book - she definitely has potential. (Her next book is supposed to be a "Regency Chick Lit". Doesn't sound promising, given my taste in books, but I'm willing to be persuaded.)
Dedication by Janet Mullany
(2005, Regency) 9/18/06
Grade: 3.5
Twenty years after her affair with Adam Ashworth, Fabienne is shocked to see him again - now a widower with grandchildren. Between Adam’s reappearance, and her relationship with the daughter she gave up years earlier, Fabienne unburdens her soul to the mysterious author Mrs. Ravenwood - not knowing that the author is actually Adam.
This book is difficult to grade, because it’s a mixture of good and bad. As much as I liked the characters, the book was a jumble of plot points, thrown in almost at random - everything from hidden babies to secret sex societies to unrequited gay love to big misunderstandings. I started wondering what other bizarre twist the author might throw into the mix. But the characters were unique and interesting - it was especially refreshing to read about a hero who’s a grandfather (and who loved his late wife), and a heroine who didn’t waste away when the hero left her. And there were some nice moments of humor and emotion - if only they’d formed a coherent whole!
Alas, I was really looking forward to this one, since it was recommended by a friend. But despite my problems with it, I'll still be looking for the author's next book - she definitely has potential. (Her next book is supposed to be a "Regency Chick Lit". Doesn't sound promising, given my taste in books, but I'm willing to be persuaded.)
Saturday, September 16, 2006
The Demise of the Regency
When the word came down that Signet and Zebra were abandoning the Regency, I put in a big order at Amazon. I ordered every recent Regency that seemed to have any potential at all, in hopes of finding a great read. So far, I've been disappointed - out of that entire group of 2005-2006 Regencies, I haven't found one excellent book yet. (Besides the ones I reviewed here, there were several more I couldn't finish.) I have just one left - I'm crossing my fingers!
The Marriage List by Dorothy McFalls
(2005, Regency) 9/16/06
Grade: 2.5
After being wounded on the Penninsula, Radford, Viscount Evers, has decided to do his duty and get married. He’s even picked out the perfect girl - she’s feather-brained and a bit mean, but she fulfills all the qualities on his “marriage list”. If only he wasn’t intrigued by May, who is being pressured into marriage to an elderly neighbor to protect her beloved aunt.
So frustrating! At first, I thought this would be an enjoyable Regency. The characters were interesting, even if the situation was cliched. But as the book continued, the characters just kept spinning in place, and becoming more and more annoying. The hero’s insistence on marriage to the nasty Lady Lillian started to seem stupid instead of befuddled, and the heroine’s dithering became TSTL instead of charming. Add in some silly misunderstandings and out-of-nowhere plot twists at the end, and you have a frustrating reading experience. And I really wanted to like this book!!
Thankfully I have over 200 Regencies in my boxes of TBR books. Maybe those older books will be more promising.
The Marriage List by Dorothy McFalls
(2005, Regency) 9/16/06
Grade: 2.5
After being wounded on the Penninsula, Radford, Viscount Evers, has decided to do his duty and get married. He’s even picked out the perfect girl - she’s feather-brained and a bit mean, but she fulfills all the qualities on his “marriage list”. If only he wasn’t intrigued by May, who is being pressured into marriage to an elderly neighbor to protect her beloved aunt.
So frustrating! At first, I thought this would be an enjoyable Regency. The characters were interesting, even if the situation was cliched. But as the book continued, the characters just kept spinning in place, and becoming more and more annoying. The hero’s insistence on marriage to the nasty Lady Lillian started to seem stupid instead of befuddled, and the heroine’s dithering became TSTL instead of charming. Add in some silly misunderstandings and out-of-nowhere plot twists at the end, and you have a frustrating reading experience. And I really wanted to like this book!!
Thankfully I have over 200 Regencies in my boxes of TBR books. Maybe those older books will be more promising.
Thursday, September 14, 2006
A More Realistic Western
I've never understood why American historicals aren't more popular. Millions of people visit historical sites like Williamsburg and read nonfiction books about American history, but American-set books are currently "out of style". Although I like English historicals, there's something particularly compelling to me about stories set here in the U.S.
So Wide The Sky by Elizabeth Grayson
(1997, Western) 9/12/06
Grade: 4
Nine years after she was captured by Indians at age 15, Cassie now has to readjust to white society. The tattoo on her cheek ensures that no one can forget her past. She reconnects with her childhood sweetheart, Drew, now a bitter widower who hates Indians - but it’s the half-Indian tracker, Hunter, who understands being caught between two worlds.
A compelling story about a unique heroine. I’ve never read anything quite like it. It’s brutally honest about the white’s view of Indians during the 1960’s, and the Indian response to the white settlers. (Most books gloss over both of these.) But a lot of the book is somewhat depressing to read. Cassie’s relationship with Drew is painful and frustrating, and her relationship with Hunter doesn’t really develop until almost the end of the book. I was glad I read it, but I was also glad when it was over.
It was hard to grade and review this book, because I think I'll remember it for a long time - but it wasn't always "fun" to read.
So Wide The Sky by Elizabeth Grayson
(1997, Western) 9/12/06
Grade: 4
Nine years after she was captured by Indians at age 15, Cassie now has to readjust to white society. The tattoo on her cheek ensures that no one can forget her past. She reconnects with her childhood sweetheart, Drew, now a bitter widower who hates Indians - but it’s the half-Indian tracker, Hunter, who understands being caught between two worlds.
A compelling story about a unique heroine. I’ve never read anything quite like it. It’s brutally honest about the white’s view of Indians during the 1960’s, and the Indian response to the white settlers. (Most books gloss over both of these.) But a lot of the book is somewhat depressing to read. Cassie’s relationship with Drew is painful and frustrating, and her relationship with Hunter doesn’t really develop until almost the end of the book. I was glad I read it, but I was also glad when it was over.
It was hard to grade and review this book, because I think I'll remember it for a long time - but it wasn't always "fun" to read.
Friday, September 08, 2006
Even A Great Author...
doesn't write a keeper every time.
Miss Billings Treads The Boards by Carla Kelly
(1993, Regency) 9/7/06
Grade: 3.5
After her father’s death, Kate’s only choice is to become a governess - but she ends up taking to the stage with a motley band of actors. Lord Henry Grayson, bored and balding, stumbles into the same theatre group (after being shot by his nephew) and finds himself on the stage with a new “wife” - and after a few days with Kate, he doesn’t want the masquerade to end!
This was a charming Regency that started to wear thin by the end. It was refreshing to find a balding hero, and the theatre setting was interesting. There were a few too many secondary characters, but I managed to keep them straight by the end. But the main problem was the relationship between the hero and heroine - by the halfway point, the relationship had stalled, and it didn't develop any more until the end. Even though I liked the hero and heroine, the last half of the book felt like the same thing over and over. Not one of Kelly’s best books, but still worth reading.
I keep hearing rumors that Carla Kelly might write some more books for Harlequin Historical. Even when she's not at her best, her books are still worth reading, so I hope it works out!
Miss Billings Treads The Boards by Carla Kelly
(1993, Regency) 9/7/06
Grade: 3.5
After her father’s death, Kate’s only choice is to become a governess - but she ends up taking to the stage with a motley band of actors. Lord Henry Grayson, bored and balding, stumbles into the same theatre group (after being shot by his nephew) and finds himself on the stage with a new “wife” - and after a few days with Kate, he doesn’t want the masquerade to end!
This was a charming Regency that started to wear thin by the end. It was refreshing to find a balding hero, and the theatre setting was interesting. There were a few too many secondary characters, but I managed to keep them straight by the end. But the main problem was the relationship between the hero and heroine - by the halfway point, the relationship had stalled, and it didn't develop any more until the end. Even though I liked the hero and heroine, the last half of the book felt like the same thing over and over. Not one of Kelly’s best books, but still worth reading.
I keep hearing rumors that Carla Kelly might write some more books for Harlequin Historical. Even when she's not at her best, her books are still worth reading, so I hope it works out!
At Last! A Great Book!
I picked up this book when I was browsing at Waldens - I haven't heard anything about it online, and it's too bad people are missing out!
Lost Cause by Janice Kay Johnson
(2006, Contemporary Series) 9/6/06
Grade: 4.5
After a motorcycle accident, Gary decides to contact his sisters, who he hasn’t seen since he was three. After his parents death, they were separated, and he was adopted by abusive parents. Gary is reluctant to open his heart up to anyone - but maybe it’s time to start fresh - and maybe the red-headed social worker is also worth a bit of his heart as well.
A really wonderful, emotional read - one of my best reads of the year, almost a keeper. The author does a great job depicting Gary - his reluctance to feel and love, and his struggles to overcome the past. The romance takes second place to Gary’s emotional journey and his relationship with his sisters, but there was enough connection between the hero and heroine to convince me, especially in the second half. These characters seemed like real people, and I didn’t want the book to end so I had to say goodbye to them!
The next book in the series is coming out in November, although it's a "cute kid" book, like so many other series books these days.
Lost Cause by Janice Kay Johnson
(2006, Contemporary Series) 9/6/06
Grade: 4.5
After a motorcycle accident, Gary decides to contact his sisters, who he hasn’t seen since he was three. After his parents death, they were separated, and he was adopted by abusive parents. Gary is reluctant to open his heart up to anyone - but maybe it’s time to start fresh - and maybe the red-headed social worker is also worth a bit of his heart as well.
A really wonderful, emotional read - one of my best reads of the year, almost a keeper. The author does a great job depicting Gary - his reluctance to feel and love, and his struggles to overcome the past. The romance takes second place to Gary’s emotional journey and his relationship with his sisters, but there was enough connection between the hero and heroine to convince me, especially in the second half. These characters seemed like real people, and I didn’t want the book to end so I had to say goodbye to them!
The next book in the series is coming out in November, although it's a "cute kid" book, like so many other series books these days.
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
A Hero Named Ravenscar?
With a hero named "Ravenscar", you can't take anything too seriously...
The Devil Earl by Deborah Simmons
(1996, Regency Historical) 9/5/06
Grade: 3.5
Although she’s always been fascinated by Wolfinger Abbey, Prudence never thought to meet the Earl of Ravenscar, who has a dark reputation. She’s happy to use him as inspiration for her gothic novels. But when she meets the mysterious Earl, she finds more fascinating than frightening - and she’ll take any risk to get to know him better.
An amusing send-up of gothic novels, but somewhat lacking in emotion. The author has a lot of fun with the stereotypes and cliches of gothic castles and brooding heroes, but although she tries to create well-rounded characters for Prudence and Ravenscar, I never quite bought it. (At one point, Prudence comments “she knows him so well” although she’s only met him twice at that point. How does she know him?) I enjoyed the story, but I never felt emotionally connected to the characters, especially when the plot goes over-the-top at the end with pirates and smugglers.
Amanda Quick also poked fun at gothic conventions in a couple of her early books, but her heroes and heroines always felt more real to me. Despite the author's efforts, I always felt I was reading "a book" when I was reading The Devil Earl.
The Devil Earl by Deborah Simmons
(1996, Regency Historical) 9/5/06
Grade: 3.5
Although she’s always been fascinated by Wolfinger Abbey, Prudence never thought to meet the Earl of Ravenscar, who has a dark reputation. She’s happy to use him as inspiration for her gothic novels. But when she meets the mysterious Earl, she finds more fascinating than frightening - and she’ll take any risk to get to know him better.
An amusing send-up of gothic novels, but somewhat lacking in emotion. The author has a lot of fun with the stereotypes and cliches of gothic castles and brooding heroes, but although she tries to create well-rounded characters for Prudence and Ravenscar, I never quite bought it. (At one point, Prudence comments “she knows him so well” although she’s only met him twice at that point. How does she know him?) I enjoyed the story, but I never felt emotionally connected to the characters, especially when the plot goes over-the-top at the end with pirates and smugglers.
Amanda Quick also poked fun at gothic conventions in a couple of her early books, but her heroes and heroines always felt more real to me. Despite the author's efforts, I always felt I was reading "a book" when I was reading The Devil Earl.
Monday, September 04, 2006
Action On The Page
Even though I was a big fan of Alias and other "butt kicking heroine" TV shows, I don't usually enjoy them in book form. To me, action just doesn't translate well to the page. But every now and then, I'll try one.
Once a Thief by Michele Hauf (SB 49)
(2005, Contemporary Series) 9/4/06
Grade: 3.5
Trained as a jewel thief since she was a teenager and kept as a virtual prisoner, Rachel finally escapes and lives an anonymous life as a security consultant. But when the ruby she’s supposed to protect is stolen, she has to steal it back - and finds herself thrown back into her old life, and into the arms of a safe cracker who once showed her kindness and love.
At its best, this is like an episode of Alias - cat burglers climbing over the roof, and cross-and-double-cross intrigue. (I think action works better on screen than it does on the page, but this was kind of fun.) I was most interested in the psychological side - how she’s building a new life after years of brainwashing, and her confrontation with her former master - but the cat burglar stuff was fun too. But the romance with Jason wasn’t as effective, although he’s an intriguing hero - not enough time for a relationship in between the punches. (Hauf also has an odd writing style, although I got used to it.) It could have been better, but it was a fun read.
There were a few silly plot points in this one - incapacitation by orgasm? - but the world Hauf created was intriguing. I'd like to know more about villain Christian Lazar!
Once a Thief by Michele Hauf (SB 49)
(2005, Contemporary Series) 9/4/06
Grade: 3.5
Trained as a jewel thief since she was a teenager and kept as a virtual prisoner, Rachel finally escapes and lives an anonymous life as a security consultant. But when the ruby she’s supposed to protect is stolen, she has to steal it back - and finds herself thrown back into her old life, and into the arms of a safe cracker who once showed her kindness and love.
At its best, this is like an episode of Alias - cat burglers climbing over the roof, and cross-and-double-cross intrigue. (I think action works better on screen than it does on the page, but this was kind of fun.) I was most interested in the psychological side - how she’s building a new life after years of brainwashing, and her confrontation with her former master - but the cat burglar stuff was fun too. But the romance with Jason wasn’t as effective, although he’s an intriguing hero - not enough time for a relationship in between the punches. (Hauf also has an odd writing style, although I got used to it.) It could have been better, but it was a fun read.
There were a few silly plot points in this one - incapacitation by orgasm? - but the world Hauf created was intriguing. I'd like to know more about villain Christian Lazar!
Serious Contemporary
The serious, non-suspense romantic contemporary: such a rare bird these days! I almost hesitate to criticize one, in case they disappear altogether. (Not to mention, one of the last books by Ruth Wind before she went over completely to "women's fiction", which I find much less satisfying...)
In The Midnight Rain by Ruth Wind
(2000, Contemporary) 9/3/06
Grade: 4
Ellie comes to Pine Bend to research a biography on the mysterious blues singer Mabel Beauvais - and hoping to find her unknown father. She’s offered a place to stay by Dr. Reynard, or Blue, who she met online and who also loves the blues. Blue is certainly charming, with a troubled past of his own, but can he get past his own grief, to reach out to her with love?
This book took a long time to get going. I’ve never had a lot of patience with laid back Southern heroes who are irresistible to women, and the author spends a lot of pages telling the reader how charming he is. And introducing dozens of secondary characters, and meandering along without much purpose. The book perks up in the second half, though, and starts getting interesting when Blue finally becomes a real person instead of just a cliche. The book deals with some interesting issues - Vietnam, and race, and history - but it seemed like the first half was too slow, and the second half was too rushed. Still, in the end it was a good read.
Maybe I just had to get into the rhythm of this book - in the first half, I kept putting it down and finding other things to do, but by the time I got into the second half, I couldn't stop reading.
I meant to add in my review - I really loved the way Wind incorporated internet newsgroups. I used to be a newsgroup junkie, and it rang true. Nice to see the internet incorporated into a book in a positive way.
In The Midnight Rain by Ruth Wind
(2000, Contemporary) 9/3/06
Grade: 4
Ellie comes to Pine Bend to research a biography on the mysterious blues singer Mabel Beauvais - and hoping to find her unknown father. She’s offered a place to stay by Dr. Reynard, or Blue, who she met online and who also loves the blues. Blue is certainly charming, with a troubled past of his own, but can he get past his own grief, to reach out to her with love?
This book took a long time to get going. I’ve never had a lot of patience with laid back Southern heroes who are irresistible to women, and the author spends a lot of pages telling the reader how charming he is. And introducing dozens of secondary characters, and meandering along without much purpose. The book perks up in the second half, though, and starts getting interesting when Blue finally becomes a real person instead of just a cliche. The book deals with some interesting issues - Vietnam, and race, and history - but it seemed like the first half was too slow, and the second half was too rushed. Still, in the end it was a good read.
Maybe I just had to get into the rhythm of this book - in the first half, I kept putting it down and finding other things to do, but by the time I got into the second half, I couldn't stop reading.
I meant to add in my review - I really loved the way Wind incorporated internet newsgroups. I used to be a newsgroup junkie, and it rang true. Nice to see the internet incorporated into a book in a positive way.
Sunday, September 03, 2006
Disappointment from a Favorite Author
I think the most disappointing kind of read is when you're anticipating a book from a favorite author, and then it falls flat. I've been saving up the last of Candice Hern's Regencies (her single titles are OK, but not the same) and hoping it would give me the pleasure of Change of Heart or A Garden Folly.
An Affair of Honor by Candice Hern
(Regency, 1996) 9/1/06
Grade: 2.5
Six years after meeting him during her disastrous Season, Meg Ashburton discovers Viscount Sedgewick thrown from his curricle. He is taken to her home nearby to recover. During the weeks he spends in her company, she is charmed all over again, and he finds himself thinking of love for the first time. But does he want marriage - or something less honorable?
A surprisingly boring Regency from the usually reliable Candice Hern. I was skeptical from the first, when Meg declared her “love” for a man who danced with her twice and barely remembered her. It seemed more like a “plot setup” than an actual emotion. But I was willing to go along, if it had turned into something more interesting. There wasn’t much chemistry between the hero and heroine, and the “mystery” was obvious. I would have graded this as average if not for the tedious misunderstandings in the last third - by the time I reached the end, I just wanted it to be over. Hard to believe that this book came after the enchanting Change of Heart.
I hesitated before grading this one, because I didn't want to grade it too harshly just because I'm a fan of Candice Hern. But in the end, I had to give it a lower score, because I had such a hard time finishing it. I probably would have given up if it had been by another author.
I've been on a Regency kick lately, but I think I'd better switch to a different genre to "cleanse my palate".
An Affair of Honor by Candice Hern
(Regency, 1996) 9/1/06
Grade: 2.5
Six years after meeting him during her disastrous Season, Meg Ashburton discovers Viscount Sedgewick thrown from his curricle. He is taken to her home nearby to recover. During the weeks he spends in her company, she is charmed all over again, and he finds himself thinking of love for the first time. But does he want marriage - or something less honorable?
A surprisingly boring Regency from the usually reliable Candice Hern. I was skeptical from the first, when Meg declared her “love” for a man who danced with her twice and barely remembered her. It seemed more like a “plot setup” than an actual emotion. But I was willing to go along, if it had turned into something more interesting. There wasn’t much chemistry between the hero and heroine, and the “mystery” was obvious. I would have graded this as average if not for the tedious misunderstandings in the last third - by the time I reached the end, I just wanted it to be over. Hard to believe that this book came after the enchanting Change of Heart.
I hesitated before grading this one, because I didn't want to grade it too harshly just because I'm a fan of Candice Hern. But in the end, I had to give it a lower score, because I had such a hard time finishing it. I probably would have given up if it had been by another author.
I've been on a Regency kick lately, but I think I'd better switch to a different genre to "cleanse my palate".
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
Lab Intrigue
Every now and then, I read something other than romance! Although I usually like to get away from my normal life when I read, I can't resist a book that's set in the world of science - if it's done well.
Intuition by Allegra Goodman
(2006, Contemporary) 8/30/06
Grade: 4
After years of frustration, postdoc Cliff discovers his virus causes remission in mouse tumors. At first, everything seems perfect - but a little too good to be true? When his ex-girlfriend (and fellow postdoc) Robin discovers some questionable documentation, will his discovery turn out to be bogus? And will Robin’s career be destroyed by her insistence on the truth?
An interesting book with some flaws, but does a great job in depicting the culture of an academic research lab. Goodman creates vivid characters (maybe too many of them - she spends too much time on some minor characters) and creates a believable scenario of a questionable result that turns into a media circus when the results are questioned. The first section is rather slow, the middle a little too operatic and the end a little too quick and perfunctory, but overall, it’s great to read a book that treats science and science labs realistically and thoughtfully.
If this book had been set in a police station or a law office, I probably wouldn't have found it as interesting. But even though this was a biology lab, it rang true to this onetime chemistry grad student.
Intuition by Allegra Goodman
(2006, Contemporary) 8/30/06
Grade: 4
After years of frustration, postdoc Cliff discovers his virus causes remission in mouse tumors. At first, everything seems perfect - but a little too good to be true? When his ex-girlfriend (and fellow postdoc) Robin discovers some questionable documentation, will his discovery turn out to be bogus? And will Robin’s career be destroyed by her insistence on the truth?
An interesting book with some flaws, but does a great job in depicting the culture of an academic research lab. Goodman creates vivid characters (maybe too many of them - she spends too much time on some minor characters) and creates a believable scenario of a questionable result that turns into a media circus when the results are questioned. The first section is rather slow, the middle a little too operatic and the end a little too quick and perfunctory, but overall, it’s great to read a book that treats science and science labs realistically and thoughtfully.
If this book had been set in a police station or a law office, I probably wouldn't have found it as interesting. But even though this was a biology lab, it rang true to this onetime chemistry grad student.
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
What Could Have Been
An entire series was planned for the St. Ives family, but Barbara Samuel only wrote two of them before switching to women's fiction. Too bad!
The Black Angel by Barbara Samuel
(1999, Georgian) 8/28/06
Grade: 4
Five years after an affair that devastated her family, Adriana marries Tynan Spenser, “The Black Angel”. It’s a marriage of convenience, and most of all, Adriana doesn’t want to risk falling in love - or lust - again. But Tynan isn’t what she expected, and his kindness and sensuality tempt her to let down her guard. But can she accept the secrets he’s hiding as well?
An interesting story that gets better in the second half. The plotline was interesting from the first - drawing in hypocrisy about women’s roles, racism, Catholicism, and unique secondary characters. I especially liked the way she made the family members part of the story, without making them obvious sequel fodder. But in the first half, I felt distanced - the writing seemed to keep me at arm’s length from the characters and their emotions. But this went away in the second half - either I got used to it or the author became more intimate. The book wrapped up a little too quickly, but it was a compelling read.
I can't blame an author for following her muse, but it's frustrating as a reader, when you can see where an author is going, and then she decides not to go there. So many good authors, going in directions that just don't particularly interest me.
The Black Angel by Barbara Samuel
(1999, Georgian) 8/28/06
Grade: 4
Five years after an affair that devastated her family, Adriana marries Tynan Spenser, “The Black Angel”. It’s a marriage of convenience, and most of all, Adriana doesn’t want to risk falling in love - or lust - again. But Tynan isn’t what she expected, and his kindness and sensuality tempt her to let down her guard. But can she accept the secrets he’s hiding as well?
An interesting story that gets better in the second half. The plotline was interesting from the first - drawing in hypocrisy about women’s roles, racism, Catholicism, and unique secondary characters. I especially liked the way she made the family members part of the story, without making them obvious sequel fodder. But in the first half, I felt distanced - the writing seemed to keep me at arm’s length from the characters and their emotions. But this went away in the second half - either I got used to it or the author became more intimate. The book wrapped up a little too quickly, but it was a compelling read.
I can't blame an author for following her muse, but it's frustrating as a reader, when you can see where an author is going, and then she decides not to go there. So many good authors, going in directions that just don't particularly interest me.
Just Can't Put My Finger On It
It's always hard to review a book that just doesn't seem "right", for some reason.
Her Perfect Earl by Bethany Brooks
(2005, Regency) 8/27/06
Grade: 3
In hopes of winning a classics competition, Esmerelda Fortune accepts a position as governess for the Earl of Ashforth’s five children. She is looking for a missing manuscript, but finds herself more interested in his lonely children - and the “perfect” Earl himself, who is not as perfect as he wants people to believe.
A nice story that didn’t quite gel. It’s hard to explain - there was something about the characterizations, particularly of the Earl, that just didn’t work. The author kept telling me who he was, but it never felt quite real. The children were more interesting, the story was fun, and Esmie was charming, but I kept thinking that the author was trying too hard. It just didn’t touch my emotions the way it should have.
I can't point to any particular problem with this book, but the entire time I was reading it, I felt like something was "off". Weird.
Her Perfect Earl by Bethany Brooks
(2005, Regency) 8/27/06
Grade: 3
In hopes of winning a classics competition, Esmerelda Fortune accepts a position as governess for the Earl of Ashforth’s five children. She is looking for a missing manuscript, but finds herself more interested in his lonely children - and the “perfect” Earl himself, who is not as perfect as he wants people to believe.
A nice story that didn’t quite gel. It’s hard to explain - there was something about the characterizations, particularly of the Earl, that just didn’t work. The author kept telling me who he was, but it never felt quite real. The children were more interesting, the story was fun, and Esmie was charming, but I kept thinking that the author was trying too hard. It just didn’t touch my emotions the way it should have.
I can't point to any particular problem with this book, but the entire time I was reading it, I felt like something was "off". Weird.
A New York Western
After spending four years in Williamsburg, I'm always interested in Revolutionary War settings. But I've never read a book set in upstate New York during the war - a part of history I didn't know much about!
Gift of the Heart by Miranda Jarrett
(1996, Revolutionary War) 8/26/06
Grade: 4
In 1778, Rachel struggles on her farm in upstate NY, raising her young son, with her husband at war and probably dead. When a wounded soldier stumbles into her barn, she helps him, although she keeps her musket handy. He soon becomes a part of the family. But can they build a life together when he’s fighting on the other side, with a bounty on his head?
A simple but charming story, with an interesting setting. This is a fairly typical “man hardened by war is saved by the love of family” story, but it’s well written, with interesting and well-rounded characters. The focus is on the character development, which is a nice change from more plot-oriented books. Although the main focus is the romance, it also reveals a part of the revolutionary war that I hadn’t known about, and it’s refreshing to read a book with this kind of setting. The only negative is the ending, which is too rushed and tries to wrap up all the loose ends in just a few pages. This wasn’t a keeper, but it was enjoyable and well done.
I miss American-set books! I don't understand why they aren't more popular.
Gift of the Heart by Miranda Jarrett
(1996, Revolutionary War) 8/26/06
Grade: 4
In 1778, Rachel struggles on her farm in upstate NY, raising her young son, with her husband at war and probably dead. When a wounded soldier stumbles into her barn, she helps him, although she keeps her musket handy. He soon becomes a part of the family. But can they build a life together when he’s fighting on the other side, with a bounty on his head?
A simple but charming story, with an interesting setting. This is a fairly typical “man hardened by war is saved by the love of family” story, but it’s well written, with interesting and well-rounded characters. The focus is on the character development, which is a nice change from more plot-oriented books. Although the main focus is the romance, it also reveals a part of the revolutionary war that I hadn’t known about, and it’s refreshing to read a book with this kind of setting. The only negative is the ending, which is too rushed and tries to wrap up all the loose ends in just a few pages. This wasn’t a keeper, but it was enjoyable and well done.
I miss American-set books! I don't understand why they aren't more popular.
Classic Regency
I'm glad I have a bunch of Regencies in my TBR - even when they're average reads, there's something about a Regency that appeals to me. Regency-set historicals just aren't the same.
Debt of Honor by Diana Brown
(1982, Regency) 8/20/06
Grade: 3.5
When they first meet, Lord Peter Chalmsforth mistakes Fiona Guthrie for a lightskirt and propositions her. But he is quickly charmed by her intelligence and beauty. After her brother gambles away the family estate, Fiona decides to take Peter up on his offer - but will he accept? And can an honorable relationship ever develop, after such a beginning?
A pleasant Regency that unfortunately devolves into misunderstandings in the last third. The first part of the book is nice enough - the characters are interesting, although Fiona is a little too perfect. (Everyone falls in love with her on first sight.) The “shocking” proposal doesn’t really go anywhere very shocking. But the hero and heroine are appealing and the writing is good. But in the last third, the story just dribbles away. The hero and heroine are separated, there’s no conflict, there are petty misunderstandings - nothing terrible, just kind of boring. An unfortunate end for an enjoyable Regency.
It's always disappointing to read a book that starts well, and then fizzles out. (A common problem, unfortunately.)
Debt of Honor by Diana Brown
(1982, Regency) 8/20/06
Grade: 3.5
When they first meet, Lord Peter Chalmsforth mistakes Fiona Guthrie for a lightskirt and propositions her. But he is quickly charmed by her intelligence and beauty. After her brother gambles away the family estate, Fiona decides to take Peter up on his offer - but will he accept? And can an honorable relationship ever develop, after such a beginning?
A pleasant Regency that unfortunately devolves into misunderstandings in the last third. The first part of the book is nice enough - the characters are interesting, although Fiona is a little too perfect. (Everyone falls in love with her on first sight.) The “shocking” proposal doesn’t really go anywhere very shocking. But the hero and heroine are appealing and the writing is good. But in the last third, the story just dribbles away. The hero and heroine are separated, there’s no conflict, there are petty misunderstandings - nothing terrible, just kind of boring. An unfortunate end for an enjoyable Regency.
It's always disappointing to read a book that starts well, and then fizzles out. (A common problem, unfortunately.)
Friday, August 18, 2006
Good? Bad? Both?
My knowledge of the Norman conquest is pretty spotty, so I have no idea of the historical accuracy of the politics in this book. As always, I'm more interested in the emotions of the characters than in the history.
Her Norman Conqueror by Malia Martin
(1998, Medieval) 8/17/06
Grade: 3
Desperate to avoid her stepbrother, Aleene marries a seemingly simple minded poacher. Haunted by memories of her stepfather’s sexual abuse, she finds comfort in his kindness. But when William invades, she discovers her husband isn’t what he seemed - he’s actually a Norman spy. Can she ever trust a man who turned her into a traitor?
The first section of the book was an interesting, emotional story, as Aleene learns to trust again with her new husband. (It’s a bit of a cheat, since we never find out that “Cyne” isn’t really simple minded. But since he’s the hero of the book, the reader has to assume something else is going on. If he really had been retarded, the scenario would be kind of icky.) But with the invasion, the book shifts gears as Aleene and Robert become closely involved with the politics of the two kings. It’s interesting, but it doesn’t seem to track with what came before. By the time the story got back to the emotional side of things, the plot threads had gotten lost somehow.
If this book had been straight politics, I might have found it more acceptable. The author teased me with a great, emotional story in the first part of the book, and when that went away, I was especially disappointed.
Her Norman Conqueror by Malia Martin
(1998, Medieval) 8/17/06
Grade: 3
Desperate to avoid her stepbrother, Aleene marries a seemingly simple minded poacher. Haunted by memories of her stepfather’s sexual abuse, she finds comfort in his kindness. But when William invades, she discovers her husband isn’t what he seemed - he’s actually a Norman spy. Can she ever trust a man who turned her into a traitor?
The first section of the book was an interesting, emotional story, as Aleene learns to trust again with her new husband. (It’s a bit of a cheat, since we never find out that “Cyne” isn’t really simple minded. But since he’s the hero of the book, the reader has to assume something else is going on. If he really had been retarded, the scenario would be kind of icky.) But with the invasion, the book shifts gears as Aleene and Robert become closely involved with the politics of the two kings. It’s interesting, but it doesn’t seem to track with what came before. By the time the story got back to the emotional side of things, the plot threads had gotten lost somehow.
If this book had been straight politics, I might have found it more acceptable. The author teased me with a great, emotional story in the first part of the book, and when that went away, I was especially disappointed.
Sunday, August 13, 2006
Never Boring, But Sometimes Frustrating
So many books are by-the-numbers retreads, as if they were written by a formula. It's refreshing to read something different, even if it has flaws.
The Music of the Night by Lydia Joyce
(2005, Victorian) 8/13/06
Grade: 4.5
A life as a companion in Venice is more than Sarah ever expected, after a childhood spent in the rookeries of London. But when she is caught up in the Earl of Wortham’s plans of dark revenge, she finds a passion she never expected - and a dangerous love that might destroy her forever.
Intriguing and unique, Lydia Joyce creates fascinating characters and puts them in unusual settings and situations. Both Sarah and Sebastian are compelling, sympathetic characters, and the Venetian setting is fascinating. But the author’s convoluted plotlines make the story hard to follow - I always felt like I was one step behind, and was never quite sure what was going on. I don’t need to be spoonfed every detail, but it was sometimes frustrating. As in her first book, the pacing was off sometimes - the middle section was drawn out, and then the final scenes were overly rushed. An interesting book, but one that could have been improved.
I've heard mixed things about Joyce's third book - I hope she keeps trying new things, but I think I'd enjoy her books more if they were a little more clearly plotted.
The Music of the Night by Lydia Joyce
(2005, Victorian) 8/13/06
Grade: 4.5
A life as a companion in Venice is more than Sarah ever expected, after a childhood spent in the rookeries of London. But when she is caught up in the Earl of Wortham’s plans of dark revenge, she finds a passion she never expected - and a dangerous love that might destroy her forever.
Intriguing and unique, Lydia Joyce creates fascinating characters and puts them in unusual settings and situations. Both Sarah and Sebastian are compelling, sympathetic characters, and the Venetian setting is fascinating. But the author’s convoluted plotlines make the story hard to follow - I always felt like I was one step behind, and was never quite sure what was going on. I don’t need to be spoonfed every detail, but it was sometimes frustrating. As in her first book, the pacing was off sometimes - the middle section was drawn out, and then the final scenes were overly rushed. An interesting book, but one that could have been improved.
I've heard mixed things about Joyce's third book - I hope she keeps trying new things, but I think I'd enjoy her books more if they were a little more clearly plotted.
Saturday, August 12, 2006
Everybody's Favorite Romance Author
Whenever I mention that I've attended a romance book signing, the first author that people ask me about is Nora Roberts. There was a woman at the post office who took great care of my packages after I told her I'd met her favorite author, and a co-worker who was fascinated by what "Nora" was wearing at a recent book signing.
I've never been a huge fan, but I have a couple of her books on my keeper shelf (Born in Fire and Born in Ice) and I usually find her books easy to read and fairly enjoyable, even if they aren't always to my taste.
Angels Fall by Nora Roberts
(2006, Romantic Suspense) 8/12/06
Grade: 3
Two years after violence shattered her life, Reece drives into Angel’s Fist, Wyoming. It’s as good a place as any: the people are nice, and she even finds work as a cook (although it’s far from her previous life as a chef in Boston). But when she witnesses a murder, she finds herself doubting her own sanity, and becoming closer to a gruff but handsome mystery writer.
The mystery was well done, but I found it hard to get into this one. I usually find Roberts easy to read, but I kept putting this one down. The romance between Reece and Brody seemed more convenient than passionate, although the author does a good job in creating a small town full of interesting characters. Reece grew on me - her fear and doubts were compelling - but I just didn’t care that much about her relationship, and was only slightly more interested in the identity of the killer. Not a bad book, but not as good a mystery as the best of the J.D. Robb books, and not as good a romance as some of Nora Roberts’ earlier titles.
Although I'm not a big romantic suspense fan, I'd heard good things about this one, and I enjoyed some of Roberts' earlier RS books (Hidden Riches, Carnal Innocence). This one just didn't do much for me, although I liked the way she hid the identity of the killer until almost the end.
I've never been a huge fan, but I have a couple of her books on my keeper shelf (Born in Fire and Born in Ice) and I usually find her books easy to read and fairly enjoyable, even if they aren't always to my taste.
Angels Fall by Nora Roberts
(2006, Romantic Suspense) 8/12/06
Grade: 3
Two years after violence shattered her life, Reece drives into Angel’s Fist, Wyoming. It’s as good a place as any: the people are nice, and she even finds work as a cook (although it’s far from her previous life as a chef in Boston). But when she witnesses a murder, she finds herself doubting her own sanity, and becoming closer to a gruff but handsome mystery writer.
The mystery was well done, but I found it hard to get into this one. I usually find Roberts easy to read, but I kept putting this one down. The romance between Reece and Brody seemed more convenient than passionate, although the author does a good job in creating a small town full of interesting characters. Reece grew on me - her fear and doubts were compelling - but I just didn’t care that much about her relationship, and was only slightly more interested in the identity of the killer. Not a bad book, but not as good a mystery as the best of the J.D. Robb books, and not as good a romance as some of Nora Roberts’ earlier titles.
Although I'm not a big romantic suspense fan, I'd heard good things about this one, and I enjoyed some of Roberts' earlier RS books (Hidden Riches, Carnal Innocence). This one just didn't do much for me, although I liked the way she hid the identity of the killer until almost the end.
Monday, August 07, 2006
Old Fashioned... Not In A Good Way
Sometimes I can read a book that has an "old fashioned" story, and I'm happy to enjoy an old story told well. But there were some scenarios from older romances that I didn't particularly like the first time around - and they haven't gotten better with age...
The Seduction of His Wife by Janet Chapman
(2006, Contemporary) 8/6/06
Grade: 2.5
After Alex is declared dead, his family marries him by proxy to their housekeeper, to protect his two children. It’s a shock to everyone when he comes home safely - but especially to Sarah, who never expected a real husband. Despite their first, passionate night together, Sarah is unsure if she can trust Alex’s charm, and allow him to rescue her from her past.
Despite mostly likeable characters and a readable writing style, this book annoyed me most of the time. Start with the “she’s a slut - oh no, she’s a virgin” scenario (which of course ends in the typical romance way). Add the fiesty-but-helpless heroine, who is too feminine and cute to be able to take care of herself (although she tries, sweet thing that she is) and who naively beguiles every man within 100 miles. Then add a hero who is nice enough, but always thinks he knows best and treats the heroine accordingly (and everyone around agrees, naturally). I can’t say that this was a bad book, but it just pushed my buttons - I kept wanting to gag.
This was my book club book, so I felt like I had to finish it. Otherwise I would have dropped it in the trade pile after the first chapter or two.
It's hard for me to assess this book, because there's nothing really awful here. I know some people like this type of story - why else would Diana Palmer still be popular? But the stereotypical "helpless but in a cute way" heroine just irritated me, and I was never able to get past it. (Not to mention the "oops, she's a virgin, she must be good" setup which I thought was gone and forgotten.)
The Seduction of His Wife by Janet Chapman
(2006, Contemporary) 8/6/06
Grade: 2.5
After Alex is declared dead, his family marries him by proxy to their housekeeper, to protect his two children. It’s a shock to everyone when he comes home safely - but especially to Sarah, who never expected a real husband. Despite their first, passionate night together, Sarah is unsure if she can trust Alex’s charm, and allow him to rescue her from her past.
Despite mostly likeable characters and a readable writing style, this book annoyed me most of the time. Start with the “she’s a slut - oh no, she’s a virgin” scenario (which of course ends in the typical romance way). Add the fiesty-but-helpless heroine, who is too feminine and cute to be able to take care of herself (although she tries, sweet thing that she is) and who naively beguiles every man within 100 miles. Then add a hero who is nice enough, but always thinks he knows best and treats the heroine accordingly (and everyone around agrees, naturally). I can’t say that this was a bad book, but it just pushed my buttons - I kept wanting to gag.
This was my book club book, so I felt like I had to finish it. Otherwise I would have dropped it in the trade pile after the first chapter or two.
It's hard for me to assess this book, because there's nothing really awful here. I know some people like this type of story - why else would Diana Palmer still be popular? But the stereotypical "helpless but in a cute way" heroine just irritated me, and I was never able to get past it. (Not to mention the "oops, she's a virgin, she must be good" setup which I thought was gone and forgotten.)
Sunday, July 23, 2006
A Disappointment From One Of My Favorites
Although I wasn't thrilled by Mary Jo Putney's previous paranormal books, I was hoping this one would put more emphasis on the romance - and bring back the enjoyment I always got from her best books. (She's one of my all time favorite authors, although I'm not a big fan of paranormal so I tried not to get my hopes up too high.)
The Marriage Spell by Mary Jo Putney
(2006, Paranormal Regency Historical) 7/23/06
Grade: 3.5
In a Regency world where magic is commonplace (if not quite accepted), Jack is sent to school to beat the magic out of him. But when he ends up married to a healer, he discovers that magic isn’t all bad - and it may be the key to saving his family. And Abby finds herself pulled into a social world she’s never known, and discovers passion and acceptance within herself.
I enjoyed the first part of this book - the magical background was interesting, but not overwhelming, and the arranged marriage story worked well. The characters were sympathetic, and the blend of magic and romance seemed to work. Unfortunately, in the second half, the story went downhill. The focus turned to external problems, and magic conveniently solved everything, much too easily. The characters were still interesting, but there wasn’t much more to say about them - their relationship didn’t really develop in the second half, it just stayed the same. There were opportunities for more (especially when it came to Jack's background and the way his magic was suppressed by his father) but it was just pushed aside in favor of fighting the "bad guy" and using a few spells to fix everything. More disappointing than bad, but not one of Putney’s best.
Perhaps it's unfair, but I couldn't help comparing this to some of the arranged marriage stories that I've loved in the past - by Putney herself, as well as other authors. This one just seemed superficial by comparison. Throwing in some magic doesn't compensate for the lack of deep emotion, at least not for me.
The Marriage Spell by Mary Jo Putney
(2006, Paranormal Regency Historical) 7/23/06
Grade: 3.5
In a Regency world where magic is commonplace (if not quite accepted), Jack is sent to school to beat the magic out of him. But when he ends up married to a healer, he discovers that magic isn’t all bad - and it may be the key to saving his family. And Abby finds herself pulled into a social world she’s never known, and discovers passion and acceptance within herself.
I enjoyed the first part of this book - the magical background was interesting, but not overwhelming, and the arranged marriage story worked well. The characters were sympathetic, and the blend of magic and romance seemed to work. Unfortunately, in the second half, the story went downhill. The focus turned to external problems, and magic conveniently solved everything, much too easily. The characters were still interesting, but there wasn’t much more to say about them - their relationship didn’t really develop in the second half, it just stayed the same. There were opportunities for more (especially when it came to Jack's background and the way his magic was suppressed by his father) but it was just pushed aside in favor of fighting the "bad guy" and using a few spells to fix everything. More disappointing than bad, but not one of Putney’s best.
Perhaps it's unfair, but I couldn't help comparing this to some of the arranged marriage stories that I've loved in the past - by Putney herself, as well as other authors. This one just seemed superficial by comparison. Throwing in some magic doesn't compensate for the lack of deep emotion, at least not for me.
Sunday, July 09, 2006
Book by the Numbers
I just moved to a new city, and I'm thrilled to have the chance to join a book discussion group - I love meeting other romance readers! Even though I'm trying not to buy books for a while, I picked up this one so I'd be able to join in the discussion.
The Rogue Report by Barbara Dawson Smith
(2006, Regency Historical) 7/9/06
Grade: 3.5
Jack, the Earl of Rutledge, is enraged after his gambling exploits are revealed in an anonymous newsletter, ending his engagement. He decides to disguise himself as a math teacher at a charity school run by Julia Corwyn, an outcast from society since she had a child out of wedlock. But he finds himself unaccountably drawn to the stern headmistress...
This book is the perfect example of “nothing special”. The hero and heroine were likeable, the secondary characters amusing, the story unexceptionable, but nothing really stood out. It just seemed predictable. Sometimes an author can take a familiar story and make it sing, but this one just plodded along - it was pleasant enough for a lazy Sunday, but it could have been any one of dozens of books.
I hate to criticize a book that's OK when there are so many truly bad books out there, but this one just didn't stand out in any way - good or bad.
The Rogue Report by Barbara Dawson Smith
(2006, Regency Historical) 7/9/06
Grade: 3.5
Jack, the Earl of Rutledge, is enraged after his gambling exploits are revealed in an anonymous newsletter, ending his engagement. He decides to disguise himself as a math teacher at a charity school run by Julia Corwyn, an outcast from society since she had a child out of wedlock. But he finds himself unaccountably drawn to the stern headmistress...
This book is the perfect example of “nothing special”. The hero and heroine were likeable, the secondary characters amusing, the story unexceptionable, but nothing really stood out. It just seemed predictable. Sometimes an author can take a familiar story and make it sing, but this one just plodded along - it was pleasant enough for a lazy Sunday, but it could have been any one of dozens of books.
I hate to criticize a book that's OK when there are so many truly bad books out there, but this one just didn't stand out in any way - good or bad.
Sunday, June 25, 2006
Dancing With Sin
The title is one of my favorite things about this book!
Dancing with Sin by Jane Goodger
(1998, Victorian American) 6/12/06
Grade: 4
Even though she’s been married for six months, Rose is still an innocent in many ways - and still finds her husband a mystery. When she’s befriended by a lively neighbor, Rose enjoys being a little bit sinful, and she hopes that it will bring new life to her marriage - but she never expected to be caught up in a murder.
An interesting and compelling book. Rose is a fascinating character, although I sometimes wanted to shake her as her naivete gets her into serious trouble. And her relationship with her husband is well depicted; it’s a nice change to read about an ongoing relationship instead of the usual courtship story. The murder trial seemed to go on a bit too long - I was more interested in Rose and Luke than in the legal intrigues - but it kept the story moving. I would have liked a little more wrap-up at the end, but that’s a minor quibble.
Even though I enjoyed the character development of the first two thirds more than the murder mystery and trial of the last third, I enjoyed the book quite a bit.
Dancing with Sin by Jane Goodger
(1998, Victorian American) 6/12/06
Grade: 4
Even though she’s been married for six months, Rose is still an innocent in many ways - and still finds her husband a mystery. When she’s befriended by a lively neighbor, Rose enjoys being a little bit sinful, and she hopes that it will bring new life to her marriage - but she never expected to be caught up in a murder.
An interesting and compelling book. Rose is a fascinating character, although I sometimes wanted to shake her as her naivete gets her into serious trouble. And her relationship with her husband is well depicted; it’s a nice change to read about an ongoing relationship instead of the usual courtship story. The murder trial seemed to go on a bit too long - I was more interested in Rose and Luke than in the legal intrigues - but it kept the story moving. I would have liked a little more wrap-up at the end, but that’s a minor quibble.
Even though I enjoyed the character development of the first two thirds more than the murder mystery and trial of the last third, I enjoyed the book quite a bit.
Flawed Characters Make a Good Read
Sometimes the flawed characters are the most interesting.
Sweet Baby by Sharon Sala
(1998, Contemporary) 6/11/06
Grade: 4.5
In many ways Tory has never recovered from her childhood - her mother’s disappearance, her years in foster care. She still can’t commit, or risk the hurt of loving again. Her sporadic relationship with Brett Hooker is the closest she can come to love. But if she can find out what really happened in her past, can she free herself and allow herself to love again?
I loved the characters in this book - the way Tory is still damaged from the pain of her past, the way Brett loves her despite her flaws. Their relationship seemed so real. Even though the mystery storyline was crucial to the plot, I resented the time it took away from the character development. But still, the book was very satisfying.
I couldn't quite figure out how to grade this one, but I liked the characters so much, I had to give it a little bit of extra credit.
Sweet Baby by Sharon Sala
(1998, Contemporary) 6/11/06
Grade: 4.5
In many ways Tory has never recovered from her childhood - her mother’s disappearance, her years in foster care. She still can’t commit, or risk the hurt of loving again. Her sporadic relationship with Brett Hooker is the closest she can come to love. But if she can find out what really happened in her past, can she free herself and allow herself to love again?
I loved the characters in this book - the way Tory is still damaged from the pain of her past, the way Brett loves her despite her flaws. Their relationship seemed so real. Even though the mystery storyline was crucial to the plot, I resented the time it took away from the character development. But still, the book was very satisfying.
I couldn't quite figure out how to grade this one, but I liked the characters so much, I had to give it a little bit of extra credit.
Good Story, So-So Romance
Ruth Wind is always worth reading, even when a book isn't a keeper.
The Last Chance Ranch by Ruth Wind (SSE 977)
(1995, Contemporary Series) 6/10/06
Grade: 3.5
Eleven years after going to jail for shooting her abusive husband, Tanya will finally be able to see her son again. He was adopted by her husband’s cousin, Ramon, who founded a school for troubled boys, and Tanya will be working as a cook there, where she can see Antonio from afar. But can she be a mother again - and a lover and wife again?
Another book with a mixture of good and bad. Tanya was a great character, well written and sympathetic. Ramon was also sympathetic and well written, but I didn’t find their romance all that believable. I was more interested in Tanya’s adjustment to the outside world, and her relationship with her son and the other boys at the school. The “romance” seemed a bit out of place and distracting. Ruth Wind always writes well, but this wasn’t one of my favorites.
Although I'm not a big fan of Barbara Samuel's "women's fiction", this book might have been better if a romance hadn't been shoehorned into it.
The Last Chance Ranch by Ruth Wind (SSE 977)
(1995, Contemporary Series) 6/10/06
Grade: 3.5
Eleven years after going to jail for shooting her abusive husband, Tanya will finally be able to see her son again. He was adopted by her husband’s cousin, Ramon, who founded a school for troubled boys, and Tanya will be working as a cook there, where she can see Antonio from afar. But can she be a mother again - and a lover and wife again?
Another book with a mixture of good and bad. Tanya was a great character, well written and sympathetic. Ramon was also sympathetic and well written, but I didn’t find their romance all that believable. I was more interested in Tanya’s adjustment to the outside world, and her relationship with her son and the other boys at the school. The “romance” seemed a bit out of place and distracting. Ruth Wind always writes well, but this wasn’t one of my favorites.
Although I'm not a big fan of Barbara Samuel's "women's fiction", this book might have been better if a romance hadn't been shoehorned into it.
More Angst
I've had these two books by Theresa Weir in my TBR for years - saving them for a rainy day.
Forever by Theresa Weir
(1991, Contemporary) 6/7/06
Grade: 4
After a car accident, Sammy wakes up in the hospital, angry and confused, unable to remember the last twenty years. In his mind, he’s still 19, before Vietnam and the many disappointments since. His case seems hopeless, but through the dedication of a troubled doctor, Rachel Collins, he finds a way to rebuild his life - but can he help to heal the healer?
The first half of this book was terrific - Sammy’s confusion and anger, his struggle to rebuild his life without his memory. His professional relationship with Rachel was interesting, but I didn’t find his romance with her as convincing. Her troubles were just as serious as his, but they always seemed less interesting compared to Sammy’s. I enjoyed the book as Sammy’s story, but it didn’t quite work as a romance.
One Fine Day by Theresa Weir
1994, Contemporary) 6/8/06
Grade: 3.5
Molly has finally decided to leave her unhappy marriage, and is making a new life in Florida - when her husband has a stroke. She has to come home and take care of him, for her daughter’s sake. And she finds unexpected depths in the husband she thought she knew, as he struggles to live with the effects of the stroke, and save his marriage.
A frustrating mix of good and bad. The characters were hard to accept after reading Forever - Austin isn’t bad, he’s just misunderstood - but I started to like him, and like Molly. But the misunderstandings continue too long, and are often interrupted by meanderings that take up too much space. (The romance between Mark and Gabrielle is sweet, but is just too distracting.) And yet, there were real moments of heartfelt emotion as well.
Both of these were hard to grade - mixtures of good and bad.
Forever by Theresa Weir
(1991, Contemporary) 6/7/06
Grade: 4
After a car accident, Sammy wakes up in the hospital, angry and confused, unable to remember the last twenty years. In his mind, he’s still 19, before Vietnam and the many disappointments since. His case seems hopeless, but through the dedication of a troubled doctor, Rachel Collins, he finds a way to rebuild his life - but can he help to heal the healer?
The first half of this book was terrific - Sammy’s confusion and anger, his struggle to rebuild his life without his memory. His professional relationship with Rachel was interesting, but I didn’t find his romance with her as convincing. Her troubles were just as serious as his, but they always seemed less interesting compared to Sammy’s. I enjoyed the book as Sammy’s story, but it didn’t quite work as a romance.
One Fine Day by Theresa Weir
1994, Contemporary) 6/8/06
Grade: 3.5
Molly has finally decided to leave her unhappy marriage, and is making a new life in Florida - when her husband has a stroke. She has to come home and take care of him, for her daughter’s sake. And she finds unexpected depths in the husband she thought she knew, as he struggles to live with the effects of the stroke, and save his marriage.
A frustrating mix of good and bad. The characters were hard to accept after reading Forever - Austin isn’t bad, he’s just misunderstood - but I started to like him, and like Molly. But the misunderstandings continue too long, and are often interrupted by meanderings that take up too much space. (The romance between Mark and Gabrielle is sweet, but is just too distracting.) And yet, there were real moments of heartfelt emotion as well.
Both of these were hard to grade - mixtures of good and bad.
A Smile, A Tear
Megan Chance never writes a traditional story, but I'm always willing to go wherever she takes me.
A Season in Eden by Megan Chance
(1999, American West) 6/6/06
Grade: 4.5
Four years after her marriage, Lora’s heart has grown cold, shuttered by tragedy. When her husband Eli announces that he’s going away to find work, she barely notices. But as she spends the summer on the farm with hired hand will, she begins to see the world again - and when Eli comes home injured, she has to find a way to live and love again.
An emotional, heartbreaking book that vividly depicts a time and place. Lora’s coldness is hard to understand at first, but as her secret is revealed, she becomes more understandable. The men aren’t developed as deeply, especially will, but Lora’s gradual return to life is well done. The pacing is a bit off - the section in the middle goes on a little too long, and the emotional scenes at the end a little too late - but that’s a minor quibble. The book ends with such heart (and a few tears), that it was well worth reading.
Sometimes a book has such a good ending, it makes the rest of the book seem better. I'd probably grade most of this book as a 4, but the last couple of chapters push it almost into keeper territory.
A Season in Eden by Megan Chance
(1999, American West) 6/6/06
Grade: 4.5
Four years after her marriage, Lora’s heart has grown cold, shuttered by tragedy. When her husband Eli announces that he’s going away to find work, she barely notices. But as she spends the summer on the farm with hired hand will, she begins to see the world again - and when Eli comes home injured, she has to find a way to live and love again.
An emotional, heartbreaking book that vividly depicts a time and place. Lora’s coldness is hard to understand at first, but as her secret is revealed, she becomes more understandable. The men aren’t developed as deeply, especially will, but Lora’s gradual return to life is well done. The pacing is a bit off - the section in the middle goes on a little too long, and the emotional scenes at the end a little too late - but that’s a minor quibble. The book ends with such heart (and a few tears), that it was well worth reading.
Sometimes a book has such a good ending, it makes the rest of the book seem better. I'd probably grade most of this book as a 4, but the last couple of chapters push it almost into keeper territory.
Sunday, May 28, 2006
Deja Vu All Over Again
I was expecting this book to be even more of an angst-fest than the last one - my favorite kind of read!
Forgiveness by Jean Brashear (HSR 1267)
(2005, Contemporary Series) 5/28/06
Grade: 3.5
The same story from Coming Home is told again, this time from the perspective of Victoria and Sandor. Victoria ran away after her brother’s death, determined to escape the pain and guilt. After living on the streets for six years, she returns home in desperation - and finds everything changed. But for her son’s sake, she’s determined to try again.
A lovely story of hope and healing, this might have been a better read as a stand-alone. Sometimes telling the same story from a different perspective is enlightening, but more often, it’s just repetitive. The love between Ria and Sandor isn’t given enough focus, since so much of the book is a repeat of the last one (in some cases, word for word the same). I wanted to learn something new, instead of just getting an expansion of the last book.
These two books were obviously written to go together, but I think the author should have thought through what it would be like to read them back-to-back. I wanted to know more about Victoria, and this wasn't enough.
Forgiveness by Jean Brashear (HSR 1267)
(2005, Contemporary Series) 5/28/06
Grade: 3.5
The same story from Coming Home is told again, this time from the perspective of Victoria and Sandor. Victoria ran away after her brother’s death, determined to escape the pain and guilt. After living on the streets for six years, she returns home in desperation - and finds everything changed. But for her son’s sake, she’s determined to try again.
A lovely story of hope and healing, this might have been a better read as a stand-alone. Sometimes telling the same story from a different perspective is enlightening, but more often, it’s just repetitive. The love between Ria and Sandor isn’t given enough focus, since so much of the book is a repeat of the last one (in some cases, word for word the same). I wanted to learn something new, instead of just getting an expansion of the last book.
These two books were obviously written to go together, but I think the author should have thought through what it would be like to read them back-to-back. I wanted to know more about Victoria, and this wasn't enough.
Second Time's The Charm
I tried to read this book a few months ago, but got tripped up by all the characters (about ten of them are introduced in the first chapter). I'm glad I gave it a second chance.
Coming Home by Jean Brashear (HSR 1251)
(2005, Contemporary Series) 5/27/06
Grade: 4
When their 14 year old son was killed in a drunk driving accident - caused by their 18 year old daughter - Cleo and Malcolm’s long marriage fell apart. But now, six years later, Victoria is back, with a son of her own - and despite the pain, Cleo and Malcolm can’t help remembering the love and joy they once had.
This book was like being thrown into the middle of a soap opera. Once I’d figured out the characters, the story was heartfelt and compelling, if a bit overpopulated. The chemistry between the hero and heroine was wonderful. The secondary characters were well drawn as well, but the story could have used a bit more focus - the girlfriend’s pregancy seemed like one conflict too many, especially with so many other relationships to explore. But in the end, the strength of the characters carried it through.
Despite a few flaws, this is what HSR does best - angst and romance in a contemporary setting.
Coming Home by Jean Brashear (HSR 1251)
(2005, Contemporary Series) 5/27/06
Grade: 4
When their 14 year old son was killed in a drunk driving accident - caused by their 18 year old daughter - Cleo and Malcolm’s long marriage fell apart. But now, six years later, Victoria is back, with a son of her own - and despite the pain, Cleo and Malcolm can’t help remembering the love and joy they once had.
This book was like being thrown into the middle of a soap opera. Once I’d figured out the characters, the story was heartfelt and compelling, if a bit overpopulated. The chemistry between the hero and heroine was wonderful. The secondary characters were well drawn as well, but the story could have used a bit more focus - the girlfriend’s pregancy seemed like one conflict too many, especially with so many other relationships to explore. But in the end, the strength of the characters carried it through.
Despite a few flaws, this is what HSR does best - angst and romance in a contemporary setting.
Sometimes Simple Works
The title is awful - a good reason to be grateful for honest reviews, because I would never have picked this up if it hadn't been recommended.
Legally Tender by Michele Dunaway (HAR 1100)
(2006, Contemporary Series) 5/26/06
Grade: 4
After her marriage fails, Christine Jones moves to the small town of Morrisville with her young daughter, to accept a partnership at a local law firm. But she didn’t know her position was at the expense of favorite son (and hunk) Bruce Lancaster - who she now has to work with.
A simple story, but the likeable characters and easy writing style carry it though. The hero and heroine are smart, they don’t jump to conclusions but work through their problems - and they have definite chemistry together. The book does drag a bit at the end, when the author seems to run out of things for them to do (odd, since the lawsuit story is kind of dropped) but overall, a nice, enjoyable read.
Such a nice change after all the run-around-and-shoot books recently.
Legally Tender by Michele Dunaway (HAR 1100)
(2006, Contemporary Series) 5/26/06
Grade: 4
After her marriage fails, Christine Jones moves to the small town of Morrisville with her young daughter, to accept a partnership at a local law firm. But she didn’t know her position was at the expense of favorite son (and hunk) Bruce Lancaster - who she now has to work with.
A simple story, but the likeable characters and easy writing style carry it though. The hero and heroine are smart, they don’t jump to conclusions but work through their problems - and they have definite chemistry together. The book does drag a bit at the end, when the author seems to run out of things for them to do (odd, since the lawsuit story is kind of dropped) but overall, a nice, enjoyable read.
Such a nice change after all the run-around-and-shoot books recently.
It's Hard To Live Up To High Expectations
It must be hard to be an author who has written so many exceptional books - I probably hold someone like Justine Davis to a higher standard, since I can't help thinking of books like The Morning Side Of Dawn when I assess her books.
Second-Chance Hero by Justine Davis (SIM 1351)
(2005, Contemporary Series) 5/26/06
Grade: 3
When a sabateur threatens an air strip in Belize, security expect John Draven is on the job - but he doesn’t expect to see Grace and her teenage daughter, the woman he saved from an earthquake months before, and who is still struggling from the after-effects. But despite his solitary life, he’s thought about her ever since.
As always, Justine Davis creates compelling, sympathetic characters. But the focus here is on the suspense, and every time I started to get interested in the development of the hero and heroine, the focus shifts to “who done it”, much to my frustration. I really liked the hero and was expecting more of an exploration of who he was, rather than who he could shoot. The denoument of the mystery is kind of interesting, but still, it took up too much of the book.
The next time I'm tempted to pick up a book that looks overly "suspense-y", I should think twice. Even if the author is someone I've liked before.
Second-Chance Hero by Justine Davis (SIM 1351)
(2005, Contemporary Series) 5/26/06
Grade: 3
When a sabateur threatens an air strip in Belize, security expect John Draven is on the job - but he doesn’t expect to see Grace and her teenage daughter, the woman he saved from an earthquake months before, and who is still struggling from the after-effects. But despite his solitary life, he’s thought about her ever since.
As always, Justine Davis creates compelling, sympathetic characters. But the focus here is on the suspense, and every time I started to get interested in the development of the hero and heroine, the focus shifts to “who done it”, much to my frustration. I really liked the hero and was expecting more of an exploration of who he was, rather than who he could shoot. The denoument of the mystery is kind of interesting, but still, it took up too much of the book.
The next time I'm tempted to pick up a book that looks overly "suspense-y", I should think twice. Even if the author is someone I've liked before.
A Good Hero Is Hard To Find
I'm beginning to warm to Deborah Simmons - I avoided her for a long time because I'd heard she wrote "wacky comedies".
The Last Rogue by Deborah Simmons
(1998, Regency Historical) 5/25/06
Grade: 4
When Deverell, Viscount Raleigh, wakes up next to plain vicar’s daughter Jane, he has to marry her - to both their dismay. But even though Raleigh is a bit of a rogue and dandy, he’s determined to make the best of this marriage, even though Jane is a bit more skeptical. They head off for his new estate, Craven Hall - which may be haunted...
A nice combination of marriage-of-convenience and gothic, this book mostly succeeds on the shoulders of the ever-amused Raleigh, who is a wonderful hero. I also liked Jane, although she’s harder to warm up to. The gothic touches with the seemingly haunted house are fun, a bit of a throwback to the gothics I enjoyed years ago. The comedy here was less "wacky" than in the previous book, which I appreciated. But overall, it's the hero that really gives this book an edge over others with similar storylines.
I went to Amazon to find out the publication date of this book, and I was surprised by all the bad reviews - all centering on the heroine, who is raked over the coals for being "unlikeable". She takes a while to warm up to, but I can't help thinking about all those alpha jerk heroes who treat the heroines like dirt and who are easily forgiven - double standard, anyone?
The Last Rogue by Deborah Simmons
(1998, Regency Historical) 5/25/06
Grade: 4
When Deverell, Viscount Raleigh, wakes up next to plain vicar’s daughter Jane, he has to marry her - to both their dismay. But even though Raleigh is a bit of a rogue and dandy, he’s determined to make the best of this marriage, even though Jane is a bit more skeptical. They head off for his new estate, Craven Hall - which may be haunted...
A nice combination of marriage-of-convenience and gothic, this book mostly succeeds on the shoulders of the ever-amused Raleigh, who is a wonderful hero. I also liked Jane, although she’s harder to warm up to. The gothic touches with the seemingly haunted house are fun, a bit of a throwback to the gothics I enjoyed years ago. The comedy here was less "wacky" than in the previous book, which I appreciated. But overall, it's the hero that really gives this book an edge over others with similar storylines.
I went to Amazon to find out the publication date of this book, and I was surprised by all the bad reviews - all centering on the heroine, who is raked over the coals for being "unlikeable". She takes a while to warm up to, but I can't help thinking about all those alpha jerk heroes who treat the heroines like dirt and who are easily forgiven - double standard, anyone?
Two Out Of Three Ain't Bad
I'm happy when I pick up an anthology and one story is good - so two out of three isn't a bad ratio.
Celebrates 25 Years: an anthology with stories by Tara Taylor Quinn, Margot Early and Janice McDonald
(2005, Contemporary Series) 5/25/06
Grade: 3.5
I skimmed a few pages of the Tara Taylor Quinn story and decided it wasn't for me, so I skipped it. Margot Early: “Wade in the Water” 25 years after her brother drowned, Lily returns home to reconcile with her parents, and to see the boy who was with her that day - now a widower with a son. Janice McDonald: “A Visit From Eileen” Eileen returns to Ireland after 25 years, to a family that thinks she was a great success, and the boy she left behind, now a grandfather.
The Early story was well written and compelling, but much too rushed. She meets a man she hasn’t seem since she was 15, and within a couple of pages, she’s thinking marriage? If it had been spread out over a longer period of time, it would have been better. The McDonald story was also a little rushed, but nice. The characters were interesting, the chemistry between the hero and heroine was relaxed and comfortable, and the story was sweet and enjoyable. Nice to read about an older hero and heroine.
I've had mixed results with Margot Early - loved some of her early books (especially The Keeper) but didn't like her recent HSR at all. But I've never read Janice MacDonald before, and I'll have to look her up.
Celebrates 25 Years: an anthology with stories by Tara Taylor Quinn, Margot Early and Janice McDonald
(2005, Contemporary Series) 5/25/06
Grade: 3.5
I skimmed a few pages of the Tara Taylor Quinn story and decided it wasn't for me, so I skipped it. Margot Early: “Wade in the Water” 25 years after her brother drowned, Lily returns home to reconcile with her parents, and to see the boy who was with her that day - now a widower with a son. Janice McDonald: “A Visit From Eileen” Eileen returns to Ireland after 25 years, to a family that thinks she was a great success, and the boy she left behind, now a grandfather.
The Early story was well written and compelling, but much too rushed. She meets a man she hasn’t seem since she was 15, and within a couple of pages, she’s thinking marriage? If it had been spread out over a longer period of time, it would have been better. The McDonald story was also a little rushed, but nice. The characters were interesting, the chemistry between the hero and heroine was relaxed and comfortable, and the story was sweet and enjoyable. Nice to read about an older hero and heroine.
I've had mixed results with Margot Early - loved some of her early books (especially The Keeper) but didn't like her recent HSR at all. But I've never read Janice MacDonald before, and I'll have to look her up.
What's More Interesting, a Vampire or a Who-Done-It?
I was intrigued to see a series book that featured a vampire - I like vampire stories, but I don't particularly like the "wacky vampire" books that are so popular now, or the "alpha jerk lifemate" stories in the Feehan mode. But I'm always eager to try a more traditional kind of vampire hero
Embracing Darkness by Margaret Carter
(2005, Contemporary Series) 5/25/06
Grade: 3
When Linnet goes looking for the woman who caused her niece’s murder, she finds something unexpected - a vampire. He’s looking for the same woman, who killed his brother. Although Linnet is rather shocked to discover that her niece was dating a vampire, she finds Max surprisingly appealing - and he finds her attractive too, for a lesser being.
An interesting take on the vampire story, with nice chemistry between the hero and heroine. Unfortunately, the story is mostly focused on suspense and action, which keeps taking away from the characters just when I was getting interested in their relationship.
It's probably clear that I'm not a big fan of suspense. But I'm surprised that anyone would think a run-of-the-mill action story is more interesting than exploring a relationship between a human and a vampire. Why does the action always get all the attention?
Embracing Darkness by Margaret Carter
(2005, Contemporary Series) 5/25/06
Grade: 3
When Linnet goes looking for the woman who caused her niece’s murder, she finds something unexpected - a vampire. He’s looking for the same woman, who killed his brother. Although Linnet is rather shocked to discover that her niece was dating a vampire, she finds Max surprisingly appealing - and he finds her attractive too, for a lesser being.
An interesting take on the vampire story, with nice chemistry between the hero and heroine. Unfortunately, the story is mostly focused on suspense and action, which keeps taking away from the characters just when I was getting interested in their relationship.
It's probably clear that I'm not a big fan of suspense. But I'm surprised that anyone would think a run-of-the-mill action story is more interesting than exploring a relationship between a human and a vampire. Why does the action always get all the attention?
Monday, May 22, 2006
Bad Girl Heroine
Sometimes I get frustrated by the double standard in many romances - heroes are allowed to be bad, and even when they treat the heroine like dirt, they're easily forgiven. But a bad girl heroine usually turns out to be "just misunderstood". Thankfully, not in this book (which, unsurprisingly, is more women's fiction than romance).
Any Rich Man Will Do by Francis Ray
(2005, Contemporary) 5/21/06
Grade: 3
After working her way through most of the wealthy men of Dallas, Jana has hit rock bottom. She faints with hunger in the elegant linen store of Olivia, who thinks the best of everyone and who takes in Jana despite her past. Her brother Tyler is more skeptical, but as Jana works to redeem herself, he finds himself more and more intrigued. This book is obviously a sequal, but I was able to follow along without too much trouble. (The review at AAR helped to explain some of the back story.
At first, I really enjoyed this story of redemption - Jana isn’t just misunderstood, she did some awful things, and her struggles to get back on her feet were compelling. But the other characters in the book, particularly Olivia, were just too saintly to be true, and after a while, they began to grate. (There’s also an over-emphasis on the expensive linens that Olivia sells - isn't Jana supposed to be learning that material things aren't important? It's hard to get the message when the author keeps fawning over the $10,000 sheets.) Jana gets over her past a little too quickly, and in the second half, the focus shifts to Olivia, and she’s so “perfect” that I lost patience. (Even when she’s making questionable decisions, everyone around her treats her as a saint.) Still, I liked Jana’s story enough to finish.
Even though it ended up being somewhat disappointing, it's nice to read something different once in a while.
Any Rich Man Will Do by Francis Ray
(2005, Contemporary) 5/21/06
Grade: 3
After working her way through most of the wealthy men of Dallas, Jana has hit rock bottom. She faints with hunger in the elegant linen store of Olivia, who thinks the best of everyone and who takes in Jana despite her past. Her brother Tyler is more skeptical, but as Jana works to redeem herself, he finds himself more and more intrigued. This book is obviously a sequal, but I was able to follow along without too much trouble. (The review at AAR helped to explain some of the back story.
At first, I really enjoyed this story of redemption - Jana isn’t just misunderstood, she did some awful things, and her struggles to get back on her feet were compelling. But the other characters in the book, particularly Olivia, were just too saintly to be true, and after a while, they began to grate. (There’s also an over-emphasis on the expensive linens that Olivia sells - isn't Jana supposed to be learning that material things aren't important? It's hard to get the message when the author keeps fawning over the $10,000 sheets.) Jana gets over her past a little too quickly, and in the second half, the focus shifts to Olivia, and she’s so “perfect” that I lost patience. (Even when she’s making questionable decisions, everyone around her treats her as a saint.) Still, I liked Jana’s story enough to finish.
Even though it ended up being somewhat disappointing, it's nice to read something different once in a while.
Sunday, May 21, 2006
Humor and Balance
Even though I enjoy a humorous book from time to time, I have a much harder time finding funny books than I do finding serious ones. It's hard to find a funny book that suits my sense of humor - many of them seem too silly, too "wacky", or just not funny to me. But I hate to give up and just read angst, because sometimes it's fun to laugh!
The Vicar's Daughter by Deborah Simmons
(1995, Regency Historical) 5/18/06
Grade: 4
When straight laced Lord Wycliffe first meets Charlotte, the vicar’s daughter, he is immediately struck by her beauty and sweetness, and warmed by her loving family. But nothing could ever come of it. When Charlotte comes to London for a season, he’s perfectly proper - but there’s something about her that makes him want to throw away his timetables!
A cute book that manages to be funny without being too wacky or too sweet. The story is typical - she brings life and laughter to his staid life - but it’s well done and the hero and heroine are very likeable. The book starts to falter in the second half - the author seems to run out of story and throws in a crazed suitor to fill out the page count - but the characters are so charming, it’s hard to complain too much.
I read this one on the train, and I got some odd looks when I started giggling.
The Vicar's Daughter by Deborah Simmons
(1995, Regency Historical) 5/18/06
Grade: 4
When straight laced Lord Wycliffe first meets Charlotte, the vicar’s daughter, he is immediately struck by her beauty and sweetness, and warmed by her loving family. But nothing could ever come of it. When Charlotte comes to London for a season, he’s perfectly proper - but there’s something about her that makes him want to throw away his timetables!
A cute book that manages to be funny without being too wacky or too sweet. The story is typical - she brings life and laughter to his staid life - but it’s well done and the hero and heroine are very likeable. The book starts to falter in the second half - the author seems to run out of story and throws in a crazed suitor to fill out the page count - but the characters are so charming, it’s hard to complain too much.
I read this one on the train, and I got some odd looks when I started giggling.
Sunday, May 14, 2006
Christmas in May
I picked this one up at Christmas time, but never got around to reading it.
Christmas Keepsakes (Anthology)
containing "A Handful of Gold" by Mary Balogh,
"The Three Gifts" by Julia Justiss and
"The Season for Suitors" by Nicola Cornick
(2005, Regency Anthology) 5/13/06
Grade: 3
Balogh: Verity has been forced to become an opera dancer, and plans to spend the holidays with a wealthy Earl. But Christmas brings more innocent pleasures. Justiss: After Miles is injured in Spain, he must make a marriage of convenience. Cornick: Clara needs some advice that only a rake can give - but will she lose her heart as well?
Three short stories, none of them really outstanding. The Balogh story is the best of the three, but even it’s overly sweet, without the sparkle of Balogh’s best stories. But it’s charming enough, and the characters are well written and interesting. The Justiss story started out well, but soon dissolved into misunderstandings. The Cornick story felt rushed, and I felt like I’d started a book in the middle - evidently the characters came from her previous books, which I haven’t read. All in all, not a terrible anthology (none of the stories were bad) but nothing really outstanding, either.
Nothing Balogh writes can ever be called "bad", but I prefer her stories with a little more bite to them. I found "No Room At The Inn", which is very similar, more touching than this one.
Christmas Keepsakes (Anthology)
containing "A Handful of Gold" by Mary Balogh,
"The Three Gifts" by Julia Justiss and
"The Season for Suitors" by Nicola Cornick
(2005, Regency Anthology) 5/13/06
Grade: 3
Balogh: Verity has been forced to become an opera dancer, and plans to spend the holidays with a wealthy Earl. But Christmas brings more innocent pleasures. Justiss: After Miles is injured in Spain, he must make a marriage of convenience. Cornick: Clara needs some advice that only a rake can give - but will she lose her heart as well?
Three short stories, none of them really outstanding. The Balogh story is the best of the three, but even it’s overly sweet, without the sparkle of Balogh’s best stories. But it’s charming enough, and the characters are well written and interesting. The Justiss story started out well, but soon dissolved into misunderstandings. The Cornick story felt rushed, and I felt like I’d started a book in the middle - evidently the characters came from her previous books, which I haven’t read. All in all, not a terrible anthology (none of the stories were bad) but nothing really outstanding, either.
Nothing Balogh writes can ever be called "bad", but I prefer her stories with a little more bite to them. I found "No Room At The Inn", which is very similar, more touching than this one.
Monday, May 08, 2006
Don't Know Much About History
I vaguely remembered that this book was an "alternate history" but halfway through the book, I had to go online and figure out what exactly was changed. I guess I've forgotten most of my Tudor history...
Prince of Hearts by Katy Cooper
(2000, Tudor Historical) 5/8/06
Grade: 4.5
In a slightly altered Tudor England, Prince Edmund meets and falls in love with Lady Cecilia Coleville - but he knows he cannot marry her. Even though they both know their relationship is impossible, the attraction between them keeps growing stronger.. as political machinations play out around them.
An interesting book with a lot of fascinating court intrigue. I barely registered the “alternate history” part of the book (Henry VIII is replaced by a brother who actually died in childhood) but it felt real. I liked the characters, and the sexual tension between them was especially well done. At times, the book felt a little bit padded with Celia’s relatives - even though the barrier between Edmund and Cecilia is real, there wasn’t a lot of story here - but the strength of the characters and the historical background made it well worth reading.
Another book I've been saving for a long, long time: I bought this new back in 2000.
Prince of Hearts by Katy Cooper
(2000, Tudor Historical) 5/8/06
Grade: 4.5
In a slightly altered Tudor England, Prince Edmund meets and falls in love with Lady Cecilia Coleville - but he knows he cannot marry her. Even though they both know their relationship is impossible, the attraction between them keeps growing stronger.. as political machinations play out around them.
An interesting book with a lot of fascinating court intrigue. I barely registered the “alternate history” part of the book (Henry VIII is replaced by a brother who actually died in childhood) but it felt real. I liked the characters, and the sexual tension between them was especially well done. At times, the book felt a little bit padded with Celia’s relatives - even though the barrier between Edmund and Cecilia is real, there wasn’t a lot of story here - but the strength of the characters and the historical background made it well worth reading.
Another book I've been saving for a long, long time: I bought this new back in 2000.
Sunday, May 07, 2006
I Love A Man Who Can Cook
There's something about a man who can cook that just makes my toes curl...
Beauty and the Black Sheep by Jessica Bird (SSE 1698)
(2005, Contemporary Series) 5/4/06
Grade: 3.5
Frankie is about to give up on the run down B&B she inherited from her parents, when chef Nate Walker shows up at her door. She’s desperate to keep the place going for her grandmother and sister, and he needs a job for the summer - but can their attraction lead anywhere, with their future plans taking them in different directions?
This was an easygoing book, and I always like a chef hero. The characters were sympathetic and interesting, and I like the author’s easy style. The sexual tension between the hero and heroine is also nicely done. There was one plot point that kind of annoyed me, but the author didn’t belabor it. Overall, not particularly memorable, but an enjoyable read.
Nice enough, but I can't remember much about it, a few days later.
Beauty and the Black Sheep by Jessica Bird (SSE 1698)
(2005, Contemporary Series) 5/4/06
Grade: 3.5
Frankie is about to give up on the run down B&B she inherited from her parents, when chef Nate Walker shows up at her door. She’s desperate to keep the place going for her grandmother and sister, and he needs a job for the summer - but can their attraction lead anywhere, with their future plans taking them in different directions?
This was an easygoing book, and I always like a chef hero. The characters were sympathetic and interesting, and I like the author’s easy style. The sexual tension between the hero and heroine is also nicely done. There was one plot point that kind of annoyed me, but the author didn’t belabor it. Overall, not particularly memorable, but an enjoyable read.
Nice enough, but I can't remember much about it, a few days later.
A Good Harlequin Presents?
Normally I’m not a big fan of Harlequin Presents - I want to smack some sense into the arrogant heroes and inject some spine into the virginal heroines. But this one was recommended to me some years ago (and has been languishing in my TBR ever since).
Ishbel's Party by Stacy Absalom (HP 943)
(1987, Contemporary Series) 5/3/06
Grade: 4
After a bombing in Beirut, Bethan is under doctor's orders to rest and recover. She’s been working in war-torn hospitals for ten years, since a drunk driving accident that killed a child. She ends up as nurse and companion to Lorna Rushton, not knowing that her nephew was Fraser Laurie, the man she’d loved who abandoned her after the accident. At first Fraser is harsh and unforgiving, but as he gets to know Bethan again, he tries to help her recover from her guilt and doubt - but what about his young, innocent fiance?
The story is typical Presents - the misunderstandings, the other woman, the purple prose, the ending that wraps up everything a little too neatly. But Bethan is an interesting heroine, and most of the book focuses on her journey and her character. The author makes her sympathetic despite her too-perfect innocence. Fraser is definitely an alpha hero, and he's less believable, especially when he erupts with purple prose near the end. But he manages to get over his fits of arrogance without crossing into “jerk” territory. Despite the sometimes over the top story and dated language, I enjoyed it.
I doubt I'll become a Presents fan, but this one was an interesting change of pace.
Ishbel's Party by Stacy Absalom (HP 943)
(1987, Contemporary Series) 5/3/06
Grade: 4
After a bombing in Beirut, Bethan is under doctor's orders to rest and recover. She’s been working in war-torn hospitals for ten years, since a drunk driving accident that killed a child. She ends up as nurse and companion to Lorna Rushton, not knowing that her nephew was Fraser Laurie, the man she’d loved who abandoned her after the accident. At first Fraser is harsh and unforgiving, but as he gets to know Bethan again, he tries to help her recover from her guilt and doubt - but what about his young, innocent fiance?
The story is typical Presents - the misunderstandings, the other woman, the purple prose, the ending that wraps up everything a little too neatly. But Bethan is an interesting heroine, and most of the book focuses on her journey and her character. The author makes her sympathetic despite her too-perfect innocence. Fraser is definitely an alpha hero, and he's less believable, especially when he erupts with purple prose near the end. But he manages to get over his fits of arrogance without crossing into “jerk” territory. Despite the sometimes over the top story and dated language, I enjoyed it.
I doubt I'll become a Presents fan, but this one was an interesting change of pace.
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
Finally, I Read Liz Carlyle
I've had this book in my TBR since it first came out! And I finally got around to reading it. (That's not a critism of Carlyle, I have lots of great books still in my TBR.)
My False Heart by Liz Carlyle
(1999, Regency Historical) 4/3/06
Grade: 4.5
When Elliot Armstrong, the marquis of Rannoch, gets lost in the rain, he finds himself in the warm and loving household of Evangeline, an immigrant artist with many family responsibilities. He finds himself wanting to belong there, to forget his unhappy and dissolute life in London. But Evangeline has her own secrets, and she’ll need his help to escape.
Although it’s confusing at the beginning, I found myself drawn in by this complex and compelling story. The characters are wonderful, very well drawn and believable. The pacing is a little bit off, and there are a lot of characters to keep track of, but overall, this book kept me turning the pages. It was like picking up a rich chocolate truffle after weeks of eating Hershey’s kisses.
My TBR is getting smaller, although very, very slowly...
My False Heart by Liz Carlyle
(1999, Regency Historical) 4/3/06
Grade: 4.5
When Elliot Armstrong, the marquis of Rannoch, gets lost in the rain, he finds himself in the warm and loving household of Evangeline, an immigrant artist with many family responsibilities. He finds himself wanting to belong there, to forget his unhappy and dissolute life in London. But Evangeline has her own secrets, and she’ll need his help to escape.
Although it’s confusing at the beginning, I found myself drawn in by this complex and compelling story. The characters are wonderful, very well drawn and believable. The pacing is a little bit off, and there are a lot of characters to keep track of, but overall, this book kept me turning the pages. It was like picking up a rich chocolate truffle after weeks of eating Hershey’s kisses.
My TBR is getting smaller, although very, very slowly...
A Familiar Story, Done Well
Another older series title - I owe this one to AAR, which recently reviewed it.
A Summer To Come Home by Dallas Schulze (HAR 368)
(1990, Contemporary Series) 4/1/06
Grade: 4
When Jake Quncannon comes back to Riverbend after twenty years, everyone in town is ready to assume the worst. Paige was just a child when he left, but now she’s grown up and is the respected town librarian. But there’s something about Jake that makes her want to take chances, even if it’s only for the summer.
The plot is familiar, but somehow, the author makes this familiar plot come alive. The characters are well drawn and the emotions are real. It doesn’t really matter that the background is familiar. In a longer book it might have become tired, but here, it works. It’s more like listening to an old song you haven’t heard in a while.
The opposite of my last read - the story may be familiar, but the execution makes it worth reading.
A Summer To Come Home by Dallas Schulze (HAR 368)
(1990, Contemporary Series) 4/1/06
Grade: 4
When Jake Quncannon comes back to Riverbend after twenty years, everyone in town is ready to assume the worst. Paige was just a child when he left, but now she’s grown up and is the respected town librarian. But there’s something about Jake that makes her want to take chances, even if it’s only for the summer.
The plot is familiar, but somehow, the author makes this familiar plot come alive. The characters are well drawn and the emotions are real. It doesn’t really matter that the background is familiar. In a longer book it might have become tired, but here, it works. It’s more like listening to an old song you haven’t heard in a while.
The opposite of my last read - the story may be familiar, but the execution makes it worth reading.
Something Different!
Sometimes those old series books can surprise you.
A Time To Sing by Kathryn Belmont (SIM 40)
(1984, Contemporary Series) 3/30/06
Grade: 4
When opera singer Marina is called on to fill in at the Met, she doesn’t realize who much her life will change. Her career begins to take off, and she begins a love affair with tenor Paolo Cortelli. But Marina takes her career, and her voice, more seriously than playboy Paolo, and Marina wonders if she can accept his attitude of “live for today”.
The first half of the this book was wonderful. I felt like I’d been thrown into the world of opera singing. Every detail seemed right, and I was enchanted by Paolo right along with Marina. The book faltered a bit in the second half, when the hero and heroine were separated, and the author depended a bit too much on the “other woman” as a villain. But still, it’s rare to read a book that does such a wonderful job in opening up a new world for the reader - the author gets a lot of credit for that.
How nice to read something unique!
A Time To Sing by Kathryn Belmont (SIM 40)
(1984, Contemporary Series) 3/30/06
Grade: 4
When opera singer Marina is called on to fill in at the Met, she doesn’t realize who much her life will change. Her career begins to take off, and she begins a love affair with tenor Paolo Cortelli. But Marina takes her career, and her voice, more seriously than playboy Paolo, and Marina wonders if she can accept his attitude of “live for today”.
The first half of the this book was wonderful. I felt like I’d been thrown into the world of opera singing. Every detail seemed right, and I was enchanted by Paolo right along with Marina. The book faltered a bit in the second half, when the hero and heroine were separated, and the author depended a bit too much on the “other woman” as a villain. But still, it’s rare to read a book that does such a wonderful job in opening up a new world for the reader - the author gets a lot of credit for that.
How nice to read something unique!
Some Series Titles
I brought a few older series books with me, since they're easy to toss when finished. I had mixed results - there were a few others that weren't even worth finishing.
Beginner's Luck by Dixie Browning (SD 517)
(1989, Contemporary Series) 3/29/06
Grade: 2.5
The hero is a scientist who is staying at his aunt’s cabin for a few weeks. He’s shy and awkward and can’t talk to women. One of his aunt’s friends shows up, and he awkwardly tries to help her, but ends up scaring her more than helping her. Finally, she recognizes his true intentions.
This is a character in search of a book. The hero in this book is a lot of fun. His well intentioned bumbling and awkward attempts to woo the heroine are somewhat charming. But there’s not enough plot to hold this book together, and the heroine doesn’t make much of an impression. There wasn’t enough to hold the story together, even in a very short book.
I have a weakness for scientist heroes, but I wish more of them were better written!
Beginner's Luck by Dixie Browning (SD 517)
(1989, Contemporary Series) 3/29/06
Grade: 2.5
The hero is a scientist who is staying at his aunt’s cabin for a few weeks. He’s shy and awkward and can’t talk to women. One of his aunt’s friends shows up, and he awkwardly tries to help her, but ends up scaring her more than helping her. Finally, she recognizes his true intentions.
This is a character in search of a book. The hero in this book is a lot of fun. His well intentioned bumbling and awkward attempts to woo the heroine are somewhat charming. But there’s not enough plot to hold this book together, and the heroine doesn’t make much of an impression. There wasn’t enough to hold the story together, even in a very short book.
I have a weakness for scientist heroes, but I wish more of them were better written!
And the Third
The third book in Lee's Victorian series:
Nightingale's Gate by Linda Francis Lee
(2000, Victorian) 3/28/06
Grade: 3
The third brother in this series, Lucas, owns a gentleman’s club. His family, especially his father, disapprove of his lifestyle, but when he’s accused of murdering a prostitute, they hire attorney Alice Kendall. A female attorney is rare at the time, but Alice is determined to win the case. But she’ll have to delve into family secrets.
This book is a better mystery than it is a romance. I wanted to find out who committed the murder, and the author takes us through a number of red herrings before revealing the killer. I liked the character of Alice, struggling to succeed in a man’s world. But some of the plot doesn’t make sense, particularly Alice’s involvement with Lucas. It seemed like it was thrown in to make the book “romantic”, but it seemed completely out of character and unprofessional, and the relationship seemed forced. It wasn’t romantic at all. If the author wanted to write a mystery, she should have just written one, instead of forcing a romantic subplot that didn’t make much sense.
I've loved several of Linda Francis Lee's books, but this series was increasingly disappointing.
Nightingale's Gate by Linda Francis Lee
(2000, Victorian) 3/28/06
Grade: 3
The third brother in this series, Lucas, owns a gentleman’s club. His family, especially his father, disapprove of his lifestyle, but when he’s accused of murdering a prostitute, they hire attorney Alice Kendall. A female attorney is rare at the time, but Alice is determined to win the case. But she’ll have to delve into family secrets.
This book is a better mystery than it is a romance. I wanted to find out who committed the murder, and the author takes us through a number of red herrings before revealing the killer. I liked the character of Alice, struggling to succeed in a man’s world. But some of the plot doesn’t make sense, particularly Alice’s involvement with Lucas. It seemed like it was thrown in to make the book “romantic”, but it seemed completely out of character and unprofessional, and the relationship seemed forced. It wasn’t romantic at all. If the author wanted to write a mystery, she should have just written one, instead of forcing a romantic subplot that didn’t make much sense.
I've loved several of Linda Francis Lee's books, but this series was increasingly disappointing.
Second in the Series
I continued with the second book in this series:
Swan's Grace by Linda Francis Lee
(2000, Victorian) 3/27/06
Grade: 3.5
Sophie is returning home to Boston after making a career in Europe as a cellist (albeit one who plays folk tunes instead of Bach). She hopes to see her childhood sweetheart, Grayson, but is shocked to find herself betrothed to him (courtesy of her disapproving father). Grayson still loves Sophie, but doesn’t know how to deal with the grown woman she’s become.
Another book with interesting characters that doesn’t quite work. I liked Sophie and Grayson, and their psychological backgrounds are quite interesting - every character in this trilogy has father issues - but something doesn’t quite add up. Is Grayson a chauvinistic product of his time, or a more free thinking man, willing to accept Sophie as she is? Sometimes he’s one, sometimes he’s the other, and there’s no explanation. I wanted to like this book, but it just felt unfinished.
Like most series, this one started to decline with the second book.
Swan's Grace by Linda Francis Lee
(2000, Victorian) 3/27/06
Grade: 3.5
Sophie is returning home to Boston after making a career in Europe as a cellist (albeit one who plays folk tunes instead of Bach). She hopes to see her childhood sweetheart, Grayson, but is shocked to find herself betrothed to him (courtesy of her disapproving father). Grayson still loves Sophie, but doesn’t know how to deal with the grown woman she’s become.
Another book with interesting characters that doesn’t quite work. I liked Sophie and Grayson, and their psychological backgrounds are quite interesting - every character in this trilogy has father issues - but something doesn’t quite add up. Is Grayson a chauvinistic product of his time, or a more free thinking man, willing to accept Sophie as she is? Sometimes he’s one, sometimes he’s the other, and there’s no explanation. I wanted to like this book, but it just felt unfinished.
Like most series, this one started to decline with the second book.
Always Love Those Tortured Heroes
I went on vacation a couple of weeks ago, which always means a lot of reading! I finally have some new books to add.
Dove's Way by Linda Francis Lee
(2000, Victorian) 3/26/06
Grade: 4
Finnea has spent her life in Africa, and is now returning to Boston to be reunited with her mother. She has no idea how to deal with Boston society. She is helped, reluctantly, by Matthew, scarred and troubled, who she originally met in Africa. Even though they’re both reluctant to let down their guards, they find healing with each other.
This book could have been so much better. The characters were wonderful, but the book seemed underwritten - as if parts were missing out of it. It seemed like the reader was expected to fill in the blanks. There are some wonderful scenes, especially involving the hero’s daughter and Finnea’s grief over her own child. The author does a good job at exploring the psychological backgrounds of the characters, and I always love a good wounded hero and heroine. But the individual pieces just don’t add up to a focused story. This isn’t her best book, but it’s worth reading.
Dove's Way by Linda Francis Lee
(2000, Victorian) 3/26/06
Grade: 4
Finnea has spent her life in Africa, and is now returning to Boston to be reunited with her mother. She has no idea how to deal with Boston society. She is helped, reluctantly, by Matthew, scarred and troubled, who she originally met in Africa. Even though they’re both reluctant to let down their guards, they find healing with each other.
This book could have been so much better. The characters were wonderful, but the book seemed underwritten - as if parts were missing out of it. It seemed like the reader was expected to fill in the blanks. There are some wonderful scenes, especially involving the hero’s daughter and Finnea’s grief over her own child. The author does a good job at exploring the psychological backgrounds of the characters, and I always love a good wounded hero and heroine. But the individual pieces just don’t add up to a focused story. This isn’t her best book, but it’s worth reading.
Catching Up
I've been woefully behind in keeping up with this blog, mostly because I haven't been reading very much! I read this J.D. Robb book back in January, but haven't read much of anything since then.
Memory in Death by J.D. Robb
(2006, Suspense) 1/22/06
Grade: 3.5
Eve is paid a visit by an unwelcome visitor from the past - her foster mother, who abused her as a child. Soon, she turns up dead, and Eve is determined to find the truth - in part because she doesn’t care about the victim and might have wanted her dead herself.
Although it has some fun parts about Christmas, this one didn’t do much for me, for some reason. The mystery part of it just wasn’t that interesting, and I had no trouble figuring out who and what and why. There were some nice character moments for Eve and Peabody (always welcome!) and some between Eve and Mira, but I found it surprisingly easy to put down.
I always find the Robb books readable, but the last couple haven't done a lot for me.
Memory in Death by J.D. Robb
(2006, Suspense) 1/22/06
Grade: 3.5
Eve is paid a visit by an unwelcome visitor from the past - her foster mother, who abused her as a child. Soon, she turns up dead, and Eve is determined to find the truth - in part because she doesn’t care about the victim and might have wanted her dead herself.
Although it has some fun parts about Christmas, this one didn’t do much for me, for some reason. The mystery part of it just wasn’t that interesting, and I had no trouble figuring out who and what and why. There were some nice character moments for Eve and Peabody (always welcome!) and some between Eve and Mira, but I found it surprisingly easy to put down.
I always find the Robb books readable, but the last couple haven't done a lot for me.
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
2005 Summary
2005 hasn't been a great year for reading. I didn't get a lot of reading done, and I also didn't read a lot of great books. I only read 39 books this year, compared with 96 in 2004. That's my lowest total since my slump of 1998-1999. (I only read 24 books in both those years put together.) [My total only includes books I finished, or came close to finishing. If I dump a book in the first few chapters, I don't include it in my database. And it's mostly romance and romance-type books: I always read a few other types of books, Harry Potter for example, or "how to" books, but I don't put those in my database either.]
I can't completely blame the books for this, although I haven't really been excited about many books this year. But I think the blame has to go in part to a couple of major projects - Celebrate Romance in the first part of the year, and a job-related research project in the second half of the year. I just didn't have a lot of uninterrupted free time. And when I did spend time relaxing, I was more likely to watch a DVD or surf the internet than pick up a book.
But I think the hardest thing this year was the lack of good reads. That's surprising, because I focused my reading in 2005 on working through my stash of books that I'd set aside as "extra good reads". Favorite authors, books that had been highly recommended, books that got rave reviews. So I'm surprised that I didn't find more gems.
I only had one keeper this year (The Mysterious Miss M by Diane Gaston) and one near-keeper (The Duchess's Next Husband by Terri Brisbin) but that's not unusual - I'm very picky about keepers and usually only have one or two a year. But I had a surprisingly low number of "very good" reads - books that I graded 4 or 4.5. And most of those came at the very beginning of the year, although I had a few at the end as well. I didn't have a lot of duds, but there were a lot of books that were just kind of average. Blah. Maybe that's why I haven't read as many books as usual this year - it's hard to stay enthusiastic when you're reading one blah book after another.
I've also felt the lack of contemporary and series books - I enjoy reading them but I'm finding it harder and harder to find the types of books I like in those settings. As much as I enjoy historicals, I find it energizing to alternate them with contemps and series books, but over the last few years, I just haven't found as many contemps as I'd like to buy, at least ones that fit my rather exacting standards. (OK, I'm picky, I admit it. But I just don't much care for suspense, mysteries, most comedies and baby/child/motherhood/sisterhood books, which eliminates a lot of the field in the contemporary market.)
When I started this blog, I was looking at a bookcase full of "TBR" books. I buy a lot of books, and often I'll put a book aside as a "rainy day" book - any book that has the potential to be really good, so I want to save it for a rainy day. Almost every book in that bookcase had been recommended to me at some point, and I wanted to finally read them. I vowed to read my way through that bookcase before reading anything else or before buying any more books. I've read a few other books in the meantime, but not that many - my book buying has been greatly curtailed this year. But I still have 36 books in that bookcase. (And over 1400 TBR books boxed up in my attic, but I don't want to think about those! They're my "retirement" fund.) So the challenge isn't over yet.
So my goal for 2006: finish those last 36 books. When I do that, I will reward myself with a huge book-buying binge. Free, free at last!
I can't completely blame the books for this, although I haven't really been excited about many books this year. But I think the blame has to go in part to a couple of major projects - Celebrate Romance in the first part of the year, and a job-related research project in the second half of the year. I just didn't have a lot of uninterrupted free time. And when I did spend time relaxing, I was more likely to watch a DVD or surf the internet than pick up a book.
But I think the hardest thing this year was the lack of good reads. That's surprising, because I focused my reading in 2005 on working through my stash of books that I'd set aside as "extra good reads". Favorite authors, books that had been highly recommended, books that got rave reviews. So I'm surprised that I didn't find more gems.
I only had one keeper this year (The Mysterious Miss M by Diane Gaston) and one near-keeper (The Duchess's Next Husband by Terri Brisbin) but that's not unusual - I'm very picky about keepers and usually only have one or two a year. But I had a surprisingly low number of "very good" reads - books that I graded 4 or 4.5. And most of those came at the very beginning of the year, although I had a few at the end as well. I didn't have a lot of duds, but there were a lot of books that were just kind of average. Blah. Maybe that's why I haven't read as many books as usual this year - it's hard to stay enthusiastic when you're reading one blah book after another.
I've also felt the lack of contemporary and series books - I enjoy reading them but I'm finding it harder and harder to find the types of books I like in those settings. As much as I enjoy historicals, I find it energizing to alternate them with contemps and series books, but over the last few years, I just haven't found as many contemps as I'd like to buy, at least ones that fit my rather exacting standards. (OK, I'm picky, I admit it. But I just don't much care for suspense, mysteries, most comedies and baby/child/motherhood/sisterhood books, which eliminates a lot of the field in the contemporary market.)
When I started this blog, I was looking at a bookcase full of "TBR" books. I buy a lot of books, and often I'll put a book aside as a "rainy day" book - any book that has the potential to be really good, so I want to save it for a rainy day. Almost every book in that bookcase had been recommended to me at some point, and I wanted to finally read them. I vowed to read my way through that bookcase before reading anything else or before buying any more books. I've read a few other books in the meantime, but not that many - my book buying has been greatly curtailed this year. But I still have 36 books in that bookcase. (And over 1400 TBR books boxed up in my attic, but I don't want to think about those! They're my "retirement" fund.) So the challenge isn't over yet.
So my goal for 2006: finish those last 36 books. When I do that, I will reward myself with a huge book-buying binge. Free, free at last!
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