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.
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
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.)
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