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.)
Monday, September 18, 2006
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".
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