Book Review - A Winter Scandal by Candace Camp

A Winter Scandal is the first book in a new series by Candace Camp.  I will say that I will anxiously be awaiting the rest of the books in this series as this one was just brilliant.  Ms. Camp weaves a suspenseful, heart warming and wholly engaging tale.

Althea Bainbridge is the village Vicar's sister and while she is quite revered, she is a spinster and lonelier than she had realized.  An unintended snub by Chesley's newest resident - Lord Morecombe, and a cancelled visit have Thea heart broken and praying in church.  She wants a life of her own and to no longer have to live in anyone's shadow.  Little does she know just how quickly her heart's desires are about to come true.  As she concludes her prayer, she hears odd noises coming from the church's nativity scene.  And inside she finds, much to her surprise, a baby boy - about six months old.  Not knowing what else to do with Matthew (the name she gives the baby), she takes him home.  That same day, Thea discovers something that makes her believe Matthew is Lord Morecombe's.

Gabriel (Lord Morecombe) is startled but thoroughly intrigued when Thea barges into his new country home with a baby that she claims is his and demands that he take responsibility.  Gabriel assures Thea that the baby is not his but is astounded by the 'proof' Thea provides.  Suddenly, Gabriel is absolutely certain that he knows who Matthew's mother is and he and Thea take an unexpected journey - literally and emotionally - as they try to reunite Matthew with his mommy in time for Christmas.

I thoroughly loved this book.  It is rich in detail, character, setting and emotion.  This is the second book I've read by Candace Camp and I can honestly say that I have a mission to read all of her catalogue.

Book Review - His Mistress by Christmas by Victoria Alexander

Despite the some what corny title, His Mistress by Christmas by Victoria Alexander was a very well done and engaging book.  Lady Veronica Smithson is an independent, forward thinking widow in Victorian London.  She is tired of being alone but is not the least bit interested in marrying again.  She enjoys her freedom and her ability to make decisoions, financial and otherwise, without having to consult a man for approval or permission.  She is lonely for companionship, though.  Her very good friend Portia is cousin to the world adventurer Sebastian Hadley-Attwater.  Veronica is instantly attracted to him and decides that he will do nicely and sets forth a plan to be his mistress.

Sebastian has indeed led a life of adventure but has finally returned home to England.  He is certain that he will travel again but he is restless and ready for home and hearth.  He has recently realized that he misses his funny and well meaning family.  When he meets Veronica, sparks fly.  Sebastian decides rather quickly that he wants to marry Veronica.  What ensues is a funny, sweet and sometimes bittersweet story.  Can these two very headstrong characters fins a way to compromise and still be together? And better yet, can they do it by Christmas?

I loved this book and will definitely look for more books by Victoria Alexander.

Book Review - Captain Andrew's Flying Christmas

Heather Hiestand's Captain Andrew's Flying Christmas is my first foray into the Steam Punk genre.  I have to say that if this is a good example of the genre - I will definitely be reading more of it.  The e-book was a quick but enjoyable read; set in mid 1800's London and filled with romance and adventure.

Linet Fenna is forced into a life of servitude when her adventurous, pirate sort of father is captured and hung for his supposed crimes.  Three years later, on Christmas Eve - she is sitting at her bedroom window, wishing for a different life when a ladder falls from the sky.  Looking up, she sees her father's flying ship and grabs hold of the ladder and her destiny with both hands.

To her dismay, the man at the top of the ladder, one Captain Andrew, is the son of the man she believes is responsible for her father's death and the demise of her family.  What follows is a quick paced, romance filled adventure that brings with it the truth, love and a new and emotionally richer family.  I read this in an evening and would highly recommend it to anyone in the mood for a fun, lovely story with a happy ending.  I know that I will also be searcing for more in this genre.

Book Review - Love, Come to Me by Lisa Kleypas

I must admit that I have been putting off writing this review.  I usually love books by Lisa Kleypas but not so with this one.  In fact, I only gave it a one star rating on goodreads.  Oh, it bothers me to admit that.  I guess it's because, as a writer, I would be so sad to know someone didn't like my story.  At the same time - I know you can't please everyone all of the time.  Now, for my actual review.

Love, Come to Me is set in Concord, Massachusetts not long after the end of the Civil War.  This is a historical period that I always find fascinating; heart breaking but compelling, nonetheless.  Lucinda is a spoiled, sheltered Northern (Yankee) girl and Heath is a cynical, jaded, war-scarred man (Rebel) from the South.  I really expected this to be a story about opposites attracting and flourishing together against the odds.  And I guess, to a certain degree, that was the case but Heath and Lucinda were so annoying as characters.  They started off all right but them their characters did a 180 and I felt like I was reading an entirely different book.  Heath went from charming and caring to an over bearing, manipulative control freak.  And Lucinda started off as a funny and strong woman who then became weak spined and whiny.  It was so weird and utterly annoying.  I kept having hope for the book and Lucinda and Heath but they just continued to annoy.

The worst part of the book for me was a manipulative, heart wrenching scene just over halfway through.  It was borderline rape in my opinion and that is the exact opposite reason why I read romance novels.  The scene was emotionally and physically manipulative and it made me sick.  Both Lucinda and Heath were jerks in this whole scene but there is never, ever any excuse for physical manipulation and near-rape in my opinion.  No always means no, period.

The most interesting part of Love, Come to Me was Heath's interest in newspapers.  My grandparents worked for one of our local newspapers for years and I have fond memories of it as a child.  I did love this part of the book but unfortunately it didn't make up for the rest of it.  Even with a so-called happy ending, I don't recommend this book.  Sorry, Lisa Kleypas.  I normally adore you but this one was a complete miss for me.

Book Review - Cloudy With a Chance of Marriage by Kieran Kramer

Kieran Kramer's Cloudy With a Chance of Marriage is the third in her Impossible Bachelors series.  In this installment of the series we get the story of Captain Stephen Arrow and Miss Jilly Jones.  Arrow is recently retired from the English Navy and has inherited a ramshackled house on the oft-expressed dreary Dreare Street in London.  Jilly is his much-annoyed neighbor.  He seems to only be interested in partying with his single male friends while she is trying to make a profit with her bookstore.  It seems unlikely that the two opposites will ever find common ground.  And yet, it appears that they both protest just a bit too much about the other.

We learn very early on in the book that Jilly is actually the runaway wife of a nasty and brutal man named Hector.  She sold off her jewelry and fancy clothing in order to leave him and make a new and safe life for herself in London.  She is therefore very dismayed when Arrow starts paying her a lot of attention.  While she is also attracted to him - she knows nothing can ever come of it.  Arrow sees Jilly as a challenge, of course.  I have to say that the chemistry between these two was somewhat lackluster and slightly unbelievable.  I'm not certain exactly why but their relationship felt like a secondary - almost forced - part of the book.

The more enjoyable aspect of the book is with the interactions between Arrow, Jilly and the friendships they make with their other neightbors on Dreare Street.  Together, the residents of Dreare Street band together to help their little community flourish in the face of a crisis.  There are a couple of twists that are well done in this book.  Overall, I did enjoy the book; just not as much as the first two in the series.  The final book in the Impossible Bachelors series is called If You Give a Girl a Viscount and will be released on November 1, 2011.

Review - Suddenly by Candace Camp

Suddenly by Candace Camp is the story of Simon Dure and Charity Emerson.  Simon is set to ask for Serena Emerson's hand in marriage.  he likes her but there is no passion and that's exactly what he wants; that and heirs, of course.  Serena is prepared to accept his proposal out of familial obligation.  Even though she is in love with the pastor in her country home village.  Intent on saving her sister from a loveless marriage - and what she assumes will be a sad life - Charity intervenes on her sister's behalf.  She offers herself for marriage to Simon - in place of her sister.

Of course, Simon accapts but only after he has been thoroughly talked into it by Charity.  Their courtship seems innocent enough.  They are fiercely attracted to one another and want to wed quickly.  Simon manages to convince Charity's mother to have the wedding in six months rather than the traditional twelve.  All seems to be going well - until Simon is accused of murder.  And all of the circumstantial evidence points to Simon indeed being a murderer. 

Camp's tale of passion and murder in Regency London is splendidly told and filled with love.  I really enjoyed this book.  Even though a bit of the plot was obvious from the beginning I still enjoyed the unfolding of the story.  Simon and Charity as a couple were delightful to read about.  If you like a bit of mystery thrown into your love story - this book is a great choice.

Review - Just Like Heaven by Julia Quinn

Marcus Holroyd was always alone.

His mother died when he was four, but this had surprisingly little effect on his life.  The Countess of Chatteris mothered her son the way her mother had mothered her - from afar.

The above is the way Julia Quinn's Just Like Heaven begins.  My heart immediately went out to this character - incurable sap that I am.  We quickly learn that Marcus is an only child and he is brought up mainly by nannies and then the best tutors his father's money could buy.  Marcus' father saw no reason to have anything to do with his son until 'he was old enough to conduct a reasonably intelligent conversation'.  By then, the age of twelve, Marcus was being shipped off to Eton College. 

Upon arriving at Eton, Marcus meets Daniel Smythe-Smith and finally has a friend.  Before long, Marcus is spending holidays with Daniel's boisterous, fun and loving family; including Daniel's pesky little sister Honoria.  And finally, Marcus feels like he has a family.

More than a decade later, Marcus is alone again.  Daniel has been exiled from England and he rarely sees the Smythe-Smith's - although he is secretly making certain that Honoria doesn't marry any sort of unsuitable man.  Having agreed to this task before Daniel's hasty departure, Marcus takes his duty seriously.  On an endeavor to learn of Honoria's latest love interest, Marcus finds himself in a ridiculous mishap and ends up gravely ill.

Honoria feels horribly responsible for Marcus' condition and insists that she and her mother go to his aid.  The story that Ms. Quinn continues in Just Like Heaven is filled with friendship, family, reconnecting and of course, love.  This book has humor, tears, sighs, sweetness and the ever appreciated happy ending.

Review - Castles by Julie Garwood

Castles was the first book I read by Julie Garwood.  I read it in the mid 1990's and remember loving it.  The book recently became available in electronic format and I decided that I wanted to read it again.  So, I downloaded it to my Nook and happily read away.  I was quite surprised by how much of the book I actually remembered.  I still enjoyed the book, though.

Castles is set in early 1800's London and is the love story between Alesandra and Colin.  Alesandra is a Princess that has spent many years in a French convent after the death of her beloved mother and father.  Her father was once the King of a European nation but gave up the throne to marry for love.  The people of the country never forgot how much they loved Alesandra's father.  Now they are being taken over by the dictatorial General Ivan who is hellbent on having Alesandra as his wife.  With the help of the guards hired by the Mother Superior to protect Alesandra - she escapes to London; where her father's best friend and her guardian live.  This man happens to be Colin's father.

Alesandra's guardian - 'Uncle Henry' - agrees to help her find a suitable English husband in hopes that this will deter General Ivan.  As they are about to embark on a London season, Henry and his wife become quite ill.  So does his eldest son Caine and his wife Jade.  Thus leaving Colin as Alesandra's caretaker in the time of illness.  Colin is immediately attracted to Alesandra but suspicious that his father just wants him to marry the surprisingly unspoiled Princess.  Of course, much to Colin's irritation, this is exactly what his father wants.

Castles is a fun and beautiful story.  Do Colin and Alesandra fall in love? Of course they do but it is entertaining to go along for the ride.  Especially as you wonder if they will actually marry.  And there's is also the mystery of a few missing women who may of met an untimely death at the hands of a serial killer.  General Ivan doesn't give up on his quest to mary Alesandra, either. 

This book is a perfect example of Julie Garwood's fabulous talent as a writer.  If you've never read anything by her - this is a great book to begin with.

Review - Someone to Watch Over Me by Lisa Kleypas

 Someone to Watch Over Me is the first in Lisa Kleypas' Bow Street Runners series.  Vivien Duvall is rescued from the icy waters of the Thames by Grant Morgan - an infamous Bow Street Runner.  To their mutual surprise, Vivien is experiencing amnesia.  Grant quickly determines - based on the bruises around her throat and the huge lump on her head - that someone had attempted murder on the beautiful Vivien.  He offers her a sanctuary in his home as he takes on the case of identifying her attacker.

Further adding to the muddle of circumstances - Vivien, in her pre-amnesia life - is a very worldly courtesan.  One who Grant had met and been physically attracted to but turned off by her nasty attitude.  The post-amnesia Vivien is delightful, engagingly intelligent and acts like a blushing virgin.  It's all rather confounding, to say the least.

Once Vivien is feeling well and over the worst of her injuries - Grant takes her to a ball to let her attacker know that the murder attempt was unsuccessful.  In the midst of trying to solve a crime - Grant and Vivien fall for one another, of course.  And then they learn even more surprising details about Vivien and her past.

I enjoyed this book and feel that anything by Lisa Kleypas is sure to be a winner.

Review - When Harry Met Molly by Kieran Kramer

Synopsis - From Barnes & Noble

HE’S ALWAYS BEEN A PLAYER.


Dashing Lord Harry Traemore is perfectly content to live out his days in the pursuit of pleasure. But when he’s named by the Prince Regent as one of society’s “Impossible Bachelors,” Harry is drafted into a ribald romantic wager. The rules of engagement are scandalously simple: The bachelor whose mistress wins the title of “Most Delectable Companion” gets to remain unmarried. Harry is utterly unconcerned about his status...until his latest lightskirt abandons him.


WHO WILL WIN THIS GAME OF LOVE?


Enter Lady Molly Fairbanks. Harry’s childhood friend— actually, “foe” is more like it—is the most unlikely companion of all. She’s attractive but hot-headed, and in no mood for games. Besides, what could the self-indulgent Harry possibly know about what makes a woman delectable? It’s time for Molly to teach him a lesson once and for all...but will it lead to “happily ever after”?

My Review

This is a delightful debut novel from Kieran Kramer.  Harry and Molly have known one another since childhood.  They were contry neighbors and often one another's nemesis.  A chance meeting as adults throws them into a situation that neither wants but both need.  They strike a reluctant plan to spend a seemingly debauchorous week together.  In the end, Harry is supposed to remain a carefree bachelor and find Molly a suitable husband.

Naturally, nothing goes as planned and every thing is out of Harry and Molly's control.  Ms. Kramer's debut novel is funny, tender and sexy.  I loved it and her compelling cast of characters.  I look forward to reading about the rest of the Impossible Bachelors.


Book 2 - out now


Book 3 - 4/26/2011


Book 4 - late 2011

Review - Tempt Me at Twilight by Lisa Kleypas

Product Details:

Pub. Date: September 2009

Publisher: St. Martin's Press

Format: NOOKbook (eBook) , 384 pages




Synopsis:
He was everything she’d sworn to avoid.

Poppy Hathaway loves her unconventional family, though she longs for normalcy. Then fate leads to a meeting with Harry Rutledge, an enigmatic hotel owner and inventor with wealth, power, and a dangerous hidden life. When their flirtation compromises her own reputation, Poppy shocks everyone by accepting his proposal—only to find that her new husband offers his passion, but not his trust.
And she was everything he needed.

Harry was willing to do anything to win Poppy—except to open his heart. All his life, he has held the world at arm’s length…but the sharp, beguiling Poppy demands to be his wife in every way that matters. Still, as desire grows between them, an enemy lurks in the shadows. Now if Harry wants to keep Poppy by his side, he must forge a true union of body and soul, once and for all.


My Review:
I loved this book.  This is the third in Ms. Kleypas' Hathaway series.  I read the first, Mine 'til Midnight, which was also wonderful but I liked this one even better.  I haven't been able to find the second in the series, so haven't read that one as yet, but will.

Poppy Hathaway is exactly the kind of character I like - strong! Poppy is in love with an aristocratic boy (as Harry Rutledge accurately deems him) named Michael Bayning.  She is certain that they will marry and live out the 'normal' life she craves.  Well, Michael's father does not approve of the match because he sees Poppy and her family as beneath them.  Heartbroken, Poppy wants to return to her family home in Hampshire.  Her brother Leo convinces her that she must attend the final ball of the London season in order to return with dignity.  Begrudgingly, Poppy agrees to attend the ball.

The reclusive and secretive Harry Rutledge decides to attend the ball, as well.  He is there only to ask permission to properly court Poppy.  She is flattered but quite taken aback.  She and Harry hardly know one another.  They have spent time around one another on two occasions.  Granted, they were intriguing encounters but Poppy is heartbroken and in need of time to heal.

The story that continues on from the ball is one filled with humor, heart and a few tears.  Poppy and Harry must learn to trust one another - and even forgive - on their road to love and their happy ending.

I definitely give this book an A and look forward to reading the rest of the Hathaway series.

2011 Historical Romance Challenge

I love historical romance novels.  I love the romance genre, period.  So, when I founf this challenge through The Enchanted Book (a blog I just found and fell in love with) I just had to sign up for it.

This will be an easy and enjoyable challenge.  It is being hosted by Danielle at Romance Book Junkies.  The goal is to read twelve hhistorical romance books between January 1 and December 31, 2011.  Like I said, enjoyable.  Feel free to click the image if you want to sign up for the fun challenge.