The early sections of The Book of True Desires set up a premise so tantalizing I actually experienced a giddy rush of anticipation. But while Betina Krahn takes readers on an interesting journey in this romantic adventure, I ultimately couldn’t help thinking that some better company would have improved the trip. In order to fund…
I can count on one hand the number of romance novels that have ever moved me to tears. Lorraine Heath’s classic Always to Remember sits at the top of that elite list, head and shoulders above the rest. In the ten years since its initial publication, it has only gained power, as its themes seem…
Normally a book cover does not influence me, but I thought the cover of Duchess of Fifth Avenue was quite stunning. Would the story inside be as good as the cover? Lana and her best friend Siobhan escape their harsh lives in Ireland and settle in New York City. Unfortunately, Siobhan’s husband, Billy, a charming…
I am so glad I read this book. I had never read any of Beverly Jenkins’ novels before and didn’t know what to expect, but I came away from this story very impressed. Jenkins does a wonderful job of balancing passion, emotion, an exciting story, and a masterful command of history, and, while this did…
I keep picking up western romances, hoping I’ll find one as good as those I used to read in the nineties. Since virtually all of them I’ve read in the last five years are terrible, I’m not sure if my behavior is optimistic, or just stupid. Sadly, Luck of the Draw is yet another of…
Sometimes I’m just in the mood to read a completely over-the-top romance. Those are the times when I’m looking for characters who are larger than life and have all kinds of vivid adventures. Pamela Clare’s latest novel, the first in a new series, has its rough spots, but her tale of romance set during the…
At about 35,000 words, Love’s Golden Embrace by Charlene Leonard is a rather short story in which you won’t find much detail in either setting or characterization. However, the feeling of nostalgia, comfort and my affection for both leads (especially for hero Luke) make Love’s Golden Embrace a pleasant, quick read. In 1829 the recent…
The Johnstown flood of 1889 – when a dam created to make a lake for a wealthy country club burst, sending a wall of water through the poor mining town downstream – sets the scene for Waiting for the Rainbow. Nearly three thousand people died in the flood. It was hard to pick this book…
Sometimes I’m just in the mood for a good tearjerker – a romance that is touching and emotional and shows how powerfully love can change someone’s life. Redemption is that kind of book. The plot has its rough spots, but the romance is ultimately very sweet and well worth the time spent reading. Since the…
After reading a score or two of European set historical romances, Written On The Wind, set in 1860 Texas, looked like a welcome change of pace. But after slogging through it, I finished it with a sigh of relief – seldom have I seen a couple with less chemistry than Matt Conway and White Fawn….