Once in a while, during every reader’s literary life, you encounter a book that reminds you why you are a reader. It renews your faith, if faith was lost; it rekindles your interest, if interest waned; and every word, every page, is a wonder. Adrian and Justine’s story is not only such a book and…
The Pink Carnation series is one that I have been following with great pleasure for a number of years, but, as much as I have been enjoying the protagonists’ adventures in England, Ireland, and India, I was somewhat disappointed that after the first volume the action never returned to Napoleon’s home turf. I was thrilled…
Narrated by Kirsten Potter Wow, another new-to-me narrator and another fantastic one as well. Kristen Potter nails the characters of The Spymaster’s Lady and one can easily differentiate the numerous male characters, even spymaster Grey with his numerous disguises. Ms. Potter performs the part of the young French spy, Annique, with a beautiful French accent….
I almost passed on reviewing The Spymaster’s Lady. The cheesy cover (open ruffle-shirted hunk – yawn) and even cheesier title (oh, no – not another spymaster!) led me to believe that it would be yet another boring, cookie-cutter, Regency super-spy romance. I could not have been more wrong. Joanna Bourne hasn’t had a book published…
Angel in a Red Dress was first published in 1988 as Starlit Surrender, Judy Cuevas’s first novel. The good news is that much of Judith Ivory’s signature style is already apparent here. The bad news is that the book does have a number of flaws, including a premise that hinges on a gross historical inaccuracy….
The storming of the Bastille, Louis and Marie Antoinette caught in Varennes as they attempted to flee, the day Marat was assassinated. Today we know how all these events fit into the larger picture and how this all turned out, but for a family living far from Paris at the time all these events unfolded,…
The French Revolution was, arguably, one of the most frightening national tragedies in history. Its excesses and corruption shocked contemporary observers around the world, including those who initially applauded the spirit of the Revolution. Surrender to a Stranger is the riveting story of a man who makes it his business to free victims of the…
After reading a string of mediocre books, it was a great relief to read Pale Moon Rider. Marsha Canham has written a real winner here, with believable characters – not an evil sister in sight – and lots of suspense. Also, while it deals with dark subjects, like the French Revolution, it isn’t a downer….
What makes a book great? Believable characters, a fast paced plot, a satisfying ending and a well-written story. Brazen Angel by Elizabeth Boyle hosts an entire cast of believable characters, from the leads right down to the walk-ons. The story moved as such a quick pace that I could scarcely draw breath. As I turned…