Anne of Green Gables reimagined in the twenty-first century? Sign me up! I have read and reread L.M. Montgomery’s books several times over, and I was very curious to see how Anne of Manhattan would stand up. I follow the author on Twitter and her descriptions of the book caught my eye, as did the…
Casey McQuiston’s debut novel, Red, White, and Royal Blue was an enormous hit and I, like many readers, was anxiously awaiting McQuiston’s second book. One Last Stop is a terrific sophomore effort that McQuiston fans will enjoy. I mostly loved it but a few things kept it just shy of a perfect read. Few quibbles…
It Had to Be You features an ensemble cast of characters connected to each other through the wedding business in New York City. Though the story has its heavier moments, it is a mostly optimistic tale of love and friendship blossoming despite adversity. Liv and Eliot Goldenhorn have been partners in life and business for…
A Retro Review originally published on May 6, 1999 Could there be a more controversial topic to write about in a romance novel than this interracial romance between a white cop, Jason Horn, and an African American graphic designer, Leah Downey, who live and work in and around New York City? I doubt it but…
The Social Graces is a mischievous and delightful little social comedy that brings its characters to life. Though I’ve read deeper histories of the Vanderbilt and Astor mini-feud, this one definitely entertained me the most, a true generational saga that’s warm, sweet, funny and tender. Mrs. Caroline Astor – THE Mrs. Astor, queen of the…
Wonderstruck is the third book in Allie Therin’s Magic in Manhattan series of paranormal romances set in 1920s New York, and is the best of the bunch, boasting a high-stakes, fast-paced plot, engaging characters, strong worldbuilding and a central relationship that has come on leaps and bounds since the first book. When I reviewed the…
In Marriage on Madison Avenue, the third installment of Ms. Layne’s Pact in Central Park trio, we have a friends-to-lovers, fake dating extravaganza that includes an Instagram influencer, a wedding at the Plaza, and a controlling mother. Combine that with Ms. Layne’s ability to write female friendships and this is a gentle and charming tale….
Confessions in B-Flat is a resonant and romantic novel, filled with truth and history and finely-etched details. Featuring two young lovers who are passionate about changing the world but unsure of how to accomplish their goals, the reader will remember them and their story long after finishing the book. It’s 1963, and Atlanta native Jason…
I am a sucker for a royalty romance. Give me a fictional European principality with a single ruler/heir and I am grabbing my comfiest blanket and warmest cup of cocoa and just snuggling on up. Add when it’s written by one of my absolute favorite authors? I waited for this one from the library and…
Anyone who loves Adriana Herrera’s Dreamers series will have fun taking in this brief holiday visit with Ari and Yin, a secondary couple who appear as background characters in multiple volumes of the series. Warm, fuzzy, heartwarming and sweet down to the bone, it’s a perfectly fluffy holiday feast. Denpo Myint (Yin)Thuta and Aristide (Ari)…