I loved every single minute of it. From the famous opening line to the very last sentence, this book had my complete aThis book is so impossibly good.
I loved every single minute of it. From the famous opening line to the very last sentence, this book had my complete attention, holding me captive under its enchanting spell.
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It's so well-written. Under the hand of anybody else, Rebecca would probably get really boring really quickly. But du Maurier's writing style is so beautiful, so poignant, so charged with tension and emotion that she could have gone on describing the morning-room and its vibrant flowers and the desk with the pigeon-holes and the slanted handwriting, and I wouldn't have cared. It would still have been interesting. I would have gobbled it up.
Every single sentence in this novel is gorgeous. It's lush and lyrical, full of adjectives and entrancing descriptions. You can hear the sea from that room in the West wing. You can smell the fragrance of the crushed white azaleas. You can taste the bitter melancholy of the great Manderley, feel the impending sense of tragic doom at every turn.
"You could stoop down and pick a fallen petal, crush it between your fingers, and you had there, in the hollow of your hand, the essence of a thousand scents, unbearable and sweet. All from a curled and crumpled petal."
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But most of all. The haunting.
Rebecca, Rebecca, Rebecca, always Rebecca.
"Rebecca" 'til you're utterly sick of the name, sick with the oppressive sensation of feeling her on every page, in every room, every object, underlying every conversation. Rebecca, always Rebecca, only Rebecca.
Oh, how it works! How well du Maurier holds you under her spell!
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I'm so thankful that I was able to read it for the first time without any spoilers, knowing nothing about it. It was infinitely more suspenseful that way. I highly recommend, if you get the chance to read the book before seeing any film adaptations, do it! Read it! It's just so good.
The attention to detail, too, is absolutely astounding. So much thought goes into everything. Every detail is important. Thoughts, memories, feelings, emotions, all intermingled to bring you this masterpiece of a psychological thriller.
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"'If only there could be an invention,' I said impulsively, 'that bottled up memory, like scent. And it never faded, and it never got stale. And then, when one wanted it, the bottle could be uncorked, and would be like living the moment all over again.'"
Reading this book was like eating a rich chocolate cake; its darker qualities only served to enhance it.
Often compared to Jane Eyre for its gothic qualities and similar twists, Rebecca is set sometime in the 1930's against the backdrop of an imposing Cornish estate called Manderley. It features a nameless young woman as the main character and narrator, her older, enigmatic husband Mr. de Winter, his kind agent Mr. Crawley, and the chilling housekeeper Mrs. Danvers. It features dark rooms, dark moods, and dark secrets. Flaming red rhododendrons, moonlight mysteries, candlelit dinners.
All your favourite gothic-English-mansion-vibes.
I can't recommend it enough.
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"Happiness is not a possession to be prized, it is a quality of thought, a state of mind."...more
I've listened to this one probably about ten million times, it's one of my favourite go-to's during long studio hours and I just LOVE it ASIDE FROM THI've listened to this one probably about ten million times, it's one of my favourite go-to's during long studio hours and I just LOVE it ASIDE FROM THE FACT THAT IT'S ABRIDGED.
How dare they cut even a sentence of this wonderful story?!
Richard Armitage does a stellar job as usual, his impersonation of Sylvester was per-fection and I just can't tire of listening to it.
I think this one just may be my favourite Sarah Sundin novel so far.
It's so good.
Everything is there: romance, suspense, character growth, romance, I think this one just may be my favourite Sarah Sundin novel so far.
It's so good.
Everything is there: romance, suspense, character growth, romance, well-developed themes, romance, amazing WII history, ROMANCE, DID I MENTION ROMANCE?!?!
Oh but Dan and Tess were just perfection.
I've enjoyed every single Sundin novel I've read thus far, and the romances have all been really good so far, but this one was on a higher level than the others. This one was just really, really well done, so cute and chemistry-filled I just wanted to keep on reading.
I've noticed that I often really enjoy the last book in Sundin's trilogies a lot because it usually features an H/h we've already met and got to know in the previous two books, so there's room for even greater character development, and they just feel so real and it's overall just so well-done.
I'm also a really huge fan of the starched-hero-gets-unstarched, and I lost my heart to Dan within the first few chapters. Who doesn't want to witness the tireless workaholic's carefully built armour crumble through his blossoming relationship with the courageous, energetic and fun-loving beauty?
I tell you, it's good. I wanted more. I wanted another book in this series.
The rest of the plot was amazing as well, When Tides Turn is not just a romance (although that was definitely my favourite aspect of it) and had so much more to offer!
I highly, highlyyyyyyyy recommend this book, this series, this author. IT'S AMAZING. ...more
Scratch what I wrote in my review of A Hope Undaunted; I can and I will pick a favourite O’Connor book, and it’s this one. Sweet mother of pearl, it wScratch what I wrote in my review of A Hope Undaunted; I can and I will pick a favourite O’Connor book, and it’s this one. Sweet mother of pearl, it was just wonderful. I was completely swept away from page one, and thoroughly enjoyed myself until the end.
All previous little nitpicky things from the other books magically had no appearance here (except for the earlobe nipping - there seems to be no doing without that). No passionate kissing between the H/h at random/innoportune/inapropriate moments, no fantasizing endlessly about the other, no oh-god-dear-lord-I-have-to-stay-pure-until-marriage-but-it’s-too-hard-I-can’t-do-this, no blatant manipulation to get the hero’s attention, no becoming engaged to another man to try to forget the hero, no hero blinded by stubborn pride, no events or characters left hanging (unless it was major issues that you know will come back in the last book), and no skipping ahead months or years.
A Heart Revealed is definitely Lessman’s masterpiece. It’s her finest book yet, her most rich, complete, and detail-oriented. The romantic leads were older, more mature, and their romance was overall much better developed and presented than all the previous ones. Where all the other romances had been thunderous, madcap and dizzying with myriads of conflicting thoughts and emotions never before felt by the characters, here we have a gentle, slow, honest and delicate love story. It’s akin to reading Persuasion or something equally mature after a streak of YA novels (not that I really read those, but yeah).
Sean O’Connor is probably my favourite hero of the series (although John Brady and Mitch Dennehy come extremely close). Reminiscent of Parker Riley, Luke McGee’s best friend in A Hope Undaunted whom I had admired so much, Sean is remarkable for his quiet humour, his ready laugh, his kindness, and his gentle ways. He’s forever the nice guy, a confirmed bachelor at 34 with no intentions of ever marrying, much to the regret of many ladies. Handsome, athletic and hard-working, Sean is happy just spending his days at work and his evenings playing sports or coaching them. Of all the men in the O’Connor saga, Sean is the only one (save Parker) who could exercise self-control when it came to women. It’s not that he’s not attracted to them, it’s just that, y’know, he’s honourable enough not to assault every female mentioned in the book, unlike his predecessors (ahem CollinMitchBradyLuke).
So, when he realizes he’s had feelings all along for his long-standing friend, Emma Malloy, he freaking respects her wishes for distance and keeps his mouth to himself .Major round of applause for Sean please, he was THE ONLY ONE who was able to do that. Granted, the ring on Emma’s finger probably had a lot to do with it, but still. I can’t even begin to express how refreshing and wonderful it was not to be stumbling upon make-out sessions every 25 pages. I loved all previous books, but seriously, all the smoochiness was really getting on my nerves. So when I started this book, I was fully expecting an accidental kiss to happen at least before page 50, but when I had passed page 300 and they still hadn’t kissed, I knew their story was the best.
Because it was finally focused on something other than the physical aspect of the relationship.
Taking her time to develop a beautiful story between the two leads, Lessman incorporates layer upon layer of interesting details, building her 1931 atmosphere, telling us about the other characters, including domestic scenes with some of the previously married couples, and creating an interesting plot to make Emma and Sean realize they’ve been madly in love all along. If you’ve read the previous books, you know that Sean and Emma have known each other for over ten years, and have been good friends ever since. They both have tons in common, and they are Lessman’s best-matched couple, hands-down.
Emma really came alive in this novel. Previously, she had been a kind, faithful secondary character whom we pitied for having been beaten by her scum of a husband. Now, we come to know her so well, she became the most resplendent and complete of all the heroines. Maybe it’s because she was older (31 as opposed to the others who’d all been under 20) and more mature, or because she had been through much more than the others and had more understanding, or maybe it was just her personality, or probably a combination of all I just mentioned, but Emma was definitely something grander. Elegant, graceful and incredibly selfless, Emma possessed a quiet strength of character which drew everyone to her one way or the other, whether it be family members for advice, co-workers for help, or friends for favours. Always ready to help and give her time to serve others, Emma is as generous as she is forgiving. And yet, she isn’t perfect, she doesn’t come across as cliché or caricatured; she is perfectly human, real and relatable.
Deeply scarred by her past, Emma has nonetheless come to terms with her life and is at peace with herself, able to live normally and be happy and fulfilled in what she does. Lessman successfully shows us the caliber of woman that she is through her interactions with others at work, but it’s the little details told about her that make her truly endearing. The way she likes to paint the birds that come on her windowsill, or how she likes to wear lacy nightgowns to feel pretty and feminine, or how her apartment is furnished antique-style and abundantly embellished with flowered accents – carpet, wallpaper, bedspread. Everything about her exudes loveliness, peace, and femininity. She’s a treasure any man would be proud and lucky to call his own, and none knows it better than Sean. Unfortunately, the one man who does have her is ironically the one who couldn’t care less about her – Rory Malloy, her no-good husband whom she left 11 years ago when she moved to Boston with Charity. She’s forgiven him, but when she realizes that Sean O’Connor is the man of her dreams she never thought existed, her carefully built world slowly starts to unravel before her as she tries to keep it together, knowing she can never deserve him, nor have him.
The most heart-warming, beautiful and uplifting romance I’d read in a long time, A Heart Revealed is definitely a top-favourite romance novel of mine, one I will be sure to recommend and re-read over and over again. It was so rich, true, and elevating. It perfectly illustrated what true love is all about; self-renunciation, respect, forgiveness, trust and so much more. The author highlighted all the important points of a relationship and brought them all together to create the kind of romance every girl has always dreamed about.
And as always, it was wonderful seeing all the other family members again: joining Luke and Katie on their wedding day, sympathizing with Marcy who wants to adopt Gabe, laughing at Charity’s dry humour, oooh-ing at all the babies and young cousins, praying with Faith, and wondering who would win at chess. I love the family atmosphere Lessman always creates, it’s definitely one of her best traits. I love how she always has the women baking cookies, sewing hems and necklines, matchmaking and gossiping in the kitchen while the men are outside playing horseshoes or barbecuing. I also love the fact that all the men play sports and try to best each other (it’s totally hilarious), and are all consequently taller, handsomer and more muscular than the other (totally swoon-worthy). It’s just so much fun reading all those family scenes!!
Ah, I don’t know what I’ll do when I finish this series!
*Stand-alone novel, although it will make much more sense if you’ve read the previous books of the saga, especially A Passion Redeemed, in which Emma decides to leave Rory. Also, if you’ve read the other books the family scenes in this book will make a lot more sense. Nevertheless, I assume it’s perfectly enjoyable all on its own as well. Either way, READ IT!! ;) ...more
I officially just love Sarah Sundin. This book left me breathless.
I loved how it didn't pick up where the previous ended, but started further back soI officially just love Sarah Sundin. This book left me breathless.
I loved how it didn't pick up where the previous ended, but started further back so we could really get in context and know what had happened to the secondary characters of With Every Letter before the end. It was so easy to loose myself again completely in Sarah Sundin's World War II atmosphere, and seeing all the characters again was so much fun!
I looooved Georgie from book 1 and was SO excited to read her story!! It was definitely sadder and more heart-wrenching than I'd bargained for, but overall it was so good, I couldn't put it down. One of the things I love the most about Sundin's characters is how they have to go through personal struggles to help them grow and correct a certain character flaw about themselves.
I found On Distant Shores to be particularly inspiring in that area. The heroine's inner conflicts were incredibly well drawn out, and the way she tried so hard to overcome her fears and be a better person added a whole new dimension to the story. It wasn't just a love story of two people engaged to another (respectively), it was a also a journey of self-discovery. Christian principles were artfully woven throughout and it created a credible, inspiring story.
I loved, loved seeing the characters from book 1 again and having them just keep going with the story. Some moments were definitely harder to bear though, and although this novel was not just "sad", it was undoubtedly the sadder of the three, and had a few scenes where I nearly cried. But overall it was just beautiful, so entrancing, and I dove into book 3 immediately after finishing. The setting is so exciting, so adventurous, so enriching, and just so pleasant to learn about.
I believe that of the three books in this series, On Distant Shores is equal parts the saddest and sweetest, given the tragedies that occur and the gentle love story that developed between the main characters. Every moment spent reading this novel gave me some kind of strong emotion, and it was impossible to put down (and since I was on the road for hours on end, I thankfully didn't really have to). I strongly, strongly recommend it, whether you loved With Every Letter or are just looking for a great WWII book to read. It was full of interesting information about the role of pharmacists in the war, and the setting is so well depicted, you can actually see the set-up tents full of crates and medicine and prescriptions.
Stand-alone novel, as the author replays the last quarter of book 1 from the perspective of different characters in order to let the reader know what happened off stage. I would still recommend reading With Every Letter first though, as it was an amazing read and establishes an even deeper connection with the characters.
My review so doesn't do justice to this amazing book, and I'm really kicking myself for not reviewing it sooner, but regardless, add this book to your shelf now, you surely won't regret it!!...more
I love, love, love, LOVE this charming little novella!!! It was the most darling thing ever, featuring a tender-hearted and selfless heroine, and a shI love, love, love, LOVE this charming little novella!!! It was the most darling thing ever, featuring a tender-hearted and selfless heroine, and a shy, quiet and super kind hero. They were such a refreshing couple, and I loved the hero especially because he was calm, quiet and awkward around the heroine, and it was so sweet! I really enjoyed reading this one; read in one sitting late at night and I even found myself reading slowly at the end because I didn't want it to end so soon.
Do you know what this couple does at the end?
THEY SIT DOWN AND TALK THINGS OUT.
I could hardly believe it. For all the times I found myself wishing the H/h would just TALK ALREADY, here is a couple that finally did it.
I'd never read Mary Connealy before, but I'm going to be a fan for life now.
I remember reading this during the summer some years ago (even though it's a Christmas novella, go figure!) and absolutely LOVING IT. The heroine was I remember reading this during the summer some years ago (even though it's a Christmas novella, go figure!) and absolutely LOVING IT. The heroine was such a darling and she was so unique, and the hero was heart-melting. The story line was sweet and believable, and it was just the BEST romance novella I have ever read. It was part of a collection of short stories in this book
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, but Lone Star was definitely the best one. I re-read it every Christmas now. :D...more
Where to even begin? In Perfect Time was just that, perfect. A pure delight from start to finish with abundant descriptions, an exciting setting, a poWhere to even begin? In Perfect Time was just that, perfect. A pure delight from start to finish with abundant descriptions, an exciting setting, a powerful romance, and enough adventure to last a lifetime. Complete with a sassy, independent and courageous heroine, and the most heroic of heroes (and one of the swooniest).
I knew from the moment I met him in With Every Letter (book 1) that I'd fall madly in love with Roger Cooper, but I remember being a little disappointed that Kay would be the heroine. In the first book, we are only privy to her outrageous side and we meet a woman in dire need of male attention who dresses and acts provocatively at every turn, who has no morals, and who seems to care only about having a good time with her boyfriends. Then she comes back in On Distant Shores (book 2) and we start to see what really lies underneath her bad ways and shocking actions. I, for one, was fascinated by what I saw, and suddenly I was excited to read her story and learn more about her.
And she became my favourite heroine. In this novel, her soul was laid completely bare, allowing us to glimpse all the hurt and pain she'd been carrying with her from years of being mistreated and misled as a child, and suddenly she wasn't only just fascinating, but she became an object of understanding and sympathy. Once everything was explained, it was so easy to see why she acted the way she did, and it made me expectant to see how her romance would turn out all the more. Where Mellie had been the shy, demure heroine bent on helping others and loving with all she had, and Georgie the bubbly Southern belle with the charming personality, Kay is first seen as "the bad girl" who needs to be reformed, but it soon becomes evident that she's something more, something even grander. She was fierce, tenacious, a born leader, and she possessed excellent stronger qualities lacking in the two other heroines. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely loved Mellie and Georgie and they were perfect for their books, but Kay here, she was even more exciting to follow because she was so different, and grew so much along the way.
Her hero was just charmingly perfect, a super good-looking C-47 pilot with a secret passion for teaching, and a strong, attaching personality that proved the perfect foil for Kay's. Although his extreme stubbornness caused many problems along the way between him and Kay, their story was the most intense and my favourite of the three. I love the bad-girl-needs-to-be-redeemed trope, with the hero who seems immune to her charms but in reality is doing his best to avoid her because of the high attraction he feels. So many sparks! So much tension!
There was so much passion, so much love, so much selflessness, and so many strong bonds forged in this story, it was simply amazing. In Perfect Time was so intricate, so good, so fabulous, and just such a perfect way to end the series that now I absolutely cannot wait to pick up another book by Sarah Sundin and lose myself completely in it. Her novels are just too good. I read this one nearly two months ago and still can't be believe how awesome it was. Just wow.
This is one of the best Christian fiction series I've read in a long time, please give it a try, it's worth every minute of your time, and every penny you can spare.
You know a book is wonderfully good when you still think about it weeks after you've finished, when you're still lost in its world long after reading You know a book is wonderfully good when you still think about it weeks after you've finished, when you're still lost in its world long after reading the last page, and when the characters still cling to you as though they were your best friends. Fire by Night is just such a book. I became so lost in it I was able to read it anywhere, regardless of my surroundings. Everything else was forgotten as I plunged wholeheartedly in this wonderful, intense and passionate story of courage, selflessness, love and self-forgiveness. The first book of the series, Candle in the Darkness was amazing and I loved it, but this one...this one had me completely entranced. It's quite possibly my favourite book of the year. The characters are real, relatable, human. They come alive as the story unfolds, and I could connect, understand and love them. Their adventures and experiences are believable and the settings and atmosphere so well described that, even though I have never experienced the gruesome sight of a bloody battlefield, Ms. Austin's descriptions are the closest insight I have had - and wish to have. Everything in this novel was so engrossing. And for once I didn't care that they were two heroines, that some scenes were incredibly sad, and that there were two stories going on at the beginning.
Rich, pampered and spoiled, Julia Hoffman lives a life of luxury and ease as a Philadelphia belle amongst the elite. She is young, beautiful, and very much solicited after. In these times of war and danger, all that is expected of her is that she pick a husband, start her own family and continue on with her life of fancy afternoon teas and expensive soirées. Julia has set her cap at dynamic, passionate Pastor Nathaniel Greene, a fierce abolitionist and ardent philanthropist, but he wants nothing to do with Julia. He is looking for a wife who is selfless, loving, generous and giving. A woman who will know what is expected of a minister's wife and willingly comply to her husband's will. In short, he wants a compliant woman who will obey him. And Julia is none of that.
After she witnesses the Battle of Bull Run, an ashamed Julia overhears a mortifying comment about her, and makes an important decision that will forever alter the course of her life.
For her part, Phoebe Bigelow is not afraid of the war. She would much rather enlist along with her brothers and go on shooting Rebels, than stay behind and work for that odious Mrs. Haggerty, all the while having to wear a dress and behaving womanly. Phoebe thinks she is ugly and that no one will marry her, so why play the part of a woman when she could easily pass off for a man, with her great height and stocky build, and enroll in the army?
Two very different women, coming from two very different worlds, running away for very different reasons. The one so pretty and delicate, but determined and outspoken. The other, strong, fierce and made for hard work. The one thing they have in common, is that they are both serving for the same war. Heart-wrenching, bloody, miserable, difficult, uncontrollable war. They will never emerge from it all the same person again.
Do yourself a big favor and read this book. You won't regret it. It's amazing. It has danger, suspense, battles, adventure and romance. The hero is unlike any I had ever encountered, and I found myself falling for him the moment I met him, and swooning all over the place by the end. He just made me melt. *sigh*
I really cannot wait to get my hands on the final book of the series, A Light to my Path!!
And now, for the spoilerish comments, for those who have read the book :)
*The hero, the hero and THE HERO. OMG. He was so HOT. And it was SO obvious he was falling for Julia the moment he saw her, and that all his rudeness was only an attempt to keep her at arm's length. That scene when Miller dies and she goes and cries in his arms was so adorable. And all while she was wearing a beautiful silk gown ;)
*Why did Ted have to diiiiiiieeeeeee!!!! I wanted to bawl my eyes out, it was so sad!! ): ): I was so hoping he and Phoebe would get a HEA. I suppose the fact the he took a bullet for her, after she'd done the same for him, makes up for it, in a way. It was such a beautiful, noble way to die. I think they should've at least kissed before he died, though.
*Nathaniel Greene was so odious. What the heck was wrong with him!! I feel bad that Julia wasted so much as a minute on him.
*Julia was so wonderful. I loved her from the beginning. I think it took more courage to decide to leave her easy life, than it was for her to keep going on nursing.
*I love the way Phoebe is so good at manly things. She can beat up bullies, shoot better than the others and fight just like them. She was so strong. And I loved how everyone was surprise that she could cook. ;) LOL
*That kiss between Julia and James. Oh dear. Please allow me a moment while I collect my scattered wits.
This is undoubtedly one of my favourite books of the year. Just wow. It was totally amazing!
The prologue draws you in, the characters come alive and tThis is undoubtedly one of my favourite books of the year. Just wow. It was totally amazing!
The prologue draws you in, the characters come alive and the writing speaks to you. The story is intense, deep, moving and heartbreaking. Lynn Austin has incredible talent, and I am sorry that I had never read a book by her before. Clearly I have been missing out!
Candle in the Darkness is going to be really hard to review without spoiling anything, so I'm just not going to mention anything at all that happened in this book. Because that was the best part of it; reading and not knowing a single thing that was going to happen. I have the unfortunate habit of peeking ahead whenever I read a paperback, and nearly always spoil twists and turns for my self, and I usually have the ending read before I've begun chapter 3. It's a terrible habit, I know, but I can't help it! But with this book here, it didn't happen because I was reading it on my Kindle (and trying to peek on a Kindle is the most annoying thing ever) and didn't know how it would end until I got to the end. I hadn't even read the synopsis. So, because I want everyone else to enjoy it as much as I did, I'm going to shut up now and not reveal anything, other than the fact that Caroline Fletcher, the heroine, was courageous and wonderful in the extreme, and I wish I were more like her.
The story takes place in the 1860's in Virginia, during the Civil War. Not being American, I had only heard vaguely about it, and had never added two and two to realize that the war was connected to the issue of slavery. After reading this beautiful novel, I feel a lot less dumb, and I sincerely thank the author for having included all those details about the war, and all those important historic names of people and places. If you are like me and don't know much about the American Civil War, don't let that deter you; everything is well explained and you won't be lost.
Now, for those of you who have already read it and maybe wish to know more of what I thought, here are my spoilerish comments. :)
*Awww the love story between Charles & Caroline!!! Soooo cute <3 <3 Their story was truly amazing. I was SO scared that there wouldn't be a happy ending, but thank goodness he forgives her at the very end!
*Eli's faith. Oh my gosh. How does he do it?! He is a real model!! I wish my faith was strong like that too!
*How COULD Mr. Fletcher SELL his OWN SON?!?!? I was so shocked when Josiah spit out the truth at the end. At the same time I knew it all along because of Caroline's suspicion of it in the beginning, but still. What. Was. He. Thinking!!!
*And speaking of which, how come Caroline never learns the truth??! And her dad never knows that she was a spy either! That left me quite perplexed. I feel like these two have a LOT of explaining to do. I wonder why it was never resolved???!
I'm sorry, but I really need to let out a good dose of gushing and babblingColorado & New York, 1883
Oh my stars, THIS BOOK. THIS SERIES. THIS AUTHOR.
I'm sorry, but I really need to let out a good dose of gushing and babbling over this book, because it was just that good. I've been a bit more strict with stars this years, and haven't awarded that many fives, but this one, oh, this one cannot get any less! I loved every single minute I spent reading this novel. I laughed hysterically, shook my head in wonder, sighed soulfully, and generally just had a huge, silly grin on my face the entire time I read.
"'I hope you won't take offense at this, Mr. Beckett, but you are, without a shadow of a doubt, an idiot.' To Agatha's surprise, one corner of Zayne's mouth tugged up. 'Since you've suddenly taken to insulting me, Mr. Blackheart, don't you think you should call me Zayne?' Mr. Blackheart nodded. 'Fine. Zayne, then, but you're still an idiot.' 'And?' Zayne prompted. 'And what? I believe calling you an idiot sums everything up nicely.'"
The dialogue is like this the whole time, and the whole thing is just completely funny, witty, and charming. It would make such a fun play!
I had been eagerly awaiting Agatha's story ever since meeting her in A Change of Fortune, because she's always been my favourite. In truth, all four heroines are very much alike, and Agatha was sometimes hard to differentiate from Eliza, Arabella, or Felicia, but for some reason I've always preferred her and simply couldn't wait to read her story. I was expecting something great, something grand, an amazing finish to this amazing series, and...I got it. A Match of Wits has been everything I hoped for and more, and I enjoyed myself tremendously.
AND ZAYNE!! Ohhh, I have been madly in love with Zayne since A Change of Fortune and he was so insanely cute in this book!!! Adorably clueless, naïve, but always so chivalrous and gentlemanly ;) Argh, he was just to die for. I LOVE HIM!!!
And to be honest, I often don't understand why I love these books so much, because they are so ridiculous, make no sense, and are sometimes just plain silly. I mean... I mean, let me make a list of all the crazy and unusual elements this book has:
*The heroine has a pet pig. A pet PIG, who understands what the word P-I-G is!
*She brings said pig everywhere. In shops, in carriages, at the New York Tribune offices, at a gold mine...EVERYWHERE. The heck.
*Ladies, as is always the case in a Turano novel, end up in jail after a failed attempt at investigating and/or helping in a dangerous situation.
*Agatha is always disguising herself as a man as though transgendering were an everyday occurrence for her (she has trousers and shirts and a box full of fake whiskers and mustaches always on hand!!!).
*She flounces to back slums and brothels and the like, usually in above-mentioned disguise.
*Her mother has a shotgun and doesn't hesitate to take it out and/or threaten to shoot people with it for mere trifles (did I forget to mention that they live on Fifth Avenue in New York during the Gilded Age? Just...WHAT IS SHE DOING WITH A SHOTGUN AT A BALL???).
*Agatha, naturally, possesses a few pistols, always carries them on her person, and is a capital shot (okay, not, she's actually quite a bad shot, but STILL.).
*Zayne has a lame leg over the course of the entire novel, and must sometimes travel in this weird-looking and dangerous-sounding cart-thingie invented by Charlotte (remember the heroine from Gentleman of Her Dreams? I was wondering what had happened to her! Well!), which usually results in someone suffering minor injuries.
*Agatha has a bodyguard (who was hired by detective extraordinaire Theodore Wilder for the sole purpose to make sure she doesn't kill herself get murdered), who doesn't hesitate to burst into her bathroom while she's taking a bath when he hears a noise at the window.
*There is a wonderful (but totally implausible) 8-year-old girl named Piper (Zayne's niece) who untangles every major love problem, gives sound relationship advice as though she had a PhD in Understanding Love, and is generally just smarter than everyone else. I loved her insanely, but she made no sense.
The plot was incredibly far-fetched, the characters acted way too modernly, and the whole thing was ridiculously crazy, but…it’s Jen Turano, so it worked to perfection. I didn’t care about any of the points I brought above. Nothing bothered me majorly and I was able to overlook a ton of things I usually can’t overlook. The dialogue is just too superb, and the characters way too attaching.
”Theodore sent him a rather pitying look. ‘You’ve lost your mind. Agatha isn’t a lady who can be taken in hand, and marriage certainly won’t keep her out of mischief.’ ‘Of course it will. Married women don’t run amok. They’re content to stay home and mind the children.’ ‘You do remember that Gloria is your mother, don’t you? She still runs amok upon occasion.’ ‘My mother, bless her heart, has always been rather odd.’ ‘And your sister? Even though Arabella is happily married to me, she continues to enjoy a bit of mischief. ‘Oddity runs in the family, at least as pertains to the Beckett women.’ ‘And evidently one man.’”
I've been loving these characters to bits and pieces ever since they were introduced in A Change of Fortune, and I simply can’t bear the thought of reading a new book by this author that won’t be featuring them in it (although I’ve no doubt that her new set of characters must be just as delightful!). We NEED, absolutely NEED, a book about Francis and Drusilla (I mean, you can’t just leave them hanging like that, can you? CAN YOU???), a series about all three Murdock brothers (especially Jeffrey – love him!!), and a series about Piper, Lily, and Grace (come on, they would make wonderful heroines, just as crazily loveable as Eliza, Arabella, Felicia and Agatha! We all know it!). Please, it needs to HAPPEN. SOON.
A Match of Wits was a completely wonderful and delightful farce that I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend to anyone. It was hilarious and over-the-top silly, but it also had beautiful, emotional moments that really made you feel for the characters, and overall this entire series won’t fail to make you smile, laugh, and sigh rapturously (well maybe not “rapturously”, but I know I do!).
Absolutely loved it, and I’ll be wanting a re-read of the entire series soon!! ...more
Once Upon A Christmas by Diane Farr is probably the best Christmas novel I have read up to date. What a wonderful piece of work!
I love it when a storyOnce Upon A Christmas by Diane Farr is probably the best Christmas novel I have read up to date. What a wonderful piece of work!
I love it when a story makes me feel a lot of different emotions, and when a sad premise is lightened up by humorous situations. In this case, the story starts out sadly. Miss Celia Delacourt has just lost her entire family, and she is taken in by the Duchess of Arnsford, a distant relative, who offers to give her a place to live at her estate, Delacourt. Such a benevolent action is so unusual in the Duchess, that even Celia, who has just met her, suspects an ulterior motive. She is proven right when Her Grace informs her of her plan to reform her country ways, and prepare her to be the next Duchess of Arnsford by marrying her only surviving son, Jack.
The Duchess of Arsnford was already a very intriguing character from her brief appearances in The Nobody, but in Once Upon A Christmas she became really fascinating. This cold-hearted woman forbids herself to show any emotion or sign of weakness, yet she seems deeply moved by the fact that she wants to see Jack married as soon as possible. She is a very complex character; a good-looking woman, elegant and refined, stone hearted and iron-willed. She never laughs nor cries and she has a natural air of one born to command, but her thirst for manipulation may just prove to be her downfall. The only humane thing about her was her relationship with her henchwoman, Hubbard. The latter had been devoted to serving her all her life, and I liked that, as the story progressed, their relationship became closer and closer. Hubbard was the only one who really cared for the Duchess.
Celia, who is as kind-hearted and sweet as the Duchess is cold and unfeeling, does not understand her motives for wanting to marry her to her son, who is so above her station, being the Marquess of Lynden and heir to a dukedom. Innocent as she is, she doesn't see that with her quiet country ways, she is an easy tool for the Duchess to manipulate.
Then Jack arrives on the scene, knowing that his mother is plotting for him to marry what he naturally supposes to be a fortune-hunter, and in order to disgust Celia away, decides to act like an imbecile.
Problem is, Celia is mistaken into thinking that he is in reality a lunatic, and instead of being repulsed, demonstrates such kindness towards her "unfortunate cousin" that Jack is not able to keep the pretence for long, and his change of character only serves to strengthen Celia's belief that he is mad! I don't usually like misunderstandings but this one was hilarious!
Jack is undoubtedly my new favourite hero. He was so sweet, so kind, so patient, so funny and such a perfect match for Celia! Every scene between them was adorable.
I also enjoyed encountering Lady Elizabeth again, and seeing a slightly softer side to her personality, and the possibility of a happy ending for her too.
I so wish there was a sequel to this book! The ending came so abruptly and I was so sad it was over! I will definitely be re-reading this one again!
Note: Once Upon A Christmas is the second and last book of the series The Nobody, but it is not necessary to read the first book, The Nobody, in order to understand this one. I recommend reading the The Nobody first, however, as some circumstances in Once Upon A Christmas might spoil the outcome of The Nobody.
Well, I don't even know what to say. This was so awesome. Where has Karen Witemeyer been all my life again?
I read Short Straw Bride, the first book inWell, I don't even know what to say. This was so awesome. Where has Karen Witemeyer been all my life again?
I read Short Straw Bride, the first book in this series, not too long ago and I really liked it, but in my opinion this one was even better. They are written in the same wonderful, engaging way, and both feature delightful characters, but my preference for Stealing the Preacher stems from the fact that I preferred the hero and the heroine, and the amount of spiritual depth that flowed nicely throughout. The plot was also better, I thought.
Crockett Archer is the embodiment of my ideal. That is why I loved him so much, because he had all those qualities I look for in a man. He is strong, brave, confident, caring, and God-fearing. He was decidedly not a typical preacher, and I loved the balance between his physical force and his spiritual force. His faith in God was beautiful, and quite frankly, contagious, as it made me feel a lot better and made me want to learn to trust even more in God. And, as Silas remarked, he voiced his thoughts in an understandable way and never spoke in a condescendingly, nor used overly fancy words. Then, having been a rancher all his life, he was not afraid of hard work and his tall, broad-shouldered, six-pack muscled, good-looking, sexy body (calm down Anne) spoke his physical force and manly capabilities (okay, it was not specifically written that he had a six-pack, but I'm sure the only reason it wasn't mentioned was because this is a Christian novel, and the heroine never saw the hero shirtless... ). Moreover, Crockett was blessed with an easy temper and charming teasing ways. It was so cute every time he winked at the heroine.
The heroine!! Joanna Robbins was a wonderful heroine. She was smart, kind, gentle and incredibly pious. Her love and thirst for spirituality was beautiful. I loved the way Crockett was taken with her right away, even though she did not considered herself a beauty with her freckles and crazy red curls, and was a rather shy young lady who preferred to stay cooped up at home with her books and her paintings, rather than go out dancing and partying with friends (just like me!). Her love for her father and the way she ached to make him believe in God was very moving. She was such a strong woman, full of passion and faith beneath her timid exterior.
The Holly Brewster/Joanna Robbins contrast was very well done. Miss Brewster is the beautiful dumb blonde woman who wastes no time setting her cap at Crockett and taking every opportunity to flirt outrageously with him. While he acknowledges her beauty and the fact that she flatters his vanity, his admiration of her never goes beyond her pretty exterior, whereas Joanna inspires feelings of respect and deep admiration with her unshakable beliefs and calm manners. It goes to show that the outward appearance isn't what matters, and that true beauty lays within. Crockett might have not been the most experienced man when it came to women, but he was quick to realize that, and soon dismissed Holly, who became increasingly irritating with each endeavour to get his attention.
This book has been described by many and very "preachy", but I would more qualify it as deep and rich in spirituality. I personally loved that aspect of the book a lot, but I can understand how some people might not have appreciated it as much. But it is a Christian novel, and I like having the characters really act up to their faith. The way Crockett and Joanna teamed up to try and change Silas' heart (Joanna's father - a wonderful, complex character) was just beautiful. They wanted so much to make him believe and trust in God, and never gave up praying for him.
Nevertheless, with all that sermonizing, this book was pretty action packed and had a lot of heart-wrenching, suspenseful moments! I NEVER cry at books or movies, and get teary only on rare occasion, and there was a part in this novel which was one of those rare occasion for me (view spoiler)[ When Silas tells Crockett how Andy was beaten to death...Oh! It was too sad! (hide spoiler)]. It was also very romantic, and that scene at the beginning when Crockett is being abducted from the train was very good! Definitely not the kind of beginning I'm used to!
A beautiful novel, strongly recommended for Christian historical fiction fans. It was a delightful read! :D...more
I don't know why I waited so long to read Metzger, because this was awesome. I had such a delightful time reading Miss Lockharte's Letters! You know tI don't know why I waited so long to read Metzger, because this was awesome. I had such a delightful time reading Miss Lockharte's Letters! You know the I-don't-know-what-to-do-with-my-life-anymore kind of feeling you get after putting a good book down? This is what happened to me with this one. I did not want it to end. And when it inevitably did, I did not know what to do (I am somewhat recovered now, as I started another good book).
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The story opens up with our poor heroine, Miss Rosellen Lockharte, a teacher at the Select Academy for Young Females of Disease Distinction, who is dying of the influenza on an attic bed. Thinking she will be gone by morning, Miss Lockharte summons her last bit of strength to pen letters to all who had a role in sending her to this Academy in the first place and/or making her life miserable. Although she reveals important informations about the true state of the school, secret affairs of its head teachers and deplorable behaviour from her relatives, she forgives them all. All, except the one man who shattered her dreams in one brief visit, when he came to the Academy to get his sister Susan, Rosellen's only friend, and refused that she accompany them to London to serve as Miss Alton's (Susan) companion. Rosellen has hated Viscount Stanford ever since, and feels no scruples in letting him know it, before she passes away.
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Only, the thing is, she doesn't die. She survives the fever, and is immediately kicked out of the institution, for fear she will reveal the scandals she has seen in there. She is barely out the door than she survives a runaway carriage, and when she is brought back to the institution, survives a push down the stairs which did no more than broke her wrist. Someone is trying to kill her, that much is clear, and she is fairly confident that is it the Merrihews, the ones in charge of the institution.
Meanwhile, Wynn Alton, Viscount Stanford, who has already enough problems on his shoulders (mainly a recent break-up with his mistress, an aggravating mother, a debutante sister who must be accompanies to all the insipid ton parties, and missing toy soldiers from his secret workroom, where he devotes a lot of time painting the tiny army men, which serves as a spy technique for the War Office), gets Miss Lockharte's mean, injurious, viper-tongued, full of hatred letter and he's like:
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But deep down:
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Which is why he doesn't put up that big of a fuss when he sister, upon receive her letter from Rosellen, begs him to go to her rescue. And, she adds, if she's already dead, could he please add some flowers on her grave?
I will admit that until Wynn finds Rosellen, I was a little bit confused with where the story was going, and what was going on. Stanford is trying to find a missing hat belonging to his mother's admirer, in which he believes the stealer of his toy soldiers might have hidden them. He and his assistant, Stubbing, are making a list of every man they know whose names have the initials T.H. ... which just happens to be almost every male character in this novel, so I had a hard time remembering who was who.
Rosellen may be half-dead, and she may have seen the Viscount only once, but one does not forget such a handsome countenance and good looks so easily. Stanford is moved by the inhuman conditions in which he finds Rosellen, and immediately offers to help her. Still resenting him, she first refuses his help, and he simply deposits the flowers by her bed before heading out, "but then he looked back and saw the tear. A solitary drop of moisture was rolling down the penmanship instructor's empurpled cheek, travelling from a closed black eye to a cut and scraped chin. Wynn gently touched the hand that lay limply on the cover. 'Miss Lockharte?'"
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Oh, how I loved that passage!! Miss Lockharte has enough sense to recognize that she needs his help, however much she might hate him, and so he literally sweeps her off in his arms, and ignoring Miss Merrihew's shrieking protests, heads out the door.
Thus ensues a lovely, heart-warming romance between a bold, sharp-tongued, honest and turquoise-eyed woman and her perfect match, an arrogant, domineering, loyal, generous and gorgeous-looking lord. I had so much fun witnessing them fall for each other! Wynn tries to convince himself that Rosellen is too far beneath him and too independent for him, and Rosellen is equally aware that she doesn't belong in the same circles as him, but between their activities in London and the numerous attempts on Rosellen's life, they become closer and closer (and not just because Wynn has to carry her in his arms multiple times), until their mutual affection cannot be denied.
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I don't know exactly what it is about this book, but I simply loved it. It was just wonderful.
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I loved all the subtle adorable moments, like when Wynn picks a ball gown for Rosellen, or when he wishes he had been the one to give her a dog. There were also many comical moments, and the Heatherstone twins were priceless! They were just so hilarious!
This book could have been unbearably sad, but the tone and writing style were so humorous and fun that I actually found myself laughing even when I was learning, through Miss Lockharte's various letters, that she had suffered at the hands of practically everyone she had encountered. The Merrihews (who are in charge of the establishment) have mistreated her and given her quarters worse than a servants', her uncle Haverhill and her cousin Clarice have unjustly turned her down from London Society, and Clarice had been a total b**** to Rosellen the entire time they were together. I was never one for sad fictional novels, so I was happy to find out that Metzger's style is funny and engaging, and very Regency-like.
I know I love a book when I develop a massive crush on the hero. This was the case here with our charming, heart-melting and devilish Lord Rival, who I know I love a book when I develop a massive crush on the hero. This was the case here with our charming, heart-melting and devilish Lord Rival, who captured my interest early on in the previous book, Falling For Chloe, and who totally had me at his feet in this book. Talk about ensnaring and manipulating an innocent woman!
There are different types of rakes, and to be perfectly honest, before I started reading Regency romances, I never thought I would like a rakish hero. I soon discovered that they make highly diverting and interesting characters, and after falling shamelessly for Lord Vidal (Heyer's Devil's Cub), who was quite the rudest, most arrogant and most violent rake I ever encountered, I gathered that it would be no surprise at all if I found myself smitten with Lord Rival.
The man was just so hot. He's your typical tall-dark--handsome-and-muscular-rake, but it's his personality and the motives behind his actions that really endear him to the reader. He is actually very nice, and although a flippant, mocking undertone usually lies behind his every word, he is not mean and wouldn't do anything truly despicable. He certainly knows how to charm his way through the ton and usually leaves a train of swooning females behind him, which is no wonder at all because he was so gorgeous and so irresistible.
"Divinely tall, elegantly dressed, broad-shouldered and capable-looking...heavens! What an attractive man!"
Now, that's not the only thing I got from this book, but that's what happens when you are a lazy reader like me, who can't be bothered to write notes down as I go, nor even to mark pages with passages/quotes that are important. And moreover, this is what happens when you procrastinate posting the review, and only end up remembering drooling over the hero. *slow clap*
Anyway, our dear George, behind his faultless appearance and roguish façade, hides many secrets: he is a) actually destitute, to the point where he has no food and no servants, b) only gains money by luring bored wives into playing piquet with him (which he always wins), c)desperate for more money, d)dreaming about his neglected estate Rye Vale, which he would love to restore and live in, e)conscience-stricken by his deceitful ways in Society, f)still desperate for money and last but not least, g)determined to marry an heiress.
Enter Lady Olivia Fairfax, who is also tall-dark-and-beautiful, but extremely rich and generous in the bargain. Living as a confirmed spinster in Chelsea and mistress of her own life and money, Lady Olivia is independent, strong, charitable and intelligent. She used her mother's inheritance to build a school for orphaned girls, and dedicates much of her time to charity work. Thus, she has no time for handsome strangers who randomly pop in on her while she is inventorying a late gentleman's basement.
*loud pounding on the door*
Lady Olivia: Oh, the butler will get it.
*loud pounding continues furiously*
Lady Olivia: Where is the butler??
*loud pounding has become utterly insupportable*
Lady Olivia: Why can't that butler get the door, honestly! And why is Bessie knocking so madly? OK, ok, I'M COMING!
*opens the door furiously*
Lady Olivia: Really Bes- Oh! (O.M.G. who is that man? Who is he? He's hot. No, he really is. He's gorgeous. What's he doing here? I've never seen him, that's for sure! One doesn't forget such a handsome face!)
Lord Rival: (Shheeesh finally the butler opens the- That's not the butler. That's a woman. Who is she and why does she answer the door? I've never seen her. Her eyes are silver. Her eyes are gorgeous. Is she...Is she checking me out? Omg she totally is! Why did she take so long to open the damn door?) Who the devil are you?!?! (WTF did I just say!)
Lady Olivia:EXCUSE ME? (Oh I knew it, I just KNEW IT! Can I not meet a man who is both handsome and nice? Noooo!)
Lord Rival: (Okay, man. Stay cool.) Is the knocker not audible in the servant's wing? Like, I've been knocking forever!
Lady Olivia: (Servants wing? He thinks I'm a servant???!Do I not look good? Do I really look like a maid? Oh no! I'm wearing a work dress. Oh shit. I must really look awful. Oh no, no, no!!) What do you want anyways?!
Lord Rival: I'm here to see Mr. Beebe. Can you pleaaaase let me in?
Lady Olivia: (Why are you so handsome! Stop looking at me like that!) No, go away! Mr. Beebe is gone.
Lord Rival: (I think you're the one who will be gone, missy, when I tell Beebe how you treated me!) Gone where?
Lady Olivia: I really couldn't say! It's not my place to judge. Now go away! (Hahaha, that's how servants get fired for insolence, right?? I totally nailed it!)
*slams door shut*
Lord Rival: (Oh no you don't!!) LET ME IN!!! *more furious pounding*
Lady Olivia: *looks herself in the mirror* I do look like a servant! Oh no! What must he think?!!?
*cracks door open*
Lady Olivia: Mr. Beebe is dead, sir. Sorry. (Not.)
Lord Rival: Dead?!?! Why didn't anyone tell me??
Lady Olivia: But who are you? Mr. Beebe knew no one!
Lord Rival: I'm his cribbage buddy player! *gives her his card*
Lady Olivia: (Looool! The eff! Cribbage, my foot! *gasp* Wowowow! This guy is LORD RIVAL?!? ok, breathe, breather, shhh, calm, breathe!) You don't look like a cribbage player! (more like piquet, am I right! :P)
Lord Rival ends up following Olivia downstairs where she was working to "help" her, and they accidentally get shut in. The sparks that had kindled between them only intensify, and Rival still has no idea that the woman is Lady Olivia. The scene where he found out was hilarious, and from then on, neither one is capable of putting the other out of their thoughts. Lord Rival is trying - and succeeding - to make Olivia mad with lust for him so she will accept his proposal of marriage. But in doing so, he inevitably starts falling under her charm as well, and the emotions she awakens in him make it all the more difficult for him to bring his plan about.
The Fortune Hunter was a wonderful story. Amazing H/h, great sizzling chemistry, amusing plot, funny situations, and breathtaking love that defeats all. Some scenes were definitely steamier than what I usually go for, and there was more fondling and passionate kissing than necessary, but given Lord Rival's nature it didn't feel out of place, and it was overall very tastefully written. Nothing explicit. The Vauxhall Garden scene was the best scene in the whole book and one of the best dancing scenes ever. You could feel the electricity between Rival and Olivia, see the moonlit fountain and smell the flowers. It was exquisite.
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Diane Farr is quickly climbing up my list of favourite authors!
I thought that nothing could beat the wonderful feel of reading A Change of Fortune, but it seems I was mistaken, because A Most Peculiar CircumstanceI thought that nothing could beat the wonderful feel of reading A Change of Fortune, but it seems I was mistaken, because A Most Peculiar Circumstance was even better. The characters were even more engaging, the banter even funnier, the adventures even more unbelievable, and the whole even more loveable. I loved every minute I spent reading that book, and reaching the end made me ache to start book 3, A Talent for Trouble because I cannot get enough of these characters.
Theodore Wilder, the private investigator introduced in the previous book, is the hero of this novel, and oh my goodness, is he ever wonderful! Tall, muscular and jaw-dropping handsome, he has all the ladies swooning over him wherever he goes. Remember the ladies' reaction to him in A Change of Fortune?
Eliza:"...her eyes widened and stayed firmly directed at Mr. Wilder."
Agatha:"'Oh...he is divine,'"
Gloria:"'Good heavens, 'Gloria exclaimed as she fanned her cheeks with a napkin, 'he is divine, isn't he?'".
He has all the women making figures of themselves gazing moonstruck at him...until he opens his mouth.
"He'd always been of the belief that ladies should appreciate their delicate status and the fact that they were not required to provide a living or train for a profession. No, all they were truly required to do was produce children and ease a gentleman's life."
Woops. Mistake. Big one.
Eliza:"[She] has apparently discontinued admiring the gentleman and now appeared as if she wanted to box his ears."
Agatha:"'You are not divine in the least.'"
Gloria:"'To think I was actually musing on an interesting idea just now to put you into direct contact with my darling Arabella,' Gloria said."
And when Arabella meets him...
It was fortunate for him that there were bars separating them."
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Are. You. For. Real?!?!
"He was the most obnoxious, chauvinistic, old-fashioned gentleman she'd ever had the misfortune to meet."
Miss Arabella Beckett, a big supporter and influencer amongst the suffragettes, is tough, bold, determined and has no intention of letting anyone -least of all the proud, pompous investigator send after her by her family to bring her back home- tell her what to or how to live her life.
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Arabella is as beautiful as Theodore is handsome, and attracts just as much attention as him. Both stubborn and set in their ways, their constant bickering is extremely diverting, and add to that their obvious chemistry and their respective families' commentary and not-so-subtle hints that they should get together, and their relationship is simply hilarious.
"'You look like a deranged actress,' Theodore said. 'I'm certain you attracted more attention than any of the ladies you were trying to emulate.' 'Not one single gentleman even approached me.' 'Is that a note of disappointment I hear in your voice?' Theodore asked. Her patience was now at and end. 'You are a horrible man, and I don't care to speak with you any longer.'"
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When it becomes known that ladies of the night are disappearing near the docks at night, Arabella's good heart leads to lend them her help, and with the help of her good friend Agatha, and Theodore's sister Katherine, they dress up as opera singers and try to mingle with the prostitutes to try to discover something.
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Naturally, they all end up in jail, and naturally, Theodore has to bail them out...again. When he learns what's going on, he almost literally explodes.
"'ALL OF YOU NEED A GOOD SPANKING!'"
But Arabella has also had enough.
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Enough is enough. There seems to be a crazy madman pursuing her, she is beginning to realize that she is a little too bossy and judgemental, she has landed in jail again, AND she is starting to feel REALLY attracted to Theodore? Nuh-huh! No way!
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"'Let me guess, because I support women's rights, I'm not supposed to cry?' 'It seems a little odd, especially since you obviously long to be treated exactly like a gentleman. I've rarely witnessed a gentleman dissolving into tears.'"
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Sometimes, even the strongest, most controlled woman just needs a good cry. On a man's shoulder. ;)
And a little help from good-intentioned matchmaking mamas.
"'Someone had to get your life in order for you, dear. Who better to do that than your own mother?'"
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I can't even express how funny, wonderful and just plain good fun this book is. It will grab you from the beginning and won't let go, leaving you wanting more at the end and sad that the romp is already over. Fluffy, silly, unpredictable and implausible, A Most Peculiar Circumstance is a treat not to miss. If you're feeling down, or you simply need a sweet, light and pleasant book, this is perfect. You won't regret it.
I mean, come on.
"'Why you felt it was imperative for me to leave my house in a traveling trunk is still beyond me. You did see Zayne and Hamilton drop it, didn't you?' Violet grinned. 'They told me to tell you that they were very sorry about that.' 'Yes, I could tell they were dreadfully sorry, especially with all the laughter I heard through the one air hole someone considerately remembered to provide.'"
'I THINK GENTLEMEN IN GENERAL ARE DERANGED!!!"
^^such a perfect, accurate statement! ;) :)
But seriously, who can resist Theodore?!?!
"He was tall, certainly, well over six feet from what she could tell, but his overcoat was tailored at the waist, lending the impression of trimness, while his shoulders...a frisson of something unexpected raced down her spine."
As much as she "hates" him, she definitely could not resist him. (Not that I blame her!)
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This is one of the best books ever. Where has Jen Turano been all my life?! I cannot wait to read another book by her. SEQUEL, PLEASE!!! ...more
"'She has high expectations of life. I could not fill those expectations. I've never been presented to the Queen,' Hamilton said. 'Because we live in "'She has high expectations of life. I could not fill those expectations. I've never been presented to the Queen,' Hamilton said. 'Because we live in America and don't have a queen.'"
Set in 1880 New York high society, A Change of Fortune is the most over-the-top, far-fetched, implausible, funny and loveable book I have ever read.
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Recently, I had the joy of reading Edith Wharton's The Age of Innocence, in which I discovered the compelling world of late 19th century New York, and accordingly, I was expecting this book to be similar in setting and atmosphere. I was expecting drawing-room gossip, multiple course dinners, drives up 5th Avenue, picnics in Central Park, and characters who "dreaded scandal more than disease, who placed decency above courage, and who considered that nothing was more ill-bred than "scenes", except those who gave rise to them." You know, the rich white people who "lived in a kind of hieroglyphic world, where the real thing was never said or done or even thought, but only represented by a set of arbitrary signs." ?
Not the case at all here.
There was enough scandal in a day to last a lifetime, and the characters were blunt to a fault and had absolutely no filter. The book was silly, ridiculous, historically implausible and completely nonsensical. There were no descriptions of the time period, little to no regard for proprieties and conventions, and the characters felt incredibly modernized. Proper society ladies end up in jail, break through a neighbour's house, and rush off after kidnappers. They sometimes walk around in pants, jump off windows, run through ballrooms and throw spiders.
Perfect recipe for Anne to thoroughly dislike this novel.
But...no. I completely loved it. The characters are just so loveable and fun, the writing so good (except for the excessive amount of "mumbling", "muttering", "sputtering" and "grouching") and the whole just so darn hilarious that I couldn't help but loving it.
It is not often that I am able to just sit back and so completely enjoy the ride of a book containing so many flaws, but I think it speaks really well for the author if she was able to have her book make my "grab-during-fire" list even though it contained so many ingredients I usually detest.
I can't remember the last time I read a book that was this funny. I laughed the whole time! I fell in love with all the characters and started reading the second book immediately after finishing this one. Often, when I read a book I love, I think: "Wouldn't it be awesome if this was made into a movie!", and while a movie of A Change of Fortune would certainly be fabulous, I kept imagining a staged version of it, or better yet, a comedic TV series of all four books (I haven't read the last two yet, but I'm sure they're wonderful as well!).
The Ladies of Distinction
Season 1, Episode 1: A Change of Fortune
Lady Eliza Sumner, trying to appear inconspicuous by posing as governess "Miss Eliza Sumner", is on a mission to retrieve her fortune, who has been stolen by her late father's man of affairs. She has come all the way from England to get her hands on the vile man, and is currently working as a governess for the Watson family, while secretly looking about a way to regain her fortune. One unfortunate evening, she is forced to appear as a guest at a dinner-party given by the Watsons.
"'Is this...a dinner gown?' 'It is.' [..] 'Why, it's the most revolting shade of...' she paused and looked up at Eliza. 'What color would you call that?' 'I believe the proper term would be puce,' Eliza supplied. 'I think the proper term should be ugly,'"
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Add to that a generous amount of pins to the front of the gown to keep it from gaping open, a severe chignon and a pair of glasses with a prescription too strong, and Miss Sumner is all ready for the evening!
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Inconspicuous, here we go!
"'Please allow me to help you from the floor, Miss Sumner. I fear, given the fact that there are numerous guests milling around, you're in danger of being trampled.' [...] 'Do you think she's been...drinking?' Zayne asked. 'You're not helping matters,' Hamilton said, even though he was rapidly coming to the same conclusion. He'd never dealt with an inebriated woman at a dinner party before and, quite honestly, he had no idea how to proceed. 'Let's get you to your feet.' 'I prefer to remain here.'"
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Thus it is that Eliza meets the handsome Mr. Hamilton Beckett, railroad contractor, and his even more appealing brother (in my most humble opinion), Mr. Zayne Beckett. So much for remaining inconspicuous!
"'I do not care for lemonade,' Miss Sumner proclaimed as she pulled her hand out of the butter and promptly dropped it to her lap. [...] 'I prefer wine,' Miss Sumner stated. 'Apparently, but I'm not certain it prefers you,' he muttered."
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As events spiral out of control, Zayne has the brilliant idea to contact a private investigator to help Eliza with her quest.
"Mr. Theodore Wilder stood well over six feet tall and was possessed of a face that could only be described as too handsome for his own good. "
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"'You must call me Theodore.'
Over his dead body, Hamilton thought, moving slightly to the left to force Theodore to take a step away from Eliza. He looked up to find his brother grinning back at him. He had the oddest desire to smack his brother over the head with any object close at hand."
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Add to the cast the lively, spirited Miss Agatha Watson, journalist-to-be...
"'I am not a 'charge' of Miss Sumner, ' Agatha growled. ' I have not had a governess in years, and as for us breaking the law, well, the pot really shouldn't call the kettle black.' Zayne struck another match and stepped closer to Agatha. 'Didn't you just make your debut?' 'Three years ago,' Agatha snapped."
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...who has an unreciprocated crush on Zayne; Eliza's greedy and foolish ex-fiancé Lawrence...
"'So, in order to maintain your high style of living, you abandoned Eliza when she was no longer able to bring added wealth to your family?' 'Exactly,' Lawrence agreed, obviously pleased that Hamilton was finally catching on. [...] 'I could hardly offer to leave England,' he scoffed, 'It was the height of the social season.'"
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...and a charming, scheming mother intent on seeing everyone well-married...
"'Don't you look pretty as a picture in lavender? Hamilton will be completely delighted.'
Obviously, that had been a glint in Gloria's eyes, and apparently the woman was already scheming."
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...and you've got yourself a fabulous romp in 19th century New York, full of adventures, prickly situations, tender moments and sweet romance. As funny as the whole book was, I must admit that I really appreciated the fact that the sad moments were sad, the romantic moments romantic, and the serious moments serious. It all blended together so well, and it was such a treat to read.
"'... That's why you're going directly back to the house. The last thing we need is for you to end up in jail again, and I'm quite certain disassembling another lady's hair falls under the category of assault.'"
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Everyone is, of course, entitled to read what they best see fit to suit their personal reading styles, but if I were you, I'd drop everything now and start reading this series. ;) Just a little bit of friendly advice. ...more
I knew I was going to love this book before I even started it. I had a feeling it would be my favourite of the three in the Escape to Paradise series.I knew I was going to love this book before I even started it. I had a feeling it would be my favourite of the three in the Escape to Paradise series. Perhaps because we already know the characters and it was easy to get back into their lives, perhaps because they've finally made it to Brazil and their adventures there are really exciting, or maybe it's because the romance here is really well developed, believable and heart-warming? If I'm being honest, it's probably because Hayden is the hero, but all the other elements of this novel were so engaging and well crafted together that the result was astounding. As engrossing and entertaining as the first book, Forsaken Dreams, Elusive Hope continues the story of the colonists and their quest to start a new town in Brazil. Fraught with danger, pirates, wild animals and the oppressive heat of the jungle, this book is exciting, suspenseful, and extremely romantic.
Who would have thought that pampered, rich, spoiled and selfish Magnolia would make such a good heroine?! At first I was disappointed when I read from the blurb that she was going to be the heroine, but as the story developed she became really interesting, and the more I learned about her, the more I liked her and the easiest it became to understand why she acted the way she did. Raised by a father who taught her that her external beauty was her only quality and of the utmost importance, and a mother too weak to contradict her husband, the beautiful Magnolia is used to having her every whim obeyed, her hair beautifully arranged, and her wardrobe filled with the prettiest dresses. Yet try as she might, her external appearance is never good enough for her father, and his constant reprimands have given Magnolia a very low self-esteem. She finds herself extremely miserable in Brazil and would give anything to go back to her former life in southern US.
Thus, when Hayden announces his intention to leave the colony on a personal quest of his own, Magnolia seizes the opportunity and runs away, following him in the jungle. We already know from Forsaken Dreams that the gorgeous Hayden is desperately looking for his father, and wants to make him pay for his crimes. He has absolutely no need for a beautiful young woman to accompany him on his journey (she would be a nuisance, of course), but Magnolia isn't a woman to be easily deterred. Having to travel with Hayden repulses her as much as having to face snakes, spiders and other bugs, but he is her only chance and she is determined to take it.
So, she nicknames him "toad" and he calls her Princess in a very condescending, sarcastic way, and sparks fly all the way to Rio de Janeiro. It was obvious from their constant bickering and mutual attraction already established in Forsaken Dreams, that Magnolia & Hayden had excellent chemistry and that a romance between them would be nothing short of highly entertaining. Watching Magnolia swindle such a great swindler as Hayden, and unwillingly making him fall as hard for her as she was falling for him, was oddly satisfying and heart-warming. Their romance was simply excellent, and although they had numerous difficulties to overcome, their problems and misunderstandings were not as frustrating as Blake & Eliza's and those of the other couple in Abandoned Memories. Hayden was really, really heart-melting and sexy, and his roguishness and complicated, sad past only added to his charm. Him and Magnolia form such an adorable couple!!
Following up the hints of fantasy introduced in the first book, Tyndall further develops that theme here by suggesting supernatural spiritual forces at work through the discovery of an old creepy temple, visions from the past, and a mirror that reflects the state of Magnolia's soul. The good vs. evil conflict is not at all resolved in this book, so again I suggest that you have the next book, Abandoned Memories, ready when you are done with this one. I really enjoyed the fantasy aspect and thought it blended really well with the rest of the plot. Since it was already a very adventurous, suspenseful kind of book, I thought that adding a fantastical spiritual battle only brought the story to a higher and more entertaining level.
We keep learning about the colonists previously introduced in Forsaken Dreams, and again the narration shifts points of view so that we get to know the characters even better. Eliza & Blake are there, of course, enjoying a sweet state of marital bliss despite all their difficulties, and it was lovely to see them again. Since this book closely follows the first one and is really a continuation of the adventure, I wouldn't exactly call Elusive Hope a stand-alone, and would strongly recommend reading Forsaken Dreams first. You won't regret it, as all books of the series are super good and leave you wanting more! ...more
Books like this are the reason I read and love Regency romance. They enable me to really escape to a different time and place, and to lose myself compBooks like this are the reason I read and love Regency romance. They enable me to really escape to a different time and place, and to lose myself completely in the story. Indiscretion is so well-written and well crafted together, that it is more than just a good Regency novel; it's a masterpiece. This is the kind of book that will become a classic, forever analyzed and admired by readers. Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer would be proud of the wonderful characters, exclaim at the witty repartee and delight in the romance. Jude Morgan is definitely one extremely talented writer!
The story centers on young Miss Caroline Fortune, a sensible and level-headed woman, who has been brought up by her dissipated father, and finds herself hired as companion to an old crusty lady when her father's financial situation becomes desperate. Because of her upbringing - moving constantly, fleeing creditors, being exposed to rough language and lowly behaviour, and living in poorer parts of town - Caroline is very worldly, and very independent. If it had been possible for a woman to live completely by herself in the Regency era, Caroline would have done it. She is smart, quick-witted and resourceful. I was in constant amazement and admiration of her during the whole book. She was so strong.
Caroline's world forever changes when she accepts the position of companion to Mrs. Catling, and is swept away in Brighton high society. From then, her life unwillingly becomes a series of entanglements and secrets, as most of her new acquaintances are quick to bestow unwanted confidences upon her, and she must bear them all and do her utmost to keep a neutral front. Caroline does suffer her fair share during the course of the novel, and many, many times I was sure she would break down and have a good crying fit, but aside from shedding a few natural tears over the death of her father (not a spoiler, he dies early on), she never did. Does that make her heartless and unfeeling? Absolutely not. I loved her even more when she was able to control her emotions so well and bear the weight of all the accusations bestowed upon her. For, as quick as people were to bestow confidences upon her, so were they to jump to hasty conclusions and blame her whenever their secrets became known or when things turned awry. And in the midst of it all, Caroline, with her unfailing countenance and brave face, only emerged from it all stronger in the end. Sure, she had her angry moments, and since she had a quick tongue and a varied cursing repertoire, she sometimes unleashed her frustration by saying things like: "Damn and blast and set fire to it all - and especially bloody Brighton - I swear if I hear that word once more I shall scream the rafters down!" or "I would dearly love to kick him, and not from the rear!"
Caroline was badass and fabulous, and she was the best kind of heroine ever. The world needs more people liker her. :)
I will be honest, as much as I love Jane Austen, her books are very, very, very slow...and it was so refreshing to have a similar book in tone, but more fast-paced! It had its slow moments, to be sure, but some parts had me reading so fast and gripping the pages frantically in suspense! (Maybe that has to do with the fact that I usually peek in books and this time I didn't...) It was an exciting read, but at the same time it was serious and had many deep passages that invited to reflection and analysis. If I hadn't been so lazy, I would have marked them as I read, but I didn't, and now I don't feel like browsing the book for example ;) Just go read it, you won't regret it!
And the romance, heavens be praised! So subtle, and yet so beautiful! The hero is just...so loveable. He's teasing, exasperating, stuck-up, annoying, unconventional, funny, and it spite of it all he's one of my top favourites, and just such a PERFECT match for the heroine. I love sparring couples ;) And he is not handsome, rich, rakish, a nonesuch, or anything of the kind. He's just him, and he's perfect for this book, perfect for Caroline, perfect for the reader to delight in. Who can resist a man opposed to marriage because he is convinced the woman of his dreams does not exist?
"'This fantastical creature would not mind any of my follies and inconsistencies - she would be my warmest friend - she would drink too much wine with me - laugh at society instead of courting it - never talk in the morning until at least half past ten - happily stay indoors for days at a time and not seeing a soul, and then on a whim go a journey of twenty miles - and all this time remain naturally elegant, clever, and good-tempered.'"
This is not a book to be missed. It is unique, charming, endearing, and I will definitely re-read it many times! I loved that it was so different from all the other Regencies I have ever read. Mark my words, I would say, if I were the kind of intolerable person who says "Mark my words"! ;) ...more
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