Historical Romance Books

I rarely give a book 5 stars- BUT this one has it all. Well-drawn and interesting characters, an incredible setting, dire circumstances, suspense....and even a tiny bit of romance. It is told in the form of letters-an epistolary tale, an unusual and often difficult way to tell a story. But it works beautifully here.

Set in 1946, following World War II, author Juliet Ashton receives a letter from a man, Dawsey Adams, who has purchased a used book by Charles Lamb. This book has Juliet's name and London address written inside the front cover. Touched by his love of Lamb, Juliet goes out of her way to get him more books, and replies, asking him more about some of the stories in the first letter, specifically the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, formed during the German occupation of Guernsey.

Continued correspondence entices Juliet to visit Guernsey, to try to find a subject for an article she has been commissioned to write about the reading habits of the Society. She may even find a subject for her second book in the stories of the occupation she has heard from their letters. The letters even distract her from a burgeoning romance with a handsome and wealthy American publisher.

Mary Ann Shaffer, who had worked as a librarian, editor, and in bookshops, wrote the book over a number of years, found an agent, and as the editing process began, became ill with cancer. She died in February of 2008. Her niece and author Annie Barrows finished up the editing process, hence the co-authorship.

Armchair Interviews says: If this reviewer, a librarian raves about this book--we must say: "Highly recommended."

A delightful book with something for everyone: WWII, a little known island, interesting people, romance - even food (or lack of it in this instance)! I'm not a great fan of epistolary novels - novels written in the form of letters - but here the genre works just fine, a natural choice in the circumstances. I was fascinated at how deftly characters are made to reveal themselves by how they write back and forth to each other. A real treat!

The epistolary novel form is a great conceit for telling the story of those occupied by the Germans on Guernsey Island in WWII. I found myself reading this book slowly so it wouldn't end and used it as a treat to return to after a trying day or when I was feeling down. I admire books about people who keep that "stiff upper lip" through it all. While this is fiction, of course, I'm imagine there were real people banding together for good during these trying times, just like in the book.

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society is a very good summer read. The end is, in my opinion, a "hallmark" ending; the mechanism of letter writing gets too, too much by the end of the book. But, on the way to the end, one learns a lot about life on Guernsey during WWll and about very decent people who did their very best to survive and even to flourish under war-time restrictions. It will not take you long to read this book. When you finish reading, you will say, "now that was nice." Nancy Salen

I just can't say enough about this book. I don't usually like WWII fiction, but this book is making me re-think that. A book for book-lovers, a book for someone who has always wanted to write a book, a book for lovers, for friends, for the historical fiction lover, a book of connection, a book of everything. Just everything. Read this book. You won't be sorry.

I love animal stories, but I always read them bracing for the sad ending. This book was a mixed bag.

In the first part of the book, terrible things happened to both people and animals.

In the latter part of the book, the angels practically came down to sing. Everything good that could happen, did! I'm not opposed to that. It just seemed a bit much. Too simplisic. Even the ultimate solution for old Jacob was just strangely perfect and therefore hard to believe.

A logical question that bugged me about the plot was why did Uncle Al not get rid of the schizophrenic August? And how in the world did August get to be in charge of the animals in the first place? He wasn't good with them. Jacob or the other Polish worker would have been much more effective training Rosie. If Uncle Al had ditched August, the inflammatory situation between him, Marlena, and Jacob would have been defused.

When Jacob was scooping up Rosie and the liberty horses, I was silently pleading 'Don't forget BoBo.' And he didn't. Like I said, just too good to be true.

The book has some good charactors, interesting story line, but some of the charactors seemed a little flat to me. For example, the roommate in the stock car, I some how felt more connected to him than Jacob. Overall a fun and light read, but just lacking a little depth to the main charactors. I will absolutly read other Sara Gruen, I think she has some good talent as a writer. Just my opinion.

I usually wait to read popular bestsellers to see if the writing quality holds up after the marketing's died down. But I picked this one up on the recommendation of a sibling's book club and devoured it on a long plane flight. I would never expect to be so engrossed in a theme of misfit (sometimes repulsive) circus rowdies and second-hand animal acts, but Gruen's writing style compelled me right into the narrative and once there, I had to keep reading to solve the mystery of what happened with the characters and why I cared! My only complaint with the way the story is resolved is that Gruen tried to do too much with biblical metaphors and clever double entendres. The characters as written hold enough interest and tell a significant enough story without leaning on outside references. Overall, though, this a book that deserves the attention it's received.

A friend raved about this book so I purchased it. It is a very good read

"Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen is a well written, depression-era book, that most readers ages 15-95 could read and enjoy even if you think this isn't the typical type of book you would read.
This book tells two stories simultaneously as a 93 yr. old crumudgeon embittered by his surroundings in a retirement home recollects his life as he travelled with a second-rate circus while falling in love with a married woman.
I probably would have never read this book had it not been for a family book club (Isn't that why you have them), however I'm sure glad I did, I really did enjoy this read and found the pages turned much quicker than I anticipated.
I always am interested to see how an author can write in the point-of-view pf the opposite sex and I thought it was executed wonderfully. Also, the terminology that was used was very specific to the time and to how the circus-folk spoke at the time. One could tell Gruen definately did her homework.
If there is any drawback it would be the end to one of the stories (I'm not going to say which one or how it ends don't worry). I thought it ended kind of sappy and a little unbeleivable for a story that seems very factual.
Bottom line, four stars. I am very stingy with my stars, so please read and enjoy.

I have wasted my last dime on a Nicholas Sparks novel. After all the hype I finally purchased a copy in hopes that this time I wouldn't be disappointed. No such luck. The story is incredibly thin. The characters never capture the reader's heart or imagination. And, worst of all, why is Sparks seemingly incapable of writing a love story that lasts beyond a few days? I am sick and tired of woman (who life has treated a bit roughly) meets man (also battered by life); fall madly in love, but need to clean up one more thing before they can be together. Man dies during said clean-up and woman spends rest of life living on memories. Get a new formula or stop writing!

I have always enjoyed reading books by Nicholas Sparks and I must say that I was very happy with many of the details in this book. I could not put it down until I was able to find out how it was going to end. I too have lost someone dear and it was able to help me let some of my grief out in a postive way.

I started reading this book the day before yesterday and finished it last night. I couldn't simply put it down. This is my very first book of this author and I will definitely read his other writings now. For all those folks, who do not believe in love from the first sight or at least love that develops over the course only several days, this book will be hard to understand. I do believe that love can exist in many forms and shapes and I also believe writing letters full with love endorses the feelings and can sustain the relationship over the period of time so this book was absolutely true and lovable to me. It reminded me a bit of Margaret Atwood's "The Blind Assassin", a brilliant novel although "Nights in Rodanthe" is far more melancholic and sad story to me. It broke my heart last night...

I am not surprised that this novel is going to become a movie. Sparks is a good romance story teller. Sometimes his stories are a little too predictable.

Adrienne, a 60 year old, is divorced and a mother of 3 children. She tries to help her daughter cope with the recent death of her husband and then we are thrown back into time.

Adrienne at age 45, just recently divorced - meets Paul, a surgeon - divorced, who is on his way to try to reconcile his relationship with his son. Paul worked too much and had no relationship whatsoever with his wife or son. Paul's world is ripped apart when he loses a patient.

Paul stops at a bed and breakfast in Rodanthe. Adrienne is working there. The love affair starts and Adrienne takes us on a journey into the past, almost making you feel like you were there - watching. However, I must say that I did expect the story to end the way it did. It was obvious how it would end.

Perfectly discribed during one of the Outer Banks storms.
True to life pictures of the beaches here.
Hope some who read this book will want to visit our beautiful area.

!!!A question to all of Lisa's biggest fans!!! She has written so many books and it's impossible to remember them all but wouldn't you agree the storyline in this book mirrors, almost exactly to one of her earlier ones? The whole time I was reading "Seduce Me At Sunrise" I felt like I've read it before. Did any of you feel that way too? Okay, so for my review...I have to agree with a few other comments about this book. It was good but not that great. Lisa is one of my Top 5 authors and I always expect (and usually get) total greatness from her. The story for me was a little weak. I've read all of her books and for the first time ever I really didn't get attached to the characters, although I was so happy to get updated on the Westcliffs, Hunts, Cam and Amelia. So yes I'm pushing it giving the book 4 Stars, but I can't bring myself to give Kleypas anything less.

A beautifully fragile woman has always loved the handsome, dark and brooding "gypsy" raised in their home. He has always loved her, but believing his dark past is a danger to her, has never allowed himself to touch or dream of her.

In Seduce Me... you are captivated by Win's drive to conquer her frailty and Kev's intense love for Win. You can feel their need for one another sometimes before they realize it themselves. There is no question as to will they or won't they, as they always do. The marvel is the how and the moment in which they finally do. Explosive.

As always, we are rewarded with cameos from past favorite characters, a glimpse of a future romance, and very steamy love scenes. This book will be hard to put down.

Lisa Kleypas is, if not the best, certainly one of the best historical romance writers of our time. I admit to having read too many of the regency era romances. Kleypas can weave an intensely passionate love story like no other. I don't know how she manages to capture our hearts each and every time, but I am certainly glad she does. I cannot wait to see how the other Hathaways find their true loves.

Other recommendations: Kleypas' Wallflower series, especially my favorite, The Devil in Winter. The Devil in Winter (The Wallflowers, Book 3)

Another great book. I really enjoy watching as Kleypas's writing evolves and grows more interesting.

She's the kind of writer who savors each word. Each scene has a texture, a quality of light and an emotional tone. The characters are a lot of fun.

The eccentric Hathaway family is a pleasure to read about. Their characerization is fresh. They are really loveable because of their "quirks". I think Kleypas did a great job creating a family that could so easily mesh with a totally different culture--the Rom. THey are hands down my favorite "romance novel" family. The most genuine and funniest for sure.

The only weaknesses of the story comes from the romance genre itself--the villan, the need for a straightforward conclusion in which all questions are answered, etc. (Though I'm not complaining).

Kleypas is a master writer and I'd follow her anywhere. I think it says a lot about her ability that she continues to produce consistently fabulous writing in a genre littered with books that aren't fit for publication and authors who seem to get burnt out.

Thanks again Lisa Kleypas!

After waiting for what seemed like forever for this book, I could not put it down. Merripen and Win finally got what they wanted. I liked the ups and downs and I really liked the background and cultural references to the Rom language. It was a fun read. I really liked the last few paragraphs and the fact the Win was following in some of Merripens heritage. Two things were hysterical, the ferret with the garter and the fire in the cabinet. Laughed outloud. Cant wait for the next book - May Leo find his story...

After I read this book I went back and re-read my favorite parts. It was great! I loved the characters of Merripen and Win and I just wanted their story to go on and on forever. My only complaint is that the epilogue didn't go further into the future. Merripen has that tortured soul thing going and I love that he has secretly pined for Win since they were children. I just loved everything about this book. Snatch up all of Lisa Kleypas' books, you won't be disappointed.

I bought this book because Julia Quinn is a pretty good writer and I enjoyed the Lost Duke of Wyndham. I started reading it and thought oh no I bought a book I've read before but I could have sworn it was new. I went to the author's website to make sure it was a new release. It was. I was confused but kept on reading. I came here to Amazon to see what other people were saying and finally figured out that the story is taking place at the exact same time as the lost duke book. This is not a good idea. It felt like I was reading the same story so there were not many surprises and it just had this stale feel about it. I didn't really get into the characters and didn't feel they had much chemistry. I guess if you had never read the first book it might be okay. I was disappointed and felt it was kind of a "cheat" on the author's part.

I was disappointed in this book because it should have been combined with the first book The Lost Duke. It was a rip off and I wish I could get my money back. For the most part I have always enjoyed Julia's books but I will think twice before I buy other.

Lil

Excellent read. Lots of fun, romance, excitement. Can't wait for the next Julia Quinn books.

It seemed like a good idea at the time, I'm sure-- to write two books about two couples dealing with the same events. But frankly, this book felt like the deleted scenes (or different camera angles, perhaps) to The Lost Duke of Wyndham. Reading the first book first meant that this one just seemed monotonous-- which is a real shame because after reading TLDoW I was very excited to read about Thomas in this book (as I found him more interesting than the hero of the first installment.) Unfortunately, where I thought this book was going to take place mostly after the events of TLDoW, it instead takes place simultaneously, giving mostly the exact same scenes as the previous book, simply from a different perspective. Even that seems like it could have been a good idea, but there just wasn't enough variation to make this book interesting-- or to even seem like it stands very well on it's own.

Frankly, the few scenes that take place between Thomas and Amelia only could be read in conjunction with The Lost Duke of Wyndham without the rest of Mr Cavendish, I Presume. This book felt rushed, and the scene where the couple finally realize their feelings for each other felt rushed and tacked on. Julia Quinn can, and has, done much, much better work.

I know that 57 people have gone before me so nothing I say will be new, but I just had to add my two sentences. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I knew the problems with it, and expected it to be very bad. I hated 'The lost Duke' and I fully expected to hate this book. But I felt far more in tune with Amelia and Thomas, and Quinn seemed to have toned down her manic prose to make the reading a little easier. It had more depth to it than 'Duke' although I must admit it still had a way to go. I would like to give it 3 and a half stars, but have to stick with 3. Hopefully, Quinn will get the message about these last few disastrous books she has written. I am one of many devoted fans who has almost lost the faith.

I feel like I am mourning the passing of a good friend. My travelling roommate turned me on to Moning about 3 years ago. I fell in love and read all the books that she had written. I anxiously awaited each new novel and was more impressed and drawn in to her stories and the ever expanding plot line that moved from book to book. It seemed to be building to this series. I loved Darkfever. I ended Bloodfever with the anticipation of a great climax in Faefever. I WAS EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED. I recently heard that the series will be 5 books long. BIG MISTAKE. From the run of the story from the first to second book, the story line was obviously meant to be concluded in the third. All the building to a Mac/Barrons and MacKelter saving the world just barely and Mac and ??? finally having mind blowing sex - I feel like I was left without an literary orgasm. The minute there was the hint of the until-next-year-when-we-can-try-again, I knew it was downhill from there. Karen - you should have kept to your original 3 book series then spun off another series from some little thing left dangling at the end. After each and every book, I couldn't wait to get on to the next one, mentally noting the information I might need from one book to the next. Especially when we got to the Kiss, Dark, Immortal and Spell, where your talent of serial writting without making the books only readible only in order was exceptional. I am sorry to say that I will be waiting until I read many reviews about the next instalment instead of pre-ordering as I have done in the past.

I cannot believe that I waited for this book to come out. It told me nothing new and is what I call an in-between book. I hate in-between books. Nothing happened in this book until the last two chapters and then it just leaves you hanging. I was so frustrated with the dynamics between Mac and Barrons as well. He keeps attacking her and she thinks it's okay because the next day he say's sorry with a "gift." It's a classic case of battered wife's syndrome as far as I'm concerned. I was really hoping for something more from this book and unfortunately, I didn't get it. If I read the next one it will be from the Library, I'm not wasting my money.

Faefever by Karen Marie Moning

Hardcover Release date September 16, 2008
5 Stars

Faefever is the third in the Fever Series by Karen Marie Moning. This book/series is as near perfect as a book/series can be. If this is your first introduction to the series, stop here, go to your nearest bookstore to purchase this AND the two previous books. While you're there, get her Highlander series as well. You can thank me later.

Now let me give you a recap of what has taken place in this series so far: death and revenge. But let me not get ahead of myself. In the beginning, (Darkfever, Book 1), we are introduced to MacKayla Lane. She is a young girl who leads a very carefree life of lounging by the pool listening to music and working on her tan. Suddenly, her life is turned upside down when news arrives that her sister is killed while studying in Ireland. The plot further thickens when she discovers a message left by her sister on her cell phone. The message is mysterious and gives little details, but enough to make her pack her things and go to Ireland to help search for her killer. Now, if this book was just a mystery novel, it would work well. Searching for the bad guys would be a predictable trail to follow, but that's hardly the case here.

She finds that she and her sister share a trait as sidhe-seer - a human that can see the Fae or Fairy. When Mac arrives in Ireland, she learns that her sister was possessed and trapped in a mysterious world. Mac not only has to deal with searching for her sister's killer, but she does so while entering a dream-like world of fantasy & mystery with characters to match. Her role in this new world transforms her into a walking weapon. In book two, (Bloodfever Book 2) we learn about this new world. We continue to see her transformation from a carefree girl, to a woman carrying the responsibility of defending others while keeping her loyalty to the memory of her sister and finding her killer.

In Faefever, Mac is now a changed person. She struggles with the responsibility of saving the world. Her growth into a heroine is well traveled and believable. She is both strong in her conviction to save others, but also vulnerable to the knowledge that if she fails, all will be lost.

The cliffhangers in the end of each book are maddening. The story is riveting. The characters are well rounded with intriguing personalities. There are many questions that are answer slowly, but they don't slow down the story. Moning tells a good story and builds characters that are both likable and believable. She exquisitely merges story telling, exciting characters, beautiful settings and enough twists and turns to demand more and more.


Reviewed by Cez at Bookaholics Romance Book Club

This book was awesome! Karen does a great job of keeping you guessing throughout the series and you are surprised by the events. It has a lot of interesting characters and a great plot. This series will keep you on the edge of your seat waiting anxiously for the next book to come out. Highly recommend if this is your type of book.

It would seem that she submitted the entire series to her publishers up front & they decided to divide the book into 5 parts to make some money. Well the first 2 were great, I love Mac & Barrons, but this book was a joke. Yes, you find a lot of info out which seems to be why this book was done, it was an encyclopedia of info, but no action or intrigue. As for what happens to Mac in the end ---your just left hanging like an idiot. It was a short & fast read & now they will make you wait another long year before the next one comes. Don't waist your time, wait until the entire series is out before reading anymore. I have decided not to read anymore until she ends the series.

I never want this series to end! I love Rain and Elysetta. I can't get enough of the Tairen Soul series. Every lover of fantasy romance needs to read this series. I hope somehow that Elfeya and her truemate either escape or are rescued soon because i can't freakin stand them being prisoners anymore it's making me crazy!

I loved the 3rd book in the series. Even though the book was almost 500 pages I never felt it dragged. We got to see just how evil the Eld are. Ellysetta starts to learn who she is as her powers grow. The only bad thing about the book is it really leaves you hanging and it is a long wait for the next book (It was supposed to be a month.....)!

As a bookseller, sometimes we get advanced copies of books from authors that are not well known. A little over a year ago I found a copy of Lord of the Fading Lands that we had received. And while you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, that's what drew my interest to pick it up. So glad I did!

C.L. Wilson is an author to watch! She has an artist's way with words. She's created a truly magical world filled with Fey, evil Mages, wonderful creatures called the Tairen and spun her own special weave of love, friendship, honor and sacrifice.
Her characters gain more depth with each new volume of the series, and while I love the main storyline of Rain and Ellysetta, I also have to admit her other characters have me hooked as well. Connecting the dots between the supporting characters, both Fey, Celerian, Eld, and the Tairen is a fascinating puzzle. Galen is my favorite secondary character. Why do I always like the 'bad' boys? :)

This third installment of the Fading Lands does not disappoint. It picks up right where the ending of Lady of Light and Shadows left off with Raine bringing Ellysetta back to the fading lands. The lovers face numerous challenges: The Mages of Eld are planning another war, Ellysetta still doesn't understand her vast powers nor how she will help save the Tairen. Not to mention the High Mage is trying to claim her soul.
And just HOW are the Fay going to react when they see Galen, the former dahl'reisen Dark Lord returning home? dahl'reisen are considered 'lost souls'...those who have strayed from the Fey path of honor due to killing so many others (in battle, etc) and the weight of those souls becomes too much for them to bear and they are banished from the Fading Lands. The Fey do not look kindly upon their 'fallen' brothers. Now Ellysetta is bringing one of them, the most notorious, home with her. But first they have to get through the Faering Mists that guard the Fading Lands.

The Tairen are counting on her to save them. The ferocious winged felines (the size of Clydesdales) are the source of the Feys magic, and are connected somehow to the life force of the Fading Lands. The kitlings are dying in the eggs and no one can figure out why.

If you like Fantasy stories with strong female characters (as well as compelling male ones), stories that bring the Fey out of legend, the creation of fascinating creatures like the Tairen, Good vs Evil on an epic scale, and a true love that lasts no matter what, then you will love this series. I guarantee it.

Lord of the Fading Lands
Lady of Light and Shadows
King of Sword and Sky (Tairen Soul)

And don't miss the next and final chapter of Raine and Elly's story, The Queen of Song and Souls, due out in March of '09. I can't wait!!!

Rain, the Tairen Soul and King of the Fey, is bringing his truemate, Ellysetta, back to the Fading Lands. There are many things they need to accomplish, both as a couple, and separately.

Together they need to complete the truemate bond that will bind their souls. But first Ellysetta must work to control the powerful magic within her, and fight the evil that is trying to claim her.

In addition, Ellysetta needs to discover what is killing the Tairen kitling in their eggs and try to save those that remain. If she is unsuccessful, the Tairen could face extinction. She also has to learn to live among the Fey, some of whom are less than welcoming.

Rain will work to prepare his Fey brothers for war with the Eld, who want control over the Fading Lands. In addition, he faces opposition from his own council, who think he is not fit to lead the Fey.

This is the third book in the Tairen Soul series, and I've loved them all. C.L. Wilson's descriptions of the Fey and the world in which they live are beautifully done and extremely captivating. I've fallen in love with several of the characters, not the least of which are Ellysetta and Rain. The love they share melts my heart.

Ellysetta's battle to save the kitlings held me captive, and I loved the way Rain stood up to those who opposed him, and fought for his wife. One of the things I adore about these books is the complex levels that weave together to tell the story, keeping you on the edge of your seat and wanting more. I for one can't wait for Book 4.

King of Sword and Sky is a definite Recommended Read for me. The books do need to be read in order, so that you get in on the ground floor.

Amelia
reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

KING OF SWORD AND SKY
C. L. Wilson
Fantasy Romance

Rating: 5 Enchantments

Ellysetta Baristani is a Tairen Soul and is now married to Rainier vel'En Daris. She is also the Feyreisa. This position and power holds many requirements and duties but a few stand higher priority than the others. First on her list is to find what is killing the Tairen while still in the eggs, second stop the impending war, third complete the bond with Rain.

Rain wants nothing more than to have Ellysetta behind the faering mists where she would be safe in his home. He knows that to her, her family is more important then her safety so he grants her a few more precious days with them. The time is cut short however when it seems that the primage is again at her soul. Rain will do anything to protect his truemate and cure those of his pride of the evil that is killing them

KING OF SWORD AND SKY picks up only 7 days after the end of `Lady of Light and Shadows', Ellysetta is assorting her family to the safety of Teleon. It is there that Sol and the twins can hide from any of the Eld's allies. What she does not expect is the sudden attack that is just like so many others that she has experienced in the past. The fey think that it is the work of the Vadim Maur, the primage, and it is, however it is just not an attack on her. She is feeling the torture that her real father is feeling. Rain whisks her away to the Faering mists where life seems to become even more complicated. Neither Rain nor Ellysetta can figure out what is killing the Tairen babies. The Tairen's eye crystal has prophesied that Ellysetta will be the death of all that is light. Half of the Fey either love her and the other have are wary of her and her mage marks. The only good thing that she has going is the fact that she can heal all the Rasa by restoring their souls. On top of everything that happens a huge family secret is revealed that could change everything.

I am at a loss for words. I can not think of the proper way to describe my love of KING OF SWORD AND SKY! If I could give this book more than 5 Enchantments I would. C. L. Wilson has a way of making her stories come alive. Each page I read was as if it was taking place in front of me. I did not see the words on the page I saw what was happening in the story. I could see the colors of the sky, I could smell everything, and most of all I could feel the pain and love. This is the kind of story that sticks with you and makes you think of it for days to come. I cried with the way the book left off but I understand why it ended as it did. I have faith that the fourth book, Queen of song and souls will be just as good as the first three were. With that said the books does not stand very well by itself and the first two should be read before KING OF SWORD AND SKY. The character relations are very confusing and the first two explain it all. I highly recommend this series to anyone who wants a page turning, never ending action, keeping you on the end of your seat, story.

[...]

The major strength of Lisa Kleypas 'A Wallflower Christmas' is the likeability of the protagonists. Uncivilized American rake Rafe Bowman is at heart a charmer who can't help being drawn not to the wealthy English lady he's supposed to be courting, but to her penniless cousin/companion, Hannah. Both Hannah and Rafe are drawn as essentially good people who have had difficult lives. But it's their biting wit and strong sexual draw that make the sparks fly. The major question, will Rafe and Hannah get together, is of course answered by the genre, and there's really little plot or character development, yet it's a pleasant read.

'A Wallflower Christmas' will, of course, be of interest to those who have read the earlier books in the series, but this novella stands alone. I haven't read the others and enjoyed this one. My major complaint is one of marketing: $16.95 for 213 pages is a bit steep.

Lisa Kleypas is one of my favorite authors and to be offered this book on Amazon Vine was a real treat! I'm a big fan of her Wallflower series and she certainly didn't disappoint me with her newest romance between Rafe (Lilian's Brother) and Hanna which has her trademark heart stoppingly tender romance! The biggest plus for me was also to revisit all of my favorite characters from her series who I still remember so fondly thanks to her excellent writing and characterization! My only gripe is that it was a bit short especially since revisiting the old characters took up quite a few pages leaving little for the newest pair. If you've read the Wallflower series, I highly recommend this book and if you haven't, run for her old ones. This author is worth it!

This is a fun book if you love to read romances. A classic historic English setting, the characters are a bit predictable, but believable. The book is very well written, if a bit short. The characters are very 'real' in feel- like hating to sew, and botching up a Christmas tree skirt (sounds like me). It is even educational- who knew that gowns used to be made with seams in the front and back that could expand if the woman was expecting?

These women stick together through thick and thin....which is nice and leaves me hoping that real life could be a bit more like the novel (where best buddies blow you off if you say the wrong thing in an email). All in all, I think it should prove to be a very fun book for women to read during the Christmas season. Who has time after all to read a long novel with all the parties and goodies to eat (where are those expansion seams in my clothes)?

While a little overly descriptive and flowery at the beginning, this book really got rolling the further you read. While I haven't read the other books in this series, Secrets of a Summer Night (The Wallflowers, Book 1), I was able to enjoy this installment once I got to know Hannah and Rafe. In one early scene the author actually had me laugh out loud while reading, which is a rare thing. I wish the book was longer, allowing for the characters to be fleshed out more but I did enjoy the tidbits of information on when & where Christmas traditions started in England and by whom.

As long as you go into this book expecting a pleasant, predictable, well-written romance novel, you won't be disappointed. I haven't read an historical romance novel in years, not counting Jane Austen, and I forgot they could be really good. I liked this one enough to order all four of the other Wallflower books.
Rafe Bowman is your typical leading man, rich, not worried about what others think, very experienced with women. He's expected to marry rich, upper-class girl Natalie Blandford, a union that would benefit both their families. Hannah is Natalie's poor cousin who acts as her paid companion, and she meets Rafe first to try to find out a bit about him. Rafe is immediately attracted to Hannah, but she dislikes him because of his informality and borderline crude ways. She thinks he's completely wrong for Natalie. What follows is no surprise. Rafe's charm starts to get through to Hannah and her resistance crumbles. Because he's a "rogue" with a devil-may-care attitude, he has the guts to go against his father's orders that he propose to Natalie. Isn't that the kind of man we all want? One who would renounce his family's fortune to be with us but ultimately still be wealthy?
This book is just the kind of pleasant fluff you crave sometimes and it's done well.

I'm a big fan of the Bastion Club series. This is a great story in that the heroine is very strong. Even with all the alpha males in these stories, she is able to keep them in line. I was also excited to get part of the mystery of Dalzeil solved. Now we await the final book and find out his story.

If you love Stephanie Laurens' books, the Edge of Desire is a winner.

This was enjoyable. I just disappointed I have to wait till next year to get the next book in this series.

Like all of Stephanie Laurens books this was a great page turner. I think that this one is the best book of the Bastion club series so far. I must say I cannot wait to read her final book in this series on the mysterious Dalzeil. If this book is good what is the final book going to be like? I can't wait to read it.

I really enjoyed this, the 7th book in the Bastion series. I'm a huge Stephanie Laurens fan ... and like all of us want to know all of Dalziel's secrets! That aside, it was a different book ... a lot more about a man who already knew he was in love and wasn't afraid to admit it to himself...but not to her yet. I wasn't disappointed with the book and read it in 1 day.

Something about this book just bothered me. Whether it was the behavior and personality of Letita or the many times the author mentioned class differences or all the sex scenes that I just couldn't get into (very unusual for me!). I just don't know what it was but the book was to long for the story line and I just hope Laurens starts improving her story lines. Please I beg you have a heroine that is not perfectly annoying. Women are allowed to have imperfections-all her heroines seem to have the same characteristics-start showing some flaws.

Anthologies are always a great risk to buy. If you're lucky there will be one or two good stories to justify purchase. This particular anthology has four of my favorite authors, with the added attraction that Candice Hern's story is the conclusion of the 'Merry Widows' series. On the whole, I thought this was one of the best anthologies I've read.Sadly for me, I thought the Hern story lacked sparkle and didn't do the other three 'Merry Widows' books justice, but having said that, it was still a competent story. The other three stories were lovely stories about lost love that gets a second chance. Possibly too much emphasis on sex in too short a word count, but otherwise, no real complaints.

From the inside cover-

The Fall of Rogue Gerrard by Stephanie Laurens
Robert Gerrard is London's most notorious rake. But he once did everything in his power to protect Lydia Makepeace, igniting a yearning that persists to the day they are trapped alone at an inn. Fueled by desire, Lydia is determined to finally have Robert for her own and delight in The Fall of Rogue Gerrard

4 1/2 stars -Best of the bunch IMHO. More lighthearted than the others, Laurens tells a tale of a young 22 yr old rake who kissed a girl (16) and shockingly realized that he'd found his soul mate. Of course this scares the hell out of him and he makes a run for it. Fast forward ten years and a chance meeting ..and well...he's tired of running from his heart. Bold/assertive heroine and wickedly dashing hero make this a fun read. Lighthearted romance with plenty of love scenes.

Spellbound by Mary Balogh
Bound for London, Nora Rider might have died in the terrible stagecoach accident were it not for the man who risked his life to save her. He is Richard Kemp, Lord Bourne, her husband -and she had no idea his ador could still hold her Spellbound.*note*-this is an error by publishers, Richard didn't actually save Nora from an accident but the incident did fuel their chance meeting.

4 1/2 stars -Great writing from Balogh's reversal of fortunes novella. Nora and Richard were in love once but were pulled apart rather brutally. Neither realized the other wasn't at fault. This was a slightly bittersweet deeply emotional read for me. I felt the ending didn't make up for all that previous turmoil the characters were originally put through -sort of left me hanging and begging for more. I would have liked to see what the future held for them.

Only You by Jacquie D'Alessandro
Casandra Heywood and Ethan Baxter were once cherished childhood friends. Now after ten long years apart. Ethan is determined to win Cassandra for his own. But Cassandra has her own ideas.

3 stars -Hero formally worked for Cassandra's family. They were friends as children and perhaps felt more but Lady's don't marry the stable master's son. Recently widowed, Cassie returns to see if she still feels something for Ethan. Although I generally enjoy these kinds of opposite in social stature parings, this one was sadly predictable all the way through. Tons of cliche's down to the abusive husband. A good read but nothing out of the ordinary.

From This Moment On by Candice Hern
He left her to defend His Majesty's honor. But Captain Sam Pellow never stopped fantasizing about Wilhelmina, Duchess of Hertford -and nothing she said or one will keep him away from her bed.

4 stars -Last story from Hern's Merry Widow series. I'm not fond of much older couples and the fact that the heroine was once a courtesan -thats already two strikes against this novella in my mind. But I found the novella to be very good even if its only for originality sake. Sam is a lovable and ardent suitor and who wouldn't cave under his *persuasions* even if they thought themselves to be unworthy? Enjoyable.

Good anthology with four very different but similar stories. Recommended.
Other anthologies I've enjoyed-
A Gift of Love -fantastic

I bought this group of short stories only for the incomparable Mary Balogh, and I was not disappointed. Her story is absolutely marvelous as I knew it would be and, by far, the best of the bunch. I actually saved it for last because in other anthologies, I've read her story first and was bored to tears with the rest. This time, I read the other stories first. Stephanie Laurens and Jacquie D'Alessandro's bits were pretty average. They both start off fine but then whimper to the end filling pages and pages with sex scenes.....boring and unimaginative. That's the sign of an author who is on auto-pilot and not creative enough to plan a well-thought out story. Candice Hern, on the other hand, is a very good writer. I was involved with her story to the bitter end. But, as in almost every other book I've read of hers, I am repeatedly disappointed in her heroines. Why does every single heroine Hern creates have to be promiscuous? Without fail, her heroines have indiscriminate sex with a wide variety of men. Those heroines must appeal to a large group of women, but I am personally turned off by them. Hern is a good enough writer, however, to keep the reader glued to her story. I was drawn in and involved with the story even though I didn't really care for one of the main characters. That takes talent in a writer. So, while I was tempted to give this book three stars, I felt I had to go with four. I find it very hard to rate any Mary Balogh effort lower than four stars. My advice, however, is to read Laurens and D'Alessandro first, then Hern, and finish with Balogh, the main attraction in this anthology.

All good "2nd chance at love" stories. All were very well written by really good authors but all four felt unfinished. After every story, my first thought was, "Then what happened?" "Was there children finally?" Even if there weren't it would've been nice to know if they tried and still couldn't have any. In that day and age children were a biggie. None of the women had had children prior to getting back together with their lost love. Also, "Where and how did they live?" "How did the other's in their lives react to them getting back together?" "Were these really Happily-Ever-After stories?" So many questions it left me unsettled and thus unsatisfied. Even though it was really nice, and almost mystical, that fate managed to get these couples back together again after so long- there's no "A-h-h-h" at the end of these stories.

"The Fall of Rogue Gerrard" by Stephanie Laurens. Robert and Lydia search for some missing papers; he may be the rake, but she has the seduction planned.

"Spellbound" by Mary Balogh. A decade ago Nora and Richard eloped, but her family annulled the marriage. Richard rescues Nora from a coaching accident; both want to elope again as they remain in love.

"Only You" by Jacquie D'Alessandro. Widow Cassandra Heywood has always loved the innkeeper Ethan though their social classes keep them apart until now; she is determined to marry her beloved

"From This Moment On" by Candice Hern. While at war, Sam hid his love for Wilhelmina. Now home, the former captain plans to make the duchess his wife.

The plot premise of this enjoyable anthology as described by Ms. Balogh in A Letter to the Reader is: "A man and a woman, who have not seen each other in ten years, meet again when they find themselves staying at the same inn for a twenty-four hour period." That concept provides the underlying fascination to this compilation as historical romance fans will compare each work (and rank them). These are four gutsy authors to do this somewhat limiting method. However, each provides a strong novella starring interesting lead couples; and more important different well written slants on the basic theme.

Harriet Klausner