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Awix (3310 KP) rated Entry Island in Books
Mar 27, 2019
Not my usual sort of thing, but recommended to (more like thrust upon) me by someone whose taste in books is usually interesting. Not necessarily in this case, though: a competent mash-up of a contemporary police procedural thriller with a windblown historical romance set during the Highland clearances (younger readers, ask your dad): a Canadian cop starts having flashbacks (kind of) to his ancestor's life while investigating a murder on a remote island; he feels certain he knows the prime suspect, although she and he have never met before...
The structure of the book certainly works in its favour: whenever you get bored of the whodunnit, the switch to goings-on in the 19th century Hebrides is welcome, and vice versa. And, fair's fair, the story does pick up pace and interest in the final third after a slightly stodgy opening. However, neither the plotting nor the writing are what I'd call inspired; workmanlike is the word that springs to mind. Passes the time inoffensively but unlikely to linger in the memory.
The structure of the book certainly works in its favour: whenever you get bored of the whodunnit, the switch to goings-on in the 19th century Hebrides is welcome, and vice versa. And, fair's fair, the story does pick up pace and interest in the final third after a slightly stodgy opening. However, neither the plotting nor the writing are what I'd call inspired; workmanlike is the word that springs to mind. Passes the time inoffensively but unlikely to linger in the memory.
ArecRain (8 KP) rated An Earl for the Archeress (The Ladies of Scotland #1) in Books
Jan 18, 2018
<i>Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review</i>
What a lovely read. I like strong female characters, but I love strong female leads with visible flaws. Mariel is clever, resourceful, a great archeress and absolutely terrified of her father which she is very open about to Robert. It was refreshing to read and made Mariel all that more endearing despite her also trying to prove repeatedly that she can take care of herself. Yes, that age old trope.
That being said, there are few men worthy of her, but Robert is definitely one of them. Faced with obstacles on all sides, Robert handles them all with ease and dignity all while trying to protect Mariel and not fall for her.
Historical romance can be hit or miss. With so many of them out there, it can be overwhelming to weed out the good ones. AEftA is great read worth your time. While not an original plotline, Watsons breathes life into it fueled by dynamic characters and a powerful love story you cant help but root for.
What a lovely read. I like strong female characters, but I love strong female leads with visible flaws. Mariel is clever, resourceful, a great archeress and absolutely terrified of her father which she is very open about to Robert. It was refreshing to read and made Mariel all that more endearing despite her also trying to prove repeatedly that she can take care of herself. Yes, that age old trope.
That being said, there are few men worthy of her, but Robert is definitely one of them. Faced with obstacles on all sides, Robert handles them all with ease and dignity all while trying to protect Mariel and not fall for her.
Historical romance can be hit or miss. With so many of them out there, it can be overwhelming to weed out the good ones. AEftA is great read worth your time. While not an original plotline, Watsons breathes life into it fueled by dynamic characters and a powerful love story you cant help but root for.
ArecRain (8 KP) rated Scandal of the Season in Books
Jan 18, 2018
An absolute delight to read. Nothing pleases me more than a couple who genuinely loves each other. Its so hard to put into words how I feel about this novel. While its not groundbreaking or revolutionary, Scandal of the Season is a lovely read filled with mutual love built upon friendship. Its such a change from the romances where the couple fight the entire time or fall in love because they are forced into each others presence for extended periods of time (a.k.a soulmates trope).
I am not sure what I can say about this book. It had a simple but enjoyable storyline, entertaining characters, and a tender love story. The writer also has an easy style that make the story a pleasure to read. The only negative comment I have is that the title is a little misleading. I am still not sure what the scandal was
If you are a fan of historical romance, this should definitely be on your TBR list.
I am not sure what I can say about this book. It had a simple but enjoyable storyline, entertaining characters, and a tender love story. The writer also has an easy style that make the story a pleasure to read. The only negative comment I have is that the title is a little misleading. I am still not sure what the scandal was
If you are a fan of historical romance, this should definitely be on your TBR list.
Lindsay (1706 KP) rated A Silken Thread in Books
Jul 1, 2019
I love the fact, that A Silken Thread is mostly a historical fiction book with a little bit of romance. The author does a really good job of telling a story though three main characters. The story is based around the Cotton Exposition of 1895. We learn a bit about what life a bit after the civil war and what life is like for southerners.
Their a story about African American and whites though out the story. Though we have a bit of story with a fourth character as well. Laurel is looking for someone to love her and find maybe find love along the way. She applies to be a weaver in the silk room.
Willie applies to the Cotton Exposition for he want to help pay for his fathers hospital bills and to help him get better. Willie friend Quincy has gotten a job their as well. We also have Langdon. What the author show though out the book is how world is viewed between each character. She does a well job of it.
Their a story about African American and whites though out the story. Though we have a bit of story with a fourth character as well. Laurel is looking for someone to love her and find maybe find love along the way. She applies to be a weaver in the silk room.
Willie applies to the Cotton Exposition for he want to help pay for his fathers hospital bills and to help him get better. Willie friend Quincy has gotten a job their as well. We also have Langdon. What the author show though out the book is how world is viewed between each character. She does a well job of it.
TravelersWife4Life (31 KP) rated Heart Restoration (RenoVations #1) in Books
Feb 23, 2021
Y'all this story was epic!
It combined historical fiction, a mystery, suspense + a dash of oh so sweet romance!! I think this is one of my favorite books to read this year :) I think I read the whole book in one sitting.
I loved Lisa. Her character is well developed, she is strong and shows grace, and courage when faced with interesting circumstances. Plus, I loved the vivid descriptions that Regina Rudd Merrick used to describe Lisa and Nick and their plans for the renovation; It was like I was in the house and could envision it right along with them!
The setting in the old house, combined with the mystery left me so excited to (hopefully) read Del's story next! I highly recommend this story for the great characters, interesting twists I did not see coming and for making the smiles along the way. 5 out of 5 stars.
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
It combined historical fiction, a mystery, suspense + a dash of oh so sweet romance!! I think this is one of my favorite books to read this year :) I think I read the whole book in one sitting.
I loved Lisa. Her character is well developed, she is strong and shows grace, and courage when faced with interesting circumstances. Plus, I loved the vivid descriptions that Regina Rudd Merrick used to describe Lisa and Nick and their plans for the renovation; It was like I was in the house and could envision it right along with them!
The setting in the old house, combined with the mystery left me so excited to (hopefully) read Del's story next! I highly recommend this story for the great characters, interesting twists I did not see coming and for making the smiles along the way. 5 out of 5 stars.
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
AJaneClark (3962 KP) rated Date with a Devil (Dallas Devils #1) in Books
Jan 14, 2021
First Read of the Year
258 Pages
Kindle Edition
This light and at times steamy kicked off the start of 2021 with a bang (of bodies hitting the boards, and the clashing of hockey sticks as pucks hit the ice)!
Austen hosts a popular online section for the Dallas Devils, going on "dates" with the players and introducing them to the fans... All went well until it was the turn of jock Dane, an athlete with a reputation for disliking the media and being a fan of the puck bunnies!
What follows for the duo with a great deal of chemistry, is a bumpy road which threatens to impact both of their careers and their relationship!
The first in the Dallas Devils series, and Winters does not disappoint with this contemporary sports romance. It was an easy read with a great deal of depth, well paced and oozing chemistry.
The story progression worked well with Winters' writing style, with added drama from a historical back story which is explained in further books, and a great antagonist.
Hoping book 2 is just as interesting!
Kindle Edition
This light and at times steamy kicked off the start of 2021 with a bang (of bodies hitting the boards, and the clashing of hockey sticks as pucks hit the ice)!
Austen hosts a popular online section for the Dallas Devils, going on "dates" with the players and introducing them to the fans... All went well until it was the turn of jock Dane, an athlete with a reputation for disliking the media and being a fan of the puck bunnies!
What follows for the duo with a great deal of chemistry, is a bumpy road which threatens to impact both of their careers and their relationship!
The first in the Dallas Devils series, and Winters does not disappoint with this contemporary sports romance. It was an easy read with a great deal of depth, well paced and oozing chemistry.
The story progression worked well with Winters' writing style, with added drama from a historical back story which is explained in further books, and a great antagonist.
Hoping book 2 is just as interesting!
Awix (3310 KP) rated Stranger from Venus (1954) in Movies
Aug 15, 2020
Yet another low-budget British knock-off of The Day the Earth Stood Still, distinguished (sort of) by the fact it's managed to secure the services of one of the stars of the original film, Patricia Neal (the movie never got an American release as it might have drawn a plagiarism suit from Fox). Bloke from Venus arrives in the home counties to deliver a grave message about the dangers of atomic weapons, engages in chaste sort-of romance with a woman who lives locally (Neal), is messed about by the government.
At least it's a little easier to take seriously than Devil Girl from Mars, but the production is even more primitive and it's a lot less fun. Helmut Dantine does the best he can, dispensing cosmic wisdom in a gravelly Austrian monotone, but the punishingly low budget really shows. The purest kind of rip-off - there's nothing here that isn't in the original movie, and everything that is here is less accomplished and less interesting. Not awful, though, nor is it without a certain historical curiosity value for SF aficionados.
At least it's a little easier to take seriously than Devil Girl from Mars, but the production is even more primitive and it's a lot less fun. Helmut Dantine does the best he can, dispensing cosmic wisdom in a gravelly Austrian monotone, but the punishingly low budget really shows. The purest kind of rip-off - there's nothing here that isn't in the original movie, and everything that is here is less accomplished and less interesting. Not awful, though, nor is it without a certain historical curiosity value for SF aficionados.
Molly J (Cover To Cover Cafe) (106 KP) rated The Room on Rue Amélie in Books
Feb 25, 2019
For those that know me, truly know me, know that one of my favorite genres to read, is historical fiction. More specifically, the WWII era. So, when I was browsing books at B&N one day, I came across this book. First, let me say, the cover is enough to hook me! It’s gorgeous. Second, once my dad surprised me with it, I devoured it. Or, rather, it devoured me and kept me hooked til the end.
This book is not full of fluff and rhyme. Yes, there is a bit of romance woven in, but the author is taking the reader on a journey of self discovery. The reader is on a journey with the characters, feeling the heartache of the war, the pain, and sacrifice that went with running from the Nazi’s and helping with the escape efforts of the pilots.
Each page turn, Harmel gives something more to the reader. She intricately weaves a story that you become a part of. Ruby, Charlotte and Thomas all make their way into the reader’s heart. The depth of emotions is felt wholly, the detail to the history is vivid and clear.
Harmel’s THE ROOM ON RUE AMELIE is a novel that all historical fiction lovers should grab. It will consume you and keep you until the last page is turned. If I could give this book a thousand stars I would. But, alas, I can give it 5 stars. This is a book that I won’t forget and will be sharing with my friends many times over.
*This book was purchased by myself. All opinions, negative or positive, are my own.*
This book is not full of fluff and rhyme. Yes, there is a bit of romance woven in, but the author is taking the reader on a journey of self discovery. The reader is on a journey with the characters, feeling the heartache of the war, the pain, and sacrifice that went with running from the Nazi’s and helping with the escape efforts of the pilots.
Each page turn, Harmel gives something more to the reader. She intricately weaves a story that you become a part of. Ruby, Charlotte and Thomas all make their way into the reader’s heart. The depth of emotions is felt wholly, the detail to the history is vivid and clear.
Harmel’s THE ROOM ON RUE AMELIE is a novel that all historical fiction lovers should grab. It will consume you and keep you until the last page is turned. If I could give this book a thousand stars I would. But, alas, I can give it 5 stars. This is a book that I won’t forget and will be sharing with my friends many times over.
*This book was purchased by myself. All opinions, negative or positive, are my own.*
ArecRain (8 KP) rated Highlander Redeemed (Guardians of the Targe, #3) in Books
Jan 18, 2018
This is the third in the series, and it definitely shows. I did not know that it was part of a series until I started reading it, but I wish I had. While it is not necessary to read the first two to understand or enjoy Highlander Redeemed, I found myself wondering more often than not about what I had missed out on.
I wish I could find at least one negative comment to make about this novel to balance out all the good I can say, but I honestly cannot. It is your typical Scottish historical romance where the couple are facing the threat of the English. It had so much character, however, that it did not just fade into the background once I finished it with all the previous ones I have read. I also appreciate that the author actually has some background in Scottish heritage instead of just researching it. It made it much more authentic.
Mainly, however, I loved watching the couple grow both as a couple and as individuals. At first, Scotia irritated me with her behavior and thoughts, but I believe that was the point. To watch her grow and mature was both satisfying and relieving. She was believable as person instead of a made up character.
Overall, Highlander Redeemed is one of the best Scottish historical romances I have read as well as a coming of age story. I fell in love with the characters and became invested in their growth and story. Not only that, but the ending left me with warm satisfied feeling. Now, I am definitely planning on picking up copies of the first two.
I wish I could find at least one negative comment to make about this novel to balance out all the good I can say, but I honestly cannot. It is your typical Scottish historical romance where the couple are facing the threat of the English. It had so much character, however, that it did not just fade into the background once I finished it with all the previous ones I have read. I also appreciate that the author actually has some background in Scottish heritage instead of just researching it. It made it much more authentic.
Mainly, however, I loved watching the couple grow both as a couple and as individuals. At first, Scotia irritated me with her behavior and thoughts, but I believe that was the point. To watch her grow and mature was both satisfying and relieving. She was believable as person instead of a made up character.
Overall, Highlander Redeemed is one of the best Scottish historical romances I have read as well as a coming of age story. I fell in love with the characters and became invested in their growth and story. Not only that, but the ending left me with warm satisfied feeling. Now, I am definitely planning on picking up copies of the first two.
Merissa (11805 KP) rated The Du Lac Chronicles (The Du Lac Chronicles #1) by Mary Anne Yarde in Books
Dec 17, 2018 (Updated Jun 8, 2023)
This is a young adult, historical romance, set after Arthur and Lancelot. Alden is Lancelot's son and, at eighteen years of age, is King of Cerniw. However, he is King in name only as he has just had his fortress and country razed by Cedric. The story starts with him tied to a whipping post, facing death and generally not in the best of health! Annis is Cedric's daughter and makes the decision to save him, for reasons that you learn about as the story progresses.
Full of action, chases, betrayal and mystery, this is a wonderful story that will keep you on your toes as you try to figure out just who will do what next.
If I had anything negative to say, it would be that Alden and Annis both change their minds so often, it gets both hard to follow and also a tad monotonous. Basically, both of them love each other, neither thinks they are good enough, and both try to do 'the right thing' - even to the detriment of their own feelings. This is just a small part of the larger story though, so it doesn't distract too much.
All in all, this was an epic historical saga with well-rounded characters and situations. Well written, with no editing or grammatical errors that I found, I would have no hesitation in recommending this.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
May 20, 2016
Full of action, chases, betrayal and mystery, this is a wonderful story that will keep you on your toes as you try to figure out just who will do what next.
If I had anything negative to say, it would be that Alden and Annis both change their minds so often, it gets both hard to follow and also a tad monotonous. Basically, both of them love each other, neither thinks they are good enough, and both try to do 'the right thing' - even to the detriment of their own feelings. This is just a small part of the larger story though, so it doesn't distract too much.
All in all, this was an epic historical saga with well-rounded characters and situations. Well written, with no editing or grammatical errors that I found, I would have no hesitation in recommending this.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
May 20, 2016