Sandra Hill’s THE NORSE KING’S DAUGHTER – Fanciful yet based on good research…a Viking Adventure!

 

This is the story of King Thoval’s (a Norse king) last unmarried daughter, Drifa, and Sidroc Guntersson, a Viking warrior, who needs a wife and a mother for his infant daughter left him when his wife died. Unfortunately, Sidroc never told Drifa of his need for a mother for his babe as he courted her. When she found out, she was less than pleased and bashed him on the head. When he awakes, he learns his daughter has disappeared and fears she is dead. Now, years later, Sidroc and Drifa are reunited in Miklagard where Drifa has come to study flowers. Sidroc is one of an elite guard who is assigned to Drifa. He means to have his revenge.

 

Hill weaves her solid research into her fanciful story, presenting the Vikings’ way of life and the great city of Miklagard (the Viking name for Constantinople) in a realistic manner. Yet it is still a fanciful, often humorous tale. The sex is pretty graphic.

 

Hill will draw you into the characters’ lives. Though I soon realized this was part of a series, it can still be enjoyed as a stand-alone. In fact, Hill has eleven books in her Viking series, all worthy reads and some as much fantasy as historical.

 

Violetta Rand’s LOVE’S FURY – Powerful Norseman Claims a Saxon Slave

Set in 867, beginning in York, this is the story of Konal the Red, a Norseman drafted by the Danish prince to fight in Northumbria. Once his military contract expires, Konal intends to return to Norway and his family. But his conquests have earned him lands and he wants to see them first The prince has also given him one of the captives, an educated girl named Silvia, to be his slave.

Silvia, the educated daughter of the church undersecretary, vows to avenge her father’s death in the raid that lost her their home, however, she has little choice but to follow Konal as he leads her away from York.

 

Silvia constantly challenges Konal, all the while being weak to his kisses. Konal is a most unusual Northman, allowing her to do as she wants, believing he can woo her to his bed.

 

This is a well-written story in the true Viking romance tradition of a powerful Norseman taking an alluring Saxon to be his slave, never intending to keep her in such a position. Can Silvia leave her home forever? The two clash as they find romance.

The Strongest Heart...FREE on Kindle to the 5th!

Book 3 in the Clan Donald Saga is FREE Jan. 1-5 on Amazon to get you ready for my newest in the Saga, Born to Trouble. 

In the late 14th century, the Kingdom of the Isles was under assault from the ambitious Albany Stewarts, who were taking advantage of Scotland’s empty throne to increase their power. Jealous of the Macdonald lordship to the west, the ruthless Robert Stewart, Duke of Albany, thwarted Donald, Lord of the Isles, at every turn.
 
A man of keen intelligence and strategy, educated at Oxford and a frequent guest of England’s kings, Donald did not intend to allow a traitorous royal thug to rob him of his legacy. The Earldom of Ross was the buffer he needed to keep the Isles safe. Not unmindful of all that was at stake, he took as his bride Mariota Leslie, heiress to the Earldom of Ross.
 
What he could not achieve through diplomacy or marriage, Donald was prepared to claim by right of the sword. In the greatest battle Scotland has ever seen, he would demonstrate the power of the Isles to become the Hero of Harlaw.

 

Born to Trouble, book 4 in The Clan Donald Saga, is here!

In the turbulent landscape of 15th-century Scotland, Alexander of Islay, Lord of the Isles and heir to the earldom of Ross, welcomes King James home after a long captivity in England. Yet behind the façade of royal approval lies a web of treachery. Alexander’s father triumphed at the Battle of Harlaw, securing for his son the title Earl of Ross, but Alexander must navigate a perilous court where loyalty is a fleeting shadow if he is to keep it.

The nobles defeated at Harlaw, threatened by Alexander’s growing power, whisper in the king's ear, urging him to curb the formidable Lord of the Isles. Once an ally, King James turns against Alexander, imprisoning him in the grim confines of Tantallon Castle. Yet Alexander holds the unwavering loyalty of the Highlanders and Islesmen, who will rise in rebellion for the wrongs done to their beloved lord.

In a life fraught with conflict and trouble, Alexander captures the hearts of three women—each vying for his affection. But only one truly holds his heart. As alliances shift and passions ignite, can Alexander claim his rightful title and the woman he loves while navigating the treachery surrounding him?

 

See it on Amazon!

Favorite Heroes & Heroines!

It’s that time of year when I share my favorite heroes and heroines from the novels I have rated 5-stars. Noble men, who overcome tortured pasts, flaws and the odds against them to pursue great deeds and love, and heroines who persist against overwhelming obstacles to be with the man to whom they would give their heart—strong, intelligent women of character. Every one a worthy hero and heroine. The best are set deep in history.

 

Here are my favorites, my Christmas gift to you! This just might be your next year’s reading list!

 

Heroes

 

Francis from THE LYMOND CHRONICLES by Dorothy Dunnett

Graham from THE WINTER SEA by Susanna Kearsley

Justine from THESE OLD SHADES by Georgette Heyer

Hugh from TO DEFY A KING by Elizabeth Chadwick

Garr from THE UNVEILING, by Tamara Leigh

Christopher from A ROSE IN WINTER by Kathleen Woodiwiss

Houston from TEXAS DESTINY by Lorraine Heath

Ruark from SHANA by Kathleen Woodiwiss

Beaumaris from ARABELLA by Georgette Heyer

Summerton from SUMMERTON by Becca St. John

Jacob from THE CALLING OF THE CLAN by Parris Afton Bonds

Night Hawk from NIGHT FLAME by Catherine Hart

Jamie from SWEET SAVAGE EDEN by Heather Graham

Thomas from HOME BY MORNING by Kaki Warner

Jason from THE TIGER’S WOMAN by Celeste De Blasis

Alasdair (“Dair”) from LADY OF THE GLEN by Jennifer Roberson

Brigham from REBELLION by Nora Roberts

Bret from WITHOUT WORDS by Ellen O’Connell

Ethan from MOOD INDIGO by Parris Afton Bonds

Sean from STORMFIRE by Christine Monson

Domenico from THE SILVER DEVIL by Teresa Denys

Felipe Tristan from THE FLESH AND THE DEVIL by Teresa Denys

Fulke from THE OUTLAW KNIGHT by Elizabeth Chadwick

Roger from LADY OF FIRE by Anita Mills

Alex from BRIDE OF THE MACHUGH by Jan Cox Speas

Tade from BLACK FALCON’S LADY by Kimberly Cates (formerly NIGHTWYLDE by Kimberleigh Caitlin)

Devon from THE WINDFLOWER by Laura London

Gabriel from BROKEN WING by Judith James

Gannon from ON A HIGHLAND SHORE by Kathleen Givens

Alex from KILGANNON by Kathleen Givens

Cord from EYES OF SILVER, EYES OF GOLD by Ellen O’Connell

Anthony from DEVIL’S EMBRACE by Catherine Coulter

Trevor from LIONS AND LACE by Meagan McKinney

Simon from ACROSS A MOONLIT SEA by Marsha Canham

Ethan from IF YOU DECEIVE by Kresley Cole

Derek from THE CAPTAIN OF ALL PLEASURES by Kresley Cole

Rory from BROKEN VOWS by Shirl Henke

Hawk from CAPTURE THE SUN by Shirl Henke

Simon from THE DRAGON AND THE JEWEL by Virginia Henley

Shane from THE HAWK AND THE DOVE by Virginia Henley

Christian from DECEPTIVE HEART by Maureen Kurr

Drake from PIRATE’S ANGEL by Marsha Bauer

Adrian from THE BLACK HAWK by Joanna Bourne

Cougar from MOUNTAIN MISTRESS by Nadine Crenshaw

Derek from INNOCENT FIRE by Brenda Joyce

Johnny from THE OUTSIDER by Penelope Williamson

Julian from THE DUKE OF SHADOWS by Meredith Duran

Wolf from LOVE, CHERISH ME by Rebecca Brandewyne

Jesse from ONE WORE BLUE by Heather Graham

Zack from HEART OF THE WEST by Penelope Williamson

Shay from THE PASSIONS OF EMMA by Penelope Williamson

McCady from ONCE IN A BLUE MOON by Penelope Williamson

Jamie from OUTLANDER by Diana Gabaldon

Brandon from THE FLAME AND THE FLOWER by Kathleen Woodiwiss

Callum from LAIRD OF THE MIST by Paula Quinn

Lucas from WHISPERS OF HEAVEN by Candice Proctor

Daegan from RAELIKSEN by Renee Vincent

Roc from A PIRATE’S PLEASURE by Heather Graham

Francis from HEARTSTORM by Elizabeth Stuart

Olaf from GOLDER SURRENDER by Heather Graham

 

Heroines

 

Philippa from THE LYMOND CHRONICLES by Dorothy Dunnett

Sophia from THE WINTER SEA by Susanna Kearsley

Leonie from THESE OLD SHADES by Georgette Heyer

Mahelt from TO DEFY A KING by Elizabeth Chadwick

Annyn from THE UNVEILING, by Tamara Leigh

Amelia from TEXAS DESTINY by Lorraine Heath

Arabella from ARABELLA by Georgette Heyer

Venetia from VENETIA by Georgette Heyer

Caroline from SUMMERTON by Becca St. John

Catriona from THE CALLING OF THE CLAN by Parris Afton Bonds

Sarah (Flame) from NIGHT FLAME by Catherine Hart

Jassy from SWEET SAVAGE EDEN by Heather Graham

Anna from TOUCH OF LACE by Elizabeth DeLancey

Chess from FROM FIELDS OF GOLD by Alexandra Ripley

Tess from THE BLACK ROSE by Christina Skye

Katherine from CLANDARA by Evelyn Anthony

Cat from LADY OF THE GLEN by Jennifer Roberson

Anne from HEARTSTORM by Elizabeth Stuart

Margaret from ON A HIGHLAND SHORE by Kathleen Givens

Mary from THE TIGER’S WOMAN by Celeste De Blasis

Miranda from ONCE MORE MIRANDA by Jennifer Wilde

Oriana from ORIANA by Valerie Vayle

Serena from REBELLION by Nora Roberts

Briar from SLEEP IN THE WOODS by Dorothy Eden

Lysistrata from RANGOON by Christine Monson

Catherine from STORMFIRE by Christine Monson

Juana from THE FLESH AND THE DEVIL by Teresa Denys

Felicia from THE SILVER DEVIL by Teresa Denys

Lissa from WHEN ANGELS FALL by Meagan McKinney

Jamelyn from SILK AND STEEL by Cordia Byers

Eleanor from LADY OF FIRE by Anita Mills

Elspeth from BRIDE OF THE MACHUGH by Jan Cox Speas

Sarah from BROKEN WING by Judith James

Fallon from PRINCESS OF FIRE by Heather Graham

Mary from KILGANNON by Kathleen Givens

Katherine from DANCING ON COALS by Ellen O’Connell

Anne from EYES OF SILVER, EYES OF GOLD by Ellen O’Connell

Kayleigh from MY WICKED ENCHANTRESS by Meagan McKinney

Cassie from DEVIL’S EMBRACE by Catherine Coulter

Isabeau from ACROSS A MOONLIT SEA by Marsha Canham

Maddy from IF YOU DECEIVE by Kresley Cole

Nicole from THE CAPTAIN OF ALL PLEASURES by Kresley Cole

Darcy from BEYOND THE CLIFFS OF KERRY by Amanda Hughes

Lauren from THE PRIDE OF THE KING by Amanda Hughes

Scarlett from SCARLETT by Alexandra Ripley

Eleanor from THE DRAGON AND THE JEWEL by Virginia Henley

Sara from THE HAWK AND THE DOVE by Virginia Henley

Summer from THE PIRATE AND THE PAGAN by Virginia Henley

Justine from THE BLACK HAWK by Joanna Bourne

Flame from MOUNTAIN MISTRESS by Nadine Crenshaw

Adair from A DANGEROUS LOVE by Bertrice Small

Clementine from HEART OF THE WEST by Penelope Williamson

Emma from THE PASSIONS OF EMMA by Penelope Williamson

Jessalyn from ONCE IN A BLUE MOON by Penelope Williamson

Heather from THE FLAME AND THE FLOWER by Kathleen Woodiwiss

Shanna from SHANNA by Kathleen Woodiwiss

Aislinn from THE WOLF AND THE DOVE by Kathleen Woodiwiss

Jessie from WHISPERS OF HEAVEN by Candice Proctor

Whitney from THE PARADISE BARGAIN by Betina Krahn

Skye from A PIRATE’S PLEASURE by Heather Graham

Katherine from THE GAME by Brenda Joyce

Kat from CHILDREN OF THE MIST by Aleen Malcolm

Erin from GOLDEN SURRENDER by Heather Graham

Amelia from THE VISCOUNT’S CHRISTMAS TEMPTATION by Erica Ridley

 

And, from my own stories:

 

Ren and Serena from THE RED WOLF’S PRIZE

Steinar and Catriona from REBEL WARRIOR & THE REFUGE

Jean and Joanna from ECHO IN THE WIND (and the Donet Trilogy)

Somerled and Ragnhild from SUMMER WARRIOR

Angus and Aine from BOUND BY HONOR

Donald and Mariota from THE STRONGEST HEART

Anita Mills; LADY OF FIRE - A Favorite Heroine in a Great Medieval Romance set in Normandy!

This is one for the keeper shelf. I loved it. Set in 11th century Normandy and England, this is the story of Eleanor of Nantes, daughter of a Norman count. She is young and innocent, but oh, so courageous and spirited.

 

When King William first encounters her, she is defending her bastard half-brother, Roger FitzGilbert, fighting off the bullies who are after him. The king is taken with the 12-year-old girl and would betroth her to his own son, Henry. But fate takes a harsh turn upon her mother’s death and Eleanor is sent to a convent. All the while, another man swears he will have her for his wife, the rich, powerful and cruel Robert of Belesme. However, Eleanor’s heart belongs to Roger, who unknown to her, is not her brother at all which she discovers at 19 when she leaves the convent to be betrothed to Belesme.

Eleanor is a heroine to admire, consistent in her strength, intelligence and nobility of character. Roger is the kind of knight every woman longs for. He sees all Eleanor’s faults and loves her passionately and proudly, notwithstanding. Robert of Belesme, the villain who is obsessed with Eleanor, is terrible and cruel yet also strangely sympathetic (kudos to Mills to create such a complex character). The story is rich in historic details with an intricately woven plot, fast-moving dialog and suspenseful action.

It’s a page-turner and so well written. I recommend it!

The Fire Series:

Lady of Fire
Fire and Steel
Hearts of Fire
The Fire and The Fury
Winter Roses

 

 

Georgette Heyer’s THESE OLD SHADES – Wonderful Story of a Jaded Duke and a Feisty Urchin he “Buys” for His Page

This has to be one of my favorites by Heyer. Set in the 18^th century in the time of Louis XV, this is the story of Justin Alastair, Duke of Avon, who, because of this reputation as a debauched rake, is dubbed “Satanas”.

Late one evening, the Duke stumbles across Leon, a red headed urchin fleeing a certain beating from his brother who is a tavern owner in a bad part of town. Finding the urchin of keen interest, Avon buys the boy and makes him his page. But it soon becomes clear to Avon that Leon is not what he seems. For one thing, 19-year-old “Leon” can read and write and he speaks very well. His features are refined, too.

The duke has a score to settle with an enemy and knows this redheaded page is somehow tied into that family. Avon must unravel the mystery. But the jaded duke doesn’t count on falling in love with the waif who turns out to be a beautiful young woman named Leonie.

 

A well-told, clever and, at times, funny story I really enjoyed. Witty dialog, intrigue and treachery abound. Great characters populate the pages. The only thing I kept asking myself is how everyone missed that Leonie had to be menstruating by this time in her life. (And what the title had to do with the story.) But, oh well, those are minor points. Highly recommended.

 

Judith James’ BROKEN WING - A Sweeping Shipboard Saga

Set in the late 1700s/early 1800s in France and England with stops in the Mediterranean and North Africa, this story is rich in the history of the times and will sweep you away with an enthralling story of love, hardship, inner strength, forgiveness, acceptance and the joy of life. I think the heroine may be my favorite of all time: beautiful, intelligent, creative—a rebel with a past. But the hero, Gabriel, is to die for. You will love him, I promise. They are both on my Favorite Heroes & Heroines list.

The story begins in Paris where a young boy, Gabriel, is left at a brothel, raised to pleasure both men and women. We learn in backstory that he was sold to a sick aristocrat, who educated the handsome boy and taught him music at which he excels. But when Gabriel tried to escape he was "disciplined" and returned to the brothel.

 

Years later, having become most attractive to both men and women, and one of the brothel's most prized possessions, Gabriel so hates himself he cuts his arms to remind himself he is alive. He has only one thing keeping him there...he saves another boy from ending up like him, protecting young Jamie against any who would rob the child of his innocence. As it turns out, Jamie is the young brother of an English nobleman who learns where the boy is and comes for him. With the nobleman comes his sister, Sarah, Lady Munroe, known as "the Gypsy Countess."

 

Sarah is a most unusual woman who thinks more like a man and often dresses like one. Thankful for Gabriel's protection of the boy, she and her brother contract with Gabriel to return with them to England for a year to help settle Jamie. During that time, the family comes to appreciate Gabriel's honorable nature, his intelligence and his character. Sarah, who can see into Gabriel's soul, longs to heal his many hurts. In the process, she and Gabriel share a love for the night sky, music and the ocean. And Sarah and Gabriel fall deeply in love.

 

Gabriel, who has trained as a seaman and a swordsman, decides to go with Sarah's cousin, Davey, a privateer captain, to the Mediterranean in order to earn enough money to one day support Sarah. And here a real adventure begins.

James is meticulous in detail and the historical setting is rich, accurate and absorbing. She tells the tale through many perspectives and I found that refreshing. I loved knowing what all the characters were thinking and she did it very well. The characters are well developed and varied. You will love Davey the pirate/privateer, Ross the older brother who is a pirate at heart...and so many others along the way.

 

I highly recommend this one.

 

Paula Quinn’s LAIRD OF THE MIST: From Enemies to Lovers in the Highlands

This may be my favorite by author Paula Quinn. And one of my favorite heroes can be found in Laird of the Mist, a worthy Highland romance and a great first in the MacGregor series. It introduces us to a fierce and proud clan, the MacGregors, who historically were officially denounced but eventually regained their position among the clans. Those MacGregor men who kept pride in their heritage and kept their name alive would be stronger than most and worthy of a woman's love.

 

Set in 17^th century Scotland, the story begins as Kate Campbell, a feisty heroine, who is good with a sword, rushes into fight alongside her clan when attacked by their enemies, the MacGregors. Ironically, her life is saved by Callum MacGregor, the man they call “the Devil”, when he sweeps her onto his stallion. From there two enemies become lovers.

 

I loved the authenticity of this tale and the character development and the way Quinn built the attraction and love between Callum and Kate, who would otherwise be enemies. Quinn brings the Highlands to life.

 

I did not want to put it down. I highly recommend it.

 

The MacGregors:

 

Laird of the Mist (Callum MacGregor and Kate Campbell) 

A Highlander Never Surrenders (Graham Grant and Claire Stuart)

 

The Children of the Mist (connected to and follows the MacGregors):

 

Ravished by a Highlander (Robert MacGregor and Davina Montgomery)

Seduced by a Highlander (Tristan MacGregor and Isobel Fergusson)

Tamed by a Highlander (Mairi MacGregor, Connor Grant) - reviewed in today's blog

Conquered by a Highlander (Colin MacGregor and Gillian Dearly)

A Highlander for Christmas

 

Tamara Leigh’s VALOROUS – First in the Age of Honor Medieval Series that sets the Stage for the others to follow

The story begins in 1346 in Crecy, France where English troops have just taken the city. So begins the Hundred Years’ War, the backdrop against which the family of Wulfriths live and this series is set.

 

Tamara Leigh is a gifted storyteller, but her often awkward sentence structure and word usage, presumably for medieval effect, make the story difficult to read at times. Often, I had to read a paragraph twice to try and get the meaning. Sometimes I couldn’t tell who was talking. Eventually I just skipped over difficult passages and read on. I liked the characters and how Leigh fit them and the history into the story that kept me turning pages.

 

The hero, Hector Wulfrith, is the senior member of the family and head of the school that trains England’s knights for the king. He’s been married several times, each time losing the wife. He has come to believe he isn’t supposed to have a wife, that God does not intend him to be married and sire an heir. Severine de Barra is a young Frenchwoman, who sneaks into England after the fall of Crecy with her young charge, a boy of royal lineage who wants to be trained by the Wulfriths. And she means to make that happen even if she has to fight Hector to do it.

 

Some exciting scenes lead Hector to realize perhaps there is a chance at love for him, and Severine de Barra might be that woman. I enjoyed the book and will read others by this author.

 

 

 

 

Best Victorian Romances!

 

The Victorian era was from 1837 (the year Victoria became Queen) to 1901 (the year of her death). The common perception of the period is that the Victorians were “prudish, hypocritical, stuffy and narrow-minded”.  But these perceptions are not always accurate, particularly when the British characters were traveling and learning much about other cultures, as you will see in these romances. All of those listed here have been rated 4 or 5 stars by me:

 

A Lady’s Lesson in Scandal by Meredith Duran

A Rogue of My Own by Johanna Lindsey

A Stolen Kiss by M.A. Nichols

Beauty and the Spymaster by Moriah Densley (novella)

Bound by Your Touch by Meredith Duran

Bride of Pendorric by Victoria Holt

From Fields of Gold by Alexandra Ripley

Fool Me Twice by Meredith Duran

Gentle From the Night by Meagan McKinney

Gypsy Jewel by Patricia McAllister

Harcourt’s Mountain by Elaine Dodge

If You Dare, If You Desire and If You Deceive, MacCarrick Brothers trilogy by Kresley Cole

Lady Sophia’s Lover and Worth Any Price, the Bow Street Runners by Lisa Kleypas

Lord Edward’s Mysterious Treasure by Lillian Marek

Lord of the Far Island by Victoria Holt

Lord of Wicked Intentions by Lorraine Heath

Mine Till Midnight, Seduce Me at Sunrise, Tempt Me at Twilight, Married by Morning and Love in the Afternoon, Hathaway Series, by Lisa Kleypas

Mistress of Mellyn by Victoria Holt

On the Night of the Seventh Moon by Victoria Holt

Proof of Virtue by Leila Snow

Scarlett by Alexandra Ripley

September Moon by Candice Proctor

Silk and Shadows, Silk and Secrets and Veils of Silk, the Silk Trilogy by Mary Jo Putney

Sleep in the Woods by Dorothy Eden

Song for Sophia by Moriah Densley

Surrender the Night by Christine Monson

The Book of the Seven Delights and The Book of True Desires by Betina Krahn

The Duke of Shadows by Meredith Duran

The Last Bachelor by Betina Krahn

The Pride of the Peacock by Victoria Holt

The Road to Paradise Island by Victoria Holt

The Scarlet Thread by Beck Lee Weyrich

The Secret Woman by Victoria Holt

The Silk Vendetta by Victoria Holt

The Time of the Hunter’s Moon by Victoria Holt

This Fiery Splendor by Christine Monson

To Wed The Widow by Megan Bryce

When We Touch by Heather Graham

When the Earl Was Wicked by Stacy Reid

Where the Horses Run by Kaki Warner

 

M.A. Nichols’ A STOLEN KISS – Victorian Tale with an Insecure Heroine and a Hardened Hero

Set in 1848, this is the story of Lily Kingsley, who is insecure and believes herself unlovely because she is plump and has attracted few suitors. Her one desire is to experience a kiss before she accepts her spinsterhood, so she writes a worthy gentleman a letter asking him to meet her in a room where she is attending a ball. Little does she realize in the dim light that she has mistaken him for another man.

 

Throwing herself into his arms and relishing the kiss, they are soon discovered and a scandal ensues. Meantime, the hardened, overbearing businessman decides to marry her. But Lily doesn’t want an ill-tempered fiancé who’s only doing his duty.

 

But is Jack Hatcher doing his duty or is he falling for Lily?

 

Nichols writes well and the story quickly comes together as Lily and Hatch spend more and more time together. Soon love grows between them despite obstacles. Secondary characters add to the mix for a well-crafted tale. Not much history to this historical but the setting is realistic and the story enjoyable.

Dorothy Eden’s SLEEP IN THE WOODS – Absorbing Story from New Zealand in the Late Victorian Era

Though it was first published in 1960, it is now on Kindle. A worthy story readers will enjoy today (with possibly one caveat you’ll see below).

 

Set in the late Victorian period, the story tells of Briar Johnson, who as a baby was found in a cold ditch by the side of the road clutched in the arms of what was presumably her dead mother. Briar was fortunate to be raised in the home of a schoolmaster who found her intelligent and taught her to speak well and read the classics. When he dies, she takes a position as a maid and sails away to New Zealand with two young ladies sent by their family to find proper husbands.

 

Beautiful Briar (named after the briar rose) determines she will one day have the finer things in life, the life she believes she was meant for. So, when the opportunity comes, she attends a ball that would be forbidden to her and dons a mask for a masked game that has the men picking prospective brides. Alas, she did not get the man she wanted. Instead, she got the hard Saul Whitmore, cousin to an earl and wealthy in his own right with a sheep ranch and the finest house in the area deep in the wild country.

 

Saul, at his mother’s urging, intends to take a wife, but most of the women he meets are insipid creatures who can only talk of gowns and parties. In Briar, he sees a woman who has a fire in her green eyes that intrigues him. So he determines to have her. With few options and urged on by all, Briar accepts his proposal of marriage even though she hates the hard man who mocks her at every turn.

The title, “Sleep in the Woods” was used twice in the book, once as a euphemism for death, the death that was all around the pioneers living in Taranaki in the shadow of Mt. Egmont on the North Island of New Zealand. When they were under siege by a renegade band of Maoris, the Reverend prayed: “Grant us to live, and not to sleep in these woods, unless that be Thy will. If we must die, let us do so bravely…” But then later, Briar remembers a passage from Ezekiel 34: “…they shall dwell safely in the wilderness, and sleep in the woods,” which gives a more favorable aspect to the title and comports with the excellent and very happy ending.

Suspenseful action is infused throughout this well-researched story. Wonderful characters populate every page. Beautiful descriptions of both flora and fauna are tucked in without you really being aware. And the hero and heroine are striking. Saul, a man whose strength enabled him to carve out a destiny in New Zealand’s wild country, was a worthy hero, though often harsh. Briar, grasping at the security Saul’s wealth provided, had a tender heart for all. She was the mistress of his house and the courage of the people as they faced hardship and death. I could not help but love her.

 

The only thing this story lacked—and might have been better for it—were love scenes. So much emotion was left in the dark. What Saul and Briar shared in their intimate moments might have told us their real feelings for each other when their words did not. An entire wedding night was summed up with one word, “Afterward.” There is even a bodice-ripping scene rather late in the book but, without the follow through, it was a bit obscure. But one must make allowances for its year of publication—1960.

 

A great classic and a worthy read!

 

Betina Krahn’s THE LAST BACHELOR: Hilarious Victorian Romance!

This is one of my favorite Victorian romances. Betina writes detailed, well-crafted stories, all wonderful.

 

Set in London in 1882, this is the story of a beautiful young widow, Antonia, Lady Paxton, who occupies her time by saving widows and trapping gentlemen into marrying them by using their own perfidy against them. When a bachelor seeks to take a young widow's virtue--albeit a woman he's ostensibly been courting--Antonia follows them and, interrupting, forces the man to do the gentlemanly thing and marry the girl.

 

With 13 marriages to her credit, the men of White's club in London become concerned. They decide they must see “The Dragon Lady of Matrimonia” brought down, and what better man to do it than Remington Carr, Lord Landon? A confirmed bachelor, handsome as the devil, who advocates the vote for women and sending "surplus women" off to work to earn their keep, he is definitely against marriage. Antonia, on the other hand, believes marriage is a noble state and the salvation of many a widow.

 

Antonia offers Remington a wager...two weeks of women's work to change his mind about a woman's place. And if his mind isn't changed, she will do two weeks of a man's work. He accepts the wager, thinking to seduce her, but Antonia has her own plans.

Krahn had me laughing out loud when Remington put on a corset (after all, how could he do work as a woman does without having to bear the restrictive garment?). You will be amazed at the history contained in this seemingly light romance. It isn't really light at all. It's a meaningful tale of what widows suffered in Victorian times, when they were raised to be wives and mothers but were left bereft with no way to earn income.

 

Remington is an intelligent rake you will come to love and Antonia is a woman we would all want to know...a woman with a kind heart and a good mind who crafts devious plans to prove the damn men wrong. Even Queen Victoria supports her. Remington and Antonia are well matched and in an ironic twist will end up advocating each other's positions. The story is detailed, historically accurate and charming. I highly recommend it.

 

 

Mary Jo Putney’s SILK AND SECRETS – An Exciting Victorian Adventure in Uzbekistan

This is book 2 of the Victorian Silk trilogy and tells the exciting story of Lord Ross Carlisle, younger son of the Duke of Windemere, and friend to Mikahl Khanauri (now Connery), the hero in book 1. Ross is a world traveler and adventurer and now returns to Central Asia.

 

Though it is set in Bokhara, Uzbekistan in 1841, it begins in Constantinople where Ross learns that his brother has died and he is now the Marquess of Kilburn, his father’s heir. And it is there we discover that Ross is actually married—to Juliet Cameron, daughter of a Scottish diplomat. They married young and Juliet left him six months later feeling that she could not handle London Society. When Juliet’s mother asks Ross to go to Bokhara to find her son, Ian, he agrees, never knowing he will soon find his estranged wife.

 

Juliet is an adventurer in her own right, winning the respect of the Persians where she rules a people. Ross, a splendid hero everyone seems to love, admires her as she admires him. They seemed perfect for each other and Juliet’s leaving a man she clearly loved was a bit mystifying. They do have a “big conversation” at the end but it wasn’t that surprising as Putney dropped large hints as the story developed.

 

Putney has done much research for this story and she brings the culture of Central Asia to life. It is rich in historical detail—the sight, sounds, dress and food. The scene of the Uzbek equivalent of polo, played with the body of a dead goat, was thrilling. Lots of action here as we dive into the mystery surrounding Juliet’s missing brother and Ross and Juliet together fight off the bad guys who are trying to kill them.

 

An exciting adventure and a dive into a truly exotic locale.

 

The Silk Trilogy:

 

Silk and Shadows

Silk and Secrets

Veils of Silk

Lillian Marek’s LORD EDWARD’S MYSTERIOUS TREASURE – Romance and Treasure Hunt in Victorian France

 

Set in Brittany in 1871, this is the story of Lord Edward Tremaine, an Englishman summoned to the Chateau Morvan on the coast of Brittany by his friend Antoine (“Tony”) who claims there’s a treasure to find.

 

Ned travels to France where he discovers a strange collection of people. The old vicomte, who appears to be dying, insists Tony and his two cousins search for the treasure. One young cousin, Delphine, beautiful and captures Ned’s attention but, as time goes on, he notices there is something wrong with her. The other cousin, Marguerite, an accomplished pianist, appears stern and withdrawn. In truth, she worries about Delphine and providing for little family. Ned’s friend, Tony is worried about funding his steel factory and only seeks the treasure for what it can give him.

 

The story is well written but moves along rather slowly with a fair amount of repetition in motives and introspection. The romance between Ned and Marguerite develops only after he precipitously asks her to marry him. Marguerite is happy to share Ned’s bed but resists marriage because she is a commoner and he’s an aristocrat. (Ned and his family think nothing of it.) All that seemed a bit strange for the Victorian era.

 

The story picks up when a few secrets are revealed, Ned has an idea of how to find the treasure and his parents show up to find out what’s behind their son’s letters. All the threads come together for a satisfying end.