Elizabeth Chadwick’s THE SUMMER QUEEN – First in a Series about the Magnificent Eleanor of Aquitaine

Set in the 12^th century, this is the story of Eleanor of Aquitaine, who at 13 lost her father and was forced to marry the young Prince Louis of France. A week after the marriage she becomes a queen. Louis is a disappointment to the intelligent young queen, preferring his devotion to the church to her or much else. In addition, she has a mother-in-law no one would want. Her sister  Petronella is self-willed and Eleanor must deal with her as well.

 

Eleanor gives birth to a daughter (to Louis’ disappointment) and then he forces her to go on Crusade with him because he does not trust her with France while he is away. With their marriage in trouble ,Eleanor falls in love with an old flame and, missing Aquitaine, seeks an annulment from her marriage.

 

This is another well-written historical novel by Chadwick based on much research into some truly interesting characters, Eleanor being the primary one. I enjoyed it. It’s the first in her Eleanor of Aquitaine trilogy. Henry of Anjou only shows up toward the end and one must read book 2 for their marriage.

 

The Summer Queen

The Winter Crown

The Autumn Throne

 

Heather Graham’s LOVE NOT A REBEL – Great Revolutionary War Romance

This is the 3rd in the North American Woman trilogy, which is a part of the 6-book Cameron Saga, and it is one you will really enjoy. I loved this trilogy and highly recommend it.

The story begins in Boston in 1773 when Lord Eric Cameron, a Virginian with estates in England and a descendent of the Camerons whose stories are told in the first two books, meets and falls in love with the beautiful and tempestuous Lady Amanda Sterling who is only 17. Lady Amanda, a loyalist, is in love with dashing Lord Robert Tarryton but he wants a title and is willing to marry a duchess he does not love to get it. While Amanda is expecting a proposal from Lord Tarryton, she learns of his betrothal to the duchess and is heartbroken.

Tarryton would take her as his mistress, which shocks her and she spurns him for it. Meanwhile, Eric has spoken to her father about marrying her and her father has given his consent. To get away from her father who is brutally cruel to her, and to flee her only other prospect, Amanda consents to wed Eric. She does not love him, but she is inexplicably drawn to the handsome, virile man. Eric is fast becoming an American patriot. A friend of George Washington and Patrick Henry, he values liberty and is willing to risk all to have it.

I love how Graham weaves real history into the story. Amanda is forced by her father to spy on her husband and the actions of the patriots. Eric suspects this and though he has fallen in love with her, he does not trust her and feeds her false information. Their lovemaking is passionate, but neither says anything for fear of giving the other power. George Washington believes Amanda may be "the Highness," the spy who is hurting the rebel cause. Eric believes it, too.

Swept up in the tides of history, we discover that love still matters, treachery can come from those closest to us, and truth is hard to find. If you love American history and the Revolutionary War period, and if you love truly great historical romance, you'll love this one. Graham's writing and well-described action does not disappoint. I really loved the way she shows us how the "lords" of England became the ordinary—or rather, extraordinary—men of America. No titles but with great courage and a greater legacy.

The Cameron Saga:

The North American Women trilogy: Sweet Savage Eden, A Pirate's Pleasure and Love Not a Rebel
The Camerons in the Civil War trilogy: One Wore Blue, And One Wore Gray, And One Rode West

Anita Mills’ LADY OF FIRE – A Keeper with a Great Heroine!

For medieval romance lovers, this one should be on your keeper shelf. I loved it, and though it was my first by Mills, it will not be the last.

Set in 11^th 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 William I first encounters her defending her bastard half brother, Roger FitzGilbert, the king is taken with her and would betroth her to his own son, Henry. But fate takes a harsh turn upon her mother’s death and 12-year-old Eleanor is sent to a convent to stay until she is 19. And another would swear to have her, rich, powerful and cruel Robert of Belesme. Her heart, however, belongs to Roger, who unknown to her, is not her brother at all.

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, proudly, notwithstanding. Robert of Belesme, the villain who is obsessed with Eleanor, is terrible and cruel yet also strangely sympathetic. The story is rich in historic details with an intricately woven plot, fast-moving dialog and 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

Nora Roberts’ REBELLION – Superb Storytelling of the Rising of 1745 and a Love That Would Not be Denied – A Keeper!

It begins in 1735 when Serena MacGregor’s home in the Highlands is invaded by British dragoons and her mother is raped by their leader who wants to shame a Highland’s chief’s wife. And that night hatred for the English was born in Serena. Ten years later, in 1745, her brother Coll brings home his friend, Brigham Langston, whose mother might have been a MacDonald but he is English.

Serena means to hate Brigham but ends up falling in love. Brigham wants the fiery tempered lass and means to have her. But there is a matter of the Jacobite Rising of 1745 that will interfere. I loved these two characters.

It’s a time of rebellion in the Highlands as the Scots, sick of English oppression, long for their Bonnie Prince Charlie, their “king across the waters” to return and reclaim his throne. The Germans may reign in England but the Scots want their true king restored.

When I read about the Battle of Culloden that took place in 1746 and see the images that represent that fateful day, I am always deeply saddened. Not just for the battle that was lost or the thousands of Scots slain, but for the cruelty of England inflicted thereafter on a generation of Highlanders. The English destroyed a way of life.

Roberts brings this time in Scotland’s history to life with superb storytelling, wonderful characters and brilliant dialog. Rich in historical detail and passion-filled love, this is a keeper. I fell in love with Brigham whose heart beat to the Highlands though he was an English lord. And I cheered on Serena as she finally decided to claim the man her own heart could not deny.

First published in 1988, this is the story of the historical roots for Roberts’ contemporary MacGregor series. I am so sorry she gave us only two historical romance novels before moving on to other genres as her historicals are very, very good.

Erica Ridley’s THE VISCOUNT’S CHRISTMAS TEMPTATION – Amazing Heroine in a Delightful Christmas Tale

Set in London in 1815, this is the story of Lady Amelia Pembroke, a very organized woman of 29 who decides she must marry to allow her brother, the Duke of Ravenwood, to take a wife who can manage his house without her interference. When Amelia learns Viscount Sheffield is canceling his Christmas ball, she determines it must go on for that is where she intends to find a husband. So, she sets out to bend Lord Sheffield to her will.

I loved the heroine. She’s clever and knows her own mind. Her antics will have you laughing. Lord Sheffield never stood a chance. And when he realizes how amazing she is, he means to have her.

A worthy Christmas novella. It would have been even better as a longer story.

Christina Skye’s THE BLACK ROSE – Exciting Story of Love Among the Smugglers of Rye with Pirates, Sea Captains and a Wonderful Heroine

Set in 1810, this exciting story is rich in history of the Napoleonic era and the smugglers that made Rye, England famous. It’s also the story of Tess Leighton, impoverished by her father’s debts, who becomes the leader of the Rye smugglers to feed the people and take care of her ancestral home, which is falling down around her.

By night, she runs a dangerous game, one step ahead of the government agents who seek the death of the one called “the Romney Fox”, a smuggler whose calling card is a black rose. In her sleep Tess suffers nightmares from the time her father locked her in the cellars and spiders crawled over her.

After crucial military secrets are discovered being sent to Napoleon, London Viscount Ravenhurst, a hero of Trafalgar, is dispatched to catch the spy. Ravenhurst and Tess have a history: once they were in love. Each felt betrayed by the other and now they are enemies. Worse, he believes she is involved in sending English gold to France, prolonging the war. But neither can deny the passion that still sizzles between them.

He takes her innocence when she is drugged but vows to wed her. She will have nothing to do with him.

Then Tess is betrayed and finds herself the captive of Andre Le Brix, a notorious smuggler pirate, who would claim her as his own. In his arms, she finds the love and peace she seeks.

A very exciting, well-written story of the adventure swirling around the beautiful Tess.

Yes, it’s a bodice ripper and I promise it will keep you turning pages. Great dialog, wonderful characters, a very courageous heroine. What’s not to love? It’s a keeper.

Note: I understand the author has revised and re-released this as Seven Nights with a Pirate. Some reviews say it’s not as good as the original, which is the one I read. I cannot judge the new one, but I loved this original.

The Dangerous Heroes series:

The Black Rose

East of Forever

The Tiger’s Lady

Elizabeth DeLancey’s TOUCH OF LACE – Great Love Story Among the Irish in America and a Wonderful Heroine

Set in 1858, this is the story of Stephen Flynn, a hardened Irish boxer, a champion in America, who goes to Ireland to bring his son, Rory, back to New York. His brother-in-law, who was keeping the boy, also wants Stephen to run guns to Ireland’s rebels seeking their freedom. He agrees to help, but wants little to do with rebellion. And he no longer wants to fight. However, others conspire to keep him involved in both.

On the return voyage, his young son Rory introduces Stephen to Anna Massie, a talented but poor Irish lace maker. She is traveling in steerage with the other emigrants and he is in first class. Rory befriends her and brings her food. When one of the deckhands tries to rape her, she kills him. She is a red-haired beauty and the captain thinks to have her for himself, but Stephen rescues her and in an impulsive moment, decides to wed her. And the adventure has only begun.

What a great story! And so well told. There are many twists and turns, too. I loved high-spirited Anna who had suffered so much at the hands of men and yet still wants to be her own woman, a gifted lace maker. I pictured her as Maureen O’Hara. Stephen had loved only one woman, he beloved wife, Rose, a “good woman”, and then he married despoiled Anna, a “bad woman”. But he admires her courage and can’t help loving her.

Delancey has done her homework on the plight of the Irish in America, which makes her story all the more genuine. The daily life of Anna and Stephen in the Bowery and the boys they are raising with Stephen’s son kept me turning pages. I loved this story.

As far as I can tell, this author only wrote three books. I have since ordered another. Here’s the list:

Sea of Dreams

Touch of Lace

Meant to Be

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

Two authors I greatly admire, Heather Graham and Cordia Byers, recommended this book to me. I am so glad they did. Though it was published in 1960 (I bought it used on Amazon), it is a worthy story readers will enjoy today (with 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 bed 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.

Still, it’s a great classic and a worthy read—and set in an exotic locale!

Review: Cordia Byers’ SILK AND STEEL – Absorbing Tale from 14th Century Scotland with a Wonderful Heroine!

I didn’t have to read very far into this story to know Byers had delivered another great romance. Set in the Borderlands of Scotland in 1333, it tells of a Scottish clan that is decimated by a battle with King Edward’s knights. Left in charge is the young 18-year-old heir who leads the clan in a last desperate attempt to retain control of their castle, Raven’s Keep. But they are unsuccessful; and though the young heir fights hard, Edward’s knight, Justin St. Claire, wins the day and claims the castle. It is only when he goes to have the young heir flogged that he realizes Lord Cregan’s heir is a woman.

Jamelyn (“Jami” to her men) is a courageous young woman who was raised as a son by her uncle, Lord Cregan. When King Edward, for his own purposes, commands Justin to wed the rebellious girl, who understandably hates the English, the real battle begins. Jamelyn means to outwit the arrogant Englishman who is critical of her and her people.

From the very beginning, I loved this heroine and finding out what would happen to her had me turning pages way past my bedtime. However, I have to say it was a bit of “loved her, hated him” story. Jamelyn was manipulated by every man she’d known, first her uncle, then Justin, then Anthony (Justin’s friend) and even King Edward. Justin acts the cur time and again, even flaunting his mistress in front of his wife. I was (at least at one point) tempted to feel sorry for his mistress because though she was a bitter, vengeful woman who would stop at nothing to have the man she wanted, she had loved Justin since she was 15.

It is an absorbing story that I was unwilling to put down. Byers brings many threads together at the end for a satisfying finish. I recommend it!

The sequel is Desire and Deceive.

Review: Aleen Malcolm’s CHILDREN OF THE MIST – Suspenseful Love Story of a Campbell and a MacGregor

This is not my first by Malcolm and there is a reason. She writes great stories.

Set in France and Scotland in 1764, this is the story of Kat MacGregor, daughter of the banished MacGregor clan who promised her dying mother she would care for her siblings, both older than Kat. For five years she has fought to protect her ailing younger brother and her vulnerable older sister, knowing that if their identity as MacGregors is discovered once they return to Scotland, they could die.

Sir Darach Campbell, Lord of Strathrannoch and Glengrian, knows Kat holds the secret to his missing brother, Riach, and so intends to hold the “ragged chit” close. In front of witnesses, he announces he and Kat are wed. In Scotland, that constituted a valid marriage. Once he decided to make her his wife, Darach begins to acknowledge the fascination he had for her from the first moment he looked into her green eyes five years before in France.

So begins a tug of war as Kat tries to escape to get back to her brother and sister and Darach fearlessly hangs on, all the while trying to solve the mystery behind his wee bride and his missing brother.

I loved both the hero and the heroine. Kat is young but fearless, clever and undaunted by the young Campbell lord. Darach is tenacious yet tender with Kat (well, most of the time). While there is not much history, you can tell Malcolm has done her research with the Gaelic sprinkled throughout and the fear that was real for any MacGregor.

Malcolm does a superb job of keeping us in suspense and turning pages. It’s a great read and highly recommended for readers who love deeper Scottish historicals, which I do. Malcolm is also the author of The Taming, book 1 in the Cameron trilogy, which I also recommend. I consider them all “keepers”.

Review: Heather Graham’s SWEET SAVAGE EDEN – A Magnificent Love Story That Begins in England and ends in the New World – a Keeper!

April is Classics Month on my blog and I’m starting with one of my favorites, the first in Heather Graham’s North American Women trilogy, a classic and one of my favorites by Heather Graham. It’s part of the 6-book Cameron Saga that I highly recommend. They were the first books I read by Heather that led me to become a huge fan of her historical romances.

It begins in 17th century England and tells of Jasmine ("Jassy") and Jamie. The story follows them to New World (Virginia), which was then very much a wild wilderness, untamed and inhabited by hostile Indians. 

Jassy has had a hard life as the bastard daughter of a dead nobleman. When her mother dies for lack of medical attention, Jassy learns of her connections to a noble family and, through a series of events, the family takes her in but treats her as little better than a servant. There she meets the dark Lord Cameron who wants to marry her because she reminds him of his "wild Virginia" where he is building a new life. Jassy is in love with his friend, the charming and fair Robert, but Robert has other plans.

Because Jassy fears dying in poverty like her mother, she consents to wed Jamie even though she is not even sure she likes him. But she is honest and tells him she is marrying him so she will not starve.

Jamie Cameron wants the beautiful Jassy—she makes his blood boil—and he believes she will be strong enough to endure the life in the wilderness where there are still Indians and pressures just to survive. But Jamie does not tell Jassy that he intends to take her to the New World because he knows Jassy wants the security of Jamie's beautiful manor in England.

Can she love a man she hates? Can she forget the fair Robert? Can Jamie love the tavern wench who wants only his wealth? So begins an adventure that is so well told and so well done, I have read it again and again. And the others in the series are equally good.

Heather Graham's writing is superb.  Her portrait of wild early America is wonderful. The story pulls you in and does not let you go. There are no slow spots as the action and characters are very real. The sexual tension permeates the book and is very believable. You will love Jassy and Jamie and you will find yourself drawn back to those historical times at the beginning of America. This is a keeper! 

The Cameron Saga:

The North American Women trilogy:

Sweet Savage Eden
A Pirate's Pleasure
Love Not a Rebel

The Civil War trilogy:

One Wore Blue
And One Wore Gray
And One Rode West

Review: Elizabeth DeLancey’s TOUCH OF LACE – Great Love Story Set Among the Irish in America

Set in 1858, this is the story of Stephen Flynn, a hardened Irish boxer, a champion in America, who goes to Ireland to bring his son, Rory, back to New York. His brother-in-law, who was keeping the boy, also wants Stephen to run guns to Ireland’s rebels seeking their freedom. He agrees to help, but wants little to do with rebellion. And he no longer wants to fight. However, others conspire to keep him involved in both.

On the return voyage, his young son Rory introduces Stephen to Anna Massie, a talented but poor Irish lace maker. She is traveling in steerage with the other emigrants and he is in first class. Rory befriends her and brings her food. When one of the deckhands tries to rape her, she kills him. She is a red-haired beauty and the captain thinks to have her for himself, but Stephen rescues her and in an impulsive moment, decides to wed her. And the adventure has only begun.

What a great story! And so well told. There are many twists and turns, too. I loved high-spirited Anna who had suffered so much at the hands of men and yet still wants to be her own woman, a gifted lace maker. I pictured her as Maureen O’Hara. Stephen had loved only one woman, he beloved wife, Rose, a “good woman”, and then he married despoiled Anna, a “bad woman”. But he admires her courage and can’t help loving her.

Delancey has done her homework on the plight of the Irish in America, which makes her story all the more genuine. The daily life of Anna and Stephen in the Bowery and the boys they are raising with Stephen’s son kept me turning pages. I loved this story.

As far as I can tell, this author only wrote three books. I have since ordered another. Here’s the list:

Sea of Dreams

Touch of Lace

Meant to Be

New Review: Ellen O’Connell’s DANCING ON COALS – Heartrending Story of an Apache Warrior and the Woman who Loved Him—Simply superb!

June is Western month on the blog… stories from America’s West. I’m starting with one of my favorite authors and one of my favorite stories.

Set in Arizona Territory and Northern Mexico in 1881 (late in the time of the Apache wars), this one tells the story of Katherine Grant, who on her way home to New York, is saved from stagecoach bandits by a band of Chiricahua Apache. 

The heroine’s sentiments: "I jumped from the frying pan into the fire. Before long I'll be dancing on the coals." The bandits were the frying pan; the handsome young Apache who spoke English and saved her from them was the fire; and the coals were Gaetan, the Chiricahua brave who hated all whites and Mexicans for what they did to “the people.” He wanted her dead. But Gaetan promised his dying brother that he would care for the white woman, so he had no choice but to take her with him.

I absolutely loved Katherine. She was funny, courageous and an independent thinker. No whimpering, reticent female here. Raised on ships sailing the world with her father and brothers, she is a hellion who became a lady but never gave up her love of adventure and her willingness to take on any challenge. And she has lots of them following the Apache warrior, Gaetan. I was on the edge of my seat with attacks by outlaws, renegade Apaches, Mexican soldiers and miners.

As Katherine and Gaetan’s relationship developed, I came to care about what happened to them. My heart was committed to seeing them end up happy and together (thankfully this is romance and so you know you’ll see that in the end!).

It’s an absorbing story I did not want to put down. O’Connell said her story was inspired by the “very strong and very masculine” face of the Apache chief Victorio, who fought for his people in the late 1800s.

Victorio

O’Connell does a superb job of portraying the Apache way of life and the impossible situation they faced, wedged between the Mexicans who wanted to annihilate them and the Americans who wanted to imprison them on reservations where they became “the dead.” And in the middle of all that were the two lovers who came together from different worlds, and though unlikely, were absolutely perfect for each other.

You won’t be disappointed in this one! Buy on Amazon

New Review: Evelyn Anthony’s CLANDARA – Enthralling Story of Star-crossed Love Amidst the Jacobite Uprising of 1745

May is Scottish/Highlander month on Historical Romance Review. All month long I feature stories set in Scotland or with a Scot hero or heroine.

I’m starting with one I just discovered this year though it was first published in 1963. Set in 1745, in the time of feuds between the clans and the Scottish support for Bonnie Prince Charlie, this is the story of Katherine Fraser who falls in love with the eldest son of her family’s enemy—the MacDonalds. James MacDonald had a horrible reputation of cattle stealing, killing and debauchery when he met the lovely, flame-haired Katherine Fraser. For love of her, he changed. Neither family wanted the marriage but agreed to a betrothal when they could see the pair was determined.

Then came Charles Stuart and the call to arms all over Scotland. Having lost all in the earlier rising in 1715, Katherine’s family declined to go. Their enemies, the MacDonalds, were in the forefront of the clans supporting the prince. In one horrible act, James tears asunder the love that bound him to Katherine and sealed forever the enmity between his clan and hers.

This is a poignant love story very well told. Anthony vividly portrays the emotions of the Scots at the time of the Jacobite Uprising of 1745 and her description of the English slaughter of the Scots on Culloden Moor was brilliant and detailed. She shows you why King George’s son the Duke of Cumberland earned his title “Butcher.” By the time you get to the battle, you are so invested in the characters and the clans, your heart is racing.

The romance is an unusual one as James and Katherine are separated for much of the story, yet ever in each other’s mind. I loved them both but Katherine really shined as a woman trying to do the right thing under dismal circumstances. The ending is a bit like jumping off a cliff and I found I wanted more of the two of them.

If you like well-researched, detailed history in your historical romance, and you can’t get enough of Scotland’s past, then you will love this one. Highly recommended.

Buy Clandara on Amazon.

There is a second book that follows, The French Bride. Buy it on Amazon.

New Review: Amanda Hughes’s THE PRIDE OF THE KING – Absorbing Tale From 18th Century America—a Heroine to Love and a Ship of Pirates!

Set in French New Orleans in 1748, this is the story of Lauren De Beauville, daughter of French aristocrats who died leaving her and her sister orphans to be raised by nuns. When she is 15, her sister joins the order and Lauren is forced to marry an old man from the English colonies who doesn’t speak French. She is rescued from that marriage before it’s begun by a hurricane that sweeps her away on her wedding day to another life. Eventually she is forced to leave that other life, too, and ends up in New England, where she joins with con artists who use her as bait to lure aristocrats into business ventures.

There are many twists and turns in this complex story that finally sees Lauren onboard a ship of pirates and misfits who serve a master criminal, their captain, who smuggles guns and other goods, selling them to both the French and the English. Captain James St. Clare wants Lauren to be his contact with the French, but it’s a very dangerous assignment and she will have to sell herself to accomplish it. But St. Clare, an enigmatic figure, watches over her.

Most of the story is told through the heroine’s point of view with the exception of short snippets in the minds of other characters. And there is a huge cast of characters as you can imagine from the different “lives” Lauren experiences. You feel for Lauren as a young innocent with an adventurer’s heart who faces one crisis after another and yet always manages to triumph. When the black moment comes—and there is a black moment—it is very real and very believable. I loved Lauren’s courage and her determination—and her kindness. No wonder the hero will not give her up.

I can’t say enough good things about this book or about Hughes’ writing. Just take my word for it and get it and you’ll understand. I don’t want to give away the mystery by saying more about the story except that she peels back the layers like an onion—expertly. I have become one of Hughes’ committed fans.

Buy on Amazon.

New Review: Kathleen Givens’ KILGANNON – A Very Worthy Hero & Heroine in a Great Highland Romance – a Keeper!

After reading On a Highland Shore and its sequel Rivals For The Crown, I became a devoted fan of Givens and her amazing talent for weaving a story from history that sweeps you away.

Kilgannon is a story of the same Highlander family in On a Highland Shore, but ten generations later--in 1712. Set in Scotland and England, it tells the story of Mary Lowell, a pampered debutante, swept up in London's society of parties and entertainment. Mary saw no suitors that appealed to her but then it was expected she'd marry the Campbell. Then Alex MacGannon, the Earl of Kilgannon, shows up at a soiree in London one evening wearing a kilt and Mary is intrigued, captivated.

They called Lord Kilgannon a barbarian, a Scottish chief of clan MacGannon who sailed the seas in his ships. But Mary finds the Scottish lord polished and with a wonderful sense of humor. Alex knows what he wants and he wants Mary Lowell for his wife, to live with him and his two young sons in castle Kilgannon. The Highlands are torn by rebellion, and Mary is drawn into the conflict as another man competes for her love.

Alex is every bit the man his ancestor, Gannon, was and I could not help falling in love with him as he pursued Mary, a very worthy heroine. English, she is a strong woman of character who would leave her own land for his.

Givens' writing is wonderfully descriptive and the feelings between the two characters develop subtly and believably. You are drawn into their world without realizing it.

  

The sequel, The Wild Rose of Kilgannon, continues story of Alex and Mary as they face England's wrath together. When you can't stop reading, you know you've found a keeper. The two books comprise a rich tale of the 18th century you will want to re-read! Givens is a superb storyteller.

Both are on my Best Scottish Historical Romances list and My Favorite Heroes & Heroines list!

Buy Kilgannon on Amazon

New Review: Christine Monson’s RANGOON – A Love Story from 19th century Burma and a Wild Ride!

This is the month in which I feature historical romances set in exotic locales—places outside the British Isles and America. And I’m starting off with a real exotic locale—Burma in the 19^th century and a story told by a master storyteller.

Set in Rangoon in the era of Queen Victoria, this is the story of Lysistrata Herriott who travels with her doctor father from Boston to the other side of the world—a place where she could escape her relatives and her past. From the very beginning, we know Lysistrata is fearless when she takes off with the locals in a strange country. She is also courageous and altruistic, becoming a nurse in the hospital where people of color are treated for cholera.

In Rangoon, Lysistrata meets the other Europeans and witnesses the racial discrimination that exists around her, for Rangoon is a place of many cultures: Burmese, Indian, Chinese and, of course, British.

Richard Harley (“Ram Kachwaha” to the Burmese) is an enigma, the son of an English nobleman whose mother was an Indian princess, captured by Ram’s father but never wed. Handsome and rich, Harley is accepted into the European society, but he maintains his ties to the other side and observes his boundaries. He wants Lysistrata, but knows he cannot have her in the public’s eye. And because he does not want to love her, he treats her as if he doesn’t care, that is until he captures her and takes her to his palace deep in the jungle, where he tells her she may leave only when he is dead.

But brave Lysistrata is intent on escape…

This story has an intricate plot that brings you into the exotic world of Burma—Rangoon, its other cities, the teaming jungles, its diverse culture and its wild rivers. When Harley takes Lysistrata to his palace, they encounter perilous paths, thugs and wild beasts. You’ll feel the heat, experience the monsoon season and climb treacherous mountain passes. Monson brings us great action and a courtroom drama near the end that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Lysistrata is a very worthy heroine and Harley a mysterious figure—and perfect for each other. The dialog is brilliant and there are some wonderful one-liners. One of my favorites is uttered by Lysistrata when, in a humorous mood, she tries to discredit Harley after she has had too much to drink: “Any man who filches women is bound to cheat at cards.”

It is a long book (464 pages) but the story kept me turning pages. (I did want a list of characters, a map and a glossary for all the foreign terms that were not defined, but not to worry; it’s marvelous.) If you want to experience Burma in the late 19^th century, this book will take you there. Highly recommended.

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