Book Review - Wild Lady by Ann Major

Being that I generally enjoy reading romances written by Ann Major, I was looking forward to snuggling down for an evening with this book. Perhaps I had too high of hopes because this story was nothing like I expected. The first portion had me hooked into reading more but as the story progressed, I truly lost interest in the characters.

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Wild Lady by Ann Major

Book Review - Embraced By The Light by Betty J. Eadie

Whether you believe in near-death experiences or you are a skeptic, “Embraced By The Light” is a powerful story with an uplifting message. It’s a story of love and treating those around us with the kindness and respect that each person deserves. No one person is better than the other and no one has the right to judge – that time will come from a higher power. Although Ms. Eadie doesn’t discuss judgment, she does describe a beautiful place that our souls will someday reach again – the place where our lives actually began.

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Embraced By The Light

Book Review - A Marriage of Convenience by Doreen Owens Malek

Although I went into reading this book with the notion it was just another typical romance, I ended up being pleasantly surprised. I quickly fell in love with the characters and the storyline and couldn't wait to get to the happy ending. The author did a phenomenal job at putting together a beautiful story that had its heart wrenching moments and throwing in some humor as well. The details were so well written that you could vividly see this couple during their escapades without over-boring you with too many particulars. I do prefer historical romances but I don't regret picking up this book and finishing it to the end.

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A Marriage of Convenience

Book Review - The Hawk and the Honey by Dixie Browning

You will travel along with the couple as they grocery shop for Thanksgiving dinner, take a horseback ride in the rain that will bore you out of your mind, and follow Cleo as she cooks and cleans for Roane. The storyline was definitely lacking any action or thrilling scenes that would make you keep turning the pages. Simply put, this book was tedious to read and the plot was uninteresting. If it wasn't for poor old Uncle Wint and his goat, chickens, and bees, I would even have to say the story was lifeless.

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The Hawk and the Honey

Book Review - West of the Sun by Lynn Erickson

The relationship between Julie and Ben was also highly lacking. They were thrown together like a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and all is perfect except the author left out the glass of milk so your mouth is left dry. After Julie gives herself to Tanner, he leaves for a couple of weeks and never calls. He shows back up and all is perfect again. In all, "West of the Sun" is an okay book. But don't expect a wonderful romance story and do expect something that is even more unrealistic than UFOs.

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West of the Sun

Book Review - Dakota's Bride by Christine Young

"Dakota's Bride" has everything expected from a historical romance. The two main characters that seem to always be at odds with each other, the villain (or villains) that push the plot to the edge, and the fairytale ending. Typically with a romance novel this long (almost 400 pages), the author will overuse descriptive narratives as filler.

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Dakota's Bride

Book Reviews - Walking Hawk by John S. McCord

“Walking Hawk” is a short western novel full of suspense, surprises, and a bit of romance. Being one who typically enjoys historical romances, I was truly delighted with this book and couldn’t wait to get to the finale. McCord did a remarkable job at not becoming redundant – each scene was beautifully written out so that nothing was left to be questioned. But the best parts were the bits of humor that the author put into place so perfectly. Of course the ending was predictable but it’s the parts between the covers that made this a truly enjoyable book to read.

Great Historical Romance Novels of 2009

The year of 2009 offered up some great historical romances. Some were great, some not-so great. Here are my picks of some of the best historical romance books of 2009

Best Historical Romance Novels of 2009

Book Review - Cradle and All by James Patterson

James Patterson has always been a remarkable storyteller and Cradle and All will keep you gripped to the end. The book is a fast paced story without any fillers - it's all chill and thrill throughout the entire story. Patterson doesn't fail with the ending either, just when you think you have the story figured out, he throws another loop into this fascinating tale that will leave you wanting more.

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Cradle and All

Book Review - A Marriage of Convenience by Doreen Owens Malek

Although I went into reading this book with the notion it was just another typical romance, I ended up being pleasantly surprised. I quickly fell in love with the characters and the storyline and couldn't wait to get to the happy ending. The author did a phenomenal job at putting together a beautiful story that had its heart wrenching moments and throwing in some humor as well. The details were so well written that you could vividly see this couple during their escapades without over-boring you with too many particulars. I do prefer historical romances but I don't regret picking up this book and finishing it to the end.

Full Review:
A Marriage of Convenience

Book Review - The Bengal Rubies by Lisa Bingham

Author Lisa Bingham is known to pen some amazing romances which include Temptation's Kiss and Distant Thunder. Again, she draws the reader in with an exciting beginning and keeps the pace going throughout the book. Although the book has little to do with the Bengal Rubies (the book's title), this is still an electrifying tale with interesting characters and an even more beautiful outcome.

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the Bengal Rubies by Lisa Bingham

Book Review - Bleachers by John Grisham

Bleachers allows Grisham fans to view another side of this author's writings. This book takes a nostalgic look at a small town with colorful characters that all reflect on how times change. Although readers never "meet" Eddie Rake, his story is told through his former players and you will feel the love-hate attitude that these young men have for their former coach. The entire story surrounds the "deathwatch" of Eddie Rake while those who were affected by Rake, reflect upon their lives-something many do when someone of substantial meaning passes from our lives. The book was thought-provoking and told in a way that keeps the reader pressed to the pages, something only an excellent storyteller like Grisham can achieve.

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Bleachers by John Grisham

Book Review - Heart of Ice by Diana Palmer

Heart of Ice has all the similarities of other Diana Palmer novels. In fact, if you have read Betrayed by Love, then you have basically read the same storyline except the rogue doesn't take the innocence of the heroine. The cowboy in this novel is crude and demeaning and the woman basically cowers down because of her love for the scoundrel trying to seduce her. However, just like in most of Palmer's books, you become attached to the characters.

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Heart of Ice by Diana Palmer

Book Review - Betrayed by Love by Diana Palmer

Betrayed by Love is a typical Diana Palmer romance. The virgin heroine, the manly character who happens to be roguish, and an interesting storyline with a few obstacles thrown into play. Throughout most of the story, Jacob treats Kate as nothing more than a "loose woman" and Kate is the scared puppy who will allow this man to treat her as he wishes. Jacob finally comes to realize that his feelings for Kate are more than a lustful attraction and the relationship begins to build.

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Betrayed by Love by Diana Palmer

Book Review - Falcon Moon by Cassie Edwards

There is one thing I've come to learn about novels written by Cassie Edwards - you either love them or you hate them. Falcon Moon ranks on my "don't even bother with" list. The writing is amateurish and there are many conflicting events and repeated dialogue that had me having to choke through this book.

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Falcon Moon by Cassie Edwards

Book Review - The Gift by Danielle Steel

The Gift is filled with unexpected events that change a family's future and that of a young girl. The book is quite short but Ms. Steel fills each page with endearing words that keep you attached to each word. Once the ground work was laid out on the Whittaker family, I quickly became attached to this broken family devastated by tragedy. This tale is emotional and saddening and since the book didn't end with that "happily ever after" stage, I felt it was more realistic and reasonable to believe. While I found the book began quite slowly and almost put it away, I was unable to even sit the book down once the first chapter was complete. The Gift is simple yet has depth that touches your soul.

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The Gift by Danielle Steel

Book Review - The Writer's Guide to Everyday Life in the 1800s by Marc McCutcheon

The Writer's Guide to Everyday Life in the 1800s is a handy reference for historical book readers especially if you are an avid book reviewer. Reviewers are able to fact-check the information of a historical novel which as authors know, can mean the difference in a good or bad review. If you are an avid reader of historical novels or wanting to write a fiction or non-fiction based book taking place during the 19th century, this book is useful in understanding some of the terminology and views of those who lived during this time period.

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The Writer's Guide to Everyday Life in the 1800s by Marc McCutcheon

Book Review - A Reason to Sin by Maureen McKade

A Reason to Sin was a relief after being somewhat disappointed in the second book of the series, A Reason to Believe. Incredibly written, this romance had everything except an ending that brought closure to the series. For those who followed this trilogy for the reunion of the Forrester brothers, you may become a bit disappointed like I was.

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A Reason to Sin by Maureen McKade

Book Review - A Reason to Believe by Maureen McKade

Another amazing story in this series, A Reason to Believe is an exceptionally written historical romance. You will fall in love with Rye Forrester's character from the moment his story is told and you won't learn the entire truth until near the end. However, I never did quite care for the "heroine" of this tale, Dulcie McDaniel. She is a bitter, angry, and unappreciative woman that quite surprisingly, I never could get to like. The treatment of Rye by Dulcie was almost infuriating to the point that I didn't want to finish the book.

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A Reason to Believe by Maureen McKade

Book Review - A Reason to Live by Maureen McKade

A Reason to Live surpasses the classic historical romance novel. From the beginning chapter, you are drawn in to the lives of these two characters. Your heart aches for both of them and what burdens they must carry from the deaths that touched their lives. Ms. McKade holds nothing back which brings the tale to life. Brief discussions of homosexuality to having to use the "privy" bring reality to this story.

These minute details along with the visions of a Civil War nurse are definitely not what I have ever found in a typical romance novel. But after not being able to pull myself away from the story until the conclusion, I can honestly conclude that Maureen McKade is a superb writer of this genre, if not one of the best. The next two in the Forrester brothers' series are A Reason to Believe and A Reason to Sin. The other Forrester brothers are only mentioned mildly in the first book as Creede notes he has two brothers but once you get involved in one, you will definitely want to finish the entire series.

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A Reason to Live by Maureen McKade

Book Review - Last Chance by Jill Marie Landis

Having read several books written by Jill Marie Landis, I have come to appreciate her writing style and intimate details. As with her other books, Last Chance was far from disappointing and quite a fascinating tale to read. There are many interesting characters that are drawn into the storyline that thicken the plot but does tend to draw the conclusion out, it will take patience to read through to the "happily ever after" part. Readers who enjoy historical romances of this time period (late 1890s) will enjoy both After All and Last Chance.

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Last Chance by Jill Marie Landis

Book Review - Until Tomorrow by Jill Marie Landis

Until Tomorrow begins with these two main characters and a newborn, typical romance with a strange twist. But as the story unfolds, there are more interesting characters and strange events that are thrown into the mix. More of the effects from the Civil War are brought into play during the conclusion. Beautifully written, this book has everything that makes a good historical romance - real life events, attractive characters, drama, and romance.

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Until Tomorrow by Jill Marie Landis

Book Review - Chesapeake Blue by Nora Roberts

Seth's story in Chesapeake Blue was simply amazing and bothersome. The blackmailing by Gloria truly was disturbing and I was disheartened in the beginning to see Seth fall for his mother's vengeance. However, upon finishing the book, I came to the realization that this portion needed to be added to bring out other issues that Seth had dealt with during his lifetime. He felt obligated and a need to give back to his family for everything they gave him. He would learn that family isn't about repayment.

This book and the entire series on the Quinn Legacy are extraordinarily written with some of that Nora Robert's humor thrown in. This series has a bit of everything - humor, drama, excitement, romance, sex, and even the paranormal. My only true complaint is that I was disappointed to see it end, I wanted more, and now it's time to ask Ms. Roberts - what about Aubrey's story? One can never have enough of the Quinns.

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Chesapeake Blue by Nora Roberts

Book Review - Inner Harbor by Nora Roberts

Inner Harbor brings closure to the story of Seth's birthright and the truth behind Ray Quinn's car accident. While this book of the series does tend to start out quite slowly, it quickly picks up pace as the story is unraveled. Dr. Griffin begins out as an unlikely match for Phillip but as he slowly strips away the layers of Sybill, you begin to see the entire picture. The story of the Quinn legacy is finished with Seth's story in Chesapeake Blue with the young Quinn boy all grown up and surrounded by the mighty Quinn family.

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Inner Harbor by Nora Roberts

Book Review - A Little Bit Wicked by Victoria Alexander

Victoria Alexander delivered a compelling and intriguing take on relationships during this time period. For a historical romance novel, the author succeeded on every aspect with not only the tone of how women were expected to behave but by adding the scandalous behaviors that make a romance tale sensational. A Little Bit Wicked is exceptionally written, the characters are unpretentious, and the storyline is believable - and the book definitely holds up to the title.


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A Little Bit Wicked by Victoria Alexander

Book Review - Her Reason to Stay by Anna Adams

Her Reason To Stay begins interestingly enough with an attractive storyline. You will want to learn the dirty little secrets of Daphne's past and was she after the Abernathy fortune. However, after getting through the first portion of the book, I found I had to choke down the rest of the pages. The poor writing and redundant conversations had me lose interest in the story all together.

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Her Reason To Stay by Anna Adams

Book Review - Not Quite a Lady by Loretta Chase

Not Quite a Lady was like a breath of fresh air. Many romance novels will have the reader running in circles as they try to keep up with the main characters. One moment they are locked in a romantic embrace, the next moment they are ready to claw each other's eyes out. The heroine seems to always be needing saved from evil and then the hero saves the day. Darius is a hero in this tale but not quite what one would expect. There is also a villain who will also bring several surprises to the storyline. There are many amazing and shocking disclosures that make this book quite different than your typical historical romance novel.

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Not Quite a Lady by Loretta Chase

Book Review - Sea Swept by Nora Roberts

Sea Swept is a remarkable opening to the Chesapeake Bay Series, one chapter and readers will be hooked, line and sinker into this unorthodox family of brothers. This book is followed by Rising Tides that delves deeper into the life of Ethan, Ms. Roberts drops subtle hints throughout the first book at what lays in store for this brother. The series ends with Inner Harbor and the finale of Seth's tale in Chesapeake Blue.

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Sea Swept by Nora Roberts

Book Review - Dark Stranger by Heather Graham

Dark Stranger is an exceptionally well-written fiction with many factual accounts that occurred during the Civil War but not anything new that couldn't be found in any middle school history textbook. The impacts of certain battles, war leaders, and the brutality of brother fighting against brother add to the book but the only impact it had on the relationship between Kristin and Cole was the fact they wished the war was over so Cole didn't have to keep disappearing to fight battles. Not quite the typical hero and heroine romance, Dark Stranger is filled with a revolving storyline that is interesting but unbelievable. The trilogy is followed by Rides a Hero and finally with Apache Summer.


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Dark Stranger by Heather Graham

Book Review - Sweetbriar by Jude Deveraux

Part Shawnee, Devon "Mac" Macalister knows what will happen to the young woman and after battling to win her for himself, he takes Linnet back to his home in Sweetbriar, Kentucky. The people of Sweetbriar are quickly drawn to the English girl and she is welcomed into their small community. The beautiful young woman could have any man of Sweetbriar but from the moment Mac saved her life, she only wanted him.

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Sweetbriar by Jude Deveraux

Book Review - Rising Tides by Nora Roberts

The love and compassion these three brothers have for each other is evident throughout the story and with usual style, Nora Roberts adds some humor. Although the book started somewhat slow and it was almost painful to get through the beginning, the storyline quickly picked up pace. After getting drawn into the lives of the Quinn family, you will want to learn more about the brothers and the mystery behind Raymond Quinn's death and the truth of Seth. The story of Ethan Quinn is disturbing yet beautiful and readers will have to finish the series in the third book Inner Harbor and the final tale Chesapeake Blue to discover all of the secrets hiding within the Quinn brothers.

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Rising Tides by Nora Roberts

Book Review - Blue Dahlia by Nora Roberts

This first book in the series gives readers a glimpse of many other charming and not-so charming characters that will be brought back again in book two Black Rose, and the finale Red Lily. The ghost of the "Harper Bride" surrounds each of these women as they take their steps into a new portion of their lives. Nora Roberts adds thrilling suspense, mystery, and her unmistakable humor into each book, a series that all readers will want to finish until the end.

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Blue Dahlia by Nora Roberts

Book Review - Black Rose by Nora Roberts

Black Rose carries on where Blue Dahlia left off, with Stella and Logan preparing for their wedding, baby Lily has becomes a huge part of the Harper family, and readers begin to get a glimpse of what is to come in book three, Red Lily. Nora Roberts shines with this series of books-family, romance, tension, and heartache, throw in some delightful characters and a vengeful ghost. The suspenseful scenes will chill your bones while the Southern hospitality and sense of humor keep the story light yet believable.

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Black Rose by Nora Roberts

Book Review - Red Lily by Nora Roberts

The dramatic ending to the In the Garden trilogy does not fail readers of the this series. Nora Roberts adds realistic tragedy, excitement, and humor to this suspenseful love affair. The details are extremely well written especially those surrounding the nursery. Who would think that flower hybridization could be so interesting, romantic, and sexy? Red Lily has everything in one novel - romance, steamy interludes, suspense, and hauntings. Whether you are an avid reader of Nora Roberts' books or just looking for a romantic thriller, this page-turner will not disappoint .

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Red Lily by Nora Roberts

Book Review - Mississippi Kiss by Barbara McIntosh

Mississippi Kiss begins with an explosion. From the moment Brianna finds Ryan on the beach, you will be drawn into their magical world. Both of these strong characters carry secrets that are revealed with an eruption of emotions. Barbara McIntosh has brilliantly taken a romantic love affair and added depth with her unique storyline but the disappointment starts to reveal its ugly head during the last portion of the book.


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Mississippi Kiss by Barbara McIntosh

Book Review - Mail-Order Bride by Maureen McKade

Most romances are written with the most perfect characters and yet, Ms. McKade took the chance of giving our heroine a flaw which was brought up many times. Our handsome hero of the story wasn't much attracted to her due to her features in the beginning of the story but the author brought the two together despite their differences. What begins as your typical historical romance leads into more of the history of this time period including what men found "attractive" in a woman. "Mail-Order Bride" has everything-unique characters, action, suspense, and true romance.

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Mail-Order Bride by Maureen McKade

Book Review - Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

Thirteen Reasons Why is an emotional story to follow along with. Your heart will break as Clay listens to Hannah and tries to understand why she took her own life. Although he ultimately learns of the turmoil bottled up in her soul, Clay still has unanswered questions and regrets as he forwards the tapes on to the next person.

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Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

Book Review - A Kiss Remembered by Sandra Brown

As Ms. Brown points out from the opening, the story "reflects the trends and attitudes that were popular at that time". Although the author doesn't state when she wrote the book, it was first published during the 1980s. While I agree that the attitudes do reflect on that time era, the story doesn't reflect upon Ms. Brown's writing style.

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A Kiss Remembered by Sandra Brown

Book Review - Renegade by Diana Palmer

Renegade is another beautifully written novel by Diana Palmer. The storyline will have you crying and laughing. You can't help but fall in love with the personalities of Cash and Tippy especially as Tippy "seduces" Cash through most of the book. The story is fast paced and never dull so you are unable to put it down until the bad guys are caught and the ending unfolds on Cash and Tippy and their future.

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Renegade by Diana Palmer

Book Review - "B" is for Burglar by Sue Grafton

The alphabet series of books are centered around Kinsey Millhone, a fictional female character, once cop turned private investigator. Her home is based in the fictional city of Santa Teresa, California and can be compared to a version of Santa Barbara. Ms. Grafton personalizes Millhone throughout each of her exploits and each book gives a little more information on Millhone's past. She was born May 5, 1950 and the stories are set during the 1980s.

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B is for Burglar by Sue Grafton

Children's Book Review - Big Words for Little People by Jamie Lee Curtis and Laura Cornell

The books from the writing team of Jamie Lee Curtis and Laura Cornell have become national bestsellers. Ms. Curtis has taken personal experiences like the adoption of her children and turned them into wonderfully told stories that speak to young readers. These books are brilliantly illustrated which is important as children also learn from bright visuals of picture books. Big Words for Little People doesn't inundate children with too many new words but is flawlessly put together, a perfect addition to the series of books released by this duo of writers.

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Big Words for Little People by Jamie Lee Curits and Laura Cornell

Children's Book Review - Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs by Judi Barrett

Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs has become a children's book that is passed down from generation to generation. The animation version set to be released in 2009 is claiming to be "the most delicious event since macaroni met cheese." The short story of this town and the people inspires children to use their imaginations not only during the story but in real life. From the beginning of the book with that first pancake flip, children will be drawn into the story. After hearing the story of Chewandswallow, a child may never look at a snowflake or drop of rain the same.

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Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs by Judi Barrett

Book Review - The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

The phrase "don't judge a book by its cover" certainly applies to The Graveyard Book. Dark and mysterious creatures, witches, ghosts, and ghouls may not seem appropriate for young readers, that is until you read the pages and contemplate what the author is conveying in this compelling book. Aimed for readers ages 9-12, this book will speak volumes about life, choices made, and consequences while holding the interest of the young reader with the fascinating storyline.

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The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

Book Review - The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards

The Memory Keeper's Daughter is an astounding novel that is beautifully written. However, there are too many unexplainable events in the storyline that leaves the reader not believing in the experience. A novel such as this should leave you accepting that this could have happened, that these events are acceptable but with so many questionable occurrences, the ending left me empty.

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The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards

Book Review - Yesterday's Promise by DiAnna June

The worlds of Cord and Faith were intertwined from her birth but the traumatic occurrences from her childhood kept her from remembering her forced life among the Comanche tribe. Cord loved her then and knew that destiny would bring them together again but he blamed himself for Faith's distressing youth and the death of Faith's mother. Would she understand or even forgive him if the memories of her beginning life ever returned?

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Yesterday's Promise by DiAnna June

Book Review - Warrior's Honor by Georgina Gentry

Warrior's Honor, authored by Georgina Gentry is a beautiful story that is more than just a historical romance. The Indian traditions are quite prevalent throughout the book which allows readers to get a glimpse into the Indian history during the mid 1800's. Ms. Gentry, whose husband is part Choctaw Indian, shows her passion about the Indian beliefs and customs through her writing. Many of Ms. Gentry's books are filled with this passion.

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Warrior's Honor by Georgina Gentry Book Review

Book Review - Accidental Family by Kristin Gabriel

Rowena has no intention of sharing her child with a stranger and Alan refuses to let a child be born into this world believing his father abandoned him. The results are explosive, two strong-minded people with pasts that haunt them will either come together to do what is best for their future child or let the courts decide.

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Accidental Family by Kristin Gabriel

Book Review - A Rogue In Texas by Lorraine Heath

Authored by Lorraine Heath, A Rogue in Texas is a fast-paced historical romance that cannot be put down. Every page speaks of the turmoil that many faced during the 1800's and what was left of life following the Civil War. And even with the turmoil, families learned how to survive and never take for granted what the earth provided. A Rogue in Texas is a heart-touching historical tale that will touch every part of your soul.

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A Rogue in Texas by Lorraine Heath

Book Review - The Desert King by Olivia Gates

This amazing storyline involves the fictional country of Judar, a country that must evade a civil war with their neighbor, Zohayd. To keep peace among the people, the throne of Judar must include royal blood lines from the Aal Shalaans. King Atef would give his recently discovered, illegitimate daughter Farah up to the King to become the future Queen of Judar.

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THE DESERT KING by Olivia Gates