January 10th, 2010 — 4.5 Stars, 5 Stars, Book Review, Convict, Cooking, Foster/Orphan, Historic America, Marriage of Convenience, Pregnant, S-U, Soldier, Survival, Travel, United States of America, Wartime, Widow or Widower
Morning Glory is easily one of the top five romances LaVyrle Spencer wrote. It spans two years from 1941-1943. Small town America is still recovering from the Great Depression. America is holding neutrality while helping the Allies in the Second World War by supplying them material aid. It’s about five or six months before Pearl Harbor is attacked officially drawing America into the war.
Will Parker is an ex-convict drifter. He’s skinny, starving, and down on his luck. When he is fired unfairly from a job at Whitney, Georgia’s local sawmill, Will obtains a local paper and sees in the classified ads a woman advertising for a husband. (This is quite the reverse of most romances, because it is usually the man who advertises for a wife.) On a whim he decides to answer it.
When he meets Crazy Elly Dinsmore, will is not sure what to expect. She’s several months pregnant, has two young children, and looks tired and haggard. Her place is falling apart around her ears and she looks like she could do the same. It is obvious that she is desperate, but then so is he, and both are looking for a change in their fortunes.
They both agree to a trial period where they will see how they get along. Will is determined to prove his worth. Elly is hoping to prove she’s not crazy, though a woman taking on an ex-convict who was in prison for killing a woman (whore or not) is more than a bit crazy not to ask for more information than, “did you have a good reason?”
Three side characters are wonderfully written and created with just a few scenes and phrases. First there is Miss Beasley, the spinster librarian, who reads to be between her forties and fifties. She’s brilliant but fussy. Lula Peak, the town slut, is itching all the time for a man. Anyone will do so long as he can supply her with some of the finer things in life. Will Parker is her wet dream, but he’ll have none of her. Harley Overmire, the superintendent at the local sawmill, is a vain and cowardly man. When the draft starts, he is the first to run his trigger finger through the saw.
Spencer really gets you inside the heads of the characters. The low self esteem of both Will and Elly keep them from each other when they desperately desire to be closer. War is hard on them and changes Will so much. His trauma is handled well, but before the two can become solid lovers and partners again the sheriff rolls up and arrests Will for the murder of Lula Peak. Is a HEA possible for two people who never seem to catch a break?
Rating: 4.5-5 Stars
Buy: Morning Glory
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January 7th, 2010 — 3.5 Stars, Book Review, Estranged, G-I, Great Britain, Headaches, Historical Romance, Scarred Hero
Wolf at the Door is one of those stories that starts with a pebble falling off the side of a mountain and ends in an avalanche. The pebble is the little white lie Millicent Hyde tells her stepsister about being engaged. The snow drift starts when Sherry asks Captain Alec Wolferton if it is true, that he is engaged to Millicent. The avalanche is when Alec agrees in warm rich tones, that yes, he is Millicent’s fiancé.
Poor Millicent Hyde is in a pickle now. Always impulsive, she has been known to make one bad decision after the next – from running off with a poof who leaves her at the altar to telling the truth and creating scandal. Disowned by her father at her stepmother’s whim, it’s all she can do to watch the perfect Miss Sherry flutter her lashes and glide across the ballroom. Her own mouth gets her in trouble again and the noble Captain Alec Wolferton was just trying to help. Now his reputation is tangled with hers and Millicent is terrified the truth will come out and she’ll never reconcile with her father because of it.
For his part, Captain Alec Wolferton is quite pleased with this fake engagement. He’s on a mission for the London War Office to expose Sherry Hyde’s fiancé a corrupt and evil man. Colin Rafferty is also the man responsible for wounding Alec during the Crimean War leaving him scarred for life and doomed to endure forever constant throbbing headaches. It’s a personal vendetta for Alec to ruin Colin Rafferty as he had been ruined and not even the pretty, delectable Miss Millicent Hyde will get in his way.
The bedroom scenes are very steamy and enjoyable.
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Originally posted 2008-11-28 11:08:05. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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November 23rd, 2009 — 4 Stars, 4.5 Stars, ARC, Book Review, Georgette Heyer
I found Arabella to be wickedly entertaining; a superb comedy of manners! It is a little slow getting started. A good fifty pages are devoted to simply getting ready to go to London – the hero isn’t even introduced! When you get past that portion the story really picks up and is very exciting.
Arabella Tallant is very cheeky and clever. She has a temper that gets her into trouble and a mouth that often runs away with her. She and her family are impoverished. Her father’s a parson and it is by the ingenuity of her mother that Arabella is able to go to London to have a season. It is very important she makes an excellent match so she can help her family.
Robert Beaumaris is sick and tired of young ladies and their mothers throwing themselves at his feet in hopes he’ll trip over them and into marriage. He is defined repeatedly as a Nonpareil, which means he has no equal and is peerless. Men imitate him in fashion. Persons, male and female, strive for his approval. A glance or comment from Robert can make or break someone socially.
Reading parts of the story from his point of view opens lots of wonderful insight to what's going on and how's he's thinking of things. This novel seemed very modern to me because of the amount of head switching.
When Arabella overhears a flippant remark by Robert to Charles Fleetwood, she’s angered and in a fit of spontaneity affects superior airs and claims to be an heiress. On a whim Robert chooses to put weight behind her story and instantly Arabella is thrust to the top of society. Mamas want their sons to marry her, gentlemen want to woo her, and several fortune hunters start sniffing around her most eagerly.
In too deep, Arabella doesn’t see a way out. She can’t marry any of her suitors; they think she’s wealthy. She can’t tell the truth; it would socially ruin her. Then her brother, Bertram Tallant, shows up in London and makes matters worse by gambling far and above his means. The love of her life could also become her salvation, but how can one tell a man you just married you’re not an heiress and in fact in desperate need of funds?
Rating: 4-4.5 Stars
Buy: Arabella
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September 17th, 2009 — About, Duchess, Countess, Marchioness, Georgian, Great Britain, Regency, Victorian
This list of reasons is for the young miss of the Georgian, Regency, or Victorian era. Entering into matrimony is not a decision to be made lightly. While it is important that you make a good match, every young lady should choose her future husband with great care. Below I have compiled a list of pros on marrying an earl. The discerning young woman will note the state and accuracy of each of these points against the gentlemen she wishes to wed. Not every earl will have all ten points in his favor, some for instance can be greedy fortune hunters. However, this list is not made with those rapscallions in mind.
1. The rank.
Rank makes all the difference in the world. Do you see yourself as a countess? Would you be thrilled to be deferred to by one and all as the 'Right Honorable Countess of (insert blank)' or 'My Lady?' If so, then marrying an earl is for you!
2. The high society.
You are part of the le bon ton. Being readily established as part of the Upper Ten Thousand will gain you a lot of influence. You'll be rubbing shoulders with Britain's elite!
3. The wealth.
A countess can expect to be able to indulge in a little shopping with the pin money she receives quarterly. She need not worry about money at all unless she is mismanaging her household. That of course, would never do.
4. The clothes.
The clothes, the accessories, the hair styles and shoes... fashion in short, my dears, and being at it's height is marvelous! A countess would be looked upon to set trends and knowledgeable about everything that is all the rage.
5. The parties
All that divine dancing! Which is your favorite? The country dance, the cotillion, or the scotch reel? How about the quadrille or the more scandalous waltz? You will need plenty of dancing slippers but it would be worth it!
6. The servants.
A countess need not cook or clean or lift a finger she does not want to raise. She can devote her energies to more personal and rewarding tasks such as correspondence, reading, drawing, visiting and more.
7. The London townhouse.
A townhouse in the most fashionable part of London is the perfect place to host an assembly or fancy dinner party. Many a hostess will envy your accomplishments in presentation and decoration of your home.
8. The country estates.
When London gets to be too smoggy and the Season is not in full swing, a countess must have a place to retire. Her country estates are just such a location and their beautiful sprawling gardens are the icing on top of the cake.
9. The travel.
To see all the beautiful sights and sites of the world or England is a joy for any countess. Won’t all your friends be envious of your latest trip to Paris?
10. The earl.
The most wonderful thing about being a countess is the earl. Do you not agree ladies? He should be handsome, kind, well mannered, not marred by scandal, and good to his hired help. It wouldn't hurt if he liked children, old matrons, and dances at Almack's, but I wouldn't get your hopes up. He's bound to have a failing somewhere. Just remember to keep the pros of marriage to him in the front of your mind and you will be content indeed!
Photo Credits: http://www.weheartit.com/
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April 16th, 2009 — About, Gifts
This list has some fabulous ideas for gifts between friends, family, and lovers.
1. Book cover.
This gift idea is both simple and can be homemade for very few dollars. First you can make it out of sturdy fabric and a sewing machine. This is probably the quicker way to make a book cover. Measure and cut the fabric to be long enough to wrap the book and provide book flaps. Sew edges to keep from unraveling, add ribbon to the top to use as a bookmark,
The other way is to crochet the book cover. If you're looking for a project to learn crocheting on this is more functional and cooler than most ideas all you need to do is cast on a row the length of the trade or mass paperback book and continue with single crochet until it is long enough to wrap around the book plus extra for the flaps. Finish it off by crocheting around the edges. You can even crochet a book mark! This style is very elegant.
2. Digital Reader.
Get the reader in your life an eBook reader. There are several types out there. The most popular are Sony Reader
and Amazon Kindle. I would suggest the Kindle hands down simply for the free access to Sprint's EV-DO network for purposes of downloading new eBooks. The Sony Reader may be more stylish and professional appearing than the Kindle, but the freedom from the PC and ability to download your favorite new books at whim defeats the Sony Reader in both convenience and usefulness. If you are an avid reader who looking for something you can use on the go, definitely go with the Kindle.
3. Movie and Dessert.
At home or out as a date, this is a lovely idea. If you're planning this for at home you can buy some fruit and melt some chocolate for an impromptu fondue in front of the screen. Turn the lights off, light some candles, and indulge in a little romance. Or if you're afraid of burning the chocolate turn this idea into an experience. Go out for ice cream before or after the movie and pick a film you wouldn't see if it wasn't for her. Hold hands in the movie and or eat your ice cream walking around and holding hands. Take the time to pull yourself and her out of the world of schedules and things that need to be done to make the evening truly special.
4. Pamper basket.
Include some bubble bath, lotion, candles, and a book. Provide all the necessary goods to give her an evening away from it all. For a little extra add some redeemable you-time coupons like a massage, back scrub, or for a little more heat give her the choice and control of how you'll make love. Let her escape to ecstasy.
5. Give some books.
Giving the romance lover in your life more books in the genre that they like is sure to be a hit. Don't worry yourself with titles or authors. The idea here is your support of their addiction! Just go to the bookstore and select some you think are fun and interesting. Bestsellers are a good bet if you're completely lost. If the reader in your life has a digital reader, perhaps a gift certificate to an ePublisher is better. That way they could buy and download some books for their reader.
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Originally posted 2008-12-18 18:46:01. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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