Musings on Romance
I’m over at AudioGals with a review of The Summer Before The War by Helen Simonson, narrated by Fiona Hardingham. The romance is subtle in this tale of the residents of a small English town at the outbreak of WWI. Great listen. While there is a HEA, I still recommend having some tissues handy. There is a war on, after all.
I’m over at AudioGals with a review of Marrying Winterborne by Lisa Kleypas, narrated by Mary Jane Wells. Brilliant. Loved it.
Why I read it: I adore Mary Balogh books so I bought it. (I haven’t yet read the Grace Burrowes story. I may not ever do so as I really only bought it for the Balogh novella.)
What it’s about: (from Goodreads) Miss Eleanor Thompson has found satisfaction as the director of a respected school for girls. The life of a dedicated educator offers many rewards and much meaning–but also more loneliness than Eleanor anticipated. She accepts an invitation from her sister, Christine, Duchess of Bewcastle, to attend a Bedwyn houseparty, never dreaming the summer curriculum might include stolen kisses and true love.
What worked for me (and what didn’t): I was feeling in the mood for a comfort type read but I also wanted a story I hadn’t read before – so I turned to Mary Balogh. She is ever the comfort read to me. I just sink into her books like I would a comfy couch.
Eleanor Thompson is Christine’s sister (as in Wulfric’s wife). She is now the owner/operator of the Bath school for girls formerly run by Claudia Martin, now the Marchioness of Attingsborough. On her way to Lindsey Hall for a summer holiday with her family, she is stranded at an inn waiting out a storm. There, she meets a charming man, a widower with two young children, Michael Benning, the Earl of Staunton. Robert is five years old and very shy, Georgette is # and precocious, voluble and whip smart. The children take a shine to Eleanor and Eleanor and Michael take a shine to each other. Continue reading
I’m over at AudioGals with a review of The Bronze Horseman by Paullina Simons, narrated by James Langton. Excellent narration held my interest when the grimness threatened to ruin me. Note: not a romance.
I’m over at Dear Author with a review of In Another Life by Julie Christine Johnson. For fans of The Time Traveller’s Wife. Not for Kaetrin.
I’m over at AudioGals with a review of Dukes Prefer Blondes by Loretta Chase, narrated by Kate Reading. Lady Clara finds a match.
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