Review: The Violets of March by Sarah Jio

From Goodreads:

A LIBRARY JOURNAL BEST BOOK OF 2011

A heartbroken woman stumbled upon a diary and steps into the life of its anonymous author. 

In her twenties, Emily Wilson was on top of the world: she had a bestselling novel, a husband plucked from the pages of GQ, and a one-way ticket to happily ever after. 

Ten years later, the tide has turned on Emily's good fortune. So when her great-aunt Bee invites her to spend the month of March on Bainbridge Island in Washington State, Emily accepts, longing to be healed by the sea. Researching her next book, Emily discovers a red velvet diary, dated 1943, whose contents reveal startling connections to her own life. 

A mesmerizing debut with an idyllic setting and intriguing dual story line,The Violets of March announces Sarah Jio as a writer to watch.

My Review: 

This is my quick and less-than-comprehensive review of The Violets of March as posted on my Goodreads profile.  Sorry for the lack of depth!  

The Violets of March was infused with just enough mystery and romance to capture my attention. It was a quick read and gently written with a bittersweet undertone. I was slightly confused at times - but not completely lost - and all my wondering was answered, you just have to get through the end. Recommended for anyone who enjoys a little heartbreak and a little mystery, a beautiful setting, and a premise that loss, love, and the secrets we keep shape our lives and those around us.

I gave this tile a 4/5 star review - I would recommend it for a quick read that isn't all cheesy romance.  It definitely IS a romance, but it has layers in the overall storyline.

Review: Meet Me at the Cupcake Cafe by Jenny Colgan

From Goodreads:

Issy Randall can bake. No, Issy can create stunning, mouthwateringly divine cakes. After a childhood spent in her beloved Grampa Joe's bakery, she has undoubtedly inherited his talent. She's much better at baking than she is at filing, so when she's laid off from her desk job, Issy decides to open her own little café. But she soon learns that her piece-of-cake plan will take all of her courage and confectionary talent to avert disaster.Funny and sharp, Meet Me at the Cupcake Café is about how life might not always taste like you expect, but there's always room for dessert!


My Review:

I finished this book earlier in the week.  It wasn't my favourite, by I didn't dislike it either.  I have never read any of Jenny Colgan's novels before, so this was my first foray into her world.  I amparticipating in a group challenge where a partner selects three titles from your to-read shelf at random and you have three months to read them.  This was the first selection from my partner.

I expected Meet Me at the Cupcake Cafe to have more of a Sophie Kinsella feel to it than it did.  I found it slow in the beginning, but after a few chapters, I was a little more entrenched in the plot and characters, quirks and all.  It is definitely chick-lit with all the romance, drama, and betrayal you'd expect.  However, it has the added bonus of including recipes that relate to the chapter you're currently reading.  The recipes are written by the Alzheimer-suffering grandfather to his granddaughter embarking on a new course in life and aren't written as recipes.  I think the sweetness with which they're related was one of my favourite parts of this book. 

By the end of the novel, with the inevitable happy ever after, I was smiling and wanted to know what came next - so much so that I checked out the next title in the series through my e-library.  This is not a deep read and some may find it difficult to get into the rhythm of the book.   There were some curse words sprinkled without and it did touch on mature subject matter (I feel like a parental advisory at the beginning of a television show!)  Not for everyone, but it was a quick and often sweet (yes, the pun was intentional) read.

Review: One Heart to Win by Johanna Lindsey

From Amazon: 

Some young ladies marry for money and social standing, a few lucky ones marry for love, but Tiffany Warren is marrying to end a feud. Honoring her mother’s wishes, Tiffany reluctantly travels west to meet her estranged father and his enemy’s eldest son, rancher Hunter Callahan. Once the Warrens and the Callahans are united by marriage, both clans will stop squabbling over a disputed strip of land. But in the chaos of a train robbery Tiffany seizes a golden opportunity: By assuming the identity of her father’s new housekeeper she can live with the father she never knew while assessing the character of the neighboring cowboy to whom she is betrothed. But the moment she steps off the train, the Callahans steal the “housekeeper” from their rivals, the Warrens! 

Now Tiffany, masquerading as Jennifer Fleming, finds herself living in the enemy camp, under the same roof as her fiancé, a handsome, sweettalking charmer whom she has to fight off because he can’t keep his eyes— or his hands—off Jennifer. After Tiffany’s charade is exposed, she refuses to marry Hunter. How can she wed a man who is in love with another woman? As Hunter goes about claiming his rightful bride-to-be, he knows he loves two women—proper, elegant Tiffany as well as spunky, passionate Jennifer—but he has only one heart to win.

My Review:

I believe my mother-in-law introduced me to the world of Johanna Lindsey - historical romance, dashing and roguish strong male leads, feisty and charming females, a little bit of heat, lots of adventure, overall predictable, but enjoyable.  

This might be the first of her novels that I've found to be just so-so.  It was merely okay, it was a quick read - your typical historical romantic fluff.  Unfortunately, it was a little to "blah" for my liking.  I didn't enjoy the male lead (Hunter) all that much and actually found the side character Degan to be of more interest than Hunter.  Tiffany irked me on some level that can't even pinpoint.

The premise of the story could have been wonderful - sacrificial marriage to end a feud, but really it was one deception after another with a whole heap of trouble caused either by the lies themselves or the revelation of the lies.  The romance was lost in the shuffle of subplots and backstory and I just didn't love it.  It had potential, but was missing some of the Johanna Lindsey magic that will generally capture my attention.   This is a borrow, don't buy - and save it for a mindless read.

Review: Secrets of the Realm by Bev Stout

From Goodreads:

Blamed for her uncle's death, fifteen-year-old Annie is on the run. Knowing the perils she will face on the streets of eighteenth century London, she disguises herself as a boy. Her life on the streets is cut short when she becomes Captain Hawke’s cabin boy. 

Not only must Annie work alongside the Realm’s motley crew of outcasts and gentlemen, she must also keep her superstitious shipmates from discovering she is a girl. 

Annie vows she will never leave the Realm, where dreams are chased, shattered lives can mend, and secrets are stowed like keepsakes in an old desk drawer. But when her past catches up with her, can she return to the Realm? More importantly, will she have a choice?

My Review:

First, I must disclose that I received a copy of Secrets of the Realm by Bev Stout from the author herself in exchange for an honest review.  I added it to my to-read short list and was curious about the title, but wasn't expecting to love it. 

Bev Stout has a winner on her hands with this novel.  It's a historical "adventure" written for a young adult audience, but as an adult reader of all genres, this one still captured me completely.  I laughed, cried, and wanted more - the characters felt like long lost friends and the writing was descriptive.  

I fell in love with the heroine.  Annie is absolutely captivating and you can't help but find her charming.  She's brave, tenacious, and absolutely lovable.  She's strong and fragile all rolled into one.  In the midst of rescuing herself from an abusive situation, she finds adventure and heartbreak, and discovers friendships and a place of acceptance - a place of her own.   The supporting characters will also pull you in.

I highly recommend this for any young reader who enjoys a taste of history and loves to live vicariously through the pages of a book.  There are no inappropriate scenes or language, and the romance is mild (more of an unrequited crush or deep friendship).  It touches more on the heroine and the individuals she encounters and enchants amidst her search for freedom.  It's a very quick and easy book to read.   The author could easily write for adults - this novel in particular could become an adult historical - there was ample opportunity to expand upon certain scenes or throw in some more mature content.  That being said, I found it perfect for a safe and entertaining read for it's intended audience.  

Thanks to the author for the chance to read and review!  It's a wonderful story.

Edit:  Updated cover image 02-02-14

Review: Two of a Kind by Susan Mallery

From Goodreads:

New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery welcomes readers back to Fool's Gold,
where a one-time fling could become the real thing...

Felicia Swift never dreamed she'd hear a deep, sexy voice from her past in tiny Fool's Gold, California. The last time Gideon Boylan whispered in her ear was half a world away...on the morning after the hottest night of her life. Her freaky smarts have limited her close friendships, and romance, but she came to Fool's Gold looking for ordinary. Gorgeous, brooding Gideon is anything but that. 

Black Ops taught Gideon that love could be deadly. Now he pretends to fit in while keeping everyone at arm's length. Felicia wants more than he can give-a home, family, love-but she has a lot to learn about men...and Gideon needs to be the man to teach her. 

As these two misfits discover that passion isn't the only thing they have in common, they just might figure out that two of a kind should never be split apart.


My Review:

I finally took the time to read Two of a Kind by Susan Mallery (while recovering on the couch from too much sun and not enough water.)  I love Susan Mallery's novels.  I sometimes feel as if my Goodreads ratings don't actually reflect this.  I only give the 3 stars because they're still just fluffy romance that don't require a lot of thought or investment - they're a nice quick escape.  They follow a predictable plot line, generally without any huge surprises.  Two of a Kind followed this successful formula to a T.  If I could grant half stars in my ratings I would.  When you only have 5 stars to deal with, you're protective of the 4 & 5 star ratings.  This does not mean that I don't love her books.  She is, by far, one of my most favourite authors. 

Two of a Kind is the eleventh title in the Fool's Gold series.  Fool's Gold is a charming little town where everyone finds love and happiness.  The characters are lovable and the setting is sweet.  In Two of a Kind, we get to know Felicia better.  I believe she was introduced as a background character in the last book.  She's a slightly sexier version of Dr. Brennan of Bones fame.  She's smart - genius smart - and wants to find a place of her own while overcoming her social oddities.  She's absolutely loveable, intimidatingly intelligent, and stunningly beautiful all at once.   You can't hold it against her though, as she's not perfect, and you realise she hasn't lived a fairy-tale life.

Once upon a time, she had a one-night stand with Gideon, the mysterious voice we hear over the air waves as the late night radio host.  He was introduced earlier in the series as well.   He's ex-military and has had to face his own demons.  He's broody, handsome, and doesn't do long term relationships.  He doesn't want roots. 

Mallery throws in a twist that equals instant roots.  (Sorry, I try not to offer spoilers!)  The characters must wade their way through, risk their hearts, overcome their fears, and in the end, find the place to call home.  It's a nicely told novel of two not-quite-normal neighbours who find that they are loved and accepted for who they are, quirks and all.

It was a sweet, simple romance, perfect for a lazy Sunday afternoon.  Give it a go if you want a light read and enjoy Mallery's predictability (which I believe is what makes her books so darn lovable.)  Pass if you find sex scenes offensive - I think this might be one of her steamier tales. 

Review: Princess Charming by Nicole Jordan

From Goodreads:

In Nicole Jordan's dazzling new Regency series, the scandalous Wilde cousins seek true love by imitating history's legendary lovers... beginning with Ashton Wilde, Marquis of Beaufort, who takes on the daunting role of Prince Charming to an unlikely Cinderella.


My Review:

I'm not sure if I'm just not feeling historical romances this week or if I'm just lucking out on my selections, but Princess Charming by Nicole Jordan fell flat for me.  I almost returned it without reading, but trudged through just because I feel guilty giving up on a book.

This novel had potential.  It's a typical historical romance as a whole. The intimate scenes were awkward.  The romance was not very romantic at all.  He didn't seem to woo her.  I like to be wooed.  Basically, I liked the hero and heroine, but they needed a little more dimension. The story was okay, but it was missing something crucial.  I just didn't fall in love and I wasn't intrigued.  On a positive note, the prologue pulled some heartstrings and the Wilde family as a whole were absolutely loveable. I also enjoyed how much the heroine cared about her stepsisters and vice versa - no wickedness there.

In my humble opinion, if you're bored and can get a copy from the library, it wouldn't hurt to read - maybe I just missed the appeal.  Needless to say, I won't be continuing this series unless the remaining titles on my wishlist are unavailable.

Review: Still Waters by Tami Hoag

First, let me say that I was all set to read Susan Mallery's Two of a Kind this weekend, but I noticed a couple books on my Overdrive shelf about to expire and return to the library unread.  Can't have that now, can we?   So I squeezed in Tami Hoag:  Still Waters & Nicole Jordan:  Princess Charming.  
---------------------------

From Goodreads:

The deepest waters hide the darkest secrets....

When the body of a murdered man literally falls at Elizabeth Stuart's feet, she's able to wash away the blood--but not the terror. Unwelcome newcomers to Still Creek, Minnesota, she and her troubled teenage son are treated with suspicion by the locals, including the sheriff. Yet nothing will stop her from digging beneath the town's placid surface for the truth—except the killer.


My Review:

I typically enjoy Tami Hoag's novels as they perfectly combine elements of mystery, suspense, romance, and drama.  Still Waters was no exception.   I read the eBook version.  I won't rehash the plot & premise of the book, because honestly, if you read the publisher's blurb, you get the point anyhow.  

I enjoyed the feisty attitude of the female protagonist.  Although she was frustrated with her lot in life, but willing to do what it takes to start over.  She was deeply flawed, but had me cheering for her.  Unfortunately, the male protagonist was only so-so - he lacked "something" that kept me from falling in love. The cast of supporting characters had just enough depth to them to add layers to the plot without overtaking the story and confusing us to no end.  There are some dark & scandalous neighbours in this town.  

As to the storyline itself, I had suspicions regarding the "whodunnit," but was kept guessing through out.  Hoag threw in a couple twists that weren't entirely unexpected, but worked to keep things moving and keep you from getting comfortable in your assumptions.  

As this was originally written in 1992 (I was only 11!), the lack of modern technology stands out like the proverbial "sore thumb."  I always find older novels entertaining that way... the descriptors and such are so different from those of today. 

I recommend this as a quick read if you enjoy an easy mystery/romance combo.  Take a pass if you find coarse language and sexual themes offensive.

Review: Surrender by Amanda Quick

From Amazon:

From the dazzling ballrooms of glittering London society to magnificent, cursed estate in the distant wilds of Yorkshire, comes the deliciously wicked story of a thoroughly unconventional courtship—and a thrilling midnight rendezvous that could only lead to love... At four and twenty Victoria Huntington thought herself quite adept at fending off fortune hunters... until she came under siege from Lucas Colebrook, the darkly disturbing new Earl of Stonevale. Amidst the brightly plumed birds of the town, Lucas was a hawk. And when he held out the lure of moonlit rides and wild, reckless midnight escapades, Victoria found herself powerless to resist. But becoming Stonevale's companion in adventure was far more dangerous undertaking than Victoria could ever imagine. For the attractive Earl would use her every weakness to woo her, to win her, and ultimately to wed her. And soon the amber-eyed lady would find herself ensconced in a crumbling mansion deep in the English countryside... where the real reason for her hasty marriage becomes all too apparent...and where the ghosts of her dark-stained past are waiting to rise up in a terrifying plot that will threaten her life, her honor, and the only man she could ever love.

My Review:

This afternoon I finished Surrender by Amanda Quick.  I'm an avid fan of historical novels and don't mind the steamy, scandalous tales or the tamer variety that merely highlight the glitter, glamour and romance.  Surrender, however, fell short for me on both counts.  I struggled through it.  I generally enjoy Amanda Quick, but this one just didn't hold my attention.  

The story was predictable and the mystery wasn't very mysterious.  The hero & heroine didn't have a lot of depth.  I didn't dislike them, but I didn't love them either.  The plot and premise was much like other dime-a-dozen novels  (heroine needs money, seeks an heiress, heiress is curious & unconventional, heroine tries to woo and/or seduce her, seduction ends in scandal, someone is out to get one or the other, mystery resolves itself, they live happily ever after.)  The intimate scenes weren't necessary or romantic.   I don't mind intimate scenes, but these fell flat and, in my opinion, felt like they were added because it's expected.  I skimmed them, flipped ahead, and it had no bearing on the story as a whole.

I like my historicals fluffy enough for a quick escape or so multi-dimensional you have to immerse yourself in it.   Surrender should have been fluffy, but was actually a bit of a bore.  Seriously,  I fell asleep while reading the last chapters this afternoon while the boys were entertained with their LEGO Scholastic Readers.  I'm thrilled it was a borrowed library e-book.

I very much wish my first review on this blog was positive and happy.  Unfortunately, I wouldn't recommend this novel unless you're a huge Amanda Quick fan.  If you don't have access to anything better, give it a go; otherwise, just leave it on the shelf.

New Downloads: To-Read

Last week, Kobo started emailing coupons to me because they "..used to see (me) all the time."  The discount?  90%.   Unfortunately, the fine print seriously limited the selection and I couldn't apply the coupon to certain publishers (Hatchette, HarperCollins, Macmillan, Penguin, Simon & Schuster, Wiley, Zondervan, and all their subsidiaries).  This exclusionary clause meant I couldn't just pull titles off my to-read shelf and download.  There was a lot of trial and error while attempting to check out.   Fun times.  All worthwhile considering I didn't want to shell out actual money to read them.  Did I mention I had a $25 Kobo gift card from Santa that I've been hoarding since Christmas?  Free books... and I can read them at my leisure.

Here, in no particular order, are the titles I chose to download:

• Unfinished Business by Nora Roberts
• Icecutter's Daughter by Tracie Peterson
• The Lightkeeper's Daughter by Colleen Coble
• Sand Castle Bay by Sherryl Woods
• A Heart Most Worthy by Siri Mitchell
• The Best Man by Kristan Higgins
• The Forgotten Castles Trilogy by Jamie Carie

I'm not sure how I got so lucky, but any extra books on the bookshelf is a win.  Watch for reviews soon!