Under This Unbroken Sky
Shandi Mitchell
Harper, Sep 82009, $25.99
ISBN: 9780061774027
In 1936 on the Canadian Prairie, Ukrainian immigrant Theo Mykolayenko is thrown in jail for two years for stealing. Worried about his family, Theo had purloined his own grain that was legally taken from him when he defaulted on a homesteading contract as he did not have the money to pay his eleven dollar debt three weeks before the harvest was due that would have enabled him pay his debt and more. He lost his home, barn, and farming tools.
Theo is most worried about his family as he remains behind bars for twenty months. His oldest son young teen Myron plows his paternal Aunt Anna’s fields to feed both families while his martinet Uncle Stefan is off with the military. As Theo comes home to his beloved wife Maria and their five children, abusive Stefan also comes home to a pregnant wife who wants nothing to do with her violent spouse. However Stefan has a scheme and soon two families are at risk.
This is a well written but bleak Canadian historical thriller with lucid lessons that apply to the immigration issue today. The story line is grim as survival is a 24/7 job on the harsh plains during the Depression and the law does not make life any easier. Althouhg not an easy read as Shandi Mitchell never gives readers a respite from the severity of surviving, UNDER THE UNBROKEN SKY is a deep dour drama.
Harriet Klausner
Friday, September 4, 2009
Love Is a Battlefield-Annalisa Daughety
Love Is a Battlefield
Annalisa Daughety
Barbour, Oct 2009, $10.97
ISBN 9781602604773
After being jilted at the altar, park ranger Kristy O'Neal has mixed feelings about returning to her job at Shiloh National Military Park. She knows her work will able her to move on from the disappointment, but also knows her peers will look at her with pity. The great outdoors wins out over hiding so Kristy returns to work not expecting another ranger in her position.
Ace Kennedy has arrived at Shiloh to work and research his ancestry. He is immediately attracted to Kristy, but tries to somewhat conceal his desire as he knows of her recent history. She feels the same about him, but one rejection is all she can handle at the moment. As they work together trying to uncover who is vandalizing the park, their peers try to match them up. Soon the fall in love, but her recent past and his qualms leave something permanent doubtful.
Although Ace and Kristy are caring but fearful soulmates, Shiloh steals the show as Annalisa Daughety catches the essence of the Civil War battlefield. The romance is entertaining though the path quite predicable even when the lead duo escort the audience around the National Military Park. Still “heartache to heartache we stand no promises, no demands LOVE IS A BATTLEFIELD” (Benatar) is an enjoyable contemporary.
Harriet Klausner
Annalisa Daughety
Barbour, Oct 2009, $10.97
ISBN 9781602604773
After being jilted at the altar, park ranger Kristy O'Neal has mixed feelings about returning to her job at Shiloh National Military Park. She knows her work will able her to move on from the disappointment, but also knows her peers will look at her with pity. The great outdoors wins out over hiding so Kristy returns to work not expecting another ranger in her position.
Ace Kennedy has arrived at Shiloh to work and research his ancestry. He is immediately attracted to Kristy, but tries to somewhat conceal his desire as he knows of her recent history. She feels the same about him, but one rejection is all she can handle at the moment. As they work together trying to uncover who is vandalizing the park, their peers try to match them up. Soon the fall in love, but her recent past and his qualms leave something permanent doubtful.
Although Ace and Kristy are caring but fearful soulmates, Shiloh steals the show as Annalisa Daughety catches the essence of the Civil War battlefield. The romance is entertaining though the path quite predicable even when the lead duo escort the audience around the National Military Park. Still “heartache to heartache we stand no promises, no demands LOVE IS A BATTLEFIELD” (Benatar) is an enjoyable contemporary.
Harriet Klausner
On These Silken Sheets-Sabrina Darby
On These Silken Sheets
Sabrina Darby
Avon, Sep 8 2009, $13.99
ISBN: 9780061780288
"Against the Wall.” Carolina vowed she would never marry Viscount Stanton although she loves him and his touch; she believes she would be better of wed to Lord Oakley or Sir Robert George.
"The Education of Lord Oakley." Lord Oakley may be heartbroken but recovers rather quickly when he meets a woman who has his heart thumping at Harridan House private club.
"Roses Are Rouge”. The mysterious owner of the Harridan House Lady Diana Blount only shows up at her house of depravity as the masked Rouge. She plans to never fall in love, but her heart fails to heed her head.
"A Maid for the Taking.” At Harridan House, Sir Robert decides have fun with the owner’s assistant Lucy, but never expected to fall in love
These four interrelated erotic Regency romances are hot fun for sub-genre fans.
Harriet Klausner
Sabrina Darby
Avon, Sep 8 2009, $13.99
ISBN: 9780061780288
"Against the Wall.” Carolina vowed she would never marry Viscount Stanton although she loves him and his touch; she believes she would be better of wed to Lord Oakley or Sir Robert George.
"The Education of Lord Oakley." Lord Oakley may be heartbroken but recovers rather quickly when he meets a woman who has his heart thumping at Harridan House private club.
"Roses Are Rouge”. The mysterious owner of the Harridan House Lady Diana Blount only shows up at her house of depravity as the masked Rouge. She plans to never fall in love, but her heart fails to heed her head.
"A Maid for the Taking.” At Harridan House, Sir Robert decides have fun with the owner’s assistant Lucy, but never expected to fall in love
These four interrelated erotic Regency romances are hot fun for sub-genre fans.
Harriet Klausner
Bed of Roses-Nora Roberts
Bed of Roses
Nora Roberts
Berkley, Oct 27 2009, $16.00
ISBN: 9780425230077
In Greenwich, Connecticut the four best friends (Mac, Emma,Laurel, and Parker) used to play as children together pretending to be a bride. Now they run Vows, a wedding planning business together. Mac has met her forever English teacher, Carter Maguire (see VISION IN WHITE) to the elation of her BFFs as the couple is now engaged.
Florist Emma wonders if her long time buddy architect Jack Cooke is her forever man
as she thinks a lot about him. Deciding not to wait, Emma kisses Jack to his astonishment. Even more shocking, he wants more kisses from her as does the florist. As they fall in love, each has doubts as they fear the end of a wonderful friendship, but those kisses heat up New England.
The second Bride Quartet tale is a warm straightforward contemporary romance with no surprising twists or spins for readers. The story line is well written and entertaining as the lead couple from (BED OF ROSES and VSION IN WHITE) as well as the two remaining buddies from Vows seem real and make for a fun simplistic romance. Nora Roberts has handed out
to her readers two exquisite bouquets with two to go.
Harriet Klausner
Nora Roberts
Berkley, Oct 27 2009, $16.00
ISBN: 9780425230077
In Greenwich, Connecticut the four best friends (Mac, Emma,Laurel, and Parker) used to play as children together pretending to be a bride. Now they run Vows, a wedding planning business together. Mac has met her forever English teacher, Carter Maguire (see VISION IN WHITE) to the elation of her BFFs as the couple is now engaged.
Florist Emma wonders if her long time buddy architect Jack Cooke is her forever man
as she thinks a lot about him. Deciding not to wait, Emma kisses Jack to his astonishment. Even more shocking, he wants more kisses from her as does the florist. As they fall in love, each has doubts as they fear the end of a wonderful friendship, but those kisses heat up New England.
The second Bride Quartet tale is a warm straightforward contemporary romance with no surprising twists or spins for readers. The story line is well written and entertaining as the lead couple from (BED OF ROSES and VSION IN WHITE) as well as the two remaining buddies from Vows seem real and make for a fun simplistic romance. Nora Roberts has handed out
to her readers two exquisite bouquets with two to go.
Harriet Klausner
Thursday, September 3, 2009
The Hermitage-Sharon Sobel
The Hermitage
Sharon Sobel
Forever Regency (ImaJinn), Aug 15 2009, $14.00
ISBN: 9781933417530
In London of 1818, Miss Laurel Gardiner is attending her season but none of the men she meets are ones she wants to marry despite the fact she is being chased by titled males. She becomes friends with Penelope Croyden who was jilted by Robin Waltham, the Earl of Westbridge; they were neighbors and childhood friends whose families expected them to wed. However, Robby vanished without a word and Polite Society pitied pathetic Lady Penelope.
When Laurel returns home, she remains disturbed by Penelope’s heartbreak and decides to fix her friend up with the family hermit residing on their estate, Hermitage. Although he objects she tries to turn Robbie Darkwood into a gentleman in order for him to properly court Penelope, Laurel begins to realize she has feelings for the recluse. After consummating their love, Robbie informs Laurel he needs to leave to straighten out the mess he fostered when he ran away before He plans to return to commit to her when he returns if Laurel can handle his secret.
This is an elegant entertaining Regency romance starring am independent blue stocking heroine and a lost soul in a gender bending Pygmalion. Robin has secrets, but as he has previous done prefers to run away than to discuss what haunts his soul. Ironically he is an honorable person who feels scandalized by circumstances beyond his control while feeling remorse for what he did to Penelope but hope that he will be able to claim Laurel as his fair lady. Readers will enjoy Sharon Sobel’s provocative role reversal version of My Fair Lady.
Harriet Klausner
Sharon Sobel
Forever Regency (ImaJinn), Aug 15 2009, $14.00
ISBN: 9781933417530
In London of 1818, Miss Laurel Gardiner is attending her season but none of the men she meets are ones she wants to marry despite the fact she is being chased by titled males. She becomes friends with Penelope Croyden who was jilted by Robin Waltham, the Earl of Westbridge; they were neighbors and childhood friends whose families expected them to wed. However, Robby vanished without a word and Polite Society pitied pathetic Lady Penelope.
When Laurel returns home, she remains disturbed by Penelope’s heartbreak and decides to fix her friend up with the family hermit residing on their estate, Hermitage. Although he objects she tries to turn Robbie Darkwood into a gentleman in order for him to properly court Penelope, Laurel begins to realize she has feelings for the recluse. After consummating their love, Robbie informs Laurel he needs to leave to straighten out the mess he fostered when he ran away before He plans to return to commit to her when he returns if Laurel can handle his secret.
This is an elegant entertaining Regency romance starring am independent blue stocking heroine and a lost soul in a gender bending Pygmalion. Robin has secrets, but as he has previous done prefers to run away than to discuss what haunts his soul. Ironically he is an honorable person who feels scandalized by circumstances beyond his control while feeling remorse for what he did to Penelope but hope that he will be able to claim Laurel as his fair lady. Readers will enjoy Sharon Sobel’s provocative role reversal version of My Fair Lady.
Harriet Klausner
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Viking Heat-Sandra Hill
Viking Heat
Sandra Hill
Berkley, Sep 2009, $7.99
ISBN: 9780425230671
PH.D candidate, psychologist Joy Nelson knows it is the fault of her three older brothers as the tall female has been competing with them since she was twelve years old. She blames the “Three Muska-dopes” (Matt, Jerry and Tom) for her being in mud up to her eyeballs which is not easy to occur with her being just under six feet. Instead of going to Yale she is doing training in order to join the Navy SEALS as Matt was killed by Al-Qaeda while flying for the Air Force and the athletic amazon feels compelled to act.
She though her siblings were the king of testosterone, but she will soon learn they are not even royalty when it comes to male hormonal rages. Instead of SEALS training, somehow Joy finds herself back in 955 on the Norselands at a slave auction in which she is the product for sale. The Igorsson siblings Erland and Arniss buy her as a birthday present for their brother Brandr. Not used to a woman who can almost look him in the eyes, Brandr feels like a berserker when it comes to his new thrall who for Thor’s sake is driving him crazy with her insane notions of finding his Valkyrie side; for Odin’s sake he is a Viking warrior. However, as she brings a new “Hoo-yah” tradition to the Viking lore, they fall in love though she claims a woman belongs on top.
This is an entertaining entry in the Viking-SEAL time travel romance as the heroine brings joy to the world of Brandr the berserker in heat. The story line is lighthearted fun as Joy brings back modern day psychology theory to the tenth century Vikings. Although the plot is somewhat repetitious of previous entries, Penn State masters graduate Joy refreshes the tale with her beside manners as Sandra Hill provides an amusing entry to her delightful series.
Harriet Klausner
Sandra Hill
Berkley, Sep 2009, $7.99
ISBN: 9780425230671
PH.D candidate, psychologist Joy Nelson knows it is the fault of her three older brothers as the tall female has been competing with them since she was twelve years old. She blames the “Three Muska-dopes” (Matt, Jerry and Tom) for her being in mud up to her eyeballs which is not easy to occur with her being just under six feet. Instead of going to Yale she is doing training in order to join the Navy SEALS as Matt was killed by Al-Qaeda while flying for the Air Force and the athletic amazon feels compelled to act.
She though her siblings were the king of testosterone, but she will soon learn they are not even royalty when it comes to male hormonal rages. Instead of SEALS training, somehow Joy finds herself back in 955 on the Norselands at a slave auction in which she is the product for sale. The Igorsson siblings Erland and Arniss buy her as a birthday present for their brother Brandr. Not used to a woman who can almost look him in the eyes, Brandr feels like a berserker when it comes to his new thrall who for Thor’s sake is driving him crazy with her insane notions of finding his Valkyrie side; for Odin’s sake he is a Viking warrior. However, as she brings a new “Hoo-yah” tradition to the Viking lore, they fall in love though she claims a woman belongs on top.
This is an entertaining entry in the Viking-SEAL time travel romance as the heroine brings joy to the world of Brandr the berserker in heat. The story line is lighthearted fun as Joy brings back modern day psychology theory to the tenth century Vikings. Although the plot is somewhat repetitious of previous entries, Penn State masters graduate Joy refreshes the tale with her beside manners as Sandra Hill provides an amusing entry to her delightful series.
Harriet Klausner
Choices- Pamela Nowak
Choices
Pamela Nowak
Five Star, Sep 2009, $25.95
ISBN: 9781594148101
In 1876 Miriam Longstreet was attending boarding school back east when her parents notified her to come to their current home at Fort Randall in the Dakota Territory. She is stunned with what she finds with her family. Her martinet mom is addicted to laudanum and her father is totally occupied with his duty. Neither takes care of their six year old other daughter Franny
Miriam’s mom demands she marry Lieutenant Robert Wood while she just wants some time to adjust and to care for her neglected sibling. Private Jake Deakins assumes Miriam is the commanding officer’s new governess and treats her as an equal rather than the daughter of the C.O. They become friends and soon fall in love, but Wood abetted by Miriam’s mom intrudes starting with sending Jake on a suicide mission.
Courageous Miriam has CHOICES, but chooses to insure her sister is safe and her heart too although CHANCES are her mom and her mother’s ally will prevail. The gripping character driven plot hooks the audience from the moment Miriam gives up Denver for Fort Randall and never loosens that hold as misunderstandings and distrust are tools fostered by Wood and Harriet. Fans will appreciate Pamela Nowak’s engaging look at Reconstruction Era in the Dakotas.
Harriet Klausner
Pamela Nowak
Five Star, Sep 2009, $25.95
ISBN: 9781594148101
In 1876 Miriam Longstreet was attending boarding school back east when her parents notified her to come to their current home at Fort Randall in the Dakota Territory. She is stunned with what she finds with her family. Her martinet mom is addicted to laudanum and her father is totally occupied with his duty. Neither takes care of their six year old other daughter Franny
Miriam’s mom demands she marry Lieutenant Robert Wood while she just wants some time to adjust and to care for her neglected sibling. Private Jake Deakins assumes Miriam is the commanding officer’s new governess and treats her as an equal rather than the daughter of the C.O. They become friends and soon fall in love, but Wood abetted by Miriam’s mom intrudes starting with sending Jake on a suicide mission.
Courageous Miriam has CHOICES, but chooses to insure her sister is safe and her heart too although CHANCES are her mom and her mother’s ally will prevail. The gripping character driven plot hooks the audience from the moment Miriam gives up Denver for Fort Randall and never loosens that hold as misunderstandings and distrust are tools fostered by Wood and Harriet. Fans will appreciate Pamela Nowak’s engaging look at Reconstruction Era in the Dakotas.
Harriet Klausner
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