Love Finds You in Lahaina, Hawaii
Bodie Thoene
Summerside, Jun 2010, $12.99
ISBN: 978935416784
UCLA American History graduate student Sandi Smith goes to bed every night for the past four and a half years wondering whether her husband John is dead or a guest of the Viet Cong. The military list John as an MIA and though she prays for him, Sandi knows he probably will never come home and she will never know his fate. As part of the university sponsored history project she flies to Maui to meet with the oldest person on the island Auntie Hannah to discuss with the elderly woman what she recalls about the Kingdom of Hawaii royal family in the late nineteenth century.
Auntie Hannah provides more than just a verbal response to the visiting Californian: she provides insight as she attended school with Princess Kauliana in London; whimsicality remarking her last great cup of tea was in 1897. She gives Sandi journals that focus on the 1890s when her best friend and companion Crown Princess “barbarian princess” Kauliana of the Kingdom of Hawaii tried diligently to return the nation back to a monarchy. As rebellion stirs to become part of the United States, Scottish missionary Andrew arrives on Lahaina leaving the Princess with difficult choices to make; just like Sandi must do on a lesser scale now that she has met Archie.
This is a great historical romance with a strong historiographic spin and a terrific Royal Flush twist. With a strong sense of place and eras (the 1890s and 1973), this character driven by the lead females in the two periods provide the audience with an excellent entry in the Love Finds You series.
Harriet Klausner
Friday, June 4, 2010
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Her Abundant Joy-Lyn Cote
Her Abundant Joy
Lyn Cote
Avon, Jun 1 2010, $12.99
ISBN: 9780061373428
In 1846 Galveston, Texas, German immigrants are stranded because all the freight wagons that work the docks are near the Rio Grande supplying the cavalry in anticipation of war with Mexico over Texas becoming an American territory. Texas Ranger Carson Quinn arrives in town to find chaos as the hundred Germans are clogging the streets with no place to go.
Carson arranges for them to stay one night in an empty warehouse. He offers to lead them with most on foot to the Hill Country land they purchased. Anything they cannot carry is stored in Galveston. Carson warns them of the danger of the trek insisting some will die. He directs anyone fourteen and over regardless of gender to vote. Herr Heller slaps his servant widow Mariel Wolffe informing her she like his wife will vote to go. On the journey Carson and Muriel fall in love, but neither trusts the other gender with their heart; as he was hurt by a woman he cherished and she fled Germany due to the shame of what her late husband did.
The grueling trek across Texas during the beginning of the Mexican War provides a powerful backdrop to the latest Star of Destiny historical romance (see The Desires of Her Heart and her Inheritance Forever). The lead couple is a nice pairing of two intrepid souls who because of their respective last relationship have misgivings about love and the other gender. The support cast, especially the German immigrants; and to a lesser degrees family like Sugar and adversaries such as a poisonous snake (readers will be squeamish with that vivid scene), Santa Ana’s army and the Comanche augment a strong mid nineteenth century tale with a great late twist.
Harriet Klausner
Lyn Cote
Avon, Jun 1 2010, $12.99
ISBN: 9780061373428
In 1846 Galveston, Texas, German immigrants are stranded because all the freight wagons that work the docks are near the Rio Grande supplying the cavalry in anticipation of war with Mexico over Texas becoming an American territory. Texas Ranger Carson Quinn arrives in town to find chaos as the hundred Germans are clogging the streets with no place to go.
Carson arranges for them to stay one night in an empty warehouse. He offers to lead them with most on foot to the Hill Country land they purchased. Anything they cannot carry is stored in Galveston. Carson warns them of the danger of the trek insisting some will die. He directs anyone fourteen and over regardless of gender to vote. Herr Heller slaps his servant widow Mariel Wolffe informing her she like his wife will vote to go. On the journey Carson and Muriel fall in love, but neither trusts the other gender with their heart; as he was hurt by a woman he cherished and she fled Germany due to the shame of what her late husband did.
The grueling trek across Texas during the beginning of the Mexican War provides a powerful backdrop to the latest Star of Destiny historical romance (see The Desires of Her Heart and her Inheritance Forever). The lead couple is a nice pairing of two intrepid souls who because of their respective last relationship have misgivings about love and the other gender. The support cast, especially the German immigrants; and to a lesser degrees family like Sugar and adversaries such as a poisonous snake (readers will be squeamish with that vivid scene), Santa Ana’s army and the Comanche augment a strong mid nineteenth century tale with a great late twist.
Harriet Klausner
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Dane-Elizabeth Amber
Dane
Elizabeth Amber
Kensington Aphrodisia, Jun 2010, $14.00
ISBN: 9780758241283
In 1880 Rome, the Council orders tracker Dane Satyr to marry a human immediately. He would prefer not to, but understands what the Sickness does to his kind. Thus he puts aside his mission to hunt down illegal demonic immigrants crossing the barrier from ElseWorld; in order to visit the marriage broker who has found human spouses for some of his seemingly happily married peers. Thus Dane plans to hire Eva Delacorte to find him a wife.
Dane and Eva are instantly attracted to one another. However, she has a secret that if revealed could cause death to both of them. As they fall in love while she seeks the ideal mortal for her beloved, he searches for a sex slave mob buying and selling in European high society while enemies plot to use his Achilles’ weakness to destroy his heart and ultimately him.
The latest Lords of Satyr historical romantic fantasy (see Nicholas, Raine, Lyon) moves forward the era from Regency to late Victorian with a refreshing female satyr. Fast-paced as always, the love and passion between the fully developed satyrs may prove lethal to both. Elizabeth Amber provides a wonderful brisk entry that expands her ElseWorld mythos.
Harriet Klausner
Elizabeth Amber
Kensington Aphrodisia, Jun 2010, $14.00
ISBN: 9780758241283
In 1880 Rome, the Council orders tracker Dane Satyr to marry a human immediately. He would prefer not to, but understands what the Sickness does to his kind. Thus he puts aside his mission to hunt down illegal demonic immigrants crossing the barrier from ElseWorld; in order to visit the marriage broker who has found human spouses for some of his seemingly happily married peers. Thus Dane plans to hire Eva Delacorte to find him a wife.
Dane and Eva are instantly attracted to one another. However, she has a secret that if revealed could cause death to both of them. As they fall in love while she seeks the ideal mortal for her beloved, he searches for a sex slave mob buying and selling in European high society while enemies plot to use his Achilles’ weakness to destroy his heart and ultimately him.
The latest Lords of Satyr historical romantic fantasy (see Nicholas, Raine, Lyon) moves forward the era from Regency to late Victorian with a refreshing female satyr. Fast-paced as always, the love and passion between the fully developed satyrs may prove lethal to both. Elizabeth Amber provides a wonderful brisk entry that expands her ElseWorld mythos.
Harriet Klausner
The Irish Warrior-Kris Kennedy
The Irish Warrior
Kris Kennedy
Zebra, Jun 1 2010, $5.99
ISBN: 9781420106534
In 1295 in Northern Ireland, the O’Fail King sent his chief advisor warrior Finian O’Melaghlin to meet with the English Lord Rardove to learn what treachery the evil one plots. The fear is that Rardove schemes to use the legendary Wishme dye. Showing his true colors, Rardove imprisons Finian, has him tortured and threatens to kill his men if he fails to provide the dye making manual.
Rardove’s betrothed English merchant Senna de Valery arrives as directed by her future husband. Hoping to escape the bonds of her evil fiancé, she poisons him and frees Finian. They flee together knowing they need one another to survive the wrath of their mutual enemy. As they fall in love, he vows to keep his rescuer safe, but is unaware just who she is and why so many stalk Senna.
The lead couple makes for an exciting action-packed medieval romance in which the Wishme dye formula brings an economic fresh spin to the plot. Fast-paced from the moment the aptly named Senna arrives at Rardove’s encampment, readers will enjoy this exhilarating late thirteenth century historical wondering why men seek to own the heroine.
Harriet Klausner
Kris Kennedy
Zebra, Jun 1 2010, $5.99
ISBN: 9781420106534
In 1295 in Northern Ireland, the O’Fail King sent his chief advisor warrior Finian O’Melaghlin to meet with the English Lord Rardove to learn what treachery the evil one plots. The fear is that Rardove schemes to use the legendary Wishme dye. Showing his true colors, Rardove imprisons Finian, has him tortured and threatens to kill his men if he fails to provide the dye making manual.
Rardove’s betrothed English merchant Senna de Valery arrives as directed by her future husband. Hoping to escape the bonds of her evil fiancé, she poisons him and frees Finian. They flee together knowing they need one another to survive the wrath of their mutual enemy. As they fall in love, he vows to keep his rescuer safe, but is unaware just who she is and why so many stalk Senna.
The lead couple makes for an exciting action-packed medieval romance in which the Wishme dye formula brings an economic fresh spin to the plot. Fast-paced from the moment the aptly named Senna arrives at Rardove’s encampment, readers will enjoy this exhilarating late thirteenth century historical wondering why men seek to own the heroine.
Harriet Klausner
A Knight's Enchantment-Lindsay Townsend
A Knight's Enchantment
Lindsay Townsend
Zebra, Jun 1 2010, $5.99
ISBN: 9781420106978
In 1210 England, Bishop Thomas holds the father of Joanna of Glastonbury prisoner. If Joanna the alchemist wants to see her dad live, she will create an eternal life elixir. Insulted as a puffer by the Bishop’s cruel men Joanna pans for gold, a necessary ingredient in the elixir she is brewing.
Sir Hugh Manahill learns the Bishop has captured his brother David. He attempts to ransom his sibling, but is not only insulted by the Bishop, he demands relics he accuses David of stealing. The Bishop orders his men to incarcerate Sir Hugh. He flees but hauls Joanna with him hoping she is an exchange chip to free his brother. Instead the pair realizes a mutual loathing of the Bishop who has their respective loved ones held in captivity and a strong attraction to one another. They team up with resolve to free her father and his brother, and send odious Bishop Thomas to the eternal life in hell he deserves.
This superb medieval romance is a very invigorating brisk thriller due to the strong background as the church and state interweave like a DNA helix to the chagrin of those unfortunates caught at the nodal points of abused power. Brother Thomas is as vile a villain one will encounter in a thirteen the century historical like Chaucer’s Pardoner but nastier, he would sell souls if he could. His opposite is the lead couple who are courageous and fortified by their love for each other as they risk their freedom to rescue their confined loved ones.
Harriet Klausner
Lindsay Townsend
Zebra, Jun 1 2010, $5.99
ISBN: 9781420106978
In 1210 England, Bishop Thomas holds the father of Joanna of Glastonbury prisoner. If Joanna the alchemist wants to see her dad live, she will create an eternal life elixir. Insulted as a puffer by the Bishop’s cruel men Joanna pans for gold, a necessary ingredient in the elixir she is brewing.
Sir Hugh Manahill learns the Bishop has captured his brother David. He attempts to ransom his sibling, but is not only insulted by the Bishop, he demands relics he accuses David of stealing. The Bishop orders his men to incarcerate Sir Hugh. He flees but hauls Joanna with him hoping she is an exchange chip to free his brother. Instead the pair realizes a mutual loathing of the Bishop who has their respective loved ones held in captivity and a strong attraction to one another. They team up with resolve to free her father and his brother, and send odious Bishop Thomas to the eternal life in hell he deserves.
This superb medieval romance is a very invigorating brisk thriller due to the strong background as the church and state interweave like a DNA helix to the chagrin of those unfortunates caught at the nodal points of abused power. Brother Thomas is as vile a villain one will encounter in a thirteen the century historical like Chaucer’s Pardoner but nastier, he would sell souls if he could. His opposite is the lead couple who are courageous and fortified by their love for each other as they risk their freedom to rescue their confined loved ones.
Harriet Klausner
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Driftwood Lane-Denise Hunter
Driftwood Lane
Denise Hunter
Thomas Nelson, Jul 6 2010, $14.99
ISBN: 9781595548009
In St. Louis, as Meredith Ward inspects a restaurant, attorney Edward Thomas calls her to inform her that her dad T.J. and his second wife Eva died in a boating accident off Nantucket a couple of weeks ago. Estranged from her dad for years, Meredith is stunned to learn the couple named her guardian of their three children. She never even knew she had step-siblings and the only other person capable of caring for them, Eva’s brother Uncle J remains out of contact.
Meredith immediately drops everything to go to the Summer Place Bed and Breakfast on Nantucket to care for her siblings. Her angry thirteen year old sister Noelle wants her to leave. Her brother ten year old Max supports Noelle while seven years old Ben is a bit more welcoming of a big sister whom none of them ever met before, but the trio prefers Uncle J.
Jake Walker finally finds a computer in the Georgia wilderness. He reads his niece’s frantic emails informing him of the deaths and claiming Meredith is control freak crazy; he fears she may have inherited her mom’s illness. He heads to Nantucket where he conceals who he is from Meredith as he plans to prove she is incompetent while posing as a handyman she hires as the B&B needs repair. As they fall in love, his masquerade and her desire for whoever is best for the kids appear to be family breakers.
The fourth Nantucket Love Story (see The Convenient Groom, Surrender Bay and The Seaside Letters) is a strong drama as the quintet struggle to forge a new family dynamic. Each of the five principle players are fully drawn as the adults and kids have different issues and fears. Although the ending feels sweetly abrupt, fans of the series will enjoy this fine family drama as Denise Hunter provides a warm tale.
Harriet Klausner
Denise Hunter
Thomas Nelson, Jul 6 2010, $14.99
ISBN: 9781595548009
In St. Louis, as Meredith Ward inspects a restaurant, attorney Edward Thomas calls her to inform her that her dad T.J. and his second wife Eva died in a boating accident off Nantucket a couple of weeks ago. Estranged from her dad for years, Meredith is stunned to learn the couple named her guardian of their three children. She never even knew she had step-siblings and the only other person capable of caring for them, Eva’s brother Uncle J remains out of contact.
Meredith immediately drops everything to go to the Summer Place Bed and Breakfast on Nantucket to care for her siblings. Her angry thirteen year old sister Noelle wants her to leave. Her brother ten year old Max supports Noelle while seven years old Ben is a bit more welcoming of a big sister whom none of them ever met before, but the trio prefers Uncle J.
Jake Walker finally finds a computer in the Georgia wilderness. He reads his niece’s frantic emails informing him of the deaths and claiming Meredith is control freak crazy; he fears she may have inherited her mom’s illness. He heads to Nantucket where he conceals who he is from Meredith as he plans to prove she is incompetent while posing as a handyman she hires as the B&B needs repair. As they fall in love, his masquerade and her desire for whoever is best for the kids appear to be family breakers.
The fourth Nantucket Love Story (see The Convenient Groom, Surrender Bay and The Seaside Letters) is a strong drama as the quintet struggle to forge a new family dynamic. Each of the five principle players are fully drawn as the adults and kids have different issues and fears. Although the ending feels sweetly abrupt, fans of the series will enjoy this fine family drama as Denise Hunter provides a warm tale.
Harriet Klausner
The Homecoming-JoAnn Ross
The Homecoming
JoAnn Ross
Signet, Jul 6 2010, $7.99
ISBN: 9780451230676
Former Navy SEAL Sax Douchett survived being wounded and alone presumed dead by his mates as the Taliban assassins went after him in the Hindu Kush region. He survived, but even more harrowing was his few weeks of “incarceration” at Bethesda Naval Hospital. Finally he is allowed to return home to Shelter Bay, physically healed but mentally questionable as he still suffers flashbacks.
While walking with his dog Velcro, the Irish Wolfhound mutt deposits a human bone at his feet. As he thinks of the fickle finger of fate, Widow Sheriff Kara Conway receives the dispatcher’s excited call re his dog finding the bone. Kara is upset as she left the Oceanside PD to raise her eight years old son Trey in a safe environs following the death of his dad her beloved Jared in the line of duty as a cop handling a domestic dispute. As she works the case, someone wants the inquiry ended. At the same time Kara and Sax fall in love; he knows he loved her as a teen and never stopped while she has a list of reasons not to get involved with the middle Douchette sibling starting with Trey though Sax is so good with her son.
The Shelter Bay police procedural romantic suspense stars two likable lead characters and a strong support cast which obviously including Kara’s son; but also SEALs, the memory of Jared, and the townsfolk. The investigative story line is character driven by Kara and Sax who have a myriad of reasons for not getting involved.
Harriet Klausner
JoAnn Ross
Signet, Jul 6 2010, $7.99
ISBN: 9780451230676
Former Navy SEAL Sax Douchett survived being wounded and alone presumed dead by his mates as the Taliban assassins went after him in the Hindu Kush region. He survived, but even more harrowing was his few weeks of “incarceration” at Bethesda Naval Hospital. Finally he is allowed to return home to Shelter Bay, physically healed but mentally questionable as he still suffers flashbacks.
While walking with his dog Velcro, the Irish Wolfhound mutt deposits a human bone at his feet. As he thinks of the fickle finger of fate, Widow Sheriff Kara Conway receives the dispatcher’s excited call re his dog finding the bone. Kara is upset as she left the Oceanside PD to raise her eight years old son Trey in a safe environs following the death of his dad her beloved Jared in the line of duty as a cop handling a domestic dispute. As she works the case, someone wants the inquiry ended. At the same time Kara and Sax fall in love; he knows he loved her as a teen and never stopped while she has a list of reasons not to get involved with the middle Douchette sibling starting with Trey though Sax is so good with her son.
The Shelter Bay police procedural romantic suspense stars two likable lead characters and a strong support cast which obviously including Kara’s son; but also SEALs, the memory of Jared, and the townsfolk. The investigative story line is character driven by Kara and Sax who have a myriad of reasons for not getting involved.
Harriet Klausner
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)