An enjoyable road-trip/adventure/rom-com in Brockway's trademark style, set in the early days of the 20th century (1908) in England and France.
There'sAn enjoyable road-trip/adventure/rom-com in Brockway's trademark style, set in the early days of the 20th century (1908) in England and France.
There's Lucy, a slightly zany heroine, who is a mildly successful singer of light operetta (Gilbert & Sullivan style). She lives with two elderly, eccentric spinster aunts, who play strong secondary roles in the story.
There's Ptolemy (Archie), a buttoned-up professor of the interesting new field of cultural anthropology. As a boy Archie was a bit of a wild one, but he's had all of the joy crushed out of him and is now a respectable academic, on the verge of receiving a high-profile position. He's also 'almost' engaged to a suitable young woman, although he's not in love with her.
Lucy and Archie's meet-cute is a funny and engaging scene. Then circumstances bring them together again, on a road trip to France, by way of the Island of Sark in the English Channel. Lucy's great aunts are also along for the ride, as well as a theatre colleague of Lucy's, a well-known and highly successful female impersonator. But somehow they get separated, and Lucy and Archie must travel alone together.
Road trips aren't usually a favourite trope of mine, but this one was full of fun and unexpected moments. As both parties head towards the denouement in a small French town, we see Lucy and Archie fall in love. We also see Lucy's elderly aunts coming out of their shells and blossoming. There are all sorts of funny adventures, along with a fifty-year-old secret love story, and a valuable cache of rubies dating from the Mutiny in India in the 1850s.
I really enjoyed this one. I don't always enjoy the rom-com style of HR, but something about Brockway's style appeals to me. Well worth the read....more
I was a little disappointed in this one. It was OK. I liked the Edwardian Age setting, but sadly I didn't really like the MFC, Diana. To me her life sI was a little disappointed in this one. It was OK. I liked the Edwardian Age setting, but sadly I didn't really like the MFC, Diana. To me her life seemed a little empty and meaningless. She enjoyed fashion, gossip, the social whirl. Fine. But there didn't seem to be much point or depth to her lifestyle. Her reasons for abruptly breaking off her engagement with Rupert also seemed a little unfair and lacking in empathy. She is judgmental and slow to understand or forgive.
Rupert, a soldier who had fought alongside Diana's late brother, Jem, at Mafeking in the Boer War, was perhaps a bit more likeable. He and Jem had been best friends, but only Rupert survived the battlefield and came home. It takes most of the book for the truth about the shadowy events of that time to be revealed.
The plot line was OK, if fairly straightforward and simple. But I kept waiting to start liking Diana, and I never did, really. So therefore, only 3 stars. If she was a more sympathetic character, it could have been a 4 star read. Oh well..... But at this point I'm not inclined to try the other two books in the trilogy. Maybe at some point? But not just now....more
3 to 3.5 stars. This book grew a little repetitive, sadly. The ending was nice, but it seemed to drag a bit in getting there. I didn't particularly li3 to 3.5 stars. This book grew a little repetitive, sadly. The ending was nice, but it seemed to drag a bit in getting there. I didn't particularly like Trix, the heroine. She felt indecisive and a bit weak to me, and it was a bit hard to see why William was still in love with her. I prefer my romance-reads heroines to have more self-knowledge and personal strength.
Trix had been raised under the thumb of a controlling and possessive father, after her mother scandalously ran off with another man and imploded the marriage. OK, it was understandable that as a result, Trix was nervous about stepping out of her comfort-zone. But I wanted her to mature a bit more quickly, and make some positive decisions for herself sooner than she did. Unfortunately, for most of the book, she kept second-guessing her relationship with William, and lacking the bravery to step into the future she really wanted. She almost always took the safe option, which I got at first, but for me it got a bit old when she just couldn't move on from that.
I did like the Edwardian period setting. William was an archaeologist (and a duke!) who was involved in the search for King Tutenkhamun's tomb in Egypt. All of this formed an interesting background, as did the lovely Cornwall setting of the house party. Unfortunately it wasn't enough to make me really love this book. It was a reasonable read, but for me nothing stellar. I had already read the second book in the series, Scandal of the Year, and really liked that one. I now plan to go on and read the third book, Trouble at the Wedding, and hope that it's as good as the second book was....more
3.5 stars. Another enjoyable book to conclude the trilogy. I read all three books back-to-back, and felt as if I knew the three sisters and the whole 3.5 stars. Another enjoyable book to conclude the trilogy. I read all three books back-to-back, and felt as if I knew the three sisters and the whole family quite well. I think it is probably a trilogy that's better read in order, to fully understand the sisters and their shenanigans.
I liked both MCs of this book: Douglas, the Scottish doctor, and Chastity, the youngest and only unmarried Duncan sister. I have to admit I would have liked a bit more overt romance between the two of them earlier in the book. Still, it was a pleasant read, as was the whole trilogy. My fav of the three was the first book, The Bachelor List, but they were all well worth reading. I will definitely go on and try other books by this author....more
3.5 to 4 stars. The second book in this Edwardian age trilogy about three clever and independent sisters. This one revolves around Prudence, and King'3.5 to 4 stars. The second book in this Edwardian age trilogy about three clever and independent sisters. This one revolves around Prudence, and King's Counsel Sir Gideon Malvern. The two dislike each other at first, but have to work together on a libel case involving the three sisters, which gradually draws them together. Their father is also indirectly involved in the case.
Whilst I did not perhaps enjoy this book quite as much as the first book, it was still a good read. I liked both Gideon and Prudence. The way the case was resolved was satisfying, and it was a fairly quick and straightforward read. I would not recommend it as a standalone, however. The father's storyline overlaps both books, and it might be a little confusing without having read the first one first. I think reading the books in order helps readers get to know the three sisters and the ins-and-outs of them and their family.
I plan to go straight on and read Chastity's story with her Scottish doctor, The Wedding Game.
This is a rollicking good adventure story/romance, set in Egypt in the early days of the twentieth century. The MFC, Ginesse, is the oldest child of HThis is a rollicking good adventure story/romance, set in Egypt in the early days of the twentieth century. The MFC, Ginesse, is the oldest child of Harry and Daisy, the heroes of As You Desire, a popular book I haven't yet read (but I will now). This one can easily stand alone, but for those who've already ready As You Desire, no doubt it would be a fun revisit with its glimpses of Harry and Daisy.
Ginny is not your usual HR heroine. She's full of spunk and attitude, with a bold outlook on life. At the same time, she's an appealing character, with integrity. She shows growth throughout the story. Jim is also a very appealing character, reminiscent of Indiana Jones himself. Not an archaeologist, but a brave and bold adventurer in an old-school kind of fashion. He also shows character growth through the book. Ginny and Jim are well-suited to each other.
I enjoyed this read, my first book by Connie Brockway. I liked its fast pace and the writing style which ranged from humorous to sexy to serious. I certainly intend to read more of her books....more
I enjoyed this historical romance set in the first decade of the twentieth century. It definitely has a different feel than the typical 19th or 18th cI enjoyed this historical romance set in the first decade of the twentieth century. It definitely has a different feel than the typical 19th or 18th century set books I usually read. There are a few motor cars (!) for one thing! But sadly at this time, the laws relating to marriage were still very old-fashioned, and limited women to quite a powerless role in their own lives.
The plot of this book is not your typical HR plot. The hero is very likeable - a man of integrity and honour. At first the divorcee heroine seems a little too abrasive and brash for the very nice hero. But the horrid experiences of her marriage clearly led her to make some of the decisions she made, and as a reader you feel deep sympathy for her life and her choices.
I haven't read much by Ms Guhrke, but I now intend to search out and explore her back list, as this one was a really good read.
I read this book for the Historical Romance Book Club 'Romance Across the Ages' Challenge, January 2024, 'Edwardian period'....more
3.5 to 4 stars. In the end, a sweet romance. The Edwardian setting was quite enjoyable - I haven't read too many books set in this period, but the set3.5 to 4 stars. In the end, a sweet romance. The Edwardian setting was quite enjoyable - I haven't read too many books set in this period, but the setting was done well.
The romance took a while to really get going, because Evie is already engaged to another man, and the book takes its time disengaging Evie from her fiancé and allowing her time to really fall in love with Jamie. It was done believably, but did slow the pace of the book somewhat.
I did not really enjoy the plot point about them wanting to break into the British Museum (this is all in the blurb so not a spoiler). I'm a bit of a goody-two-shoes rule follower, and this section made me uncomfortable. I feel as if Ms Ashley can do better with the plotting than this.
There were plenty of revisits with Jamie's family, including Beth and Ian, which was nicely done (for those who've read the earlier books). And at the end it's revealed that Ms Ashley intends to write more books about this next-gen group of Edwardian-era Mackenzies, all with guaranteed HEAS, which will be nice. One of Jamie's sisters will be next.
So an enjoyable read and I recommend it, especially to those who've liked other books in the series. The characters were good, although for me the plot was not fully to my taste and the pacing was a bit too slow. So not quite as good as some of the excellent earlier books, but still well worth reading....more
2.5 to 3 stars, maybe? This book was a little too odd for me. It's kind of a spin-off from the Deverells series (which I recently read and enjoyed), b2.5 to 3 stars, maybe? This book was a little too odd for me. It's kind of a spin-off from the Deverells series (which I recently read and enjoyed), but the link is fairly tenuous, and it's pretty much a standalone book.
There is a big mystery in the book, which isn't resolved till the very end. Not my usual kind of read. There was definitely a clear romance element, but too much was based around the mystery, which isn't really my preferred type of read.
There was also a strong paranormal or supernatural element in the book, and it's not the style of book I'm used to reading - HR/mystery combined wth paranormal.
I was left a little confused at the end of the book. The solution to the mystery left me unclear as what exactly had happened. Without spoilers, I did kind of get it but felt a little foggy on some of the details. An interesting idea and a complete surprise to me. Maybe I would appreciate the whole thing more on a second read.
So this one wasn't really a winner for me. Still, I will definitely read more by this author....more
Constance and Max were both strong and interesting personalities who were well-suited to each other. Both were strong enough to be able to stand up foConstance and Max were both strong and interesting personalities who were well-suited to each other. Both were strong enough to be able to stand up for themselves to the other. They went from attraction to an affair to completely falling in love.
I enjoyed this Edwardian-era romance. The suffragism theme was present, but didn't proselytise, which was good. i don't enjoy HRs that preach at their readers. In this one it was part of the times, and part of Con and Max's area of initial disagreement. I liked how the writer showed that they could both learn to compromise without giving up their beliefs and values. Their love affair was depicted well too - both sexy and romantic.
I enjoyed this, my first read by this author. I was pleasantly surprised, and not sure why I haven't tried her books before. I intend to read the other books in this trilogy, and perhaps others by this author too.
BTW the title of this book is odd and doesn't really reflect the book. There is a matchmaking element, but no actual bachelor list. Hmmm. Oh well, I still enjoyed the read....more
3.5 stars. An interesting read. Not your typical HR by any means. Yes, there is a romance running through the whole book. But it's also kinda like one3.5 stars. An interesting read. Not your typical HR by any means. Yes, there is a romance running through the whole book. But it's also kinda like one of those big historical saga books. An epic read taking place over approx the years 1910-1913, in England and the US. It includes some real historical events that the protagonists are caught up in. It also sees both H and h go through some incredibly dramatic personal experiences, both separately and together.
Quite a large part of this book is about women's suffrage during that period. Women in both England and California, fighting for women's freedom and for their right to vote. It is historically interesting and dramatic. We owe so much to women like them who fought for what we today take for granted. It's hard to imagine the kind of paternalistic world they lived in back then. But Ms Fanetti has obviously done her research, and her depictions of both the horrible and the noble things that took place, have the ring of truth about them. Ms Fanetti also explores the ramifications of mental illness and its weird 'treatments' in those days. Some of it is quite terrifying!
Within this huge historical canvas, the story of William and Nora takes place. Lady Nora Tate is young, naive, and passionate about life. The daughter of an earl from an ancient English bloodline, she grew up in an enlightened household. Her father encouraged her to pursue her intellectual curiosity. Until now she is of age and is suddenly expected to do the right thing - become a 'proper lady' and marry a 'suitable' man. Suddenly her intellectual freedom is gone. She must dress, act, think like a 'lady'. And Nora hates it. Hates the constraints of her corsets, and of the mental chains around her now. She can no longer express her own opinions on anything, unless they fall within the narrow range of what is 'proper'.
William Frazier is from California. A friend of Nora's brother, he is in England on business. William's father is a wealthy, self-made entrepreneur who owns a US railway company. William's mother and aunt are independent, strong women who are both suffragettes in California, working to get their state to allow women to vote.
William and Nora are attracted to each other from the start. They fall in love, but, without wanting to give spoilers, they are forced to be separated for a period of time.
For a while we follow William and Nora's separate stories. During this section, Nora's life particularly becomes very difficult. She too becomes involved in women's suffrage (in England) and she goes through some very dramatic experiences.
Eventually the lovers are reunited, but the drama isn't over yet. They get caught up in some incredible and dramatic experiences that will mark them both for life. But, together they are stronger.
So, this isn't my usual type of read. And in fact it wasn't really what I was expecting. I have loved some of Ms Fanetti's other books, but this one isn't a going to be a fav. I'm not really a fan of the big saga style of book. The historical stuff was interesting, in fact fascinating at times. But perhaps it dominated a bit too much for my taste. Yes, the romance element was clear and went right through the book. But I felt as if Ms Fanetti's usual strong characterisation was a bit lacking. Especially in the first part of the book, William and Nora felt a little flat to me. They didn't seem like real people I wanted to know and care about. It was just, oh yeah, this happened. Oh, that happened. OK. etc.
They did feel more real as the book proceeded, and especially the later parts of the book became more gripping and involving. But on the whole I think my problem with the book is that my reactions were often more intellectual than emotional. At times I felt, ooh, that bad thing happened. Oh, that's bad. Whereas I should have been feeling OMG THAT HAPPENED OH NO!!!!!!!
I think part of the problem is that Ms Fanetti worked hard to capture the voice of the times - people of Nora's class spoke in a more formal manner than they do today. And maybe somehow the formality translated into making the characters a little too wooden. It's a fine line, but it didn't *quite* work for me.
I would read more of Ms Fanetti's HRs should she choose to write more, but hopefully future books would have more vivid characters, and perhaps a little less overwhelming historical detail.
So, 3.5 star - sitting between I *liked* and I *really liked*. It's worth a read, but not my fav Fanetti book....more