I read some absolutely wonderful books this past month that I’ll rave about presently, but after a wave of hits, I ran into a string of misses. Most of them were books I felt I should read—they had received critical acclaim or were written by respected authors—but they failed to capture my attention, or more importantly, my heart. Despondent, I remembered I was behind in Cathy Maxwell’s latest series, “The Gambler’s Daughters.” I opened the middle volume, ONE DANGEROUS NIGHT, and was instantly enchanted. Ms. Maxwell gives us everything we want in a romance novel: strong main characters whose hearts are always in the right place even when they sometimes make silly decisions, (Don’t climb into a cart for a ride when your feet hurt too much to keep walking, Elise, even if the driver seems like a kindly grandfather!) complicating plot turns that thwart the main characters’ best intentions, (Why do carriages always overturn in the rain?!) and breathtakingly sizzling passion between two heroes we want desperately to realize they’re meant to be together. I loved getting to know Elise and Kit and watching them grow individually and together, and I both sped towards and dreaded reaching the end of the book. Thank goodness there’s a third volume still to read! Icing on the cake: delightful Irish proverbs at the start of each chapter including the wise: God is good, but never dance in a small boat. Thank you, Cathy Maxwell!
Now back to my month’s other great reads. First and foremost: Sarah MacLean, I bow down before your newest achievement. THESE SUMMER STORMS grabbed my attention and refused to let go. Alice Storm is returning to her family’s privately owned and aptly named Storm Island in the wake of her tyrannical father’s (that would be the elder Mr. Storm) unexpected death. Dad’s lackey, Jack Dean, is there to oversee the patriarch’s final instructions, and emotional “storms” rage among embittered family members as fierce summer storms batter the island. I loved every minute of THESE SUMMER STORMS and was sorry to reach the truly satisfying (and yes, romantic!) conclusion.
Storms also play a huge role in Beth O’Leary’s SWEPT AWAY. Due to a cleverly devised comical mix-up, two inebriated strangers stumble onto a houseboat they each believe they own. Neither one secures the moorings, however, and away the boat drifts while Zeke and Lexi sleep off their one-night stand’s drunken exhaustion. And drift it does, for days on end, without power, supplies, or navigational capabilities. Ms. O’Leary always delivers a strong love story amidst a complicated background, and SWEPT AWAY captured my heart romantically while leaving me literally breathless with fear at many points in the story. The sea is always a powerful adversary, but love is a worthy opponent.
Remember that silly old adage about familiarity? Well, true confession time. Familiarity with J.D. Robb’s Roarke only breeds deeper and deeper infatuation in this reader’s heart. Yes, I adore, admire, and respect Eve as well, but in this month’s FRAMED IN DEATH, Roarke is again there at every turn: providing wardrobe assistance, delicious coffee, hot breakfast, love for the silly cat, and unending support and strength as Eve battles a psychopathic artist intent on fame through murder. Never read one of J.D. Robb’s books before? I think you’ll have no problem sinking immediately into this volume’s suspenseful plot and falling as deeply for Roarke as I have.
Austen mania continues to sweep the world (December 16 will be her 250th birthday), and Madeline Bell has joined a talented group of writers capitalizing on Ms. Austen’s work with THE AUSTEN AFFAIR. Tess and Hugh don’t much like each other, but they’re forced to convince the world otherwise when they’re cast together in a film adaptation of Northanger Abbey. Then lightning (literally) strikes, and they find themselves back in the Regency period among Hugh’s actual ancestors who believe him their dead son miraculously returned from the Napoleonic wars. Given how much I truly enjoyed this debut novel (and was impressed by its clever conclusion), I look forward to more from this talented author.
Finally, I’m sure I’m not alone in treasuring a beautiful song that’s played prominently during some important moment of my life. SOUNDS LIKE LOVE, by Ashley Poston, has a song writer and musician end up with their thoughts entwined as a song plays itself into creation in their linked imaginations. This lovely book touches on stalled creativity, regret, family ties, the cruelty of dementia, and even coastal erosion, but at heart it’s a beautiful love story.
We are fortunate to live in a time with countless great reads available to us, and I’ll be back next month with more recommendations. Until then, take a second to check out my SECOND STANZA, guaranteed to grab your imagination and your heart.
Meg's friends during her high school years all expected her romance novels to hit the shelves decades ago, but she foolishly allowed "serious pursuits" to get in her way. Now that her beloved children can feed, clothe, and most importantly, support themselves, she's free to turn her attention to her first passion - putting words to paper that capture your attention and make your heart sing in quiet joy. Her stories tell most frequently of second chances--in life, love, and sometimes even at rediscovering a soul-mate from a previous life.
No comments posted.
© 2003-2026