Rules of an Engagement.

Author: Suzanne Enoch

Genre: Historical-Regency Romance.

Format: Paperback.

Book 3 of 3 in the Adventurers' Club.

Synopsis from Goodreads.com:

For proper young ladies, good behavior has always been the rule...

Captain Bradshaw Carroway loves the seafaring life - though he'd rather be battling brigands than his current assignment of ferrying a boatload of spoiled aristocrats. One passenger, however, has caught his eye: a bewitching young minx who definitely distracts him from the rules of shipboard decorum . . .

Some rules, of course, are meant to be broken.

Miss Zephyr Ponsley has traveled the world, but she's completely innocent in the ways of love. She's never learned to dance or flirt. But scientific observation has taught her that the laws of attraction have no rules, and that no adventure, on land or sea, is more dangerous - or delicious - than passion!

My Review:

I'm not quite sure how to describe this book in a decent light, because I didn't like it very much. I probably should have taken a break from this author, but seeing as how this had been a decent trilogy so far, I decided to go ahead and finish it instead of having one last lingering book from this on my TBR list.

While there were all kinds of things I didn't like about this book, I think I would rather try to talk about the things I did like. Such as the adventure in this book. While it was a bit long of an excursion, I had to keep in mind the time period and the character's goals. Two of those characters, one being the botanist father of the heroine, and the heroine herself: Zephyr Ponsley. I was delighted to follow these two around and see the enthusiasm they had for their explorations and findings. Well, at least Zephyr seemed happy at first, but once Captain Carroway entered her life, she began to see another possible path for them both to take. Even though it seemed they truly hated each other at first. (Another aspect I actually liked.)

A Lady's Guide to Improper Behavior.

Author: Suzanne Enoch

Genre: Historical-Regency Romance.

Format: E-book.

Book 2 of 3 in the Adventurers' Club.

Synopsis from Goodreads.com:

The Rules:

A lady should always make polite conversation . . . 

Theresa Weller understands the rules of decorum, and is appalled when Colonel Bartholomew James disrupts a perfectly civilized dinner. This rude, insensitive man is the complete opposite of everything a gentleman should be—but with one searing kiss, Tess can think of no one else.

A lady should never lose her temper . . . 

Aggravated beyond bearing by a man who speaks his mind, Tess wishes there was a guide to men like Bartholomew. Surely, with such an assortment of handsome, polite suitors to choose from, Tess should not ache for him.

And a lady should never pursue a gentleman.

She invites him on carriage rides and dares him to dance, and almost makes him want to return to Society. Bartholomew knows Tess wants to be seen as a proper miss, but deep down, he knows she is precisely the sort to spark his desire . . . A most improper lady.

My Review:

Rarely do I read a series/trilogy so closely together, but I just couldn't wait to read the next book here. I loved the hero and heroine so much in the first book, I had to get to know the next two right away. There was one unexpected aspect about the hero that the synopsis does not mention: our dear hero is injured. He uses a cane. And he's becoming somewhat reclusive to society. Enter our sweet and caring heroine, and you have one endearing love story. But it's not like one of those ones that make you want to gag. It was also humorous and there was more going on than the synopsis leads on.

The Care and Taming of a Rogue.

Author: Suzanne Enoch

Genre: Historical-Regency Romance.

Format: E-book.

Book 1 of 3 in the Adventurers' Club.

Synopsis from Goodreads.com:

How to tell if a man is an unrepentant rogue:

1. He has no patience for frivolous debutantes
2. He kisses you after a single dance
3. He makes you forget yourself and kiss him back . . .

After years away from London, Captain Bennett Wolfe is back—and alive, much to Society's surprise. Having been presumed dead, this rugged adventurer is now much sought after by every marriage-minded young woman . . . but Bennett only has eyes for the intriguing Lady Phillipa Eddison.

Phillipa would rather read than flirt, but she does know a thing or two about proper courtship rituals. A gentleman does not kiss a lady senseless, and he certainly does not bring his pet monkey when he comes calling. Lady Phillipa's never been so scandalized . . . or tempted. She simply must teach Bennett some manners—before she succumbs to temptation as wild as the man who offers it.

My Review:

Before this book I had never read Suzanne Enoch before, but she was on my reading list for quite some time. I'm glad I finally decided to read this book. It was refreshingly humorous in all of the right places and I enjoyed the pace of the story - with all of its twists that actually didn't come until closer to the end. I didn't mind that one bit. In fact, I think it would have hurt the story had things unfolded differently or too quickly.

Jane Austen Related Mini-Reviews. (1-5 of 5.)

Last year I found myself wanting to explore Jane Austen as an author to try to see for myself why so many people seem to adore her, but I could never put my finger on why. I did come up with a satisfying answer for myself, not only was she witty, but her characters (the most popular one I found to be Mr. Darcy), like any good storyteller's would, had the power to ensnare. And yes, I have been thoroughly ensnared by that delightfully brooding, Mr. Darcy.

I've now found myself caught in the whole Jane-Austen-lover-for-life thing. Though to be honest, the only book I've read which was written by the lady herself, is Pride and Prejudice. I did go out and buy the Barnes & Noble edition of her complete books, and also the short story collection: Jane Austen Made Me Do It. Purchases in which I had absolutely no hesitations in making. I look forward to finally getting to them sometime this year.

I read five Jane-related books, you may notice a Darcy theme. And thankfully, finally, I am now getting around to sharing my thoughts on them:

The Nine Lives of Christmas. (Short Review)

Author: Sheila Roberts

Genre: Contemporary Romance.

Source: Library Book.

Rating: 2 out of 5.

Synopsis from Goodreads.com:

When a guy is in trouble, he starts making deals with his Creator…and Ambrose the cat is no exception. In danger of losing his ninth and final life, Ambrose makes a desperate plea to the universe. He’ll do anything—anything!—if he can just survive and enjoy a nice long, final life. His prayer is answered when a stranger comes along and saves him—and now it looks like he has to hold up his end of the bargain.

The stranger turns out to be a firefighter named Zach, who’s in need of some serious romantic help. If Ambrose can just bring Zach together with Merilee, the nice lady who works at Pet Palace, it’s bound to earn him a healthy ninth life. Unfortunately for Ambrose, his mission is a lot harder than he ever thought. Merriliee is way too shy to make the first move on a ladies man like Zach, and Zach thinks he’s all wrong for a nice girl like Merrilee. Now it’s going to take all of Ambrose’s feline wiles—and maybe even a good old fashioned Christmas miracle—to make them both realize that what they’re looking for is right in front of their eyes.

My Review:

To be honest, I'm not much of a contemporary romance fan. This was just okay to me. It wasn't a bad story actually, the author moved it along at a good pace without any filler, the characters were real enough, and Ambrose was so lovable. (But then, I am a sucker for any cat story, or any animal story, for that matter.) Merrilee was so sweet, and I saw a little of myself in her with her shyness. I was definitely rooting for her. And Zach, while I wasn't exactly swooning over him, he seemed like a nice enough guy for her.

The Sinner.

Author: Margaret Mallory

Genre: Historical Romance.

Source: Nook Book.

Rating: 3 out of 5.

Book 2 of 4 in the Return of the Highlander Series.

Synopsis from Goodreads.com:

Alex MacDonald is known for his skill as a warrior, his prowess with women, and his vow to never take a wife. But now his chieftain has asked him to make the ultimate sacrifice: wed Glynis MacNeil, a lass famed throughout the Highlands for her exquisite beauty-and defiant ways.

Familiar with heartbreak, Glynis refuses to fall for another handsome scoundrel. Yet when Alex's past sins force an unlikely union, Glynis gives in to temptation and becomes his wife. Will their new found passion be strong enough to fight the enemy that threatens their home, their clan, and their very lives?

My Review:
Much the same as with the first book in this series, while I was reading this I don't remember enjoying it that much, but, something definitely captivated me enough to bring me all the way through to the end. That something, is what I pin solely on our hero: Alex.

The Guardian.

Author: Margaret Mallory

Genre: Historical Romance.

Source: Nook Book.

Rating: 3 out of 5.

Book 1 of 4 in the Return of the Highlanders Series.

Synopsis from Goodreads.com:

After years of fighting abroad, Ian MacDonald comes home to find his clan in peril. To save his kin, he must right the wrongs from his past . . . and claim the bride he's long resisted.

As a young lass, Sileas depended on Ian to play her knight in shining armor. But when his rescue attempt compromised her virtue, Ian was forced to marry against his wishes. Five years later, Sileas has grown from an awkward girl into an independent beauty who knows she deserves better than the reluctant husband who preferred war to his wife. Now this devilishly handsome Highlander is finally falling in love. He wants a second chance with Sileas - and he won't take no for an answer.

My Review:
The thing about this novel, is that while I was reading it, I don't remember enjoying it that much. But, I couldn't: Put. It. Down. I don't know what it is about Scotland settings and men running around in kilts, and those men being described as tall and muscular and wielding dirks and swords, but goodness it certainly always catches my attention. Not to mention strong-willed heroines and that feeling of gah! how does this story turn out?!If I had to describe Ian to someone wanting to know more about him, I think I would say that he's certainly a fierce and deftly brave warrior, caring to those he loves, and, unfortunately, somewhat of a disappointing pig. Rarely am I so immediately turned off by the leading romance hero.

Seduce Me at Sunrise.

Author: Lisa Kleypas

Genre: Historical Romance.

Source: Personal Copy.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Book 2 of 5 in The Hathaways Series.

Synopsis from Goodreads.com:

Kev Merripen has longed for the beautiful, well-bred Winnifred Hathaway ever since her family rescued him from the brink of death when he was just a boy. But this handsome Gypsy is a man of mysterious origins—and he fears that the darkness of his past could crush delicate, luminous Win. So Kev refuses to submit to temptation…and before long Win is torn from him by a devastating twist of fate.

Then, Win returns to England…only to find that Kev has hardened into a man who will deny love at all costs. Meantime, an attractive, seductive suitor has set his sights on Win. It’s now or never for Kev to make his move. But first, he must confront a dangerous secret about his destiny—or risk losing the only woman he has lived for.

My Review:

I adored this story. So very much. Which is why I think as short a review as possible is the best way for me to go so I don't give away too much.

Kev, I think, was a very tortured hero, which is why I fell for him immediately. He was first introduced in this series in book one, I really liked him in that story because he was so mysterious. And when it was revealed that he was secretly in love with sweet, fragile Win - but thought he could never have her; my heart completely went out to him.

Mine Till Midnight.

Author: Lisa Kleypas

Genre: Historical Romance.

Source: Nook Book.

Rating: 3 out of 5.

Book 1 of 5 in The Hathaways Series.

Synopsis from Goodreads.com:

When an unexpected inheritance elevates her family to the ranks of the aristocracy, Amelia Hathaway discovers that tending to her younger sisters and wayward brother was easy compared to navigating the intricacies of the ton. Even more challenging: the attraction she feels for the tall, dark, and dangerously handsome Cam Rohan.

Wealthy beyond most men's dreams, Cam has tired of society's petty restrictions and longs to return to his "uncivilized" Gypsy roots. When the delectable Amelia appeals to him for help, he intends to offer only friendship--but intentions are no match for the desire that blindsides them both. But can a man who spurns tradition be tempted into that most time-honored arrangement: marriage? Life in London society is about to get a whole lot hotter.

My Review:
(Once again I found the synopsis on the misleading side, but not completely.)
I don't really know where to begin, I guess I will start with the hero. I only found one extremely interesting thing about Cam Rohan: He is a Gypsy. Before picking this book up, I had only read one book (that I remember) that had gypsy characters in it. Honestly, I wasn't that fond of them. I'm still not. But Cam Rohan, and a secondary character - Merripen, are exceptions. I love these two men. But right now I am only talking about Cam. Not to say that he was plain, or dull but, his being a gypsy the most interesting thing about him was because, I had never come across that in a regency romance before. I really liked that because it was different. He was a different type of character. Not some lord of the ton that would be easily scandalized and well, full of himself in a way. Cam was caring, gorgeous, (mostly) unrestricted in his ways, and intelligent.

Lady Isabella's Scandalous Marriage.

Author: Jennifer Ashley

Genre: Historical Romance.

Source: Personal Copy.

Rating: 3 out of 5.

Book 2 of 6 in the Highland Pleasures series.

Synopsis from Goodreads.com:

Six years ago, eighteen-year-old Lady Isabella Scranton scandalized all of London by eloping the night of her come-out ball with the notorious rake, Lord Mac Mackenzie. After three turbulent years of marriage, she scandalized London once again—this time by leaving him.

Now the reformed Mac has returned, and he wants one thing: Isabella back in his life, his house, his bed. He'll do anything he has to, play any game, as long as he gets her back. Isabella resists, but when she agrees to pose for erotic paintings he's been working on, she realizes her body has never stopped craving her husband’s very skilled touch. Mac is determined to show Isabella that he's a changed man, but three years without her has only increased his hunger for her.

When an ingenious forger with designs on Mac's paintings, and Isabella herself, comes dangerously near, Mac sets himself up as Isabella’s protector and vows to never leave her side, whether his independent and proud lady likes it or not.

My Review:
(Shame on whoever wrote that synopsis, painfully obvious what happens.)
Anyhoo. I'm just going to cut right to the chase on Isabella: I found her reluctance maddening, and at one point; selfish. Yet, understandable. I guess I felt that way towards her because I loved Mac so much. He was obviously trying so, so very hard to win back Isabella, but his own past reckless (and even more selfish) behavior, made her wary and distrusting of him.

The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie.

Author: Jennifer Ashley

Genre: Historical Romance.

Source: Library E-Book.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Book 1 of 6 in the Highland Pleasures Series.

Synopsis from Goodreads.com:

The year is 1881. Meet the Mackenzie family--rich, powerful, dangerous, eccentric. A lady couldn't be seen with them without ruin. Rumors surround them--of tragic violence, of their mistresses, of their dark appetites, of scandals that set England and Scotland abuzz.

The youngest brother, Ian, known as the Mad Mackenzie, spent most of his young life in an asylum, and everyone agrees he is decidedly odd. He's also hard and handsome and has a penchant for Ming pottery and beautiful women.

Beth Ackerley, widow, has recently come into a fortune. She has decided that she wants no more drama in her life. She was raised in drama--an alcoholic father who drove them into the workhouse, a frail mother she had to nurse until her death, a fussy old lady she became constant companion to. No, she wants to take her money and find peace, to travel, to learn art, to sit back and fondly remember her brief but happy marriage to her late husband.

And then Ian Mackenzie decides he wants her.

My Review:
I admit I find that synopsis not very attractive, but sometimes those can be so misleading. Which is why this book sat on my TBR list for quite some time. It made it on there in the first place because it is written by one of my favorite romance authors. I regret leaving it on that ever-growing list, because I simply loved this book.
Every once in a while I meet a character that really makes me feel something, that really makes me curious about them and how they got to be the way they are. Lord Ian Mackenzie is definitely one of those very intriguing characters.

The Christmas Secret: A Novella by Julia London.

(I originally wasn't going to post this review anywhere but on my goodreads, but I decided that since I am spotlighting Julia London today, I would go ahead and post this review here. This novella was only released as an e-book as far I know, and it takes place after The Year of Living Scandalously: a story about Declan's younger sister, Eireanne.)

The Beautiful Stranger.

Author: Julia London

Genre: Historical Romance.

Source: Nook Book.

Rating: 3 out of 5.

Book 3 of 4 in The Rogues of Regent Street Series.

Synopsis from the Author's Website:

Arthur would never forget that tragic day: Lord Phillip Rothembow, his cherished comrade, killed senselessly in a duel. In an attempt to clear his late friend's name, Arthur leaves behind England - and the woman who broke his heart - to journey to Scotland. How could he know that his travels would lead him to the most enchanting woman he has ever met?

Desperately fighting to hold on to the land her late husband lost in a foolish business venture, widowed Kerry McKinnon cannot believe that this beautiful stranger has come to seize her home and leave her to a horrible fate. Yet from the moment they meet, something powerful ignites between them. Theirs is a passion that is reckless, scandalous... and impossible to resist. But a shocking crime will force Kerry to flee with Arthur to England, where propriety rules, and where desire can show a world-weary rake that a life without love is the greatest scandal of all...

My Review:
I actually really liked this story, but, it was because of a part of the story that it didn't get that fourth star. I don't want to give it away because I think it was an important part that really sealed the hero and heroine together, so I will only say that it was just too dramatic a part for my tastes lately. Also, while I guess it kind of made sense, I didn't really find it necessary for something that extreme and serious to put them together.

The Ruthless Charmer.

Author: Julia London

Genre: Historical Romance.

Source: Personal Copy.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Book 2 of 4 in The Rogues of Regent Street Series.

Synopsis from Goodreads.com:

No woman could resist Julian Dane. Except Lady Claudia Whitney. Julian had known her since childhood, but the headstrong lass had grown into a beautiful woman. Julian vows to teach her everything he knows about passion. But Claudia, in her most innocent ardor, promises to challenge him to the most dangerous emotion of all: wild, all-consuming love.

The rogue met his match in the woman he was forced to wed.

My Review:
At first, I was a little put off on reading this book - because I didn't enjoy the first one all that much, but I really wanted to get to know Julian and Claudia after scamming over a couple of random pages.

Julian was known as a rake, of course (hence the title), and Lady Claudia was as much of a do-gooding lamb as they come. And I positively loved both of them.

Wicked.

Author: Shannon Drake.

Genre: Historical Romance, Mystery.

Source: Library Book.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Book one in the Regency Trilogy.

Synopsis from Goodreads.com:
The Earl was known as a beast.Camille Montgomery is aware of the wicked man's reputation. But as an expert in antiquities, she also knows his family's Egyptian artifacts are the finest in England. The problem is, her wayward stepfather knows this, too — and he's determined to steal them. So when he's caught in the act of robbing the so-called Beast of Carlyle, Camille must swallow her fear and boldly confront the man whose mask is said to hide a face too loathsome to behold.
The Earl of Carlyle has lived in the shadows ever since the suspicious death of his parents. But he's never stopped trying to unravel the mystery behind what he suspects to have been their murder. And now that the lovely Camille has stumbled into his life, he has the perfect pawn for his deadly game of vengeance and deceit. But in laying his ruthless trap, will he risk losing his own heart?

My Review:
I would have given this book five stars, except that the Earl's disfigurement was really disappointing. And if you know how big of a phantom of the opera fan I am, then you know that that's really something. LOL.
Disappointing hideous face aside, the Earl was quite likable. In fact, all of the characters were so perfectly likable or loatheable that I think I may have found a new favorite historical-romance author. I can hardly wait to find time to get to the next book in this trilogy. I actually have many of her books on my to-read list, but this was the first one I actually picked up. I am so glad it did not disappoint.
Also earning this only four stars, the romance was really a little flat for me. I didn't find it as exciting as the mystery that Camille and Brian (the Earl) were trying to solve. I think it moved rather too quickly, and I thought Camille was being a bit reckless in doing so, so soon. I only remember them having one serious talk together and then the next "night-meeting" they had, they were together. I would have liked to see their relationship develop a bit more and see more of an attraction between them.
I wasn't expecting all of the mystery in this book, I loved it. It was chilling and not overdone, and as usual is the case with me for killers, I was shocked to find out who it was. To be honest, I never really try to figure it out, to make the moment it is revealed that much better for myself. I do think the author did a good job with presenting so many suspects to choose from. I think that even if I were really trying to figure it out, I still wouldn't have put my finger on the right person.
Overall this was a pleasing first read by possibly a new favorite author. 

Dance Lessons.

Author: Aine Greaney.
Genre: Women's Fiction.
Source: Library Book.
Rating: 4 out of 5.

Synopsis from Goodreads.com:
A novel about a young widow's quest for the truth about her husband's life.

My Review:
(Thrilling synopsis eh?)
I actually rated this book by how much this story haunted me after I had finished reading it. It just wouldn't leave me alone. And even now, sitting down to review it after having read it weeks ago, I'm still feeling the same weary and appalling way I did right after I had finished it.
I say that because, even though this came out to be a very horrifyingly sad and emotional read, I hated all of the characters in it. If they were real people, I would never want to know any of them. Not even before all of the bitterness and sadness had come about in their lives. I don't even really know where to begin breaking down this read. The actions of some of the characters was truly vengeful, ugly, and devastating.
I guess first I will start with how this was written and formatted. I really liked how the three main women in this had their own sections and how when needed it seemed like it was easily sewn together when their stories joined. It was a pleasantness while reading it, knowing that an event that happened in the past was going to be explained soon made this book easier to take, not having to wait and wait for the story to unfold the way it did.
In the prologue, the reader is introduced to Ellen and Fintan, a happy young couple, before heading into the first chapter, where you find that their marriage is slowly falling apart, which leads up to a horrible tragedy and Ellen finds herself on her to way Ireland to meet her mother-in-law, for the first time. What Ellen finds out while there is truly heart-breaking and she won't, or can't, move on until she pieces together Fintan's devastating past.
Even though this was so haunting, I found myself not being able to put it down, and spending those extra half hours a night in bed reading this book. I had to know what happened and what caused Fintan to be the way he was towards his mother. And what caused Fintan's mother, Jo, to become the sad woman that she was. The explanation, as I've already said, was haunting and the results of those actions truly sad.
The ending however, I found to be a little flat. Otherwise I might have given this five stars. But there was one thing that came about in the ending that I had been wondering about since I first read about that character. I wondered where she was after all of that happened, and I got my answer then at the end of the book, which was actually a little gratifying getting that one last extra piece of the puzzle.
This was such an engrossing read, I don't think I'll forget it for a long time.

The Lace Makers of Glenmara.

Author: Heather Barbieri.
Genre: Women's Fiction.

Source: Library Book.

Rating: 3 out of 5.

Synopsis from Goodreads.com:
"You can always start again," Kate Robinson's mother once told her, "all it takes is a new thread." Overwhelmed by heartbreak and loss, the struggling twenty-six-year-old fashion designer follows her mother's advice and flees to her ancestral homeland of Ireland, hoping to break free of old patterns and reinvent herself.

My Review:
I had high hopes for this book, I really wanted to be able to say that I absolutely loved this book, but I just can't. While I was able to finish it quickly and get involved with the characters and even be transported to Ireland with Kate and all of the lovely lace makers, it just felt like there was something missing. I really liked the characters and the author's style of writing, but I just couldn't really bring myself to believe that she would be taken in so quickly by (most of) the locals. I also didn't feel like she (Kate) truly confronted everything she needed to come to terms with in her life to be able to go on as she did.
While allowed a glimpse into the lives of the villagers and even growing fond of a few of them, that's all it felt like for me, a glimpse. I wished I could get to know them more and in a way spend more time with each of them and Kate as well, to be able to really feel like this story came full circle. I would have loved to see more of small town life in Ireland, and more of Kate learning how to make the lace. I think she learned it rather quickly, comparing to how the other women of the lace making society spent most of their lives & childhoods at making it.
I haven't really much else to say, though this book was not a total disappointment. This story showed a lot of potential and I will be waiting to see what this author comes up with next.

Becoming Finola.

Author: Suzanne Strempek Shea.
Genre: Women's Fiction.
Source: Library Book.
Rating: 3 out of 5.

Synopsis from Goodreads.com:

 In the latest novel from the award-winning author of Around Again, an American takes an unexpected trip to Ireland and finds the woman she was meant to become.

Newly unemployed, Sophie White has nothing better to do when her recently widowed best friend, Gina, invites her along on a much needed, post-crisis getaway. When, after only one day in Ireland, Gina decides she should do her grieving back at home, she urges Sophie to remain and make the most of the summer in Booley, the tiny seaside village that was their destination.

A job offer accepted on a whim lands her in the village's craft shop, and in the position once held by Finola O'Flynn, a woman who'd swiftly left town a few years before.

My Review:

I don't remember what made me want to read this book, but I'm glad I finally got to it. While I think the pace of the story could have picked up a little more, I really liked the author's easy writing style. Not to say though, that the writing was enough, because it wasn't. What really held me more than the writing and the honestly written characters, was the whole "Finola O'Flynn" situation. Much like Sophie, I began to wonder about Finola and what was so darn special about the woman that seemed to have captivated everyone in the small town of Booley.

But something I found rather strange and even a little disheartening about Sophie, was that she eventually seemed to really want to become Finola. That bothered me, because it made it seem like the message was that it wasn't ok to be yourself, but ultimately, in Sophie's path to "becoming Finola" she really became herself. She became Sophie. I don't think she would have been able to achieve that if the real Finola hadn't shown up again. I was glad for that, because before that, and I hate to repeat myself in a way here, I think Sophie was a little lost on the path to self discovery and healing. And putting a little too much faith in the real Finola, whom she had never even met. I almost hate to admit, that I rather liked the Finola in Sophie's head more than the real one. Mostly because I had become as fond of that Finola as Sophie had, and the real one, wasn't much of a thrill to know.

I began to wonder when or if the real Finola would really show up again, because it was getting near the end when she finally did. I think it came about a little flat actually. But then, I'm not really sure what I was expecting or hoping for when there would finally be a meeting. But, I think I was actually sweating more than Sophie was when it finally happened, why I'm not quite sure, but I think it was mostly because, like Sophie, I'd never known the real Finola O'Flynn, so I didn't know what her reaction would be to find Sophie in her shop, claiming to be her.

I don't want to spoil it or take away more mystery from the story, so I will end this review here by saying while this wasn't quite what I expected, I really liked reading it and getting to know these characters.

The Baby Trail. (Short Review)

Author: Sinead Moriarty.
Genre: Women's Fiction.
Source: Library Book.
Rating: 4 out of 5.

Book one of three.

Synopsis from Goodreads.com:
Makeup artist Emma Hamilton is thirty-three when she and her husband James decide it's time to start a family. She has it all mapped out: Go off the pill in December, have sex, get pregnant by January, have the baby in September. With the help of a personal trainer, she figures she'll be back to her fighting weight in time for Christmas. But when three months of candle-scented sex fails to produce the desired result, Emma decides that maybe Mother Nature needs a helping hand.

My Review:

This was a fun little read. I loved Emma and all of her friends and family, and I cannot wait to see how things go for Emma and her friends in the next books. I must admit, I had a little trouble getting into it at first, but once I did, I really enjoyed it's light-heartedness on what can sometimes turn out to be a serious and perhaps heavy subject for some. Emma's comical goings-on on her tough road ahead were not very relatable for me since I'm not anywhere near her situation, but I really felt for her and the tough time she began to have with trying to get pregnant. While I wasn't fully relating to her situation, I really did manage to like Emma and everyone in her life, because I felt at one point or another, I had either known, met, or heard about someone like them all. And I think that made it an easier read for me.



Snow Hall.

Author: Elizabeth Gill
Genre: Historical Fiction.

Source: Library Book.
Rating: 2 out of 5.

Synopsis from Goodreads.com:

A historical tale of sacrifice, folly and passion, from a much-loved author - 1907, County Durham. Lorna Robson works long and tiring hours in her aunt’s hat shop. Although she tries not to complain, the genteel poverty they live in depresses her. But when she discovers that a relation has left her a large but dilapidated property, her aunt is strangely furious, and they part on bad terms. Lorna knows she can never return. However, it is only when she sees Snow Hall that her situation truly dawns on her: selling the house is unthinkable, but how can she survive without money or friends?

My Review:

When I chose to read this book I did not remember that I had tried to read one of this author's books before. I am glad that I did not remember, because if I had, I might not have read this book at all. I actually rather liked this book, but I only gave it two stars because of how much I disliked the lead heroine.
Lorna seemed very unaware of what she was doing, and what might come of her actions. I didn't really understand her character at first, but I had the impression that she was at least moderately intelligent, just stuck in the rut of her life with seemingly no escape. I didn't fully realize that she was possibly socially inept until I got further into the book, where Lorna began to make some bad and frankly, disappointing choices. But I didn't blame Lorna for her lack of social skills. I blamed her aunt, who seemed to have disabled her in a way, needlessly. That really made me feel bad for Lorna, and although that did help me understand her better, it still didn't quite explain her lack of common sense, or more accurately, her lack of choice to use it.
When Lorna arrives at Snow Hall she feels an almost instant connection to the beautiful old house. However, it is rundown and in need of great repair. Without the funds to do this, Lorna's solicitor strongly suggests that she sell it and move on with her life. One of her desires in particular, to open and run her own stationary shop. I began to really worry and yet enjoy the curve balls in the story being thrown by the author at what happens next, when her charming cousin she did not even know existed, shows up at Snow Hall, and invites her to meet even more members of her family. Lorna immediately trusts him and takes his offer, not knowing that it will be one of the most ultimate mistakes that lead her on an unsure path of seemingly ruthless betrayal and self-discovery.
I found myself liking the story itself. I read it quickly, and throughout I felt it had a gothic feel to it. The pace was good, and I actually liked the character development, and the characters in it, good and bad. They all made me feel something, which is always a good sign. Ultimately, I am glad I picked this book up, and I even plan to read another by this author, and re-try the one that turned me away from her initially, now that I see what kind of a story she can write.