Master category designing the year a romance book was originally published.
Debbie Macomber’s Country Bride was my introduction to this hugely popular author. I’m ashamed to admit that although I’ve read a handful of her Harlequins, I had no idea that Debbie Macomber was such a commercial hit with her small-town romances. Up until recently, I had no clue that she’s got a whopping 200 million books in print and has written several movies for the Hallmark channel. 4 1/2 stars
This review is of Sweet Prairie Passion, book #1 in the “Savage Destiny” series by Rosanne Bittner. If you love books that will stir your emotions-good and bad-and leave one feeling as you’ve been on a roller coaster, books like Ms. Bittner’s Sweet Prairie Passion will be your jam. 5 stars
Blood Red Roses is understandably a difficult book for some to enjoy. It could be nostalgia goggles on this one for me, plus a love for the glorious red stepback cover. Or it could be the vivid Middle Ages setting, my favorite time period. I read this Medieval romance by Katherine Deauxville (Maggie Davis) twice: once in middle school and then years later in high school, and was swept away in the story both times. 5 stars
Bride at Whangatapu includes the hallmarks of almost every one of Robyn Donald’s books: the environment of New Zealand and a cruel hero. 2 Stars
Sweet Fire by Jo Goodman is an action-packed romance filled with the requisite passion you’d look for in a Zebra Heartfire, but also adventure, murder mystery, and drama. 4 1/2 stars
Nelson’s Brand was my first and, so far, only foray into Diana Palmer’s little corner of Romancelandia. Palmer has got a bit of a reputation in the genre as an author of ultra-macho, hairy-chested heroes and virginal, too-stupid-to-live heroines. 2 stars
Trust in Tomorrow by Carole Mortimer (also known as Cherish Tomorrow) offers an engaging romance between its main characters. Sadly, the overall plot suffers from implausibility and a lack of emotional depth. 2.5 stars
This review is of Passion’s Web by Cassie Edwards. There are books I’m glad I got through because I paid for them and can now resign them to the dustbin of history-literally and figuratively. Passion’s Web is one such book. 2 stars
Siren Song, is the first in Roberta Gellis’ Medieval Song trilogy. Lady Elizabeth is heiress to vast lands and married to Mauger, a cruel, murderous lord. Elizabeth’s heart is for Sir William of Marlowe, her former love. 4 stars
Halfway to Paradise by Emily Bradshaw wasn’t the worst book ever, but it was exceptionally dull. Only the stunning Elaine Duillo artwork for the cover saves this book from the garbage pile. 1.5 Stars
