In the early 1990s, Diamond Books released romance novels with stunning covers created by renowned artists. Our Covers of the Week #113 features some of these beauties.
Putnam
Gothic Romance Review: My Name is Clary Brown by Charlotte Keppel
My Name is Clary Brown by Charlotte Keppel (nee Ursula Torday) was first published in 1976 under the title When I Say Goodbye, I’m Clary Brown. Diamond is an actress of little renown and loses her “protector’s” patronage. She returns to her home village where she finds many of her childhood friends have died. There are dark forces that seem directed at her. Could she be the next victim in a long string of murders? 5 stars
Historical Romance Review: Raven by Shana Carrol
Raven by Shana Carol (aka Christina Savage, aka Mr. Kerry Newcomb & Mr. Frank Schaeffer) is a riveting bodice-ripper. It’s a pirate adventure that features a kickass, resilient heroine whom I adore. It also stars a hero who isn’t worthy to lick the underside of her shoes. This is one of those books I both hate and love and wavered for a long time what rating to give it. 3.49 stars
Historical Romance Review: Savage Surrender by Cassie Edwards
This review is of Savage Surrender, book #1 in the “Savage Secrets” series by Cassie Edwards. Savage Surrender is not a great start to Mrs. Edwards’ “Savage Secrets” series. 2.24 stars
Historical Romance Review: Sarina by Francine Rivers
Sarina is a bodice ripper-lite written by Francine Rivers, the best-known and most successful author of Christian-centered, or “inspirational” romances. If you can read get your hands on this hard-to-find book, give it a chance. 4 stars
Historical Romance Review: The Lord of Hawkfell Island by Catherine Coulter
In The Lord of Hawkfell Island by Catherine Coulter Mirana is a young, unmarried woman who lives with her brother in a massive fortress. When he’s away, their home is attacked by Viking raiders seeking vengeance against him, as the Viking leader Rorik blames him for the death of his wife and child. Usually, a hero grieving over his lost love is grounds for me to dislike a historical romance, but thanks to Rurik, I had plenty of other reasons to despise this “love story.” 2 1/2 stars
Historical Romance Review: Fires of Winter by Roberta Gellis
Told through alternating first-person perspectives, Roberta Gellis’s Fires of Winter starts with a bang but ends with a whimper. 3 stars