I really loved the concept of this book, plus the fact that it was set in Wales. Having just visited Wales this summer, it brought back fond memories....moreI really loved the concept of this book, plus the fact that it was set in Wales. Having just visited Wales this summer, it brought back fond memories. I liked the characters and I liked the way Ms. Eden resolved the conflict. I just wish she had spent more time in the beginning developing the situation and giving more depth to the characters. At times it felt rushed to me. The story is about a man who inherits an estate in Wales that goes back centuries, as evidenced by the ghost who has been in residence for 399 years. The ghost, Gwen, has protected Y Castell, the estate, from the English and destruction since her death. But an attraction between Nickolas and Gwen develops, and how do you deal with loving someone who is dead? Again, I liked the resolution to the story and found it very believable. This was a fun read if you want to be entertained. (less)
It was fun to revisit this book after many, many years. This time I listened to it and my enjoyment and appreciation really rose for what Ms. Bronte w...moreIt was fun to revisit this book after many, many years. This time I listened to it and my enjoyment and appreciation really rose for what Ms. Bronte was able to accomplish. The narrator gave meaning to each word from each character, which lent to more understanding for me of certain parts of the novel. My only squabble was with the long, passionate speeches of Mr. Rochester. I can't believe that men have changed that much, and I just wondered if there was really a man who would have gone on like that. Told me a woman wrote the book, but I was willing to suspend belief on that one. But I did find myself doing extra walking or cleaning or projects just to be able to listen to the next part of the story. I don't know if one should say "Good old Jane" or "Poor old Jane" for what the character went through. It also made me wonder if she was detailing British society as it really was or as she created it. With that in mind I wonder what future generations will have to say about our society based on the novels being written today. (less)
When I started listening to this book I had some misgivings about what he would say about teaching, being a retired teacher myself. But I really enjoy...moreWhen I started listening to this book I had some misgivings about what he would say about teaching, being a retired teacher myself. But I really enjoyed it. Granted, he only taught one class of twenty-six sophomores in high school for a "double period", meaning 90 minutes, but he does address that, giving his admiration to teachers who teach many classes with 150 students. In my school make that 220 to 240 students. His small numbers allowed him to become involved in the lives of his students in a way that is difficult for the average teacher. Sadly. But his insight into what goes into teaching, the hard work it is to engage less-than-enthusiastic students, and the lack of support from politicians and parents was dead on for me. Even when the network said teaching wasn't "exciting" enough for them to do more than six episodes of the reality show, he stuck it out for the full year because he'd given his word he would. He introduced me to other teachers for whom this was their profession and their life. There were good teachers and bad teachers. Same in any profession in the world. He mentioned the new teachers who start teaching thinking they'll change the world and leave before Christmas. By the end I was shedding tears as he talked about the rewards of teaching and why teachers keep coming back to less than ideal circumstances. In the end it's the kids we teach/taught that make it all worthwhile. I think this book would make a good read not just for teachers, but for parents and students. (less)
For me this book was really more three and a half stars. I like Sarah M. Eden as an author. She has unique situations and her characters face differen...moreFor me this book was really more three and a half stars. I like Sarah M. Eden as an author. She has unique situations and her characters face different challenges. Sorrell, the female protagonist, is beautiful but has a bad limp. In fact, she can hardly walk without a can. I liked watching Phillip, the male protagonist, deal with this. The plot of catching the traitor didn't interest me as much because it felt more like an afterthought in some ways. But when the book was dealing with the characters interacting, it really had my attention. Ms. Eden writes clean romance and I recommend her to anyone looking for a fun read.(less)
Ms. Klassen admits to being inspired by Jane Austen's Persuasion as the basis for this story. A young woman, Mariah, has disgraced her family and is s...moreMs. Klassen admits to being inspired by Jane Austen's Persuasion as the basis for this story. A young woman, Mariah, has disgraced her family and is sent to live with a friend. Her home is the gatehouse on this estate. The friend leaves a trunk with her because she doesn't trust her stepson. When the friend dies, Mariah must find a way to support herself, so she writes and publishes under an assumed name. The stepson rents out the property to a youngish sea captain recently retired. The book has interesting characters, and again is fun reading for a rainy day.(less)
I like Julie Klassen as an author. Her Regency Romance books have interesting plots and don't contain anything that would offend readers. The governes...moreI like Julie Klassen as an author. Her Regency Romance books have interesting plots and don't contain anything that would offend readers. The governess in this book has her voice box injured, but over time it heals. But not being able to talk sets up the conflict in the story. It was a fun read when I needed something to just enjoy.(less)
I listened to this book before I got caught up in the story and read the last part. I really enjoyed this book. Maisie Dobbs is an interesting charact...moreI listened to this book before I got caught up in the story and read the last part. I really enjoyed this book. Maisie Dobbs is an interesting character and Ms. Winspear does a wonderful job of introducing Maisie's background and working it into the mystery of the novel. It's set in 1929, but Maisie was a nurse in World War I, and that is dealt with. This book begins as Maisie is setting up an investigation agency. One of her first clients wants to know if his wife is cheating on him, and Maisie reluctantly accepts. What she finds is that the woman is visiting the grave of her first love who came home from the war badly disfigured. He died after join The Retreat, a home for wounded and disfigured soldiers. When Maisie's employer's son wants to go there, Maisie investigates. A good book and I will read more in this series. (less)
This is #35 in this series and I'm continually amazed at how Ms. Robb (aka Nora Roberts) is able to come up with new ideas that stay strong. This book...moreThis is #35 in this series and I'm continually amazed at how Ms. Robb (aka Nora Roberts) is able to come up with new ideas that stay strong. This book didn't have the humor of some of the other books, but when dealing with the deaths of over 120 people, not much to laugh about. One of the strongest elements for me was that Eve Dallas is finally coming to grips with her early history with her parents. In the time of the novels it's just over two years, but for those of us who read them it's been a lot longer. Personally, I'm ready to see her conquer those ghosts and move on. The mystery in this was intriguing but sad. Someone has an airborne virus that for approximately 12 minutes causes people in an enclosed space to turn on each other. Eve's team must work quickly to find the perpetrator before he/she strikes again. I liked the interaction of the characters, but then that's always been one of the strongest elements of these books for me. She's created characters I enjoy meeting book after book, and miss if they aren't there. (less)
There are several things I really like about Anne Perry books. One is that she allows her characters to evolve and a second thing is that she deals wi...moreThere are several things I really like about Anne Perry books. One is that she allows her characters to evolve and a second thing is that she deals with actual issues of the time period of the books. In this book we see Sir Oliver Rathbone dealing with the aftermath of his last case on his personal life, and I get the sense that it will continue to affect him in future books. William Monk is is trying to solve a gruesome murder that eventually ties back to the Opium Wars with China. Ms. Perry has one of her characters give a good overview of that war. It was something I didn't really know about, but then I get a lot of this from reading her books. It's one of the things I appreciate about her as an author. As usual, the ending felt a bit rushed, but otherwise I really liked this book.(less)
I read this book because I read some good reviews. They were right. I found this book delightful and insightful. This is a debut novel for Charity Shu...moreI read this book because I read some good reviews. They were right. I found this book delightful and insightful. This is a debut novel for Charity Shumway. Way to go Girl! It follow a young woman who has moved to New York City to become a writer. Dawn, the young woman, struggles to pay to rent, still misses her ex-boyfriend, and has a slug for a roommate. But she gets a temporary job at a magazine researching 50 years of women who have won the "Ten Girls To Watch" award at the magazine. As she talks to these women she gets insight that helps her turn her life around. It was a book I wanted to keep reading, and I underlined pieces of wisdom that I think will help me. It is a well-crafted book, and doesn't contain anything that should put anyone off. The author uses her life experiences as a basis for the story, which only makes it more real because she knows of what she speaks. Good book! I recommend it.(less)
Another modern author rewriting Jane Austen. She used the main characters but adds her own. Events didn't follow the original story. The dialogue was...moreAnother modern author rewriting Jane Austen. She used the main characters but adds her own. Events didn't follow the original story. The dialogue was very modern in usage and feel. I would have enjoyed it more as a stand alone story using other names, but I kept running into my prejudice with such blatant changes in the story. The writing wasn't bad, but it felt a little arrogant to me, as if the author felt she was doing Austen a favor.(less)
I really like Deanna Raybourne's books. This book finds Julia and Brisbane returning to England and her foray into becoming more of Brisbane's partner...moreI really like Deanna Raybourne's books. This book finds Julia and Brisbane returning to England and her foray into becoming more of Brisbane's partner is investigations. He wants to protect her and she wants the adventure. Brisbane is working a case that involves Julie brother, Lord Bellmont, and things get complicated when they witness the death of a spiritualist he's been involved with. Since it's told in the first person we get Julia's POV on everything, including her lapses of judgement. I can't wait until the next book comes out.(less)
Book begins with Chaz Perrone throwing his wife Joey overboard on a cruise ship. The rest of the story is Joey's survival and subsequent revenge on he...moreBook begins with Chaz Perrone throwing his wife Joey overboard on a cruise ship. The rest of the story is Joey's survival and subsequent revenge on her husband, and Chaz thinking he's gotten away with murder. Interesting story with interesting characters.(less)
Stephanie has returned to the bond enforcement business, and there is the usual cast of characters. But Ranger is accused of kidnapping his daughter....moreStephanie has returned to the bond enforcement business, and there is the usual cast of characters. But Ranger is accused of kidnapping his daughter. With Joe's help, Stephanie discovers there is someone posing as Ranger and that this man plans to kidnap Stephanie. She didn't get her car blown up in this book and she wasn't such a klutz at capturing her FTAs as in most of the books. Nice change. It was an easier read this far into the series.(less)
This entry into the series was one of my favorites. It didn't follow the same formula as the other books, which I found more interesting. These books...moreThis entry into the series was one of my favorites. It didn't follow the same formula as the other books, which I found more interesting. These books are always good for at least one or two laughs, and they have a fascinating cast of characters. My main problem is that there is little,if any, character growth in the course of the books. In this book there is a little progress. Stephanie leaves the bond business and tries to find something else to do. But someone starts threatening her, so she's back to trying to find who.(less)
I really liked this book. Ms. Perry gives both Thomas and Charlotte a chance to shine. Plus, it was great to get more background on Victor Narraway. W...moreI really liked this book. Ms. Perry gives both Thomas and Charlotte a chance to shine. Plus, it was great to get more background on Victor Narraway. While Thomas chases a murderer to France, Narraway is accused of embezzling money and removed from his position. Charlotte ends up helping him. I really enjoyed the story. (less)
This book is really a 3 and a half stars. I think it's the first book in a new series about Dr. Sophie Knowles, a math teacher at a college in Massach...moreThis book is really a 3 and a half stars. I think it's the first book in a new series about Dr. Sophie Knowles, a math teacher at a college in Massachusetts. I really enjoyed the characters and the plot. When her lab assistant is accused of the murder, Sophie tries to find the real killer. I look forward to the next book.(less)
This book is really a 3 and a half stars. It's a delightful little mystery "starring" Lady Georgiana Rannoch. Georgie to her friends. She's 38th in li...moreThis book is really a 3 and a half stars. It's a delightful little mystery "starring" Lady Georgiana Rannoch. Georgie to her friends. She's 38th in line for the throne of England and knows the Queen. But she's penniless and because she's a royal, a job is frowned on. The story takes place in 1932, and follows Georgie as she tries to find a way to earn money and still find who killed the man in the bathtub of their London home. When her brother is arrested, Georgie really gets to work. I also have this on audio and the narrator is wonderful. It's a fun story.(less)
I'm so grateful to finally be able to find this book. I really enjoy Sarah M. Eden as an author. She writes regency romance without an steamy scenes,...moreI'm so grateful to finally be able to find this book. I really enjoy Sarah M. Eden as an author. She writes regency romance without an steamy scenes, and her characters are interesting. It's the first in the series, but has been out of print until lately. In this book the Duke of Kielder decides to marry to prevent his cousin from ever inheriting after he dies. Not that Adam, the Duke, know any eligible young women. His secretary mentions a family that needs financial help and they just happen to have a young lady who would meet Adams criteria. So he writes and offers a huge sum of money to Persephone and her family if she will show up at the church on their wedding day. What happens from there is a fun read.(less)
Interesting premise. How would you react if you could hear what other people were thinking? Aren't the thoughts in your mind your most private place?...moreInteresting premise. How would you react if you could hear what other people were thinking? Aren't the thoughts in your mind your most private place? That's what happens to the main character, Shelby. She stops to buy carrots at the grocery store and while there is shot during a robbery. When she wakes up she has the ability to hear what other people are thinking. This leaves her several really interesting dilemmas, not the least of which is how to deal with the information she learns from her husband, children, and the police. And she gets pulled into the mob, who want to use her new ability for their purposes.(less)
This is a really interesting premise for a story. It blends a modern setting with fantasy, and pulls both together quite well. I was also interested b...moreThis is a really interesting premise for a story. It blends a modern setting with fantasy, and pulls both together quite well. I was also interested because Colleen Helme is a local author (Salt Lake City, Ut.). The story is about a young woman named Teya who is the songbird of her people. She is kidnapped at a young age and forced to sing for the king. She wears a "kundar" about her neck to restrict the full power of her magic with song. She is rescued only to find her people are gone. She and her rescuer set out to find her people and free them from their captivity. A good fantasy, especially for young adults.(less)
I like this series. In this book Colin has taken Emily to Normandy to recover from her injuries and the loss of her baby in Constantinople. While out...moreI like this series. In this book Colin has taken Emily to Normandy to recover from her injuries and the loss of her baby in Constantinople. While out walking she comes across the body of young woman who has been murdered in a rather gruesome way. Colin doesn't want Emily involved, but she can't stop herself, especially when she begins to hear the voice of a baby crying. She begins to doubt her sanity and wants to prove she isn't losing her mind to herself and to her family. This is another author who makes the setting vivid and interesting.(less)
The thing I like about Nora Roberts is that she gives such good background when she ventures into professions. I think learning about fire jumpers was...moreThe thing I like about Nora Roberts is that she gives such good background when she ventures into professions. I think learning about fire jumpers was more interesting to me than the story itself. Book takes place in Montana, and gets into the lives of a group of fire jumpers called "Zulies". They deal with the fire season and its dangers, but there are also dead bodies turning up, so it's also a mystery. I listened to this on my iPod instead of reading it. It's a great way to pass time while mowing the lawn and cleaning the house.(less)
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