What Kate's Reading, Fall 2011 Edition
As a writer, I have to tightly schedule my reading time. After all, any time that I'm reading is time that I could be writing, right? But reading has always been my vice. Therefore, I find that I'll go a few weeks without reading a book, and then I glut myself on many over the course of a weekend.
Well, on a recent weekend, I found myself in the throes of not one, not two, but three fabulous historical romances. Thus, I felt the need to share them with you:
The Rules of Gentility by Janet Mullany
[image error]A very traditional story, but a very different sort of romance novel, in that it is told in 1st person, from her hero and heroine's perspective – sort of like dueling diary entries. It's billed as Bridget Jones meets Jane Austen, and given how much those two have in common its inevitable that this is a fun, exciting read about a young lady out in society, who has no greater ambition that to trim the best bonnet while avoiding her less than desirable suitors, and a rascal of a hero who only wants to avoid the parson's mousetrap. Thus, a sham engagement is proposed – in a water closet, no less – so they can each enjoy the season without pressure from family. But as they get to know one another, and trust each other with their secrets, the inevitable happens and they fall in love. I could not love the bubbly tone of this book more. (Amazon has this book on sale right now – you should definitely check it out!)
Yes, yes, I finally read The Heir. I'm a little behind the curve. But considering this debut book went to the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists, I'm not the only one who adored it, but adore it I did. I was really impressed with Burrowes's world building. She puts you so irrevocably into the lives of the Earl of Westhaven and his housekeeper Anna Seaton, that you never want to leave them. (luckily, this is the first in a series, so you don't have to!) Yes, I said Anna is a housekeeper. But a housekeeper as young and pretty as Anna is unusual, and a housekeeper that can read and write several languages is unheard of. This intrigues Westhaven, to say the least. And he'll stop at nothing to figure out Anna's secrets… and then, he finds himself protecting her from them. (Note – the kindle version is on sale right now. Don't say I never did anything for you!)
The Making of a Gentleman by Shana Galen
[image error]I just love Shana Galen's writing. What an evocative book. What a fantastic tortured hero – tortured in the very literal sense. Armand Harcourt has spent the last 12 years locked away, forgotten in a French prison, while the Revolution and subsequent war happened around him. He hasn't had interaction with his family – let alone with humanity – in all that time, and as such, doesn't know manners, or the rules of society. Felicity Bennett is hired to be his tutor, and from the first moment, he is enraptured by her. And while dark and dangerous stuff lurks hidden in his mind, threatening his progress and their happiness, you'll be pleased to know that right wins out, and love does indeed conquer all.
(note – the kindle version is also on sale right now, so… you know… you should check it out.)
So that's what I've been reading – I'll be back next week with the penultimate winner in my website contest, so if you haven't entered yet, now's a good time! Until then, sweets – happy reading!
