What I Read This Weekend

What I Read This Weekend . . .

The Marriage Campaign by Susannah Carleton -- Regency Romance
This book takes place simultaneously with A Scandalous Journey and contains many of the same passages and spoilers for the plot of the previous book. It is second in a series of 6. Robert Symington, the new Marquess of Elston, friend to Lord Weymouth and Beth Castleton, is dealing with the loss of his father and all that it entails. Robert also has another problem to deal with: a codicil in his father's will which states he must marry a woman of his father's choosing within a year or face unknown consequences. Elston feels that it's important to marry for love, but he is willing to get to know the ladies on his father's list. As he sets out for London, he decides to pay calls on the families of the ladies he doesn't know well. He hopes to become reacquainted with a childhood friend, Karla Lane. Instead of Karla, he's forced to be entertained by her scheming stepmother and silly step-sister. He learns from a neighbor that Karla hasn't been seen in the village for a long time and her friends are worried about her. Elston decides to discover what happened to Karla. During a moonlight smoke, Elston meets Catherine Lundquist, a relative of the first Vicountess who works as an unpaid governess for the younger children. She reveals that Karla's situation is not much different from her own. Elston impresses upon the Vicountess the social consequences of favoring a younger daughter over the elder and forces her to allow Karla a Season. In London, Robert and Karla meet and become friends with a number of musically talented ladies who help Karla face Society though her stepmother insists on belittling Karla. Robert finds himself drawn to Karla but also to Christina and becomes determined to help the young ladies secure their rightful places in Society. Karla worships Elston and worries that he will learn that Catherine is really Karla and fears her deception will ruin their friendship. She also hopes that he will come to her rescue and help her find happiness in a home of her own. The plot of this novel is rather long and drawn out because it also contains bits of the plot for A Scandalous Journey. It also contains too many examples of Rob saving Karla from her wicked stepmother. I didn't like Karla very much, though I felt sorry for her, and I kept hoping she'd stand up for herself and not sit around and wait for Elston to come rescue her. This book introduces the other ladies in "the Six" as Elston searches for a bride and Beth Castleton comes to London. I didn't like this book as much as A Scandalous Journey but it wasn't bad. I really like Elston and wish he had chosen a more interesting bride, especially one who shared his passion for music. If you don't like independent heroines, then this is a nice, sweet romance.

Kiss of the Highwayman by Jenna Mindel -- Regency Romance

This is a sequel to Miranda's Mistake (not yet read) and a prequel to Miss Whitlow's Turn (reviewed previously)

Brian Warren is now Lord Cherrington, the Earl of Cherring after the death of his brother at the hands of highwaymen. Brian is determined to avenge his brother's death even if it means becoming one of the highwaymen himself. Artemis Rothwell, a hoydenish young miss of nineteen, is looking forward to her first Season under the guidance of her stepmother's friend Miranda. She vows to change her behavior and act more feminine, but that vow is tested when she and her mother are stopped by highwaymen on the way to London. Though they have not brought any valuables with them, the highwaymen steal the Rothwell family wedding ring and frighten Artemis's stepmother, so Artemis tries to step in and point a pistol at the villain who is harassing her mother. The plan backfires when the Leader undermines Artie's confidence and a tall, blue-eyed highwayman gently disarms her and leaves her with a kiss. Artie can not think of anything except reclaiming the ring, except for when she's thinking about the highwayman's kiss! Back in London, Brian disguises himself as the foppish Cherry, a fashionable fribble in order to hide his true identity from the highwaymen he is trying to catch. He thinks often of Artemis and the kiss they shared and as soon as she arrives in London, he begins to pay court to her. Artie thinks Cherry is ridiculous but as she comes to know him, she discovers that she has a lot to to learn from him. Finally, there comes a time when Brian must decide whether to sacrifice his relationship with Artie for the sake of catching the highwaymen. It will take all of Artie's confidence and unwomanly skills to catch the villain and earn permission to marry the man she loves. The final confrontation moves pretty quickly, but it is very predictable and nothing really came as a surprise. Artie is a great character. She is full of spunk and stubbornness, but aware of her shortcomings and willing to change. I would like to have Artie as a friend in any century. Brian is a hard character to describe. He is in character for most of the novel and continually leers at Artie. He comes across as kind of gross and annoying though it's hard to tell how much is his real personality and how much is character. We don't really know that much about him, which bothers me. I don't think I like Artie and Brian together, though it would take a very open-minded man to put up with Artie. If I were Artie, Brian would have had a lot of explaining and re-courting to do if he wanted my heart. Despite being silly and predictable, this novel wasn't as bad as I expected it to be and I would recommend it to those who are not too picky.

What I Read This Weekend

What I Read This Weekend . . .

The Sable Quean (Redwall) by Brian Jacques -- Middle Grades Fantasy

The latest threat to the peaceful woodlanders of Mossflower comes from Vilaya, the dangerous Sable Quean who commands hordes of vermin called ravagers. Vilaya and the dangerous sable Zwilt the Shade are out to conquer Redwall Abbey. Vilaya has devised a plan to kidnap the Dibbuns and other woodland babes in order to blackmail her way into the Abbey. Meanwhile, Buckler Kordyne, the rebellious, restless young blademaster at Salamandatron, is advised by the great badger Lord Brang to go on an adventure to visit Redwall Abbey and Buck's brother and sister-in-law who live near Redwall. Buck brings along his pal, the always hungry, Subaltern Meliton Gubthorpe Digglethwaite. When Buck and Diggs set out on their journey, they have no idea of the adventure and experience that awaits them. Assisted by a crew of shrews, a traveling troupe of hedgehog actors and warriors of Redwall, Buck and Diggs vow to return the missing children and destroy the vermin. The vermin soon learn what it means to mess with Redwallers and their friends. The adventures continue in this latest tale from Redwall. The plot of this new story does not exactly follow the usual formula, so it kept me intrigued far into the night! I like the departure because I felt that the books were getting too formulaic and predictable. The story revisits Mossflower history and faithful fans will delight in figuring out the mystery ahead of the Redwallers and new fans will enjoy learning about the history of Mossflower for the first time. Jacques always excels at creating colorful characters that live on in the reader's memory even after the last page is finished. Though you know the Redwallers always win in the end, getting there is the fun part and this book is no exception. Another great yarn from Mr. Jacques!

A Scandalous Journey by Susannah Carleton -- Regency Romance

George Winterbrook, Lord Weymouth, wakes up to find himself in an unfamiliar place with his hands and feet bound. He doesn't know where he is or how he came to be there. He soon learns that he has been abducted by his friend's former wife, who wishes to coerce Weymouth into marrying her. George refuses to marry without love, but Lady Arabella is persistent and threatens George's young niece Isabelle if he doesn't comply. Beth Castleton also awakens in an unfamiliar location with a throbbing headache. Her maid, though kind, does not know how Beth came to be in Scotland nor for what purpose. Beth is led to the book room where she will be able to speak with her hostess and get some answers. There George encounters Beth reciting square roots to calm her nerves. He hopes she will help rescue him, but doubts she will because she was rather frosty towards him when last they met at his cousin's house party. Beth agrees to help rescue young Isabelle and if possible, George too. Plans go awry and the journey back to London is difficult and dangerous but George is determined to protect both his niece and the intrepid young lady who did not hesitate to help him. Once safely back in London, Beth dreads the coming Season. She feels like a curiosity because she is American and doesn't fit in because she prefers mathematics to gossip. Weymouth introduces Beth to his family and friends to help calm her nerves. The one thing that can mar Beth's happiness, is the knowledge that she traveled unescorted with Weymouth. Though she enjoys his company, Beth refuses to force George to marry her unless he loves her. They may not have a choice if Lady Arabella has her way. This is a rather unusual story. There is no exposition, the hero and heroine have already been introduced, and the plot picks up right away. Yet, I still felt the story was rather slow and I didn't really care what happened once the scandalous journey was over. The hero is a paragon. He's the exact opposite of a rake. He's a little too good to be true. I really liked Beth for being an intelligent and intrepid heroine but a little too prone to turn into a watering pot for lame reasons. If you're looking for something different and don't like rakish heroes, then try this one. It seems to be part of a series but background information is revealed throughout the story so those who have not read the previous books (like me) can enjoy this as a stand alone.

What I've Read This Week

What I've Read This Week . . .

The Storybook Hero by Andrea Pickens -- Regency Romance

Alex Sheffield is a wastrel. He's a younger son who spends his time drinking, wenching and anything else that will estrange him from his illustrious family. He is quite surprised when his uncle suggests that Alex go to Russia to rescue a recently orphaned young relative. His uncle feels that Alex is a risk taker and would be the best person for the job. Alex feels his life is worthless and thinks his family is trying to get rid of him once and for all. Then, on the voyage to Russia, he meets Miss Octavia Hadley, who sees through his mask of bravado to the wounded boy inside and makes him feel human again. Octavia is the penniless daughter of a recently deceased country vicar forced to live as an unpaid nanny to her despicable cousin's children. When her cousin's husband tries to seduce her, Octavia lets him know soundly what she thinks of that idea, which results in her banishment to Moscow to work as a governess to a young English girl. On the ship to Russia, Octavia literally bumps into a thoroughly cupshot Alex who then kisses her. She retaliates and instead of becoming angry, Alex is amused. Octavia senses that Alex is hiding his vulnerability behind drink and she helps comfort him and care for him in a time of need. Hoping to never see Alex again, but secretly wishing she will, Octavia begins her new life with young Emma, who is an independent minded young lady, much like Octavia. The two quickly bond and when the French close in on Moscow, the ladies are abandoned by Emma's relatives and Octavia must use her wits to survive. Alex is not so lucky in his quest. First he must locate young Nicholas and then travel across the frozen country avoiding both the French and Nicholas's unscrupulous uncle who wants them dead. Alex and Nicky's journey intersects with Octavia and Emma's and soon they find themselves in the midst of an adventure worthy of one of Mrs. Radcliffe's novels forging close bonds that will leave them changed forever.

I have mixed feelings about this novel. I prefer the lighthearted comedy of manners and this could have been one, but wasn't. For all that it wasn't, it was actually a good story, if one overlooks the little inaccuracies and somewhat hurried plot. Alex is a deeply flawed hero. He has a lot of issues stemming from a family tragedy that have made him who he is. He has a hidden vulnerable side which he rarely shows anyone, yet Octavia perceives it right away and tries to help. Octavia is a very modern heroine, a follower of Mary Wolstonecraft (not Mrs.) and Jane Austen (published under "a lady", not her own name). She's intelligent and unafraid of anything, which made me like her very much. Alex and Octavia's relationship really works because Alex is flawed and Octavia isn't sure how to deal with that. It makes the relationship very realistic. Some of the plot is rather hurried in favor of the romantic development but overall, this is a romance that's much more than a typical romance novel and worth a read if you like more substance than sweet comedies.

Lucia, Lucia by Adriana Triginai -- Historical Fiction

Kit Zanetti is an aspiring playwright living in a Greenwich Village walkup in present day New York. Auntie Lu is the only other single lady in the building, a woman in her 70s whose nephew owns the building. When Auntie Lu invites Kit to tea and to go over some items Lu intends to give Kit, Kit is impressed with all of the wonderful things Lu has collected and wants to know Lu's story. In the 1950s, Lucia Sartori lived with her Italian immigrant parents and four older brothers in the building in which she lives in the present day. Lucia works as a seamstress and apprentice dress designer in the Customs department of B. Altman Department Store. She loves putting together gorgeous fabrics and trims and turning them into a beautiful dress. Now that Lucia is 25, her family and friends think she should get married. She is engaged to the nice Italian man, Dante DiMartino, but she has to discover whether her feelings for Dante and respect for Italian cultural traditions outweigh her love of being an independent career woman. Lucia learns a lot about love and family over the next two years. She has to make difficult decisions which may not be the best ones to make. All the while she mostly maintains her spunk and enthusiasm for modern life while respecting and loving her traditional Italian family. I sure could relate to Lucia! Lucia's family is a bit less crazy than mine (they're Northern Italian and we're Southern) but sometimes they drive her crazy just the same. Lucia's story is interesting and compelling read for women. I think many women will sympathize with Lucia's determination. Thank goodness in the 21st century, it's more acceptable for women to be independent, but it's a difficult path to take when it clashes with traditional Italian family values. The plot is a little slow to begin with and there are numerous descriptions of fashion but about halfway through the story picks up and then I couldn't put it down. Again I have mixed feelings about this novel. It was serious and rather sad at times but at the heart of it all is Lucia's Italian family who love her and support her no matter what. The one thing I didn't like was that Lucia's story is told in present tense, almost like a journal, which was weird considering it was a flashback. I would recommend this book to women in their mid-20s and especially those with traditional Italian parents or grandparents!

Alchemy and Meggy Swann by Karen Cushman -- Middle Grades Historical Fiction

In 1573 ("after the ascension of Queen Elizabeth to the throne but before London's first theatre and Shakespeare") Meggy Swann arrives in London to meet the father she has never known, is accused of being a beggar and brushed off by her father. Meggy longs to go home to the country, to the brewery where she grew up, though her mother sent her away. Meggy grows angry with her father and with the world, for most people shun her because she is a cripple. Cantankerous Meggy's only friend is a goose, but her father's former assistant Roger would be Meggy's friend if she let him. Cantankerous Meggy must learn to fend for herself in the cold and dirty city because her father cares only for his alchemy work. His work consumes him and he largely ignores Meggy and leaves her to find her own way in the world. Meggy discovers that she can't shut the world out and that not everyone sees her solely as a cripple. Meggy learns there is more to London and to life than she had previously thought. Her happiness is threatened when she uncovers a terrible secret about her father. She's faced with an ethical dilemma and struggles to do the right thing. Meggy has to learn to stop feeling sorry for herself and take charge if she wants to survive. It takes a lot of understanding to like a character like Meggy. I understand why she is the way she is but at first I found her whiny and self-centered. As the story develops, so does Meggy and her personal journey is central to the plot. I liked learning about alchemy and the crazy things Meggy's father thought he was going to discover. Harry Potter fans will delight in another book revolving around the Philosopher's Stone (or Sorcerer's Stone as it is called in U.S. Harry Potter books). I'm not very good at chemistry so I had a little bit of difficulty following what was actually happening, but I just stopped trying to analyze it and read the story and it became more clear once it was explained to Meggy. As usual, Cushman excels in period details. The descriptions of London are incredibly gritty and realistic. I could see and smell the sights as Meggy traveled through the city. Cushman's other strength is in period language. This book is no exception. Meggy hurls fantastic insults left and right that are full of colorful language of the period. This is another fun read from one of my favorite authors!

What I've Read This Week

What I've Read This Week

Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy (Gallagher Girls 2) by Ally Carter -- Young Adult Fiction

A departure from my usual genres, I picked up this book recommended by my friend Irish at Ticket to Anywhere.

Last semester Cammie Morgan just wanted to be normal. This semester, she wants to be a good spy. After breaking up with her boyfriend, Cammie resumes life at her top-secret boarding school for spies will go back to whatever passes for normal, but she accidentally overhears a secret - Blackthorne or Black Thorn or something like that. Cammie and her friends are determined to find out what it means and utilize their spy training to find out. As if Cammie didn't already have enough to worry about, on a Cove Ops mission she's seen AGAIN but another boy! This time she's content to get rid of him and never see him again because she's determined not to make the same mistake she did with Josh. Cammie is unprepared for what happens next. The one thing they don't teach at Gallagher Academy is how to understand boys! Cammie must learn to trust a boy who is also a spy in order to save her school. I don't want to give too much away but this book is a real page-turner! The basic plot premise bears a strong resemblance to Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, which happens to be one of my favorite books. The boy/girl stuff is cute and so so true and the spy adventures are fun and dazzling. I couldn't put this one down and now I can't wait to find out what happens next!


Don't Judge a Girl by Her Cover (Gallagher Girls 3) by Ally Carter -- Young Adult Fiction

Cammie Morgan joins her friend Macey in Boston where Macey's dad is campaigning for Vice President. Macey's cover as a spoiled little rich girl is nearly blown when she's pestered by the annoying son of the Presidential candidate but boy concerns seem minor when someone tries to kidnap Preston and Macey and it takes all of Cammie's spy training and instincts to get out alive. Their fall semester at Gallagher Academy is marked by major changes when a Secret Service agent joins the school to protect Macey. Cammie worries about her friend's health and safety as well as her usual course work. She also wonders about the boy she met last semester, Zach, and why he's so mysterious. If only someone would invent a way to decode boy-speak! By the end of the semester, one of the Gallagher girls is in grave danger and Cammie has more mysteries to solve. This is a hard book to describe without giving anything away. It's more action packed than the first two and more about the life of spies than normal teenage stuff. I prefer the boy/girl parts to the action but the action sequences kept me turning the pages, trying to figure out clues and wondering what was going to happen next. Even though I'd make a terrible Gallagher girl, I can't wait to find out what happens next!

What I've Read This Week

What I've Read This Week . . .

Heist Society by Ally Carter, read by Angela Dawe -- Young Adult

A departure from my usual genres, I picked up this book recommended by my friend Irish at Ticket to Anywhere.

Katarina Bishop comes from a family of con men and thieves, but she just wants to be normal. After pulling off what she thinks is her greatest con of all, a free ride to boarding school, Kat is expelled for a prank involving the headmaster's car and a fountain. Kat is furious because this con isn't one of hers! She's soon drawn back into the family business by her best friend (and crush) Hale. Kat's dad has been accused of stealing priceless paintings from an Italian mafioso who wants his paintings back OR ELSE. Kat reluctantly reenters the family business in order to save her dad and she and her friends form their own heist society to steal back the paintings and save Kat's dad. The story takes a major turn when the history of the stolen paintings is discovered and a Robin Hood type thief is out to right the wrongs of the past. Along the way, Kat has to figure out the most mysterious of mysteries - boys! I enjoyed the heist plot and couldn't put the book down. The secondary characters provide comic relief and I liked them all, even Gabrielle, who exemplifies traits I typically abhor. She's a good foil for Kat. I especially liked Hale and the romantic tension between Hale and Kat is well developed and realistic. I wasn't crazy about the introduction of the history of the paintings and the Robin Hood character. The story was fun and light and then quickly turned into a question of ethics. Even so, I really liked this book and can't wait for the next one. Dawe is an average reader. She does voices and accents but they're hard to understand. The audio version of the book doesn't add to the enjoyment of the book. This is a fun and entertaining story for anyone ages 12+.

Mandesky Square by Eva Ibbotson -- Historical Fiction/Romance

This book is rather different from her other adult romances, it's written as a first person journal by Susanna Weber who owns a dress shop in 1911 Vienna. Susanna is older (36) and she's worked hard to build up a successful clientele. She won't take help from anyone, not even the man she loves. Susanna loves her shop and can easily manage the difficult clients as well as her anarchist shop assistant, Nini. She also loves the square and all the people who live around it. Their daily lives and intertwined as they go about their business. When a young piano prodigy moves to the square, Susanna sees he is neglected and abused and makes it her duty to befriend the boy and help his career. Susanna remains cheerful and optimistic most of the time, but sometimes she can't help but fall into a depression because she has a secret sorrow and a secret heartache. Spoilers: highlight the next two lines:

She had a child out of wedlock she gave up for adoption years ago and she's the mistress of a married man.

Susanna records her daily events and secret hopes and sorrows into her journal. Then the day comes when her peaceful world is shattered and life as she knows it may change forever. She tries to remain positive and hope things will turn out all right. Help comes from an unexpected quarter and Susanna ends her year with a surprise. I wasn't crazy about this book. It's not as sad as the other adult novels but it's not as satisfying either. It's more realistic, I suppose, than the typical fairy tale plot, but I quite enjoy fairy tale romances and was disappointed in this one. I wanted to like Susanna but I felt like slapping her and telling her to grow up and move on. The secondary characters are much more appealing. They're fully fleshed people you'd expect to meet in real life and lots of fun to read about. I would recommend this book to those who like realistic stories but not to those who prefer neat and tidy happy endings.

Love's Masquerade by Cynthia Richey -- Regency Romance

Sarah Fairchild's father had the misfortune to die when a stray dueling bullet hit him, thus leaving Sarah with all of his debts. Sarah wishes to save her family home by opening a school for girls where she'll teach them all the ladylike accomplishments they need to know to find good husbands. When Sarah's godmother invites her to London, it seems like her prayers will be answered, but what her godmother wants Sarah to gain from her trip is not quite what Sarah had in mind. She's not opposed to finding a husband, but she refuses to marry without love. Without money of her own, Sarah feels she has no choice but to offer her beloved home for sale while she's in London. When a gentleman shows up on the day of her departure, she thinks he's come to view the house and dutifully shows him the finer points. When she enters the curricle, however, she finds she is mistaken. The gentleman is her godmother's son, Sarah's childhood playmate and tormentor, Edward, Duke of Pemberton. Along the way to London, Sarah and Edward are compromised and he offers marriage, however, she refuses because she doesn't trust him and he doesn't believe in her school. Though Sarah believes she doesn't love Edward, she is willing to accept his friendship but not his help. The dashing Charles offers his help and Sarah feels she must at least consider it, though Edward doesn't approve. Though her time in London doesn't go as planned, Sarah never gives up on her dreams and her convictions until she gets what she wants. This is a light, fluffy Cinderella story which had me smiling almost the whole way through. I liked that Sarah stuck to her beliefs but her anger at Edward was a little too harsh and uncalled for. I nearly fell in love with him from his introduction, so I could be biased. This is what they call a sweet Regency or clean Regency and I really enjoyed it.

What I've Read This Week

What I've Read This Week

I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You (Gallagher Girls) by Ally Carter -- Young Adult Fiction

A departure from my usual genres, I picked up this book recommended by my friend Irish at Ticket to Anywhere.

Sixteen year-old Cammie Morgan attends a super select prep school for girls but this isn't your typical high school novel for Cammie's school is a school for spies! The Gallagher Girls are taught multiple languages, covert operations, culture and assimilation, and advanced encryption. During a Covert Ops training class, the Gallagher girls head off to town to mingle with the townies and spy on their teacher. Cammie does her best to blend in to her surroundings and remain unseen, but someone does see her and he happens to be a cute teenage boy and it seems like he's kinda into her. Cammie turns to her new classmate to explain the language of boys, something they definitely DON'T teach at her school. Her friends worry that Josh is also a spy and set out to discover his true identity, but Cammie just wants to be a normal teenage girl and date the boy she likes. She has to figure out whether she can be normal and how to have a relationship, because, in her world the rule is "I'd tell you I love you, but then I'd have to kill you." This is a cute adventure novel for teens. It combines elements of Harry Potter, The Princess Diaries and adds a whole new dimension with a spy plot. Cammie is a really interesting character for a girl who is learning to be a spy. She's shy and a bit awkward and isn't sure where she fits in. She relies on her more outgoing friends to help her get along in the world outside the school. I could really identify with Cammie and I liked that she wasn't a super smart, smooth spy-in-training who had all the answers. She's a normal teenage girl, aside from being a spy. Josh was a little bit too good to be true but he had his moments of acting like a normal teen too. I liked the contrast between Cammie's world and Josh's world and how they connect even though they come from different backgrounds. This is a fun adventure story for teens. I couldn't put it down and can't wait to read the next!

Lady Emma's Dilemma by Rhonda Woodward -- Regency Romance
This book is a companion to The Wagered Heart but can easily be read as a stand-alone. Lady Emmaline Fallon, the older sister of the Duke of Kelbourne, is a young widow grown tired of life in the country and come to Town for some adventure. Emma becomes the new reigning beauty, much to the dismay of an actress named Mrs. Willoughby alias Queen Willow, the former beauty. Emma is looking for love but not to remarry. She vows never again to allow a man to have complete control over her. Several candidates present themselves to Emma, none quite as dashing or alarming as handsome, rakish Baron, Jack Devruex who broke Emma's heart thirteen years ago. Bitter over events that happened in the past, Emma remains angry with Jack while he tries to make amends. Thirteen years ago Jack was a penniless boy trying to restore his family name and fortune and now he's a self-made man. He's told himself he's over Emma, but his heart tells him otherwise. Emma is conflicted and has to learn to let go of the past. I didn't like this book as much as I wanted to. I thought both Emma and Jack were rather selfish and annoying. Neither tried to understand what the other was feeling. Emma was really angry at herself but that never came up in the plot and instead she continued to blame Jack for everything that happened to her. The romantic development is good, though and there's just the right amount of romantic tension between Emma and Jack to make the story believable. This is a decent Regency novel and worth checking out from the library.