What a delight! I thought the previous part of the series was the most enjoyable time. But this one was even better. Funnier (the scene e.g. when StepWhat a delight! I thought the previous part of the series was the most enjoyable time. But this one was even better. Funnier (the scene e.g. when Stephen helped Genevieve into the horse, or "cooking disaster", or with drunk Thompson, and the goose Horacio! - I was laughing out loud), more romantic (not only considering the main couple, but also secondary ones, and those from the past), mystery, action, and twists, all was wonderfully thrilling.
Yes, I was sometimes a bit lost with all those family connections and I don't like the eavesdropping in the novels (one time - if you must, but when the heroine eavesdrops more than one time, no matter if by accident or on purpose, I am disappointed in the writer). But still, I loved it!
And Damon - I will just sigh and swoon to my heart's content...
Why, oh, why it isn't republished with a better (more appropriate cover)? The whole series should have had better sales than all those supposedly historical romances with "big male characters". I don't get it. I have tried a few historical (written in this century) romances and they can't compare with Patricia Veryan's books. So full of adventure and drama, great heroes, big villains, strong friendships, and splendid romances.
PS I am now a bit anxious because I don't believe the next one could be as good. But I don't want to make a break with the series yet. ...more
Love is not all you need. Don’t believe that lie (...) You needed to match, to fit, to want the same things
Kristan Higgins writes about love in a
Love is not all you need. Don’t believe that lie (...) You needed to match, to fit, to want the same things
Kristan Higgins writes about love in a way that you want to put her quote in cards, love letters, diaries, on walls.
Love isn’t always the thing that fills up the room, or your heart. Sometimes, it’s what sneaks into the in-between spaces
Like always, I got a few kinds of love, romantic, parent, child, friend. Nothing was simple, yet, all was simple. You just have to learn to understand that you can be simply happy - in any circumstances.
The past isn’t a compass for the future
Although it wasn't one of my favourite by the author, it was pure Higgins' story. I smiled, laughed, cried. And there were Higgins' heroes! Yes, ladies, let's swoon a bit ;-)
There was one thing I didn't like - the meeting with the mistress (and the mascarade with messages). It didn't fit the character, and calling her with those nicks was... tasteless.
PS Often repeated disclaimer: a rating for books of my favourite writers is always in comparison to his/her other novels. Comparing them to the whole genre they would almost always be at least one star higher....more
You know how, if you’re late to meet someone—at first the person waiting for you is confused, then they’re pissed off. They get worried. Your task
You know how, if you’re late to meet someone—at first the person waiting for you is confused, then they’re pissed off. They get worried. Your task when it comes to an explanation and apology when you do turn up gets bigger, with each passing minute. Eventually they give up, and they leave. They’re not waiting for you anymore
Mhairi McFarlane at her best. Her wit, message, complex characters, friends, families, young love, a hero to fell in love - you name it. If you don't know McFarlane's novels yet, you should try, but perhaps not with this one, which was a bit sadder/more serious than her others. If you know her stories - you know why I love them. For more I recommend Rebekah's review.
No wonder we play 'the what’s for you, won’t pass you' mind games with ourselves, when the brutal senselessness is so hard to swallow.
I have one regret: I must wait until April for her next book.
PS A few more quotes:
That’s the point. Someone has gone, forever, and you have to stop waiting for them to come back. Without realizing it, you are stuck on pause, as if their not being here might change
company that’s not the right fit for you is so much lonelier than being happily alone
there’s no rule that says the unavailable person you waste your life being in love with has to be the greatest human you ever met. It doesn’t make the loss of him any less painful
The wonderful characters, hard and heart-wrenching struggles, and so so human.
because the past had shaped the present, it was more important than t
The wonderful characters, hard and heart-wrenching struggles, and so so human.
because the past had shaped the present, it was more important than the present
There was, again, the humour that made me smile and laugh, although often quite (in today's notion) politically incorrect. But I didn't mind, such were 90ties.
And Joe - we need more such men! No violent, no vicious, that can be charming and persisting in a courting but when a woman says "no", he goes away.
On the other hand, I had some difficulties with understanding Tara's being with Thomas. Then, to almost the end, I couldn't comprehend what was Lorcan for. He was an interesting character but I don't see why there was so much of him, just to be part of the last plot twist (at the very end). Yes, I could more understand why he behaved how he did, but still, he just didn't fit the narration. And, I really liked Katherine, until the moment when she went "crazy" for a bit at the end. Again, her behavior didn't fit, it was exaggerated, at least in my opinion.
Nonetheless, Fintan, Liv, Ravi, Joe, Sandro, Milo, the whole background and the past of the main trio - it all made a novel worth my time and gave me a few thoughts to consider.
PS This one was written in the third person. I so accustomed to the first person in Marion Keyes's books (after only three novels ;-) ) that at the beginning it felt weird....more
'Call off the search for a "why", Rachel,’ she finished on. ‘You don’t need it.'
Oh my... What a novel! So deep, sad, full of hurt. Often uncomfort
'Call off the search for a "why", Rachel,’ she finished on. ‘You don’t need it.'
Oh my... What a novel! So deep, sad, full of hurt. Often uncomfortable - but guess what? - life is often uncomfortable. Some of us are lucky to avoid Rachel's path. But we can read this book, understand it and be ready to be helpful for someone if the need comes.
The inside of addiction that Marian Keyes showed here was so brilliant and rough, that at some point I checked her biography, and yes, she is an alcoholic herself. That explains why Rachel's story seemed so real.
By the way, Keyes's wit will be probably too much for some readers, but I loved it. Perhaps partially because I come from Poland, and Polish Catholic upbringing was (is?) on many levels similar to Irish Catholic. So, I totally understand oppression and absurdities hid behind some of the witticisms.
As an additional bonus, I got Luke (he goes on my precious shelf 'my-hero'). There was not much of romance - because it was not about love, but what was there... [sigh] A few scenes, the emotions I knew that were there although they were not written on pages - it gave my romantical side more than many many so-called romances....more
6 stars for Jamie as a hero. From the beginning, I knew I would love the love story with him.
If we discover we’re horrendously ill-suited after two
6 stars for Jamie as a hero. From the beginning, I knew I would love the love story with him.
If we discover we’re horrendously ill-suited after two years of bickering about overspending on the food shop and picking up wet towels, think of the fun we’ll have had before we realise? If this is a mistake, think how much fun we’ll have making it?
I have found in here also Mhairi McFarlane's wit. And a bunch of something serious and important to tell/hear.
The culture here depended so much on playing the game, they’d all ceased to notice that they were playing it
Nonetheless, the timing for me had to be bad, because I wasn't as gripped as I was with the author's other novels. Perhaps, it was because I have recently read books with similar plots (break-up of a long-term relationship and fake relationship) so I lost a bit of focus/interest. I can't tell that something was lacking in McFarlane's version.
I am rounding it up to 4 stars, because deep down I know it was better than I felt. Besides, Jamie... [sigh] ;-)...more
If not for too many convenient coincidences it would have been perfect [with them only 4-4.5 stars].
I loved Pamyngton in the previous book, and I am gIf not for too many convenient coincidences it would have been perfect [with them only 4-4.5 stars].
I loved Pamyngton in the previous book, and I am glad he had his own story (and HEA). I think he was one of the best-created heroes of the genre. No "out of characters" behaviors, a great example of one of the types of men who probably lived then. I am sure everyone would like to have such a friend, son, father, husband, etc. How the world would have been better if there were more such men... His love story was also perfect for him.
As I wrote in a review of the previous part of the series, the threads that connect parts of the series were written splendidly. I really appreciate such sense and moderation.
I want to add also, that (in this series at least) Alice Chetwynd Ley showed common sense "with heroines". Yes, they did sometimes something stupid, on impulse, etc., but like most of us, after a time (rather shorter than longer) they calmed down and were able to admit/own their behaviour. Not as in many many other romances, when authors take advantage of such threads and build/keep misunderstandings absurdly long....more
I couldn’t have figured myself out if I’d not been someone else.
It was even better than The Flatshare. I am almost sure, that Beth O'Leary will be
I couldn’t have figured myself out if I’d not been someone else.
It was even better than The Flatshare. I am almost sure, that Beth O'Leary will become one of my favourite authors. She is on the way to be as wonderful as Milly Johnson or Kristan Higgins.
If you’re holding someone close enough, you can be the shoulder and the crier
I have absolutely nothing to complain about. Like in her debut, there were splendid characters, a beta-hero to love and hug, a hurtful topic told and resolved in a brilliant way, a few wise messages, and the wit. In other words, my beloved package. The kind of novel that reminds me why I love reading so much. This book cuddled me.
For my future me I want to name here some of the best of characters: Leena, Eileen, Marian, Jackson, Betsy, Nicola, Penelope, Ronald, Piotr, Basil, Kathleen, Arnold, Martha, Bee, Fitz, Letitia - I love them so much I would like them to be my real friends.
PS My brain doesn’t know when to shut up. I bet you I can think up twenty worst-case scenarios before you could even think of one. --> It is exactly like my brain often works... I am fighting with it, but everyone who is/was the same knows how hard it can be....more
Katherine Center looks like an interesting voice in the genre. It was the first book by her that I
This was a moment in time that was already lost
Katherine Center looks like an interesting voice in the genre. It was the first book by her that I have read. I have now big hopes.
Sometimes anybody really isn’t better than nobody
The author gave a lot of powerful messages for women, "be strong, be aware, be self-understanding, be yourself", in a gentle, not patronizing way.
Certain people in life—and not even always ones who deserve it—can just unlock all your doors, somehow. Even if you change the locks or hide the keys.
Secondly, she gave us a great hero of the love story. Hard to believe, but he was original. He had parts of other types of male characters, yet he was one of the kind, at least to me - I adored Jake (by the way, I loved Duncan too).
“The things you think about determine the things you think about”—meaning the more you focus on something, the more likely your brain is to focus on it
not getting what you want forces you to appreciate what you already have
It was a thought-through story, written according to a plan. Katherine Center evidently considered how to tell what she wanted to tell. It was nice to read a book when I feel such professionalism of the writer.
Happiness is more about appreciation than acquisition.
PS Perhaps the ending was a bit too much "made for a movie", but then was an epilogue that put the whole story on the higher level again....more
A charming surprise as a freebie from Amazon. I really love the idea for the book: two young (physically healthy) people, one with OCD, one just diagnA charming surprise as a freebie from Amazon. I really love the idea for the book: two young (physically healthy) people, one with OCD, one just diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. And I loved the light (if I can call it that) way of telling their story. No drama, but also no sitcom-ish (although it had quite a few funny moments). It allowed looking at the problem of people with OCD and MS in a bit different way. And I was very much fond of Matt - without him, this novel would have gotten 1-2 stars less. Because I had some issues:
--> I don't think that the boss-worker relation between Anna and Peter was realistic (or at least I hope it isn't happening in modern companies in the USA)
--> The same problem I have with Anna's co-workers. Where was HR?
--> And Anna's parents? We are living in the XXI century. I can't believe that they treated her so.
--> Also, Anna was very germophobic, and then she took the cane from the shelf in a shop, without any fear or thought. There was no way she would have done it, the way she was (mentally) at that moment.
Having above in mind, it was still a wise story. I am used to other styles, more serious or more hilarious, but I enjoyed it too and hope to read more by Annabelle Costa.
Wow, it’s hard to imagine having been in a wheelchair for ten years. Then again, it’s also hard to imagine being forty.
[PS I am torn between 3 and 4 stars. Thinking of Matt - definitely 4, thinking of Anna - barely 3]...more
Things only happen once. Do you ever think, Judith? It can be a bit the same, of course, but never quite the same
And what now? I am supposed to li
Things only happen once. Do you ever think, Judith? It can be a bit the same, of course, but never quite the same
And what now? I am supposed to live without all those people in my life? I was with them for more than ten years of their life, very important years. And now I must let them go? Live their lives without me? One would have thought, that after so many books I would have been accustomed to such goodbyes and voids... But I am not.
About the novel? A gripping historical fiction about (mostly) a bunch of young people, who loved, dreamed and lived in hard times.
In a way, I am so emotionally drained I don't have spare thoughts for a review. I know, there were HEA for all (almost all) and I am happy for them. But these thousand pages were very absorbing. So, if you are looking for longer review read Sara's review - no spoilers and she has written what I feel and think.
...you can't be anybody but yourself. At the end of the day, you're stuck with that.
Yes. There's nothing romantic about war and no room for sentiment or an overdeveloped degree of fastidiousness, not if you want to stay alive. (...
Yes. There's nothing romantic about war and no room for sentiment or an overdeveloped degree of fastidiousness, not if you want to stay alive. (...) Or did you think we were all epic heroes galloping off to immortal glory?
So, whose defiance was splendid? Banbury's? The King's? Cavaliers's? Roundheads's? Justin's? Abby's? Sam's? Jonas's?
A story about loyalty, friendship, keeping own's views, or changing them. Love that bloomed slowly. And Justin... [sigh...]
'He's sarcastic and short-tempered and he swears rather a lot. He says things he shouldn't and laughs when you least expect it, but he's unmistakably a gentleman, in the same way that Colonel Fiennes is. And he's kind; someone to trust. Does that sound stupid?' 'Not stupid,' replied Alice slowly. 'A little dangerous, perhaps.'
I love historical fiction that is soaked with history. Each great book of the genre allows me to understand the past a bit more.
Face nasty reality, Sam. The man whose ideas are wonderful but so far in advance of their time that they can't be implemented is an embarrassment. The man who adds to that a persuasive tongue and his own brand of integrity is a threat.
In other words, one of the books that swept me away, speeded my heartbeat, made me more alive.
By the way, when Abby shouted to an abandoned, defeated king in the Parliamentary city: God protect Your Majesty! I felt a deep sadness.
PS If you don't know anything about the English Civil War you will be probably overwhelmed. It is one of the rare historical novels that doesn't explain a reader the background. Thanks to it, most readers don't have to read again what they already know, but a new story, another point of view, etc....more
Yes! Francis found his HEA! Now, time for Eden - fortunately, in the next book he is the main hero. I can't wait. Those two guys are my favourite in tYes! Francis found his HEA! Now, time for Eden - fortunately, in the next book he is the main hero. I can't wait. Those two guys are my favourite in the whole series. But, about 'The King's Falcon'.
I can only repeat myself. An excellent historical fiction (deeply and well-researched), with action, mystery, plot twist, complex characters, friendships, love stories (that make you sigh, smile, and read page after page). With Stella Ridley, you get a full package.
Ok, I just want to go to the next one, and to Eden ;-) His last words were like a lasso, I am caught. So you have to search for more in other reviews. I recommend Marquise's.
And, if that’s to be the case, I don’t know what I – or indeed any of us – fought for
I adore Leon. It is so rare to find a beta-hero in a romance. Moreover, so swoony (yes, he was swoony to me, a man doesn't have toA great debut novel.
I adore Leon. It is so rare to find a beta-hero in a romance. Moreover, so swoony (yes, he was swoony to me, a man doesn't have to be alpha to make me sigh ;-) ). Each contemporary romance that has 'a normal guy' as the main character has an additional point from me. And each writer that put such guy as a hero I value highly.
What was Leon like?
--> He asked before lifting a girl. He doesn't take her without permission because 'he-is-such-an-alpha-that-he-doesn't-have-to-ask'. So simple, and I loved it.
--> Peek at his thoughts: My inner teenager attempts to take control of my gaze and I just about catch myself in time
Come on! Aren't you in love with him yet? No? Read his other thought:
--> She smiles up at me and I feel something shift in my chest. Hard to describe. Maybe like a lock clicking into place.
Have you swooned? Sighed? If you haven't perhaps the book isn't for you.
But, don't get the impression there was nothing more than Leon.
I appreciate how the story handled up the topic of the gaslighting (a form of psychological manipulation in which a person seeks to sow seeds of doubt in a targeted individual making him/her question his/her own memory, perception, and sanity.).
I loved the secondary characters and supplementary stories. I can't decide which one the most, Richie, Mo, Gerty, Rachel. They were well chosen and created. What is also important, they weren't for another part of the series, etc, as is common in the genre. (Although part of me would like to read a book with some of them as the main characters.)
I have found there also some message that I deeply identify with, like I'm not ready to be done feeling angry just because she wants to apologize. - I know the feeling.
And it had charming funny moments - with memorable 'a shower scene'.
I have one bigger 'complain': I don't feel comfortable with sentences without a subject. There were too many sentences without (mostly) 'I'. I understand that people speak/think often without it but in books, I prefer a bit more proper language (if an incorrect language isn't an important part of the story).
I couldn't decide between 4 and 5 stars. I have had a wonderful time with this novel. On the other hand, it wasn't as phenomenal like e.g. the best of Kristan Higgins' books. But, I am not going to compare it to the masters of the genre and as a debut novel, it gets 5 stars from me (a big part of the rating, of course, thanks to Leon ;-) )....more
The book is for women that need (and look for in a book) a top note of fun and laughter, a middle note of acceptance and warmth, and a long-lastingThe book is for women that need (and look for in a book) a top note of fun and laughter, a middle note of acceptance and warmth, and a long-lasting base note of support and love. And the truth is that all of Johnson's novels give me that.
We had here a group of middle-aged women plus one younger couple. There was friendship, love, searching for answers, fears, needs... And animals. [And hero as a vet - I can only sigh.]
Simply another guide for women - written in the best way.
Mrs. Johnson, thank you! I adore your books. I am in love with your characters. Your voice (stories) soothe my soul and excite my heart. I am so glad Mrs. Johnson, thank you! I adore your books. I am in love with your characters. Your voice (stories) soothe my soul and excite my heart. I am so glad that I have bought a few paper copies of your books - I can hug them how much I want.
I am far, far from being a fan of wrestling, but oh my, Steve and Guy stole my heart. I was so rooting for them. I laughed at Guy's struggles with wooing, but also I felt almost as anxious as he.
Then, Floz's story... She went through so hard times. Her life was revealed slowly, to the end. The last thing and then the epilogue were like the whole book - happiness that conquers sadness - without melodrama and big misunderstandings. Just love and live your life!
And add to that Coco, Gideon and the Millers and the best kind of humour - and you have one of the best modern women fiction novels.
PS I agree with Rebekah, this Johnson's book (despite the sad and tough topic you find in here) was lighter than her main style. Probably, it is perfect to start a journey with her world....more
Sometimes other people's rubbish held more answers for you than your own
Rebekah warned me I would like it and she was right.
This book is tagged as
Sometimes other people's rubbish held more answers for you than your own
Rebekah warned me I would like it and she was right.
This book is tagged as 'chick-lit' and 'romance'. I call it 'woman fiction', or 'fiction for women'. What is the difference, you may ask? For me, chick-lit romance is (mostly) for fun, woman fiction is to allow some of us to go through some process.
Lou's story (and other women's in this novel) was true and moving. The style of telling about her was simultaneously thoughtful/deep and light/heartwarming and at many times funny.
And Tom Broom... [sigh, sigh and sigh...]
What to tell more? It was a well-written novel. With complex and real characters (I didn't like Phil or Michelle but they were well created.)
I haven't found any weak points in the book. I am happy that there are so many Milly Johnson's books before me.
Thank you very much, Rebekah, for your suggestion....more
It was Kristan Higgins and I love her booksChrista Schönmann Abbühl and Rebekah wrote what I would like to write [warning: spoilers in these reviews].
It was Kristan Higgins and I love her books. I did enjoy this one too. A few moments/scenes were marvelously hilarious, a few deeply moving. There was a message. But it wasn't one of my favourites of her (reasons: see mentioned above reviews).
I have to note Sullivan. Higgins has a gift in creating heroes of the romance. Sullivan is one of the best beta-hero I have found in novels.
Here a few quotes that show Higgins' style of writing (if you don't know her yet):
I was hit by a car, and according to the Hallmark Channel, I’m supposed to come home.
(Hello, guilt, how’ve you been?).
the harsh world of junior high, where cliques were carved in stone, and cafeteria seating was more complex than the British peerage
“If I can’t smell your hair at least once a day for the rest of my life, I might have to kill myself.”
The corner of his mouth rose, and so did my entire reproductive system
PS Please remember, if you compare Higgins' novels to other authors of the genre add one star to each of my ratings....more
Elizabeth Chadwick in full splendor, at least I love her stories told in such a way.
I think I have told everything that is important to know about ChaElizabeth Chadwick in full splendor, at least I love her stories told in such a way.
I think I have told everything that is important to know about Chadwick's novels see here my other reviews. They take me to the medieval world, to live with (and understand) those people, to be with them through ordinary and unordinary duties, without pretending, without smoothing.
I have savoured 'Shields of Pride'. After only a few sentences, I fell in love with Josceline. From the beginning, I just knew he was 'my hero'. I sympathized deeply with Linnet (her fears and insecurities) and William (his broken heart and inability to cope with it). All with glances at life in the castle, action twists and a romance....more
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