Romance, romance everywhere!

Finally, I squeezed in some reading time! And turned my attention to historical romance. I did get to read Seducing an Angel by Mary Balogh. And everything it promised, it delivered! Reading it was like seeing old friends you haven't seen in awhile, as it completed the quartet of books that began with First Comes Love. As always, Ms. Balogh crafts a believable world set in regency England. She fills her books with characters you can believe in and root for. I laugh, cry, and fall in love right along with them! It was very well done and definitely a must read! However, I do hope that she's not going to leave us hanging on what happens to cousin Con Huxtable! I know that he's an honorable man, for all that aspersions have been cast upon his character, and wait with baited breath to read his story!!!

I also managed to read another Bridgerton novel by Julia Quinn. I am attempting to read all eight in the series but am woefully out of order. I started with Gregory's story On the Way to the Wedding and as he is number 7 of the Bridgerton siblings obviously, that was not the first book! I did go back and read the first one, and the third and the eighth and finally the sixth. Confusing, no? The sixth book dealt with Francesca, the 6th Bridgerton sibling and the 3rd girl. It was called When He was Wicked. It was good, but not my favorite. I don't think any of this was the fault of Ms. Quinn's writing...it was superb as always, but I don't like characters whose major actions are led by guilt. I'm not a big believer in guilt myself. No regrets and all that. Still, it was a good story and a definate must read when following the lively Bridgerton clan! I finally got ahold of the 2nd book in the series and will read it next! Then there will only be two to go!

I also read What Happens In London, again by the incomparable Ms. Quinn. This one was a follow up to an earlier book called The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever, one of the funniest romances I have ever read! This second book follows the best friend of Miranda Cheevers, Lady Olivia Bevelstoke. And while Miranda and her husband (who is Lady Olivia's older brother) are not featured in this book, they are mentioned so that we know all is still well in their world. What Happens In London fully lived up to the first book. It was hilarious!!! I laughed out loud many many times. I also annoyed Lulu by reading aloud funny passages just so I could share it with someone. What a great read! Highly recommended!!

And last but not least, I had the good fortune to find The Bridegroom, the fourth book in the Stone Creek Series by Linda Lael Miller. It follows the life of Gideon Yarbro, younger brother to Rowdy and Wyatt (books 2 &3). It was short, but very good. I love returning to Ms. Lael Miller's recreation of the Northern Arizona Territory. Who doesn't love a good western?! And Ms. Lael Miller is a pro at it! Again...I laughed, cried and rooted for the hero. If you haven't read the series...I suggest you do!

Well I'm going to start another Bridgerton novel tonight. Number 2 in the series, The Viscount Who Loved Me. After that I have on my nightstand...Don't Bargain With The Devil and Wed Him Before You Bed Him. Both are part of the Sabrina Jeffries series "The School for Heiresses".

Happy Reading,
♥Gert

Heart sore!

Gert,
I will skip apologies for tardiness. I have, as you know, been reading Duma Key. It was brought to life by The Master. Stephen King. Ouuu, you nasty man!
Let me say first that I didn't expect to cry while reading one of his works. I expected to be scared stiff, and in that he delivered. And then some! The crying came as total surprise and left me feeling hollow. These people, in Duma Key, were my friends. Crazy? If you say yes then you should put down whatever book your reading and grab the remote. Don't get me wrong, not all authors can sweep you away so thoroughly. But if your a reader, it's impossible not to have lived one of the books you've read before. Mr.Stephen King is an author that won't let you sit on your chair or couch quietly reading his story. He summons you in and you go willingly. After that there is no escape. Not that you'd ask for it anyway. I will be haunted by Duma Key for some time to come. I will hear the shells speaking under Big Pink. My children will never have red-headed baby dolls. And I won't buy any art from the gulf area.
Thank you sir, for some more nightmares, as that is why we read your thoughts! Obviously I recommend reading this one. Just be prepared to lose a day or two, depending on how quickly you read. And don't read it right before bed! Trust me, you'll lose a lot of sleep that way.
Next I intend to read some happy and romantic stories. I have to.

Please don't let the table be leaking! Hildi