Blackmoore

****

PG

{UM} {TMP?}

Recommendable

So I did have to go and read this one again as I mentioned in my review on Edenbrooke.

There were a few moments of discomfort {UM} mainly revolving around her flirtatious mother.

When it came to the passion, I didn't feel it was as strong as it had been in Edenbrooke but it was still just a little much for me.

There is more of an air of mystery surrounding Blackmoore and I'm always a fan of that.

I don't think I could say that I like one or the other of Julianne Donaldson's novels more.

They are both so enjoyable in their own ways for they really are quite different from one another.

I'm glad to have refreshed my memory on them now and will plan on reading them again in another five years when I have completely forgotten them (not that they are forgettable mind you...just because...you know...my brain and it's forgetful tendencies :)

Edenbrooke

****

PG

{TMP} {UM}

I Guess Recommendable....

Explanation:

This was the first modernly written novel of this genre that I had ever read.  It was years ago.

I remember seeing it on the shelf at Deseret Book often and every time thinking, 'That looks cheesy!'

However, my sister in law either gave it to me or recommended it (I can't remember which) and I've been hooked ever since.  It wasn't until quite a while later that I started rating the books I read.  As my memory is quite fuzzy beyond what I ate for breakfast I just recalled really enjoying Julianne Donaldson's two books and not much else about them.

I have a friend who is a voracious reader and as such, frequently rereads her favorites.  Every now and then she'll mention reading this one again (or parts of it).  I've always thought it funny and wondered how she had time to reread books as well as stay on top of all the new books out.

Well, yesterday, I found myself having finished a book and needing something to read.  I do have a stack of books I've purchased and have never gotten around to reading so I grabbed one from that stack and then had the thought that maybe I should reread a (newer) classic instead.

I dug around for Edenbrooke and was immediately enveloped in this lovely novel again.

Julianne is talented!  I felt the same urgency to finish the book that I remember feeling the first time through.  I found it interesting though as I read with a mind for rating it with my current system.

There were a couple of {UM}...mostly relating to her sister who enjoys kissing rakes.

But most of all, when the hero and heroine declare their love for each other, their scene was a bit more passionate than I remember!  Not quite as innocent as I thought :(  Therefore, I had to give it the {TMP} rating.

I still love and am loyal to the book though and suppose I could recommend it with a bit of an explanation :)

I think I will reread Blackmoore now and see what I had forgotten about that one :)

Scarlet

**1/2

PG (13?)

{TMP} {UM}

Not Recommend

For me, this book definitely had {TMP}.

It is one that I would not recommend because of it...a lot of suggestive comments and such.  I almost didn't finish it but I was curious as to how she would wrap things up.  I liked the twist of having the pimpernel be a woman and I also liked her writing style but that one undesirable element was too strong for me.

I know this is her second novel and would be interested in trying the first...A Nobleman's Daughter...to see if it's any better in that department.

A Daring Venture

****

PG

{UM} {BSt}

Probably-Easily Recommend

With some {BSt} and a bit of gossip and accusations of immorality (which are not true), I can't give this a squeaky clean rating but it was pretty close.  The back story is concerning a secondary character and is not a main part of the plot so I wasn't as bothered by it.

The story itself was great!

I loved the characters and the intriguing storyline.  As always with Elizabeth Camden, fascinating history is weaved in with the fiction making for a delightful read!

This is the second in a series though so be sure to read A Dangerous Legacy, first!

Across the Blue

***1/2

PG

{BSt}

Probably Easily Recommend

I had an interesting time reading this book because I really enjoyed it but it took me a while to get through it.  A large part of that probably was due to things going on in my life that were taking up my usual reading time, but also, usually if I like a book enough I will MAKE time to read it.  Maybe I am just becoming more wise and choosing sleep over reading when I can tell my body needs it :)

Anyway, it was a sweet, historical novel about the beginnings of aviation in Europe.

Super clean!

The only thing to complain about was the back story.  The main male character knows he was born out of wedlock and late in the book he hears the whole story.  I did like that the author brought out the fact that just because his parents made poor choices shouldn't taint him as a person.  He chooses to lead an upstanding, moral life in spite of his questionable beginnings.

Would definitely read more of this series...if it is a series...I couldn't find info for future books...