The Bobsey Twins from Homicide are Slowing Down but Not Out in the Mountains of Montana

Gretchen Horowitz and Alifair Robicheaux are truly chips off the old blocks. Not sure I like this development but the old boys are slowing down a bit and the extra guns keep them from the bad guys frying their bacon.

A Relationship Requires More Than Just Romantic Love

When Duncan returns from war unable to walk he does not want to be a burden to the girl he left behind. Her memory kept him alive or at least hopeful during the years of their seperation. When he left Lady Mary, a girl he has no business loving, considering their differing stations in society, was merely a girl of 16. She is now an elegant woman of 21 professing her continuing love for him. But he'd gone to war to win accolades and station so as to be worthy of her and acceptable to her family. Lady Mary's brother, the Duke, has no qualms about their union but her mother, the Dowager Duchess did not approve of him when he left and chances are she won't approve of him now any better, considering his physical condition. Unable to walk, how will he provide for her? No, the entire situation is untenable--better to end the relationship now and let Mary get on with her life. It is the right and gentlemanly thing to do. Unfortunately, Mary doesn't seem to agree.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Is There Anything Worse Than Having A Child Disappear?

An artist reluctantly agrees to look for a missing teen. Enjoyed the interaction of the teen's mother with the two women trying to help find her daughter. The condition of Laura's apartment and her lack of appetite are very real and reflect her sense of helplessness and her despondency over the whereabouts of her child. That part of the story was the most real . The description of teen secrets and ability to circumvent parental restrictions was both amusing and alarming. While the abusive relationship that caused the girl and her mother to be in hiding to begin with is not highly developed it is clear enough to make the dangerous situation real and the need for secrecy from police understandable. One thing I would suggest is that the author review more closely her description of Freddy's outfits--I just don't see her holding a purse in her lap while wearing a windbreaker like the one worn by James Dean. There could be more editing for repetition even in places where two sentences say exactly the same thing, All in all, a captivating read.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Tulip Fever

Tulip Fever by Deborah Moggach
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The best part of this book was its cover! It is beautiful but the story is not. The reference to tulipomania is hardly touched up although the onion eating scene was perfect. Found this difficult and plodding for the first half. Not until the deception of pregnancy did the writing pick up. The atmosphere was moody, dark--like ill lit rooms filled with heavy wood furniture. Even the art studio and painting scenes were dark and moody. The author kept stressing the illusionary aspect of life and so the story seemed dream-like. Other than Cornelis, the old man married to a unfaithful young wife, and Maria, the unfortunate young maid, I found the characters unlikeable and their selfishness intolerable. Jan did not deserve his success but if Cornelis found happiness with his native girl that is a happy ending. Maria's love story and its ending was far more satisfying than the relationship between Sophia and Jan.

Twenty plus years ago this was a best seller, didn't miss much by taking so long to get around to it.

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Lizbeth's Sister is The Next Enchantress--Marries a Duke

The Duke and The Enchantress by Paullett Golden
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Second installment of the Enchantress series--having read it, must urge that readers start with the first book. Though some series repeat enough of preceding plots this one does not. Much of the involvement with Aunt Hazel, Lizabeth etc requires the backstory from the first book. That is not a weakness but just a tip. Though I truly loved the first book and its characters I found this one less satisfying. Mama Charlotte is a bit much to take even though from the first story you understand the rat her father was. Still her nastiness to the new Duchess shows no love for her or the Duke, despite the claim toward the end that she loves them both. So far as the Duke's life before marrying is concerned, it is totally far-fetched and unbelieveable. Not only that, I'm not sure the exploitation of his young self by middle-aged women is very different than this 33 year old man marrying an 18 year old. Especially since he has made no effort to know or understand her as a person. Definitely common in those days and even now. What I question is why the reverse situation is shown to be demeaning and damaging to him in his youth--enough to keep him celibate for ten years--from 23 to 33--very questionable. So, finding the subplots too fanciful and contrived, I did not totally enjoy this book. That said, however, once the couple begin to know and understand each other and their interests, they became interesting. The idea of a composer having to hide his talent for fear of seeming effeminate was horrifying--but his music reflecting his emotions and that of his wife and their shared enjoyment of his musical efforts ( in more ways than one ) rescued the book for me and kept me reading.
On to the third installment, which I've already started and which is much like the first--engrossing. Must be the Sebastian side of the family that I like!

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