Dearest Eulalia: A Classic Doctor Romance by Betty Neels is a 2017 Harlequin Special Release publication.
It’s so nice to see Harlequin is keeping BetDearest Eulalia: A Classic Doctor Romance by Betty Neels is a 2017 Harlequin Special Release publication.
It’s so nice to see Harlequin is keeping Betty Neels’ legacy alive.
This is a short story which, if my information is correct, first appeared in a holiday centered anthology, originally published in the early 2000’s, called ‘Mistletoe Miracles’.
Released in digital format, just in time for the holidays, this sweet historical romance is centered around Eulalia, who lives with her ailing grandfather and works at the local hospital.
When Aderik van der Leurs, a surgeon, arrives in town, he immediately takes an interest in Eulalia, and quickly proposes marriage. Initially, Eulalia is reluctant, but a sad turn of events will prompt her to reconsider, even it is only a marriage of convenience… or is it?
Aderik is content to allow Eulalia to believe the marriage is not a love match, that they can be friends, and enjoy one another’s company until such a time that Eulalia feels comfortable in the marriage. But, of course, he’s already in love with her, and wants her to fall in love with him in her own time.
Eulalia soon becomes frustrated by her developing feelings, believing Aderik does not return them, while he wishes fervently she would fall for him, sooner rather than later.
Aderik is a little arrogant, I suppose, presuming Eulalia will eventually fall for him, but he does have the patience of Job and was very sweet and romantic, and Eulalia is sensitive, longing for true love, but believing it to be elusive. She is also a strong character and very likable.
This is such a short story, and is not really the best representation of Neels’ work, but I still enjoyed the sweet, old fashioned, very chaste, romance.
I am a late bloomer when it comes to reading romance. But, I discovered Betty Neels when I started my vintage paperback collection some years back. I loved her stories, all of them sweet and emotional, but of course very, very, very old fashioned.
So, in all honesty, these books might be better suited for her long time fans who will love having these classic stories available to read on their tablets. For modern romance readers, please be aware of instalove and other outdated or wildly unpopular themes. ( I heard that collective groan!!) But, if you can understand the era in which Neels’ was so very popular, and in this case, the historical settings in the story, you might find her stories are timeless classics and quite lovely.
This one is recommended for fans of this author, first and foremost- but if you long for good old-fashioned love stories, but have given up all hope of ever finding any in the age of Christian Grey, then Betty Neels’ is the author you are looking for.
Overall this one gets a 3.5 rounded up.
Merged review:
Dearest Eulalia: A Classic Doctor Romance by Betty Neels is a 2017 Harlequin Special Release publication.
It’s so nice to see Harlequin is keeping Betty Neels’ legacy alive.
This is a short story which, if my information is correct, first appeared in a holiday centered anthology, originally published in the early 2000’s, called ‘Mistletoe Miracles’.
Released in digital format, just in time for the holidays, this sweet historical romance is centered around Eulalia, who lives with her ailing grandfather and works at the local hospital.
When Aderik van der Leurs, a surgeon, arrives in town, he immediately takes an interest in Eulalia, and quickly proposes marriage. Initially, Eulalia is reluctant, but a sad turn of events will prompt her to reconsider, even it is only a marriage of convenience… or is it?
Aderik is content to allow Eulalia to believe the marriage is not a love match, that they can be friends, and enjoy one another’s company until such a time that Eulalia feels comfortable in the marriage. But, of course, he’s already in love with her, and wants her to fall in love with him in her own time.
Eulalia soon becomes frustrated by her developing feelings, believing Aderik does not return them, while he wishes fervently she would fall for him, sooner rather than later.
Aderik is a little arrogant, I suppose, presuming Eulalia will eventually fall for him, but he does have the patience of Job and was very sweet and romantic, and Eulalia is sensitive, longing for true love, but believing it to be elusive. She is also a strong character and very likable.
This is such a short story, and is not really the best representation of Neels’ work, but I still enjoyed the sweet, old fashioned, very chaste, romance.
I am a late bloomer when it comes to reading romance. But, I discovered Betty Neels when I started my vintage paperback collection some years back. I loved her stories, all of them sweet and emotional, but of course very, very, very old fashioned.
So, in all honesty, these books might be better suited for her long time fans who will love having these classic stories available to read on their tablets. For modern romance readers, please be aware of instalove and other outdated or wildly unpopular themes. ( I heard that collective groan!!) But, if you can understand the era in which Neels’ was so very popular, and in this case, the historical settings in the story, you might find her stories are timeless classics and quite lovely.
This one is recommended for fans of this author, first and foremost- but if you long for good old-fashioned love stories, but have given up all hope of ever finding any in the age of Christian Grey, then Betty Neels’ is the author you are looking for.
Tough Justice: Exposed Part 1/8 by Carla Cassidy is a 2016 Harlequin Special Release publication.
I have always enjoyed serials, and wish there were mTough Justice: Exposed Part 1/8 by Carla Cassidy is a 2016 Harlequin Special Release publication.
I have always enjoyed serials, and wish there were more of them out there. With the busy lives many of you live, it can be a challenge to fit reading into your routine. Serials are a great way to incorporate reading into a tight schedule, plus, I love how each installment leaves you hotly anticipating the next story in the series, which encourages people to continue reading, whereas a novel can feel too daunting at times, and are easily abandoned. So, I think this is a great idea and it’s a fun way to spice things up a little.
I am looking forward to the next installment and can’t wait to find out what happens next. Could there eventually be a little romance between Lara and Nick? Will Lara stop the Moretti’s before they murder again? Stay tuned! This review is the copyrighted property of Night Owl Reviews. ...more
The Sea Glass Sisters by Lisa Wingate is a 2013 Tyndale House publication.
I discovered I had a book in this series on my Kindle- but it was the seconThe Sea Glass Sisters by Lisa Wingate is a 2013 Tyndale House publication.
I discovered I had a book in this series on my Kindle- but it was the second book in the series- so I decided to go back and read the first book- which is when I discovered there was a prequel, if you will. Though this book was published in between full-length installments, I decided to start with this novella then read ‘The Prayer Box’ after that.
This story features a 911 operator, Elizabeth Gallagher, who is going through a rough patch. A trip with her mother to visit her aunt, finds the island preparing for a hurricane and her aunt dealing with a serious health condition.
Yet the time away from home gives Elizabeth a chance to reflect on her rapidly approaching ‘empty nest’, her marriage, and her future…
This novella gives me a feel for the kind of series this will be, and I can tell it’s right up my alley. I loved Elizabeth’s realistic issues, the reality of her job, her home life and her perspective on living on an island that is so prone to hurricanes and floods.
After reading Wingate’s ‘Before We Were Yours’, I promised to read more books by this author. I was surprised by how many books she had written before I discovered her. It’s taken me awhile to find my way back to her, but I’m glad I finally did! I’m very much looking forward to this series!!
Love at First Bark by Dana Mentink is a 2017 publication.
This is a super short and sweet contemporary romance novella- a part of the ‘Love Unleashed’Love at First Bark by Dana Mentink is a 2017 publication.
This is a super short and sweet contemporary romance novella- a part of the ‘Love Unleashed’ series. The story is about Marcy, an author, who gets a taste of unexpected success, but must now meet deadlines… and her heart just isn’t quite in it. One of her many distractions is a cute dog who showed up out of the blue...
Enter cowboy Jackson Parker who seems to recognize Marcy’s dilemma and gently leads her to a few realizations making her think about the direction her life should go going forward.
This is a cute ‘lunchbreak’ read and a nice introduction to the series. Who can pass up a cute dog and a handsome cowboy?
When they First Met by Debbie Macomber is a 2012 Ballantine Books publication.
This 27-page novella/short story was included in the digital version of When they First Met by Debbie Macomber is a 2012 Ballantine Books publication.
This 27-page novella/short story was included in the digital version of ‘The Inn at Rose Harbor’. Basically, it just goes into greater detail about how Jo Marie met Paul, how they fell in love and decided to get married.
This is a poignant little story considering how things turned out for Paul and Jo Marie- but it was nice to get a better feel for the kind of man Paul was and why Rose fell in love with him.
Overall, a nice, sweet bonus read, but not necessary to enjoy the series. If your library has a copy- go for it- but you don’t need to go out of your way to get a copy.
Sweet Tea and Wedding Rings by Rachel Hanna is a 2021 publication.
I have really enjoyed this ongoing novella series centered around Mia and her sisteSweet Tea and Wedding Rings by Rachel Hanna is a 2021 publication.
I have really enjoyed this ongoing novella series centered around Mia and her sister Kate, their love interests and Kate’s daughter. For some reason I thought this was the last installment- but was pleasantly surprised to find that there are at least two more after this one. Yay!
This installment, though I loved, loved, loved the ending, was not my all time favorite. I did love seeing Cooper and Travis getting along, I loved hearing from characters featured in previous episodes, and the introduction of new characters, but I felt the small town versus the big city monologues got a bit too heavy handed. The stereotypes on both sides of the coin were way over the top, nearly sucking all the charm out of the story and creating a very tense atmosphere I wasn’t in love with.
Thankfully, even in such a short story, the author managed to steer things back towards the saga between the sisters and their significant others and their futures together and it ended on a very sweet note, even after all the vitriol.
So, despite the journey’s rocky road- I’m still all in on the series and can’t wait to see what will happen next at the Sweet Tea B&B. ...more
Sweet Tea & Honey Bees by Rachel Hanna is a 2020 publication.
This is the third installment in the Sweet Tea B&B series and picks up after Evie's estrSweet Tea & Honey Bees by Rachel Hanna is a 2020 publication.
This is the third installment in the Sweet Tea B&B series and picks up after Evie's estranged father begins demanding to visit her. Initially, Evie refuses, but deep down she really does want to meet him.
Though her mother, Kate, is not thrilled, she allows her ex-husband to stay at the B&B so he and Evie can establish a relationship… but Kate is positive her former husband is up to something.
Meanwhile, Mia and Travis may have hit a snag in their relationship when Travis is offered a major opportunity that takes him back to the city and into a working relationship with a woman who has designs on him…
Moreover, Kate and Mia’s father, Jack, is also staying at the B&B and is acting very strange…
It is always fun to check in with Mia, Kate, and Evie! For a novella length story this one has a lot going on and Rachel Hanna somehow manages to bring it all together in an impactful way. I loved many of the messages in the book about forgiveness, doing the right thing by someone, even if we they aren’t our favorite person. Evie’s character is the one that has really come a long way since the series first began and it is great to see the mother/daughter dynamic bloom.
Overall, this is another lovely installment in the series. While I am looking forward to the last installment, I’m really going to hate to see it end…
Sweet Tea Sunrise by Rachel Hanna is a 2020 publication.
This second installment in the "Sweet Tea B&B” series picks up exactly where the first instalSweet Tea Sunrise by Rachel Hanna is a 2020 publication.
This second installment in the "Sweet Tea B&B” series picks up exactly where the first installment left off. Mia discovers another ‘hit’ on the DNA site that brought her together with a sister she didn’t know she had. This time, though, it looks as though she might, at long last, have a chance to meet her father. She contacts him- but now she must wait on pins and needles to see if he’ll reach out…
Meanwhile, Kate and Cooper’s relationship deepens, and Evie is both excited and nervous about getting a fresh start in a new place, and a person from Mia’s past shows up out of the blue asking to stay at the B&B, as do an older couple who seem to be at odds with one another…
This is a cute series- it’s mostly clean, very light, though there are some heavier adult issues addressed. It’s a sweet story, mingled with humor and some irony along the way. I’m looking forward to the next installment to see how these relationships will progress from here.
Overall, a quick easy read- and a wonderful companion for a lovely fall day!
Mistletoe Mine by Emily March is a 2023 publication. (Originally published in 2011)
I missed this one when it was originally published in 2011. It’s beMistletoe Mine by Emily March is a 2023 publication. (Originally published in 2011)
I missed this one when it was originally published in 2011. It’s been repackaged, if you will, with a new cover and an updated excerpt at the end of the story. But, regardless, it’s a new story for me, and I’m glad I was made aware of it.
It’s been a long time since I landed my feet in Eternity Springs, and it was nice to revisit that world for a short time. This story is, as are most holiday themed novellas, short and sweet. There is depth to the story as well as some Christmas scenery to capture the romance of the season as well as the magic.
Overall, a quick, enjoyable story everyone can enjoy- at any time of the year!
The Little Book Café: Amy’s story by Georgia Hill is a 2018 HarperImpulse publication.
This is the final installment in the Little Book Café series. TThe Little Book Café: Amy’s story by Georgia Hill is a 2018 HarperImpulse publication.
This is the final installment in the Little Book Café series. The trilogy closes with an emotional segment centered around Amy, the bookshop owner and organizer of the book club. Amy is super shy and has a hard time keeping the club on topic as more forceful personalities tend to disrupt the meetings. But there is more to Amy than even she realizes.
After a horrendous breakup with her fiancé, a situation that caused plenty of town gossip, Amy has become withdrawn and is the frequent recipient of her mother’s digs about her weight and clothing choices. She also has a crush on Patrick, an Irish author and book club member who carries an air of mystery about him. Will Amy have the nerve to stand up to her mother and maybe make a play for Patrick?
I enjoyed seeing Amy come out her shell and Patrick’s revelations gave the story more emotional depth than the previous chapters in the trilogy. The ending is very sweet, and I loved how all three featured characters have developed their friendships with one another, with their significant others, and most of all their own personal growth.
Overall, these three novella length stories are a perfect fit for a lunch break- or pack all three for a day at the beach. I enjoyed this trilogy and will be adding more Georgia Hill books to my TBR from now on!...more
The Little Bookshop Café- Emma’s Story by Georgia Hill is a 2018 HarperImpulse publication.
With a new hire at the real estate agency throwing her higThe Little Bookshop Café- Emma’s Story by Georgia Hill is a 2018 HarperImpulse publication.
With a new hire at the real estate agency throwing her higher education in Emma’s face, she is prompted to broaden her horizons by taking a class in high brow literature. She soon finds herself developing a crush on the teacher and begins feeling restless and bored with her long-time boyfriend, Ollie. Stuck in a small town, with little opportunity, Emma begins to wonder if there’s more out there and if she should explore it…
This is the second installment in the Bookshop Café series and is obviously centered around Emma, Tash’s colleague and friend we met in book one. Emma loves Poldark – and her fantasies are built around these epic romance/dramas, a form of escapism that takes her away from her mundane smalltown life. Getting swept away by her new literature class and her self- important teacher only exacerbates her discontent with her life, making her long for something more. In the process, she is missing what is right under her nose….
I hate, hate, hate to admit this, but I’ve never read Poldark. I know, I know! But just so you know, I’ve added it to my TBR and plan to read it very soon. It sounds like a series I would love- right up my alley. But, while the references to Poldark went over my head, it didn’t stop me from getting the message the author was trying to convey.
Sometimes we long for something new, something more exciting, more challenging, only to discover that we had all we ever needed or wanted right under our noses all along. Will Emma wise up before it’s too late?
Overall, another cute, novella length story. I love the book themes, especially since these books are tempting me to re-read old classics or get started on books I’ve neglected to read before now! I also enjoyed some of the humor in the book, and the story was just a tiny bit lighter than the previous installment, which gave it a lovely heartwarming feel. A very enjoyable lunchbreak read!
This short novel really packs a punch and could put any current day psychological author to the test. SPassing by Nella Larson is a 1929 publication.
This short novel really packs a punch and could put any current day psychological author to the test. Set in the Harlem Renaissance, the story is centered around two childhood friends, Irene Redfield and Clare Kendy. Both are light-skinned black women- but Irene lives in Harlem with her husband and two children, while Clare passes for white, enjoying the benefits of a society wife. Irene is proud of her heritage, while Clare felt ‘passing’ would provide with her a more comfortable life.
When the two women meet again after many years of separation, the consequences of their decisions will alter their lives in ways they never could have imagined.
This novel explores the themes of race and identity- subjects that are still quite relevant today. I thought this was a taut, tightly wound story in many ways. There is always an uneasy feeling humming just beneath the surface. The repercussions of living a lie, the constant fear of exposure, and the burden it places on others who are forced to keep secrets, on top of the building tensions in Irene’s marriage once Clare forcefully inserts herself into Irene’s life again, made for some disquieting and complex situations that had me holding my breath as the suspense builds to its shocking climax.
With any short story the issue of character development can be a problem for me, but in this situation the dialogue and Irene’s inner thoughts are all that is required to create plenty of complexity.
The conclusion, though deliberately ambiguous, was stunning nonetheless, and left me feeling a little numb for a while.
The novel is very well-written, thought-provoking, suspenseful and tragic. I highly recommend this incredible, timeless classic!
Agatha’s First Case by M.C. Beaton is a 2015 Minotaur Books publication.
I have waffled for ages about jumping into one of M.C. Beaton’s long-running mAgatha’s First Case by M.C. Beaton is a 2015 Minotaur Books publication.
I have waffled for ages about jumping into one of M.C. Beaton’s long-running mysteries series- so when I saw this novella length story featuring Agatha Raisin and her first case, I decided to dip my toe into the water.
This story was published in 2015 and the first full-length Raisin novel was published in 1992- so for fans of the series, this one was probably just a short bit of fun fluff sandwiched between installments, but it gave me an advantage, should I decide to give the series a start, in earnest someday. Although this novella was an okay test-taste, if you will, I’m still waffling. I may try the ‘Macbeth’ series first, then decide.
Overall, I read this one out of curiosity, just to see if the series might be a good fit for me. It is a great way to meet Agatha and see how she got started on the road to amateur sleuthing- but, as the series is categorized as a cozy- it didn’t entirely meet my qualifications for that genre- mainly due to the language, which did take me a bit by surprise. I may see how hard it is to find all the installments- and if they are mostly available, I'll give it a fair shake- as it does seem like a very popular series.
Endless Summer by Elin Hilderbrand is a 2022 Little, Brown and Company publication.
I have accumulated a few of Elin's books, here and there, but didnEndless Summer by Elin Hilderbrand is a 2022 Little, Brown and Company publication.
I have accumulated a few of Elin's books, here and there, but didn’t know exactly where to start- so when I saw this book was a collection of short stories, I snapped it up, thinking it would give me a sampling of the author’s work and maybe point me in the direction I might want to go with her full length novels.
In a way, that is exactly what this collection did for me. I now have a list of books I’ll want to read, and will have this collection to compliment them.
On the other hand, I think this book was really meant for those who are already familiar with the books these stories are linked to, and because of that, I feared I would find out something I might not want to know in advance- and I also felt a little lost, because I wasn't already familiar with these characters, or their backstories. - and, yes, the blurb does mention that this collection has sequels and added chapters, etc. but, I didn't fully grasp the concept..
So, I decided to put this one aside for now and come back to it after I have read a few of the stories this collection adds to.
I will leave as star rating for it at a later date. All that said, I am looking forward to diving into Elin's work more than ever now!...more
Together by Linda Lael Miller is a 2017 Avon publication. (Originally published in 1996)
This is a collection of short historical romances. There are fTogether by Linda Lael Miller is a 2017 Avon publication. (Originally published in 1996)
This is a collection of short historical romances. There are five stories in the collection, and all were written back in the nineties. In All Seasons- The Scent of Snow That Other Katherine Store Bought Woman Switch
The stories all have a similar theme of lovers being separated in one way or another and brought back together by love.
Personally, I can’t recall ever having read any of Linda Lael Miller’s historical romance novels!! I have read her contemporary western romance novels, though, and I usually enjoyed them. I had not added this book to my TBR list for some reason, but I found it on my Kindle device while looking for another book.
Curious, I started reading these stories and was surprised to find they were not contemporary. While, these stories are a bit dated in places, and of course, the brevity makes the story feel too rushed, I do recall reading lots of books with this style of writing back in the nineties. I enjoyed “The Other Katherine”, as it was a time slip story, which was so popular back then.
Overall, though, despite my not being a huge fan of short stories, I enjoyed the nostalgic feeling these stories had for me. These days, though far and few between, Miller’s contemporaries are much more my style.
Nobody’s Magic by Destiny O. Birdsong is a 2022 Grand Central Publication.
This book is a trilogy of stories centered around three black women born wiNobody’s Magic by Destiny O. Birdsong is a 2022 Grand Central Publication.
This book is a trilogy of stories centered around three black women born with albinism.
The first story features Suzette, a young woman of some privilege whose parents are alternately overprotective, manipulative, and controlling.
Suzette is now in her early twenties, but has never learned to drive, has never held a job or seriously considered her future. But she’s becoming restless, ready to break free from her parent’s restraints and live a normal life.
The second story involves Maple who is reeling from the aftermath of her mother’s murder. She leaves her grandmother’s home, finds a part-time job and a place to stay, then meets Chad, a man struggling with his own tremendous loss. Through the sharing of his grief and pain, Maple is able to come to terms with her own.
The third story is centered around Agnes, who appears to live in the shadow of her sister and harbors intense resentment towards her family. She’s struggled to find her niche, barely scraping by- but then she meets ‘Prime’ who could be the person she’s been longing to find. But she does something that propels her to finally return home to confront the family she’s avoided for so long.
All three stories are set in the deep south along the ARK/TX/LA area- primarily in Shreveport, Louisiana-which is key in setting the stage and creating the atmosphere and undertones.
Of the three stories, the second one is the strongest and Maple was the character I was most connected to. The third story is the weakest and felt out of place compared to the first two.
Overall, I rarely read short stories- but this was a well-written collection, despite some unnecessary content and inconsistencies, and touches on a variety of topics and emotions. It was an enlightening change of pace for me, and I will certainly be keeping an eye on this author....more
The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson is an 1886 publication.
What a strange case, indeed!
This classic tale of horror The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson is an 1886 publication.
What a strange case, indeed!
This classic tale of horror is one that, of all the old movies, like Dracula, the Wolfman and Frankenstein and all their various incarnations, I watched repeatedly growing up, I just didn’t really care for all that much. I did, later in life, watch a movie version of this tale starring Spencer Tracey, and an all- star cast, which was petty good.
Still, when it came to reading the book, unless it was a classroom assignment, I don’t think I ever voluntarily read it, and if I did read it somewhere back there, I honestly couldn’t recall it, which is why I decided to select it for my classic horror Halloween read, this year.
Everyone knows the setup for this short story. A scientist, Dr. Jekyll, is resentful of having to repress the darker side of his nature and happens across a solution- one that allows him to express this side of himself by becoming, through the aid of ‘medication’, Mr. Hyde.
People who encounter this Mr. Hyde is put off by him, and do not understand his hold over the respectable and well-liked, Dr. Jekyll.
As the good doctor proceeds with his experiments, he discovers he is almost addicted to his alter ego- who is gradually becoming the dominant personality and becoming more and more dangerous with each passing day.
This is one horror/sci-fi story, one could find all manner of allegory, making it one of the more thought-provoking tales of this genre.
My mind went to the duality of people who often present one face in public, hiding their baser inclinations, exposing false morality, and hypocrisy.
Other themes are centered around the Victorian era itself, and some of the current political climate- a less obvious theme, in my opinion, but not to be dismissed.
Naturally, one could also go with the classic good vs evil trope-or even a more profound nod at spiritual warfare- as the good side of ourselves continually does battle with the dark side, and the fear that our darker impulses will win out in the end.
Bottom line- All these possible themes make sense, and they each give readers a great deal to chew on, so that the book is not just a horror novel, but a classic in many other ways as well.
Overall, I’m pleased I chose this novella to read this year. I’d considered it many times in the past, but always vowed to read it ‘next’ year. Now, I wish I had not waited so long!!
Someone to Remember by Mary Balogh is a 2019 Berkley publication.
A wonderful breath of fresh air!
Matilda, now approaching her late fifties, has spenSomeone to Remember by Mary Balogh is a 2019 Berkley publication.
A wonderful breath of fresh air!
Matilda, now approaching her late fifties, has spent her life looking after her mother. In her youth, she was deeply in love with Charles Sawyer, the Viscount of Dirkson, but her parents dissuaded her from accepting his proposal. Over the years, Matilda had opportunities to marry, but chose to pass on a loveless union, because deep in her heart she never stopped loving Charles.
Charles never thought he would see Matilda again. Recent circumstances involving his son, Gil, has put them back in contact with one another. Charles is surprised by the emotions Matilda stirs in him after all these years, as he grapples with his actions following their breakup. Now he finds himself falling in love with her all over again. Can he convince her it’s not too late for their happily ever after?
This is novella length story is part of the Wescott series, so if you have been following along, you will recognize both these characters. I love how this series has featured more mature characters finding love later in life.
I found this story to be especially nice because of how tender it is and how wonderful the characters are. Mary Balogh is one of the very few historical romance authors I know I can trust to write a romantic story full of emotion and great characters. This story has absolutely no steam, and I for one found it to be a refreshing change of pace.
Overall, this is just an all- around lovely story, perfect for people who like sweet romance, with depth, maturity and charm!!
A Simple Murder by Linda Castillo is a 2021 Minotaur publication.
I usually balk at the novellas published in-between full-length novels- even if theyA Simple Murder by Linda Castillo is a 2021 Minotaur publication.
I usually balk at the novellas published in-between full-length novels- even if they are a part of one of my all-time favorite series, for reasons I won’t detail here. That said, when I saw this compilation of Kate Burkholder novellas, I decided to put my qualms aside, mainly because they were part of a collection and not singles.
As per usual when grouping short stories together in one volume, some entries are stronger than others and this collection is no exception. That said, they are all solid stories and worth the read- especially if you are a big fan of the series.
If have heard all the glowing reviews for this series but are daunted by the prospect of starting with book one and trying to catch up- this collection should have enough information from the past to the present to give you enough confidence to jump in anywhere- even some of the most recent installments and go from there.
Overall, this is a solid group of short stories and does the series justice. I’m happy to see them grouped together in a single book- a great idea for old and new fans alike.
Loading...
