Monday, January 23, 2017

Susan's Review of The Trouble with Dukes by Grace Burrowes



Hamish MacHugh is not amused. A Scotsman, he has inherited an English dukedom and is now the Duke of Murdoch. His family is thrilled to be in London while he is planning to retreat to Scotland as soon as possible. Hamish was a strong, confident soldier but, he's not comfortable in London society, he views the soirees and balls as skirmishes and battles. Hamish needs to figure out how to appease his sisters and brother, who are enjoying the shopping and social events, and learn how to navigate London social scene without being ambushed.

Hamish and Megan Windham’s first meeting is exquisitely written. In the first few pages of The Trouble With Dukes, the author does a fabulous job introducing Hamish and Megan and Ms. Burrowes carefully crafts  the connection that Sir Fletcher Pilkington has to both of them. The plot threads between these three characters connect and cross over as the well-paced, compelling romance unfolds. Through the characters of Hamish and Sir Fletcher, Ms. Burrowes subtly explores the life and death experiences of haunted soldiers, returning warriors adapting to a changing world and the ways that a man’s true personality emerges in times of stress or in battle.

I loved the dancing scenes when a frowning Hamish twirled Megan around forgetting to smile or to talk with her. It took him awhile to figure out that Megan enjoyed dancing and dancing with him! The romance that develops between the fierce Scottish warrior and the intelligent, charming Windham cousin is endearing and very, very passionate. Hamish and Megan recognized each other’s strengths and weaknesses and support each other. They saw the best in each other!

The Windham cousins are featured in the novel as well. I loved reading about the Duke of Mooreland again (Percy is one of my favorite GB characters) and enjoyed his matchmaking. Loved that Hamish had nicknames for all of the Windham relations – it added a lot of fun to the story. Ms. Burrowes has created a fabulous villain and connects this person to several of the characters in the book who have no idea of his true character. The novel’s conclusion was deftly written and holds several surprises for the reader. The author stays true to her characters and that makes for a satisfying read!


 
Reviewed By Susan Gorman
Book provided by the author 
Edited by Brian McGee (member of Celeste's pack)
Photo of Celeste by Susan Gorman
Celeste's stocking by Ann Marie Brock click on the link to see more of Ann Marie's creations!

Wednesday, January 18, 2017

Hidden Figures

Hidden Figures
Movie Review
 
 
I love going to the movies. I especially love
going to see movies telling a true story.
The only thing that makes it all the better
than a true story at the movies is when the
true story is about brave people that have
made America great. The brave from the
military, first responders, scientists.....
And then, you have this story......
 
 
Three brilliant, strong, amazing women.
The men that supported them.
Loved them. And were in awe of them.
The courage, patience and humility that they
showed made the NASA center strong enough
to put America in front of the race for space.
They helped to make America great.
 
What a day for Octavia Spencer!! I was
sitting there waiting to see a movie she is in.
Then I got to see two trailers for future movies
with her! Gifted. The Shack. They both look
fabulous!! I have them both on my list of
movies not to miss.  
 
PS.....There is a sweet wonderful
romantic story too.
 
Review by Lisa Hutson 
 
 
 


Wednesday, January 11, 2017

Christmas Miracles by Mary Balogh

Christmas Miracles
by Mary Balogh
 

Christmas Miracles is a lovely book filled with
three short romantic stories staged during the
Christmas season.
 
Wassail Bowl
It was one big misunderstanding.
Haven't we all noticed how a misunderstanding
can grow so fast and before you know it, it seems
beyond repair? Not with a bit of a Christmas miracle.
 
The Bond Street Carolers
Two very stubborn adults. They would never have
even met if it weren't for the voice of a young boy.
When they both must compromise a little, they
discover a bit of a Christmas miracle for themselves.

Guarded by Angels
Do you believe in guardian angels?? I think most
of us have had something happen that makes us
wonder. This story is about just such an event.
It brings two people back together after a long
separation. In they end, they can only try
to thank their pair of angels.
 

 I bought my kindle copy from Amazon.
Review by Lisa Hutson