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Recommend this book:
Back to Yesterday
Pamela Sparkman
2016 Bronze Medal
216 Pages
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Romance - Historical
Reviewed by Trudi LoPreto for Readers' Favorite
I cannot find the words to describe the magnificent love story that is Back to Yesterday. Pamela Sparkman allowed me to share in the romance of Sophie and Charlie. I am along on the first time Charlie sees Sophie and instantly knows she is a very special girl. I read with envy and awe as Sophie changes from a scared young girl into a wise wife, mother, and grandmother. The time is 1943 and World War II is raging. Charlie is an air force pilot, Sophie is a waitress, and the story rotates between yesterday and today and the happy, sad, scary and life altering facts of both Charlie and Sophie. Back to Yesterday is a story that you must read yourself and to tell you any of the plot would be an injustice and would ruin an extraordinary story.
Back to Yesterday brought me into the lives of Sophie and Charles and I never wanted to leave. World War II was made so very real; as were the emotions of the girl waiting back home for her soldier to return. Pamela Sparkman’s writing is amazing at creating characters that felt so real and so normal. Back to Yesterday is a pure and simple concept of boy meets girl, boy falls in love, and girl has doubts; plus a beautiful, detailed accounting of the hard times of war. I cannot encourage you enough to read this historical romance; it is by far and above the best book I have read in a very long time, and I believe you will think so too.
I cannot find the words to describe the magnificent love story that is Back to Yesterday. Pamela Sparkman allowed me to share in the romance of Sophie and Charlie. I am along on the first time Charlie sees Sophie and instantly knows she is a very special girl. I read with envy and awe as Sophie changes from a scared young girl into a wise wife, mother, and grandmother. The time is 1943 and World War II is raging. Charlie is an air force pilot, Sophie is a waitress, and the story rotates between yesterday and today and the happy, sad, scary and life altering facts of both Charlie and Sophie. Back to Yesterday is a story that you must read yourself and to tell you any of the plot would be an injustice and would ruin an extraordinary story.
Back to Yesterday brought me into the lives of Sophie and Charles and I never wanted to leave. World War II was made so very real; as were the emotions of the girl waiting back home for her soldier to return. Pamela Sparkman’s writing is amazing at creating characters that felt so real and so normal. Back to Yesterday is a pure and simple concept of boy meets girl, boy falls in love, and girl has doubts; plus a beautiful, detailed accounting of the hard times of war. I cannot encourage you enough to read this historical romance; it is by far and above the best book I have read in a very long time, and I believe you will think so too.
Recommend this book:
Echo from Mount Royal
Dave Riese
2016 Silver Medal
318 Pages
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Romance - Historical
Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite
There is a story behind every photograph, especially a photograph of a lovely young girl standing on top of Mount Royal. Pierre knows this. He was part of the search and rescue team who searched the crash site of a passenger plane. That's where he found the photograph. He thought he recognized the young girl, but it didn't come back to him right away. Searching the passenger list of the downed plane, Pierre is able to deduce the identity of the girl, someone he met years ago at his family's cottage, someone who at the time was engaged to a friend of his, one of the passengers on the doomed plane.
Echo from Mount Royal is a tragedy. It's Rebecca's story; she's the young girl in the photograph. She doesn't know about the photograph's discovery and it's not until her grandson leads her through the confusing channels of the internet that she unravels a past that she would have wished to leave in the past. It's a love story, a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and how the pattern of one's life can change dramatically in just a blink of an eye. For Rebecca, this dramatic change was almost her undoing, as she came to realize that, "One cannot escape life. Whatever happens, one must endure."
Author Dave Riese has written a very moving romantic tragedy. His story begins almost like a memoir, a creative nonfiction story about a real person's life. Two stories overlap; Pierre, the search and rescuer who discovered the photograph in the wreckage of a passenger plane, and Rebecca, the romantic young girl who innocently treads a path towards heartbreak. The story is well paced as it grips the reader right from the beginning. A well crafted story.
There is a story behind every photograph, especially a photograph of a lovely young girl standing on top of Mount Royal. Pierre knows this. He was part of the search and rescue team who searched the crash site of a passenger plane. That's where he found the photograph. He thought he recognized the young girl, but it didn't come back to him right away. Searching the passenger list of the downed plane, Pierre is able to deduce the identity of the girl, someone he met years ago at his family's cottage, someone who at the time was engaged to a friend of his, one of the passengers on the doomed plane.
Echo from Mount Royal is a tragedy. It's Rebecca's story; she's the young girl in the photograph. She doesn't know about the photograph's discovery and it's not until her grandson leads her through the confusing channels of the internet that she unravels a past that she would have wished to leave in the past. It's a love story, a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and how the pattern of one's life can change dramatically in just a blink of an eye. For Rebecca, this dramatic change was almost her undoing, as she came to realize that, "One cannot escape life. Whatever happens, one must endure."
Author Dave Riese has written a very moving romantic tragedy. His story begins almost like a memoir, a creative nonfiction story about a real person's life. Two stories overlap; Pierre, the search and rescuer who discovered the photograph in the wreckage of a passenger plane, and Rebecca, the romantic young girl who innocently treads a path towards heartbreak. The story is well paced as it grips the reader right from the beginning. A well crafted story.
Recommend this book:
Heather House
Witch of the Moors Book One
Carmen Caine
2016 Gold Medal
367 Pages
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Romance - Historical
Reviewed by Melinda Hills for Readers' Favorite
Dreams foretelling the future rob Sorcha Cunningham of peace in this compelling Highland historical romance, Heather House: Witch of the Moors by Carmen Caine. Leaving the haven where she has grown up, Sorcha travels to the Montgomery clan where a Cunningham is the earl’s wife. Instead of finding kinship, Sorcha becomes a servant, embroiled in the conspiracy to overthrow Robert Montgomery. Under the protection of Robert’s handsome brother, Alec, Sorcha finally feels safe. She may have changed the course of the future, but the ringleader of the uprising, Hugh, is more devious than anyone suspected. Accused of witchcraft and taken to the king for a trial and execution, Sorcha almost gives up hope. Alec is determined, though, to save Sorcha’s life, as well as bring Hugh to justice, in spite of the king’s determination to follow Hugh’s self-serving advice. Can Alec rally his clan to Sorcha’s defense or will the underhanded Hugh succeed in destroying what the Montgomerys hold most dear?
Thrilling and compelling, Heather House: Witch of the Moors by Carmen Caine offers wonderful historical detail in an intense romance story. Vivid descriptions of people and places, along with natural dialog in a Highland dialect, make the story come alive so that you experience the longing, uncertainty, fear and relief just as the characters do. The story flows naturally with plenty of ups and downs, and provides a clear picture of the horrors experienced by women at the mercy of men with an agenda to hurt others simply by hinting at witchcraft. Great story! I felt as though I was living it along with the characters. This is certainly a book that is hard to put down, but the good news is that when you do, there is another volume waiting.
Dreams foretelling the future rob Sorcha Cunningham of peace in this compelling Highland historical romance, Heather House: Witch of the Moors by Carmen Caine. Leaving the haven where she has grown up, Sorcha travels to the Montgomery clan where a Cunningham is the earl’s wife. Instead of finding kinship, Sorcha becomes a servant, embroiled in the conspiracy to overthrow Robert Montgomery. Under the protection of Robert’s handsome brother, Alec, Sorcha finally feels safe. She may have changed the course of the future, but the ringleader of the uprising, Hugh, is more devious than anyone suspected. Accused of witchcraft and taken to the king for a trial and execution, Sorcha almost gives up hope. Alec is determined, though, to save Sorcha’s life, as well as bring Hugh to justice, in spite of the king’s determination to follow Hugh’s self-serving advice. Can Alec rally his clan to Sorcha’s defense or will the underhanded Hugh succeed in destroying what the Montgomerys hold most dear?
Thrilling and compelling, Heather House: Witch of the Moors by Carmen Caine offers wonderful historical detail in an intense romance story. Vivid descriptions of people and places, along with natural dialog in a Highland dialect, make the story come alive so that you experience the longing, uncertainty, fear and relief just as the characters do. The story flows naturally with plenty of ups and downs, and provides a clear picture of the horrors experienced by women at the mercy of men with an agenda to hurt others simply by hinting at witchcraft. Great story! I felt as though I was living it along with the characters. This is certainly a book that is hard to put down, but the good news is that when you do, there is another volume waiting.
Recommend this book:
A Scandal to Remember
The Reckless Brides
Elizabeth Essex
2015 Finalist
384 Pages
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Romance - Historical
Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite
A Scandal to Remember by Elizabeth Essex is about a dashing lieutenant and a conchologist who board the Tenacious for two different reasons, but come out of the journey with a gift beyond their imaginations. J.E. Burke, more commonly known as Jane, is a conchologist. She researches seashells and other colorful dwellers of the sea. But she does not get the credit she deserves. Her father takes all the credit and she is left behind the scenes. However, she has had enough. She takes matters into her own hands and joins Her Majesty’s ship Tenacious to do her own research in her own time, and this time she will get the credit for her hard work.
When Lieutenant Charles Dance joined the crew of the Tenacious, he believed that this would be the easiest job he had ever done. After serving in the Royal Navy, this ship would be a piece of cake. But he has his work cut out for him. The crew is erratic, the captain is a drunk, and the ship is a death sentence for whoever wants to get aboard. To top it off, a beautiful spinster joins the crew and now he has to keep her safe from the sea and the lewd crew. Can the two of them keep their attraction in check and do their jobs? Or will they give in and fall hard in love?
A Scandal to Remember is vivacious and vivid. If you are not a big fan of the sea and all its glory, read this novel and you will fall in love with it. I particularly liked Jane, the way she took charge of the situation and stood up for her dreams was amazing. She was unfazed and determined: two qualities that make a strong character monumental. Enjoyable and adorable! Five stars.
A Scandal to Remember by Elizabeth Essex is about a dashing lieutenant and a conchologist who board the Tenacious for two different reasons, but come out of the journey with a gift beyond their imaginations. J.E. Burke, more commonly known as Jane, is a conchologist. She researches seashells and other colorful dwellers of the sea. But she does not get the credit she deserves. Her father takes all the credit and she is left behind the scenes. However, she has had enough. She takes matters into her own hands and joins Her Majesty’s ship Tenacious to do her own research in her own time, and this time she will get the credit for her hard work.
When Lieutenant Charles Dance joined the crew of the Tenacious, he believed that this would be the easiest job he had ever done. After serving in the Royal Navy, this ship would be a piece of cake. But he has his work cut out for him. The crew is erratic, the captain is a drunk, and the ship is a death sentence for whoever wants to get aboard. To top it off, a beautiful spinster joins the crew and now he has to keep her safe from the sea and the lewd crew. Can the two of them keep their attraction in check and do their jobs? Or will they give in and fall hard in love?
A Scandal to Remember is vivacious and vivid. If you are not a big fan of the sea and all its glory, read this novel and you will fall in love with it. I particularly liked Jane, the way she took charge of the situation and stood up for her dreams was amazing. She was unfazed and determined: two qualities that make a strong character monumental. Enjoyable and adorable! Five stars.
Recommend this book:
Hidden Truths
Intertwined Souls Series Book 3
Mary D. Brooks
2015 Honorable Mention
376 Pages
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Romance - Historical
Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite
Hidden Truths by Mary D. Brooks is the third installment in the Intertwined Series. Eva and Zoe are back and this time their lives are coming full circle. We started the story after World War II ended. Eva and Zoe met under the most peculiar circumstances, became friends, then lovers, and now they are partners. They are finally settled in their new life in Australia. They have come to terms with society. Eva and Zoe are not finding acceptance, but the tolerance of society is much better than a vicious demeanor.
After the end of the civil war, the Greek government asked all Greeks to return to their motherland and claim what is rightly theirs. Eva wants Zoe to return and get back what was hers, but Eva also has to return to Germany and face what is left of her beloved country and the people she loved. They understand that their way back is not going to be easy, especially after the bloody war, but they need to sort out their past before they can make a future together. Will their past friends and memories drive a wedge between the two lovers? Or will their love survive it all and win the battle against the past and the distance?
I said it before and I will say it again, Mary D. Brooks is a great writer. Brooks has managed to invent a set of characters that are strong women who do not need a man at their sides to help them in situations. Instead, they rely on their own strengths and their intelligence to survive and live a happy life. Eva and Zoe are true companions in every sense, and they know each other very well. They know that their love can only thrive if they fight and let go of the past. This is exactly what they did, but they did it together. No hypocrisy here and no deceptions. Another nice, clean romance that fills your heart. A wonderful novel!
Hidden Truths by Mary D. Brooks is the third installment in the Intertwined Series. Eva and Zoe are back and this time their lives are coming full circle. We started the story after World War II ended. Eva and Zoe met under the most peculiar circumstances, became friends, then lovers, and now they are partners. They are finally settled in their new life in Australia. They have come to terms with society. Eva and Zoe are not finding acceptance, but the tolerance of society is much better than a vicious demeanor.
After the end of the civil war, the Greek government asked all Greeks to return to their motherland and claim what is rightly theirs. Eva wants Zoe to return and get back what was hers, but Eva also has to return to Germany and face what is left of her beloved country and the people she loved. They understand that their way back is not going to be easy, especially after the bloody war, but they need to sort out their past before they can make a future together. Will their past friends and memories drive a wedge between the two lovers? Or will their love survive it all and win the battle against the past and the distance?
I said it before and I will say it again, Mary D. Brooks is a great writer. Brooks has managed to invent a set of characters that are strong women who do not need a man at their sides to help them in situations. Instead, they rely on their own strengths and their intelligence to survive and live a happy life. Eva and Zoe are true companions in every sense, and they know each other very well. They know that their love can only thrive if they fight and let go of the past. This is exactly what they did, but they did it together. No hypocrisy here and no deceptions. Another nice, clean romance that fills your heart. A wonderful novel!
Recommend this book:
Where Shadows Linger
Intertwined Souls Series Book 2
Mary D. Brooks
2015 Bronze Medal
302 Pages
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Romance - Historical
Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite
Where Shadows Linger by Mary D. Brooks is the next installment in the Intertwined Souls series. The story of Eva and Zoe continues as the two lovers and friends travel all the way to Australia, the land of milk and honey. The two of them are looking for a fresh start and to forget about their pasts. They want to begin a new life together that helps them nurture their hopes and dreams.
While Zoe is finally able to live her dreams, Eva is still haunted by her past. But she gives her full support to Zoe so that she can nourish her artistic ability. With new and old friends, past enemies, and a society filled with prejudice, can Eva and Zoe live their lives the way they want to? Or will their love and passion will be consumed by the cruel standards of society?
When I read the first part in the Intertwined Souls series by Mary D. Brooks, I literally begged Brooks for a sequel. I have to tell you the truth, I had huge expectations for this novel and you have no idea how happy I am after reading it. I just love Zoe and Eva. They are such strong characters. In the previous novel, their relationship was just turning from friendship to love, and now they are wholly in love. They are true companions and I love that. They are everything that you wish for in a partner. Their struggles were real and relatable and so were they. I officially adore this series. Another stellar novel that blows your mind. Loved it, enjoyed it!
Where Shadows Linger by Mary D. Brooks is the next installment in the Intertwined Souls series. The story of Eva and Zoe continues as the two lovers and friends travel all the way to Australia, the land of milk and honey. The two of them are looking for a fresh start and to forget about their pasts. They want to begin a new life together that helps them nurture their hopes and dreams.
While Zoe is finally able to live her dreams, Eva is still haunted by her past. But she gives her full support to Zoe so that she can nourish her artistic ability. With new and old friends, past enemies, and a society filled with prejudice, can Eva and Zoe live their lives the way they want to? Or will their love and passion will be consumed by the cruel standards of society?
When I read the first part in the Intertwined Souls series by Mary D. Brooks, I literally begged Brooks for a sequel. I have to tell you the truth, I had huge expectations for this novel and you have no idea how happy I am after reading it. I just love Zoe and Eva. They are such strong characters. In the previous novel, their relationship was just turning from friendship to love, and now they are wholly in love. They are true companions and I love that. They are everything that you wish for in a partner. Their struggles were real and relatable and so were they. I officially adore this series. Another stellar novel that blows your mind. Loved it, enjoyed it!
Recommend this book:
Alaina Claiborne
British Agent Novels, Book 1
MK McClintock
2015 Silver Medal
280 Pages
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Romance - Historical
Reviewed by Cheryl Schopen for Readers' Favorite
In Alaina Claiborne, the first book in the British Agent Novels series, by M.K. McClintock, the setting is nineteenth-century England. Alaina’s life is forever changed at the age of ten. Years later, she is still dealing with the tragedy and often suffers from nightmares about that night. She needs to find the people responsible and finally learn the truth. Then she meets Tristan. Not only are they instantly drawn to each other and there is an undeniable attraction, but their lives also seem to connect in more ways than one. They soon find themselves searching for a man who has caused so much pain to so many people. But will their new found love for each other help or hinder their mission?
I’m a big fan of historical romance, and this one did not disappoint. The time period and the setting were all realistic and written well. And I really enjoyed the beginning of Alaina and Tristan’s relationship. Even though parts of their relationship seemed a bit rushed, how they met and how they talked to one another was equally believable and butterflies-in-my-stomach worthy. The balance between romance, mystery, and adventure was perfect. Usually one outweighs the other, so I was pleasantly surprised. In addition, the plot had some unexpected twists, which made the story that much more interesting. With memorable characters and an entertaining plot, Alaina Claiborne has it all. M.K. McClintock has definitely written a great start to what I know will be a great series. I look forward to reading the rest.
In Alaina Claiborne, the first book in the British Agent Novels series, by M.K. McClintock, the setting is nineteenth-century England. Alaina’s life is forever changed at the age of ten. Years later, she is still dealing with the tragedy and often suffers from nightmares about that night. She needs to find the people responsible and finally learn the truth. Then she meets Tristan. Not only are they instantly drawn to each other and there is an undeniable attraction, but their lives also seem to connect in more ways than one. They soon find themselves searching for a man who has caused so much pain to so many people. But will their new found love for each other help or hinder their mission?
I’m a big fan of historical romance, and this one did not disappoint. The time period and the setting were all realistic and written well. And I really enjoyed the beginning of Alaina and Tristan’s relationship. Even though parts of their relationship seemed a bit rushed, how they met and how they talked to one another was equally believable and butterflies-in-my-stomach worthy. The balance between romance, mystery, and adventure was perfect. Usually one outweighs the other, so I was pleasantly surprised. In addition, the plot had some unexpected twists, which made the story that much more interesting. With memorable characters and an entertaining plot, Alaina Claiborne has it all. M.K. McClintock has definitely written a great start to what I know will be a great series. I look forward to reading the rest.
Recommend this book:
Forever Mine
Monica Burns
2015 Gold Medal
467 Pages
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Romance - Historical
Reviewed by Trudi LoPreto for Readers' Favorite
Forever Mine is a lovely romance traveling from the present back to the past of 1897. The story opens in the present when Victoria enters an art gallery to find a special picture and a very special man, though she doesn’t really know what they represent. When an explosion takes place, she falls into a coma and is rushed to the hospital. Nick is the owner of the art gallery. He has always had a special feeling for the painting that caught Victoria’s fancy, as well as his two prized portraits (which look exactly like the woman who had just entered his gallery). Nick stays in the hospital, not wanting to leave Victoria alone. Victoria wakes up to find herself transported to 1897 where she is the Countess of Guildford, married to Nicholas Thornhill, Earl of Guildford. Victoria had been missing for several weeks, and when the earl finally finds her and brings her home, she is surprised to find it is the real life scene and home that was in the picture of her future. It takes fighting, running away, kidnapping, and having a baby before the earl and countess iron out their differences and find true love. The time they spend together is cut short though when Victoria suddenly finds herself back in the present.
Author Monica Burns has brought together the past and present in a very different time travel romantic novel, meshing the two time periods together in perfect form. Forever Mine is an excellent story that will keep you turning the pages, finding excitement in every chapter. Forever Mine will be enjoyed by the romantic, historical and time travel reader.
Forever Mine is a lovely romance traveling from the present back to the past of 1897. The story opens in the present when Victoria enters an art gallery to find a special picture and a very special man, though she doesn’t really know what they represent. When an explosion takes place, she falls into a coma and is rushed to the hospital. Nick is the owner of the art gallery. He has always had a special feeling for the painting that caught Victoria’s fancy, as well as his two prized portraits (which look exactly like the woman who had just entered his gallery). Nick stays in the hospital, not wanting to leave Victoria alone. Victoria wakes up to find herself transported to 1897 where she is the Countess of Guildford, married to Nicholas Thornhill, Earl of Guildford. Victoria had been missing for several weeks, and when the earl finally finds her and brings her home, she is surprised to find it is the real life scene and home that was in the picture of her future. It takes fighting, running away, kidnapping, and having a baby before the earl and countess iron out their differences and find true love. The time they spend together is cut short though when Victoria suddenly finds herself back in the present.
Author Monica Burns has brought together the past and present in a very different time travel romantic novel, meshing the two time periods together in perfect form. Forever Mine is an excellent story that will keep you turning the pages, finding excitement in every chapter. Forever Mine will be enjoyed by the romantic, historical and time travel reader.
Recommend this book:
Passion's Vision
Book1 Passion's Series
Mary Adair
2014 Finalist
296 Pages
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Romance - Historical
Reviewed by Bil Howard for Readers' Favorite
Love has a strange way of drawing together individuals that seem to not only be extremely unlikely to meet, but are diametrically opposed to ever create a bond. Passion’s Vision by Mary Adair explores this truth as the female warrior, New Moon, struggles with a destiny that has been revealed to her in a vision of man whose “hair is the color of the river’s clay and whose eyes are the color of a summer sky.” Having lost her husband, she has sworn to belong to no other man, regardless of the will of the Great Spirit. James Fitzgerald is the embodiment of New Moon’s vision and she knows it the moment she lays eyes on him; however, she will not easily give up her determination to belong to no other man. As James carries out the task that had been given to him by King George, bringing Cristoph DuPrey to justice, the deeper conflict of the heart of the two warriors rages in full force. Passion, duty, language and culture struggle with each other as destiny tumbles them forward like a cascading river.
In Passion’s Vision, Mary Adair has not only captured the essence of the struggle that was taking place as white men and natives struggled to advance their own visions for the new frontier, but it also digs into the deeper struggles of the heart. The stubbornness of the mind and determination may hold fast to what is believed to be the best course, but chemistry, desire and passion often have a way of continuing to assail the heart until it gives in. Mary does an excellent job of telling both of these stories and of drawing the reader into a deeply emotional response to the characters involved. Passionate, realistic and intense, Passion’s Vision will draw you in with an irresistible desire to bring the two protagonists together as you become enmeshed in the struggle along with them.
Love has a strange way of drawing together individuals that seem to not only be extremely unlikely to meet, but are diametrically opposed to ever create a bond. Passion’s Vision by Mary Adair explores this truth as the female warrior, New Moon, struggles with a destiny that has been revealed to her in a vision of man whose “hair is the color of the river’s clay and whose eyes are the color of a summer sky.” Having lost her husband, she has sworn to belong to no other man, regardless of the will of the Great Spirit. James Fitzgerald is the embodiment of New Moon’s vision and she knows it the moment she lays eyes on him; however, she will not easily give up her determination to belong to no other man. As James carries out the task that had been given to him by King George, bringing Cristoph DuPrey to justice, the deeper conflict of the heart of the two warriors rages in full force. Passion, duty, language and culture struggle with each other as destiny tumbles them forward like a cascading river.
In Passion’s Vision, Mary Adair has not only captured the essence of the struggle that was taking place as white men and natives struggled to advance their own visions for the new frontier, but it also digs into the deeper struggles of the heart. The stubbornness of the mind and determination may hold fast to what is believed to be the best course, but chemistry, desire and passion often have a way of continuing to assail the heart until it gives in. Mary does an excellent job of telling both of these stories and of drawing the reader into a deeply emotional response to the characters involved. Passionate, realistic and intense, Passion’s Vision will draw you in with an irresistible desire to bring the two protagonists together as you become enmeshed in the struggle along with them.
Recommend this book:
Isabel
E.L. Schoeman
2014 Honorable Mention
315 Pages
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Romance - Historical
Reviewed by Lit Amri for Readers' Favorite
E.L. Schoeman’s Isabel is a medieval love story about a noble girl, Isabel, who falls in love with a stable boy, Matthew. Refused to be bound by her noble status, Isabel rides horses, engages in sword fights, sleeps in the stables and often speaks her mind. Her love, Matthew, is not just a plain stable boy as everyone thinks. His troubled past is equally rivaled by his determination to become a knight. Unable to withstand the girl’s fiery independent nature any longer, Sir John Scotch convinced Isabel’s adopted father, William Wentworth, to take action and send Matthew away. Sir John Scotch then hires the charming James as a spy to turn Isabel against Wentworth. However, Isabel finds out about the deception and from that point on she realizes that she must decide her own fate.
In terms of characterization, Schoeman has done an exceptional job to make the characters come alive. Readers will definitely care about them, and the emotions are narrated well to make anyone feel the joy, laughter, sorrow, and fear that the characters have to go through – especially the protagonist, Isabel. This novel is a tragic medieval romance, but there is a slight twist of the supernatural that boosts its charm. The prose is flowery enough to tug the hearts of the romantics. The story flows along well and is well-crafted. The bonds formed between characters in the book are skillfully depicted and easily convinced me about either the love or hatred between characters. On the whole, this YA romance novel would satisfy even mature readers.
E.L. Schoeman’s Isabel is a medieval love story about a noble girl, Isabel, who falls in love with a stable boy, Matthew. Refused to be bound by her noble status, Isabel rides horses, engages in sword fights, sleeps in the stables and often speaks her mind. Her love, Matthew, is not just a plain stable boy as everyone thinks. His troubled past is equally rivaled by his determination to become a knight. Unable to withstand the girl’s fiery independent nature any longer, Sir John Scotch convinced Isabel’s adopted father, William Wentworth, to take action and send Matthew away. Sir John Scotch then hires the charming James as a spy to turn Isabel against Wentworth. However, Isabel finds out about the deception and from that point on she realizes that she must decide her own fate.
In terms of characterization, Schoeman has done an exceptional job to make the characters come alive. Readers will definitely care about them, and the emotions are narrated well to make anyone feel the joy, laughter, sorrow, and fear that the characters have to go through – especially the protagonist, Isabel. This novel is a tragic medieval romance, but there is a slight twist of the supernatural that boosts its charm. The prose is flowery enough to tug the hearts of the romantics. The story flows along well and is well-crafted. The bonds formed between characters in the book are skillfully depicted and easily convinced me about either the love or hatred between characters. On the whole, this YA romance novel would satisfy even mature readers.
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