To re-read or not to re-read, that is the question

June was a pretty stressful month. I had a great deal going on at work, company at the house and a lot of responsibility I just wanted to ignore. When I find myself in that situation, I find myself needing to escape and reading is my escape of choice. When I am super stressed, I tend to re-read beloved, familiar books. I know the story, love the characters and don't need to work that hard to enjoy myself. I also find that I see a book differently upon subsequent readings because I myself am in a different place and observe the tale differently.

This month, I re-read a few of the Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews. That was to prep for her long awaited book on super villain, Hugh D'Ambray (which was published 6/26/18) and the final Kate book, Magic Triumphs. Then I read a favorite teen read, The Blue Sword by Robin McKinley.
I have a few good friends who find re-reading comforting and know some folks who NEVER re-read anything because they already know what happens so why bother? Which camp do you fall in?

With all that stress you'd think I didn't read anything new, but I did. When I went back over my notes, I found I read 4 new books throughout the month. Here's a review of three. The fourth is the next book in the October Daye series by the fabulous Seanan McGuire but I'll post that review closer to the novel's publication date.

The Good Luck Charm by Helena Hunting

Lilah has had some tough breaks in life. And at the end of one of the worst days the man who broke her heart and walked away, walks back into her life. Ethan knows he made a huge mistake and nothing in his life seems to have gone well since he left Lilah. After 8 years, he’s moving back home and wants Lilah back, if she’ll have him.

This is a cute second chance romance. Lilah and Ethan were childhood friends and high school sweethearts. After Ethan broke off their relationship so he could pursue his hockey career, his parents became Lilah’s surrogate family. Lilah has worked hard, adjusted her goals and made a solid life for herself even if her relationships haven’t been so successful. Ethan has been traded to the home team, just in time to help with a family emergency that throws he and Lilah together often.

Watching them work out their relationship is fun. What I really enjoyed about this couple is how they didn’t communicate well but learned to be honest and improve their ability to talk about what was important to them. And I liked Ethan’s fixation with luck and ritual and how he learned that skills and hard work are the best good luck charm.

This was a quick, fun, light read and I recommend it and I'll be buying it for my collection. 4 stars.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Brave New Earl by Jane Ashford

Benjamin Romilly, Earl of Furness, is a melancholy widower who has given up on finding happiness. He is so broken hearted he has withdrawn from society and ignores his young son, who reminds him of his deceased wife. Jean Saunders, is a cousin by marriage. When she hears rumors the earl’s son is neglected, she insinuates herself into household to save the child.

Jean’s sudden arrival causes a furor in the house and in the earl’s life and she just might be the woman to heal his heart and a delightful battle of wills ensues.

I was interested in the premise of Brave New Earl – broken hearted earl, lonely reforming minded female unite over a child and sparks fly. The story was cute and the writing and dialogue were enjoyable. However, there were a few plot points that spoiled the narrative for me. Probably my biggest issue was the fact that anyone would be concerned that a father took little interest in his son. It was very common for children to be cared for by nurses and governesses. Parents of both sexes often did not handle the daily care of their offspring. The other issue I had was regarding the household servant and attendant for young Geoffrey. Tom is a young wanderer with no references of any kind. It is extremely unlikely, even if the staff had full reign to hire servants to deal with the Lord’s rambunctious child, that a stranger would be given care of the earl’s heir. I found this unrealistic situation extremely distracting.

Overall, this was a fairly enjoyable if predictable read. 3 stars.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The Matrimonial Advertisement by Mimi Matthews

Historical romance runs the gamut from sweet to steamy, historically accurate to wildly implausible and everything in between. Each type has its charms. However, I’ve always been drawn to historically accurate period pieces. I don’t mind some steam but I like it to be realistic to the time period. Mimi Matthews delivers the goods in the best possible way.

Her characters are interesting and believable. The stories are unusual with witty dialogue and top-notch writing. The best aspect is her wonderful attention to period details. Mimi Matthews is a new favorite author for historical romances.

The Matrimonial Advertisement takes us to the wild coast of Devon, where Helena Reynolds has traveled in response to an advertisement of a man, Justin Thornhill of Greyfriar’s Abbey, who in search of a wife. She is full of secrets and in need of protection. He is bitter, scarred and oh so loyal. The evolution of their relationship is such fun to read and the revelations of the characters secrets drives the story. An enjoyable read from beginning to end – I gave a little sigh when I finished.

Other novels from Ms. Matthews have been in a slightly shorter format and I feel the writing and pacing were a little tighter than in this longer length novel. However, this was a very enjoyable read and is the first in a series so there is more to look forward too. I plan to purchase this for my collection and will recommend to library patrons. 4 stars.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I get asked all the time what my favorite romance is. As if it is possible to choose just one! However, I am compiling a list of my favorites. Novels that  I love and return to again and again. I'll be sharing that with you soon!