May 10, 2013 | By: Cynthia Marcano

Review: A Most Peculiar Circumstance


A Most Peculiar Circumstance
Author - Jen Turano
350 pages
Time It Took for to Read - 1 Days
Rating - 4.25 out of 5 Stars
Would I Recommend to My Students: Sure



Miss Arabella Beckett, defender of the down-trodden women of America, is returning from her travels in support of the women’s suffrage movement when she makes a simple offer of assistance to a young woman in need. But things go sadly awry, and both ladies soon find themselves in dire need of rescue. Arabella, always loath to admit she needs help, is particularly reluctant to receive assistance from the arrogant, narrow-minded knight in shining armor who shows up just in time.

Private investigator extraordinaire Mr. Theodore Wilder is on an assignment that began as a favor to his good friend Hamilton Beckett, but swiftly evolved into a merry chase across the country. He is already in a less than pleasant mood, and when Hamilton’s sister turns out to have radical ideas and a fiercely independent streak, he’s at his wit’s end.

Much to their chagrin, Theodore and Arabella’s paths continue to cross when they return home to New York, but the most unusual feelings beginning to grow between them certainly can’t be anything serious. When the trouble Arabella accidentally stirred up in her travels follows her home and threatens her very life, the unlikely couple must face the possibility that they might have landed in the most peculiar circumstance of all: love. (Taken from www.JenTurano.com)


What I Loved...

This book is hilarious! I absolutely love Arabella. She is too much. She is funny and stubborn and just lovable.

The scenes...I can just imagine New York City so clearly. Jen Turano does a great job at giving just enough details to get your own imagination jump started.


What I Liked...

While Mr. Wilder is not my favorite male heroine, I liked him well enough. I liked him much more towards the end of the book and now that I think about it, Jen made me feel the way Arabella felt. I warmed up to him.


Other...

I don't know why I have an incessant  need to comment on a book cover but this book couldn't prevent me from doing so. I just don't think it does Arabella justice. I just don't see her looking like that at all. While the cover does fit the description of blonde curly hair, again, it just doesn't do it for me. Of course this is my opinion of the cover AFTER I have read the book.

I am kind of touchy when it comes to a woman's roll in life according to the bible and I was afraid that this would cross the line. I am an old fashion gal and was hoping that chivalry would come off as old fashioned and rebellious women as modern and heroic.

I believe Jen did a good job expressing that women are just as valuable as men and God loves us just as much without  having to burn a bra, so to speak...lol.

Really liked it and I am looking forward to her next book!

DISCLAIMER: This book was provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The review posted is my own opinion and I have not been compensated for my opinion.
May 9, 2013 | By: Cynthia Marcano

Review: Moonlight Masquerade by Ruth Axtell


  

Moonlight Masquerade
Author - Ruth Axtell
400 pages
Time It Took for to Read - 3 Days
Rating - 4.5 out of 5 Stars
Would I Recommend to My Students: Not Really

Lady Celine Wexham seems the model British subject. French by birth but enjoying life in 1813 as a widowed English countess, she is in the unique position of being able to help those in need--or to spy for the notorious Napoleon Bonaparte. When Rees Phillips of the British Foreign Office is sent to pose as the countess's butler and discover where her true loyalties lie, he is confident he will uncover the truth. But the longer he is in her fashionable townhouse in London's West End, the more his staunch loyalty to the Crown begins to waver as he falls under Lady Wexham's spell. Will he find the proof he needs? And if she is a spy after all, will he do the right thing?


What I Loved...


The main character Rees. He was determined! I found myself wanting him to just have everything he ever wanted. Loved him!

The intrigue. I love spy movies, so this was right up my alley. LOVED the masquerade party.


What I Liked...


The Christian morals weren't pushed on me as a reader. It seemed genuine; I guess that is the best way to describe what I mean.

While Celine isn't my favorite heroine, I liked her well enough.

Other...

I wouldn't recommend this book to MY students simply because they don't prefer regency or what they consider "old-fashioned" (historical fiction of any kind) books. They love contemporary and dystopian books. I would recommend this to romance book lovers, historical fiction lovers and light spy enthusiasts.

I really wanted to like Celine more, but I just couldn't find that spark I was looking for. I did root for them to end up happy together but that was mainly because I liked Rees so much.

I would have liked to have seen Rees a little less gullible, but nevertheless, I really liked his character.

The ending was a little flat for me. My reaction was more of... "That's it." instead of "Awww!", BUT that could just be because I enjoyed the book and wanted more.

DISCLAIMER: I received a free copy of the eBook through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My opinion is my own and I was not compensated for my review.

May 8, 2013 | By: Cynthia Marcano

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