Books read this month:
1. Santa Olivia by Jacqueline Carey.
Fascinating novel that should probably be catalogued as young adult, but isn't. The content is a bit mature, but nothing overly disconcerting or graphic that a teen couldn't handle. It's got a post apocalyptic feel to it, but is more of a slightly futuristic world. To me this story is mostly a coming of age story set in an isolated government outpost where politics have over stepped their authority, yet the people are so isolated and controlled that they aren't even fully aware of their oppression. The story is a bit of an allegory maybe, and also has a love story. I would be interested in a sequel to this story, or maybe a companion novel that takes place a decade or more later. I would also be content if Santa Olivia were a standalone novel, too.
2. Vision in White by Nora Roberts.
The Bride Quartet, book 1
The first book in a new contemporary romance quartet by Nora Roberts. Four childhood friends have formed their very own wedding service company called Vows. Each friend brings their own special talent to Vows. Mackenzie's is photography, Emma's is flowers, Laurel's is baking, and Parker's is management and organization. Each novel in the quartet is the love story of each friend as they find their own happily ever after. Vision in White is Mackenzie's story as she falls in love with the serious professor type in a childhood friend Carter Maguire who just so happened to have a serious crush on her when they were teens. Very sweet romance.
3. Knight of Pleasure by Margaret Mallory.
All the Kings Men, book 2
Medieval romance featuring Lady Isobel Hume and Sir Stephen Carleton, the half brother of Lord William FitzAlan from the previous novel, Knight of Desire. Political intrigue in a time when women were used as political pawns for Kings to gain land and control over regions, Isobel gets caught in a scheme to murder King Henry. In the meantime, can Sir Stephen defy his King in the name of love for the woman the King promised to a French Lord? Exciting romantic adventure.
4. The Heart of Christmas by Mary Balogh, Nicola Cornick & Courtney Milan.
"A Handful of Gold" by Mary Balogh
"A Season for Suitors" by Nicola Cornick
"This Wicked Gift" by Courtney Milan
5. Three to Get Deadly by Janet Evanovich
Stephanie Plum series, Book 3
