My Favorite Author Kept His “Promise!”

 So I finished reading “The Christmas Promise,” the latest release from Richard Paul Evans (who happens to be my favorite author.) 4 days before Christmas. It was a great book, though slightly predictable.  There were a few characters I hated.  Guy—who had an unrequited crush on Richelle (the narrator), and Amelia—who worked with Richelle and almost made her lose her job as a pediatric ICU nurse. I’m shocked…this book wasn’t as much of a tearjerker as some of Evans’ previous releases; however, I would still recommend it. I think I’ll take a break from reading for the rest of 2021.  I plan to pick up where I left off with Julia Quinn and the “Bridgerton” series in 2022; I read the first six books in the series this year. I’m honestly feeling a sense of accomplishment.  My count for 2021 is 10 books.  That may not seem like a lot to some people, but I’m proud of myself!  Anyway, as I said, the next book on my list is “Bridgerton: It’s In His Kiss.”  For those keeping track, this is Hyacinth Bridgerton’s story  

Fiendishly smart, devilishly outspoken and - according to some, particularly Gareth St. Clair - probably best in small doses. But there's something about her - something charming and vexing - that grabs one and won't quite let go. 

Gareth and Hyacinth cross paths at the annual - and annually discordant - Smythe-Smith musicale. To Hyacinth, Gareth's every word seems a dare, and she offers to help him out with a knotty inheritance problem he's facing. However, as they delve into the mysterious St Clair history, they discover that the answers they seek lie not in the past - but in each other; and that there is nothing as simple - or as complicated - as a single, perfect kiss.

I’m looking forward to continuing my “journey” with the Bridgerton family! Join me!

Still In The “Holiday” Spirit, I’ll Make “The Christmas Promise!”

 So, I finished reading The Holiday Swap by Maggie Knox last night.  It was a delightful book with a few obvious villains, and, of course, inevitable romance!  I’m not sure what to say without giving away major plot lines, but I would definitely read other books by this author. (Side note: I wouldn’t have minded an appendix with some of the recipes mentioned in the book!)  

I am looking forward to immersing myself in the latest holiday release from my favorite author—The Christmas Promise by Richard Paul Evans! 

On the night of her high school graduation, Richelle Bach’s father gives her and her identical twin sister, Michelle, matching opal necklaces. “These opals look identical,” he tells them, “but the fire inside each is completely unique—just like the two of you.”  Indeed, the two sisters couldn’t be more different, and their paths diverge as they embark on adulthood. Years pass, until—at their father’s behest—they both come home for Christmas. What happens then forever damages their relationship, and Richelle vows never to see or speak to her sister again. In their father’s last days, he asks Richelle to forgive Michelle, a deathbed promise she never fulfills as her twin is killed in an accident. Now, painfully alone and broken, caring for the sickest of children in a hospital PICU, Richelle had one last dream: to be an author. The plot of her book 📕, The Prodigal Daughter, is a story based on her sister’s life. It’s not until she meets Justin Ek, a man who harbors his own loss, that a secret promise is revealed, and Richelle learns that the story she’s writing is not about her sister but about herself. 

I expect that, even with all of the craziness of the holiday season, that I should be able to finish this “journey through a book” fairly quickly!  I also expect to need a few tissues to get through it!  

Taking A Break From “Bridgerton” To Get Into the “Holiday” Spirit, Which Seems to be Full of “Promise!”

 I finished my “journey” through Francesca’s story in Julia Quinn’s “Bridgerton” series this afternoon.  As usual, I couldn’t find anything terribly loathsome about any of the characters, except perhaps the way Michael Stirling lusted after his cousin’s wife. However, it turned out alright in the end. I won’t say what happened to John—Michael’s cousin and Francesca’s husband; I will say, however, that Julia Quinn kept the love scenes tastefully steamy.  I can’t wait until 2022 to continue the series!  In the meantime, I’m shifting my attention to at least two other books to close out 2021– “The Holiday Swap” by Maggie Knox and “The Christmas Promise,” the latest upcoming release from Richard Paul Evans, my favorite author!  “The Holiday Swap” is a pitch-perfect romance with just the right amount of Christmas cheer!  When chef Charlie Goodwin gets hit on the head on the L.A. set of her reality baking show, she loses a lot more than consciousness; she also loses her ability to taste and smell—both critical to her success as show judge. Meanwhile, Charlie's identical twin, Cass, is frantically trying to hold her own life together back in their quaint mountain hometown while running the family's bustling bakery and dealing with her ex, who won't get the memo that they're over. 

With only days until Christmas, a desperate Charlie asks Cass to do something they haven't done since they were kids: switch places. Looking for her own escape from reality, Cass agrees. But temporarily trading lives proves more complicated than they imagined, especially when rugged firefighter Jake Greenman and gorgeous physician assistant Miguel Rodriguez are thrown into the mix. Will the twins' identity swap be a recipe for disaster, or does it have all the right ingredients for getting their lives back on track?  

I hope there’s enough time for me to finish this book, along with “The Christmas Promise” by Richard Paul Evans.  

On the night of her high school graduation, Richelle Bach’s father gives her and her identical twin sister, Michelle, matching opal necklaces. “These opals look identical,” he tells them, “but the fire inside each is completely unique—just like the two of you.” 

Indeed, the two sisters couldn’t be more different, and their paths diverge as they embark on adulthood. Years pass, until—at their father’s behest—they both come home for Christmas. What happens then forever damages their relationship, and Richelle vows never to see or speak to her sister again. In their father’s last days, he asks Richelle to forgive Michelle, a deathbed promise she never fulfills as her twin is killed in an accident. 

Now, painfully alone and broken, caring for the sickest of children in a hospital PICU, Richelle has one last dream: to be an author. The plot of her book, The Prodigal Daughter, is a story based on her sister’s life. It’s not until she meets Justin Ek, a man who harbors his own loss, that a secret promise is revealed, and Richelle learns that the story she’s writing is not about her sister, but about herself.

I’m pretty sure that I’m going to need a box of Kleenex to get myself through both parts of this “journey,” but only time will tell!

I "Love" To Be "Wicked," And So Do the Bridgertons!

I finished off  Eloise's book in Julia Quinn's "Bridgerton" series earlier today.  I liked seeing the relationship between Eloise and Sir Phillip Crane blossom from a friendship born out of impetuousness and misery to a passionate love affair that refused to be dimmed by the antics of  Phillip's children from his first marriage (to a woman who happened to be related to Eloise.)  Marina, Eloise's cousin, never seemed to truly love Phillip.  In fact, she attempted suicide at least once.  Her death left Phillip to raise their twins, Oliver & Amanda, alone.  However, they were absolutely very ill-behaved!  Eloise, having grown up with 7 siblings, knew exactly how to handle them.  Notwithstanding, the children did manage to inflict a minor injury upon her.  (Read the book if you want to know what happened!)  Having been satisifed with Eloise's story, I shall continue my "journey" through the "Bridgerton" series with "When He Was Wicked." (Francesca Bridgerton's story).  

In every life there is a turning point.  A moment so tremendous, so sharp and breathtaking, that one knows one's life will never be the same.  For Michael Stirling, London's most infamous rake, that moment came the first time he laid eyes on Francesca Bridgerton.  After a lifetime of chasing women, of smiling slyly as tyey chased him of allowing himselft to be caught but never permitting his heart to become engaged, he took one look at Francesca Bridgerton and fell so fast and hard into love it was a wonder he managed to remain standing.  Unfortunately for Michael, however, Francesca's surname was to remain Bridgerton for a mere 36 hours longer--the occasion of their meeting was, lamentably, a supper celebrating her imminent wedding to his cousin.  But that was then...Now Michael is the earl and Francesca is free, but still she thinks of his as nothing other than her dear friend and confidant.  Michael dares not speak to her of his love...until one dangerous night, when she steps innocently into his arms and passion proves stronger that even the most wicked of secrets... I suspect that it is no secret how eager I am to embark of this "Journey Through A Book!"

"Romancing" Leads to "Love": Another Journey with the "Bridgerton" Clan

 I just finished reading "Romancing Mister Bridgerton," the fourth book in Julia Quinn's "Bridgerton" series.  The highlight, aside from the romance between Colin Bridgerton and Penelope Featherington, was the revelation of the identity of Lady Whistledown.  I'm not sure what excitement will come with future books in the "Bridgerton" series now that the secret has been revealed, but I'm looking forward to taking another "journey" with Julia Quinn as I turn the pages of "To Sir Phillip, With Love," the next book in the "Bridgerton" series.

  Sir Philip knew that Eloise Bridgerton was a spinster, and so he'd proposed, figuring that she'd be homely and unassuming, and more than a little desperate for an offer of marriage.  Except...she wasn't.  The beautiful woman on his doorstep was anything but quiet, and when she stopped talking long enough to close her mouth, all he wanted to do was kiss her--and more.

Did he think she was mad?  Eloise Bridgerton couldn't marry a man she had never met!  But then she started thinking...and wondering...and before she knew it, she was in a hired marriage in the middle of the night, on her way to meet the man she hoped might be her perfect match.  Except...he wasn't.  Her perfect husband wouldn't be so moody and ill-mannered, and while Phillip was certainly handsome, he was a large brute of a man, rough and rugged, and totally unlike the London gentlemen vying for her hand.  but when he smiled, and when he kissed her, the rest of the world simply fell away, and she couldn't help but wonder...could this imperfect man be perfect for her?  I guess Eloise and I will both discover the answer to that question as I take another "Journey Through A Book!"

Going Back To "Bridgerton" To See About "Romancing Mister Bridgerton"

 Tired of watching the same sitcom reruns over again, I decided to spend some of the evening reading.  I finished "An Offer From A Genteleman," the third book in Julia Quinn's "Bridgerton" series, today.  It was somewhat reminiscent of  Cinderella, with the romance between Benedict Bridgerton and Sophie Beckett.  Araminta truly was written in the character of the evil stepmother.  Whew!  I hated her for the way she treated Sophie!  Her daughter wasn't much better, up until the end of the story; Posy redeemed herself nicely  Mercifully, Araminta wasn't written into every page of the story!  I think in this book, readers got to see the romantic side of Violet, the matriarch of the Bridgerton clan.  Hoping to see more of that in the next book, "Romancing Mister Bridgerton."

 Penelope Featherington has secretly adored her best frien'ds brother for...well, it feels like forever.  After half a lifetime of watching Colin Bridgerton from afar, she thinks she knows everything about him, until she stumbles across his deepest secret...and fears she doesn't know him ast all.  

Colin Bridgerton is tired of being thought of as nothing but an empty-headed charmer and tired of the notorious gossip columnist Lady Whistledown, who can't seem to publish an edition without mentioning him.  But when Colin returns to London from a trip abroad, he discovers nothing in his life is quite the same--especially Penelope Featherington!  The girl who was always simply there is suddenly the girl haunting his dreams.  When he discovers that Penelope has secrets of her own, this elusive bachelor must decide...is she his biggest threat--or his promise of a happy ending?  Threat or promise?  There's only one way for me to find out as I embark on yet another "Journey Through A Book!"  

Going Back to Bridgerton: An "Offer" I Couldn't Refuse!

 I finished the second "Bridgerton" book this afternoon.  "The Viscount Who Loved Me" by Julia Quinn didn't disappoint.  Still wondering what was the point of the author mentioning Edwina.  Other than being the sister of the woman Anthony ultimately ended up with (though, in truth, Edwina was the one who Anthony originally wanted to be with! Gotta love Cupid and his sense of humor!), Edwina served no real purpose (at least in my opinion!).  There were occasional mentions of Daphne and Simon, the main characters from the first book in the "Bridgerton" series, as well as some of the other Bridgerton siblings. As with the first book, the eroticism was tastefully steamy!  The first two books were real page-turners; I hope the same can be said for the third book, "An Offer From A Gentleman," which I intend to start reading ASAP!

Sophie Beckett never dreamed that she'd be able to sneak into Lady Bridgerton's formal masquearade ball--or that "Prince Charming" would be waiting there for her!  Though the daughter of an earl, Sophie has been relegated to the role of servant by her disddainful stepmother.  But now, spinning in the strong arms of the debonair and devastatingly handsome Benedict Bridgerton, she feels like royalty.  Alas, she knows all enchantments must end when the clock strikes midnight.  Ever since that magical night, a radiant vision in silver has blinded Benedict to the attractions of any other--except, perhaps, this allluring and oddly familiar abeauty dressed in housemaid's garb whom he feels compelled to rescue from a most disagreeable situation.  He has sworn to find and wed his mystery miss, but this breathtaking maid makes him weak with wanting her.  Yet, if he offers her his heart, will Benedict sacrifice his only chance for a fairy-tale love?  I'm hoping that question can be answered as I take another "Journey Through A Book!"

Reading Royalty: After "The Duke," I'm Moving On To "The Viscount!"

 I finished reading "The Duke & I" on Monday.  The first book in the "Bridgerton" series by Julia Quinn was a real page-turner!  The only difficulty I had was trying to imagine Simon as he was described in the book.  In the Netflix series, he is portrayed by Rege-Jean Page, a British POC (He was born to a Zimbabwean mother and an English father, according to Wikipedia); however, in the book, he is Caucasian.  Overall, it was an amazing book!  Though, in both the series and the book, there is one loathesome charcter, Nigel Berbrooke, one of Daphne Bridgerton's suitors and a total cad!  He tried to force himself on Daphne, and Simon came to her rescue! It was awesome to watch what started out as a farce blossom into a storm of passion and ultimately true love for Daphne and Simon!  I can't wait to start on the second book in the series, "The Viscount Who Loved Me," which recounts the romance of Anthony Bridgerton (who happens to be Daphne's brother!)  

1814 promises to be another eventful season, but not, This Author believes, for Anthony Bridgerton, London’s most elsuive bachelor, who has shown no indication that he plans to marry.

And in truth, why should he? When it comes to playing the consummate rake, nobody does it better…

—Lady Whistledown’s Society Papers, April 1814

But this time the gossip columnists have it wrong. Anthony Bridgerton hasn’t just decided to marry—he’s even chosen a wife! The only obstacle is his intended’s older sister, Kate Sheffield—the most meddlesome woman ever to grace a London ballroom. The spirited schemer is driving Anthony mad with her determination to stop the betrothal, but when he closes his eyes at night, Kate is the woman haunting his increasingly erotic dreams…

Contrary to popular belief, Kate is quite sure that reformed rakes do not make the best husbands—and Anthony Bridgerton is the most wicked rogue of them all. Kate is determined to protect her sister—but she fears her own heart is vulnerable. And when Anthony’s lips touch hers, she’s suddenly afraid she might not be able to resist the reprehensible rake herself…

It sounds like it will be as good a read as its predecessor in the series, but I will have to wait a few weeks to find out, as I have several events in the near future to prepare for: my friend's wedding, my family's annual July 4th cookout, and 2 anime/nerd conventions (BlerdCon & Otakon).  Therefore, I will have to delay my "Journey Through A Book" with "The Viscount!"  The anticipation is killing me!

"To Love Again" I Think "The Duke & I" Need to Take A Journey To "Bridgerton"

 It was my intention to read nothing but Danielle Steel novels for the entirety of 2021.  I started off well enough, reading both "Loving" and "To Love Again."  I was disappointed in both.  As I've already shared my thoughts on "Loving" in this blog,  I will simply say that I really didn't enjoy "To Love Again."  They killed off the main character's husband, though that was obvious from the title and the plot synopsis.  I just didn't like the way the book progressed in terms of romance and betrayal. In my opinnion, the best part was when Isabella was getting dressed for an evening out, and her so-called best friend was helping her get dressed.  The way Danielle Steel described the dress, the hairstyle, and the shoes, I could almost picture it.  However, this was one book I really didn't enjoy overall, and I'm glad to be done with it!

As I said earlier, 2021 was supposed to be the year of Danielle Steel for me.  However, a trip to Target a few weeks ago changed my reading goal for the year.  My husband and I watched the Netflix series "Bridgerton," and I found it to be quite enjoyable.  So when I saw the books that inspired the series at my local Target, I felt compelled to buy them! Written by Julia Quinn, there are at least 8 books in the series, and I've already purchased the first three.  Of course, I'm starting with the first book, "Bridgerton: The Duke & I."  

In the ballrooms and drawing rooms of Regency London, rules abound.  From their earliest days, children of aristocrats learn how to address an earl and curtsy before a prince--while other dictates of the ton are unspoken yet universally understood.  A proper duke should be imperious and aloof.  A young, marriageable lady should be amiable...but not too amiable.  Daphne Bridgerton has always failed at the latter.  The fourth of eight siblings in her close-knit family, she has formed friendships with the most eligible young men in London.  Everyone likes Daphne for her kindness and wit.  But no one truly desires her.  She is simply too deuced honest for that, too unwilling to play the romantic games that captivate gentlemen  Amiability is not a characterisitic shared by Simon Basset, Duke of Hastings.  Recently returned to England from abroad, he intends to shun both marriage and society--just as his callous father shuned Simon throughout his painful childhood.  Yet an encounter with his best friend's sister offers another option.  If Daphne agrees to a fake courtship, Simon can deter the mamas who parade their daughters before him.  Daphne, meanwhile, will see her prospects and her reputation soar.  The plan works like a charm--at first.  But amid the glittering, gossipy, cutthroat world of London's elite, there is only one certainty: Love ignores every rule...

I've been warned by a few people in one of my Facebook groups that the books and the Netflix series are very different from one another, but that doesn't surprise me!  I'm just eager to get started on my "journey"  through the "Bridgerton" series!

Time "To Love Again" After (Not) "Loving" Danielle Steel

 The hardest part of being a bookworm is finishing one book and trying to decide which book to read next.  I finished off "Loving" by Danielle Steel a few weeks ago.  It's not going on my list of favorite books.  I really wanted to smack Bettina.  I don't mind the fact that she married a man who was old enough to be her father.  The fact that she cheated on him didn't sit well with me.  Nor did her choices of partners after the fact.    One was an actor, who dumped Bettina, after she miscarried their child, and the other man was a chauvinist, or maybe he was just afraid of Bettina's success and a playwright.   I'm glad I finished "Loving," and I can't wait to start "To Love Again."  (Do you see what I did there?  LOL!)  In Rome, Isabella and her husband, Amadeo, have created an idyllic marriage and the House of San Gregorio, the most exciting name in European high fashion    But in an act of terrorism, Amadeo is kidnapped and taken from Isabella forever.  Fleeing to New York, she fights to build a new life for herself and her son, as they discover new worlds and a new life together.  I can only hope I like "To Love Again" better than I did "Loving," but only time will tell.  It's time for me to take another "Journey Through A Book!"

fjIn In Need Of Some "Loving" To Start Off 2021 After Solving One Last Mystery In 2020

 I managed to finish reading "A Christmas Carol Murder" by Heather Redmond on New Year's Eve afternoon 2020.  It was actually pretty good and the story ended nicely.  I guess due to copyright issues, the actual characters had to have different names.  Instead of Ebenezer Scrooge, the main character was named Emmanuel Screws.  Charles Dickens was a writer turned dectective.  I don't want to give away the entire story, but between solving a mystery (the murder of Jacob Harley) and being falsely accused of fathering a child, Dickens had his hands full.  The paternity question  of baby Timothy jeopardized Dickens' relationship with his fiancee Kate, as well as his employment status.  All in all, a good read and a great way to end a horrible year!  As for how I'm starting off the year 2021, after everything that happenedin 2020, "Loving" by Danielle Steel might be just what I need!  Bettina Daniels lived a fairytale existnece of glamour, endless parties, and luxury among America's top celebrities--simply because she was the beautiful daughter of famous American author Justin Daniels.  Then, in one moment of tragedy, her father was dead, and Bettina discovered the truth--he had spent every dime he'd ever earned and run up millions in debt.  At 18, penniless and alone, she had lost everything except her father's dearest friend, Ivo Stewart.  A wealthy, handsome publisher of sixty-two, he offered Bettina a way out: marriage.  But only for a time.  What lay ahead for Bettina was a life filled with shocks and surprises--and eventually a chace to become a playwright, and a writer like her father.  Having learned her lessons dearly, Bettina blossoms into her own persson at last.  I hope I'm not disappointed with this one: I wasn't impressed with "Season Of Passion," which was the last book I read by Danielle Steel.  I hope I fare a little bit better on this "journey" but only time will tell!