RomanticLeads Recommendations and reviews of romantic fiction
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RomanticLeads Recommendations and reviews of romantic fiction
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May 1999 SEEMS A LOT of writers these days are finding inspiration in the sea. Miranda Jarret sets the stage for her latest sea captain saga in Boston. Susan Wiggs’ latest book follows the standard plot line of lady on board ship. The theme is rounded out with a modern deep-sea diving mystery from Mariah Stewart. This is the life. Nothing suits me better than to kick back in the fresh salt air blithely ignoring the weeds taking root in the garden. Only a landlubber would care about that. Moonlight By Miranda Jarrett (Sonnet – June 1999, $8.99) This is a story about a sea captain who meets his match. Young Zach Fairbourne is stuck in stuffy old Boston waiting for his ship to be built when he meets straight-laced seamstress Amelie Lacroix. Amelie is a fighter against prejudice and has managed to build a thriving business serving the upper crust of society. Zach’s admiration for Amelie grows to love but she must fight her own prejudices if she is to join Zach and the seafaring life. Strong characterization makes this a worthwhile addition for fans of the Fairbourne chronicles. The Charm School By Susan Wiggs (MIRA – 1999, $5.99) Susan Wiggs stretched her style a bit with this one_ and it isn’t a very comfortable fit. Isadora Peabody is a Boston spinster. The plain, shy and bookish Isadora has been left to wither on the periphery of the charming and beautiful Peabody family. Isadora is desperate to find an adventure before settling into her expected role as maiden aunt and companion. Using her skill at languages she lands a job as translator aboard The Silver Swan under the command of Ryan Calhoun. Ryan is a degenerate, driven man who resents Isadora’s manipulations to get her job and his crew’s ready acceptance. But over the course of the voyage, just like the ugly duckling, Isadora becomes what she was meant to be. Wiggs’ previous work has been notably sweet and poignant. The Charm School is surprisingly sensual although an intoxicated seduction scene seems a bit tawdry. Readers should be ready for a somewhat stereotypical transformation. It isn’t exactly let her hair down and take her glasses off and she becomes a stunning beauty. Despite Isadora losing her glasses and getting her hair hacked off Isadora’s transformation is a little more involved. For those who look to Wiggs as a seaside LaVerle Spencer, be prepared for a bit spicier trip. Priceless By Mariah Stewart (Pocket Books – June 1999, $8.99) This is an enjoyable portrait of a strong woman trying to remain in charge of her life as her family values are challenged, despite the too obvious villain. When underwater salvage contractor, Rachel Chandler meets her project archaeologist, Sam Gowan, she is less than impressed. Sam is disappointed because he must work with Rachel instead of her father, and she knows it. Sam’s attitude chafes her pride, setting them on a course of mutual annoyance. Working conditions off the North Carolina coast are luxurious due to their employer’s wealth but the recovery of the sunken Confederate ship is fraught with tension. Stewart’s characters are, as usual, gems and Sam’s family is priceless. Janine Taylor is a Halifax-based writer. She may be reached at romanticleads@hotmail.com *30* |
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