Choices

"Lady in Waiting," by Susan Meissner, published by WaterBrook Press is a very intriguing historical romance. This book unveiled the fascinating stories of two very different Janes: Jane Lindsey and Lady Jane, separated by a continent, lifestyle, and nearly 500 years....however, connected through a ring. The current day Jane, also know as Jane Lindsey, an east coast native, was at a crossroads in her life, something she had been avoiding addressing until her husband abruptly accepted a job in another state and left home and her. The aristrocratic Lady Jane, nearly 500 years earlier had her own set of problems and issues, she loved one, but was betrothed to another. Both Janes facing new challenges and choices in their lives, and neither Jane making decisions, but rather complying with the decisions of others. I immediately fell in love with both Janes, not to mention other notable characters in the book, such as Lady Jane's seamstress and commoner friend, Lucy.

The book is written in a very enticing format. For a very short time, I found the approach a bit distracting bouncing forward and back in time with the lives of our respective Janes, but I adjusted very quickly and was engrossed in their stories. I did feel the book ended a bit too abruptly; I very disappointed and want to know more. Too many questions were left unanswered. I hope there will be a sequel because I want to know how Jane Lindsey's life turns out and if her dreams are realized. While I do know the fate of Lady Jane, I would love to follow the life of her seamstress and dear friend, Lucy. Would these unanswered questions deter me from recommending this book? No, it is a high compliment that I want to know more of the story. I received this book free from WaterBrook Publishing for this review.

The Story of Katie and Adelle

Hilltop House, published by Dorrance Publishing, is an amazing book, I could not put it down. The main character, Kate Bonner, is a wonderfully developed character; a true woman of substance. The surprise for me was Kate's mom, Adelle, a madame by necessity. The amazing thing? By the end of the book I adored her, too, much to my surprise. The romance (yes, there's romance!) was believable and moving. I found that there were some nice twists and turns that I could not have predicted, which is a rarity for me, and I really enjoyed it. This is definitely not one of those read one, read them all books!

One of the neat things about this book is the history interspersed throughout, which was refreshing and made the whole story line seem realistic. Kate Bonner is the kind of woman anyone would admire, from personal aspirations to community pillar. She has an amazing degree of compassion, even for those who might not be worthy of that compassion at times. She is a wonderful businesswoman who was successful in a time when success and women were not necessarily compatible terms. She has an excellent support network in her mom and many friends, but her mom's loyalty and unyielding commitment for Kate's happiness and success is unconditional and limitless. I received a complimentary copy of Hilltop House as a member of the Dorrance Publishing Book Review Team. Visit dorrancebookstore.com to learn how you can become a member of the Book Review Team. Here’s a link to the book, trust me, you want to read this one!!

Link:
http://dorrance.stores.yahoo.net/hilltophouse.html

Cheri