A Sinful Deception

A Sinful Deception is a second series of Breconridge Brothers by Isabella Bradford. Just by the cover and the title of this book makes you wonder what it entail and you guessed it right! It is a brilliant tale of love, lies, and survival all wrapped around together. Lord Geoffrey Fitzroy is the second son of Duke of Breconridge, and also a handsome bachelor and ladies' man. Lady Serena Carew, a mysterious young woman with an exotic beauty, grew up in India. When Geoffrey sees her at a ball, he can't resist dancing with her. He is captivated by Serena and how set apart she is from others. Even though their relationship is forbidden by her grandfather, they can't seem to resist the desire they share for each other. There are truths Serena is keeping from Geoffrey, secrets that could destroy their bond to each other. The story's climax is different from my typical experience in this genre and it's quite exciting. The dialogue appears very true to the era and I love how the dresses on the covers for Bradford's books are always featured in the story, adding an authenticity that is rare these days. I have to say the romance is steamy and sensual and has incredible tension. I am absolutely loving this writer and the series. *JK*

A Calendar of Celebrations

Those who long for adventure or at least love reading about it should check out The Best Place to Be Today: 365 Things To Do & The Perfect Day To Do Them by Lonely Planet Publications. This book provides a colorful look at places and celebrations around the globe. Experienced travel editors will tell you the best time to climb, dance, glide, hike, run, snorkel and surf your way around the world. Some months are better than others to enjoy the view or the whole experience. Get ready to enjoy some amazing places from your armchair! DB

The Belle of the Ball? Not!

Belle, a new dvd in the library, is inspired by the 1779 painting of Dido Elizabeth Belle beside her cousin Lady Elizabeth Murray, at Kenwood House, which was commissioned by their great-uncle, William Murray, 1st Earl of Mansfield, then Lord Chief Justice of England. Very little is known about the life of Dido Belle, who was born in the West Indies and was the illegitimate mixed-race daughter of Mansfield's nephew. She is found living in poverty by her father and entrusted to the care of Mansfield and his wife. The fictional film explores her life as a young woman, a life of luxury, as her father left her money, but no social standing because of her race. Lushly photographed, and stellar acting make this film not only beautiful but intelligent and affecting. ML

Looking for Answers

Jonathan Sweetwater has a good life. He and Claire have a loving marriage. He has two darling children and a demanding career. The one thing he never had was a relationship with his father. Percival Sweetwater III was a complicated man.  Now deceased, he was a five-term senator, confidante to presidents, married six times, and estranged from his son for many years. One day Jonathan comes home early and discovers evidence that his wife might be having an affair. He begins to question everything about his life. In his search to find out more about himself and his father, he decides to track down  his father’s ex-wives. What will Jonathan ultimately learn? My Father’s Wives by Mike Greenberg offers some interesting twists and a few surprising characters.  DB

The Trouble with Texas Cowboys

If you like fun western romance, this is something you might want to read. The Trouble with Texas Cowboys is the second book in the Burnt Boot Series. It has a great deal of humor, real life realism, and colorful characters. While the feud between two families heat up, Sawyer and Jill meet for the first time. When both have no plans to get involved in the whole mess, they soon find themselves being attracted to each other. *JK*

Taught by Shakespeare

The year is 1590, and Queen Elizabeth’s Spanish Armada victory has done nothing to quell her brutal persecution of the English Catholics. Katharine de L’Isle is living at Lufanwal Hall, the manor of her uncle, Sir Edward. Taught by her cherished uncle to read when a child, Katharine is now a thirty-one-year-old widow. She has resigned herself to a life of reading and keeping company with her cousins and their children. But all that changes when the family’s priest, who had been performing Catholic services in secret, is found murdered. Faced with threats of imprisonment and death, Sir Edward is forced to flee the country, leaving Katharine adrift in a household rife with turmoil. A new tutor, (Will Shakespeare) upsets Katharine's equilibrium and adds to the household strife. A very different view of the bard, historical novel fans will love it. ML

A Single Kiss

A Single Kiss is a contemporary romance written by Grace Burrowes who is a well-known author of many historical romance novels. The story is about Hannah Stark who accepts a position at a law firm and begins working with Trent Knightley. As their feelings start to develop, her dark secrets from the past gets revealed and threatens their relationship. I think the story definitely has lots of details and emotions which will pull you into the story and the characters are well developed and enjoyable. It also seem like the author wants you to look at life, love, and family in a very different way. *JK*

Sweet Treats

Looking for something special for Valentine’s Day? Check out Sweet Things: chocolates, candies, caramels & marshmallows-to make & give by Annie Rigg.  She is a freelance food stylist who lives in London, creates her own recipes and writes for various food magazines. This colorful book has recipes for wonderful treats for every sweet tooth. If you’ve never tried your hand at candy making, these mouthwatering goodies might be just the encouragement you need. DB