Review of Enthusiasm by Polly Shulman

My Second book from my library spree was a very short, sort of tween novel. But I loved it. It's about a girl who obsesses over different interests, and one of these is Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice". But it's not really about that girl. It's about her friend, and her emotional struggle with the teenage drama that comes up. And her desire to be loyal to her good friend, but also to be happy. It was a quick, easy, and relate-able read. I love anything Jane Austen, and I love that it didn't dwell so much on the book, but on the characters of Shulman's own story. It was a very sweet teen romance. And I'd recommend it for anyone who likes Jane.

Review of Secondhand Charm by Julie Berry

Recently I realized what a hole I've had in my life these past few months. So, I dug up my old library card and a few blogs I used to check constantly for updates of things to read. One of the books on this list was Secondhand Charm by Julie Berry.

It was a fast, easy read, set in a fictional land. The characters were likeable, the romance just enough, but it was nothing spectacular. The plot was a little slow, and predictable, open for a sequel. Typical. There was nothing particularly wrong with the book. It was just the same as any other sort of fairytale-type book, only less creative. The "magic" was not really magic and the myths were underdeveloped. The scene where she walks down the isle as the Princess's bridesmaid is strange, because she details the depiction of Moses, Adam and Eve, and other Biblical characters. Kind of strange in the middle of a mythical kingdom.

All and all it was a decent book. I now have one down, and four to go!

Review of "Isabella" by Loretta Lynda Chase

I must say that when I began this novel, I was a little wary, yet at the same time very ready to be drawn into it. After having started two novels (one which was bland and immature, and the other which used so many large words I couldn't take it seriously), I wanted something that would be quick and interesting. Well, "Isabella"was definitely both of these things.

The plot was of the usual Regency type, involving scandal, fortunes, wards, and fortune hunters. There was nothing really new or interesting that was added to these things. It called to mind a few Georgette Heyer novels and definitely "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen. The whole idea of a very rich man, and his nemesis, a fortune hunter, competing for a smart, yet plain girl. The characters were a bit one dimensional. At by the end my favorite character was that of Isabella's mother, Maria. I was highly amused by her take on life. This novel also detailed the inner workings of the character's minds a bit much for my taste. I feel that these thoughts would have been better left unwritten. Or even un-insinuated as they were. There were a few scenes that were just too much. I think it is because, the joy, to me, at least, of a Regency is the innocence at least of the relationship, if not necessarily the characters. And that innocence was lacking in this novel.

I have no great dislike for this novel. Yet, I have no great liking for it either. It wasn't a complete waste of my time, but I feel I would not be lacking anything right now if I had not read it. It's a book for when you have nothing else better to read. But do not go to any trouble to run out and read this book. Or you will be much disappointed.

Review of "Bath Tangle" by Georgette Heyer

I have read at least 20 books by Georgette Heyer, and for the most part have enjoyed them all. But this was by far the most frustrating book of all. It seems obvious to the reader from the very beginning who should end up with who. The whole book is like trying to untangle a necklace: if you don't manage to get the knot out on the first few tries, it begins to get more and more complicated. The book starts complicated, and by the middle it's such a huge knot, it seems impossible that there is a solution that will end without someone being made miserable or completely ruined.

Rotherham and Serena were engaged to one another before the book even takes place. But remain close friends due to close family connections, even after Serena breaks it off because "they don't deal well together." The reason for this is they both have hot tempers and domineering personalities, and have a tendency to argue every time they see one another. They both despise weakness, in either resolution or physical ability. In the book they each carry on serious love affairs apart from one another, and it's clear to the reader that neither would ever be happy with these significant others. Serena's Major allows her to trample all over her, and treats her like a goddess. He believes she can do no wrong, he is obsessed with an image, a creation of his mind. And Rotherham's Emily is a silly baby, blinded by wealth and splendor who lives in absolute fear of him. Fanny, Serena's step-mother, says of Rotherham and Emily "that no two persons could be less suited." Both these relationships are obviously unhealthy and neither one has the potential for a truly respectful and mutually happy, honest marriage.

I will not go on from there, because it would spoil the ending, but I will say the tangle is a very bad one, involving secret loves, elopements, and reckless engagements. I was shocked Heyer was able to untangle this mess in a satisfactory way in less than two chapters. The ending, though not a complete shock, surprised me. I was unable to anticipate every plot twist. The plot, though at times seemed a little unbelievable, was well thought out. The characters each held strong personality traits, but they did seem a little one dimensional at times. I think that the strange thing about this book was there wasn't one character whose mind we entered often. In the other Heyer books I have read, it usually focuses on the one character's thoughts, but this one skipped about, so I came away feeling as though I didn't know all the characters as well as I should. Despite these minor setbacks, the book was still well written, and a fun read. I love Heyer now more than the first time I picked up Arabella.

Review of "The Silent Governess" by Julie Klassen

"The Silent Governess," despite it's intimidating 50 chapters, was a truly interesting read, and despite some drawbacks, I would recommend it for a light read.

Klassen's plot was beautifully weaved into a complete web that is difficult to fully anticipate. Her plot line was definitely the strongest part of the book. From the beginning to end every event had significance. But her character's lacked true development and consistency.

The two main characters, Lord Bradley and Olivia, have a very odd and semi-abusive relationship. Not to give away the plot, but Olivia overhears something about Lord Bradley that would be disastrous for anyone to hear. She is caught in the act, though innocent of devious intent, and he forces her to stay on as a nurse so that he can keep an eye on her. He's afraid that she will give him away, or try to blackmail him. And because of his fear he is highly abusive to her. He threatens her verbally many times, and accuses her of horrible deeds. She has just come from an abusive situation at home and it seems to me she would be unlikely to put up with his behavior towards her, especially since Klassen tries to portray Olivia as a strong, independent woman, almost like an Elizabeth Bennet.

Some of the dialogue is truly atrocious, and the situations a bit unlikely. But despite that the plot really was redeeming. You can't help but read it to learn what is really going on in this tangled web of relationships and events. I, of course, love the Regency time period, and the back of the book stating that Klassen loves everything Jane: Jane Austen and Jane Eyre, endears me to her.

I would recommend this book to anyone who doesn't mind ignoring the characters and dialogue in favor of the truly complicated plot line.