From Publishers Weekly
In her 67th novel (following May's The House) bestselling author Steel (more than 530 million copies sold) fashions a plot around a single event: an invitation to a debutante ball in New York City. Attorney Olympia Crawford Rubinstein manages to juggle a challenging full-time job; a loving relationship with her second husband, Harry (an appeals court judge who is her former law professor); the care of their five-year-old son, Max, and her three older children from a previous marriage. Olympia's first husband, Chauncey, is a stereotypical, upper-class snob, with no job but a passion for playing polo. Harry, son of Holocaust survivors, champions liberal causes. When Olympia's teenage twin daughters, Veronica and Virginia, are invited to an exclusive "coming out" ball, everyone's lives are thrown into turmoil. Most of the book revolves around the arguments and disagreements spurred by the invitation, and Steel appears overly didactic as she tries to pump life into the simplistic setup: Olympia's Jewish mother-in-law, Afro-American law partner and gay older son are trotted out like polo ponies at auction. Steel's métier is glamour and romance; her attempt to deal with social injustice falls flat.
Friday, September 21, 2007
Granny Dan / Danielle Steel
From Publishers Weekly
In a fable compact enough to be swallowed in a single gulp, the prolific Steel (Bittersweet) offers a granddaughter's tribute to Danina Petroskova, "Granny Dan," a Russian immigrant who left the glamorous world of the St. Petersburg Ballet and lived thereafter as a Vermont housewife. The unnamed narrator always loved her grandmother, with her elegant braided hair, roller skates and soft Russian accent. Granny Dan rarely speaks of her life in Russia before the revolution, but when she dies, at almost 90, the narrator inherits a pair of ballet shoes and a packet of love letters that tell the dramatic story of her former existence. Committed at age seven to the ballet, in her teens Danina becomes a prima ballerina who enchants the czar and czarina, becoming the royal children's boon companion. Stricken by influenza at 19, Danina's life is saved by Czarevitch Alexei's physician, Nikolai Obrajensky, with whom she falls passionately in love. This fairy tale is fully outfitted with dreamy details such as ermine-trimmed gowns, covered sleighs and royal balls in glittering palaces. The historical technicalities are glossed over: in this book the Russian czar is a nice man who let the revolution go too far because he wanted his people to express their feelings. The love story is pure melodrama, with Nikolai a princely man married to a "dreadful Englishwoman," and the couple tormented by their unquenchable passions, lofty joys and ultimate tragedy. Steel doesn't unfold the plot so much as restate the same point: that Granny Dan led an extraordinary life of romance and heartbreak; this slim confection holds few surprises in telling the Cinderella story in reverse.
In a fable compact enough to be swallowed in a single gulp, the prolific Steel (Bittersweet) offers a granddaughter's tribute to Danina Petroskova, "Granny Dan," a Russian immigrant who left the glamorous world of the St. Petersburg Ballet and lived thereafter as a Vermont housewife. The unnamed narrator always loved her grandmother, with her elegant braided hair, roller skates and soft Russian accent. Granny Dan rarely speaks of her life in Russia before the revolution, but when she dies, at almost 90, the narrator inherits a pair of ballet shoes and a packet of love letters that tell the dramatic story of her former existence. Committed at age seven to the ballet, in her teens Danina becomes a prima ballerina who enchants the czar and czarina, becoming the royal children's boon companion. Stricken by influenza at 19, Danina's life is saved by Czarevitch Alexei's physician, Nikolai Obrajensky, with whom she falls passionately in love. This fairy tale is fully outfitted with dreamy details such as ermine-trimmed gowns, covered sleighs and royal balls in glittering palaces. The historical technicalities are glossed over: in this book the Russian czar is a nice man who let the revolution go too far because he wanted his people to express their feelings. The love story is pure melodrama, with Nikolai a princely man married to a "dreadful Englishwoman," and the couple tormented by their unquenchable passions, lofty joys and ultimate tragedy. Steel doesn't unfold the plot so much as restate the same point: that Granny Dan led an extraordinary life of romance and heartbreak; this slim confection holds few surprises in telling the Cinderella story in reverse.
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Twelve Sharp / Janet Evanovich
From Publishers Weekly
The mixture of slapstick and gunplay that has put Evanovich's series about a sassy, less than competent New Jersey bounty hunter at the top of bestseller lists once again works its magic in Stephanie Plum's latest caper (after 2005's Eleven on Top). Stephanie, who freely admits her failings as a hunter of fugitives, faces a growing work backlog that threatens the continued existence of her job. Her clumsy efforts to clear some cases, along with the help of her outrageous colleague, Lula, result only in their adding another sad sack to the office payroll—a forlorn shoe salesman who's talked off a ledge by Stephanie's offer of a position as file clerk. Stephanie's ambivalence toward the two men in her life becomes harder to maintain when one of them, the mysterious Ranger, is accused of kidnapping his own daughter. Countless over-the-top scenes, including one at a funeral parlor, will delight longtime fans.
The mixture of slapstick and gunplay that has put Evanovich's series about a sassy, less than competent New Jersey bounty hunter at the top of bestseller lists once again works its magic in Stephanie Plum's latest caper (after 2005's Eleven on Top). Stephanie, who freely admits her failings as a hunter of fugitives, faces a growing work backlog that threatens the continued existence of her job. Her clumsy efforts to clear some cases, along with the help of her outrageous colleague, Lula, result only in their adding another sad sack to the office payroll—a forlorn shoe salesman who's talked off a ledge by Stephanie's offer of a position as file clerk. Stephanie's ambivalence toward the two men in her life becomes harder to maintain when one of them, the mysterious Ranger, is accused of kidnapping his own daughter. Countless over-the-top scenes, including one at a funeral parlor, will delight longtime fans.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Blood Shot / Sara Paretsky
From Publishers Weekly
The fifth and finest in Paretsky's praised series returns heroine Victoria (V. I.) Warshawski, lawyer/private detective, to describe mysterious circumstances arising from a seemingly insignificant case. A visit to a childhood friend in South Chicago, Caroline Djiak, ends with Warshawski agreeing to look for the father Caroline never knew and whom neither her mother Louisa, although she's dying, or maternal grandparents will name. Almost at once, however, Caroline begs the detective to stop the search. She is badly frightened when a co-worker in a neighboring recycling plant is murdered, but Warshawski won't quit the investigation now that she suspects criminals have a bigger motive for killing than keeping the father's identify secret. The decision to fight on entangles V. I. with the powerful owner of a chemical company and his minionsa venal doctor who falsifies employee records, South Chicago's corrupt alderman, a gangster profiteer with a stranglehold on the city's trash collectionsand thugs hired to kill "the snoop." It's a gripping, entertaining story, although sobering as a warning against thieving officials who pollute natural resources and rob the public. Mystery Guild dual main selection; Literary Guild and Doubleday Book Club selections.
The fifth and finest in Paretsky's praised series returns heroine Victoria (V. I.) Warshawski, lawyer/private detective, to describe mysterious circumstances arising from a seemingly insignificant case. A visit to a childhood friend in South Chicago, Caroline Djiak, ends with Warshawski agreeing to look for the father Caroline never knew and whom neither her mother Louisa, although she's dying, or maternal grandparents will name. Almost at once, however, Caroline begs the detective to stop the search. She is badly frightened when a co-worker in a neighboring recycling plant is murdered, but Warshawski won't quit the investigation now that she suspects criminals have a bigger motive for killing than keeping the father's identify secret. The decision to fight on entangles V. I. with the powerful owner of a chemical company and his minionsa venal doctor who falsifies employee records, South Chicago's corrupt alderman, a gangster profiteer with a stranglehold on the city's trash collectionsand thugs hired to kill "the snoop." It's a gripping, entertaining story, although sobering as a warning against thieving officials who pollute natural resources and rob the public. Mystery Guild dual main selection; Literary Guild and Doubleday Book Club selections.
For the Love of Pete / Rosalyn Alsobrook
From Literary Times
After several years, Jillian Westworth is returning to Seascape Inn with her son Pete and later, her fiancée, Reynold Johnstone will join them with the Nelson's for a business vacation. As a young girl, Jillian had spent her summers in Maine, and during her last two summers there, she fell in love with Brad Pierce, who wanted to become a doctor, and he did at the expense of their love, which resulted in Pete. Jillian wanted to marry Brad when she found out she was pregnant, but Brad had told Jillian that he was not capable of providing for her or a family, so he broke off their relationship. Brad was told he'd won a weeks vacation at Seascape Inn, and he arrives the day after Jillian and Pete. Fearful that Brad will discover Pete's parentage, Jillian tries to keep the two apart, while Pete and Tony, the ghost of Seascape Inn, conspire to get Brad and Jillian alone so they can clear up the past and admit their feelings for each other. Reynold and the Nelsons arrive and Reynold practically ignores Pete while Brad and Pete become fast friends. Jillian realizes she must tell Brad the truth before Pete's birthday party, but the decision is taken out of her hands when Mrs. Nelson remarks on how much they look 'like father and son.' Brad asks Pete how old he is going to be, does some quick math and bolts from the room with Pete and Jillian running after him. Jillian finds Brad, but Pete is lost and a storm is brewing. They have to find Pete, if they can, before they can come to terms with the past. Is their love for Pete, and each other, strong enough to bridge the gap of the last seven years and unite them as a family? *This is the fourth in the Seascape Series by Victoria Barrett and Rosalyn Alsobrook. I reviewed the first book in this series, Beyond The Misty Shore which I thought inspiring and delightful. This book did not seem quite as enchanting, mystic or 'spiritual,' but still, a good read.Charming and romantic, For the Love of Pete will capture your heart! Well developed characters - you'll cheer for Brad, Jillian and Pete, and you'll love to hate Reynold, the dastardly villian!
After several years, Jillian Westworth is returning to Seascape Inn with her son Pete and later, her fiancée, Reynold Johnstone will join them with the Nelson's for a business vacation. As a young girl, Jillian had spent her summers in Maine, and during her last two summers there, she fell in love with Brad Pierce, who wanted to become a doctor, and he did at the expense of their love, which resulted in Pete. Jillian wanted to marry Brad when she found out she was pregnant, but Brad had told Jillian that he was not capable of providing for her or a family, so he broke off their relationship. Brad was told he'd won a weeks vacation at Seascape Inn, and he arrives the day after Jillian and Pete. Fearful that Brad will discover Pete's parentage, Jillian tries to keep the two apart, while Pete and Tony, the ghost of Seascape Inn, conspire to get Brad and Jillian alone so they can clear up the past and admit their feelings for each other. Reynold and the Nelsons arrive and Reynold practically ignores Pete while Brad and Pete become fast friends. Jillian realizes she must tell Brad the truth before Pete's birthday party, but the decision is taken out of her hands when Mrs. Nelson remarks on how much they look 'like father and son.' Brad asks Pete how old he is going to be, does some quick math and bolts from the room with Pete and Jillian running after him. Jillian finds Brad, but Pete is lost and a storm is brewing. They have to find Pete, if they can, before they can come to terms with the past. Is their love for Pete, and each other, strong enough to bridge the gap of the last seven years and unite them as a family? *This is the fourth in the Seascape Series by Victoria Barrett and Rosalyn Alsobrook. I reviewed the first book in this series, Beyond The Misty Shore which I thought inspiring and delightful. This book did not seem quite as enchanting, mystic or 'spiritual,' but still, a good read.Charming and romantic, For the Love of Pete will capture your heart! Well developed characters - you'll cheer for Brad, Jillian and Pete, and you'll love to hate Reynold, the dastardly villian!
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Affair / Amanda Quick
From Library Journal
Enormously popular romance writer Quick scores big again with this delightful, frothy love story featuring Charlotte Arkendale, who is left to fend for herself following her mother's death and her stepfather's subsequent squandering of the family fortune. She creates an intriguing profession of investigating the intentions, honorable or otherwise, of her clients' suitors. Unfortunately, one of her clients winds up dead, and Charlotte is determined to find the killer. Baxter St. Ives, the required love interest, is also investigating the murder. Predictably, the two join forces, struggling with their growing feelings for each other. These two characters are so likable that we can only hope to see them again in a sequel. As always, Quick understands her readers and delivers an entertaining, sensual, albeit paper-thin, plot. Add this one to your "guilty pleasures" list and buy multiple copies.
Enormously popular romance writer Quick scores big again with this delightful, frothy love story featuring Charlotte Arkendale, who is left to fend for herself following her mother's death and her stepfather's subsequent squandering of the family fortune. She creates an intriguing profession of investigating the intentions, honorable or otherwise, of her clients' suitors. Unfortunately, one of her clients winds up dead, and Charlotte is determined to find the killer. Baxter St. Ives, the required love interest, is also investigating the murder. Predictably, the two join forces, struggling with their growing feelings for each other. These two characters are so likable that we can only hope to see them again in a sequel. As always, Quick understands her readers and delivers an entertaining, sensual, albeit paper-thin, plot. Add this one to your "guilty pleasures" list and buy multiple copies.
Yesterday / Fern Michaels
From Publishers Weekly
Coming together for a wedding, four friends share memories of childhood in Michaels's (Vegas Sunrise) unevenly plotted latest romance novel, set in South Carolina. Blonde Southern belle Callie Parker is to wed arrogant Wynfield Archer, with her childhood friends in attendance: Brie Canfield, San Diego cop and prospective FBI agent; Sela Bronson, interior designer and recent divorc?e; and attorney Bode Jessup. Bode became Callie's foster brother when her father brought him home from an orphanage and made him promise to make sure Callie got what she wanted, always. Brie and Sela were "white trash" local girls brought in daily as playmates to form the rest of Callie's adoring court. Mama Pearl, an aging black woman employed at Parker Manor, lovingly cared for the poor waifs, but she also reinforced Callie's princess complex. Now, emotional turmoils rise to the surface when Bode evades attending Callie's wedding. Is Bode in love with Callie? The question fades in the wake of a car crash that leaves Callie comatose, an accident caused and covered up by an inebriated Wyn on the way to their wedding rehearsal. Brie explores her memories and her feelings for Bode, and maudlin nostalgia runs rampant as each character bemoans the perfection of "yesterday," leaving the reader to wonder why someone didn't slap silly Callie years ago. Stereotypes abound: Sela's a tramp with a heart of gold; Callie is a prima donna; and Mama Pearl is Mammy from Gone with the Wind. Michaels stirs up love-drama between the old friends and wangles revelations out of Mama Pearl about Bode and Callie's secret origins and racial heritage. Many disillusionments, impassioned tears and tearful confessions later, the puzzle pieces fall predictably in place.
Coming together for a wedding, four friends share memories of childhood in Michaels's (Vegas Sunrise) unevenly plotted latest romance novel, set in South Carolina. Blonde Southern belle Callie Parker is to wed arrogant Wynfield Archer, with her childhood friends in attendance: Brie Canfield, San Diego cop and prospective FBI agent; Sela Bronson, interior designer and recent divorc?e; and attorney Bode Jessup. Bode became Callie's foster brother when her father brought him home from an orphanage and made him promise to make sure Callie got what she wanted, always. Brie and Sela were "white trash" local girls brought in daily as playmates to form the rest of Callie's adoring court. Mama Pearl, an aging black woman employed at Parker Manor, lovingly cared for the poor waifs, but she also reinforced Callie's princess complex. Now, emotional turmoils rise to the surface when Bode evades attending Callie's wedding. Is Bode in love with Callie? The question fades in the wake of a car crash that leaves Callie comatose, an accident caused and covered up by an inebriated Wyn on the way to their wedding rehearsal. Brie explores her memories and her feelings for Bode, and maudlin nostalgia runs rampant as each character bemoans the perfection of "yesterday," leaving the reader to wonder why someone didn't slap silly Callie years ago. Stereotypes abound: Sela's a tramp with a heart of gold; Callie is a prima donna; and Mama Pearl is Mammy from Gone with the Wind. Michaels stirs up love-drama between the old friends and wangles revelations out of Mama Pearl about Bode and Callie's secret origins and racial heritage. Many disillusionments, impassioned tears and tearful confessions later, the puzzle pieces fall predictably in place.
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