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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Anthology by Authors Who Know Their Regency., February 23, 2005
Giving an overall mark or a rating to an anthology is always very difficult. Some stories hit and some miss. Yet, I always like to read the anthologies, because usually you come across an unfamiliar author, and you never know what's lurking in the unknown.
A REGENCY VALENTINE is an anthology released in February 1991, five stories for that special time of the year, by some of the genre's "big guns" . . .
1). MARY BALOGH: "Golden Rose." - Rating: 7 (4 Low Stars).
Pleasant, but where was Mary? Bath, England and the month of February is cold, wet, and windy. For the Honorable Roger Bradshaw life is wretched! Recently Bradshaw experienced a rather uncomfortable situation with a married 'lady'. Now he is forced to endure the sparse entertainment in this elderly town. Why even the promise of the annual Valentine's Ball, did not brighten Bradshaw's spirits. That is until he encountered the lovely, virtuous Emily Richmond - his aunt's paid companion. But alas, the innocent Miss Richmond was too pristine to accept his tarnished valentine or was she? With the manipulative help of his mischievous nephew, Roger Bradshaw may be in for the surprise of a lifetime. Although, GOLDEN ROSE was a comfortable read, it lacked the tender sensitivity usually associated with a Mary Balogh story.
2). KATHERINE KINGSLEY: "The Secret Benefactor." - Rating: 5 (3 Low stars).
A story that was written with a heavy hand . . . George Asquith was born with a deformity. He was an embarrassment to his father. George spent most of his childhood, with the family, from the neighboring estate. Aubrey de Salis loved George as a young child and she loved him as a young girl. Through the years, Aubrey never forgot the kind and tender George Asquith. By chance they meet again; Aubrey is open and warm; George is cold and harsh. THE SECRET BENEFACTOR was just not fun. Katherine Kingsley's story was too analytic, the dialogue too grave and strained. Regrettably, the entire read lacked enthusiasm.
3). EMMA LANGE: "Lady Valentine's Scheme." - Rating: 10 (5 Big Stars).
NOW, this was a wonderful story . . . In LADY VALENTINE'S SCHEME, Emma Lange pens pure romance using a scoundrel for her hero. Alexandra Talbot is penniless and is forced to marry wealth. Jocelyn Staunton returns to England; he returns to reveal his love for his childhood friend - Alexandra. Only to discover, Alexandra has an agreement with his adversary - his cousin - the Viscount Addington. This is my first trip into Lange country, and what an enjoyable junket. Skillfully, the author slices the reader's heart with this delightful Valentine's story. Emma Lange has definitely moved to my "Search For List."
4). PATRICIA RICE: "Fathers and Daughters." - Rating: 9 (5 Low Stars).
OH, this was well written! Jack Chatham was young and heavily in debt; Carolyn Thorogood was the daughter of wealthy man. Two people who were very much in love. However, her protective father shattered their hearts and their dreams. Five years later Jack was home and he found Carolyn Thorogood still unmarried. Yes, Jack was home, but this time he returned with his young daughter. Patricia Rice handles FATHERS AND DAUGHTERS beautifully. This is gentle romance with an adorable child to pull at the heartstrings and to ease the romance.
5). JOAN WOLF: "The Antagonists." - Rating: 9 (5 Low Stars).
This is a Regency romance written in the first person. For this reader, Joan Wolfe is a new author and the first person tense was definitely something new . . . Hugh Lesley St. John Lydin was the fifth Earl of Thornton. They simply called him "Thorn." As a young child, Dinah came to live at Thornton Manor. Much to everyone's dismay, the fiery haired Dinah was a complete hoyden. Instantly, Dinah and Thorn were rivals, always competing, always trying to outdo the other. So what happened the spring of Dinah's 'coming-out' season? Why was Thorn so reserved and angry? Joan Wolfe develops this story into a fun read, but did I like the first person tense? I'm not sure, I believe it gave a contemporary feel to the plot, and yet it fascinated me. Regardless, Joan Wolfe and her different style made THE ANTAGONISTS enjoyable.
MaryGrace Meloche
Reviewer for: Romance Designs
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5.0 out of 5 stars
a great Regency anthology....., February 13, 2008
most anthologies I've read fall into the 50 percent or lower catagory. Meaning half, mostly even less, of the stories in the anthology are even readable.
Not so in this book. Of the five stories, 2 were great (wolf and Rice's), 2 very good (Balogh and Kingsley) and only the Lange story didn't appeal to me. Surprisingly Miss Balogh's story was not up to her usual standard-but still good. Read the book if for no other reason the Patricia Rice's story! It made me wish if would have been a full length book. I also love the fact that even though it's a seasonal anthology, the stories are not "cutsey" or "gimmakey"-but had style and substance.
Recommended-4.5 stars.
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4.0 out of 5 stars
Very romantic read, February 10, 2008
I agree with all was written by other reviewers, however, I have slightly different ratings: "Golden Rose" by Mary Balogh--(4 stars)--a valentine story with a touch of Cinderalla flavor; "The Secret Benefactor" by Katherine Kingsley--(5 stars)--a very endearing love story; "Lady Valentine's Scheme" by Emma Lange--(a big 5 stars)--it had all the elements to make it a total enjoyable read with a happy sigh at the end; "Fathers and Daughters" by Patricia Rice--(3 stars)--my least favorite story: lack of chemistry among characters and lost focus of the plot in between; "The Antagonists" by Joan Wolf--(4 stars)--it was actually a well-written, fun read, but the ending was hastily wrapped up without touching on the valentine theme.
Over all speaking, these are all powerhouse writers, and I highly recommend this book even not for the valentine day reason.
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