“Days of Gold”   By Jude Deveraux

 

2011 Book Review #116

Publishers Weekly Review

The inevitable prequel to “Lavender Morning” places Deveraux on familiar historical romance ground as she traces the journey to America of the namesake of the fictional town of Edilean, Va. English-born Edilean Talbot is very out of place when she arrives in 1766 Scotland to live with her uncle.

A pressing problem presents itself when her uncle plans to marry off the rich, beautiful and well-educated Edilean to one of his unsavory friends the moment she turns 18. Reluctantly, Angus McTern, the highland hunk who laughs at Edilean even as he falls for her, helps her escape and accompanies her on a transatlantic voyage acting the role of her husband.

Once in Boston, they go their separate ways, later reuniting when old friends help Edilean dispense with an enemy.

After dozens of novels, Deveraux has a sure hand evoking plucky heroines, dastardly villains and irresistible heroes, as well as a well-rounded supporting cast. If the plot seems familiar and occasionally contrived (how convenient laudanum is available when someone needs to be knocked out), the pace moves quickly and the romance sparks with enough voltage to keep readers turning pages. 

My Thoughts:  The story was interesting and the characters lively.  The end was predictable and a happy one!  But, I found the book too long.

“The Blessing”  By Jude Deveraux

 

2011 Book Review #109

Summary

A hard-driving businessman sees love with new eyes when a sweet young widow and her son change his life… and his heart… forever. Wealthy corporate genius Jason Wilding reluctantly takes a break from his high-powered world to visit his hometown of Abernathy, Kentucky.

As a favor to his physician brother David, he finds himself spending one week as a live-in baby-sitter in the ramshackle home of Amy Thompkins, who has captured David's heart. Courting the whimsical, artistic Amy has been difficult with her adorable but demanding baby, Max, in tow, and Jason's help is just what David needs.

But stepping into Amy's patched-together world has the most remarkable effect… on Jason.  Amy's joy for life, her love for her son, and her sparkling humor are irresistible and… tiny Max adores Jason beyond reason.  Soon, the enigmatic CEO is thawing. And his newfound smile reminds Amy of a Mount Rushmore monument finally cracking up…in the best possible way.

Their mutual attraction is glowing bright, but what to do about David? In this heart-warming and unforgettable bestseller, Jude Deveraux celebrates the unexpected paths on the heart's journey toward love, and the eternal bond between mother and child.

My Thoughts:  This is not my usual choice of reading but, I liked this book!  Man meets woman with baby…Man falls for woman and baby…Woman takes baby and runs away…2 years later she returns.  What’s not to like?  That’s a simplistic view because it is much more complicated than that, but, if you like a good romance, this is the book for you!