Romance

For the sake of a Re-Readathon I only read the Sabrina Jeffries story (also I have vague memories of not being terribly interested in either of the other two). For anyone who has a first edition of Let Sleeping Rogues Lie you might notice that the short excerpt in the back of that features Martin and Elinor of this story 'When Sparks Fly' but is entitled 'Once A Rake, Always a Rake'. I can only guess that the title changed at some point between the publication of Rogues and Snowy Night. And to be truthful the new title is definitely more fitting anyhow.

Remember rather shy Elinor from Rogues? She was Lucy's best friend and the one that Anthony proved to the class that scoundrels would tailor their behavior to their target? The one helping to get Madeline hooked up with Anthony. Yes that one! Anyhow she proves her mettle in this story. I didn't think she was a retiring person, shy, but not retiring and she proved she could speak up for herself in this story...so long as she keeps her glasses off when talking.

Even though this was a short story I found the characters of Elinor and Martin to be well-rounded out. Not so much the other characters, but they weren't the central focus. Her Aunt Alyss is bed ridden for much of the story, the kids are...kids and Elinor's father at the end is so busy misunderstanding and blustering that he doesn't really show off well. Elinor grows a bit--in confidence and handling situations mostly, but I think Martin had the most growth. Blockheaded as he was, it didn't take him long to need Elinor in his life--not just in a lustful sense, but in a 'she makes life worth living' sort of way. In the simplest terms, she makes him smile.

All things considered this didn't feel like a short story, but rather a novel that had unnecessary filler taken out. ( )

The first story, A Holiday Gamble, was ok. It didn't really pull me in and I found myself rushing through it. I probably won't be reading more by Jane Feather unless the premise of one of her books strikes me. (2 stars)

The second story, When Sparks Fly by Sabrina Jeffries, was excellent. I am a big fan of the plain/spinster heroine and all the ensuing angst and insecurity. Perhaps it is because I can identify with the worry, and vicariously revel in having someone insist upon (in this case Ellie's) beauty and allure. Martin was another of my favorite tropes, tortured and withdrawn and lacking in social graces. I definitely enjoyed their romance and am off to the library to find more of the School for Heiresses series. (4.5 stars)

The last story, Snowy Night with a Highlander by Julia London also played to my tastes, with the heroine being hurt and insecure by a past insult of her looks by the leading man. The hero is scarred, which is another of my favorite themes. Their romance is sweet and was entertaining to read. (4.5 stars) ( )

The first story, A Holiday Gamble, was ok. It didn't really pull me in and I found myself rushing through it. I probably won't be reading more by Jane Feather unless the premise of one of her books strikes me. (2 stars)

The second story, When Sparks Fly by Sabrina Jeffries, was excellent. I am a big fan of the plain/spinster heroine and all the ensuing angst and insecurity. Perhaps it is because I can identify with the worry, and vicariously revel in having someone insist upon (in this case Ellie's) beauty and allure. Martin was another of my favorite tropes, tortured and withdrawn and lacking in social graces. I definitely enjoyed their romance and am off to the library to find more of the School for Heiresses series. (4.5 stars)

The last story, Snowy Night with a Highlander by Julia London also played to my tastes, with the heroine being hurt and insecure by a past insult of her looks by the leading man. The hero is scarred, which is another of my favorite themes. Their romance is sweet and was entertaining to read. (4.5 stars) ( )

Snowy Night With a Stranger (anthology w/Jane Feather, Sabrina Jeffries, Julia London)

A Holiday Gamble by Jane Feather
After his brother's death, Ned Vasey must return to his home in Northumberland from India, where he has earned his personal fortune after being exiled by his family. Since he is now the heir to the title (Viscount Allenton), he is now responsible for taking over his family home and doing what he must to restore its success after his brother's incompetent handling. Along the way, his carriage is caught in a snowstorm and he is accosted by highwaymen. He must rely on the hospitality of a neighbor, a known reiver and unethical businessman, Roger Selby, who is currently entertaining several friends over the holidays, as well as his ward and cousin, Lady Georgiana Carey. Georgiana slowly reveals herself to him as being a cheater of cards, skilled at sleight of hand and being a pickpocket when necessary. She is charming and much more intelligent than she allows the others to see. She has an ulterior motive which Ned tries to figure out and then help her with.

When Sparks Fly by Sabrina Jeffries
Elinor "Ellie" Bancroft has had enough of society life and has decided to become a spinster. She's tired of only getting interest from gentlemen who are only interested in her fortune. She is traveling with her aunt and cousins when their carriage is involved in an accident in the snow and they are rescued and taken in by a grouchy figure, Martin Thorncliff. He has developed a bad reputation due to an explosion in his family's coal mine wherein his brother was killed. Now he devotes his life to developing a "safe fuse" so future accidents will be less likely to occur. He starts off snappish and scary to everyone but as more is learned about his past, it becomes understandable. After exposure to Ellie and the children, he loosens up.

Snowy Night With a Highlander by Julia London
Lady Fiona Haines is ushered away from London back to Scotland to warn her reckless brother to go into hiding before being charged with treason for a reputed dalliance with the Princess of Wales. She unwillingly but necessarily enlists the help of a former acquaintance, Lord Blackwood, Duncan Buchanan, to bring her safely to Scotland. She remembers him as arrogant and irresponsible and sometimes even cruel. She hasn't seen him in years and doesn't know about a devastating house fire he lived through after failing to rescue a friend. Through his secretary, she makes her request and is given assistance by one of the laird's "tenants" not knowing it is actually Blackwood in disguise, hiding his burn scars and identity from her. After Fiona's ladies maid and traveling companion abandons her, she is forced to travel the rest of the way alone with Blackwood, wherein a friendship forms. Once they arrive, they have to sort out the mess of his true identity, his rudeness to her in the past, etc. ( )