After reading some "heavier" nonfiction and fiction during the past month, I realized I really wanted to lose myself in some lighter and more predictable stories that would entertain and yet still have some heart to them. In other words: I wanted to read some good romance! Fortunately, I was given some great recommendations which I will pass along now that I've had my time with them.
First up is The Lost Recipe for Happiness by Barbara O'Neal. I found out about this book through a blogger/reviewer who complained that the cover for this book would mislead people into thinking it was fluffy chicklit when it features more mature characters grappling with past hurts, new relationships and starting over. Instead of writing another summary, here's the link to the review that made me want to try it!
Next up was the historical romance, What a Lady Wants by Victoria Alexander. I discovered this witty and warm story of love in 1854 London while looking through an old copy of What Do I Read Next? (you can see the new copy - it's one of our Readers Services "reference" books in the New Books area of the Library). It's the second in the "Last Man Standing" series.
A patron insisted I try this next title: Smooth Talking Stranger by Lisa Kleypas. I'm glad she did because I enjoyed this contemporary romance of an advice columnist who finds out relationship problems are not as easy to solve when they involve her sister, an abandoned baby and a sexy Texas millionaire.
I rounded my little romance binge with Nice to Come Home To by Rebecca Flowers - which I selected from the "What the Staff is reading" display in the Library. At 36, Pru has lost her job, boyfriend and sense of direction for her life. Fortunately, an eclectic group of friends, family, her ex's cat and the recently-divorced owner of a nearby diner are around to support Pru as she reinvents herself.
I'm always open to new suggestions - if you have a romance to recommend, please leave a comment!
marlise
