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Monday, 23 February 2015

Miranda's Musings

Darlings, did you have a lovely Valentine’s Day? Such a wonderful excuse to dive into a new romance! If your nearest and dearest produced the chocolates and flowers (lovely) instead of books, I’ve rustled up a few good reads to keep you in the mood.

I LOVED TO LOVE Jayne Ann Krentz’s new release, Trust No One. And all your JAK reader dreams have come true. This is a welcome return to the JAK of old, with the logical-thinking, financial whizz, ex-Marine hero Julius (be still my heart), intrigued and circling our cautious, loyal heroine Grace, employed by an inspirational/positive thoughts speaker. In the very first scene Grace finds said speaker shot dead in bed, and the suspense continues. There are some twists and turns that are really excellent, plot-wise, and Grace and Julius simply sizzle! Ooh. Still in hardback; thank heavens for the Kindle!

I LOVED TO LAUGH (and cry!) at Anne Gracie’s beautiful The Autumn Bride. At first it doesn’t seem funny, as our strong but destitute heroine Abby rescues her sister and two other women from abduction, and forced imprisonment in a brothel. Wow, great (not funny) start! But then Abby climbs into Max, Lord Davenham’s window, to try and find something to steal and sell for food. My dears, there are villains, kittens (I want ‘Max’ the mischievous kitty, not to be confused with Max the hero), a wonderful old lady (Max’s aunt), and so much humour (yesss!) and love and warmth in this endearing story that you’ll be lining up for the second one in the series, already out: The Winter Bride. Oh the bliss to have two Anne Gracie romances to read.



I LOVED TO LEARN all about running a boutique London tea shop. Yes, really! The Tea Chest by Josephine Moon was simply delightful. A group of Aussie women – all on the verge of personal change – travel to London to sell tea to the British! A bit like selling ice to Eskimos?! It's not all about the tea and shop, it's also about the trials, tribulations and triumphs of the women involved. In particular I loved the 'Fullerton Frat House report', appearing like a running gag through the book: ongoing hilarious texts to the married co-owner mum of The Tea Chest from her husband and two young sons back in Australia, telling her of their daily dramas: funny, pithy and smart. The one about the biker flipping the bird to their sons in the back of the car was the best. For heaven's sake make sure you have plenty of tea to hand; you'll want to drink it all the time you're reading. Such a fabulous girly girl book, right up our alley. And I understand Josephine’s next book is all about chocolate! Heavens...

Enjoy your reading! Till next time,
Miranda xx

Did Saint Valentine bring you anything romantic?  What/Who are you reading this month?
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24 comments:

  1. Enisa23 February 2015 at 08:38

    Hi Miranda. Great-sounding selection of stories there catering to many reading tastes. Your descriptions certainly have me intrigued. I can see myself immersed in the stories.

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    1. Anonymous23 February 2015 at 11:00

      Hi Enisa, and you are welcome. I love getting book recomendations, don't you? My pile keeps growing and growing... Wonderful!
      Miranda x

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  2. Cassandra Samuels23 February 2015 at 10:40

    What a great selection of books Miranda. I particularly love The Autumn Bride by Anne Gracie. I have some recommendations too. If you like your Regencies a little grittier try Tyburn by Jessica Cale. For something a little different. Long Gone Girl by Amy Rose Bennett.

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    1. Anonymous23 February 2015 at 11:02

      Oh my goodness, I just knew there would be more suggestions! Thankyou Cassandra! And of course we are all in love with your wonderful hero...

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    2. Anonymous23 February 2015 at 11:08

      For all those who haven't discovered it already, Cassandra's luscious Regency 'A Scandalous Wager' has captured our hearts �� here at Breathless in the Bush. Siiiigh.....

      Miranda xx

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    3. authorjessicacale25 February 2015 at 21:09

      Thank you so much for recommending my book, Cassandra! Tyburn is definitely a little gritty! The follow up, Virtue's Lady, is a bit lighter, and is coming out in April. I am currently reading The Stand In by Rosanna Leo, which is a contemporary about an actress who is hired to a bridesmaid - too funny! :-)

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    4. Cassandra Samuels25 February 2015 at 21:13

      You are most welcome Jessica. I'll be looking out for Virtue's Lady in April.

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    5. Anonymous2 March 2015 at 09:19

      Jessica, Cassandra, isn't it exciting that we have so many terrific books to read? I could spend all day every day on the lounge or in a book nook reading. So keep writing ladies - I am your grateful and humble fan!

      Miranda x

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  3. Marilyn Forsyth23 February 2015 at 10:50

    Hi Miranda! I'm so looking forward to reading Anne Gracie's 'Autumn Bride'. She never disappoints! For Valentine's Day my lovely hubby bought me red roses and took me out to dinner. Talk about spoiled!

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    1. Anonymous23 February 2015 at 11:05

      Your hubby is a keeper! Do add to your warm fuzzies with Anne's book. And the rest! Ah me, what a wonderful life, to read these wonderful romances...

      Miranda xx

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  4. Anne23 February 2015 at 11:11

    Thanks, Miranda, for your lovely comments on my books -- much appreciated. I also adore JAK in all her incarnations and haven't read this one yet. And the aussie Tea-to-the-Brits selling book sounds wonderful, too. I might have to head for a bookshop. :)

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    1. Unknown23 February 2015 at 12:19

      Hi, Miranda!
      I have to say, after reading an early copy of your review I purchased Anne Gracie's The Autumn Bride...I think it's my favourite so far this year. I know you're supposed to fall in love with the hero (and I did) and want to be the heroine (and I do) but I also fell in love with the heroine. She's strong, steadfast, and loyal...all qualities that I admire in heroes/heroines and people in general. Thanks for the review. (Now...to get Trust No One and The Tea Chest...)

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    2. Anonymous23 February 2015 at 16:00

      Anne, how marvellous to hear from you; thanks for stopping by! And you deserve all lovely comments on your books! Folks, do rush out and grab them, they are warm and gorgeous keepers.

      And Dee, I quite agree about the heroine. She is amazing. Wonderful. Strong. Feisty. Caring. FABULOUS.

      Miranda xx

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  5. Anonymous23 February 2015 at 13:23

    Thank you so much, Miranda! I did particularly enjoy writing the Fullerton Frat House Reports :)

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    1. Anonymous23 February 2015 at 16:03

      Josephine, I'm delighted you dropped by, terrific to hear from you! I can absolutely tell how much fun you had writing this book - it is full of wit and warmth and wonderful moments. Often involving tea, and also often involving Frat Reports... I loved the love in this book between the women, the families, the husband and wife, and so on. I can't wait to read your next book!

      Miranda xx

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    2. Anonymous23 February 2015 at 16:04

      And P.S. I loved all the tea!

      Miranda

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  6. Jayne Ann Krentz24 February 2015 at 14:52

    Miranda: I'm so glad you enjoyed TRUST NO ONE! Thanks so much for taking the time to review it.

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  7. Anonymous24 February 2015 at 15:14

    Jayne, how lovely of you to pop in and say hi! We are all huge fans of you at Breathless in the Bush, here in Oz. You make our hearts sing with your amazing books. Always love, love, love waiting for the next one. (No pressure or anything...) If this sounds gushy, it is gushy. Thanks for stopping by.

    Miranda xx

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  8. Cathryn Hein25 February 2015 at 07:25

    Anne Gracie's Chance Sisters series is fabulous. Love it so much!

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    1. Anonymous25 February 2015 at 10:26

      I agree, Cathryn! Absolutely deliciously divine! Anything by Anne is a gift to the world. I love, love, love reading her newest releases. So lovely to hear from you - drop by any time with more reading tips!

      Miranda x

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  9. Anonymous25 February 2015 at 15:41

    Another three great reads plus the recommendations by Cassandra. Where will we find the time?
    Thank you so much for the reviews. Cuts down on the indecision time. LB

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    1. Anonymous2 March 2015 at 09:14

      LB, I hope you have fun with your reading! Let me know if there's anything wonderful you discover... and I'll add to my teetering pile. I love recommendations from other readers.

      Miranda x

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  10. Georgia Carter Mathers26 February 2015 at 18:46

    Jayne Ann Krentz tends to write them like that. Thanks for your reviews, Miranda. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Hmm, I love a logical thinking hero too. :)

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    1. Anonymous2 March 2015 at 09:17

      Georgia, how good of you to stop by. I'm glad you enjoyed the reviews. Yes, quite a few of us are suckers for logical thinking heroes.... wonderful to read. Let me know if you come across some other terrific heroes?

      Miranda x

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