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?