Breathless In the Bush

Miranda's October Musings

Let's talk about NOVELLAS! So PERFECT for your busy life!

Spring has sprung here in Oz, darlings. Beautiful blossoms abound, and the beaches and swimming pools look sparkly and inviting... Perfect to sit beside and read, yes?

So, do you like novellas? Have you ever thought about reading any? Novellas are sometimes vastly under-rated, dismissed because they're 'not long enough' (snort) - and yet often are just so incredibly fabulous they become a Discovery Doorway to that author's body of work. It's like, wow, yes, I love this so much, who knew how terrific this short length could be, what else can I read by her/him?!?!?!?! Getting goosebumps just thinking about it.

I read some gorgeous novellas in the past month, the perfect length because I was busy. With Christmas (gasp!) just around the corner, what better way to keep romance reading in your busy schedule than by indulging in some novellas? So here's some recommendations, with much love from me to you.



Photo credit: www.goodreads.com

The Seduction of Lord Stone by the always delicious Anna Campbell was absolutely un-put-downable. I sat down to read it, and whatever I was going to do that afternoon was not done until I finished reading. You have been warned. Anna's gorgeous hero and heroine, Lord Stone, and Caroline, Lady Beaumont, simmered and prowled around each other, trying to deny and ignore everything they felt (which was pretty hot stuff, let me tell you). The tension mounted, and I was about to yell 'Kiss the girl!' when he suddenly did. And then things got really interesting (ooh, ooh). This is the opener for Anna's new series, The Dashing Widows. Bring them on! And oh my, that stunning frock on the cover...to die for.




Photo credit: www.amazon.co.uk

 

Photo credit: maggiandersenauthor.com



Paris For One by Jojo Moyes was another charmer, a chick-litty, optimistic novella in the City of Light (and who doesn't love Paris?). A terrific quick read about a romantic weekend that goes from dire to delightful. Jojo Moyes is a fresh and realistic writer, and weaves magic reader spells to keep you hooked. I swear she does, and so yes, I'm looking for more books by her. And, did I mention Paris For One is set in, you know, Paris? No need to say anything more, really, except that I adored revisiting some of my favourite Paris sights. Eating croissants by proxy. Drinking coffee. Being romantic in Paris... Ooh la la. Le sigh.



Maggi Andersen's terrific novella At The Earl's Convenience  was my first read by her, and it's sent me straight to her back list (as I predicted). Just look at that cover. Doesn't the kiss make your heart melt? And another sumptuous frock in rich ruby red to lust over. What is it with these Regency dresses? Always so lovely. The story is a little bit different from the usual Regency 'marriage of convenience' fare. I'm so hooked on the marriage of convenience trope, it's pure romance catnip to me, so I dived into this with great expectation - and was transported. Selina is a wonderful, strong heroine, and the somewhat elusive hero Giles, the earl of the title, has quite a few surprises up his sleeve. I love a good earl story (of course), and this one has a fair bit of mystery to unravel, so it's great reading.  

 

Have I convinced you to try a novella, darlings? Oh go on, have a go, they are Such! Fun! To! Read! Sit down with a drink and a couple of hours, relax, and you'll be so rewarded and refreshed. Really, you owe it to yourself; novellas are like a big de-stressor pill. Consider them therapy. Or medication. Convinced yet? Yes? Good! And do comment to let me know what you discover? Can't wait to find some more to enjoy.

 

Till next time,

 

Miranda xx

 

Love to Love... 

Paris! I've only been there once and it was the most magical week of my life. What about you?

Love to Laugh...

With fun, optimistic plots. Paris For One certainly did the trick.

Love to Learn...

What all you beautiful people are reading. Really, it fascinates me...so tell all!