Liz Carlyle - Emily Carmichael - Bernadette Carr
Carlyle, Liz - MY FALSE HEART (Pocket/Sonnet - 11/99) (5)
Setting: London, Wrotham-upon-Lea, Essex, 1819
While searching for his mistress so he can break off their
association, blackguard Elliott Robert Armstong, the Marquis
of Rannoch, becomes lost in the English countryside and is
caught in a torrential downpour. Thoroughly disgusted, tired,
muddy, and cold, Elliot spies a warm cheery light coming from
an enchanting home in the distance. When he arrives at this
welcome haven, he is mistaken for an overdue guest who is to
have his portrait painted (for his fiancée) by the head of
the household, beautiful artist Evangeline van Artevalde. In
the chaos of enthusiastic children's antics, Evie doesn't hear the guest's full name and welcomes "Elliot Roberts" into her home. Although the marquis knows he should reveal his true identity, he hesitates and continues the ruse. Lured by Evie's loving and joyful family, he cannot resist staying for a while...even though he feels he's not fit to be in their company because of his nasty reputation and disposition.
As they work on the portrait, Evie and Elliot feel the stirring of passion between them, but both are reluctant to give in to their needs. Evie is resistant because Elliot is full of cynicism and self-deprecation, and he is an engaged man, after all; and Elliot resists temptation because of his dissolute background and his continuing deception. Divulging a half-truth, he tells Evie that his "engagement" is no longer on and he must return to London. He promises to return so she may finish the portrait, but he has no intention of doing so...until he arrives home and can't get the allure of Evie and Chatham Lodge out of his mind. Elliot is drawn back to her and her family, but before he decides whether to confess his subterfuge or stay out of their lives, murder compounds an already complicated situation.
Liz Carlyle makes a stunning debut with MY FALSE HEART, a well-rendered, sensual romance that touches the reader's heart and soul. The author's keen insight into the personalities and emotions of all the characters—from the members of Evie's zany family to Elliot's lonely daughter and jaded uncle—makes them come vividly to life. The secondary characters are so interesting that each should have their own book, but Evie and Elliot definitely steal the show...and the reader's heart. Both have strong, extremely likable personalities—even Elliot, rogue that he is. Duped by a past love, he has turned into a tormented, lost soul with a false heart who exists only to live wildly and use women. But when he meets Evie, he is transfixed and fascinated by her—she is his salvation. MY FALSE HEART is a compelling love story that will linger in your thoughts long after the last page is turned. It definitely deserves a place on your keeper shelf! ~Sharon Laird for Bookbug on the Web
Carmichael, Emily - FINDING MR. RIGHT (Bantam - 3/99) (5)
FINDING MR. RIGHT is an angel tale (somewhat), an animal
tale (most definitely), and a love story (unquestionably)...all rolled up into one totally engaging package.
Lydia Keane had made a very big mistake, and if the "powers that be" in the heavenly realms have anything to say about it, she is going to get the chance to set things right. Unfortunately, Lydia will have to try to rectify matters while in the guise of a rotund, flea-bitten, bad-tempered stray dog! That's quite a comedown for the femme fatale, but considering she'd had an affair with her best friend's husband (whose company she was in when they were both murdered), you might say she's only getting what she so royally deserves. Now Lydia's only chance to "rest in peace" hinges on finding the perfect mate for the selfsame friend she'd so publicly betrayed, and she is highly motivated to succeed.
Amy Cameron's instincts for picking husbands and friends may be a bit off-kilter, but every canine she's ever known has found her to be a stalwart friend, indeed. Simply put, she's a sucker for dogs. When the local animal shelter calls her about a stray Welsh corgi that is sorely in need of being rescued, she's in store for much more than just a temporary addition to her own herd of corgis. Although Amy fights the instant attraction she feels toward the ruggedly handsome veterinarian who hands "Miss Piggy" (actually lovely Lydia in disguise) over for fostering, fate just keeps putting Dr. Jeff Berenger in her path. She knows that he once dated the infamous Lydia, so what does that say about him?! As the tail, err...tale unfolds, a mystery develops to liven up the plot even more, and a whole cast of zany characters (animal, human and heavenly) combine to make FINDING MR. RIGHT a real winner.
I'll admit it right up front. I'm totally biased towards furry four-footed critters (the menagerie in my home more than rivals the one in the story), and the author hit me right where I live with the plot line, locales and wonderful characterizations. Broad smiles and occasional "smiling" tears not withstanding, FINDING MR. RIGHT also touched me deeply in other ways. Ms. Carmichael has used her wonderful gift for storytelling to craft a tale that teaches while it provides enjoyment. With an obvious grasp of the facts and a willingness to share them, she has thrown a much needed light on the work of animal shelters and the cast-off, needy pet population they serve. FINDING MR. RIGHT is a wonderfully romantic romp to be sure, but in its pages you will also find a message that can never reach too many people. Thank you, Emily Carmichael, for using your talent not only to entertain, but also to educate. ~Connie Ramsdell for Bookbug on the Web
Carr, Bernadette - WOMAN'S TOUCH, A (Leisure - 1998) (3+)
While A WOMAN'S TOUCH doesn't offer anything new in the time-travel genre, this debut author has potential. Set in 1896 Montana, the three Ward brothers (Matt, Travis, and their 12-year-old half-brother, Pete) are ranchers. On his birthday, Pete wishes for a woman because they "need one." At the same time, in 1996 Canada, Courtney James is transported back 100 years to the Wards' ranch. Pete discovers her and believes his birthday wish has come true.
At first, Matt is skeptical of this female, and from her answers to some of his questions, he believes her to be a runaway prostitute. His younger brother, Travis, is taken with the lovely visitor and falls for her, while young Pete is simply happy she's there to care for them. Pete's own mother, back in Boston, isn't well—and he misses her and "a woman's touch." He comes to love Courtney for her caring and gentleness, and it doesn't hurt that she's a good cook, too! Because of losses in his life, Matt is leery of entanglements, and it takes until almost the end of the book before he realizes how much he loves and needs Courtney—but by then it's nearly too late. Thankfully, there is no big misunderstanding or mystery to complicate the plot. The author has concentrated on the four main characters and how they interact, and the reader gets both Courtney's and Matt's viewpoints.
Although the heroine was upset that she traveled to a different time period, she didn't go around demanding to go back...or kick up a fuss, trying to make people understand what had happened to her. Courtney adjusted to her new situation quite well once she realized she wouldn't be able to go back, and I appreciated that. No hissy fits from this heroine. She had no real family back in 1996, but in 1896 she had found friends and "family" who cared for her, and she was content. I'd like to see a second book, Travis' story, because I thought Matt's younger brother was quite appealing. I would definitely buy Ms. Carr's next book. ~Gail B. (bookbabe@javanet.com)
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