Janet Dailey - Jacquie D'Alessandro - Margot Dalton
Dailey, Janet - TOUCH THE WIND (Pocket - Reissue 1994) (5)
Although this book was one of Janet Dailey's earlier works, it is still my favorite romance and a must-read for all of her fans. Sheila Townsend, a wealthy Texan, is kidnapped by a band of desperados during her honeymoon. Held captive in the remote canyons of Mexico, she tries to escape, but she can't help falling in love with the leader, Rafaga. An absolutely superb book! One of Janet Dailey's masterpieces. ~(Alectoras@aol.com)
D'Alessandro, Jacquie - RED ROSES MEAN LOVE (Dell - 9/99) (4)
Setting: Regency England
Hayley Albright is always doing things for other people. She's a surrogate mother to her four orphaned siblings, as well as the head of a motley household of servants, animals, and children. She even earns the money that keeps the roof over all their heads, although Hayley cannot divulge the means by which she
does so. So when she comes upon an injured man while returning home from London, it's perfectly natural for her to take him
home and tend to his many wounds.
Stephen Barrett, on the other hand, is accustomed to independence. He is the Marquess of Glenfield, a noble, rich, handsome man who has survived two murder attempts. Although he managed to avoid death this last time by mere inches, Stephen knows he wouldn't be alive if it wasn't for Miss Albright. To protect himself and her family, he assumes the identity of a poor tutor while he recuperates. But far more healing takes place than just his physical wounds. For one thing, Stephen has never seen a household like that of the Albrights. Accustomed to a lack of companionship and the demands of his title while growing up, this peer of the realm has never experienced the loving embrace of a family, the familiarity of a small household of servants, or the sheer enjoyment of activities like building a fort or cooking a meal. Slowly but inevitably, the various members of the Albright clan creep into his heart—and one member of the household becomes particularly precious to him.
RED ROSES MEAN LOVE, the debut of author Jacquie D'Alessandro, is a rich and warm Regency historical. While Hayley is almost too good to be true, her sympathetic depiction will appeal to many romance readers. Stephen is a man torn by his obligation to discover the identity of his would-be murderer. The only way he can do this is to leave the Albrights—including Hayley—and risk his life back at his London home. The reader shares his anguish as he alternately avoids Hayley and desperately reaches out to her.
What makes this story so enjoyable is the time spent with the secondary characters. From the raving French cook to the precious young sister of Hayley, every character is lovingly drawn. While some are stereotypical, all are charmingly illustrated and add to the depth of this book. Although Ms. D'Alessandro breaks no new ground in her story format—the idea of the nobleman in disguise and under threat of death is common to many historicals—her writing style is fluid and involving. Like the pansies that Stephen gives to Hayley, RED ROSES MEAN LOVE will remain in your thoughts long after you've finished reading it. ~Mary Lynne Nielsen for Bookbug on the Web
Dalton, Margot - FIRST IMPRESSION (Mira - 1997) (4)
A child had been abducted and detective Jackie Kaminsky is trying to find the little boy, Michael. When Paul says he had a psychic vision about the child, Jackie doesn't believe him and thinks he might be the guilty party. More of a mystery than a romance. ~Marilyn H. (mlyn@jps.net)
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