Sarah Winn - Joan Wolf
Winn, Sarah - SILVER HEIRESS, THE (Hard Shell; E-book - 1998) (3)
On her way to her father's mansion in the Territory of New Mexico, Victoria Chandler is kidnapped by a band of Mexican bandits. Rather than pay a ransom for her release, T.J. Chandler hires Thomas "Hawk" Hawkins to rescue Victoria. After accomplishing this feat, Hawk, Victoria and Hawk's foreman, Jack, are detained by a Mexican constable who tries to assault Victoria. To save herself, Victoria knocks him out, which allows the three of them to escape. Believing she killed the man, she gets Hawk to promise that he will never tell anyone about what happened to her. Her father finds out about the assault, however; and mistakenly believing Hawk is responsible, forces
him to marry Victoria. Victoria goes along with the plan so she can get away from her overbearing father and a less-than-exciting life in New Mexico. She hopes Hawk will accept a marriage in name only and allow her to live in San Francisco. But Hawk refuses, and "the silver heiress" reluctantly accompanies him to his ranch.
Sarah Winn has written a sensual love story about two totally different people—a rugged, capable man and a spoiled, pampered woman. Victoria can't even light a stove or boil water, but Hawk is very patient and does everything he can to teach her how to be a rancher's wife. The heroine is not overly likeable, but this book will appeal to readers who like a western romance with a with a strong, yet understanding hero. ~Sharon Laird for Bookbug on the Web
Wolf, Joan - EDGE OF LIGHT, THE (5)
Well researched and smooth to read, this historical novel about Alfred the Great and his bride is one of my all-time favorite medieval romances. The characters struck me as very well drawn; the history never overpowered the romance; and even I could follow the military strategies and battles scenes! ~Elena P.
Wolf, Joan - GOLDEN GIRL (Warner - 10/99) (4)
Setting: Regency England
The Duke of Cheviot, Anthony Selbourne, finds himself in dire straits due to his late father's massive debts, and his only recourse is to marry an heiress. He sets his sights on Sarah Patterson, granddaughter of a wealthy merchant, who understands the duke is "for sale" and agrees to a large marriage
settlement. Although Sarah does not aspire to be a duchess, she is quite taken with Anthony. He is not only handsome and personable, but most of all, he understands her artistic temperament and her need to paint.
Anthony and Sarah are wed and they begin to settle into a happy life together; however, they soon meet with hostility when the Duke is reunited with his estranged stepmother and half-brothers (who are next in line to inherit his title). They had not expected Anthony to survive the war after being wounded at Waterloo and Salamanca, but Lieutenant Maxwell Scott had saved his life. Max is now the Duke's personal secretary and closest friend, although he has an obsessive nature that bodes trouble. Add a spurned suitor to the mix and the situation gets even more complicated. Eventually, accidents begin to occur that put Sarah's life in danger—and as the Duke is considered the prime suspect, he must prove both his innocence and his love.
Joan Wolf changes to a third-person point of view in her latest Regency tale, and her writing is as smooth and polished as ever. The hero and heroine's relationship develops gradually and believably as the author introduces conflict with a gentle touch. The plot doesn't intensify until very near the end of the story when the villain creates havoc, but don't expect a lot of angst. For the most part, the hero and heroine are mild-mannered and in control of their emotions, although it's apparent they are very much in love and perfectly suited for one another. GOLDEN GIRL is a tender romance that warms the heart like sunshine on a spring day. Generally, I prefer stronger characters and more emotional conflict, but Joan Wolf's writing is a delight and I thought this book was a refreshing change of pace. ~June Folk for Bookbug on the Web
Wolf, Joan - HIS LORDSHIP'S MISTRESS (Signet - 1991) (5)
A seemingly simple, but very appealing and romantic little book that I have read over and over. Wolf was pushing the sensual content of Regencies long before most others ever thought of it, and I just love the mature and natural way in which her characters behave. I've been a bit disappointed with her recent Regencies; not that they aren't decent, but I find the first-person narratives tiresome. Her older Signet regencies, like this one, were written in third-person—definitely more my cup of tea. ~Elena P.
Wolf, Joan - PRETENDERS, THE (Warner - 2/99) (4)
After Lord Lynly dies, his brother John is put in charge of matters concerning his estate. John proceeds to move Lord Lynly's widow and his daughter, Deborah Woodly, to a small cottage nearby, providing them with a barely adequate income. Deb's half-brother, Richard, becomes the sole heir of the estate. Although she resents the unfairness of the situation, Deb finds a measure of comfort in life, especially in regard to her continuing friendship with Reeve, the Earl of Cambridge. She has known Reeve since her childhood days and they are the best of friends, even though she worries about his wild, reckless behavior.
Reeve is deeply in debt, and his cousin Bernard, the Duke of Bradford, will not pay off the debt unless Reeve agrees to marry. Hoping to trick his cousin into paying his debt and turning over part of his inheritance, Reeve devises a plan. He and Deb will pretend to be engaged, then later go their separate ways. Bernard soon sees through their scheme, however, and insists they marry immediately. Reeve and Deb, who have always enjoyed each other's company, decide that if they must marry, it might as well be to each other. Of course, by this time they both feel a bit more than friendship for one another.
Deb is looking forward to her marriage, but there are several new developments and problems to sort through. For one thing, why does Bernard's son, Robert, dislike Reeve and seem so jealous of him? Also, Bernard and her mother have become very attentive toward each other. What is going on between them? And there is the matter of Reeve's past, namely the guilt he has long shouldered because of his mother's death, that troubles Deb. Because he is consumed by this guilt, he is slowly destroying himself. It takes a near-fatal accident to eventually turn him around and make them both realize how much they need and love each other.
THE PRETENDERS is an engaging Regency romance from the talented hand of Joan Wolf. With her own unique style, she continues to entertain readers by adding touches of laughter and the spice of mystery to her stories. Ms. Wolf's characters are always portrayed as wonderfully human, and the hero and heroine of THE PRETENDERS are no exception. It is a delight to watch how these two friends gradually become aware of each other as lovers and partners in life. ~Jolene Ehret for Bookbug on the Web
NEXT PAGE
Background provided by Judi's Doodlings
Copyright © 1997-1999 Bookbug on the Web