Romance Book Reviews

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Enchanted Time by Amy Elizabeth Saunders

Love Spell, August, 2003
Paperback, 442 pages
ISBN 0505523132
Subgenre: Time travel
Ordering information:
Amazon.com


Enchanted Time
 by Amy Elizabeth Saunders Antique store owner Ivy Raymond is barely getting by, although she loves running her tiny shop Seattle shop called Enchanted Time. Although she normally doesn't buy items from people who just wander in to the shop, she is intrigued by a beautiful 16th century book brought in by an elderly woman. The woman only wants $100 for the book and says she'll sell it to another dealer if Ivy doesn't take it. So she does. The book is full of magical spells, and so Ivy decides to read a few -- which actually work. In fact, the last spell she reads sends her back in time to the castle of a 17th century dishonored knight, Julian Ramsden. Julian lost his title and may lose his castle for not supporting Oliver Cromwell and his Roundheads. Futhermore, his mother and sister are considered witches by the local Witch Hunter General who would like nothing better than to hang them in the village square.

Enchanted Time is a re-release of an excellent time travel romance written in the mid-90s. Amy Elizabeth Saunders has a light touch with her dialogue, which is both spirited and funny. The time travel elements are handled well, but it is the wonderful characters, who are full of life and spirit, which make this romance a real keeper.


Material Girl by Julia London

Berkley Sensation, August, 2003
Paperback, 400 pages
ISBN: 0425191230
Subgenre: Contemporary
Ordering information:
Amazon.com


Material Girl
 by Julia London Bestselling author Julia London takes Shakespeare's King Lear for her inspiration in this funny, entertaining and very moving new contemporary romance. When billionaire Aaron Lear learns that he is dying of cancer, he takes a look at his life and the way he's raised his three daughters -- and he's not happy with what he sees. His eldest daughter, Robin Lear, has worked in his company for years, but doesn't understand what the heck she is doing. She spends all her time jetting to Europe, shopping or spending money. So Aaron deals Robin a terrible blow: he demotes her to the bottom of the company so she can learn the business from the ground up. What's worse: she has to report to her ex-boyfriend, who will now be her boss, and the guy she hired to restore her new home, Jake Manning, turns out to be both handsome and extremely irritating. Robin has a lot of growing up to do, and not a lot of time to do it in.

Julia London is probably most familiar to readers for her bestselling historical romances. With Material Girl, she effortlessly moves into mainstream contemporaries. Robin, the spoiled rich girl who gets a taste of how the rest of the world lives, is skillfully drawn -- she's an appealing character. Jake Manning, the contractor who steals her heart away, is a real doll -- he's sure to steal your heart away too. This is a moving, heartfelt and funny story that is sure to bring a smile to your face.


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