Love is in the air......

Hearts, Roses, Chocolate... A baby that shoots arrows at people......

VALENTINES DAY IS HERE!!!!

In honor of all this lovey dovey hoopla, I thought it would be a good idea to share some favorite love inspired books!

What girl/woman hasn't picked up a romance novel, read it, sighed and wished for her knight in shining armor (and if you have one, you have probably glared at him and said 'you know would it KILL you to be a bit more romantic!?)

Let's face it, we LOVE the idea of a hopelessly romantic stud muffin, sweeping us off our feet.....(Oh shut up, you do too!! Liar!!) and like the typical romance novel formula, he will be tall, outrageously handsome, rich, powerful, muscular, (and if you are still hung up on Christian Grey he will also knows his way around a feathered whip)
Real life isn't like that, but God bless those who try! (Am I right!?)

In any case, curling up with a love story is an enjoyable past time.

I obviously have quite a variety of authors and books to chose from. I simply cannot choose a favorite. I do however have several romantic series that stand out to me that I re-read over and over again.....

Since I can never get enough Historical Romance, today I am going to share with you one of my favorite Historical Romance's series by one of my favorite writers..... New York Times Best Selling Author Brenda Joyce!

No cinnamon hearts were harmed in the taking of this photo. I ate them afterwards.

The De Warenne Dynasty novels whisk us back in time to Ireland and England.  The stories that unfold are the lives of not only the De Warrene's and O'Neill's but the men and women with whom they fall in love. It is  family legend that once a De Warrene loves, that it lasts forever. (sigh)

As it is with most series, it is probably best to read the books IN order since the characters pop up throughout. Naturally, I like to do things outside the norm (I'm a rebel like that!) So I read them in the order of: Which of these novels can I get my hands on first!!!
My husband thought I was nuts when I had to track down used copies online because they are hard to find in bookstores.

Picture it: My house....the year.....2010.....

"How was your day honey?"

"OHMYGOD I found The Perfect Bride today and it's shipping out tomorrow!!!!" (True story)

I was just happy when I could get my hands on one!!

The first novel I had read that kicked off my De Warrene obsession is called 'The Masquerade'.
 It's about a girl named Elizabeth who is the chubbier, less beautiful sister. She has had a crush on Lord Tyrell De Warrene forever, so when he wants to meet her for a rendezvous at a party... well, who can resist?
A baby is thrown into the mix (oh but you will never guess how, it isn't what you think!!) and let's just say this love story gets interesting......

I have read The Masquerade several times, and I will again.

Other titles in the De Warrene Series that I own and love are:

A Lady At Last
The Stolen Bride
The Promise
The Perfect Bride
The Prize
A Dangerous Love
An Impossible Attraction
House of Dreams 

The ones I still have yet to get my hands on:

The Conqueror
Promise of The Rose
The Game
Scandalous Love

The books are wonderfully written, I love how they all tie together so the story just keeps going. The characters aren't necessarily perfect.
For those who cower in fear at the thought of reading a historical romance, if you ARE going to attempt one to see what the fuss is about, I highly recommend you give Brenda Joyce and the De Warrene Dynasty a try!!

 http://www.thedewarennedynasty.com/

I have so much I could tell you about plots and story lines of these books, but this blog would turn into a novel! So see the above link!

I recently asked the following question on my Facebook Page:

"What is your favorite romance novel?"

Here is what you had to say!

** Jane Eyre ~ Sarah
 
** Something Borrowed and Something Blue by Emily Giffin. I loved her books! ~ Amanda

**  Most of Nicholas Sparks.Guaranteed a good cry. beautiful ~Barb

 **Gone with the Wind! Rhett loved Scarlett so much! He tried everything to get her to love him back but by the time she realized that she loved him and not Ashley, he had given up. *sob* ~Brenna


**The Angelic Letter Series by Henry Ripplinger... I love every single book of the series! It shows everything of Love & Faith! Its so heartfelt & moving. How much God is in our lives & in every move we make. These books show True Love for Henry & Jenny & how even through the hardtimes their love never failed because deep down true love isnt all a fairy tale but fighting through joy & hardtimes & never losing that faith is . & it also shows our true love for God! I love these books & find they are #1 on my list Xoxoxo Happy Valentine Day!!!! ~ Lindsey

** The Argeneau Series by Lynsay Sands. Most of the books are based in Ontario Canada ~ Sandra

 ** Probably a toss up between 'The Brotherhood of the Black Dagger' series by J.R. Ward because every single book has something about falling in love with your other half and about how it's not always who you expect but when you bond with someone, reason goes out the window. Also anything written by Laurell K. Hamilton whether it's the Merry Gentry series or the Anita Blake series, because she writes about how love isn't always perfect but when you love someone you shouldn't have to explain it to anyone-- just love who you love. ~Megan




***Big Shout Out To Everyone Who Answered!!!***


Now I don't care whether you are single, not single, wishing to be single, taken, married or what....remember you don't need a partner to buy you a present! After all, there is nothing wrong with treating yourself to a romantic read (or two) as a gift! ;) 
  

Happy Valentines Day!

The American Heiress

For Mothers Day, I ask for nothing more than extra hugs and kisses. I am already spoiled as mom to the best little girls a mother could ask for. My children and my husband surprised me however, with beautiful gifts. I received a lovely framed picture (see photo below) my 8 year old made for me at school, a ‘mommy medal’, flowers, and gorgeous antique jewellery. We spent the day shopping,went on a long walk and ordered Chinese food.

I love my family and I am so blessed and lucky to be able to say they are mine.

Speaking of Mother's Day. I know it is coming to a close, but I have the perfect gift suggestion for Mom’s who love to read. I spent much of my weekend, relaxing on the couch reading "The American Heiress". A book I came across while searching the Kobo website for the next novel to jump out at me.

Written by Daisy Goodwin, this is a stunning tale set in the late 19th century, is one I highly recommend. I didn’t know what to expect during the first chapter. I actually had second guessed my purchase within the first few pages, luckily the story took off. It captured my attention, hook, line and sinker.

In this novel we meet Cora Cash. A young, immensely wealthy American Heiress, with an ostentatious, strong-willed mother who takes her to England to find her a titled husband. An riding accident brings her into the path of the Duke of Wareham, a very eligible bachelor. Cora's life quickly changes and she finds herself married and is no longer is under her mother’s suffocating wing.


Cora has to find her own way in her new role as wife and Duchess now that she is free from her overbearing mother. She's very headstrong, but has her weaknesses. She is oblivious to all that is going on around her, and doesn't have anyone to really guide or advise her.

Ivo, The Duke is not your typical romantic hero. He's vague and mysterious, which is a pleasant change from other romantic novels. As a reader you continuously ask yourself if he's good, or bad. I won't tell you.... that's for you to find out!

The story is incredibly written from several points of view.The characters are immensely flawed. One minute you find yourself liking someone, the next, yeah…not so much. There were times I wish I could jump into the novel yell at a few key players (You know you are absorbed in a book when....)
It’s tasteful, elegant, and something I can recommend to my mother. (Apparently she wasn't amused with my Fifty Shades of Grey suggestion......)

I would love it if this book ended up with a sequel. The ending alone leaves you wanting more. So much so, I actually went back and re-read the last few chapters again.


The perfect way to give this book would be in a gift basket, with a bottle of wine, and a box of chocolates.

The perfect way to set the mood for this book is with a glass of wine and a box of chocolates! ;)

Want to know more? Click the link to learn more about The American Heiress at Chapters.ca

You and your mom will love it!

Whitney My Love ~ Historical Romance

Okay, I want to hear your answer!!! How many of you out there have those books that literally have fallen apart because you have read them so much? Please let me know, I want to make sure I'm not the only one! ;)  A few of my favorites are falling apart at the seams. Out of my entire library, my copy of ‘Whitney My Love’ is probably the most read, and you can tell by looking at it! I do believe it is time for a new copy, or just give in and download to Kobo. What do you think?

Judith McNaught has to be one of my favorite romance authors! I was first introduced to her books as a teenager. My mom had picked one or two up for a trip, and since I ran out of all my books, she let me read hers. I was immediately hooked and have passed on the love of her novels to several friends. She writes both modern day romance and historical romance and spins amazing and descriptive tales.  I am a firm believer that ‘Whitney My Love’ would make a fantastic movie on the big screen.

My brief description on the novel:  Whitney is a young lady who is not your typical debutante. She’s a strong willed girl, who doesn’t seem to fit in with the rest of the proper young ladies her age. She was raised in the English countryside by her father, as her mother died when she was young.
 She has a more awkward nature, and a taste for things that in her day and age are considered shocking for a young lady of good breeding. She likes to climb trees, stands while riding on horseback, wears boy’s breeches, and plays with sling shots. Whitney would have fit in just fine had she been a woman in modern time. She is a character I find I can relate to. 

Needless to say, her father is not happy with her behavior and enough becomes enough. He sends her to live with relatives and her transformation begins.  While away, she finds herself becoming quite popular in Paris and captures the attention of the Duke of Claymore, a man with a notorious reputation....

Have I captured your attention yet? If I have than it’s time for you to read a copy if you want to know Whitney's story! It goes great with a glass of wine and a bubble bath!