Rec'd historical romances: 'Bridge to Haven,' 'The Ransom,' 'Lady at Arms'
Whether you enjoy tales of medieval warriors, 17th-century pirates or 20th-century Hollywood, you're sure to find something to tempt your reading taste buds among these newer historical romances!
Bridge to Haven by Francine Rivers
What it's about (from publisher Tyndale House):
To those who matter in 1950s Hollywood, Lena Scott is the hottest rising star to hit the silver screen since Marilyn Monroe. Few know her real name is Abra. Even fewer know the price she's paid to finally feel like she's somebody.
To Pastor Ezekiel Freeman, Abra will always be the little girl who stole his heart the night he found her, a wailing newborn abandoned under a bridge on the outskirts of Haven. Zeke and his son, Joshua—Abra's closest friend—watch her grow into an exotic beauty. But Zeke knows the circumstances surrounding her birth etched scars deep in her heart, scars that leave her vulnerable to a fast-talking bad boy who proclaims his love and lures her to Tinseltown. Hollywood feels like a million miles from Haven, and naive Abra quickly learns what's expected of an ambitious girl with stars in her eyes. But fame comes at an awful price. She has burned every bridge to get exactly what she thought she wanted. Now, all she wants is a way back home.
Why you should read it: If you are looking for a sweet little Christian romance with a mild theme of redemption, you'd better look elsewhere. Bridge to Haven is one of the edgiest Christian romances I have had the pleasure of reading in a long while. Francine Rivers has woven a deeply moving story with an adept hand that knows just how to layer humanity, in all its beautiful and ugly truth, into almost every individual who steps onto the page. This story takes Abra to some very dark places before a pinprick of hope breaks through.
Some scenes (even one post-redemption scene) might be considered "almost graphic" by inspirational/Christian romance standards, but that does not mean those readers should shy away. Francine Rivers writes these sorts of scenes in a way that puts the reader in the moment, but allows her to depart without feeling soiled by what she witnessed therein. There is beauty and meaning to be found throughout this emotion-gripping story, even in the contrast between Abra's bedroom experiences.
Longtime fans of Francine Rivers will not be disappointed in this painful, moving, and triumphant tale of redemption. For those who have not yet given this best-selling legend-of-an-author a try, I highly recommend Bridge to Haven.
The Ransom by MaryLu Tyndall
What it's about (from publisher Ransom Press):
Can a woman run a business and provide for a family in Jamaica in 1692? Juliana Dutton intends to find out. With an ailing father and a wastrel for a brother, she has no choice. But she must keep her activities a secret or face destitution. When a nosey suitor threatens everything, she spurns him and instead becomes engaged to the town idiot, Lord Munthrope. But is he an idiot? The more her problems push her closer to the man, the more she realizes he is not who he seems.
Alexander Hyde, the Pirate Earl, is the most feared pirate in the Caribbean—feared, successful, wealthy, handsome, and bored, so terribly bored. When an unexpected event allows him to get close to Juliana, a woman he has loved from afar for years, he takes it. But leading a double life causes more problems than it's worth. A restless crew and a long-time enemy out to capture and hang Alex, put Juliana in grave danger.
As tremors rock the city of Port Royal, Juliana's faith in God is equally shaken. Not only have things gotten worse, but she is confused by her feelings for both Munthrope and the Pirate Earl. Deception, intrigue, mutiny, death, betrayal, all attempt to tear the lovers apart. But the final blow comes when a massive earthquake strikes the city and threatens to sink it into the sea.
Why you should read it: The hero is a handsome and clever pirate. Enough said?
OK, I know. I have something of a pirate fixation. But I adored this book! I was entirely entertained by Alexander and his double life. His masquerade, as a somewhat effeminate dandy with more face powder than brains, is hilarious; his real personality, however, is … *fans self* … really piratey. (It's a word, I promise. OK, maybe not, but you know what I mean!)
MaryLu Tyndall has written a shipload of pirate novels (check out her back list at your favorite online retailer!), but this one has to be my favorite of the lot. This story has action, a mild faith thread, heated attraction, heart-pounding romance, intrigue, humor and ... one super-sexy pirate. Yes, please! Add this book to your treasure chest, me hearties! You won't be sorry!
Lady at Arms by Tamara Leigh
What it's about (from the author):
He was the vilest of men.
Lizanne Balmaine has spent years honing her skills at arms, determined she will never again be at the mercy of any man. When she comes face to face with the one who stole her future, she seizes the opportunity to exact revenge. Soon he is her prisoner, at her mercy. But something is different about him, something that makes her question her purpose. Is it possible a man can be so changed? More, can she right the wrong that could lay ruin to her family?
She was a question never before asked of him.
Ranulf Wardieu does not seek a bride, nor a settling of scores when his mission for the king places him in the path of a beguiling, raven-haired maiden. But fascination turns to fury when she imprisons him. Accused of wrongdoing, the nature of which she refuses to reveal, he discovers the lady is as skilled at wielding a sword as she is at verbal sparring. When he bests her at her game and his jailer becomes his captive, he is determined to learn what wrong he has done her. However, as they engage in a battle of wits and wills and he glimpses her woman's heart, he discovers Lizanne is a question never before asked of him—one his own jaded heart refuses to answer.
Lady at Arms is a "clean read" rewrite of Tamara Leigh's bestselling Warrior Bride, published by Bantam Books, 1994.
Why you should read it: If you are a reader who enjoys a passionate tale but prefers the more graphic physical details of the love scenes to happen behind closed doors, you can join me in cheering for Tamara Leigh's latest project: rewriting some of her best-selling 1990s mainstream romances as "clean read" romances! You may frown and wonder if there is enough "oomph" payout to still enjoy the tale, but believe me: Nothing was lost in the translation of this romance. The characters are believable and passionate, and there is no doubt of the heat present between them. Trust me: You will not miss the sex.
I am thrilled about these releases (and, yes, there are more to come) because Lady at Arms reminded me of everything I used to love about mainstream historical romance, but with none of the conscience-pricking guilt I might feel after doing Peeping Tom-duty into a fictional couple's, er ... coupling. Appropriate for anyone who enjoys an engrossing medieval romance, Lady at Arms is a winner!
A writer, performer and accomplished partaker of dark chocolate, Serena Chase lives in Iowa with her husband and two daughters. The first two books in her debut Eyes of E'veria series, The Ryn and The Remedy, are out now. You can find out more about her at serenachase.com.