Triple Play

Since I’ve started blogging, my reading has expanded to include genres I didn’t read before.

Keeping that in mind I’m including several genres in today’s reviews. These reviews go from a wedding in Transylvania to a dude ranch in Wyoming to a circus in Misty Meadow. With this diverse selection, I hope you’ll find something that peaks your interest because all three book are well worth reading.

First we’re off to a murder wedding in Transylvania in 1932 and there’s a mysterious stranger or two in attendance.

ROYAL BLOOD by Rhys Bowen

Lady Georgiana Rannoch, 34th in line to the throne, has been asked by the Queen to attend a wedding and represent the royals. The bride, Princess Maria Theresa, is not only a distant cousin, but also a school chum of Lady Georgie’s.

Now Lady Georgie isn’t your typical heiress - she’s broke. Her family still has a house in London where she lives but no money for servants or even food. Her brother, Binky, lives in Castle Rannoch in Scotland, but his penny-pinching wife doesn’t want to help since Georgie turned down Prince Siegfried’s proposal of marriage.

Georgie goes to the wedding but she has to ‘hire’ a maid to go with her. She finds Queenie Hepplewhite, a well-meaning but extremely clumsy servant willing to go. The Queen sends Lady Middlesex and her companion, Miss Deer-Harte along as chaperons to escort Georgie to the wedding in Romania.

Her head filled with tales of Transylvania and vampires by Miss Deer-Harte, Georgie soon begins to feel someone is spying on her. Arriving at the castle, Georgie’s imagination goes into overdrive. Then one of the wedding guests dies at the dinner table and it’s determined he was murdered. Georgie begins to suspect there’s much more going on than just a wedding.

ROYAL BLOOD is filled with suspense and intrigue with bits of humor in all the right places. Lady Georgie will delight you in her strength and character.

Author Rhys Bowen spins a wonderful tale of a fairytale wedding, murder and the macabre that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Rhys Bowen’s website is www.rhysbowmen.com

Royal Blood, A Royal Spyness Mystery by Rhys Bowen, Berkley Prime Crime, @2010, ISBN: 978042523446-4, Hardcover, 320 pages

FTC Full Disclosure - This book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

-----
ONE FINE COWBOY by Joanne Kennedy

Looking for a little romance with a few twist and turns, look no further than ONE FINE COWBOY.

Charlie Banks has been given an assignment - attend a three-week class at a Wyoming dude ranch to learn about horse communication. She’s a New Jersey city girl with a life plan and taking this class will help her reach her goal of a degree in psychology.

Charlie’s the first to arrive for class at the Latigo Ranch much to the surprise of ranch owner Nate Shawcross. Seems his ex-girlfriend set up the clinic without telling him before she skipped town with the class deposits as well as cleaning out his bank accounts. To add to the problem, Latigo Ranch isn’t in the best working condition.

Nate’s quite and deals better with horses than he does people. Charlie’s outgoing but puts up a shield when it comes to letting anyone get close to her.

Charlie picks in and helps Nate get ready for the clinic. Three other guests turn up, each with their own colorful baggage to unload. 

The chemistry between Nate and Charlie is electrifying. Their interactions will not only have you weak in the knees, but laughing at some of their antics as well.

While Nate appears to let his ex run over him, he does have strong reasons for his actions. He does what he does to protect what he holds most dear.

Author Joanne Kennedy also draws the reader into the wonderful world of horses and how understanding them can help people better understand each other. 

ONE FINE COWBOY is more than just a romance story, it’s about developing friendship, standing for principals, trust, and striving for your dreams.

Joanne Kennedy’s website is www.joannekennedy.com

One Fine Cowboy by Joanne Kennedy, Sourcebooks Casablanca, @2010, ISBN: 978-1-4022-3670-9, Paperback, 416 pages


FTC Full Disclosure - This book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

------
G.W. Frog and the Circus Lion by George W. Everett

This delightful book focuses on the critters of Frog Holler as their peaceful day is disturbed by a commotion coming from over the hill. As the animals go to investigate, they find a circus is setting up in Misty Meadow.

They go down and begin to check out the various circus wagons, being careful to stay out of the workmen’s way. Soon they hear crying coming from one of the cages. There they find Larry the Lion, who is upset because he can no longer lead the circus parade. He has lost all of his teeth and is no long fearsome to the crowd.

The critters of Frog Holler band together and decide to help Larry the Lion return to his rightful place as leader of the parade.

This book is a charming way to for youngsters to understand how lending a helping hand can improve someone’s outlook on life.

The beautiful color illustrations are also by author George W. Everett.

G.W. Frog and the Circus Lion by George W. Everett, Illustrated by George W. Everett, WestBow Press, @2010, ISBN: 978-1-4497-0443-8, Paperback, 32 pages

FTC Full Disclosure - This book was sent to me by the author in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

With this diverse variety of genres today, I hope you will help something new to add to your library or to pass away as a gift to someone else.

SPECIAL GIVEAWAY ANNOUNCEMENT:

On Thursday, September 16 only, comment to win a sold out hardcover of The Texas Rangers:  Wearing the Cinco Peso, 1821-1900 by A.C. Greene Lifetime Achievement Winner Mike Cox at http://stephaniebarko.com/2010/09/16/book-giveaway-28.