Arlem Hawks

Ah, this story was simply delightful and charming. It made me smile. I finished happy. It was a lovely bite of something sweet and I adored every single minute.
I’ve long been a fan of Arlem Hawks’ ability to tell story, and it was fun to see how she chose to spin a sweet book, rather than a full-fledged wartime book. To say I was pleased, though not surprised, would describe my feelings perfectly.

The setting came alive for me in this book, and though I rarely find myself interested in visiting big cities, I can’t deny I now have a keen interest in visiting Paris. Too bad I can’t visit Paris as it stood two hundred fifty years ago. I also very much want to try the pastries mentioned in this book from a French Patisserie. Anyone living in France want to hook me up?

I think Harvey and Gabrielle were both so cute. I loved Gabrielle’s quirky personality and her outlandish plan to save herself from her overbearing and deplorable step-mother. Harvey’s need to rescue Gabrielle and his bumbling way of sometimes going about doing that was simply charming. They felt so real. They had problems, they quarreled, they struggled, they figured things out. And I loved so much that the ending didn’t magically come together with everyone getting what they originally dreamed of. Sometimes a new dream ends up being better overall, even if that wasn’t the original plan. Now we just need Harvey to open a pastry shop, and all will be right in this little world.

Long story short: I loved this book so much and highly recommend it for anyone looking for a delightfully written, unique, quick book.

4.5 stars

*many thanks to the author for the e-copy. All thoughts about this delightful book are my own.… (meer)

Not to show my meme-age here, but *headdesk* I just want one, one decent four star minimum read before the end of the year. Historical romance, with the emphasis on romance, was never going to hit the mark but sadly I can't resist an F-Rev novel.

Gather all ye tropes while ye may! We have the 'fierce' heroine with the 'fire in her eyes' - and even, I do believe, a feisty jaw - who does nothing to earn that label except argue the toss with the hero and turn 'I do not want to kiss you' into some kind of catchphrase (oh honey, this is romance - I would much rather read a book where you held firm to that principle, but you exist solely to be kissed, sorry). The hero is the polar opposite in political ideals to the heroine but he's kind and yet strong and goes round telling young women that they deserve better than falling prey to cads like his brother and friends. He's basically the prose version of John Legend's bland rewriting of Baby, it's cold outside. Both he and she are horrifically boring and flirt like sloths - for 75% of the damn story. In fact, there is no plot to speak of, until the final chapters, when the author crams in a Scarlet Pimpernel style rescue. There is also no real sense that the story is set in France, bar the use of occasional French words and phrases (in italics, and translated by other characters, for those readers who can't figure out 'mon freres'), or during the Revolution. This could be a Hallmark movie set on a Christmas tree farm, with the rugged employee with aspirations to become a doctor making eyes at the boss' daughter for all the impact of the historical context.

Next!… (meer)

In the aftermath of the French revolution, soldier Maxence Étienne faces a moral dilemma when ordered to execute young rebel Armelle Bernard. Unable to carry out the task, he sets her free, leading them both to become fugitives of the new republic. As they navigate their differences and search for peace, a bond forms between them, and they must find trust amidst the chaos to achieve true freedom.

This sequel to Beyond the Lavender Fields continues the story of the Étienne brothers. In the previous book, they parted in anger and disappointed with each other. Now two years later, Maxence is struggling with his decision to fight for liberty. The country has not unified or embraced the changes revolution has brought. He is disillusioned with everything that happens, and impulsively risks everything to save an impertinent girl from death. Armelle despises the changes that have come to her country, and when her actions lead to her life being in danger, she becomes a fugitive.

The pair make an unlikely duo, traveling across the country to reach safety. Slowly, they begin to learn about each other and trust each other. I appreciated that they didn't fall in love immediately.

It is a well-paced and well-researched book. I would recommend this to readers looking for a sweet, historical romance.

I received an ARC through NetGalley and all opinions expressed are my own.… (meer)