Tag Archives: writer heroine
Book Review

Just as You Are by Camille Kellogg

Just as You Are

As the daughter of an Austenite, I feel compelled to read all queer Pride and Prejudice retellings. The heroine of Just as You Are was one of the most annoying versions of Elizabeth Bennet that I’ve read–anxious, judgmental, and self-absorbed at times. But I enjoyed Just as You Are once I let go of expecting this to align in any real way with the emotional world of Pride and Prejudice, and rode the wave of … Continue reading Just as You Are by Camille Kellogg

Book Review

Meet Me in the Margins by Melissa Ferguson

Meet Me in the Margins

Editor’s note: Catherine passed away suddenly last week, and we will miss her very, very much. This is her last review for us. May her memory be a blessing.  … Meet Me In the Margins is a sweet, funny, epistolary novel about writing and publishing and getting out of your own head. Savannah is an editor at a very highbrow literary publishing house, and she is also secretly working on the manuscript of her romance … Continue reading Meet Me in the Margins by Melissa Ferguson

Other Media Review

A Castle for Christmas

Brooke shields and Cary Elwes in front of a holiday lit castle she is wearing a plaid gown and he is wearing a formal jacket kilt and sporran

Carrie and Shana decided to start December off right with a midweek movie night. Also in attendance were Carrie’s daughter, a dog, and a cat. As consummate professionals, we prepared by reading this article about the realism, and lack thereof, of the movie. It’s been a long time since we’ve done a recap, and we are prepared. Shana was in charge of snacks. Bitches, let me tell you. If you ever have the chance to … Continue reading A Castle for Christmas

Lightning Review

Who’s That Earl by Susanna Craig

Who’s That Earl

Who’s That Earl is a light, fun, Regency romance that felt like snuggling down under a warm blanket. It is gleefully tropey. Jane Quayle, cast out by her family, makes her living writing wickedly erotic novels under a pseudonym. As if one pseudonym wasn’t enough, she also pretends to be her own secretary under a second pseudonym. She does all of this in a neglected Scottish castle in the company of two neurotic dogs and … Continue reading Who’s That Earl by Susanna Craig

Book Review

Or What You Will by Jo Walton

Or What You Will

Content warning: There is an emotionally abusive parent. There is a very realistic and rather grim depiction of an abusive marriage. And there is either a miscarriage or an abortion – we never really find out which. Every so often I read a book, and as I read I start making a list of all the people I know who will love this book and then I keep reading and writing down more names, and … Continue reading Or What You Will by Jo Walton

Book Review

Beach Read by Emily Henry

Beach Read

Content warnings: Both the hero and heroine have troubled pasts, including loss of parents, abuse, and infidelity. Also, the hero is REALLY into researching suicide cults. While this book is surprisingly sweet and light, and none of these things are described in detail, there is plenty of darkness in the backstory, so proceed accordingly. I took one look at the blurb for Beach Read on NetGalley and one-clicked so hard that they could probably hear … Continue reading Beach Read by Emily Henry

Book Review

The Write Escape by Charish Reid

The Write Escape

The Write Escape is a delicious vacation romance with a heroine who runs away to Ireland as her life is falling apart. This had everything I need from a travel story: Evocatively described location? Check. Handsome local who charms you off your feet? Check. A heroine in need of a fresh start? Yep. Entertaining characters who subvert cultural stereotypes? Oh yeah. Flirting using literary references? Did not know I needed this, but YES Antonia is … Continue reading The Write Escape by Charish Reid

Book Review

Miss Buncle’s Book by D.E. Stevenson

Miss Buncle’s Book

D.E. Stevenson was a prolific and beloved writer who lived from 1892 – 1973, though her first book was published in 1923. She wrote character-centered books like the Mrs. Tim series – a series that I have read dozens of times in a state of hypnotized bliss despite the fact that nothing much happens in it. She also wrote more dramatic romances and mysteries, such as Smoldering Fire and The Young Clementina. If there’s one … Continue reading Miss Buncle’s Book by D.E. Stevenson